From the director, Scott Dunlap:
The show is both a spoof and honest romance. Using threads and ideas from Kabuki, Commedia del Arte, Vaudeville and other theatrical styles, it weaves a tapestry of both the jaded, cynical realists and the lovers and dreamers. The story looks at young love in the practical way: "Why would anyone ever be so silly and naive?" and the romantic way: "Isn't it wonderful be in love and feel so impenetrable?" Commentary and Comedy exist in the harmony and honesty of the characters, a delicate balance of both is needed in each member of the ensemble.
6-7 MEN (4 Singing Roles)/1-2 WOMEN (1 Singing Role)
THE NARRATOR (El Gallo) - male, age 25+, serves as the wise omnipotent storyteller, as well as the character of "El Gallo," the latin lover and general mysterious maker of mayhem. It is important that he should have a nice clear speaking voice as well as a suave and cheesy Latin accent. He is dangerous and desirable at the same time. He sings and should move well.
THE MUTE - Male or female, age 16+, serves as the Kuroko, as in Kabuki, or "property man" placing props that are needed into the actors hands and at times even becoming a part of the set. While the actor playing this role has no lines, it is a unique and fun element of the play. It will take a great deal of skill and "mind over matter" as the Mute never leaves the stage, and like the Narrator, must be ever present, while not drawing attention to itself. A non-speaking, non-singing role, must move extremely well and be physically agile.
THE BOY (Matt) - must appear to be around 18 years old. Confident, book smart, cocky (as most 18 year olds are) but not obnoxious. Not jaded or negative in anyway. Practical and thoughtful. Must sing and move well.
THE GIRL (Luisa) must appear to be around 16 years old. Romantic, silly, optimistic and self-absorbed (as most 16 year old girls are) but NOT OBNOXIOUS. Completely earnest and trusting. In love with love and wants to be truly special and unique, which makes her exactly like every other girl. Must sing and move well.
THE BOY'S FATHER (Hucklebee) - A clown. Male aged 35+. Sloppy and earthy. Practical and droll. Clever, witty and funny. He is "Oscar" to Bellomy's "Felix," "Hardy" to Bellomy's "Laurel," "Ralph" to Bellomy's "Norton," and "Ernie" to Bellomy's "Burt." He sings, but in a "character-singer" way and should move fairly well.
THE GIRL'S FATHER (Bellomy) Also a clown. Male aged 35+. Prim and proper. Sweetly fastidious. Eager, earnest and funny. He is "Felix' to Hucklebee's 'Oscar,' "Laurel" to Huckabee's "Hardy," "Norton" to Huckabee's "Ralph," and "Burt" to Huckabee's "Ernie." He sings, but in a "character-singer" way and should move fairly well.
*Note: in some productions, the parents are cast as Mothers or even one of each, Mother and Father. The director feels that it is important to the piece to try and be as honest and faithful to the original intentions of the production as possible. While women of a "certain age" are welcome to audition, it isn't his first choice. HOWEVER, sometimes a Director can be proven wrong, so feel free to throw your hat into the ring.
THE OLD ACTOR (Henry) - Male age 35+ and able to play MUCH older. A fragile mummified thespian. Speaks with a British accent, or at the very least a heightened theatrically. Was possibly a great actor, long, long ago, but has lost the ability, without losing the fire and charm. Decrepit and moth eaten, on his last legs. Pathetic and touching at the same time, a charmer. While he may have lost the skill, the twinkle of the limelight still flickers in his eyes. He doesn't sing, but should be physically agile and able to be in confined spaces.
THE MAN WHO DIES (Mortimer) - Male age 25+. Part of Henry's sad theatrical troupe. Apparently there are only two of them left. He speaks very little, but should be very good at physical comedy. He is dressed as a Native American and speaks with a Cockney accent. He has pluck and is simple, similar to Snow White's dwarf, Dopey. He is a delightfully silly character. He doesn't sing, but should be physically agile and able to be in confined spaces.