WHO: Woodie King Jr.'s New Federal Theatre

SEEKING: Actors for COOL BLUES

“A Play in 4 Movements”. 1955. B, an African American jazz musician, is so renowned and innovative that he only needs a single initial to identify him. We join him as he shows up unannounced to spend a fateful weekend in the apartment of Baroness Alexandra Isabella von Templeton (Xan), one of the world's richest women. His manner and his mood-shifts are as mercurial as his music, his talent at deception and self-defense as agile as his ability to charm. Questions of loyalty, love, privilege and friendship are probed as the ghosts of B's past and present demand answers. Xan vows to protect him at all costs, even if it means ignoring the advice of the doctor summoned to attend to him. Does B want to be saved? Can he be? Has he come to recuperate from recent disastrous events in order to soar into the world again, or has the burden of being a cutting-edge spirit in the war against conformity and racial prejudice taken its ultimate toll?

B:
African American man, 40-60. Innovative jazz musician. Ravaged by drugs. A wince of pain accompanied by a groan may be substituted for his cough.

Kid Welpool:
African American man, 30-35. Jazz pianist. Has had electro-shock treatments. We are never sure of Kid’s demeanor. Is it taciturn, cool, brooding, or some deeper psychosis? His silences are like monologues. After the 1st Movement, he exists only in B’s mind. His appearances/entrances and disappearances/exits should reflect this.

Mother:
African American woman, 60-70. B’s Mother. Humbled, supportive and unpretentious, yet a bit smoothing. She is in B's memory, and appears distinctly — and less so — at various times.

Chim:
Caucasian woman, early 30s. B’s wife. He considers her to be the hippest white woman he has met. She is also in B's memory, and appears distinctly — and less so — at various times.

Xan:
British-born Caucasian woman, 40-55. Born in wealth. Called “Xan” by B; everybody else, out of fear and respect, calls her “Baroness” (Baroness Alexandra Isabella von Templeton). Fourth-generation member of one of the richest banking families in the world. Baroness by marriage. Her manner of dress is simple, expensive.

Doctor / Others:
Caucasian man, 40-55. The Baroness’s private doctor. Affluent, yet apathetic and insensible at times. Resides in the same apartment building where Xan lives. Actor also portrays other roles, including Producer, Hotel Manager and Announcer.

WHEN: EPAs: 1/31 and 2/1/11. 1st reh: 2/15/11. Runs 3/10-4/3 (W-F @ 7:30, Sa/Su @ 3, Sa @ 8) at Henry Street Settlement’s Abrons Arts Center/Recital Hall in lower Manhattan.

PAY: Showcase-NY Seasonal. $2,265 project stipend.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit headshot and resume to LEvans912@aol.com.