Auditions for "Cyrano de Bergerac”
Book by Edmond Rostand
Directed by Dave Metcalf
"Cyrano" tells the story of a brilliant but self-conscious poet and swordsman, Cyrano, who is in love with his cousin Roxane. He is too insecure about his large nose to confess his love. Instead, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo Roxane by writing love letters for him. Roxane falls for the words, unaware they are Cyrano's. Ultimately, Cyrano sacrifices his own happiness for Roxane's, the play explores themes of love, self-sacrifice, inner vs. outer beauty, and the power of language.
“Cyrano” characters of note:
Cyrano - A poet, swordsman, scientist, playwright, musician, and member of the Cadets of Gascoyne, a company of guards from Southern France. For all his prodigious talents, Cyrano is unattractive, cursed with a ridiculously long nose that makes him insecure and keeps him from revealing his love for his cousin Roxane.
Roxane - Cyrano’s cousin, a beautiful and intellectual heiress. She has a soft spot for romance and a love for poetry and wit.
Christian - Perhaps the opposite of Cyrano, Christian a handsome but simple young nobleman who lacks wit and intelligence. New to Paris and to the cadets, he falls in love with Roxane and joins Cyrano’s company of cadets early in the play. His good looks are matched only by Roxane’s.
De Guiche - A powerful, married nobleman in love with Roxane and not fond of Cyrano. Deceitful and always angry, he attempts several times to have Cyrano killed, once by a hundred men.\
Ragueneau - Cyrano’s friend, a pastry chef with a deep love for poetry. Ragueneau gives away pastries in return for poems, and, therefore, innumerable poets visit him frequently. He reflects the theme that poetry is food for the soul, and underlines the division between the physical and spiritual aspects of the world. After his business fails, he becomes Roxane’s porter.
Le Bret - Cyrano’s friend and closest confidant. He is a fellow soldier and guardsman. Le Bret worries that Cyrano’s principles will ruin his career, but Cyrano ignores Le Bret’s concerns.
The Duenna - Roxane’s companion and chaperone, who tries to keep Roxane out of trouble. She is a character reminiscent of Juliet’s nurse in Romeo and Juliet.
Valvert - An insolent young nobleman lauded by de Guiche as a possible husband for Roxane, a scheme that would give de Guiche access to Roxane. After he insults Cyrano’s nose, he is defeated in an ensuing duel.
Montfleury - A portly, untalented actor whom Cyrano bans from the stage.
Various other roles also available.
Auditions for “A Sherlock Carol”
By Mark Shanahan
Directed by Tom Nelson
Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Six actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages!
“A Sherlock Carol” can be cast with as few as 6 actors or many more. Below is a list of some of the more noteworthy characters:
Sherlock Holmes - The World’s Foremost Consulting Detective, in decline.
Ebenezer Scrooge - Formerly a miser. One Christmas, Scrooge transformed into as good a man as the good old city every knew.
Dr. Timothy Cratchit - Tiny Tim, all grown up. Now a doctor at St. Bernard’s Hospital for Children. He speaks with a more refind accent than his sister.
Mr. Topper - The manager of the Cosmopolitan Hotel. A bit older, a bit pompous. Easily irritated. Supposedly a friend of Fred, Scrooge’s nephew.
Ralph Fezziwig - A nervous, wiry young man. The misfit member of a proud family. Engaged to Fannie.
Emma Wiggins - A good-spirited and brave 13-year-old, she is a former Baker Street Irregular.
Fan “Fannie” Gardner - Scrooge’s grandniece. A refined young woman, she works backstage at the theatre in the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Engaged to Ralph Fezziwig.
Inspector Lestrade - Blustery, easily confounded member of Scotland Yard. He has grudging respect for Holmes.
Dr. Watson - Sherlock Holmes’ best and most loyal friend. The Boswell to Holmes’ Johnson.
Mrs. Dilber - Mr. Scrooge’s housekeeper of over 30 years. An emotional creature with a connection to the spiritual realm.
Henry Burke - An Irish Candlemaker, an old friend of Mr. Scrooge.
The Countess of Morcar - American. An old love of Holmes’ who also goes by another name, Irene Adler.
Mary Morstan - Watson’s elegant and brave wife.
Abigail “Abby” Fezziwig - Runs a business fattening geese for market. She is no-nonsense and direct-a proud member of the hardworking Fezziwig family.
Auditions for "Cyrano de Bergerac" & "A Sherlock Carol"
Thursday August 14 at 6 pm and
Saturday August 16 at 10 am
at the Dassel History Center.
You may audition for one or both shows!
Bring your conflict calendar.
Auditions will be cold readings from the scripts.
"Cyrano de Bergerac" Callbacks: