SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The SSC Playhouse announces open auditions for its 2018 world-premiere of the hilarious down-home comedy, “Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep!” written by Markham native, Wesley Perkins, on Thursday, February 1st from 4 – 8 pm and Saturday, February 3rd from 12 – 3 pm in the Kindig Performing Arts Center of South Suburban College, 15800 State Street, South Holland, IL. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome. You will be asked to read from the script, but you do not need to prepare a song.
“Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep” is Wesley Perkins’ first full-length comedy. The play is based upon Perkins’ own experiences, but as he himself admits, his work was greatly influenced by Mr. Tyler Perry. Some will argue that Perkins’ play lacks distinction for the black community or that there is compliance in the playwright’s voice. But if a playwright’s voice is his own, then in that capacity his work is revolutionary and highly entertaining. Mr. Perkins agrees. In this wild comedy, the title character, crabby old Henry Snikrep, is about to have a surprise party, but don’t tell him the news. He hates his family and a party would kill him, which it does. Now just about every crazy relative is coming to his funeral. The question is: will any one of them survive the mess?
Actors are needed to fill 16 roles that vary in age from 16 to 60 and every age in between. Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday evenings and middays on Saturdays, with a first read-through on Saturday, February 17. Not all performers will be required to be at all rehearsals. Performances will run April 25 to April 29, 2018 with Wednesday through Saturday shows at 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm.
Since talent doesn’t discriminate, actors of all colors, ages, shapes, and sizes are encouraged to audition. Scenes from the play will be available for review at auditions. The production will be staged by Mr. Perkins under the direction of Bobbie Saltzman. For more audition information, you may contact Bobbie Saltzman at bsaltzman@ssc.edu or call the South Suburban College box office at 708/210-5741 to leave a message. Phone calls will be returned. The SSC Playhouse: Because Talent Doesn’t Discriminate.
For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.