All My Sons tells the story of an American family caught up in the struggle between personal responsibility and duty to their country. Joe Keller, a successful, self-made man has done a terrible thing: during World War II, hurriedly trying to meet an order from the Army, he knowingly sold them defective airplane parts which later caused the planes to crash and killed 21 men. He engineered his own exoneration and falsely turned in his business partner; now, his son is about to marry the partner’s daughter, the affair is revisited, and his lie of a life is revealed.
All roles EXCEPT Joe and Kate Keller are available, and both professionals and amateurs are welcome.
Seeking 3 women and 4 men
Characters
Chris Keller – Male, mid-30’s, returned home from World War II two years before the play begins, disturbed by the realization that the world was continuing as if nothing had happened. He has summoned Ann Deever to the Keller house in order to ask her hand in marriage, but they’re faced with the obstacle of Kate’s unreasonable conviction that Larry will someday return. Chris’s idolization of his father results in his devastation when he finds out the truth about what Joe did.
Ann Deever – Female, 25-30, arrives at the Keller home having shunned her “guilty” father since his imprisonment. Throughout the play, Ann is often referred to as pretty, beautiful, and intelligent-looking and as “Annie”. She had a relationship with Larry Keller before his disappearance, and has since moved on because she knows the truth of his fate. She hopes that the Kellers will consent to her marriage to Larry’s brother, Chris, with whom she has corresponded by mail for two years. Ann soon finds out that the neighbors all believe that Joe is guilty, and eventually finds out the truth after a visit from her older brother George. Ann is the knowledge-bearer in the play: finally, unable to convince Kate that Larry is gone forever, Ann reveals a letter from Larry stating his intention to commit suicide having learned of his father’s implied guilt.
George Deever – Male, 30-40, is Ann’s older brother: a successful New York lawyer and WWII veteran, and a childhood friend of Chris’. He initially believed in his father’s guilt, but upon visiting Steve in jail, realizes his innocence and becomes enraged at the Kellers for deceiving him. He returns to save his sister from her marriage to Chris, creating the catalyst that destroys the Keller family.
Dr. Jim Bayliss – Male, 40-60 -Jim is a successful doctor, but is frustrated with the stifling domesticity of his life. He wants to become a medical researcher, but continues in his job as it pays the bills. He is a close friend to the Keller family and spends a lot of time in their backyard.
Sue Bayliss – Female. 30-45 -Sue is Jim’s wife: needling and dangerous but affectionate, she too is a friend of the Keller family, but is secretly resentful of what she sees as Chris’s bad idealistic influence on Jim. Sue confronts Ann about her resentment of Chris in a particularly volatile scene, revealing to Ann that the neighbors all think Joe is guilty.
Frank Lubey – Male, 30’s, was always one year ahead of the draft, so he never served in World War II, instead staying home to marry George’s former sweetheart, Lydia. He draws up Larry’s horoscope and tells Kate that Larry must still be alive, because the day he died was meant to be his “favorable day”. This strengthens Kate’s faith and makes it much harder for Ann to reveal the letter to her.
Lydia Lubey – Female, 25-35, was George’s love interest before the war; after he went away, she married Frank and they quickly had three children. She is a model of peaceful domesticity and lends a much-needed cheerful air to several moments of the play.
Additional Notes
No monologues. Sides will be provided. Please bring a headshot and resume. All roles are non-Equity, non-paid.
Rehearsals begin in August with performances running weekends September 21st to October 13th, 2018.
For more info, email us at info@theatreworks.us