A Flicker of Light on a Winter's Night

A mysterious stranger leads three disgruntled children on a musical journey to find harmony in diversity.

Performed from Nashville to North Bay, A Flicker of Light on a Winter’s Night is a highlight of any family or pops series. In this heart-warming and entertaining holiday concert, Platypus Theatre partners with local child actors and choristers, and gives them a starring role in this original script.

Through the magic of music, a mysterious stranger helps three disgruntled children discover the true spirit of the holidays by weaving a tale about our best-loved traditions from Christmas trees to dreidles, from Santa Claus to Scrooge. With a mixture of popular favorites, traditional music and plenty of sing-a-longs, this family holiday concert is sure to lift even the biggest Grinch into the holiday spirit. The performance lasts approximately 55 minutes and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

A Flicker of Light on a Winter's Night was a commission of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.

Story Themes

Hope
Ties Between Cultures
Harmony in Diversity

Musical Themes

Holiday Music
Cultural Contexts
Music as a Language that Connects Us

Fun Facts

So far, 63 local children have been involved in performances in 21 different cities.
100s of local singers have participated over the years.
Flicker was one of four shows commissioned by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony

Instrumentation

2(1.2Picc)2(1.2EH)22 / 4231 / Timp + 2/ hp / *orchestral strings

Also requires three child actor/singers and an SATB quartet or a full chorus

*The number of string players is at the discretion of the orchestra. Number of books supplied is 87665. All music is supplied by Platypus Theatre in the form of bound books for each musician. A score with all text cues is also supplied as well as a rehearsal CD and a DVD for the use of the conductor and stage crew.

Repertoire

Tchaikovsky - “Trepak” from The Nutcracker

Vivaldi - “Autumn” from The Four Seasons (Adagio Molto),

Nelson/Rollins (arr. Wagler) - Frosty the Snowman

Traditional (arr. Finnegan) - The Twelve Days of Christmas

Vivaldi - “Winter” from The Four Seasons (excerpt from 1st mvnt)

Anderson - Sleigh Ride

Gruber (arr. Kennedy) - Silent Night

Traditional - Hanukkah Song

Traditional (arr. Wagler) - O Christmas Tree

Anderson - Bugler's Holiday

Pierpont (arr. Wagler) - Jingle Bells Hootenanny

Vaughn Williams - Greensleeves

Reading (arr. Kennedy) - O Come All Ye Faithful

Traditional (arr. Wagler) - Wassailing Song

Hagus (arr. Wagler) - You're A Mean One!

Darby (arr. Simeone) - ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Traditional (arr. Wagler) - Huron Carol

Traditional (arr. Wagler) - Joy to the World Finale

Tech Specs

This performance requires the services of two artists from Platypus Theatre: one performer and a stage manager.

Lighting can be varied to suit facility.

Presenter must supply four flesh-coloured, inconspicuous microphones (Sennheiser MKE 2 Gold or similar) that can be hooked over the ear or attached to the face.

The presenter is responsible for hiring three child actor/singers and a SATB quartet or chorus.

For full technical requirements, click on downloads for the rider

Flicker as a School Concert

Each Platypus Theatre program is tailored to suit both the primary (kindergarten to third grade) and junior divisions (fourth to seventh grade). Our in-depth and relevant study guides were developed by teachers, with separate activities by grade level and curriculum that meet or exceed most state and provincial standards for arts education.

Cross-Curricular Connections

Drama (storytelling)
Social Studies (history, global community, diversity, traditions)

Character Education

Inclusion
Optimism
Teamwork

About the Show

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