2009 - 2010 Show
Descriptions
Ben Franklin and his Kite
By Steve Perigard
Co-produced by the Carpenter Science Theatre Program
of the Science Museum of Virginia
Take an "enlightening" journey into the experiment that changed the course of history! 250 years ago, (in June of 1752, to be precise), Ben Franklin "shocked" the world with his discovery that lightning held electricity - and thus rendered scientists "thunderstruck"! This entertaining and educational play brings the history and science curriculum to life. Contains information from the SOL for Science in grades (K – 5) Biography, History, Government, Language Arts, Science
The Boy Who
Cried Wolf
By Bruce Craig Miller
Join us on this musical retelling of this timeless tale. Follow
along with our "Boy" as he learns a life lesson of telling the
truth and finding out that there are consequences of "Crying Wolf."
Folk Tales, Music, Citizenship, Character Development, Reading (K - 5)
Buffalo Soldier
Book, Music and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller
Co-produced by the Virginia Historical Society
Based on the true story of our nation’s longest-surviving Buffalo Soldier and veteran of the Spanish-American War, this dramatic play with music tells the heroic story of the brave soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries, who served our country well with little of the recognition they deserved. In 1996, Buffalo Soldier was one of twelve plays selected as the Best American Plays for Young Audiences and has been performed at the Pentagon in honor of African American History Month. Buffalo Soldier was written by our artistic director, Bruce Craig Miller, and developed with support from Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest New Works for Young Audiences, a program of the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund. (Grade 3-Adult) Biography, Family Ties, History, Multi-Cultural, Music
A Christmas
Carol
By Charles Dickens
Perhaps the best loved holiday story of all time, our adaptation
of Dickens' classic is particularly suited to children. All the joy, sentiment
and meaning are here, without being too scary for young audiences.
Family Ties, Language, Literary Classic, Music, Reading (K
- 5)
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Book, Music and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller
Based on the timeless picture books by Bernard Waber, Theatre IV’s production of this crowd-pleasing musical has been taking the country by storm for many years. Join young Josh Primm as he moves to New York City and share magical adventures with his loving parents, his stage-struck nemesis Hector P. Valenti, his rambunctious new friends, his persnickety neighbor Mr. Grumps, and his misfit (but oh so special) reptilian pet – Lyle! (K - 5) Art, Family Ties, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Reading, Character Development
Harriet
Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Book and Lyrics by Douglas Jones Music by Ron Barnett
This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. Her courage helped to change the world. Share her adventurous life with your students in this accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson. (Grades 3 - 8) History, Language Arts, Biography, Multi-Cultural, Music, Family Ties, Self-Esteem, Women’s Studies
I
Have a Dream
The Life and Times of Dr. Martin Luther King
by Bruce Craig Miller
The phenomenal impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is chronicled in this compelling dramatization of the life and times of one of the most influential and charismatic leaders of the “American Century.” Inspired by the arrest of Rosa Parks, Dr. King becomes the prime mover behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, putting his philosophy of non-violent protest to work. He gains national recognition and becomes the dominant force in the Civil Rights Movement during its decade of greatest achievement. Your students will be inspired by the story of this great leader’s struggle and his dream of lifting “our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.” (Grade 3 – Adult) Biography, Language Arts, History, Multi-Cultural, Public Speaking, Reading, Self-Esteem, Character Development
Jack and the Beanstalk
Book and Lyrics by Douglas Jones, Music by Ron Barnett
This musical adaptation is a rollicking retelling of the classic fairy tale. Join our young modern-day hero as he uses his imagination to become the famous Jack, climbing through the clouds to meet an ill-tempered giant, finding fabulous treasures and experiencing more adventures than you can shake a stalk at. Ages 3 +
The Jungle Book
Book and lyrics by Scott Wichmann, Music by Julie Fulcher, Adapted from the Book by Rudyard Kipling
Join young Mowgli as he learns the ‘Laws’ of the jungle in this time-honored adventure. With the help of friends like the black panther, Bagheera, and Baloo the lovable bear, Mowgli learns about friendship and survival. Cheer as Mowgli faces his fear and foils his nemesis the tiger Shere Khan. This musical version of Rudyard Kipling’s classic will delight both the young and the young at heart. (Grades K – 5) Art, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Reading, Science, History, Music, Character Development
