C h a r a c t e r s
Betsy Cohen (Dramatic Soprano)
Betsy is the focus of the show. Everything is big; big gestures, big voice, big hair. Her volatile behaviour is integral to driving her husband to having an affair, so her demeanour is animated and eccentric from the start of the show. She is paradoxically both weak and strong simultaneously. As the story develops, incidents occur that twist her further into madness and incandescence until she eventually burns out in a final shower of sparks. In the 'dream cast' this part would be voiced by Mado Robin, Sertab Erener, Joan Sutherland, or Yma Sumac.
Ohad Cohen is married to Betsy. Although of means, he is a conservative man. He has neat hair and a neat tie and shiny shoes. He smiles warmly sometimes but seems melancholy and harassed behind his square glasses. He smells of sandalwood and likes to drink fine wines. He is very patient and well-educated. In the 'dream cast' this part would be voiced by Tommy Körberg Lawrence Tibbett, or Elvis Presley.
The British Woman (Lyric Soprano/Spinto)
When she was a little girl she wanted to be a Disney princess but now she works in a bank. She likes chocolate and chick flicks and jimmy choos. A bit ditsy and very friendly she has a very big heart but a small brain. She shares a flat with the British man, an old friend from school. In the 'dream cast' this part would be voiced by Judy Kuhn.
The British Man is very spontaneous. He lives for the day and out of a suitcase. He is a very frustrated young man. He likes battered leather jackets, roll-up cigarettes, and rock festivals. He plays the spoons. In the 'dream cast' this part would be voiced by Peter Jöback
The show is written so that only four performers are needed - there are several smaller and incidental parts (a Rabbi, a judge, a drug-dealer, waiters, etc) which can either be filled by actors 'doubling up', or given to other performers.