SUGAR HILL

The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker

Music and Lyrics by: Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn

Written by: Jessica Swan

Producer: David Garfinkle

Executive Producer: Randall Buck  Producer: Rob Quadrino

Director/Supervising Choreographer: Joshua Bergasse   

Featured Choreographers: Jon Boogz, Graciela Daniele, Carmen de Lavallade, Caleb Teicher,  

Film Director/Contributing Choreographer: Jade Hale-Christofi 

Musical Direction: TBD

Music Supervisors: John Clayton, Larry Blank

Casting: Mungioli Theatricals, Inc.

 

Contract: AGMA

Salary: $1250/week, plus housing and per diem outside of NYC

Rehearsal Begins: o/a 9/12/22 in NY

Live Performance Dates: 10/19/22 – 10/30/22 Benedum Center, PA; 11/16/22 – 11/27/22 NY City Center, NY

Filming in the Studio: 11/30/22 – 12/10/22 NY

Possibility of tour extension

 

A completely new story, told primarily through Dance, based on Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn’s NUTCRACKER SUITE. 

 

We are seeking Virtuosic Ballet Dancers, En Pointe, Acrobatic and Jazz Ballet, Expert Swing/Lindy-Hop Dancers, Jazz Dancers, Tap Dancers, and those with Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities who can express the fallout and consequence of an emotion and who can infuse humor wherever it may be possible to do so. 

 

We are committed to progressive, equitable casting. For every role, please submit all qualified performers.

 

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

In-person Callbacks in NY will be scheduled from submitted Audition Tapes

EXTENDED DEADLINE

Tapes Due: 3PM MONDAY, JUNE 6

Taping Instructions and Materials can be found at: https://bit.ly/3NqV3wu

 

TO PREPARE FOR TAPED DANCE AUDITION SUBMISSIONS: All those auditioning for Dance Roles MUST submit an Audition Tape first in order to be called back in person. Dancers, please submit Two Video Files: 1. Your reel that shows off technique and range; 2. Ballet Combination, as per instructional video. If you have any specialty dance skills as described in the Character Breakdown below, you may show them in your ballet reel, or include a separate reel.

 

SEEKING:

 

NUTCRACKER (Male DANCER, Asian or Hispanic/Latino): Virtuosic Ballet Dancer, capable of Partner Work; Strong Enough to lift the Dancer playing SUGAR RUM CHERRY in a poetic and athletic ballet pas de deux at the climax of the second act; Capable of Magical Transformations; A Stunning James Dean Energy Character, but with kind of a Sweet Disposition; His story parallels that of a young Chet Baker, as Chet was a great trumpet player who had his teeth knocked out and couldn’t play for eleven years, but found the courage to come back to it; He is someone at their Prime, enjoying Living the Life they were given who then has it taken away – this is the story of how they Bounce Back.

 

LENA (Female DANCER, Black, Legally 18 or older to play younger): Virtuosic Ballet Dancer, capable of Partner Work; Petite, Girlish Youthful Energy, Radiates Innocence and a Sense of Wonder about her. Loves to Daydream; Comes from a wealthy Black Family but has yet to discover who she is – this is the story of her journey to finding herself.

 

SWEET PEA (Male SINGER, Black): A Great Vocalist (Does NOT need to Dance); Endearing, even in his comedy – he projects Intelligence, Gentleness and Shyness; Innocent & Vulnerable; Physically a Little Guy (or may be a Big Actor if he is capable of making himself Small); Able to Deliver Comedy, but if there is a shadow, he will crawl into it; Good with Physical Comedy and Mime – He is instantly recognizeable, even in silhouette, by the way he walks, stands, etc.; Comedically Smart; Ultimately, we discover that he is the Creative Mastermind responsible for this whole Fantastical Story and we Love him for it…This character represents the Real Life Billy Strayhorn; Sings: Strange Feeling.

 

THE ANGEL (SINGER, Black, Identifies as Female): A Classic Jazz VOCALIST (Does NOT need to Dance), capable of handling Ella Fitzgerald-style Take the A Train with SCAT SINGING, as well as the HIGH SOPRANO of Creole Love Call; Outstanding Voice and Charisma. This character makes the journey from being an Angel to becoming something even Better – a Jazz Vocalist! 

