Got a call from Jack Batman and Bruce Robert Harris at White Plains Performing Arts Center this afternoon.

They’re not sitting idol—I mean idle — this summer. They’re announcing the following “challenge” to find Westchester’s Best Singer, Best Dancer and Best Comic.

First up is the singing competition, in two categories — Age 10-16 and Age 17+.

Registration, which cost $25, will be held July 31 and Aug. 1, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the WPPAC, which is on the top floor of the City Center mall in downtown White Plains. (At 11 City Center Place.)

The preliminaries will be held Aug. 3 with the semifinals and finals on Aug. 9.

The challenge is limited to Westchester residents. (Two forms of ID are required.)

You’ll get to sing a two- to three-minute song and hope to impress the panel of judges.

Among the prizes in the challenge — which is sponsored by the PAC, the White Plains BID and Applebee’s — is an opportunity for the kid-category winner to have a walk-on role in the WPPAC holiday production of “Oliver!”

Later in the year, they’ll be looking for Westchester’s Best Dancer and Westchester’s Best Comic.

Batman said it’s another good way for the new theater to connect with the community. He says the open calls they’ve held for their productions have shown him that there are a lot of talented people in Westchester.

For details, call 914-328-1600.

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Hastings, “City of Angels,” Niko Gelfars

Terrence Mann — yes, that Terrence Mann — presented this award. Mann created Rum Tum Tugger and The Beast on Broadway and many other parts.

Imagine getting an award from Terrence Mann.

That is pretty cool.

Niko leapt to the stage, without using the stairs.

The kid was flying.

My kids are in “American Idol” withdrawal now. (They voted for Archuleta, my wife voted for Cook.)

If your fiercely talented kid is, too, consider this note I received from Anya Wallach, the diminutive dame of youth theater:

The Random Farms Kids Theater is pleased to announce pre-registration for a special workshop this August called “Are You A Popstar?” It will be led by Cari Cole, vocal coach of Grammy winners and American Idol finalists. This two day program will offer young people, ages 10-18, the opportunity to rehearse and perform pop songs with a professional band and enter a contest to win a one song development/production deal in NYC with the Cari Cole Voice & Music Co. For more information, or to pre-register, go to http://www.randomfarms.com/specialworkshops.html.

The Village of Briarcliff Manor Recreation & Parks Department presents the 2008 Summercliff Players in Les Miserables.

The production is directed by Kathleen Donovan-Warren with musical direction by Nadia Rizzo and technical direction by James Britt. Tuition is $400 and registration is not limited to residents of Briarcliff Manor and Ossining.

The program is being offered to middle- and high-school students. Interested parties for tech crew are also welcome. Auditions are June 1 at 1 p.m. and June 2 and 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Briarcliff Manor Recreation Department, 48 Macy Road, Briarcliff Manor.

Rehearsals begin June 23 and performances are Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Got this email from Pia Haas at Westchester Broadway Theatre.

“Westchester Broadway Theatre will be holding auditions for the role of Chip in their upcoming production of “Beauty & the Beast”. Auditions will be held on Thursday March 20th at the theatre starting at 2:00pm. The show goes into rehearsals 4/14; Opens 4/24; Closes 8/3/08. There are evening and both weekday and weekend performances.

If you would like to set up an audition for your child please call 914-592-2268 ext 827 and leave your name, name and age of your child, phone number and email address. NO CALLS WE BE RETURNED BEFORE MARCH 14TH.

Child must be 4’11 or shorter, with a good vocal quality, previous acting experience is not necessary. Please be prepared with a song of your choice that you are comfortable singing and have the sheet music for. Headshots are not necessary.”

Dang it! I’m 6’2”!!!

The Armonk Players will hold auditions for ‘A Little Night Music’ by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler on Sunday, March 16 from 12-4 p.m., March 18 and 19 from 7-9 p.m. at the Hergenhan Recreation Center, 40 Maple Ave., Armonk. George Puello directs, with musical direction by George Croom.

Performances will be at the North Castle Public Library/Whippoorwill Hall, in Armonk on May 30, 31, June 1, 5, 6, and 7. The Armonk Players are sponsored by the Friends of the North Castle Library. For more information including roles or directions, visit www.armonkplayers.org.

Or contact Anne Nisenholtz at 914-273-0011.

The Harrison Players will hold auditions March 6 and 9 for “Sentimental Journey: A Musical Flashback to the 1940s,” to be directed by Michael Mele, with musical direction by Heather Edwards and choreography by Paula Lamont. The performances will be May 17 and 18.

