The American Dream
It's amazing what children can come up with, and my piano studio continues to consist of multi-talented, cooperative little individuals. One of the best groups I ever had worked together to create The American Dream. A singular production, the studio combined art, acting, poetry, and music. The piano students were in full costume (mostly Colonial), performing favorite American folk songs. What surprised me was that most of today’s newest generation is not familiar with standard American folk music.
"The Almanac," a dramatic playlet, first opened the show. It featured Brookline, a cool kid from school. She was unfortunately grounded for not completing homework assignments. Brookline was required to write a term paper about an American hero. As she scrolled through a list of possibilities on her computer, various American heroes came to life. I'm sure this is not a new concept, but it certainly called attention to the cultural differences among centuries and the similarities which exist in human nature. Ben Franklin, Amelia Earhart, and Louisa May Alcott arrived to discuss various topics with Brookline, while inspecting the latest technology: computer, iPhone, cell phones and…whatever else the audience could part with for a half an hour.
Ben Franklin spouted proverbs like "Necessity never made a good bargain." "Tim was so learned he could name a horse in nine languages; so ignorant he bought a cow to ride on." "Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead." Louisa May Alcott provided a soliliquoy about governing her little kingdom, and Brookline defied the Prairie Gals who demanded discipline, with threats of wearing a dunce cap and churning butter all night. "Churning butter?" That must have been the most effective time out ever.
The play wrapped up with Ben Franklin and friends running off with the latest iPhone. Following this drama, the music concert and poetry readings commenced, with a two story American flag providing an impressive back-drop. Abraham Lincoln recited Walt Whitman. He was only six years old, and performed a foot tapping rendition of Old Blue. Betsy Ross updated the audience about Yankee Doodle. The twins recited the hilarious original script from The Arkansas Traveller. Uniquely, members of our cast included a four year old (dressed as a Native American), an eight year old (costumed as the Statue of Liberty) plus ten year old identical twins (the Arkansas travellers) who are all visually impaired.
I provided synthesizer accompaniments for most of the pianists using fiddle, flute and guitar arangements. The Statue of Liberty made a touching finale, in full costume with torch, reciting a beautiful poem and performing a piano arrangement of Simple Gifts. The show came together at the last minute, as usual, but it was anything but “usual!”
We have a colorful dvd and commemorative book as memorable souvenirs.
And, as my motto goes… now onto the next gig!
Photo: Members of The American Dream Cast