2016 Show Character Breakdown
January 9, 2016 Auditions
ANYTHING GOES
RENO SWEENEY – Reno is a sexy and charismatic nightclub singer, formerly an evangelist. She is
confident, clever, philosophical, funny, persuasive and extremely comfortable with herself. She is
the consummate performer and a show stopper with a great belting voice. The actor must have
great comedic timing and be able to command the stage. The playing age range (this is the age she
appears to be on stage) can be 30-55 years old. Auditionees for this role must have a high level of
tap dancing skill. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Alto (G3 – Eb5).
HOPE HARCOURT – Hope is a wealthy and beautiful heiress. Maintaining the family status quo is
very important to her and critical to the ones she loves. She has a sweet personality with a strong
sense of morals and duty. She is willing to sacrifice love and marry to satisfy her mother’s wishes.
Hope has a sense of humour and can be mischievous. The ultimate leading lady, this character is
sparkling and ladylike. The playing age range (this is the age she appears to be on stage) can be 2035 years old. Auditionees for this role will be required to dance. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED:
Soprano (A4 – Eb5).
ERMA LATOUR – Best description? – A traffic stopping dame. Erma is independent, modern,
impulsive, courageous, immoderate and driven by whatever gratifies her at the moment. She must
be fresh and enjoyable in spite of her brazen ways. Loveably clueless with a ‘joysey’ accent. The
playing age range (this is the age she appears to be on stage) can be 21-35 years old. Auditionees
for this role will be required to tap dance. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Mezzo (A4 – C#5).
EVANGELINE HARCOURT – Hope’s widowed, overbearing mother who is mainly concerned with
money and social status. She married well but not to her one true love. Evangeline was born with a
silver spoon in her mouth and accustomed to the good life. This actor must be able to span the
distance between refined lady and panic stricken comedienne to breathless receiver of renewed
hope. The playing age range (this is the age she appears to be on stage) can be 40-65 years old.
Auditionees for this role will NOT be required to dance. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Doesn’t sing
solo.
RENO’S ANGELS – These three girls are Reno’s backup singers and dancers for her nightclub act.
The collective feel of the Angels is that they charge the atmosphere. The playing age range (this is
the age they appear to be on stage) can be 18-40 years old. Auditionees for these roles will be
required to have a high level of tap and jazz. VOCAL RANGES REQUIRED: Mixed.
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Charity Taylor – This girl is looking for a millionaire. Her college degree didn’t pay as
much as her legs do.
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Purity Evans – Purity is a showgirl with a heart of gold. She secretly wants to marry her
childhood sweetheart.
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Virtue Williams – An excellent showgirl but charmingly and completely clueless in all other
arenas.
BILLY CROCKER – Billy is Elisha Whitney’s kind but inefficient General Manager, who is in love
with Hope. He boards the ship without a ticket and adopts a number of disguises to avoid being
caught. This actor must be charismatic, have good comedic timing and considerable charm. The
playing age range (this is the age he appears to be on stage) can be 25-35 years old. Auditionees for
this role will be required to dance. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Tenor (B3 – G4).
LORD EVELYN OAKLEIGH – Hope’s aristocratic English fiancé. He is earnest, energetic, good
natured, gullible and absolutely fascinated by American slang. This actor must be a strong comedic
actor with a believable upper crust English accent. The playing age range (this is the age he
appears to be on stage) can be 30-45 years old. Auditionees for this role will be required to dance.
VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Baritone (C3 – G4).
MOONFACE MARTIN – This guy is a loveable, goofy gangster who is ‘public enemy No 13’, and
travelling disguised as a priest. He desperately yearns to be public enemy No 1. Wily and quickwitted, yet somehow just this side of gullible, he is loyal and willing to go the distance for a friend.
This actor must be able to develop a strong comedic character and be able to sell a song. The
playing age range (this is the age he appears to be on stage) can be 30-60 years old. Auditionees for
this role will be required to do a little dancing. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Baritone (Bb3 – Gb4).
