Synopsis:

It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, invites his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed, the festivities quickly take a deadly turn in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors.

Key Dates:
Auditions: November 28th to December 1st, 2024
Rehearsals begin: January 19th, 2025
Performances: April 4th to 13th, 2025, at Hudson Village Theatre

Character Summaries:

William Gillette / Sherlock (should be able to play late 30s – late 50s):
A dynamic and charming stage actor (based on a real person). Has made a fortune from his stage adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, whom he also plays. Recently shot in the arm in a bizarre incident, Gillette is determined to bring his Sherlockian skills to bear on solving the case. Passionate about his interests, which include the theatrical arts, mystery, and of course Sherlock Holmes.

Felix Geisel / Moriarty (should be able to play 30s-45):
The company’s character actor, Felix is histrionic (overly dramatic), a true theatrical who has given his life to the stage. Felix is Gillette’s best friend and occasional sidekick. Married to Madge. A devoted character actor who relishes his craft but is not immune to  the occasional bout of jealousy.

Simon Bright/Zerlinksy (20s-30s):
Simon is an enthusiastic young man, eager to please and find success. A bit of a naïf, Simon can occasionally be overly sensitive. Recently married to Aggie, they make a charming and wonderful couple. A witty jokester who finds humor in nearly everything.

Inspector Harriet Goring (30+ years old):
English and eccentric, completely one of a kind. By turns, witty and incisive, suddenly lost and dim, she is disarming in her inability to be defined. Always off the mark, and yet never far from the truth, somehow, she always gets her man. She gets things wrong without even knowing it; yet she also seems just the sort of person who can find out when you’re lying. That makes her formidable.

Martha Gillette (60+):
Gillette’s dotty mother, elegant though a bit foggy, Martha never shies away from a fight. Always willing to lob a criticism when necessary, all the same, Martha is loyal to Gillette and his gang of theatrical misfits. Nouveau riche, which is to say, she lives a lavish and glamorous lifestyle; but lacks the class normally associated therewith. glamorous lifestyle; but lacks the class normally associated therewith.

Madge Geisel / Marian (30s-40s): g ( )
Wry and outspoken, Madge, like her husband Felix, is a lifelong theatrical. She is game for anything, but back her into a corner and she will come out swinging. She has an edge to her, and a sharp tongue, but her affection is genuine.

Aggie Wheeler / Alice (20s-30s):
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Aggie is the ingénue of the company. Good-natured and kind, Aggie has had tragedy in her past, though she seems to have dealt with it well, and even moved on. Recently married to Simon, they make a charming and wonderful couple. This character has a dark side.

Daria Chase (30s-50s):
Glamorous Daria is the theatre critic we all love to hate. Biting and utterly charming, you can’t help but like Daria, despite the terrible things she says and writes. With her air of entitlement.

If you are interested in auditioning, please fill in the audition form (click here). We will contact you to confirm a date and time for your audition. The cut-off date for applications is Wednesday November 27th. Available time slots for auditions will be limited by then so get your application in early.

You will receive scripts to read for the part at the audition. This Hudson Players Club production is community theatre and the actors are not paid.