Wheaton Drama, Inc. (WDI) announces auditions for Maxwell Anderson’s Bad Seed, adapted from the novel by William March.

Jeni Dees is directing, assisted by Jo-Ann Ledger. Ben Aylesworth is the production manager. Bruce Ebner is the stage manager, and Amy Johnson is the assistant stage manager.

Bad Seed takes place in a small southern town in the late spring of 1955. Christine Penmark seems to have it all: a lovely home, a loving husband and the most “perfect” daughter in the world. However, this charming life is darkened by a cloud of worry and suspicion. Since childhood, Christine has suffered from the most terrible recurring nightmare. It also appears her “perfect” daughter’s talents include lying, theft and possibly much, much worse. Only Christine suspects the truth about her daughter, and only Christine’s father knows the truth about her nightmare. Full of amazing characters that any actor would want to sink their teeth into, this thriller is packed with suspense. The director encourages all shapes, sizes and ethnicities to audition.

Auditions are at 1pm on Sunday, November 6 for the young ladies interested in the role of Rhoda. Auditions for adults will be at 7pm on Sunday, November 6 and Monday, November 7. Callbacks, if necessary, will be at 7pm on Tuesday, November 8.

Auditions and performances are at Wheaton Drama’s Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton, IL.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. The director strongly suggests that all actors read the script prior to auditioning. It is essential that the parents/guardians of the young ladies auditioning for Rhoda also be familiar with the script prior to the audition.

Roles to be cast:

Rhoda Penmark: a neat, quaint, pretty little girl on the outside, but a sociopath on the inside. This character carries a ton of the show on her shoulders. The actress cast as Rhoda must have the chops to play multiple levels for an extended period of time. Rhoda is 8 years old, but the director will consider actresses up to age 12 if they can pass for younger.

Christine Penmark: Rhoda’s dedicated, gracious and gentle mother. Age anywhere from 30-40.

Kenneth Penmark: A military officer and Rhoda’s handsome father. Age 35-40.

Monica Breedlove: Upstairs neighbor and landlord of the Penmarks’. She is a widower, intelligent and possibly over-friendly. She fancies herself a sort of drugstore psychiatrist. Age 40-50.

Emory Wages: Monica’s younger brother by a few years. Good natured and friendly, but compared to Monica, comes off quiet. Age 40-50, depending on Monica.

Leroy:  The handy man/janitor for the Penmarks’ building. Appears dim-witted, but actually sees right through Rhoda’s facade. Age 30-? This character can be played by any race as well.

Miss Fern: The old maid owner and teacher at the school Rhoda attends. A no-nonsense woman. Age 50-?
Reginald Tasker: Good friend of Emory and a dashing, famous author of books about famous murderers and murder mysteries.  Age 40-50.

Mrs. Daigle: Grieving mother. Her son drowned at the class picnic. She comes to Christine for answers, with her courage fortified by a few too many drinks. This character is a scenery chewer, ladies! Age 30-40.

Mr. Daigle: The quiet, reserved, browbeaten husband.  Smaller role, but great character study.  Age 35-40.

Richard Bravo: Christine’s father. He also studies serial killers and the like. He holds the answers Christine has been seeking. Age 55-65.

Performances of Bad Seed are January 27 through February 19, 2012. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Bad Seed is licensed by Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

Wheaton Drama’s 2011-2012 season will also include Incorruptible (9/16-10/9), On Golden Pond (11/18-12/11), Black Comedy (3/23-4/15), and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (5/25-6/17).

For show tickets and information, please visit https://wheatondrama.org, or call 630-260-1820.