Freedom Lost - A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Act one
It doesn’t begin with “once upon a time”, because the time is now. It’s the story of 16-year old twins, Beth and Eric Millis. School, grades, parents, social media, friends, relationships, all set up a pressure cooker that build to a perfect storm, forcing Eric and Beth to make an emotional, spur-of-the-moment decision. Run away and find their elusive “freedom.”
When they discover that their 6-year old sister, Mandie has followed them, things go sideways, finding themselves in a run-down carnival, where the leaders are experts in exploiting run-a-ways. The kids encounter friends and enemies, sometimes confusing one from the other. There are magical, romantic encounters followed by moments of danger and confusion. Eric and Beth discover that the care and protection of Mandie is a responsibility they’re not emotionally prepared for.
The villain is a beautiful, cunning woman named Sophia, who is slowly learning that she has powers beyond reason, that come from a beautiful Cuprite jewel encased in glass around her neck. She manipulates the children into a false sense of security. When Beth discovers Sophia’s real intentions, she must convince her “love struck” brother to leave as quickly as possible, setting up a dramatic climax to act one.
Act two
Act two finds the children hopelessly lost in the woods. Eric is determined to go back to his new love interest, Robin. Beth needs to convince Eric that they’re not ready to handle this “freedom” and they must go home. When Eric runs off, the unbreakable bond between the two twins is torn, causing great emotional distress.
In steps Sophia, who captures Eric and tricks the two girls into a false sense of security. When the three are reunited, she casts a spell, putting Beth and Eric into a deep trance. Mandie is unaffected, her innocence shielding her. Seductively set up, a battle of wills between Sophia and little Mandie develops into a stunning climax, pitting power and evil against innocence and youthful determination.
Experience this story from multiple points of view. The teens are believable. Their pain, confusion and vulnerability reliable. Mandies innocence takes center stage. The parents love and devotion, pain and anguish as they frantically search for their lost children. Sophia’s hunger for power. Carnival members who have to decide between the manipulation of Sophia and doing the right thing.
Strong characters, an engaging story line, a stunning arial ballet, live action puppet animals. All tied together with an imaginative musical score. “Freedom Lost” is a show 40 years in the making. Built on a lifetime of experience in music, theater, and life.
Author/Composer – “Freedom Lost”, A Modern Day Fairy tale.
David M. Wilson holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music Degree from the University of Connecticut. He taught K-8 music on Martha’s Vineyard from 1980-2000 at the the Edgartown School and was the Music/Drama Director from 2000-2020 at Mascoma Valley Regional High School in Canaan, NH. He has directed/produced over 200 performing arts productions.