 

UNCLE DROSS (Male ACTOR, Black): Really Charismatic, Magnetic, with Presence (Does NOT need to Dance, though may possess the grace of having been a Dancer at one time), and the Coolest Guy on the Block; a Larger-Then-Life Figure – physically some Height is good; Some age here is good too; Class and Joie de Vivre; A member of the Black Elite in this time period & radiates that regal quality -- even though everyone at this elegant party is dressed up, his style is head and shoulders above everyone else, and so when he enters a room, the music and the mood just change. He commands the room just by standing still; Owns his Uniqueness, and Knows who he is – this is why LENA adores him; This character represents the Real Life Duke Ellington.

 

SUGAR RUM CHERRY (Female DANCER, Black): A Really Strong Virtuosic Ballerina; The personification of Music -- Sassy, Charismatic; She is a Feline Character – Has everything under control, but all it takes is the crook of her little finger (or paw) – but for all that, she is a cat and gets easily and playfully distraced by a lightbeam; A Powerful Presence, but whether physically tall or not, she possesses a Commanding Presence like a young Eartha Kitt or Carmen de Lavallade; An Indoor/Outdoor Cat who lives in a very fancy home and parades down a large spiral staircase; This character is the personification of Music, and as told through Dance in a powerful pas de deux, she is able to help the Nutcraker reclaim his love of his music. All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers with Excellent Jazz Technique. Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

MOTHER SUGAR (Black, Identifies as Female, Age 40’s +): A Presence; Has Authority, Stature, Poise, and Some Age to her; Moves Well/Dances (although obviously not required to dance at the same level as the Younger Ballerinas). The Mother of SUGAR RUM CHERRY – (Might be a woman or a Trans Female or, as in some traditional ballet versions of The Nutcracker, played by a man on stilts) – in any case, she has the arms of a young Graciela Daniele; Walks into a room and everybody turns their heads; She has the uncompromising Poise, Grace and Fierce Presence of one who has mastered the art of Dance and moves with that confidence and air… A stunning Cheetah with a diamond collar, reminiscent of Josephine Baker’s pet cheetah; Representative of Jazz with its roots in Africa; We have met SUGAR RUM CHERRY who appears to rule the Hill, but then her ineluctable Mother appears and we see how it really is. 

 

ARABESQUE COOKIE (Female DANCER, Middle Eastern) Has the feeling of a Lanky Long-Legged Ballet Dancer, dancing slower and moodier than the other specialties -- capable of going en pointe; A Fierce Ballet Dancer, with the feeling of being long and spry, who dances a masterful, Arabian/Moorish inspired jazz ballet. All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

CHINOISERIE (Two DANCERs, Any Gender, Asian) Must be capable of AERIAL or ANTIGRAVITY and/or SILKS work and have a reel to show this. A Pair of Beautiful Goldfish who perform a fluid twisty-turned, inverted Chinese Dance, mirroring each other with the manpulation of giant swaths of aqua fabric swirling around them… All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

VOLGA VOUTY  (Male DANCER, Any Ethnicity): Great Athletic Ballet Dancer – of the ilk that astounds the audience; Any Physical Body Type to play Jackrabbits performing a powerful, athletic Russian Dance with explosive jumps, using one another to reach higher into the air; Acro Specialties welcome. All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

TOOTIE TOOT  (Male DANCERs, Any Ethnicity): Super Athletic with Acro Specialty (Beyond cartwheels, please); Great Dancer; A German Shepherd Dog leading his pack, interacting with SUGAR RUM CHERRY who is a Cat. So they are just owning the stage as they try to surround and overtake her. Elegant Skill, perfectly coordinated, like a haunting shadow, until a giant ball distracts them all and they excitedly chase after it. All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…
 

FLOREADORES (Female DANCER, Any Ethnicity) Ballerina, capable of Jumps -- going en pointe, petite allegro, small fast Jumps; Very athletic, she performs what a Female Jackrabbit can do – pushing all the Limits. All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

