Play - Directed by Lisa Sommers
Written by: John Cariani

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Performance Dates – Aug. 20, 21, 22, 23
Sponsored by James & Helen Black, in honor of Lora Cotton

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Auditions for The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County’s 2026 Black Box Production, John cariani’s, Love/Sick, will be held Sunday,  June 28th and Monday, June 29th at 6:30 p.m. at The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County. Registration will open at 6 p.m. 

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**IMPORTANT** Auditions are open only to individuals who will complete 11th grade at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

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The production is being directed by Lisa Sommers. Lisa Fockler is the assistant director.  Haley Kimble is the producer. All roles are open. Some roles require physical agility, one role requires singing, one role requires a lot of intimacy (kissing).

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Plot: 
Love/Sick is a one-act, nine-or-ten-play cycle about love and loss – but mostly loss. Each play has its own arc and tells the story of a couple at a crossroads in their relationship. Since each relationship is more advanced than the previous relationship, a larger arc emerges, and the individual plays work together to create a satisfying whole – one that chronicles the life cycle of a typical relationship from meeting through to divorce… and afterwards. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, Love/Sick is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone. 

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Character Breakdown:
Each scene has its own title and characters:

In the “Obsessive Impulsive” scene, the audience meets simply Man and Woman, who are both doing their grocery shopping. They instantly fall in love at first sight, or they think they do. This is perhaps the most cleverly written piece of the entire show as each character speaks the same lines in unison to each other. Timing, energy and pacing are crucial.

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 “The Singing Telegram” a man is on his first day on the job as a Singing Telegram Man, he knocks on Louise’s apartment door to deliver his first telegram. Louise has a wide range of emotions and The Telegram Man is an unsure singer with humor and tact.

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The Super Center then takes us to Andy’s front stoop. A surprise visit by Ben puts Andy  in an awkward position that turns confusing for Andy. Their new relationship is barely off the ground when Andy throws a major obstacle in the way. 

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“The Answer” starts out very reminiscent of Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” except instead of the bride being locked in the bathroom, it’s the groom. But the similarities stop there. Keith has apparently never said “yes” to Celia’s marriage proposal. The problem is that the wedding is that day. The piece is absurd and emotional.

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Boredom is the culprit in “Uh-Oh,” with Sarah feeling bored in her relationship with Billie.  Another absurdish piece, this one turns a little more dramatic than some of the others but the humor is still there.

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“Lunch and Dinner” takes the audience into the bedroom of Kelly and Mark. Another cleverly written piece, both characters are actually of the same mindset in a sort of reverse direction. Lots of comedy bantering back and forth.

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“Forgot,” is as dramatic as it is humorous. One actor is calm and reassuring and the other is frantic and emotional.

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“Where Was I”  Abbie and Liz  have been together for a while with a family gathered around them. This one sort of sneaks up on the audience with its powerful material. Little humor here. 

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Destiny takes the audience back to the SuperCenter. Emily and Jake. A chance meeting of the two characters sets memories afloat. This last piece actually ends up borrowing from each piece that came before, making for an interesting exit piece. Interestingly, all of the pieces end in a sort of limbo, leaving the audience hanging on any kind outcome for each character.

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The show is both dramatic and funny and will make the audience remember and think about relationships. 

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Rehearsal Information:
Rehearsals will begin off-site. A read-thru is scheduled for July 6th. Rehearsals will be 3-4 evenings per week (but all actors may not be needed each night or the entire rehearsal, DEPENDING on casting). The schedule will be available at auditions or contact the director with specific questions. Rehearsals will move to The Little Theatre  on August 4th. There will be 3 Sunday rehearsals on July 19th,  August 9th and August 16th. There will be no Friday or Saturday rehearsals. 

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Performance Information:
John Cariani’s, Love/Sick will open on Thursday, August 20, and also run on August 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.

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What To Prepare:
Auditioners will read from the script. If you would like to look at a specific vignette, please contact the director and you will be given access 2 weeks before auditions. Those auditioning may present a memorized monologue if they choose, but it is not required.  Any questions can be answered by contacting director, Lisa Sommers at slpsommers@icloud.com.

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Audition Location and Parking Information:
Auditions will be held at The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County.
466 Carrie Ave. NW; New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663

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The production is sponsored by James & Helen Black, in honor of Lora Cotton
The 2025-2026 Season Gold Sponsor - Roger & Mary Spies
The 2025-2026 Season Bronze Sponsor - Dover Eagles #515, and Park Village Health Care Center