Auditions: Mae West’s “The Drag”

Directed by Hayley Rubins-Topoleski and Maryalice Rubins-Topoleski, Mae West’s “The Drag” is an examination of drag culture mixed with drawing room comedy. Funny and flamboyant, the play creates an unusual love triangle topped with a decadent parade and celebration of drag. The show will be stage managed by Em Ricciardi and choreographed by Cat Miller.

PERFORMANCE DATES: The show runs April 26 – May 12 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm (*We have also added a Saturday matinee to the final weekend).

The directors are looking to cast 9-11 male roles and 3-4 female roles. Please note that while the show is titled “The Drag,” only three named characters (and potentially some ensemble members) dress in drag. Experience with drag is a plus, but not required.

Please fill out the AUDITION FORM to sign up. Appointments are strongly encouraged, though walk-ins will be seen on an availability basis.
AUDITION FORM: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScKKXKJRwfmk8…/viewform

Sides from the script will be provided at auditions for cold readings.

SYNOPSIS: Originally written under the pen name “Jane Mast,” The Drag is Mae West’s examination of drag culture mixed with drawing room comedy. Funny and flamboyant, the play creates an unusual love triangle topped with a decadent parade and celebration of drag. In the 1920s in New York City, Dr. James Richmond is leading the way on research to cure homosexuality and transexuality. He believes that he can “convert” those who are willing to become morally upright, and pursues this practice with good intentions. However, he has no idea that his son-in-law Rolly–seen by everyone as the epitome of masculinity–is gay. Rolly adeptly lives a double life. On the one hand, he is a successful businessman married to his childhood sweetheart Clair. But unbeknownst to his family, Rolly also has a flamboyant group of friends who all participate in the drag lifestyle; he is even known to host drag parties and parades, and has a deep infatuation with his business partner, Allen Grayson. But Rolly’s charmed life comes to a screeching halt when he is murdered in cold blood, and those left behind are forced to reconcile the reality of who he was with the image they all believed in.

AVAILABLE ROLES

Actors of all ages are encouraged to audition; stage ages are indicated below. Roles are open to performers of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, body types, ages, and abilities.

All roles are non-equity and unpaid.

Dr. James Richmond – (Male Presenting) Late 40s-60s – A physician, Clair’s father and Barbara’s brother. A dignified calm looking man who is unafraid to question the unfairness of how society treats homosexuals, but reluctant to truly make a stand.

Barbara Richmond – (Female Presenting) 40s-50s – Dr. Richmond’s sister, has a fondness for her niece Clair.

Clair – (Female Presenting). 20-30 – Dr. Richmond’s daughter and Rolly’s wife. Insecure in her marriage, naïve.

Judge Robert Kingsbury – (Male Presenting) Late 40s-60s – Rolly’s father, detests homosexuals and doesn’t think they have any place in society.

Rolly Kingsbury – (Male Presenting). 20-30 – Judge Robert’s son and Clair’s husband. Leads a double life, gay and closeted.

Parsons – (Male Presenting). 50s-60s – Rolly’s butler. Is willing to turn a blind eye to Rolly’s shenanigans.

The Duchess (Hal Swanson) – (Male Presenting) – A drag queen friend of Rolly’s, referred to as large and obtuse.

Rosco Gillingwater (Doubles as Detective) – (Male or Female) – A gay friend of Rolly’s; wears male attire throughout the show; Detective – (Male Presenting) – assists the inspector at the end of Act 3.

Winnie Lewis – (Male Presenting) – Gay friend of Rolly’s. Dresses in drag in Act 3. Drag experience a plus, but not required.

Allen Grayson – (Male Presenting). 20-30 – a civil engineer working for the Kingsburys.

David Caldwell – (Male Presenting). 20-30 – a troubled young man, an outcast.

Jessie (Doubles as Marion and Hell’s Kitchen Kate) – (Female Presenting). 20s-40s. Jessie – Mr. Richmond’s assistant; Marion – a friend of Clair’s, worldly, is a bit of a gossip and busybody; Hell’s Kitchen Kate – popular nightclub owner, life of the party.

Taxi-Driver (Doubles as the Inspector) – (Male Presenting). 20s-40s – referred to as a good-looking brute of a man; Inspector – Tries to solve Rolly’s murder but initially accuses the wrong suspect.