Information

Show Credits: Book by David Chambers
Lyrics by David Chambers and Mel Marvin
Music by Mel Marvin

Description: A lively band of traveling players relates the story of their ancestors in this exhilarating tale of American life on the mid-Western prairies. This warm and touching late 19th century saga takes Lars and Kristina Andersson from the barren fields of Warmeland, Sweden, to the rich black soil of America. There, the Anderssons strive to make a home through childbirth, ravaging locusts and a tour through the Midwest as the unlikely stars of a popular traveling troupe.

A unique blend of folk legend and half-forgotten prairie history, PORTABLE PIONEER AND PRAIRIE SHOW is a stirring, compelling and highly original celebration of a little-known immigrant experience. In true traveling show fashion, a small, versatile ensemble handles all of the performing chores with gusto (they can even double as the show's musicians), highlighted by an appealing score of dazzling breadth by Mel Marvin (TINTYPES).

Insight from the experts Staging Tip: A stage with trunks, poles, troths and a special covered wagon that unfolds into a multi-purpose playing area. It will take some creative design but not much money or tears to build; the authors give you specific requirements in the perusal. Besides the wagon, a "cranky" (one of those devices that rotates small painted drops with a crank), flash powder, a quiet fan or wind machine.