MOLLY SWEENEY by BRIAN FRIEL – Mar 15 – 31, 2024
SYNOPSIS
Molly Sweeney tells the story of its title character, Molly, a woman blind since infancy who undergoes an operation to try to restore her sight. The results are not what was hoped for. This powerful drama tells Molly’s story through monologues from the perspective of three characters: Molly, her husband Frank, and her surgeon, Mr. Rice. The three actors do not interact.
ROLES
Molly: late 30s/early 40s. She is sensitive, kind, and independent.
Frank: 40s. Molly’s husband. Full of energy for his latest project, which is usually a failure. His descriptions of his projects are often comic (although not intentionally).
Mr. Rice, Male, late 40s/50s. Once a renowned eye surgeon, who is now an alcoholic after his wife left him. Although compassionate, he sees restoring Molly’s eyesight as a way of restoring his career. His “swanky” accent and cynicism hides his insecurity.
We encourage actors of all identities and backgrounds to audition.
ACCENTS
This play is set in County Donegal, Ireland. Frank and Molly are from that area. Molly comes from an educated family, Frank is self-taught and probably has a stronger accent. Although Mr. Rice was from County Limerick, he speaks, usually, with a “swanky Yankee accent” reflecting his education and time in the US. However, he does slip into his original accent from time to time. For the audition, we’re not expecting a perfect accent – just do your best with what you think the character sounds like. We’ll work accents during the rehearsals.