AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL ADVENTURE FOR THE STAGE IN ONE ACT by MICHAEL SIROTTA
A FULL PRODUCTION PACKAGE, INCLUDING PLAY SCRIPT, ORCHESTRATED MUSIC TRACKS AND PIANO SCORE
IS AVAILABLE FOR LICENSING FOR LIVE PERFORMANCE
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PERUSE SAMPLES OF THE MATERIAL
"... an upgrade
in the quality of music over other kids' productions in memory."
— Tim
Van Schmidt, Publisher and independent columnist, Fortcollinslife-times.com, Ft. Collins, CO
Video Excerpt: THE QUEEN OF HEARTS (move your cursor over the image to display the controls)
Ft. Collins Children's Theatre production, November 2008 This clip features Deb Note-Farwell as the Queen and Bradley W. Handley as the King
with Sara Kowalski as Alice and Teal Jandrain as the White Rabbit
Here's what others have said about this production:
"... I just had to let you know how much I have enjoyed directing and producing your adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. It has been such a delight for me as well as for our youthful cast. Your music’s originality was my initial inspiration for selecting your version of this tale and I will continue to hum the melodies for years to come, as will our cast members...Our opening night was a complete success! The audience clapped and laughed and gave a standing ovation! Your music was phenomenal...Thank you for giving us this wonderful rendition of a classic tale." — Sandy Ludwig, Director/Producer, First Redeemer Conservatory of Music and Fine Arts, Cumming, GA
"... ALICE was incredible. Your music is being hummed by a cast of 60... Thank you, Michael for so much joy!" — Lynda Sharpe, Drama Director, Middleton High School, Middleton, WI
"...just wanted to let
you know how much we loved working on and performing your Alice in Wonderland
for our April holiday workshop. It was such a joy and the kids and audience
just loved it. The scenes were great to work on, great lengths for working with
kids and the music was fab..."
— Julie Hamilton, Glasgow
Stagecoach Theater Arts, Glasgow, Scotland
"... it was the music
that gave the Ft. Collins Children's Theater production of "Alice in Wonderland"
its most unique flavor. Sirotta can be credited with composing music that straddles
the fence between theater and concert. It was unusually textured instrumentally,
considering the lyrics had a particular story to tell. This felt like an upgrade
in the quality of music over other kids' productions in memory."
— Tim
Van Schmidt, Publisher and independent columnist, Fortcollinslife-times.com, Ft. Collins, CO
"... I just wanted to let you know that we had a very successful run of Alice in Wonderland!!! ...I had so many wonderful compliments on your music... Thank you again for creating such a beautiful show and giving me the opportunity to do it!" — Heather Darrah, City of Kirksville Aquatics and Recreation, Kirksville, MO
"...The lively musical
numbers include the calypso-like COO-COO and HAPPY SUMMER DAYS, which reminds us all to treasure the days of our youth. Sirotta's music and cute lyrics captured the spirit of each of the characters..." —Eileen
Siegel, Staten Island Advance, Staten Island, NY
Read all about the production first
(If you wander away from the information you are reading by clicking embedded links, you may return to your reading with your browser's back button)
Alice:
But which way should I go?
Cheshire Cat: Try...(indicating both
directions at once)...THAT
WAY!
Michael Sirotta's Alice in Wonderland is a
musical stage version of Lewis Carroll's well known dream-adventure novella.
Originally conceived for a children's theater program, this production is suitable for performance by professionals as well as by primary
and high school youngsters (grades 5 to 12), the show features an original musical score with original lyrics, and is youthful in spirit, but sophisticated enough to captivate adults. This rendition, with a few alterations and abridgements, is true to Lewis Carroll's original story line and characterizations. It is a high quality production with liberal licensing terms that is moderately priced.
