AMIP 10-15 Mason & Ellwood, ‘My Ántonia’

John Mason & Caroline Ellwood, ‘My Ántonia’ 

A one act musical of approximately 45 minutes duration, ideally suited for secondary/high school performance. The 7 songs, varied and engaging, all have strong chorus elements, aiding transition from whole-class singing to staged production. They encourage part-singing. The 3 instrumental numbers include two dance scenes and an overture. Instrumental parts are available on application. These are mostly easy to play for teen-aged learners who might typically play in a school orchestra. The piano accompaniment score includes some of the most essential instrumental elements, mostly for flute and acoustic guitar. All other instrumental parts are optional.

The musical is an adaptation of US novelist Willa Cather’s lyrical book ‘My Ántonia’. It is about how a community is forged though migrating groups to the Mid-West (specifically the small settlement of Black Hawk, Nebraska) around 1900, their joys and their disappointments. Above all, the play emphasises the importance of mutual support and friendship. Especially through the emerging friendship of Ántonia (just arrived with her parents from Bohemia) with Jim (who, recently orphaned, has come to live with his grandmother) we see how both they and the community respond emotionally and practically to the situation. In our ever-mobile world, this story never loses its relevance. 11 character roles are required, 5 of which require solo singing. Plenty of chorus acting complements their singing role… A thoroughly worthwhile, stimulating performing arts project for young people!