“Rocky” meets “Macbeth” at Boulevard Theatre

Boulevard breaks new ground with AUDITION IDOL. In this exciting event staged at the Boulevard Theatre (2252 South Kinnickinnic), actors perform monologues and scenes for both a live audience and a panel of theatrical judges culled from Milwaukee’s theatre community.

The judges (let’s hope they’re friendly!) include*:

• Debra Babich (Milwaukee actress who will be appearing in Next Act Theatre’s “SEVEN STORIES” and who has worked with Next Act Theatre, First Stage Theatre, InTandem, and many others);
• Tom Dillon (Milwaukee actor who has appeared with Combat Theatre, Dramatists Theatre, Windfall Theatre and many others);
• David Flores (Milwaukee actor/singer who has appeared with Skylight Theatre, Florentine Opera, Wild Space Dance, Off The Wall Theatre, Windfall Theatre, and many others);
• Kirsten Mulvey (Arts administrator, Milwaukee actress who has appeared with Boulevard Theatre, Cedarburg Cultural Center, and many others);
• Jennifer Laporte (actress, who has appeared with the Boulevard, Playwrights Studio Theatre, Windfall Theatre and many other theatre companies);
• Joe Fransee (actor, choreographer, who has appeared with Skylight Opera, Danceworks, Boulevard, Off The Wall, and many other companies);
• Jan Nelson (Milwaukee actress who has appeared with Renaissance Theatreworks, Stage West Theatre, the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and many others).

This “delightful dais” will provide “on the spot” critical feedback ranging from warmly supportive to frank & direct, just as would occur in any “real” audition.

In addition, a group of acting coaches will be responsible for a number of the auditioning actors and will work with them to ensure their chances of being selected “winner” at the close of the program.  A “demi-grand” prize will be awarded to the selected artist and the coach responsible for that artists will also receive a token prize.

The coaches include Holly Blomquist, Paul Madden, Cheryl Ann, Carol Zippel and possibly Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline.**  Ms. Blomquist has worked with many of Milwaukee’s most prestigious theatre companies and Mr. Madden has appeared with the crème de la crème of Milwaukee’s smaller theatres. Ms. Ann recently co-directed a smash staging of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES at the Gay Arts Center, which was asked to repeat its success at the recent Pridefest.  Ms. Zippel is well known to Milwaukee audiences as one of the founders of the prestigious Windfall Theatre, as well as for her respected acting and directing work.

The auditioning actors, coaches and dates of participation include*:

Thursday, June 25th (7:30 curtain) & Saturday, June 27th (8 pm curtain):

• Coach: Holly Blomquist coaching
• Actors: Katie Merriman, Vicky Wilson, Rachael Lau
• Coach: Cheryl Ann coaching
• Actors: Mandy Marcuccilli-Strop, Lisa Golda, Don Madden

Friday, June 26th & Saturday, June 28^:

• Coach: Paul Madden coaching
• Actors: Jason Will, Pamela Stein, Jamieson Hawkins
• Coach: Carol Zippel coaching
• Actors: Michael Chobanoff, Stephanie Graham, Katherine Rasch
• *(Other artists and judges may appear).

Audiences will also have an opportunity to interact in this “theatrical bake-off” that will entertain patrons while educating them about the rigors of both auditioning and acting.

The actors profit from performing their audition monologues in front of flesh & blood audiences while gaining valuable insight from members of the judging panel. Boulevard’s novel approach to fulfilling its mission statement of providing artistic, educational and networking opportunities to emerging talent from all theatrical disciplines comes alive in this fun and unpredictable program! Rush to book your seats early for this limited-run artistic adventure, as there are only four chances to catch Milwaukee’s rising young award-winning “Lunt & Fontannes.”

Performances are:

• Thursday, June 25th @7:30 pm;
• Friday, June 26th @ 8 pm;
• Saturday, June 27th @ 8 pm;
• and  Sunday, June 28th @ 2:30 pm at the Boulevard Theatre, 2252 S. KK Ave.

Admission is only $10 - cheaper than a Monster Truck rally and three times the fun. Call 414.744.5757 now to reserve.

**Ms. Streep’s and Mr.Kline’s appearances have yet to be confirmed.

Source: Boulevard Theatre