Playing From The Heart

This triumphant story about the young life of world famous percussionist Evelyn Glennie is skillfully performed by the premiere children's theatre in England, Polka Children's Theatre of Wimbledon. Evelyn's youth is idyllic: loving parents, two annoying but fun brothers, animals, and the beautiful countryside. But her world drastically changes when she begins to lose her hearing at the age of eight. After seeing this play, you will never view deafness in the same way. Evelyn's defiant nature, which troubles her parents, propels her to success and stardom. Playing From the Heart shows us that life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. And neither do we. Perhaps it is our flaws that are our greatest assets. Filmed by the BBC, the video includes a brief look at London, lots of great percussion performances, and an interview with Evelyn Glennie.

Far From the Madding Crowd

There are many kinds of love, but not all bring happiness. In this story of love, Bathsheba Everdene learns this lesson the hard way.

Unusual for the time, a woman, Bathsheba has inherited a large farm from her uncle. The farmhands are surprised with her diligence in learning how to manage the farm. As the story progresses, three different suitors try to catch the heart of Bathsheba: Sergeant Troy, Farmer Boldwood and Shepherd Oak. She has to choose and her decision has repercussions. After certain tragic events, Bathsheba finally finds happiness and true love.

Told from the viewpoint of the farmworkers, this adaptation of Far From the Madding Crowd uniquely bridges the actors and the audience together, building a rapport and inviting the audience to take part in the experience. Using the minor characters as a as a counterpoint to the central narrative, a background is created enhancing major themes in the play, with the farmhands commenting on the action and characters of the main protagonists.

Thomas Hardy first published this story in the Cornhill magazine in 1874. Hardy based his scenes on people and places in Wessex, the area of England centered on Dorset where he was born and raised. Though he also lived in London, Dorset was his home and it was what he loved. He even built a house there in Dorchester, Max Gate, where he spent the later years of his life. In addition to writing novels, Hardy was a poet and an architect. Some of Hardys famous works include The Mayor of Casterbridge , Jude the Obscure , The Return of the Native and Tess of the DUbervilles .

Cyrano
In an age where poetry, romanticism, and eloquence determined a man's valor, Cyrano takes place as a hilarious comedy about an unusual duel for a woman's love.

Cyrano, a hopeless romantic and virtuoso poet, possesses an irregularly large nose. He falls in love with his niece, the beautiful and charming Roxane, but is afraid to declare his love for her because of his physical features. Roxane thinks she is in love with a young, valiant lad, Christian. Although very handsome, Christian does not dare approach Roxane because he is unable to express himself both romantically and intellectually.

In order to help Christian win Roxane's respect, the two heroes conspire a crazy scheme. Cyrano hides behind trees speaking for Christian as though Christian is actually professing his true love. Roxane falls in love with the poetry, not realizing the voice is that of the romantic and gifted Cyrano. The result is a ridiculous mix-up that eventually leads to the real poet's romantic victory.

Based on Edmond Rostand's classic, 'Cyrano de Bergerac,' this classic is presented by three amazingly talented actors, who play many parts, perform zany theatre tricks, and perform all the unique sound effects themselves. A wonderful look inside the world of European theatre that you'll only get through Globalstage -- unless of course you're fluent in French and can fly to Antwerp for an evening on the town. This video will also focus on the culture and history of the beautiful city of Antwerp.

Blauw Vier Theatre , Antwerp, Belgium
Directed by Jo Roets
Based on the play by Edmond Rostand

Pinocchio
Pinocchio is a wooden puppet whose fervent wish is to become a real boy. But in order to make the transformation, he has to rid himself of all his selfish tendencies, a task he finds difficult and at times, dangerous. The viewer will be laughing and singing with Pinocchio as he learns how to love someone besides himself, and as a result, finds the happiness he desires.

The director has done a magnificent job of adhering to the Italian Renaissance style of theatre, 'commedia dell'arte'. It's a comic approach to acting that emphasizes broad physical characterizations, colorful masks, lush costuming, and simple music for a playful, high-energy production. You've never seen a Pinocchio like this.

"I did not want to produce another version of Pinocchio. I never liked the story as a child and thought it wouldn't fit our criteria of being representative of exciting, thought-provoking, international theatre because there were so many versions floating about. However, Preston and I viewed this play at the same time we saw Stage One performing "Frankenstein," and we both adored it and were singing the songs for weeks afterwards. The music is great, the staging is so authentic that it transports you back to Renaissance Italy, and I believe it's the one Pinocchio that adults will finally get a kick out of."
--Libby Pratt, President and Mother of Preston

Stage One: The Louisville Children's Theatre
Script, Lyrics, and Direction: Moses Goldberg
Adaptation by Carlo Collodi
Original Music by Scott Kasbaum

Frankenstein
If you enjoy science, mystery, and suspense, this classic tale of science gone mad is sure to make your hair stand on edge. Based on Mary Shelley's novel, this original adaptation examines the delicate balance between science, medicine, and nature.

Two ambitious medical students, Victor and Peter, take life into their own hands by attempting to create an extraordinary human. Their scientific experiment takes a horrific turn when they create a disfigured, monstrous creature that runs rampant, destroying everything in sight.

Told through the eyes of Elizabeth, the young woman tragically in love with Victor, this moving version differs from traditional Frankenstein productions. Although Elizabeth supports Victor's experiments, she implores him to express more sympathy and love for Frankenstein. Elizabeth's memoirs reveal the terrible price of Victor's obsession. In the end, he loses everything to his monstrous creation.

The play's brilliant staging and captivating plot make it challenging to contemplate and exciting to watch.

Stage One: The Louisville Children's Theatre
Directed by J. Daniel Herring
Adaptation by Nick DiMartino