Distant Thunder
2019 Festival Showcase
Number of Acts: 2
Number of Principals (Male): 6
Number of Principals (Female): 6
Preferred Ensemble Size: 5
Total Cast Size: 17
Orchestra Breakdown:
Native percussion, Native flute, flute, clarinet, two violins, cello, trumpet, trombone, piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, rock drums
Casting Notes:
two children (young Darrell and Dorothy), a predominantly Native American cast, 3 ensemble members must be able to sing Native vocables and play instruments
Genre & Style:
While it is primarily a drama, there is so much comedy embedded in the show.
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 Lab Series
Year – 2013
Location – Amas Musical Theatre, New York
Type – 29-hour reading focusing on the music (with 3 performances for the general public)
3. Amas Musical Theater Lab Series
Year – 2016
Location – Amas Musical Theatre, New York
Type – 29-hour reading with the purpose of presenting Distant Thunder to the Seminole Nation and other potential partners
4. Oregon Shakespeare Festival Green Show
Year – 2017
Type – 2 day rehearsal and concert presentation
5. Amas Musical Theater Lab Series
Year – 2019
Location – Amas Musical Theater, NY
Type – Workshop to present to NY/Regional producers (including Michael Baron, AD of Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma)