Musical Theatre Productions:
Spring/Summer 2024
Scroll down for information about each show...
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A Few Thoughts from Ms. Marney: "Little Prince" vs. "Whirld!" :
These two shows start rehearsing the first week of April. First, I'll share that the schedule is created so that families can do both shows, if they want to. "Whirld!" rehearsals will take a break during production weeks for Little Prince, and then pick back up after Little Prince is done. The staggered schedule allows there to be some overlap, but not be too difficult during a performance week. (Note for teens: similarly, later in the summer, teens who are in both "Whirld!" and "Fiddler on the Roof" will take a break from "Fiddler" rehearsals during Whirld! production weeks, and then pick Fiddler back up in August.)
That said: if you're deciding between one or the other, here is some info you might find helpful:
1. Scheduling: check the schedules for rehearsals, production weeks, and performances. That may make your decision easy :-)
2. Age: "Little Prince" is age 3-12. Whirld! is 3-18. Fiddler on the Roof is 13+ (with Junior Cast ensemble for siblings age 11-12.)
3. Type of Production: "Whirld!" is our mainstage summer production, and "The Little Prince Explores The Universe" is from our series of Little Library Musicals. Our Little Library Musicals are much shorter and simpler shows. As a result, they have shorter rehearsal times, and less "pieces" involved in being part of the production. "Little Prince" has two performances at Read Play Love's outdoor theatre in late May. "Whirld!" has three performances in late July at the Cox Playhouse in Plano.
4. A Few Features of "The Little Prince Explores the Universe": "Little Prince" is designed to be an easy commitment for families, to create a "show experience" that feels easy, fun, and very low-stress!
"The Little Prince Explores the Universe" was written by me (Ms. Marney) and my wonderful mother, Arthiss Kliever, who is my collaborator for all the Little Library Musicals (such as the trio we did for "Christmas Classics" a couple of years ago.) The scenes and songs are short in length, written to simple melodies, yet contain meaningful messages, giving kids a lot of opportunity for expression. The story is a very abbreviated interpretation of the beloved book, making it a great introduction to classic literature. Taking place in a fantasy universe of make-believe planets, the story's primary theme is celebrating the perspective of a child, and seeing the world with imagination and wonder as we grow older.
5. A Few Features of "Whirld!": As our mainstage show, "Whirld!" has more complexity and "moving parts" that make it a more immersive experience for the whole family.
These two shows start rehearsing the first week of April. First, I'll share that the schedule is created so that families can do both shows, if they want to. "Whirld!" rehearsals will take a break during production weeks for Little Prince, and then pick back up after Little Prince is done. The staggered schedule allows there to be some overlap, but not be too difficult during a performance week. (Note for teens: similarly, later in the summer, teens who are in both "Whirld!" and "Fiddler on the Roof" will take a break from "Fiddler" rehearsals during Whirld! production weeks, and then pick Fiddler back up in August.)
That said: if you're deciding between one or the other, here is some info you might find helpful:
1. Scheduling: check the schedules for rehearsals, production weeks, and performances. That may make your decision easy :-)
2. Age: "Little Prince" is age 3-12. Whirld! is 3-18. Fiddler on the Roof is 13+ (with Junior Cast ensemble for siblings age 11-12.)
3. Type of Production: "Whirld!" is our mainstage summer production, and "The Little Prince Explores The Universe" is from our series of Little Library Musicals. Our Little Library Musicals are much shorter and simpler shows. As a result, they have shorter rehearsal times, and less "pieces" involved in being part of the production. "Little Prince" has two performances at Read Play Love's outdoor theatre in late May. "Whirld!" has three performances in late July at the Cox Playhouse in Plano.
4. A Few Features of "The Little Prince Explores the Universe": "Little Prince" is designed to be an easy commitment for families, to create a "show experience" that feels easy, fun, and very low-stress!
- Shorter show - The show itself is under 40 mins long, so rehearsals are shorter
- Shorter material - With less material to learn and practice, kids have the opportunity to grow their confidence in mastering shorter material
- Abbreviated rehearsals - The rehearsal schedule is easy: they are once weekly, at the same time, split by age.
- Smaller cast - the cast will be smaller. Rehearsals during the traditional school day mean that the cast will be all homeschoolers or hybrid-schoolers.
- More performance opportunities for tweens/pre-teens - The age range of 3-12 gives tweens/pre-teens a chance to shine in more complex roles, and to take on the responsibility of being the oldest cast members who mentor the younger ones.
- Collaborative rehearsals - Besides being shorter in duration and for fewer weeks, the main difference in rehearsals is that "Little Prince" rehearsals will have more emphasis on collaboration, with the kids having lots of opportunity to give their creative input.
- Simpler production elements - Set and costumes will be simple and easy.
