*Special note: Though the characters in the piece are cis-gender, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming actors are encouraged to audition.
All characters may participate in or observe moments of casual physical intimacy—such as hand-holding, hugging, placing an arm around another’s shoulder, or dance-related contact including lifts. All physical interaction will be rehearsed with clear communication, and participation in any moment of touch will be based entirely on the informed consent and comfort of the performers involved.
All characters, including the ensemble, could participate in or witness stage violence for the production.
Dorothy Brock (female presenting) – Dorothy Brock is a seasoned Broadway star. She is a stereotypically temperamental, vain diva. She believes that she deserves a certain level of star treatment. She and her Pretty Lady director, Julian Marsh, often butt heads because of his seeming lack of respect to her.
Peggy Sawyer (female presenting) – Peggy Sawyer is a young woman from Allentown, Pennsylvania, newly arrived in New York City. She is wide-eyed, naive, and hopeful; the classic small-town girl in the big city. She believes in the magic of the theatre. Physical intimacy with the actor playing Julian (including kissing).
Maggie Jones (female presenting) – Maggie Jones is one of the authors of Pretty Lady. She and her writing partner, Bert Barry, also play supporting roles in the show. Maggie is smart, quick, and witty. She is the mother hen of the young chorus girls, taking them out to lunch and advising them. Tap dancing ability is preferred but not required.
Ann Reilly “Anytime Annie” (female presenting) – Ann Reilly is a dancer playing a supporting role in Pretty Lady. Annie is the classic chorus girl. She is a talented dancer, singer, and charmer; her prowess with men have earned her the nickname “Anytime Annie,” though she dislikes the moniker. Annie is fun-loving.
Julian Marsh (male presenting) – Julian Marsh is a legendary Broadway show director. Every show he directs is a smash hit. That level of success, though, comes at the price of hard work, sweat, and often tears. He is demanding and detail-oriented, a perfectionist in his work. Physical intimacy with the actor playing Peggy (including kissing).
Billy Lawlor (male presenting) – Billy Lawler is the young, handsome romantic lead of Pretty Lady. He is charming, sweet, affable, and friendly. He is quick to smile and lend a hand to anyone. On stage, he is a dazzling triple threat.
Bert Barry (male presenting) – Bert is one of the authors of Pretty Lady. He and his writing partner, Maggie Jones, also play supporting roles in the show. Bert is funny and quick-witted. He is a wryly practical man and is quick to crack a joke. He cares very much about the success of his show. Will also serve as ensemble in some of the numbers.
Phyllis Dale (female presenting) — Phyllis is a chorus girl in Pretty Lady. She is good friends with Lorraine, Annie, Peggy, and Maggie. Phyllis is sweet, earnest, and friendly. She and her friends take naive newcomer Peggy under their wings and show her the ropes.
Lorraine Flemming (female presenting) — Lorraine is a chorus girl in Pretty Lady. She is good friends with Phyllis, Annie, Peggy, and Maggie. Lorraine is witty, fun-loving, and friendly. She and her friends take naive newcomer Peggy under their wings and show her the ropes.
Andy Lee (male presenting) — Andy Lee is the dance director of Pretty Lady. He is cool-headed and grounded, often serving as the more-temperamental Julian’s confidant and sounding board. Like the dances he choreographs, Andy is a precise man, though he is willing to bend the rules occasionally. He will also be a part of the ensemble.
Pat Denning (male presenting) — Pat Denning is a vaudeville performer. He used to tour the vaudeville circuit with Dorothy Brock. While partners, the two fell in love. Since then, Dorothy’s career has hit the big time. She’s a Broadway star, while Pat has become down on his luck. (gets punched by a “thug” in the 42nd Street Ballet)
Abner Dillon (male presenting) — Abner Dillon is a wealthy tycoon. He is the financial backer of Pretty Lady, having agreed to finance the show in order to showcase the talents of his girlfriend, Broadway diva Dorothy Brock. Abner is smitten with Dorothy.
Mac (male presenting) Mac is the stage manager of Pretty Lady. He is efficient and organized, no matter how stressful the situation or how put upon he is.
Oscar (male presenting) Oscar is the rehearsal pianist for Pretty Lady. He is patient and attentive to the whims of Julian, Mac, Andy, and Dorothy through the process.
Ensemble (all genders) – singers and dancers for the production – supporting roles will be cast from the ensemble: chorus girls, stage craft workers, thugs, doctor, waiter, police officers, etc (A Thug punches Pat Denning; a “gangster” shoots at the “pickpocket” but kills the “young soldier”)