An online adaptation of
Alexander, read by author
Judith Viorst with the
original illustrations

Click here to play

Behind the Scenes:
The Choreographer

The choreographer's job in musical theater is to create movements for the characters during the musical numbers of a show. She meets with the director and listens to the music to decide what kind of movement would make the most sense in the play. She must evaluate the message and goals of the show and the speed and mood of the each piece of music that is choreographed. Is it lively and happy, or is it slow and sad? This can be process can be approached in many ways. For Alexander, choreographer Sandra Holloway based her movements on the energy and playfulness of children. The steps are big and loose, and often include motions that resemble playing ball, or walking on a balance beam.

Here Choreographer Sandra Holloway teaches the company the movements for "Australia." In this number, the actors utilize props to enhance their imagined world "Down Under."