A Play

By Arthur Miller
Directed By: Joe Atkinson
Stage Manager: Emily Durchholz

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TIME & PLACE

Monday, September 11 @ 6:30PM
Wednesday, September 13 @ 6:30PM

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The Evansville Civic Theatre Building
717 N. Fulton Ave.

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

WHEN: November 9 - 11 & 17 - 19

WHERE: Bosse High School Auditorium

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SYNOPSIS

Winner of the 1949 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The story revolves around the last days of Willy Loman, a failing salesman, who cannot understand how he failed to win success and happiness. Through a series of tragic soul-searching revelations of the life he has lived with his wife, his sons, and his business associates, we discover how his quest for the “American Dream” kept him blind to the people who truly loved him. A thrilling work of deep and revealing beauty that remains one of the most profound classic dramas of the American theatre.

 

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN CASTING

The Evansville Civic Theatre is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse creative environment. We actively welcome actors from all races, backgrounds, and lifestyles. We believe in considering all auditioners, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, stage of pregnancy, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage anyone who is interested to audition! Every auditioner will be considered for a role, unless the race, age, or gender of a character is integral to the story or explicitly specified by the playwright and required by the production contract.

 

CASTING INFORMATION

*Age ranges are provided as suggestions and casting decisions will ultimately be based on auditions, taking into account the diverse range of singing and acting abilities displayed by the performers.

 

• Willy Loman – A complex character who serves as the central figure. He is a middle-aged salesman, husband to Linda, and father to Biff and Happy. Willy is deeply troubled and unstable, often experiencing hallucinations where past events blend with the present. His constant struggle to achieve the American Dream and his obsession with success ultimately lead him to a state of mental and emotional turmoil.
Male, 45 - 60

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• Linda Loman – Willy's devoted wife and the mother of Biff and Happy. She is a passive and submissive woman, always supportive of her husband's dreams and desires. Despite her docile demeanor, Linda possesses a keen understanding of her family's dynamics and the challenges they face. She suspects that Willy is grappling with thoughts of suicide and is caught in a difficult position between supporting him and confronting his issues.

Female, 45 - 60

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• Biff Loman – Willy and Linda's older son. Once a high school football star with great promise, Biff's life took a different turn after failing math and experiencing a pivotal event. He is a realist who has come to terms with the fact that he may not achieve the greatness his father dreams of. Biff struggles with his identity and his relationship with Willy, and his journey forms a central theme in the play.

Male, 20 - 35

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• Harold "Happy" Loman – The younger son of Willy and Linda. Always in the shadow of his older brother Biff, Happy strives to maintain peace within the family. He is a womanizer who seeks validation and approval, often in vain, from both his parents and his various endeavors. Happy's efforts to stand out and find his place make for a compelling character arc.

Male, 20 - 35

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• Harold Wagner – Willy's employer and boss of more than three decades. He takes pride in his wealth and his family's success. Though not a central character, his interactions with Willy shed light on the pressures and expectations of the American business world and the impact they have on Willy's state of mind.

Male, 50 - 65

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• Bernard – Charley's son. Once a nerdy classmate of Biff's, Bernard has transformed into a successful individual in his adulthood, both personally and professionally. His trajectory contrasts with Biff's, adding depth to the exploration of the American Dream's elusive nature.

Male, 20 - 35

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• Charley – Willy's neighbor and friend. He is a wise and understanding figure who offers Willy support and occasional financial help. Charley's relationship with Willy underscores the differences in their approaches to success and happiness.

Male, 45 - 65

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• Jenny – Charley’s secretary. While a minor character, her presence adds to the portrayal of Charley's business and personal life.

Female, 18 - 88

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• Miss Forsythe – A woman whom Happy encounters at a restaurant. She presents herself as a magazine cover girl and engages with Happy in the narrative.

Female, 20 - 35

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• Letta – A friend of Miss Forsythe and has a non-speaking role.

Female, 20 - 35

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• Ms. Francis – A woman with whom Willy has an affair with. While her role is implied and does not require explicit scenes, her presence contributes to the exploration of Willy's personal struggles.

Female, 35 - 45

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• Stanley – A waiter at a restaurant. He interacts with Happy, providing a minor but relevant connection to the Loman family's experiences.

Male, 20 - 64

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• Uncle Ben Loman – Willy's deceased older brother. A diamond tycoon, Ben is a source of inspiration and hallucination for Willy, representing his aspirations and regrets.

Male, 45 - 65

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WHAT TO PREPARE

Auditions will consist of cold reads from the script.

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REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

The schedule will depend on actor availability. Please bring a full list of conflicts, including work schedule and weekend commitments through November 19. Rehearsals will begin the week of September 25, with a break from Friday, October 6 - Wednesday, October 11.

 

Tech week begins Sunday, November 5. All actors MUST be available for rehearsals from that date through the show’s opening date, November 9. There are no conflicts allowed during production/tech week.

 

Rehearsals will most likely take place at First Ave. Presbyterian Church or Bosse High School (when available).

 

Any questions can be directed to Auditions@evvcivic.org