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YSIA - a play about making music
YSIA - a play with music
CONCERT READING OCTOBER 17&18
FINE ARTS BUILDING, Chicago, IL
FREE EVENT - Tickets available HERE
Can you ever really relive past glory? In Chicago in the present, an aging group of former rockers reunite, but their lead singer Aloysius has died. Fulfilling Al's last wish, granddaughter Ysia joins the group, uncovers their painful past, relaunches them to fame, and redefines her family of choice.
YSIA is a play in two acts followed by a brief rock concert. For the concert reading, the actors will use scripts and sing the music.
This concert reading is supported in part by a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)
Cast
Directed by Josh Leeper
HERE'S THE CAST
Ysia - Elizabeth Maria Smith
James - Rob Nowak
Tommy - Jerry Marzullo
Esther - Valencia Bey
Marcus - John Blackwell
Bret - Jacob Herr
Lady - Denise Smolarek
Young Al/Security - André Robinson
Listen to Songs from YSIA
TRADING PLACES - Ysia's first song with the band. Elizabeth Marie Smith sings this heart-felt rock ballad composed and performed by Curtis Powell. (c) 2025
FAMILY OF CHOSEN - Tommy finds his true family of choice with the band in this rocker sung by Chris Powell, composed by Curtis Powell (c) 2025
Production Notes
YSIA highlights the human dynamics and messy process of making music. It's not a musical, it's a play about acceptance and inclusion, musicians and how they interact to create their music. In production it's followed by a brief rock concert of the songs the band has created during the play. The set can be as simple as a basement studio with music equipment reconfigured for the concert after the play.