Media Release
2 February 2006
Seeking Beauty, Brains and Brawn – for Big Broadway Hit in Auckland
Auckland’s $1/2 million production of the smash Disney show Beauty and the Beast is looking for top regional musical
theatre talent.
Some of the best roles to come out of Broadway are being auditioned next week at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna.
“If you have a stunning voice, the ability to dance and act at the top level, we want to hear from you,” says Grant
Meese, director of the North Shore Music Theatre production. “This is one of the most lavish, challenging musicals to be
staged in Auckland for years, and along with the other New Zealand productions, it’s the first time it’s been staged in
this country.”
Principals will wear WETA designed costumes, from the artistry of New Zealand’s best known film and special effects
studio in Wellington. WETA was also responsible for the animation in films such as “The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe”, “Lord of the Rings Trilogy” and “King Kong”.
Principals’ auditions for the Auckland cast are on 12 February at the Bruce Mason Theatre. Principal roles under
consideration include:
- Belle (18 to 35) a mezzo soprano, and the star of the show. Feminine, spirited and beautiful, Belle is the glamour
role of the production and also at its moral heart.
- The Beast (20 to 40) a Baritone. This actor gets to wear some of the most stupendous costumes and makeup of the show,
which have been purpose designed by New Zealand’s WETA. The Beast will also transform into a prince.
- Gaston (20 to 40) also a Baritone. Gaston is the alternative romantic interest for Belle, and should look as though he
just stepped out of a top city gym. He’s also morally weak, and no match for wilful Belle.
Seven other principal roles are also being auditioned see www.nsmt.org.nz for details (and audition forms). All
interested actors are expected to register their interest ahead of time using the form provided and will be scheduled
into an audition timetable.
Key children’s roles and roles for the company will be auditioned at a later date.
Beauty and the Beast’s Auckland production will feature a cast of around 40, all unpaid but performing to international
class. The Wellington production of the show, staged in January, was a sellout success. The Auckland production will be
staged 9 to 23 September 2006. A potential audience of 16,500 could see the Auckland show, to add to the 17 million that
have seen and applauded around the world from Toronto to Broadway.
“This is a defining musical for anyone in a principal role. It’s a chance to showcase exceptional New Zealand talent. So
get along and have a go!,” says Grant.
Beauty and the Beast was the first Disney musical film put onto the stage. It was a smash Broadway hit where its run
still continues as the sixth longest Broadway show ever.
See www.nsmt.org.nz for audition details, or www.ticketek.co.nz for ticketing.
ENDS