The music, which ranges in style from pop to operetta (without
operatic vocal requirements) expresses the humor, drama and emotional power
of the beloved tale and brings to life its fantastical elements. In addition
to the songs, the score includes a wealth of descriptive incidental music, underscoring
dialogue, choreography & scene transitions. Sirotta's score of vocal and incidental music accompanies the action with cinematic intensity, thus participating in the storytelling. To read more about the music, click here:
[[[
]]] (or continue reading - additional details about the music are encountered below)
The production is in one act and runs approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.The size of the cast is large, but flexible (about 34 if you include all the 'bit' parts - larger contingents can be accommodated by augmenting the choreographic and larger choral numbers with additional personnel). A unique feature of this rendition is the employment of five similarly costumed actresses to share the role of Alice (5 Alices! — although, it would be possible to adapt the script so as to merge those roles into that of a single performer - or fewer Alices - if a producer/director would prefer that). Five actresses of various sizes, complexions, etc. can be cast as "Alice", which will accommodate the character's growth and shrinking spurts for specific scenes as well as enhancing the notion of her character's disorientation or disembodiment. And when 'Alice' is most at a loss, or finds herself in intense transformational situations, all 5 'Alices' appear on stage simultaneously, highlighting the "personality disorder" of her dream state, as seen in this excerpt from the song Who are You? of the caterpillar scene...
Caterpillar song lyric: Who Are You? (excerpt)
Alice #4: I've lost my way so many times, I've wandered far and near
I make mistakes in everything I do
Strange creatures try to lecture me, or run away in fear
Please, Mister, can you help me?
Caterpillar: Who are you? (Alice #3 enters to sing 2nd verse. When Alice 4 sees Alice 3, she reacts with astonishment.)
Alice #3: Since morning I've not been myself,
I've changed so much today Can't tell what's false apart from what is true
I don't quite know how to behave, and don't know what to say
Please, please, sir, can you help me?
Caterpillar & Alice #4: Who are you? (Alices 1,2, & 5 enter in a disoriented fashion to join #3 in singing the bridge verse, then they exit after singing)
Alices 1, 2, 3 & 5: Who am I? A simple question, but in truth, sir, I cannot reply.—
Who am I . . .? (Alices 1,2,3 & 5 exit, leaving #4 alone)
Alice #4: Let me assure you if I only knew —
I'd tell you . . . (etc.)
Likewise, the role of the Cheshire cat is shared by two performers, enabling creative stagings of the cat's vanishings. For a complete casting break-down, please
clickhere:
This production features an original score (not the Disney version), that has been richly orchestrated
using symphonic, guitar, and percussion digital samples, as well as exotic synthesized
sound and incidental music which enhances the story's magical aura. All accompaniments are recorded
as .mp3 tracks, playable from CD, computer software (such as iTunes), or mp3
players, providing a ready-made, karaoke-style accompaniment for performances and rehearsals. This is the recommended method of accompaniment at present (along the lines of MTI's "Junior" series). However, employment of a musical director
or a person with a strong musical background is recommended for the rehearsal
process, since the music is substantive and replete with harmony parts for
the ensemble numbers (young folks who can sing can usually manage the harmonies
with adequate coaching). For teaching purposes, and for guidance in the application
of harmonies, timings & cues, a piano/vocal score of the music (94 pages, with
orchestrational cues/suggestions) is included with the full production package.
The piano score is a complete rendering of the basic music of the tracks and could be used to accompany a performance without the use of the tracks if that is what is desired by the producing entity. Also, enterprising, creative musicians are welcome to add a live layer to the tracks using the piano score, or play along with the piano if the tracks are not used.Much of the musical magic, however, lies in the recorded orchestrations(Band or orchestra leaders PLEASE NOTE: at present there are no instrumental ensemble scores or parts available for your ensemble, as the provided tracks are the intended accompaniment. Again, live instrumental layers will need to work from the piano score and be 'conducted' by the tracks if they are used).
All script & music materials are downloadable [[[]]] or can
be shipped to you.
Whether your company, school or theater program has meagre or elaborate production resources available, you will find producing this unique Alice to be a rewarding experience for all - it is adaptable to a range of performance situations and has been staged in venues ranging from gymnasium basketball courts to 2000 seat high-tech theaters.
Please click HEAR to access audio examples of the music:
Hear Me!
Please clickHERE To jump to licensing and purchase information:
The first three links below will lead you to pages where
you can sample some of the songs and peruse the lyrics. All sung and spoken parts in these examples are performed by the composer/lyricist.
#1 "Opening Sequence"
This first sample is a 7 minute sequence that commences near the opening of the show. It incorporates three songs in a continuous track: "Daydreams"," White Rabbit", and "Falling", and demonstrates the cinematic, storytelling aspect of the music.