Producers are looking for singers and dancers of all ages and ask that interested parties arrive at the Veteras Memorial Building (at 210 Halstead Ave. in Harrison) with one song (bring sheet music) and dancing shoes.

Tryouts will be March 6 from 8 to 10 p.m. and March 9 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Questions? Call Jen at 914-630-1089 or email harrisonplayers@yahoo.com.

YCP TheaterWorks holds auditions for its spring comedy, Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound,� directed by Karen Quinn-Panzer (right), on Feb. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Van Cortlandtville School on Route 6 in Mohegan Lake (directly across from the Cortlandt Town Shopping Center).

From the press release:
“Two female and four male roles are open.
Kate is a long-suffering Jewish mother whose finest moment is dancing with George Raft (40-50ish)
Blanche- Kate’s sister whole only sin was to marry a rich man, 40’s-50ish
Jack- Kate’s husband who is having an affair, 40-50 ish
Ben- Kate’s socialist Russian father, 70’s who lives with Kate and her family
Eugene- 21-23, talented writer whose dream is writing for TV
Stanley- 27, Eugene’s older and “wiser� brother who also wants to write for TV

“Broadway Bound� follows “Brighton Beach Memoirs� and “Biloxi Blues� in the playwright’s award-winning trilogy. Set in the 1940s Brooklyn, Eugene and older brother Stanley struggle to become professional comedy writers. The Jerome brothers are forced to acknowledge the many chaotic goings-on among family members, Jack Jerome and wife, Kate, Aunt Blanche, and Grandpa Ben.
The play shows us family dynamics in action as the family searches for security.
The Jerome family has their own special dysfunctions, but the author finds humor in all of it. This is a play about a real family in transition. While it makes you laugh a lot, it is also very moving.

Performances are May 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at the Van Cortlandtville School.

For information call director Karen Quinn-Panzer during business hours at 212-286-5465 or e-mail: karen_quinn@newyorker.com.�

I had the pleasure of directing Karen Quinn about a thousand years ago. She’s remarkable.

Got the following announcement from my friends at Bedford Community Theatre:

Auditions for Bedford Community Theatre’s spring production, “The Diary of Anne Frank, �will be held Jan. 9 and 10 at the Bedford Hills Community House. All roles are open.

Adults and teens are invited to audition on Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call backs and overflow will be accommodated on Thursday, Jan. 10. Participants may request an audition time slot via e-mail to catetesta@hotmail.com).

“The Diary of Anne Frankâ€? will be directed by David Fritsch. June O’Neill and John Thompson are producing the show.

Performances will be March 7, 8, 14, 15. Tickets go on sale in February.

Bedford Community Theatre operates in cooperation with the Town of Bedford Recreation and Parks Department.

For more information about auditions, including a character breakdown, and this production, visit BCT’s Web site at www.bedfordcommunitytheatre.org.

The Brewster Theater Company holds auditions Jan. 9 and 10 for its upcoming production of Eric Coble’s “Bright Ideas.â€? Producers are looking for four men, in their 20s to 40s, and five women, in their 20s to 60s, at auditions at the Brewster Public Library on Main Street in Brewster. Tryouts will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. both nights.

Here’s how producers describe the show:

“How far would you go for your child?  For Genevra and Joshua Bradley, the question is no longer hypothetical.  Their three-year-old son, Mac, is next on the waiting list to get into the Bright Ideas Early Childhood Development Academy – and everyone knows once you’re in there, your life will unfold with glorious ease.  Josh and Gen have had to scramble all their lives to get this far … and now they are on fatal dinner party away from the ultimate success as parents:  The Right Pre-School.  You may never look at pre-school — or pesto — the same way again…â€?

Readings will be done from material provided, so there’s no need to prepare a monologue.

“Bright Ideas� is scheduled to be performed on March 8, 14, 15, and 22 at 8 p.m. at The Melrose School, Federal Road, Brewster.

For further information, including cast descriptions and directions, go to www.brewstertheatercompany.org or send e-mail to rdietzen@gmail.com
or leave a message at: 845-598-1621.

Yorktown Stage will hold auditions Jan. 6 and 7 for its upcoming production of Disney’s “High School Musicalâ€? — by appointment only — at the theater at 1974 Commerce St. in Yorktown Heights.  Call 914-962-0606 or e-mail yorktownstage@aol.com for an appointment.

Auditions will be Sunday, Jan. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 7 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Callbacks will be Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Performances are scheduled for April 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and April 6 and 13 at 1 p.m.

Rehearsals will begin March 2 and run weekdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from noon to 6. All actors are not required every day.

