More than 30 people auditioned for the 11 roles in Milligan’s spring musical, “Little Women,” this year. The open auditions on Nov. 18. attracted many, showcasing the community of theater at Milligan.
“It was quite a good turnout,” director Diane Taveau said. The musical’s wide age range allowed the auditions to be open to both Milligan students and members of the local community. Callbacks were held two days later on Nov. 20.
Irie Manning, a freshman musical theater major who auditioned for the role of Amy March, emphasizes how the play is based around family and connectedness.
“I got to meet a couple of people in the community who came and auditioned, and I love the fact that it is open to the community,” said Manning. “That it’s not just Milligan. Then there are more people. Because that means I’m not just trapped in the Milligan department. I’m getting introduced to people. I’m getting to make connections with people in different areas.”
Manning also recalled how some of the community members impressed her during the audition process and how much college students can learn from people within the area, including elders as well as high school students.
This is also Taveau’s first time working with a Milligan production.
“For me, it’s fun because I’m working with an entirely new group of people and learning how Milligan does things,” Taveau said. “I’m really excited to be part of this, and I’m very thankful to Dr. Brown for the chance,” referring to Kellie Brown, chairing Milligan’s music department.
In addition to Taveau, Dr. Charlotte Anderson, a retired faculty member from Milligan, serves as the music director for the production team. Mareena Rodríguez, adjunct instructor of music, applied voice, and musical theatre, and a Milligan alum, is the assistant director; Brown will conduct the orchestra.
“A story that is a classic and very timeless and has funny as well as touching moments in it,” Brown said when describing what people can look forward to in the spring. “They are going to hear really great singing. They are going to hear the beautiful composition from the orchestra. It’s going to be quite an impressive production.”
The play will take place from March 27-30 in the McGlothlin-Street Theatre in Gregory Center. Tickets are available for purchase online https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/milligan/6170
About The Author:
Emily Haas is a freshman from Hildesheim, Germany. She is a journalism major and a member of Milligan’s swim team. She enjoys traveling, reading, and finding geocaches.