gh wOrds and magic The Big Ideas Orphie says, “When you know in your heart that something is right, you just do it.” This is one of the big ideas, or themes, explored in the musical. Watch for others, including overcoming your fears, believing in yourself, appreciating stories, and discovering that anyone can be a hero in his or her own way.
Sing, O Muse…of the Songs of Orphie Sometimes songs can convey emotions and ideas better than words alone. Think about the difference between Persephone’s saying “I’m sad” and her singing slowly and sadly, “So I plant a seed and I wait for life to show; but it’s been decreed here no flowers grow.” Songs can convey action, personalities, feelings, and even how someone is changing (becoming happier or braver, for example). Here are the songs from Orphie and who sings them:
“The Book of He roes ”— Orphie “Story to Tell”— Homer and Orp hie “ Scrawny Little Orphan Girl”— Euripides, Soph and Aeschylus ocles, “What Would a Hero “Orphie, Go Ho me”—
“Where No Flow ers “Misery ”— Hade s
Do?”— Orphie
Hermes
Grow ”— Persep hone
“To Be a Siren” —The Sirens “Get All Wrapp ed Up in a Stor y”— Orphie an d Atlas “He’s the Man ”— Heracles “The Heights of Mount Olympu s”— Hermes an d Orphie “Finale”— Entir e Cast
During the performance, listen for what the lyrics and different musical styles tell you about the characters and the story.
Going Totally Modern on Your Ancient! To add some extra humor and fun to the musical, the Ancient Greek characters act and speak in modern ways (like, whatever!) and talk about objects or experiences that would not have existed in ancient times (such as glitter and boarding an airplane). This mixing up of objects and customs from different time periods is called anachronism (uh-NAK-ruh-niz-uhm). During the performance, listen for these playful expressions and modern references.
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