[Javert_Incarnate]

This was created for those who are interested in the summer performance of Into the Woods this coming summer (2008), in Mansfield, OH. Please let us know about your auditions and rehearsals and how things are going!

[ConverseSneaker]

.........I'm confused.......

[Baker]

Auditions were yesterday and castlist will be up by Friday... Javert, do you live in the area?

To possibly clear up some confusion... the Renaissance Theatre is the main community theatre in Mansfield, Ohio, the hometown of James Lapine. As this is the bicentennial of Mansfield, the Renaissance is putting on Into the Woods for this year's summer musical.

[Javert_Incarnate]

yes, I live in the area....was at the audition as a supporter/spectator

[The Guard]

Auditioned on Sunday. I was the tall (loud) male who auditioned with "Agony", and my fiancee was the tall blonde who auditioned with "Moments in The Woods". Craziness. I've been in some grueling auditions, but I don't think I've ever been to a nine hour audition, and that includes professional ones. I don't envy Robert and Matt having to choose a cast, and at the same time, I do, because any cast they pull out of that mix is going to be fantastic.

I have to say, I haven't done a show in Mansfield since BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in 2005, and it's refreshing and exciting to see the kind of talent that the area continues to produce. It makes me want to come back here, even if it's just to audition. There is some great young talent in the area.

Into The Woods is a great show, and I'm excited to see what future shows they choose, because they're starting to pick shows the last few years that people, especially younger people, really want to do and see. Looking forward to see what comes of all this.

Javert, I'm curious, what did you think of the auditions in general? It was a fairly different process than what I'm used to in the area.

[Javert_Incarnate]

I can't give too much insight as far as comparing auditions. That was the first ever audition I have seen. I also thought there was some good talent, but also saw a little "small town" tendencies...of course Mansfield is small. Seemed like the directors kind of had their eyes on some "old faves" that didn't seem to do to well. I also didn't stay the entire time either. I didn't see any of the callbacks.

I remember you from B&B. You were the grandfather clock? That was the summer I moved here with my wife.

I think you did well. I liked your first song and how you doubled as the two princes...good stuff.

[The Guard]

There's always a bit of "politics" going on in the area. I really think they gave people more or less a fair shake this time, though, compared to in the past. I've been to auditions where if you don't wow them right off the bat, you won't get a second chance to. Mansfield does occassionally have a tendency to cast based on physicality and familiarity, and not neccessarily pure talent. I think that part of that comes from Robert knowing full well what he can get out of people (he's very good at what he does), and part of that I think is so they can sell the cast to the people who write the checks. They often want an "area name" to sell tickets. I'm hoping they see past some of that this year, because I think there's a potential cast in that mix that could really be something special.

Yes, I was Cogsworth in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Worked with Larry Evans at OSU Mansfield for a few years before that and wanted to be a part of his last show. Talk about an exhausting one, though.

I guess we'll see how Into The Woods turns out.

[Javert_Incarnate]

We thought your fiancee did a good job. My wife auditioned. She has done professional theatre, messed up her audition(her words)...got a call back and they forgot about her...we were wondering where the cast list will be posted? Your opinion on who is to get the role of the Witch? My wife thinks your fiance will get the BW role.
That is too bad about the fav thing...we expected more from that. My wife also worked with Larry Evans in Annie...'97

[The Drama Queen]

I was at the auditions as well, I sang Green Finch and Linnet Bird from Sweeney Todd. Javert, what song did your wife sing for her audition??
Don't read anything into them "forgetting" her, they did that for several people last year during Cats, and they ended up with parts. They said the cast list would be posted on the Reniassance's website (www.mansfieldtickets.com) by Friday.

[Javert_Incarnate]

Drama, my wife sang "Children Will Listen" and she read, but I don't know for whom, I left before that.

[The Guard]

I got a call about a half hour ago. The "favorites" thing may not have held much water. They may have changed their tactics a bit this year. They're starting to put things together. I didn't realize how much this show was going to cost, especially to take it out to the Appleseed Center. Suffice it to say I'm impressed the powers that be took this project on.

I have no clue about casting, although one choice for the Witch won't surprise me in the least. But there were four or five people at auditions that could have pulled it off.

Drama, I enjoyed the heck out of Green Finch and Linnet Bird. You did really, really well with that song.

Javert, Children Will Listen...I remember, but I can't put a face with the song for some reason. Was that early or later in auditions, and what does your wife look like?

