Music and lyrics: Denise Wright Book and lyrics: Dave Hudson SYNOPSIS Saint Peter's Umbrella tells the tale of one umbrella with two possible meanings. To Roberto, a long-lost umbrella might be the key to his dead father's lost riches. In the Spanish village of Saldaña, it is believed that Saint Peter himself left an umbrella over the orphan girl Teresa (now the beauty of the town).
Is the umbrella the key to earthly riches or something else entirely? As Roberto's search leads him inexorably to Teresa, we discover everyone needs something to believe in...
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHOW Saint Peter's Umbrella was based on the novel by Kalman Mikszath, the Hungarian novelist, journalist, and politician. Developed originally by Artistic Director John Sparks through Theatre Building Chicago'sMonday Night Concert Musicals series in 2003, the story was relocated to a rural Spanish setting, allowing the thematic exploration of faith and belief in a country with a strong spiritual heritage.
(above) Antonio, played by the wonderfully engaging Karl Sean Hamilton, leads the cast in the opening number of Saint Peter's Umbrella, 'Something'
IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO One advantage of
moving the setting to Spain was that the writers were able to
begin incorporating authentic Latin rhythms and meters into the score. Salsa, Tango, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Merengue and Cha Cha Cha formed the basis of the second draft. Zapateado, a Spanish 'tapping' dance with stamping and very fast footwork, and traditional flamenco sequences also began to emerge, allowing for many moments of ensemble dance and movement (above)
THE UMBRELLA IS THE KEY Further developed at Middlesex University and North Park University, Chicago in 2004, where the complex plot of parallel towns and lives were streamlined, Saint Peter's Umbrella was produced by Theatre Building Chicago in March 2005. Directed by Diana Basmajian, with wonderful choreography by Brenda Didier, the show received great reviews in the Chicago press, and went on to be performed at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre conference.
Described as an 'enchanting musical' by the Chicago press, the lively cast included Elizabeth Haley, Kevin Grubb, the wild Brian Simmons and Andrea Prestinario (above)
