Description:

Hell in a Handbag Productions, Chicago's leading camp and parody theater company, is holding auditions for their remount of L'imitation of Life by Ricky Graham and Running with Scissors. Directed by Stevie Love. L'imitation of Life is a parody of the 1959 classic film about race, women and evening wear -- Imitation of Life starring Lana Turner and Juanita Moore. Please note the roles of Sara Jane, Suzie, Lana Turner and Annie Johnson are traditionally drag roles but we will see any performer we believe to be suitable for the part.

Susie Turner- (20's) Sweet and slightly sinister - daughter of Lana Turner. Wide-eyed and blonde with a hint of homicidal charm. Susie is a product of her mother and best friend of Sara Jane. The role of Susie starts as a little girl and develops into a young woman and is open to all gender identities.

Sara Jane Johnson- (20's) The daughter of Annie Johnson, Lana Turner's confidante and maid. Sara is ashamed of her African American heritage and desperately wants to live her life as 'white'', due to her light skin coloring, much to the heartache of her mother. We are seeking performers of African American heritage for this role, of any gender identity. Various roles- Performer(s) to play various comic characters in the play. May also serve as understudy. Any race and any gender identity.

Lana Turner (understudy) (35-50) Glamorous and clueless leading lady who just wants what's best for her. Any gender identity.

Annie Johnson (understudy) (35-50) The much put upon confidante and maid who serves as Lana Turner's right hand woman and mother to a the troubled Sara Jane. We are seeking performers of African American heritage for this role, of any gender identity.

Steve (Understudy) (25-40) Handsome stud that serves as the love interest for Lana Turner. Character of Steve is male identified.

Time Commitment:
Rehearsals- Feb. 19- Mar. 24. Mon- Thurs 7pm-10pm, Sat. Mar. 3, 24, 1pm-5pm, Sun. Feb.25, Mar. 11, 18, 1pm-5pm
Load in/dress/tech- Mar. 26-31
Previews: Mar. 31, April. 1, 5, 6 Opening: April 7
Runs until May 6.
Possible ext until May 13.

Material To Prepare:
Actors should prepare a campy, comic monologue of no longer than 3 minutes. You can also select a dramatic monologue to be performed in a campy, ridiculous style. Think Charles Ludlam, Charles Busch, Charles Nelson Reilly...or find Douglas Sirk film clips on Youtube. We love actors that have done their homework!

Audition Dates:
Jan 28 2-5pm
Jan 30 Callbacks