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Charming 

DESCRIPTION

A comic mash-up of fairy tale stories (centering around "a handsome Prince") with an off-the-wall view of popular culture - specifically, reality shows like "The Bachelor," talk shows like "Ellen" and “Kelly.” The show is a romantic (but family-friendly) adult fairy tale - should have appeal to dating couples, families and those attracted by musical theater shows like "Wicked,” movies like “Enchanted.” 

The message is clear: true love is possible, but only if you stay true to yourself and nurture the spark, rather than trying to please others and “do as you’re told.”

There is a default version of the show. It can also be Interactive, with audiences choosing which of 5 damsels vying for Charming’s hand will be the finalists. There are 9 variations of the show to account for every combination of finalists and winner of The Royal Rose. But that’s a decision for producers to make.

SUMMARY

Prince Charming is in a pickle.   Just as he was about to leave for a dragon-hunt with his “best dude,” Prince Guy, he is informed by his dad (King Darling) that the Kingdom of Charm is bankrupt.  If Charming doesn't find a way out, the creditors will repossess everything.  "I've saved many damsels - now who will save me?" Prince Charming cries out. 

No sooner is the cry for help out of his mouth than Morgana the Witch appears in a puff of smoke.  She informs the Prince that she's the producer of a reality TV show called The Royal Rose - "we're number one, baby" - in which each season is devoted to a Prince's choosing his royal mate from among a bevy of beauties. Charming agrees to be this season's royal bachelor, as long as he doesn't have to go through with the wedding.  (Morgana assures him he doesn't.)

We (the audience) soon find out that Morgana has ulterior motives.  She has sworn revenge on Prince Charming for stealing her step-daughter, Rapunzel, out of the tower.  As a part of her plot, she has rounded up damsels with a grudge against Charming to be his dating pool.  Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, the Frog Princess, Cinderella, Snow White - all have been left at the alter by Charming, who simply lost interest after saving them.  The Damsels all vow that whoever is chosen by Charming will throw his rose back in his face on nationwide TV.

The Prince is completely unaware that any plot is afoot.  He is not used to being this public figure - appearing first on the "Elena" Show, then being confronted by last year's wielder of the Royal Rose, Prince Hamlet, who warns Charming that he's living in a dream.  The problem is that Prince Charming doesn't even recognize all these damsels that he saved, though he does wonder why their faces seem somehow familiar - "could I have seen them in dreams?/ What does it all mean?"  Prince Guy shows up again, to help his friend make a decision and (maybe) to find a girl for himself.  Prince Guy will turn over the decision to that performance’s audience, who will choose the two finalists based on the relative volume of their applause for each.

There is also a family of Charming villagers (the Dunghills) whose fates are tied to that of the Prince, though he doesn’t know what to do when their lives start falling apart as the kingdom veers into bankruptcy.   There is also the last employee of Charming, Angus, who overhears the plot against the Prince and hurries to warn him in time.  Everything converges on the TV studio where the Prince is about to hand out his Royal Rose to his Princess-To-Be.  But what can the Prince do?  He doesn't see any alternative to going out on the stage and making his choice - Prince Charming stands under the harsh glare of the TV spotlight - what can save him now?

All he can do is to trust in the emotion in his heart.  Will this be enough?

And will Red Riding Hood ever figure out why her grandma's chin is so scratchy and her teeth are so sharp? 

All will be resolved in the exciting conclusion to CHARMING – a new musical with a jazzy score and 21 original songs that are sure to enchant, delight and put a smile on even the dourest faces.

SEAN SCHAFER HENNESSY (Composer)  -  Since winning major competitions at age 12, he remains a protégé of the renowned Wynton Marsalis. The National Alliance for Excellence Award, conferred on Sean, caps a string of honors, including the International Trumpet Guild Young Artist Award, and winner of the National Trumpet Competition.  Sean graduated from Northwestern University School of Music and completed graduate studies at the USC program Film Scoring for Motion Pictures & TV.  He is currently composing for all genres.   (www.seanschaferhennessy.com)