PARROTS AT THE PAGODA (Musical Workshop Production)

Pregones/PRTT (New York, NY)
 

CONTRACT:
AEA NYC Off-Broadway LOA

($600 week + health & pension)

VENUE:
Pregones Theater (Bronx, NY)

 

ARTISTIC TEAM:

Pregones/PRTT Artistic Director: Rosalba Rolón
Director & Writer: Jorge B. Merced
Music Director: Desmar Guevara
Additional Music: Ricardo Pons
Casting: Bass/Valle Casting
Casting Director: Gama Valle

AUDITION DATES:
AUD: 4/3/24 & 4/4/24 (in person by appointment only)
CB: 4/5/24
 

PRODUCTION DATES:
FIRST REHEARSAL: 5/20/24
OPENING: 6/20/24
CLOSING: 6/29/24

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS: (preferred)

Please complete the form in the link below by 03/15/24 for an opportunity to audition in person. The Bass/Valle Casting team will be reviewing all digital submissions.

Link to submission form:
https://airtable.com/appqMQFzdpOdS2luO/shrXDHScqoCVJHIRl

NOTES:
Bass/Valle Casting encourages people of all races, ages, ethnicities, abilities and gender identities to apply.

SYNOPSIS:
Three parrots perched atop the roof of a pagoda at the end of the times, debate about magic, clarity and purpose. To prove their differing points of view, they summon the ghost of the first Puerto Rican drag artist from the 1930's. The production is a drag origin story inspired by the life and works of Johnny Rodríguez, standout musician, pioneering drag artist and entrepreneur, owner of legendary El Cotorrito Club in Puerto Rico, and brother to Tito “El Inolvidable” Rodríguez.
 

SEEKING:

All performers should be comfortable singing in Spanish.

We’re looking to put together a company of fabulous Queer Latiné performers, but open to all actors who feel a connection with the material and the characters.
 

JÍNGUILI - a seasoned singing parrot at the end of times, any gender identity, late 20s to late 30s, Latiné. Proud owner of an impressive singing voice and acting skills. Famous for their ability to perform women roles with remarkable ease. Cheerful and humorous, they believe clarity is the only answer to their world's imminent doom. They also portray two women characters throughout the play: SARA (a working class Puerto Rican young woman from the late 1930's), and DOÑA FELA (inspired by Doña Felisa Rincón de Gautier - first woman Mayor of San Juan, and long-time friend to JOHNNY.)
 

JÓNGOLO - a nerdy singing parrot, any gender identity, mid 20’s to mid 30’s, Latiné. Counterpart and best friend to JÍNGUILI, with equal performing talents. They are serious, no nonsense and always truthful. An ardent believer in magic, they orchestrate the summoning of the ghost of Johnny Rodríguez. They portray two men characters in the play: TEDDY (Johnny's friend and fellow street musician), and TITO RODRÍGUEZ (Johnny's famous younger brother, remembered for being one of the greatest Puerto Rican crooners of all times.)
 

JÚNGULU - a baby-faced singing parrot at the end of times, any gender identity, 18 to mid 20’s, Latiné. Blessed with a spectacular singing voice, they believe they are a Puerto Rican crooner from the 1940's and 50's. They believe purpose is the only quality that can save their dying world. But they also seek to master the more warrior-like angles of their magic. They play JUAN (the younger version of the ghost of musician Johnny Rodríguez), CARMEN MIRANDA and DOÑA FELA (imitating JÍNGUILI's portrayal of the first woman Mayor of San Juan.)
 

JOHNNY - Male-Identifying, early 40s to 80s, Latiné. The ghost or imagined memory of Puerto Rican composer and singer Johnny Rodríguez. He appears as a man in his late 80's, with his legendary wit and quick temper. A musical genius credited with composing over 200 songs, and for being a pioneer of trio music. He was also a consummate drag performer who first introduced drag to his live performances in the 1930's. Johnny lived his life as closeted gay man,yet he founded Puerto Rico's most notorious drag cabaret in 1959 - El Cotorrito, which ran for 20 years.
 

JONGO - Male-Identifying, any age, Latiné. A fiery mambo dancer. A handsome and skilled Circus presenter and singing diva of sorts. A long-time friend of JÍNGUILI & JÓNGOLO, he enjoys being caught up in their adventures, as long as they don't interfere with his beauty rest and naps. He loves his voice and adores flirting with everyone, especially with an audience. He also plays CHAGO (a character inspired by Johnny's real life-partner.)

UPCOMING PROJECTS:

-More details coming soon!

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