The Factory presents
Never the Sinner
March 13-16, 2025
The Leopold & Loeb Story
Casting Call
January 8 & 9, 2025 | 6 pm
The Waterfowl Building
Casting male and male presenting actors of all races and ages. Ages apply to specific roles but are not going to affect inclusion of casting.
Come prepared to move around and read sides from the script. All actors should be comfortable moving lightweight furniture.
Overview
By Tony Award Winner, John Logan
Directed by E.T. Wilford
True crime has captivated public interest for centuries, as people are drawn to the dark complexities of human nature and the shocking reality of violence. This play explores the chilling psychology behind the infamous crime and subsequent trial of Leopold & Loeb. The brutality of the murder – committed with premeditation, indifference, and a sense of superiority – reflects not only the horrific nature of the act itself but also the larger questions about morality, privilege, and the human capacity for evil.
The roles in this play are written in such a way that the audience does not sympathize or empathize with the actions of Leopold and Loeb, but more to examine why men, in this capsule of time, behave the way they do, and why other men may respond the way they do.
From our hearts to your ears, this program is funded in part by the Talbot Arts with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council and the governments of Talbot County, Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels.
Character Breakdowns
Richard Loeb, 18
– Charismatic, extremely wealthy, educated
– More charming and sociable than Leopold with a carefree attitude
– Smugly superior sense of self
– Strong desire to “be the best”
Nathaniel Leopold, 19
– Cunning, observant, cold, extremely wealthy, educated
– Less social skill than Loeb, and much less interest in politeness or the company of his peers
– Wholly dedicated to Richard; emotionally, physically, sexually, and violently dedicated
– Extremely intelligent, with a fondness for birds
Robert Crowe, 40s
– Ambitious prosecuting state’s attorney in the Leopold & Loeb case
– Hopes that this case and a win for him will result in securing the votes for his campaign to be the next mayor of Chicago
– Behind closed doors, he doubts his experience and ability, despite his nonstop showboating in the courtroom
Clarence Darrow, 65+
– Extremely experienced defense attorney, known for winning “unwinnable cases”
– Hired by the Leopold and Loeb families just to assure the boys would not hang
– Has an extreme disdain for capital punishment
– Big believer in human rights
– Often disheveled in his appearance, which belies his brilliance in the courtroom
Greek Chorus/Press, 3 males of any age
– Acts as both the press and the public’s reaction to the crimes and personas of Leopold and Loeb, a stark reflection of how society and the media chooses to revere and revile people capable of heinous acts, whether it is 1924 or 2024…
About the Director
E.T. Wilford has directed over 25 plays and musicals throughout the Delmarva area for multiple production companies, including: Company; Pan & Wendy; Assassins; Kiss of the Spider Woman; Sweeney Todd; Dog Sees God (Underground Actors); Leaving Iowa; Merrily We Roll Along; The Rocky Horror Show (Tred Avon Players); Let The Right One In; Jungle Book; Red Riding Hood; The Little Mermaid; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; The Yellow Boat; Torch Song Trilogy (Groove Theatre Company); George Orwell’s 1984; Into the Woods; Peter and the Star Catcher; Revenge of the Space Pandas; The Elephant Man (educational theatre settings).
For most of his own and many other productions, Wilford also serves as lighting designer. Wilford was also the founding Executive Director for Groove Theatre in Cambridge, MD, where he currently serves as acting board chair. His next project is directing The Elephant Man (for a second time) at the Garfield in Chestertown, MD, in October 2025. Amongst The Factory Arts Project regulars, he is known as “confident” and “mysterious”, and “weird”.
Cast
Bonnie Cassidy – Katie Cox
Agnes – Laura Spies
Sailor – Maddie Megahan
Dolly – Henley Moore
Jesse Devereux (Female) – Jess Newell
Jesse Devereux (Male) – Tyler Henry
Sheriff James – Clay Owens
Deputy Carson – Jordan Leoncini
Preacher Brooks – Brandon Walls
The Factory Dispatch Announcer – Tris Mamone
Creative Team
Director – Cecile Storm
Stage Manager – Sarah Kilmon
Musical Direction – Ray Nissen
Foley Sound – Charlie Sarfaty
Musical Accompaniment – Old Dogs
Saxophone, Vocals – Jon Beasley
Trombone, Vocals – Jake Stifler
Drums – Chris Beasley
Guitar – Charlie Sarfaty
Bass – Ed Eason
Writers – Jess Hensley, Cecile Storm, Sveinn Storm
Costumes – Cecile Storm