RICHARD – (fifties) A storyteller delivering a book talk about his family. He works the audience, keeping things jovial and sentimental.
Richard doesn’t see the other people onstage, primarily his ancestors:
JOSEPH – (35-41) Richard’s father and the subject of his story. A leading man. Nickname Joziu [YO-zhu].
MANIA – [MAH-nia] (late forties) Joseph’s eldest sister, has a sardonic side. Also plays INTERPRETER and IRIS (sixties).
KLARA – [KLAH-ra] (early forties) The middle sister, religious. Doubles as FELICJA [Fe-LEE-tzee-uh] (late twenties) posh.
DOLA – (39) The youngest of Joseph’s older sisters; dramatic, romantic. Doubles as VITA [VEE-tuh] (29) a warm American in love.
BERTA – [BEAR-tuh] (seventies) Family matriarch. Doubles as MISS BLAUSTEIN (sixties) a survivor.
GENKA – [GEHN-kuh] (17) Klara’s eldest daughter, a moody teenager. Doubles as ARNOLD (14).
LUSIA – [LOU-shuh] (early teens) Genka’s cheerful sister.
SALO – [SAH-lo] (60) Mania’s husband. Also plays COURT OFFICER, STANLEY DIANA, ELDERLY ARNOLD (86).
Toward the end of Richard’s talk, we meet:
CRAIG – (mid-twenties) Richard’s son. A tender smartass.
Casting Thoughts:
Depending on the company, Berta may double as Elderly Arnold, and Salo may double as Miss Blaustein, shifting that character to Mr. Blaustein. Additionally, the role of Lusia can be omitted if necessary. Changes available from Concord Theatricals upon request.
Depending on the company, Berta may double as Elderly Arnold, and Salo may double as Miss Blaustein, shifting that character to Mr. Blaustein. Additionally, the role of Lusia can be omitted if necessary. Changes available from Concord Theatricals upon request.