Classic Tales with a Musical TwistLeisure and Cultural Services Department2016/17 School Performing Arts in Practice Scheme ( Classic Tales with a Musical Twist English Musical Theatre in Practice Project )
Musical Theatre is a form of theatre combining music, songs, spoken dialogue and dance. Also known as “musicals”, they are performed all around the world in different venues, from Broadway and West End theatres, on international tours, to local community theatres and schools. This popular art form is both entertaining and artistically challenging.
Classic Tales with a Musical Twist is a comprehensive musical theatre education project for primary and secondary schools. On completion of the yearlong training, The Princess and the Magic Pea, The Musical Adventures of Oliver Twist, “Gems from Musical Tales” will be produced and performed by students through the collaboration among schools and theatres professionals.
1. Musical Theatre Programme
The Princess and the Magic Pea
(for primary schools with some musical theatre production experience)
This is a tuneful musical comedy version of the charming Hans Christian Andersen classic about Prince Peter’s search for a ‘true princess’. The Kingdom can only remain free so long as there is a royal King and Queen on the throne. But only a ‘true princess’ will feel the magic pea through a bed piled high with mattress upon mattress. In addition to these other problems, a wicked witch is lurking in the forest, hoping to capture the throne for herself. Young audiences will delight to the antics of the jester as he accompanies Prince Peter on his search. The comical Witch Zelda and her cronies add to the fun, especially when Witch Zelda tries to pass herself off as a ’true princess’.
The Musical Adventures of Oliver Twist
(for Secondary schools with some musical theatre production experience)
Delight with all of the engaging characters from this family favorite: the Artful Dodger, Fagin, the menacing Bill Sikes, the kind-hearted Nancy and, of course, Oliver. The audience will love journeying with our hero as he becomes entangled in a scenario of mystery, thievery and vengeance. When Oliver’s true identity is discovered, he finds a home filled with bliss with his benefactor, Mr. Brownlow. This zestful show is enriched with an original score, exciting dances and beloved classic tale. Come along and enjoy The Musical Adventures of Oliver Twist!
2. Song & Dance Programme
Gems from Musical Tales
(for primary and secondary schools with no/less musical theatre production experience)
Gems from Musical Tales is a mini-musical comprised of a series non-stop song-and-dance numbers, selected from award-winning Broadway and movie musicals adapted from beloved classic tales. The programme will be educational and entertaining to showcase the influence of musical theatre in the world of arts. Suitable for primary and secondary school students, it takes the performers and audiences a tour with a variety of music and dance styles of many Broadway musicals. Performers from the two selected primary schools and one secondary school will be performing songs from musicals such as The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Beauty and the Beast, Once On This Island, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, The Ugly Ducklings, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Pinocchio, A Christmas Carol, and many more.