An original show written and directed by Dennis Murphy, Only Rose explores the poignant relationship between playwright Tennessee Williams and his sister, Rose, who was the most enduring relationship of his life and the inspiration for The Glass Menagerie as well as other Williams’ plays. In this play, Tennessee is confronted by his younger self (Tom) for an evening of self-evaluation in order to answer the question: Did Tennessee abandon Rose when she needed him the most? Showing “behind the scenes” moments from Williams’ life, Only Rose explores the human need to connect and what can happen when that connection is broken.
Where:
The Arts Center at Dunham
1945 Dunham Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238
When:
Tuesday, August 8
Thursday, August 10
7:00 – 9:00 P.M., each evening
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. A resume/headshot is appreciated, but not required.
Walk-ins are welcome, but we’d love for you to sign-up in advance here.
Performances will be Jan 5 – 13, 2024, and will also be at the Arts Center at Dunham.
Please be prepared to provide conflicts starting the week of October 31. We realize that we will lose rehearsal time due to the holidays and have accounted for that in the planned rehearsal schedules.
For any questions, please reach out to producer Rebecca Coots at beckycoots1@gmail.com.
Character Breakdown
- TENN – mid-sixties, this is the older version of playwright Tennessee Williams. Normally a very gregarious person, we see the more sullen, contemplative side of him now. TENN speaks with a languid Southern accent.
- TOM – 27 years old, this is the younger Tennessee who we see play Tennessee from age 7 to 27. He is very much like his counterpart in The Glass Menagerie. TOM also speaks with a languid Southern accent.
- EDWINA – Tenn/Tom’s mother, we see Edwina as a young mother in her twenties and her forties. The later Edwina is very much like her counterpart, Amanda, in The Glass Menagerie. Southern accent
- ROSE – late twenties, Tenn/Tom’s sister, we see Rose from age 8 to her late sixties, but physically she is always 28 years old. The younger Rose is vivacious and energetic, but she becomes more timid and soft-spoken, with a Southern accent.
- GRAND – 50s, Tenn/Tom’s tender and loving grandmother, Southern accent
- DAKIN – Tenn/Tom’s brother, about 25 years old, Southern accent
- FRANK MERLO– Tenn’s partner, about 45 years old. Frank was TENN’s deepest and most enduring relationship. He knows TENN’s strengths and weaknesses, and loves him anyway.
- AUDREY WOODS – Tenn’s agent, about 50 years old, a tough talking woman who is very supportive of TENN
- CARSON McCULLERS – the playwright and close friend of TENN, about 35 years old. She is intelligent and well spoken and a Southern lady.
- MISS TITANIA – Rose’s nurse/companion
- NURSE – a nurse at the Farmington Mental Institution
The actors playing TENN, TOM and ROSE will always remain in those roles. Other actors may play multiple characters.
