THE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS
by William Inge
Directed by Mark Phelan
WHEN: Audition Dates
Sunday, January 9 @ 7:00 PM
Monday, January 10 @ 7:30 PM
Callbacks Wednesday, January 12 @ 7:30 PM (tentative)
Performance Dates
Three Weekends: March 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 @ 8 PM
Sunday Matinees: March 6 & 13 @ 2 PM
WHERE: Dover Little Theatre, 69 Elliott Street, Dover
The plot of Inge's comedy drama is less one story than a series of short stories: the fight between a husband and wife; the fear of an overly shy young girl going to a dance; the problems of an introverted little boy who feels that the whole world, including his family, is against him; the outwardly peaceful and inwardly corroding marriage of Cora's rowdy sister; the tragedy of a military school cadet whose mother has never provided him with a real home.
"What Inge is saying, with a power and tenderness of speech, is that there is dark at the top of everyone's stairs, but that it can be dissipated by understanding, by tolerance, by compassion and by the brand of companionship that demands not conformity but love..."
Any questions or for directions, please call the theatre at 973.328.9202.
Cast of Characters
- CORA FLOOD: a housewife, mid-30's - mid-40's
- RUBIN FLOOD: her husband, rough, loud, traveling salesman-type
- SONNY FLOOD: their son, shy, 10-12 years old (can be played by an older actor who can play young)
- REENIE FLOOD: their sixteen year old daughter, timid, sensitive
- FLIRT CONROY: a flapper friend of Reenie's
- LOTTIE LACEY: Cora's older sister who has married well
- MORRIS LACEY: a dentist, he knows who wears the pants in his family
- PUNKY GIVENS: Flirt's boy friend, a military cadet - non-speaking role but with some comedy
- SAMMY GOLDENBAUM: Punky's friend, another military cadet, lonely and confused
- CHAUFFEUR: Non-speaking, can be doubled by the actor playing Punky
