Character Breakdowns for
The Wizard's Workshop
Storyline:
Following a lover’s quarrel, Swanhilde finds herself in the home of Dr. Coppélius, the town’s wizard. She means to confront her romantic rival, Coppélia- but discovers that she, as well as the house's other occupants, are all dolls. The wizard means to bring his “daughter” to life. THE WIZARD'S WORKSHOP is a world-premiere adaptation based on the story of the classic ballet, COPPELIA.
Characters:
Find sides for these roles at Sides
Swanhilde
A young girl, a bit single-minded. She tries very consciously to be kind, though she can have a quick temper. She is anxious about her engagement to Franz and is very easily influenced by her friends, Adrianna and Marlena.
Franz
A young boy, in love with the idea of being in love. He has wooed Swanhilde for a long time, though his eyes often wander to other pretty girls. He is not malicious; just foolish. Can often be found tripping over his own feet.
Dr. Coppélius
An alchemist and inventor. He thinks of himself as a man of science, but follows very outdated philosophies.
Coppélia
A beautiful young girl who is only ever seen sitting on the balcony, reading. She never speaks or interacts with the townspeople.
Marlena
Friend of Swanhilde, the town dressmaker. A bit of a pessimist, always sees the worst in Franz.
Adrianna
Friend of Swanhilde, the town weaver. A hopeless romantic who believes Swanhilde can do better.
Sebastian
Friend of Franz, the town candle-maker. Doubles with The Sultan.
Jan
Friend of Franz, and the town baker. Doubles with The Knight.
The Cheesemaker
Wheels around a comically large wheel of cheese. Doubles with The Painter.
The Cobbler
Takes a lot of pride in the design of shoes. Doubles with The Princess.
The Burgomeister
The mayor of the town. Doubles with The Senator.
The Lord in the Manor
A generous, wealthy nobleman. Doubles with The Scientist. He is a celebrity guest on a sitcom.
Lancelot, The Knight
Doubles with Jan. Face is obscured. To trigger him, you have to pretend to knight him.
Najeeb, The Sultan
Doubles with Sebastian. Wears a long robe and many jewels. Triggered with a bow.
Catherine, The Princess
Doubles with The Cobbler. Wears a very large dress and crown. Triggered with a curtsey.
Vincent, The Painter
Doubles with The Cheesemaker. Their clothes are covered in paint stains. He is triggered when Adrianna bumps into him.
Gallus, The Senator
Doubles with The Burgomeister. An old Roman Senator. Must be paid off in order to be triggered.
Bartolo, The Scientist
Doubles with the Lord in the Manor. Has a steampunk look to him. His coat is singed. He is triggered when people try to touch his equipment.
Character Breakdowns for
Black Coffee
Storyline:
Black Coffee is Agatha Christie's first original play, first performed in 1930, featuring Hercule Poirot investigating the murder of physicist Sir Claude Amory, who was poisoned after his secret atomic bomb formula was stolen from his library. The plot involves a classic whodunit with a locked-room mystery, red herrings, and a cast of suspicious houseguests, culminating in Poirot's dramatic reveal of the killer and the formula's location. Culver City Public Theatre's new production will feature the first female Hercule Poirot.
Characters:
Find sides for these roles at Sides
Capt. Hastings
Captain Hastings is Hercule Poirot’s colleague and right-hand man. He's kind, polite, but not particularly bright and comically slow on the uptake. Often serves as Poiriot's sounding board, as the detective processes the case, but he is often the foil for Poirot's jokes. Hastings also finds himself smitten by the very flirtatious Barbara. Strong actor, with good comic and dramatic abilities. Lead or character type.
Lucia Amory
Lucia is a beautiful, young woman in her mid-twenties. Of Italian heritage and raised all over Europe, but speaks English perfectly. Married and devoted to her husband, fellow suspect, Richard. Lucia often exhibits erratic behavior. She has many maladies and illnesses that may or may not be real. Terrified of the visiting doctor, who her husband suspects is having an affair with her. Willing to perjure herself to protect her husband. Lucia clearly has a secret in her past and she is desperate to conceal her true background. Eventually her secret is exposed, as is the blackmail scheme she's fallen victim to. Strong dramatic actress with a flair for physical comedy.
