About

The Rainbow Man is a new musical version of the timeless tail of Noah and his ark. Suitable for schools or youth groups, the show can be performed with very few resources and a small number of actors.

In the original production, for instance, there was a cast of about twenty with everyone but the main characters and the 1920’s chorus doubling as the crew of the ark and as animals.

Conversely, if a big production is envisaged in a school for example, older children or possibly teachers could take the main parts such as Noah and Mrs Noah while the number of animals – played by younger children – is limited only by the space on stage. Again in the original show, masks and glove puppets were used instead of full animal costumes, mainly to keep down the cost.

No scenery as such is needed but any nautical items such as lifebelts, rope and tackle, ships lanterns etc that can be borrowed will all add realism. In short, The Rainbow Man can be staged on the proverbial shoe string.

The original Rainbow Man – first performed in a church hall – was given a 1920’s flavour. This stuck a note of happy incongruity and provided a Bertie Wooster-like air of comedy to the narration. Four flappers and a young gent comprised the 1920’s chorus and there was found to be ample scope here for costume and choreography.

As to the score which contains a variety of music styles, a simple melody line and guitar chord symbols are provided as well as an audio recording of the show. This will enable the cast to learn the songs quickly as well as giving an indication of how the music was performed in the original show.

The Rainbow Man can be done with just a piano and percussion but clearly the more instruments available, the fuller the sound. The addition of brass or woodwind instruments would be an interesting project for older musical scholars. For the first public performance of the show we used a piano, electronic organ, guitar, bass guitar and drums – as on the audio recording.

There are notes of guidance with each song for those who want them, but the essence of The Rainbow Man is improvisation and the fun to be had adapting the show to suit local circumstances.

We do hope you enjoy your trip aboard the ark!

Paul Harrington, Sue Harrington and Judith Watts