Cinderella KIDS Character Descriptions Cinderella is the heroine of the show. She is a strong-willed girl with enormous faith. Cinderella believes that, in time, good things happen to good people, and deep down she knows her day will come. She does not resent her Stepfamily - she is aware of their social and emotional limitations. She sings a beautiful ballad, so cast your strongest singer/actress combination. This role requires an actress who can convey Cinderella's conviction and her inner beauty.
The Ensemble in Cinderella is used quite often. Strong singers and dancers are needed for "The Tale of Cinderella," "The Ball," "Cinderella/Dream Finale," and "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Bows." Encourage your ensemble members to create unique characters for all the villagers in the kingdom. Characters include the Old Woman, the Absent minded Woman, the Senile Old Man, and the Young Girls at the Ball.
The Fairy Godmother is the quintessential female mentor. She is kind, gentle and loving, yet strong and extremely capable. Her goal is to help Cinderella succeed by teaching her how much power she has within herself. Cast an actress who can portray the maturity of a maternal figure. Fairy Godmother sings "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," so a strong singer must be cast in this role.
Fairies are the sidekicks tot the Fairy Godmother. There is the Lead Fairy who is the bossy one. The Second Fairy who is the organizer. And the Young Fairy who keeps everyone on their toes. They each have a special assignment to get Cinderella ready for the ball.
The Grand Chef is the head chef of the Castle. He is in charge of all the ball and wedding festivities. He is from France and must use a French accent. The Grand Duke is clearly the brains behind the royal family. He knows how much he is needed by the royal family and thinks very highly of himself. Cast this role with an actor who has good comedic timing.
Gus is the most innocent of the mice and Cinderella's biggest fan. Often simple, shy and fearful, Gus responds immediately when Cinderella calls to him. Given the additional characteristics of this famous mouse, cast an exceptionally strong mover and character actor in this part. There are only a handful of sung solo lines, so choose a stronger actor over a singer. This actor should also be able to take on the characteristics of a mouse. Gus can be played by a boy or a girl.
The Herald is a wonderful sidekick to the Grand Duke and is a good featured role. Because there are several key moments in the show that rely on the timing of the Herald (e.g., the shoe fitting), it is recommended to cast a responsible actor in this role. No solo singing is required, but comedic timing is a must.
Jaq (pronounced Jacques) is Luke's partner in crime. A happy, playful mouse, he is always eager to help. Jaq has the most solo lines of all the mice, so make sure you cast a strong singer. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. The actor should be able to move, talk, and sing like a mouse. Jaq can be played by a boy or a girl.
The King is a parent who just wants his child to be happy. The King throws the royal ball so his son, the Prince, can meet a potential mate. Once the Prince meets and then loses Cinderella, the King does everything in his power to help his son find her again. This role requires an actor who can portray the stature of a king and the caring of a father.
The Queen is a parent who loves her son and just wants him to be happy. She wants to throw the best ball with the best food! This actress must be able to play a sophisticated motherly character. English accent encouraged.
Luke is Jaq's partner in crime. Even though he is just as playful as Jaq, he is more level- headed. He is fiercely loyal to Cinderella. Luke gets the most upset when the Stepfamily is mean to Cinderella. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. There are no solos for Luke, so cast based on acting. The actor playing Luke should be able to move, talk, and sing like a mouse. Luke can be played by a boy or a girl.
The Narrators are storytellers--the show's plot and the actions and reactions of the characters are expressed. Good narration looks easy, but requires strong actors. Cast actors that are mature enough to stand for long periods of time. Clear, loud voices with good diction are a must.
The Mice are used in several numbers and can double as Villagers in the opening. Pick you strongest movers, even gymnasts, for these roles. There are endless opportunities to incorporate tumbling and more intricate choreography with the mice ensemble. Strong singers here will help fill out the sound of the singing mice in the big numbers.
Perla is the most mature of the mice and is always ready to straighten out a mess. She is the only female role of the four main mice, so there can be a maternal instinct about her. She is often near Gus, helping him on his way. This role requires a strong mover and character actor. The actress must not only move like a mouse, but also talk and sing like a mouse. There are solo singing lines for this role.
