Wakeman
2025 Festival
For More Information Contact
Seth Glewen, sglewen@gersh.com, 212-634-8124
Number of Acts: 2
Number of Principals (Trans / GNC): 1
Preferred Ensemble Size: 11
Total Cast Size: 12
Orchestra Breakdown:
Drums, Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Piano/Organ, plus Auxilary: Banjo, Fiddle, Harmonica, Viola, or Cello.
Casting Notes:
The principle character is a women presenting as a man. Hence the pronouns in the script are both she/her AND he/him. However, the character can also be referred to as they/them. In casting the principle, the actor can identify as either a woman or trans, with trans, gender queer, or gender curious preferred. This show is focused on the historical Union soldier Wakeman and their journey to self acceptance. The Civil War, and the institution of slavery that ignited it, touched all parts of American life and its legacy continues to shape our present. However, the war in this iteration of the story serves as a container for Wakeman
Genre & Style:
Americana folk-rock
Synopsis
Wakeman is a folk-rock Americana musical inspired by the incredible true story of Union soldier Sarah Rosetta Wakeman (alias Lyons Wakeman). With powerful lyrics, rich harmonies, and unforgettable melodies, this deeply human story and stirring journey of self-discovery will captivate theater and music lovers alike.
Development History
Wakeman (fka Rosetta Project) was recently a selection in Village Theatre’s Festival of New Musicals, and was developed as part of the Circle in the Square Theatre School’s Emerging Writers Residency. Other development took place at Bridgetown Conservatory in Portland, Oregon, Tower Theatre Foundation in Bend, Oregon, and at Lewis & Clark and Reed Colleges with Dr. Jenna Tamimi.
Wakeman was developed at Village Theatre in Issaquah and Everett, WA Adam Immerwahr, Artistic Director
Wakeman was developed in part at the Circle in the Square Professional Theatre Workshop, as part of the CITSPTW Emerging Writers Residency
Developed in collaboration with the Tower Theatre Foundation, Bend, Oregon, with further development by Harmony France
Wakeman was inspired by an idea conceived with Jasper Grant