It’s Christmas Eve at Bob and Carol’s. Grandma is over and spending the night as everyone wraps last minute gifts and plans for the big day and dinner. The family has certain holiday traditions they follow, including midnight mass and a turkey dinner on Christmas. As Bob finds out, it must be a whole turkey, not just the turkey breast he mistakenly purchased. He spends the day chasing down a fresh turkey, as a frozen turkey, which are plentiful, can’t thaw in time. Tom and Ellen, in their early 30’s, have been an item for many years. Ellen keeps throwing a monkey wrench in Tom’s plans. She is now away at college getting her degree in education, with graduation coming the following May. Tom has purchased a ring and plans to give it to her after midnight mass, when they normally exchange gifts. Dave, Tom’s best friend is a confirmed bachelor, but after talking with Tom, has decided that he, too, should get engaged on Christmas Eve to his six-month girlfriend, Alice. As the day progresses, Ellen, home from school for the holidays, finally makes an appearance and makes a big announcement to Tom. She has joined the Peace Corps and is headed to Central America to teach next August. Tom is devastated. He has plans to build them a house, to make partner in his law firm and begin his life, finally, with Ellen. Now, she has upset his plans again. It’s not that she doesn’t love Tom, it’s just that she has to do something important with her life to help other people. The Peace Corps seems to be the perfect way to do it. Tom has given up on the marriage plans when Grandma steps in and tries to sort things out. A delightful look at romance and the holidays, with a fair amount of comedy thrown in.

Auditions September 28 & 29

CAST

Grandma – mid 70’s and while she does play the stereotype, she also uses it wisely.  She knows the score all the time.  Bob’s mother and Tom’s grandmother. 

Bob – Mid 50’s, failed perfectionist and seems alright with that. Will go VERY out of his way to fix things but knows when to settle.  Needs to be able to swap conversations on a dime when trying to hide things.  

Carol –  mid 50’s, nosey and yet loving.  Does have a few blind spots but she means well and loves her family, Bob’s wife and Tom’s mother.

Tom – mid 30’s, an educated up and coming lawyer who has been in love with Ellen forever despite all obstacles.   Easily hurt, and does not hide it well but tries hard, guess he gets that from Bob, his father.   Romantic at his core.

Ellen – mid 30’s, highly educated but still trying to find her place in the world.  Loves Tom but knows she must discover where she belongs first.   Friendly to everyone she meets and is very open.

Dave – mid 30’s, Tom’s best friend but has commitment issues.  Nothing bad, just can’t seem to settle or figure out this love stuff.   Charismatic and a good man, if he could find the right girl. 

Alice – mid 30’s but could be a little younger.  Dave’s current girlfriend de jour, but maybe the one?  They have not known each other for as long as Tom and Ellen.