Directed by Jason Nash
Sunday 19 February 2023 – New Farm Nash Theatre Play Shed, 4 Amity Street, New Farm at 2 pm.
This classic comedy deals with an unusual family including a pair of sweet old ladies with a penchant for poisoning, a psychopathic nephew with a new face, a lively man convinced he’s a dead president and perhaps most twisted of all… a theatre critic who hates the theatre!
Characters required:
NB: Some doubling may occur, and some roles may be cast cross gender (the officers, and possibly Dr Einstein).
Abby Brewster (Stage age 50-70 years old) A darling lady and the very model of Victorian charm and grace, who poisons elderly gentlemen, with her sister as an act of charity. She and her sister Martha seem to be the absolute embodiment of the values and polite society of a bygone age. More dominant, and a bit older than Martha, both ladies are happy, healthy, lucid, and spry.
Martha Brewster (stage age 50-70 years old) Very sweet, but more submissive than Abby, Martha still is a strong woman. She and her sister have lived together for many, many years. Their personalities and pecking order around each other have been firmly rooted for eons. Always wears a high collar.
Elaine Harper (Stage age 25-40 years old) An attractive girl, daughter of Rev. Dr. Harper, and Mortimer’s fiancée. She is surprisingly wise in the ways of the world for a minister’s daughter. She is a little bit wily, sassy, and absolutely sharp.
Mortimer Brewster (stage age 30-50 years old) Nephew of Abby and Martha, brother to both Teddy and Jonathan Brewster. Very likable, Mortimer is a drama critic who is in love with & engaged to Elaine Harper. A good-hearted cynic who is about to have his world turned upside down. PHYSICAL ROLE.
Teddy Brewster (Stage age 40-60 years old) Very likable, kind-hearted brother to Mortimer and Jonathan, Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, Teddy is a man who believes that he is the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.
Jonathan Brewster (Stage age 40-60 years old) Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, brother to Teddy and Mortimer. Jonathan is a psychopath who has numerous murders to his credit and no scruples whatsoever. Dr. Einstein has changed Jonathan’s face three times, currently resulting in a Boris Karloff resemblance.
Dr. Einstein (45-55 years old) A German plastic surgeon, with an accent to prove it. Dr. Einstein is mousey and submissive to Jonathan. He should be viewed as a good guy whose life has gone bad. With somewhat of a ratty appearance, his face wears the benevolent smirk of a man who lives in a pleasant haze of alcohol.
The Reverend Dr. Harper (Stage age 50-70 years old) (Cameo) We only see Elaine Harper’s father in the opening scene; a doctor of divinity, and the minister to the church next door to the Brewster house. He has a sense of polish, refinement, and mild-mannered sensitivity towards others. He is not in favour of Mortimer and Elaine’s relationship.
Officer Brophy (Stage age 20-45 years old) The first police officer we meet in the show, Brophy is a thoroughly likable sort of fellow. Is making his rounds collecting Christmas toys for the needy.
Officer O’Hara (any age) He is the quintessential example of an Irish-American police officer: Full of life, good natured and played big. He is on very good terms with the Aunts. O’Hara is a would-be playwright, well intentioned and really doesn’t mean to come across as annoying as he does.
Mr. Gibbs (Stage age 55-80 years old) (Cameo) An elderly gentleman who wishes to rent a room from the Brewster sisters; and nearly falls victim to the sister’s “charity”. He is a little gruff, but he warms up fairly quickly upon being offered a treat he hasn’t had since he was a child.
Lieutenant Rooney (Stage age 40 -50 years old) The man in charge at the local police precinct. He has very little patience for blunder and mistakes, and needs to run a pretty tight ship. He is loud, decisive, and clearly in-charge of every situation in which he finds himself.
Mr. Witherspoon (Stage age 50-60s years old) (Cameo) The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanatorium. Very mild mannered and kind.
No prepared piece required, we will be reading various parts of the script.
American accents will be required for the show, but not essential for the audition.
All welcome!
Performances May 12 – June 3 2023
For more information, please contact Jason Nash at jasonenash@gmail.com
