Present Laughter
Title of Show: Present Laughter
Synopsis:
- London. Gerry Essendine’s apartment. At the center of his own universe sits matinee idol Garry Essendine; suave, hedonistic and, according to his ex-wife too old to be having numerous affairs. Friendships and their little theater empire are threatened by acting on impulse. Sensible characters react out of loyalty. The plot thickens, and all hell breaks loose. A manic comedy about real people in a world gone mad.
Director: Bill Heimann
AUDITIONS
Monday, November 14 @ 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, November 15 @ 6:30 – 8:30 pm
South Bend Civic Theater
403 N. Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Call backs if needed November 16
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
December 12 – 21
Monday – Thursday. 6:30 – 9:30 pm.
December 22 – January 8
Holiday break. No Rehearsal
January 9 – 12
Monday – Thursday. 6:30 – 9:30 pm.
January 15 – February 2
Sunday – Thursday, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
TECH WEEK
Saturday, February 4
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
LIVE SHOWS
- Friday, February 10 at 7:00pm
- Saturday, February 11 at 7:00pm
- Sunday, February 12 at 3:00pm
- Thursday, February 16; 19 at 7:00pm
- Friday, February 17 at 7:00pm
- Saturday, February 18 at 7:00pm
- Sunday, February 19 at 3:00pm
What To Prepare
- Nothing. There will be audition sides available at the audition for cold readings
Additional Information
- Auditioners only must attend one night of auditions, not both
ROLES
Age Range 18+
Daphne Stillington – Pretty girl, 21. Enthralled with Garry. She relentlessly pursues Garry and sleeps with him. She’s a naïve but scheming debutante. Smaller supporting role in 3 scenes.
Miss Erikson – Thin, vague-looking (Swedish?) housekeeper. Nonplussed by all the nonsense. Supporting role. On and off stage often.
Fred – Garry’s valet. A hedonist in fine clothes. Supporting role. Often quickly on and off stage throughout the play.
Monica Reed – Garry’s secretary. She is a pleasant, rather austere woman in her early forties. Level headed stabilizing force in Garry’s life. Supporting role. On and off stage often.
Garry Essendine — He’s a witty, urbane, sardonic, sophisticated, utterly self-absorbed super star of the London stage. Women plot to seduce him. His resistance often falters. Men are slack jawed admirers. Requires the actor playing the part to play someone frequently accused of over acting in life – without actually overacting in this production. Noel Coward’s most autobiographical part. The lead role. Gargantuan.
Liz Essendine – A charming-looking woman in her thirties. Garry’s divorced wife. Still a friend and member of the theatrical team. She’s a level headed, smart and resourceful problem solver. Flatly faces the truth. Sees people for what they truly are. A good friend. A very significant role.
Roland Maule – An earnest young man with glasses. Aspiring playwright. A naïve, foolish, exuberant, star struck admirer of Garry. Brashly inserts himself into Garry’s life. Significant role. Four scenes.
Morris Dixon – Late 30s, tall, good-looking, a little grey at the temples. Having an affair with Joanna. Panicky. In the theater business with Garry and Hubert. Significant role.
Hugo Lyppiatt – About 40. Dapper and neat. Unaware of the affair between Morris and Joanna. Has had his own conquests. Smaller Significant role.
Joanna Lyppiatt – Early 30s. She has a great deal of assurance and considerable charm. Extremely alluring. She has an extensive list of sexual conquests. Artfully seduces Garry (kissing scene). Significant role.
Lady Saltburn – Daphne’s aunt. A majestic but rather effusive society woman. One scene. Small part.