12/26/2023
AUDITIONS!
San Leandro Players is excited to announce auditions for our Spring 2024 production of "Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express" adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig; directed by Dana Fry
The exotic Orient Express is about to go off the rails. With a train full of remarkable suspects and an alibi for each one, it’s the perfect mystery for detective Hercule Poirot. When the Agatha Christie estate approached Ken Ludwig to adapt Dame Agatha’s most enduring novel and put it on stage, he agreed with alacrity – just as quickly as it takes Hercule Poirot to solve the most thrilling case of his entire career. So wax your mustache and hold onto your passport for what has now become the most highly produced comedy-mystery in the world.
Auditions:
7pm Tuesday, February 6 and Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (February 8 callbacks, if necessary). No appointment necessary—if interested, please contact Dana Fry at [email protected]
Non-AEA, no pay; all ethnicities and ages encouraged. Please Note: Auditions, rehearsals and performances will observe CDC, Alameda County and City of San Leandro COVID safety protocols (MASKING encouraged except when performing on stage).
Where:
At the San Leandro Museum/Auditorium 320 West Estudillo Ave, San Leandro (next to the historic Casa Peralta and 2 blocks east of the San Leandro BART Station).
Rehearsals:
From February 12 to April 4(Monday thru Thursday 7-9 pm), plus April 5 (dress rehearsal).
Performances:
April 6 thru May 5; Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm PLUS Fridays at 8pm April 26 and May 3.
"Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
For More Information visit our website www.slplayers.org.
Characters:
Hercule Poirot (50+): Hercule Poirot, a recurring Christie character, has become one of the most famous fictional detectives. Poirot is a retired Belgian police officer turned private detective. A more and intellectual superhero, he is clearly the smartest character. He always abides his conscience and sense of moral law.
Monsieur Bouc (40's-50's): The director of the Compagnie Wagon Lits and formerly worked for the Belgian police force with Poirot. Traveling on the Orient Express, M. Bouc asks Poirot to take the case. M. Bouc provides comic relief and is constantly frustrated with the case and confused by Poirot.
Mary Debenham (20's/30's): A tormented and unhappy spinster. Smart, cool and efficient, but very passionate. Odd combination of a cool, plain governess and femme fatale.
Hector McQueen (30's-40's): Ratchett's personal secretary. In cahoots with the Armstrong family. McQueen tries to hard to tell Poirot that Ratchett did not speak any French—making him an immediate suspect in the case.
Princess Dragomiroff (60+): PRECAST A Russian princess. Generally despicable, unattractive old lady. Tells Poirot many lies about the other passenger's identities.
Greta Ohlsson (40's/50's): Weeps and weeps and weeps. The Swedish lady was Daisy Armstrong's nurse and is a very delicate type.
Countess Andrenyi (20's/30's): Member of the Armstrong family. Quite young, dark haired and beautiful.
Helen Hubbard (50+): Famous American actress; grandmother to th murdered child, Daisy Armstrong. Loud, needs constant attention, an espouses Western ideals.
Colonel Arbuthnot (60+); A friend of Colonel Armstrong, and father of Daisy Armstrong. Like Mary Debenham. Hard-willed, polite and very "English."
Samuel Ratchett (60+): Real name Cassetti, kidnapped and murdered the young Daisy Armstrong for money. Poirot describes Ratchett as a wild animal.
Michel the Conductor/Headwaiter (40+)
