Audition help for 'The Producers' (specifically, Max Bialystock)

[On_Avenue_Payt]

Posted: 4/12/11 at 5:00pm

Hello there!

I'm going to be auditioning for a production of The Producers with a company that does shows with high school/college aged people. I'll be auditioning for Max Bialystock (Nathan Lane's role). For those not familiar with the show, this is his character description:
"Max is crass, aggressive, belligerent, amoral, and yet charming in an obnoxious way. Still, we see his humanity by the end of the musical when he reunites with Leo. This part requires an actor of power, comedy, and presence – a theatrical thunderstorm, Borscht belt comic, and is a baritone with a vocal range of c to f1. Good theater movement skills."

I'm required to do a 1-2 minute comedic monologue along with 32 bars from a musical comedy song.

One of the members of the company told me that they doesn't have a preference whether your audition is from the show or not from the show. Here's the exact quote:
"[The director/musical director] said "it doesn't have to be from the show." I don't think there is a preference either way. Last time I auditioned for a musical (Blood Brothers), I sang from the show. Many people sang from the show, but some people didn't. As long as you show your range/comedic timing I don't think it matters much. We have callbacks immediately after the initial auditions, so it's possible that you'd be singing/reading from the show anyway."

Now, my question is a two parter:
1) Should I audition with stuff from the show or outside the show. I'm compelled to use something from outside the show, but I feel like if I were to nail, say, 'Betrayed' in an audition... I'd have a really good shot at getting the role (because I'm showing I can play THAT role), but it might limit my prospect at getting cast as other roles in the show.
2)If I SHOULDN'T use something from the show, what would be a good monologue and/or song to do for Max Bialystock? I had a couple of ideas: Funny (from City of Angels), Me (Beauty and the Beast), All I Need Is The Girl (Gypsy). Those are just general ideas... but ANY suggestion for monologues and songs are welcome.

I appreciate the help in advance!

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 4/13/11 at 6:55pm

I would STRONGLY advise Betrayed.

[mallardo]

Posted: 4/18/11 at 12:34pm

For Max none of your outside choices would be appropriate, really. What about "Comedy Tonight" from Forum - or "Free" from Forum. Pseudolus is as close as it gets to Max.