A Martian Christmas

Imagine your young ones dressing, talking and singing like Martians! �This clever musical is loaded with fun and great music, and it can be performed with groups of almost any size. �While its plot is sheer fantasy, it provides the perfect springboard into more in-depth discussion of the Mars exploration and the morals found in the musical. �Here's a great opportunity for other classroom teachers in your school to join you in preparing for this holiday performance. �It all starts when a group of students is decorating their school for Christmas. �They are interrupted by a surprise visit from a band of Martians and their dog, Rover. �The Martians are curious about the strange holiday rituals of the Earthlings, but the students are happy to answer their questions and sing for them. �Suddenly the commander of the Martian spaceship, Darph Meanie, enters. �He is furious that the Martians have not freeze-dried the Earthlings. �The Martians had expected trouble when they came to Earth to take some snow, which they needed to fuel their spaceship. �To their surprise, the students offer the snow freely, and all is well. �Everyone celebrates the first Martian Christmas! �The teacher's handbook includes extensive notes, plans for scenery and costumes, and even reproducible posters and program cover - and the performance/accompaniment CD is state of the art, featuring rich orchestrations and top performers playing real instruments. �You won't want to miss this endearing holiday fantasy! �Grades K-4. 15-20 minutes.