REHAM, female, Syrian speaks Arabic concentrating on learning English. So much of Reham’s story is about the unique place this food establishment has occupied in the life of a new Canadian. Amongst the morning rush, there’s Reham, piecing together English phrases, beverage in hand. But there is something much larger at play, for Reham and every other customer in the story, this place offers a bit of sanctuary. A place to connect and to belong. REHAM shows strength, resilience and vulnerability.

BEN, elderly, can be female or male. BEN born and raised in his small east coast city. Early morning, enjoying his breakfast reading the paper, giving off a feeling of loneliness, weathered yet warm. Longing for connection in his smallest gestures. Shows care and tenderness to the recently immigrated REHAM.

ROUS an excited 7 year old Middle Eastern child, son of REHAM. (Ideally Syrian specifically). Able to speak English fluently, with some proficiency in Arabic. Can deliver a wide range of emotion/energy, from boisterous and excited to tender and thoughtful.

HAIDAR an independent Middle Eastern child (ideally Syrian specifically) age 4, plays independently. REHAM's youngest of two. Able to speak English fluently, with some proficiency in Arabic. Can deliver a wide range of emotion/energy, from boisterous and excited to tender and thoughtful.

Friendly EMPLOYEE of a food establishment. Pleasantly serving a REHAM. East Coast resident (or can pull off the nuances of an East Coast accent). Conveys a genuine sense of authenticity and warmth.

A DAD sits and watches his roughhousing kids. A man with a sense of kindness. East Coast resident (or can pull off the nuances of a East Coast accent). Conveys a sense of genuine friendliness.

COWORKER works with REHAM at a local factory. They are likely a floor foreman speaking to and directing other employees. Befriends REHAM in the break room. East Coast residents (or can pull off the nuances of an East Coast accent). Working class Canadian.

BEACH DAD watches his BEACH KIDS roughhouse on the beach. Kids being kids. Can deliver boisterous and excited energy, convey like they’re having fun well.

Realizes daughter has something nice shares a smile of acknowledgement with DAD. A multi-tasking mom of 3 with one of her twins on the hip. Projects loving warmth while conveying a profound sense of exhaustion/feeling overwhelmed and frazzled.

Realizes daughter has something nice shares a smile of acknowledgement with MOM. A busy family life for MOM & DAD. Projects loving warmth while conveying a profound sense of exhaustion/feeling overwhelmed and frazzled.

Fraternal or identical.

UNA (5) frizzy hair and beyond her years. Her curiosity keeps her busy. Any ethnicity. Should be able to convey a wide range of emotions, from: quietly contemplative, to hurt and confused, to curious, to sneaky and sly, to exciting, to loving.

Projects a feeling of warmth, caring, and kindness, but be able to communicate a sense of fun/playfulness/whimsy with a twinkle in their eye.

CAB DRIVER a local East Coaster, picks up REHAM and family and drives them to their new home in Canada. He speaks to them full of kindness unknowingly that they do not understand his English. East Coast resident (or can pull off the nuances of a East Coast accent). Conveys a sense working class Canadian, genuine friendliness.

Doug Spade (Game Show Host) Age: Late 40’s – Mid 50’s - Gender: Male Demeanor: Doug has a bit of salt/pepper hair, and very expressionistic face. Doug is an incredibly witty, charismatic, and eccentric 70’s era game show host. A bit boisterous, overconfident, and very knowledgeable. Think Bill Hader (from SNL) crossed with Eugene Levy (SCTV) or Keegan-Michael Key. Being a gameshow host, Doug dresses in quirky green suit (wardrobe provided). Open to all ethnicities, diversity encouraged.

Ivy (Contestant):?Age: Early 30’s - Gender: Female Demeanor: Ivy has a bubbly personality, a bit eccentric, happy go-lucky. She likes the limelight, she is often quick to respond, uninhibited. Think Drew Barrymore on her talk show, Kelly Clarkson or Awkwafina. Ivy likes to dress in bright fun colours. Open to all ethnicities, diversity encouraged.

Daisy (Contestant): Age: Mid 30’s - Gender: Female Demeanor: Daisy has a warm approachable personality. She is happy and confident in herself and doesn’t shy away from a challenge. She is quick-witted and put together. sHe’s a DIYer, self sufficient. Think Tina Fey on weekend update or Maya Rudolph (SNL). Daisy likes to dress more casual but with some sophistication. Open to all ethnicities, diversity encouraged.

Bud (Contestant): Age: Early 40’s - Gender: Male Demeanor: Bud is a fun-loving fellow, with a large personality. He is a bit rough around the edges, he is unapologetically sure of himself – but is usually wrong. Think Kevin James (King of queens) or Kenan Thompson. Bud likes to dress very casual – almost like a handyman. Open to all ethnicities, diversity encouraged.

Ash (Contestant): Age: Mid 30’s - Gender: Male Demeanor: Ash is a little nerdy, doesn’t take himself too seriously, a bit sarcastic. He is a bit of an outsider, and likes a good joke. Think Howard Walowitz (Big Bang Theory) or Bowen Yang (SNL). Ash likes to dress nerdy, think Steve Jobs and turtle necks, pocket protectors. Open to all ethnicities, diversity encouraged.

LEAD - LYNN: Female 30s. Lynn arrives in her wheelchair at a fancy restaurant. Unbeknownst to the staff she is also an influential food critic. Wardrobe - Smart Casual with sneakers. Later changes into dressy shoes.