LOUISE STALL (Female DANCER, Black, Legally 18 or older to play younger): Young Petite Ballerina; Diminutive to play a Young Girl; The Big Sister of LENA and a member of this wealthy Black Family; She is always “telling” on her kid sister and always on her case, spoiling her fun. All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 
MAMA STALL (Female DANCER, Black): A Tall Ballerina; Very Elegant and Very Much in Control, with the Pearls and All; The Mother of LENA and a member of this wealthy Black Family, in a society in which everyone tries to be like everyone else; They are members of a society which determines the line they travel and if they were to veer from that line, it would become a problem. All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

PAPA STALL (Male DANCER, Black): A Tall Ballet Dancer; The Father of LENA and a member of this wealthy Black Family, in a society in which everyone tries to be like everyone else;

The Mother of LENA and a member of this wealthy Black Family, in a society in which everyone tries to be like everyone else; They are members of a society which determines the line they travel and if they were to veer from that line, it would become a problem. All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

LINDY HOP DANCERS (Male & Female DANCERS): Dancers capable of handling Lindy Hop Swing Partner Dancing including Aerials and Air Steps, who also can dance Ballet, ideally do a triple pirhouette, & possibly a Tap Specialty. These characters are artsy and expressive people – very free; Anywhere in the Dance we can infuse humour, that is always a good thing! All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

HOOLIGANS (Male DANCERS): Threatening -- VIRTUOSIC BALLET DANCERS; You can feel the threat of the Hooligans just by seeing it in their eyes. It is helpful to have sensational acrobatic specialties, though not required. They play some of the Four Winds, Magical Animals, and other Fantastical Creatures… Acrobatic and Jazz Ballet, Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities a plus, Swing/Lindy-Hop Dancers a plus, Ability to Tap Dance a plus. Anywhere in the Dance we can infuse humour, that is always a good thing! All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

SNOWFLAKES: (Female DANCERS) VIRTUOSIC BALLET DANCERS; All Women must be able to go en pointe. It is helpful to have sensational acrobatic specialties, though not required. 

These Dancers are something that no one has ever seen before. They play some of the Four Winds, Magical Animals, and other Fantastical Creatures… Acrobatic and Jazz Ballet, Swing/Lindy-Hop Dancers a plus, Ability to Tap Dance a plus, Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities a plus; Anywhere in the Dance we can infuse humour, that is always a good thing! All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

TAPPERS: (Male DANCERS) Dancers capable of handling a Tap Specialty who also can dance Ballet & possibly Lindy Hop Swing Partner Dancing. Anywhere in the Dance we can infuse humour, that is always a good thing! All Dancer Roles in this show require Virtuosic Ballet Dancers who can also dance Jazz. Additional skills required for some company members include the ability to dance or learn Swing/Lindy-Hop combinations, and/or Tap; Acro is a plus; Cirque du Soleil type acrobatic abilities are a big plus…

 

- - - - - -

 

TO PREPARE FOR TAPED DANCE AUDITION SUBMISSIONS: All those auditioning for Dance Roles MUST submit an Audition Tape first in order to be called back in person. Dancers, please submit Two Video Files: 1. Your reel that shows off technique and range; 2. Ballet Combination, as per instructional video. If you have any specialty dance skills as described in the Character Breakdown below, you may show them in your ballet reel, or include a separate reel.

 

TO PREPARE FOR IN-PERSON DANCE ROLE CALLBACKS: Please arrive warmed up and ready to dance at your appointment time. Initial In-Person Dance Call will include a Ballet combination and a Jazz Dance combination. (SHOES: Ballet Shoes; Jazz Shoes)

 

If Called Back further from there, combinations will include Swing/Lindy-Hop Dance Partnering, as well as possible tap phrases (if you tap), and other explorations. You may be asked to go en pointe, and for any athletic ballet or acrobatic specialties you may perform. (SHOES: Ballet Shoes; Flats or Keds-style sneakers or other appropriate footwear for Swing Dancing; Also, Tap Shoes if you Tap, and any other appropriate shoes for all of the above.)

(Pre-recorded music will be provided as accompaniment at all calls.)

 

TO PREPARE FOR VOCAL ROLES: The roles of The Angel and Sweet Pea will not need to Dance. You will be asked to sing only your own song plus musical selection(s) from the show. For the role of Sweet Pea, some mime work/physical theater work will also be required.

For the Role of Uncle Dross, No Singing or Dance -- only some mime work/physical theater work will be required.

 

#  #  #