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An accidental musical spell sends Corky whirling through time to an age she has only read about in books. Will she make it home?

Corky’s eccentric Uncle Siegfried is the obvious person to help her with her student project on classical music. While poking around in his peculiar workshop, she accidentally combines the ingredients of a magical musical spell making her tumble through time to meet some of the world’s most fascinating composers. Hopscotching through the ages of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak and Shostakovich Corky must discover the secret musical formula that will bring her home. Will she be able to get back to the present and finish her schoolwork in time?

Bach to the Future is popular for both family and student orchestra concerts. In one of Platypus Theatre’s classic productions, young audiences learn the power of creativity and self-empowerment while exploring musical eras and forms. The story weaves from the baroque period to present day, leading the audience in rhythm exercises and some of history’s most beloved symphonic music. Bach to the Future lasts approximately 55 minutes and is recommended for ages five and up.

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Story Themes

  • Power of Creativity 
  • Exploration & Discovery 
  • Self-Empowerment
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Musical Themes

  • Musical Eras
  • Forms & Cultural Contexts
  • Music as Self-Expression
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Fun Facts

  • More costume changes and wig changes for one actor than in any other Platypus show
  • It was performed for 20,000 children in its first week in 1994
  • The set was completely rebuilt in 1998 to facilitate travel.

Instrumentation

2(1.2Picc)2(1.2EH)22 / 4231 / Timp + 2 / hp (opt) / *orchestral strings

*The number of string players is at the discretion of the orchestra. The number of books supplied is 87665. All music is supplied by Platypus Theatre in the form of bound books for each musician. A score with all text cues is also supplied as well as a rehearsal CD and a DVD for the use of the conductor and stage crew. 

Repertoire

Ridout, Godfrey - Fall Fair

Bach, J.S. - Suite No. 1 (1st movement)

Bach, J.S. - Suite No. 3 (“Air” and “Gigue”)

Mozart - Symphony No. 40 (1st, 2nd and 4th movements)

Beethoven - Leonore Overture No. 3

Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 (3rd and 4th movements)

Dvorak - Slavonic Dance No. 8. op. 46

Dvorak - “Largo” from Symphony No.9, From the New World

Shostakovich - Symphony No. 5 (4th movement)

Tech Specs

This performance requires the services of three artists from Platypus Theatre: two performers and a stage manager.

Lighting can be varied to suit facility.

Presenter must supply two flesh-coloured, inconspicuous microphones (Sennheiser MKE 2 Gold or similar) that can be hooked over the ear or attached to the face.

For full technical requirements, click on downloads for the rider

Bach as a School Concert

Each Platypus Theatre program is tailored to suit both the primary (kindergarten to third grade) and junior divisions (fourth to seventh grade). Our in-depth and relevant study guides were developed by teachers, with separate activities by grade level and curriculum that meet or exceed most state and provincial standards for arts education. 

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Cross-Curricular Connections

  • Drama (creating scenes & feelings through voice & movement) 
  • Social Studies (history)
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Character Education

  • Listening
  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Appreciation