"The Game's Afoot" Stage Play Needs Men & Women

A dynamic and charming stage actor (based on a real person). Has made a fortune from his stage adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, whom he also plays. Recently shot in the arm in a bizarre incident, Gillette is determined to bring his Sherlockian skills to bear on solving the case. Must have great comic chops and stage combat skills required. A dashing leading man and ardent lover of all that the glorious game of life has to offer. Stage combat required. Intimacy required-Kisses Aggie.

The company’s character actor, Felix is histrionic (overly dramatic), a true theatrical who has given his life to the stage. Felix is Gillette’s best friend and occasional sidekick. Married to Madge. A devoted character actor who relishes his craft. Actor must have great comic chops and be physically strong – literally must be able to move a “dead” woman by himself. Stage combat required / Madge slaps this character. Intimacy required-Kisses Madge and Daria.

The “mangenue” of the company, Simon is an enthusiastic young man, eager to please and find success. A bit of a naïf, Simon can occasionally be overly sensitive. Recently married to Aggie, they make a charming and wonderful couple. A witty jokester who finds humor in nearly everything. Described by Ludwig as, “sweet and enthusiastic.” Stage combat required. Intimacy required- Kisses Aggie.

(40+): English and eccentric, completely one of a kind. By turns, witty and incisive, suddenly lost and dim, she is disarming in her inability to be defined. Always off the mark, and yet never far from the truth, somehow, she always gets her man. Wonderful opportunity for a character actress; must have great comic chops and stage combat skills required. Wonderful opportunity for a character actress; must have great comic chops. British accent & stage combat required.

Gillette’s dotty mother, elegant though a bit foggy, Martha never shies away from a fight. Always willing to lob a criticism when necessary, all the same, Martha is loyal to Gillette and his gang of theatrical misfits. Nouveau riche, which is to say, she lives a lavish and glamorous lifestyle; but lacks the class normally associated therewith. Described by Ludwig as, “somewhat vague and dithering.” Must have great comic chops and New York or New England accent may be appropriate.

Wry and outspoken (think Rosalind Russell), Madge, like her husband Felix, is a lifelong theatrical. She is game for anything, but back her into a corner and she will come out swinging. A witty and energetic character actress. She has an edge to her, and a sharp tongue, but her affection is genuine. Described by Ludwig as, “flamboyant and wry in a Rosalind Russell smart-mouthed-gal-about-town sort of way.” Must have great comic chops. Stage combat required. Intimacy required-Kisses Felix.

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Aggie is the ingenue of the company. Good-natured and kind, Aggie has had tragedy in her past, though she seems to have dealt with it well, and even moved on. Recently married to Simon, they make a charming and wonderful couple. A genuine and sensitive young actress who is often swept away by the goings on around her. Stage combat required – she is “choked” by a male. Intimacy required-Kisses William and Simon.

Glamorous & gorgeous, Daria is the theatre critic we all love to hate. Biting, bitchy, & utterly charming, you can’t help but like Daria, despite the terrible things she says & writes. A wonderful sense of humor goes a long way towards endearing Daria to the audience. Very self-confident and aware of her own power. Must have wonderful comic timing and be a skilled physical comedian as she is dragged around stage a lot by others. Daria must scream several times. Intimacy required-Kisses Felix.