MONMOUTH — The Monmouth Community Players will hold auditions for its fall production of Garson Kanin’s “Born Yesterday” at 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Aug. 28 and 29, at Cumston Hall.

This production is being directed by Ray Fletcher, local actor, director and thespian.

The play’s synopsis is a simple one: A self-made, gangsterish millionaire businessman comes to Washington to bribe a senator into backing his latest and biggest deal. Tin-eared to his own cultural shortcomings, he hires a journalist who recently interviewed him to smarten up his “dumb broad” mistress so she’ll better fit in with the socializing that’s part of his D.C. maneuvers. As in all Pygmalian stories, what could possibly go wrong?

FMI: fletcher.ray@yahoo.com.

Character list:

 

Billie Dawn: A charming but poorly educated ex-chorus girl, Billie Dawn is entirely lacking in social graces. Her natural honesty and desire to improve her lot in life, however, soon causes her to experience a wonderful transformation.

Harry Brock: A vulgar and egotistical junkman, Harry Brock has come to Washington full of fraudulent schemes. Loud and verbally and physically abusive of those around him, including Billie, he soon finds his crooked machinations going awry when he crosses her.

Paul Verrall: A young, idealistic reporter, Paul Verrall has been investigating political skullduggery in Washington. He is hired by Harry Brock to educate Billie Dawn and eventually sees past her rough exterior and falls in love with her.

Ed Devery: Harry Brock’s lawyer, 30 years ago Ed Devery was considered a man destined for greatness. Now, with Brock as his only client, the future looks far less bright—but with a salary of $100,000 a year and plenty of fine Scotch, Devery is past caring.

Senator Norval Hedges: Pale, thin, and worn down at 60 years old, Senator Norval Hedges is a nervous politician currently on the payroll of Harry Brock, who plans on using the senator for his own means.

Mrs. Hedges: The wife of Senator Norval Hedges.

Eddie Brock: Brother of Harry, Eddie Brock often handles the little details of his older brother’s business, “greasing the wheels” with tips and pay-offs.

Other roles: the Assistant Manager, Helen (a maid), two bellhops, a barber, a manicurist, a bootblack and a waiter.