Cerulean Blue - by Drew Hayden Taylor (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Cerulean Blue is a comedic play about a struggling blues band invited to participate in a benefit concert for a First Nation community in conflict with governmental authorities. Upon arriving, the band discovers the entire lineup of musical acts has cancelled and they're left trapped behind barricades. Complicating the matter, there is conflict within the band and the sudden appearance of an old girlfriend makes the event even more perilous.

This play is an homage to fast-moving farces while also addressing Aboriginal issues. Cerulean Blue deals with relationships, perceptions, politics, and what to do when you discover you've been dating your first cousin. Add a few spoonfuls of original blues music, and you've got a fun-filled evening.

The play was written for a large ensemble cast, which makes it ideal for musical theatre departments in high schools and colleges - every student can play a part. An original musical score by Andrew Clemens will be available for download from Talonbooks.com.

Cast of ten women and ten men.

Review Quotes

"An off-the-chart comedy ... a great combination of theatre and music." - Ryerson Folio

"An off-the-chart comedy ... Not only was the acting on point, but the musical talent was as well. ... I walked away smiling from ear to ear. ... an amazing show that gave me goose bumps, warmed my heart, and left me laughing right until the very end. ... There were moments when I felt as though I was disturbing the cast by laughing so hard in the front row. I had to cover my face with my program to calm myself down. ... The musical performances were on the same level as the fantastic acting: impeccable. Each member of the band played their own instruments and sang their own vocals live. It was a great combination of theatre and music. I got to enjoy a great production as well as a killer concert."
- Ryerson Folio

About the Author

Ojibway writer Drew Hayden Taylor, hailed by the Montreal Gazette as one of Canada's leading Native dramatists, writes for the screen as well as the stage and contributes regularly to North American Native periodicals and national newspapers. His plays have garnered many prestigious awards, and his beguiling and perceptive storytelling style has enthralled audiences in Canada, the United States, and Germany. Although based near Toronto, Taylor has travelled extensively throughout North America, honouring requests to read from his work and attend arts festivals, workshops, and productions of his plays. One of his most established bodies of work includes what he calls the Blues Quartet, an ongoing, outrageous, and often farcical examination of Native and non-Native stereotypes.

Among Taylor's many awards are the Canada Council Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award for Theatre (2009); the Governor General's Award for Drama, Nominee (2006) In a World Created by a Drunken God; the Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, Nominee (2005); James Buller Aboriginal Theatre Award for Playwright of the Year (1997) Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth; and the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play, Small Theatre Division (1996) Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth.