No, No More Auditions: Cast is Set for Spring Musical
By Katie Kilkenny ’10
News Reporter
From May 29th to May 30th, the 37th annual Choate student musical No, No, Nanette will be playing in the Paul Mellon Arts Center. Director Paul Tines says, “It’s a 1920’s musical. There’s lots of fun, singing, and dancing.”
The story of No, No, Nanette begins with a generous Bible salesman named Jimmy Smith, who financially supports three needy women without the knowledge of his wife, Sue. The women take advantage of his kindness, however, and complications for Jimmy’s marriage ensue when Sue finds out. Only the couple’s adopted child, Nanette, can save their marriage. The story focuses primarily on Nanette’s growing independence and search for happiness.
After an extensive audition process at the beginning of winter term, students were recently cast for different roles in the musical. The selection process involved three nights of auditions: the first for singing, the second for acting, and the last for dancing. The sheet music for the auditions was available at the end of fall term, but the script for the acting portion only came out the night of the auditions. The dancing night was difficult because most students have never tap-danced before. Of the auditions and the casting process in general, Mr. Tines said, “Much time was spent casting the show; so many talented students auditioned.”
The students who auditioned remember how nervous they were but agree that it was a good experience. Ali Smith ’09, who will play Nanette, said, “At times, it gets a bit nerve-racking, singing alone for the musical directors and [Mr. Tines], but they always leave you feeling at ease. Warm-ups are a blast, to see the underclassmen giggling with the always fun backrubs and lip trills.” Dan Pahl ’10, who has been cast to play Tom, Nanette’s love interest, stated, “The first day was singing, which I feel fairly confident in, but you truly never know what they are looking for…The second night, acting, was the audition I was most nervous for. I don't have much previous acting experience so I was really nervous to do a cold reading. The last night, dancing, I definitely felt most confident for because I am a dancer.” Lauren Provini ’08, who will play Sue, said of the auditions, “I always get nervous the night before [the audition], but because I know Mr. Tines so well, and because this is my third year, I knew what to expect.”
The cast members all have high expectations for the show, even though rehearsals will not start until spring term. “I expect the spring musical this year to be at its best. All the cast members are powerhouses, and I'm really looking forward to having as much fun as we did last year with ‘Sweet Charity.’ As Nanette, I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm really looking forward to rehearsals this spring!” said Smith.
Provini looks forward to bonding with the cast: “Because the cast is so large, I’m excited to meet all the new people and welcome them to the musical theater family.” With so much enthusiasm, the show is sure to be a success. Pahl exclaimed, “I just can't wait to start rehearsals in the spring. I love watching the show develop from its beginning stages to the end when you finally see it come together. I'm sure it will be hours of hard work every day, but I can be sure that it will definitely be worth it.”
