Theater One announces auditions for the upcoming production of “Roe” by award-winning playwright, Lisa Loomer, which will be held February 18th and callbacks on the 20th,  7-9 pm in the Main Hall.  Theater One welcomes actors of all genders, races, abilities and experience.

As summarized by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where the play premiered in 2016:

The lawyer: a young, brilliant, courageous woman who argued Roe v. Wade before the Supreme Court. The plaintiff: a hard-drinking, wild-tempered hippie bartender seeking to end an unwanted pregnancy. As we know, they won the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion. But what most people don’t know is how their divergent journeys after the case reflect the subsequent polarization in American culture. With shocking turns and surprising humor, Roe illuminates the difficult choices women make and the passion each side has for its cause.

Roe runs from May 1st through May 17th, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm and Sunday matinees, 2 pm, directed by Lisa and Michael Erwin. Cast includes at least 8 women and at least 3 men, yet can accommodate more actors, as appropriate, since actors play multiple roles. Tech help is also welcome!

Lead Roles Available  (from playwright’s descriptions) –

Norma McCorvey – 20s in ACT I, 40s in ACT II, a few scenes in her 60s. A funny, angry, hard drinking and drugging Texan woman, desperate at heart, she is the real Roe. (She does not double in other roles.)

Sarah Weddington – 20s in ACT I, 40s in ACT II, a few scenes at 70. A feminist, a great lawyer, charming, brilliant, private and quite composed. Texan.

Connie Gonzalez – 40s in ACT I, 60s in ACT II. An even-handed Tex Mex, in a relationship with Norma. Loyal, loving and wise. (Doubles as 1 other character)

Flip Benham – 40s, the head of Operation Rescue. Passionate, folksy, fiery, earnest and persuasive. (Doubles in 5 other roles)

Roxy Rodriguez – 20s, an Afro-Latina college student, working class, bright , emotional, a truth-seeker.

Aileen – 30s, down to earth, working class, African American nurse who has a romantic scene with Norma. (Double as 6 other characters.)

Mary – 50s, Norma’s mother, poor, tawdry, and a real mean drunk. (Doubles as 6 other characters.)

Roe also includes 16 other female roles (shared) and 13 other male roles (shared).