THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER - CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

[Don Toal, Jr.]

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

NOTE: Not all lead/supporting characters will be double cast—those that are double cast are at the discretion of the Director. Should the number of auditioning students exceed the number of roles available (or other circumstances arise which dictate this decision), not all students who audition may be cast, due to availability of roles, audition scores, academic ineligibility, and/or rehearsal schedule availability. Freshman are encouraged to audition--we always need new blood! Audition sides and rehearsal schedules will be posted later in the week.

SHERIDAN WHITESIDE: The titular reluctant houseguest. Modeled after famous theatre critic Alexander Woollcott, Whiteside is not only larger than life physically, but also in his intelligence, his vocabulary, his temper, and his acid tongue. The smartest man in the room—he knows it and will be the first to tell you, at length. Despite his selfish and rude behavior, there is a heart of gold somewhere under all that bluster (buried VERY deep)—his character should be likable as well as insufferable. He loves wordplay, especially when he can use it to manipulate others to his advantage. Must be a strong, expressive speaker and excellent at memorization—Whiteside spends much of the show onstage, confined to his wheelchair.

MAGGIE CUTLER: Whiteside’s personal secretary, confidant, and right-hand gal, who oversees his many lecture tours, radio broadcasts, and public appearances. Aged about thirty, she is dry and no-nonsense, but is able to keep pace with Whiteside when it comes to trading verbal jabs. Despite her hardened cynicism, she enjoys the company of many of Whiteside’s celebrity entourage, and even finds love in the town of Mesalia—much to the dismay of her friend and employer.

BERTRAM (“BERT”) H. JEFFERSON: The editor and head reporter of the Mesalia Journal. Despite being a small-town guy, he is charismatic, well-spoken and charming, and quick witted enough to keep conversation with Whiteside—though not quite quick-witted to catch wise to his scheming. Must have good chemistry with his co-stars, especially Maggie and Lorraine.

LORRAINE SHELDON: Actress, social butterfly and all-around heartbreaker, Lorraine Sheldon (after film icon Gertrude Lawrence) is one of the only individuals whose ego and temper eclipse that of Whiteside. Sadly, her common sense does not. Her vain, overdramatic and childlike behavior adds a lit match to the gasoline-soaked pile of rags that is the dynamic between Whiteside, Maggie and Bert. Must have strong comic timing and a flair for chewing the scenery.

BANJO: A tornado in human form, Banjo (based on classic comedian Harpo Marx), is always cracking jokes and doing the unexpected—whether the cameras are rolling or not. Despite his craving for chaos, he is a loyal friend to Whiteside, and is always willing to help his friends…so long as he can keep it interesting. Must be high-energy and expressive physically as well as vocally.
BEVERLY CARLTON: Playwright, songwriter and man-about-town, the witty Mr. Carlton (after Noel Coward) is the pinnacle of the sophisticated British artist. Quick witted but warm-hearted, he is an exceptional foil to the ego of Whiteside (though not without his own sizable sense of self-importance). Must be able to sing—if he can play the piano, even better!

MR. ERNEST STANLEY: A solid, substantial American businessman—doesn’t quite care for all this Hollywood nonsense parading through his house. His patience—and sanity--slowly erodes away as Whiteside gradually takes over more and more of his life.

MRS. DAISY STANLEY: A bubbly, bright-eyed housewive, who’s overwhelmed by the prospect having a celebrity stay in her home (even though she’s oblivious to the circumstances that put him there). She loves her family, but is rather ditzy and patronizing, especially to her husband.

MISS PREEN: Whiteside’s live-in nurse during his recovery. Nervous, twitchy, put-upon, she can’t catch a break. Must have strong comic timing, especially with Whiteside.

DR. BRADLEY: An elderly country doctor, well-meaning but his bedside manner leaves much to be desired. Fancies himself a writer. Gullible, must have good comic timing.

HARRIET STANLEY: Mr. Stanley’s older sister, of unknown years, who resides with the family. She is delicate and wraith-like, and there is something about her demeanor/delivery that is definitely NOT normal. Holds a dark family secret.

JUNE STANLEY: The Stanleys’ daughter, a lovely lady of twenty. A sunny disposition, despite the stifling attitudes of her parents.

RICHARD STANLEY: The Stanleys’ son, a positive young lad of twenty-one. Has a budding interest in photography, though it is discouraged by his parents.

PROFESSOR METZ: The world’s greatest authority on insect life—however, his field studies have deteriorated his social skills. He’s a bit buggy himself. Mild German accent. (This character is written as male but can be played by a male or female actor.)

JOHN: The Stanleys’ butler. He and Sarah are aware of much of the goings on in the Stanley household, to their amusement.

SARAH: The Stanleys’ cook. She is very much taken in by all the celebrities parading through their doorstep, and loves to experiment with new dishes for them to try.

(NOTE: Some of the characters listed below may be doubled up between the same group of actors, at the discretion of the Director. Characters not explicitly mentioned by name can be played by male or female actors)

SANDY: A soft-spoken but upstanding young man who is deeply in love with June Stanley—despite her father’s disapproval.

MRS. DEXTER and MRS. MCCUTCHEON: Two close friends from Mrs. Stanley’s social circle, eager Whiteside fangirls even in their age and status.

MR. BAKER: The ever-watchful prison guard escort for the Luncheon Guests.

WESTCOTT: Whiteside’s head radio technician and stage manager. Has no patience for distractions.

LUNCHEON GUESTS (3): Convicts approaching the end of their sentence and up for parole, brought to the Stanley home to dine with Whiteside.

EXPRESSMAN

RADIO TECHNICIANS (2)

CHOIR SINGERS (5-6)

TWO POLICE DEPUTIES

A PLAINCLOTHES (DETECTIVE) MAN