Las Posadas was a celebration in California and in Mexico beginnning eight days before Christmas that recreatesd the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Led by children, a procession forms at dark and stops at the closed door of a house to ask for lodging. The man of the house answers and tells them to go away, that everyone was asleep. Eventually he opens the door, and all enter singing and begging for sweets. Refreshments are served and there is dancing. On the ninth night, the babe is born, and his image is carried around a room and kissed. Pinatas are broken, spilling out candy and toys for the children. There are countless variations of this procession, remnants of which remain practiced in some communities today.

The MLMT production is based upon archival research and materials collected by Corinne Swall, with musical arrangements and instrumentation by Monroe Kanouse. The world premiere was in held in the Sonoma Mission in Sonoma, California. Much of the music originated in classical Spain, when California was still part of that country. These songs and dances evolved in the New World similar to the manner that traditional European music was transformed into miner's ditties. "Las Posadas" recreates the spirit and warmth of early Spanish and Mexican California when, as latest historical research proves, there was much inter-cultural contact. Thus the lyrics include songs both in the original Spanish and in English. "Las Posadas" is very flexible, and can be offered in small spaces to the largest auditoriums. For more information:

• Production Requirements: cast, musicians, minimal staging requirements
• Spanish Language Poster sample
• Reviews
  
  

• Creation of the Earth as Told by Coyote

  This is a musical show based upon Coast Miwok and Pomo stories. It is suitable as a production by elementary school students assisted by three adults, or by community opera companies. The accompaniment is keyboard. About 45 minutes long, it adapts well to an assembly program or an early school night show. Production values can be as simple or complex as desired, and can work in a single classroom or on a stage.
  The story cast includes Coyote, the falcon Wek-Wek, and a chorus representing various animals and humans. The chorus is suitable for children, and includes brief speaking parts. An adult group could adapt the parts accordingly. Coyote is the teller of the Indian version of creation, while another character, Bear, speaks from a more contemporary or scientific view. By introducing various views of creation, it serves as an introduction to critical thinking as well. One school praised its ability to present the material "with charm and respect," while a parent appreciated its "working contemporary points about evolution into ...this indigenous story."
  

  • Coyote cast and production requirements.
  • Sample dialogue.
  
  
  CD: Songs of the Gold Rush and Early Spanish California

  This collection includes 32 songs divided by the themes of parlour ballads, melodeon songs, and Spanish California songs from the early to mid-19th century. These were collected by Ms. Swall while teaching at the University of California-Berkeley, and used during MLMT's days as a traveling troupe. Monroe Kanouse, who arranged materials for the shows, accompanies and sings tenor on some numbers. CD contents and performers.

  Voices of Califia

  In this musical theatre work by Kanouse and Swall, a shard of porcelain from the San atustin, washed ashore and fashioned by the Miwok into an amulet, is passed from one culture to another as each seeks dominion over this golden land. A cast of five with acoustical piano, synthesizer, and pre-recorded tape perform before continuous projections that provide the stage settings and add their commentary to the drama. "Califia is a handsome, well-thought out, highly appealing creation... Although portions are neo-romantic and neo-classic, and it is always melodic, it belongs to the minimalist genre. Fans of Philip Glass and John Adams will find much to like." --Robert Masullo, Sacramento Bee.