All orders are handled manually, and full web automation will not work for complete transactions, so please read the information below carefully and contact msirt@sirmuse.com if you have further questions.
There are 2 "kits" available for Alice, a perusal kit to audition the material, and the full production kit which incorporates the license:
PERUSAL KIT
(Read Me! Hear Me!)
A perusal kit is available upon request by download (script to be printed out by the purchaser) for a $15.00*, non-refundable handling fee (orders are handled individually and supply a substatial amount of material that need not be returned).
For an additional $20.00 (postage included) these materials will be shipped to you** as a spiral-bound script book and
a music CD disk. The perusal kit includes:
A script of the play, 50 pages, including lyrics, vocal "sides", casting, production
notes (in .pdf*** format, if downloaded).
A set of 10 demo tracks with recorded vocals on CD (in .mp3 format,
if downloaded). This includes all the songs
- with the composer singing all the parts (unsuitable for accompaniment
purposes). A non-vocal movement piece is also included (no other incidental music is included in the perusal set).
Customers who order perusal kits, or otherwise inquire, will receive, attached to their email response, a license agreement form which must be completed and returned with remittance for the full production kit if the decision is made to produce the show. The response email will contain more information on this. If customers are unable to receive and print out email attachments, please reply as such and other arrangements will be made for obtaining the agreement form.
FULL PRODUCTION KIT (Stage me!)
The base purchase price for the complete production kit
is $265.00 (for US cutomers who download the materials)*. This includes all materials
and licensing fees. The license permits an unlimited number of performances within
the time frame of one month. For an additional $35.00 materials, handling & shipping charge** (postage included),
the kit can be shipped you as CD's and print-outs (including a spiral-bound
copy of the 94 page piano/vocal score, formatted as a book (see "Delivery Options", below, for more details on this). The kit materials include:
One .pdf formatted script file*** (or single-sided print-out, if ordered by parcel), 50 pages including lyrics, vocal "sides", casting, production
notes and music tracks cueing guide, intended for duplication for your cast.
30 tracks of accompaniments and incidental music, recorded in high quality audio (shipped as a CD or downloadable
mp3's).
A piano-vocal score, 94 pages, including harmony parts, cues, incidental
music & orchestration cues/suggestions (shipped as a spiral bound book, or
a downloadable pdf***).
The set of demo tracks of the perusal package, if not ordered previously
(shipped as a CD or downloadable mp3's).
* Non-US customers PLEASE READ THIS: All stated prices reflect the fees for US customers. Additional charges will apply for international customers who wish to pay in a non-US currency or through a non-US bank. This includes international PayPal transactions (1% fee). PayPal will accept payment for stated US dollar amounts and make the monetary conversion from local currencies. If international customers choose not to use PayPal and wish to make payment through an EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer), they must cover all fees associated with that type of transaction. Please contact msirt@sirmuse.com to set up bank routing numbers, etc, or for more information on paying through an EFT. The licensor must receive a US dollar equivalent to the stated fees for all international purchases. Customers outside the continental US who need shipped copies of the perusal kit or wish to order the full production package should make a request by email to msirt@sirmuse.com as international transaction charges and overseas shipping arrangements may vary from country to country and will have to be worked out between parties. Upon request all US dollar fees can be invoiced for you by Sirmuse.
** The
shipping and materials charge is based on US postal rates. Additional charges will apply
for international orders and also for expedited shipping, if requested.
*** For international customers who wish to download and print out their script and score, please note that pdf files of the material formatted to the A4 (ISO 216) international paper size standard are available on the download sites. Hard-copy materials that are shipped overseas will be sized in the US Letter (8.5' X 11") paper format.
In addition, SirMuse will offer free consultations (by email or phone)
to purchasers of the full production who have questions or problems regarding
the implementation of the material. Also, for a modest fee, SirMuse can re-master
any of the accompaniments to alter the key, should vocal range problems arise
in your production.
All puchasers will receive password access to the digital download sites. If hard copy materials are requested by parcel, those materials will be shipped to US locations by USPS Priority mail. Additional costs will be incurred for shipping, handling and materials as described above. International customers who wish a shipped parcel sent to them will be presented with 3 USPS shipping options with respective costs, details of which will be outlined by email communication.
