An Inspector Call

Types: Full-Length Play

Genre: Drama

*** All Ages are Relative ***

Arthur Birling – family patriarch, successful businessman. Worked his way up from a lower-class upbringing. Imperious, but still able to appreciate the merits of having a good time.

Eric Birling – the youngest member of the family, still trying to find his way in life. He’s acquired a significant drinking problem.

Gerald Croft – the family friend, recently engaged to Shiela. He’s a better fit to be Arthur’s son than Eric is, and that’s perhaps part of Shiela’s attraction to him.

Sybil Birling – family matriarch. The script indicates she’s her husband’s social superior, so she works hard to make sure the family attains its stature. She’s rich and always has been. She’s also cold and sort of a bitch, and probably always has been.

Sheila Birling – the Birlings’ eldest child, recently engaged to Gerald. She’s her mother’s daughter in some ways, but not nearly as cold.

Edna – the family’s maid. She’s lower-class and knows her place. [This character’s stage time will be significantly increased in production.] Flexible (may be cast as either male or female)

Inspector Goole – is an interrogator who comes to the house with a distinct agenda. We’re not always sure what his/her motives are, though s/he does have a knack for getting people to reveal information. S/He’s a figure who instantly commands respect from others.

Arthur Birling – Chuck Sims
Gerald Croft – David Miller
Sheila Birling – Kimberly Restaneo
Sybil Birling – Jeri Greene
Edna – Janet Fulton
Eric Birling – Mark Branyon
Inspector Goole – Shenn Sellers

Director: Peggy McQuown
Assistant Director:  Betty Neal
Stage Manager:  Nina Singer
Set Design:  Peggy McQuown
Set Construction / Painting:  Betty Neal, Dirk Rodgers, Marv McQuown, Bob Fisk, Kimberly A.R., Nancy Austin, Peggy McQuown
Props / Costumes:  A Village
Lights / Sound Design:  Jason A. Middle

I’m pretty sure I’ve said before that it’s really hard to pick a script to direct.  “An Inspector Calls” has been on my “to-do” list for probably 25 years.  I’ve submitted it to the Board a number of times but, for some reason, it wasn’t chosen.  This time I wonder if they think I’m coming to the end of my ability to direct so they’ll give it a go.  Whatever the reason, I’m really excited to be doing this amazing show.  It is very different for me:  a physiological thriller that I hope will leave you wondering, like I still do after reading it many, many times.

I could not have done this without my daughter and co-director Betty Jo.  She now does most of the set, makes sure I don’t get on a ladder, etc.  And she is extremely creative coming up with solutions to blocking (moving the actors) that are problematic and talking over colors, pictures, props, costumes, and everything it takes to get a production ready to open.

We had a lot of help with this set which was a wonderful experience since it’s been Betty and me with help from my son, Marv, on the past six shows.  Do you know what a great group of talented people we have here at the Playhouse?  From the Board of Directors, to the Ushers / House Managers, Box Office Volunteers, Costumers, Actors, Stage Managers, Lighting / Sound Techs, and Directors:  and we do it for you!

Hope you enjoy the show and please feel free to talk to us afterward to see if you know what happened.  I would love that.

Peggy