Casting

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Cast Size: Medium (11 to 20 performers)
Cast Type: Children
Dance Requirements: None

Character Breakdown

Coalhouse Walker Jr.

A proud and talented pianist. A Black man who believes that he can take part in the new America and will be treated fairly.

Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: G2
Sarah

Washwoman. Sarah is a young Black woman, beautiful and filled with a strong will to live, fueled by an innocent spirit. Falls deeply in love with Coalhouse after much resistance. 

Age: 18 to 25
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: G#3
Mother

The consummate wife and mother. A kind woman with incredible moral fiber. Refined, intelligent, graceful and open minded. 

Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Father

Mother's professionally successful husband. Fancies himself an amateur explorer, he is commanding and attractive. Enjoys being the family breadwinner, a traditionalist.

Age: 30 to 45
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Younger Brother

Mother's younger brother. He is an erratic and passionate soul, a firework waiting to be lit. Influenced greatly by Goldman's teachings.

Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Little Boy
Mother and Father's son. Curious. Kind
Age: 8 to 12
Grandfather

Mother's patrician father. He is a retired professor, and easily irritated by nearly everything.

Age: 50 to 65
Tateh

A Latvian immigrant. He wears the trials and tribulations of his past on his sleeve, but remains optimistic that he will be successful. Full of genuine drive and heart. He lives for his little daughter.  

Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Little Girl

Tateh's daughter. A vulnerable child in a brand-new home, she has lost her mother and is guarded and shy. She clings to her father.

Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: C4
Booker T. Washington

Brilliant Black social activist. He is an eloquent and articulate gentleman with no patience for Black Americans leading less than exemplary lives.

Age: 45 to 55
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Emma Goldman

Social activist. Originally from Russia, she is a leader, a fearless advocate for the oppressed.

Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Evelyn Nesbit
the beautiful vaudeville performer, famous for the murder of her high profile lover by her rich husband
Age: 18 to 25
Henry Ford
an American industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company
Age: 35 to 45
Harry Houdini

The famous magician, originally from Hungary. With notable physical ability, he stands as a symbol of the 'American Dream.'

Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: E3
J.P. Morgan

The rich, famous financier.

Age: 60 to 65
Sarah's Friend
A friend of Sarah's who attends her funeral
Age: 18 to 25
Willie Conklin
A racist volunteer fireman who destroys Coalhouse's car
Age: 25 to 40
Ensemble

Baseball Fans; Coalhouse Supporters; Firemen; Immigrants To America; New Rochelle Citizens; Reporters; Vacationers.

Played by Black actors: Coalhouse's Lawyer, Harlem Citizens, Henson