Critique by one of my student’s “Mom” who happens to be a music teacher too! Rebecca Gibson, Nebraska
Composer/Arranger: Teresa and Paul Jennings
Link to Purchase: https://www.musick8.com/store/alphadetail.php?product_group=1275#_
Run Time: 20-25 minutes
Appropriate for:
___Kindergarten
___1st Gr.
___2nd Gr.
✅ 3rd Gr.
✅ 4th Gr.
✅ 5th Gr.
___6th Gr.
Number of Songs: 12
Number of Solos: 2-3 Lots of opportunities for small groups
✅ Unison – Mostly!
✅ 2 Part (Independent)
✅ 2 Part (Harmonizing) – More like back-up singers
___3 Part (Independent)
___3 Part (Harmonizing)
___4 Part (Independent)
___4 Part (Harmonizing)
✅ Performance Track Available
✅ Accompaniment Track Available
✅ Singer Scores Available
__ Choreography – some suggestions
Script:
✅ Rhyming Dialog
✅ Non-Rhyming Dialog (easy)
____Non-Rhyming Dialog (medium difficulty)
____Non-Rhyming Dialog (hard)
Scenery: as much as you want but doesn’t need,
Costumes: Can get away without except need fruit hats for Cabana piece but otherwise none unless you want – lots of opportunity for some
Props: Boomwhackers for crocodile guy, Fruit hat for cabana singers, maybe wrapped skirts (big towels/scarves), Glasses for partner wrap with Yodelady
This musical has huge potential, but can stay simple also. It is so much fun and can really be great for an outgoing group of kiddos. The songs are all really easy and could be lower grades. But with all the speaking parts and jokes, you really need the older kids to get that across.
I kept it simple and let the kids lead with what they wanted, to enhance either with props, scenery, or even accents.
Individual Song Information obtained from Music K-8: ps://www.musick8.com/store/alphadetail.php?product_group=1275#_
Lighten Up – The positive, swing-style opener sets the tone for what will follow – humor!
Blarney – The first skit sets up this parody of that oh-so-famous entertainment dinosaur that very young children know and love. Very, very simple and short, it can be sung by your young students.
Funny, Funny Face – Here’s another song for your youngest kids. Watch out, though, they may get distracted showing off all the funny faces they can make.
Theme From Crocodile Guy – This is probably the easiest song you’ll ever teach. A tribute to the “Crocodile Hunter,” Steve Erwin, there are only two words in this song. But when sung with intensity, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Whacky Song – Here’s a fun little song designed to show off your students’ Boomwhacker® abilities. The lyrics are just plain fun.
Knock Knock – This joke song is a set-up for some young comedians to do their shtick. As a rule, the knock knock jokes are pretty tame and perhaps will entice some of your shy students to participate.
A Cowboy’s Lament – The first of three short, clever songs, this one talks about the down side of the cowboy life – saddle sores! It’s also an opportunity to showcase one of your stronger actors with a solo.
Carmen Banana’s Song – Short and sweet, this tune will be lots of fun for those audience members old enough to remember Carmen Miranda, Ricky Ricardo, and the Copacabana Singers. It’s also lots of fun for those who are too young to know, but find out how much fun fruit can be!
That’s Easy For You To Say – Tongue twisters are fun to say and listen to. Let your students try out a couple in this song. Mispronunciations will only add to the fun.
Yodelady – Amazingly, this tune combines hip-hop and a yodeling polka. It’s a hoot!
Words Of Wisdom – This is a seriously silly song that provides a nice contrast to the funny and theatrical finale. The opposition between words and music style will keep your audience chuckling. They even get to join in on the last chorus.
This Show Is Over – Like some of the great comic Broadway closers, it just keeps trying to finish, only to rev up one more time. What fun!
From Jennifer Otten: Thank you Rebecca! I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to share this critique!
If you’ve directed this musical, PLEASE feel free to share any thoughts and adaptations you did!
Sounds Like Fun 