[Capdist-auditions] Classic Theater Guild Announces Auditions for The Man Who Came to Dinner

[Karen Christina Jones]

Classic Theater Guild
 Announces Auditions

The Man Who Came to Dinner
by
George S. Kaufman
and
 Moss Hart

Directed by Karen Christina Jones
Monday, February 20th and Tuesday, February 21st at 7.00pm.  Sign in at 6.30pm at Proctor's Fenimore Gallery, 432 State Street, Schenectady.  At Proctor's, take the two bay of elevators across from the main Proctors box office, up to the second floor.


A lovable misanthrope may be an oxymoron, but it is the only way to describe the character of Sheridan Whiteside in the Hart/Kaufman screwball comedy, The Man Who Came to Dinner. Whiteside, based on the Algonquin Round Table stable Alexander Woollcott, represents the celebrity that everyone wants around but who cannot stand being around people!
Debuting in October 1939, The Man Who Came to Dinner is a paradigm of the entertainment popular in the 1930’s. 
Whiteside, stuck in a hick town due to an injury, refuses to conform to his surroundings but rather brings insanity to the lovely hamlet of Mesalia, Ohio. During the holiday season in the quiet home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W. Stanley, the Whiteside invasion includes cockroaches, convicted murderers, movie stars, penguins and an octopus!

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN: 
Sheridan Whiteside (45-60)-A lovable misanthrope who makes his surroundings conform his life. A well-renowned radio personality, Sheridan treats the crowned heads of Europe and the upright citizens of Mesalia, Ohio with the same distain. Affection for Sheridan, or Sherry, arises from his honesty about the world and his well-hidden good heart. Based on Alexander Woollcott

Maggie Cutler (25-30)-On the surface Maggie may seem like a long suffering secretary but she is a sharp and capable woman able to handle any situation. Sherry and Maggie have a love/hate relationship based on mutual respect. Even though Maggie seems to the perennial single gal, her heart is open for Mr. Right.

Bert Jefferson (25-30)-An ace reporter in Mesalia, Bert enters the scene trying to get an interview with the Stanleys’ famous guest. A “good Joe”, Bert likes his life as a small town reporter and might be ready to share it with a Miss Right.

Ernest W. Stanley (45-55)- An upright citizen of Mesalia, Ohio, Mr. Stanley likes his life uncomplicated. Upon the arrival of Whiteside, Stanley’s world is turned upside down. 

Mrs. Stanley (40-50)-Wife of Ernest Stanley, Mrs. Stanley may reside in a small town but she lives on Park Avenue. Mrs. Stanley is overjoyed in having the injured host despite the turmoil which turns her household upside down.

Richard Stanley (20-25)-Son of the Stanleys .a naïve young man who sees the Hurricane Sherry as an opportunity to start a new life.

June Stanley (20-25)-Daughter of the Stanleys. an optimistic young girl whose views on life and politics conflict with her stern father. Through her friendship with Sherry, June gets the courage to leave her comfort zone. 

Dr. Bradley (35-45)-A small town doctor who is unsophisticated and simple and therefore the target of Sherry’s vitriol.

Harriet Stanley (40-50)-The sister of Ernest, Harriet is a strange spirit in the Stanley home. She develops an interesting relationship with Sherry which unlocks a mystery about the history of the Stanley family.

Sandy (20-25)-June’s beau, A radical, young man who sweeps June off her feet.

Lorraine Sheldon (25-35)- A starlet to the tenth degree. Lorraine is a true glamour girl with attitude but sans talent.
Lorraine is looking for the right wallet to support her post Hollywood life. Lorraine’s character is based on the actress Gertrude Lawrence

Beverly Carlton (35-45)-A hit making songwriter and friend of Sherry’s, Beverly stops by the Stanley home for his annual visit with the radio personality. A true bon vivant the Carlton character is based on Noel Coward.

Banjo (20-50)-A beloved film comedian, Banjo brings his lovable craziness to the Stanley home to cheer up Sherry. Banjo’s character is based on Harpo Marx.

John (35-50)-The Stanleys’ butler

Sarah (35-50)-The Stanleys’ maid

Featured Characters include: Mrs. Dexter, Mrs. McCutcheon, Mr. Baker, Westcott, Expressman, Radio technicians, Choir boys and girls, Two deputies, Luncheon guests and a plainclothes man.

A one (1) minute monologue is preferred but not required and be prepared to read sides from the script.

People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to audition.



The roles of Miss Preen and Professor Metz have been cast.

Due to the play’s cultural context and chronological references, the actors will be required to research the historical figures that their characters are derived. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Came_to_Dinner

Performances : April 20-29 at Proctor's Fenimore Gallery
April 20-21, 26-27 at 7:30
April 22 & 29 at 2:00

For further information, please call Karen Christina Jones at 518.720.2011 or email statestreet2424 at yahoo.com. 
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