Front Page

1930's Chicago. The scene for this pacy comedy is the pressroom of the Criminal Court's building in the hours preceding the execution of a murderer. Join ace reporter Hildy Johnson on a roller coaster ride which includes a wonderful array of larger than life 30's characters. Meet the naive fiance, the hard bitten newspaper editor, the gangsters moll, the politically cunning mayor and many others. Will the criminal escape? Will Hildy get the scoop of a lifetime? Will he find true love? The Front Page will enthral you from cover to cover. Hildy Johnson, Reporter, Herald Examiner 30s. Ace reporter, envied by other reporters. Engaged to Peggy Grant, attempting to leave the sordid newspaper world. Wilson, Reporter, American 40s, Once sold a piece to the “Mercury”, and is thinking of trying a play. Endicott, Reporter, Post 20s+, recently married and inclined to complain about the job. Murphy, Reporter, Journal 40s, middle aged. Hardest of the hard-boiled. Could have a bit of an Irish accent. McCue, Reporter, City Press 30-40, another hard case, a tough nut. Schwartz, Reporter, Daily 40s, has the worries of the world on his shoulders Kruger, Journal of Commerce 30s, plays a banjo and is a chronic loafer. Bensinger, Reporter, Tribune 40s, a hypochondriac, obsessed about germs and antiseptics Walter Burns, Editor of the Herald Examiner, 50+. Hildy’s ruthless, manipulative boss of long standing. They have a love hate relationship. Burns will not let Hildy escape. Burns will stop at nothing to prevent Hildy from leaving the Herald Examiner. The Mayor, 60s, self-serving, politically corrupt. Sheriff Hartman, known as Pinky 60s, again, self-serving, and politically corrupt, but a bit weak and manipulated by others more powerful. Woodenshoes , some sort of court gopher 40ish, knows a bit of history and who’s who. Treated like a servant and a bit dumb, but has a lot of theories on psychology and the criminal mind. Earl Williams, convicted criminal 30s, slight build, terrified escapee. Mr Pincus, court worker/messenger, small man, delivers documents from the Governor. Diamond Louis, Chicago gangster as the name suggests, a gangster. Mrs Schlosser 30-40. Hard done by wife of a reporter who we never see, comes to look for him. Jennie, Scrub Woman, 40-50 years. Mollie Malloy 40s, faded prostitute, not as young as she used to be, has taken pity on Earl Williams. Peggy Grant, 20s, Hildy’s fiancee. Anxious to take him away from all this to get married in New York, making plans to leave that night. Mrs Grant, Peggy’s mother Suspicious of her daughter’s choice of fiancee. Deputies, Carl and Frank 20-30, smaller support roles. Plus 2 extra policeman. 6pm start. Call the director for more info.