WaterTower Announces Auditions for Say Goodnight

WaterTower Announces Auditions for SAY GOODNIGHT

WaterTower Theatre invites local AEA and Non-AEA actors to audition for the world premiere musical SAY GOODNIGHT Book by Rick Hawkins, Music by Steve Dorff, & Lyrics by John Bettis. Open to both Equity and Non-Union actors. See below for detail on the production which will kick off the 30th Anniversary Season at WaterTower.

All positions are paid. Actor will be paid Equity (SPT 6) rate & the Understudy will be paid Non-Equity rate ($150 per week with $40 bonus per performance should the understudy go on for the role).

WHO:

Director: Dana Iannuzzi

Music Director: TBA

Choreographer: TBA

Producing Artistic Director: Shane Peterman

Associate Producer & Covid Compliance Officer: Elizabeth Kensek

Creators: Rick Hawkins, Steve Dorff, & John Bettis

WHAT:

SAY GOODNIGHT

“Say Goodnight,” is an original musical based on the legend and love story of the famous comedy couple, George Burns and Gracie Allen as imagined with music by Grammy Award nominee, Steve Dorff (“Every Which Way But Loose,” Celine Dion’s “Miracle,” Kenny Rogers’ “Through the Years”), lyrics by Grammy nominee, John Bettis (George Strait’s “Heartland” and Madonna’s “Crazy for You”), and book by Emmy winning Rick Hawkins (The Carol Burnett Show, and The Love Boat).

Rehearsals: 11/4/25-12/2/25 (weekday evenings, and weekends, Mondays are typically our day off)

Performances: 12/3/25-12/14/25 (Wednesday-Saturday evenings, Saturday & Sunday matinees)

Rehearsal dates may be subject to change.

WHEN: AUDITIONS:

Saturday, June 8, 2024, 2pm-8pm

Sunday, June 9, 2024 11am-6pm

CALLBACKS: Monday, June 10, 2024, 5pm-10pm

WHERE: WaterTower Theatre Addison Theatre Centre 15650 Addison Road Addison, TX 75001


SEEKING:

WaterTower Theatre is dedicated to diversity and inclusion as a core value, and as such we strongly encourage actors of all ethnicities and gender identities to submit. In reference to the character descriptions below—most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. But however limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. Let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide (from language developed by Kevin Kantor and Emily Tarquin from the Actors Theatre of Louisville). VERY INTERESTED IN LOCAL DFW ACTORS.

STAR – (Alto – 25-40.) Star is ethereal, statuesque, and timeless. Star is the personification of “Showbusiness” and doubles various characters that help to depict that through George & Gracie’s career, different ages and genders. Star is the driving force for George & Gracie to pursue their showbusiness dreams and eventually each other. Dances.

GEORGE BURNS – (Bari-Tenor – 30s - ages to 60s. He/Him) Fun, intelligent with a wry, “observational comedy.” His character transcends from an insecure and desperate young man to a confident, commanding producer/performer. The impoverished child of immigrants, driven to “make it big” in showbusiness – he will stop at nothing to make it happen. Very confident, cocky and a total ladies’ man. The quintessential song and dance man. Has good comic timing; and dance skills; Some Tap Skills. No taller than 5’ 8” - think Rob McClure

GRACIE ALLEN – (Mezzo-Soprano – 30s – ages to 60s. She/Her) Petite & feminine, and incredibly witty. Her fashion style was her armor, and she is always presentational and perfect. Daughter of Irish-Catholic immigrants and was raised by a single mother, Gracie becomes the breadwinner at an early age. Her classy looks and upbeat humor hide the physical and emotional scars of her childhood. Has good comic timing; and dance skills; potentially some tap.

JACK BENNY – (Bari-tenor – 30s - ages to 60s. He/Him) Famous American entertainer, best friend to George Burns. Jack is the voice of reason in George’s life until he meets Gracie. Has strong comic timing. NOTE: Violin skills a plus, but not required.

MARY BENNY – (Alto – 30s - ages to 60s She/Her) Acerbic, sharp-tongued, wife of Jack Benny and fierce friend to Gracie Allen, she is very protective of Gracie. Sarcasm and dry wit are her currency. Mary’s classy caustic demeanor is a not-so-subtle cover to her insecurity and jealousy of not being a performer herself. She is fast-talking and no nonsense. Has strong comic timing.

BENNY RYAN – (Tenor - 30s. He/Him) Gracie’s fiancé the famous Irish Tenor Bennet “Benny” Ryan. Famous in his own right in the Vaudeville circuit, but wants to marry Gracie and give her, and himself, the domestic life she has never had. NOTE: Some dance desired.

ENSEMBLE – (18 – 40s) Strong Singer/Dancers of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. The following roles will come from the Ensemble (Young Gracie Allen, Young George Burns, Molly Allen, Vaudeville Performers, Film Executives, Chorus Dancers, Reporters, Fans, Waiters, etc.) Specifically seeking Excellent Dancers with Tap Skills a plus.


Any actors requiring ADA accommodations due to medical or physical needs should email EKensek@watertowertheatre.org so that the appropriate resources can be provided.

Actors must be willing to follow all infection control policies including any required Covid testing, which will be provided by the theatre if necessary.

PREPARATION: Actors should come prepared with a Classical Musical Theatre song (16-32 bars)- sheet music must be clearly marked and in the correct key. Cold reads of a short side may be requested.

Headshot and resume are required at the audition. Roles are open to both AEA and Non-AEA actors. All roles are local hire. No housing or travel can be provided.

TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION:

Sign up for an audition slot at: https://www.signupgenius.com/g...