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Starmites

A Musical in 2 Acts, a Prologue, 9 Scenes and an Epilogue. Book by Stuart Ross and Barry Keating. Music and lyrics by Barry Keating.

Originally produced Off-Broadway 23rd October, 1980 at the Ark Theatre (20 performances); subsequently produced 24th April, 1987 by Musical Theatre Works at the CSC Theatre (16 performances)

Criterion Center Stage Right, New York: Opened 27th April, 1989; closed June 18th, 1989 ( 35 previews, 60 performances)

Synopsis

Eleanor, a shy teenager, collects science fiction comic books. To avoid growing pains, she imagines herself as a superheroine, such as in the comic books. In her fantasy, she becomes involved in the conflict between the evil Shak Graa and the Starmites, guardian angels of Innerspace. The 'Mites believe that Eleanor is pre-ordained to save the universe from destruction. Eleanor and the Starmites seek "The Cruelty," a powerful musical instrument, which they must find before it falls into the hands of Shak Graa.

In Shreikwood forest, Eleanor sings a soothing earthly lullaby, but winged women kidnap the sleeping 'Mites and soon meet Diva, the Queen of the Banshees. She wants one of the Starmites to wed her daughter Bizarbara. She also guards The Cruelty. The leader of the 'Mites, Space Punk, and Eleanor are becoming attracted to each other, but Bizarbara also falls in love with Space Punk. He agrees to marry Diva's daughter to save his companions from torture but changes his mind, unable to betray his love for Eleanor.

Diva uses magic to disguise Bizarbara as Eleanor, and at the wedding ceremony between Punk and "Eleanor", Trinkulus, the Starmite lizard mascot, plays The Cruelty, which casts a hypnotic spell. Shak Graa seizes the Cruelty and prepares to sacrifice Bizarbara (who he believes to be Eleanor), which will enable him to become Master of Earth. Diva then joins forces with the real Eleanor and the Starmites to rescue Bizarbara. Bizarbara is willing to sacrifice herself to save the Earth. Eleanor, the wounded Space Punk and the Starmites battle and destroy Shak Graa. It turns out that Eleanor is Diva's real daughter, the legendary Milady. Bizarbara finds her birth mother on Earth, and harmony is restored. Shak Graa, however, has escaped to Earth, leaving one loose end.

CAST (in order of appearance):

On Earth

Innerspace

Starmites

Banshees

Droids

Scenes and Settings

The action takes place now on Earth and in Innerspace.

Musical Numbers

  1. Superhero Girl - Eleanor
  2. Starmites - Starmites and Spacepunk
  3. Trink's Narration - Trinkulus and Starmites
  4. Afraid of the Dark - Spacepunk, Starmites, Eleanor and Trinkulus
  5. Little Hero - Eleanor
  6. Attack of Banshees - Banshees
  7. Hard to Be Diva - Diva and Banshees
  8. Love Duet - Spacepunk and Eleanor
  9. The Dance of Spousal Arousal - Banshees and Bizarbara
  10. Finaletto - Company
  11. Bizarbara's Wedding - Bizarbara and Banshees
  12. Milady - Spacepunk and Starmites
  13. Beauty Within - Diva and Bizarbara
  14. The Cruelty Stomp - Trinkulus and Company
  15. Reach Right Down - Starmites, Diva and Banshees
  16. Immolation - Eleanor, Shak Graa and Spacepunk
  17. Starmites/Diva (Reprise) - Diva, Starmites and Banshees
  18. Finale - Company