“LUCY LOVES DESI” AUDITIONS

Auditions: Sunday, July 27th and Monday, July 28th from 6:00pm-9:00pm with possible callbacks on callbacks Wednesday, July 30th at The Keeton.

The Keeton Theatre, 108 Donelson Pike Nashville 37214.

Performance Dates: Shows run October 10th - 26th, with 11 performances. Rehearsals will begin September 1st, 2025, and will primarily be Monday-Thursday evenings 6:30-9:30.

*This is a volunteer opportunity*

If you have any questions, email Donna Driver at donnadriver68@gmail.com.

SYNOPSIS

The onscreen pairing of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz is at the heart of one of the most popular TV shows in history. Who would have thought that to get on the air, they had to battle both a network and a sponsor who thought the show couldn't possibly succeed? Playwright Gregg Oppenheimer – son of I Love Lucy’s creator Jess Oppenheimer – spins the hilarious true story behind America’s beloved TV comedy. We will be doing the Tennessee premiere of this new play!

The play is performed “radio play” style. Some actors will play one role while others play multiple roles. For the main four I Love Lucy players, we are looking for people who can affect their look, sound, and mannerisms. 

CASTING NOTE: The goal is to cast Desi Arnaz as authentically as possible. Ideally, we are looking for someone Hispanic/Latino. Even though these roles are based upon real-life people, all characters except Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, William Frawley and Jess Oppenheimer are open to all ethnicities.

Character Breakdown

DESI ARNAZ
(Male 25-45, Hispanic)
Cuban-born bandleader and husband of Lucille Ball. He is the narrator of this show. Looking for a. Broad comedic skills and storytelling skills wanted. We may have actors sing “I’m On My Way to Cuba” at callbacks. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4YHjqqVF54

LUCILLE BALL
(Female 25-40)
Film, Radio and TV star. Must be able to play “real life” Lucille as well as her characters of “Lucy” from the TV show and “Liz” from the radio play My Favorite Husband. Broad comedic skills and dynamic personality wanted. We will have actresses sing some of “Friendship” as Lucy at callbacks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0qTN5s1ukA

JESS OPPENHEIMER
(Male 30-45)
Head writer, producer and director of I Love Lucy.

VIVIAN VANCE
(Female 30-50)
Broadway stage and film actress. Will also need to play “Ethel” (Lucy’s best friend), Betty Garrett (film actress), Mercedes Manzanares (Oppenheimer’s assistant), and Mary (CBS secretary). We will have actresses sing “Friendship” as Ethel at callbacks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0qTN5s1ukA

WILLIAM FRAWLEY
(Male 35-55)

Broadway and vaudeville actor. He will also play “Fred” (Lucy’s grumpy neighbor) and multiple other roles. We may have actors sing “Carolina in the Mornin’” as Fred at callbacks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arhigAOaPbs

HARRY ACKERMAN
(Male 25-50)
CBS VP in charge of West Coast Programming. This actor will play multiple roles.

Richard Denning
(Male 25-50)
Plays “George” in the radio show My Favorite Husband. This actor will play multiple roles.

HUBBEL ROBINSON
(Male 25-65)
CBS Executive VP in charge of programming. This actor will play multiple roles.

FOLEY SOUND EFFECTS OPERATOR
(Male or Female)
Will make all the sounds of the radio show live on stage with props. Will also have a few lines as multiple *bit* characters. May cast two people to share this part.

If you’re interested in learning more about this show:

Visit: https://latw.org/lucy-love-desi-funny-thing-happened-way-sitcom

There is an audiobook recording of this show available at all the places where audiobooks are sold (and free to Audible subscribers).

Here is a short snippet of a production: https://www.facebook.com/gregg.oppenheimer/videos/1038474544131102