Music Theatre International has released Hans Christian Andersen JR., a new adaptation of the 1952 musical film designed for young performers, for licensing.
The show features music and lyrics by Guys and Dolls songwriter Frank Loesser, and a book and additional lyrics by Timothy Allen McDonald (Between the Lines, James and the Giant Peach). The story tracks the famous writer at the age of 13, who discovers that while he struggles with reading, he has a gift for storytelling. The show recounts some of Andersen's most beloved tales, including "The Little Mermaid," "Thumbelina," and "The Ugly Duckling," and features such Loesser songs as "I'm Hans Christian Andersen," "Thumbelina," and "Anywhere I Wander."
鈥淗ans Christian Andersen is a show that has delighted audiences around the world for decades," says MTI President and CEO Drew Cohen in a statement. "This Broadway Junior adaptation takes the beloved score, which is both fun and funny, and weaves it into a brand new story that embraces the themes of the original film while skillfully updating the show for a group young performers. We were all thrilled with the pilot productions as were the teachers and parents, and especially the students who performed in the show. It is a special privilege to bring Frank Loesser鈥檚 brilliance to a whole new generation of theatre fans."
"While researching the show, I learned many scholars believe Hans Christian Andersen was dyslexic. I am, too鈥攚hich made me wonder: how did the man behind The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Snow Queen (the inspiration for Disney鈥檚 Frozen) overcome dyslexia to become one of the world鈥檚 most beloved storytellers?," adds McDonald. "That question became both muse and motivation. Along with tunes from the classic Danny Kaye film, I had access to the full Frank Loesser song catalogue. I included one of his earliest works and a gem from Pleasures and Palaces, his final musical. Let鈥檚 be honest, it鈥檚 not every day you get to write a new Frank Loesser musical. I鈥檓 honored that Frank鈥檚 widow, the fabulous Jo Loesser, and their daughter Emily trusted me to reimagine it."
"Our family is delighted that these magical Frank Loesser songs will continue to captivate the next generation of theatre enthusiasts," says Emily Loesser Stephenson. "Timothy Allen McDonald has beautifully woven these musical gems into an uplifting story that dances from first note to final bow."
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