Going from getting the idea and letting it percolate for a time, making an outline to organize the material, then diving into working on the product is both exciting and exhausting.
For about a week now, I have been working on actually writing my new show. Ever since I went to Germany last year, I've been trying to find a Folk Tale that I could turn into a Children's Musical, particularly a "Princess" show. I was disappointed with not being able to find a story while actually in Germany --- not a suitable one, anyway. Perhaps I was just distracted by all the other things we did on that tour. Somehow I overlooked doing a particular Grimm's Fairy Tale that now I think will be a wonderful show.
For about a week now, I have been working on actually writing my new show. Ever since I went to Germany last year, I've been trying to find a Folk Tale that I could turn into a Children's Musical, particularly a "Princess" show. I was disappointed with not being able to find a story while actually in Germany --- not a suitable one, anyway. Perhaps I was just distracted by all the other things we did on that tour. Somehow I overlooked doing a particular Grimm's Fairy Tale that now I think will be a wonderful show.
There have been so many versions written using "The Frog Prince" that I just couldn't see would work for my needs. First of all, it has a love story. (You just shouldn't do a love story with little kids!) And it only has one princess. The girls in my shows ALL want to be PRINCESSES!!!! But when I read a simple retelling of "The Frog Prince" online, I realized that it didn't necessarily have to have a love story and it gave me an idea of how it could accommodate many princesses in the story.
Next, it didn't have a very big population in the story. I usually have 20+ young girls that want to be in my shows (summer camp, particularly). And sometimes just as many young boys. Whatever show I write has to have featured roles for many kids. Nobody likes just being in a couple of songs or stand in the background. They want a named character who is important to telling the story with lines to say, plus actual acting and plenty of comic situations.
Next, it didn't have a very big population in the story. I usually have 20+ young girls that want to be in my shows (summer camp, particularly). And sometimes just as many young boys. Whatever show I write has to have featured roles for many kids. Nobody likes just being in a couple of songs or stand in the background. They want a named character who is important to telling the story with lines to say, plus actual acting and plenty of comic situations.
  | Then, how can the magic happen with no lighting, stage drapes, trap doors, or other effects? How can the Prince change into and from being a frog? Then it occurred to me, use HAND PUPPETS!  |
So, since Tuesday, I have written a script for 30+ children ages 5-12, 8 scenes, 5 original songs, 3 reprises (with different words), 4 incidentals to be used throughout, 3 purely dance numbers, as well as an Overture and Exit music. The casting is flexible depending on who signs up to do the show, and every character has a name and some lines. The basic songs are done, but they will need orchestrating and recording. However, I still may be doing some editing to keep the show at about 30 minutes in duration. On my breaks from writing, I just had to start looking online and in thrift stores for costumes and props. (Couldn't help myself! It helps me imagine the characters better.)
All in all, a very productive week.
Here's the song for the many "princesses" who are invited to a birthday party for Princess Caroline.
All in all, a very productive week.
Here's the song for the many "princesses" who are invited to a birthday party for Princess Caroline.
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