Actors Required for Play "The Man Who Came to Dinner"
"The Man Who Came to Dinner" play needs cast. Please see the details below. About the project: PLOT SYNOPSIS: “Portly Sheridan Whiteside, critic, lecturer, wit, radio orator, intimate friend of the great and near great, met his Waterloo in the shape of a small piece of ice on the doorstep of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W. Stanley, of Mesalia, Ohio, while trekking across the country on his annual lecture tours. Result: the idol of the air waves rests until further notice in the home of the surprised Mr. and Mrs, Stanley. Possibility: Christmas may be postponed this year.” So runs the lead article in the Christmas 1939 issue of Time magazine. Whiteside turns the Stanley household upside down, forcing everyone in town to cater to his egotistical demands. Meanwhile, his beloved secretary has given her notice after falling in love with a local reporter, and Whiteside must engage every weapon in his considerable arsenal of guile and manipulation to keep her in his employ—including blackmail, deceit, and the intervention of the fading sexpot actress Lorraine Sheldon and the elegant British wit of playwright Beverly Carlton. A three-ring circus of machinations and celebrity appearances ensues. Additional info: Ages listed are for the characters, not necessarily the actors. Download an Audition Form attached. AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: You will be asked to do cold readings from the script. To prepare for your audition, you should consider reading a plot summary of the show (check Wikipedia) and familiarizing yourself with the characters. On the audition form, you can specify a particular role, but you will most likely be reading for multiple characters in various scenes. Clear diction, strong projection, stage presence, and characterization are the keys to a successful audition. Please be advised that this show requires physical comedy of all characters. Callback date: TBA, only if needed. REHEARSALS: Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday evening, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. (6:30 on Sundays) TECH WEEK: January 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2025. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. PERFORMANCE DATES: (8) January 31, February 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, and 15, 2025. Evening curtain is 8:00 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 3:00 p.m. PARTICIPATION IN ALL PERFORMANCES IS MANDATORY. If you are interested, please apply.
25 roles
(Supporting). She fits the archetype of a wealthy housewife in the 1930s. However, Mrs. Stanley struggles to keep it together amidst the chaos of Sheridan and the impact he leaves on the rest of the household.
(Featured). Miss Preen is the humorless, matter-of-fact nurse seen buzzing around the Stanley residence. In the beginning, she keeps her composure, but her frustration with the way she’s treated eventually comes to the surface.
(Supporting). Adventurous, energetic son of the Stanleys. Although his father is a businessman, Richard has much more artistic aspirations of becoming a photographer. He’s a dedicated, hardworking young man that grows to appreciate Sheridan.
(Supporting). Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Stanley and sister to Richard. June is attractive, lively, and romantic. She has a secret relationship with a blue collar man (Sandy) who her father does not approve of.
(Featured)***. The friendly and dedicated head butler of the Stanley household. Although Sheridan’s unpredictable and chaotic presence is a stark contrast to how John runs things, he grows to become very fond of him. ***May also double as Ensemble.
(Featured)***. Chef of the Stanley household. She’s excited to have Sheridan around and is flattered by his praises. ***May also double as Ensemble.
(Featured)***, American Accent. A starstruck and curious neighbor, lady of society, and friend of Mrs. Stanley. ***May also double as Ensemble.
(Featured)***. Another lady of society and friend of Mrs. Stanley who is a bit more nosy and pushy than her counterpart. ***May also double as Ensemble.
(Supporting). Mr. Stanley is described as “solid, substantial–an American businessman.” His rigidity is challenged by Sheridan’s presence, making it difficult to keep order under his own roof.
(Lead). Mr. Whiteside’s longtime assistant. Professional, efficient, and can tolerate Sheridan’s abrasive personality. Her relationship with him helps illuminate a more human side of him. She’s also a romantic looking to fulfill some of her own needs for change.
(Featured)***. “Has taken a good deal of punishment, and speaks with a rather false heartiness.” Dr. Bradley may not be the sharpest, but he has an endearing presence and is dedicated to his medical profession. ***May also double as Ensemble.
(Lead). Performs in Wheelchair. A famous albeit unexpected guest in the Stanley household. He has a huge personality—for better or worse—and is very high maintenance. Described as portly and Falstaffian. “Looks like every caricature ever drawn of him.” Commands attention and doesn’t consider the consequences of his actions.
Described as “a wraith-like lady of uncertain years,” Harriet is the eccentric live-in sister of Mrs. Stanley.
(Supporting). Bert is a local reporter with a warm personality who is desperate to interview Sheridan. Described as an “interesting looking man.”
(Supporting), German Accent. A disheveled academic with a classic “mad scientist” appearance. Known as the “world’s greatest authority on insects.”
(Supporting), Old Hollywood/Transatlantic Accent. A beautiful, charismatic, and temperamental actress constantly in search of a role (and a man). She’ll do whatever it takes to be the star of the stage or man’s heart. Lorraine is a classic, old school Hollywood beauty.
(Featured). Working-class union leader and secret boyfriend of June. His values and politics differ greatly from Mr. Stanley, which is why June keeps their relationship under wraps.
(Supporting), British Accent, Singer. Flamboyant, confident British actor (think: Noel Coward) who makes his presence known.
(Featured). Westcott is a radio tech who’s just trying to do his job in spite of the chaos around him. Baker is a prison guard in charge of several convicts.
(Supporting)*** , Old School New York Accent. Loud, comedic, long-time friend of Sheridan who drops in to spend Christmas with him. Reminiscent of Harpo Marx. ***May also double as Ensemble.
ENSEMBLE (double-cast with featured/supporting roles).
ENSEMBLE (double-cast with featured/supporting roles).
ENSEMBLE (double-cast with featured/supporting roles).
ENSEMBLE (double-cast with featured/supporting roles).
ENSEMBLE (double-cast with featured/supporting roles).
RELATED CASTING CALLS
