BWW Preview: First Stage THE SNOW Features Wisconsin Tradition of Storytelling Written by International Playwright

During February, snow falls lightly in Wisconsin this year, the powdery flakes covering the frosty earth--cold and icy white. With winter weather at the heart of the First Stage world premiere, the company introduces their 5th Wisconsin Cycle production in a play simply titled: The Snow. Internationally acclaimed playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer- who has garnered more than 30 awards from around the world during his continuing illustrious career---worked with Artistic Director Jeff Frank, Oregon Children's Theatre, and Magik Theatre when collaborating on a fantasy adventure conjuring the winter white magic while honoring Wisconsin's Germanic heritage akin to the Brothers Grimm legendary fairytales.

Kruckemeyer's story begins when a dangerous snowfall secludes a tiny village so eventually a small boy and his giant friend, both believed to be dead, uncover the secret to the sudden storm producing the frozen, almost prison like, village walls. To set Kruckemeyer's fantasy tale firmly in the audiences' senses, Production Director Frank also commissioned Andrew Crowe to compose an original score for the new work. Crowe traveled to Milwaukee where he had previously played Jackson at the Skylight Music Theatre in Pump Boys and Dinettes, to complete the First Stage score and also act in the production. While taking a break at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center just before a rehearsal, Crowe recalls how Frank invited him to compose the special music for the company's first international commission and Crowe's First Stage debut.

During the casual conversation, Crowe mentions he's actually composing new music as needed for the score he first began last September. To complement this elite international production, Crowe's score lyrically establishes "a special place" on stage that exists only in the playwright's story, similar to the setting in Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe's bittersweet Brigadoon. Musical Director Crowe also doubles by playing fiddle on stage, along with several other adult actors in the production, who transform from actor, musician and storyteller seamlessly during the performance, where the music and acting combine and become critical to the production's success.

The formidable task of creating live music for this production also involves placing the musicians on stage throughout the performance to accompany the action and scene transitions. Frank's technical team imparts an Eastern European theme to the story by collaborating with Scenic Designer Sarah Hunt Frank and Costume Designer Kim Instenes. Musical inspiration features folk melodies where accordion, played by Karen Estrada, along with cello, melodica, didgeridoo, violin and then ukulele, played by Matt Daniels, intermingle the musicians with the role of storytellers while they stroll about the stage. Two young performers participate with the adult musicians playing cello, Bradley Nowacek, and violin, Melisa Erman, in the alternating Young Performer casts, giving the youths a chance to develop other professional ambitions .and skills. While invaluable to any production, a purely instrumental score can often be under appreciated, similar to the composer's and the musicians's talents.

"This allegorical myth relates how the fantastical snow chills the village's' hearts and lives," Crowe explains. "These multiple musical themes inserted into the score... about a dozen.... relate to the events happening on stage...tree climbing, being chased by birds..the dangers in the journey...and replay throughout the play.... while there's one song to cap the production...Mama Kishka."

While Mama Kishka's lyrics remain a mystery until THE SNOW premieres, Crowe relates he actually plays more than a dozen instruments. primarily percussion, strings and woodwinds. The actor/composer/musician collects even more unique instruments, and calls North Carolina home while he travels around the country writing and performing when living in his RV. After arriving in Milwaukee, "a city he loves because the people who live here love their city," Crowe continues to tweak The Snow score. He composes when the play requires more music, edits when necessary, all with his gifted ear tuned to the tight deadlines so the musicians can still memorize the melodies for the February 26 weekend opening, which involves two young musicians, and an ensemble of First Stage Academy actors. "These young performers [in First Stage Productions], and the musicians, knock my socks off,' Crowe elaborates, "They're incredible, very professional."

Two Young Performer casts alternate in the world premiere production, with Seth Hoffman (Strong Cast) and Zach Duckler (Brave Cast) playing the small boy Theodore who befriends a tenderhearted giant, Oliver, before the pair embarks on a challenging journey to save the village. While The Snow revisits themes from ancient folk and fairy tales, Kruckemeyer spins his own international flair and flavor into the production that Crowe amplifies through his original score. "Inevitably, The Snow tells of an adventure, of a boy and his unlikely friend," Crowe concludes. "An allegorical tale about bravery, cleverness, courage.... and.love."

What could warm a Wisconsin audience in winter more than an enchanting and never before heard or seen story about The Snow?

First Stage presents the first commission from an international playwright in Finegan Kruckemeyer's World Premiere The Snow opening February 26 through March 20 and recommended for ages eight and older. For performance schedule, special programming, or tickets, please call: 414.273.7206 or www.firststage.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.