Daughter of the Waves
a musical by Eileen Connolly
1941. Ireland.
1941. After smuggling Jewish refugees out of Nazi Europe, an Irish traveling troupe of performers struggles to stay afloat. While fearing an imminent Nazi invasion, this eclectic family discovers that while the casualties of war and the sorrows of life can crush you, only the healing powers of forgiveness can save you.
DAUGHTER OF THE WAVES blends the spectacles of dance, aerial, and circus arts into a traditional drama – and since it’s set in Ireland, this drama has plenty of humor.The show includes a variety of traditional Irish music, 1940s radio music, classical compositions, as well as original reels and songs.
“a richly layered and moving play”
— TalkinBroadway.com
As the troupe rehearses a new production, their frequently drunk clown has mysteriously disappeared, insomniac ballerinas scan the waves for hidden German U-boats, a shadowy presence keeps turning on the wireless radio, and a soup-making Krakow survivor searches for the secret ingredient to heal the broken heart.
spectacle:
DAUGHTER OF THE WAVES seamlessly integrates dance, aerial, circus arts, and live music into the play’s dramatic action.
Daughter of the Waves is based on the true story of Jewish refugees who were smuggled into neutral Ireland during WWII, where many hid within the country's many traveling shows. Their contributions to the circus arts changed this art form forever.
music:
The musical score is a celebration of traditional Irish music, big band radio music from yesteryear, classic piano compositions, as well as original reels and songs.
Have a listen.
Recorded in New York City. Produced by Eli Zoller. Featuring the talents of Broadway performers Leenya Rideout, Eli Zollar, and Ciaran Sheehan, joined by Annalisa Chamberlin, Christina Durst, Molly Brog, and Simone Tetrault.
“It is a real strength of the play that each of these courageous acts is presented without a lot of bombast, despite the always-present fear and underlying sadness.”
— Talkin’ Broadway
dance:
Irish step-dancing, ballet, tap and swing!
The world may fall apart… but Love will always put it back together again.
circus:
all the clowns, contortionists, acrobats, and aerialists you crave.
“It is in the shelter of each other that people live.”
--IRISH PROVERB
characters:
(6 female / 6 male)
BYRNE - Irish manager of a traveling show; Ean’s mother.
EAN - Irish-Romani boxer. (Could be cast as Black/Hispanic.)
CHERRIE - Irish starlet of the traveling show.
LIAM - former soldier from Northern Ireland, now a performer in the troupe.
ANASTAZY - Polish refugee, and the troupe’s cook.
SAOIRSE - Irish woman who fled her abusive husband and joined the circus.
BIRDIE - Irish step dancer and the company’s nurse / mechanic.
FERGUS - Irish aerial choreographer and trainer.
HILARIOUS - Irish musician and clown, a boozer, and also a ghost.
HANS - German refugee, gymnast and aerialist.
LULU - French refugee, aerialist and dancer. (Could be cast with a Black actor.)
IRINA - Russian refugee, prima ballerina.
developmental history:
DAUGHTER OF THE WAVES began as a collaboration between Writer/Director Eileen Connolly and ZFX Flying Choreographer Sean Roschman.
Their goal was to fully integrate dancers and aerialists directly into the play’s action instead of using them as a side attraction. All characters needed to sing, dance, play a musical instrument, and/or perform a circus act. The cast also needed to be multi-national, with characters from: Ireland, France, Poland, Germany and Russia.
Resident Artists at NYU
Theater for a New City / Dream Up Festival
The New York Musical Theatre Festival
Professional Music Recording, NYC
Theater for a New City / Dream Up Festival production.
Cast: Connie Rotunda, Andhy Mendez, Christopher Austen, Jay Goldenberg, Gina Costigan, Nick Cianfrogna, Molly Brog, Christina Durst, Stephanie Fournier, Nikki Nasto, Megan Hornaday, Nolan McKee, Skylar Volpe.
Dance & Aerial Choreography: Sean Roschman. Director: Eileen Connolly
New York Musical Theatre Festival / developmental reading.
Cast: Leenya Rideout, Ciaran Sheehan, John Duddy, Annalisa Chamberlin, Jay Goldenberg, Christina Durst, Molly Kate Brog, Simone Tetrault, Nick Cianfrogna, Jonah Kramer, and Eli Zoller. Narrator: Gina Costigan
Dramaturg: Lynn Spector; Music Director: Eli Zoller; Musicians: Leenya Rideout and Eli Zoller; Director: Eileen Connolly
Script samples.
thanks.
Jean & Albert Nerken Endowment,
The Anna Sosenko Assist Trust,
Michael Connolly,
The Handler Family,
Silvia Saponaro, whose gorgeous photos grace this page,
our generous Kickstarter donors who clothed the actors and furnished the set,
NYU & NYCDA who gave us the space to create,
all the talented performers and interns who have contributed to our process thus far,
Eli Zoller, Barry McNabb, Patrick Porter, Ruth Nerken for their brilliant script feedback,
and our superb dramaturg Lynn Spector for setting us on the path.
