MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS
Familiarisation evening:
Monday 15th June, 7.00pm – Stables Theatre. Everyone welcome.
Audition:
Sunday 28th June, 3.00pm – Stables Theatre (Recall, if needed, Monday 29th June, 7pm)
Playing dates:
Friday 6th – Saturday 14th November 2026
Based on the true story of how Gone With the Wind producer David O’Selznick impulsively shut down production after 3 weeks, firing the director and scrapping the original script. A reluctant replacement screenwriter and director only have 5 days to come up with a new screenplay. Selznick “imprisons” them in his office with only bananas and peanuts to eat – true! Just one problem, the screenwriter hadn’t read the book….!
It’s funny, fast-paced, at times farcical, but at the same time reflects on identity as it’s set against the background of the imminent second world war with a particular focus on Jewish identity and it’s role in the making of Hollywood. For the audition I will be looking for an attempt at American accents – we can build on this during rehearsals. Playing ages are a guide only.
Characters: 3 male, 1 female
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David O’Selznick Producer |
Playing age 30s – 40s (he was actually 37 at the time). Perfectionist, highly driven, relentless round the clock working style, highly strung, hands-on control. Acts the part of Scarlett to illustrate the story for Ben Hecht. |
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Victor Fleming Director |
Playing age 40s – 60s (he as actually 50 at the time). Also a perfectionist and demanding, known as a “man’s man”. A successful and respected director. Also acts out various characters with Selznick. |
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Ben Hecht Screenwriter |
Playing age 40s – 50s (he was actually 45 at the time). Cynical with a sardonic wit, grounded, often speaks for the modern audience questioning the “glorifying of the Confederacy” and racial issues. “This woman Scarlett O’Hara slaps the young black maid, right? So we add child abuse as well as racism to her resume?” |
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Miss Poppenghul Selznick’s Secretary |
Any age. “Superhumanly efficient”. Smaller than the 3 male parts her role is key as it reflects the loyalty and devotion of secretaries in this environment. The only one of the 3 cast that could leave but chooses not to, she also ends the play exhausted and disheveled. Possibly has a crush on Selznick (to be discussed!) |
The final rehearsal schedule will depend on the availability of those cast, but the ideal is to start in July for one or two weeks, 3 times a week, then pause for the summer holidays and start again after the August bank holiday (from 1st September).
Audition pieces on request. Scripts available at The Stables box office. I’m happy to answer any queries:
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07864 565153 – jennylloydlyons@gmail.com
Jenny Lloyd-Lyons
