Auditions for JONQUIL

Tokyo International Players is excited to present the English-language premier of JONQUIL: THE LEGEND OF LOVE AND THE TURNING SEASONS with book and lyrics by Saori Gonoi; music by Ko Kamakura, Takachika Ehara, Mion Nazakura, and Saori Gonoi; translated and directed by Jazlaan Karshis

Do you know why the seasons change? Well, hidden within the answer is a most legendary love story that will whisk you from the Surface World, up to Olympus, down to the Underworld, and back again! All your favorite Greek gods make an appearance, including Hades, Persephone, Demeter, Hecate, Zeus, and more. And don’t forget everyone’s favorite three-headed-dog! Originally written and performed in Japanese by Tokyo-based community theater group FUNFAIR, JONQUIL has been fully translated into English. JONQUIL is proof that musical theater in Tokyo is thriving! 

WHAT TO PREPARE

• A contemporary, comedic monologue of 1-2 minutes, and

• A short excerpt (16-32 bars or one minute) from your favorite Disney- or fairy tale-inspired song

Choose something that inspires you and shows off your personality. Have fun with it! Your monologue and song should both be memorized; you may choose to sing a capella or with prerecorded accompaniment. You may be asked to do some simple vocal exercises to demonstrate vocal range. You will also be sent a digital liability waiver and general questionnaire so you can tell us about your theater/performance background and rehearsal availability.

AUDITION DATES (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

If interested in auditioning, please email the casting director at auditions@tokyoplayers.org to request a timeslot during one of the available audition sessions:

SESSION 1: Monday, June 15th (7pm-10pm) 

SESSION 2: Wednesday, June 17th (7pm-10pm)

SESSION 3: Thursday, June 18th (7pm-10pm)

CALLBACKS (BY INVITATION ONLY)

Sunday, June 21st (5:30pm-8:30pm)

PERFORMANCE DATES

October 22-25, 2026 (actors must also be available for tech/dress rehearsals on October 20-21)

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Preliminary table work will take place in early July, with regular rehearsals beginning shortly thereafter. Rehearsals from July through September will be two weekday evenings along with one weekend afternoon or evening per week, with an additional weekend rehearsal added in October. Rehearsals will take place at Our Space in Hatagaya and other rehearsal spaces around central Tokyo.

AUDITION VENUE

Our Space in Hatagaya (5 minutes from Shinjuku on the Keio New Line)

HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Email the casting director at auditions@tokyoplayers.org with your preferred audition date (SESSION 1, 2, or 3). Appointments will be scheduled in 10-minute increments over each session.

CASTING BREAKDOWN

We are seeking talented performers for the following roles:

CORA  (F, mezzo/soprano)

The Goddess of Flowers who dreams of finding a new home in a world different from her own, but knows that leaving would bring disastrous results to the Surface World she loves so much. Bright and cheery, with an adventurous spirit. 

HADES (M, baritone)

Develops a crush on Cora after hearing about her from the deceased who pass through his Kingdom, the Underworld. A pessimist who lacks self confidence, with a pure heart. 

VENUS (F, mezzo/soprano)

The Goddess of Love who spends her days meddling with affairs of the heart. Acts as both a narrator and cupid throughout the story. Confident, playful, and just a bit psycho.

DEMETER (F, mezzo/soprano)

The Goddess of Fertility and Cora’s mother, whose love for Earth and its people is only outshined by the love she has for her daughter. Powerful and quick to anger. (Doubles as ENSEMBLE).

ZEUS (F/M, baritone)

Ruler of all the Gods. The only thing he loves more than women is wine! Cocky, Never serious, and usually drunk. But can be serious when needed. (Doubles as ENSEMBLE).

HERMES (F/M)

Zeus’ right hand man. Will do anything for Zeus, even if he hates it. Pompous but well meaning. (Doubles as ENSEMBLE).

HECATE (F, mezzo/soprano)

Hades’ right hand woman and caretaker of Sir/Burr/Ross. Kind and loving.

SIR (F/M)

The disrespected leader of the pack who wants nothing more than the master’s approval. A stickler for the rules. (Doubles as OLIVE)

BURR (F, alto)

The cutest member of the pack, whose favorite pastime is bickering with Sir. Vain and shallow but a true friend. (Doubles as SIBYL) 

ROSS (F)

The socialite of the pack who loves to party and is a self-proclaimed life coach and love expert! Fun and Positive. (Doubles as VIOLA)

OLIVE (F/M)

Cora’s first and longest-living Flower Spirit, becoming somewhat of an older sibling to her. Caring, and quick to remind Cora of her duties. (Doubles as SIR)

SIBYL (F, alto)

A revered oracle who speaks the words of Demeter to the humans living on the surface world. Loyal and Resolute in her beliefs. (Doubles as BURR)

VIOLA (F)

Cora’s newest Flower Spirit, just born into the world, becoming a little sister to her and Olive. Innocent and Naive, but excited to learn. (Doubles as ROSS)

ENSEMBLE

Flower Spirits, Demons, Living Humans, Dead Humans, and Dying Humans.

HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Email the casting director at auditions@tokyoplayers.org with your preferred audition date (SESSION 1, 2, or 3). Appointments will be scheduled in 10-minute increments over each session.