Show Synopsis
When revered Broadway director Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter) falls on hard times with both his health and his finances, he helms an ambitious musical as a final production before his retirement. His lead actress, Dorothy Brock (Bebe Daniels), is torn between two
loves--the show's wealthy backer, Abner Dillon (Guy Kibbee), and the earnest but penniless actor Pat Denning (George Brent) --while aspiring young performer Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler) waits in the wings, hoping for her big break.
(Full synopsis posted on Baker Performing Arts appointment sign up page)
Character
Breakdown
MAGGIE JONES is a co-author of Pretty Lady. She is a smart, confident businesswoman and has no problem standing up to the great Julian Marsh. Maggie is friends with all the Chorus Girls and takes Peggy under her wing. Cast a great actress who can sing and easily handle Maggie’s poise and self-assurance.
BERT BARRY is a co-author of Pretty Lady along with Maggie Jones, though Maggie is definitely in charge. Bert has every confidence in Julian’s ability to direct the show, although he tends to panic immediately whenever problems arise. Bert often sings duets with Maggie, so cast an actor who pairs well with her and has a good sense of comedy.
ANDY
LEE is the dance director. He is extremely professional and wants the best work out of everyone, especially if it impresses Julian. Andy occasionally sings in a group with other characters, but it is more important that he be a good dancer and actor.
GLADYS, WINNIE, PHYLLIS, ANNIE, and LORRAINE are
cast members in Pretty Lady. They befriend Peggy and encourage her to audition for the show. Gladys, Winnie, and Phyllis are sweet girls who want to make sure the show happens no matter what. They do not have solos but are featured in songs with the other girls, so they should be good singers and great dancers. Annie is spunky, upbeat, and teaches Peggy the first tap combination. She should be a great singer, since she has a few featured solos. Lorraine is the sassy and
straightforward one in the group. She is featured in songs with the other Chorus Girls and should be a good singer and dancer with great comic timing.
MAC is the no-nonsense stage manager for Pretty Lady. Mac doesn’t have to sing or dance, but he should be a good actor who embodies down-to-earth professionalism.
PEGGY SAWYER is a young Broadway hopeful determined to get into the chorus of Pretty Lady. Peggy has tons of talent but no professional experience and finds herself in a number of awkward situations as the story progresses. Cast a fantastic dancer and singer who can portray a starry-eyed dreamer with a heart of gold.
BILLY LAWLOR is one of
Broadway’s best juveniles and Pretty Lady’s leading man. Cast a confident performer full of charm who can sing, dance, act, and deliver hilarious one-liners. Billy should pair well with Peggy.
JULIAN MARSH is a veteran Broadway director determined to take Pretty Lady to the Great White Way. He is secure in his reputation as the best director on Broadway and isn’t
intimidated by anyone—including his famous leading lady, Dorothy Brock. Cast a strong actor and singer who easily commands the stage.
DOROTHY BROCK is an older Broadway star. Onstage, she is every inch the high-powered diva, but offstage, she feels trapped by wealthy patron Abner Dillon and pines for a life with her longtime secret love, Pat Denning. Cast an excellent singer and a great actress who
can ooze confidence onstage but show just as much vulnerability about Dorothy’s personal life. Dorothy does not need to be a dancer.
ABNER DILLON, an automobile tycoon, is Dorothy Brock’s wealthy patron and the main financial backer behind Pretty Lady. Abner is devoted to Dorothy, but he is not the sharpest tool in the shed. He is a powerful man accustomed to getting what he wants and
won’t take no for an answer. Cast a performer who is comfortable making bold choices onstage.
PAT DENNING is Dorothy’s former vaudeville partner. Though he has kept their love secret for years, he is committed to Dorothy and willing to do anything in order to make their relationship work. He’s kind, levelheaded, practical, and a bit of an “opposites attract” love interest for Dorothy. Pat doesn’t
sing or dance in the show, but he should be a good actor and pair well with Dorothy.
The DOCTOR has a cameo scene after Dorothy is injured. This role is great for a member of the ensemble who may not be ready to take on a larger part.
The ensemble includes the KIDS (which refers to both male
and female actors), CHORUS GIRLS (which refers to female Kids), FRANKIE, the WAITER, FIRST THUG, SECOND THUG, YOUNG WOMAN, BOY, ANOTHER BOY, A GIRL, ANOTHER GIRL, and the MONEY KIDS. These roles are all great opportunities to include anyone interested
in joining your production.
What To Prepare
*Please bring headshot, performance resume (or letter with Performing experience).
*Prepare to sing a short musical excerpt accapella or with a backing track that best demonstrates your vocal range, style and
projection. We may not listen to the entire musical selection.
Note: If you are auditioning for a dancer role or acting role only, please indicate this at the audition. But we still would like to hear you sing a short musical excerpt to hear your projection, etc.
Additional Info:
There are no participation fees.
