ROLES FOR ACTORS AGE 15+
ROSE Female Age: 35-55
Vocal range: Strong Mezzo/Alto, with good low notes/belt (Low F to C)
The ultimate stage mother. Lives her life vicariously through her two daughters, who she’s put into show business. She is loud, brash, pushy, and single-minded, but can be doting and charming. She is holding down demons of her own that she is afraid to face. Her voice is the ultimate powerful Broadway belt. Minimal dance but must move well. Comic timing a must.
LOUISE Female Age: 20’s-30’s, must play age 16 through adult
Vocal range: Mezzo (C# to Eb)
A shy and lonely teenager, earnest and loyal to her family. An insecure and awkward performer, pushed aside by Madam Rose in favor of talented younger sister June until she herself becomes her mother’s new pet project. Must be able to move well. Must be able to portray both the awkward teen and a sophisticated woman who becomes an experienced star in the world of burlesque.
HERBIE Male Age: 40-60
Vocal range: Baritone
Talent Agent for Rose’s children. Former Candy Salesman, now the act’s manager and Rose’s companion. Possible Husband #4. He has a heart of gold and the strength to defend the people he loves. Strong acting role. Movement skills a plus.
JUNE Female Age: 16-20’s, must play age 14-18
Vocal range: Strong belt, Ab to D
A former child star, now quickly outgrowing her act and her mother’s controlling nature. Has dreams of becoming independent and achieving serious stardom outside of Vaudeville. Must dance very well, including tap skills, strong Broadway singer, close harmony skills preferred. Splits and baton twirling a plus. May double in the ensemble.
TULSA Male Age: 18-30, must play age 18-21
Vocal range: High Baritone. F to G
A boy-next-door type who strives to break out of the troupe with an act of his own. Extremely strong dancer in all styles of show dance including tap. Good singer, charming, very athletic and handsome young man.
TESSIE TURA Female Age: 30’s-60’s
Vocal range: Mezzo Belt, C# to Db
A stripper just past her prime. Big Broadway voice, strong movement/dance, ballet training helpful. A burlesque dancer who shares her dressing room with Louise. She was once a ballerina and still has some of the moves. A coarse broad who’s been around the block. Very funny. May double in the ensemble.
MAZEPPA Female Age: 30’s-60’s
Vocal range: Alto Belt, G below Middle C to Bb
A stripper just past her prime. Big Broadway voice, strong movement/dance, powerful character. A burlesque dancer who is tough and physically intimidating. Trumpet playing skills would be outstanding but not required. May double in the ensemble.
ELECTRA Female Age: 30’s-60’s
Vocal range: Mezzo Belt, Bb to D
A stripper just past her prime. Big Broadway voice, strong movement/dance. Ditzy and sweet. May double in the ensemble.
FARMBOYS Male Age: 17-30, must play teenagers
Must have strong singing and movement skills (including tap) as well as comedic timing. Will also play small character roles throughout the show.
TOREADORABLES Female Age: 17-30, must play teenagers
Must have singing and movement skills as well as comedic timing. Will also play other roles including Waitresses, Maids, and Burlesque performers in the Minksy’s Review.
Non-Singing Character Roles
Miss Cratchitt Secretary at Grantzinger’s Palace. Has no patience for small-time acts or pushy mothers. Comedic role.
Renee Louise’s Maid
Uncle Jocko Master of ceremonies for a weely kiddie talent show. Hates stage mothers.
Georgie Jocko’s harried assistant
Pop Rose’s father, does not believe that she or the girls will amount to anything
Weber Theater manager in Los Angeles
Mr. Goldstone Representative of the Orpheum Circuit
Kringelein Hotel manager in Akron. Has seen all of the tricks show-biz people play.
Cigar Burlesque theater manager in Wichita. Always one step ahead of the cops.
Pastey Burlesque Stage Manager in Wichita, has seen it all.
Phil Louise’s press agent
Bourgeron-Cochon Famous French photographer
ENSEMBLE
Stage Mothers, Stage hands, Hotel Guests, Apartment tenants, Rich Man, Offstage
Announcers, Waitstaff, Burlesque Performers, Showgirls
ROLES FOR ACTORS AGE 8-12
BABY JUNE Female Age: 8-12
Vocal range: Belter (Eb to Eb)
Rose’s youngest daughter. An extroverted, talented child star. Great dancer and sugary sweet, cute, precious, splits and baton twirling a plus. Must sing and dance very well.
BABY LOUISE Female Age: 8-12
Vocal range: Eb to Eb
Rose’s other daughter and June’s introverted, shy older sister. Always plays second fiddle to June.
NEWSBOYS Male Age: 9-12
June’s backup dancers in the act. Must sing and dance confidently.