When: Sunday, February 18th at 7:00pm

Where: The Annex, 710 Figueroa St, Folsom

by Agatha Christie

Directed by Allen Schmeltz

It’s the 1940s. Kay Ridgeway is cruising on the River Nile on the paddle steamer Lotus.  Kay has led a charmed life. Blessed with beauty, enormous wealth, and a new husband, she embarks on a honeymoon voyage down the Nile. Fatal circumstances await when the idyllic surroundings are shattered by a shocking and brutal murder. Under scrutiny is a multitude of memorable passengers, all with a reason to kill. The tension and claustrophobia builds, as a shocking and audacious conspiracy is laid bare.

 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
All characters have a reason to be the murder victim, as well as a motive to be the murderer.  Please note that the ages mentioned are suggested CHARACTER AGES and not necessarily the actual age of the actor. Most roles have an accent indicated but don’t let that stop you from auditioning. We may or may not use accents or they may just be indications of an accent.

MALE ROLES
SIMON MOSTYN (MALE) (AGE 25-35)
Kay’s new husband; good looking, good tempered with a simple hearty manner, from humble beginnings, determined no to use Kay for her money. Those auditioning for Simon must be confident performers and be comfortable with a lot of dialogue as this is a major role. British accent.
CANON PENNEFATHER (MALE) (AGE 35+)
An imposing clergyman, a self-described worldly order of the clergy who enjoys the good things in life’, Kay’s guardian whom she calls Uncle Ambrose; the sleuth and pivotal detective of the play. The performer must have great stage presence and be comfortable with a lot of dialogue as this is a major role. British accent.
WILLIAM SMITH (MALE) (AGE 30+) An irreverent man who has devoted himself to the causes of the “working man” yet with a sparkle in the eye. A bit dirty and careless about his dress. His voice and dry wit contradict his appearance. Large supporting role. British accent.
DR. LUDWIG BESSNER (MALE) (AGE 30+)
Medical doctor with a marked foreign accent from a small country in Europe; hates Kay’s father and blames him for the financial ruin of his country and his family. Large supporting role. German accent.

STEWARD (MALE) (AGE 20+)
Steward of the paddle steamer Lotus; sly and humorous character with the opportunity to go beyond what appears on the page. Speaks with a strong accent and requires speaking some Arabic. Ideal role for non-Caucasian performers. Actors of different ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audition for this role, although all auditionees will be considered. Supporting role.

MCNAUGHT (MALE) (AGE 20+)
The ship’s manager. Minor role. British accent.

FEMALE ROLES
KAY RIDGEWAY-MOSTYN (FEMALE) (AGE 18-25)
A charismatic, rich and beautiful young socialite who leave all in her path breathless with admiration or disgust.Major role. British accent
JACQUELINE DE SEVERAC (FEMALE) (AGE 18-25)
Simon’s ex-fiancée and Kay’s best friend; raging with jealousy over Simon and Kay’s marriage. Emotional and mercurial, if somewhat fragile. Major role. British accent.
HELEN FFOLIOT-FFOULKES (FEMALE) (AGE 40+)
Unpleasant aging socialite; rude, snobbish and gruff. A believer in the upper and lower classes and that they should never meet. Large supporting role. Upper class. British accent.
CHRISTINA GRANT (FEMALE) (AGE25+)
Nice, sensible girl with a steady temper. The niece of Helen, grateful for the adventure on her aunt’s dime. Large supporting role. British accent.
LOUISE (FEMALE) (AGE 20+)
Kay’s flirtatious and devious French maid. Speaks fluent French. Supporting role. French accent

MALE OR FEMALE

TWO BEADSELLERS (MALE OR FEMALE) (18-WHATEVER)
The Beadsellers are in and out throughout the beginning of the play. Mideastern accent

 

 

Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them.  Also bring any performance or rehearsal conflicts you may have.

Audition will be cold readings from the script. No sides will be available before the audition, but the publisher is Samuel French and you may purchase a copy of the script from them.

The show runs March 24 through April 29 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm. There is no performance on Easter Sunday, April 1. Rehearsals are 4-5 weeks before opening, usually on Monday through Thursday from 7:00pm to 9:30pm or 10:00pm. There may be some weekend rehearsals if needed.