Aloha Performing Arts Co. is looking for a few good women … and one man, for its final production of the season, Tom Eyen’s dark comedy “Women Behind Bars.” The play was written in 1975 as a satire of ’50s-era female prison exploitation films. Divine, the star of many John Waters movies, made her Off Broadway debut in the show in 1976.
The performances will be in July, and auditions will be held Wednesday and Thursday, May 29-30, at 6:30 p.m. at the APAC Loft. The Loft is in Kainaliu, across the street from the Aloha Theatre, on the second floor of the building housing The King’s Daughters Thrift Store. Access is via the small lane at the south end of the building, beside Kiernan Music Store. The entry to the Loft is above and behind the building. Parking space is scarce, so the street or the public lot just north of the building is recommended.
Those auditioning should arrive promptly, fill out paperwork and get photographed, and be prepared to stay two hours. Attendance on both nights not necessary, but will be permitted. A possible invitational callback audition may be held on Friday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m. at the Aloha Theatre. Auditions will consist of readings from the script, as well as sharing a short life memory involving punishment.
Rehearsals will begin June 3, and will generally be held Monday through Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The performance run is July 12-27. Cast members must commit to the entire rehearsal and performance schedule, with a minimum of conflicts. Roles available are: the Matron, the big mama boss of the Greenwich Village Women’s House of Detention; Louise, the Matron’s loudmouth flunky assistant; Blanche, a southern belle waiting for her streetcar; Jo-Jo, Harlem’s answer to Edward G. Robinson; Cheri, the big blonde hooker with a heart of gold; Granny, the religious old lady with a chip on her tongue, who also plays the Warden; Gloria, a tough-talking Camel smoker; Ada, a space case pyromaniac who did too much speed; Guadalupe, a fast talking San Juan export; Mary-Eleanor, an innocent who is destroyed by the system; and the Man, who plays several different roles. Any of the female roles could conceivably be played by a man in drag.
Because of content and themes, the show is recommended for adults. Those under 18 may audition only with a signed parental or guardian consent form. Audition and consent forms are available online at AlohaTheatre.com. “Women Behind Bars” is being directed by Jerry Tracy. Scripts are available at the APAC office for onsite perusal or for checkout in exchange for a deposit, by arrangement with Suzanne Murdock. For more information, call 322-9924.
