Open auditions for ASOC play begin in July

The Astor Street Opry Company has announcd open auditions for “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier and directed by Sheila Shaffer.

Auditions are set for July 24 and 25 at the ASOC Playhouse, 129 Bond St., Astoria, at 6 p.m., both nights. The play calls for four players, two men and two women ages 17 and older.

Daphne du Maurier’s short story, also the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, is boldly adapted by Conor McPherson—a gripping, unsettling, and moving look at human relationships in the face of societal collapse. In an isolated house, strangers Nat and Diane take shelter from relentless masses of attacking birds. They find relative sanctuary but not comfort or peace; there’s no electricity, little food, and a nearby neighbor may still be alive and watching them. Another refugee, the young and attractive Julia, arrives with some news of the outside world, but her presence also brings discord. Their survival becomes even more doubtful when paranoia takes hold of the makeshift fortress—an internal threat to match that of the birds outside.

The Astor Street Opry Company is a not-for-profit, 501c3 community theatre organization. The show runs October 6, 7, 13, 14, 15 (2 p.m. Matinee) 20 and 21. The ticket office opens at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Sheila Shaffer, Director, at sheilashaffer@ centurylink.net. For tickets call 503-325-6104. Learn more about the company on their website at http://www.astorstreetoprycompany.com or find them on Facebook.