The Prince is a young man who is not happy with his duty to find a bride. At the royal ball, he is bored and petulant. The Prince's world changes when he finally meets Cinderella. Cast an actor who can portray the Prince's longing as he searches for Cinderella.
Stepmother is the mother to the stepsisters and the stepmother to Cinderella. She is cold, cruel, and calculating. She is unhappy with her place in life and is determined to use her daughters to get where she wants to be: the Palace. She is threatened by Cinderella's kindness and the effect it has on people. Casting an actress with the maturity to maintain the level- headedness of the Stepmother around her frenzied daughters is important.
The Stepsisters should be cast with your stronger actresses with excellent comedic timing and physical comedy skills. They are spoiled rotten and not very bright. They are used to getting their way and throw a fit whenever they hear the word "no." They do sing in "Stepsisters Lament."
The Town Criers can be cast as one person or more than four depending on cast size. They are pivotal in all "royal announcements." Cast actors who can project their voices well for these featured roles that require no solos
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aladdin Character Descriptions Aladdin (boy): is the title character and therefore carries most of the show. He’s charming, a great singer, a great actor, needs versatility to play the funny, slick prankster as well as the “romantic” lead.
Genie (boy or girl): is fast-talking, scene-stealing funny man. Strong singer and dancer, and the ability to do comedy.
Jasmine (girl): is feisty and rebellious, yet genuinely sweet, somewhat trusting. NOT wishy- washy or too much of a brat either. She is the future leader with strong opinions on how things should be done. Strong Singer!!
Narrators (Girls): Have to be strong singers. These girls tell the story and sing a ton of songs. They need to be good at telling stories and very expressive in their speaking and sining voices.
Isir, Manal, and Rajah (girl): are Jasmine’s devoted attendants, keep the Princess grounded with their honesty and openness. Isir, whose name means “inspiration,” is optimistic; Manal, “achievement,” is assertively encouraging; and Rajah, “hope,” is the most protective.
Babkak, Omar, and Kassim (boy or girl): are Aladdin’s three loyal and playful pals. Babkak is the Agrabahn foodie who loves to snack, kindhearted Omar has a sensitive soul, and stubborn Kassim yearns to be a leader.
Iago (boy or girl): is a comedic role. This roll must have great comedic skills! Sarcastic jibes and audience asides while staying in character. Jafar’s sidekick.
Abu (boy or girl): The playful monkey that is always getting into trouble. He is always with Aladdin and is full of wit and energy.
Jafar (boy or girl): is our villain. Possibly a taller boy. He will be a caricature of classic evil villains, not necessarily scary. Iago and Jafar also share some comic moments.
Sultan (boy or girl): should be able to play a father figure convincingly. He’s a bit scattered, but portrays love and care for his daughter Jasmine.
Magic Carpet (boys or girls): is a character in the show, no speaking parts. Depending on the situation, we will either cast a person with tumbling and beginner gymnastic skills.
Guards including Razoul, (boys and girls): need not be the strongest singers. Good comedic skills who can carry a tune. Played as highly incompetent, always making mistakes. Similar to the “Three Stooges.” (1 Razoul (head guard), and 5 or more guards)
Cave of Wonders (Boy or girl): The Cave of Wonders is the ominous voice that instructs Aladdin to fetch only the lamp from the treasures within. This voice can be created in a variety of ways, much like the Spooky Voice.
Prince Abdullah (boy or girl): is one of Princess Jasmine’s haughty and arrogant suitors.
ENSEMBLE (boys and girls): consists of TOWNSPEOPLE, SHOP OWNERS, A BAKER, A MATRON, HAREM GIRLS, and PRINCES etc. They are featured in ALL of the production numbers. Many “featured” moments for ensemble members.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jungle Book Character Descriptions Mowgli (boy or girl) is a human boy living in the jungle. He gets along with everyone and is very likable. He has a joyful and curious nature, a twinkle in his eye and is a bit feisty. Bagheera (Boy or girl), the panther, should be physically agile and uninhibited with good command of his or her body. The actor should also possess a natural talent for acting, singing and leading a story. Bagheera should be able to act like a parent or older brother or sister to Mowgli.
