Director Renee Lierow
The Ringgold Playhouse will host open auditions for its first production of its 2018 season, John Cariani's romantic comedy "Almost, Maine," Dec. 11-12.
Auditions are open to actors ages 16 and up, and will be held at the historic Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St., each evening beginning at 7 p.m. Actors do not need to have a monologue prepared, as the audition will consist of cold readings from the script.
The show's director, TRP veteran Renee Lierow, says the play will provide a heartfelt story for audiences around Valentine's Day, and create a great storytelling opportunity for actors.
"I am so excited to be directing my first show at TRP," Ms. Lierow said. "We are looking for people who want to have fun with this quirky romantic comedy about relationships in this small town of Almost, Maine."
The show will include seven performances over a two-weekend period. Production dates are Feb. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24.
Anyone seeking additional information can email TheRinggoldPlayhouse@gmail.com.
"We're looking for actors of all ages, shapes, and sizes to come play with us," Ms. Lierow said. It's going to be a great way to kick off the 2018 season."
Play synopsis
On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost's residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend — almost — in this delightful midwinter night's dream.
Character/scene breakdown
"Prologue"
PETE (M) and GINETTE (F)
The two have been dating for a little while. Due to how shy and awkward they both, the two are unable to communicate their love for one another. That is, until one of them decides to go the distance.
"Her Heart"
EAST (M) A repairman. Calm, collected, and sincere. GLORY (F) A hiker. She is vulnerable, nervous, and the point.
Glory is hiking through Maine to find the perfect spot to see the northern lights and get over her late husband. East finds her setting up camp in his front yard.
"Sad & Glad"
JIMMY (M) A well-intended heating and cooling guy. His broken heart keeps him from articulating his thoughts well. SANDRINE (F) His ex¬-girlfriend who left him abruptly. She is very sensitive and put together. WAITRESS (F) A waitress. Very excited and dedicated to her job.
Jimmy is already having a sad night at the local bar when Sandrine shows up.
"This Hurts"
MARVALYN (F) A woman, going through a rough patch in her current relationship.
STEVE (M) An innocent and confused man who has a disorder that stops him from feeling pain.
After meeting in the laundry room of Ma Dudley’s Boarding House, Marvalyn gives Steven some ideas for his new books Things That Can Hurt You and Things to Be Afraid Of.
"Getting it Back"
GAYLE (F) An impatient, passionate, and very flustered woman. LENDALL (M) An understanding and collected man.
Gayle shows up at Lendall’s door in the middle of the night and demands that he return all the love she gave him.
"Interlogue"
PETE from the "prologue"
"They Fell"
RANDY (M) A down-to-earth "country boy," and CHAD (M) Another down-to-earth "county boy"
As these two boys talk through the horrors of their most recent dates, they make an honest discovery - they’re in love with each other.
"Where it Went"
PHIL (M) A working man, and MARCI (F) His hardworking wife.
Phil’s workload has been overwhelming lately, and on a hard-¬to-¬come-¬by, much needed night out, Marci draws his attention to all the things he’s missed.
"Story of Hope"
HOPE (F) She has traveled the world. MAN (M) He has not.
After leaving abruptly many years ago, Hope shows up at her ex¬-boyfriend’s door expecting to get back together. Unfortunately, A lot has changed since she left Almost.
"Seeing the Thing"
RHONDA (F) A tough woman. Hesitant to commit. DAVE (M) The not-¬so-¬tough man who loves her.
Rhonda and Dave have been "hanging out" a lot. One night, after a non¬-date of snowmobiling, Dave ends up giving Rhonda a present, which would be nice if she could actually figure out what it is.
"Epilogue"
PETE (M) From the prologue and interlogue, and GINETTE (F) From the prologue.
The casting of this show is wide open, because it can be staged with as few as 4 actors, or as many as 19, which means some actors could appear in multiple vignettes if the director sees fit. Actors need only to attend one night of auditions, and call backs will be up to the director if deemed necessary.
Auditions will be held inside the Ringgold Depot located at 155 Depot Street