"My 4th graders really enjoyed doing this play. The songs were funny (especially "Ive Got to Do it") and repetitive enough so that the kids could easily learn the melodies. A couple of comments: The main idea of the story has been somewhat altered in that none of the Emperor's servants are allowed to see the clothes, either. In the original story, the point was that nobody wanted to be thought a fool or be fired, so they all pretended to see the clothes. So I wrote some additional dialogue so that the servants get in to see the "clothes" and then tell the Emperor how great they look. In addition, I wrote some lines for the Palace Workers and the Servants to say before their songs. We made a sandwich board sign that said "Censored" for the Emperor to wear when he walks in the parade, which was very funny. One other point - the recording is a bit dodgy, especially the first number. The volume was quite soft for some reason."
---Julie, Boulder, CO
"It was funny, had good songs, and a great ending! My kids have gained a lot of confidence in performance situation. I think many of them will have a lot less fear of public speaking, etc. We learned a lot of team skills in working together. We learned how to practice towards perfection."
---Steve Eberhard, Teacher, (4th-6th grade), Springdale Elementary, Sprindale, UT
"I did The Emperor's New Clothes for the first time last year, and we are doing it again in about two weeks. I love it. First of all, it is funny---that makes me happy. Secondly, it is easy. Last year I was a little stressed about everything coming out okay. This year---I'm not worried a bit. It's fun, bonding, and a great opportunity for all kids."
---Michele Demotte, Teacher (3rd grade bilingual), Mammoth Elementary, Mammoth Lakes, CA
"Thank you so much for creating wonderful shows that work well for teachers, kids and audiences alike. We just performed The Emperor's New Clothes at my school in Germany. What started out as a quick filler for testing week afternoons turned into a main stage production! We were only planning on showing it to the parents, but the second grade was studying fairy tales and the other third graders wanted to see their friends and the whole school laughed at the clever dialogue and clapped along to the songs."
---Judi Harvin, Teacher (3rd grade), Spangdahlem Elementary School, Spangdahlem, Germany (US Military)
"It was short, fun, and had a easy story. The kids loved performing it ---the 6th-8th graders approached it as if we were an adult group performing for an audience of children. It brings kids together through teamwork. Shy students get a chance to shine through fun and singing---a legal way to 'act out.' "
---David Johnson, Teacher (6th-8th grade and kindergarten), Marshall School, Duluth, MN
"Honestly, the show was wonderful. It had a good length, an ease of production, fun songs and way of telling a story, and plenty of roles for all. The musical was very fun and easy to produce. It was certainly the highlight of our school year. It provided a fun and interactive way to meet language arts curriculum goals, and the children gained confidence in their presentation skills."
---Craig Gyergyo, Teacher (2nd grade), Mercer Area Elementary, Mercer, PA
"I love the music and the humorous elements of the script. My students grow in their level of responsibility and commitment to a task."
---Dawn Craven, Teacher (3rd grade), Railroad Canyon School, Lake Elsinore, CA
