Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood? It’s the newest musical available through iTunes and it features Alice Cooper as the narrator. Yes, it’s based on the classical work “Peter and the Wolf.” only with a modern spin. What better way to introduce teens and tweens to classical music than a PARTY! From conductor batons to “name that tune” games to wolfie juice, we had a ball learning about the new technology for this classic tale, and I got to share my love of music.
Disclosure: I received free products in order to host a Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood MommyParty. However, as always, the opinions expressed here are my own and truthful.
Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood
Peter and the Wolf has long held a soft spot in my heart. I started playing violin in the 5th grade, and one of my earliest recollections of classical pieces is this children’s favorite by Prokofiev. Seriously, how can you not like a classical composer who personifies animals and humans with instruments? So when I got the chance to host a Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood party, I jumped at the chance!
“Offering a reinvigorating new perspective on Prokofiev’s much-loved children’s classic, Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood moves the action to 21st century California, adding a 50ft-high Robot to the familiar cast of animal characters who help Peter capture the Wolf and return it to the safety of the local zoo. With a brand-new prequel devised by live-animation geniuses Giants Are Small, this humorous and touching retelling is narrated by rock legend Alice Cooper and performed by the brilliant young musicians of Germany’s National Youth Orchestra.”
Here’s the synopsis:
“Newly orphaned Peter flies from Russia to Los Angeles, to stay with his aging hippie grandfather who works for a Hollywood movie star. Finding it hard to make friends in his new home, Peter instead forms friendships with the creatures around him, including a duck and a bird! Peter finds the chance to become a hero when a wolf escapes from the zoo. Peter is unafraid and figures out an ingenious way to catch the wolf. An app and album with a humorous and topical fresh take on a much-loved classic, exploring themes of family and friendship, courage and heroism.”
Party Time!
My kids and I enjoyed listening to the CD and talking about what a good job the composer did matching instruments and music to the animals. My son thought the wolf reminded him of the Jaws music. Since he plays in the band at school, he could identify most of the instruments. He wished they had used his choice, the saxophone.
We made conductor batons using pretzel sticks and white chocolate. I think more people could be convinced to play music if chocolate was involved! Our little wolf (border collie) wanted to get those batons so badly that we decided to make some dog treats ones just for her!
Having a toast to the music, we drank “wolfie juice” aka virgin strawberry daiquris. Umbrella drinks are the best!
My tween can’t wait to tinker with the Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood app. You can learn more at their website, peterandthewolfinhollywood.com.
My teen’s favorite activity? Our competitive round of “Name That Tune” only this time it was Name That Character. Spoiler alert: Peter was represented by strings; the Duck by the oboe; the Cat as a Clarinet; Bird by a flute; the Grandfather was a bassoon; and the Wolf was a french horn.
If you’d like to listen to a sample or even download the music for yourself, go to Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood on iTunes.
Disclosure: I received a party kit from MomSelect and Giants Are Small in order to host a Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood MommyParty. However, as always, the opinions expressed here are my own and truthful.