Announcing auditions for the June 2025 production of…
CATARACT HOUSE
A TRUE AMERICAN MUSICAL
Book and Lyrics by Kamala Boeck
Music by Aryian Gridiron and Criston Moore
Directed by Avery Gibson
Assistant Directed by Perrin Swanson
Vocal Direction by Aryian Gridiron
Choreography by Marvin Ramey
In collaboration with the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
Saturday and Sunday April 26 & 27 from 11 AM to 2 PM
Make an Appointment at esonline.org!
ABOUT THE PLAY
In the summer of 1853, Niagara Falls was the “must-see” destination for travelers from around the world. Writers, politicians, celebrities, the wealthy, Southern Enslavers, and Free Black people all came to see the Indigenous “Thundering Water” and American Wonder of the World – And if they wanted to impress their friends, they would stay at the internationally known Cataract House Hotel.
Established in 1825 along the banks of the Niagara River, the historic Cataract House was a world-renowned luxury hotel that became one of the most important Underground Railroad locations in the nation. Under the leadership of head waiter John Morrison, its African American waitstaff led double lives as secret Underground Railroad agents helping countless freedom seekers escape to safety in Canada.
Not only did they have precision in their appointed work – the detailed choreography that transformed the dining rooms into a dance of courses- but also in the sophisticated maneuvering they organized which freed hundreds of freedom seekers from bondage.
By combining text, song, and traditional African American dance forms, the Cataract House will bring to life and celebrate the incredible story of freedom along the Niagara Frontier.
* This play contains racism, slavery, racial slurs, implied sexual assault, and disability.
*No children under the age of 16 will be cast in this production.
AUDITION DATES
Auditions will be held in 1-hour time blocks on Saturday and Sunday 4/26 and 4/27 from 11 AM to 2 PM. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment click the link below.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Auditions will consist of 3 components; cold reads from the script, an acapella song that best showcases your voice, and dance. The dance sequence will be taught during auditions. Please arrive dressed appropriately for dance, and please bring water to stay hydrated.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
esonline.org/auditions
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM beginning on 05/05/25 at First Congregational Church ending on 5/29/25. Rehearsals will resume at The Empty Space beginning 06/02/25 and ending on 06/12/25. Tech rehearsals will be 06/16/25 through 06/18/25 at The Empty Space with extended hours.
PERFORMANCES
Performances will be 6/19, 6/20, and 6/21 at 8 PM and a Sunday matinee on 6/22 at 2 PM at The Empty Space.
ROLES TO BE CAST
Please refer to the breakdown below. Although we are actively seeking all races and ethnicities, most characters are race/ethnicity specific to best preserve historical accuracy. We strongly encourage gender non-conforming, gender fluid, transgender and non-binary actors to audition.
John Morrison – (male, Black, age 44) Head Waiter. The head of the staff, guide, mentor, and hero. Humble in his work, but commands respect from all, including his employers. Originally from Illinois, half Cherokee. Born 1819. Nee Samuel Taylor.
Lewis Hamilton – (male, Black, age 35) Waiter, efficient, friendly – . From Washington, D.C. Eventually opens Hamilton’s General Agency and Intelligence Office.
James Patterson – (male, Black, age 23) Waiter, from Tennessee.
Jerome Jeffrey – (male, Black, age 23) Waiter From Louisiana.
Luke Green – (male, biracial, age 22) Waiter, educated, deaf and mute. Bilingual French/English – from New Orleans reads/writes.
Samuel Bonds – nee Michael Taylor – (male, Black, age 20) The newest waiter, served in the Home of Major Taylor – uses the pseudonym of Samuel Bonds. Has left his parents behind. He is John’s nephew. From Illinois.
Catherine Polk {already cast} – Pastry Chef. The heart of the Cataract House, surrogate mother, sister to many of the staff. Born in Baltimore, MD.
Albert Jones – {already cast} Cook married to Martha Jones. From North Carolina.
Solon Whitney {already cast} – Hotel owner
THE GUESTS:
Henry (H.S) Cox – (male, White, 30’s) Leather Barron from Philadelphia, newly wedded to Mary Berry.
Ruth Howland - (White, 40's) Amateur artist from Massachusetts, married but traveling alone.
Nancy Berry {already cast} - Enslaved to Mary Berry. From St. Louis, MO.
Mary Berry {already cast} – From St. Louis, newly married to Henry Cox – is fond and jealous of Nancy. She is older than her new husband.
Blackwell {already cast} – Guest and slaveholder of Martha. From North Carolina.
Martha Jones {already cast} – Freedom seeker / Wife to Albert Jones, from North Carolina.
Chorus – Number flexible - double as waiters, Samuel’s mother, residents of Niagara Falls, etc.
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