"What is Susan’s Secret?" Play In Search of Talent

He and his wife, Susan, are the owners of a somewhat run down country inn. There are times when he appears to be totally 'with it,' but often wanders off into worlds of fantasy. One day he might be at 'The Alamo' with Davy Crocket, and the next with George Washington at 'Valley Forge.' He is often confused about names, dates, placet etc., but is however, a very endearing character with whom audiences should empathize.

Spry and active, she appears to run The Cider Mill Inn, and is the driving force behind the 'con jobs' she and Michael pull on their unsuspecting guests. She consistently forgets Michael's name, and engages him in hilarious conversations in which she and Michael are rarely 'on the same page.' Her attitude toward Michael, and the love and rapport they clearly share is central to the core of the plot.

While Jean is an interfering 'busybody,' her heart is in the right place. When she intervenes in the marital problems of Bobby and Jenny, it is out of genuine concern for them. She totally dominates her mild mannered husband Larry, and we are left with the impression she dominates everything and everyone around her. Things have to be done "Her Way." (Forceful, purposeful, single-minded).

A miled mannered, easy-going sort of guy, who has learned, over the years, to just go along with Jean and not make any waves. Hoever, when Jean gets herself into a situation from which she cannot escape, he does not attempt to extricate her, but rather, in a kindly sort of way, sits back and seems to enjoy a laugh at ther expense. Perhaps, in his life with Jean, there have been too few opportunities to do this. (Long-suffering, hard-working, a devilish sense of humor).

A pleasant young man, who gets caught up in the emotional ups and downs of his new bride, Jenny. He acquiesces, perhaps a little too easily, to the fact that he has been conned by Michael and Susan, but that is probably his nature. Clearly very much in love with Jenny, he is willing to apologize when he has no idea what it is he is supposed to have done. (Clean cut, hard-working, easy-going).

Young and pretty, but perhaps not too bright. She works herself into an emotional upheaval for the most trivial of reasons. Anyone, other than her gentle, easy-going husband, would probably feel like smacking her. To be kind, she is very young and on her honeymoon, and who knows what is going on in her mind. (Immature, naive, but in the end showing a good sense of humor).

Bill is a suave, sophisticated man about town. He is a reviewer for a publication, Country Inns of America, visiting The Cider Mill Inn incognito. While married, he has arranged a weekend tryst with his girlfriend Julie He discovers that Michael and Susan are simply con artists and is prepared to expose them, but ethics are not his strong suit, and he compromises his priniciples to keep his affair secret. (A polished, well-dressed, educated adulterer)

If there was an award for "The Most Boring Man on the Planet," Jeffrey would win hands down. When his long suffering wife, Penny, says he's had charisma bypass surgery, we could easily believe her. He goes on and on about the stupidest subjects imaginable, blissfully unaware that he is driving everyone around him crazy. He is so boring that audiences almost like him. (Sincere, lives in his own world)

Penny seems to be driven to drink by her boring husband Jeffrey. She must never appear to be drunk or her sparkling wit and terrific sense of humor will be lost. A little tipsy, most of the time, she brings lightheartedness and laughter into the scenes with Jeffrey, to counterbalance his boring personality. (Pretty, clearly enjoys life, funny, flighty, giggly)

Julie has a libido that never lets up. She leaves the audience in no doubt as to why she is at the inn for the week-end. She is, however, sophisticated not cheap or tawdry. (Beautiful, sensuous, single-minded)

Kelly is clearly the dominant one in her relationship with Paul. She has concoted the scheme for Paul to pose as his brother Patrick so they can get the tradesmen's discount. She next comes up with the idea for him to then become her girlfriend "Pauline." She is a schemer who never gives up, constantly creating explanations for the most improbable circumstances. (Clever, manipulative, quick-thinking)

Paul is clearly under the influence of his girlfriend Kelly. She seems to be able to persuade him to do almost anything. Much against his better judgement, she has him weave a tapestry of lies and deceit. He never really gets "with the program" as he alternates between the characters of Paul, his brother Patrick, and Kelly's girlfriend Pauline. (Not very forceful, but eager to please Kelly)

Murray is a very unusual clergyman. He almost belongs in the "Hippie" generation. He arrives on a Harley, wearing black leather, and uses expressions like 'rock on.' He is nevertheless, a genuine pastor with concern and kindness for those around him, and shows great understanding and compassion, for 'Pauline' whom he believes (thanks to Kelly's manipulations) is a painfully shy claustrophobic. (Kind, sincere, adventuresome)

Michael's sister is referred to by him as "Boot Camp Bertha." A retired army officer, she certainly lives up to that name. She is a strong comedic character, who seems to dominate the stage whenever she appears. However, prompted by Murray, she finally shows a gentler, more humand side to her nature. (Loud, domineering, aggressive).