- Easier parent volunteer duties - While parents are required to have a volunteer role for the production, the simpler nature of the show keeps the volunteer time commitment minimal.
- Comfortable venue - Performing at RPL is relaxed and cozy, and it's great fun to transform our RPL into a performance space!
"The Little Prince Explores the Universe" was written by me (Ms. Marney) and my wonderful mother, Arthiss Kliever, who is my collaborator for all the Little Library Musicals (such as the trio we did for "Christmas Classics" a couple of years ago.) The scenes and songs are short in length, written to simple melodies, yet contain meaningful messages, giving kids a lot of opportunity for expression. The story is a very abbreviated interpretation of the beloved book, making it a great introduction to classic literature. Taking place in a fantasy universe of make-believe planets, the story's primary theme is celebrating the perspective of a child, and seeing the world with imagination and wonder as we grow older.
5. A Few Features of "Whirld!": As our mainstage show, "Whirld!" has more complexity and "moving parts" that make it a more immersive experience for the whole family.
- Dynamic Rehearsal Schedule - The rehearsal schedule is more complex, with different characters and groups being called at different times and different days...which also means there is more flexibility to work around your family's summer conflicts.
- More at-home rehearsal time - There is more at-home rehearsal required, and kids will be expected to commit to at-home time to work on scenes and songs.
- Larger cast - Our summer mainstage show is generally our largest cast all year. Though RPL is primarily a homeschool organization, during the summer, all families are welcome to join as their schedules fit.
- Widespread mix of ages - The age range for this cast is 3-18, and mixed ages are often rehearsing together. Rehearsal schedule is determined by role or group, rather than by age.
- Sharing the Spotlight - As always, every child who wants to sing a solo by themselves, or have spoken lines by themselves, will have a part created for them to do so. However, younger kids wanting a lot of stage time may find themselves with less focus than they would in "Little Prince." RPL is known for its commitment to spread the spotlight around, but a bigger cast (and older actors) means that spotlight has to go further.
- Full-length material - The script and score are written in the style of a traditional musical, with full-length scenes and songs. We push the kids to rise to the occasion and step up to learn more challenging material.
- Extra dialect challenge - Kids will be learning British accent, to help set the stage for Victorian England!
- Focused Rehearsals - Rehearsals are more directed and less collaborative (e.g., less creative input and ideas from the kids, and more focused environment)
- Professional Venue - We rent the Cox Theatre in Plano for a week, for final rehearsals and performances. Performing in this space gives kids the full experience, from the discipline of being quiet and focused backstage, to the extra elements of performing under full lights and with a a full set.
- Elevated Production Values - Set, props, and costumes are more extensive (but we still keep things as inexpensive as possible!)
- Production Week...It Takes a Village!- Parent volunteer roles are generally more time-consuming, especially during the two weeks prior to production, where we rely on "all hands on deck" to make the experience magical for the kids.
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"Whirld!" was written by me (Ms. Marney) and my husband, Tony. We have performed Whirld! twice (2017 and 2019) and look forward to revisiting it with a new cast! Since we write our shows specifically for the kids involved, we will likely be making revisions for the new 2024 cast. The story is very loosely inspired by the classic, "Around the World in 80 Days," and even though the plot is different, older kids who read the novel will recognize "Easter Eggs" throughout the show.
It takes place in a Victorian "steampunk" industrial landscape, starting in London, with a hot air balloon flight traveling to Japan, India, and finally to the Chicago World's Fair in 1892. With an undercurrent of innovation and triumph over adversity, the show encourages us to take another look at the things that seem "impossible"...as limitations and barriers become new possibilities. More questions? Ask me here! |
"Whirld!", 2019
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The Little Prince Explores the Universe
Little Library Musical for age 3-12 Based on the classic book, this musical takes an interstellar adventure to explore the magic of imagination. With a run-time under an hour, rehearsal groups split by age, and the cozy performance venue at RPL, this show is an ideal opportunity for new performers. There are also roles for more experienced performers or those ready for more stage time. Throughout the entire process, collaboration will be emphasized, with lots of opportunities for kids to give their creative input!
Quick Links for The Little Prince Explores the Universe |
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Whirld!
Mainstage Musical for age 4-18 Our 2024 Mainstage Show is a favorite from our series of "new musicals for a new generation." At RPL, no only does every child get a part, but they get a role actually written especially for them! Loosely inspired by Jules Verne's classic, Around the World in 80 Days, "Whirld!" is a fantasy story that takes place in a 19th century "steampunk" landscape, moving through London, China, India, and the Chicago World's Fair, as a mysterious game offers untold riches to achieve "the impossible!" Quick Links for Whirld! |
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Fiddler on the Roof
Teen Musical for age 13+ RPL is thrilled to present one of the most classic titles in American Musical Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, this timeless musical's universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, to tell a story with the perfect mix humor and heart. Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Quick Links for Fiddler:
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