GREG HEFFLEY – Male-identifying, any ethnicity. 11 years old, a first-year middle schooler, driven with a burning desire to achieve popularity and acclaim at any and all costs. Equal parts cocky and insecure, Greg’s single-focus on popularity often makes him short-sighted and immature, almost costing him his closest friendship. Strong comedic young performer with a powerful, unchanged singing voice.
ROWLEY JEFFERSON – Male-identifying, any ethnicity. 11 years old, first-year middle schooler, with a determinedly sunny disposition and über positive outlook on life. Almost blindly devoted to Greg, but ultimately capable of standing up for himself. Strong comedic young performer with a powerful, unchanged singing voice.
RODRICK HEFFLEY – Male-identifying, any ethnicity. A sullen, sarcastic 16 years old, older brother of Greg, and his main tormentor. Brash and obnoxious, Rodrick is the front-man of the heavy-metal, garage band Löded Diper and delights in torturing Greg and taxing their parents’ goodwill. Strong comedic young performer with a powerful singing voice.
FRANK HEFFLEY – Male-identifying, any ethnicity. Greg’s put-upon father, who possesses an interest in U.S. history and a deep distrust of teenagers. Uncomfortable speaking with tweens, Frank is always trying to toughen Greg up and get him to “go be active,” perhaps in an effort to keep his son from following in his own wimpy footsteps. Strong comedic performer and singer.
SUSAN HEFFLEY – Female-identifying, any ethnicity. Greg’s chipper, loving and overly supportive mother, Susan is a former pre-school teacher who is constantly looking for “teachable moments” with her boys. Though she always sees the best in her kids (sometimes blinding her to reality), she is also quick to become the household disciplinarian when necessary. Strong comedic performer and singer.
MANNY HEFFLEY – Impossibly adorable and spoiled baby brother of Greg and Rodrick. Manny enjoys exalted status as his parents dote on him and make constant excuses for his behavior. Strong comedic young performer of any gender to portray a toddler.
CHIRAG GUPTA – Male-identifying, South Asian descent. Greg’s quick-witted and wily classmate, who is enthusiastically engaged in a years-long prank battle with Greg. Strong comedic young performer with a powerful, unchanged singing voice. NOTE: Please make every effort to cast an actor of South Asian decent. The actor should speak with their natural accent. If it is not possible to cast an actor of South Asian descent, please cast any ethnicity and adopt the name Duane Higgins.
PATTY FARRELL – Female-identifying, any ethnicity. Ambitious, driven and overachieving classmate of Greg. Always out to best him at every turn since he poured glitter-glue down her back in second grade, Patty sees success as the only destination. Strong comedic young performer with a powerful singing voice.
FREGLEY – Male-identifying, any ethnicity. Greg’s deeply odd-ball classmate, who is sensitive to sugar and unapologetically interested in his own boogers. Strong comedic young performer with a powerful, unchanged singing voice.
BRYCE ANDERSON – Male-identifying, any ethnicity. Dreamboat classmate of Greg’s who enjoys unfettered adoration and popularity. Infamous for his cutting remarks and cute-butt status, Bryce has hit his growth-spurt early and presents as more mature than many of his peers. Strong comedic young performer and singer.
JOSHIE – Male or female-identifying, any ethnicity. European teen pop star and Rowley’s idol. A cross between a boy band star and KidzBop performer, Joshie is obviously manufactured to make responsibility sound cool to 6-8 year old girls. His or her motto: Follow your dreams and respect your parents! Strong comedic young performer and singer with pop chops.
CHRIS/CHRISTINE HOSEY and LIONEL/LEONA JAMES – Male or female-identifying, any ethnicity. Two of the most unpopular and nerdy kids in Middle School. Strong comedic young performers and singers.
PAULENE and YVETTE – Female-identifying, any ethnicity. Patty Farrell’s minions. They like what she likes and dislike whatever she dislikes – aka Greg. They are perfect in every way but always look up to Patty. Strong comedic young performers and singers.
CLAIRE – Female-identifying, any ethnicity. A Wednesday Addams-lite, goth-in-training middle schooler. Claire is the keeper of the lore of the Cheese Touch and takes it upon herself to make sure nobody starts the dreaded curse again. Strong comedic young performer and singer.
MRS. CLAYTON – Female-identifying, any ethnicity. Greg’s no-nonsense English teacher. Loves to host the Winter Talent Show every year.
FREGLEY’S MOM – A creepy, frail and occasionally terrifying elderly woman. She could be a ghost. Strong comedic performer and singer.
The following roles are to be played by members of the ensemble:
CREIGHTON THE CRETIN
VICE PRINCIPAL ROY
REPORTERS
STUDENTS
If doubling is desired, the same actor can play both MRS. CLAYTON and FREGLEY’S MOM.