Casting call for Broadway bound pickers

We posted a few months ago about the stage show produced at Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA about the life of The Stanley Brothers, called Man Of Constant Sorrow. At that time, we mentioned that the show, while only appearing then at Barter Theater, would be touring the US with a professional company later in 2006.

That company is now being assembled, and auditions are still open. Casting is being handled by Paul Russell Casting in New York, and they are currently seeking three principal characters:

RALPH STANLEY Early 30″s to mid 40″s. Great banjo player. Actor must be able to sing high bluegrass harmonies for which Ralph is famous and play banjo well. A man of subtle humor and deep thoughts, Ralph is soft spoken with a big voice. Good comic delivery a must plus charisma as a performer. Ralph had a strong bond with his brother, Carter. Southwestern Virginia Appalachian accent a must”

FIDDLE PLAYER / RECORD EXECUTIVE / ANGEL OF DEATH Early 30″s to mid 40″s. An actor-musician who can play bluegrass / country fiddle well, sing harmonies and do character work. Southwestern Virginia Appalachian accent a must. Actor portrays one of the musicians from The Clinch Mountain Boys (one of the Stanley Brothers singing groups). Actor also plays a slick record label executive and the Angel of Death. The last two personas are not to be confused as one”

ACTOR WHO PLAYS STAND-UP BASS Early 30″s to late 40″s. A male actor-musician who can play stand-up bass well, sing harmonies and do character work. Actor portrays one of the musicians from The Clinch Mountain Boys. Southwestern Virginia Appalachian accent a must”

The tour is expected to run from the middle of September through November 2006, and then resume again for a second run January-March 2007. Resumes need to be submitted to Paul Russell Casting by February 2006.

You can find submission details on their web site.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.