SONGS OF A NEW AGE by Martin Coslett and David Lewis Based on the Victorian Novel "Stephan Langton" by Martin Tupper of Albury, Surrey: The story of Stephen Langton, a 13th Century Hero, the Statesman who persuaded King John to sign the Magna Carta SYNOPSIS The musical follows the life of Stephen Langton, who was Archbishop of Canterbury at the time of the Magna Carta. It begins with the battle of church versus state in a previous era - the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket by the King's men. Twenty years later, in a Surrey village the show traces the relationship between the young Stephen and Alice, his girlfriend. When Alice is brutally beaten by Prince John's men, Stephen believes her to be dead and vows revenge upon John and his tyrannical ways. He devotes himself to the church and flees to France. Alice recovers however, and is slowly brought back to health by nuns and similarly devotes herself to "God’s work". Stephen, as an up and coming religious leader achieves "the ear" of the Pope, and with the help of powerful papal influence, totally against the wishes of King John and his "yes-men", eventually becomes Archbishop of Canterbury. Despite many obstacles, Stephen returns to England and Alice. He reaffirms his vow to overthrow John and free England from his evil power. With the help of the Barons a charter is prepared. This becomes the Magna Carta and is Stephen Langton's greatest achievement. CASTING - Total Cast 25+ Principals • STEPHEN LANGTON (Tenor) - a difficult and large part, demanding a good actor and singer required to show all levels of emotion. Needs to age from early twenties to an old man. Vocal Range:C to C (2 octaves) • ALICE (Mezzo- Soprano) - Stephen's love. A fairly straight part of medium size with four ballad type songs. Also needs to age. Vocal Range: G below middle C to E at top of treble clef. • PRINCE/KING JOHN (Baritone) - The "heavy" of the show required to be a nasty piece of work. Needs a loud, dominant but in the end sensitive performance. • POPE (Bass) - A dominating, angry but majestic character. Vocal Range:D below bass clef to D above. Supporting Roles: • Fawkes de Breaute (John's man) (B/Baritone) • William Marshal (Baron ) (Baritone) - powerful old knight • John de Grey (Bishop) (Bass) • The Prior (B/Baritone) • The Nuns (4 or more) (Altos / Sopranos) • Abbess (Alto) • Soothsayer - The King's fool Peter De Pomfret (of Pontefract?) - devil's advocate (fortune teller/mad Jester - the polar opposite to the Prior) • Fontneuf - a French Herald (Baritone) -sings Letter from France) • The Serfs (3 + extra 'people') (Tenor/Bass/Soprano) • The Barons (3) (Tenors/Bass) • The Bishops/Monks (3) (Tenor / Bass) 2 comics - friends of the Prior with mixed loyalties. • John's Men (Baritone & Bass) • Peasants and People (Mixed voices)
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