A beautiful musical comedy based on five of Hans Christian Andersen´s most famous fairytales,  including The Emperors's New Clothes, The Ugly Duckling and The Flying Suitcase.

The show proved an instant hit with the audience and actors! and a big commercial success.
Hans Christian Andersen was truly an 'ugly duckling' born in a one-room house in Odense,

son of a poor shoemaker and a washerwoman. It is hard to imagine the power of the dream

that spurred H. C. Andersen on.

Next to the Bible and Shakespeare, Andersen's tales are the most translated literary work  in the world. His stories have been translated into more than 100 languages.

Kenny Léger was commissioned to write the music for the Royal Hans Christian Andersen Exhibition opened by H.R.H.
This lead to Hazel Collinson and Kenny Léger´s first collaboration The Dream Maker.
The success of the show lead to the production of 5 further animations tv-animation.com.

CASTING INFORMATION:

Suitable for professional productions and
amateur productions for actors 11-16 years old.
This is the easiest of this years shows to set up.

PRINCIPALS:

- Hans Christian Andersen
(This could be an experienced actor or an older student)
- 4 Children
- Narrator (can be shared)
- The King
- The Ugly Duckling
- The little Match Girl
- Hans
- The Princess

OTHER SPEAKING ROLES:

- The 3 Swindlers
- Villagers
- Older Swan
- 3 Ducks

MUSICAL DIFFICULTY:

3 strong vocalists required:
- The King
- The Princess
- The Mother

Also featuring easier songs sung by:
- The Little Matchgirl
- Hans Christian Andersen
- 4 children
- Thumbelina and her friends
- The 3 Swindlers
- Nightingale
- 3 ducks
- Villagers

All songs are supported by the full ensemble/choir

PRODUCTION KIT:

The production kit includes the script, vocal and piano score, rehearsal CDs recorded by

professional artists and the superb orchestral backing CD to use in performances.
We can also help with set-design and costume ideas.

CROSS-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT

Values, The life and times of: Hans Christian Andersen, Andersen Fairy Tales, Father of the Modern Fairy Tale,Story arts, Storytelling,Fairytales. What will the moral of your fairytale be?

COMMUNITY

Set up a fairy tale writing competition
Get involved with Living Values
Work with parents on costumes
Involve parents in teaching the songs at home (using the CDs)
Involve the Art Department in Set Design
Invite a younger audience from a primary school you
normally receive a lot of your best students from
Invite a less privileged audience
Raise money for charity

COME CLOSER

Buy it -  How to set it up - actual music - video from an amateur stage production.