Margaret Mitchell, author of the revered and reviled novel "Gone With The Wind" had a secret that was held for over 40 years after her death. She was married to two men, "Red" Upshaw and John Marsh, who were best friends in college and had a separate secret of their own. Her closest confidant was her maid, Bessie Jordan, who challenged her White privilege. Lastly, there was Benjamin Mays, President of the prestigious Black university, Morehouse College, that would lead Mitchell down a controversial path that could ruin her reputation.
Margaret “Peggy” Mitchell: Celebrated author of “Gone With The Wind”. She is pretty though not considered a conventional beauty. White female, 22 to 33 years old (Act I), 41 to 49 years old (Act II). Mid-length, dark hair, nice figure with a refined overall look but with a penchant to do the things outside of the norm. Vocal: Soprano
Bessie Jordan: The longtime housekeeper of both the Mitchell and Marsh households. Black female, 44 years old (Act I), 52 to 60 years old (Act II). She is very understated in her appearance and manner but can be outspoken if given the opportunity. Vocal: Alto
John Marsh: Margaret Mitchell’s second husband. White male, 27 to 38 years old (Act I), 46 to 52 years old (Act II). Glasses, bookish, hair already thinning and showing hints of gray. Stays reserved in most situations and not overly demonstrative in his emotions. (Actor is also Margaret’s Father in the song “Turn of the Century” in ACT 1 and a Reporter in ACT 2) Vocal: Tenor
Berrien “Red” Upshaw: Margaret Mitchell’s first husband. Tall, strikingly handsome, dark reddish hair, with a palpable sex appeal to both men and women. White male, 21 to 32 years old (Act I), 40 TO 47 years old (Act II). Brash, arrogant, hedonistic and a fun-loving rogue with a dark side. (Actor also poses as a Reporter in ACT 2) Vocal: Tenor
Dr. Benjamin Mays: President of Morehouse College. Black male, early 50’s. Distinguished, poised and well-spoken. (Actor also briefly plays the part of a Black man being interviewed by Margaret in the song “Turn of the Century”, the gardener, Elmer, in the song “Big Red, Move Along” and a Reporter in ACT 2) Vocal: Baritone
Piano, Keyboards (for strings, horn section, and oboe samples), *Violin, Bass, Drums, Acoustic guitar*
Because the cast size is only 5 actors, musicians that sing are key to bolster the ensemble numbers. If the cast members are very strong singers the musician being singers are not necessarily needed.If any of the musicians play other instruments like oboe, saxophone and/or cello, all the better.