JDG Auditions “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”

Joliet Drama Guild is thrilled to announce auditions for John Bishop’s brilliant play “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” directed by Jake Thomas.

A group of wacky creatives gather in the mansion of eccentric millionaire Elsa von Grossenknueten in hopes of securing funding for their next Broadway show. Little do they know the notorious Stage Door Slasher is in their midst and Elsa, playing detective, hopes to draw them out. Be ready for a laugh a minute comedy filled with secret identities, hidden passageways, and plenty of action that will keep you guessing until the last minute.

Auditions will be held November 4th and 5th from 7pm to 10pm at Bicentennial Park in Joliet, address 201 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL. Please sign up for an audition time with the link below. Walk-ins are welcome, but not encouraged.
https://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/fpoug

We ask that auditioners please prepare a 1 minute contemporary comedic monologue and be ready to cold read from the script.

Character Breakdown:
Elsa von Grossenknueten (F, 30’s and up): A wealthy patron of the arts. Eccentric and a bit out of touch, Elsa works with the police to try and nab the Stage Door Slasher.

Michael Kelly (M, 20’s and up): A no nonsense detective working with Elsa. He may be the only sane one in the entire play. (We are especially looking for an actor of color for this role.)

Patrick O’Reilly (M, 20’s and up): An Irish tenor with his fair share of secrets. This role requires Irish, New York Italian, and German accents.

Ken De La Maize (M, 40’s and up): Renowned director, full of himself, loves to name drop. Has “gone Hollywood”, but is returning to Broadway.

Nikki Crandall (F, 20’s-30’s): Chorus girl and dancer, seems like an innocent girl with big dreams, but there may be more to her.

Eddie McCuen (M, 20’s-30’s): Struggling comedian, quick with a joke that doesn’t always land. Initially timid, but plays the hero in the end.

Marjorie Baverstock (F, 50’s and up): Broadway producer, an over the top society lady with a penchant for the arts.

Roger Hopewell (M, 30’s and up): Composer of several Broadway hits. He is quick witted and more than a little sarcastic. Probably gay.

Bernice Roth (F, 30’s and up): The words to Roger’s music. Will stop at nothing to perfect her new show, if she can stop fainting. Spends most of the play drunk.

Helsa Wenzel (F, 20’s and up): Elsa’s maid who is murdered in the opening minutes of the play.
(Note on Helsa: As it is revealed that the Helsa we see for most of the play is her twin brother we may be interested in casting both a female presenting and male presenting actor to play this role.)

A rehearsal schedule will be created based on actor availability beginning in late November.

Performances will be 1/24, 1/25, 1/26, 1/31, 2/1, and 2/2.

Any questions about the production or auditions can be sent to director Jake Thomas at jake.thomas9393@gmail.com.

Joliet Drama Guild is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion while promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity. We encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender and sexual identities, ages over 18, body types, and abilities, to attend every audition.