Belmont University's Department of Theatre and Dance presents the Senior Capstone production of
The Wind in the Willows Based on the book by Kenneth Grahame Book, Music, and Lyrics by Michael Hulett
Directed by Nicolette Manrique Stage Managed by Quinn Holtzmann
Produced by special arrangement with PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC., Englewood, CO.
Director’s Note The Wind in the Willows is a musical based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel of the same name. First published in 1908, this story tells the tale of a toad, a rat, a badger, and a mole as they embark on adventures in all types of motor vehicles. These were originally just bedtime stories meant for his son but, as his son grew older, Grahame compiled the writings into a manuscript called The Wind in the Willows. Over the years, the story gained popularity and has been adapted into several animated movies. These adaptations have helped bring Grahame’s characters and world to new generations but, at its heart, the story remains one about friendship, acceptance, and nonconformity. Toad and his friends bicker, laugh, cry, and learn to accept one another despite their differences. Growing up, I frequently visited my local Barnes & Noble. Inside the bookstore was a children’s section filled with forest animals and a small stage framed by trees. Just the sight of it made me excited to dive into the adventures of another book. I was inspired by the appearance of the bookstore stage when conceptualizing my set, as well as by children’s letter blocks, which are used to create the vehicles Toad discovers throughout the story. The idea of using letter blocks to construct the set was based on the limitless nature of a child’s imagination, which never conforms to adult ways of thinking. An adult can see a toy car and understand that it is just a toy, but the little boy beside you might rev its engine, skid its plastic tires across the floor, and completely believe that it is real. As we grow older, we are conditioned to live in our present reality rather than in our imagination. We are taught to accept the world as it is instead of seeing the possibilities and potential it possesses. For this show, I chose the concept of nonconformity. Toad is very childlike in his nonconformity, and his impulsive choices force his friends to step outside their safe and comforting routines; his noncomformity leads to their adventures. The Wind in the Willows is not simply a children’s musical. It is a reminder that people do not always fit into the traditional boxes that society creates for them. Toad, with all of his quirks and imperfections, teaches us that there is value in being unapologetically yourself. Perhaps, then, we need to go back to square one. Children and adults alike should open their minds, embrace one another’s unique differences, and allow themselves to see the world with a little more imagination; in doing so, you might just find a new friend. Like Mole and Rat, the audience is welcome, if not encouraged, to unlock their imagination, join Toad’s adventures, and experience the story through the wonder of their inner child. So, listen to the crickets, the swish of the trees, the sounds of the forest animals all around, and enjoy The Wind in the Willows.
Cast Toad..................................Melody Brooke Myers Rat............................................Arielle Anderson Mole...........................................Miriam Strahan Badger.............................................Caleb Young Judge, Washerwoman, Engineer, and Thief ...................Audrey Guckes
Production Crew
Director.........................................Nicolette Manrique Stage Manager...................................Quinn Holtzman Set Designer.............................................Paul Gatrell Set Coordinator/Properties.................Jillian Burman Lighting Designer...............................Emily Anderson Makeup/Hair Designer...........................Charlie Swan Sound Designer....................................Jack Freedman Asst. Costume Designer....................Arielle Anderson Costume Designer....................................Emily Miller Asst. Properties.........................Melody Brooke Myers Runcrew..............Kamaria McGinn, Riley McConnell Light Board Op....................................Jack Freedman Sound Board Op.................................Carter Stammel Front of House.............Samuel Johnson, Sadie Jensen
Cast
Arielle Anderson
Melody Brooke Myers
Caleb Young
Miriam Strahan
Audrey Guckes
Production Crew
Quinn Hotlzman
Emily Anderson
Jack Freedman
Emily Miller
Charlie Swan
Jillian Burman
Kamaria McGinn
Riley McConnell
Special Thanks To Dr. Stephen Eaves, College of Music and Performing Arts Brent Maddox, Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance Erin-Grace Bailey Traci Ledford My Parents and Family Cameron Walker Light Hang Crew Set Build Crew Belmont Prop Master Generals Jerry Stratton
This production would not be the same without these folks.