Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/1182450
48624 3 Noah's Rockin' Ark Adventure can be an unforgettable experience for all who participate in it (and doesn't need a "cast of thousands" nor an extensive set to accomplish this objective). The musical is designed so that no matter how large or small the production, the musical's mission of telling the classic story of Noah and the Ark in a fresh way that will resonate anew to all who perform and hear it can be accomplished. These additional Staging and Movement Suggestions are intended to complement the general stage directions contained within the script. OVERTURE: During the Overture, the choir and cast enter. While the choir assembles, Noah and his sons are busily preparing the soda shoppe for another day: dusting tables, polishing drinking cups, adjusting things, etc…generally doing some bits of "stage business" to add visual interest and energy while the Overture is heard and the choir assembles. Shonda, Rhonda, and Flo also enter during the Overture pantomiming excited chattering among themselves. They each pull out a small compact and primp a bit. They move to Stage Right to get in place for their opening lines. (Note: At no time during the musical should any of the other actors on stage acknowledge Shonda, Rhonda and Flo's presence, since they serve as narrators who are helping tell and comment on the action, but are not a part of it. That doesn't mean they might not occasionally rise from their stools at the soda shoppe counter to get a close-up or different angle on the action. That can add a fun/funny element if they are getting close to the actors who don't "see" them – as long as their presence and actions/gestures never "steal stage"…i.e., distract from the main lines/action that are taking place in that moment. But the soda shoppe counter is otherwise "home base" for Shonda, Rhonda, and Flo during the musical). General note: Whenever Shonda, Rhonda and Flo freeze everyone, if possible, have some of them freeze in funny or distinctive poses…like pointing at each other, shrugging with their hands up, holding a napkin holder up in the air or handing it to another person, etc. Things such as that which will make the "frozen" moments all the funnier from a visual standpoint. If desired, the choir can also freeze/un-freeze along with the actors if you want the choir to get into the action in that manner. And the choir might like to enjoy feeling as if they're all the more a part of the action by doing so. However, if you want the choir to remain in the role purely as a "Greek Chorus" (and applaud the arrival of Shonda, Rhonda, and Flo) who observes the action, they needn't freeze. MAKIN' WAVES: During this song, in addition to singing the song, Noah and his sons can wait on a few customers who come into the shoppe (if you have enough cast members to serve as customers). Members of the choir can be customers, and they sing along with the choir as do Noah and his sons as they greet the customers. Once the opening scene is over and "Let's Go Build An Ark" begins, the customers can return to the choir. During the first verse, Noah can do the things that the lyrics describe (turning on the blender, grab a tray, etc.). Shonda, Rhonda, and Flo could incorporate a few simple 50s women's group hand motions on the "Bop, bop, shoo bop bop, shana nana…" sections. LET'S GO BUILD AN ARK: During the introduction, Noah gestures for his sons to gather 'round. He sings the solo as his sons eagerly listen (if your Noah isn't a soloist, the choir can sing this opening section as Noah pantomimes telling his sons his story). During measures 23-26, Noah pulls out a blueprint of the ark and shows it excitedly to his sons, pointing out various things on it. During measures 35-38 the Sons take the blueprint from Noah and are shaking their heads in disbelief. At measure 47, the Sons are "all in," understanding the task at hand and ready to get to work. They rush to get tools (plastic hammers, saws, a drill, etc.) from under the soda shoppe counter (or another convenient spot on the stage where the items have been pre-placed). Simultaneously, a few stagehands or choir members are bringing in the ark and placing it Stage Right at this moment. At measure 55, when construction sounds are heard on the accompaniment track, Noah and his sons hammer, drill, and saw on the ark as if to be constructing it right before the audience's eyes in real time. They might even do some funny moves like bumping into each other (almost a "Three Stooges" type routine) as they frantically build the ark. (Note: If using live piano accompaniment instead of the accompaniment track no actual building sounds need be heard…the pantomiming using the plastic tools will get the idea across). During the ark building portion of the song, Shonda retrieves some (empty) popcorn boxes for her, Rhonda and Flo. They sit on their stools and pretend to eat popcorn and watch with great interest as the ark is "built." At measure 65, Noah and his sons stand back with great excitement and pride that the ark is finally finished. They all strike a fun pose on the last note. STAGING and MOVEMENT SUGGESTIONS For Preview Only