Requirements:
• Bring sheet music in the appropriate key.
• Be prepared to sing 16 bars (possibly more). An accompanist is provided.
• Bring  headshot (or small non-returnable photograph).
• Bring resume or a list of experience.
• Non-professionals must be able to speak loudly and clearly.

Actors Conservatory Theatre announces auditions for its Junior Troupe production of the “Barnum,” the circus musical.

Open auditions are Sunday, Jan. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 10 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Auditioners must be in grades 5 through 12 and audition slots will be arranged in the order of arrival. Jennifer Langford will direct, with choreography by Janice Paganelli and musical direction by George Croom.

CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Phineas Taylor Barnum
Chairy Barnum (P.T. Barnum’s wife)
Joice Heth (The Oldest Woman Alive)
Tom Thumb (Smallest Man in the World)
Julius Goldschmidt (Jenny Lind’s manager)
Jenny Lind (Swedish Soprano)
Blues Singer (A black woman, same as Joice Heth)
James A. Bailey (Small Circus Owner)

Ringmaster (Circus performer, same as James A. Bailey)
Chester Lyman (Joice Heth’s manager)
Amos Scudder (Owner of the American Museum)
Sherwood Stratton (Tom Thumb’s father)
Mrs. Sherwood Stratton (Tom Thumb’s mother)
Wilton (Barnum’s assistant on the Jenny Lind tour)
Edgar Templeton (Political party boss)
Humbert Morrissey (Political party boss)

First Woman (“Women’s Emporium� Scene)
Second Woman (“Women’s Emporium� Scene)
Concertmaster (Jenny Lind concert scene)

Tumblers, Jugglers, Clowns, Aerialists, Acrobats, Gymnasts, Bricklayers, Passersby, Museum Patrons, Strongmen, Beefeaters, The “Mob� in general, The Bridgeport Pageant Choirs, and Bands of every size, shape and description.

Rehearsals will be Sundays at 4 p.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., with performances April 4 at 8 p.m., April 5 at 2 and 8 p.m. and April 6 at 2 p.m.

For more information, e-mail ACTShows2@aol.com or call 914.391.6558

Actors Conservatory Theatre is at 20 Buckingham Road in Yonkers. Directions to the theatre can be found at: www.actshows.org/directions.html

Yorktown Stage announces audition dates for next spring’s production of “Disney’s High School Musical.”

Tryouts are Sunday, Jan. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 7 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Callbacks will be Tuesday, January 15, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Performances will be Saturdays, April 5 and 12 at 2 PM and 7 PM and Sundays, April 6 and 13 @ 1 PM

Rehearsals begin March 2: weekdays 7 – 10 pm, weekends 12 – 6 pm.
All actors are not required every day.

For the auditions:
• Bring sheet music in the appropriate key.
• Be prepared to sing 16 bars (possibly more). An accompanist is provided.
• Bring headshot (or small non-returnable photograph).
• Bring resume’ (list of experience is acceptable).
• Non-professionals must be able to speak loudly and clearly.

For more information:
Phone: 914/962.0606
website: www.yorktownstage.org

email: yorktownstage@aol.com.

I am a Christmas music freak.

I listen to Handel’s “Messiah” year-round. You should hear my 7-year-old son sing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” So I’m pleased to pass on the news that “Bending Towards the Light – Jazz Nativity” is coming to Nyack’s Riverspace on Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.

And even more pleased to tell you that Anne Phillips and Bob Kindred — the writer/producers of the piece — are looking for a boy soprano to sing the title song “Bending Towards the Light.”

On Monday, Nov. 19, they’ll audition for a 7- to 12-year-old male soprano to play the shepard boy who will sing the title song.   The rest of the cast for this wondrous mix of theatre and jazz will be top New York jazz cats and singers.

Auditions will be held at Riverspace, 119 Main St., Nyack on Nov. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Fort Hill Players is about to hold auditions for the Westchester premiere of
Steve Martin’s “The Underpants.â€?

Adapted from Carl Sternheim’s “Die Hose,â€? it’s the story of Louise Maske, a bureaucrat’s pretty but sexually neglected young wife, whose bloomers unaccountably slip to her ankles when she’s watching the king’s parade. When she rents out a room in her apartment, a flighty poet seeking his muse, and a Jewish dentist quickly answer the call. Upstairs neighbor, Gertrude, a voyeuristic busybody, fuels the frenzy, while boorish husband Theo is too consumed by the fear of social rammifications to see what is going on right under his nose.

Auditions are Nov. 27 and 29 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. at Rochambeau School, 28 Fisher Ave., White Plains. For directions, go to www.FortHillPlayers.com or call  914-946-5143.

Performance dates are March 14, 15, 21, 22.