Jean-Francois Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie Leroux but in debt to a villainous picture-dealer,
Bastien Andre. Andre forecloses on Millet, threatening debtor's prison unless Marie marries him. Millet realizes that the
only way he can pay his debts and keep Marie from marrying Andre is to die, as it is only dead painters who achieve
fame and fortune. His zany friends encourage Millet to fake his death and he prospers, all while passing himself off as
his own sister, the Widow Tillou. Now he must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie.
Brief Descriptions of Characters for Is He Dead?
Jean-François Millet/Daisy Tillou: Jean-Francois is an extremely gifted starving artist, who must
fake his death, a device concocted by his three best friends, in order to “have value” as a painter. However,
he must be around to paint enough paintings to make him rich and pay off debts of his friends. He must go
into disguise as his twin sister, Daisy, the widow Tillou. Wackiness ensues as people fall in love with Daisy,
and also try to expose her as a fraud.
Bastien André: The villain! All the artists are in debt to this so-called “patron” and art dealer. He
threatens that unless Marie (Jean-Francois’ girlfriend) marries him, her father will be crushed by the debt he
owes him, as well as the money Jean-Francois owes him. But he is surprised when he meets Daisy and
struck with a bolt of love for her.
Papa Leroux: Father to both Marie and Cecile, and dear friend to Jean-Francois. Sadly, in terrible debt
to the villain, Bastien Andre and may have to marry his oldest daughter off to him, in order to forgive the
debt, but she is in love with Millet. Falls in love with Daisy too!
Agamemnon Buckner (“Chicago”) : Millet’s best friend and devoted student; a painter as well. He
cooks up the plot to “kill off” Millet, in order to keep the paintings coming, with Dutchy and O’Shaughnessy. In
love with Cecile, a total prankster and clown.
Marie Leroux : In love with Millet, and daughter to Papa Leroux. Totally trusting and sweet, she refuses
to marry Bastien Andre even though it would forgive her father’s debt, because she is so devoted to Millet.
Hans von Bismarck(“Dutchy”): Devoted friend and student of Millet’s, and fellow creator of the plot
to keep Millet painting while impersonating Daisy, the Widow Tillou. Loves to eat stinky cheese. German
accent*
Cecile Leroux : Daughter and sister to Papa and Marie. In love with “Chicago.” Suspects something is
not right between Daisy and Chicago and goes into disguise herself as an inspector to sniff out the truth.
Phelim O’Shaughnessy : Devoted friend and student of Millet’s and fellow plotter of the
scheme. Funny and matter of fact, does a lot of the running around to whip up the rumor about Millet’s
death. Irish accent*
Madame Caron: Devoted friend and neighbor of Millet. Crushed when they learn of his “illness” and a bit
mystified by his sister Daisy. Very sassy and funny.
Madame Bathilde : Devoted friend and neighbor of Millet. These two women always appear together
and finish each other’s sentences. Fun roles, very similar in tone.
Following roles below may be doubled. Several of these parts are frequently played by the same
actor. In fact, one actor was nominated for a Tony Award for playing 4 of these roles. Very funny and
challenging.
Basil Thorpe : A rich English merchant. Considers himself very knowledgeable about art, but he’s
not. British Accent*
Claude Riviere A reporter from Le Figaro.
Charlie, a gorgeous flunky Takes off his disguise to reveal that he’s a French Police Inspector.
Sultan of Turkey (Cameo) King of France (Cameo) Emperor of Russia (Cameo)
*If you cannot do the accent at the time of auditions, that’s not a problem. If you can,
please note that on your audition form. 
Sign up for an audition time. You must prepare a 1-2 min comic monologue for auditions.
You will be auditioning for both Rumors and Is He Dead. You must bring your signed
audition form in order to do your audition. Callbacks will be March 9th