Overview
A Play With Music
Set in the heart of Seattle’s Central District to the rhythms that shaped a generation, THE BOY WHO KISSED THE SKY, is inspired by the early life and influences of Seattle native and musical icon Jimi Hendrix. The early era of rock ‘n roll music sets the stage as a young Black boy conjures his creativity as a budding guitarist. Guided by the spirit of music itself, the boy learns to find harmony inside the challenging noises of his life. Told with vibrant music and daring imagination, this play inspires us to dream big when it matters most.
Casting & Production
Casting
CHARACTER LIST (3F, 4M)
THE BOY— African-American. Male.
J SONIC— African-American. Male. A spirit and the bandleader of The Feedback, an acting/singing chorus, and accompanying band.
THE FEEDBACK – The shape-shifting acting ensemble.
1 — Portrays MEL. African-American. Male. The Boy’s father, lean, confident, hard working, not without his demons. ALSO: Neighbor 1, Grandpa, Muddy Waters
2— Portrays DONNA. African-American. Female. The Boy’s mother, a free spirit, adventurous, unable to sit still, not without her demons. ALSO: Neighbor 2, Grandma
3 — Portrays MRS. NEWTON. African-American. Female. Well-intentioned nosy neighbor. ALSO: Vaudeville Performer A, Koko Taylor, Local Band member
4— Portrays PERSON WITH THE CLIPBOARD 1. White. Male. ALSO: Producer, Army Recruiter 1, Local band member, A Voice
5 — Portrays PERSON WITH THE CLIPBOARD 2. White. Female. ALSO: Vaudeville Performer B, Army Recruiter 2, Music Professor Dr. Murphy, Voice
Setting:
Seattle, WA, Late 1950s-1960
Production Notes
Music Materials:
Required sheet music and performance tracks are provided digitally with all licenses to perform The Boy Who Kissed the Sky.
From the Playwright
This is a mythology, not a biography, heavily influenced by Seattle’s most famous son but also all the other kids who dream in static. This ain’t nobody’s jukebox musical, nobody’s bio-play, this is one star out of an infinite galaxy of stories.
Reviews
“An engrossing experience… moving and prophetic.”
— The Boston Globe
“An engaging celebration of Black joy and resilience…The perfect summer excursion for young theatre audiences.”
— WERS
“This highly theatrical play by Idris Goodwin celebrates all the young artists who follow their muse.”
— Creative Loafing
