Singing Audition for "Titanic" The Musical

Tenor (A2-G4). Slight Irish accent, not a heavy brogue • Perished. 39, was in charge of the plans for Titanic at Harland & Wolff Shipbuilders. He sailed to observe how well she did on her maiden voyage, constantly noting problems and ways to further perfect her functioning and comfort for passengers and crew alike. Strong yet quiet, and full of integrity, he is the moral compass and intellectual barometer of the show.

The ship’s owner, fastidiously dressed, dark hair and moustache Baritone (A2-G4) • British • Survived. Savaged by the press for escaping in a lifeboat when so many others perished, it’s hard to know how much of the blame he actually deserved but he plays the role of misguided villain in the show.

Captain of the Titanic, grey-bearded Baritone (B-flat 2 to F4) British, lived in Liverpool, but would speak proper English. Perished. 62, was lured out of an intended retirement to take command of one last maiden voyage. Unfortunately it was his last, as he went down with the ship. A fatherly figure with white hair and beard, he commands with deep care for his passengers and encouragement toward his younger officers.

First officer; doubles as 2nd-Class Passenger, a Scotsman, appear as age 39 Baritone (C3-F#4) Scottish born, could veer British • Perished, possibly by shooting himself before the final plunge. 1st Officer, 39, was an experienced officer who really should have been a captain by now, but wasn’t sure he was up to it. He was Captain Smith’s right hand, and was at the bridge in Smith’s place when the iceberg was sighted. Murdoch made the decisions and gave the orders that sealed Titanic’s fate.

Radioman Baritone (C3-G4) British • Survived by standing atop overturned lifeboat Collapsible B all night. 22, was one of two wireless operators on the Titanic who received ice warnings and relayed the SOS call, but in the show he is the only operator. A shy and socially awkward young man, he obviously yearns for connection, but stumbles in relationships with other people.

Stoker Baritone (C3-G4) British • Survived by standing atop overturned lifeboat Collapsible B all night. 22, was one of two wireless operators on the Titanic who received ice warnings and relayed the SOS call, but in the show he is the only operator. A shy and socially awkward young man, he obviously yearns for connection, but stumbles in relationships with other people.

Senior 1st-Class Steward; doubles as 3rd-Class Steward; Tenor (B2-G4) British upperclass accent • Survived in lifeboat #5 • This actor may double as 3rd class with a solo in the Opening & Ladies’ Maid. Senior Steward, 41, was an experienced steward to first class passengers (something like a butler) who had served many of the same glitterati on the Olympic before reestablishing care for them aboard the Titanic.

Chief engineer, doubles as bandmaster Wallace Hartley & 3rd-Class Passenger Tenor East Midlands Perished Doubles as Wallace Hartley & 3rd class soloist in Ladies’ Maid. Chief Engineer, A small speaking role, he has a slight argument with Barrett over executing orders to speed up.

1st-Class Passenger; doubles as 3rd-Class Passenger; Owned Macy’s Department Store. Bass/Baritone (F2-F4) Jewish, from Bavaria Perished Doubles as 3rd class in Ladies’ Maid.

Mrs. Isidor Straus; doubles as 3rd-Class Passenger Alto (G3-D5) From Germany Perished Doubles as 3rd class in Ladies’ Maid.

The Strauses were returning from a trip to Europe on the Titanic. Perhaps one of the most poignant and enduring Titanic stories is that of Ida’s refusal to leave Isador on the ship, with the phrase “Where you go, I go.” They share an incredibly touching scene on the boat deck in act two after the decision is made and there’s no turning back, re-affirming their love through the soaring song Still. Strong singer/actors needed.

2nd-Class passenger, American with middle-west accent (See Second Class below.)

A young Irish girl and 3rd-Class passenger (See THREE KATES below under Third Class.) Soprano/Mezzo (A3-F#5) Strong Irish accent • Survived Although there was a Kate McGowan who perished on the Titanic, this Kate’s story is based instead on Kate Gilnagh, who did actually know Mullins, Murphey, and Farrell, and who survived . 17 years old, Kate is escaping a big mistake made in Ireland by boarding the Titanic for America.

Third officer; doubles as The Major & Fourth Man; British, born in Somerset • Survived, in charge of lifeboat #5 Doubles as the Major & 3rd class with a solo in Ladies’ Maid. 3rd Officer, 33, served faithfully aboard the Titanic, helped uncover the lifeboats, and was placed in command of lifeboat #5, in which he survived. In the show he has the lion’s share of the solos in the opening number (loading the ship with cargo and introducing passengers)

Fourth officer; doubles as Taylor, Rogers & 3rd-Class Passenger; Appear as age 28 Baritone-Stage due to doubling British, born in Yorkshire Survived, in charge of lifeboat #2 Doubles as Taylor & Rogers 4th Officer, 28, served on the White Star Line’s Oceanic & Arabic before Titanic. As a junior officer he aids in navigation, keeps watch, and assists passengers and crew as needed.

Quartermaster; doubles as Bricoux & 3rd-Class Passenger, a CornishmanStage Baritone. British, born in Cornwall Survived, in charge of lifeboat #6 Doubles as Bricoux & 3rd class in Wake Up. Quartermaster, 29, was responsible for steering the ship, and carrying out the helm orders. He was at the wheel on that fateful night and obeyed the famous order “hard a’ starboard” which is the dramatic final tableau in Act 1. It is said that the next 37 seconds ruined his life.

