Check out video from the read/sing-through on YouTube.
Everyone who buys tickets to this show receives a free recording of the book from our friends at A Story Before Bed.
Billy, the goat, Slim, the pig, and cat Nell, overhear when Farmer and his Wife decide that their donkey, Donny, is past his usefulness and his time is up. It’s up to them to warn Donny of his fate. Poor Donny! And he’s such a dreamer, too. In fact, he has a dream of becoming a famous musician one day. That’s it! He’ll leave the farm and follow that dream right to Brementown, the music mecca. As he starts his journey, he encounters Minnie, once a prize show dog, now no longer the pick of the litter. Minnie decides to throw her lot in with Donny, and the pair sets off. It isn’t long before Nell catches up with them. Recognizing the writing on the wall back at the farm, she decides to take her chances on Donny’s big idea, too. Of course, just because it was Donny’s idea doesn’t mean the others don’t have their opinions, as well. Their cacophonous attempt to make music jars the nerves.
As the animal friends bicker and squabble their way along, we see foul things afoot in Brementown. The newly self-appointed Mayor of the town, Fritz, and her brother, Karl the Crusher, have decided to banish music from Brementown forever. Rusty, the operatic rooster, is flabbergasted. However will he be able to share his gift with the world? As Karl the Crusher tries to, well, crush him, Rusty uses his wits, and witty word play, to flee the clutches of the sour-tempered siblings. Soon Rusty stumbles upon the trio of furry friends. This is it! This is how Rusty can get help to stop Fritz and Karl’s anti-music madness. He talks the friends into letting him join their band. Without mentioning the new regime in Brementown, Rusty promises the animals that his connections will ensure them a chance in the spotlight. Since Donny, Millie, and Nell have no idea what’s been happening in the once-bustling burg, they readily agree.
Once in Brementown, it becomes clear, very quickly, that something is not quite right. Where are all the people? Where is all the music? Why is that songbird tied up with it’s beak glued shut?! They discover that Rusty has tricked them, but the friends realize that only they can save music. With their individual talents pooled together, they are able to thwart Fritz and Karl and bring sweet song back to Brementown.
A Note from Artistic Director Linda Hartzell:
A Grimm Brothers fable most children read or hear in their youth,
Brementown Musicians is, at its core, a story of belonging. The sweet tale of a group of aging animals coming together through their love of song, finding themselves and their worth, is a beacon of hope and strength for our young ones. Couple that empowering message with fantastic, catchy music that will have you singing the songs far after you leave the building, and you have a compelling piece of theatre for every age.
Age recommendation:
5-years-old and up
It is funny and full of song, but there are a couple of villains that may be a little scary for the very, very young. Also, the storyline has a couple of twists and turns that the youngest may have a hard time following.
ASL Interpreted Dates:
Public - May 8 @ 2pm
Schools - May 5 @ 10:15am
Curriculum/Thematic Connections:
Brothers Grimm
Fairy Tales
Fable
Music
Loyalty
Animals
Belonging
Appreciation for elders
TEACHERS—We believe that seeing the show and using our
Educator Resource Guide can help you meet the following
EALRs:
Reading: 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.4
Communication: 1.1, 4.1
Arts: 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 4.1
Writing: 2.3, 3.2, 3.3