Production of 'Noye's Fludde' has no shortage of animal parts

Last year's production of the children's opera "Noye's Fludde" was a big enough hit with the participants and the public that the Southeast Music Academy is bringing it back to Cape Girardeau in May and then onto Minneapolis.

The academy's director, Hays Hendricks, said she knew the production would be revived "the second it was over last year. There were just so many tears and hugs, the kids just didn't want it to end."

"Noye's Fludde" is taken from an old English morality play -- hence the strange spelling -- and was made into a musical piece for children by Benjamin Britten in 1957.

Hays Hendricks' husband, Steve, had performed the children's opera when he was a choirboy. Years later he came across a recording of "Noye's Fludde" in a magazine and when he showed it to his wife she said the academy had to perform it.

"It's the only piece we've found that involves that many children," Hendricks said. "There are a lot of things you can find for children to sing, but not for children to play."

Animals for the ark

Right now, though, the academy does not have enough children participating in the production, and is particularly short of some "animals" to fill Noah's ark.

There are about 25 to 30 people signed up to portray animals, but the academy would like to have close to 50 animal roles in the production. There is also a need for more musicians.

Currently, there are about 75 performers in "Noye's Fludde," while the ideal is to have around 100 cast members.

Steve Hendricks said he thought one of the problems with filling the cast may be because they have to perform in both Cape Girardeau and Minneapolis.

After last year's Cape Girardeau performance was over, Hays Hendricks said she tried to take it to St. Louis, but when that did not work out she decided to look elsewhere. When she found out Minneapolis would be holding the National Suzuki Conference in May she thought it would be a perfect place to hold the children's opera, which features members of the academy's Suzuki program.

Suzuki is a style of music instruction that promotes teaching children to play musical instruments as early as age three.

Hendricks said she talked with the conference's planners and they have agreed to advertise and promote the production.

Next step: Minneapolis

Cast members will leave for Minneapolis on May 27 and perform at St. Marks Cathedral on May 28 and 29.

Those performing in the May 21 to 23 Cape Girardeau performance at Grace United Methodist Church will also have to take part in the Minneapolis performance.

Following the Saturday Minneapolis performance, there will be a cast party at the Mall of America, where dinner will be catered by T.G.I Friday's and kids will get wrist bands for unlimited rides in the mall's amusement park.

The entire trip will cost about $150 for each cast member.

Although rehearsals started in February it is not too late to get involved. Those interested in participating in "Noye's Fludde" can call 651-2378.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182