By Chisa Hutchinson
Lyrics by Sarah Gancher
Music by Elliot Goldman

Commissioned by NYC Summerstage | 2011

World Premiere 

"Tunde's Trumpet" is written by Chisa Hutchinson and directed by Kristin Hortons, two exceptionally talented individuals who created a dynamic, imaginative and playful world peopled by puppets, jazz musicians, and spirits." - Charity Social

The story is simple enough: a mischievous boy named Tunde grounds himself in the study of music. He works around distractions, past laziness, and through frustration, doubt, and jealousy to become an accomplished trumpeter who makes his (hitherto exasperated) parents proud.

In this version of the story, however, distractions, laziness, frustration, doubt and jealousy are actual characters as real as Tunde. Oh, and every character is a larger-than-life-sized puppet. And of course there’s music. Lots and lots of music. Which is how this simple story becomes an epic tale. A children’s book on steroids set to music that adults will want to shake their booties to. Like if Fela Kuti lived on Sesame Street.

Producer | Freedome Bradley

Company | Chris Myers | Ayesha Ngaujah | Rory Lipede | Tanisha Christie | Darnell Wickham

Puppet Design | Cory Antiel

Scenic Design | James Hunting

Music Direction | Luqman Brown

Lighting Design | Christian DeAngelis

Stage Manager | Chris Rinaldi

Assistant Director |  Raphael Mishler