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Whistle Down The Wind

In the American Deep South in the 1950s, a fugitive is caught between the prejudice of adults and the innocence of the young.

More information

Description

  • Full Length Musical
  • Drama
  • 120 minutes

  • Time Period: 1950s
  • Target Audience: Teen (Age 14 - 18), Adult
  • Set Requirements: Unit Set/Multiple Settings
  • Orchestra Size: Medium

  • Performance Group:
  • High School/Secondary, Community Theatre
Swallow, a 15-year-old girl growing up in America’s deep South in the fifties, discovers a mysterious man hiding out in a barn. When she asks who he is and the first words he utters are “Jesus Christ,” it’s as if all her prayers have been answered.

Swallow and the town’s other children vow to protect the stranger from the world that waits outside—the townspeople who are determined to catch a fugitive hiding in their midst. As fantasy and reality collide, Swallow is torn between the two and begins to discover who she is and where she is going.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s emotive score combines hauntingly beautiful love songs and explosive rock music, with lyrics by acclaimed Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler songwriter Jim Steinman. The score features “No Matter What,” which was covered by Boyzone, hitting number one in 18 countries.

Whistle Down the Wind contrasts the relentless influence of the modern world with the traditional values of the old days—something which the community at its heart yearns to return to. The show is a great choice for secondary/high schools and programs with a broad talent pool of young performers.
REVIEWS:

"Sensationally Good Performances; I relished every minute"

Lynda-Lee Potter, Daily Mail

"I was captivated by Whistle Down the Wind. The best musical production I have seen on stage. Simply superb... Go and see it."

Sunderland Evening Chronicle

"This rock musical spectacular kicked up an almighty storm thanks to catchy songs, strong performances and compelling story."

Southampton Daily Echo

"Lloyd Webber's best show since Phantom"

Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph

"A show with immense heart."

The Mail on Sunday, Glasgow

"It works triumphantly!"

Evening Herald, Plymouth

"This high-quality production works like a charm and looks a treat. The big barn set is spectacular and the cast of principals and children are outstanding."

Aberdeen Press and Journal

"Technically a miracle...vocally, the performers sound like Angels."

Yorkshire Post, Bradford

"Strong emotional scenes. Intense, satisfying, gripping drama."

Edinburgh Theatre Guide

"Strikingly Dramatic Stuff! Brilliantly Theatrical"

What's On in London

"A clutch of melodies crying out to be hummed all the way home."

Keighley News, Bradford

"Lloyd Webber's terrific new musical. A Superb Uplifting Evening"

Michael Coveney, Daily Mail

"Hugely entertaining with a gripping tear jerker of a finale that had the first night audience on their feet, cheering."

Wolverhampton Adnews

"Blessed with an outstanding score. Completely Brilliant"

Martin Collins Capital Radio

Premiere Production: Whistle Down the Wind was premiered at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. on 12 December 1996, starring Davis Gaines as The Man and Irene Molloy as Swallow.

Characters

  • Casting: 9M, 3F
  • Casting Attributes: Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle), Ensemble cast, Roles for Children, Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)
  • Chorus Size: Medium

  • THE MAN
    SWALLOW
    AMOS
    CANDY
    BOONE
    BRAT (girl)
    POOR BABY (boy)
    EDWARD
    SHERIFF
    THE MINISTER
    SNAKE PREACHER
    EARL

  • Featured Children
    ELIZABETH
    LA VONNE
    WINSTON
    VIKKI
    LOUISE
    CLARENCE
    LOUIS
    JACKIE
    RAMONA
    CURLY
    CHARITY

    • Available Material

    Name Price
    Rehearsal Material Shipped a minimum of 3 months before the last performance. This must be hired as a condition of the License to produce this show.

    25 Libretto/Vocal Scores
    2 Piano/Vocal Scores

    		 $550.00 +$135.00/pm
    Orchestral Material Shipped a minimum of 1 month before the last performance. This is optional.

    Full Scores Act 1 & Act 2    
    Woodwind I (Flute, Piccolo, Tenor Sax)
    Woodwind II (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Sax)
    Horn I
    Percussion/Drums
    Keyboard I
    Keyboard II
    Keyboard III
    Guitar I
    Guitar II/Banjo
    Bass Guitar
    Violins x 3 (Electric Violin is preferable for 3rd violin)
    Cello

    		 $350.00 +$135.00/pm
    Pre-Production Pack Shipped upon receipt of a signed License Agreement and full payment of all invoices. This is optional.

    1 Libretto/Vocal Score
    1 Piano Vocal Score

    		 $75.00
    Perusal Material Shipped immediately. This is optional. Order Now

    1 Libretto/Vocal Score
    1 Piano Vocal Score

    		 $24.00

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