PORTAGE | Natalie Franks is looking for folks who can carry a tune.
As musical director for the Portage Community Theatre, Franks is lining up the chorus and pit band for the group's latest production, "Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical."
She and fellow director Stanlee Hodsden have cast the leads, but they're still looking for men and women to round out the chorus and to provide the musical accompaniment for the show that celebrates the life and musical career of Greenwich and her signature doo-wop chart-busting tunes.
The show hits the stage at 8 p.m. July 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at Portage High School West auditorium, 6400 E. U.S. 6. There also are performances at 2:30 p.m. July 22 and at 7 p.m. July 22 and 29. Tickets are $10 in advance from any cast or crew member and $8 for students and senior citizens. Tickets at the door are $12.
Franks is looking for a couple of women and three to four men for the show's chorus. Musical ability is important. Feeling comfortable in front of an audience is important, too, Franks said. Musicians and singers should be in high school or older.
"They have to be able to sing," she said. "Reading music is a plus, but I can teach them."
She has openings for a variety of musicians, including guitarists, bassists, drummer, trumpeters and trombonists.
"My biggest thing is that I need a keyboardist," she said. "The show can be done with just the pianist, the guitar and a drummer, but the more instruments we have, the better it will sound."
Musicians will practice two to three evenings per week in the three weeks leading up to the performances, she said. The cast members already have started rehearsals. They rehearse from 7 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
"I'm just hoping people will support their community theater," Franks said. "We know there are people out there with talent. We just want to get them involved."
For information about joining the Portage Community Theatre's cast and crew, call (219) 759-1408 or send an e-mail to prstaff@portagecommunitytheatre.org.
