Brief Descriptions of Characters for Is He Dead?

Jean-François Millet/Daisy Tillou: (Principal) Jean-Francois is an extremely gifted starving artist, who must fake his death, a device concocted by his three best friends, in order to “have value” as a painter. However, he must be around to paint enough paintings to make him rich and pay off debts of his friends. He must go into disguise as his twin sister, Daisy, the widow Tillou. Wackiness ensues as people fall in love with Daisy, and also try to expose her as a fraud.  Age: Script says “young.”  Negotiable.

Bastien André: (Principal) The villain!  All the artists are in debt to this so-called “patron” and art dealer. He threatens that unless Marie (Jean-Francois’ girlfriend) marries him, her father will be crushed by the debt he owes him, as well as the money Jean-Francois owes him. But he is surprised when he meets Daisy and struck with a bolt of love for her. Age:  Negotiable.

Papa Leroux: (Principal) Father to both Marie and Cecile, and dear friend to Jean-Francois. Sadly, in terrible debt to the villain, Bastien Andre and may have to marry his oldest daughter off to him, in order to forgive the debt, but she is in love with Millet. Falls in love with Daisy too!  Age: Older than Marie & Cecile.

Agamemnon Buckner (“Chicago”)  (Principal): Millet’s best friend and devoted student; a painter as well. He cooks up the plot to “kill off” Millet, in order to keep the paintings coming, with Dutchy and O’Shaughnessy. In love with Cecile, a total prankster and clown. Age: Negotiable.

Marie Leroux (Principal): In love with Millet, and daughter to Papa Leroux. Totally trusting and sweet, she refuses to marry Bastien Andre even though it would forgive her father’s debt, because she is so devoted to Millet. Age: Younger than Papa.  Negotiable.

Hans von Bismarck(“Dutchy”) (Principal): Devoted friend and student of Millet’s, and fellow creator of the plot to keep Millet painting while impersonating Daisy, the Widow Tillou.  Loves to eat stinky cheese. Age: Negotiable. German accent

CecileLeroux (Principal): Daughter and sister to Papa and Marie. In love with “Chicago.”  Suspects something is not right between Daisy andChicago and goes into disguise herself as an inspector to route out the truth.  Age: Younger than Papa.  Negotiable.

PhelimO’Shaughnessy (Principal): Devoted friend and student of Millet’s and fellow plotter of the scheme.  Funny and matter of fact, does a lot of the running around to whip up the rumor about Millet’s death. Age: Negotiable. Irish accent

Roles below may be doubled.  Several of these parts are frequently played by the same actor.  In fact, one actor was nominated for a Tony Award for playing 4 of these roles. Very funny and challenging.

Madame Caron (Supporting): Devoted friend and neighbor of Millet. Crushed when they learn of his “illness” and a bit mystified by his sister Daisy. Very sassy and funny. Age:  Negotiable. Has the hots for Papa Leroux

Madame Bathilde (Supporting): Devoted friend and neighbor of Millet. Crushed when they learn of his “illness” and a bit mystified by his sister Daisy. Very sassy and funny. Age:  Negotiable. Has the hots for Papa Leroux

Basil Thorpe (Supporting):  A rich English merchant. Considers himself very knowledgeable about art, but he’s not. Age:  Negotiable.

Claude Riviere (Supporting):  A reporter from Le Figaro. Age:  Negotiable

Charlie, a gorgeous flunky (Supporting) Takes off his disguise to reveal that he’s a French Police Inspector. Age:  Negotiable

Sultan of Turkey  (Cameo)

King of France  (Cameo)

Emperor of Russia  (Cameo)

Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) announced nominations for 2012.  PPF received a record nineteen (19) nominations for three productions, including a nomination for Outstanding Play and Outstanding Direction of a Play (Jimmy Gertzog) for Side Man.  We are extremely proud of those nominated and everyone involved in these productions that warranted this type of recognition.

