Star Search for Dessa Rose Musical - 4th Wall Theatre, Bloomfield

Bloomfield, NJ--They say that 80% of successfully directing a show is casting the correct person in the title role.  A director sometimes has to look high and low to find the right actor; especially when a role calls for a dynamic actor and singer: Dolly Levi.  Jean Valjean.  Evita Peron.  The Phantom.   Writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (the musical writers behind hits such as  Ragtime, Once on this Island, Seussical and others) created such a role when they penned the musical, Dessa Rose, which ran at Lincoln Center in 2005.  

Based on a book by Sherley Anne Williams, Dessa Rose, tells of an imagined meeting between two real women.  We meet two extraordinary women in the antebellum deep South: Dessa, a fugitive slave, condemned to die for her role in a slave uprising; and Ruth, a white slave owner.  In the book and the musical, these two women meet, and the audience joins their journey as they cautiously learn to overcome their own prejudices about one another. The growing bond between them forces Ruth to confront her deepest feelings about slavery, while Dessa must decide whether to trust a white woman, with her own life and freedom in the balance.  These riveting characters were brought to life on stage by musical theatre stars, LaChanze in the role of Dessa Rose (who went on to play Cellie in The Color Purple) and Rachel York as Ruth (who has appeared in numerous Broadway shows.)  

Now 4th Wall Theatre, a cutting edge theatre company in Essex County, is presenting the NJ Premiere of Dessa Rose as their 2008-2009 season opener.  They are on the search through the Tri-State area to find the actresses to bring these women to life; in particular the character of Dessa.  Perhaps it’s a local woman who has been singing in her church choir each Sunday or an actress who has moved to NY from half way across the country, who is anxious to try out for a role such as this.  All are encouraged to audition.  

“The script calls for an actor of extraordinary range who must play young Dessa at 16 and older Dessa in her 80’s as she transforms on stage without make-up,” says Artistic Director, Gregory Allen.  “We are looking for an African-American woman who can embody the strength, passion and energy of this character.  And who has the stamina to carry the show through its three weekend run.  Newcomers are encouraged and invited to audition.”  

Executive Director, Gwen Ricks-Spencer continues “We are excited to bring this show to the metropolitan area.  It tells a powerful story, is filled with incredible music and is educational at the same time.  As an organization we are always looking for shows that speak to the diversity of our group and the community we serve.”

4th Wall has a history of presenting musicals which address varied experiences beginning with the group’s first production in 1997 of the musical Working based on the book by Studs Terkels’ interviews with people in a variety of jobs in the U.S. from blue collar to white collar.  “We previously presented Falsettos and A New Brain which addressed AIDS and the gay relationships, and Big River and Violet, which deal with race and the issues that arise when cultures clash.  We strive to present works that cause us as artists and our audience as attendees to think, while at the same time presenting good theatre” says Ricks-Spencer.

Those interested should visit the theatre’s website for complete audition information at www.4thwalltheatre.org.  Auditions are set for July 29 & 30.  Times and location are listed on the website along with a complete description of the entire cast.

4th Wall is non-union company, which pays a stipend to performers.  More info at: info@4thwalltheatre.org or call 973-566-9255.