Latitude 41 Players

Latitude 41 announces auditions for its production of THE BIRDS, by Conor McPherson, from a story by Daphne du Maurier.

Directed by Al Pindell  Assisted by Caitlin Matson

Daphne du Maurier’s short story, also the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, is boldly adapted by Conor McPherson—a gripping, unsettling, and moving look at human relationships in the face of societal collapse. In an isolated house, strangers Nat and Diane take shelter from relentless masses of attacking birds. They find relative sanctuary but not comfort or peace; there’s no electricity, little food, and a nearby neighbor may still be alive and watching them. Another refugee, the young and attractive Julia, arrives with some news of the outside world, but her presence also brings discord. Their survival becomes even more doubtful when paranoia takes hold of the makeshift fortress—an internal threat to match that of the birds outside.

“Deliciously chilling…spring-loaded with tension…claustrophobic, questioning, frightening; and with a twist.” —Irish Independent. “Never has [McPherson] been more in control…he keeps us on the edge of our seat.” —The Irish Times. “[THE BIRDS] was a powerful piece of theatre and a reminder to me of just how important that story has become…truly frightening…a night in the theatre that should not be missed.” —Tippi Hedren, star of the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film, “The Birds”.

Director Al Pindell will be holding open auditions Monday March 21 and Tuesday March 22 at 7pm at the Morris Theater Guild Playhouse 516 W Illinois Ave, Morris, IL 60450.  We will be asking for cold readings from the script and will be casting for the following roles:

DIANE, female, age range 30s to 50s

JULIA, female, young adult

NAT, male, age range late 20s to 50s

TIERNEY, male, age range 30s to 60s

The productions dates are June 9-11, 16-18 at the Morris Theatre Guild Playhouse.

For more information email apindell@lat41.org

Recent Latitude 41 productions include LOVE SEX & THE IRS, DOG SEES GOD, OF MICE AND MEN, THE ODD COUPLE, and THE 39 STEPS. Latitude 41 debuted and produced the long-running holiday puppet show TRANSYLVANIA GENERAL, which returned last Halloween season for performances at the Morris Theatre Guild Playhouse.

Lat41 co-produced the musicals THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, CABARET, OKLAHOMA!, and NUNSET BOULVEVARD: THE NUNSENSE HOLLYWOOD BOWL SHOW with Bicentennial Park.

Latitude 41 is a not-for-profit corporation.

Original photo by Charles Thompson, used under a Creative Commons license.

Theater is a collaborative art--it's more than what happens on the stage under the lights. You can make friends, pick up valuable skills and experience, display your artistry, and have a great time contributing to live, local theater by staying involved after the the auditions. To volunteer to work backstage, with set construction, in the booth, or with marketing for this production, please email info@lat41.org.

Latitude 41 believes that community theater should be an artistically-enriching and enjoyable experience for the audience, the players, and the crew.

Latitude 41 is a not-for-profit organization. We're all volunteers who like to put on a show

For questions, email info@lat41.org