All Backgrounds and Experience Levels Welcome to Try Out
Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point will hold auditions for the first two shows of its all-musical 2026 MainStage Season: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” with music and lyrics by Clark Gesner and Andrew Lippa, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s renowned rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Auditions will take place 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, and 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at the Gateway. All backgrounds and theater experiences, whether a veteran performer or a first-timer, are welcome. No appointments are necessary. All roles are open. Both shows will be directed by Chip Garrison, who recently directed the Gateway’s holiday show “Scrooge, the Musical.”
The New Year brings many firsts to the Gateway, including its first all-musical MainStage Season, which will also include “Guys and Dolls” and 9 to 5: The Musical,” as well as the first time the playhouse is casting two shows at once.
“Auditioning both shows at once celebrates the incredible range of stories and artists that we bring to our stage,” said Phil Pallitto, artistic director of the Gateway.
Based on cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s prolific comic strip “Peanuts,” “Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown” includes all of Schulz’s beloved characters like Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Snoopy, and, of course, Charlie Brown. “Jesus Christ Superstar” interprets the characters of Jesus and Judas Iscariot with a plot that centers around Judas and his betrayal of Jesus, while highlighting Jesus as a man wrestling with a responsibility to save humanity.
Those auditioning should bring a track or sheet music (an accompanist will be provided) to a song that best showcases their voice. Sides will be provided for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and auditioners are asked to familiarize themselves with the scene in advance; sides can be found on the Gateway’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Rehearsals for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will begin promptly; “Jesus Christ Superstar” rehearsals will start in mid-February.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” runs Feb. 20-22 and 27-28, March 1, 2026; “Jesus Christ Superstar” runs April 9-12 and 16-19, 2026.
Auditions for “Guys and Dolls” and “9 to 5” will be announced later in 2026.
Tickets for all four musicals are already on sale at GatewayByTheBay.org or at the Gateway Playhouse box office, located at 537 Bay Ave., Somers Point. For additional info, email phil@gatewaybythebay.org.
