Auditions for Old Love, a Romantic Comedy By Norm Foster

HLT presents
Old Love
By Norm Foster
Directed by Tracey Holdsworth

Audition date: Saturday 9 September from 10.Am

Rehearsals start: 17 September, 2023
Season: 11 November – 2 December 2023

Synopsis
Old Love is essentially a wonderful romantic comedy about hope, second chances and the pursuit of love. It’s a story that proves that it’s never too late to take a chance on love. Bud has admired Molly since he first met her at a company Christmas party, when he was still married to his wife Kitty and Molly was married to the boss of the company, Arthur. He had two more brief encounters with Molly, in social work settings and continued to be smitten with her. Nearly three decades later he reads that Arthur has died. He makes up his mind to finally woo Molly and convince her that they belong together.

Characters
There will be a cast of four. Some actors will play multiple roles. There is lots of scope for creating strong characters and convincing onstage relationships, with the added bonus of some great comedic moments. The play is set in Canada and relevant accents will be required. Dialect support can be provided.

Actor #1 Bud Mitchell in the present (50s – early 60s) – optimistic, romantic and impulsive.

Actor #2 Molly Graham in the present (50s – early 60s) – pessimistic, down-to-earth and guarded. (Also covers minor roles of Bud’s secretary Shirley and ex-girlfriends Sandra, Delores and Claire)

Actor #3 Younger Bud in the flashbacks, Arthur Graham, Arthur Junior (late 20s – late 30s)

Actor #4 Younger Molly in the flashbacks, Kitty Mitchell, Kendra (late 20s – late 30s)

Age ranges are indicative: if you feel you may be suitable, please audition. These are unpaid roles.

Please note: This play contains scenes of intimacy between the characters. HLT observes the Equity NZ Intimacy Guidelines for Stage and Screen and will engage an Intimacy Adviser to support this production. More info

Director’s notes
I really liked Old Love from the first time I read it – laughing out loud and, being a bit of hopeless romantic, grabbing the tissues.
Howick audiences will be familiar with Norm Foster’s plays. He is considered to be Canada’s most-produced playwright, known for his wit and insight, and often compared to American Neil Simon. With Old Love, Foster has created likeable and recognisable characters that I believe everyone will love.
I am really excited about this production as it offers real scope for actors to explore a range of emotions and find truth in their own (or a range of) characters and their connections to each other. Creating real and recognisable characters to make audiences both laugh and cry.
I am looking to create a strong cast that will work well together. I enjoy working collaboratively with my casts and aim to provide an environment where actors feel free to play, be creative, take risks, be vulnerable and work hard.

About the director
Tracey Holdsworth is originally from the UK but has lived in NZ for over 20 years. She currently works in the performing arts with Auckland Philharmonia. Tracey has been involved with community theatre in Auckland for about 17 years, both on stage and behind the scenes, and loves working at Howick Little Theatre. She most recently directed Donald Margulies’ Dinner with Friends for HLT Studio in 2021.

Contact
For further information about the play, and/or a copy of the script, please email the Director at: traceyholdsworth@outlook.co.nz