Side Man

• Outstanding Play
• Outstanding Direction of a Play: Jimmy Gertzog
• Outstanding Light Design in a Play: Chip Gertzog
• Outstanding Makeup Design in a Play: Beth Harrison
• Outstanding Properties in a Play: Susan Kaplan
• Outstanding Set Construction in a Play: Chip Gertzog et al
• Outstanding Set Decoration in a Play: Kathy White
• Outstanding Set Design in a Play:  Raedun Knutsen & Chip Gertzog
• Outstanding Set Painting in a Play: Chip Gertzog
• Outstanding Sound Design in a Play: Jimmy Gertzog & Chip Gertzog

Sleuth

• Outstanding Properties in a Play: Robbie Snow et al

You Can’t Take it With You

• You Can’t Take It With YouOutstanding Costume Design in a Play: Robbie Snow
  •   Outstanding Hair Design in a Play: Beth Harrison
  •   Outstanding Makeup Design in a Play: Beth Harrison
  •   Outstanding Properties in a Play: Chip Gertzog
  •   Outstanding Set Construction in a Play: John Coscia
  •   Outstanding Set Decoration in a Play: Lisa Church & Chip Gertzog
  •   Outstanding Set Design in a Play: John Coscia
  •   Outstanding Special Effects: Chip Gertzog

In addition, other PPF members were nominated for their efforts with other community theaters in the region:

• Gayle Nichols-Grimes as “Mattie Fae Aiken,” August Osage County, Reston Community Players and as “Vernadette Simms,” The Dixie Swim Club, Port City Playhouse
• Lolita-Marie as “May N’Kame,” Going to St. Ives, Colonial Players of Annapolis

The award ceremony will take place Sunday, March 17, at The Birchmere in Alexandria.   Our congratulations to all the nominees.

To see all of PPF’s previous nominations and awards, please visit our awards page.

Director Tina Thronson is pleased to announce the cast for the winter production, Donald Margulies’ Dinner with Friends.  Tina would like to thank all the talented actors who auditioned for this production and made her task of casting the show a most pleasant challenge. The production runs from April 5-20.

The Cast includes:
(in order of appearance)

Gabe:  David P. Whitehead
Karen:  Melissa Dunlap
Beth:  Jayne L. Victor
Tom:  Michael Donahue

Click here to find more info on the production.

To say that PPF’s holiday production was successful is no exaggeration.  Led by a very capable director and performed by a very talented cast, the production drew the largest audience in PPF’s history – entertaining over 1,300 patrons.

However, success is not always measured by attendance or box office receipts.  In this case, a big part of the show’s success was gauged by the amount of support generated to a cause – the effort to support those battling blood cancers and research that could lead to a cure.

This special holiday production helped benefit the work of an amazing group of teens, The Young Hearts, who raise funds for the National Capital Area chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night.  We are pleased to share that this production, co-produced by PPF and Young Hearts Foundation, generated over $10,000 for this important mission.  Half of all net proceeds from ticket sales, all concession donations and special support from a number of companies and vendors, including a sponsorship from our wonderful partner Virginia Commerce Bank, helped maximize the amount of support generated to the cause.

We thank you, our patrons and donors, for your generous patronage and support of this production.  We are honored and thrilled to share this great news, and thank co-producer Prince McLaughlin and members of The Young Hearts for the privilege of this collaboration.  We applaud their ongoing efforts to help the many people in our community struggling with this horrible disease.

Sincerely,

Janet Bartelmay
President, Providence Players of Fairfax

David Whitehead
Co-Producer, Best Christmas Pageant Ever

This production was underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank

by Donald Margulies
Directed by Tina Thronson

This Pulitzer Prize winning play is a bittersweet look at the marriages of two couples who have been friends for years. The play shifts back and forth over almost fifteen years as we meet the characters at the beginning of their relationships and later as we see the impact on both couples when one of those marriages goes sour.

