York Drama is proud to present Michael Webborn and Daniel Finn’s hit new musical straight from London, “The Clockmaker’s Daughter,” on April 30-May 2 at 7:30 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m. on the Baker Auditorium stage. In this magical 19th-century Irish tale, a clockmaker creates a lifelike girl, Constance, whose desire for freedom sparks wonder and conflict in her village.
Set in a small, fictional town in Ireland, the townsfolk gather every year to take part in a strange ritual, The Turning of the Key. In the middle of the square there is a statue of a girl with a keyhole in her back. The myth is that the statue used to be alive and one day, if they keep winding her, she might come back. The show is the story behind the legend.
“The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a stunning example of what theatre can be”, Rebecca Marianetti, co-director, said. “We have been trying to obtain the rights for this piece for years, and we are overjoyed to share it with our community. With gorgeous writing by British composers Webborn and Finn, the score alone will lift your soul. We hope that the story sticks with anyone who sees this beautiful musical, as it will bring you joy, a touch of heartbreak, reflection and most of all, hope. Children will be delighted at the bright sets and often silly characters, and adults will find a much deeper message in the story. It is a truly magical piece.”
After seeking out this show for years, the directing team was excited to dive into this work that blends old world charm with new world problems.
“This musical is a powerful allegory for our times, sewn into a beautiful fairytale on the Irish countryside,” Matt Bourke, co-director, said. “We love this story because it asks us to grapple with issues of love, acceptance, and kindness, told through song and dance in a way that only the best kind of musicals can. It’s impossible to not fall in love with Constance and Will, our narrator, to feel the joy of the town square and residents of this little community, but also ache for the tragedies that have made them all who we meet in Spindlewood.”
And it’s not just the directors who have fallen in love with this show. The student ensemble, featuring over 50 York students plus another 20 on crew, have put in a great deal to understand the crucial messages of this musical.
“The innocence and humility that Constance brings to the town of Spindlewood is so beautiful and refreshing,” Eloise Hill, senior and dance captain, said. “She really shows the town the magic of kindness since she hasn’t been hurt by the world yet, and I think that is really refreshing to see. The world is a much more beautiful place when we are genuinely kind to one another, and Constance shows us this in such a simple, yet impactful way.”
As students considered what they wanted from their audiences, they thought about what they hoped to inspire after their crowds leave the Baker Auditorium.
“In York Drama, we always discuss the ‘kitchen table’ discussion, how the purpose of theater isn't necessarily to completely change but instead to start a much needed dialogue, sometimes around our kitchen tables at home,” Liam Shea, senior and student assistant director, said. “I hope that during those kitchen table discussions people talk about the power of fear and more importantly, the power of hope.”
Other cast members agreed, sharing their hopes for what audiences might gain.
“I hope audiences walk away with a newfound sense of compassion towards one another,” Luke Peterson, senior, said.
Beyond the uplifting story and messages, the quality of the music and performance was also stressed.
“The Clockmaker’s Daughter” will be presented April 30-May 2 at 7:30 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m. at York High School in the Baker Auditorium. Tickets are $15 and available at www.YorkDrama.org.
“This is by far one of the most exhilarating, bold scores in recent memory, evoking similar feelings to the first time you hear something like ‘Les Mis’ or ‘Wicked,’” Bourke said. “Coupled with the work of our excellent choreographers, set and lighting designers, and technicians, this is one of our biggest undertakings yet.”