Patchwork
The Little House Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder
By Bruce Craig Miller
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s tales of outdoor adventure and pioneer spirit will inspire your students as they have millions of boys and girls for over 70 years. Born in 1867, Laura traveled across America’s rolling plains in the back of a covered wagon. The Wilders created patchwork quilts that would later help inspire her time-honored books. Laura’s quilts still exist today, and their patterns recall her beloved family – her strong and caring Pa, her heroic sister Mary, her warm-hearted Ma – and their adventures as they crossed the wild and often perilous frontier. Join the Ingalls in this adventure (authorized by the Laura Ingalls Estate) as they face the hardships and the triumphs of the wondrous new land, with sometimes only their faith and the love of family to sustain them. (K – 5) Family Ties, Self Esteem, Language Arts, History, Biography, Women’s Studies
The Shoemaker and the Christmas Elves
Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Deiss
A heartwarming, holiday musical! Join us as Theatre IV takes a yuletide spin on the classic Brothers' Grimm fairy tale. Delight in the magical story of a poor Shoemaker and the magical elves who show him the true meaning of Christmas! (K - 5) Family Ties, Folk Tales, Music, Reading, Self-Esteem, Tales from Other Lands
Snow White
Based on the folk tale as recorded by the Brothers Grimm
Book by Bruce Craig Miller and Ford Flannagan
Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller Music by Ron Barnett
This musical adaptation of the classic Grimm’s fairy tale features a script with lovable characters portrayed by an ensemble of live actors and wonderful puppets. Follow along as Snow White meets her pint-sized friends, takes the apple from the Evil Queen, receives a kiss from the Prince, and lives happily ever after. This faithful rendition of the fairy tale will inspire young audiences to read the original.
(K – 5) Folk Tales, Music, Literary Classic, Language Arts, Reading, History
The Song of Mulan
Adapted from the epic Chinese folk poem
Book, Music and Lyrics by Paul Deiss
When Mulan learns that her ailing father is drafted into Khan’s army, she protects him by serving in his place. Disguised as a boy, she risks everything to maintain family honor and earn the love of her nation. This noble Chinese folk tale features an extraordinary heroine, a dynamic and powerful score, gorgeous costumes and one of the most inspiring stories of all time. Ages 4 +
The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II,
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Co-produced by Barksdale Theatre
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she’s dispatched to serve as governess for the children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, but when Austria is invaded by the Nazis, they demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy, and the family must plan their escape. This timeless classic features such musical favorites as “My Favorite Things,” “Do, Re, Mi,” “Edelweiss,” “Climb Ev'ry Mountain,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and, of course “The Sound of Music.” Be sure not to miss this wonderful heartwarming story! Ages 8 +
'Twas the Night
Before Christmas
Book, Music and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller
Inspired by the timeless poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and
by the real life of its author, Clement Moore, this hilarious
musical introduces Santa in a particularly beneficent light. This
classic from Theatre IV has been charming audiences nationwide
for many years. Family Ties, Folk Tales, Language, Literary Classic,
Music, Reading (K - 5)
The Ugly Duckling
A Musical by Richard Giersch
Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson
Three misfits -- the “ugly” duckling, a Burmese mole who hates dirt and an Inuit bald eagle with a full head of hair -- learn the value of friendship and self-confidence in a rousing musical that weaves the familiar ugly duckling fable with tales from other lands. This all singing, all dancing, all delightful story will be a treat for the wee ones and the whole family. Ages 3 +
The Velveteen Rabbit
Book, Music and Lyrics by Thomas Hammond
“What is Real? When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” The power of play and childhood fancy, the pure light of unconditional love –these timeless forces illuminate our faithful rendering of Margery Williams’ tale of friendship and the passing of time. A lovely score and detailed period costumes will transport your audience back to the beginning of the last century. There they will experience a particular innocence and wisdom that have much to say to our present culture of instant gratification and disposable friends. (K - 5) Art, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Reading
