Audition
Information

When Mark Twain wrote "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," he couldn't know that he was creating a novel that would be described as the beginning of American literature. Big River is the story put to music, and it stays remarkably true to Twain's novel. Put together with Americana music at its best, Big River brings Twain's characters to life - the irrepressible Huck helping his friend, the slave Jim, escape to freedom down the mighty Mississippi, the uproarious King and Duke, Tom Sawyer, and Huck's drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn. Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," more than any other American novel, tells the story of our country. Woven into the comic stories and hysterical situations (Remember Huck using pig blood to make it look as though he has been murdered? And the rascal Duke getting tarred and feathered?) is the American chronicle of racial conflict and reconciliation, the quest for freedom and the seduction of a new frontier. Twain told the story 20 years before the Civil War and for the first time gave a face and voice to the black race. Huck, discovers to his surprise, that Jim has the same feelings and emotions as any white man. He struggles with his conscience and finally fearing "I'll go to hell," he decides to help free Jim. The show has a number of technical challenges; perhaps the most noteworthy is the rigging of a single raft on stage to look as if it is meandering slowly down the Mississippi. Huck and Jim get in and out of more scrapes than seems possible in one play, and the journey is a delightful blend of true-to-life vernacular, clever lyrics and high jinks that go by much too fast. The show, like the novel, is presented from Huck's point of view, but Twain often interrupts to make sure he tells the story correctly.
Big River won seven Tony Awards in 1985, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score and Best Scenic Design

Kennesaw Mountain High School’s
Musical Theatre Division
Greetings Everyone!
I’d like to thank you for auditioning for this year’s musical production of BIG RIVER, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”! Included in this packet will be everything you need to know about the audition process, expectations of the cast, and production concept. Before you audition, make sure you understand this entire packet!
The Audition Information Sheet needs to be completed and given to me as you enter the audition space. PLEASE HAVE THIS COMPLETED BEFORE YOU ENTER FOR YOUR AUDITION! Auditions will be closed – that means it’s only you, Mrs. Jacobson, and me, so there is no reason to be nervous or apprehensive. Music auditions (for those who have nothing prepared): please bring in a hymn or a musical theatre number less that one minute in length with accompaniment of some kind – this can be a tape, CD, or even a karaoke tape – anything you like to sing with, just so we can determine the vocal part and your ability to sing on key. For the theatrical section of the audition: both girls and boys will select one of the enclosed monologues – all monologues are actually spoken by either Huck of Jim, but these pieces will give me an idea of your voice and your ability to convey the emotional content of the speech. Remember to select only one, but you might prepare two just in case I need to hear you read something else. This does not have to be memorized; I expect, of course, that your eyes are not glued to the page the entire time. Please feel free to add vocal variety, physicality, or anything that will make me take notice. Feel free to try anything you like!!
A synopsis of the play is included; exact production dates will be announced to you at auditions!
I look forward to the production, as it should prove to be both a great deal of fun and a tremendous learning experience. Please see me should questions arise. Auditions are open to anyone regardless of grade level; we welcome anyone with serious intentions as new faces are tremendously exciting