Kokandy Productions is seeking main cast and understudies for Craig Lucas, Nathan Tysen & Daniel Messé’s Amélie, directed and choreographed by Derek Van Barham and Brennan Urbi, with music direction by T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener.  The show will be produced at The Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park.

About the Show:

While times may be hard for dreamers, dreaming is all Amélie Poulain does. After surviving a tragic and isolated childhood, Amélie heads out on her own, joyfully finding her way through Paris and making friends from all walks of life: Suzanne, a trapeze artist-turned-cafe owner; Georgette, a hypochondriac tobacconist; Julian Dufayel, an artist with brittle bone disease; and many more. Through a chance discovery, Amélie finds a child’s box of treasures in the floor of her apartment, and sets out to return it. After her success, and the joy it brings to Bretodeau, the owner, Amélie resolves to anonymously do good for those around her. Most importantly, Amélie finds love in the form of Nino, a mysterious young man, and his photo album. Living in her imaginary world of make-believe and whimsy has been safe, but Amélie knows it is time to step out of her dreams and find joy for herself. With a romantic score, colorful characters, and a world of fantastical fun, Amélie is a beautiful tale for the dreamers in everyone.

We are looking to cast 12-14 performers of all ages, ethnicities, genders and types to cover all roles and tracks in the show. 

Though not required for consideration, we are particularly interested in actor/musicians and other performers with instrument playing skills (all levels). Referencing the 2019 UK revival of the show, tracks do not require instrument playing, but we are interested in implementing them where possible. Please do not let a lack of playing discourage you from submitting. 

Available Roles:

AMELIE: 20s, still imaginative, still sees the best in things, still independent, but her independence might be growing into a more permanent state of isolation. Amelie will also be involved in voicing and operating a Young Amelie puppet. (F3-F5)

RAPHAEL POULAIN: Amelie’s father, a clinical Army physician; orderly, sees the worst in things; finds his daughter incomprehensible. (B2-E4)

AMANDINE POULAIN: Amelie’s mother, a neurotic teacher, sees eye to eye with her husband. (G3- D5)

NINO QUINCAMPOIX: A loner and artist; unconventional good looks; independent, private. (Ab2-B4)

GOLDFISH: Young Amelie’s best friend. (F#2-D#4)

BLIND BEGGAR: Dyspeptic. (G2-F4)

SUZANNE SACRIPANT: Owner of Two Windmills Café, one leg shorter than the other. (G3-F#5)

GINA WELLS: Waitress at Two Windmills, a young widow. (G3-F#5)

GEORGETTE CORNUEL: Hypochondriacal tobacconist at Two Windmills. (G3-F#5)

PHILOMENE DE NOIRPOIS: Airline hostess; a habitue of Two Windmills. (G3-F5)

JOSEPH COTTARD: Gina’s misogynistic ex-lover, a plumber, a habitue of Two Windmills. (G2-D4)

LUCIEN VILLEPARISIS: Childlike employee of the local grocery. (D3-A4)

COLLIGNON: Local grocer.

JULIEN DUFAYEL: Elderly recluse with degenerative bone disease.

DOMINIQUE BRETODEAU: Middle-aged man with regrets.

ELTON JOHN: Superstar. (A2-B4)

GARDEN GNOME: Cast in plaster, knee-high, heavy.

SYLVIE LEGRANDIN: Sex shop worker.

ADRIEN WELLS: Gina’s dead husband. (B2-B3)

Many of the above roles may be doubled. Additional doubling and ensemble roles to be finalized as casting is completed.

Pay: $800 stipend

Time Commitment:

Rehearsals begin the week of June 2, 2025 (4-5 rehearsals per week; a mix of weekday evenings and weekend morning/afternoons).
Tech begins Friday, July 11.
First preview Thursday, July 17.
Opening weekend: Sat, August 2 and Sun, August 3.
Regular performance week is Thur-Sat 7PM, Sun 5PM.
The show will run through Sun, September 28, 2025.

Material to Prepare:

Please submit (up to) a 32-bar cut of a song that showcases your range and personality. We welcome self-accompaniment and/or will have a spot to submit additional clips of your playing instruments. 

Contact Info:

Please utilize the form linked on our website to upload your headshot/resume and express your interest and availability for this production. Include if there are any specific role(s) for which you’d like to be considered, whether or not you are interested in understudying, and any conflicts you have with the production period. 

*Please note* If you are invited to callbacks, candidates will be sent material from the show to prepare via self-tape. Additional in-person callbacks may also be scheduled at a later date.

Submissions are due by Monday, January 27. Please submit materials, interest and availability via form at bit.ly/chicagoamelieauditions

If you have any issues submitting via the audition form, please email: casting@kokandyproductions.com