Schoolhouse Arts Center in Standish will hold auditions for roles in “The Butler Did It” on July 27 and 28 at 5 p.m. Show dates will be Sept. 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7 p.m., Oct. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m., and Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
“The Butler Did It” is a comedy that parodies every English mystery play ever written: but it has a decidedly American flair. Miss Maple, a dowager with a reputation for “clever” weekend parties, invites a group of detective writers to eerie Ravenswood Manor where they are to impersonate their fictional characters. In the midst of the weekend party, a real murder takes place. When the would-be sleuths attempt to solve the crime, laughs collide with thrills, and the climax is a real seat-grabber.
Those auditioning should prepare a two-minute monologue and be prepared to cold read. The cast of five men and five women of various ages includes:
Haversham – A maid, to be played by a female of any age, hired for the weekend to serve invited guests. A mousey appearing creature whose clothes never seem to fit properly. ?
Rita, female any age, a “social secretary” hired for the same event.?
Miss Maple, female over 50, it was her invitations that brought this cast of characters together for a weekend at Ravenswood Manor.?
Father White, male over 30, one of the many mystery writers invited. A very intellectual cleric.?
Chandler Marlowe, male over 30, as the name suggests, he is the quintessential Sam Spade character – hard boiled, hard living, talk-out-of-the-side-of-his-mouth tough guy.?
Louie Fan, he elicits memories of Charlie Chan.?
Rick Carlyle, Laura Carlyle, male and female over 20, a charming and sophisticated New York crime-solving duo. They even have a pet dog. ?
Peter Flimsey, male over 30, a proper English gentleman. Similar to Sherlock Holmes, complete with magnifying glass and intellect.?
Charity Haze (female 25 to 35), a gorgeous woman.
For more information, call Schoolhouse Arts Center at 642-3743 or go to www.schoolhousearts.org.
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