THE BURROW
Synopsis
A group of young people make their home in the Burrow, a deep underground cave system, living by a set of Rules left to them by the Guardians, their former caretakers whose return after a long absence is overdue. The leader of the Burrow, Older, does her best to maintain order, watch over her sister Younger, and keep everyone safe from the dangerous Hunters who lurk above in the Fray. As Older approaches the age when she will join the Guardians in the Fray, a transgression by Younger threatens the safety of the Burrow. Older takes the blame, giving up her authority and allowing new leadership to take over. As a new order emerges, the sudden arrival of a Stranger brings knowledge that makes Older question everything she believed.
Show Details
DURATION
2:15
HIGHLIGHTS
-Young actors playing young characters (lots of meaty roles, but no one has to play the Grandma!)
-Female protagonist
-Several gender-flexible roles
-Vocal parts written specifically to suit high school/college singers
-Features for strong ensemble soloists
-Small pit orchestra, with several parts playable by strong high school musicians
-Driving contemporary score blends folk, rock, and musical theater (think Spring Awakening, Hadestown, The Outsiders)
CHARACTERS
OLDER- 17f, the designated leader of the Burrow; feels the weight of responsibility to keep everyone safe and abiding by the Rules, which can make her seem cold and rigid at times
JESTER- 16½m, likeable and funny; everything is an opportunity for a joke; cares about others more than he cares about the Rules
SCOUT- 15, one of the Burrow watchers; dedicated to keeping the Burrow safe
RIDGE- 18, simple and strong, an obedient soldier who likes work and routine as a way of dealing with anxiety; unofficial captain of the diggers
EMBER- 16f, one of the Burrow cooks; caring and practical; older sister of Trip
YOUNGER- 10f, curious, gentle, and desperate for approval and affection from OLDER
GADGET- 11m, clever younger brother of JESTER; enjoys fixing things and solving puzzles
TRIP- 13, Ember’s younger brother; clumsy, sweet, and impressionable
STRANGER- 17, an outsider; tough and irreverent
BLAZE- 15, a digger; hothead with lots of energy
RYE- 14, Blaze’s friend, who usually goes along with everything Blaze says
OTHER BURROW KIDS: BLUE (a plumber), ROCKET (a gear), SPARK (a gear), STEELE (a watcher), & OTHERS
NOTE: Most roles can be played by an actor of any gender.
ORCHESTRATION
-keyboard/conductor
-violin
-guitar (acoustic & electric)
-bass (acoustic & electric)
-percussion (bongos, cabasa, cajón, caxixi, egg shaker, hi-hat, suspended cymbal, triangle, washboard, wood blocks)
Teacher resource packet available for directors, performers, and audience members.