Since 12.14 Foundation summer musical director and creative leader Michael Unger left Newtown after last year’s successful run of  101 Dalmatians: The Musical and A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream, he has been very busy. Along with editing an opera DVD in Boise, Idaho, and recently taking on the position of Artistic Director of the York Theatre in New York City, Mr Unger has been working with 12.14 Foundation founder Michael Baroody to determine which shows the company will mount for 2015.

The local foundation, whose goal is to eventually develop a year-round arts center in Newtown, has announced it will begin auditioning for its two summer productions April 25, along with a new pay-to-participate program.

In a chat with The Newtown Bee on March 24, Mr Unger said he was pleased that most of the creative team from the last two summers will be returning, and will include working professionals with many years of combined experience on Broadway, off Broadway and in top regional theatres around the country.

Mr Unger said he expects to involve at least 200 residents in the productions, from actors and crew, to other production volunteers.

He said their production of The Lion King, Jr will involve up to 90 actors. The African savanna will come to life on the Newtown High School stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from pride rock to the jungle and back again in this coming-of-age tale.

This show will be available for performers who are entering 1st through 8th grades in September. Similar to the Dalmatian chorus from 2014, a large portion of this cast will only be involved for the last two weeks of rehearsal.

Mr Unger was part of the very first reading of Liberty Smith when the musical first launched in 2002. So he is thrilled to bring its latest iteration to the stage at Newtown this year.

This regional premiere is an original musical filled with comedy, romance and adventure, recounting the possibly true and fantastical tale of America’s forgotten founding father. With music by Michael Weiner (First Date), lyrics by Adam Abraham, and book by Marc Madnick, Eric. R. Cohen and Adam Abraham, the show will also welcome choreographer JoAnn Hunter, who will be in between rehearsals and the Broadway premier of School of Rock.

Creative Casting

This year Mr Unger will be using creative casting on this show, and many women will be playing men’s roles. Performers in middle school years may audition for both of the musicals, he said, although he added most will likely only be cast in one of them. Performers entering grades six through college level are sought for Liberty Smith, however.

All auditions are scheduled to be held at Newtown High School. They will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26; and Saturday, May 2, between 10 am and 6 pm each day. Individuals should register online for an audition timeslot at the 12.14 Foundation site, www.1214foundation.org/summer2015.

Anyone planning to audition should prepare and bring a close-up photograph no larger than 4 by 6 inches (head and shoulders; class photos are fine).

Callbacks will then be conducted Sunday, May 3.

Liberty Smith will most likely be double cast, with each of the two casts 25 person casts appearing in two performances.

The Lion King, Jr will not be double cast, and will have four performances.

Performances of Liberty Smith will be Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2. Performances of The Lion King, Jr will be the following weekend, Friday through Sunday, August 7-9. Dates for either production are subject to change.

Mr Unger said this summer will also afford more options for students and others whose expertise is exclusively dance. Anyone interested exclusively in a dancing part can come to the dance callbacks on May 3.

Participation Fees

Because organizers have determined the foundation simply cannot sustain the mission and quality of their work with their previous financial model, this season there will be a fee for participation in these productions to help offset costs.

Scholarships will be available, based on need as well, to be determined by an independent, third-party.

Current fees are set at $100 per week, with a maximum of $600. The minimum would be $200 for some of those in The Lion King,  Jr chorus. 

According to the foundation website, these enrollment fees are only about 10 percent of what a program like this would cost at a full-time camp or training program led by mentors with experience on Broadway, off-Broadway and regionally. 

Because these enrollment fees will only cover about a quarter of production costs, the foundation is encouraging and needs tax-deductible contributions, ad sales for the program, corporate sponsorship, etc with all proceeds from tuition, donations, ticket and ad sales supporting the work of The 12.14 Foundation.

The foundation plans to build a multidisciplinary, educational and performing arts center in Newtown, as a living remembrance of the events of 12/14. The focus of the center, organizers have said, will be on creating “dynamic, creative, strong community leaders with the tools for success, no matter what they choose to pursue.”

For more information about the summer 2015 season and to sign up as a technical apprentice, orchestra member or parent volunteer, visit www.1214foundation.org/summer2015.