Distant Thunder
2019 Festival Showcase
Number of Acts: 2
Number of Principals (Male): 6
Number of Principals (Female): 5
Preferred Ensemble Size: 4
Total Cast Size: 16
Orchestra Breakdown:
Keyboards, Bass, Guitar, Percussion, and two Native musicians who drum/sing vocables, and powwow dance
Casting Notes:
In the tradition of Native Voices at the Autry, we are very passionate about casting artists with Indigenous heritage.
Genre & Style:
While this falls into the dramatic category, there is a tremendous amount of Native humor and joy present in the story and music. Humor is how Native people have endured and survived our collective history.
Development History
1. Native Voices Playwright’s Retreat and Festival of New Plays
Year – 2012
Location – Native Voices at the Autry, Los Angeles
Type – 1-week writers workshop focusing on the book (with 1 reading for a combined Native/non-Native audience)
2. Amas Musical Theatre Readings
Year – 2013/2016
Location – Amas Musical Theatre, New York
Type – 29-hour reading focusing on the music (with 3 performances for the general public)
3. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Year – 2017
Location – Ashland, OR
Type – Green Show, Concert Reading for general public.
Black Swan Lab
4. Amas Musical Theatre “Dare to be Different” Series
Year – 2018
Location – A.R.T., NYC
Type – Extended Staged Reading