Synopsis: Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd, trades his soul to the Devil, also known as Mr. Applegate, for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. As young baseball sensation, Joe Hardy, he transforms the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life that he's left behind. Joe ultimately outsmarts Applegate, returns to his former self and shepherds the Senators to the World Series.

Written By: Words and Music by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
Book By: George Abbott and Douglass Wallop

Directed By: Nick Hogan
Music Directed By: David Maurey
Choreographer: Kaylin Hogan

WHEN: Saturday, May 18th, 2024 OR Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at 1PM. Choose ONE date to audition.

WHERE: New Hope Christian Church Gymnasium - 1404 400 N, Columbus, IN 47203 (back building - not the main church building)

WHO: Actors, ages 7+ (rising 2nd graders and up). There are lots of speaking, singing, and ensemble roles to fill!

HOW TO PREPARE: Wear comfortable clothing and bring list of potential rehearsal conflicts. Audition will consist of singing, readings from the script, and a brief choreography/dance audition.

• If you are auditioning for a lead or solo part: Prepare 16 bars of a song that best showcases your voice

• If you are not auditioning for a lead or solo part: Come prepared to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" with a small group.

• Youth (11&Under): Prepare to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" with a small group.

VIRTUAL AUDITIONS: If you cannot make the scheduled audition but would like to audition, email director Nick Hogan at nickhogan@millracetheatre.org by Saturday, May 18th, 2024. 

CASTING AND REHEARSALS: Cast list will be released on the MRTC website and social media pages no later than May 24th, 2024. Rehearsals begin May 28th, 2024. Many of the principals will be called 3-4 rehearsals per week. Featured roles 1-2 times per week. The final two weeks of production will require more rehearsal. Please be mindful of your schedule as you think about the characters that interest you. For a full character list breakdown, scroll to the bottom section and click on it to expand it.

PERFORMANCE DATES: Friday, July 19th - Sunday, July 21st, 2024. Cast will be expected to be at all shows and all rehearsals during the week leading up to the show.

Questions: Email Director Nick Hogan at nickhogan@millracetheatre.org.

There are plenty of ways to get involved backstage or on staff. Please visit our “Get Involved” page and fill out the form, or send us a direct message on Facebook or Instagram.

.——————————————————

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Legacy Sponsor:
William Eggleston

Director’s Circle:
Tracy Haddad

Executive Season Sponsors:
First Class Catering

Season Sponsors:
Wealth Wisdom Abundance, LLC
Nancy & Eric Andrews
Jim & Sue Lindhorst
Cheryl Miles-Vieth
Patrick & Sharon Andrews

Activities are made possible in part by the Columbus Area Arts Council, Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Generously supported by Columbus Area Visitors Center (www.columbus.in.us).

All roles are available.

Main:

Joe Boyd: (male) A middle-aged baseball fanatic, Joe would do anything to help his beloved Washington Senators take the pennant, including selling his soul. In fact, he does strike a deal with the devil, who transforms him into a young slugger who saves the season for the Senators. However, the deal also requires Joe to give up his life, including his beloved wife, Meg.

Joe Hardy: (male) Joe’s younger, more athletic alter-ego (different actor)

Meg Boyd: (female) Joe’s wife, Meg is devoted and understanding. When Joe disappears, she continues to hope against hope that he will return.

Mr. Applegate: (male or female) The devil, Applegate is consumed in this play with winning the soul of Joe Boyd and makes the deal with Joe that the play hinges on: Joe being transformed to a great baseball player for the Washington Senators, in exchange for his soul at the end of the season.

Lola: (female) A beautiful home wrecker on Applegate’s “staff,” Lola is assigned to seduce Joe and take his mind off his wife, thus fulfilling his contract and losing his soul to the devil. However, deep inside, Lola has a soft heart, especially for Joe.

Gloria Thorpe: (female) A savvy sportswriter that covers the Washington Senators for the local newspaper.

Supporting:

Sister: (female) Meg’s friend

Doris: (female) Meg’s friend

Van Buren: (male) The manager of the Washington Senators

Henry: (male) A player for the Washington Senators

Sohovik: (male) A catcher for the Washington Senators

Smokey: (male) A pitcher for the Washington Senators

Linville: (male) A player for the Washington Senators

Rocky: (male) An outfielder for the Washington Senators

Welch: (male) The owner of the Washington Senators

Bryan: (male) A player for the Washington Senators

Bouley: (male) A player for the Washington Senators

Lowe: (male) A player for the Washington Senators

Mickey: (male) A player for the Washington Senators

Vernon: (male) A player for the Washington Senators

Featured:

Lynch: (male) A reporter

Eddie: (male) Dance partner for Lola, Fan of the team

Del: (male) A player for the Washington Senators

Miss Weston: (female) Mr. Welch’s Assistant

Strane: A fan

Various Speaking/Ensemble Roles, Including:

Baseball Commissione

Postmaster

Guard

Other Ball Players

Baseball Fans

Singers and Dance

Youth Ensemble