Photo By Michele Celentano

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces auditions for Once on This Island Jr., a poignant story with a catchy Caribbean-flavored score.

Once on This Island Jr. is a highly original theatrical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, and the Tony-nominated Broadway musical by the legendary writing team, Ahrens and Flaherty. Through almost non-stop song and dance, this full-hearted musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest that will test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and even death.

Auditions will take place Saturday, October 9 at MTA’s theatre performance space at 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100.

Audition Schedule
• 9 a.m.: Auditions for workshop participants (A-L)
• 9:45 a.m.: Auditions for workshop participants (M-Z)
• 10:30 a.m.: General Auditions
• Dance Call 1: Sunday, October 10 at 9 a.m.
• Dance Call 2: Sunday, October 10 at 9:45 a.m.
• Callbacks: Sunday, October 10 at 10:30 a.m.

The cost to audition is $325 for ages 6-18; a 10% sibling discount and scholarships are available.

Please bring a musical theatre song (or any song they are comfortable with), 16-32 bars or one minute in length. Bring an accompaniment with CD or iPod to sing with. You may also sing acapella if needed. Have your registration materials completed prior to coming to the audition. For materials and additional information, and to reserve your spot, visit MTA’s website at musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

Audition Preparation Workshops will be held at MTA on Thursday, October 7, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. and 6:30 – 8 p.m.; and Friday, October 8, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. During these 90-minute sessions, participants will be instructed on cold reads, acting technique, characterization and more. Participants of the workshop will get to audition prior to the general audition time. Cost is $35, and space is limited to 18 participants per session. There is a 10% sibling discount. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

For those who want to mark their calendars, Once on This Island Jr. performances take place Thursday, December 2: 7 p.m.; Friday, December 3: 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 4: 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, December 5: 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Check MTA’s website for up to date information about ticket purchases and availability as they have made adjustments to audience sizes in order to be in compliance with CDC guidelines. If you require ADA seating, contact the Box Office Manager directly at [email protected].