Musical based on Richland woman’s life coming to a Tri-Cities theatre. Auditions held soon
Great works are created through much time, teamwork and effort.
Ten months ago, Eileen Voiland took to the stage at Wine Social as the narrator in a musical showcase of her production, then called “Up First Hill.”
The performance was a debut for much of the work, which is based on Voiland’s mother, Catherine, growing up in Seattle and raising a family in Richland. Several songs from the play were performed in sets, with context provided by Voiland in between, in order to give the audience a taste of the show.
Since then, the production has grown through the work of a team, and has been officially slated for its stage debut. The “real Catherine” also turned 101, right here in Tri-Cities.
Auditions will be held in late March for “The Sunny Hours,” as it is now called.
Musical progress after showcase
Not long after the showcase, a table read was conducted using the full script. This led to the addition of “G. Quinley and Friends” to the production team, bringing in the minds of experienced locals Ginny Quinley, Justin Raffa and John Tuttle. Quinley says there’s been nonstop work since the showcase.
The script has undergone extensive rewriting in this time, polishing and enhancing the storyline. The music has been edited as well, with the help of Nancy Erickson Lamont.
“Eileen is amazing, because a play is your baby, and not everyone is open to feedback when they write something,” Quinley told the Herald in an interview. “Those who are, usually get the better product in the end, because collaboration just makes everything better.”
There is much collaboration in this project, as it is more than just a stage performance, it’s a multimedia experience. The stage will be adorned with period-appropriate projections, and several scenes are filmed.
The script was fully-finished a few months ago, and the team is now preparing for auditions and performances.
‘The Sunny Hours’ auditions, performances
There are variety of roles in “The Sunny Hours,” more so than most productions, according to Quinley. There are no pre-cast roles, so the production team will be looking for someone to fill each of the following roles:
Principal
- Catherine (Age 90, willing to cast considerably younger)
- Ella (Age 50-60)
- Young Catherine (Age 20-30)
Secondary
- Three male students (Age 18-25)
- Three female students (Age 18-25)
- Three Jesuit fathers
- Young Gene (Age 20-30)
- Annie (Age 50-60)
Chorus
- Four youths (Ages 11-16)
- About six adults to play various roles
Not all of the roles include singing parts, but those auditioning are asked to prepare a Broadway selection up to 90 seconds long, and bring with them printed sheet music or a pre-recorded track. Additionally, wear non-restrictive clothing for dance auditions. Some roles are film-only.
Auditions will be held at the Arts Center Task Force Building at 704 Symons St. on March 29 at 6 p.m. and March 30 at 11 a.m. Callbacks will be on Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m.
Once roles are cast, there will be a read through and some early musical practice in April and May. Rehearsals will begin in June, primarily on weekends.
“The Sunny Hours” will be at the Academy of Children’s Theatre at 213 Wellsian Way. Opening night is August 1, with shows at 7 p.m. on Aug. 1-3. A 2 p.m. matinee show will be available on Aug. 3 and 4.
Voiland told the Herald she is “so pleased” the production will be staged in her hometown.