SYNOPSIS (based in part on historical fact): A Staged Reading
The year is 1895. The location is Summit City, a town in Arizona. A public execution is scheduled for one o’clock on a Saturday afternoon in June. A gallows has been constructed. Deputy U. S. Marshall William Maledon will hang Henry Carpenter, a convicted murderer. Maledon, a respected veteran of ninety-one public hangings, is known as the Prince of Hangmen, a reputation carefully crafted by his wife Mildred. She is a savvy promoter and enjoys the notoriety of her role as the Hangman’s Wife. Hours before the scheduled execution, Maledon announces his retirement. This will be his last hanging. Mildred objects vigorously. When the appeals court grants the prisoner a last-minute stay of execution, the hanging in Summit City is cancelled. Maledon’s career is over. And so is Mildred’s. He’s at peace. She’s outraged. Angry and betrayed, Mildred takes actions that will keep her in the spotlight.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
William Maledon: A hangman, 50 + (Baritone)
(Strong, dignified, forceful – takes his profession seriously and is proud of his work – the “Prince of Hangmen”)
Mildred Maledon: Wife of William Maledon, 50 + (Soprano)
(Attractive, cunning – orchestrator of the public career of the “Prince of Hangmen”)
Noah McMartin: Publisher of The Summit City Advertiser, 25 + (Tenor)
(Bright, energetic, idealistic – dedicated to his calling as a newspaperman)
Henry Carpenter: Convicted murderer, 40 – 50 (doubles as Conductor) (Baritone or Tenor)
(Gloomy, droll, possibly a liar – convincingly plays the role of the “wronged man”)
Conductor: Employee of railway, 30 – 50 (doubles as Henry Carpenter)
(A martinet – man of modest achievement who is eager to impress)
Mordecai: Telegraph operator of Tulsa Southern Railway, 40 – 50 (doubles as Minister) (Baritone or Tenor)
(Fussy and acerbic – runs a tight office)
Minister: Local pastor, 50 + (doubles as Mordecai)
(Sincere and caring – loving minister to his flock)
DATE: October 10, 2014 TIME: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
LOCATION: San Diego Writers, Ink., NTC at Liberty Station, 2730 Historic Decatur Rd., Barracks 16, Suite 202,
San Diego, CA 92106
DIRECTED BY: George Bailey & Kristen Fogle
E-MAIL: George Bailey to obtain information required for the audition and confirmation of attendance
cageomdgeo@yahoo.com
PERFORMANCE: Tenth Avenue Arts Center, Forum Theatre Space, 930 Tenth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Monday, November, 10, 2015 at 7:30pm
Be prepared to sing a song of your choice. Bring your own CD backing track. We will not have an accompanist. There will also be cold readings from sides provided at the audition. Also, bring your head-shot and resume. There will be limited rehearsals: approximately 4 days of rehearsals/workshop.
Stipends will be provided.
Videos
