"Audition" help for Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors?

Question

Alright, so, in this play that I'm already cast in (as Audrey), Little shop of horrors, we had a dentist, but he was unable to perform in one of the shows because of some unavoidable conflict and had to drop out. I sort of unofficially took it upon myself to find a Dentist for the show. I mentioned it to my friend Kurt and he thought it would be awesome if he could play the Dentist, because he really loves the movie (and wants the boots, bad). He has no acting experience and is fairly tone def (I'm not sure to what extent because i Haven't really gotten a chance to hear him sing seriously). He is however, extremely funny and able to make the Audience laugh. I'm presenting him to the director later this week as a potential Dentist candidate, what are some suggestions for him impressing the director?

Answer 1

The dentist is pretty crucial in the story line - a lack of any experience isn't really a good sign!  But just because he's never acted before doesn't necessarily mean that he can't.  The dentist does sing (in a slightly gruff voice), but still he needs to be able to sing in tune, in character, and not suddenly bottle out in front of an audience.

The comedy needs to be left to Audrey II - the dentist is the bad guy.  he has the odd funny moment, but he's more sadistic, aggressive and violent - not much room for making the audience laugh.

He'll need to prove to the director that he can act the cocky bad guy, be able to sing in tune, and swagger about like he owns the place.  The director is probably also looking for someone to do it, so he or she will simply reaudition a few people and pick who they think is best.

Answer 2

Haha - we did that play in high school and our dentist couldn't sing either. So, he sorta "talked" through it in rhythm like Steve Martin. Try that. It was pretty funny. Honestly, you don't need acting experience for that part - if you can be a ham - you're good.

Answer 3

Teach him the 'Pharoh' song from 'Joseph' and have him slap some ham on it. That doesn't require big time singing skills and can show humor.