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Cast Character Descriptions
CONSIDERATIONS:
-Ages listed are general ranges for characters but are simply suggestions. The director will cast performers in age ranges which reflect the casting pool available following auditions.
-The roles of Officer Brophy, Officer Klein, and Officer O’hara are being considered gender neutral and all performers will be considered for them.
-Roles which are considered **physical** are notated. This means that the performer playing that role will be expected to do potentially physically taxing actions such as running, lifting, light fight-choreography, and stage falls.
Abby Brewster (Female 60-70 years old or able to play age)
The very model of Victorian charm and grace. She poisons elderly gentlemen with her sister as an act of charity. She and her sister Martha seem to be the absolute embodiment of the values and polite society of a bygone age. More dominant, and a bit older than Martha, both ladies are happy, healthy, lucid, and spry. The Aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer.
Martha Brewster (Female 60-70 years old or able to play age)
Very sweet, but more submissive than Abby, Martha still is a strong woman. She and her sister have lived together for many, many years. Their personalities and pecking order around each other have been firmly rooted for eons. Always wears a high collar. The Aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer.
Elaine Harper (Female 20-30 years old or able to play age)
Daughter of Rev. Dr. Harper, and Mortimer’s fiancée. She is surprisingly wise in the ways of the world for a minister’s daughter. She is a little bit wily, sassy, and absolutely sharp (Actress seeking this role will need to display a wonderful sense of versatility.) We witness Elaine progress from casual happiness, to utter bliss, to twisted confusion, to stark fear, to godsend relief, and back to casual happiness again. **Physical Role**
Mortimer Brewster (Male 25-40 years old or able to play age)
Nephew of Abby and Martha, brother to both Teddy and Jonathan Brewster. Mortimer is a drama critic who is in love with and engaged to Elaine Harper. He is genuine, honest, caring, and professional. A good-hearted cynic who is about to have his world turned upside down. Mortimer is a high-stress, high energy character who drives the plot. **Physical Role**
Teddy Brewster (35-50 years old or able to play age)
Very likable, kindhearted brother to Mortimer and Jonathan, Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster. Teddy believes that he is the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. **Physical Role**
Jonathan Brewster (30-45 years old or able to play age)
Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, brother to Teddy and Mortimer. Jonathan is a psychopath who has numerous murders to his credit and no scruples whatsoever. Jonathan is a killer that loves his business and he’s got an unbelievably short temper. Dr. Einstein has changed Jonathan’s face three times, currently resulting in a Boris Karloff resemblance (to which he is a bit sensitive.) **Slightly Physical Role**
Dr. Einstein (45-55 years old or able to play age)
An alcoholic and a German plastic surgeon. Right hand man to Jonathan. Dr. Einstein is mousey and submissive to Jonathan, but still dangerous. Einstein presents as a good guy whose life has gone bad. **Physical Role**
The Reverend Dr. Harper (50-70 years old or able to play age) (Cameo)
We only see Elaine Harper’s father in the opening scene; The Brewster sisters have seen many ministers come and go over the years, but they seem to be particularly fond of Dr. Harper and vice versa. Dr. Harper has a sense of polish, refinement, and mild-mannered sensitivity towards others. He is not in favor of Mortimer and Elaine’s relationship.
Officer Brophy (25-45 years old or able to play age) (Cameo)
The first police officer we meet in the show, Brophy is a thoroughly likable person who is making rounds collecting Christmas toys for the needy. ** Slightly Physical Role**
Officer Klein (25-45 years old or able to play age) (Cameo)
A flatfoot Brooklyn officer who makes rounds with Officer Brophy collecting Christmas toys. **Slightly Physical Role**
Officer O’Hara (any age) (Cameo)
Full of life, good natured and played big. On very good terms with the Aunts. O’Hara is a would-be playwright, and plainly displays the nagging, persistent drive that’s kindled within, upon discovery that Mortimer is a famous dramatic critic. Well intentioned, O’Hara really doesn’t mean to come across as annoying.
Mr. Gibbs (55-80 years old or able to play age) (Cameo)
An elderly gentleman who wishes to rent a room from the Brewster sisters; and nearly falls victim to the sisters “charity.” He is a little gruff, but he warms up fairly quickly upon being offered a treat he hasn’t had since he was a child.
Lieutenant Rooney (50’s years old or able to play age) (Cameo)
The man in charge at the local police precinct. Very early in the show we gain a pretty strong understanding of the caliber of officers he has to manage under his watch. As such, he has very little patience for blunder and mistakes and needs to run a pretty tight ship. He is loud, decisive, and clearly in-charge of every situation in which he finds himself.
Mr. Witherspoon (50-60s years old or able to play age) (Cameo)
The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium. Very mild mannered and kind.
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