A man of great ambition, Maxim is the owner of the parlor and is willing to do anything to get what he needs done. He feels pressured to save the parlor at all costs to protect his family’s legacy. Vocal Range: A3 - G4

The most dramatic and childish young man ever to live, Robert has been handed everything his entire life. When his selfishness drives Corrine into the arms of another man, he becomes willing to do anything to win her back. Vocal Range: Bb3—G4

Maxim’s secretary and in a “secret” relationship with Robert. She is easily flustered and frequently blurts out whatever thought pops into her head. Despite how others perceive her, she is headstrong and unafraid of manipulating people to achieve her goals. Vocal Range: Bb3—A5

A rich romantic but always slightly anxious, Nathaniel is smitten with Corrine. His charm and money cover up his faults. Vocal Range: C3—F4

A smart, over-the-top businessman and the main thorn in Maxim’s side. His cheaper funeral services steal all of the Humorals’ business and force Maxim to go to extreme lengths. Can go from smiling and charming to harsh in the blink of an eye. Vocal Range: D3—F4

A representative of the Association for Significant Structures, Ms. Norcross is an obstinate woman who is passionate about historic buildings and doesn’t believe the funeral parlor is worthy of becoming a historic landmark. Vocal Range: G3—Bb4

A murderous bounty hunter for the racetrack Quincy frequents, he is the one in charge of handling Quincy’s gambling debts. His boss allows those with no money left to gamble with their life insurance policies, and when they can no longer pay, Mr. Crowley is the one to collect the collateral.

The Greek Chorus of the show; they are ever-present and introduce the main characters, along with opening and closing each Act. They take on the roles of Janet Norcross, George Crowley, Nathaniel and Mr. Hughes (optionally), as well as the following characters:

Mr. Wentworth — A patron of the parlor whose mother—in—law has recently died. Mrs. Turner, Mr. Palmer, and Mrs. Ashman — Would—be patrons of the parlor. Doctor Warner — The town coroner.
Detective Booker — A detective in town.
Ms. Hayes — A fellow mortician.
Electrician, Repairman, and Plumber — Victims of Maxim, Quincy, and Robert.

The Mourners can be three to five actors, depending on casting needs. For five actors:
Mourner 1 (Soprano) — Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Ashman, Dr. Warner
Mourner 2 (Mezzo) — Ms. Norcross, Ms. Hayes
Mourner 3 (Tenor) — Nathaniel
Mourner 4 (Baritone) — Mr. Hughes
Mourner 5 (Bass/Baritone) — Mr. Wentworth, Mr. Palmer, Detective Booker, Mr. Crowley, Electrician, Plumber, Repairman

If Mr. Hughes and Nathaniel are not being played by members of the Mourners, then casting breakdown for the men is as follows:

Mourner 3 — Mr. Wentworth, Plumber
Mourner 4 — Mr. Palmer, Electrician
Mourner 5 — Detective Booker, Mr. Crowley, Repairman

The Mourners can also be condensed to three actors, with Mourners 1 and 2 being combined 3 and 5 being combined (Mourner 4 remains unchanged), bringing the total cast down from 10 to 8

Maxim’s younger brother and in charge of embalming the bodies at the Humoral Parlor. He owes a large sum of money to some fatal gambling “acquaintances”. This is why he goes along with Maxim’s scheme. Vocal Range: Bb3—D4

Maxim’s wife who constantly feels overshadowed by the Humoral family legacy. She has expensive taste and secretly swipes jewelry from the deceased. She wonders if her marriage to Maxim has been worth the financial protection it has provided her. Vocal Range: G3—D5