7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 (callbacks, if needed, Dec. 11)
This classic and beloved comedy is directed by Quinton Laughman, featuring a madcap scramble to save a wedding, stop two sweetly murderous old ladies, sic the police on a man on the lam, and help a sweet and delusional guy who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt. The show will be on stage at the Hanover Little Theatre, 360 Blooming Grove Road, Hanover, March 14-16, 20-23, 2025.
Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell his aunts, Abby and Martha, before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him. Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police — not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage — it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding.
Auditions (18 years-plus only, please) will consist of cold readings from the script with improvisation. Auditioners will have to fill out an audition form and provide a list of scheduling conflicts. (Rehearsal schedules will be created based on cast availability.)
This shows has a relatively large cast with characters of various ages and time on stage.
Cast of Characters
Abby Brewster, female, 50-70. The very model of Victorian charm and grace, who poisons elderly gentlemen with her sister as an act of charity. More dominant, and a bit older than her sister, Martha, she is happy, healthy, lucid, and spry.
Martha Brewster, female, 50-70, More submissive than her sister, Abby, Martha still is a strong woman with the same Victorian charm and grace. The two have lived together for many, many years, so their personalities and pecking order are firmly rooted.
Elaine Harper, female, 25-40, the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Harper and Mortimer Brewster’s fiancée, is surprisingly wise in the ways of the world. A little bit wily, sassy, and absolutely sharp, Elaine progresses from happiness to stark fear and finally with relief back to happiness.
Mortimer Brewster, male, 30-50, a nephew of Abby and Martha, brother to Teddy and Jonathan Brewster, is a likable drama critic engaged to Elaine Harper. He is a good-hearted cynic who has his world turned upside down. Note: This is role will require the ability to execute physical comedy, perfect timing in dialog delivery as well as be a likeable presence.
Teddy Brewster, male, 20-40, is Mortimer’s very likeable brother who believes that he is President Theodore Roosevelt. Note: This is a physical role that requires energy and dedication to the belief that the character is Teddy Roosevelt.
Jonathan Brewster, male, 40-60, is a psychopath as well as Mortimer and Teddy’s brother, who has committed numerous murders, has no scruples whatsoever, and in addition to being creepy, has a very, very short temper.
Dr. Einstein, male or female, 40-60, a German plastic surgeon who lives in a haze of alcohol, is Jonathan’s right-hand, mousey man. Audiences will view him as a good guy whose life has gone bad.
Reverend Dr. Harper, male, 50-70 (cameo), is minister of the next-door church as well as Elaine’s father.
Officer Brophy, male or female, any age (cameo), is a likable sort making the rounds collecting Christmas toys for the needy.
Officer Klein, male or female, any age (cameo), is a flatfooted Brooklyn officer who is making the rounds for the toy collection with Officer Brophy.
Officer O’Hara, male or female, any age (cameo), is the quintessential Irish-American police officer and is on very good terms with the aunts as well as being a would-be playwright.
Mr. Gibbs, male or female, 55-80 (cameo), is a gentleman who wishes to rent a room from the Brewster sisters and lives to tell the tale.
Lieutenant Rooney, male or female, 50s (cameo), is in charge at the local police precinct and is loud, decisive, and clearly in-charge of every situation in which he finds himself.
Mr. Witherspoon, male or female, 50-60 (cameo), is the mild-mannered superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium.
For questions, email info@HanoverLittleTheatre.com or call 717-637-5297.
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