ELISHA WHITNEY – A successful Ivy league Wall Street banker. He is extremely near sighted and a
gloriously functional drunk. He thinks he is always right, but is also capable of listening to reason
and changing his mind. This character has a huge personality. The playing age range (this is the
age he appears to be on stage) can be 45-60 years old. Auditionees for this role will NOT be
required to dance. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Baritone (C4 – D4).
CAPTAIN REGINALD STRONG – This man is in charge of the ship, the SS American. He is
intelligent, strong but a little too concerned with prestige. This actor should have good comedic
timing. The playing age (this is the age he appears to be on stage) can be 40-50 years old.
Auditionees for this role will NOT be required to dance. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Baritone.
LANCE WHITE – Purser for the SS American. He is reliable, alert and by the book with an air of
confident style. The playing age (this is the age he appears to be on stage) can be 20-30 years old.
Auditionees for this role will be required to dance. VOCAL RANGE REQUIRED: Any (no solo).
LUKE AND JOHN – Mischievous Chinese, reformed gamblers and recent Christian converts,
travelling with Henry T. Dobson. The playing age (this is the age they appear to be on stage) can be
20-50 years old. Auditionees for these roles will NOT be required to dance. VOCAL RANGE
REQUIRED: Any (no solo).
CHANTEY QUARTET – This is a strong quartet of sailors. All actors must be strong singers. The
playing age (this is the age they appear to be on stage) can be 20-45 years old. Auditionees for this
role will be required to dance. VOCAL RANGES REQUIRED: 2 Tenors and 2 Basses.
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Donald Parker – Wants to see the world before he settles down.

Harold Wilkins – Left home to help his family recover financially.
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Stanley Jones – Wants to be a professional boxer, but he/she is a third generation sailor.
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Charlie Smith – Became a sailor to forget about a lost love.
25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUNENIERRE – At ten years old, Logainne is the youngest and most
politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. “SCHWARTZY” is
driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers
proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year. Vocal Range:
A3 - F5
MARCY PARK – A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed ninth in last year’s nationals. She
speaks six languages, is a member of all-American hockey, a championship rugby player, plays
Chopin and Mozart on multiple instruments, sleeps only three hours a night, hides in the bathroom
cabinet, and is getting very tired of always winning. She is the poster child for the Over Achiever,
and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to
cry. Vocal Range: C4 - E5
OLIVE OSTROVSKY – A newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and
her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found
comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age,
helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms. Vocal
Range: B3 - F5
CHIP TOLENTINO – An athletic and social Boy Scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual
Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an
inopportune moment. Vocal Range: C4 - B5
LEAF CONEYBEAR – The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark
and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a
large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly
while in a trance. Vocal Range: A3 - A5
WILLIAM BARFEE – A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of
an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of
spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a
touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive. Vocal Range: E4 - B5
RONA LISA PERETTI – The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County
Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves
children. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. Vocal Range: B3 - F5
MITCH or MADGE MAHONEY – The Official Comfort Counselor. An exconvict, Mitch/Madge is
performing community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He/She
has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find him/herself wishing he/she could find a way to
make the kids feel better. Vocal Range: E4 - A5
DOUGLAS PANCH – The Vice Principal of Putnam Middle School. Frustrated with his life, he finds
the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as
judge. There was an "incident" at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in "a better place"
now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. Sings only in ensemble musical numbers.
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT
BERNADETTE – Male, to play 40s – 50s. A quietly dignified transsexual who must be convincing as
an older woman who was once the star performer of ‘Les Girls.’ The mother of the group,
Bernadette is glamorous, oozing Old Hollywood charm with rapier wit and sensitivity. Must be able
to be convincing and touching in her attraction and growing relationship with Bob. Outstanding
acting, singing (range adaptable), dancing, and lip-synching ability.
