Why Adapt MacDonald Into a Musical?
It’s not simply that I’m a fiction writer who loves fantasy and got dragged into musical theatre through my wife and kids. A musical version of The Light Princess was George MacDonald’s own idea. Throughout this short book he penned several songs and poetic lines. It’s a story that needs to be sung.
And in Chapter 2 we meet the first singer: the king’s sister. Long ago, she was disinherited by their father, and she’s held a grudge ever since. MacDonald doesn’t say much more than this, but my theory is that she was the firstborn and therefore should have been the royal heir.
So, when she shows up at the christening of her newborn niece, the tension is electric. Here is her future queen, born from the brother who already usurped her.
It’s the perfect moment for revenge.
Right now, I’m working on the opening song for the musical that captures this scene. And I’m using the exact words that the king’s sister speaks over the princess. Oh, and it’s not exactly a song. It’s a magic spell. Because the king’s sister is secretly a witch. And this is the curse that destroys the princess’s gravity, both physically and emotionally.
Read the words below while you listen to the song. Can you hear her singing it?
Light of spirit, by my charms
Light of body, every part
Never weary human arms
Only crush thy parents’ heart
Did you sing along with her?
Uh-oh. I hope no one got cursed.