Nightingale
by Overtime Theater
Nov. 12 (2017)
Inspired by the story “The Nightingale” by Hans Christian Anderson: The Emperor of China learns that one of the most beautiful things in his empire is the song of the nightingale. When he orders the nightingale brought to him, a kitchen maid (the only one at court who knows of its whereabouts) leads the court to a nearby forest, where the nightingale agrees to appear at court, where it remains as the Emperor's favorite. When the Emperor is given a bejeweled mechanical bird he loses interest in the real nightingale, who returns to the forest. The mechanical bird eventually breaks down; and the Emperor is taken deathly ill a few years later. The real nightingale learns of the Emperor's condition and returns to the palace; whereupon Death is so moved by the nightingale's song that he allows the Emperor to live.
In our story, it’s the Nightingale who’s fallen ill. Luther is the owner of the Cauldron, a live music venue with a history of producing stars. His wife, Penny Virtue must retire from being his lead act after getting sick. When Ayla makes her debut at the Cauldron, Luther quickly becomes enamored with her and her voice which bears a striking resemblance to Penny’s, especially when Ayla sings the blues.
Audition Notice for: The Nightingale, a musical drama
Date: 12 Nov 2016
Time: 3 pm - 6 pm
Roles being cast:
Ayla, the new act at the club: 20-30
Penny Virtue, Luther’s wife, retiring act 30-40
Luther Virtue, owner of The Cauldron, 40-60
Nate, the club manager 20-40
Mike: Nat’s Brother
John: Bartender at the Caldron
Background singer #4: One of “The Guilty Pleasures” with a larger role.
Ensemble: Guilty Pleasures (back up singers in the Caldron), club/bar patrons
Please bring a song to sing acapella, or or with accompaniment provided by you, on your phone or however you like. Preferably blues, jazz or soul. Also cold reads from the script.
Show dates: 30 Mar - 22 April 2018
Rehearsals Mon-Thurs evenings some weekends TBA at The Overtime Theater starting Feb 19th
Cast Album: We are hoping to record a cast album to be sold during the run of the show, so recording will be done from Dec 2017 - Feb 2018, dates TBA dependent on personal schedules
