THE TALE OF MURASAKI THE MUSICAL - Staged Reading Non Equity Auditions

SEEKING: (Note: Setting is Heian Japan [approx. 794-1185]; characters are of Asian descent. Ages are approximations.) MURASAKI SHIKIBU Female, 20s, restrained romantic writer. A quirky and impressionable wife of Nobutaka under the tutelege of Sei. Her “mannish” hobbies and idealistic views of love single her out for ridicule. Slowly matures as she dives deeper into her story. Versatile soprano from G below middle C to F# (belt/mix). GENJI HIKARU Male, 20s, main character in Murasaki’s story The Tale of Genji. Manly, charming, and flirtatious, he lets his passion override his reason. He is deeply in love with Fujitsubo but is married to Aoi. Good friends with Toshikata and Koremitsu. Bari-tenor with a clear falsetto up to G. FUJITSUBO Female, 20s, future Empress and Genji’s and love interest. A reflection of Murasaki’s predicament and personality. She is young, demure, and a faithful believer in Buddhism. She wavers in her feelings towards Genji but believe duty comes before desire. Lyrical soprano. ROKUJO / SEI Female, 30s+, “middle-aged” histrionic High Priestess. Though she is a respected religious figure, her actions contradict her teachings. She has a scandalous affair with Genji and succumbs to her cravings. Operatic soprano with a high Bb. Doubles as head wife Sei. AOI / AKIKO Female, 20s, Genji’s pregnant wife and Toshikata’s brother. She is the “perfect woman” by Heian standards: beautiful, docile, and from a respectable family. Her pride and haughtiness only protect her delicate interior. Mezzo down to F below middle C. Doubles as Akiko in ensemble. TOSHIKATA / NOBUTAKA Male, 20s+, Genji’s best friend and Aoi’s brother. He is a foil to Genji: boorish & misogynistic but with interesting insight. Representation of Murasaki’s inner feelings on the Heian male attitude. His malapropism and ignorance is a source of comedy. Tenor. Doubles as Nobutaka. KOREMITSU Male, 20s, attendant to Genji. Sarcastic, quick-witted, and easily annoyed. Always at odds with Toshikata and intentionally pushes his buttons. He is the “inner voice” of Murasaki, saying everything she wishes she could say in real life. Baritone. SANESUKE Male, 20s, attendant to Toshikata. Tall, fit, and very strong. He's a loyal guard and does his master's bidding without question. Skilled in marital arts - not so much intellectual arts - but has a kind spirit. Foil to Koremitsu. Bass. ENSEMBLE (2 women, 1 man) 18-30s+, Male and female ensemble to play consorts, noblemen, apprentices, governors, and others. --- NYC auditions will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 by appointment (location TBA). Seeking submissions from both Equity/Union and non-equity/non-union actors for this production, but no union contract is currently planned. Union performers should check with their union before accepting any work.

Send photo/resume to: muramyumonogatari[at]gmail[dot]com Subject: MURAMYU reading submission (Submission Deadline: 11/5/12) Visit: http://muramyu.blc-iii.com/ for more information Please prepare 2 contrasting legit contemporary selections (Adam Guettel, Stephen Sondheim, Flaherty/Ahrens, etc.) that show off vocal range, technique, and acting prowess. Must be comfortable with contemporary rhythms. Please bring your book. Additional material will be furnished upon contact.