About this show: Take your seat at the legendary Jungle Inn Nightclub with your host, Jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton, for a night of music that might change his life. When The Chimney Man comes to ferry Jelly’s soul away, he gets one last chance to make amends for his mistakes. From the back alleys of New Orleans to the stages of New York – this sizzling memoir has seductive harmony in a score you won’t forget!

Directed and Choreographed by: Brian Harlan Brooks who directed CFRT’s smash hit The Color Purple last year, and has associate directed Motown and Ain’t Too Proud–the Temptations Musical on Broadway as well as the first national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.)

Musical Direction by Christie Chiles Twillie – credits include Asolo Rep., Skylight, Milwaukee Chamber, Paramount Aurora and more!

Associate Director/Choreographer: Deon Releford-Lee – Fayetteville State University graduate who was most recently seen on Broadway in Tina, The Tina Turner Musical.

Important Dates:

• Rehearsal Begins: April 11, 2023
• Previews: May 4-5, 2023
• Opening: May 6, 2023
• Closing: May 28, 2023
• Possible Extension: June 4, 2023

**Note: Student and Public matinees may be added after casting. We can rehearse up to 42 hours a week. Your schedule and hours will vary pending the size of the role. Pay ranges from $450-$500 per week for out of town principal roles. Housing available for out-of-town artists. AEA Guest Artist Tier  ($667/week, plus $196/week per diem, plus pension/health)

To request an appointment, please email: auditions@cfrt.org with your headshot, resume, audition form and role you would like to be seen for.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment with your headshot, resume, and filled out Audition Form 22-23 and Jelly’s Conflict Calendar

What to prepare: Please prepare a 32-bar cut of a song in the style of the show OR the musical sides listed below. Please also prepare the sides listed below for the character(s) you are auditioning for. Accompaniment/plunk tracks found here!

Roles:

JELLY ROLL MORTON: (African American Male, mid 30s-40s) The son of racially mixed Creole parents, this pioneer jazz composer, pianist and bandleader exudes charm. Must be able to sing, dance, and/or strong jazz piano skills. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE ABLE TO TAP FOR THIS PRODUCTION.
Jelly Sides
Jelly’s Musical Side

CHIMNEY MAN: (African American Male, 35-60) Our lean chief jurist: a mysterious, raffish agent of the supernatural. Very physical and a strong actor/singer.
Chimney Man Sides
Jack-Jelly-Chimney Musical Side

YOUNG JELLY: (African American Male, early teens) Exudes as much charm as his older self. Creole. Dance and strong vocal skills a must.
Young Jelly Sides

JACK THE BEAR: (African American Male, 25-35) Jelly’s best friend. Full of dignified and warm-hearted southern charm, he is an easy going man and a strong acting singer.
Jack Sides
Jack-Jelly-Chimney Musical Side

ENSEMBLE: All ensemble characters are African-American. An ensemble of 5 comprised of strong male and female singers and dancers, playing a variety of characters.
Ens Musical Side
Buddy Sides (male ensemble)
Miss Mamie Sides (female ensemble)