"The Adventures of Dick Whittington" is a retelling in musical form of an Old English Pantomime. Just spent the morning relocating old m4a audio files of this show I wrote to be produced in 2016.
As I look back, I realize that this musical was fun to write not just because it was based on tried and true material, but because I also knew the talents of the children who would likely audition to be part of the show. The oldest of these students had already been in shows I had directed for four years. And some of the younger ones were siblings of the older ones and couldn't wait to start their acting careers.
As I look back, I realize that this musical was fun to write not just because it was based on tried and true material, but because I also knew the talents of the children who would likely audition to be part of the show. The oldest of these students had already been in shows I had directed for four years. And some of the younger ones were siblings of the older ones and couldn't wait to start their acting careers.
Though, I did not know for certain that I would cast the show in any particular way, I knew that I had options. I knew that I could expect the boys who would be perfect to play the Captain, and Dick, and the twins who had such comic stage presence. I knew the vocal ranges of the two potential lead girl characters and that they could carry the heavy line load. I knew these were strong actors/singers who could play multiple roles well.
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But there were some definite risks and unknowns.
For example, in Old English Pantomime, there are certain Stock Players that were well defined and expected. One was the "Dame." This character was usually played by a exceedingly fat man exaggerating a comic/villain female character with garish make-up and wearing outrageous wig. I had to hope I could convince one of these young girls to play this role. The beautiful, thin actress we cast agreed to wear a fat suit and play the part -- but it was awkward for her to get used to doing the things she needed to to get the laughs!
| There was one girl who, bless her heart, had auditioned to be in my shows for many years. She was a good little mover and actor, but alas, she really couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. So, I could never cast her in a leading part that required a good singing voice. Turns out that she was perfect for the role of Dick's famous "Cat." She did a great job and stole the show and she got the last and most prominent curtain call at the end! |  |
The "Balladeers" in this show had to be very strong actors singers and dancers and able to deliver comedy. They had to make quick changes to play multiple roles and good timing to hold the continuity of the show together. They also had to be confident enough to lead the audience in the sing-alongs! So glad we had six students with great presence to do these roles!
And then there were the adorable little "Mice." In Old English Pantomime, the funny animals were essential! I never knew that when I asked the mice to show their own distinctive personalities, I would get such a response. These were definitely sneaky and unique and very funny characters!
I think this has become my favorite of all the shows I've written. And it has been a delight to look back and remember those wonderful students!
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