Description:

Saint Sebastian Players is holding auditions for The Man Who Came to Dinner by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, directed by Sean Michael Barrett.

Synopsis and Character Descriptions
A three-ring circus ensues when Sheridan Whiteside-critic, lecturer, wit, radio orator and intimate friend of the great and near-great-having dined at the Stanleys' home, slips on their doorstep and breaks his hip. Confined for six weeks during the Christmas season, Whiteside turns the Stanley household upside down with his egotistical demands. Meanwhile, when his secretary gives notice, he employs every weapon in his arsenal of manipulation to keep her.

Character descriptions (some may be doubled further):
Sheridan Whiteside---acerbic, high-energy and high maintenance radio personality who comes to dominate the Stanley household. He says and does whatever he wants regardless of the consequences. Despite his bombastic demeanor, he does have his charms---keeping us all wondering what he will do next. 40s-50s

Maggie Cutler---efficient, smart assistant to Sheridan. She's all business and has no time for Sheridan's narcissistic nonsense. She dispatches the details of his life with military efficiency and has developed a playful working relationship with Sheridan---making him seem more human. She's restless, though---eager for a little romance and to be out from under Sheridan's shadow. When needed, she can defend herself and those she cares about. 30s-40s

Lorraine Sheldon---beautiful, over-the-top stage actress who will do anything for a part. She's convinced she's right for every role and every man, and she will travel the world to land a part...or the man of her dreams. 30s-40s

Bert Jefferson---earnest, ambitious local reporter, who is eager to interview Sheridan. He is warm and charming and clearly bright. But he's no match for the schemes of Sheridan and Lorraine. He's much better suited for the loyal and hard-working Maggie. Late 20s-early 40s

Mrs. Stanley---traditional, socially ambitious, upper-class housewife of the late 1930s. At first, she is delighted to have Sheridan to dinner at her house, but as his rule of terror unfolds, she finds herself juggling an impatient husband, children eager to pursue their dreams and a penguin or two. 50s

Mr. Stanley---the foil to Sheridan. Mr. Stanley is a conservative, proper businessman and father. He is used to order in his upscale Ohio home. He tolerates Sheridan's chaos at first to appease his wife, but his patience wears thin. 50s

Richard Stanley---son of the Stanleys. He's earnest, hard-working and well-intentioned. He respects his parents, but finds himself ready to set out on his own and pursue his dream of becoming a photographer. At first intimidated by Sheridan, he grows to admire Sheridan's zest for life. 20s

June Stanley---spirited and charming daughter of the Stanleys. She, like her brother, loves her parents, but is ready to be set free. She has a secret romance with Sandy, a man who does not meet the approval of her father. 20s

Harriet Stanley---the elusive and mysterious sister of Mr. Stanley, who is "not quite of this world." She seems to appear from nowhere and has an odd and elusive connection to Sheridan. 50s-60s

Miss Preen---no-nonsense nurse, whose face tells it all. Her deadpan delivery and matter-of-fact manner contrast sharply to Sheridan's verbal calisthenics. She takes it for just so long, and then.... Age: flexible

Beverly Carlton/Plain Clothes man---confident British actor,who dominates a room when he enters. He has a rich voice and is able to sing. He sees what Sheridan and Lorraine are up to and is ready to make mischief of his own when the occasion calls. 40s-60s

Banjo/Convict---the Act III dynamo who bursts onto the scene. He's a longtime friend of Sheridan. He's an energetic, funny, crazy actor---up for anything. He decides to leave the whirlwind of Hollywood to spend Christmas with Sheridan. 30s-50s

Prof. Metz/Choir member---the world's greatest authority on insect life. Crazy hair and a mad scientist demeanor radiate from this academic character. 50s-60s, male or female

Dr. Bradley---the benign, somewhat daft doctor, who gets a little confused by the details of medicine. He is desperate to have his memoirs published. 50s-60s

John---the head butler of the Stanley household. He runs a tight ship, but early on develops an affinity for Sheridan's chaotic and colorful life. Age: flexible

Sarah/Choir member---the chef of the house. She's exacting and diligent, eager to please. She's quite taken by Sheridan, especially when he praises her souffle and then offers her the chance to work for him in New York. Age: flexible

Sandy/Convict/Plain Clothes man---boyfriend of June, working-class union leader who is trying to organize the men in Mr. Stanley's plant. He loves June but has disdain for Mr. Stanley and his conservative politics. 20s-early 30s

Mrs. McCutcheon/Choir member---the nosy neighbor who is out of her mind that "the" Sheridan Whiteside has arrived in town. She's a little pushy and all too eager to mix with the rich and famous. 40s-60s

Mrs. Dexter/Choir member---Mrs. McCutcheon's friend and sidekick, who is also eager to meet and share her small-town hospitality with Ohio's most famous guest. 40s-60s

Westcott/Baker---radio producer who has one task: deliver the Christmas broadcast of his lifetime, despite chaos erupting around him. As Baker, he is the lead guard of the three prisoners. Age flexible

Deputy/Delivery man---the law and order man of this small Ohio town; he's paid on the side for making sure Mr. Stanley's wishes are met. Age: flexible

Expressman/Convict---delivery man who is oblivious to the chaos he is entering; after all, there's a job to be done. Age: flexible