Joni and Kathy Twitty's Thoughts:
We were so excited packing for one of the most unusual trips that we had ever taken.  We were on our way to find talent to cast in one of the greatest musicals that you will ever see.   Accompanied by our mother, Mickey, we caught an early flight to Los Angeles, which was to be our first stop on this 3 city tour.  Walking into the audition hall, we were so excited to hear people who would audition for the roles of Joni, Kathy and Loretta Lynn.   The hardest thing for us to imagine was that we would find someone who was worthy and talented enough to play our Dad, Conway Twitty.  After hearing many people audition for the parts, to our surprise, a young man sat down at the piano and started singing "It's Only Make Believe" and it sounded so much like Conway Twitty that our hearts skipped a beat.  We all looked at each other, not only with surprise, but also an emotion that caught us off guard. 

For two days we listened to a well diversified range of talent.  These performers were so well trained in both singing, as well as acting. On final call-back day, we heard dramatic readings, duet songs by Conway and Loretta and the young people trying out had picked up on the magic of the career of Conway Twitty.  They became as excited as we were.   Los Angeles offered us great hopes that this could be done; but, we knew it wouldn't stop here.  There was more to come. 

Next ,we arrived in Las Vegas. After a couple of days of gathering our thoughts over what we had just experienced in L.A., we were ready to go to a new audition hall to see what that area had to offer.  Vegas got off to a little slower start with some good talent but not what we were looking for.  Then, a couple of young women came who impressed us not only with their voices but with their dramatic dialog abilities.  They were quickly added to the list of favorites we had found in Los Angeles. Then, one of the most talented young men our ears had ever heard began to sing.  He not only could sing "It's Only Make Believe" to perfection but could sing anything he wanted.  He was so fantastic; we gave him a standing ovation.  It was like a voice superior to most.  We had now added another possibility of someone we could be very satisfied with and very proud to present as a Conway Twitty.  Call backs in Vegas were fun and exciting and oh my gosh, we could not believe the experience we were having.  This was great and our favorites' list was growing. 

Auditions in Vegas were over and our minds were spinning.  We had heard so much in such a short time, the excitement was overwhelming.  That afternoon, along with our director, Randy Johnson, we caught a plane back to Nashville where auditions would continue in two days. 

We were back in Nashville and news of the auditions was all over town.  Even radio and television stations were constantly talking about it and wanting interviews.  The excitement of the musical was spreading like wildfire throughout the music industry. Talent was getting the word and wanted to be a part of the magic that was in the air. 

When auditions began in Nashville, we were mesmerized as the talent began to perform.  We even had music executives who had dropped by the auditions, cancelling all afternoon appointments because they couldn't tear themselves away from what was happening.  Most all the people auditioning were exceptional and had experience performing. When they took the stage, their professionalism was apparent.  The country flavor that these young performers had in their souls was heartfelt. They captured the soul that Conway Twitty had in his music. 

One young man took the stage with his guitar and sang "It's Only Make Believe" and we could hear Conway Twitty as clear as we had ever heard him.  He was exceptional.  The tears filled our eyes as he sang his second song, "That's My Job".  This was one of the most powerful experiences we had had through this entire audition process.   He would definitely be added to our favorites' list. 

The males that auditioned were exceptional but no more so than the females who auditioned.  We had real treat when Loretta Lynn's granddaughter auditioned.  She blew us away with her vibrant personality, her ability to perform and her ability to touch our hearts as her grandmother had and continues to do.  

The song that brought the house down was when two of the performers teamed up and sang "Rainy Night in Georgia".  One sounded so much like Conway Twitty, and the other sounded so much like Sam Moore, that you wouldn't know that it wasn't them performing.   It was almost eerie.  Conway Twitty's presence was all over the room.

Overall, the three city audition tour was a tremendous success, and we're looking forward to the final casting and for rehearsals begin.  Most of all, we're looking forward to opening night when we can share this fantastic musical about the life of Conway Twitty and his 35 year career.  We're looking forward to seeing each one of you there because we know you will be able to share the same feelings that we have experienced when you hear this new generation capture the legacy of Conway Twitty.

                                  Joni & Kathy Twitty

Director Randy Johnson's Thoughts:
Casting in 3 cities at first glance was a bit daunting. I had so many thoughts, did we pick the right cities to do these auditions?, would we find the right people ? would anyone show up?

The answer was YES to all of the above, the auditions were such an incredible experience for everyone concerned. We had a blast - everyone who auditioned was amazing. The spirit of the auditions was extraordinary. Everyone sang and acted with passion, commitment, integrity and I believe had a good time as well - as we all did on the other side of the table too.

As a director I believe that auditions should be a supportive process where everyone who shows up is encouraged to do their best and have a good time. That is the only way to see the finest that the performer has to offer. Even those who are new in their career, some who have never auditioned before or some who haven't auditioned in a long time (and we had all of these) should be made to feel as if they are the best we have seen so far. Someday they might just be the next star - I have seen it happen more than once. We saw 12 year old performers and even an 80 year old performer. They all taught me something about the craft of performing and the spirit of the performer. They reminded me that everyone has a dream - that someday....it might just happen for them. I was so touched by all those who came to see us. All of you made me proud to be part of a community of truly committed artists across the country.

The day before the Nashville auditions I had the most amazing journey - I wanted to pay respect to the memory of Conway Twitty and stay in touch with what this is all about - The spirit of the man himself.  Mickey, Joni and George took me on a most touching pilgrimage.  I was taken to his final resting place where we all had a moment of silent prayer and then went on to the former Twitty City where we walked the grounds of that amazing and beautiful place.  I felt the presence of Conway Twitty with us in every breath and step taken .  I will never forget that extraordinary day.

Now as I prepare to review all those audition tapes and review everyone who auditioned one more time before making easy and difficult decisions - I am so grateful for the time spent with the hundreds who came to see us in all of the cities. I  look forward to living the shared adventure of the audition tour one more time and seeing the old and new friends made along the way.

A special thanks to all of those who helped us in all of the cities, the agents, the monitors, the pianists, our families, friends, the people at the audition venues, and even the taxi drivers - you all made it so special for us.  And finally to Conway Twitty - your spirit guided me once again.

More to come....Stay tuned!