BlackPoet Ventures: Auditions: A Tribute To Donny Hathaway
Auditions: A Tribute To Donny Hathaway
BlackPoet Ventures presents | Season 5 Opener
Winners Have Yet To Be Announced: A Tribute To Donny Hathaway
Adapted by Leah Marché from poems by Ed Pavlic
Stage / Adult; No Nudity
Director: Rod Ambrose
Choreographer: TBA
Musical Director: TBA
Audition date: September 1 @ 6pm
(if interested in Donny role early auditions August 28th and 30th)
Callback date: September 3 @ 6pm
Audition venue: Provided at time of appointment
Contact: 480-398-0719; email headshot & resume
Rehearsals begin: September 7
Run dates: October 15-18
Synopsis:
Adapted from the creative writings of Ed Pavlic's "Winners Have Yet To Be Announced: A Song For Donny Hathaway," the Donny Hathaway Project tells the musician's story – in part by an interviewer who searches to find out more about the short-lived and obscure talent – as he struggles with his archenemy Mr. Soul and his angelic muse. Amid his depression and paranoia, he takes us to the ghetto, to church and to his roots as he shares his philosophies on life, the world, love and music. The production speaks to finding inner strength to soar above our troubles and to create a soundtrack that inspires us to keep 'falling up.'
Character Breakdown:
Donny Hathaway (able to play early 30s): The central character. This role consists of singing and playing the piano in addition to speaking/acting parts.
Mr Soul (able to play early 30s): Serving as narrator, Donny's archenemy is a chain smoker and he wears a 'thick, black raincoat' even when the sun is shining.
The Angel (able to play 20s-30s): Donny's muse who, while even at his lowest, she lets him know he has a 'fine voice' and that people will flock to him. This role has movement/dance associated with it.
Mrs. Hathaway (able to play 40s-60s): The wife of Donny who has witnessed all the ups and downs of his life and career. She offers insight into the man she loved and that others came to love.
Musician 1 / Musician 2: Both characters give their experiences with Donny as they learned to be in awe of and scared of him at the same time. The male roles may require being actual musicians.
Female Fan / Male Fan (able to play 30s-60s): Both characters reminisce about the time they saw Donny perform live. These roles also will include original spoken word performances.
Man from Carr Square (able to play 50s-60s): From Donny's hometown, this neighbor tells of a young and gifted Donny.
Prepare:
Cold reads from script, but you may prepare a monologue. Vocalists - prepare a Donny Hathaway song. Dancers - prepare movement to a Donny Hathaway song of your choice. Poets - prepare a spoken word piece in tribute to the musician; can be a rough draft.
* * *
Band roles include: Guitar Player, Bassman, Drummer, Congas Player, Horn Player(s)
Individuals also sought for technical crew, set design/construction.
Winners Have Yet To Be Announced: A Tribute To Donny Hathaway
Adapted by Leah Marché from poems by Ed Pavlic
Stage / Adult; No Nudity
Director: Rod Ambrose
Choreographer: TBA
Musical Director: TBA
Audition date: September 1 @ 6pm
(if interested in Donny role early auditions August 28th and 30th)
Callback date: September 3 @ 6pm
Audition venue: Provided at time of appointment
Contact: 480-398-0719; email headshot & resume
Rehearsals begin: September 7
Run dates: October 15-18
Synopsis:
Adapted from the creative writings of Ed Pavlic's "Winners Have Yet To Be Announced: A Song For Donny Hathaway," the Donny Hathaway Project tells the musician's story – in part by an interviewer who searches to find out more about the short-lived and obscure talent – as he struggles with his archenemy Mr. Soul and his angelic muse. Amid his depression and paranoia, he takes us to the ghetto, to church and to his roots as he shares his philosophies on life, the world, love and music. The production speaks to finding inner strength to soar above our troubles and to create a soundtrack that inspires us to keep 'falling up.'
Character Breakdown:
Donny Hathaway (able to play early 30s): The central character. This role consists of singing and playing the piano in addition to speaking/acting parts.
Mr Soul (able to play early 30s): Serving as narrator, Donny's archenemy is a chain smoker and he wears a 'thick, black raincoat' even when the sun is shining.
The Angel (able to play 20s-30s): Donny's muse who, while even at his lowest, she lets him know he has a 'fine voice' and that people will flock to him. This role has movement/dance associated with it.
Mrs. Hathaway (able to play 40s-60s): The wife of Donny who has witnessed all the ups and downs of his life and career. She offers insight into the man she loved and that others came to love.
Musician 1 / Musician 2: Both characters give their experiences with Donny as they learned to be in awe of and scared of him at the same time. The male roles may require being actual musicians.
Female Fan / Male Fan (able to play 30s-60s): Both characters reminisce about the time they saw Donny perform live. These roles also will include original spoken word performances.
Man from Carr Square (able to play 50s-60s): From Donny's hometown, this neighbor tells of a young and gifted Donny.
Prepare:
Cold reads from script, but you may prepare a monologue. Vocalists - prepare a Donny Hathaway song. Dancers - prepare movement to a Donny Hathaway song of your choice. Poets - prepare a spoken word piece in tribute to the musician; can be a rough draft.
* * *
Band roles include: Guitar Player, Bassman, Drummer, Congas Player, Horn Player(s)
Individuals also sought for technical crew, set design/construction.
