Call Me From The Grave – Concert (new work)

CASTING CALL: Call Me From The Grave – Concert Production @ Napa Arts Festival
Produced by: Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

Join us in our development process of a new work!

Executive & Artistic Director: Lawrence Daufenbach
Associate Director: Katie Joy Daufenbach
Music and Lyrics: Charlie Romano
Book/Concert Director: Harold Hodge Jr.
Location: Local rehearsal in Chicago or NYC, full cast rehearsal in Napa, CA, performance in Napa, CA
Format: Concert-style presentation of selections from the new musical

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Call Me from the Grave tells the story of blues legend Robert Johnson and his legendary deal with the Devil at the Mississippi Crossroads. With a soul-infused score, the show explores themes of legacy, family, and redemption.

SYNOPSIS:

Call Me From The Grave explores the life and myth of the legendary Blues guitar player, Robert Johnson. In Greenwood, Mississippi, a young sharecropper, Robert, dreams of becoming a Bluesman. When his loving girlfriend, Virginia, becomes pregnant, Robert puts his dreams on hold to build a life and a family with her. However, Robert’s life comes crashing down when Virginia dies of complications in childbirth and their newborn son is taken into the exclusive custody of her unapproving father. Feeling he has failed as a husband, father, and a musician, Robert is at his lowest when he is approached by the Devil. Robert exchanges his soul for the music career he has always dreamt of, on the condition that he never returns home. As the years go by, Robert gains all the fame and renown that he is promised. However, after learning that the people he loves are in need back home, Robert must choose between his fame and his family.

SEEKING:
Black actors and singers with strong vocal and storytelling abilities. The majority of roles are still open, and we especially encourage submissions for the following principal characters:

Robert Johnson (Tenor/High Baritone) – Age: Teens–20s  CASTED

The Devil (High Baritone/Tenor) – Male, Age: 40-60

Virginia Travis (Mezzo/Soprano) – Female, Age: Teens

Julia Spencer (Mezzo/Soprano) – Female, Age: 40s

Sarah Travis (Alto) – Female Age: Teens CASTED

Ensemble Female  – Gospel and blues singers of all vocal ranges

Ensemble Male – Gospel and blues singers of all vocal ranges
This will be a concert version of the show — a chance to showcase the music and storytelling of this groundbreaking new work in front of a live audience.

REHEARSALS: Week of July 14-16, 2025 (in Chicago or NYC, pending where you are based), July 20 and 21 with full cast in Napa

TRAVEL: July 20, 2025, return July 23, 2025

PERFORMANCE: July 22, 2025 @ Napa Arts Festival