On The Roof

Cast:

6M, 2F

Synopsis:

It’s 1955—post WWII, amid McCarthyism, years before Stonewall. In this dangerous and difficult era, Mitzi operates a cabaret and gay bar where Cruz, a playboy bartender; Levi, an aspiring Broadway composer; Bob, a WWII vet; Mac, a guy who just wants camaraderie with his Coke; and Andy, a newcomer with a law degree struggle to find solidarity and courage—maybe even love. (Note: As ON THE ROOF takes place in a cabaret, it is a play with two and a half songs.)

Characters:

MITZI: Mid-fifties, owner of Mitzi's roof, cabaret singer
BOB/ROBERT: Mid-thirties. In 1956, BOB is a romantic war vet with a limp who believes in defending what's right; in present day, ROBERT is a married doctor.
ANDY/ANDREW: Mid-twenties. In 1956, Andy is a privileged innocent trying to come to terms. In present day, ANDREW is Robert's new husband, a young doctor who has never felt oppressed.
CRUZ: Hispanic, mid-to-late twenties, extremely attractive and masculine bartender
MAC: 50s, knowledgeable and careful man for whom coming out of the closet is a pipe dream
LEVI: Forty, a nebbish who wishes he were a mensch. Always fighting his tendency toward effeminate behavior.
MAN: Plays cop, customer Harold, drag queen Jai Bobo, mobster
WOMAN: Plays Realtor, Alice, and fortune teller Myra