Nora’s Ark
(condensed)
Scenes
Laboratory
The S.S. Nora
The Hungry Moon
Rooster Sunrise
Hungry Days
Born Free
Family Fishing
Musical Numbers
Laboratory
It’s Gonna Rain
The Storm
After the Storm
Turtle Serenade
The Chase
There’s Blue All Around Me- Predators
Rooster Sunrise
There’s Blue All Around Me- Prey
Swingin’ On the Family Tree
Cheetah Overboard
I See Blue
Cast List
Nora
Flora
Fitzi
Mr. Owl, Mrs. Owl
Mrs. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit
Mr. Monkey, Mrs. Monkey
Mr. Turtle, Mrs. Turtle
Mr. Cheetah, Mrs. Cheetah
Rooster, Chicken
Mr. Tiger, Mrs. Tiger
Mr. Lion, Mrs. Lion
Mr. Mouse, Mrs. Mouse
Mr. Zebra, Mrs. Zebra
Bunnies (Bugsy, Dot, Fluffy, Velveteen)
Mr. Elephant, Mrs. Elephant
Mr. Wolf, Mrs. Wolf
Mr. Boar, Mrs. Boar
Add or subtract animals as needed
Notes to the Director
Nora’s Ark may be performed with any number of additional animals. Unless specifically stated in the script not all animals need to be in pairs although it helps. Special attention should be paid to the type of animal in relation to the story. Stay away from any animal that might be aware of fish and/or sea weed. (example- Good animal giraffe; bad animal, otter.
Notes to Musical Director
Nora must be able to sing the demanding lyrics and melody of the opening number, It’s Gonna Rain. Predator and Prey soloists should have a good feeling for the blues. Bugsy must be able to handle the solo rubato opening of Swingin’ On the Family Tree. The closing number sung by the entire cast is a bebop piece based on the chord changes to Blue Skies. It is rather chromatic and great attention should be paid to the pitches and the feeling of the melody.
Notes to Choreographer
One obvious device is to have students mimic the movement of their particular animal character when traveling, but an easier and more efficient way of having students retain the same character elements throughout the piece is to have them create several individual and animal partner poses to refer to when onstage. I would suggest using these poses in conjunction with the traveling movements often, as opposed to more staged choreography, as the constant movement within the confines of the "ark" provides more dramatic tension in support of the plot action. Manipulate the students' own animal movements by playing with speed, tempo, and effort (sustained vs. sudden; bound vs. free, etc.), depending on the mood of the scene.
Use more "movement inclined" students to do spotlight dances in song breaks. The songs lend themselves to choreography in classically American theater dance styles (i.e., a blues shuffle in "There's Blue All Around Me" or a swinging soft shoe in "I See Blue").
The performers came up with their own scenarios for the chase and then decided the order in which the chasers/chases would enter/exit.
Notes on Sets
Nora’s Ark is essentially one set. The Laboratory, which begins the play, can be created with a few tables and a free standing chalk board or chart paper on easel. Once these elements are removed the set can be the top deck of the Ark. To create a nice effect with animals singing, dancing, and delivering lines use as many levels as possible. Nautical accessories--life preservers/rings, crates, rope can adorn the stage.Large cut outs of additional animals may be placed throughout the set to create the feeling of a loaded ship.
Notes on Costumes
Nora’s Ark has been performed with a wide range of costume types. Steer clear of full face masks and costumes which restrict movement and/or singing and speaking, and do not provide enough flexibility for dancing.. Elephant will be most difficult as its trunk can interfere with singing and speaking. Use light weight hard foam with wire. Position trunk upward, like an “S”, for best results. Nora is in a lab coat in the opening. Animals can be dressed in black with tails and noses appropriately.
Props List
General Laboratory Equipment (clipboards, charts, globe, beakers, bird cage, plastic white dove)
Umbrellas, Rain coats, Fishing net, Sea weed, Fish
Notes on Props
Few props are necessary for Nora’s Ark. Umbrellas and rain gear are fine for the daughters, but the animals don’t need them. Umbrellas can be converted into fishing poles for final scene where animals are collecting fish and sea weed for each other.