SMALL TALK - Cast of Characters

NOTES:

1. All roles (except GOD/Radio Announcer) are singing roles.

2. Ages are not too important. However Wally, Becky and Charlie should be somewhat older than the others. Jake should be a little older than Jessica, who is in the same age range as Sidney.

3. In addition to the individual songs listed below, all cast members sing in the ensemble/chorus numbers:

                Small Talk...Kid In A Candy Store…Chemistry...The Road...But Love I Can’t Explain

WALLY: (Sings FACES WITH CHARACTER, BUT LOVE I CAN’T EXPLAIN) Wally is a regular customer at the Oasis Café. He is an accountant a whiz at all sorts of facts and figures. He’s also fond of using big words. Because of this he is known as the “professor” to others at the café. Wally has an opinion about everything and his opinions are often very cynical; especially when it comes to matters of love and romance. Wally wears one of those rumpled jackets with the elbow patches and has an awful tie.

CHARLIE: (Sings FACES WITH CHARACTER, THE OASIS) The owner and chief philosopher of the Oasis Café. A very genial and enthusiastic man who really knows human nature. He’s optimistic about his business even though it is just barely surviving. Charlie has worked hard to maintain a high-class image for the café. He often tries new ways to promote the Oasis. Recently he has begun a very different approach to attract customers. 

BECKY: (Sings THE OASIS, COOKBOOK OF LOVE, IMAGINE ME IN PARIS) Becky is the robust and nurturing waitress at the Oasis. She is kind, but strong, and very protective of the female gender. Although she has a heart of gold she has little tolerance for fools. Throughout the evening she serves food, drinks and advice freely, and her timing is almost perfect.

SIDNEY: (Sings THE OASIS, FIND ME, KID IN A CANDY STORE, THE ROAD) Sidney is a naïve bachelor who is constantly searching for his one true love. Unfortunately Sidney is very clumsy and inept in social situations. He has come to the Oasis for the first time after hearing that members of the dating club he belongs to have been invited there tonight. He has gone to many singles bars and is not sure this visit to a rather serene café was such a good move. Sidney wears a blue Single File ID tag.

VINNY:  (Sings TROUBLE) Vinny is a very strong and masculine character. He is athletic and really into sports - especially baseball. He’s a little opinionated and is very reluctant to show his tender side.

JANE:  (Sings DON’T YOU KNOW BY NOW) Jane is a very level headed woman who tries to be supportive of everyone. Kind of sensitive and romantic but not foolish. She is very attractive and conservative.

JESSICA:  (Sings FIND ME, SINGLE FILE, WHO I AM, KID IN A CANDY STORE, THE ROAD) Jessica is the main “character” around whom the night’s activities focus. She has had trouble meeting and dating guys. She always seems to meet the wrong type of man. Jessica is naïve, submissive and so insecure, she could drive anyone crazy. Add to that the fact that she is also a nervous wreck and  prone to be a little paranoid.

JAKE: (Sings DO WHAT, SINGLE FILE, WHAT I LIKE, THE ROAD) Jake is also a key character at the Oasis. He is brusque, loud and theatrical in everything he does. A 50’s style macho character who wears black pants and shirt, Jake has to be the center of attention, and must have things his way. On the surface he is in charge, but underneath there is a lot of confusion.

SAMANTHA: (Sings CHEMISTRY, IMAGINE ME IN PARIS) Samantha (Sam) is the most self-assured woman at the Oasis. She is very cosmopolitan and well educated. Sam always dresses elegantly. She definitely stands out in a crowd, both physically and socially. Nobody, man or woman will get the best of Samantha. She wears a red dress and a gray Single File ID tag.

TINA: (Sings CHEMISTRY, IMAGINE ME IN PARIS, DO WHAT REPRISE, THE ROAD) Tina is the street wise, gum chewing, sarcastic tomboy who is always ready to defend her territory. She is a little too quick to say what’s on her mind but never seems to find the right words. She has a distinctly “Brooklyneeze” accent, and is dressed flamboyantly. A very humorous gal, but kind of  “dizzy”. She wears a green Single File ID tag.

GOD/RADIO ANNOUNCER: Small off-stage speaking part. He/she should have a strong distinctive voice.

JAKETTES: The 3 backup singers for Jake are called the Jakettes. They can be taken from the cast (e.g. Tina, Sam, Jane), or additional singers. They participate in many of the songs.