JOINT AUDITIONS: “God of Carnage” & “In a 1975 Ford Elite”

GOD OF CARNAGE
by Yasmina Reza
translated by Christopher Hampton
directed by Joey Abate

AUDITION DATE: Sunday, May 15 from 6:30-8:30 pm & Monday, May 16 from 6:30-8:30 pm
Performances Dates: August 27 & 28, September 2, 3, 4 (possible added show on August 26)
LOCATION The Arts at Angeloria’s 223 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington, CT 06489
Show will rehearse June – August 2022

Synopsis: God of Carnage premiered at the Gielgud Theatre, London, in March 2008 and won the Tony Award and Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2009. Christopher Hampton’s translation has been praised as “exquisite” and by the Daily Express as “A triumph! Brilliantly translated by Christopher Hampton”
God of Carnage relates an evening in the lives of two couples, who meet to discuss a playground incident between their children. Alan and Annette’s son hit Michael and Veronica’s son in the face with a stick, resulting in two broken teeth. The four of them agree to discuss the incident civilly, but, as the night wears on and drinks are imbibed, the polite veneer breaks down. Reza’s play discusses how our civilized trappings do a poor job of hiding our venality and bile.
This play contains adult themes and strong language that provides a realistic tone to the action, as used in context.

NEEDED:
Four Actors (2M,2W) in their late 30’s/early 50’s with superb comedic timing and stamina.
Please be prepared to present a one-minute comedic monologue of your choice.
Cold reads may also take place.
Headshots and resumes encouraged.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
VERONICA
At first she seems like the most benevolent of the bunch. Instead of resorting to litigation regarding her son Bruno’s injury, she believes that they can all come to an agreement about how Ferdinand should make amends for his attack.

MICHAEL
At first, Michael seems eager to create peace between the two boys and perhaps even bond with the Reilles. He offers them food and drink. He is quick to agree with the Reilles, even making light of the violence, commenting on how he was a leader of his own gang during his childhood. Of the four principles, Michael exhibits the strongest desire for harmony.

ANNETTE
Ferdinand’s mother is constantly on the brink of a panic attack. In fact, she vomits twice during the course of the play. Unfortunately, the pressures of motherhood and household have eroded her self-confidence. Annette feels abandoned by her husband who is eternally preoccupied with work. Annette is the most physically destructive of the four characters. *Must be able to throw up believably onstage*

ALAN
Alan might be the most stereotypical character of the group in that he is modeled after other slimy lawyers from countless other stories. He is the most openly rude because he frequently interrupts their meeting by talking on his cell phone. His law firm represents a pharmaceutical company that is about to be sued because one of their new products causes dizziness and other negative symptoms. His comments often suggest that he doesn’t truly care about fixing the conflict the children have created. He seems the most sexist of the two men, often implying that women have a host of limitations.

“In a 1975 Ford Elite” is written & directed by Joey Abate.

AUDITION DATE: Sunday, May 15 from 6:30-8:30pm & Monday, May 16 from 6:30-8:30pm
Show will rehearse July – September 2022
LOCATION: The Arts at Angeloria’s 223 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, Southington, CT
Performances Dates: September 24, 25, 30 & October 1, 2
Potential 6th show add: September 23

Synopsis:
In a small Connecticut town, a family copes with the loss of their elderly parents, who were the center of each of their lives. One member of the family in particular – Jamie – struggles with substance abuse, and spirals out of control following the loss of his parents. Keri, his youngest sibling, desperately grasps at attempting to keep the family together (as she always has) in a time they seem most likely to fall apart. Based on true events, this all-new play follows Keri’s uphill battle to achieve happiness and safety while raising an autistic child in the wake of love, loss, complex relationships, damaged boundaries, and a broken family.
This play contains adult themes and strong language that provides a realistic tone to the action, as used in context.

NEEDED:
Five actors (2W, 5M) with great dramatic stamina.
Please be prepared to present a one-minute dramatic monologue of your choice.
Cold reads may also take place.
Headshots and resumes encouraged.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
KERI
Late 40’s/early 50’s. The youngest of the siblings, but arguably the head of the family. The glue that holds them all together, she is strong and resilient, and often tongue-in-cheek. A true giver, Keri is always called upon to fix the family’s problems, all while trying to raise an autistic son and have a life of her own. An actress with strong acting skills, excellent memorization, and incredible stamina is an absolute must, as she virtually never leaves the stage.

PEG
Late 50’s/early 60’s. The oldest sibling, stick-thin. Would seem ever so slightly earthy-crunchy at first glance, but holds as very delicate/fragile. She’s got her own complicated relationship with alcohol, and relies heavily on her support systems (Keri & Dylan) to go through life. Trying to reinvent herself, she often wonders whether or not she’s failed as a mother after being abruptly left by the father of her child one year on Christmas Eve long ago.

JAMIE
Mid-to-late 50’s. The second eldest sibling. He is troubled with addiction and substance abuse, and is subsequently very dependent on his family to hold him up. A bit of a lost soul, his life is upturned following the death of his parents, and he struggles to stay grounded (as he really never has been). A penchant for old cars and racing, he often buries himself in those worlds to escape his own hurt, as well as the hurt he causes others.

JOHN
Late 40’s/early 50’s. Keri’s soon-to-be ex husband, who recently underwent spinal fusion surgery. Following a life (and perspective) altering stroke, John claims to have fallen “out of love” with Keri, and struggles with his wavering place of entitlement within the family he’s been a part of for so long. A lack of purpose has left him cold and at odds with himself and those around him.

NICK
Late 40’s/early 50’s. A kind-hearted contractor escaping a difficult marriage with John’s cousin. Having always been around at family gatherings, Nick has always felt some sort of attraction and special care for Keri. He’s often been her rock, and an excellent friend. But new events cause him to act on these feelings, further complicating an already complicated family dynamic. Actor also plays the role of THEO – a local cop that is a close friend of Jamie’s, and often an outside voice of reason for him.

DYLAN
Mid 20’s. Keri’s nephew, and Peg’s son. He has a would’ve-been-difficult life made relatively easy by those that care for him. Looks to the men in the family as his father-figures after his biological father left when he was just a baby. He grapples with different ways of becoming his own independent man within the family. Actor also plays DR BOTKIN – the family’s go-to doctor and confidante in their trying times of grief.

TOMMY
Mid-to-late teens. Keri and John’s son. Autistic and very literal as well as gentle-hearted. He works hard to find a sense of self and make sense of what’s happening around him. Actors with extensive experience alongside autism are preferred for this role.