Children's Musicals for Young Actors
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No Time for Monkey BusinessA Jungle Tale about taking Responsibility
From an Aesop Fable "The Fox and the Monkey," this show is a tale about learning to take RESPONSIBILITY. A mixture of comedy and drama, this musical deals with very real character values delivered in a colorful, humorous, musical package. The children enjoyed pretending to be jungle animals, and the 10-year-old boys got to show off their hunting skills as hunters making traps. This has truly a flexible cast with very few gender specific roles. The best part of this show was when the audience went away singing the songs! For a cast of 25+ 5-12 year-olds. Running Time is approximately 30 minutes |
The Frog Prince
A Tale of Keeping Promises
This is one of the more popular stories from the Grimm's Fairy Tales collection. I have long avoided doing a Princess show for several reasons: there is usually a love story, there is usually only one princess, and if it is billed as a princess show, boys wouldn't enroll. However, when writing this show, I was determined to have good parts for boys, more than one princess, and NO LOVE STORY. Instead, this musical plays up the comedic parts for the boys and can accommodate as many Princesses as you need. For ages 5-12.
Running time is between 30-45 minutes
A Tale of Keeping Promises
This is one of the more popular stories from the Grimm's Fairy Tales collection. I have long avoided doing a Princess show for several reasons: there is usually a love story, there is usually only one princess, and if it is billed as a princess show, boys wouldn't enroll. However, when writing this show, I was determined to have good parts for boys, more than one princess, and NO LOVE STORY. Instead, this musical plays up the comedic parts for the boys and can accommodate as many Princesses as you need. For ages 5-12.
Running time is between 30-45 minutes
The Tale of Chicken Licken
Sometimes a FEAR can grow all out of proportion. "The Tale of Chicken Licken" takes an encouraging look at how not to "let your worst fear get the best of you!"
The original script and songs are suitable for young actors ages 5-9. The expanded script is suitable for broader age range (5-12).
This show using the original script was even done recently and successfully by 35 second graders at an elementary school.
Running time is approximately 30 - 45 minutes.
Sometimes a FEAR can grow all out of proportion. "The Tale of Chicken Licken" takes an encouraging look at how not to "let your worst fear get the best of you!"
The original script and songs are suitable for young actors ages 5-9. The expanded script is suitable for broader age range (5-12).
This show using the original script was even done recently and successfully by 35 second graders at an elementary school.
Running time is approximately 30 - 45 minutes.
Never Cry Wolf
Set in Ancient Greece, this is an expanded retelling of the Aesop fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." It emphasizes the Value of WORK.
This production came about for a summer activity for 75+ children in a church community. So many talented Kids and Parents came out of the woodwork to be part of it. Check out the video from 2007.
For young actors ages 8-12, but also suitable for a large cast (50+) ages 5-14.
Running time is approximately 60 minutes.
Never Cry Wolf
Set in Ancient Greece, this is an expanded retelling of the Aesop fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." It emphasizes the Value of WORK.
This production came about for a summer activity for 75+ children in a church community. So many talented Kids and Parents came out of the woodwork to be part of it. Check out the video from 2007.
For young actors ages 8-12, but also suitable for a large cast (50+) ages 5-14.
Running time is approximately 60 minutes.
A Successor to the Throne
This retelling of the ancient Chinese Folk Tale "The Empty Pot" emphasizes the Value of INTEGRITY.
The regal courtly pomp, colorful costumes, and lyrical dancing are irresistible in this show. Plan for complete color changes representing each of the four seasons.
For young actors ages 8-12, but also is suitable for a large expanded cast ranging in age from 5-14.
Running time is approximately 60 minutes.
The Adventures of Dick Whittington
A retelling of the Old English Pantomime "Dick Whittington and His Cat." It emphasizes the Value of KINDNESS. Audiences are integral to the entire production in Pantomime. Give the audience instructions, and they will come through beyond laughing and clapping. They may even join in the sing-alongs!
Young Dick sets off to London to seek his fortune. Along the way, he encounters kind people who help him. He also has a clever cat that aids him in benefitting others.
For young actors ages 9-14 (may also include children as young as 5).
Running time is approximately 60 minutes.
A retelling of the Old English Pantomime "Dick Whittington and His Cat." It emphasizes the Value of KINDNESS. Audiences are integral to the entire production in Pantomime. Give the audience instructions, and they will come through beyond laughing and clapping. They may even join in the sing-alongs!
Young Dick sets off to London to seek his fortune. Along the way, he encounters kind people who help him. He also has a clever cat that aids him in benefitting others.
For young actors ages 9-14 (may also include children as young as 5).
Running time is approximately 60 minutes.
Parizade's Quest
A retelling of "The Story of the Speaking Bird" from the 1001 Tales of the Arabian Nights." This tale emphasizes the Value of Love and being re-united as a FAMILY.
The Sultan and Weeping Queen have lost three children. Unbeknownst to them, the children were saved and raised by a kindly old gardener. When he died, the young people had to provide for themselves. The boys joined the army. Parizade learns from a gypsy that she must go on a Quest to find three wonderful things that will lead her to discover her real purpose in life. Many wonderful, colorful characters help make this story memorable.
For young actors ages 8-14.
Running time is approximately 60 minutes.
A retelling of "The Story of the Speaking Bird" from the 1001 Tales of the Arabian Nights." This tale emphasizes the Value of Love and being re-united as a FAMILY.
The Sultan and Weeping Queen have lost three children. Unbeknownst to them, the children were saved and raised by a kindly old gardener. When he died, the young people had to provide for themselves. The boys joined the army. Parizade learns from a gypsy that she must go on a Quest to find three wonderful things that will lead her to discover her real purpose in life. Many wonderful, colorful characters help make this story memorable.
