Madison

Audition script

Paste this into your audition. Authors typically include a passage that tests emotional range and character work; if there are two passages, perform both.

1. Louise and Donald, English (Chapter 16)

He met her challenge with a smile. “Actually, Louise, you’ll be pleased to learn, I’ve set up separate meetings with Finkelstein and Lanza.”
“And only now you’ve deigned to share those arrangements with us? Donald, this is totally unacceptable. We’re a team and each of us contributes in our own ways and from our unique perspectives. Keeping us in the dark is hardly consistent with your previously expressed sentiments, espousing the benefits of cooperation.”
“My apologies. I was simply waiting until it proved to be timely and relevant.”
Louise was still miffed. Regaining her composure, she sarcastically added, “I’m sure we’re all glad that you’ve finally fessed up.”

2. Captain Max Finkelstein, NYPD (Chapter 16)

He said, “As we’re on the same side, you can call me Max. So, Donnie, whatchu want from me?”
“The British Government believes a European war is imminent. Hitler plans to acquire all of Europe for his budding empire. We’d like to take the temperature of various sections of the country, regarding their perspectives and subsequent goals when war is declared. For starters, what can you tell us about the leanings of New Yorkers?”
“As an Ashkenazi Jew, I’m perfectly aware of Hitler’s plans for my people, not just in Germany, but throughout Eastern Europe. I was born in the Russian Empire. In 1896, I immigrated with my parents through Ellis Island. Now, I’m a loyal American, but still hold my Russian heritage and Jewish traditions close to my heart. I mention this, cuz it’s obvious Hitler has designs on Mother Russia. If you’re asking about the NYPD, I’d say we’re split fifty-fifty. More than half my officers are paddies, who despise you Brits. They’ll never forgive or forget the way their ancestors were treated during the Great Famine. I’d say most of my officers believe fascism is a European problem. Can’t say I disagree.”

3. Joseph ‘Socks’ Lanza (Chapter 16)

When they entered the poorly lit and smoke-filled bar, they spotted a man sitting at a table in the far corner. He was in his mid-thirties, overweight, with a round face, and a permanent scowl. In the centre of the table was his snap-brim fedora.
He remained seated when they approached. “You must be dem Limeys dat need my help. I’m sat here twiddling my thumbs for the last ten minutes.”
After making the introductions, Donald said, “Sorry ’bout that. We’re new to the city. And yes, we’re your British contacts. It’s good of you to meet us on such short notice.”
Holding out his hand, he asked, “You got somethin’ for me?”
Donald handed him a brown envelope.
“Dis just a taste. If I decide to provide other services, I’m gunna need more scratch.”
Lanza signalled the barman and ordered Campari Spritzes for the table.
When the drinks arrived, Donald said, “We’re representatives of the British Government. Our aim is to understand the strength and sources of American isolationism. We believe a European war is imminent and Britain, along with other civilised nations, will likely be fighting against Hitler’s Axis countries.”
“Hold your horses. My family don’t give two hoots ’bout any a dat. I was born in Palermo. I love everything Italian, da food, da wine, da broads. For us, La Famiglia è Tutto. What’s more, Mussolini’s on the ball. He’s working like nobody’s business for my people. He’s even promised to make the trains run on time.”
Donald said, “Perhaps we’ve come to the wrong person. Sorry to have wasted your time.”
“Keep your shirt on. I ain’t no fink. My fedeltà is to my Luciano family, capiche? I’m a caporegime. My soldiers run the Lower Manhattan docks. So whatcha want?”

4. Reverend Billy Bob Cox, on the radio (Chapter 23)

“Howdy folks, now I’m gunna tell y’all why we live in the greatest country there ever was. In America we got freedom, more freedoms than any other country. We’re wealthy because our Founding Fathers bestowed on us a divine democracy based on pure, pious, Protestant, Pentecostal principles. It’s the one and only true religion because it’s based on evangelical doctrine and the Calvinist work ethic. Jesus of Nazareth tells us that we’ll receive grace, salvation, and riches through faith alone.”

5. Robert Wood and Fritz Kuhn, Madison Square Garden (Chapter 40)

Wood said, “Glad you could make it. We’re going to show you Limeys just how serious we are about remaining neutral despite the diplomatic pressure being exerted by Neville Chamberlain and your war-mongering National Government. Listen to tonight’s speeches and watch our enthusiastic followers.”
The emcee took the mike. “Our final speaker is Bundesführer, Fritz Julius Kuhn. He is a man we love because of the enemies he has made.”
When the cheering died down, Kuhn began. “Think of me as your American Führer. Our aim in the Amerikadeutscher Bund is to create a society of white Gentiles, who’ll bring peace to this great nation. We want to return to the principle embodied in the phrase, Blut und Boden. The principle of Blood and Soil provides us with the racial and territorial doctrine inspired by our friends in the Nazi Party. As members of the Aryan race, we are the rightful occupants of this land of the free and home of the brave.”

Rightsholder

Royal Wave Media Inc

Verify this rightsholder ↗ · the link they provided to establish authorship / rights