The Carnival of the Animals

Participation of the young is the keynote of this Carnival: three artists from Underground Railway Theater (URT) arrive a day or two before the performance and train 12 young people who are chosen by the sponsor (junior high school, high school or college students, for example, perhaps from a local drama club or dance class) to perform as the ‘head animals’ of the kingdom, aided by URT’s colorful body-puppets. These volunteers are rehearsed into the piece for about 5 hours before they rehearse with the orchestra.

An additional group of up to 35 younger children becomes involved as the audience comes in for the concert, though they can be chosen by the sponsor beforehand (for instance, one classroom). In the lobby, before the concert, the children (ages 5-9 on average) are shown a few gestures and movements which they will use in the performance itself. When the performance of the piece is about to begin, all of the young performers sit on the stage in front of the orchestra, with the animal-groups depicted in Saint- Saens’ composition. They remain on the floor except when they are called upon to get up and perform the movements of their animals.

A loose plot holds this creative and charming zoo together: the King of the Beasts (a.k.a. the Lion and played by a URT performer) proclaims a beauty contest to help him choose a Queen from among all the animals, so the animals are called upon to audition for the ‘role.’ Each animal has a dominant color, and color-zones of light plus two spotlights help the audience follow the action. (The choreography respects the pianos’ duet and cellist’s solo.)

All the voices are performed by URT artists from the side of the stage while the young performers mime their parts. Large colorful banners surround the orchestra, each portraying one of the animals in a humorous caricature. The magnetism of this production lies the charm of the music and text, the talent of the local young people, and especially the cuteness of the littlest ‘animals.’

A videotape of the production is available for preview.

BASIC TECH INFORMATION
Flexible staging. Performed on apron in front of orchestra. Colored lights and two followspots recommended.