The first ever, Broadway-style musical ever written by a Bermudian is to be staged at the Daylesford theatre at the end of May.

Joan of Arc, written by lawyer Warren Cabral and English composer James Burn, tells the story of the fifteenth century French heroine and subsequent saint who, at the age of 19, was burned at the stake for heresy by the occupying English during the Hundred Years' War. She was canonised in 1920.

Now, Mr. Cabral, who will be directing the show, is appealing for actors and singers to attend the auditions which will be held this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"This will be an opportunity for Bermudians to put their stamp on a new show which has never been produced before. It's very exciting. Essentially, it is a world premiere, and the people who get involved the first time around will shape the way the show will be staged from now on,'' says Mr. Cabral. "I hope as many people as possible will come along to the auditions as there are parts for men and women of all ages and vocal ranges. The music is contemporary and there's a blend of styles in it, so there should be something for everyone.'' He emphasises that, although the production is to be staged by the BMDS, non-members are welcome to attend the auditions.

"Casting for the show will be without regard to race. We are concentrating on singing and acting ability and we hope that anyone who is interested in a part, will come along,'' says Mr. Cabral.

For the former Rhodes scholar, Joan of Arc is his most ambitious theatrical venture yet. He has, however, already gained prominence in local theatre circles for his three one-act plays -- Good Friday, A Family Affair, and Forever Yours, which have also been staged to general acclaim, at Daylesford.

In 1992, he authored the annual Christmas pantomime, Sinbad the Sailor.

Mr. Cabral met the composer, James Burn, through connections at Oxford University, where both attended St. Edmund Hall -- although several years separated them.

"We corresponded on the project for about six months and then James visited Bermuda last year, when we were able to increase the pace of writing. All in all, it has taken about two years to bring the show to production,'' he says.

Last October, a `preview' of Act I was presented in concert format at Daylesford: "We gave the audience a questionnaire afterwards, and the response was very favourable,'' says Mr. Cabral.

Joan of Arc has been conceived as a narrated musical biography, with much of the dialogue being sung. There are about 20 songs, including several large chorus numbers. The music will be delivered by three keyboards played live from the sound booth. "It is very tuneful music,'' stresses Mr. Cabral.

Arduous historical research was undertaken by the author, using biographies of Joan of Arc: "I deliberately stayed clear of any plays written on the subject -- for example, St. Joan, by George Bernard Shaw, so as not to be influenced.

I then wrote the `book', the structure of the show, setting out how the scenes are ordered, who says what when, and so forth.'' Mr. Cabral describes the approach to the production as being an abstract of the mediaeval, with costumes suggestive of the period, set in spectacular light and surround-sound.

"We have a great musical director in Gaynor Gallant, as well as expert advice and experience on the staging of the show from Richard Fell, who will be the assistant director.'' Joan of Arc will be staged at Daylesford from May 26 through June 4.

Auditioners should prepare a song of their own choosing and bring the sheet music to the audition. Audition pieces are available now from Daylesford.

Auditions will take place on Friday, March 11, from 6.30 to 9 p.m., Saturday, March 12 from 2 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Daylesford is located at the corner of Dundonald and Washington Streets in Hamilton.

Warren Cabral: local playwright and director.