"Little Red - Girl from the Hood" is a pop/hiphop, non-traditionally cast version of the classic fairytale, written
& directed by Melba LaRose. It has original songs by composers Joel Maisano and Brian Gocher,
choreography by Francis J. Roach (protégé of jazz legend Luigi), and contemporary costumes by Frances
Eldred. In this version, Little Red is a Queens-born Puerto Rican teenager who dreams of becoming a popstar,
Grandma is an African-American rockin' gospel singer, and Mami & Papi sing about solid values in "The Greatest Gift Is
Family." The Narrator is a rapping Homegirl who wears many hats during the course of the play and teaches hiphop to the
audience. Wolf, a street punk and popstar manager wannabe, tries to seduce Red with "magic vitamins" and "magic dust" to propel
her to stardom. The chorus plays many roles using masks and puppets: animals and insects of the forest, backup singers, family
members, and other characters.
This is an interactive "traveling show" -- the audience follows the action room-to-room or, if outdoors, throughout
the playground or park. Children are encouraged to sing, interact and show off their hiphop steps, cheered
on by the cast. There are positive messages embedded in the material: don't talk to strangers, don't take anything from
strangers, listen to your parents, value friends and family, believe in yourself, and practice tolerance and understanding. The
rousing "Calling All Children of the World" wins the popstar contest for Little Red and empowers the audience. Children
are quizzed at the end on what they have learned.
The production is approximately 45 minutes long and is adaptable for indoor and outdoor spaces. The cast carries a boombox for accompaniment. All props,
costumes and sets are provided by the company.
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