Play On!
By Rick Abbott
Direction by Nick Sala
One plucky community theatre is about to produce a show called Murder Most Foul, a new “murder mystery play” with the same title as an Agatha Christie novel but with no relation whatsoever. The director/theatre manager, Gerry, thought producing the play was a good idea since the inexperienced playwright has agreed to let the company perform the show for no charge. Gerry, however, had no idea what disasters awaited her: the show is hilariously amateur, the “murder mystery” plot doesn’t really have a murder, and to top it off the playwright keeps changing the story and script only two days from its premiere! It doesn’t help that the cast is disgruntled, and the playwright accidentally deletes the entire sound effect board. All of the disasters come to fruition in Act III when the company performs the actual show with hilarious mishaps as every turn.
SEEKING:
AGGIE MANVILLE (Late 30’s – late 50’s) The Stage Manager for Murder Most Foul. Acts as a voice of reason. Comedy wise, she is dry. She’s been around a theater before. Has no problem being salty, she says it how it is.
GERALDINE "GERRY" DUNBAR (Late 30’s – late 50’s) The Director for Murder Most Foul. She has had enough but tries to stay positive. The fearless leader as everything is unraveling. She is also unraveling.
HENRY BENISH/"Lord Dudley" (Late 40’s – Mid 60’s) A Character Actor who is in every show this group presents. His wife is also in the show. Calm and cool, but let’s his wife take the lead. He has Leading Man Qualities.
POLLY BENISH/"Lady Margaret" (Late 40’s – Mid 60’s) A Character Actor who is in every show this group presents. See’s herself as the star. Her husband is also in the show. She has Diva moments, don’t cross her. Always ready for her close-up.
MARLA "SMITTY" SMITH/"Doris the maid" (Teens – early 20’s) She’s a student and has a small part in the show. On the nervous side and slightly awkward, she wants to go home.
SAUL WATSON/"Doctor Rex Forbes" (Early 40 – Early 60’s) Plays the Villain in Murder Most Foul. Always has a sarcastic remark. He's sly too but also has a charm. Gets under your skin.
BILLY CAREWE/"Stephen Sellers" (Mid 20’s) Future leading man. Plays suave but often not as cool as he tries to be. He's charming and loves theater.
VIOLET IMBRY/"Diana Lassiter" (20’s) The ingénue in the show. Not the brightest, but everyone loves her. She has a sparkle.
LOUISE PEARY (Mid 40’s – Early 60’s) A sound-and-lighting-and-scenic technician. Over worked and burnt out. Confused sometimes, but knows a lot.
PHYLLIS MONTAGUE (Mid 40’s – Early 60’s) A novice playwright who wrote the show the group is presenting. Keeps rewriting it. Everyone hates her but she means well.
Notes from the Director:
This is a physical comedy. Live delivery is everything too. We need to feel like we know who these people are. The performers who are in the production of “Murder Most Foul” must be completely different for the characters they are playing in PLAY ON!. These are characters like in “The Office” or "Parks and Rec”. All are lovable but slightly over the top. Every character will have their own gag.
AUDITION DATES:
Friday, February 11th @ 7:30 - 9:30 PM (No slots left)
Saturday, February 12th @ 2:00 - 4:30 PM
You must sign up for an audition time to be seen, please click here to pick your time slot.
WHERE: Grace Hall, 116 City Island Avenue
Inquiries: auditions@cityislandtheatergroup.com
SHOW DATES & TIMES:
Friday, April 22 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 23 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 24 @ 3:00 pm
Friday, April 29 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 30 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, May 1@ 3:00 pm
VACCINATION POLICY: Auditioners must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to audition as well as to participate in the show. “Fully vaccinated” is defined by the CDC as someone who is two weeks after their second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines OR two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Auditioners must provide proof of vaccination and ID at the audition. Should you have questions regarding this policy, please contact us at information@cityislandtheatergroup.com
CITG is a non-profit, non-equity theater organization.