Theatre 29 is casting for their season finale production of the Agatha Christie murder mystery “And Then There Were None” Monday, April 21st. Arts & Entertainment Reporter Charlie Thomas shares how to be a part of this classic whodunnit…
Auditions for the finale production of Theatre 29’s 2024-25 season, Agatha Christie’s “AND THEN THERE WERE NONE”, have been scheduled for Monday, April 21st at 6:00pm on the Theatre 29 Main Stage at 73637 Sullivan Road in Twentynine Palms. This tale of deadly secrets and even deadlier repercussions, will take the stage for three weeks beginning June 13th through 29th.
Ten strangers are invited to Soldier Island, an isolated rock near the Devon coast. Cut off from the mainland, with their generous hosts Mr. and Mrs. U.N. Owen mysteriously absent, they are each accused of a terrible crime. When one of the parties dies suddenly, they realize they may be harboring a murderer among their number. The tension escalates as the survivors realize the killer is not only among them but is preparing to strike again… and again…
Award winning veteran director Kathryn Ferguson will be seeking a cast of 10 (3 Woman & 7 Men with some male roles possibly optional for a gender swap). Seeking a diverse corps of performers, all roles are open to all ethnicities & types. There are no roles for children, seeking performers 18+. The roles being cast are:
THE BUTLER – Thomas Rogers (m, 30+)
Thomas Rogers is the first character to appear in the play. Rogers and his wife have been hired as caretakers of the eight guests who will be arriving. Thomas, a butler, has been put in charge of the household, attending to everyone’s needs. He is overwhelmed by his duties, displaying exasperation and ill will. Unfortunately, his wife is the main recipient of his frustrations.
THE GENERAL – John Gordon MacKenzie (m, 50+)
General MacKenzie sticks out among the others and doesn’t seem to be comfortable socializing. One might suspect that he suffers from a guilty conscience. Defensive about the accusations directed at him, MacKenzie prefers to talks about the love and devotion he felt for his dear wife Lesley.
THE JUDGE – Sir Lawrence Wargrave (m, 60+)
A retired criminal judge, Wargrave is a sober and rigid man of the law. Thanks to his many years at the bench, he is able to maintain a cool head even when circumstances become increasingly dire.
THE PHYSICIAN – Dr. Edward Armstrong (m, 50+) or Dr Edwina Armstrong (f, 50+)
Dr. Armstrong is a highly successful nerve specialist. He was invited under the pretense of treating Mrs. Owen. His demeanor is that of a weak and somewhat sorrowful person who can easily be taken advantage of.
THE PLAYBOY – Anthony James Marston (m, 20+)
Handsome, youthful, from a wealthy family and oozing with superiority and little moral judgment, Anthony seems the least ashamed of his checkered past.
THE POLICE OFFICER – William Henry Blore (m, 40+)
A former police officer from South Africa, Blore presents himself as wise and available to give advice to others. He is the first to act in a variety of situations, but his actions don’t always yield positive results.
THE SOLDIER – Captain Philip Lombard (m, 30+)
Captain Lombard is confident and self-assured and more than proud of his military service in Africa. He is flirtatious with Vera but treats her with a somewhat superior attitude. He misjudges her and is surprised by her capability.
THE COOK/HOUSEKEEPER – Ethel Rogers (f, 30+)
While she is technically employed as a cook, like her husband, Ethel is expected to go beyond the scope of her position. Ethel is frail, nervous and overwhelmed. Trapped beneath the thumb of her demanding husband, she is unhappy and lost.
THE SECRETARY – Vera Claythorne (f, 20+)
A former governess, Vera was hired to serve as secretary to Mrs. Owen, wife of the mysterious host. Intelligent and poised, Vera is at first excited by the prospect of this adventure, but her enthusiasm eventually evolves into an urgent desire to leave the island.
THE SPINSTER – Emily Brent (f, 50+)
Possibly the least likable character in the household, Emily comes off as righteous, judgmental and negative. Her rules for proper living allow for no exceptions.
Auditions will consist of cold readings. Production is also seeking technical assistance as stagehands, set builders and costume construction. Any wishing to participate in these capacities, please also attend auditions (you will not be required to audition). For more information, check out the audition details on Theatre 29’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/Theatre29TwentyninePalms or on www.theatre29.org/auditions or contact the director, Kathryn Ferguson, via email at charles@theatre29.org.
