AUDITIONS for Madison Theatre Guild’s Production of An Ideal Husband

By Oscar Wilde

A delightfully Wilde tale of malice, money and matrimony.
Directed by: Kendra Thompson

Audition Dates: May 12th & 13th
Audition Times: 7 pm - 9 pm
Audition Site: The Evjue Stage at The Bartell Theatre
113 E Mifflin St. Madison, WI 53703

Audition forms, monologues & sides available May 3rd.

Synopsis of An Ideal Husband

Set amid the D.C. elite, An Ideal Husband tells the tale of Senator Robert Chiltern. A rising political star, Robert has it all. Wealth, power, a brilliant, admiring wife (Gertrude), clever younger sister (Mabel) and best friend who just so happens to be Washington’s most eligible bachelor (Arthur Goring). Adding to his riches, Robert is highly praised for being honorable.

Enter Laura Cheveley. She arrives in D.C. and uses the scandalous secret behind Robert’s great fortune to blackmail him.

Wilde weaves gossip and deceit throughout his beloved comedy which could easily be titled An Ideal Politician or An Ideal Wife. Using his famous wit and love of razor-sharp satire, Wilde broaches themes such as honor, devotion, love and the perils of protecting one’s moral high ground. In doing so, he reminds us that because of human fallibility, there is no such thing as an ideal anyone. Thankfully, Wilde also concludes, there are such things as love and forgiveness.

Rehearsals: July 28th - September 19th, Monday - Thursday 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Sunday late afternoon rehearsals Sept 7th/14th/21st)

Tech: September 21st - 25th

Performances: September 26th - October 4th

Where: The Drury Stage at The Bartell Theatre

Roles

All roles are available and unpaid. Since our story takes place in modern day Washington, D.C., no need for accents unless auditioning for Victor De Nanjac.

Senator Robert Chiltern (male 30 - 40)
A distinguished senator known for his intelligence, charm and wealth. Has a loving, adoring wife. Harbors a secret which could jeopardize his reputation, career and most importantly marriage.

Gertrude Chiltern (30 - 40)
Intelligent and principled, she’s deeply devoted not only to her marriage but also her husband’s political career. Both her adoration for her husband and her unwavering morality are tested when she discover’s the nefarious truth behind Robert’s wealth.

Laura Cheveley (30 - 40)
Cunning and beautiful, she wields both her wit and other’s darkest secrets as weapons. Immediately upon arriving in D.C. she blackmails Senator Robert Chiltern. Soon after sets her eyes on Arthur Goring, too.

Arthur Goring (30-40)
Born into extreme wealth, Goring is a witty, fashionable playboy. He’s also Robert Chiltern’s best friend. Beneath Gorning’s frivolous exterior, he has a noble moral compass, though. He uses this compass to guide Robert and Gertrude through their bout of marital strife.

Mabel Chiltern (20 - 25)
Robert Chiltern’s engaging younger sister. Challenges the conventional with humor and irreverence. Her playful yet honest rapport wins over Arthur Goring.

Earl Goring (60 - 75)
Authur’s stern, traditional father. Although exasperated by his son’s philandering and idle ways, he genuinely loves Arthur. And wants to see him married.

Katherine Markby (50 - 70)
One of Senator Robert Chiltern’s donors, she’s an affable and opinionated gossip.

Victor De Nanjac (30 - 50)
A delightful and flirtatious French attache.

Note: while not listed there are several guest/servant roles also available