By
Seth Rudetsky & Jack Plotnick
Concept Created By
Seth Rudetsky and Drew Geraci
Additional Material By
Drew Geraci
Audition Dates: Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Both audition dates begin at 7:00 p.m. Registration opens at 6:30 p.m. and will close at 7:30 p.m.
Performances: September 18-20, 25-27, October 2-4, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Auditions will be held at the Players Guild of Dearborn: 21730 Madison, Dearborn, MI 48124.
You must complete the audition form and conflict calendar found at www.playersguildofdearborn.org before arriving. Please list all actual and possible conflicts.
Director
Brian Townsend
Music Director
Paul Abbott
Choreographer
Jenna Williams
It’s 1979, and New York’s hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. Joining them are a handsome player who’s a good guy underneath, a nun with a bad habit, a faded disco diva, an unscrupulous casino owner, a driven reporter, a loopy lounge singer, a couple enjoying retirement, and a disaster expert who wants to save their lives (or at least 80% of them). What begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters — earthquakes! tidal waves! infernos! As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive and, quite possibly, repair the love that they’ve lost … or at least escape the killer rats. A hilarious send-up of disaster movies set to a groovy score of 1970s hits!
From the Director:
In addition to being a loving parody of 1970s disaster movies, Disaster! is an energetic comedy set to a kicking score of disco hits. Every character is given their moment to shine, and that includes the piranhas, rats, and sharks. Yes, Disaster! is a sight gag on wheels … or perhaps platform shoes.
To that end, limber up your voice, your body, and your funny bone. While we will lean into the humor of the show, it plays best when you — the character — believe what is happening is totally real. We want to raise the rafters with the music and dance, and bust the theater’s seams with belly laughs (or at least some good groans). Come with an open mind and a willingness to play!
PLEASE NOTE: While full knowledge of The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, and Earthquake is not required, do yourself a ridiculous favor and catch one or two of them.
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The character ages listed are approximate; actors should be able to “play” these ages.
The Players Guild of Dearborn values inclusion and diverse representation in all its endeavors. All roles are open to all races, ethnicities, identities, and orientations unless otherwise noted.
All those auditioning should be prepared for movement/dance — wear comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes. Those with tap experience, please bring your tap shoes.
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CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Chad Rubik (20s/30s, male | Tenor)
A handsome, charismatic, winning man. Beneath his “ladies’ man” exterior, he’s a heartbroken romantic who still longs for his first love Marianne, who left him jilted at the altar.
Audition song: “Without You”
Scott (20s/30s, male | Tenor)
A goofy, well-meaning guy — a nerd who wants to be cool. Socially inept, but a true friend to Chad.
Audition song: “Hot Stuff”
Professor Ted Scheider (40s, male | Baritone/Tenor)
Dry and scientific, a disaster expert who is trying to warn the others of impending doom. He believes in doing the right thing. A serious, professorial type who keeps his emotions in check until he just can’t any longer.
Audition song: “Sky High”
Marianne Wilson (20s/30s, female | Mezzo-Soprano)
An attractive and focused journalist, determined to expose all the violations on board the Barracuda. She left Chad to pursue her career. Tough on the outside, but insecure underneath it all.
Audition song: “I Am Woman”
Tony Delvecchio (40s–50s, male | Baritone/Tenor)
An unscrupulous but (sometimes) charming middle-aged man, who might be dealing with some daddy issues. He owns the Barracuda Casino. A schemer, always out to make a buck or take a buck, but never one to take the blame.
Audition song: “Hot Stuff”
Jackie Noelle (mid/late-30s–40s, female | Mezzo-Soprano)
An aging but still sexy showgirl, now a lounge singer on the Barracuda. She may not be too bright, but she’s honest (think early Goldie Hawn). She is the mother of Ben and Lisa. She feels her life isn’t complete without a man … until she realizes that it can be.
Audition song: “Saturday Night”
Ben & Lisa Noelle (12-ish, male or female — played by a young actor or a young-appearing older actor | Boy Soprano)
Jackie’s son and daughter — twins! — played by the same actor. They may not always get along, but they are smart and direct. Physically and vocally active role that requires switching between characters quickly.
Audition song: “Ben”
Sister Mary Downey (20s and up, female | Mezzo-Soprano/Alto)
An awkward, judgmental nun with a gambling addiction. She’s on a mission to save some souls but so far things aren’t going too well. And rumor has it her favorite slot machine is on board.
Audition song: “Never Can Say Goodbye”
Levora Verona (30s and up, Black female | Mezzo-Soprano/Alto)
A flamboyant and glamorous faded disco diva. Strapped for cash, she’s hoping to hit it big in the casino. Pushy and sassy, yet totally in love with her dog Baby.
Audition song: “Knock on Wood”
Shirley Summers (mid-40s and up, female | Soprano)
Lovable and jolly Jewish woman, married to Maury. She wants everyone to find the kind of love she has. Despite her good humor, she’s hiding a fatal secret. Great comedic actress, mentally and physically. Tap dancing a plus!
Audition song: “Still the One”
Maury Summers (50s and up, male | Baritone/Tenor)
Shirley’s dedicated, adoring, understanding husband. He’s also lovable and jolly. Always tries to find the positive in everything.
Audition song: “Still the One”
Ensemble Women and Men (ages 18 and up, all vocal ranges)
Able to play a variety of glamorous party guests/character roles. Great comedic chops, a wide range of dance skills, and great voices needed.
From the ensemble will emerge: A workman; the Chef of The Barracuda (French accent); Jake, Tony’s security/bodyguard; a New York taxi driver; Traci, a waitress; a Wealthy Wife and her Wealthy Husband; and more!
WOMEN Audition song: “I Will Survive”
MEN Audition song: “Hot Stuff”