SYNOPSIS

“Once, not long ago, a group of musicians came to Israel from Egypt. You probably didn’t hear about it. It wasn’t very important.” Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score, The Band’s Visit is an intimate musical about the brief yet lasting connections we make in our lives.

The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives in Israel to play a concert. After a mix-up at the border, they are sent to Bet Hatikva, a remote village in the middle of the desert. For the residents of Bet Hatikva, life is aimless and monotonous. With no bus until morning and no hotel in sight, the unexpected travelers from the orchestra are taken in by the locals. Under the spell of the desert sky, their lives become intertwined in the most unexpected ways.

With a haunting score by David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Full Monty) and contemplative book by Itamar Moses (Boardwalk Empire, The Fortress of Solitude), The Band’s Visit is a carefully crafted gem of a musical.

A more detailed synopsis is available on the Content Disclosure Form.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

THE BAND’S VISIT explores the shared dreams, desires, hopes, and frustrations we all have that transcend ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries. All productions at CenterStage Theater make every effort to align with the ethnic and gender identities of the characters, while also being open to broader possibilities in casting that include all races and genders. The production staff will include dialect and cultural dramaturg professionals as we strive to be culturally conscious so that the characters’ unique identities are reflected in the storytelling.

Seeking a diverse ensemble of performers ages 18+ for 11-20 roles including:

• DINA — Charismatic and beautiful owner of the café. Cynical, world-weary, and a dry wit. Intrigued by Tewfiq and his musicians, she generously arranges for the band’s lodging for the night.
• TEWFIQ — Stern and authoritative Egyptian leader of the Police Orchestra. Tewfiq’s severe exterior belies a gentle and shy personality. He carries a buried burden of sadness.
• HALED — Trumpet player in the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra. Confident and polished charmer. Enthusiastic fan of jazz artist Chet Baker. Haled advises Papi in his romantic exploits. (Trumpet skills are an asset but not required.)
• SIMON — Tewfiq’s second in command. The assistant conductor and clarinetist in the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra. Quiet and reserved, yet eager to try his hand at conducting. He’s composed a yet unfinished concerto. (Clarinet skills are an asset but not required.)
• CAMAL — Violinist in the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra. Concerned musician who jostles with the Telephone Guy to contact the Egyptian embassy and get help. (Violin skills are an asset but not required.)
• ITZIK — Henpecked and disillusioned husband and father married to Iris. A dreamer, and currently unemployed. Ruminates with Simon on completing his concerto.
• PAPI — Tousled and painfully shy worker at the café who relies on Haled to help him overcome his panic relating with girls. 
• IRIS — Itzik’s headstrong and long-suffering wife who’s resigned herself to life with Itzik. A hard-working nurse. Tough and close to the end of her rope. 
• AVRUM — Iris’s father and former musician who regales the visiting band members with stories of his musical passions. A bit gruff, but warm and patient. A widower.
• ZELGER — Brash and charismatic friend of Papi’s who sets Papi up on a blind date.
• ANNA — Zelger’s extroverted date who brings her cousin Julia along for a blind date with Papi.
• JULIA — Papi’s blind date. Shy and upset at Papi’s lack of attention and affection.
• SAMMY — Dina’s married ex-lover who she unexpectedly meets when dining out with Tewfiq.
• TELEPHONE GUY — Dedicated romantic waiting expectantly for his girlfriend to phone him at the town’s pay phone.
• ENSEMBLE — 
  • IMAN, MAKRAM & FAUSI — Members of the Alexandria Police Ceremonial Orchestra. Should be able to play the clarinet, flute, oud, percussion, or cello. 
  • Additional residents of Bet Hatikva.

More detailed character descriptions can be found in the Content Disclosure Form.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Initial auditions consist of a vocal audition. Prepare two (2) 32-bar contrasting selections in the style of the show that displays your vocal skill and range. Sing a first selection of your choosing and we may or may not hear the second. You must provide the sheet music in your key; an accompanist will be provided.
  
  
• Bring a headshot or up-to-date photo, your resume, and your calendar with you to list any conflicts with the rehearsal schedule. If you do not have a resume, there will be space on the audition form for you to list your most current experience.
  
  
• If you cannot make auditions and wish to submit a video audition, please email your video (adhering to the audition guidelines) to arts@jccrochester.org no later than Sunday, January 10 at 12:00 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered.
  
  
• Callbacks will include songs and dialogue sides from the show.
  
  
• If you cannot be available for callbacks, please let us know at the time of your audition.

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

• Content Disclosure Form
• Script
• Score
• Original Broadway Cast Recording

PRODUCTION DETAILS

REHEARSALS:

• Occasional pre-production meetings may be held in February and early March based on availability.
• Formal rehearsals begin March 15 – April 30
• Rehearsal times include:
  • Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday @ 6-10pm
  • Saturday @ 2-5pm | Sunday @ 2-9pm
• Note: Rehearsals will be held 3-4 times per week for the beginning of the process and become more frequent as we get closer to tech / performances. The above rehearsal times are possible timeframes for when rehearsals *could* be held and will be more specific based on the performers’ schedules.

TECH: May 1-7*

PERFORMANCES: May 8-23*

• Saturday, May 8 at 7:30pm
• Sunday, May 9 at 2pm
• Thursday, May 13 at 7pm
• Saturday, May 15 at 2pm
• Saturday, May 15 at 7:30pm
• Sunday, May 16 at 2pm [OC]
• Wednesday, May 19 at 7pm
• Thursday, May 20 at 7pm
• Saturday, May 22 at 2pm
• Saturday, May 22 at 7:30pm
• Sunday, May 23 at 2pm
• Sunday, May 23 @ 7:00 pm (optional performance – hold date)

*PLEASE NOTE: 

• There can be no conflicts with tech week or performances.
• If you accept a role and add numerous conflicts after the fact, you may be recast.