Sordid Lives
Get ready for a hilariously chaotic dive into small-town Southern life with Sordid Lives, the award-winning “black comedy about white trash” by Del Shores. When Peggy, the family matriarch, meets her untimely demise in a freak accident, her dysfunctional Texas family is forced to reunite for her funeral. What follows is a sidesplitting, heartwarming, and sometimes outrageous exploration of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
With a colorful cast of characters—including a Tammy Wynette-obsessed drag queen, a Bible-thumping mother, and a barfly who’s seen it all—Sordid Lives serves up equal parts humor and humanity. Beneath the campy antics and outrageous situations lies a touching story about embracing who you truly are, no matter what the neighbors might say.
A cult classic with universal appeal, Sordid Lives promises an unforgettable evening of laughter, tears, and Southern charm.
Contains strong adult themes and language.
SORDID LIVES is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
NOTE: Audition materials supplied below will be printed and available for you the night of auditions, there is no requirement for you to print these beforehand. To learn more about our audition process, click here.
Dates and Times
Auditions
| Show Date | Show Time |
|---|---|
| Friday, March 13th, 2026 | 7:00 PM |
| Saturday, March 14th, 2026 | 7:00 PM |
| Sunday, March 15th, 2026 | 2:00 PM |
| Friday, March 20th, 2026 | 7:00 PM |
| Saturday, March 21st, 2026 | 7:00 PM |
| Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 | 2:00 PM |
What: Open auditions for Sordid Lives at Connecticut Theatre Company
When: 1/4/26 & 1/5/26 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: The Repertory Theatre | 23 Norden Street | New Britain, CT 06051
Run Dates: 3/13/26-3/22/26
Audition Preparation: All roles are open! Actors will be seen in order of arrival. Actors will be given sides to read from the script. These sides can be reviewed in advance by downloading our audition packet here: Sordid Lives Audition Packet
A call back audition, if needed, will be held by invitation only. Age ranges listed are stage ages. If you have any questions, please email us at info@connecticuttheatrecompany.org.
Note: For those auditioning for BITSTY MAE HARLING: This is a singing and acoustic guitar-playing role. Please bring your guitar to the audition and prepare to sing & self-accompany the title song “Sordid Lives” provided in the audition packets.
Accessibility
If you will require any specific accommodations for this audition, rehearsals or performances, please reach out for assistance. We are eager to help you be able to get to us and to show us your best work!
Duane Campbell, Executive Director, dcampbell@connecticuttheatrecompany.org
Character Breakdown:
BITSY MAE HARLING: The guitar playing ex-con singer.
TY WILLIAMSON: Mama’s grandson; Latrelle’s son. A young gay man on a journey.
SISSY HICKEY: Mama’s caretaker and dear family friend who picked the wrong day to quit smoking
NOLETA NETHERCOTT: early 40’s, the angry housewife, betrayed by her husband, G.W.
LATRELLE WILLIAMSON: early 50’s, One of Mama’s daughters; Ty’s uptight, proper mother; La Vonda’s sister.
LA VONDA DUPREE: late 40’s, Latrelle’s liberal-minded worldly sister.
G.W. NETHERCOTT: late 40’s, the distraught legless Vietnam Vet; Noleta’s husband.
WARDELL “BUBBA” OWENS: late 40’s, Proprietor and bartender of Bubba’s Beer Joint; the former gay-basher.
ODELL OWENS: mid 40’s, Wardell’s worthless story-telling brother.
DR. EVE BOLINGER: late 40’s, the over-sexed pill-popping, alcoholic therapist.
EARL “BROTHER BOY” INGRAM: late 40’s, Mama’s son; the Tammy Wynette obsessed drag queen.
JUANITA BARTLETT: the bar’s resident drunk, known for sharing stories and spilling secrets.
REV. BARNES: the Southern Baptist preacher. (Double cast with the actor who plays Odell Owens)