Casting Notes

In February of 2007, the Production Committee of the Tokyo International Players, ably led by longtime director, actor, and stalwart (twice President!) TIP group member Malcolm Duff, submitted The Elephant Man, Plaza Suite, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as the foremost considerations for board review. Directors had stepped forward with these and others (of which these were chosen for presenting a strong, balanced season). Rights were sought and granted. Theatre venues were secured, with negotiation, and the process of the new season was underway!

First, I had to cast the play. We put out casting calls on message boards, through the Tokyo International Players' website, local newspapers, various blogs, and general word-of-mouth in the acting community. I was fortunate to get lots of responses so I quickly set up auditions and a reading of the play over a very full weekend. Tireless TIP Treasurer Karen Sieg gave wonderful support in helping with the auditioning venue and serving as the board's representative.

My initial thought was to try for an all-British production. There are so many talented UK actors around us and most would instantly "get" the references and Victorian sensibility. Another thought was to go with a variety of international physical types for maximum talent and visual variety. A third concept was the unknown magical "something" that would present itself on the fly. Finally, I ended up with a combination, hopefully casting the show with actors that I thought would give the best to their respective roles, as well as providing a pleasant working relationship for all. It was a tough decision because so very many good actors came out, many of whom I could envision in the various roles. Ultimately, this varied ethnic and physical-type cast will, I think, give a great hazy shading to the line between what is "normal" and what is not. ("No, you guys, I did not just call you 'funny-looking'!")

Another consideration: like many of you, I seek to avoid "drama queens", those who thrive on incessant strife and high tension, when I am directing. No matter how talented they are, if they make the whole experience miserable (and, believe me, it only takes one potent skunk to put a pall on the picnic!), something will suffer in the productions as well. Fortunately, this wasn't such a problem in this casting process.

I love the process as well as the result (almost more), as do many of you, so . . .

yay! I found my cast of talented, hard-working, and amiable E-Players!

Joseph Merrick- the ubiquitous Bob Werley
Dr. Frederick Treves- popular and versatile Noel Adams
Mrs. Madge Kendal- actor-teacher-director beauty and opinion maker Rachel Walzer
Dr. F. C. Carr-Gomm- the everpresent and supermobile Tim Knowles
Ian Platt plays the two-faceted tour de force of Ross and the Bishop
The Pin Sisters (and assorted royalty)- the intelligent and true blue-blooded Nicole Dickson, Rohini Deblaise, and Sarajean Rossitto
Rudolph McCollum- talented and handsome Rudy steps down from the silver screen (first two Pirates of the Caribbean films) to trod the boards as the Belgian Pin Manager, London bobbie, and Snork, friend of Merrick.
Rounding out the ensemble is Ron Scott, fondly recalled as the scene stealing inebriate in TIP's recent production of The Pirates of Penzance. This energetic character actor plays the fiscal scamp Lord John, as well as the Belgian policeman, and Will, the well-sacked orderly.

What a cast! What a show! What fun! So, now to untangle the schedules of this writhing mass of busy bees and let all have rehearsal time to work their respective and cooperative magics!