The Red Velvet Cake War
by Georgetown Palace Theatre
Aug. 13 (2022)
In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the three Verdeen cousins—Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wyvette—could not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion. Their outrageous antics have delighted local gossips in the small town of Sweetgum (just down the road from Fayro) and the eyes of Texas are upon them, as their self-righteous Aunt LaMerle is quick to point out. Having “accidentally” crashed her minivan through the bedroom wall of her husband’s girlfriend’s doublewide, Gaynelle is one frazzled nerve away from a spectacular meltdown. Peaches, a saucy firebrand and the number one mortuarial cosmetologist in the tri-county area, is struggling to decide if it’s time to have her long-absent trucker husband declared dead. And Jimmie Wyvette, the rough-around-the-edges store manager of Whatley’s Western Wear, is resorting to extreme measures to outmaneuver a priss-pot neighbor for the affections of Sweetgum’s newest widower.
But the cousins can’t back out of the reunion now. It’s on, Gaynelle’s hosting it, and Peaches and Jimmie Wyvette have decided that its success is the perfect way to prove Gaynelle’s sanity to a skeptical court-appointed psychologist. Unfortunately, they face an uphill battle as a parade of wildly eccentric Verdeens gathers on the hottest day of July, smack-dab in the middle of Texas tornado season.
Things spin hilariously out of control when a neighbor’s pet devours everything edible, a one-eyed suitor shows up to declare his love, and a jaw-dropping high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake. As this fast-paced romp barrels toward its uproarious climax, you’ll wish your own family reunions were this much fun!
Directed by Mary Ellen Butler.
The Red Velvet Cake War will open Friday, October 14, 2022 and Close Sunday, November 13, 2022.
What Are We Looking For:
We’re looking for talented and diverse performers who will have a lot of fun bringing this hilarity to life. We are seeking talented performers of all ethnicities for all roles in this production, ages 18 and up. Trans and Gender Non-Conforming performers are encouraged to submit for any roles they are interested in; they will need to present the characters gender onstage.
Character Descriptions:
CeeCee Windham – plays age 40’s to 50’s
Can also be a double role with Mama Doll Hargis
Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen – plays age 40’s
LaMerle Verdeen Minshew – plays age 60’s to 70’s
Aubrey Verdeen – plays age 80’s
Jimmie Wyvette Verdeen – plays age 40’s
Peaches Verdeen Belrose – plays age 40’s
Bitsy Hargis – plays age 40’s
Newt Blaylock – plays age 50’s
Sheriff Grover Lout – plays age 50’s
Can also be a double role with Purvis Verdeen
Elsa Dowdall – plays age 40’s to 50’s
Mama Doll Hargis – plays age 80’s to 120
Can also be a double role with CeeCee Windham
Purvis Verdeen – plays age 50’s to 60’s
Can also be a double role with Sheriff Grover Lout
Auditions:
Auditions will be held Saturday, August 13 with Callbacks Monday, August 15. Callbacks are posted on the Palace website, but an email with the callback link will be sent to all audition participants when the callback list gets posted online. If you cannot make auditions, please email Productions@GeorgetownPalace.Com and we will try to accommodate.
- Please prepare a 1 to 1.5 minute comedic monologue. It does not have to be memorized but should be prepared. Some improv exercises may be asked of you in addition. We welcome auditioners that are 18 and older.
Auditions are located at the Palace Playhouse 216 W. 8th street Georgetown TX 78626. Initial Auditions and Callbacks will be on the Playhouse Stage.
Auditions are scheduled online via the Palace website. You will fill out the audition form, sign up for a time, and fill out the conflict calendar, as well as upload a headshot and resume. Questions should be emailed to productions@georgetownpalace.com
You will receive an email confirming your appointment. If you are unable to attend any of the audition times, please go ahead and fill out the form and put yourself on the waiting list. Then send us an email and we will try to work with you to schedule an alternative time.
Click HERE to fill out the form!
**Please note that any of the audition process could be recorded for use in casting**
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals will begin on/around September 5th. And we will be able to distribute scripts the week after casting offers go out.
Rehearsals are typically held Monday through Thursday from 7:00-10:00 pm and Saturday 1:00-5:00 pm.
Performances:
Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Sometimes ticket demand causes us to add Saturday Matinee performances at 2 pm, but is rare.
Conflicts:
Please make sure to notate all conflicts that you are aware of on your conflict sheet when filling out your audition form. It is difficult to create a rehearsal schedule if we do not know all of your conflicts up front. Adding all of your conflicts after casting could result in removal of the production.
Casting:
Casting will be done in the following days by the Red Velvet Cake War production team and send their cast list to be approved by the Executive Artistic Director. Once approved, emails will be sent to the actors that will be offered a role in the production. Once a full cast has accepted, an email to all remaining actors who auditioned will then be sent.
Health and Safety Protocols:
Masks are currently optional for all patrons, front of house staff, performers, and crew during rehearsals and performances.
Everyone should self-monitor for symptoms and stay home if they do not feel well. You should also wear a mask if you have direct exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and get tested on the 5th day following the exposure.
We’re constantly monitoring and evaluating our policies and will update them based on guidance from the CDC.
GPT:
The Georgetown Palace Theatre is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment in which all community members feel a sense of belonging and does not discriminate in casting practices on the basis of an individual’s ethnicity, age, gender, physical and cognitive ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, country of origin, or other factors. We strongly encourage candidates of all ages, abilities, gender, and ethnicities to audition.
Everyone involved with the production must submit to a background check at the Palace’s expense. If you are cast, you will receive a secure link where you can fill it out. There is no cost to you.
The Georgetown Palace Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit organization. There is no compensation for any of the actors at this time.
If you have any questions, please email productions@georgetownpalace.com.
