The Ardensingers’ 2002 production of “Yeomen of the Guard.”

The Ardensingers of historic Arden DE will hold auditions for principle roles and new chorus members on September 16 from 1:30-5:00 p.m. and September 18 from 7:30-10:00 p.m. for their spring 2013 musical production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Yeomen of the Guard.” All roles are open and auditions will be heard by appointment in 10-minute segments at Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway, Arden DE 19810.

There are 6 primary male characters and 4 female characters needed, along with a large chorus of yeomen of the guard, gentlemen, and citizens. Additional information, including descriptions of the main roles, and links to audition music and dialog, are available at www.ardensingers.com. Rehearsals start in late January on Tuesday and Friday evenings.

The setting of Yeomen is laid in the Tower of London in Shakespearean times. The plot concerns Colonel Fairfax, a gentleman, soldier and scientist, who has been sentenced to be beheaded in an hour on a false charge of sorcery. To avoid leaving his estate to his accuser (a cousin), and with the help of the Lieutenant of the Tower, Fairfax secretly marries Elsie Maynard, a strolling singer. The bride agrees to be blindfolded during the ceremony and expects to be a well-paid widow in an hour. With the help of the Meryll family, Fairfax escapes, throwing the Tower into confusion and the astonished Elsie (and her mentor, the jester Jack Point, who loves her) into despair. But Fairfax, disguised as Leonard Meryll, woos Elsie, and after a number of plot complications are worked out, she falls in love with Fairfax and leaves Jack Point broken-hearted.

You won’t want to miss being a part of this incredible show so mark your calendars now! The show will be performed April 26, 27, May 2, 3 and 4, 2013 at the theatre in Gild Hall in Arden DE.

Stage direction is by Julie May, with music direction by Bob Binkley. To express your interest in participating, please contact John Newport by telephone at 610-388-7680 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Additional information, including descriptions of the main roles, and links to audition music and dialog, are available at www.ardensingers.com