Here are some details that may be useful as you consider performing this musical.

 

Set Design

There are three different sets: the campfire, Athens (500 B.C.), and Rome (50 A.D.).

 

The campfire scene opens and closes the play. The three leads circle around the campfire for about 10 minutes in the beginning of the play, giving context to the story and the subsequent movement to Greece and then Rome. There is little more than a fire called for. This could be done off stage on a small platform as one group did it.

 

In Athens, Greece the children arrive at a marketplace. Images of the Agora, the famous market near the Parthenon may give reference to this setting. A backdrop could feature market stalls, tables with displays of goods, a backdrop showing more of the same, and citizens conducting daily trade.

 

In ancient Italy, the scene takes place outside of Rome, along a road which is being re-built. It is a rural scene, with tools for the workers, and a backdrop showing the road as it continues into the great city of Rome.  Here is a reference to Roman Roadbuilding:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/romans/roads_and_places/

 

Chorus Section

The musical depends upon the formation of a chorus, a group of singers who have singing parts in each of the 10 songs. In some songs, actors sing along with the chorus. In others, the chorus sings apart from the actors. In any case, the overall performance will be enhanced by an enthusiastic group of singers who appreciate that they are actors too, at some level.

 

Music

There is a score written for piano. It also contains guitar chord notation. The songs may be led by either of these instruments.

The recording for the musical, Alive! contains two CDs. The Accompaniment CD is intended to allow performers to practice the songs. It may also be used for the performance, although a live performance of the songs has important advantages.

 

Costumes

Costumes should coincide with the cultures and classes of the people in each scene. This represents a great opportunity for research and learning. Given that the main characters travel back in time  wearing their contemporary clothing, they will stand out quite noticeably in both Athens (500 B.C.) and in Rome (around 50 A.D.), where tunics prevail.