MITZI/TICK – Male, to play 30s. With an unremarkable and essentially straight exterior, Tick is a
discontented drag queen, the best in the business. Estranged husband of Marion and absent father
to 8-year-old Benji, his journey from disillusionment to fulfillment through being reunited with his
son is the central core of the story. Outstanding acting, singing (baritone/tenor), and dancing
ability.
FELICIA/ADAM – Male, to play 20s. A flashy, sexy drag queen and born performer with a more than
occasional bitchy streak. Provocative and outspoken, he has a tendency to get himself into trouble
with both friends and complete strangers. Very well-maintained physical features. Outstanding
acting, singing (tenor), dancing, and lip-synching ability.
BOB – Male, to play late 40s – 60s. A mechanic. Typical laconic attitude, soft-hearted Aussie bloke
who spent years wandering around the world only to find he was better off where he started. Has a
fascination with Bernadette whom he saw perform in ‘Les Girls’ in Sydney more than 20 years ago.
Outstanding acting ability; minimal singing ability.
BENJI – Male, 8 – 11 years old to play 8. The cute son of Tick and his estranged wife, Marion (a hotel
entertainment manager). Marion has brought Benji up to be sweet and open-minded. Tick has not
seen him for many years. Requires a good actor who sings. Seeking two actors to alternate as well
as understudy the other in this role.
SHIRLEY – Female, 30s – 50s. Hardened outback bartender/waitress. Good ironic comedy.
Character acting, singing (solo and ensemble pieces), and dancing ability.
MARION – Female, mid 30s – early 40s. A hotel Entertainment Manager in Darwin, mother of 8year-old Benjamin, and estranged wife of Tick. A strong, direct, and forthright woman who takes
charge, but is incredibly accepting of her role as a single mother. There is a deep unconventional
affection between her and Tick. Strong singing and acting. Will be required to sing and dance in
ensemble numbers.
CYNTHIA – Female, late 20s – 30s, Asian. Bob’s feisty Filipino wife. A frustrated performer of
obscure “stage tricks” which make her very popular at the local pub. She spends her days as a
housewife looking after Bob and his home. Character acting, singing, and dancing ability essential.
Must have a great physique.
THE DIVAS – Female, 20s – 40s. Three females who carry the musical weight of the show. Sassy,
strong, and sexy, these women lead us through some of the greatest hits of the last decades. All
shapes and sizes welcome, but brilliant vocalists in the disco-belt style with flexible range a must.
Will also be part of the female ensemble.
MISS UNDERSTANDING – Male, 30s, African-American. A fabulous drag queen with great comic
hosting ability. Sets up the tone of the show for us—must be able to work a crowd well, and look
brilliant in drag. Ability to deliver Tina Turner numbers convincingly a must. Character acting,
singing, and dancing ability, mostly all ensemble pieces with one key scene (the opening number).
FRANK – Male, late 20s – early 40s. Tough miner bloke with violent tendencies. A hardened
resident of mining town Coober Pedy. Tall, strapping, and very outback Australian. Character
acting, singing, and dancing ability, mostly all ensemble pieces with one key scene.
JIMMY – Male, late 20s – 30s, African-American. Friendly indigenous Australian bloke that the
queens run into in the desert. Innocent charm and great movement skills—any traditional dance a
huge plus. Character acting, singing, and dancing ability, mostly all ensemble pieces with one key
scene.
YOUNG BERNADETTE – Male, late 20s – mid 30s. The epitome of grace and glamour—gender
illusion rather than drag—‘Les Girls’ at its most alluring. Also plays FARRAH, a young, beautiful, and
sassy drag queen, in the opening number. Must be a brilliant mover and look stunning and
believable as a woman. Character acting, singing, and dancing ability, mostly all ensemble pieces
with one key scene.
MALE/FEMALE ENSEMBLE – Males, 20s – 30s. Excellent dancers who sing well. To play a variety
of ensemble characters. Any drag experience a plus.
