Posted by Randi Bjornstad

The Very Little Theatre will hold auditions for Grand Horizons, a recent play by Bess Wohl described by the New York times as a play that “puts a Neil Simonesque spin on the story of a couple considering divorce after 50 years.”

Playbill describes it this way:

“It’s out with the old and in with the new (sort of). Over a quiet dinner for two, Bill and Nancy serenely decide to divorce after fifty years of marriage. While Nancy feels liberated and Bill seems unfazed, their adult sons Brian and Ben don’t exactly take it well. As the “kids” descend on the Grand Horizons senior living community to mediate, everything they thought they knew about their parents comes crashing down. Bess Wohl’s Tony-nominated comedy is a hilarious, heartbreaking commentary on marriage, family, and the wisdom that comes with age—or not.”

Performance dates for Grand Horizons: Jan. 19-21, 26-28, and Feb. 1-4, 2024

Roles:

  • Nancy French (Female 60’s-70’s to play late 70’s) A caring and resourceful former librarian, Nancy spends her days at Grand Horizons organizing a clothing drive for refugees in Syria. Tired of living only half a life, she asks her husband of 50 years for a divorce to the dismay of her two adult sons.
  • Bill French (Male 60’s-70’s to play late 70’s) A retired pharmacist with sights on performing stand up comedy, Bill seems unfazed at the idea of divorcing Nancy, his wife of 50 years. Chock full of crude “Dad” jokes, Bill is ready to move out of Grand Horizons and start a new chapter of his life with his girlfriend, Carla.
  • Ben French (Male Late 20’s – 40’s to play Mid-late 30’s) A high strung lawyer about to be a father for the first time. As the eldest son, he feels responsible for his entire family’s well being. Although he is a successful and capable person, his family’s dysfunction stirs up drama in his own marriage. The stress makes his emotions – and his eczema – flare up.
  • Brian French (Male Late 20’s – 40’s to play Mid-late 30’s) A drama teacher who wears his heart on his sleeves and just wants everyone to be happy, even if it means making sure 200 students can all fit into the cast of “The Crucible”. Although he is annoyed with his family, especially his overbearing older brother, at his core he is a sensitive soul that just cares so much — maybe to a fault.
  • Jess French (Female Late 20’s – 40’s) An empathetic family therapist with a baby on the way, the last thing Jess needs in her life is to be caught in the middle of her in-law’s drama but she tries her best to be the voice of reason anyways. Strong willed and outspoken, Jess isn’t afraid to stand up to her husband and brother in law.
  • Tommy (Male Late 20’s – Mid 30’s) A fun loving and flirtatious man that tries to have an intimate night with Brian but is instead filled in on French family drama. He isn’t afraid to be blunt and set boundaries with Brian. After all, he promised himself he would stop being the caretaker in relationships.
  • Carla (Female Mid 50’s – 70s) The receptionist you’re always happy to see because she is cheerful and warm with a great sense of humor. She is the kind of person who always dresses up for the holidays. Even though she is having an affair with a married man, she is hard to hate due to her easy going and sincere disposition.

Audition details

When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23; arrive at your convenience during those hours. Callbacks at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Note: If you have questions or you are unavailable on those dates but would still like to be considered for a role in this play, please contact the director, Sarah de Leon, at sarah@thevlt.com.

Where: Very Little Theatre, 2350 Hilyard St., Eugene

Preparation: Auditions will consist of “cold readings” from the play. Headshots and resumes are not required but are encouraged.

Information about The Very Little Theatre: TheVLT.com