Burning Bright by John Steinbeck

News

Burning Bright
by John Steinbeck
May 4-19

In The Basement Productions will be auditioning Burning Bright by John Steinbeck on January 15th and 17th at the Loading Dock Theater in Saint Paul from 7-10pm. Callbacks will be at 2:00pm, January 20th. Burning Bright will be performed May 4-19th at the Lowry Lab Theater. Rehearsals will begin in late March.

Please prepare a contemporary monologue, comedic or dramatic, and bring a headshot and resume. Auditions are by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call 651-470-0995 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and desired time frame. You will be called back with an audition slot.

Description:
It's at the circus where we first meet the characters: Joe Saul, Victor and Mordeen are trapeze artists and Friend Ed, a clown. As the play develops, in a cleverly fascinating structure, the setting changes from circus to farm, then to a ship. Each character remains true to their "role," although changing to accommodate the setting. Through all of this the conflict of the drama stays intact: Joe Saul wants to have a child to carry on his blood line. After years of unsuccessful attempts with his young wife, Mordeen, he begins to dwell on his inadequacy. But she has a love for him that is stronger than he could ever imagine, and it's this love that would compel her to get pregnant from another man and call the future child Joe Saul's. This poses a problem for Victor, the surrogate father, for he wants Mordeen for his own. Joe Saul's best friend, Friend Ed, attempts to solve all the problems by disposing of the garrulous Victor. But then Joe's recent doctor's examination reveals to him the truth: The child can't possibly be his. At the end Joe Saul must do the only thing he can: swallow his pride and accept the child as a gift of love from his devoted wife.

Characters:
Joe Saul (M) - A strong, charismatic older man (Age 55+) **This role has been cast

Mordeen (F) - Joe Saul's much-younger wife. She is beautiful and well-respected. (Age 28-35)

Victor (M) - A young, strong and fiery-willed individual. In love with Mordeen. (23-30)

Friend Ed (M) - Joe Saul's one and only true good friend. A man of simple wisdom. (35-55)

"Burning Bright" is also seeking designers. All positions are open and all design positions pay a stipend. Please email us with your resume and a letter of interest.