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Casting call to Krypton

By Codell Rodriguez, The Southern

Saturday, March 15, 2008 2:58 PM CDT

METROPOLIS - Audition: One dashing, charismatic male is needed to play the role of a humanoid alien Good Samaritan. Must be willing to wear cape and tights and stand for truth, justice and the American way. Ability to be faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and leap tall buildings in a single bound is optional.

One of Metropolis' goals for the 30th Superman Celebration from June 12 to June 15 is to find a new actor to portray the Man of Steel. Those interested can submit a video audition at a special Web site through April 26.

Karla Ogle, chairperson of the Superman Celebration, said the audition is open to everyone but there are certain qualities they are looking for in the actor portraying the Last Son of Krypton. A good personality is the most important trait, she said, but there are some physical preferences as well. The actor should be close to 6-feet tall with dark hair and a good physique.

"Micro-spandex is not forgiving," Ogle said.

She said that most people think of Christopher Reeve, who portrayed the superhero in four films beginning in 1978, when they think of Superman. But all the actors have fit the archetype of what The Man of Tomorrow should look like and Ogle said the celebration will honor that.

"DC Comics has an idea of what he should look like and we try to follow that," Ogle said.

But in addition to looking like Superman, the actor should be able to behave like Superman. This is not just achieved by being able to place his hands on his hips and stand in front of the American flag with his cape blowing in the wind. It all comes down to interaction with people. Ogle said the actor will have to be able to interact well with children and adults, as well as be able to be interviewed by the media.

"It's not just the cape and tights," Ogle said. "You have to work with the public."

Being Superman will not be a thankless job. The winner will receive a check for $1,000, expenses-paid round-trip travel, a Superman of Metropolis Award, a six-night stay in Metropolis and a personal assistant during the celebration.

Jim Hambrick, owner of the Super Museum, said not just anyone can be the Man of Steel. The perfect Superman would not only have the look, but the mentality of Metropolis' greatest champion.

"There's a spirit there that goes along with helping those in need," Hambrick said. "It's all about truth, justice and the American way."

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com  

351-5804

Do you have what it takes to be a Superman?

Auditions to portray Superman at the 30 th Superman Celebration can submit a video audition at www.searchforsuperman.com. Fans will be able to vote through May 12 when the top five favorites will be revealed. The Search for Superman Committee will select the winner.