Black Coffee
by Agatha Christie
Directed by Brooke Hutchins
Show dates:
August 7, 8, 14, 15 at 7:30 p.m. and August 9 & 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Audition dates:
Monday, May 4 from 6-9 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5 from 6-9 p.m.
Audition location and information:
Sand Lake Center for the Arts – 2880 NY Highway 43, Averill Park, NY 12018
Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Please bring a list of conflicts from June 8 – August 16 to the auditions.
Tech week:
August 1 – 6 (mandatory rehearsals)
If you are interested in auditioning, but unavailable during designated audition times, contact Brooke Hutchins (brookee.marie@gmail.com) by May 1.
Production:
The rehearsal schedule will be built around conflicts presented at auditions and around events/shows scheduled at SLCA. Since this is an ensemble show, most cast will be called to each rehearsal. Cast must be available for tech week through closing night.
Show info:
Accomplished physicist Sir Claud Amory has constructed a workable formula for one of the most deadly weapons known to man: the atom bomb. After the formula is mysteriously stolen and Sir Claud is callously murdered, Hercule Poirot arrives to solve the mystery with the help of Captain Hastings.
A superbly crafted whodunit with endless red herrings, subplots of infamous spies and an astonishingly prophetic storyline about weapons created through “bombarding the atom,” Black Coffee is one of Christie’s most gripping country house murder mysteries.
Character descriptions:
Ages are flexible. British accents are encouraged but not required.
Tredwell (any gender, 30+)
Sir Claud’s faithful butler/housekeeper.
Lucia Amory (Female, mid-20s-30s)
Richard’s wife. She is half-Italian but speaks English perfectly. She is devoted to her husband, but has a mysterious past and is obviously hiding something.
Miss Caroline Amory (Female, 60+)
Sir Claude’s younger sister. A spinster with traditional, “old school” values. Fussy, talkative, and highly organized, she runs the household with pride (especially when it comes to her coffee). Well-meaning but often meddlesome, she worries about her niece Barbara while simultaneously disapproving of her modern habits. Tends to ramble and unintentionally reveal important details.
Richard Amory (Male, early 30s-mid 40s)
Sir Claud Amory’s only son. He’d rather pursue a military career than be under his father’s thumb stuck like a prisoner in his home and frequently irritable and gloomy. Richard is intelligent, but not the scientific genius that his father is. Newly married, he is very much devoted to his wife Lucia who he married after a brief whirlwind courtship.
Barbara Amory (Female, 20-30)
Sir Claud’s niece. She is an orphan and must reluctantly rely upon her uncle’s financial support. A very modern young woman who speaks her mind. She wants a husband to take her away from her dreary life.
Edward Raynor (Male, 25-35)
Sir Claud’s secretary. An intelligent man and one of the few people to understand and appreciate the scientific discoveries made by his employer. He is in charge of organizing Sir Claud’s notes and paperwork, of which there are many. Edward is one of the few people Sir Claud trusts implicitly
Dr. Carelli (Male, 30-60)
A mysterious Italian visitor who claims to be an old friend of Lucia’s family. He is suave and charming, and speaks faultless English with a slight accent. Despite his charm, there is something unnerving and suspicious about his behavior.
Sir Claud Amory (Male, 50+)
A revered scientist who has been working on groundbreaking atomic research. He has developed the formula for a new, incredibly powerful explosive. He shows no particular affection for his relatives.
Hercule Poirot (Male, 40-70)
The renowned Belgian private detective with a sharp mind and distinctive manner. Speaks English with an accent. Precise, methodical, and full of unique quirks in both movement and thought, often amusing or puzzling those around him. Called to investigate a theft, he instead finds himself solving a murder and insists on doing so in his own meticulous way.
Captain Hastings (Male, 30+)
Poirot’s loyal friend and right-hand man. Warm, affable, and well-meaning, he often serves as a sounding board for Poirot’s theories. Though not as quick to deduce, he is perceptive and eager to help.
Dr. Graham (Male, 40+)
Sir Claud’s doctor. He is an intelligent, practical man who is not easily led or fooled by flattery. A very logical man who presents the facts as he sees them.
Inspector Japp (Male, 35+)
Leading office in the local police. He is a working class man who has risen through the ranks to achieve his professional status. He is prone to saying exactly what he thinks and comes across as a little rough around the edges.
Johnson
The constable who accompanies Inspector Japp. He is quiet and efficient, carrying out Japp’s orders.
“Black Coffee” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com