PIO - Hudson Guild Theatre Non Equity Auditions

Lorelei Mackenzie, Casting Director
Patricia Lawler Kenet, Writer
Kristen Penner, Director
Liza Penny, Stage Manager

Casting for a full-length drama to be featured at the New York Winterworks Festival Jan. 2020.
The action takes place in modern day New Jersey where an Italian American family is confronted with their son Joey's diagnosis of a terminal illness. Adding to the tension, Joey has brought home his brand new wife, a Haitian American, who treated Joey when he was ill. Mirroring this sad story is flashbacks to Italy in the 1930's, portray the controversial saint Padre Pio whose miracles have come into question. Is he a fraud or a savior or both?

Roles:

Lisa Salerno (Lead): Female, 40-50. Italian-American. Mother of Joey and Nan, wife of Albert. Intelligent, non-practicing attorney, considers herself sophisticated and liberal, but adheres to teaching of Catholic Church. Prone to hysterics under her cool veneer. (Double Woman Two and Nun)

Jackie Salerno (Supporting): Female, 30-40. Italian-American. Lisa’s younger sister, a hairdresser, storyteller, old school, religious. Bubbly, over the top, think Fran Drescher. (Doubles Woman One)

Dominic (Supporting): Male, 40-60. Italian-American. Joey’s godfather, also pious, a bit argumentative (Doubles as Man and Pope John XXIII)

Joey/Padre Pio (Lead): Male, 18-30. Must also be able to play older. Joey - early 20s, Italian-American. afflicted with terminal cancer, in love with Lucia, becomes enraptured with the story of Padre Pio.
Padre Pio (40s/50s) – 20th Century Saint or Fraud? Claims to have the stigmata, performs miracles.

Father Gemelli (Supporting): Male, 45-65. Italian. Examiner of Padre Pio, doubts his claims (Doubles as Pope John Paul II)

Ambrosio (Supporting): Male, 50-70. Italian. Supporter of Padre Pio (Doubles as Msgr. Capuzzi)

Lucia (Lead): Female, 25-35. Haitian-American. Joey’s girlfriend, chemo nurse, rational, honest.

Albert (Supporting): Male, 41-50. Italian-American. Joey's Father, a reasonable man, (Doubles as Pope Pius, Cardinal DelVecchio, Scribe)

Dates: Rehearses in November and December (holidays off) in NYC. Performs at WinterFest at the Hudson Guild Theater. Tech: January 6th. Performs January 6th, 10th and 12th.

Auditions and Callbacks: Auditions will be held by appointments at on November 16th from 1-5 at Simple Studios (134 W 29th Street, 2nd Floor). Walk-ins will be seen as time permits. Please prepare a one-minute contemporary dramatic monologue, character-appropriate. Callbacks will be November 17th from 1-5pm. Sides can be found at
https://www.16thnoteproductions.com/pio-casting