Audition Dates & Times
Waynesboro Players Warehouse, Saturday, February 15th, 3 PM – 5 PM and
Sunday, February 15th at Waynesboro Players Warehouse, 722 East Main St., Waynesboro
Synopsis
Welcome to the legendary Polish Tea Room—a bustling New York City coffee shop just forty-five seconds from the bright lights of Broadway, but a world away from its glamour. Here, theater folk gather: hopeful playwrights, out-of-work actors, amateur critics, and perpetual dreamers. In this funny and affectionate tribute, Neil Simon shines a spotlight on the everyday lives behind the curtain—where big ambitions meet small change, and everyone’s waiting for their lucky break.
Over the course of a few days, the regulars share coffee, gossip, and the endless ups and downs of showbiz. There are deals made and hearts broken, chance encounters and second acts. Simon’s witty, sharply observed dialogue invites us to root for the strivers and survivors who make up the very soul of Broadway—even if they’re always just out of the spotlight.
Character Descriptions:
Mickey Fox (50s–60s):
A quick-witted, sharp-tongued New York comedian who’s seen it all. Mickey is beloved in the Broadway community—part cheerleader, part cynic, always ready with a punchline or a word of advice (solicited or not). Think classic Neil Simon humor: wisecracks, heart, and an undercurrent of warmth.
Harry Fox (50s–60s): New York Accent. About two years older than his brother Mickey. He owns a stationery store in Philadelphia and recognizes he is not the funny one. He is married, settled, and a bit envious of his brother’s life, which seems more exciting. This causes a bit of a rift between the brothers; however, no love is lost between the two.
Andrew Duncan (early 50s):
A British theatre producer, who has flown out to New York to ask comedian Mickey Fox to come to England and do a revival of Fiddler on the Roof. Duncan is well-dressed and good at what he does.
Solomon Mantutu (age flexible):
South African playwright and teacher. He has been brought to New York by producers to have his first play produced. Sadly, the producers ran out of money, leaving Solomon stranded in the Big Apple. He goes to the Polish Tea Room to continue working on his play, where he begins making friends and figuring out how to survive in New York. He is a wise, quiet, intelligent man.
Mrs. Rayleen Browning (elderly, but of indeterminate age):
She is, quite possibly, just a little bit crazy. She and her husband, Mr. Charles Browning, come to the tea room in midtown Manhattan two or three times a year.
Mr. Charles Browning (elderly, but of indeterminate age):
Something of an enigma. Until the very end of the play, he is quiet, playing second fiddle to his loquacious and dramatic wife. It is assumed that something is wrong with him, and his wife looks after him.
Megan Woods (early 20s):
A young woman from Ohio who has come to New York to be an actress. It is her first time in a big city, and she is alone and a bit naive. She has a boyfriend back home and was going to get married, but her mother thought she was rushing it and encouraged Megan to try something new first. So, when Megan arrives in the city, she follows her mother’s advice and goes to the Polish Tea Room in search of friendship, guidance, and help.
Cindy (age flexible):
A native New Yorker. She is best friends with Arlene. he two of them go to see shows together, then go to the Polish Tea Room to review what they’ve seen. They’re honest about what they like and dislike. It soon becomes clear they don’t know what they’re talking about when critiquing, but they are still avid theater lovers.
Arlene (age flexible):
A native New Yorker and best friends with Cindy.
Bess (age flexible):
African-American. Bess is an established actress who frequents the Polish Tea Room. She, like many other customers, has become good friends with the owners. Bess has been acting for many years and knows the pros and cons of the business. She looks for the best in people. She takes Megan Woods under her wing and gives her good, solid advice when she needs it, becoming something of a mentor.
