ROBERT MUELLER. Successful, fun-loving photographer in a country town. He is around 50 years old and married with two grown-up children. Amateur musician and composer. During the events of the play his character changes. He becomes fanatical and embittered.
HIS WIFE MAGGIE. Middle aged, dyed hair, curly. Simple minded.
DREAM CHILD. An apparition. It is Robert as a child, 9 years old. Lost both parents at an early age. Visits his older self in his dreams.
ROBERT AS A FOUR YEAR OLD.
YOUNG ROBERT'S MOTHER. In her early 30s. Pianist. Apparel early part of 1900s. Caring, but after a suicide attempt out of touch with reality.
YOUNG ROBERT'S GRANDMOTHER. Strictly logical. In spite of all her care, her daughter is emotionally starved.
MRS. JULIE SHEPHERD. A widow, concerned about bringing up her retarded son Dean.
DEAN SHEPHERD. About 9, intellectually handicapped. He goes to a special school.
MR. MARTIN TOFFLER. School principal of the local public school and father of Jamie. Resents being responsible for so many normal children while his own son is somewhat mentally retarded.
MRS. AVIL TOFFLER. Jamie's mother. Feels resentful and guilty about having adopted a retarded child. Is paranoid that no-one interferes in any way and makes life difficult for Jamie's teachers.
JAMIE TOFFLER. 10 years old. Slow learner. His somewhat indigenous
appearance suggests he is not the natural child of the Tofflers. Goes to
the same special school as Dean.
MR. LAWLER. Changes the name of his cafeteria to "The Treble Clef Cafe". Invites local child musicians to entertain guests.
ROBERT'S DOG SONNY.
Others include: Receptionist in welfare office, a welfare official, teachers, children, both handicapped and normal, other parents, an arrogant elderly lady who is one of Robert's customers, a bus driver. An out-of-sight narrator.
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Copyright © 2003 Peter H. Schmedding, Canberra, Australia.
E-mail the author: Peter's e-mail address
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