Casting Kid and Teen Performers for "Madagascar Jr." Play

Alex, the lion, is the main attraction at the Central Park Zoo and undoubtedly “The King of New York City.” He’s a fun-loving fella whose devotion to steak is matched only by his devotion to his friends. Cast a great singer and actor but most importantly, someone who has that magnetic quality of a showman. Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Marty is a zebra with dreams of exploring beyond the confines of the Central Park Zoo and into the wild. Cast a young man who is a solid singer and actor who also possesses a sweet disposition. You want your audience to root for Marty. He should be a perfect complement to Alex. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Gloria, the hippopotamus, is a bold young lady with a maternal streak that shines when she’s with her three closest friends: Alex, Marty and Melman. This a great part for a performer who can act, sing and who can serve as the caretaker of the group. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: Eb4

Melman is a kind-hearted giraffe who is a bit of a hypochondriac. He’s always just a little bit nervous, but when it comes down to it, he’ll rise to the situation. Pick a performer who can sing well but more notably, can carve out this comedic part with strong acting choices. Vocal range top: Db5 Vocal range bottom: E3

The Penguins are a group of birds on a mission: bust out of the zoo and return home to Antarctica. Skipper serves as the captain of the group, giving orders with ease and command. Kowalski is Skipper’s second-in-command and a dutiful one at that. Rico is the brute of the group and can karate chop anything in sight. Private’s primary job in the group is to maintain the cute and fuzzy disguise. Cast these four primary roles with performers who work well together.

The Zookeepers introduce the crowds to all the sights and attractions of the Central Park Zoo. Zookeeper Zelda, Zookeeper Zeke and Zookeeper Zoe are perfect parts for proficient musicians and actors who can express a real excitement and passion for the animals. Zelda has a large solo in the opening, so cast your best singer amongst the Zookeepers in that role. Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: B3

Mason is a chimpanzee with a bone to pick: though highly intelligent, his species seems to get a bad reputation for being simpleminded, and he takes that quite personally. This is a great acting role for a performer who can make bold choices from the get-go.

The Lemurs are a wild band of creatures native to Madagascar trying desperately to avoid being eaten by the cat-like creatures called the Fossa. King Julien is their leader and the perfect part for the comedian of your company who can sing, dance, act and has intuitive comedic timing. Maurice is King Julien’s assistant who is not so welcoming to Madagascar’s new inhabitants. Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: A3

The Fossa are cat-like predators with an appetite for Lemurs! The Fossa Leader is the biggest and baddest of the Fossa and is feared by most of the creatures in Madagascar. Cast an actor who has a great imagination for creating a larger-than-life creature who can strike fear with one look. For the rest of Fossa, choose an ensemble that can create a dominating pack of predators.

Servers #1, #2 and #3 are imagined servers in Alex’s dream when he starts to desire meat desperately! Cast three performers who can both dance and sing well and work as a unit well together. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: D4

The Lionesses are a group of lady lions and Alex’s background singers and dancers. These are great featured roles for dancers.

The New Yorkers and Animals are two separate ensemble groups that are essential for setting up the world of the Central Park Zoo. Remind these groups to be bold, specific and full of energy to kick off the show with a bang!

The New Yorkers and Animals are two separate ensemble groups that are essential for setting up the world of the Central Park Zoo. Remind these groups to be bold, specific and full of energy to kick off the show with a bang!