The ...a family musical FAQ

How long is the show? 55 minutes (there is no intermission)

What’s the story about? The Little Dancer is a family musical that tells the charming story of how 14 year-old Maria Van Goethem came to be the most famous dancer in the world by modeling for ’ frst and only sculpture: Little Dancer of Fourteen Years. See the end of this FAQ for a more detailed synopsis. Click here for the script, which includes production notes and a list of musical numbers.

Can amateur groups perform the show? Yes! It’s perfect for schools and community theatre groups as well as professional companies. Email [email protected] for information on how to license.

How many actors are required? The show can be done very effectively with just 5 actors, but can also be performed with a larger cast. Click here for the script, which includes a character list.

Rev. 1-3-21 Is there a chorus? There can be a chorus. The show was written with adding a chorus in mind. The original New York productions incorporated a “Musical Theatre Geek Chorus,” though the show can be done with as few as 5 actors. There’s also an opportunity for a corp of ballet dancers should you have that kind of talent available to you.

Do all 5 characters have to dance ballet? Marie, and her friends Lois (or Louis) and Charlotte must be able to dance ballet. Ed/Degas and Mama/Mistress de Ballet do not.

Is The Little Dancer a show for the holidays only? No! The story does have a holiday theme, but is perfect for anytime of the year.

How hard is the music to learn? The music is not too diffcult for talented amateurs to learn and perform well. Click here to listen to the score.

What kind of set is required? The set can be as simple or elaborate as you wish/is possible.

What’s the right audience age for the show? 4 to 104! The Little Dancer will have the underlings giggling, but doesn’t “dumb down” like many children’s theatre musicals. The Little Dancer is truly a family show. Teens and parents will love it too. The story will warm all hearts, and have the toes of all ages tapping in the aisle.

Rev. 1-3-21 What is the synopsis of The Little Dancer? It all begins at a museum near you, where Ed the security guard is anxiously for the return of his favorite sculpture, The Little Dancer, Aged 14, after a long absence due to restoration work. While he waits, he brings vividly to life the story of how became the most famous dancer in the world. It all starts when Mama Van Goethem takes on extra laundry work so that Marie can fulfll her lifelong dream to take dance lessons. In no time, the fourteen year old is discovered by her new friends Louis and Charlotte, as well as the strict Mistress de Ballet, to be Paree’s next great ballerina in the making. They warn her that if she wants to succeed, she needs to work hard, never be late, and - most importantly - stay away from the meanest artist in town, Degas. Marie heeds their advice, until her ill grandfather grows sicker, and needs an expensive new medicine that Mama cannot afford. Marie, fearless as always, agrees against her better judgement to earn the extra money by modeling for Degas. His latest model, also realizing that Maris is special, inspires the cranky old artist to attempt to create something equally special - a sculpture made of clay that allows for a realness the likes of which the art world has never seen. But the long hours of modeling effects Marie’s dancing, and she is fred as the coveted featured dancer in the Opera House’s annual holiday ballet. Heart broken, Marie vows to the artist, her Mama, and her friends that her days as a dancer are done. But months later, an invitation arrives in the mail for her to attend an exhibit at the most important gallery in all of Paris. Marie gets the surprise of her life when she witnesses Degas’ masterpiece and the talk of the town is...her! When Marie learns that the artist has lost his eyesight, she decides to come out of retirement, and asks Degas to dance with her around the gallery. The story ends where it began. Ed the security guard gets his own surprise when, just before the museum’s closing, his favorite sculpture is returned - restored and magnifcent. As he turns the lights out, the sculpture winks. The end!

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