PORT ANGELES — Auditions for the Port Angeles Community Players’ holiday offering, “Christmas at Pemberley — The Wickhams” will be conducted today and Thursday.
Today’s auditions will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the in the Green Room at the Playhouse at 1235 E. Lauridsen Blvd. Thursday’s auditions will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the Playhouse stage.
“Christmas at Pemberley, The Wickhams” is a dramatic sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” set two years after the events in the book. The action takes place in the servants common area at Pemberley, near the kitchens of the grand house.
The performance dates will be Dec. 2,34,6,9,10,11, 13,16,17 and 18.
The play takes place at the estate of Elizabeth and Darcy, entering the servants’ quarters of Pemberley at the height of holiday preparations.
Whether upstairs or downstairs, the residents are able to explore the confines of class and discover the warmth of family and the generosity of forgiveness in this charming spin-off of the classic 19th century Jane Austen novel.
Character are described as:
• Mrs. Reynolds — Late 50s, early 60s, the housekeeper at Pemberley, knows all and sees all, has been on staff since Darcy was a child, a mother figure to the household.
• Brian — 19 to 25, playing age. A footman, in love with technology and inventions of the period, sincere and earnest, perhaps a bit arrogant.
• Cassie — 19 to 25, playing age. The new housemaid, a village girl, an orphan who came from less than nothing. The opportunity to work at Pemberley means security she has never had, and she takes this job very seriously. She is sometimes maybe too eager and a bit headstrong.
• Mr. Fitzwill Darcy — Late 20s to 30s, playing age. Head of the household and owner of his family home, Pemberley. Married to Lizzie, whom he adores.
• George Wickham — Late 20s to 30s, playing age. Grew up at Pemberley, son of the former steward, once a soldier, has been in and out of trouble (of his own making) his whole life. He is a rogue.
• Footmen and housemaids — Ages 16 and older.
Actors auditioning will be asked to do cold readings from the play and may be asked to do some light movement improv. Actors also can give a prepared monologue if they so wish.
Rehearsals will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday with some final tech weekends just prior to opening.
If you wish to audition for the show but cannot make the scheduled audition dates, or if you have additional questions about the play or roles, contact Director Richard Stephens at dramarex@gmail.com or text or call 360-461-1617.
Perusal copies of the script are available at the Sequim and Port Angeles public libraries.