Customers will, upon receipt of payment (and completed license form if ordering the full production kit and license), receive a password by email with instructions for accessing those materials from the download section near the bottom of this web page. Please contact msirt@sirmuse.com to indicate if you would like hard copy materials shipped to you. Shipped orders will be sent to the payer's shipping address submitted with their PayPal transaction or received by email.
Here is a detailed comparison of delivery methods showing the advantages and disadvantages of only downloading vs. having the materials shipped to you:
SirMuse can accept credit card remittances, but only by making payment using PayPal.com†, the internet-based monetary transaction service. Checks, money orders, and purchase orders are accepted from US customers. International customers may use PayPal to pay through the internet or else may wire the remittance through bank to bank international transfers (EFT's).
† (PayPal also allows direct bank account withdrawals in lieu of credit card use, but one must enroll with Paypal for this option. Enrollment is free of charge. Visit PayPal.com for details).
PERUSAL KIT ORDERS
US customers may order perusal kits through PayPal, or may pay by check or money order sent to an address provided by email communication. To expedite a PayPal payment for a perusal kit, please venture down to the PayPal section below and choose your appropriate ordering option above the first "Buy Now" button. Or you may contact msirt@sirmuse.com for more details on the use of PayPal or for other payment options. The materials will be made available by your chosen method of delivery upon receipt of payment.
International customers who would like a Perusal Kit and are willing to download the materials may place a PayPal order on this web page by clicking on the second "Buy Now" button below (under the "International Customers" heading). The $15.15 USD fee for non-US customers includes the 1% transaction charge.
Kit orders are manually processed, so please allow a day or two for a response. Materials that are ordered by download delivery will, in most cases, be available within hours of receipt of the order.
FULL PRODUCTION KIT ORDERS
Full production kit orders must be arranged for through communication by email. Payment by US customers may be made by check, money order, or purchase order sent to an address provided by email communication. Credit card transactions through PayPalmay be used to make the purchase. If you opt to use this method, a PayPal invoice stating license cost (and parcel costs if so ordered) will be emailed to you providing the mechanism for doing so. If PayPal is not used for remittance, the purchase can be invoiced by SirMuse at the buyer's request.
If a full production kit is ordered, delivery will commence upon receipt of your remittance and the completed license form (which may be signed, scanned to digital and attached to an email, or mailed to the address on the form). There is no obligation to purchase a perusal kit. Those who wish to purchase the full production kit directly, without first ordering a perusal kit should contact msirt@sirmuse.com to obtain the license form.
Kit orders are manually processed, so please allow a day or two for a response. Materials that are ordered by download delivery will, in most cases, be available within hours of receipt of your order.
So, where do I go from here?
If you are interested in producing
this version of Alice in Wonderland and want to read the script or hear more of the music, the PayPal section for perusal kit orders is just below. If you wish to order the perusal or
full production package through email or phone communication, or need other information, please click on the following button to send an email to SirMuse:
PAYPAL SECTION
Use this section for perusal kits only (valid email and shipping address required during the process)
(to use PayPal for full production kit remittances, an invoice will be emailed to you with the mechanism for doing so)
US CUSTOMERS ONLY
(Alaskan or Hawaiian customers who need shipped perusal kits, please contact: msirt@sirmuse.com)
Choose your shipping method from the drop-down menu below
Whew! A lot of detailed information? Perhaps, but here's how Lewis Carroll 'simplifies' a complicated idea (or complicates a simple idea - you decide)
(excerpt from the script):
Duchess: ... Now, here, Mary Ann, is the baby. Take good care of it and...
Alice: But I’m not Mary Ann!
Duchess: Oh, I quite understand. But remember
the old saying (directing focus to the cook):
Cook (pontificating): ...
“Be what you would seem to be!” Or, if you’d like
it put more SIMPLY: “Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise
than what it might appear to others that what you were, or might have
been, was not otherwise than: what you had been would have appeared to
them to be ... otherwise!”
(if your browser is putting up an error message below the links about 'disabled Javascript', please contact msirt@sirmuse.com. Javascript needs to be enabled, which it is in most browsers, for the links to work properly)
PERUSAL KIT PURCHASERS WHO WISH TO DOWNLOAD THE PERUSAL MATERIALS
To unlock your door to the perusal kit materials with your case-sensitive password key (provided by email):
