Audition Notice: Joined at the Head
16 Oct
Joined at the Head
by Catherine Butterfield
Directed by Karen Dervin
Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Monday, November 9, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Call backs (if necessary) will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Auditions will take place at the Abbott Memorial Theater, 9 Spring Street in Waltham, MA (next to the Waltham Public Library, in the D’Angio Law Office building).
Director Karen Dervin and Assistant Director Nicole Sparks seek a diverse cast of nine for this Boston area premiere production. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and monologues to be handed out at auditions. Familiarity with the script is strongly suggested. The script is available through Dramatists or in the anthology “Women Playwrights: The Best Plays of 1992.” Any questions, please contact the production staff at joinedatthehead@gmail.com
Performance dates will be January 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 8:00 pm, and January 24 at 2:00 pm.
Synopsis:
Best-selling author Maggie Mulroney has returned to the Boston area to promote her latest novel when she receives a call from her high school sweetheart. She hasn’t seen Jim in 20 years and their reunion leads to an unexpected result – Maggie’s budding friendship with Jim’s wife, Maggy. Though Maggy is terminally ill, the story of the intersection of her life with Maggie’s provides what the New York Times calls “a jaunt into the writer’s mind, a vibrant reflection on life, art and friendship.” This is a play about living- with many laughs, a few tears, and a wonderful collection of characters.
Character Descriptions:
Maggie Mulroney – The narrator and “sometime protagonist” of the story. She is a woman who lives life by her own rules. Her connection to Jim and especially Maggy is a catalyst to make some real changes in her life. Note: This role runs the gamut of emotions in the play and requires an actress who is adept in communicating both with the audience and with her fellow actors.
Jim Burroughs – High school English teacher who dreamed of being a musician. He lives the small-town existence he swore he would never live, yet has managed to be truly happy in his life with Maggy.
Maggy Burroughs – Not your typical former cheerleader, she is a no-nonsense woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. Though her life has been irrevocably altered by disease, she still maintains her wonderful sense of humor.
The above characters are preparing for their 20-year high school reunion. They are certainly not 29, nor are they 55. Anywhere in between should be workable – the important aspect is the relationship between them.
The remaining six actors form the “Chorus” and they play all of the other characters in the story. We are particularly interested in finding a diverse group of actors, ranging in ages from 20s to 80s, to portray these characters. A variety of sizes, shapes, ages, colors, and genders is desired. Since each actor will play multiple roles, versatility and a sense of fun and adventure are highly recommended. Some of the roles to be filled are:
Nora – The maternal innkeeper where Maggie hangs her hat for a time
Mr. and Mrs. Mulroney – Maggie’s parents
Raymond Terwilliger – A very PBS television host
Doctor and Nurse – Atypical medical professionals
Salesclerk – Clerk in a New Age shop
