Auditions for GLO’s inaugural production of A Victor Herbert Centenary Celebration are now closed. We are grateful for all the interest and for the time and talent shared by all singers who applied. The cast list will be announced soon.

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GLO is accepting video audition submissions only for the Victor Herbert Centenary Concert. This concert will consist of various works from Irish-American composer Victor Herbert – described by the Library of Congress as “the Grandfather of American Musical Theatre” – and will celebrate 100 years since his passing.  The show will feature two parts. The first half will be a semi-staged mini operetta, The Magic Knight, a 30-minute parody of Wagner’s Lohengrin. The second half will be selected arias from Herbert’s various works presented as solos, duets, and small ensembles. Total run time will be 90 minutes. 

Schedule:

There will be a compact rehearsal period beginning October 19th. Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons/evenings and Monday/Wednesday evenings. Tech: November 6th, evening. Total of 4 Performances: November 8th, Friday evening 7:30pm; November 9th, Saturday matinee 4:30pm and evening performance 7pm; November 10th, Sunday matinee performance 3pm. 

Location:

Rehearsals will be held primarily at Park Plaza Retirement Center in Chicago, IL.

Performances will be given at Mayslake Hall at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois. 

Additional Information:

All music will be performed off book and accompanied by piano. (Vocal scores will be provided soon after casting.) Some roles may be double cast. There is no pay. No housing or stipend is provided. This is a fundraising concert to fund our main stage production in 2026. For additional show information, visit our event page for A Victor Herbert Centenary Celebration. 

Video Submission:

Please send your headshot, resume, and a song in the style of Victor Herbert (ex. operetta, opera or classical musical theatre).  Please use an unlisted Youtube link. Auditions are due August 23rd by 11:59pm.

To submit, please fill out the audition form: https://forms.gle/mng1SkYeHGzfdY2K7

Any questions? Email us at info@greatlakesoperetta.com

The Magic Knight Roles

  • Elsa

    Coloratura Soprano (Lead) - A typical grand operatic maiden in the usual distressing predicament. Her solution to all life's problems is to sing cadenzas and high notes.

  • Lohengrin

    Tenor (Lead) - A professional rescuer of distressed maidens, who owes his life to magic.

  • The King

    Bass-Baritone (Lead) - The King of Lotharingia and harassed arbiter of the Royal Court's proceedings against Elsa.

  • Ortrud

    Mezzo or Contralto (Supporting) - Elsa's villainous aunt by marriage; (secretly) a sorceress by profession.

  • Frederick

    Any Voice Type (Supporting) - Frederick of Telramund, Count of Brabant. Elsa's villainous uncle and husband of Ortrud.

  • Herald

    Any Voice Type (Featured) - A medieval news announcer (also sings in the Ensemble).

  • Godfrey the Swan

    Any Voice Type (Featured) - An item in a foul conspiracy (sings in the Finale only).

  • Ensemble

    All voice types needed. May understudy the leading roles.