Auditions for The Mouse That Roared, the Sun Lakes Community Theatre spring show, will be held on Nov. 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Mirror Room at Sun Lakes Country Club.
The play, directed by Howard Hummel, opens April 30 and runs through May 4. For information, email Howard at [email protected] or text him at 541-514-0000.
The Mouse That Roared has a large cast with many roles with just a few lines and leading roles with quite a few lines. No experience is necessary, but joining the theater is required if cast. Numerous backstage jobs include working with set building, painting, props, costumes, and tech.
In addition to learning their lines, Hummel plans to turn some rehearsals into acting instruction. “I plan to teach character building to beginning actors so they can build confidence and, hopefully, ensure that they have a fun and positive experience,” said Hummel. “I hope many residents of Sun Lakes and SunBird participate in this project.”
This classic Cold War satire, parable, and political farce was first serialized in The Saturday Evening Post almost 50 years ago as “The Day New York Was Invaded.” At the time, the U.S. was afraid of a nuclear attack by Russia. The idea of an attack by a small country was so absurd as to seem comical.
Grand Fenwick, a tiny European nation, is furious about unfair U.S. trading practices. An army is sent to invade New York City. The plan is to lose the war so that Grand Fenwick can receive the generous aid that the U.S. gives to countries it has defeated. The invaders march up Broadway and accidentally capture the world’s newest and most destructive bomb. Then they must figure out what to do with it. The Mouse That Roared is a quirky classic of world literature, a poignant tale of political morality, and a hilarious, ultimately triumphant portrait of international relations from the little guy’s perspective.
Director Howard Hummel directed Twelve Angry Jurors, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and many other plays for Sun Lakes Community Theatre. He majored in educational theater at the University of Miami. Hummel has directed, performed, and produced scores of plays.