Character Breakdown
Some roles may be cast as gender neutral (male or female). Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
Man in Chair
A lonely man who finds solace for his problems in his love of classic musical theatre. He mourns the end of the Golden Era. He narrates the show as he listens to the record on vinyl.
Vocal Part: soken role (Bari-tenor)
Songs: Bride’s Lament, Finale Ultimo
Janet Van De Graaf
Star of Feldzieg’s Follies who is conflicted about giving up her life on the stage to marry Robert Martin. Attractive, vivacious, outgoing personality. She loves being the center of attention and is the consummate 1920s starlet. Strong movement and special skills (acrobatics, juggling, etc.) a plus.
Vocal Part: Alto with big belt (G3 – A5)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Show Off, Show Off Encore, As We Stumble Along, Accident Waiting to Happen, Act 1 Finale, Bride’s Lament, Message From a Nightingale, I Do, I Do In The Sky, Finale Ultimo
The Drowsy Chaperone
Janet's alcoholic confidante and friend, an experienced “woman of the world” who couldn’t care less what the world thinks.; she is played by well-established stage actress Beatrice Stockwell, a melodramatic diva to be reckoned with who gleefully chews the scenery and steals just about every scene she is in.
Vocal Part: Alto (F3 – D5)
Songs: Fancy Dress, As We Stumble Along, Aldolpho, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, Message From a Nightingale, Do, I Do In The Sky, Finale Ultimo
Robert Martin
The groom-to-be who is deeply in love with Janet. He is the token 1920s leading man – debonair, dashing, and a matinee idol. He is cheesy, cheerful, and optimistic. Must be able to tap dance and roller skate.
Vocal Part: Tenor (C3 – Ab4)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Cold Feets, Accident Preprise, Accident Waiting to Happen, I Do, I Do In the Sky, Finale Ultimo
George
Robert’s anxious best man. He is loyal, sincere, and nervous. Makes looking out for Robert’s interests his top priority so that the wedding will come off without a hitch. Must be able to tap.
Vocal Range: Tenor (F3 – Bb4)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Cold Feets, Wedding Bells #1, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, Wedding Bells #2, I Do, I Do In the Sky, Finale Ultimo
Mrs. Tottendale
A wealthy widow and host of the wedding. She is flighty, eccentric, often times forgetful, and funny. She is absolutely charming, bubbly and oblivious to the confusion her behavior generates in other people.
Vocal Part: Alto (G3 – Db5)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, Love is Always Lovely, Bride’s Lament, I Do, I Do in the Sky, Finale Ultimo
Underling
Mrs. Tottendale’s unflappable butler and manservant. He is stoic, dry-humored and sarcastic. A cross between Arthur Treacher and Niles the butler from The Nanny..
Vocal Part: Tenor (Ab2 – G4)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, Love is Always Lovely, Bride’s Lament, I Do, I Do In the Sky Finale Ultimo
Feldzieg
Harried producer who will do anything to stop the wedding in order to keep Janet in the Follies. He is crass, boorish, nervous, sarcastic, impatient, overbearing, and insensitive.
Vocal Part: Baritone (Db3 – Db4)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, I Do, I Do In The Sky, Finale Ultimo
Kitty
A 1920s dumb blonde chorine, reminiscent of many Busby Berkeley sidekicks. She is Mr. Feldzieg’s companion and will do anything to be a leading lady.
Vocal Part: Mezzo-Soprano (Bb3 – F5)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, Message From a Nightingale, I Do, I Do In The Sky, Finale Ultimo
Gangsters (2)
Two jovial gangsters who are posing as pastry chefs. Typical 1920s Broadway gangsters full of word play and stylized movements. Good comic timing and dancing skills required, and it would help if they had excellent chemistry together as they often act as one.
Vocal Part: Tenor-Baritone (Db3 – Gb4)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, Message From a Nightingale, I Do, I Do In The Sky, Finale Ultimo
Aldolpho
Latin lothario. A womanizing cad who is very impressed with himself. He is confident, vigorous, and a buffoon. Vaudeville-style acting and fake Spanish/Italian accent required. Should have great comic timing.
Vocal Part: Baritone/Bass (A#2 – G4)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Aldolpho, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, Message From a Nightingale, Do, I Do In The Sky, Finale Ultimo
Trix, the Aviatrix
The brave and brash female aviator who, by chance, is recruited to perform the wedding. She is sassy, sleek and a take charge kind of gal. May double in the ensemble.
Vocal Part: Alto (Ab3 – Eb5)
Songs: Fancy Dress, Wedding Bells #2, I Do, I Do In the Sky, Finale Ultimo
Ensemble
Mrs. Tottendale’s Staff , Mrs. Tottendale’s Guests, Reporters, Photographers, Magic Assistants, Monkey Dancers, Wedding Singers -We are willing to consider having both a singing and a dancing chorus, so singers who don’t dance and dancers who don’t sing SHOULD audition!!
Vocal Parts: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone
Songs: Fancy Dress, Show Off, As We Stumble Along, Toledo Surprise, Act 1 Finale, Bride’s Lament, Wedding Bells #2, Do, I Do In The Sky, Finale Ultimo
