Check out our new YouTube Channel for the latest music and videos from Swing Sisters The Musical!

Synopsis

Conceived by: Lynnette Barkley

Book: Lynnette Barkley / Terry Berliner
Lyrics: Lynnette Barkley / Coty Cockrell
Music: Coty Cockrell w/additional songs by Tony DeSare

Swing Sisters is an original musical inspired by the barrier-breaking-bad-ass women musicians of the swing era who gave up everything in order to play their music. The story highlights an all-girl, multi-racial band and features an exuberant jazz score. It focuses on the adventures of a diverse array of complex female characters from three generations who turn out to be connected in the most unexpected ways.

In San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, circa 1943, we meet a spirited musician, Olivia DuPree, who is searching for her voice and her place in the world. Olivia, along with her quirky best friend Cookie, defies convention and dives into the unpredictable world of Jazz. In a world that says “women don’t belong on the bandstand,” these fearless “swing sisters” come to understand how the power of music and the bonds of sisterhood can change everything. One young woman’s passion can clear the path for generations of those who follow in her footsteps.

It’s been said that music chooses you, not the other way around. Olivia’s destiny is to make music regardless of the obstacles in her way. Backed by the support of her fellow musicians, she learns to believe in herself and follow her passion. Ultimately, that makes her powerful in a world where she is otherwise powerless.

“Music is my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”
– Maya Angelou

Developed, in part, at the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat 2014.
Contact: lynnettebarkley@gmail.com

Character Breakdown

10 (6 women, 4 men)

OLIVIA DUPREE (Age range: 20-30) Leading lady – mixed race: A swing-era firecracker with passion and drive. Olivia’s a diamond-in-the-rough who doesn’t always think before she speaks. Caught between what she’s expected to do and what she aspires to be, she dives head-first into the unpredictable world of jazz. (Alto/Mezzo)

DORA MAE WILLIAMS (Age range: 35-55) The International Sisters of Swing band-leader – a fierce woman in charge. Holding on to a long-held secret, this survivor must learn to relinquish her need to control or risk losing everything. (High Mezzo)

GABRIEL TAYLOR JONES (Age range: 35-55) The Band’s business manager. A former bad boy out to make up for his reckless behavior. He and Dora Mae have a past. (High Baritone/Tenor).

ERNASTINE (“COOKIE”) COOKE (Age range: 17-22) Olivia’s best friend and youngest member of the “Sisters of Swing.” A loveable lunatic who lives life to the fullest. She speaks in jazz slang but doesn’t always get it right. (Soprano w/a mixed belt)

THE GIRLS IN THE BAND* (Age range: 18-30) An array of impassioned young women musicians fighting for their place in the music world. All must sing and act. (The following three women sing a variety of 3-part harmonies reminiscent of The Andrews Sisters. Ideally, belt/low soprano, a mezzo & a high mezzo)

CHRISTINA (BABY TINA) HUNTER +others Big heart and personality. Outspoken and funny. Any ethnicity.

BETTY ROGERS +others “The white girl” of the multi-racial band – open and friendly but a bit flighty

PALOMA CORTEZ +others No-nonsense Latin spitfire – street smart and skeptical.

BILLY GEE (Any age/ethnicity) Olivia’s mentor. A funny and wise jazz pianist who has seen it all. (Baritone)

CHARLIE +others (Age 20-30) Olivia’s fiance – any ethnicity. An earnest young soldier about to be shipped out. (High bass)

TOMMY (Any gender/age) Bouncer at a dive jazz club + multiple (fe)male roles.

The Team

Lynnette Barkley

(Conceived by/Book/Lyrics) Lynnette has directed and developed a myriad of plays and musicals from...

Coty Cockrell

(Music/Lyrics) Described as a “modern-day Renaissance man”, Coty Cockrell brings to SWING SISTERS a...

Terry Berliner

(Co-book writer) is a New York City-based director and writer. She is currently serving...

Tony DeSare

(Music/Lyrics) From performing arts centers to jazz clubs from headlining with Don Rickles in...

Lenora Helm

(Consultant – women in jazz) Chicago native Lenora Helm Hammonds is an educator, jazz...

The Music

Check out our new YouTube Channel for the latest music and videos from Swing Sisters The Musical!

Things You Should Know

	is a completely original story inspired by an obituary in the New York Times.
	highlights an all-girl, multi-racial band, during the swing era, and features a kick-ass original jazz score composed by critically acclaimed jazz singer/songwriter Tony DeSare.
	features an array of diverse, complex female characters from three generations, who all happen to be connected in the most unusual way.
	is set primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, a location steeped in jazz and swing music history.
	‘ themes are universal: 1) the power of music, family and friendship to overcome adversity 2) the importance of finding one’s own unique voice in music and in life 3) the significance of one young woman’s passion that clears the path for generations of those who follow in her footsteps.