Character Descriptions and Casting Breakdown

6 women (with one doubled role, 7 without doubling), 10 men, with optional additional ensemble.

The cast should include a wide range of types (age, personality, vocal quality, physical type, ethnic background, etc), and represent the eclectic cross-section of the community you find at a farmers market. Although this is comedy and is at times exaggerated, the people should feel real.

MARSHA

A marshmallow-maker, baker and friend of Dale’s. Mid 20’s to Mid 30’s. She’s an overachiever, with a fiery streak and a good sense of humor, but also a good deal of vulnerability. Marsha should be cast with a fabulous character actress, not an ingenue. Cast outside the box here. Mezzo-soprano, belt.

 

RICHARD

A wealthy young businessman, the owner of Richardson’s Mufflers and Suds, an international chain of auto repair/laundromat/liquor/apparel stores. Though he’s often stereotyped based on his money and occupation, he’s much more than his bank balance. He’s a little nerdy, a little awkward, a great cook, a problem solver, and a good guy. 30ish. He’s not an ingenue either. Tenor.

 

DALE

A vegetable farmer and old family friend of Marsha’s, he’s hosting her at his farm until she can find her own place. Dale’s the definition of a stand-up guy, a rule-follower, but one who will fight for what’s right if it comes to it. The dreamboat of the farmers market, Dale is the recipient of the affections of Peaches and Honey, whether he likes it or not. 30ish, 2nd Tenor.

 

PEACHES

Very “country”, sassy, speaks her mind. A little flashy. Probably wears her tops cut down to there. Age flexible (in the general vicinity of Dale.) Reba-style belt. Peaches and Honey should have a comedy-team rapport.

 

HONEY

Beekeeper. Has her own (slightly touched) way of viewing the world. Sweet. Talks to her bees. Age flexible (in the vicinity of Dale, probably younger than Peaches.)

 

CANDLES

Eccentric seller of soaps, candles and other new age-y things: herbs, crystals, etc. She has seen and done it all. Zen but not a pushover. Alto belt. Older than Peaches and Honey.

 

AMISH JAMS

Male, Amish, in plain dress. Age flexible. Has a featured spot in the clog-off at the top of Act II.

 

CURDS

Dairy farmer with a Mark Twain-ish gift of gab. Teller of tall tales. Baritone (but the role can be played by a non-singer.) 30s or older.

 

CHICKEN

Chicken farmer. Gawky. Nervous. Easily flustered. Tenor, age flexible.

 

MR. BUFFALO

A beefy bass – a classic good ol’ boy, 40s or older. Rules the farmers market with an iron fist. Belligerent when questioned.

 

MR. PORK

The town crier, and Mr. Buffalo’s mouthpiece. A tiny little piglet of a man. High tenor. Please resist the urge to cast this part with a big guy. Age flexible.

 

MR. SOURDOUGH

The herald of woe, Mr. Sourdough has not a trace of moisture or life left in his body. 60+, baritone.

 

MR. MUSHROOM

Spongy, pasty, indecisive. Age flexible. 2nd Tenor.

(Note: the Smokehouse Boys – Buffalo, Pork, Sourdough and Mushroom – vocally are a cowboy/barbershop quartet.)

 

STRING BEAN

A vegetable farmer who was cast out of the old market and returns to inspire the vendors to form a new market. Gospel contralto. Can be physically a string bean, or very much not a string bean. Age is flexible, but should be in the vicinity of Curds. Can potentially double as Mrs. Poker.

 

MRS. PICKEY and MRS. POKER

Customers at the farmers market. High maintenance. (If desired, these roles can be subdivided into multiple shoppers.)

 

BARNEY

Customer at the farmers market. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Can be male or female.

 

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL CAST

Other ensemble members may be added as desired: additional shoppers, vendors, roving packs of kids, and so on.