On Christmas Eve during a snowstorm, a group of strangers on a train to Boston are stranded in a train station which has been shut down due to the weather. Many of the passengers hope to take flights from Boston to their Christmas destinations. The disappointed and dispirited travelers try to make the best of things with little success. However, eventually they come to realize that the true spirit of Christmas can be found among strangers and that the memory of this night will be a “gift to remember.”

Audition Dates: October 2 and 3, 7:00 PM

Performance Dates: December 2, 3, 4   and  9, 10

The play, based on the book “Can This Be Christmas” by Debbie Macomber, and adapted by Joseph Robinette, will be directed by Joel McGill. Four men and seven women, ages 20s to 70s are needed for the roles of the stranded travelers: several couples and singles in various stages of life – young lovers, middle-aged couples, and grandparents. In addition, there are a few isolated roles which for absent partners of the travelers who are seen interacting with their mates by phone or letter. Other parts are the local Mainers: the station manager and a few carolers from a local choir, including their director who can lead the group a capella.

Auditions will be cold readings from the script. Those trying out should bring a list of dates that might conflict with rehearsals. Anyone wishing to be involved without acting is encouraged to consider lights, sound, costuming, or stage crew.  

Casting needs: 6 men, 8-11 women ages 20s to 70s.

Parts
Couples:
Matt and *Pam: married with young children
Nick and Kelly: recent adoptive parents (after waiting five years) and young infant.
Sam and Louise: grandparents-to-be
Len and *Amy: young, serious, about to become engaged
Other pairs:
Cathy and her adult daughter, *Madeline
Elise, a single mother.
Supporting roles:
Station master, any age adult. A Maine accent would be nice.
Choir director, any age adult who can lead music a capella and use a pitch pipe.
Choir members, who will sing.
* Minor part—These are small isolated parts. They include Amy, Pam, and Madeline. They are separate from their partners. They “interact” with their partners either by phone or by letter. They will be seen but are in a separate area from the other actors.