Synopsis
'Angel Squadron' is a very modern Nativity and tells the Christmas story from the point of view of the angels, who feature prominently throughout the story. Angels are found in Christian, Jewish and Muslim beliefs, and are described as supernatural beings, intermediate between God and humans.
The author wanted to produce something that boys in particular could enjoy, and the style is something of a homage to the 'Battle of Britain' type films prevalent in the 1960s. It's a lot of fun but also very thought-provoking, covering as it does parts of the Christmas story that are often neglected in traditional ‘tea-towel’ Nativity plays.
The premise of this marvellous musical is that the 'angel squadrons' are carrying out 'secret missions' briefed by the 'Supreme Commander'. It takes place at the angels ‘airfield’ and on earth, in and around Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. The musical clearly represents the Christian understanding of Christmas and also has an evangelical element. It was first performed at Christmas in 2005 at Billericay Baptist Church in Essex.
The show has two versions - the original one act version running for about 1 hour 15 minutes with 14 songs, and, a newer two act version with 24 musical items running for about 1 hour 40 mins (exc interval).
Both versions can be performed if required with a cast as large as 80 members between the ages of five and sixteen. Musically 'Angel Squadron' is quite diverse including an R&B rap, a reggae song, a spoof 60’s spy theme, a ‘rat pack’-style song and a closing rock-style number.
Gender Roles : Angels are spiritual beings and therefore have no gender, however the lead roles of Astra and Celeste have been written as male and female respectively, and other roles have, for convenience, been assigned a gender. Creative Directors should though not be restricted by this convention. All the angel parts are completely interchangeable with only the ‘human’ roles (which figure less prominently) presenting more of a challenge. With a little alteration, the script could easily be adapted for an all male or all female cast.
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