The Darien Times

Fairfield Follies auditions open to Darien students

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 07:00 AM

Auditions to select the student cast for the 13th annual Fairfield Follies will take place from 5:30-9, Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 6-8, in the auditorium of Bunnell High School, 1 Bulldog Blvd., Stratford.

Students from public and private high schools in Fairfield County need attend only one of the three evenings (Monday and Tuesday are generally less crowded, according to organizers).

In case of a snow storm, an extra audition will added on Thursday, Feb. 9.

Students should be prepared with a song (if possible they should take sheet music or an instrumental CD; piano accompaniment will be provided). Some will be asked to perform a dance combination, which will be taught on the night of the audition. (Dancers should take their tap shoes).

"Follies 2012: Raise Your Voice!" will include highlights from Broadway musicals past and present, including "Sister Act," from which its title is derived.

Two evening performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19, with a matinee Sunday, May 20, all in the Bunnell High School auditorium.

Each year since Follies debuted in 2000, about 75 high school student performers have been selected from Fairfield and New Haven counties to showcase their talents in a revue of American musical theater.

Beginning in early March, rehearsals will take place at local venues on Mondays through Thursdays from 6-9 and on Fridays from 3:15-6. Cast members are only required to attend on days when their musical selections are being rehearsed.

Fairfield Follies was originated by the Fairfield Rotary Club as a tuition-free, musical theater program for Fairfield County teenagers. Follies is now produced and managed by the Fairfield Follies Foundation, a tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Members of the Fairfield Rotary continue to support Follies with voluntary services, including free transportation to and from three months' of evening rehearsals for Bridgeport students as needed.

Marje Tracy, the driving force behind Follies, will again be director and executive producer. This year's music direction is Jay Spidowe, and returning for her third year with Follies is Elizabeth Carr.

The Follies Foundation aims to raise funds in support of performing arts education, in order to provide scholarships and grants to student looking to further their education.

More information can be found at fairfieldfollies.org.

Specific questions about the 2012 production can be directed to Marje Tracy at 203-339-1034 or folliesnow@optonline.net.

Individuals and corporate sponsors who are interested in supporting Follies should contact Debbie Clancy at 203-605-6500 or debbieclncy@yahoo.com, or send a tax-deductible donation payable to the Fairfield Follies Foundation, c/o Janet Barillari, Venman & Co. CPA's, 375 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484.