What is unique about this play is it challenges both actor and audience to stretch their imagination to depict and understand pantomimed performance. It challenges one's thinking in the ideas of time, relevance, and mortality. For an actor, it offers both simplicity and depth to enhance one's repertoire and experience.
Stage Manager - (any gender, age) the omniscient, omnipresent narrator of the play. Unbound by space or time, they break the fourth wall and flit in and out of the action in the story. Must be comfortable with long monologues and speaking to a crowd.
Dr. Gibbs - (M, mid 30s-40s) the doctor of a small town in New Hampshire. Stranger to no one, Doc is a good-natured family man. Dr. Gibbs grapples with the supplantation of the up-and-coming generation, and -ultimately - grief.
Mrs. Gibbs - (F, 30s-40s) Wilder describes Mrs Gibbs as "plump and pleasant." She is the mother of two children, and takes her familial responsibilities very seriously. However, she hasn't lost sight of her dreams in the mediocrity of housework.
George Gibbs - (M, 16-20s) the son of Doctor and Mrs. Gibbs, George is perhaps not the most studious, it he is certainly a hard worker. He has a sensitive disposition and an innocence, which drives his simple lifestyle and practical mannerisms.
Rebecca Gibbs - (F, 11-15) the daughter of Doctor and Mrs. Gibbs, Rebecca is somewhat focused on the external - fashion, looks, and money. She's young yet, and still enjoys annoying her brother.
Howie Newsome - (M, 30s-40s) delivers milk to the people in the town. He is amiable and good-natured. Perhaps not the most learned man, he is reliable and caring.
Mr. Webb - (M, mid 30s-40s) the newspaper editor of the town. He moves at a slightly faster pace, relatively to his peers, and knows all the pertinent town information. He is indulgent with his daughter and is a kind, witty man.
Mrs. Webb - (F, mid 30s-40s) Wilder describes her as "thin, serious, and crisp." Mrs. Webb is no nonsense, calls it like it is, and isn't afraid of a little confrontation. She knows how to put her foot down, but she is loving and caring as well.
Emily Webb - (F, 16-20s) she is "the brightest girl in her year." She takes after her mother in the sense of not backing down - she stands up for what she thinks is right despite being a girl in the times in which she lived. She is studious, gentle, and strong.
Wally Webb/Joe Crowell/Si Crowell - (M, 10-13) an actor could conceivably play all these roles, or it could be split up. It would be a great opportunity for a young actor to play different characters.
Simon Stimson - (M, 30s-50s) the "black sheep" of the town. He went through hard times and came out the other side a bit embittered and too attached to his drink. He is the choir director.
Constable Warren - (M, 50s-60s) the caring authority of the law in a small town. He'd rather look the other way than cite someone for public intoxication, and he's always looking to see how he can help his community.
The Ensemble - the following roles can range from 17-60s, and can be played by a few actors throughout the show:
Professor Willard - (M, 30+) "rural savant"
Woman in the Balcony - (F, any)
Man in the Auditorium - (M, 17-20)
Lady in the Box - (F, any)
Mrs. Soames - (F, 30s-50s)
Three Baseball Players - (M, 17-20)
Sam Craig - (M, 30s)
Mr. Carter - (M, 40s)
Joe Stoddard - (M, 60s)
Man Among the Dead - (M, any)
Woman Among the Dead - (F, any)
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