We are still seeking energetic men and women for WONDERFUL TOWN Ensemble and Supporting Roles. Fun, TONY Award best musical with a score by Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden & Adolph Green. Charaters include New Yorkers, Bohemian Artists, Jazz Hepcats, Brazilian Sailors and more. Rehearsals begin July 15th, and performances take place September 5th through the 22nd at the Playhouse. Please email artisticdirector@franciswilsonplayhouse.org to join the fun!
AUDITIONS for Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, adapted by Ken Ludwig will be held Sunday August 4 th and Monday August 5 th at 7pm at the Francis Wilson Playhouse.
All roles are open. Audition will be reading select scenes from the Script. Rehearsals in August/September… Performances October 10th to the 20th
First published in 1934, Murder on the Orient Express is widely regarded as one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements. Ludwig’s stage adaptation offers fans of the mystery classic the same suspenseful, thrilling ride. The play takes place in the Winter 1934 when an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?
The play had its world premiere at the multi-award-winning McCarter Theatre, Princeton in 2017, directed by Emily Mann. Ken Ludwig has said of adapting the production, that the goal was to give the audience two hours with “glamorous, interesting people”
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Hercule Poirot (Male, plays 40-65) a famous Belgian detective; a “Big” personality; authoritative, witty, charismatic, and slightly pompous; driven to find the answers, good or bad, with a strong moral sense; very aware of his ability and his well-deserved reputation.
Monsieur Bouc (Male, plays 30-60) a Belgian man of good humor; playful, pr4oud, generous; a predilection for grandeur; a whirlwind of energy; must be an excellent comedian.
Mary Debenham (Female, plays 20-40) an English beauty; a governess, capable yet romantic; a sadness around her eyes and a hardness about her person.
Hector MacQueen (Male, plays 30-40) tightly wound, edgy, and nervous; he seems to always be on the verge of falling apart or coming unwound.
Michel the conductor / Marcel: (Male, plays 35-45) one actor will play two roles: Michel: a good-looking Frenchman, about 40, a quiet, almost grave sense of humor; unfailingly polite; Marcel: a Turkish waiter, snooty, smooth; must have great comic timing.
Princess Dragomiroff (Female, plays 50-75) a Russian dowager; very formal, a sweeping, impressive presence; imperial, impatient.
Greta Ohlsson (Female, plays 25-40) inherently odd, and very devout Swedish woman; a frightened, sheeplike quality; must be an excellent comedienne with an impeccable Swedish accent.
Countess Andrenyi (Female, plays 20’s-40) brilliantly beautiful, like something out of a fairytale; impeccably put together, with a warmth that wins over everyone she meets; her delicacy belies a steely edge; she is no wilting flower; Hungarian accent.
Helen Hubbard (Female, plays 45-60) an outspoken and flamboyant American from the Midwest; jovial, obnoxious, domineering, deliciously nosy and brash; unapologetic; must be an excellent comedienne.
Colonel Arbuthnot / Samuel Rachett (Male, plays 35-59) one actor will play two roles.
Samuel Ratchett: middle-aged American businessman, evil at heart and frightening, brusque, unforgiving, stern demeanor; pushy, domineering; Colonel Arbuthnot: Scotsman, also middle aged, handsome, very matter of fact, occasionally tender; must have great comic timing.