New York
by David Rimmer

Young seems right, but older might work too. Loves her students and isn’t afraid to show it – wants to give them a positive lesson in the midst of tragedy.

Could be anywhere from mid-20’s to 40’s. Should suggest the physical strength needed for the job. Hurting badly right now, but has an observant, skewed sense of humor.

Probably best if middle-aged, but could be younger. A strong woman in a male-dominated profession, a pioneer in her field.

17 and by far the most mature and capable person in her dysfunctional family. Lower-class background, from a bad neighborhood in Queens, NY.

Most likely young, mid-20’s. Underneath the physicality of a working man capable of strenuous and dangerous labor is a real romantic – deeply moral and self-condemning.

Probably a guy in his 40’s, but this is one where gender and age aren’t as important as someone who can do a blazing, speedy comic monologue.

Young man, early 20’s. Has a drinking problem, but hides it – along with all his emotions, usually through a comic routine or riff that has a standup feel to it.

A deeply conflicted youngish woman (but could be stretched to middle-age), who’s also hilarious about herself and her predicament. Tremendously self-conscious, intelligent and quick.

80, but still lively and quick with hints of her girlish self often coming through; Hungarian accent. Suffering at the moment, hesitant and nervous, doddering a little, doesn’t want to be where she is.

Probably young (late 20’s), but really doesn’t matter. Deeply disturbed and delusional but wears it lightly.

This really has to be a 12-year-old girl. If the actress is 9 or 10, then she’s too young to be a babysitter. If she’s 14 or 15, then she’s too old to have the unawareness of basic human psychology that makes the scene work. The girl’s distressed, sullen, angry – doesn’t want to be in a psychiatrist’s office, but is also able to show her relief and truly sweet nature when she learns that what she’s been thinking isn’t wrong, awful or selfish.

Late 30’s or early 40’s, but could stretch either way, older or younger. No matter what, he should seem youthful, younger than his age. He’s gay and occasionally indulges in campy humor, but for the most part plays life straight, because he works in a straight world.

Age could be flexible, but late 40’s/early 50’s would probably better convey the life experience of an NYPD homicide detective. His method of solving murders is extreme empathy – he gets into the head of the victim, and through that, the perpetrator.

40’s or 50’s, but could go younger or older. A career woman, but warm and nurturing, with a dry sense of humor about herself.Casting Note: There are 15 roles in the play, and age, race, and in the case of a few characters, even gender, are all very flexible. The PLANE GUY could become the Plane Girl. The NEWSGIRL could be a Newsguy. Maybe a few others. Contact your Licensing agent for author permission regarding line changes and revisions.

A warm, welcoming woman who listens and reacts with great compassion and understanding, but also keeps a professional demeanor. Middle-aged seems right, but any age would do, as long as she seems comfortable with herself and comforting to others.