Outside Mullingar
By John Patrick Shanley
Directed by Leigh Matthews Bock
Open Auditions: January 6 @ 6:30pm
Rehearsal Timeframe: January
Evening Performance (7:30pm): February 2nd
Matinee Performance (2:30pm): February 1st
Content Label: PG—some adult themes
The Majestic Theatre (a division of the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation department) is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a safe place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are particularly eager to work with artists of color and other artists from marginalized communities. All auditions are free and open to the public. This audition is for an amateur, volunteer production. The Majestic Theatre staff and volunteers do not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, gender, ethnic background, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any protected class.
Auditions will be held in person at the Majestic Theatre. This is a Readers’ Theatre audition, for a show which will not require memorization.
SHOW SYNOPSIS
Set against the backdrop of the Irish countryside, Outside Mullingar tells the story of two neighboring families whose lives have been intertwined for generations. Anthony and Rosemary, two quirky misfits on either side of a land dispute, must navigate family feuds, personal insecurities, and long-buried feelings. Their journey of discovery reveals that hope and connection can emerge from even the most unexpected places.
John Patrick Shanley, who also wrote the filmscript for Moonstruck and the play Doubt, captured the Irish poetic dialect in his writing, wrote a cheerful upbeat play without betraying the serious conflicts which exist not only in Ireland but everywhere with humor.
FROM THE DIRECTOR Leigh Matthews Bock
Ten years ago, I was introduced to Outside Mullingar. Hearing it read out loud by a group of talented actors on my deck during the pandemic reignited my love for this story and reminded me how funny it is.
At the beginning of the pandemic, we were all separated and closed away from each other, learning how to adapt to our newfound isolation. The families in Outside Mullingar, particularly the younger generation, feel the weight of isolation (not caused by a pandemic) and yearn for connection and acceptance. While they struggle to find that acceptance, we are reminded of the importance of human connection.
PREPARATION NOTES
Auditions will consist of reading scenes from the script and playing a few theatre games. We will play a bit with modified Irish accents. You do NOT need to prepare a monologue or piece.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
To encourage the strength that comes with greater diversity on our stages, all roles are available for any race, ethnicity, and ability. This production will incorporate minimal movement, with the actors using barstools and music stands. While there will be some movement entering and exiting scenes, this can be adjusted, and actors anywhere on the mobility spectrum are encouraged to audition for this show.
Tony Reilly
Character Age: 60s-70s
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Desired Actor Gender: Male-presenting
Overbearing, cantankerous widower living with his 40-year old bachelor son on the family farm.
Anthony Reilly
Character Age: 35-45
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Desired Actor Gender: Male-presenting
Concealment becomes his strategy for avoiding pain. Desires to fly away from his dreary life. Gentle. Enjoys the solitude of the outdoors and speaks often of church.
Aoife Muldoon
Character Age: 60s-70s
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Desired Actor Gender: Female-presenting
Recently widowed, living with grown daughter on the family farm. Nurturing and protective mother.
Rosemary Muldoon
Character Age: 30s
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Desired Actor Gender: Female-presenting
Grown daughter of Aoife who is stubborn and determined. Has moments of despair and can hold a grudge. Sharp-tongued.
Narrator
Character Age: Any
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Desired Actor Gender: Any
This role has been added to read some of the stage directions to help set scenes and show the progression of time. Approximately 15 lines.