Single mother, Doris Walker, doesn’t want her six-year old daughter Susan’s head filled with romantic notions. Their neighbour Fred Gailey tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy’s, where Doris works. Doris is not impressed, but when it turns out Macy’s Santa may in fact be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts.
Auditions and Read-through
These will be held as follows:
- Audition 1: 7pm on Tuesday 21st May at The Badger, Ponteland
- Read-through: 7pm on Tuesday 28th May at The Badger, Ponteland
- Audition 2: 3pm on Sunday 2nd June at the Memorial Hall, Ponteland
Audition packs for each character can be found by clicking the character names below.
Synopsis
Susan Walker and her mother, Doris, live alone in New York City in the 1960s. Doris works in an executive position at Macy’s and, at the start of the musical, is busy organising the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Prior to the Thanksgiving parade, she fires an employee working as the store’s Santa Claus when he becomes intoxicated. Immediately trying to find a replacement, she spots an elderly man who had been berating the drunk Santa and begs him to take over; the man introduces himself as Kris Kringle. Kris does so well during the parade that he is immediately hired by Cole’s, despite his apparent belief that he is the real Santa Claus. Susan meets an ex-marine named Fred Gaily, who takes it upon himself to rid her of her “realistic” outlook on life by taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy’s. Kris (Santa) manages to win Susan over while love blooms between Fred and Doris. The second act sees Kris appearing in the New York Supreme Court, with Fred helping him defend his sanity. In the conclusion, Fred uses the Post Office to prove to the court (and the world) that Santa Claus does exist: Kris Kringle is the real thing. Susan gets her Christmas wish thanks to Santa, who she now most certainly knows is real, and the spirit of Christmas lives on.
Characters
Doris Walker
Special Event Coordinator for Macy’s Department Store. She is a driven career woman and free thinker who has recently divorced. Hard-working and cynical.
Gender: female
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range: F5 – F3
Susan Walker
Daughter to Doris. She is wise beyond her years and a self-sufficient city girl.
Gender: female
Age: 6 to 9
Vocal range: Eb5 – G3
Fred Gaily
A handsome Military Captain mustering out into civilian life. Smart, hopeful and warm.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range: Ab4 – Ab2
Kris Kringle
Kind old man who believes he is Santa Claus. He embodies all of the classic characteristics of the jolly, friendly, warm-hearted icon.
Gender: male
Age: 55 to 70
Vocal range: E4 – B2
Marvin Shellhammer
An aggressive but somewhat bungling junior executive and the head of Public Relations.
Gender: male/female
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range: F#4 – C3
R H Macy
The boss of Macy’s. Very concerned with public opinion.
Gender: male
Age: 45 to 65
Vocal range: E4 – Bb2
Mr Sawyer
Macy’s store psychologist. Abrupt, dismissive and to-the-point. Employed to prove Kris’ insanity
Gender: male/female
Age: 30 to 50
Vocal range: N/A
Ensemble
Children, Shoppers, Citizens, Government Officials, Townspeople
Other small named parts
Assigned during rehearsal process – no individual auditions
Dance troupe
Parade dancers, dream sequence toys, etc.
Further information
For further information please contact Sarah Blythe.