They don't forget people so much as they really do just see what they need to see. They bring people back for a number of reasons, sometimes in order to fill supporting parts.

[The Drama Queen]

Thanks Guard! I was very impressed with your Agony as well. I'm so nervous waiting for this cast list....I wish they could have just told us Sunday! haha. that would have been nice.

[Baker]

I also auditioned, singing Johanna from Sweeney Todd. I didn't receive a callback, but I'm still anxious to see how the cast turns out. I've been waiting for Mansfield to do Into the Woods for yers.

Guard, you and your fiancee were great, as always!

[The Guard]

Would have been nice. Same day casting? That would have been nigh-impossible though, not only because they have all those height and vocal issues to sort out, but especially since I believe they have to run casts past some "board" or the powers-that-be or someone.

I was cast "same day" only once. During THE PHILADELPHIA STORY when Larry Evans called us in and explained his choices after the auditions.

[Javert_Incarnate]

Hi. This is Javert's wife...I actually was the one who auditioned...=) First of all great job to both of you...no, all three of you...I know who you all are (I mean I remember you) and you are all soo in! Second, I attempted to sing 'Children will Listen'...however, something happend with the page turn, I forgot where I was...it was my fault, I shouldn't have stopped, then they were like..."thank you"...I am a good performer but a lousy auditioner!!! I did a strong reading, they asked for a call back, but dismissed everyone without seeing me. The director said he forgot about me, apologized...threw 'Last Midnight' into my lap...but I was so humiliated and tired, I just wasnt't in it. I had assumed it was all cast anyhow...that is what I meant when I screwed up. So it cost me a shot.
What does the 'phone call' and 'favs' have to do with one another??? Do you know something we do not, Guard??? =) Drama did you sing for Rapunz? I wish you all well. I have pretty much counted myself out. I was wearing glasses and brown...jeans also...I was number 23.

[Javert_Incarnate]

What do you mean run the cast past the board??? What in the world goes on in a Ren show??? Wow!

[The Drama Queen]

[The Guard]

Javert's Wife,

I remember now. Brown hair and glasses? I thought you did pretty well with the song, even after you lost your place. What other shows/roles have you done?

Don't feel bad about being forgotten. Kathy sang "Memory" for CATS auditions last year, when we lived in Columbus, got asked her to come back up to Mansfield, and never was asked to sing or read again. I think they've just got a lot on their minds, and some things slip them.

I'm not exactly sure how things work there now, but I'd imagine the cast has to be approved on some level, even if Matt and Robert have the final word. This show is going to be ridiculously expensive. Apparently taking it out to Appleseed is going to cost $60,000 on top of what is already being shelled out. They're looking at this to be huge.

I got a call and offered a part yesterday. Not the one I auditioned for, but those are the breaks. If I can make the scheduling work, I'm The Wolf, which has it's charm. My fiancee was given The Baker's Wife, which she's thrilled about. It's basically her "Since I was a little girl" dream role.

Best of luck to both of you.

[Tenalto]

Congratulations to you and your fiancee, Guard! I'm sure you'll both have an amazing time.

[Javert_Incarnate]

Guard, what are your thoughts about bringing Les Mis to the Ren? Will it ever happen? If so, I would prepare to audition for that!

[Baker]

Congrats to you and Kathy! I was so excited when I found out that you two had been cast! The man who sang "No More" very close to the beginning of the auditions has been cast as the Baker.

[The Guard]

I love how none of us will use our names.

[Javert_Incarnate]

This is Javert's wife...my name is Kim. =) How do you all know who was cast? have all the roles been cast? I am so fine with that, but my friend Andrea (number 37) was very good and they had her read for step-sis, and she has heard nothing. Anyone? Yes! Congrats Guard to you and your lady. That is awesome!

[The Guard]

Thanks, she's absolutely thrilled. And it's funny, because after auditions, she was all "I probably won't even get into the show". Ah, theatre.

They were calling people to make sure they would accept the roles before posting the cast list. It should be posted tomorrow on mansfieldtickets.com, either on the main page, or in the forum.

[The Drama Queen]

[The Guard]

[The Guard]

Speaking of...what are your all's dream shows? What would you really like to see done in Mansfield?

[Javert_Incarnate]

Hi, Kim, Javerts wife. First of all haven't you gotten a call for Rapunz? I am confused now, are they only calling 'Major' roles? Are they adding a chorus? What will the cast list confirm?
Our Dream Show...Les Mis!!! Pahntom. I too was blown away by the amount of talent...I do just found out their first choice for Witch turned them down. So now I have no clue? Why are they casting roles without having them read???

