Details Coming Soon!!

Alice Murphy plays both ages 16–17 and 36–37. At 36–37, Alice is an editor at a Southern literary magazine—intelligent, professional, and quietly melancholy. Her younger self is rebellious, adventurous, and eager to escape small-town life. The role requires a very strong vocalist who is comfortable singing in folk and bluegrass styles. 

Billy Cane is a young soldier returning home from World War II. An aspiring writer, he is optimistic, charming, open-hearted, and slightly naïve. Stage age: 20s. 

Daddy Cane is Billy’s father, a widower who is kindhearted, spry, and quietly lonely. Stage age: 40–70. 

Margo Crawford is a small-town bookstore owner and Billy’s childhood friend. Intelligent and naturally warm, she harbors romantic feelings for Billy. Stage age: 20s. 

Max is a customer at Margo’s bookstore who initially has a crush on her and later becomes Edna’s beau. Stage age: 18–35. 

Florence works at Margo’s bookstore and is a childhood friend of both Billy and Margo. Stage age: 20s. 

Edna is an employee at Margo’s bookstore. Stage age: 18–35. 

Daryl Ames is an assistant at a literary magazine. He is funny with a dry, officious sense of humor—socially awkward but endearing and innately likable. Stage age: mid-20s–50. 

Lucy Grant is a junior editor at a literary magazine. She is ambitious, modern, sharp-witted, and professionally driven, representing the changing role of women in the 1940s workplace. Stage age: 20–35. 

Mama Murphy is Alice’s mother, a warm and compassionate caretaker of both her family and rural community. She is hardworking, sensible, and quietly strong. Stage age: 50–65. 

Daddy Murphy is Alice’s father, a stern and authoritative man who is deeply religious and proud of his hard-earned life as a poor farmer. Stage age: 50–70. 

Mayor Josiah Dobbs is the Mayor of Zebulon and a powerful political and financial figure. Distinguished and imposing, his controlling nature and obsession with protecting his family legacy ultimately lead to irrevocable cruelty. Stage age: 45–75. 

Jimmy Ray Dobbs is played at two ages: 18–20 and 38–40. In flashbacks, he is the Mayor’s son and Alice’s young love—handsome, intelligent, and morally grounded, with the courage to stand up to his father. The same actor portrays Jimmy Ray later in life, carrying the weight of past choices. 

Stanford is Mayor Dobbs’ loyal assistant. Stage age: 45–75. 

Dr. Norquist is the local family doctor in Zebulon. Stage age: 45–75. 

Government Clerk works at the Office of Records in Raleigh. Stage age: 35–75. 

Well-Dressed Woman is a resident of Raleigh. Stage age: 30–50. 

Ensemble:

• Up to 12 (some will receive small speaking roles) 

• Strong vocalists 

• Written for adults 

• Upper-teen performers acceptable for non-speaking roles