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SYNOPSIS

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Tony Wendice, once a winning and popular English tennis professional, has passed his prime. Faced with a penniless existence of obscurity, he finds a wealthy socialite, Margot, to marry and keep him in the style to which he has become accustomed. As the marriage inevitably begins to fail, Margot finds solace in Max Halliday, an American crime-fiction writer. Max then returns home to bring a close to their relationship, but Tony finds one final love letter, beginning a tangled web of lies, deceit and mystery. Who has the key to the flat? Who is actually being blackmailed? Can Max’s writing talent unravel a genuine mystery? Which person is really guilty, and of what crime? This psychological game of cat and mouse is more thrilling than the violent crime the police are trying to solve.

DIRECTOR: 

Joyce Milligan

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AUDITIONS

Sunday, August 10, 6:30pm

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CALLBACKS/MAKEUPS

Monday, August 11, 6:30pm

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PERFORMANCES:
Oct 17 - Nov 2

 

 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Tony Wendice – 40 through… Suave, debonaire, cool as a cucumber, lead character yet also the antagonist.  He is dispassionate, manipulative, and yet somehow likeable, with sociopathic tendencies.

Margot Wendice – 30 through… Elegant, graceful, and genuinely sweet natured.  She is bright and resourceful. Not so much naïve as too kind to imagine Tony wants her dead.

Max Halliday – 30 through… (should be of comparable age to Margo) The “nice guy” of the story, he falls for Margo and is truly concerned for her in her loveless marriage.  He tries to do the “right thing” and not ruin their marriage.  But when he sees Margo is in real danger of losing her life he commits to saving her.

Inspector Hubbard – 30 through… He is the quintessential detective, the British Columbo.  He is much brighter than he initially appears to be.  He is quite “by the book” yet good natured in ways, and sincerely after the truth.

Captain C. A. Swann – 40 through… (should be of comparable age to Tony) Though not the intellectual match for Tony, he is the real villain.  Of questionable morals and background, he is easily persuaded to “do the deed” and murder Margo.  Sadly, his part is a smaller one in the play, as he himself is killed on page 37!

The ages above are suggested ages of the characters.  The more important thing is the relationship of the ages; e.g., Tony and Swann attended school together and should appear to be approximately the same age. The characters have histories and backgrounds that require they exhibit a few years on them.  However, Tony could be several years older than Margot (trophy wife?).