This fall, The Old Globe will present the world premiere of the musical “Begin Again,” the story of a struggling young singer who unexpectedly gets her big break at an open-mic night in New York City.
To bring authenticity to the musical, which runs Sept. 6 through Oct. 11 on the Globe’s Shiley Stage, the Globe is now recruiting San Diego-area singers and musicians who will re-create onstage the atmosphere and excitement of performing at an open-mic-style event.
“Begin Again is a story about second chances, creative connection and the power of music to change lives,” said “Begin Again” director Lorin Latarro, in a statement. “The musical begins with a single voice at an open mic — someone unknown, stepping into the light and changing everything — and it felt only right that we honor that spirit here in San Diego by giving local artists that same moment before our very first curtain. We’re thrilled to open our doors to the singers, songwriters, and musicians who make this city’s music scene so alive, and to have them be the first thing our audiences experience as we begin this musical’s journey to Broadway.”
The Globe is now accepting submission from local performers who will be chosen to perform one song before each performance of the “Begin Again” run (they will not be part of the musical’s cast). The Globe is also recruiting performers for Begin Again: San Diego Sessions, an open-mic-style concert at 7 p.m. July 20 on the Globe’s outdoor Copley Plaza. Admission to the Sessions concert is free.
So far, 70 local artists have applied for the chance to perform. The deadline for sign-ups is this Friday. Those chosen will be notified by July 14.
Applicants must be 18 to enter and be solo artists or duos. The performances will feature live vocals with handheld acoustic instruments. Bands, drum kits and explicit lyrics are not permitted. Each artist chosen will perform one song with a maximum length of four minutes. For more information on submission details, visit theoldglobe.org/begin-again-san-diego-sessions.
The “Begin Again” musical is based on a 2013 movie of the same name by Irish filmmaker John Carney, who is best known for his musician-themed film and stage musical “Once.”
“Begin Again” takes place in New York City, where record producer Dan is on the brink of burnout when he encounters the talented and unsigned young singer Gretta performing at an open-mic night. He’s hoping for a professional comeback and she’s heartbroken after a breakup. Together, Dan and Gretta collaborate on new music that helps them both pick up the pieces of their lives.
The musical features a book by Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy, which music and lyrics by Train, choreography by David Neumann, direction by Lorin Latarro and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Brian Usifer.