PERFECT FOR STRONG ENSEMBLES (ANY SIZE), SMALL BUDGETS, LIMITED TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
CAST INFORMATION 7 principals, plus ensemble WAYS TO EXPAND The majority of the show takes place in Louie’s old neighborhood with his gang of friends. You can make this gang of friends quite large to give more students a performance opportunity. MUSICAL DIFFICULTY There are large solo numbers for Louie and featured solos for select members of his gang. This is a good show for both beginning music students and students just learning harmony. Based on The Trip by
Ezra Jack Keats
Book by
Anthony Stein
Music and Lyrics by
Stephen Schwartz
NEW TITLE! THE STORY Based on the popular picture book, The Trip by Ezra Jack Keats, and featuring a score from the composer of Wicked, Captain Louie JR. tells the story of the magical trip Louie makes in his Red Plane and the lessons he learns. Young Louie feels lonely in his new neighborhood. Looking for something to cheer himself up on Halloween Night, Louie returns to his old neighborhood in an imaginary journey on the wings of his favorite toy, his little red plane. The book by Anthony Stein is full of tricks and treats, and features the incomparable music and lyrics of Stephen Schwartz. Most of all, Captain Louie JR. is about friendship — the ability to make new friends and the importance of old ones. THE SONGS
New Kid In The Neighborhood, Big Red Plane, A Welcome For Louie, Shadows, Trick Or Treat, Looza On The Block, Spiffin’ Up Ziggy’s, Captain Louie, Home Again
STAGING DEMANDS The choreography demands of this show are light, but there are a few numbers that allow for creative staging (i.e., flying a plane, decorating a house.) CONSIDERATIONS Captain Louie JR. has a great score which students love to sing. It also has a large number of small featured roles so many of your students will have their moment to shine in the show. INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY The kids in the show help Julio decorate his house and get it ready for Halloween. Take this idea a step farther and have your cast plant flowers and trees throughout their neighborhood as a beautification project.
CROSS-CURRICULAR THEMES AND IDEAS EXPLORED Language Arts
Social Studies
Science
Writing Topics
Ezra Jack Keats, Adaptations Flying
Visual Arts
Shadows, Dioramas
Holidays, Cultural Differences • How do you make friends when you go somewhere new? • What would you miss most if you had to move to a new city?
JUNIOR THEATRE FESTIVAL, 2009
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