"Rehearsal For Murder" Stage Play Casting Actors

Lead. A playwright. Alex is handsome, debonair, witty, intelligent, and willing to do just about anything to trap the killer of his beloved fiancé. Alex is the lead of the play and keeps the pacing of the entire story. The success of this show depends on his ability to control the action, foresee every variable and to anticipate the reaction of every character. Must be able to express the full range of emotions as well: being in love, grief, vengeance, desperation, etc.

The famous & beautiful film actress, fiancé of Alex, & victim. Although Monica dies early in the play, she is “brought to life” through flashbacks in order to help Alex trap her killer. Cast as the lead (her first time on stage) in Dennison’s comedy Chamber Music, she was in her early- to mid-40s when she met her early demise. In preparing for Monica, think Hollywood movie star of the silver screen, Lauren Bacall, Rita Hayworth, Greta Garbo. Must be able to express the full range of emotions.

The play’s director for the Alex’s show Chamber Music (and the last time Monica was on stage), Lloyd is at the very least in his early 40s although he could play older. He is handsome, although a bit nerdy. Although not quite Broadway caliber, he has an excellent reputation.

The play’s producer for the show Chamber Music. Bella is bright, extremely wealthy, glamorous, and sophisticated. She is extremely confident, but not nasty!

Merely an up-and-coming Broadway actress when the play begins, Karen is now a sought-after star. She was Monica’s understudy a year prior in Chamber Music, but she quickly reached her way to the top. She is beautiful and no longer the innocent ingenue she was. She starts the show meek and mild, but then shows herself to be ambitious and conniving.

A tall, popular, and handsome Broadway actor, David is also very smug and full of himself, believing that every woman worships him. He approaches each show with the belief that he’ll have to dust off his fireplace mantle for another Tony. He had played lead in Chamber Music, opposite Monica.

A supporting Broadway actor. He, too, was in Chamber Music. Leo is a tad awkward, & obnoxious, especially around Karen, his ex, but he is a team player and doesn’t let his supporting role get in his way.

Alex’s new assistant/secretary from Maine. She is young (18 to 22), energetic, bright but naive. She is very excited to help Alex with his new play. She is a bit ditzy, and wide-eyed at the Big Apple.

An observer in Act One to everything occurring on-stage during the present and “flashbacks” Frank, however, intervenes in Act Two, at first portraying. Lieutenant McElroy, the detective who closed the Monica Welles’ case, and then himself. Frank is a jack-of-all-trades: actor (often out of work), bartender, cab driver, etc.

The gruff, no-nonsense backstage theatre manager who reveres Alex and was genuinely fond of Monica. The following role can be doubled.

The play’s stage manager for Chamber Music (and the last time Monica was on stage). She is very efficient and determined. The following role can be doubled.

One of NY’s finest in his late 30s to early 50s; he assists in the investigation of Monica’s death. The following role can be doubled.

One of NY’s finest in her late 20s to mid-50s; she assists in the investigation of Monica’s death. The following role can be doubled.

The delivery man who brings in Monica’s Study – set up exactly as it was on the day of her death and perfect for a re-enactment. The following role can be doubled.

An observer to everything that is happening on-stage during the present and “flashbacks.” During the last portions of Act Two, he joins in the action. He is in his 50s. The following role can be doubled.