Performance Dates And Times
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, & 20.
Sunday Matinees at 2:00 p.m. Apr. 7 & 14

TWO MEN , TWO WOMEN – ALL ROLES OPEN

AUDITION DATES
Thursday, January 3, 7-9pm (in theater)
Friday, January 4, 7-9pm (in theater)
Monday, January 7, 7-9pm (in multi-purpose room – signs will direct you)
Wednesday, January 9, 7-9pm (for callbacks only, if needed)

LOCATION
The James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
(Look For Signs To Audition Room)

AUDITION INFORMATION/INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE DIRECTOR, TINA THRONSON

PLEASE RSVP to providenceplayers@cox.net to let us know you are coming and on which dates.  

HOW WE WORK: As space allows, you will be able to watch all the auditions. You may be asked to go into the hallway with audition partners and work a bit on a scene. We will do our best to get you up multiple times reading for parts you are interested in. You will also be asked to read for other parts you may not be auditioning for. The Providence Players strives to make our productions open to interested and engaged actors & actresses, regardless of their level of experience. We try and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.

AUDITION PROCESS: Auditions will consist of readings from the script – No monologue required. I would recommend that auditioners have a familiarity with the script and, if possible, have an audition partner with whom they have practiced.  [If unable to bring an audition partner – no problem – I will be mixing and matching as well.]

AUDITION SIDES: Sides for the audition process will be supplied each evening.

AUDITION FORM: Resumes and headshots will be accepted, but are not required.  Each auditioner will be asked to fill out a form for consideration.

MEMBERSHIP: The Providence Players of Fairfax is a membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, actors in addition to production team members will be asked to become members of the Providence Players ($10) for the season (if they are not already).

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  I am looking for the way actors convey who their character is and how actors relate to other “friend[s]” onstage.  I remain open to the age range I will choose for the cast – which is dependent upon who auditions and what combinations work best to serve the script.  I look forward to meeting you and seeing some of your work.

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ hits the stage

Kids deliver the goods in Providence Players production

By Jackie Friedlander, Special to the Times

For the past two years, the Providence Players of Fairfax community theater have been performing “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play,” based on the Christmas movie classic. This year, though, they are presenting “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” for their 15th anniversary holiday production.  Director Beth Whitehead explained her choice by saying that the play includes 21 kids out of the 30 cast members… Read more.

ONLY THREE PERFORMANCES REMAINING – CLOSING WEEKEND

Produced in partnership with the Young Hearts Foundation

50% of the net proceeds from this production will go to fighting blood cancers and other diseases

Mayhem Ensues As the Herdman Kids Collide with Christmas

AUDIENCES AND CRITICS ALIKE HAVE LOVED THIS FUNNY, HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

 

ONLY THREE PERFORMANCES REMAIN

Saturday 2:00 and 7:30, Sunday 2:00

 

 At The James Lee Community Center Theater

 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042

Performance Dates and Times

Thurs, Fri and Sat Evenings 7:30 pm

December  13, 14, 15

Sat & Sun Matinees 2:00 pm

December  15, 16

 

Julia Exline of  DCMetroTheatreArts.com says:

“With a fun plot and energetic performances, I would take the family to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for a dose of Christmas spirit — and with proceeds going towards such a good cause, that makes it all the merrier. Wonderfully directed by Beth Whitehead, who manages to inspire great performances from a large cast – Jody Lynn Parker was fantastic as the tough Imogene Herdman, and Kyleigh Friel greatly entertaining as her wild sister, Gladys. Jennifer Owens does a fine job as the town goody-goody Alice Wendleken…the “Baby Angels,” and are perhaps the cutest thing you will see this season.” Full Review

 

Bob Ashby of Showbizradio.net  says:

“Besides being a very enjoyable show for performers and audience, the production had a serious purpose, as half the net proceeds from the production plus the concession revenue are being donated to The Young Hearts, a local cancer charity.” Full Review

 

More Press Coverage In The Connection Newspapers and The Falls Church News Press

Performed in Two Acts with One Fifteen Minute Intermission – Run Time Including Intermission is 1 hour 20 Min.Always Affordable: General Admission Seating – $15

Tickets May Be Purchased Online

Reserved By Email At: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net

By Leaving A Voicemail At: 703-425-6782

Or Purchased at the Door

  

A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family 

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant!  The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they?  This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.