Miss Caroline Amory
Caroline Armory is a spinster who is stubbornly stuck in the past. She's fussy and inflexible, but has generally good intentions. Her source of pride, in addition to her beautiful and well-appointed home, is the quality of the coffee served there. Caroline is initially shocked by her brother’s murder, but simultaneously finds the whole thing kind of exciting. Chatty and unfiltered, she gives up many clues without realizing it. Strong character actress, with excellent comic timing.
Richard Amory
Richard is the only son of the Amory dynasty. Lives in the family home with new wife, Lucia. Originally pursued a military career, but was removed from duty due to his father's influence. Richard is resentful of his father's controlling way and rebels as a result. Feels like a prisoner in his home and is frequently irritable and gloomy. Convinced his wife is having an affair with a visiting doctor. Strong leading man type, with excellent dramatic skills.
Barbara
Niece of the family patriarch, Barbara relies on financial support from the family, after the deaths of both parents. Barbara is modern, energetic, flirtatious, loves to laugh. She is also rebellious and outspoken, much to the chagrin of her aunt and much of the family. Loves fashion, makeup and modern music. Not bothered by the murder of her uncle, she finds the investigation thrilling and a welcome diversion. Strong comedic actress with great timing.
Raynor
Secretary to the family patriarch/murder victim. She is an intelligent woman and one of the few people to understand and appreciate the scientific discoveries made by his employer. A dedicated employee, she's in charge of organizing massive amounts of notes and paperwork. Given her extensive knowledge of the goings-on in the house, she catches others in deceptions and secrets. Quick to jump into action with an alternate plan, once her initial one hits a snag. Strong character type or quirky lead.
Dr. Carelli
Dr. Carelli is a mysterious Italian visitor who claims to be an old friend of the Amory family. Suave, charming to almost comical affect, and speaks faultless English with a slight accent that may or not be real. Despite his charm, there is something unnerving and suspicious about his behavior. Eventually, his true identity is revealed by a second inspector who crossed paths with “Carelli” previously. A career con-man, he's engaged in multiple plots and deceptions. Strong character type or quirky leading man.
Sir Claude Amory
Sir Claude is a revered scientist who has been working on groundbreaking atomic research. Developed the formula for a new, incredibly powerful explosive but the paperwork has been stolen from the safe in his office. Sir Claude is immediately suspicious of everyone in his household, including his son, daughter-in-law, sister, and niece. He shows no particular affection for his relatives and is solely determined to unveil the thief. However, before he can discover the truth, Claude is poisoned and dies a sudden, quiet death. Strong character type, with excellent dramatic and comedic skills.
Dr. Graham
A medical doctor who is summoned to the household of the murder victim. He is an intelligent, practical man who is not easily led or fooled by flattery. Indeed, he does not hold back on his opinions and can be blunt and unforgiving in his diagnosis of both illnesses and situations. Dr Graham is a very logical man and presents the facts as he sees them. He immediately places the blame on the presence of a foreign stranger in the house and advises that he is not allowed to leave. Strong character type, or older leading man.
Inspector Japp
(Pronounced Yapp) Inspector Japp is a leading officer in the local police. Working class, plain-spoken, has risen through the ranks to achieve current professional status. A bit of a a fish-out-of-water among the sophisticated inhabitants of the crime scene. As such, she is blunt, and says exactly what is on her mind at all times. Previously worked with Poirot several years previously and is rather pleased to encounter the Belgian detective again. Quickly reveals a houseguest as an impostor. Strong character type, with excellent dramatic and comedic skills.
Miss Tredwell
Maid to the wealthy Amory family and estate. Deeply faithful/loyal to her employer and, arguably, more affected by her boss' murder than the actual family members. Despite her humble and unassuming nature, Miss Tredwell is a keen observer of mankind and has noticed nay instances of unusual behavior. This makes her a valuable resource for detective Poirot. Strong character type/quirky ingenue.