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Character Descriptions
BOB WALLACE - (variable age) A major singing star,
Bob is the guiding force behind the song and dance team of Wallace and
Davis. He wears his fame easily and is a born leader, but has some
trouble with social and romantic interactions. Despite his occasional
gruffness, he is a deeply kind and principled man who is searching for
his true love.
• A superb singer with a crooning style who moves very
well. Baritone.
PHIL DAVIS - (variable age) The fun-loving,
go-getting song-and-dance partner of the team of Wallace and Davis. An
irrepressible clown, operator and incorrigible ladies' man who is
determined to see his friend happy, even if it requires scheming and
outright deception. He has a boyish charm and sex appeal.
• Strong
jazz and tap-dancing needed—a song-and-dance comic performer.
Bari-Tenor.
BETTY HAYNES - (variable age) The sensible,
responsible half of the upcoming song-and-dance team, The Haynes
Sisters. Destined to be a star in her own right, she is nonetheless
hesitant to take the spotlight for herself. A woman of decent,
upstanding principles, she is devoted to her younger sister. Like Bob,
she hides her yearning for true love under a protective shell.
• A
female singer of quiet beauty and charm with a rich chest mix sound and
a soprano extension. Must move well.
JUDY HAYNES - (variable age) The younger, more
ambitious, slightly scheming Haynes sister. While wholesome and
adorable, she is sexy and flirty—a winning charmer whom no man can
resist.
• Strong jazz and tap dancing needed—a major song-and-dance
performer. Chest Mix.
GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY - (older) A retired U.S.
Army General, adjusting to returning to civilian life in post World War
II America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an Inn in
Vermont. He remains a man of great principle and dignity. Beneath his
curmudgeonly military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of
family and love.
• With the exception of one line, a non-singing
role.
MARTHA WATSON - (variable age) Once a Broadway
star, now the general's housekeeper at the Inn, Martha has a very dry,
wry, wisecracking sense of humor. Bighearted but completely
unsentimental, she runs the General's life in spite of his
protestations. She is an irrepressible meddler, but always for what she
believes to be the other guy's best interests.
• A winning, appealing
character-comedienne with a clarion belt voice.
SUSAN WAVERLY - (9-12 years old to play 9 years
old) The General's granddaughter, Susan is a lovable and outgoing real
kid. She is very smart, wise beyond her years, and cares deeply about
her grandfather. Once bitten hard by the showbiz bug, she demonstrates
everything that is winning in the ultimate child performer.
• She
must have an excellent belt voice, and be able to dance, preferable tap.
RALPH SHELDRAKE - (variable age) Army buddy of
Bob and Phil's, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan
Show. Fast-talking, New York professional.
• A Baritone.
RITA AND RHODA - (variable age) Bob and Phil's
two star chorus girls, they are brash, sexy, and fun, although perhaps
not the smartest
EZEKIEL FOSTER - (variable age) The ultimate taciturn
New Englander, who helps out at the inn and takes life at a very slow
pace. Can be double-cast with the role of SNORING MAN.
MIKE - (variable age) Bob and Phil's stage
manager. Has a tendency to be over-dramatic and completely hysterical,
but will get things done. Never seen without his whistle and clipboard,
which he uses to attempt to keep order. May be double cast with the role
of ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER.
ENSEMBLE ROLES
TESSIE - Bob and Phil's extremely competent
assistant. May be double cast with the role of ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS.
JIMMY - The proprietor of "Jimmy's Back Room," a
none-too-classy nightclub.
CIGARETTE GIRL
SNORING MAN
MRS. SNORING MAN - May be double cast with the role
of SEAMSTRESS
TRAIN CONDUCTOR
DANCE CAPTAIN
SEAMSTRESS
ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS
ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER
REGENCY ROOM ANNOUNCER (OFFSTAGE VOICE)
SHELDRAKE'S SECRETARY (OFFSTAGE VOICE)
ENSEMBLE: Male & female ensemble of dancers. Early
20's to Mid 30's. Must be equally strong in ballroom, jazz and tap. Must
sing very well. This is 1950's Hollywood movie musical dancing. Covers
for principle roles will come from this ensemble. The ensemble will,
over the course of the show, play:
• "JIMMY'S BACK ROOM" CLUBGOERS
• TRAIN PASSENGERS / INN GUESTS
• CHORUS KIDS
• PATRONS OF THE
REGENCY ROOM
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