[The Drama Queen]

Cast list is up, and I'm Rapunzel
I'm really excited since I've been doing shows at the Renaissance since I was 7 and this is the first time I've gotten a part, other than chorus. Some of the other casting decisions confused me a bit, but I'm sure that Matt, Robert and Deb knew what they were doing. I'm really excited to for this!

[Baker]

I'm not in. I guess the biggest disappointment is that I won't get to hang out with all the people I usually hang out with over the summer while doing the show.

As far as dream shows for the Ren... I used to beg Larry Evans to do ITW at the Ren and even though he left, they're finally doing it! Unfortunately I don't get to be a part of it.

[Javert_Incarnate]

Congrats to all!!! I am in also, in the Chorus. (Javert's wife) Please help...what is a repatory or whatever??? I didn't understand that. I hope they know I am 30 years old...I am cast with all young people. I put my age on my resume. Also, I called the director and asked if I could sing again for one of the 'un cast' roles. It is up in the air, but hopefully. If i can, I will sing 'Daddy's Son' from Ragtime. What will i do in the chorus??? I hope I will fit in somewhere...=)

[The Guard]

Congratulations to everyone cast. Daurie, looking forward to seeing you in action as Rapunzel. Just wait until you start working with Ian...you'll never be the same again.

Some minor surprises to the cast list, but a very good cast overall. I'm really looking forward to seeing Condrea as the Witch. I was happy to see she'd been cast this morning, as I really enjoyed her audition.

As far as readings go, auditions could also have been submitted via tape for a while now, so who knows what they saw and when?

Re: the repertory, I heard something somewhere about taking some kind of mini-show around to schools in the area. Perhaps it'll be performances of different fairy tales or a condensed version of the show. We'll see.

It's interesting to see the added chorus. I'm used to just the few cast members, but adding a chorus for some numbers makes a lot of sense. Something I've been wondering, though...will there be any "character additions" to the cast, or will it just be the sprites? I've seen other shows add other fairy tale characters to the mix, or was that the idea for the chorus?

And who...or what will play Milky White? I'd love to "voice" that thing. Heh. Or the King of the Sprites...that would be the role of a lifetime. .

Speaking of, has anyone heard the rumors about this show's take on Sleeping Beauty and Snow White?

[Baker]

It's pure speculation, but I think Snow White and Sleeping Beauty are being chosen from the girls in the chorus.

[schweister-singer]

Saw the list this evening!

(I cannot believe I am posting something! I NEVER post things, but I have been silently participating in your conversations! Scary, huh?

Congratulations to all who made it! I am looking forward to working with you all and getting to know you. I guess now I have to work on being wicked and a step-sister. (Two things I say I'm not...but my husband tells me I've been type-cast! )

Speaking of dream shows...I LOVE Ragtime! Great social and historical themes in that one, not to mention some amazing songs! (And Phantom and Les Mis, of course...Oh, and Thoroughly Modern Millie was a cute one. Still waiting to get to see Wicked...)

[Javert_Incarnate]

Javert here. I am excited that my wifey has made the chorus...she has been out of the theatre for a while and I'm glad to see her get back into it!

As far as dream show...of course Les Mis. I would even audition for that and would be thrilled ot just be a part of the chorus. I would like a lead but have no theatre experience. I sand in choir in high school and did well, but I would not mind being in and around theatre.

My wife got me hooked into theatre by begging me to go see Les Mis, and once I saw it, I was hooked. She even surprised ME with tickets to another show in Cleveland a couple years ago! It's amazing what is out there to be enjoyed and I have never even known!

Good luck to you all as you rehearse and prepare. I am excited to see the show!

[The Guard]

Did anyone happen to pick up one of those tentative rehearsal schedules at auditions? I need a copy of that so I can work things out with my job.

[The Drama Queen]

Yeah I forgot to get a schedule too, I really wish I had now...

Its now been a week since the list went up, and I've yet to hear anything from Brandon about music. Has anyone else?

[The Guard]

Brandon sent me a copy of the schedule. He may have sent them to everyone, but do you all still need one? I can forward it via email if you want.

[The Drama Queen]

[The Guard]

Drama, what's your email address? I'll forward it to you.

[The Drama Queen]

I actually just got one in the mail, so its all good now.