In my experience with Children's Theater casting calls, the overwhelming majority of applicants are females. Also in my experience, these talented and often-times well-trained dancer/singer/actresses are vying for the same one or two prominent roles in the play. How heart-breaking it is, also, when the pretty little girls are asked to play male lead roles because not enough boys showed up for auditions or because there simply were not enough good roles for girls in that production. Knowing this predicament, I have constantly been on the lookout for stories that could be adapted to feature five or more strong female leads in important roles.
"Parizade's Quest" is just such a story. The play opens with a story teller (female) reciting her story to a master storyteller (male). He gives her some pointers and tells her he would like her to start over again but this time they will try out the story on "these good people here" (audience). The audience dutifully applauds to give encouragement, and Jamileh begins again. Master Ghalandar promises to be with her and lend support throughout the retelling. In fact he, he inserts more than Jamileh actually expects -- "Why not, it is an unexpected twist. You want to lead the audience on adventures in the mind and just when they think they know what to expect --- you surprise them!"
"Parizade's Quest" is just such a story. The play opens with a story teller (female) reciting her story to a master storyteller (male). He gives her some pointers and tells her he would like her to start over again but this time they will try out the story on "these good people here" (audience). The audience dutifully applauds to give encouragement, and Jamileh begins again. Master Ghalandar promises to be with her and lend support throughout the retelling. In fact he, he inserts more than Jamileh actually expects -- "Why not, it is an unexpected twist. You want to lead the audience on adventures in the mind and just when they think they know what to expect --- you surprise them!"
The character of Jamileh, the storyteller, however, goes on to control the entire story including jumping in to play other characters to move the plot along. The actress for this part needed many skills, not to mention having a great memory. Because she was included in nearly every scene, she had no choice but to have the entire show memorized. Fortunately, just such a talent appeared for auditions. Ellie Geslison gave a stellar performance as Jamileh, the storyteller, the Gypsy dancer and fortune teller, the Old Woman, and was the glue that held the whole production together. She is quite the triple threat -- a beautiful singer, actress and dancer and she even learned some tap dancing (new skill) in order to do the Finale.
Kudos to Ellie for her talent and grace. Thanks for lending such elegance to this premier performance of "Parizade's Quest!"
Kudos to Ellie for her talent and grace. Thanks for lending such elegance to this premier performance of "Parizade's Quest!"
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