So, I got this picture from my sister who is traveling in Europe. She snapped this shot of a marquee in London of "Dick Whittington and His Cat" and said she thought of me.
I have often heard that this Pantomime (play) about the man who was thrice elected Lord Mayor of London (all due to his wonderful cat) has been presented in some form or another since 1605 -- and is particularly popular at Christmas time. I have no idea why the story would be popular at Christmas time, but it is a rags to riches tale and is hopeful and upbeat. Could that be the reason? Or it was just traditionally presented at that time? Who knows?
Can't help wondering what this London version is like. Is it a MUSICAL? Does it have the traditional STOCK PLAYERS reminiscent of the Old English Pantomime when the play had its beginnings? Does it involve AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION? Do they have a SING-ALONG? Now I am so curious!
I had such a great experience writing my version of this story. My research led me on such adventures that I had to title the production "The Adventures of Dick Whittington." One of the songs that was such fun to write was the song for the Ship Captain "Over the Briny Sea." The sailor boys who sang it in the show loved it because they thought it was a pirate song. That's okay. I suppose sea-faring men of all sympathies sang sea chanties while they worked.
This is such a great story. I am glad it is still popular 400 years later!
Can't help wondering what this London version is like. Is it a MUSICAL? Does it have the traditional STOCK PLAYERS reminiscent of the Old English Pantomime when the play had its beginnings? Does it involve AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION? Do they have a SING-ALONG? Now I am so curious!
I had such a great experience writing my version of this story. My research led me on such adventures that I had to title the production "The Adventures of Dick Whittington." One of the songs that was such fun to write was the song for the Ship Captain "Over the Briny Sea." The sailor boys who sang it in the show loved it because they thought it was a pirate song. That's okay. I suppose sea-faring men of all sympathies sang sea chanties while they worked.
This is such a great story. I am glad it is still popular 400 years later!
Yesterday after writing the above, I gave in to my curiosity and read up a little about this particular London production of "Dick Whittington and His Cat." From the reviews and the posted pictures, I am no longer curious about this show. It is a musical. They put new lyrics to popular songs and hyped up the dancing. They even adapted and used one of the rap-style "Hamilton" songs in the show. From the pictures you could tell that the show was spectacular in its costumes, scenery and effects, however I imagine that it had no moral values represented whatsoever!
I am happy that I write for children's theater and adapt the stories to reflect and promote character values. Kind of sickens my stomach to think that this story that I love so much was presented in such a base and garish way.
I am happy that I write for children's theater and adapt the stories to reflect and promote character values. Kind of sickens my stomach to think that this story that I love so much was presented in such a base and garish way.
RSS Feed