"Dial M for Murder" by Frederick Knott, directed by Bob Aven. Performances are Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, April 17 thru May 16. Auditions are 2/22 and 2/23; callbacks 2/25, 7-9 PM, San Leandro Museum/Auditorium, 320 West Estudillo Ave, San Leandro.
All roles open.
5 men (20-60) and 1 woman (25-35); all ethnicities encouraged. Read from script. Non-AEA; no pay.
Rehearsals begin 3/1/10.
Synopsis: Tony Wendice married his wife, Margot for her money, and now wants to murder her for the same reason. He arranges the perfect murder. He blackmails a scoundrel he once knew to do the deed. But it goes wrong; the scoundrel is murdered and the victim survives. This doesn't deter Tony, who arranges for his wife to be convicted of the murder...then Scotland Yard steps in. Suspense reigns!
Characters:
Margo Wendice: 30-35. Charming and naive, but not totally unsophisticated. Married to Tony. Not suspicious of Tony, and has no idea he plans to murder her. She had an affair with Mark in th past, but now believes her marriage is working.
Tony Wendice: Early 40's. Selfish and arrogant and has an elaborate scheme, which he carries out in debonair fashion. Married Margot for her money. Was a professional tennis player, but now sells sports equipment. He planned to kill Margot himself until he ran into Lesgate.
Mark Halliday: an American writer of murder mysteries. He had an affair with Margot during the time Tony was in America playing in professional tennis tournaments. Still in love with Margot.
Captain Lesgate aka C.J. Swann: Early 40s. A criminal! Stole money in college; spent time in jail. Possibly killed one of his many lady friends. Will do anything for money.
Chief Inspector Hubbard: 35+. Somewhat humorous, but not overly so. Suspicious of Margot and Mark regarding the murder, but not suspicious of Tony until later.
Officer Thompson: 20+. On stage briefly, towards the end of the show..
