"There are only two or three human stories and they go on repeating themselves as if they had never happened before;
like larks in the country they have been singing the same five notes for thousands of years."
-Willa Cather
Click on links to view video clips. The Singing, Ringing Tree is an interactive play in which
audience
members play all 12 characters. The protagonist is a spoiled Spanish
princess
who is transformed by the power of love. In turn, the princess is visited by the world's greatest
musician,
athlete, and
chef,
and is thoroughly unimpressed by their attempts to awe her with their talents. She is equally unmoved by the three
gentlemen
who travel from afar bearing fine and unusual presents. Later, this malcontent sends the
prince,
whose gift is his heart, on a dangerous quest for
the singing, ringing tree.
From there a
fox,
fish, and fierce
monster
get in on the act until the end when, in the words of the Duchess from Alice in Wonderland:
"'tis love, 'tis love that makes the world go round."
The production is structured to allow for and encourage the uniqueness of each participant's
imagination. The casting process is designed to be part of the production, and no prior rehearsal is required.
The roles are made more or less challenging depending on the age and ability of the individual.
This performance features a collection of large papier-mache masks created by award-winning artist,
Ruth Fledermaus. Besides providing children (and adults) the opportunity to act onstage, the performance
incorporates themes of kindness, loyalty, respect, and the ability of all people to change. This production
satisfies curriculum standards in the areas of literature, language arts, and theater arts. It is also useful
in augmenting anti-bullying initiatives. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Running time: approx. 1 hour
Upon request, The Singing, Ringing Tree can be customized to link with a museum's collections or current
exhibition, or a library's summer reading theme. Suggestions for follow-up activities are available for schools.
"Your dynamic interactive style of making the art historical connection to one of the museum's most famous
paintings made your performance a unique and truly exciting experience for all."
Adina Sabghir, former Manager of Youth & Family Learning
Museum of Fine Arts
Boston, MA
"Whatever the grade level (K-8), the children all had the same reaction; you will be one of their special
remembrances of the Cummings School throughout their lives. The interactive nature of the show, allowing a
dozen of the children to appear onstage with you and act out the parts and using the audience to be your sound
effects, engaged the children as no other show has done. You had the ability to tailor the show for your
particular audience and made sure each performance was different but equally special. Even a crusty old
veteran such as I was enthralled."
David Gilberti, retired Principal
Cummings Elementary School
Somerville, MA
"The audience was delighted by the impressive backdrop and papier-mache masks and captivated by the enchanting
story of The Singing, Ringing Tree. In my mind, however, the most memorable aspect of the event was your amazing
ability to think on your feet as you guided the young performers acting out the tale. Your sensitivity to the ages
and abilities of the youths you select is a tribute to your skill and professionalism."
Alanna Almstead, Youth Services Coordinator
Kinderhook Memorial Library
Kinderhook, NY
