Earthkids the Musical
Music by Neil Fishman • Book and Lyrics by Harvey Edelman
An Environmental Musical for Young Performers
Earthkids the Musical is an educational musical that introduces young audiences to environmental responsibility through story, music and performance.
Originally commissioned for Macmillan Publishing Company's Share the Music educational series, Earthkids the Musical explores conservation, natural resources, recycling and the impact people can have on the environment.
Designed to be performed for school children, by school children, the musical combines an environmental message with humor, memorable characters and songs that encourage young people to believe they can make a difference.
Available for School & Educational Productions
With a running time of approximately 30 minutes, flexible casting and no set requirements, Earthkids the Musical is particularly well suited to schools, music programs and student productions.
Production Details
Audience: Grades 4–8
Running Time: Approximately 30 minutes; no intermission
Cast: 5 or more performers
Scenic Requirements: No set required
Music: Instrumental accompaniment track available
Synopsis
On a bare stage, a group of children discovers that the Earth's Natural Resources—Oceans, Rivers, Forests, Fossil Fuels and others—are in trouble. The resources can speak for themselves, and they have plenty to say about pollution, waste and the consequences of taking the planet for granted.
At first, not all the kids are convinced there's a problem. But when some of the Natural Resources begin disappearing, the situation becomes harder to ignore. Little Sister appears particularly sensitive to what's happening around her, becoming an “Eco-Path”—an early warning system for the deteriorating environment.
Through songs and conversations with the Natural Resources, the children explore where resources come from, where they go, deforestation, recycling and the importance of conserving what the Earth provides.
As conditions worsen, Little Sister becomes increasingly ill and eventually must leave. Her experience finally awakens even the skeptics to the seriousness of what is happening.
Inspired to act rather than simply worry, the Earth Kids discover that individual choices can collectively make a difference. They commit themselves to protecting the world around them and invite the audience to share in that responsibility.
The musical concludes with the children united in an optimistic call to action: Here Come the Earth Kids.
