Main Characters:
Laurey, Female, Soprano, (18-35): Smart, strong-willed, and independent. Laurey is caught between her feelings for Curly and her fear of being vulnerable. Must have strong acting ability and emotional depth.
Curly, Male, Baritone, (18-35): A confident, charming cowboy with a playful sense of humor and a romantic heart. He’s deeply in love with Laurey and isn’t afraid to show it—except when it matters most. Strong vocals and natural stage charisma required. Cowboy.
Aunt Eller, Female, mezzo, (40-?): Laurey’s aunt and the voice of wisdom in the community. Earthy, practical, tough, and humorous. A maternal figure who’s seen it all but still has a twinkle in her eye.
Will Parker, Male, Tenor, (18-35): A good-natured, slightly dim cowboy with a big heart and big dreams. Loves Ado Annie and wants to marry her—if he can earn enough money. Requires strong comedic timing and dance ability. Being able to do rope tricks is a plus. Will is typically a dance role. Cowboy.
Jud Fry, Male, Baritone, (18-35): A mysterious, menacing loner who works on Laurey’s farm. Troubled and emotionally intense. His brooding nature and unspoken desires create tension throughout the story. A dark and dramatic role. Farmhand.
Ado Annie Carnes, Female, Soprano, (18-35): Spirited, flirtatious, and hilariously honest. She “cain’t say no” to romance and is torn between Will Parker and Ali Hakim. Requires excellent comic timing and a bright vocal quality.
Ali Hakim, Male, (18-35): A traveling Persian peddler with a silver tongue and a roving eye. Comic relief with slick charm. Must have strong comedic instincts and a fun character voice.
Gertie Cummings, Female, Alto or Soprano, (18-35):A friend (and rival) of Laurey’s from a nearby town. Known for her obnoxious, distinctive laugh.
Andrew Carnes, Male, Tenor, (40-?): Ado Annie’s protective father. Gruff, no-nonsense, and proud. Must be able to deliver dry humor with authority. Rancher.
Ensemble Roles:
Ike Skidmore, M, Baritone, Farmer, (30’s+) Owns the ranch where the Box Social takes place. Sings solo in Farmer and Cowman Should Be Friends
Men's Ensemble: Farmers, cowboys, and friends of Curly's and Will's. Sing and dance in several ensemble numbers. Fred, Slim, Cord Elam, Jess, Chalmers, Mike, Joe, and Sam
Women's Ensemble: Friends of Laurey and Ado Annie. Sing and Dance in several ensemble numbers. Ellen, Kate, Sylvie, Armina, Aggie, Vivian, and Virginia
Important Note on Physicality and Intimacy:
We believe it is important to give everyone auditioning for our productions clear information before auditions about what will be expected for physicality and intimacy. We will discuss this more in detail during callbacks, but if you have any questions, please reach out to Nora Paine at nora.paine@newtampaplayers.org
The roles of Curley, Laurey, Jud, Ado Annie, Ali Hakim, and Will do have several stage kisses in couples (Curley and Laurey), (Jud and Laurey), (Ali Hakim and Ado Annie), and (Ado Annie and Will).
Jud and Laurey physical interactions are tense and not consensual from Laurey's perspective, especially during the dream ballet.
Throughout the piece, there are several points where choreographed fighting breaks out and male cast members, especially will be asked to do fight choreography.
Curly and Jud have fight choreography that leds to Jud's stage death.