Morpheus Theatre is holding auditions for The Gondoliers

a comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan
January 15th, 16th, and 17th

All shows to be presented at the Pumphouse Theatres

The Gondoliers

A comic operetta by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan
Directed by Sean Anderson
Music Direction by Winnifred Hume
Choreography by Mya Swedburg
April 26 – May 4, 2024

It is with all the necessary and appropriate pomp, that we announce, pronounce and soundly declare, our final show of the season will be: Gilbert and Sullivan’s, The Gondoliers! This 12th collaborative operetta by the beloved pair is set in Venice and is rife with Nobility, mistaken identities, Royalty, young lovers married to the wrong people, commoners, wit, patter, a Cachucha and of course, Rapture!

The king of Barataria has died, and the kingdom now belongs to his son. However, his son was spirited away as a very young child, and placed in the care of a gondolier in Venice. Unfortunately, the gondolier died without reveling which of his two boys was the king, and both boys have just become married to their sweethearts. So both boys are sent to Barataria to rule jointly until the true king is sorted out.

To further muddy the plot, the young king, before being spirited away, was married by proxy to the daughter of the Duke of Plaza-Toro. She comes to Venice, with her parents, to claim her husband, and the queenship. She does so reluctantly, however, as her heart really belongs to her father’s drummer. And it all sorts itself out in two acts.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

The Duke of Plaza-Toro – (Male identifying, comic baritone)
a Grandee of Spain; middle aged aristocrat. The archetypal G&S ‘patter man’. Comic solo and duet with the Duchess plus more.

Luiz – (Male identifying, high baritone / tenor)
his Attendant; young and in love. Sings a couple of romantic duets with Casilda. Required to produce a few drum rolls!

Don Alhambra del Bolero – (Male identifying, bass-baritone)
the Grand Inquisitor and therefore ‘feared’ by all. A character part; middle aged or older. Takes the lead in a quintet and a trio.

Marco Palmieri – (Male identifying, tenor)
One of two leading Venetian gondoliers. Heavily involved musically in duets, quartets, with the chorus and has a solo song. Paired romantically with Gianetta.

Giuseppe Palmieri (Male identifying, high baritone)
One of two leading Venetian gondoliers. Heavily involved musically in duets, quartets, and with the chorus. Paired romantically with Tessa.

The Duchess of Plaza-Toro – (Female identifying, mezzo soprano/contralto)
Comically overbearing wife of the Duke. Mother of Casilda. Middle aged aristocrat, down at the heels, but putting on airs. Solo and duet with the Duke plus more.

Casilda (Female identifying, soprano)
Daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro. Young lady in love with Luiz, but knows her station. Heavily involved musically – trios, duets, quintets.

Gianetta – (Female identifying, soprano)
young contadine. Heavily involved musically in duets, quartets, with the chorus. Paired romantically with Marco.

Tessa (Female identifying, mezzo-soprano)
young contadine. Heavily involved musically in duets, quartets, with the chorus and has a solo song. Paired romantically with Giuseppe.

Inez – (Female identifying, mezzo soprano/contralto)
the King’s foster-mother; older lady who has lived a hard life (character part).

Chorus of Gondoliers and Contadine, Men-at-Arms, Heralds, and Pages. There are several parts that will be drawn from the chorus including Antonio (baritone), Francesco (tenor), Giorgio (bass), Annibale, Fiametta (soprano), Vittoria (mezzo-soprano), Giulia (mezzo or soprano).

Audition Requirements:

  • Auditions for The Gondoliers will take place In-person in ten minute time-slots
  • Please prepare a song (approximately 2 minutes long) in any style that best shows off your voice. No matter what style of music you choose to sing bring your best character performance to your audition song!
  • Bring your music on your phone, or email in advance to info@morpheustheatre.ca; There will be no accompanist.
  • You may be asked for a range check.
  • Auditioners are asked to complete an online audition form, with an acting resume and headshot.
  • Selected auditioners will be requested to attend an in-person callback to read, sing, and dance with other performers.

Morpheus Theatre encourages individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and abilities to audition. Not a traditional actor?  That is okay, get in touch with us and we will find a way for you to showcase what you have to offer.

If all audition times are booked, please feel free to “drop-in” (preferably early during the audition period).

Open auditions for all roles will take place:

  • Monday January 15th (7:00 to 9:00pm)
  • Tuesday January 16th (7:00 to 9:00pm)
  • Wednesday January 17th (7:00 to 9:00pm)
  • Drop in Auditioners are always welcome!

at the Morpheus Rehearsal Centre
3512 – 5th Avenue NW
(lower level of the Parkdale Community Centre).
Click here for a Google Map.

Callbacks will take place on:

  • Saturday January 20th (1:00 to 5:00pm)
  • We will endeavour to minimize auditioners time at the callbacks, but most calls will be a minimum of 2 hours.

Rehearsals will be Monday/Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00pm and Saturday afternoons from 1:00 to 5:00pm starting January 27th.

Morpheus Theatre requires that auditioners come prepared to commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule.

Note: Morpheus Theatre is a volunteer theatre company and do not pay actors.

Call 403-246-2999 or send an e-mail for more info.

You should receive a confirmation email after you submit your form.  If you do not, please check your junk email box, or contact Morpheus Theatre.

STEP 1: Choose an available Audition Time:

Step 2: Complete the Audition Form