Uptown Players announces auditions for the regional premiere of the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which runs July 18 through August 3, 2025 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater.
Inspired by true events with music by Dan Gillespie Sells and book and lyrics by Tom MacRae, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie celebrates acceptance, belonging, and the power of unconditional love a mother has for her child. Everybody’s Talking about Jamie tells the inspiring story of Jamie New, a sixteen-year-old boy from Sheffield who dreams of becoming a drag queen. His loving mom showers him with endless support but it's not all rainbows for Jamie as his deadbeat dad and some ignorant school kids attempt to rain on his sensational aspirations. Faced with societal pressures and the challenges of self-discovery, Jamie overcomes obstacles and embraces his true-identity. In rousing and colorful musical numbers, Jamie and his community inspire one another to be more accepting.
All roles are open to both equity and non-equity actors of all ethnicities. Our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible. There are four LOA/LORT principal equity contracts available for this production. The production is under the direction of Penny Ayn Maas, with musical direction by Vonda K. Bowling and choreography by Evor Wright.
Jamie New – Male, Tenor, 18+ playing age 16. A working-class teenager who dreams of becoming a drag queen. He is flamboyantly and fearlessly out at school, and he does a pretty good job of hiding his hurt that comes at the hands of bullies.
Margaret New – Female, Mezzo-Soprano, late 30s. Jamie’s mom. She adores her son more than anything in the world and fully supports his dreams. Her devotion leads her to protect Jamie from certain tough realities, and she keeps some important secrets as a result.
Ray – Female, Alto, 30s. Margaret’s best friend. She also adores Jamie. She is a spirited person who likes to have a good time, but at heart is an emotional rock.
Miss Hedge – Female, Mezzo-Soprano, 30s. She is an overworked and exhausted teacher who may be on the brink of burning out. She was once idealistic but is now resigned to the grim realities of teaching at a working-class school in a working-class town, and she has temporarily lost her ability to see the possible.
Hugo/Loco Chanelle – Male, drag queen, Baritone, 35-55. They have an ageless timelessness. They have lived through some extraordinarily tough times. Years of struggle and loss have stunted their zest for performing.
Tray Sophisticay - Drag Queen, Tenor, any age – Drag queen. Like her sisters, she can be sassy and brash, but she is also loyal and has a heart of gold. Also plays Young Loco Chanelle.
Laika Virgin – Drag Queen, Tenor, any age - Like any good drag queen, she can throw shade with the best of them, but she still stands up for her sisters. Also plays the other woman.
Sandra Bollock – Drag queen, Baritone, 30s-40s. Like Laika and Tray, she is shady in the most fun ways, but also fiercely loyal and encouraging. Also plays John, a man from Hugo’s past, and Jamie’s dad.
Ensemble: A diverse ensemble of 10 playing various male and female students of all ethnicities, 18+ playing 16. Some of the students are bullies and others are friends of Jamie. Must all sing and dance.
Vocal auditions will be by appointment only on Saturday, January 18 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, January 19 from 12n-3p. Please prepare 16-32 bar cuts of two contrasting selections in the style of the show. Singing from the show for one of your selections is acceptable. A headshot and resume are required.
To schedule an appointment, go to HERE.
Dance callbacks will be held on January 18 at 545pm and on January 19 at 11am, 330pm, and 430pm. Additional callbacks will take place on Monday January 20 from 6pm to 1030pm.
Rehearsals will begin the week of June 23, 2025. The production runs July 18-August 3, 2025 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. For additional
