The Great Gazzoon: A Tall Tale with Tunes and Turbulence

Gr 3–6—In a mountain kingdom, an unusual practice has come to pass. When a new ruler is chosen, a member of the Wazoo family walks the wire between the peaks of Mount Lanadoon, thus sealing the fortunes of the kingdom. So it has been for many years, but the newest Wazoo is not really a wire-walker. He loves music instead. When the king unexpectedly dies, two young people are put in difficult positions: Princess Pindula who loves language and had hoped not to rule for many years, and Gazzoon Wazoo whose love of music has kept him from practicing wire-walking. Of course there are other characters—a couple of young pickpockets, an officious chief advisor, two malevolent winds, and a musical ekko, among others. This original folktale, featuring music by Rick Scott and Valley Hennell, is presented with a full cast of actors, singers, and musicians. Much of the story is written in verse, with a Seuss-like attitude and a delight in language. Songs abound. The presentation is rich in voices, sound effects, and music. One CD contains many of the songs. Lyrics are included in the songbook. This presentation is a kaleidoscope for the ears that should keep audiences involved right up to the happily-ever-after ending.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA