A small amount of singing is required of Max, Tito and the Bellhop.  While fine singing is ideal, the emphasis is acting by far. Comedic timing is of the essence for all!  

 

MAX:  (late 20’s – early 30’s, must sing)  A mild mannered assistant to the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera, Max is an aspiring singer who works hard to keep the opera company’s general manager happy and calm. He must pose as the famous Tito Merelli.

 

SAUNDERS: (late 40’s – 50’s) The artistic director for the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, Henry Saunders is ecstatic about world-famous Italian opera divo Tito Merelli flying into Cleveland to perform in Othello. Saunders wants to be sure nothing goes wrong during Il Stupendo's stay, but finds himself caught in the center of several deceptions. His temper sometimes gets the best of him 

 

MAGGIE: (mid to late 20’s) Maggie Saunders, is the somewhat naïve daughter of Cleveland Grand Opera Company's artistic director, tries her best to look after her father while getting herself into a bit of mischief. Constantly sought after by Max, the company's gofer, she would prefer to “live” a little. 

 

TITO: (mid 30’s –mid 40’s, thick Italian accent) Also known as Il Stupendo, Tito Merelli is the hottest Italian opera singer in the world. Accompanied by his ever-jealous wife, Maria, Tito travels to star in the Cleveland Grand Opera Company's production of Othello. He is a large, thick man that the ladies of the company cannot help but find attractive—especially since he may hold the key to their advancement in the opera world. He is always a divo, especially during his many arguments with his wife.

 

MARIA: (mid 30’s to mid 40’s, thick Italian accent) Maria, wife of the opera singer Tito Merelli, goes with her husband everywhere, and Cleveland is no exception. She and Tito argue constantly, and eventually Maria leaves "for good." She is very fiery, and very Italian in every respect. Very self-confident and suspicious of Tito, she reciprocates her husband's stubbornness.

 

DIANA: (mid 30’s) The lead soprano of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. She wishes nothing more than to be the most well-known name in the classical world—including seducing the most well-known tenor in the world, Tito Merelli, on his visit to Cleveland.   She is beautiful and rather voluptuous, and she's not afraid to use it. 

 

JULIA: (50+) The Chairman of the Opera Guild in Cleveland, Julia's many years in opera have caused her to become stubborn and spacey. Despite her age, she, too, would love a chance with Tito to launch her into a brighter spotlight. She's always encouraging Maggie, who calls her Aunt Julia. Rather oblivious to many things, including her own age, Julia is quite a calm contrast to over-stressed Saunders' announcements and rages.  

 

Bellhop: (any age, must sing) The bellhop is an aspiring tenor who is eager to sing for the famous tenor.

 

 

THE KING: Trying to come to terms with Western ideas and ways of life, but the conflict between Eastern and Western values, combined with his inbred sense of being a Supreme Ruler, ultimately destroys him. Age 35 to 55.

ANNA LEONOWENS: Young widow still grieving the loss of her husband Tom. She is compassionate but business-like, and almost completely undaunted by the regal magnificence of her employer. Age 35 to 45.

LOUIS LEONOWENS: Anna’s son and fiercely fond of his mother. Age 12 to 14.

THE KRALAHOME: The Prime Minister. A hard and bigoted official who obviously cannot understand why his master is flirting with Western ideas. Age 35 to 50.

TUPTIM: Star-crossed lovers who are pawns in the game of the giant Lun Tha rulers of the Far East. Age 17 to 25.

Luna Tha: Rulers of the Far East.  Early 20’s.

LADY THIANG: Wise, composed and understanding, she can see clearly both sides of the King's nature and thus of her country's standing in the world. Age 30 to 40.

PRINCE CHULULONGKORN: The heir to the throne, whose mixture of filial piety and awareness of the need to change are partly a result of Anna's teaching and partly inherited from both his parents. Age 14 to 16.

SIR EDWARD RAMSAY: Anna's old flame and an important player in the diplomatic game for the friendship of Siam. Mid-forties. 

PHRA ALACK: Is the King’s Secretary. Age 30 and up.

CAPTAIN ORTON: Age 45 to 60.

THE INTERPRETER: Age 30 and up.

PRINCESS YINGYAOWLAK: Young daughter of the King. Age 6 to 8.

CHILD KING'S PRINCES & PRINCESSESS: Ensemble, dancers and singers.

ADULT KING'S PRINCES & PRINCESSESS: Ensemble, dancers and singers.