AUDITION NOTICE:
Moon Over Buffalo
by Ken Ludwig
directed by Tom Frascatore
WHEN: Tuesday, December 27th and 28th at 7:30pm.
WHERE: The Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave., Chatham
Production dates are February 24 thru March 11, 2017 with rehearsals to begin early January.
In the madcap comedy tradition of Lend me a Tenor, the hilarious Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's. At the moment, they’re playing Private Lives and Cyrano de Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York, with 5 actors.
On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter’s clueless fiancé and hilarious uncertainty about which play they’re actually performing, caused by Charlotte’s deaf old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George’s body.
Director Tom Frascatore seeks four men / four women to fill out his cast.
- Auditions will consist of cold readings from sides provided in small groups.
- Sides and Auditions Form are available prior to the auditions. To access sides and form, please visit our website at http://www.chathamplayers.org/auditions.html .
Character Breakdown (Ages given are only approximate.)
- George Hay (45-55) An older “Leading Man” a little past his prime but still attractive, vibrant and charismatic. George is part of a fast talking con man and part larger than life dramatic personality. Everything about him is larger than life. A little frustrated by the drudgery of touring in repertory (Cyrano and Private Lives) while other actors are movie stars. George spend the second act increasing drunk with the falls and missteps that come with that. This role requires someone capable of physical comedy (pratfalls, etc)
- Charlotte Hay: (45-55) George’s wife, stage partner and equal in every way. Dramatic, vain, somewhat self-centered, acerbic and mercurial. The quintessential “Actress” architype from a 1950’s movie musical. Charlotte drive a lot of the pace in this piece.
- Ethel: (70+) Charlotte’s Mother, Rosalind’s Grandmother, Actor, costumer, char-woman and comic foil for all. Deaf as a post and only wears her hearing aids on occasion. Hates George with every fibre of her being.
- Rosalind: (25-30) Rosalind grew up in theaters and on the road with her parents and is herself a talented actor (and shares her Mother’s fire). But, after a failed love affair with Paul (Actor and Company Manager), has rejected the insanity of the theatrical life in pursuit of “normalcy”. Rosalind has carefully wrapped that “normalcy” around her. . .it unravels delightfully as the play progresses. “Upper Class” British Accent Required.
- Howard: (25-35) Mild, meek, anxious weatherman for a local Buffalo TV station. Rosalind’s fiancé. Due to his shyness and inability to respond quickly when he’s nervous, he is mistaken for everyone from a stage door Johnny to Frank Capra and wronged girl’s murderous brother. Must be comfortable with physical comedy.
- Eileen: (22-28) Supporting Actress with the company. Wholesome, sweet, but not that bright. Currently carrying George’s child after an ill-advised evening in Cleveland.
- Paul: (25-35) Company Manager and supporting actor in the troupe. Charming, fast talking co-conspirator with George and in love with Rosalind. “Upper Class” British Accent Required.
- Richard: (50’s) George and Charlotte’s Lawyer. Successful comfortable in his own skin, worldly and in love with Charlotte. . .and has been for many years. He’s been asking Charlotte to leave George for him pretty much since they met many years ago. He may actually have a chance this time when Charlotte finds out that George has fathered a child with Eileen.
The Chatham Players have an open call casting policy. ALL roles are open, none are precast, and everyone is encouraged to audition. Any questions, please call Gus Ibranyi at (201)-563-0362 or email casting@chathamplayers.org.
For directions, audition form and additional information about the Chatham Playhouse, please visit www.chathamplayers.org