A ROARING 20’s MUSICAL TBA
SHREK
SHREK (Male, Adult – High Baritone / Tenor) – Our story's title character. A big, green, terrifying
ogre who lives alone in a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and,
along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and
eventually becomes the hero. Excellent singer and actor.
PRINCESS FIONA (Female, Adult – Soprano / High Belter) - The beautiful princess of Far-Far-Away,
she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in
love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess. Excellent singer and
actor with great comic timing.
DONKEY (Male or Female, Adult – High Baritone / Tenor or Alto with High Belt) - A talking donkey
who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad's guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by
Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but
also an optimist with heart. Excellent singer and comic actor with a huge personality.
LORD FARQUAAD (Male, Adult – High Baritone) - The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is
in search of a princess to marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against
fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel.
Excellent singer and comic actor. Actor must be able to play this role on his knees for the whole
show.
DRAGON/SUGAR PLUM FAIRY (Female, Adult – Alto with Big Belt) - A dragon that has been
charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She eventually falls in love with Donkey
and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified
baby-sitter. She sings “Forever” with her Knight back-up singers. May double as the Sugar Plum
Fairy, who has featured lines and solos in “Story of My Life” and “Freak Flag,” as well as Gingy.
GINGY (Male or Female, Any Age – Any Vocal Part) - A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord
Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale
creatures. This character is portrayed with a puppet, which may be voiced and operated by actor
appearing as Sugar Plum Fairy.
PINOCCHIO (Male or Female, Teen or Adult – Tenor with falsetto or Soprano / Alto) - The leader of
the fairytale creatures. Although portrayed by a live actor, Pinocchio is an animated puppet whose
nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying, he leads the troupe of
Fairytale Creatures in the musical numbers “Story of My Life” and “Freak Flag.” May double.
PAPA OGRE (Male, Adult – High Baritone) - Shrek's father. Sings a beautiful duet with Mama Ogre
to young Shrek in the opening number “Big, Bright, Beautiful World.” May double.
MAMA OGRE (Female, Adult - Alto) - Shrek's mother. Sings a beautiful duet with Papa Ogre to
young Shrek in the opening number “Big, Bright, Beautiful World.” May double.
KING HAROLD (Male, Adult – Baritone) - Fiona’s father and King of Far-Far-Away. Sings a beautiful
duet with Queen Lillian to young Fiona in the opening number “Big, Bright, Beautiful World.” May
double.
QUEEN LILLIAN (Female, Adult – Alto or Soprano) - Fiona’s mother and Queen of Far-Far-Away.
Sings a beautiful duet with King Harold to young Fiona in the opening number “Big, Bright,
Beautiful World.” May double.
YOUNG FIONA (Female, Age 8-12 – Soprano with Strong Belt) - Princess Fiona as a little girl. Sings
a solo in “I Know It’s Today” with Teen Fiona and Fiona. May double.
TEEN FIONA/FAIRY GODMOTHER (Female, Teen – Soprano with Strong Belt) - Princess Fiona as a
teenager. Sings a solo in “I Know It’s Today” with Young Fiona and Fiona. May double as Fairy
Godmother, who has featured lines and solos in “Freak Flag,” “Story of My Life” and “This is Our
Story”.
YOUNG SHREK/GRUMPY THE DWARF (Male, Age 8-12 – Any Vocal Part) - Plays Young Shrek in
“Big, Bright, Beautiful World” and then returns in Act 2 to play Lord Farquaad’s father, Grumpy the
Dwarf (with several speaking lines). Also plays Grumpy the Dwarf in “Freak Flag.”
FEATURED FAIRYTALE CREATURES (All have featured roles, whether with lines, solos, dances, or
action) - Wicked Witch, Humpty Dumpty, Big Bad Wolf, Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear, Ugly
Duckling, Peter Pan, Shoemaker’s Elf, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter. May double.
