It’s out with the old and in with the new (sort of). Over a quiet dinner for two, Bill and Nancy serenely decide to divorce after fifty years of marriage. While Nancy feels liberated and Bill seems unfazed, their adult sons Brian and Ben don’t exactly take it well. As the “kids” descend on the Grand Horizons senior living community to mediate, everything they thought they knew about their parents comes crashing down. Bess Wohl’s Tony nominated comedy is a hilarious, heartbreaking commentary on marriage, family, and the wisdom that comes with age—or not.
Feb 14 – Mar 2, 2025
By Bess Wohl
Directed by Desi Thrower
AUDITIONS
SIDES
CHARACTERS
SEEKING INDIVIDUALS OF VARYING AGES WHO CAN PLAY:
➭ Nancy French (Female 60’s-70’S) A caring and resourceful former librarian. Tired of living
only half a life, she asks her husband of many years for a divorce to the dismay of her two adult
sons.
➭ Bill French (Male 60’s-70’s) A retired pharmacist with sights on performing stand-up comedy,
Bill seems unfazed at the idea of divorcing Nancy, his wife of many years. Chock full of crude
“Dad” jokes, Bill is ready to move out of Grand Horizons and start a new chapter of his life with
his girlfriend, Carla.
➭ Ben French (Male Late 20’s – 40’s) A high strung lawyer about to be a father for the first time.
As the eldest son, he feels responsible for his entire family’s well-being. Although he is a
successful and capable person, his family’s dysfunction stirs up drama in his own marriage.
The stress makes his emotions – and his eczema – flare up.
➭ Brian French (Male Late 20’s – 40’s) A drama teacher who wears his heart on his sleeves and
just wants everyone to be happy, even if it means making sure 200 students can all fit into the
cast of “The Crucible”. Although he is annoyed with his family, especially his overbearing older
brother, at his core he is a sensitive soul that just cares so much — maybe to a fault. ACTOR
MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH VERBAL AND PHYSICAL AFFECTION FROM
ANOTHER MALE ACTOR
➭ Jess French (Female Late 20’s – 40’s) An empathetic family therapist with a baby on the way,
the last thing Jess needs in her life is to be caught in the middle of her in-law’s drama but she
tries her best to be the voice of reason anyways. Strong willed and outspoken, Jess isn’t afraid
to stand up to her husband and brother-in-law.
➭ Tommy (Male Late 20’s – Mid 30’s) A fun loving and flirtatious man that tries to have an
intimate night with Brian but is instead filled in on French family drama. He isn’t afraid to be
blunt and set boundaries with Brian. After all, he promised himself he would stop being the
caretaker in relationships. ACTOR MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH VERBAL AND
PHYSICAL AFFECTION FROM ANOTHER MALE ACTOR
➭ Carla (Female Mid 50’s – 70s) The receptionist you’re always happy to see because she is
cheerful and warm with a great sense of humor. She is the kind of person who always dresses
up for the holidays. Even though she is having an affair with a married man, she is hard to hate
due to her easy going and sincere disposition.