Producer: Patrick Erkman
Director: Tammy Erkman

The Musical Theatre Guild of Butler is thrilled to announce auditions for the outrageously funny, campy cult classic Ruthless!

Audition Dates: Sunday, May 3 & Tuesday, May 5
Callbacks (if needed): Thursday, May 7

William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall & Production Center in Butler Memorial Park. Click Here for directions.

The Musical Theatre Guild of Butler values inclusion and diverse representation in all its endeavors. Everyone is welcome both on stage and off. In that spirit, we warmly encourage you to schedule an audition or volunteer to participate in our production. If you are interested in contributing behind the scenes, please contact us at Auditions.MTG@gmail.com.

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Auditions Info

Please complete this form to schedule your audition.

Participants should prepare a 32-bar vocal selection in the style of the show that best showcases your range and character. Ruthless! is a high-energy, dark comedy musical — think bold, character-driven, and comedic storytelling.

Bring printed music or tracks for your selection — an accompanist will be provided. A cold reading from the script will also be part of the initial audition.

We will confirm audition appointments by Saturday, May 4. Video auditions may be submitted to Auditions.MTG@gmail.com until noon on May 5. Please include a vocal selection, experience, headshot, and schedule conflicts.

Callbacks, if needed, will be held on Thursday, May 7. All performers will be notified with casting and first rehearsal information shortly after callbacks.

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The Schedule

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The Synopsis

Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking — and she will do anything to win the part in her school musical… anything.

Ruthless! is an outrageous, campy musical comedy packed with wild twists, bold characters, and theatrical flair. A cult favorite since its Off-Broadway premiere, the show delivers sharp humor, big personalities, and delightfully over-the-top storytelling.

Character Breakdown

The character descriptions below are suggestions provided by Concord Theatricals and serve as a general guide.

SYLVIA ST. CROIX – A stylish woman of a certain age whose histrionic flair secures her a place alongside Mama Rose, Dolly Levi, and Mame as the fourth head carved into the Mount Rushmore of Theatrical Dames. A no-nonsense manager whose specialty is discovering, signing, and guiding the careers of extraordinarily talented children.

JUDY DENMARK – A devoted wife and mother who floats effortlessly through life with a smile, whether doing housework, doting on her daughter, or taking a time-out to bake a cake. Though a woman with opinions on everything from how best to raise her child to preparing a well-balanced meal, she automatically defers to those around her, the result of her hallmark virtue: consummate politeness.

TINA DENMARK – An adorable and alarmingly talented little girl who sings and dances as though she were born to entertain. When not “on stage,” she’s charming, courteous and, unlike most eight-year- olds, she knows exactly what she wants to be before she grows up…a big-time Broadway star!

MISS THORN – She’s convinced herself, after years of failing to make it as an actress in New York, that true fulfillment could be found not only in front of an audience, but in front of a classroom. Returning to her hometown to become a third-grade teacher, she takes a strictly professional approach to putting on the annual school show.

LOUISE LERMAN – An ordinary fourth-grader who likes jumping rope and eating lunch.

LITA ENCORE – A boozy theatre critic who cracks wise, laughs at her own jokes, and can write a review so scathing she can close a Broadway musical in less than two paragraphs. She’s a loving and compassionate mother to Judy, whom she adopted and raised as her own child, but can’t resist making inappropriate jokes when engaged in a heart-to-heart talk with her, all in good fun, of course.

EVE – An assistant to a Broadway star, her behavior cycles from professional to erratic to downright bizarre. One minute she’s fiercely loyal, the next she’s imitating the star’s every move, clearly wanting to be her, not work for her. Her slipping into foreign accents would suggest she marches not to a different drummer, but to an entire drum corp.

FREDERICK DENMARK – Judy’s husband, Tina’s father, he shows up moments before the final curtain. Although we don’t see him, only hear him speak from offstage, it works best having someone deliver his lines live as opposed to using pre-recorded sound cues.

• The role of Tina Denmark may be played by a child or an adult performer.
• The role of Sylvia St. Croix is traditionally played by a male actor in drag, but may be cast in any way.
• The production may be cast with any combination of male and female actors.
• Some roles may be doubled.

The Songs

• Tina’s Mother
• Born to Entertain
• Talent
• To Play This Part
• Teaching Third Grade
• Where Tina Gets It From
• The Pippi Song
• I Hate Musicals
• Angel Mom
• Montage
• Penthouse Apartment
• It Can Never Be That Way Again
• I Want the Girl
• Parents and Children
• Ruthless