Echoes of the Hammer Musical - Director Book

This musical is essential to the Reformation 500 observance and celebration. I think all Lutheran schools whether elementary or High School or a combination thereof should perform this musical. Not only is the music extremely fun and catchy, yet the message it shares is even more important. As students rehearse they are learning the history of the Reformation, but they are also being given the opportunity to see how it relates to their lives today. Just as Martin Luther declared, "Here I Stand" these kids will need to do the same. This musical provides an opportunity to witness to your community while those involved grow in understanding and the conviction of standing on "Scripture firm and doctrine sound." Schools should not be intimated by the "size and scope" of the musical. We performed it with 18 students, with the majority of the speaking parts being done by 6 students (granted this required a lot of quick costume changes). However, you do not need a cast of 30 or 50 or more to perform this musical. Certainly, you can do it with a whole school of 75-100 or more, but you can also accomplish it with a small cast with multiple parts assigned to several characters. You could have elaborate sets, or you can do it with almost no set. You can use the screen projected backdrops provided in the director's CD or do it without and still share the central message the play. We performed it in our sanctuary and used the same small table and bench for most of our scenes with just a few additional props. It can be done in many ways and the director's book offers a great deal of suggestions for costumes, props, backdrops, choreography ideas etc. This is extremely well done, and all Lutheran schools should consider using this musical as a witness and teaching tool for their own children as well as the community.