Cosi

Lewis Riley struggles to hold down a job and feels directionless in life. He searches for a purpose that might give his days structure and meaning. This personal instability sets the stage for his next risky opportunity.

Lewis applies for a position as director and drama teacher at a mental hospital. The goal is to develop programming that can engage the inmates and showcase their abilities. This job would force him to take responsibility and manage real consequences.

During auditions, Roy, a manic-depressive inmate, overwhelms Lewis with his intensity and demands. He uses the process to push his own agenda rather than judging talent. The moment reveals the power dynamic that will shape the show.

Roy takes control of the casting and selects six inmates for the show. His choices reveal his vision and his hold over the others. Lewis is left to work with people who arrive with complicated histories.

Ruth is introduced as a suicidal woman whose audition features a dejected rendition of 'I'm So Excited'. Her emotional state adds a tense undercurrent to the cast. The group begins to coalesce around her fragile performance.

Cherry is cast, described as a woman prone to false claims of sexual harassment who lusts after Lewis. Her presence introduces potential conflict and boundary-testing within the group. The casting emphasizes the show's volatile dynamics.

Julie is cast as the recovering drug addict who is the only one who can actually sing. Her talent stands out amid a mismatched group, raising hopes for a successful performance. The others eye her with a mix of envy and dependence.

Doug is cast as the cat-burning pyromaniac, a disturbing detail that foreshadows darker impulses in the inmate cast. His presence promises chaotic energy in rehearsals. The show will be a battleground of control and danger.

Henry is portrayed as completely submissive to Roy, highlighting the power imbalance within the group. His submission suggests how Roy wields influence over the auditions and the project. The dynamic hints at possible trouble in the future.

Zac is the accordion player who aspires to perform Ride of the Valkyries while wearing a horned Viking helmet. His ambition reflects the show's theatrical, large-scale ambitions. The eccentric cast members promise a bizarre but memorable production.