Sections: Information | Description | CD Cover
Information
- Musical theatre work commissioned by Roald Dahl Foundation in 1997
- Composed by Viennese composer Kurt Schwertsik
- Libretto by Donald Sturrock
- Productions:
- World premiere in Glasgow, Scotland in December 1997
- Conducted by HK Gruber
- Performed by Scottish Chamber Orchestra
- Stage debut of Dahl’s granddaughter, Sophie Dahl!
- Based on:
For more information, see Music Link International. To hire, contact Boosey & Hawkes.
Description
At the Forest Assizes Baby Bear stands accused of assaulting Miss Goldie Locks. Evidence is presented in musical form, often as short, descriptive dances. The Trial begins with a Fanfare. The officials and most of the protagonists enter to the strains of a Jaunty Prelude, while Baby Bear, Judge and Jury enter to a mock-solemn Processional. After some short pleasantries, the Prosecution Hyena evokes the spririt of the idealised storybook Goldilocks, a spirit that, needless to say, is a long way from the truth. A witty, ironic Allegro Grazioso introduces Goldilocks’ Sweet Dance. The Prosecution Hyena then wickedly slanders the Three Bears, portraying them as vicious cut-throat thugs in a Criminal Bears’ Dance, before the Defence Hyena interrupts and begins to paint the true picture of his clients and their terrible trauma at the hands of that “brazen little crook”, Goldilocks. Goldie’s true nature is revealed in the fast-moving Foul Dance that follows. Then the story is retold.
