So you Want to Audition for The Sorcerer? - Here are the Cast Descriptions!
Published: August 27, 2023
Presenting The Principals of The Sorcerer. We offer here brief character sketches, with nods of gratitude to the writings of Harry Benford, Peter Kline, and a certain W. S. Gilbert
Sir Marmaduke Poindextre is an Elderly Baronet (Bass-Baritone) “Poindextre” is a heraldic term suggesting his “top-of-the-tree” status, as does his rank of Baronet. He has been in love with Lady Sangazure for years, but has never declared it. Gilbert paints him as a generous and hospitable lord of the local manor.
Alexis of the Grenadier Guards is his son. (Tenor). His position in the Grenadier Guards is evidence of his aristocratic status, since such soldiers needed a private income. He is so blinded by his love for Aline that he’s not aware of his own silliness.
Dr. Daly is the Vicar of Ploverleigh (Light Baritone) He is the clergyman of the local parish. This loveable character has a couple charming songs to sing and his nostalgic ruminations that his time for love has passed him by are invariably audience-pleasers.
The Notary (Bass) He authorizes documents and records the fact that certain persons swear something to be true. He has no spoken lines and his part in the first act does little to develop his character, since he merely supervises the signing of the marriage contract.
John Wellington Wells of J. W. Wells & Co., Family Sorcerers (Light Baritone). This “dealer in magic and spells” needs a good singer-actor-comedian to portray him as a magician in the guise of a middle-class tradesman. As the title character, he carries a lot of weight under his top hat—and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to restore the status quo.
Lady Sangazure is a Lady of Ancient Lineage (Contralto). Her family name means, of course, “blue blood”. She has no spoken lines, two duets, and one recitative.
Aline is her Daughter and betrothed to Alexis. (Soprano). Aline is perhaps the most sympathetic of all Gilbert’s sopranos. She is, throughout, the victim of Alexis’ narrow-mindedness, yet she never complains nor wavers in her love for him, strong as her misgivings are.
Mrs. Partlet is a Pew Opener (Mezzo-Soprano) Mrs. Partlet is the focal point of interest much of the time she is onstage. Like Lady Sangazure, she is an aging woman, but she should contrast with her as much as possible in style and manners. She is warm and loving, and her attempts to marry off her daughter makes her a wonderful character role.
Constance is her Daughter. (Mezzo-Soprano): Constance is young, pretty, and lovesick. Her melancholy shyness contrasts strongly with Mrs. Partlet’s down-to-earth aggressiveness, and one feels that she is completely dependent on her mother.
thank you and hope to see you at auditions!
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