About the Play

Four couples arrive at a lavish anniversary party only to discover their host has been mysteriously injured and his wife is nowhere to be found. What follows is a domino effect of misunderstandings, secrets, and outrageous lies in one of Neil Simon’s most beloved comedies.

Audition Format

Auditions will begin with scheduled individual slots during the first hour (extended as needed). The remainder of the evening will be open to walk-ins and additional readings.

Actors may be asked to stay for scene readings.

Please Prepare

• A 2–3 minute comedic monologue

• Preferably from a farce

Please Bring

• Résumé

• Headshot or photo (if available)

Scheduling

Advance sign-ups are encouraged for individual audition slots. Full details and scheduling are available at beniciatheatregroup.org.

All experience levels are welcome. We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

Roles Available (Adult Cast)

1. Chris Gorman

Gender: Female

Age Range: 30 – 50

Description: A nervous, fast-talking lawyer trying desperately to keep the situation under control. Spirals into panic as the night unravels. Strong comedic timing required.

2. Ken Gorman

Gender: Male

Age Range: 30 – 50

Description: Chris’s husband. A tense attorney who becomes temporarily deaf from an accidental gunshot. Requires strong physical comedy.

3. Claire Ganz

Gender: Female

Age Range: 30 – 50

Description: A sharp, glamorous gossip-lover who prides herself on knowing everything. Witty and bold, with rising irritation as the lies pile up.

4. Lenny Ganz

Gender: Male

Age Range: 30 – 50

Description: Claire’s husband. High-strung, explosive, and sarcastically funny. Delivers one of the show’s most iconic monologues. Needs excellent pacing.

5. Ernie Cusack

Gender: Male

Age Range: 40 – 60

Description: A mild, polite psychiatrist trying to soothe everyone. Patient—until he isn’t. Breaks under pressure in hilarious ways.

6. Cookie Cusack

Gender: Female

Age Range: 40 – 60

Description: Ernie’s eccentric wife, a cooking-show host with unpredictable back spasms. Big comedic physicality required.

7. Glenn Cooper

Gender: Male

Age Range: 30 – 50

Description: A rising politician terrified of scandal. Charming but evasive. Desperately tries to maintain appearances.

8. Cassie Cooper

Gender: Female

Age Range: 30 – 50

Description: Glenn’s glamorous, jealous wife. Volatile, emotional, and confrontational. Strong stage presence needed.

9. Officer Welch

Gender: Male

Age Range: 40+

Description: Seasoned, direct, and suspicious. Arrives late in the play with an authoritative presence.

10. Officer Pudney

Gender: Female

Age Range: 20 – 40

Description: Welch’s partner. Few lines but contributes to the climactic investigation and comedic tension.