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Read the Script!

Cast Considerations:

• I plan to adhere to the playwright’s wishes for this play, which are as follows: “The characters in Men On Boats were historically cisgender white males. The cast should be made up entirely of people who are not. I’m talking about racially diverse actors who are female-identifying, trans-identifying, gender-fluid, and/or non-gender-conforming.” – Jaclyn Backhaus.

• Notice that the description above does not say "ONLY" female-identifying. Fluidity is the key here:

"Backhaus’ play is performed, as the playwright intends, by a cast that’s female or nonbinary."

• The playwright also encourages that the roles of O.G. Howland and Seneca Howland are played by people of color.

Cast Breakdown:

JOHN WESLEY POWELL

The Leader of the expedition. A one-armed crazy-face with a fiery temper and an excitable soul. Powell hates suits and loves adventure.

WILLIAM DUNN

A hunter. A trapper. An innovator. Dunn wears beaver skin always.

JOHN COLTON SUMNER

Widely known to be the Bear Grylls of the 1860’s. Sumner went snowshoeing through the Rocky Mountains in winter because “no one had done it yet.” Obviously, he survived.

OLD SHADY

Powell’s older brother and the oldest crew member on the mission. He does not like people.

BRADLEY

The youngest member of the expedition. Genuinely loves people.

O.G. HOWLAND

Doesn’t have any friends. Tobacco addled. Is the older brother of…

SENECA HOWLAND

Is not OG’s twin. Also a smoker. These brothers are pretty calm.

FRANK GOODMAN

A red-faced British man quite thrilled to be in the American West, though he is made more for the howling gales and the lost winds than for the sun and heat.

HALL

Makes the maps. Packs light. Doesn’t have time for this.

HAWKINS

Can make eggs in all styles. Does the inventory. Has his theories.

TSAUWIAT

Chief of the Utes. Composed and wry in sharp contrast to the explorers.

THE BISHOP

Wife of the chief and equally contrasting to the explorers. Her opinion hangs in the air, potent.

MR. ASA

A strange man in a nifty hat. He is perhaps an angel of comfort, or a fever dream. After all, isn’t this story all because of him?