CRYSTAL'S JOURNEY
Book, Music
and Lyrics by Betsy Small
a musical fantasy/drama
in three acts (65-75minutes)
11F (or 9F with 2F or
M)
1 simple set, minimal
props
Crystal Jones, a lonely
contemporary twelve-year old who lives in the shadow of her
"perfect" older sister,
longs for wealth, stardom, perfect love and a queen's throne. When the
spirit of sixteenth-century
Margaret, Queen of Scots visits her and grants these wishes,
Crystal is catapulted
into a startling, comic, and ultimately perilous journey into dreams and
self-discovery, emerging
from her adventures with a blossoming faith in herself and
renewed love for her
family.
Music in Crystal's
Journey:
The story is enhanced
by Calm and Terry, lively rap-commentators who serve as a "Greek
chorus." Other music
combines elements of popular, Celtic and Renaissance styles, and can
be played on guitar
or piano with synthesizer and percussion.
Players:
Ideally suited for grades
6-9
Productions:
1991 Arts Alive Center (Bethesda, MD)
1993 Adventure Theatre (Glen Echo, MD)
Critical praise:
I was enchanted by
the play... the music added an additional element of joy and emotion...
Irene Rosenberg, The Writer's Center, Bethesda, MD
...clever, witty,
profound and entertaining...
Sherry Sundick, The Uptown Citizen, Washington, DC
Two summers ago I had the
opportunity to see this delightful play, and I was impressed by its
thoughtful presentation
of mother-daughter and sister-sister relationships, its ingenious
story-line, and its
lively, original lyrics and music. I thought she addressed several
generations simultaneously,
without didacticism. I also noted the enthusiastic reception of
the audience. I recommend
this play highly...
Charles Fenyvesi, The Washington Post
