PLAYHOUSE
when, with touching effectiveness, we are reminded that the handicapped, like the rest of us, want only to love and laugh and find some meaning and purpose in the brief time that they, like their more fortunate brothers, are allotted on this Earth.
From C1
Character descriptions
ARNOLD: a mildly disabled man who works at a movie theater. He’s OCD, hyperactive and talks constantly. He gets bullied by co-workers and is afraid of fighting back.
NORMAN: an overweight, middle-aged man who works at a donut shop and has trouble not eating the inventory. Love interest of Sheila. He’s oddly proud of his large ring of keys.
LUCIEN: Large, mentally-disabled African-american man. Although he cannot read, he insists on checking out heavy books from the library.
BARRY: A schizophrenic who believes he is a professional golfer; gets highly agitated over small things.
JACK: the social working for the four handicapped men. He’s becoming increasingly burned out and is considering a new line of work.
SHEILA: Norman’s girlfriend. Like Norman, she faces mental disabilities. She too is obsessed with Norman’s prized keys.
MR. KLEMPER: Barry’s abusive father.
MR. HODGES/MR. CORBIN/SENATOR CLARK: Mr. Hodges, Barry’s golf student whose patience only goes so far; Mr. Corbin, the movie theater manager; Senator Clark, a dignified public servant. Note: the three parts are played by one actor.
MRS. FREMUS/MRS. WARREN/CLARA: Mrs. Fremus, a widow who lives next door; Mrs. Warren, a new neighbor; Clara, Sheila’s mentally disabled friend. Note: the three parts above are played by one actress.
Production dates for the play are April 25, 26, 27, and May 2, 3 and 4.
TRP encourages actors of any age, gender, race, or experience level to audition as it looks for artists to help tell this wonderfully important story.
“We want any and every one to come read for us,” Lierow said. “Even if you’ve always wanted to try, but were never brave enough, we want those people to come give it a shot with us.”
Auditions will begin at 7 p.m. each evening (Monday, Feb. 18 and Tuesday, Feb. 19) at the Ringgold Depot located at 155 Depot Street downtown.