The Sheboygan Theatre Company announces that open auditions for the musical "HUH?,” the July 4th production of the 2009-20010 season, will take place on Monday June 1.

Written by Judith Sapperstein and Gary Murway, "HUH?" is a political satire with no political message what-so-ever. While taking pot shots at the entire political process without offending anyone, this clever show satirizes presidential elections with their debates, campaign speeches, political interviews, talking heads, pollsters and spin-doctors. The Sheboygan Theatre Company is honored to present the world premiere of this original musical.

The cast requires nineteen singer-actors. While seven could be considered parts and twelve chorus members, the latter group actually consists of extras playing campaign supporters, staff members, pollsters, spin doctors and other characters. Some of these will have solo songs to sing and in general all of them will perform in small groups rather than be involved in traditional, large, chorus-type musical numbers. The parts include two presidential candidates, Dexter Wainright and Maxwell Carbondale, and five broadcast reporters: Lance Nozall, Daphne Mouthingear, Ethel Rupert, Dave Bunglar and Hal Monroe.

This is a rare opportunity for an ensemble of almost two dozen people to originate roles never before done on stage and be part of the very first production of an original show. A special feature of the project is that the authors will be traveling to Sheboygan from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to see the world premiere.

Auditions will take place at the Leslie W. Johnson Theatre at Horace Mann Middle School, 2820 Union Avenue, Sheboygan, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Rather than having to prepare their own musical pieces, those auditioning will be introduced to some of the original songs and then be asked to sing sections of them. Auditions will also involve reading from the script. Though the selection process does imply some competition, it is made as pleasant as possible. Direction is given along the way and people need not fear that they will in any way be embarrassed.

Scripts are available for a forty-eight hour loan at the Theatre Company’s office in the Community Recreation Department. They may be picked up Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and must be returned by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1.

“HUH?” will be presented for one performance only, July 4, with rehearsals beginning Wednesday, June 3. So that cast members can enjoy the summer weather during the month of June, it is hoped that rehearsals can be scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., generally Monday through Thursday. While this is only tentative and might change based on the schedules of those cast, it must be remembered that, due to the structure of the show, all actors will be needed at a great majority of the eighteen rehearsals.

For further information contact Ralph Maffongelli at 459-3779.