Yeston/Kopit PHANTOM Audition Help

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 9:22pm

Hey Guys -

I'll be auditioning for Yeston/Kopit's PHANTOM early next month, and I'm in dire need of some help picking an audition piece. They're asking for "32 bars of classical musical theatre or operetta" - Truth be told, I'm aiming for the role of "Erik/The Phantom", so if anyone can point me in the right direction with the right song to work with, it would be greatly, greatly sppreciated by this fella here. Also, yeah, I don't read sheet music ... "How much" is 32 bars? Many thanks in advance, friends. I'll keep you posted.

Best,
- Mike

[EugLoven]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 9:30pm

GENERAL POINTERS: It's always best to find a song that the character you're auditioning FOR would sing. And also in the same style of the show, vocal range and personality...

For example, if auditioning for the role of Bobby Strong in URINETOWN, singing "Purpose" from AVENUE Q is suitable. Because it is the same style of music, the same vocal range, and same personality.

If you wanted the role of Curly in OKLAHOMA!, no matter how well you sing "Music of the Night" from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as an audition song, it's just not appropriate for the character you're auditioning for. Do you see what I mean?

CHOICE OF SONG:
Classical musical theatre or operetta, huh? Have you tried Gilbert and Sullivan? Maybe you can get lucky with a Rodgers and Hammerstein love song? Or Bernstein.

I'm not terribly familiar with Yeston's PHANTOM (though I am familiar with his music). Perhaps something else from Yeston's repertoire, like THE GRAND HOTEL or TITANIC? Or try your luck with today's "contemporary" operetta of choice, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA.

32 BARS:
Most casting directors and pianists are okay if you go over (or under 32 bars) if only by a bar or two. So long as it's not embellishing or taking up their time.

A "bar" is a space of music between two vertical lines on the staff...

For example, in this image, there are 6 bars:
http://www.encoremusic.com/37/1/2210/Sample-piano-sheet-music.png

BREAK A LEG! Yeston's music is unbelievable.
Updated On: 8/22/07 at 09:30 PM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 10:06pm

Many, many thanks!

Anyone else with some song suggestions?
...'cause that, too, would be super-incredible.

I'm tossing around "If Ever I Would Leave You" from CAMALOT.
Thoughts, comments, opinions?

Updated On: 8/22/07 at 10:06 PM

[jmponstage]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 10:33pm

In yeston's phantom, erik is definately a baritone. you are really going to want to showcase the warmth of your voice. that being said he has some pretty solid high notes in "home" - I think an couple Ab's. The music is bery lyrical and requires an operetic style. But, definately not operatic in the sense of gilbert and sullivan. personally, I would take a look at

-If I loved you - carousel

- Andrew's Vision - Titanic

- In Every Age - Titanic

- Barrett's song - Titanic

- any of sweeney's more lyrical stuff in sweeney todd

-music of the night (the verse with the full voiced Ab) - phantom of the opera

hope that helps. it is a beautiful show. have fun.

[henrybutler]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 10:41pm

i agree, Sweeney is a good choice because it has the right baritone range and heavier operatic music genre, but it is also darker material, suitable for Phantom!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 10:46pm

What song(s) from SWEENEY in particular?

For reference, I'm officially billed as 'baritenor' - I can't tell you how long it took to 'find the right word for it' - Families of people I've done shows with have actually had arguments about my range. LoL
Updated On: 8/22/07 at 10:46 PM

[henrybutler]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 10:51pm

maybe "my friends"

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 8/22/07 at 11:33pm

Wear a mask.

In this version we never see his face.

Some part of ANDREW'S VISION is right on.
Or part of the telegraph song.
"Dit Dit Dit dot Dit, Marry Me!"...
Updated On: 8/23/07 at 11:33 PM

[jewelchk]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 1:04am

That's interesting. I think they told women 16 or 32 bars, and then we only ended up singing 8 bars (which is only about 15 seconds). If it's an appointment audition, I'm sure they'll hear all 32, but if it's a normal call, you may also make sure you have the flexibility to cut down your segment to a little less if you have to.

[sparrman]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 11:35am

Yeston's Phantom's top note is a G (not an A-flat), if that helps. You do need to be very comfortable singing at the upper part of the baritone register, so your audition choice might showcase that.

[EganFan2]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 1:03pm

Is this production in Chicago?

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 2:29pm

No, NY.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 3:15pm

Mm. I'm not worried about 'showcasing' - This will mark my fifth collaboration with the director helming this mounting. As it stands, I can reach a high C - so, I'm not concerned (or worried) about 'going there'. Truth be told, I'm more comfortable up there. Hahaha.

[Switz78]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 4:31pm

where in NY? I've done the show twice but have never gotten to see it and would love the opportunity.

MY suggestion- Love Can't Happen from Grand Hotel
or something that has to do with finding love, being hidden away etc.
I would stay away from If Ever I would Leave You as I don't think it's the right sentiment for Erik.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 5:02pm

Well, I'm doing it as part of the Westchester Broadway Theatre's Young Artists Repertory Company. For the first-time EVER, the mainstage and YARC productions coincide with one another. Performances for the YARC production will be November 17 and 19. More information to come.

[jmponstage]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 5:46pm

what ever you do... don't sing love can't happen. that song shows off a tenor... you need a song that requires a rich baritone warmth.

and you're right it is a g... oops. oh well.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 5:56pm

Hey, the kid's up for suggestions.

[sparrman]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 10:21pm

Mm. Well, he's got some important low G-flats as well. It's quite rangy, one note over two octaves. Updated On: 8/23/07 at 10:21 PM

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 8/23/07 at 11:13pm

Hey, here's an original thought:

How about doing the legwork for YOUR audition and doing YOUR own research for the songs YOU should be singing?

Or spend the money on a vocal coach.

That is what serious performers do to prep for their auditions.


Natasha Rostova
St. Petersburg, Russia

[jmponstage]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 2:10am

Wow, the kid is asking for help. why don't you not have a freakin cow about it. If you have such a problem with it. you don't have to offer help. Some times people don't have all the resources or maybe even the experience or knowledge (im not saying this is true of you limelight - just making a point) if you really cared about the art, helping inform people would certainly not be a prolem - or in your pretentious, elitist world does is everyone born knowing everything thing there is to know about musicals. And how about this... he is doing research, he is using this board to help get information... one of its purposes... I'd say that is doing research.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 8/28/07 at 9:05am

Ignore TheEnchantedHunter, jmponstage, he's...how shall I put this...a total jerk.

Updated On: 8/28/07 at 09:05 AM

[esparza 333]

Posted: 8/28/07 at 9:24am

Thats awesome limelight mike. I was in Yeston's Phantom two years ago as the young phantom. Pick a powerful ballad that shows you off vocally. Itis a phenomenal show enjoy.

[esparza 333]

Posted: 8/28/07 at 9:36am

bye the way what date is the audition?