Description
The entire production is imbued with the signature Wes Anderson aesthetic—symmetrical compositions, pastel color palettes, and an undercurrent of dry, deadpan humor. Each character, from the bumbling reporters to the eccentric editors, is a distinct and idiosyncratic presence, contributing to the charmingly offbeat world of The Valley Gazette.
Opening Scene
Amidst the bustling cacophony of a press mob, cameras flash and reporters chatter in a fervent frenzy. Suddenly, everything freezes. A narrator steps forward, breaking the fourth wall with a whimsical declaration:
“It started like any other day at a small-town newspaper, when suddenly, there was breaking news.”
The scene shifts to reveal the town’s mayor addressing the press. The usually serene county fair had been upended by an unexpected spectacle: the mayor’s mischievous puppy had chewed through the rope of a hot air balloon, sending himself skyward.
Transition to the Newsroom
As backdrops swap and little desks are brought on stage, the newsroom buzzes to life. An excited reporter, Wally, hurries across the floor, motivating a complete scene change as he heads to the payphone to call in his story for the night desk.
Soaring Above the Clouds
The stage transitions to a whimsical tableau of the mayor’s dog floating peacefully above the city, blissfully unaware of the panic below. The moment is underscored by a charming musical interlude, evoking a sense of nostalgic wonder.
The Puppy Must Land!
Back at the newsroom, everything unfreezes. Steve bursts in with a dramatic “Stop the presses!” Panic ensues as the team scrambles to capture the story. Photographers are dispatched, typewriters clatter, and papers fly in a whirlwind of frenetic energy.
In a triumphant finale, a character runs out, waving a freshly printed newspaper above their head. “We did it.”
Outro
The scene gently transitions back to the county fair. It’s early morning, and a newspaper flies in from offstage, signaling the return to normalcy in Valley Point.
Music Note: This production has a Concert Baritone/Euphomium Solo.
Note: This show includes an arrangement of “Sparkplug Minuet” by Mark Mothersbaugh. Additional licensing and associated fees will apply, but we’ll handle acquiring the licensing for you. Contact us with any questions.
“The Valley Gazette” was originally commissioned for Great Oak HS (Temecula, CA) for the winter of 2024 and received the Gold Medal in SCPA Open Class.