Audition Notice: Cheaper by the Dozen - Royal Players
Adapted by Sherman Sergel, From the Book by Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing
Directed by Lisa Goodrich
Audition Dates & Times: Saturday December 5th at 1pm and Sunday December 6th at 7pm
Audition Location: Royal Theatre at 111 South Market Street Benton, AR
501-315-5483
Performance Dates: February 4-7; 11-14
Audition Requirements: Cold Reads from Scripts
Plot Summary:
Based on a true story, Cheaper by the Dozen tells the story of the Gilbreth family. Their inventor father, who is well-known for bringing better efficiency to factories, keeps his family of twelve children running just as efficiently. This play is told from the point of view of two of his children reflecting on the last few months before his death. He was preparing the family for his imminent departure, but most of his children, like most of the young children in the audience, were unaware of the fact. It is an extremely funny, heart-warming, and family-friendly tale, and the tragic catharsis of the father’s death is beautiful to the adults in the audience, who can understand the euphemisms.
For More Information:
If you need additional information, please contact Lisa Goodrich at
501-249-3169 or
lisagoodrich1980@yahoo.com
Character Breakdown:
Mr. Gilbreth (Dad): Late 40's to mid 50's. Carries himself with the self-assurance of a successful man who is proud of his wife and family as well as his business accomplishments. Though a disciplinarian, he loves nothing so much as a good joke, preferably one on himself.
Mrs. Gilbreth (Mother): Late 40's to mid 50's. A gracious, attractive women. She is also a psychologist. In her own way she is often able to get better results with her large family more so than her disciplinarian husband.
Anne: the oldest, about 17. Attractive, sweet natured, but stands up to her father.
Ernestine: about 15. Also the Co-Narrator.
Martha: about 14. Speaks some German.
Frank: about 16. Also the Co-Narrator.
Bill, Lillian, Fred, Dan, Jackie: The younger children (ages variable from 13 - 5).
Mrs. Fitzgerald: The housekeeper - a kind woman who is completely devoted to the family. Sometimes her patience is tried by the ongoing chaos of the large family (age 50 – 70).
Dr. Burton: The family doctor - a plain spoken man (age 40 – 60).
Joe Scales: Anne’s age (about 17) - a very short, cocky cheerleader.
Miss Brill: A teacher who has no love for the children and they have none for her (age 35 – 50).
Larry: Anne’s age (about 17), nice-looking, clean cut boy. Anne’s “special friend”.
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