StoryJam Plays + Musicals
Story Jam Plays + Musicals
“StoryJam” plays, musicals, concerts and dance performances evoke an appreciation for stories, those who create them and their historical context. The mission is to inspire the next generation of story tellers, by paying homage to classic literature, historical events, science and the natural world, through fast-paced, engaging pieces, performed by world-class professional artists. With an emphasis on humor and heart, adults in the room will find they enjoy the shows just as much as the kids.
All shows require very little set-up. This minimalist approach makes the performances turn-key for venues. It also encourages kids to create on their own, using almost nothing more than their imagination.
Please note that the length indicated for each show is approximate, can adjust based on your needs and may fluctuate depending on crowd size and participation.
Click HERE for Dates for our upcoming StoryJam Workshops | Plays | Musicals
PLAYS
AROUND THE WORLD WITH HANS AND CO.
Rated G: All Ages
Length: 45-55 minutes
Hans Christian Andersen and his unlikely companions, travel through time and space, to find new ways to tell some of his classic tales. Emphasis on the multiple global origins of stories and how stories can change with the times. Even the Little Mermaid gets a feminist makeover, with some help from the audience. Stories include The Princess and the Pea, The Nightingale, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid and *The Snow Queen. *(Snow Queen can be cut for time and/or younger audiences.)
THE “OG” BROTHERS GRIMM
Rated G: All Ages
Length: 45-55 minutes
The founding fathers of fairy tales, The Brothers Grimm, appear out of the mist to delight and inspire the next generation of story tellers. Through the retelling of their most famous, favorite stories, audiences learn about the history of oral tradition, how to create your own style of story-telling and the hilarious ways in which improvisation can turn everything upside down in a flash. Stories include Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, The Brave Little Tailor and The Bremen Town Musicians.
THE LOST LAND OF OZ
Rated: G
Length: 60 minutes
Way back in the year 1900, L. Frank Baum intended for “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” to be a stand-alone story but an enthusiastic public encouraged him to produce several sequels and more adventures with Dorothy and all of her friends and foes. Elements of these stories, along with familiar and all-new characters, bring to life yet another dazzling tale of Oz. In this modern-day adaptation, the audience meets a lost kid in a lost and enchanted land, who needs to learn the same lessons of heart, brains and bravery as her predecessors in Oz. Through her choices, she finds herself facing challenges and lessons at every turn, while having the time of her life, with the truest of friends. * This show is a work in progress and will be available Summer of 2020.
HAUNTING OF SHERWOOD FOREST
Rated: PG
Length: 60 minutes
Robin Hood and his Merry Band of Men have a problem. Sherwood Forest is haunted. And they are freaking out. * This show is a work in progress and will be available Summer of 2020.
THE GRIMMEST OF TALES
Rated: PG
Length: 45-55 minutes
The Brothers Grimm are ready to launch into their usual style of story-telling, when suddenly a mysterious enchantress appears and prompts them to tell some of their scarier tales. As the stories are revealed, so is the mystery of the lady’s identity and place in history. Stories include Cinderella, Bluebeard, Clever Hans and The Juniper Tree. We’ve upped the age recommendation on this one for some scarier content, mentions of blood and death and slightly more mature, elevated feminist points of view.
THE SHERLOCK SCANDAL
Rated: PG-13
*(adult guidance recommended for audience members on the younger end of the scale)
Length: 60 minutes
This thought-provoking play takes a wild twist on Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous Sherlock tale “Scandal in Bohemia”. A PR nightmare arises for the famous duo, when it is revealed that Holmes and Watson are “not men”. While they escape the public eye, they find themselves involved in a blackmail scandal involving a notorious Rockstar and his pious, socialite fiancé. With the help of Inspector Lestrade and interference from “The Woman”, Holmes and Watson tackle the mystery and reveal their own interesting past as people who have risen above their station. The action melds Victorian and contemporary sensibilities, to highlight the Universal themes. The age recommendations for this show are based on content including veiled mentions of “women of a certain profession”, mild violence, talk of death and suggested mature situations.
MUSICALS
ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Rated: G
Length: 60 minutes
In this musical adaptation of Lewis Carrol’s “Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There”, we meet familiar, as well as some of the more obscure, original characters. The Alice of this tale learns about appreciating those around her and how to share memories through books, even when loved ones are far away. The story takes place during the events surrounding WWI but there are no obvious or scary mentions of war-related topics. Lewis Carrol gives us some mildly spooky content and heightened language, but set in a light hearted-way, this show is still great for all ages.
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY APPLESEED
Rated: G
Length: 60 minutes
In this original musical, the audience is transported back through time to experience the earliest days of America. Johnny Appleseed, one of the most beloved American folk heroes, begins his amazing, true-life expedition to plant seeds of love, tolerance, and of course…apples! John Chapman was a pioneer whose story has amazing relevance today, dealing with racism, environmental awareness, bullying and perseverance.
DANCE PERFORMANCES
ELEMENTAL
This stunning, two-act ballet centers on accurately exploring organic and inorganic elements. The performance boldly explores concepts of life, the physical building blocks of relationships, and energy. The hidden world of minerals below the earth’s surface, the wealth of precious metals, and the complicated relationships of some metalloids are illuminated through the choreography. Expanding beyond our usual minimalist approach, the production value, live musicians, and audio-visual presentation will illustrate a unique and engaging journey through the periodic table. Art and Science at their very best! *Available from May-September.