Fannin Musical Productions Storyboard by Jason Shelby (270)

Transcription

1 WAR of the WORLDS Fannin Musical Productions Storyboard by Jason Shelby (270) Inspired by H.G. Wells immortal classic, WAR of the WORLDS retells the tale of Earth s struggle against a seemingly unstoppable invasion. Innovative arrangements of the work of Gustav Holst combine with thoroughly modern costuming, prop design, narration, and sound design to make WAR of the WORLDS an irresistible merger of classic and contemporary which will be a hit with students, audiences, and judges alike.

2 Set Design The set design for WAR of the WORLDS immediately establishes a mood of conflict and menace, preparing the viewer for this intense tale of interplanetary conflict.

3 Front screens help to frame the stage, while providing an exchange point for color guard equipment. Plans and build/lease options available through Tiger Props, as well as high-quality digital printing. Most importantly, a set of movable tripod props represent the implacable, alien war machines vividly described by Wells. In their collapsed position to begin the show, they extend upwards dramatically at the first movement s first major impact. Purchase or build as many as needed to suit the needs of your ensemble. Plans and build/lease options available through Tiger Props.

4 Costume & Flag Design

5 The flag silks for WAR of the WORLDS dramatically portray the struggle beginning with Man s impending doom, progressing to the despair of an entire planet at war, and climaxing with our world triumphant all while connecting thoughtfully with the costume and prop design.

6 Opener Effects The show opens in the front ensemble and percussion. The hornline begins spread across the field in various pods which move independently, building intrigue and visual momentum as the tripods, still in their lower configuration, move sequentially onto the stage proper. Meanwhile, the classic opening narration overlays sets the stage: No one would have believed in the early years of the 21 st century that this world was being watched Yet, across the gulf of space, intellects vast, cool and unsympathetic regarded this earth with envious eyes... As we approach our first impact form, sound effects portray the tripods powering up as they rise into their extended attack position. LED lights hidden on the front of the tripods and triggered by a performer behind begin to flash aggressively.

7 All leading to the first musical arrival point, the unmistakable ostinato of Holst s Mars, while the tripod props fire their largest, LED powered lasers, and the guard introduces the first silk for a huge musical and visual statement.

8 After the first impact, a percussion, sound effects, and narrative transition sets us up for the next musical idea while the hornline restages the tripods. These things! How to describe them? Walking engines of glittering metal, striding across the heather, the tumult of their passage like the riot of thunder From here, the opening movement develops several musical ideas, building to a huge, final statement of the Mars motif accompanied by powerful sound effects and laser blasts from the tripod props, all interwoven for maximum impact.

9 Ballad Effects As the first movement transitions to the second, the tripod props turn and are restaged backfield as though continuing on with their conquest around the world. The focus shifts from the shock and fear of the initial attack to a moment of soul-searching reflection on the part of nearly defeated mankind. of course, we must remember what ruthless and utter destruction our own species has wrought Are we such apostles of mercy as to complain if the Martians war on us in the same spirit? Musically, this is reflected in two beautiful solos [originally scored for flute and trumpet, possible for any student you wish to feature] and musically in the introduction of our second silk representing the resilience of mankind under siege.

10 The ballad builds towards a one of the major musical and visual arrival points of the program as mankind emerges with a renewed commitment to the difficult fight ahead.

11 Closer Effects The final movement begins with percussion and narration signaling the return to battle: No! By the toil of a billion lives has man bought the right to this earth! And it is his against all comers! The tripod props are turned to the front again and restaged front field for the final battle. If desired, the beginning of movement three is the perfect spot for rifles or other weapons in your color guard. As the melodic ideas grow stronger and bolder, indicating Man s growing confidence against the invaders, the guard introduces our final silk.

12 As the Mars motif returns, the hornline closes in around one of the tripods whose LED laser fires increasingly hysterically. Then, in a cacophnous sound effect of screeching metal, the first of the alien invaders goes down.

13 As the show reaches its joyous, triumphant ending, each of the alien war machines goes down to the sound screeching metal as the drill collapses around them in turn. Finally, the Earth defended and humanity saved, the full ensemble pushes forward for the last, emphatic musical statement of the show.

14 Created with Pyware 3D