Baloo (Boy or Girl), the bear, is exuberant and will need strong skills for singing and acting. Baloo provides much of the comedic relief in the story, so the actor must possess a natural sense of comedy and not be afraid to be wild, crazy and physically uninhibited. The actor should not be self-conscious, should enjoy the spotlight and should have a strong sense of rhythm.
Coconut Trees are the narrators of the story. They need to be strong singers and very expressive.
Shanti is the girl who takes Mowgli to the village at the end of the story. She is hiding in the jungle the entire time disguised as a Coconut Tree. She should exude sweetness and kindness and have a natural ability for acting and singing.
Kaa and the snake body (Boys or girls), the snake, supplies threat and danger to Mowgli's journey out of the jungle. Needs a flair and good vocal and movement skills to be the lead Kaa (the head of the snake). There will be 5+ others as the body. Each of the actors in the scene has solo lines that are spoken and sung.
Shere Khan, the tiger, is King of the Jungle. Needs to be someone who can act physically threatening, either in size, attitude or both. He is the villain and the story depends on a good villain.
Colonel Hathi, the elephant, is in charge of the elephant brigade and is also a little forgetful. He is good at giving commands but doesn't really understand what's going on around him. He has a solo and must act like a drill sergeant but also be a bit forgetful and comedic.
Elephant Troupe should be good movers/dancers so they can physicalize the behavior of elephants and march in and out of formation. Gender: Male or female
Baby Elephant must be small, able to sing a solo line in the song as well as marching, and have a good sense of music and movement. Gender: Male or female
King Louie is King of the Monkeys. Must have a strong, comedic timing with a flair and not be afraid to act like a monkey. Gender: Male or older female who will act and dress like a male
Monkeys need to be good dancers and expressive actors. They will be moving all around the stage. Gymnastics would be a plus.
The Jungle Chorus is the Ensemble of singers, actors and dancers. There will be a variety of roles with great opportunities to use skills to be trees, flowers, bees, bushes, prickly pears, vultures, wolves, etc. Some of these characters will have lines, and/or vocal solos. These characters will be on stage for the entire show, will be featured in many songs and dances and will carry the storyline and action of all of the musical show. Gender: Male or female
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Edwina Jr. Character Descriptions Edwina Spoonapple The creator, director and choreographer of The Dear Edwina Show and is the main-staple of the play. Her character goes through a tremendous arc throughout the series of events in the play; from frustration to relief, anger to joy, horror to happiness& all within one afternoon in her own garage! The role of Edwina demands your most talented actor to pull off her bossy yet lovable character. Also, since the play is designed around her and she has the most stage time, the actor playing Edwina should feel more than comfortable onstage. Edwina's music is also a bit challenging. Your actor should have a strong, clear voice with good diction. A musical background would be helpful. Gender: Female Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Becky Edwina's enthusiastic friend and the top of the cheerleading pyramid for the Paw Paw Wildcats. Cheerleading consumes her life and creating new cheers for everyday occasions brings her great joy. This girl even cheers her anger! Becky is a vocally non-demanding role with only a few vocal lines. Stage presence is more important when it comes to casting Becky. Cast the loudest, most outgoing un-shy person you can. Athletic ability, if not cheerleading experience, would be helpful, but not necessary. Gender: Female
Scott A neighbor boy who is helplessly in love with Edwina. He dotes on her every move and is always conniving a way to gain her attention. Choose a strong actor who feels comfortable being bold with his emotions. A good singer is a must for this role. Scott's song requires vocal dexterity and is demanding in style. An actor with strong comedic timing will be an asset to your production during Scott's 'transformation.' Gender: Male Vocal range top: Ab5 Vocal range bottom: C4
Kelli Edwina's neighbor and Paw Paw, Michigan's resident ballerina. The character of Kelli can go one of two ways, depending on your talent pool. If you have a cast member with a background in ballet, great! Let her go wild, perhaps even choreograph her own piece, and turn "Poshkonozovich Dance" into a showcase. If the actor playing Kelli has no ballet experience, not a problem. We've all flapped our arms and stood on our tippy-toes pretending to be ballerinas, have her do the same and turn it into a comedy bit! No one said Kelli was a good ballerina. Gender: Female
Bobby Edwina's new next-door neighbor. He is a friendly and compassionate character who goes out of his way to help others. The character of Bobby will be able to get away with imperfections throughout the show, as he is a last minute replacement for Lars. Cast an actor who is outgoing and gets along with everyone. Gender: Male
Lars Vanderploonk One of the Vanderploonk triplets and a neighborhood friend of Edwina. He is incredibly accident-prone and twists his ankle in the first scene. Lars has many prat falls before he actually twists his ankle. Casting an actor with good physical comedy skills would be helpful (always remember that any staged fall or injury should be carefully choreographed and rehearsed to prevent a real injury. Safety first!). You may want to consider having Lars return to the stage a little while after his injury in a wheelchair, a cast or leg brace, or on crutches. This adds to the comedy of the play and opens up the casting of Lars for the actor who wants to be in your show so badly but isn't exactly Baryshnikov.
