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The Fence In Its Thousandth Year
Howard Barker
On the Other Side of the Fence
by Andrea Green
Highlights
60 mins Present Day Ensemble Cast Exterior Set Fantasy Costumes
Awards & Recognition
Emmy Award
Andrea Green and her musical On the Other Side of the Fence , along with her extraordinary work as composer/playwright, musical director and music therapist, are honored in the documentary On the Other Side of the Fence, produced by Henry Nevison. Winner! 2015 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Winner! 2015 NY International Film Festival Gold Award Winner! 36th Annual Telly Award Winner! 2015 United Nations Department of Public Information Humanitarian Award
Synopsis
Click here to see Broadway composer Michael Friedman discuss his experience with On the Other Side of the Fence .
In this high-spirited musical, animals from two different farms work together to remove the fence dividing them.
In doing so, they discover their similarities are greater than their differences.
A big, strong fence was put up because of a long-standing feud between Farmer Franklin and Farmer Fred.
Because of their differences, they have forbidden the animals on their individual farms to communicate with the animals on the other side.
One day, two pigs from opposing farms find friendship.
The farmers warn them that this is unacceptable, but the pigs and many of the animals question why this has to be.
The animals look to each other for answers.
Finally, out of desperation, the pigs decide to escape together.
The animals prevail upon the farmers to end their feud and make peace with one another.
A vote is taken and unanimously the decision is made to “take the fence away.”
The farmers begin to see each other in a new light.
The animals are jubilant, the pigs return, and acceptance, friendship and understanding lead to a peaceful coexistence.
Themes: Accepting differences – Conflict resolution – Overcoming bullying
Press Reviews
"They enjoyed the show immensely. What happened next, and what brought chills to those of us who saw it, was clear evidence that the ‘fences’ message of tolerance and acceptance had been internalized by the kids. With no apparent adult prompting, the entire cast formed a double-sided corridor of hugs and high-fives with the guests as they left the theater to return home. What a heartwarming scene to see and hear, and how painfully poignant to realize with adult eyes how seldom such a sight is seen in the ‘real world.’ Where can we find hope for the future, if not in our young people? If we and our leaders could embrace the lessons of Fence, we and our kids would face a very bright future indeed!"
— Gary Lickfett, Board Member of the DLO Musical Theater Company, Danville, Illinois
"Andrea’s music and lyrics are timeless, beautiful and artistically created! You will find no more talented composer and lyricist in children’s or adult’s musicals! I highly recommend you look at her body of work and guarantee you will enjoy working with each and every script you select!"
— Bruce A. Curless, Producing Artistic Director, The Ritz Theatre Company, Westmont, NJ
"Andrea’s musicals combine a well-written story with songs possessing beautiful melodies! Her plays stress inclusiveness and deal in an age-appropriate manner with contemporary child development issues."
— Denise Mendel, Parent
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| Principal and Supporting Roles |
| STORYTELLER/CALLER Clear, strong speaking voice with expression, for narration. Can sing or call the song “Celebration Hoe-Down” in an upbeat manner. |
| FARMERS FRED and |
| FRANKLIN Character roles, projecting dominance and intolerance. Each farmer can present this in a different way, with a powerful booming voice or an insecure, agitated voice. |
| ROSEY FAY and |
| DAISY MAY Character roles, projecting frustration and concern. These characters should be able to transform into being able to speak up for themselves and the animals. Their voices should be strong, clear and melodic. |
| SALT Sidekick to Farmer Fred, with a strong, gutsy voice, similar to Fred, who is his role model. Imitates Fred and follows him around like a shadow. Solid, strong voice and is rhythmic. |
| PEPPER Sidekick to Farmer Franklin, with a nervous, shaky voice. He almost seems allergic to Franklin, and sneezes when he gets too close to him. He does what he’s told, but he’s unsure. Hesitating, unsure voice that is rhythmic. |
| HAM Boy pig with an outgoing, open, accepting nature. He should have strong, bluesy, charismatic voice and should exude personality. |
| BACON Girl pig with a kind, trusting nature. She should have a sweet, bluesy voice and exude lots of heart and soul. |
| HAIRY Dog with conviction and comic ability, who has lots of guts. He should have a strong, tough, twangy voice, with lots of dimension and dynamics. |
| SCRATCH Cat with nerve and comic ability, who is almost irritating. She should have a strong, tough, twangy voice with lots of dimension and dynamics. |
| CHEESE and |
| CRACKERS Two bears who live in total denial or live in total acceptance! Comedic, operatic, melodramatic voices, who can lead the ensemble. |
| HOOT and |
| SCOOT Owls with wisdom and intellect who understand and have compassion. Beautiful melodic voices that capture the essence of the friendship between the two pigs. |
| TATTLE TAIL Mischievous, comical character, with lots of energy and bounce. Dramatic and staccato voice that demands attention. |
| Featured Ensemble Characters (can be further developed by directors and performers to suit specific production visions) |
| THE STYLETTES AND STYLETTOS Sizzle, Sassy, Saucy, Juicy – Slab, Slick, Percy, Pete – Cool swines who really know how to swing and sing the blues. Voices should be able to harmonize and scat. |
| THE WINGERS Doodle, Tweet, Gobble, Quacker – Goose, Pidge, Chick, Rooster – Flighty birds, who have clear, melodic and distinctive voices, who can move and/or dance comfortably, in a modern and classical style. |
| THE RUFFS Sniff, Rudy, Barker, Fang – Honey, Red, Patch, Shag – Ferocious, fed-up dogs, who can sing with guts, gumption and lots of personality. They can tap dance and/or play rhythmic instruments for dance section. |
| THE MEOWS Purr, Dander, Slink, Shadow – Prancer, Kitty, Cat, Cleo – Whining, fed-up felines, who can sing with guts, gumption and lots of personality. They can tap dance and/or play rhythmic instruments for dance section. |
| THE WOOLIES Baaby, Maady, Curls, Fluff – Fleece, Twirl, Chops, Mutton – Hip sheep, who can rock and roll and sing at the same time, with much passion, to an upbeat dance number. |
| THE STINKERS Stripes, Stinky, Spray, Spunk – Streak, Smelly, P. Uee, Steve – Quick singing, totally silly skunks, who can dance a mean “hora.” |
Videos
Interview with Andrea Green
Publication
On the Other Side of the Fence is a play written by Andrea Green and published by Concord Theatricals .
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Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.
Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)
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