For young actors ages 8-14.
Running time is approximately 60 minutes.
Stone Soup
A retelling of the old European folktale set in the American Old West, this Musical has exuberant songs and dances. Add an entr'acte of Fiddlers and it will really delight audiences of all ages! It highlights the Value of COOPERATION.
A Traveler comes through a small town in the Old West. As is the custom, people usually offer food and shelter to weary travelers for a short time. But not this community. They are convinced, however, by the Traveler as he helps them work together that they can cooperate to make a meal that will feed them all.
For young actors ages 5-9.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
A retelling of the old European folktale set in the American Old West, this Musical has exuberant songs and dances. Add an entr'acte of Fiddlers and it will really delight audiences of all ages! It highlights the Value of COOPERATION.
A Traveler comes through a small town in the Old West. As is the custom, people usually offer food and shelter to weary travelers for a short time. But not this community. They are convinced, however, by the Traveler as he helps them work together that they can cooperate to make a meal that will feed them all.
For young actors ages 5-9.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
Momotaro
A classic story from an ancient Japanese folk tale. It is the story of the making of a Hero! It emphasizes the Value of BRAVERY.
Oni Monsters raid the village and ruin the fields in the countryside. An old couple prays for a son to raise to be a hero to their village. The River Spirit brings a baby to the Old Woman concealed inside a peach. The Old Man trains him in martial arts. When the boy is old enough, he is sent on a quest to conquer the Oni Monsters. On the way he recruits some animal compatriots. They fight the demons and return home victorious.
For young actors ages 5-12.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
A classic story from an ancient Japanese folk tale. It is the story of the making of a Hero! It emphasizes the Value of BRAVERY.
Oni Monsters raid the village and ruin the fields in the countryside. An old couple prays for a son to raise to be a hero to their village. The River Spirit brings a baby to the Old Woman concealed inside a peach. The Old Man trains him in martial arts. When the boy is old enough, he is sent on a quest to conquer the Oni Monsters. On the way he recruits some animal compatriots. They fight the demons and return home victorious.
For young actors ages 5-12.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
The Country Mouse and the City Mouse
A retelling of the Aesop Fable using two female leads admonishing the Value of APPRECIATION. The Country Mouse dreams of visiting her glamorous cousin in the City. The City Mouse loves her life in the City, but admits that it has dangers just as scary as ones found in the Country. In the end the Country Mouse and the City Mouse decide they'd just rather live with the dangers they have grown used to. The Country Mouse decides that the country life is where she wants to be.
Songs and Script suitable for young actors ages 8-12.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
A retelling of the Aesop Fable using two female leads admonishing the Value of APPRECIATION. The Country Mouse dreams of visiting her glamorous cousin in the City. The City Mouse loves her life in the City, but admits that it has dangers just as scary as ones found in the Country. In the end the Country Mouse and the City Mouse decide they'd just rather live with the dangers they have grown used to. The Country Mouse decides that the country life is where she wants to be.
Songs and Script suitable for young actors ages 8-12.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
The Ants and the Grasshopper
The Grasshopper learns a valuable lesson from the Ants about how to PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE! The Ants are always working to prepare for the winter. The Grasshopper sees no need for that, until he is left out in the cold of winter with no food or lodging. He convinces the Ants to shelter him and they agree as long as he entertains them all winter playing his instrument. He learns that the Ants drive a hard bargain. He determines to fend for himself the next season.
Flexible cast size from 8 to 20+
Script and songs suitable for K-3. This 15 minute Musical is perfect for Drama or Music class or After School Club.
You Can Learn a Lot
A combination of two Aesop Fables into one show. Featuring "The Ants and the Grasshopper" and "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse."
A new Opener/Finale song,
"You Can Learn a Lot" provides the over-arching theme that ties these two shows together. It talks of Aesop, the master storyteller who used his skill and wit to scoff and scold and criticize a bit. He made up stories derived from nature's world to teach life's lessons and point out people's faults. His gift was to entertain and teach and all the while he offended no-one. Truly, it is WISDOM from the smallest of the small.
May use two separate casts (ages 5-7 and ages 8-12)
A combination of two Aesop Fables into one show. Featuring "The Ants and the Grasshopper" and "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse."
A new Opener/Finale song,
"You Can Learn a Lot" provides the over-arching theme that ties these two shows together. It talks of Aesop, the master storyteller who used his skill and wit to scoff and scold and criticize a bit. He made up stories derived from nature's world to teach life's lessons and point out people's faults. His gift was to entertain and teach and all the while he offended no-one. Truly, it is WISDOM from the smallest of the small.
May use two separate casts (ages 5-7 and ages 8-12)
The Empty Pot
A tale of HONESTY from the world of ancient China.
For young actors ages 5-9.
This show is a pared down version of "A Successor to the Throne" for younger actors. It requires fewer characters and songs/dances.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
A tale of HONESTY from the world of ancient China.
For young actors ages 5-9.
This show is a pared down version of "A Successor to the Throne" for younger actors. It requires fewer characters and songs/dances.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Set in Ancient Greece, this retelling of the Aesop fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" emphasizes the Value of SINCERITY. This script is a simpler version of "Never Cy Wolf" with fewer characters and songs.
For young actors ages 5-9.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.
Set in Ancient Greece, this retelling of the Aesop fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" emphasizes the Value of SINCERITY. This script is a simpler version of "Never Cy Wolf" with fewer characters and songs.
For young actors ages 5-9.
Running time is approximately 30 minutes.