AUDITION NOTICE:
The Strollers proudly announce auditions for Agatha Christie's timeless classic murder mystery
And Then There Were None
WHEN: Tuesday & Wednesday, Jan 12 & 13, 2016 @ 7:30
WHERE: Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday January 20 - March 3
Performances: March 4, 5, 12, 13 @ 8pm, March 6 @ 2pm
In this classic drawing room murder mystery, ten strangers are duped into gathering for a weekend at an isolated estate on Soldier Island, only to find out that they are not welcome guests but potential victims of a murderer bent on exacting revenge for their past crimes. One by one the ten “defendants” are murdered in sadistically playful accord with the nursery rhyme, Ten Little Soldier Boys, that hangs on the wall. Worst of all, they come to realize that the murderer is one of them!
Character descriptions
- Vera Claythorne (female, 25-40) – lead role
Claythorne is a former governess, now personal secretary. She is one of the most intelligent and capable characters in the play but is also highly emotional. The “Ten Little Soldier Boys” nursery rhyme has a powerful effect on her, as does the dashing Philip Lombard. - Philip Lombard (male, 30-50) – lead role
A mysterious, confident, and resourceful man, Lombard is far bolder and more cunning than most of the other characters. He treats the events of the play with an air of mercenary detachment. His only weakness seems to be a fondness for the lovely Vera Claythorne. - Dr. Armstrong (male or female, 40-60) – lead role
S/He has spent a lifetime pursuing respectability and public validation. While professionally successful, Armstrong has a weak personality and a nervous nature. S/He is too self-absorbed to see beneath people’s exteriors. - Lawrence Wargrave (male, 50+) – lead role
A recently retired judge, Wargrave is a highly intelligent older man with a commanding personality. As the characters begin to realize that a murderer is hunting them, Wargrave’s experience and air of authority make him a natural leader for the group. - William Blore (male, 40+) – lead role
A former police inspector, Blore acts boldly and frequently takes initiative, but he also makes blunders that sometimes verge on foolhardiness. - Emily Brent (female, 60+) – secondary role
A sanctimonious and ruthlessly religious woman, Brent feels convinced of her own righteousness and does not express the slightest remorse for her actions. - Thomas Rogers (male, 50+) – secondary role
The dignified butler, Rogers continues to be a proper servant despite the outrageous events occurring around him. His attitude of utter civility may be force of habit or a mask hiding darker motives. Husband to Ethel Rogers. - General Mackenzie (male, 60+) – secondary role
The oldest guest. Mackenzie is a proud and sincere man who is starting to show long hidden vulnerabilities. He is perceived by the others as variously tragic and deserving of his own suffering. - Ethel Rogers (female, 50+) – small role (Act I only)
The cook and partner in caretaking (with husband Thomas Rogers), Ethel is a frail woman in body and character. She seems to have many axes to grind and does not care for her lot in life. - Anthony/Angelina Marston (male or female, 20-30) – small role (Act I only)
A rich, haughty, bombastic youth, Marston likes to drive recklessly and seems to lack a conscience. If Marston were around today, his/her last name might be Kardashian. - Fred Narracott (male, any age) – small role (Act I only)
Fred is a colorful local who appears at the very beginning of the play. He has ferried the other characters to the island and helps with their luggage. He is crucial to much of the play’s exposition via his conversations with the Rogers.
Check www.thestrollers.org for sides, but cold readings are welcome. No appointment is necessary.
