Character Breakdown
SPUNK
SYNOPSIS:
Spunk, written by Zora Neale Hurston in 1935, is an early American play
with music crafted from text adapted from her 1925 short story
alongside the music of the Black South. This music is based on Hurston’s
vast recordings of folk tunes, spirituals, and hymns from her cultural
anthropology work in rural towns, work sites, chain gangs, and places of
worship and leisure. Set in an all-Black town in Florida in the 1930’s,
Spunk tells the story of a tall handsome guitar-playing stranger, who
comes to town looking for work. When he falls in love with Lina, who is
already married, the laws of man, the power of hoodoo and divinity of
love all collide in this fable about the triumph of love over evil.
NB: This production is not the 1989 George C. Wolfe play of the same name, based on three Hurston short stories.
SEEKING:
An ensemble of singer/multi-instrumentalists described below as well as
understudies for all roles. Some tracks also require strong movers
including Tap. The sound is gospel, folk blues (John Lee Hooker, Robert
Johnson, Sun House) and work songs of the Black American South. There is
flexibility within the character tracks for what instruments may be
played. Looking for Guitar, Banjo, Violin/Fiddle, Upright Bass/Washtub
Bass. Harmonica, Hand Drums (Cajon/Box Drum/Djembe), and auxiliary
Percussion (Washboard, Spoons) are also welcome.
Spunk: Mid 20s-30s,
Black, Male. Plays guitar. Sings. A newcomer to town, he is "tree-top
tall" and able to tame the circle saw at the Mill with his singing and
guitar playing alone. Described as “a giant of a man”, who is “scared of
nothing,” Spunk immediately wins over the women in the town with his
magnetic presence and good looks, and the respect and admiration of the
men, with his integrity and charisma. Ideally a Bari-tenor;
authoritative vocal quality; the role has flexibility between
Baritone/Tenor.
Evalina: Mid 20s-30s, Black, Female. Sings. Light
Guitar. Married to Jim but finds her true love in the charismatic Spunk.
She’s strong-willed and tries to do right by everyone, and herself.
Soprano/Mezzo Soprano: Clear/Crystalline Sound. Strong harmony. Good
mover.
Ruby: Late 20s-30s, Black, Female. Sings and harmonizes.
Desperately wants a partner and is the first to try to woo Spunk when he
arrives in town. She is a little older than the other unmarried women
of the town. Mezzo/Soprano-Alto. Strong harmony/strong mover. Doesn't
need to play an instrument.
Jim Bishop, As-cast: Late 20s-30s, Black,
Male. Evalina’s husband and Hodge Bishop’s son. He lacks his father’s
power but depends on his influence in the town. Impulsive, proud. Slight
build and stature — in comparison to Spunk. Additional roles as-cast
require tuneful singing mostly with the community; a distinctive voice
would be welcome. Strong mover.
Mrs. Watson: 50s-60s, Black, Female.
Strong singer. Gospel inflections. Big Belt/ Strong sense of rhythm.
Comfortable with Rhythm Instruments. Most importantly a "large voice"
that can command the room/community. Mrs. Watson is an Elder of the
town. She teases and challenges the young folk freely, incites the
partying, and commands respect. Open to vocal part. Most important a
"large voice" that can command and lead the community.
Hodge Bishop,
As-cast: 50s-60s, Black, Male. Jim Bishop’s father, town Elder,
spiritual leader and conjure man. He holds considerable power and
influence. Uses hoodoo to seek revenge on Spunk. Does not need to sing
solos but may participate in community singing. Dance background useful.
Admiral,
As-cast: 30s-40s, Black, Male. Townsperson who owns a leaky boat he
tries to sell rides in. A bit of a hustler. Needs to sing and harmonize.
Percussion skills helpful. Ideally plays string bass or low brass
instrument. Useful if strong mover. May also understudy HODGE BISHOP or
another role.
Nunkie, As-cast: 20s-40s, Black, Male. Townsperson and
part of the railroad spiking gang. Talks a big game. Likes to tease
Ruby. Doubles as Nixon, who leads the convict’s work songs. Sings and
harmonizes. Baritone or Bass preferred. Useful if he plays and
instrument. Strong mover. May also understudy.
Blue Trout, As-cast:
20s, Black, Male. Townsperson and part of the railroad crew. One of the
youngest. Not the sharpest tool in the shed. Sings and harmonizes;
ideally a multi-instrumentalist. Strong mover including tap. May also
understudy.
Willie Joe, As-cast: 20s-30s, Black, Male. He is a bit of
a ladies man. Riles up Jim. Ideally plays an instrument. Harmonica
skills helpful but not required. Doubles as Singing Liner, who sets the
pace of the railroad crew with the rhythm of songs he sings. Background
singing a capella preferred. Good relative pitch. Townsperson and
community song leader. May also understudy.
Oral, As-cast: 20s-40s,
Black, Male. Hard working, quick witted, good natured, big joker. In
love with Maggie Mae. Sings; good relative pitch/harmonize/useful if he
plays an instrument; Excellent dancer including strong Tap. May also
understudy.
Daisy, As-cast: 20s-30s, Black, Female. Townsperson.
Sings and harmonizes. Open to vocal part, though Soprano and instrument
ability ideal. Strong mover. May also understudy EVALINA or another
role.
Teazie, As-cast: 20s-30s, Black, Female. Townsperson. Good
natured but tells it like it is. Sings and harmonizes. Open to vocal
part though alto ideal. Useful if she plays an instrument. Strong
dancer. May also understudy RUBY or another role.
Maggie Mae,
As-cast: 20s-30s, Black, Female. Townsperson. Sings and harmonizes.
Useful if she plays an instrument. Excellent dancer, also Tap. May also
understudy.
Boss, As-cast: 30-50s, White, Male. Oversees the men
working on the railroad line and the chain gang. Does not need to sing
solos but may participate in ensemble singing.