3 LITTLE PIGS (Males, Teens or Adults – Tenors or Baritones with ability to sing tight harmony and
German Accent) - Fairytale creatures with solo / trio work in “Story of My Life,” “Freak Flag” and
“This is Our Story.” May double.
HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE
LIL' BIT – physically around 35, but plays the character from age 11 to present day. Was described
at age 12 as having a body that looked 20. In part due to a traumatic event at age 11, in some ways
she has grown up much quicker than she should have, but at the same time often portrays a typical
teenager. Has a very complicated relationship with her uncle. Must be able to transition to and from
different periods in her life easily. Also should be versed in performing both comedic and dramatic
moments.
UNCLE PECK – physically around 45, but plays the character from age 38. A good-looking and
charismatic man. A former alcoholic and Marine veteran who will not open up about his troubles.
Can be both a great comforter and a cause of great discomfort. Has a very complicated relationship
with his niece. Must be able to portray this character through highs and his lows.
FEMALE GREEK CHORUS – to play Lil’ Bit’s mother, Aunt Mary, and classmates. In addition, serves
as part of this play’s interpretation of a Greek Chorus. Must be able to be able to transition from
bluntly hilarious to painfully serious.
MALE GREEK CHORUS – to play Lil’ Bit’s grandfather, a high school classmate, waiter, and a young
man Lil’ Bit encounters on a bus. In addition, serves as part of this play’s interpretation of a Greek
Chorus. Comedic timing is essential, as well as the ability to seamlessly transform from one
character to another.
TEENAGE GREEK CHORUS – to play Lil’ Bit’s grandmother, a high school classmate, and directly
narrates as Lil’ Bit. In addition, serves as part of this play’s interpretation of a Greek Chorus. Has
arguably the widest age range of characters in the show. Her roles can be both incredibly vulgar
and brightly innocent.
MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS
MR. SMITH – He is in his forties, a kind, generous, loving father and a successful business man, to
boot.
MRS. SMITH – She, too, is in her forties, an attractive woman, with a firm but gentle manner. She
has graciousness and charm, which the years and raising a family have mellowed.
LON – He is the oldest in the family, nineteen. Lon is good looking and athletic.
ROSE – She is the oldest of the girls, eighteen, and the beauty of the family. She has a loyal, loving
nature--and also a bit of a temper.
ESTHER – Esther is a year and three months younger than Rose, attractive and effervescent. She
tends to look up to Rose and clings to her in time of trouble.
AGNES – She is about two years younger than Esther and inclined to be a tomboy. Agnes is
independent and forthright, and greatly admired by Tootie.
TOOTIE – Tootie is the youngest in the family, a bright-eyed, serious faced youngster with a slightly
macabre sense of humor.
GRANDPA – He is a spry old gent in his seventies, with a neat white beard and mustache. The
children adore him and never tire of hearing his "tales."
KATIE – Katie is ageless; she might be anywhere from forty-five to sixty--you can't tell. She is goodhumored, generous loving--and Irish. Her brogue is slight but musical.
MRS. WAUGHOP – She is a fussy, irate, middle-aged woman who dresses severely and primly.
IDA – Ida is eighteen, a sweet, rather shy girl, and very much in love with Lon.
JOHN – He is slightly older than Rose a nice strapping fellow, sincere and friendly. On his first
appearance he is somewhat disheveled.
FRED – Fred is a good-looking, well-mannered boy of Esther's age. He is very smitten with Esther,
and she is with him.
LUCILLE – She is eighteen, a very pretty but decidedly affected girl from the East. Her manner in
front of the boys is arch and coy.
MR. DODGE – He is a harrassed-looking business man, a few years older than Mr. Smith. His speech
is clipped and brusque he is all business.
DUFFY – Duffy is Mr. Dodge's shadow, a meek little "yes" man. He is somewhat younger than Mr.
Smith and obviously envious of his importance in the firm.
CONDUCTOR – This part is not listed in the cast of characters, as he makes only a brief appearance
at the curtain of Act One.