THE BREECHES CHRONICLES: Where Are the Men?

THE BREECHES CHRONICLES:   WHERE, OH, WHERE ARE THE MEN?   by Barbara Biddison

We are in the big midst of auditions.  At the first one, several women appeared, and all had the opportunity to read for various roles.  I find it interesting, and inspiring, to hear a given woman read for a character nowhere near her age, and then read for a character that is close enough to her age, and then read a man's role.  I really like how Thomas Putnam does this, and how if you listen carefully you can learn so much about an individual's ability to be flexible. It's fun, but it is really challenging if you are a 25-year-old female to read a 60-year-old man's role.  So, I guess that brings me to the real question here.

Where are the men?   There are two male characters, one about 60 and the other in his 40's.  And as I write this, there are still two auditions left.  These two roles are interesting and challenging and a real opportunity for our talented men to be on the new HG Warehouse stage.  Or for someone new to HG who is ready to jump in.  Ellsworth, the conservative board president, and Stuart,, the quipping stage manager, are a real part of this show.  Ellsworth has to deal with a somewhat flaky wife and a determined director.  Stuart ends up playing Mistress Quickly while managing the stage.  Come on, guys!

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I listened carefully last night at auditions.  I just love watching actors read character roles "cold," and admiring their willingness to just give it a try.  It's amazing how close to the character a person can come.  I'm assisting with this INTO THE BREECHES challenge, and I still find something new or slightly more complex (not hard, just maybe what you didn't expect) each time I read it again or hear someone bring it to life in auditions.   Everybody come on out Saturday or Sunday!   

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