Auditions being held for 'And Then Came Tango'

NETCONG — The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, will be holding auditions for its World Premiere production of And Then Came Tango by Emily Freeman on Monday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.

The production tells the story of a 10 year old girl, Lily that forms a friendship with the zookeeper of the penguin exhibit at the Central Park Zoo after participating in a summer enrichment program. Together they experience the reaction of the community when two male penguins establish a bond to hatch an unclaimed egg. Inspired by a true story, And Then Came Tango is a tender story that celebrates both tolerance and the inherent desire of one generation to foster the growth of the next.

The production is a non-musical that is enhanced through modern dance in bringing the penguins to life.

All auditioning for the roles of Lily (10 to 14 years old); Lily’s Mother (30 + years old); and Walter (50+ years old) will be reading from the script. Those auditioning for the penguins (16+ years old) should be expected to learn a dance piece led by the choreographer and some may be asked to read from the script. The production is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, the Growing Stage’s Executive Director, with choreography by Jillian Petrie.

And Then Came Tango runs from March 6 to the 29, with performances on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. The Growing Stage is a professional member of the Actors’ Equity Association. There will be two roles available for AEA artists and one AEA/ASM while other roles will be filled by community artists, making a cast of eight.

Rehearsals will begin the week of Jan. 26. Schedules are generally three to four evenings during the week, and Saturday afternoons. All cast members are expected for all performances, with no exception since the company does not cast understudies. Performers of color, seniors, women and performers with disabilities are encouraged to attend. For additional information call 973-347-4946 or e-mail exdir@growingstage.com.