Urinetown Character Questions

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 1:09am

A theatre near me is going to have auditions for Urinetown in October and I really want to be in it. I'm in my early 20's, so here are the character's whom I could potentially be(as the other male's say 30's and up).


I know the musical pretty well and I know all about Bobby Strong, but it's the others I have questions about. I can sing a tenor or a bari role. Actually, aside from Bobby Strong(who goes really high!), there's really not much difference.

Here's a question, "Is Tiny Tom supposed to be short, or is that another play on words like Little John or Baby John and the character would ideally be bigger?" If he is shorter, then that might be good for me(I'm about 5'7). What about the Dr. he plays?

Mr. McQueen looks like a good role too. Anyways, can you tell me what you know about the character? I know he sings in "Mr. Cladwell". What about his dialogue? The Audition said it would also have some cold readings, does he have any monologues that might appear in the audition.

What can you tell me about Billy Boy Bill?

Bobby Strong, assistant custodian of the filthiest urinal in town. 20s to 30s. tenor

Mr. McQueen, Cladwell’s right-hand man. 20s to 30s. tenor.

Officer Barrel, Lockstock’s partner. 20s to 30s. baritone.

Tiny Tom/Dr. Billeaux, 20s to 30s.

Billy Boy Bill/UGC Exec, 20s to 30s


:) Thank You!

[fiyero8132]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 11:24am

Which theatre is doing Urinetown? There is one near me too.

[Bdwy24]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 11:28am

Im playing Tiny Tom. Im 6'1.

[way_to_spend_the_day]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 11:28am

All the characters are complete character roles and aren't so much dependant on stature or look as acting ability. Each needs their own take on the part. So, just go in willing to do anything and you should do fine. All the characters have some dialogue and the book is so well written I'm sure every character is great to play--they all have great lines. Good Luck!

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 11:34am

Tiny Tom is usually played by the tallest cast member. In the production I was in, I think he was 6'3.
Our Mr.McQueen almost stole the show. He played the role like a flaming gay intern who would do anything for Cladwell (think Smithers from The Simpsons) Mr.McQueen does have a mini-monologue were he announces the new fee hikes to the poor and makes a huge mistake near the end of his speech.
Officier Barrel is usually played by a more "beefy" actor, like the kind of cop who loves donuts.
Billy Boy Bill is usually played by a black actor, but doesn't have to be. ALL the ensemble parts are great character roles.
Best of luck!

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 12:15pm

Thanks guys!

[Jon]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 2:30pm

The original Mr. McQueen played it with a slight speech impediment, glasses, and a comb-over - which gave him an eerie resemblance to (at the time) Mayor Rudy Guliani!

Yes, Officer Barrel shopuld be short and barrel-shaped - a strong contrastto Lockstock, who's traditionally tall and thin.

[Labashier]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 4:37pm

I would recommend picking up the published script; it's widely available.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 9/18/05 at 8:59pm

Yeah, I'm going to try to get my hands on a script.