R.U.R. A New Musical: A Stirring Fusion of Science Fiction and Human Ambition Takes Center Stage in NYC
Table of Contents
New York, NY—A new musical adaptation of Karel Čapek’s groundbreaking play, R.U.R. A New Musical, is holding open auditions for its upcoming concert reading at the Chain Theater. The production, an official selection of the Spark Festival NYC, will take place on Sunday, March 16th, at 2 p.m.
The musical,with a book and lyrics by Dennis Hanrahan and music by Philip Vlahakis,is directed by Liz Piccoli,with musical direction by Julian Blackmore. It promises a thrilling blend of science fiction and powerful music, exploring themes of human ambition and technological rebellion. The production is seeking a diverse cast of 10 non-equity actors to portray both human and anthrobot characters.
Auditions are open, and the deadline for submissions is February 26th, 2025. Selected actors will receive a $100 stipend. Rehearsals are scheduled for Monday through Friday, March 10-14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a final rehearsal day on Sunday, March 16th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Casting Breakdown:
The production seeks actors for a variety of roles, including:
the Humans:
- HELENA STARR: Female, early 30s, any ethnicity, a botanist and autonomous researcher. Smart, earnest, with a bit of a shy, “Earth Mother” vibe. Mezzo-Soprano (B3 to F5).
- DES DWYER: Male, 40s, any ethnicity, Helena’s husband, Chief Engineer and GM at R.U.R. Personable, attractive, and ambitious. Baritone (D3 to F4).
- DR.BARNABAS GALL: Male, mid-60s, any ethnicity, VP/COO of R&D at R.U.R. A crusty but dedicated scientist. Baritone (A2 to D4).
- DR. GILLIAN HALQUIST: Female,30-40s,any ethnicity,a specialist in Bot Physiology. Quiet and intelligent, she manages life and work efficiently. Mezzo-Soprano (A3 to E5).
- JACKSON FABRY: Male, 30s, any ethnicity, Director of Business Strategy and Planning.A fierce go-getter with a frat-bro vibe. Tenor (C3 to A4).
- ZITA BARLOW: Female, 30s, any ethnicity, director of Marketing and sales at R.U.R. Ambitious and upbeat.Alto (A3 to D5).
The Anthrobots:
- RADIUS: Male Identifying, 20-30s, any ethnicity, Bot frist-class. Calm and neutral until his rebellion. Baritone or Baritenor (G#2 to G#4), dance ability a plus.
- SULLA: Female Identifying, 20-30s, any ethnicity, Bot first-class. Similar to Radius but younger. Her rebellion is more animalistic and fierce. Mezzo-Soprano (B3 to F5), dance ability a plus.
- ATTICUS/PRIMUS: Male Identifying,20-30s,any ethnicity,labor bots,played by one actor,built for strength,less intellect. Bass (E2 to E4), dance ability a plus.
- VALERIA/OCTAVIA: female Identifying, 20-30s, any ethnicity, labor bots, played by one actor. Steadfast soldiers with a dry demeanor. Alto (G3 to C5), dance ability a plus.
Audition Details:
Interested actors should submit a headshot, resume, and a video submission including 32 bars of a song to show range and a 1-minute monologue
to the email address provided. Please put the role(s) you are submitting for in the subject line of the email. Zoom callbacks will be scheduled after initial submissions.
“We look forward to seeing your talent!”
This exciting new production promises a unique theatrical experience, blending the timeless themes of Čapek’s original work with a contemporary musical score. don’t miss this chance to be a part of something special.
A Groundbreaking Fusion: How “R.U.R. A New musical” Revitalizes Karel Čapek’s Timeless Themes
opening Thoughts:
“Does science fiction hold the key to understanding our future relationship with technology?” This question has intrigued audiences for generations, and Karel Čapek’s play “R.U.R.” continues to offer profound insights. With its upcoming musical adaptation on stage in New York City, the Spark Festival NYC promises a fresh, stimulating exploration of human ambition and the potential rebellion of the machines we create.
Senior editor: Welcome to our interview, where we delve into the fascinating adaptation of Karel Čapek’s “R.U.R.” into a compelling new musical. To start, what makes “R.U.R.” such a timeless piece that continues to resonate today?
The Expert:
“R.U.R.” remains a cornerstone of science fiction literature precisely because it confronts the ethical dilemmas we face with technological advancement. Writen in 1920 by Karel Čapek, the play introduced the term “robot” to the world, capturing humanity’s anxiety and excitement over artificial beings. Its themes of creation, autonomy, and rebellion echo in our modern context as we grapple with AI and automation. The musical adaptation brings Čapek’s narrative into a new light with a vibrant score, emphasizing the timeless nature of human ambition and technological moral quandaries.
Senior Editor: How does this musical adaptation uniquely present these themes, compared to the original play?
The Expert:
Musicals inherently have the power to amplify emotions through music and performance. In “R.U.R. A New Musical,” the combination of Dennis Hanrahan’s book and lyrics with Philip Vlahakis’ music creates an emotionally charged surroundings.Director Liz Piccoli and musical director Julian Blackmore weave a narrative that captures the complexity of Čapek’s world with an engaging blend of human and anthrobot characters. This singing and dancing ensemble brings to life the tension between innovation and ethics, making the complex ideas more accessible and resonant for contemporary audiences.
Senior Editor: With such a diverse range of roles,who do you believe could make a significant impact in this production,notably the anthrobot characters?
The Expert:
The anthrobots in this production,such as Radius,Sulla,Atticus/Primus,and Valeria/octavia,are both fascinating and pivotal,as their evolution mirrors our own technological aspirations and fears. strong portrayals by actors with not just vocal talent but also dance ability can vividly manifest these characters’ shifts from servitude to rebellion.These performances are crucial—they transcend mere acting to embody the abstract themes of autonomy and sentience,making the narrative’s warning all the more profound.
Key Takeaways for Auditioning Actors:
- Vocal Range: Understanding your vocal classification as described in the casting breakdown is crucial.
- Dance ability: Given that dance is a plus for these roles, honing this skill can set you apart.
- Technological Themes: Reflect on how the journey from human to anthrobot characters can parallel our contemporary discussion about AI and ethics.
Senior Editor: The musical features a mix of science fiction and powerful music. how does music enhance the storytelling and emotional impact?
The Expert:
Music in “R.U.R. A New Musical” does more than just entertain; it deepens the narrative, conveying complex emotions and highlighting the internal struggles of both human and anthrobot characters. Through music, audiences can experience the tension and eventual rebellion in a visceral way. Melodic motifs associated with characters or themes can reinforce their development and mirror the narrative’s evolving urgency.Moreover, combining powerful music with Čapek’s themes invites audiences to reflect on their hopes and fears surrounding technological progress.
Final Thoughts & Engagement:
This musical adaptation of Karel Čapek’s “R.U.R.” provides a platform for exploring enduring questions about innovation, independence, and the nature of consciousness.As it takes the stage in New York City, audiences will be invited to reflect on their relationship with technology and perhaps, speculate on the future of human and machine interaction.
We’d love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the blending of science fiction themes with musical storytelling? Do you see parallels in today’s world that “R.U.R. A New Musical” might illuminate? Share your insights in the comments or on our social media channels!