Snow White
A Guide to Child-Centered Musical theater
by
Patricia Rickard-Lauri, Book
Harriet Groeschel, Illustrations
Carol M. Robbins, Michele S. Rotholz, and Allan Turry, Music
Clive Robbins, Lyrics
"Once
upoon a time in the middle of winter, a queen sat at her window
working. The snowflakes were falling like beautiful feathers from
the sky. She was working on her ebony embroidery frame. As she
worked she pricked her finger. Three drops of blood fell upon her
white work. When she saw how bright and red it looked she said, 'Oh,
I wish to have a child as white as snow, as red as blood, and as
black as the wood of my embroidery frame,'
After
a short time, the Queen had a daughter. The lovely child had skin as
white as snow, lips as red as blood and hair as black as ebony. The
Queen named her baby girl 'Snow White.' ”1
And so, the story
begins.
Even
in today’s jaded and technologically centered culture, there is not
one child who, at one time or another, has not seen himself, or
herself, as an actor in this story. It is the child’s ability to
participate in this story, and to carry those memories into
adulthood, which have turned this Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, into
the classic that it is. Those childhood memories are brought back to
life when one passes that experience onto other children, and one
sees in the child’s face the same joy, the same emotions, one has
stored in the subconscious. Snow White is loved by all, for
we have all lived part of the story.
This
unique version of the classic fairy tale, takes Snow White one
step further: aside from the simplified story, there is a play
version adapted for children of all ages; there is a musical score
and musical directives, as well as easily understood lyrics; there
are productions notes and stage and lighting directions, easy to
follow costumes and set design suggestions, along with a compact disk
which includes voice and instrumental renditions for each song.
"There's
so much to be done on a morning bright and clear,
So
much to be done to fill a house with cheer.
I've
tidied up the bedroom, I've tidied up the hall,
Now
to tidy up the cupboards, and that, I think, is all.
So
sing, sing, sing a happy, song,
As
you shine, as you straighten, as you scrub.
Oh!
sing, sing, sing, a happy, happy song,
Then
the work won't take so very, very long!
Those
seven little men, I really must declare,
To
make their house a loving home, they need a woman's care.
To
make their house a loving home, they need a woman's care."2
Unlike
most productions, this version of Snow White is conceived and
presented from the point of view of the child, with easily understood
dialogue, task directions, etc. This all in one production is ideal
for a school/class room project, an overnight children's birthday or
pajama party, a summer camp event, neighborhood play or community
project. The opportunities are varied, as both the play and the
score were written with children of all levels of ability, and
comprehension, in mind.
There
is one section devoted to drama exercises to help the children
express different emotions and situations. Aside from the
appropriate drawing, there are simple directions for the child to
follow. To express being tired, yawn, “bringing hand up and
covering up the yawn, stretch, then slowly sink to the floor into a
reclining and sleeping position ....” 3
For anger, the child should walk “...stamping feet; scowl at other
people; shake fists....”4
Simple enough, one might think, but for a child it is not as easy to
know the subtleties of mimicking these actions, as it is for an
adult. Another section, using the same approach,is devoted to dance
and movement exercises.
"White as snow, pretty maid, pretty maid,
Red as blood, pretty maid, pretty maid,
And black as ebony , black as ebony,
Pretty maid, pretty maid...."5
The book itself is a work of art with many exquisite color drawings of actual children in a performance of the play; and the text has been simplified for easier understanding and access for those who are too young, or have disabilities. There is a glossary covering descriptions of some of the words, and possible scenarios to help the adult in the explanation, and presentation, of the words to the children. The script for the play provides all the narrative, and dialogue.
 |
| Clive and Carol Robbins |
Rickard-Lauri
explains the philosophy behind this project, “We all endorse the
philosophy that to be a good actor or actress, one must know
everything about the play and its characters, not just one's own
part. The results of this approach are natural and comfortable
participants who can perform on stage with confidence and a command
of what they are doing. Combining this with the fact that language
skills are being taught and learned in an enjoyable and creative
manner, the outcome meets a multitude of goals, both educationally
and artistically.”6 One can only add that it would, enormously,
help the child build self esteem, and for those children with
disabilities, help them become part of the whole.
Snow
White: A Guide to Child Centered
Musical Theater is a very clever
concept, and one that will bring joy to adults, and children alike.
 |
| And they lived happily ever after. |
Disclaimer:
The reviewer knows some of the authors, and the Publisher.
Portions of this review previously appeared on Amazon, 8 February, 2009
Art Work: Barcelona Publishers.
Photo of Clive and Carol Robbins: Unknown.
Art Work: Barcelona Publishers.
Photo of Clive and Carol Robbins: Unknown.
1Rickard-Lauri, Patricia; Groeschel, Harriet; Robbins, Carol M.; Robbins, Clive; Ritholz, Michele S.; Turry, Alan, Snow White: A Guide to Child-Centered Musical Theater, Barcelona Publishers, Gilsum, N.H., 1997, p.3
3Ibid., p. 82
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