Charlotte and the Music-Maker
“A smash hit chidren’s concert!”
Charlotte and the Music-Maker
"One of the most engaging children's concerts yet. My 7-yr-old has pronounced it THE best!"
- Audience Member, Edmonton, AB
Synopsis
A passion for music leads Charlotte into a raging blizzard and a magical musical journey of discovery.
Charlotte is no ordinary little girl: she comes into the world singing and hears music in everything around her. She plays the trumpet on a cardboard tube and the xylophone with two rulers on a desk. With everyone at home far too busy to understand her musical brilliance, she sets off into the wide world only to find herself lost in a raging blizzard. The Music-Maker to the rescue! He takes Charlotte on a journey through the Magical Monarchy of Musical Magnificence, exploring the sounds and colours of the orchestra and leading her to an unexpected discovery, not only about music, but about herself.
Featuring enchanting illustrations by Graham Ross and a stunning original score by Alain Trudel, with selections from Handel, Grieg, and up-beat arrangements of well-known popular tunes, this children’s concert for actor and orchestra focuses on the different families and individual instruments of the orchestra. The performance lasts approximately 50 minutes and is recommended for ages 4 and up.
Instrumentation
2(1.2Picc)2(1.2EH)22 / 22*10 / Timp** + 1 / hp / ***orchestral strings
*trombone doubles on euphonium, or add tuba
**assumes Timpanist also plays other percussion; if not, Timp + 2
***The number of string players is at the discretion of the orchestra. Minimum 8.6.4.4.2; maximum 10.8.6.6.4. The number of books supplied is 8.6.4.4.3.
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
Trudel, Alain - Overture
Handel, George Frederic - “Hornpipe” from The Water Music
Black, James Milton (arr. Trudel) - When the Saints Come Marching In
Abreu, Zequina (arr. Trudel) - Tico-tico
Trudel, Alain - Charlotte’s Journey
Trudel, Alain - The Brilliant Brass
Trudel, Alain - The Sumptuous Strings
Trudel, Alain - The Wonderful Woodwinds
Trudel, Alain - The Prodigious Percussion
Trudel, Alain - The Simply Superlative Symphony
Tech Specs
This performance requires the services of one performer from Platypus Theatre. The orchestra must supply someone to call the few lighting cues..
Lighting can be varied to suit facility.
Presenter must supply a 16:9 projection screen and projector.
Presenter must supply one flesh-coloured, inconspicuous microphone (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.
Charlotte as a School Concert
Each Platypus children’s concert is tailored to fit both the primary (kindergarten to grade 3) and junior (grade 4 to 6) divisions. Our in-depth and relevant study guides were developed by teachers, with separate activities by grade level and curriculum that meet or exceed most provincial and state standards for arts education.
Cross-Curricular Connections
Drama (body language, story-telling)
Art (Illustration)
Language (Rhythm, rhyme, poetry, descriptive language)
Character Education
Respect
Perseverance
Courage