Casting call for “Ain’t Missin’ Dinner!”

Auditions will be held Monday, July 9 and Tuesday, July 10 for “Ain’t Missin’ Dinner!” a cabaret-style mini-musical written by local playwright, Tom Andolora. The auditions will be held at First Lutheran Church in Jamestown, 120 Chandler St., Jamestown from 5-8 p.m. each evening.

Andolora is collaborating with Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care to bring the popular cabaret musical that he co-authored back to Chautauqua as a fundraiser. Performances will be on consecutive weekends in October at First Lutheran Church in Jamestown and the Williams Center at The State University of New York at Fredonia.

This cabaret-style performance is a mini-musical with a plot that is set at a convention for the “Chubby and Proud Support Group” at the Hilton Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. Audience members become convention goers as they arrive to “register,” then hear the “testimonials” of other conventioneers.

“We’re seeking performers of all shapes, sizes, races and ages,” said Andolora. “I wrote this musical based on my own struggle with weight during my youth. It is a fun-spirited celebration of who we are, not what others expect us to be. We need performers who are proud, funny and can sing the gospel of food!”

Characters include Dottie May, the gracious, quick-witted Southern Belle who hosts the convention. Melissa is from NYC and fanaticizes about being a trendsetting celebrity model. Bill is a sincere, Midwesterner best played by a high baritone of tenor. Gloria, proud of her size and willing to tell everyone about it, sings a robust gospel number. Finally, three or four waiters are active in the show and provide choral support.

Detailed descriptions of the characters, as well as audition requirements can be found at www.ChubbyAndProud.com.

Volunteers are needed. Help with technical aspects, ushers and ticket sales should be directed to the CHPC offices at 338-0033, ext. 218.

Performance locations and dates will be Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 in Jamestown at the First Lutheran Church Parlors at 120 Chandler St. The Fredonia performances will be on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 at the State University of New York at Fredonia in the Williams Center Multi-Purpose Room. Detailed information about ticket sales can be found at www.chpc.care.

The mission of Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care is to provide end of life education and care in Chautauqua County. CHPC provides hospice care for patients and families facing life-limiting terminal illness, palliative care for those with serious chronic illness, and bereavement support to individuals, families and organizations who have suffered the loss of a loved one.