Inspired by the posthumous bidding war that broke out between the United States and France over Jean-Francois Millet’s painting The Angelus, Is He Dead? is about a group of poor artists who stage the death of their mentor to drive up the price of his paintings. In order for the scheme to succeed, the artists hatch various hilarious plots involving cross-dressing, a full-scale fake funeral, lovers’ deceptions, and much more.
Directed by: Ryan Bruckman
Audition Dates: August 8, 2015 9AM - Noon
Ages: 18 and up
Location: Farmington Community Arts Center, 120 S Main
Additional Details:
Please prepare a 1 minute comedic monologue or story. Callbacks will be held on Tuesday August 11, 2015 by invitation only. Rehearsals will begin on Thursday August 13, 2015 and run Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 7-10PM & Saturday 9 -Noon. 2 weeks prior to the show rehearsals will increase to 6 days per week.
The show will be a Dinner Theater, short run October 7 - 10, 2015.
All cast and crew are non-paid volunteers.
Is He Dead? Character List
Jean Francois Millet / Widow Daisy Tillou (Male 20’s early 30’s ) (Pronounced MeYea & TeYou) A struggling french painter who is considered a master by his students and peers. Madly in love with and engaged to Marie Leroux. Fakes his own death to increase the value of his paintings, but pretends to be his own twin sister, the widow Daisy Tillou. Actor must be willing to dress as a woman. Millet is a brooding artist until his time as Tillou helps him come out of his melancholic state.
Agamemnon “Chicago” Buckner ( Male 20’s early30’s ) One of Millet’s students/admirers. Chicago is definitely the leader of the student pack and his quick wit and mouth get him into and out of trouble frequently. Chicago is in love with Cecile Hans Von Bismarck
“Dutchy” ( Male* 20 40)
One of Millet’s students/admirers. Speaks with a German or similar accent. Dutchy is not quite as quick witted as Chicago but still bounces jokes and puns back and forth with Chicago frequently.
* The character is male but may be played by a woman
Phelim O’Shaughnessy ( Male* 18 30)
One of Millet’s students/admirers. Irishman with all the accompanying stereotypes. Quick to anger, gets carried away to the point where he forgets common sense.
* The character is male but may be played by a woman
Papa Leroux ( Male 40+ )
Father to Marie and Cecile. In serious debt to Bastién Andre and in failing health (from stress and a touch of hypochondria) at the opening of the show but finds his youthful vigor with the introduction of the Widow Tillou.
Marie Leroux ( Female 18 30) Daughter of Papa Leroux and Fiancée to Millet.
Cecile Leroux / Inspector LeFaux (Female 18 30) Daughter of Papa Leroux and in love with “Chicago”. Being slightly paranoid about her relationship with Chicago she decides to investigate her suspicions as Inspector LeFaux.
Bastién Andre ( Male 20 50) Patron and Loan Shark to all of the artists and the Leroux family. Andre wants to ruin Millet for preventing Marie from being his wife.
Madame Bathilde/Sultan of Turkey (Female 30+) One of the two landladies who own Millet’s apartment. They are the sweetest, slightly nosy, adopted mothers to the poor artists they house. They talk and work together almost as one brain. Will stand in one brief scene as the Sultan of Turkey
Madame Caron/Emperor of Russia ( Female 30+) One of the two landladies
who own Millet’s apartment. They are the sweetest, slightly nosy, adopted mothers to the poor artists they house. They talk and work together almost as one brain. Will stand in one brief scene as the Emperor of Russia
Basil Thorpe/Claude Riviére/Charlie(Inspector Monnet)/The King of France ( Male any age ) This part is fun and challenging as it will require four separate and distinct characters from the actor. Basil Thorpe is an english art collector (need english accent) who has no idea what makes art valuable. He is therefore somewhat gullible and rich. Claude Riviére is a news reporter for a french magazine (need french accent). Charlie is the main servant to the Widow Tillou. The King of France is well….the King of France.
Post expires at 12:00am on Wednesday August 12th, 2015
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