Presto, Mambo!
“Classical music for kids at its best!”
“Wow! The perfect mix of music, fun and educational experience.”
- Teacher, Winnipeg, MB
Synopsis
An eager and exuberant boy discovers the magical world of Latin rhythms and their power to communicate across cultures.
A concert about the music of the Americas takes an unexpected turn when Max – an energetic but impulsive young boy – makes his way onto the stage to “help” the orchestra. Soon Max is on a whirlwind adventure that takes him from the concert hall to the vibrant lands of Latin American culture where – with the help of his new friend, Mambo the dog, the orchestra and the audience – Max learns the magic of Latin rhythms and how to “dance” with the music.
Audiences rise to their feet, dancing to the rhythms of Latin America in Platypus Theatre’s most interactive show to date. Co-commissioned by the symphonies in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa, Presto, Mambo! is a concert of classical music for kids that will have audience members of all ages thrumming to the irresistible beat of the Latino sound.
Instrumentation
*22*22 / 4331 / Timp + 3/ *orchestral strings
*The number of string players is at the discretion of the orchestra. 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
Gutiérrez – Alma Llanera Pajarillo
de Abreu – Tico Tico no Fubá
Sousa – Liberty Bell March
Bélanger, Marc – Potpourri Lavalois
Piazzolla – Oblivion
Trudel, Alain – Drum Magic
Traditional (arr. Wagler) – La Mariposa
Revueltas – Duelo from “Hommaje a Federico Garcia Lorca”
Traditional (arr. Wagler) – La Bruja
Sheldon, Robert – Danzas Cubanas
Morricone – Gabriel's Oboe from “The Mission”
De Falla (arr. Chapelier) – Spanish Dance No.1 from “La Vida Breve”
Bernstein (arr. Peress) – "Mambo" from West Side Story
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.
Presto, Mambo! as a School Concert
Each Platypus program of classical music for kids 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 (masks, puppetry)
Social Studies (cross-cultural understanding, individuality and community)
Geography (Latin America)
Character Education
Cooperation
Tolerance
Courage