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AUBURN —

Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) is gearing up for a busy May with a lot to offer. First up,  it will present the Tony award-winning comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” on May 13 through 15, and 19 through 22. Following these performances, AACT will hold open auditions for the all-American musical “Hands on a Hard Body” on May 24 through 26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” takes characters and themes from Chekhov, pours them into a blender, and mixes them up. This wildly funny farce revolves around a self-absorbed movie star who returns to the family farmhouse to visit her brother and sister with her 20-something boy-toy in tow. Her arrival, and subsequent announcement, quickly turn this genial reunion into a hilarious free-for-all. This story is an intoxicating mixture of lust, sibling rivalry, unrequited love, regret and the possibility of escape. Three siblings, one hot mess. Even those who don’t know Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya from Seagull will find this play hilarious and touching.

Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on 222 E. Drake Ave., Auburn, Alabama on May 13, 14, 19 through 21 at 7 p.m., and May 15 and 22 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Call 334-246-1084 or visit www.auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information. To purchase tickets, please visit www.auburnact.org. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information.

Open auditions for the all-American musical “Hands on a Hard Body” will be held on May 24 through 26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The book is by Pulitzer Prize-winning Doug Wright, with tuneful melodies and soulful lyrics by Phish’s Amanda Green and Trey Anastasio. This modern musical showcases varied musical styles and is based on the real-life documentary of an endurance contest where one contestant will win a Nissan hardbody pick-up truck-by keeping a hand on it the longest. If you let go, you lose. Each character has their own vision of the American dream, and their own moment to shine with a solo. A new lease on life is so close they can touch it.

Ten men and six women of various ages (16 and up) and backgrounds are needed for this diverse cast. Strong dance skills are not needed for every role. Please prepare at least 60 seconds of a song, and bring recorded music or an accompanist, or you may sing a-cappella. You may prepare a one-minute monologue or read from the scripts provided. No previous experience necessary. Please bring your calendar to discuss any conflicts.

Rehearsals are scheduled to run Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from May 31 through performance dates Aug. 5 through 7 and 11 through 14. Not every actor is needed for every rehearsal so there is some flexibility. Contact Director Terry Kelley at auditions@auburnact.org for more information. Character descriptions and vocal ranges can be found at www.AuburnACT.org

Those interested in auditioning should visit www.AuburnACT.org to sign up for a time slot on Tuesday, May 24, Wednesday, May 25 or Thursday, May 26. Call back auditions, if necessary, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31.

AACT is also seeking set construction, props, tech and other volunteers for this production. Those interested in those positions are also welcome to come to auditions, or contact the director, Terry Kelley by e-mail at auditions@auburnact.org.