 

Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation

This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank

Thursday Evening Performance This Week

Mayhem Ensues As the Herdman Kids Collide with Christmas

AUDIENCES AND CRITICS ALIKE HAVE LOVED THIS FUNNY, HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

 

FIVE MORE PERFORMANCES THRU DECEMBER 16TH

Produced in partnership with the Young Hearts Foundation

50% of the net proceeds from this production will go to fighting blood cancers and other diseases

 At The James Lee Community Center Theater

 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042

Performance Dates and Times

Thurs, Fri and Sat Evenings 7:30 pm

December  13, 14, 15

Sat & Sun Matinees 2:00 pm

December  15, 16

 

Julia Exline of  DCMetroTheatreArts.com says:

“With a fun plot and energetic performances, I would take the family to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for a dose of Christmas spirit — and with proceeds going towards such a good cause, that makes it all the merrier. Wonderfully directed by Beth Whitehead, who manages to inspire great performances from a large cast – Jody Lynn Parker was fantastic as the tough Imogene Herdman, and Kyleigh Friel greatly entertaining as her wild sister, Gladys. Jennifer Owens does a fine job as the town goody-goody Alice Wendleken…the “Baby Angels,” and are perhaps the cutest thing you will see this season.” Full Review

 

Bob Ashby of Showbizradio.net  says:

“Besides being a very enjoyable show for performers and audience, the production had a serious purpose, as half the net proceeds from the production plus the concession revenue are being donated to The Young Hearts, a local cancer charity.” Full Review

 

More Press Coverage In The Connection Newspapers and The Falls Church News Press

Performed in Two Acts with One Fifteen Minute Intermission – Run Time Including Intermission is 1 hour 20 Min.Always Affordable: General Admission Seating – $15

Tickets May Be Purchased Online

Reserved By Email At: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net

By Leaving A Voicemail At: 703-425-6782

Or Purchased at the Door

  

A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family 

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant!  The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they?  This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.

 

Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation

This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank

Mayhem Ensues As the Herdman Kids Collide with Christmas

A FUNNY, HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

DECEMBER 7TH THRU DECEMBER 16TH

Produced in partnership with the Young Hearts Foundation

50% of the net proceeds from this production will go to fighting blood cancers and other diseases

 At The James Lee Community Center Theater

 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042

Performance Dates and Times

Sat & Sun Matinees 2:00 pm

December 8, 9, 15, 16

 

Performed in Two Acts with One Fifteen Minute Intermission – Run Time Including Intermission is 1 hour 20 Min.

Always Affordable: General Admission Seating – $15

Tickets May Be Purchased Online

Reserved By Email At: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net

By Leaving A Voicemail At: 703-425-6782

Or Purchased at the Door

  

A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family 

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant!  The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they?  This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.

 

Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation

This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank

PPF is pleased to announce a change in its 15th anniversary season line-up.  In April 2013, PPF will produce Dinner with Friends, by Donald Margulies.

Directed by Tina Thronson and produced by Chip Gertzog, Dinner with Friends is full of humor, warmth, and wisdom.  This 2000 Pulitzer Prize winning drama is a funny yet bittersweet look at the marriages of two couples who have been friends for years and the impact on both couples when one of those marriages goes sour. Margulies’ elegant, breezy and witty dialog nourishes the audience as do his poignant insights which are deeply affecting. The New York Times called this multi-award winning work “A play for our time”. Dinner with Friends is not for young audiences. It contains mature themes and language.

PPF was unable to secure rights to August: Osage County, but will attempt to do this fine production in a future season when rights become available.

Find out more about all the productions planned for our 15th anniversary season, or go directly to our ticket section to purchase your season tickets today!