Baritone Doubles as Pitman

Baritone American Perished.

The very young Mrs. Astor Mezzo-Sopran, American • Survived in lifeboat #4 18- She is proud of her or embarrassed -will be interesting for these actors to explore. J.J. came from one of the wealthiest families in the U.S.; his body was recovered from the sea with over $2440 cash in his pockets (more than $50,000 today.) He was rumored to have opened the Titanic’s kennels to give the dogs a fighting chance.

An American millionaire Perished May double as 3rd class with a solo in Ladies’ Maid. 6, American mining and smelting tycoon, was a regular cross-Atlantic traveler, with a home (and mistress) in Paris. The mistress, Mme. Aubart, accompanied him on the Titanic. He reveals some guilt for his lifestyle, and an ability to be deeply self-reflective after the lifeboats have left the 1st class men on the ship.

Guggenheim’s French mistress French • Survived in lifeboat #9 Soprano. was a singer in Paris and mistress to Benjamin Guggenheim.

Baritone, Perished • Doubles as the doctor onshore. Was Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

John’s wife Soprano. Survived in lifeboat #4.

Doubles as Carlson Baritone, American • Perished Came from money and made his own in the trolley line.

George’s wife American • Survived in lifeboat #4. (Note: Their son Harry, was also on the ship, and died with his father, but is not in the show.)

A handsome woman American, from Germantown, PA Survived in lifeboat #3, and insisted that her son (not in the show) be allowed into a lifeboat as well. 58, booked Titanic’s most expensive suite, and traveled with 14 trunks full of designer clothes, jewels, and 91 pairs of gloves, yet possessed an indomitable free spirit that is belied by those seemingly superficial trappings.

Doubles as 2nd-Class Passenger American, from NYC & Philadelphia • Perished • Doubles as Susan Webber (2nd class) A single woman, was returning to America alone on the Titanic from a family funeral in England. She became acquainted with Colonel Gracie (who may be the inspiration for our “Major” described next.) He offered her his services as a companion on the ship, and helped her find a lifeboat.

Doubles as Boxhall, a bespectacled American in his 40’s Baritone , American, Doubles as bandsman Taylor & Officer Boxhall. A gambler and card shark whose real name was Jay Yates. Smooth, unassuming, very comfortable in social situations. Before the sinking he writes a note to his sister to let her know he died on the ship, since he was registered under an assumed name in order to escape police detection.

Mezzo (G2-D4) American • Survived Middle-aged, American with middle-west accent (SOLO)/ is a tricky role: comedy wrapped in truth. It requires an actress who can make us laugh by revealing the depths of Alice’s heart, rather than by playing her for comedy. She is like a child playing dress-up; the reality seems absurd but the fantasy is earnest. Also her litany of 1st class gossip in the opening number is a singer’s challenge.

Bari/Bass (G2-D4) American. Perished. Doubles as 3rd class Husband of Alice/ is goodhearted, often exasperated, has a dry wit, and is not worried about impressing anyone.

British and middle-class Tenor (B2-F#4) British • Perished • Doubles as 3rd class Italian duet in Ladies’ Maid & 1st class dancer in Latest Rag

Young, British and aristocratic British • Survived • Doubles as 3rd class Italian duet in Ladies’ Maid & 1st class dancer in Latest Rag

Soprano British, from Cornwall • Perished • Doubles as Edith Corse Evans (1st class) Was alone on the Titanic, emigrating from England to Connecticut to live with her nephew and his wife as their housekeeper. In other words, this trip reflected defeat – she was officially an old maid who needed to rely on family to care for her financial needs.

A handsome Irishman Strong Irish accent Perished in real life. Survives in the show. May double as the other stoker in Barrett’s song. 26, is the love interest of Kate McGowen, and can’t help but be amused by (and eventually fall for) this confident and self-assured beauty. He’s not a pushover, he’s just charmed and knows a good thing when he sees it!

PRINCIPALS Kate Mullins Alto. Strong Irish accent • Survived in real life, perishes in the show 21, was a young Irish lass (one of 8 children) traveling on the Titanic to a new life in America where she intended to live with her sister and become a maid. In the show she is the most frightened of the Kates, overwhelmed by the scope of everything she sees, and grateful for the comfort and care of her traveling companions. She sings solos in Ladies’ Maid , and several other moments.

An American on shore; doubles as Widener

Steward in First Class Baritone •From Liverpool • Perished • Doubles as the Stevedore (dockworker) in the Opening, Frank Carlson onshore, & professional dancer Mr. DaMico in Latest Rag. 55, serves under Etches, and does his best to meet the needs of his high-level passengers. It is through Latimer’s drastically different treatment of the 3 classes that we see the impact of social stratification on the Titanic. Must be a strong dancer and actor, due to multiple doublings.

Soprano

Soprano

Professional dancers

Bandmaster (doubles as Bell)

Bandsman; doubles as Boxhall

Bandsman; doubles as Hitchens

From 3rd Class; doubles as Thayer

From 3rd Class; doubles as Widener

From 3rd Class; doubles as Guggenheim

From 3rd Class; doubles as Pitman

From 3rd Class; doubles as Isidor

From 3rd Class; double as Mr. & Mrs. Astor