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YSIA - a play with music
Synopsis
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 the family of choice.
Cast
Ysia 25-35, black or multiracial, singer, old soul
James 65-75, lead guitar, white, British, caustic wit
Tommy 65-75, keyboard, any race, leader of band, skeptic
Esther 60-70, black, bassist, lesbian, outspoken
Marcus 65-75, drummer, any race, hard of hearing
Bret 30-40, producer/manager, Tommy's son
Lady 60-70, neighbor, any race, uptight
Young Al/Jason/Security 25-35, any race
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 a rock band so involves actor/musicians and how they interact to create their music. In production it will be followed by a brief rock concert of the songs the band creates during the play. The set can be as simple as a basement studio and music equipment can be reconfigured for the concert after the play.