Gender: Male or Female
Annie (Combining Cordells lines with hers) Edwina's friend and the Girl Scout of Paw Paw. Annie works for and collects her Girl Scout badges like they were buried treasure. No matter what problem may arise, she is prepared with the know-how and resources to solve it in a flash - A MacGyver for the new generation! She is perky, energetic and helpful& maybe even too helpful. Gender: Female
Aphrodite, Carrie, Abigail, and Periwinkle Each are one of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles. Gender: Both Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Ziggy & The Marching Band One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles. Gender: Both Vocal range top: Ab4 Vocal range bottom: Ab3
Vladimir Edwina's scary uncle from afar. The actor should be a strong enough singer to feel comfortable with their own song and a strong enough actor to engage the audience with their story (and keep them engaged through the duration of the song). Impeccable diction is a must for this character as Vladimir's lines are written with a Transylvanian "Dracula" accent in mind. The actor may be pulled from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry just this one role. Gender: Male or Female Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Frank A rude, self-centered, bratty, offensive, disrespectful, socially inept child and the subject of Vladimir's song, Frankenguest. This non-singing role requires the actor to speak their lines during musical breaks in the song. Cast an "over the top" actor and you'll be just fine. Gender: Male
Chef Ludmilla Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Gender: Both Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3
William and Sonoma Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Gender: Male or Female Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: Eb4
Fairy Forkmother Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Gender: Female Vocal range top: Bb5 Vocal range bottom: Bb4
Susie & The Napkins Susie and The Napkins are a local band who have just come from a Battle of the Bands concert at the Paw Paw Community Center to sing "Say No Thank You." Susie and The Napkins should be able to move well, if you choose to choreograph the number. Gender: Both Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Johnny and Queen Of Boola Boola Johnny and The Queen act out the story in the lyrics. They are not required to sing, but to merely speak in rhythm during the song. Be sure you cast someone who can 'feel the beat.' Gender: Both Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Lola New to America, Lola expresses her shyness in the song, "Hola, Lola." It would be helpful if this actor speaks Spanish or has a good ear for languages. Gender: Female Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: B2
Harry Lola's cousin and the reason she flies from Lima, Peru, to Honolulu. He is a fun, happy-go-lucky character show just wants to make sure his favorite cousin is having a good time. Gender: Male Vocal range top: C#4 Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Mary Sue Betty Bob Mary Sue Betty Bob's backup for "Put it in the Piggy." The girl company members play the "Girls" and the "Pigs" are played by the boy company members. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: C4
Farmer Jerry, Girls and Pigs Mary Sue Betty Bob's backup for "Put it in the Piggy." The girl company members play the "Girls" and the "Pigs" are played by the boy company members.
Katie Spoonapple Edwina's little sister and a math wiz. Although she arrives at the end of the play, she has the very important role of influencing Edwina's thoughts and feelings. It is Katie that brings about the climax of the play, showing Edwina the "best advice of all." Choose an actor who looks younger than Edwina or is diminutive in stature. Gender: Female
Ann Van Buren The Kalamazoo Advice-A-Palooza talent scout. She is represented only by a brief voice-over that may be recorded beforehand. When it comes to casting this voice, think very L.A., sweetie darling. Gender: Female