Yes, Virginia, There

is a Santa Claus

By Andrew J. Fenady

Based upon the teleplay by Val DeCrowl and Andrew J. Fenady

 

Directed by Julie McCartney

 

Audition Dates:          Saturday Sept. 21^st 1 – 4PM

Sunday Sept. 22^nd 5 – 7PM

 

Place: Valley Performing Arts

 

Performance Dates:  November 29 – December 22, 2013

 

Synopsis

Inspired by a simple, poignant letter written over 100 years ago by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun—and by the timeless editorial response printed on the front page of the Sun. Virginia wondered and wrote:

 

"Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

 

Ed Mitchell, the Sun's editor, gives the assignment of answering Virginia's letter to Frank Church who, until his wife and baby died last Christmas Eve, was the Sun's best and most dependable reporter. Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus is a play for young and old, magically reaffirming life's highest beauty and joy - "the eternal light with which childhood fills the world."

 

Audition Information

Come prepared to share a story, a joke, a poem, excerpt from a monologue, etc. – it’s your choice, so make it interesting and original!  You’ll be asked to participate in some engaging activities including some improvisation and/or a pantomime on a given subject. These informal activities will help the director get to know you…how well you can emote, how comfortable you are using the stage, and how effective you are at telling a story both with your voice and your body. We want everyone to feel comfortable so every effort will be made to make your audition as enjoyable as possible.  Please be aware that Thursday evening and/or Saturday matinee performances could be added to the shows that are already scheduled.

 

Character List and Descriptions

 

Edward P. Mitchell - Editor of the Sun, narrator of the story

Frank P. Church - Journalist, was the top, until his wife and child died

James O’Hanlon - Virginia’s father, Irishman

Dominic (Dom) Donneli - James’ best friend

Virginia O’Hanlon - Young girl (8-12 years old)

Maria Donnelli - Virginia’s friend, daughter of Dom

Julie - School Girl      

Susan - School Girl    

Sean O’Hanlon - precocious 7 year old, James’ son

Evie O’Hanlon - Wife of James, mother of Virginia

Andrea Borland -       Writer, helping Church

Teddy Murray - Newspaper worker

Mrs. Goldstein - Neighbor

Celeste Donneli -      Wife to Dom, sick

Newsboy

 

And a number of smaller speaking and non-speaking parts

George

Tom Pryor

Officer Akins

Otho

Chambers

Officer Flynn

Cornelius Barrington

Shannon/O’Hara

Sam

Thief

Schuller

Red

Shorty

Scotty

Art Fritz

Police officers

Dock Workers

Old Man

Blind Man

Park Attendant

Little Girl