Kentwood Players will hold open auditions for the comedy “Olive and the Bitter Herbs” by Charles Busch on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester.
Callbacks will take place on Monday, May 16 starting at 7 p.m. by invitation only. This is a non-equity, non-paid production directed by Kirk Larson and produced by Lori A. Marple Pereslete by special arrangement with Samuel French.
Performance dates are July 8 through Aug. 13 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Auditions and performances take place at the Westchester Playhouse.
“Olive and the Bitter Herbs” centers on the life of Olive Fisher, an elderly character actress whose claim to fame was her iconic “Gimme the Sausage” commercials of the 1980s. She is a classic New York curmudgeon at war with the world, in particular her gay next door neighbors. Her closed-off life is shaken by the appearance of a spectral male figure viewed through her living room mirror. This appearance, along with the help of the father of the co-op’s board president and Olive’s only “friend,” brings together the feuding neighbors for a comedic Passover Seder. A series of strange and outrageous coincidences reveals that the man in the mirror has intimate links to everyone in Olive’s world, encouraging her that it’s never too late to change one’s life and perhaps find love.
Those auditioning should allow time to sign-in and complete paperwork. Please bring a current headshot and resume as well as your calendar as a rehearsal schedule will be posted at auditions and you will be asked to note any conflicts.
No appointment or monologue is necessary; just be prepared for selected cold readings from the script. If you have any questions or concerns, please email olive@kentwoodplayers.org
Character Breakdown
Olive – Jewish female, 70s. New York curmudgeon of an actress who has lived by herself in her Manhattan apartment for the past 40 years. Famous for delivering a hugely popular commercial catchphrase “Where’s the sausage?!” Her career has been much more successful than her personal life since Olive has never been able to let people in, lashing out at others at the drop of a hat. She’s adept at saying whatever it is that will hurt someone the most. However, beneath it all, she is a very vulnerable and sensitive person whose cantankerous, hard outer shell has resulted from a lifetime of being disappointed by people. She has a little bit of hope left in her, and deep down wishes she could connect – but has always been unable to do so.
Wendy – Female, 50s. An energetic, brassy New Yorker, a successful Broadway company manager determined to help people, but easily put down. Has a soft spot for helping secluded older people. Looks in on Olive frequently and truly cares about her, despite Olive’s often less-than-appreciative attitude. Though she appears strong, independent and confident, it is revealed that she is deeply lonely at her core. Applies for a new job in California that she hopes will change her entire life.
Robert –Male, 60s. A dignified gentleman, influential editor of children’s books, recently retired. Charming, attractive and still capable of innocent wonder of the world. Lives next door to Olive with his partner, Trey. Makes every attempt to befriend Olive in an effort to stop her from being such an unpleasant neighbor. Loves Trey and wants to protect him from any criticism. Forgiving; gives people the benefit of the doubt, to a fault. Perpetually happy and enthusiastic.
Trey – Male, 50s. A once beautiful, lovable boy who has aged into a sour pickle due to too much alcohol. Robert’s partner, both in life and in the children’s book business. Has become jaded and bitter, and is frequently cutting and sarcastic. Often involved in conflicts and resents that Robert does not always take his side. Describes himself as a nasty old queen.
Sylvan – Male, 70s. Attractive retired lingerie salesman. Warm, placid and dignified with a wry sense of humor. Meets Olive and is instantly intrigued. Has been married and widowed three times, and is drawn to “difficult” women. Very sweet and well-meaning, he represents a new world of possibilities to Olive. He just might be the one person who can get past Olive’s difficult personality and prove to her that she is deserving of love—and able to love in return.
For more information about Kentwood Players including our current production and upcoming auditions, please visit the Kentwood Players website at www.kentwoodplayers.org. You can also find Kentwood Players information on Facebook and Twitter.
To meet the “Olive and the Bitter Herbs” production team and learn more about Kentwood Players and what goes on at the Westchester Playhouse, the public is invited to attend our membership meetings, which are free and held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Westchester Playhouse, located two blocks west of the San Diego Freeway and two blocks north of Manchester at 8301 Hindry Ave.
