a full-length musical adaptation
of the novel by
Mary Mapes Dodge

music by Philip Seward
lyrics by John Sparks
book by Jane Boyd
concept by Theatre Building Chicago

STORY: In a mid-19th century Dutch village, all the children are looking forward to a race skating race sponsored by a local merchant who offers silver skates as the prize. Hans and Gretel, raised by their mother since their father's accident, can only race on wooden skates which Hans carved. Hans is unsure how he can win, but is reassured by his friend, Annie. Hans’ mother, Metje, reflects on the difficulties of raising the two children alone, as Hans is torn between the responsibility of a young man helping his family and the pull of the children preparing for the race. With the help of his friends, he seeks a famous doctor and persuades him to come to see his father. On the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas, the doctor arrives at the Brinker cottage as Saint Nicholas visits the children in town. After a difficult surgery, Hans' father begins to recover and Hans is free to race for the silver skates. In the midst of the race, Hans faces a choice between racing with the other children or accepting the responsibility of an adult as the show comes to an exciting conclusion.