CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

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• Shirley Abramowitz: a Jewish woman in her eighties yet spry. Shirley plays not only her kindly wise self but the cantankerous Mrs. Kornblum in flashback sequences.

• Young Shirley: the above Shirley Abramowitz as 11 or 12 years old and living in 1935 New York. She is an extravert; self confident, bright, assertive and has a loud speaking voice. 

• Clara: Shirley’s  great granddaughter, age 12 living today in contemporary California. A typical pre-teen in modern day California. She is bright and assertive like Young Shirley but respectful of her elders. During the course of the play, she is suffering from a mild cold.

• Misha Abramowitz: Shirley’s kindly father in his forties. A Jewish immigrant and store owner grateful for the diversity of his new country. He is philosophical and has a (corny) sense of humor. 

• Clara Abramowitz: Shirley’s mother in her forties, somewhat stern but ultimately kind hearted. She is less certain of assimilation into this country’s ways struggling to hold on to her own Jewish identity. 

• Mr. Hilton: the school drama teacher, a friendly and eager soul, he is unaware that he is in love with Miss Glacé.

• Miss Glacé: the school music teacher, French accent. She is musical and creative. Lovely and in love with Mr. Hilton.

• Evie: Young Shirley’s best friend. A typical young girl of 1935. May be played by actual 12 year old or like the classmates below by someone older playing 12.

• Classmates: The following roles play Young Shirley’s classmates but instead of a chronological 12 year old should be played by slightly older teens or young adults. They should be from all races and a flair for improvisation is helpful but not required. They participate not only in classroom scenes but in a Thanksgiving pageant, A Christmas pageant and a Coney Island nightmare. They should reflect the diverse ethnic composition of Brooklyn. Their names are listed as: Anna Ling, Giuseppe Sabatino, Henry Brown, Jackie Sauerfeld, Ira Pushkov and Lester. 

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Also in need of a Sound Designer!

For further information, you may contact Ted Thompson at auditionsCIC@gmail.com