Saipan Tribune

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Monday, January 14, 2013

Open auditions for new musical revue

Russ Mason, in association with NMPASI, will be holding auditions for a new musical revue, Island Life.

The auditions will be held at the San Vicente Elementary School auditorium on Jan. 19 and 20, starting at 6pm. Absolutely everyone is welcome to come.

Rehearsals will be held weekday evenings and the show will be presented in April, and then perhaps visit Saipan schools and community centers after that.

Island Life is described as being “a bit like Saturday Night Live, but with some serious moments as well.”

Mason, who has written and directed many musical productions, says, “I do things a little differently. I get the cast first, and then write the show to suit their abilities. This has always worked well, and has been a joyous experience for everybody. My hope is that people who have never been onstage before will give it a shot. It's more fun than you can imagine.”

“We are looking for a cast of 10 people, all ages, all backgrounds. The more diverse, the better. We will also need some musicians for the house band-primarily electric guitar, bass and drums. But if someone is terrific on the trumpet, then I want to meet him or her. We will work them in somehow. The Saipan community is diverse, and the show should reflect that diversity.”

Jim Rayphand of NMPASI contacted Mason to ask if themes such as discrimination, mental health and substance abuse might be included. Mason agreed, saying, “The show needs some depth. These topics touch everyone's lives, and need to be addressed. That way there will be a balance between the funny stuff and the serious stuff. Jim Rayphand and NMPASI have agreed to produce the show, and they have been tremendously supportive.”

“Frank Gibson has also been a great help, and has emailed 350 notices to actors and performers on Saipan. So I am optimistic that we will get some interesting people to do the show,” said Mason. “But, as with American Idol, I am hopeful that shy people will find the courage to come to the auditions. There is an awful lot of talent here, and we would like to present it in Island Life.”