Lakeland Players will hold auditions this month for the hit Broadway Musical “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” at the Sprague Theater, 15 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 27 and 28. An accompanist will be provided but those trying out should bring music and conflicts, and wear shoes appropriate for simple dance movements.
It will be directed by JaNelle Powers of Lake Geneva, whose late husband John R. Powers, wrote the book based on his novel of the same name.
JaNelle Powers’ personal journey with the musical began 40 years ago in Chicago when she auditioned for and was cast in the role of Mary Kenny, according to a press release from Lakeland Players. It was an event that would change the rest of her life because was the first time she ever heard of “Shoes” or its author, John R. Powers even though the musical was based on characters featured in three of his best selling novels.
According to the release, John Powers attended most rehearsals and performances. One night after the show he and JaNelle started talking and went out for coffee and the rest, as they say is history. The couple got married and had two daughters.
“In October, JaNelle will have the honor to direct for Lakeland Players and you will have the opportunity to see John’s funny and touching story about the trials and tribulations of growing up,” the release states.
For more information about Lakeland Players or the upcoming auditions, call 262-248-7242 or 262-728-5578, or visit lakeland-players.org.
