CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
COALHOUSE WALKER, JR.:
A proud and talented pianist. A Black man who believes that he can take part in the new America and will be treated fairly, but is shattered by a grim reality.
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Singing: Many songs
Dialogue: A lot
Dancing: Some
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of COALHOUSE in one of these scenes: "Coalhouse & Sarah” or "Coalhouse & Booker T. Washington."
MOTHER:
The consummate wife and mother. A kind woman with incredible moral fiber. Refined, intelligent, graceful, and open-minded.
Vocal Range: Soprano
Singing: Many songs
Dialogue: A lot
Dancing: Not much
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of MOTHER in the scene: "Little Boy & Mother.”
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TATEH:
A Latvian immigrant. He wears the trials and tribulations of his past on his sleeve but remains optimistic that he will be successful. Full of genuine drive and heart. He lives for his young daughter.
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Singing: A lot
Dialogue: Quite a bit
Dancing: Some
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of TATEH in one of these scenes: “Tateh & Emma” or “Tateh & Little Girl.”
FATHER:
Mother's professionally successful husband. He fancies himself an amateur explorer. Father is commanding and attractive. He enjoys being the family breadwinner and is a traditionalist.
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Singing: Some
Dialogue: Quite a bit
Dancing: Not much
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of FATHER in the scene: "Father & Younger Brother”
YOUNGER BROTHER:
Mother’s younger brother, he is an erratic and passionate soul, a firework waiting to be lit. He is influenced greatly by the teachings of Emma Goldman and learns to champion the underdog.
Vocal Range: Tenor
Singing: Several songs
Dialogue: Quite a bit
Dancing: Not much
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of YOUNGER BROTHER in of these scenes: "Father & Younger Brother" or “Evelyn & Younger Brother.”
SARAH:
A young Black washwoman, Sarah is beautiful, filled with a strong will to live, and fueled by an innocent spirit.
Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano
Singing: Several songs
Dialogue: Some
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of SARAH in the scene: "Coalhouse & Sarah"
EMMA GOLDMAN:
A social activist, Goldman (a real historical figure) is originally from Russia and is a leader and fearless advocate for the oppressed.
Vocal Range: Soprano
Singing: Several songs
Dialogue: Quite a bit
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of EMMA in the scene: "Tateh & Emma”
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LITTLE BOY (EDGAR):
Mother and Father’s son. He is open-hearted and curious with inexplicable clairvoyance. He never passes judgment on others. (Please only audition for this role if you are between the ages of 10-13, and please send in a video audition rather than coming to the in-person auditions.)
Vocal Range: Tenor
Singing: A few songs
Dialogue: Quite a bit
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of LITTLE BOY in the scene: "Little Boy & Mother"
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON:
A well-educated and famous orator and Black civil rights leader, he believes friendship and cooperation is essential to the success of Black people in America.
Vocal Range: Bass
Singing: A few songs
Dialogue: Some
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of BOOKER T. WASHINGTON in the scene: "Coalhouse & Booker T. Washington"
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GRANDFATHER:
Mother’s patrician father. He is a retired professor and is easily irritated by nearly everything.
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Singing: A few songs
Dialogue: Some
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of FATHER in the scene: "Father & Younger Brother"
LITTLE GIRL:
Tateh’s daughter. A vulnerable child in a brand new home, she has lost her mother and is guarded and shy. She clings to her father and is easily frightened. (Please only audition for this role if you are between the ages of 10-13, and please send in a video audition rather than coming to the in-person auditions.)
Vocal Range: Soprano
Singing: A few songs
Dialogue: Some
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of LITTLE GIRL in the scene: "Tateh & Little Girl"
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EVELYN NESBIT:
The beautiful Vaudeville performer, she is famous for the murder of her high profile lover by her rich husband.
Vocal Range: Soprano
Singing: Several songs (and will also be in the ensemble)
Dialogue: Some
Dancing: Should have dance ability
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of EVELYN in the scene: "Evelyn & Younger Brother”
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HARRY HOUDINI:
The famous magician, originally from Hungary. With notable physical ability, he stands as a symbol of the American Dream.
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Singing: Several songs (and will also be in the ensemble)
Dialogue: Some
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of TATEH in the scene: "Tateh & Emma”
WILLIE CONKLIN:
A racist volunteer fireman who destroys Coalhouse’s car.
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Singing: One song (will also be in the ensemble)
Dialogue: Some
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of FATHER in the scene: "Father & Younger Brother”
SARAH’S FRIEND:
A friend of Sarah’s who attends her funeral.
Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano
Singing: Several songs (and will also be in the ensemble)
Dialogue: None
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of SARAH in the scene: "Coalhouse & Sarah”
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JP MORGAN:
The rich, famous financier.
Vocal Range: Baritone/Bass
Singing: One song (and will also be in the ensemble)
Dialogue: Some
Dancing: None
If you would like to audition for this part, please read the part of FATHER in the scene: "Father & Younger Brother”
Other Actors will be Female & Male Ensemble:
New Rochelle Citizens, Harlem Citizens, Immigrants to America, Baseball Fans, Coalhouse Supporters, Firemen, Reporters, Atlantic City Vacationers, etc.
Singing: A lot
Dancing: Some​​