Summer Revels returns to the waterfront on June 22 and 23 for "A Celebration of the Sea." The group's 5th annual outdoor celebration of the first day of summer includes a special musical program highlighting Boston's nautical history.

Featuring Circle of Song, Revels’ 40-member touring ensemble of adults and children along with special guests, David Coffin, Marshall Hughes and Milton Wright, all performances are free and open to the public and will take place at the Boston Children’s Museum’s new Children’s Wharf Park. Show time is 7 p.m. on June 22 and 4 p.m. on June 23.

This year's production inhabits the docks of a 19th century New England seacoast town, alive with hawkers selling their wares, children playing games and seamen packing in preparation for a voyage. After saying goodbye to friends and family, sailors hoist the sails while singing to lighten their work.On board they play a variety of musical instruments and tell tall-tales of past adventures.

Audience members will hear the hearty rhythms of work songs, the lively tunes of the Foc’sle Foo-Foo band and bitter-sweet ballads recalling sweethearts and homes left behind. African-American sailors, some newly freed slaves and others on their way north to freedom, will add their voices in plaintive spirituals and chanteys.

At home, the waiting women manage their homes and children while running businesses that supply the ships. When the weary sailors return to port, the community will gather to celebrate their successful voyage with music, dance and song.

Circle of Song director Kay Dunlap serves as music director for this year's production. Patrick Swanson is Revels' Artistic Director.

For more information call 617-972-8300 or visit www.revels.org.

-- OnStage Boston

04/13/07

 

 

HOME • NEWS • LINKS • ARCHIVE • CONTACT