TITLE: RATATAT MAN: THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY COMES OF AGE
CASTING: ADULTS from 20s-70s; CHILDREN/YOUTH in elementary-middle school.
AUDITION DATES: Mon, Sep 29 and Wed. Oct 1, 6:00-8:00
AUDITION LOCATION: Thorn Hill Education Center, 700 Leslie Ave., Frankfort, KY
PERFORMANCE DATES: Dec. 4-7, 2025
PERFORMANCE VENUE: The Grand Theatre, Frankfort, KY
SHOW DESCRIPTION: Ratatat Man unfolds as Oliver Denton, a forty-something drummer in a jazz quartet, looks back on a fateful Christmas in 1969. Having lost a dad to Vietnam and a mama to despair, young Oli now resides with his Aunt Susan. In the close quarters where they live, he finds himself in the crossfire of a troubled marriage between two neighbors. Tapping his drum in the children’s choir at St. Michael’s provides Oliver some solace, but did the beat of his drum create the perfect cover for the perfect crime? This year, in the nightclub scene of jazz and blues, an unexpected Christmas friendship helps him finally unwrap the truth. This Christmas, the past is the present.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
PLAYWRIGHT – CHARLES BAGLAN: Charlie has been a renowned fixture in Frankfort and Central KY for decades as a radio journalist, photographer, and active member/leader with the Kentucky Broadcasters Association, Board of Governors/Trustees at The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Kentucky Association of Government Communicators, Kentucky State Senate, and much more. He wrote Ratatat Man as a radio drama in 2010, and is thrilled to collaborate with BTG to adapt the show to the stage.
DIRECTOR – BILL PAYNE: Bill has been involved in performing arts in Central KY for more than 20 years. Ratatat Man will be his 2nd time in the director’s chair for BTG, having directed Maise’s Dead in 2012. Favorite roles include Mr. Potter (It’s Wonderful Life), Mack (Fruitcakes), Dr. Kelekain/Mr. Bearing (Wit), Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors), Moscow (The Christmas Foundling). Bill is honored to be helping to bring this world premiere production to The Grand Theatre.
PRODUCER – SHAWN REAVES: Shawn is a past president of Bluegrass Theatre Guild and has been involved for over 25 years (and over 50 productions) with theatre companies in Franklin, Anderson, Woodford, Scott, Shelby, and Lexington/Fayette Counties. Recent producing/directing credits include The Crucible, Miracle on 34th Street, American Son, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.
AUDITIONS PROCESS:
Auditioners will have the opportunity to read portions of the script from several different scenes, with several different characters, and will be invited to read scenes with others who are auditioning for the show.
WELCOMING and INCLUSIVE:
Bluegrass Theatre Guild welcomes both veteran performers and newcomers to our stage, and we enthusiastically encourage auditioners from all ethnicities and orientations. We want our cast to reflect all the diversity and inclusiveness that is Kentucky. We pride ourselves in creating a safe and welcoming environment for ALL participants!!
CHARACTERS:
OLIVER DENTON. Makes a living as a drummer in a jazz quartet, lives in an apartment. Curt in his speech. Not rude, but not overly friendly. Hesitant to allow anyone inside his personal life. Single, no children, no roots.
YOUNG OLIVER. The younger Oliver, age 9. Polite and accepting of what others tell him. Content with his home life; being raised by his Aunt Susan. Unaware they are able to afford none of the nicer clothes, toys, and amusements enjoyed by his classmates.
AUNT SUSAN. Is the older sister to Oliver’s mother. As guardian for her nephew, she projects a confident attitude and can size-up a situation quickly. Her tough persona is partly put-on to provide a positive atmosphere for Oliver.
LYNN HARBISON. Is an educated, well-connected, practical, clear-thinking upwardly mobile single woman in her 30s. She is a problem solver who will make someone else’s dilemma her own.
JANE TRUMBLE. (40s) is an upstairs neighbor to Susan and Young Oliver. In an abusive marriage but strives to maintain the guise that all is happy. The consummate peacekeeper, even to her own peril. In later years (70s), JANE lives in a nursing home and her life has mellowed.
JOHN ARTHUR TRUMBLE. (40s-50s) is an angry self-pitying man who grew up believing his looks and personality would carry him to success. When sober, has a soft spot for children and tries to impart lessons he’s learned in life. When drinking, is abusive, demanding, confrontational.
WALTER SCARBOROUGH. Former owner/manager (now occasional paying customer), of The Sax night club. Quick to impart his opinion on the entertainment industry and those in it. Now in his 70s, his demeanor commands respect.
JACK RABBIT. Classmate and friend of Oliver. Happy, full of adventure and imagination.
ALLISON. Lead singer in The Sax Jazz Quartet. While talented, her zest to chase stardom is quelled by the need to provide for her daughter.
DAVE. Band leader at The Sax. He is happy and business-like.
MRS. LILLY. School Teacher (Choir Director)
MISS HANCOCK. School Teacher
ENSEMBLE ROLES INCLUDE: GAS STATION ATTENDANT, JB ACADEMY HEADMASTER, NURSING HOME ATTENDANT, COCKTAIL WAITRESS, LITTLE GIRL AT RESTAURANT, MULTIPLE CHILDREN AT SAINT MICHAEL’S SCHOOL AND JB ACADEMY
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