Director Trish Cooper and Producer Laureen Catlin held auditions for Decision Height on Sunday, July 19th and Tuesday, July 21st.
The show is an homage to the women pilots of WWII and is the Fighting portion of Mason Players' celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation for its season of FIGHTING for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
The show tells the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) who served in World War II assisting the men who were fighting. Through triumphs and tragedies, this play explores their experiences, the deep bonds they form, and the sacrifices they make while highlighting an under-recognized group of American heroes. These young women grow as a group with a shared goal of doing their part to assist in the war effort and making the most out of this (at the time) once in a lifetime opportunity.
Decision Height will be performed October 2, 3, 8, 9, & 10 at 8:00 PM and October 4 at 2:00 PM at the Mason Community Playhouse.
Trish is currently reviewing the auditions that were presented and will be choosing her cast soon. The show’s characters include:
Virginia Hascall (age 20s-Early 30s): The empathetic observer of the group. She leaves her home and fiancé to join the WASP program and do her part for the war effort.
Edith “Eddie” Harknell (age 20s-Early 30s): The blunt, quick-witted, and brazen "hot pilot" who brings authenticity and bold energy to the flight line.
Norma Jean Harris (age 20s-Early 30s): A confident, tall former teacher who acts as a motherly figure and takes on a leadership role (like squadron commander) while her husband fights overseas.
Rosalie Hartson (age 20s-Early 30s): The brave, young dreamer of the squad. She dreams of what lies ahead and is a skilled flautist.
Alice Hawkins (age 20s-Early 30s): The cool intellectual and "mom" of the friend group. She is grounded, smart, and often serves as the steady anchor for the others.
Carol Henderson (age 20s-Early 30s): The earnest, brazen, and "runt of the litter." She is small in stature but bold and full of fiery determination.
Mrs. Deaton (age 40+): The government-employed den mother who represents authority, discipline, and structure within the training program.
Ziggie Lewis (age 40+): A flight instructor and rare example of a female leader in aviation for that era.
Mildred Simmons (age 20s-Early 30s): A trainee with few loyalties and an often annoying voice who provides distinct interpersonal conflict