Director’s Note
I had heard one song from Firebringer last year, chuckling at a clip on YouTube bearing a sassy, talented cast not wanting to work that day. When the subject came up to introduce the show to McLaughlin audiences, I became acquainted with the full material and noticed three things immediately:
It was very funny satire.
It was very musically demanding.
It was very adult.
When Starkid responded so quickly to inquiry and offered a ‘family friendly’ version, we were not only surprised but tickled. As we began exploring, we exhorted parents not to base their experience of the show on the online ‘mature’ version, which contains language and a more poignant commentary on socio-political issues in the world today. I’m grateful for the team, for Robyn, Liam and Delaney who have offered excellent input and their investment of time and ideas, for Greg’s patient and specific Musical Direction, for Jeff’s innovative and teachable choreography, and for all of the McLaughlin staff, crew and musicians who’ve bought into the crazy beginning of the world.
Our goal is not to make a political/religious/social statement with the piece—it is to present a bunch of cavepeople and their various challenges in a world where they have zero experience with our current paradigms or prejudices. It’s entertainment, nothing more. We invite you to shed your experiences for a time and discover alongside them, pretend with them, and above all, to enjoy them.
The kids have invested themselves wholly in a very short amount of time; when we switched shows, we lost a week and a half of rehearsal time and went from a show where pirates sing a few songs badly to 19 songs with tight harmonies and musical complexity. And dancing. And a lot of lines. I’m proud of every one of them, of their willingness to throw themselves into the world (and into Jeff’s wonderful choreography) with hardly a moment of reservation or insecurity remaining.
Contrary to the sentiment, they have done the work, and continue to bring the fire with every performance. They’re going for it, they’re invested, and truly—they rock.
Welcome to the stone age.
Special Thanks to all our Volunteers and Supports! We could not do this without your unwavering commitment and continued support.
Thank you to our Parent & Community Volunteers for set crew, costume crew, props, back stage and front of house!
Thank you to our incredible Externs who worked tiresly to create this incredible show!
