Auditions for Grosse Pointe Theatre’s fourth production of the season, Moonlight and Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson, will be held at the Grosse Pointe Theatre rehearsal facility, 315 Fisher Road in Grosse Pointe, on Saturday, January 14 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and Sunday, January 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Perusal scripts are available at 315 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe (313-881-4004) or by contacting director Mike Trudel at 313-520-0908.
Play Synopsis
The Story is based on actual events in February1939 when, just three weeks into production, David O. Selznick shuts down filming of the largest, most expensive movie of its day: Gone with the Wind. Director George Cukor is fired. The latest draft of the script is unworkable and the film’s stars are outraged. Confusion reigns. Selznick moves quickly and summons famed screenwriter Ben Hecht and pulls formidable director Victor Fleming off the set of The Wizard of Oz. They meet in his office, where more problems are revealed. Hecht has not read the book and doesn’t think much of the one page he managed to read. Every day production is idle costs Selznick $50,000, and to make matters worse, Hecht and Fleming don’t exactly hit it off – they’re more interested in sniping at each other than working on the script. Desperate, Selznick locks the office doors, and on a diet of bananas and peanuts the three men labor for five days to fashion a screenplay that will become the blueprint for one of the most successful and beloved films of all time.
Characters
David O. Selznick (40-50s) is the prototypical Hollywood producer – obsessive, driven, and just a little nuts. GWTW is his masterpiece; he must have it how he sees it, and nothing must stand in the way. It could be his only chance to make one great picture.
Ben Hecht (30-40s) is the clever, quick-witted, articulate journalist-turned-script doctor. Sardonic but principled, he stands against everything that GWTW represents. He’s a passionate advocate of anti-holocaust activism.
Vic Fleming (40-50s) is a real man’s man, friend of Clark Gable, talented, caustic, and capable. He does not suffer fools gladly. Don’t confuse him with someone who gives a damn.
Ms. Poppenghul (any age) is Selznick’s loyal, unflappable, no-nonsense secretary. She knows how to deal with a pushy, eccentric boss.
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
Director’s note: For those with peanut allergies, the actors eat peanuts throughout the show.
Rehearsals and Show Dates
Show rehearsals are tentatively planned for Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings at 315 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe, however cast member’s schedules will be considered. Actors are asked to bring their personal calendars to note any schedule conflicts.
The show opens Sunday, March 11, 2012 with a 2:00 PM matinee, and closes on Saturday, March 24. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 8 PM. On Sunday, March 18 there is a matinee performance is at 2:00 PM. The show will be performed at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial in Fries Auditorium.
Grosse Pointe Theatre Membership
This is a community theatre production and actors are unpaid, but head shots, costumes, makeup and refreshments are provided. Actors must be members of Grosse Pointe Theatre to perform in the show. Annual dues are $30.
For additional information about Moonlight and Magnolias, contact director Mike Trudel at 313-520-0908. To learn more about Grosse Pointe Theatre, see the website at www.gpt.org or call313.881.4004.
