Call To Audition: Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "ROPE" for Muizenberg Dramatic Society

Alfred Hitchcock's thriller, based on the play by Richard Hamilton. Directed for Muizenberg Dramatic Society by Alastair Duff.

Audition Date: Saturday 3 August 2013 at 14:30
Place: False Bay Rendezvous (Old Zandvlei Bowling Club), 57 Promenade Road, Muizenberg
Enquiries: Alastair Duff on (021) 788 4984

Dates of Run: 29 November to 7 December 2013 – Masque Theatre, Muizenberg
Rehearsals: Probably Mondays and Wednesdays (19:30 – 21:30) and Saturdays (14:00 – 17:00) commencing Monday 12 August.  To be confirmed.

SYNOPSIS
Is there such a thing as a perfect murder?  In this riveting play, set in New York in the early fifties, two young men who have everything – wealth, looks, talent and good breeding – commit a dreadful crime: just because they can.  But someone from their past proves to be a greater adversary and nemesis than they ever could have imagined.

THE CAST
There are no bit parts – every part is substantial, but Rupert, Brandon and Phillip are very large and demanding roles.  American accents are necessary, even if it is just a suggestion.  All ages are very approximate.

MR KENTLEY (50-60
David Kentley’s father, a polished gentleman of courtly manners and an urbane, sympathetic character. Speaks with a quiet dignity.  British accent would be suitable too.

BRANDON
(20-30) Good-looking, talented, clever but quite insane. He is stronger than Phillip and dominates him. Witty, sophisticated and malicious, Brandon is a gem of a part.

PHILLIP (20-30)
Brandon’s partner, a concert pianist. Sensitive and passive, he does however stand up to Brandon’s domineering ways. Throughout the play he is tortured by what he and Brandon have done. Also a gem of a part.

RUPERT (30-45)
Phillip, Brandon and Kenneth’s former school teacher. A clever man with an analytical mind, it is Rupert who solves the mystery. He is Brandon’s adversary, yet Brandon admires him above all.  A challenging part.

KENNETH (20-30)
Phillip and Brandon’s former school mate and Janet’s former boyfriend. Although somewhat less intelligent than his classmates, Kenneth is no fool. A smaller but challenging role.

JANET (20-30)
David Kentley’s fiancée. A pretty, intelligent, stylish girl who tries to compensate for a lack of confidence by being witty and sophisticated. A part that offers an opportunity for strong acting.

MRS ATTWATER (40-60)
David Kentley’s aunt and the sister of Mr Kentley. A comic part, but the comedy is largely unintentional on her part. Vague and very “dear”, she could be played with a British accent. A challenging role.

MRS WILSON (40-65)
Brandon and Phillip’s housekeeper. Also comic, the part would be best suited to a thin to the point of skinny woman well past her prime who is still rather vain. Very involved in her employers’ lives, she is both motherly and interfering. A lovely part.


ALSO NEEDED are a production secretary, stage manager, prompt, props master, costume and set builders.