NATIONAL PASTIME SHOW SYNOPSIS:
National Pastime is a charming and fast-paced musical comedy with a vintage twist. Written by Tony Sportiello (book) and Al Tapper (music & lyrics), this feel-good show has been described as a throwback to a sweeter era of musical theatre, National Pastime is filled with toe-tapping numbers, romantic entanglements, and nostalgic charm.
Set in Depression-era small-town Iowa, National Pastime transports audiences to a simpler time, when the local radio station WZBQ is the heartbeat of the community—but barely staying afloat. In a last-ditch effort to save the station, owner Barry Landis hatches a wild plan: fabricate broadcasts of a fictional, undefeated baseball team—the Baker City Cougars. The made-up games become an unexpected hit, turning the sleepy town into a hotbed of baseball fandom and media buzz. But how long can they keep up the ruse?
Directed by Aaron Adair.
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
- Barry Landis: The passionate and resourceful manager of WZBQ Radio Station. He is determined to save the station and the town of Baker City from the economic hardships of the Depression. He develops a romantic relationship with Karen Sloan.
- Karen Sloan: An attractive and sharp lawyer from Chicago, and the daughter of WZBQ's original owner. Initially, she is cynical about the station's prospects but eventually becomes a key player in the fake baseball scheme and falls in love with Barry.
- Lawrence Pendegrass: Known as "The Golden Throat of Baker City," he is a sophisticated yet somewhat bombastic co-announcer at WZBQ. He has multiple degrees and is Marty's broadcasting partner.
- Marty Webb: Lawrence's co-announcer at WZBQ. He is portrayed as a kind and affable "hometown boy".
- Mary McDonnell: A sweet, good-natured local girl who works at WZBQ and harbors a long-standing affection for Lawrence.
- Betty Lou: The receptionist at WZBQ, she dreams of leaving Baker City to become a movie star in Hollywood.
- William Rogers: A writer for Life magazine who becomes interested in the mysterious success of the Baker City Cougars.
- George Abraham Theodore Roosevelt Jackson: A proud American representative from Major League Baseball who is intrigued by the Cougars' success and their "American values".
- Joe and Vinny: Two individuals recruited by Karen to impersonate fictional baseball players. Joe is assigned the role of the star center fielder.
- Jingle Singers: Three dynamic singers in the style of the Andrews Sisters.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
Auditions are on August 11th and 12th, 2025. Please arrive between 6:30-7:00 pm to sign in and auditions will run from 7pm until 9pm. Auditions are open to everyone in the community, even if you have no experience acting! Sides for the audition are posted below.
Bring one prepared song or ballad to sing at auditions. Music from the 1930s -1940s, great American song book selections are preferred. Be prepared for cold readings from the script.
We are committed to diverse casting and all roles are open to performers of all backgrounds. All roles are volunteer only and are not paid, however, a stipend will be given to all actors cast in the show.
Headshots and resumes are not required, but welcome if you have one. Walk-ins are accepted at auditions.
For questions or more information, please email auditions@mckinneyrep.org
For those unable to attend auditions but interested in participating in the show, alternative arrangements can be made by emailing auditions@mckinneyrep.org.
Location:
McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
111 N. Tennessee Street - McKinney, TX 75069
Please note: If cast in the show, all volunteers must have a background check on file with McKinney Performing Arts Center via Voly.
REHEARSAL INFORMATION:
First Rehearsal/Read Through: TBD
REHEARSALS: Rehearsals will be held from August 25th through September 25th on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
No Rehearsal on Labor Day.
LOAD IN & SET BUILD: September 28, 2025
TECH WK REHEARSALS: September 29 - October 1 from 6:30 PM - 10 PM
DRESS REHEARSAL: October 2 at 6:30 PM
PICK-UP REHEARSALS: October 9 & October 16 at 6:30 PM
*Please do not audition if you have any conflicts with tech week or performance dates.
SHOW DATES:
Total of 9 shows :
Friday, October 3rd at 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 4th at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Friday, October 10th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 11th at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Friday, October 17th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 18th at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM