Seeking Cast for Production of "Lucy Loves Desi"
Auditions for “Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom” show. Actors needed. Please see more info below. About the project: SYNOPSIS: The onscreen pairing of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz is at the heart of one of the most popular TV shows in history. Who would have thought that to get on the air, they had to battle both a network and a sponsor who thought the show couldn't possibly succeed? Playwright Gregg Oppenheimer – son of I Love Lucy’s creator Jess Oppenheimer – spins the hilarious true story behind America’s beloved TV comedy. Directors will be doing the Tennessee premiere of this new play! Rate: This is a volunteer opportunity. Additional info: CASTING NOTE: The goal is to cast Desi Arnaz as authentically as possible. Ideally, directors are looking for someone Hispanic/Latino. Even though these roles are based upon real-life people, all characters except Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, William Frawley and Jess Oppenheimer are open to all ethnicities. The play is performed “radio play” style. Some actors will play one role while others play multiple roles. For the main four I Love Lucy players, they are looking for people who can affect their look, sound, and mannerisms. Please see the document attached for more info. Possible callbacks on Wednesday, July 30th. Rehearsals will begin September 1st, 2025, and will primarily be Monday-Thursday evenings 6:30-9:30. Performance dates: October 10th - 26th, with 11 performances. If you are interested, please apply.
9 roles
Cuban-born bandleader and husband of Lucille Ball. He is the narrator of this show. Looking for a. Broad comedic skills and storytelling skills wanted. Directors may have actors sing “I’m On My Way to Cuba” at callbacks.
Film, Radio and TV star. Must be able to play “real life” Lucille as well as her characters of “Lucy” from the TV show and “Liz” from the radio play My Favorite Husband. Broad comedic skills and dynamic personality wanted. Directors will have actresses sing some of “Friendship” as Lucy at callbacks.
Head writer, producer and director of I Love Lucy.
Broadway stage and film actress. Will also need to play “Ethel” (Lucy’s best friend), Betty Garrett (film actress), Mercedes Manzanares (Oppenheimer’s assistant), and Mary (CBS secretary). Directors will have actresses sing “Friendship” as Ethel at callbacks.
Broadway and vaudeville actor. He will also play “Fred” (Lucy’s grumpy neighbor) and multiple other roles. Directors may have actors sing “Carolina in the Mornin’” as Fred at callbacks.
CBS VP in charge of West Coast Programming. This actor will play multiple roles.
Plays “George” in the radio show My Favorite Husband. This actor will play multiple roles.
CBS Executive VP in charge of programming. This actor will play multiple roles.
Will make all the sounds of the radio show live on stage with props. Will also have a few lines as multiple *bit* characters. May cast two people to share this part.
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