Description:

Great Lakes Operetta is hosting auditions for its inaugural season. The Great Lakes Operetta mission is three-fold: 1) to stage high-quality operetta and light opera productions that entertain, inspire, and engage the community; 2) to preserve, revive, adapt, and reimagine traditional works of the genre for contemporary relevance; 3) to educate the public about and to foster appreciation for the genre.

Victor Herbert Concert:
GLO is accepting video audition submissions only for the Victor Herbert Centenary Concert. This concert will consist of various works from Irish-American composer Victor Herbert - described by the Library of Congress as "the Grandfather of American Musical Theatre" - and will celebrate 100 years since his passing. The show will feature two parts. The first half will be a semi-staged mini operetta "The Magic Knight,"a 30 minute parody of Wagner's "Lohengrin". The second half will be selected arias from Herbert's various works presented as solos, duets, and small ensembles. Total run time will be 90 minutes.

Magic Knight Roles:
Elsa (Coloratura Soprano, Lead) - A typical grand operatic maiden in the usual distressing predicament. Her solution to all life's problems is to sing cadenzas and high notes.

Lohengrin (Tenor, Lead) - A professional rescuer of distressed maidens who owes his life to magic.

The King (Bass-Baritone, Lead)- The King of Lotharingia and harassed arbiter of the Royal Court's proceedings against Elsa.

Ortrud (Mezzo or Contralto, Supporting) - Elsa's villainous aunt by marriage; (secretly) a sorceress by profession.

Frederick (Any voice type, Supporting) - Frederick of Telramund, Count of Brabant. Elsa's villainous uncle and husband of Ortrud.

Herald (Any voice type, Featured) - A medieval news announcer (also sings in the Ensemble).

Godfrey the Swan (Any voice type, Featured) - An item in a foul conspiracy (sings in the finale only.)

Ensemble - All voice types needed. May understudy the leading roles.

Location:
Rehearsals will be held primarily at Park Plaza Retirement Center in Chicago, IL.
Performances will be given at Mayslake Hall at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Additional Information
All music will be performed off book and accompanied by piano. (Vocal scores will be provided soon after casting.) Some roles may be double cast. There is no pay. No housing or stipend is provided. This is a fundraising concert to fund our main stage production in 2026.