God’s Favorite is Neil Simon’s take on the Biblical Book of Job, transferring the scene to a Long Island mansion where reside a tycoon, his wife, a prodigal son, and a pair of goofy twins. One night, a messenger from God enters. Our modern Job won’t renounce God and everything becomes a test of faith … including his family! He tries listing his prodigal son’s qualities and can’t think of any. His wife asks him how he can love a God who makes him suffer, and he says his prodigal son makes him suffer and he loves him. He believes he’s been chosen to show how much a man can love God. After having lost everything, God in the form of the messenger answers him.
Character breakdown:
- Joe Benjamen: Late forties to fifties: gives an impression of great strength of character, who loves God above all else.
- Ben and Sarah Benjamin: Children of Joe Benjamen: a pair of 18-24 year old twins, or as close as we can approximate, same shade of hair and their IQ is 160. . . between them.
- Rose Benjamen: Wife of Joe Benjamen: Mid forties to early fifties: A walking Harry Winstons, with a possible vice or two, cigarette in one hand, martini in the other at all hours of the day. Loves her jewels above all else.
- David Benjamen: oldest son of Joe Benjamen: mid to late twenties: typical prodigal son type: spending Dad’s money on parties and alcohol: sharp “Neil Simon” wit. Loves his alcohol above all else.
- Morris and Mady: Two middle aged African-American domestics: the ethnicity of these two characters is very important to the story.
- Lipton: Angel, messenger of God: Middle-aged male with an IQ that could compete with the twins. (Good character assimilation would be Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life”).
Please bring a picture or headshot and resume. If you don’t have one, come anyway! Auditions will be cold readings from the script. Onstage is also looking for crew volunteers. For more information, contact Joe Savarese, director, at joesavarese@sbcglobal.net.
WHAT: Auditions for God’s Favorite by Neil Simon
WHEN: June 30 & July 1, 2008
WHERE: Bedford Boys Ranch
2819 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, TX 76021.
