NUTS
Audition: August 26 and 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
Registration at 6:30 p.m.
Performances: Nov. 2-18, 2012
Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00 p.m.
A Broadway hit, NUTS has been called the best courtroom melodrama since Witness for the Prosecution and The Caine Mutiny Court Martial. Set in a courtroom in New York's Bellevue Hospital, the riveting story follows a high-priced call girl incarcerated on a charge for killing a violent "john". The State, represented by a court appointed psychiatrist and an aggressive prosecutor, claims Claudia Faith Draper is unfit to stand trial. As testimony from experts, physicians and her parents unfolds, with her psyche and childhood dissected, she strives to prove to the judge that she isn't "nuts", and hopes to stand legally sane at trial for manslaughter.
The Cast (Age is of characters and not necessarily the actors)
Claudia- (Early to late 30’s) – A smart and intelligent woman, she is out to prove she is mentally competent to stand trial for her crime. She is very outspoken, and likes to ruffle others feathers. She has an estranged relationship with her mother and step-father, as ongoing testimonies reveal why. She is not sorry for the things she has done, she has been in total control of all her decisions, and wants to win based on respect rather than sympathy. She also shows physical mannerisms that would make one believe she is a paranoid schizophrenic, but reveals her real self during certain moments throughout the play and when she takes the stand.
Rose Kirk (Early 50’s to early 60’s) – Claudia’s mother. She clings to the past, for better or for worse. For the worst of times she believes she was wronged and needs to be heard. For the best of times, she cherishes those memories to the point it disillusions her view of what is currently going on. She is in complete denial of the past, and in disbelief of the present.
Arthur Kirk (Early 50’s to late 60’s) – Claudia’s step-father. Raised Claudia since she was a child, around 6 years old. He is smug and arrogant, very well to do. A businessman, and handles everything, including relationships, like it is a business transaction. When his darkest secret is revealed, however, he crumbles and shows his desperation.
Aaron Levinsky (Late 30’s to late 40’s) – Claudia’s defense lawyer. He is pegged as the underdog in this court room battle, as he has no experience in this type of case. He proves to be a bulldog though, rather than an underdog, as he tries to bring down those who attempt to testify against Claudia.
Franklin MacMillan (Early 50’s to late 60’s) – The prosecuting attorney. He is hired to win, not lose. This is another day at the office for him, and doesn’t really have a vested interest in what happens to Claudia. He is only interested in winning. He believes this is an open and shut case, and underestimates Levinsky. He is also sarcastic at times, and goes from disbelief to anger as the case proceeds.
Dr. Herbert Rosenthal (Late 30’s to late 60’s) – The villain of the story. He is pompous, arrogant and very intelligent. He believes his opinion is correct, and that he should not be questioned about it. He is out to put Claudia away, as he has diagnosed her as a paranoid schizophrenic. Claudia tends to “poke and prod” him, and he reacts by getting frustrated.
Judge Murdoch (Late 30’s to late 60’s) – The judge presides over the case, and is at times loud and forceful. The judge does not easily take things at face value, and often extends some “rope” to all of those involved to prove their points. *This role is open to both male/female auditioners*
Officer Harry Haggerty (Mid 20’s to late 60’s) – The bailiff in the proceedings. He is the only one that Claudia trusts, as he cannot harm her.
The Recorder (Early 20’s to late 60’s) – The court recorder for the proceedings. Very little lines, but great on stage exposure for those who like small parts. Also, a real acting challenge to stay in character the whole time.
*This show contains adult themes and language and may be too intense for some individuals*
*If cast, be prepared for some intense character study and discussions*
Any questions, please contact Chris Polhill (Director) by email at y2polhill@yahoo.com
