Pages

Friday, January 28, 2011

AUDITIONS: “BEYOND THERAPY” @ CHATHAM COMMUNITY PLAYERS

The Chatham Community Players will hold open auditions for
BEYOND THERAPY
By Christopher Durang
Directed by Lauren Moran Mills
The production runs May 6–21, 2011, at the Chatham Playhouse.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 15, at 7 PM at The Chatham Public Library, 214 Main Street, Chatham, and on Wednesday, February 16, at 7 PM at The Chatham Playhouse, 23 North Passaic Ave., Chatham.

The Director asks that actors be familiar with the script. Sides will be provided at the audition.

SYNOPSIS
The farcical comedy focuses on Prudence and Bruce, two Manhattanites who are seeking stable romantic relationships with the help of their psychiatrists, each of whom suggests the patient place a personal ad. Bruce is a highly emotional bisexual who tends to cry easily, a trait homophobic Prudence sees as a weakness. Their first meeting proves to be disastrous and the two report back to their respective therapists—libidinous Stuart, who once seduced Prudence, and eccentric Charlotte, who stumbles over the simplest of words, references the play Equus as a good source of advice and interacts with Bruce and all her patients with the help of a stuffed Snoopy. Clearly, the two are more troubled than their patients. Charlotte suggests a revised ad, which once again attracts Prudence, but this time she and Bruce manage to get past their initial loathing and discover they actually like each other. Complications ensue when Bruce's jealous live-in lover Bob decides to assert himself and do everything possible to maintain his status quo.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN: (2 Women, 4 Men)

  • Bruce: Early–mid 30s. Freelance writer. Fairly pleasant-looking. Bisexual; living with his lover Bob, but also dating Prudence. Confused about what he wants from a relationship, but searching for someone who can bring stability to his life. Not afraid to cry, and is often rather emotional. Can be irrational and too impulsive for his own good. Lovable neurotic.
  • Prudence: Late 20s–early 30s. Writer for People magazine. Had an affair with her therapist Stuart, and is now dating Bruce. She is attractive, though might not know it. Lonely. Constantly seeking perfection out of life, especially in relationships, but never seems to find it. Game and optimistic, even if unlucky in love. Has a dry sense of humor.
  • Dr. Stuart Framingham: Late 30s–early 50s. Prudence’s therapist. Self-styled, lounge lizard-y, would-be womanizer. Very (perhaps hyper?) masculine, but also insecure and defensive about his sexual dysfunctions. Often a bully.
  • Bob: Early–mid 30s. Bruce’s lover. Pharmacist. Petulant and prone to drama. Comically skeptical of Bruce’s bisexuality, and confused and heartbroken by Bruce’s relationship with Prudence.
  • Andrew: 20s. Young, earnest waiter; eager to do a good job. Easily excitable.
  • Charlotte: Late 30s–early 50s. Bruce’s therapist. Bohemian attitude. Very forgetful. Strange relationship with her stuffed animals. Logical and to-the-point.