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COMMUNITY
AUDITIONS
HELLO, LOVE
A NEW MUSICAL BY DISTEL & DISTEL
Directed by Piper J. Distel and Lori Robinson Distel
Musical Direction by Lys Ashen Hill
SHOW DATES
SEPTEMBER 4-7, 2025 at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
(9 Princess St. East. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada)
AUDITION DATES
Tuesday, June 2nd from 6:00-10:00 PM
Wednesday, June 3rd from 6:00-10:00 PM
(The Preston Legion: 334 Westminster Dr. North. Cambridge, ON.)
Spanning a century of love, loss, and legacy, Hello, Love is a sweeping musical that follows four generations of one Canadian family, each defined by a different war: World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. Told through the deeply personal letters written by soldiers to the ones they left behind, the story explores the enduring human cost of conflict and the fragile threads of connection that bind families together across time and distance.
The journey begins with John, a young doctor from Toronto, who pens reluctant letters from the muddy trenches of the Somme to Mary, the spoiled heiress he is expected to wed following his return. His son, Eugene, an RCAF pilot in World War II, writes home to his childhood sweetheart Betty-Anne as he flies perilous missions over Europe. Their son, Micheal, a medic reluctantly drawn into the chaos of Vietnam, develops an unlikely love affair with Chi— a young woman caught in the midst of conflict. Finally, Michael’s daughter Morgan, a career soldier deployed to Kandahar, shares her reflections and fears with her Muslim partner back home in Toronto, revealing the emotional toll of modern warfare.
As the letters are read aloud and come to life on stage, each voice becomes a song — a duet between past and present, duty and desire, pain and hope. Through rich harmonies, stirring choreography, and a hauntingly beautiful score, Hello, Love captures the intimate stories behind the headlines, celebrating the resilience of the human heart across generations.
At its core, this is a story not just of soldiers, but of those who waited, hoped, and endured — a powerful testament to the ties that survive even the greatest distances.
PRODUCTION INFO
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO AUDITION?
HELLO, LOVE is open to performers of all ages! No experience necessary. Penny & Pound Theatre is committed to offering diverse and equitable theatre to all. We highly encourage full participation from performers who identify as IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA++, disAbled as well as those of all body types, societal and economic backgrounds and religious beliefs! We are committed to meeting the needs and expectations of all those who participate in our productions.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Please prepare a musical theatre song that shows off both your vocal and acting range. The song should be no more than 3 minutes in length. Please bring along an accompaniment track and device, as acapella auditions will not be accepted.
SHOW FEE
In order to participate in HELLO, LOVE, performers are asked t pay a show fee of $80. This fee covers the costs of producing high-quality theatrical productions, and DOES NOT pay the Creative Team. If you require a payment plan, we would be happy to discuss the options. All those who pay the fee receive the following:
- 1 complimentary ticket to the show
- A professional-quality headshot
- A bound copy of the script
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ‘IN DEVELOPMENT?’
Being in a show in development is exciting, unpredictable, and deeply collaborative — like being part of a creative experiment where everything is still up for discussion. Here’s what the experience is like:
1) Flexibility: Scripts change. Songs are rewritten. Entire scenes may be cut or added overnight. One day you have a solo, the next it’s a group number, or it’s gone altogether. Flexibility is key — and being cool with the unknown is part of the ride.
2) Collaboration: Writers, composers, and directors often lean on actors for feedback. How a line feels coming out of your mouth might change how it's written. The way you interpret a character can inspire a new song or shift the story. Your instincts matter, and your input is often welcomed.
3) The Rehearsal Process: There are lots of table reads, rewrites, and restagings. You might spend hours on one scene just to have it completely reworked the next day. It's not always about polish — it's about discovery.
IMPORTANT DATES
REHEARSAL DATES
Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6:00-10:00 PM in Cambridge, ON.
* Wednesday evenings may be added if needed.
FIRST REHEARSAL
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025
TECH WEEK
August 31st- September 3rd, 2025
SHOW WEEK
Thursday, September 4th at 8:00 PM
Friday, September 5th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 6th at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, September 7th at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
JOHN | Masculine; Baritone; Acting Age: 25-35
An aristocratic and studious man who feels the obligation to fulfill his duty as a citizen during the Great War, putting his life of privilege on hold.
MARY | Feminine; Soprano; Acting Age: 20-30
A beautiful but spoiled heiress, betrothed to John. Although she initially disinterested in the young man, she forms a caring bond through the letters they send while he is overseas.
EUGENE | Masculine; Tenor; Acting Age: 20-25
Optimistic and easy-going, Eugene is a poetic dreamer who enlists as a RFCA pilot in order to fulfill a childhood wish.
BETTY-ANNE | Feminine; Mezzo-Soprano; Acting Age: 20-25
A rough and tumble Tom-Boy, Betty-Anne is Eugene’s childhood sweetheart who contributes to the war effort back home in Toronto.
MICHAEL | Masculine; Tenor; Acting Age: 18-25
Brave and charismatic, Michael is a free-spirit who enlists in the Vietnam Conflict because of his strong sense of justice.
CHI | Feminine; Soprano; Acting Age: 18-25
A young Vietnamese civilian. Wise, ethereal and guided by her traditions.
MORGAN | Feminine; Alto; Acting Age: 25-35
A career soldier. Straight-shooting and opinionated with a strong sense of justice, just like her father.
AVANI | Feminine; Mezzo; Acting Age: 25-35
Morgan's partner. A Canadian-born Muslim facing the fallout of 9/11. Intelligent and logical. Not yet ready to disclose her relationship to others.
BOY | Masculine; Tenor; Acting Age: 12-14
The younger version of John, Eugene and David.
GIRL | Feminine; Soprano; Acting Age: 12-14
The younger version of Mary, Betty-Anne and Morgan.
ENSEMBLE (10) | Any Gender; Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Baritone
Ten versatile performers who portray multiple characters throughout the show.