Whistle Down the Wind (1996 musical) facts for kids
Whistle Down the Wind is a musical created by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Jim Steinman. It tells a powerful story about a group of children who believe a mysterious man hiding in their barn is Jesus. This musical is based on a book and a film, but it brings the story to life on stage with memorable songs.
About Whistle Down the Wind
Whistle Down the Wind first started as a book written by Mary Hayley Bell in 1959. Later, it became a British film in 1961. Both the book and the film were set in Lancashire, England. However, when Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman created the musical, they decided to change the setting. The musical takes place in the deeply religious state of Louisiana in the United States. This change helps to explore themes of faith and belief in a different way.
The Story of Swallow
The main character of Whistle Down the Wind is a fifteen-year-old girl named Swallow. She has recently gone through a difficult time, as her mother has passed away. One day, Swallow discovers a strange man hiding in her family's barn. When she asks him who he is, his first words are "Jesus Christ!" before he falls unconscious.
Swallow, along with her younger siblings and the other children in their small town, becomes convinced that this man is truly Jesus. They decide to keep his presence a secret and vow to protect him from the adults. What they don't know is that the man is actually someone the police are looking for. The story follows the children's innocent belief and their efforts to help the man, showing how their faith changes their lives and the lives of those around them.
From Book to Stage
The journey of Whistle Down the Wind from a book to a film and then to a musical shows how a good story can be told in many different ways. The musical adds a new layer of emotion and drama through its songs and performances. Andrew Lloyd Webber is famous for creating many popular musicals, and Whistle Down the Wind is another example of his talent for telling engaging stories through music.
