Cast Breakdown for The Man Who Came to Dinner

All roles listed in character breakdown below are available, unless otherwise noted.

Pioneer Theatre Company is seeking all races, ethnicities, body types, gender identities, actors with disabilities, and actors of all ages for roles in this production.

In reference to the character descriptions below- most characters we encounter currently are written with man/woman, he/him, or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. However, limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.

Sheridan Whiteside: (Male identifying, 40s—60s) Acerbic, high-energy and high maintenance radio personality who comes to dominate the Stanley household- Inspired by real-life drama critic Alexander Wollcott. He says and does whatever he wants regardless of the consequences. Despite his bombastic demeanor, he does have his charms—keeping us all wondering what he will do next.

Maggie Cutler: (Female identifying, late 20s—40s) Efficient, smart assistant to Sheridan. She’s all business and has no time for Sheridan’s narcissistic nonsense. She dispatches the details of his life with military efficiency and has developed a playful working relationship with Sheridan—making him seem more human. She’s restless though—eager for a little romance and to be out from under Sheridan’s shadow. When needed, she can defend herself and those she cares about. 

Lorraine Sheldon/Mrs. Dexter: (Female identifying, 30s— mid 40s) Lorraine is a glamorous, over-the-top stage actress who will do anything for a part. She’s convinced she’s right for every role and every man, and she will travel the world to land a part…or the man of her dreams. Mrs. Dexter is Mrs. McCutcheon’s friend and sidekick, who is also eager to meet and share her small-town hospitality with the Ohio’s most famous guest. 

Bert Jefferson: (Male identifying, late 20s—early 40s) Earnest, ambitious local reporter, who is eager to interview Sheridan. He is warm and charming and clearly bright. But he’s no match for the schemes of Sheridan and Lorraine. He’s much better suited for the loyal and hard-working Maggie.

Mrs. Daisy Stanley: (Female identifying, mid 40s-50s) Traditional, socially-ambitious, upper-class housewife of late 1930s. At first, she is delighted to have Sheridan to dinner at her house, but as his rule of terror unfolds, she finds herself juggling an impatient husband, children eager to pursue their dreams, and a penguin or two. 

Mr. Earnest W. Stanley: (Male identifying, mid 40s-50s) The foil to Sheridan. Mr. Stanley is a conservative, proper businessman and father. He is used to order in his upscale, Ohio home. He tolerates Sheridan’s chaos at first to appease his wife, but his patience wears thin.

Richard Stanley/Convict/Radio Tech: (Male identifying, 20s) Son of the Stanleys. He’s earnest, hard-working, and well-intentioned. He respects his parents, but finds himself ready to set out on his own and pursue his dream of becoming a photographer. At first intimidated by Sheridan, he grows to admire Sheridan’s zest for life. 

Harriet Stanley/Mrs. McCutcheon: (Female identifying, 50s) The elusive and mysterious sister of Mr. Earnest Stanley, who is “not quite of this world.” She seems to appear from nowhere and has an odd and elusive connection to Sheridan.  Mrs. McCutcheon is the nosey neighbor who is out of her mind that “the” Sheridan Whiteside has arrived in town. She’s a little pushy and all too eager to mix with the rich and famous. 

Miss Preen: (Female identifying, age flexible) No nonsense nurse, whose face tells it all. Her deadpan delivery and matter-of-fact manner contrast sharply to Sheridan’s verbal calisthenics. She takes it for just so long, and then…. 

Beverly/Banjo/Prof. Metz: (Male identifying, 30s—50s) Confident, British playwright and actor, who dominates a room when he enters. He has a rich voice and is able to sing. He sees what Sheridan and Lorraine are up to, and is ready to make mischief of his own when the occasion calls.  Banjo is a act three dynamo who bursts onto the scene. He’s a Hollywood comedian who is a long-time friend of Sheridan – energetic, funny, crazy actor—up for anything. He decides to leave the whirlwind of Hollywood to spend Christmas with Sheridan.  Prof. Metz is the world’s greatest authority on insect life. Crazy hair and the mad scientist demeanor radiate from this academic character. 

Dr. Bradley: (Male identifying, 50—60s) The benign, somewhat daft local doctor, who gets a little confused by the details of medicine. He is desperate to have his memoirs published. 

John: (Male identifying, age flexible) The head butler of the Stanley household. He runs a tight ship, but early on develops an affinity for Sheridan’s chaotic and colorful life. 

Sarah: (Female identifying, age flexible) The chef of the house. She’s exacting and diligent, eager to please. She’s quite taken by Sheridan, especially when he praises her soufflé and then offers her the chance to work for him in New York.

Baker/Westcott/Expressman: (Any gender identifying, age flexible) Baker is the Prison Guard. Wescott is the chief radio tech who handles Whiteside’s broadcast. Expressman is the local delivery man.

Convict/Radio Tech/Deputy: (Any gender identifying, age flexible)

*June Stanley/ Radio Tech: (Female identifying, 20s) Spirited and charming daughter of the Stanley’s. She, like her brother, loves her parents, but is ready to be set free. She has a secret romance with Sandy, a man who does not meet the approval of her father.    [*This role has been cast.]

Additional doubling is possible