Prodigy: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart is a famous musical genius, equally infamous for his difficult personality. This play is an edgy piece that provides an insight to Mozart by illustrating the compelling relationships of his life. Complete with a remarkable sound score, it is a daring look at the role Mozart's parents and public played in his developing talent. As a result of its focus, this dramatization may be of particular interest to gifted and talented programs, youth performing arts schools and colleges. Prodigy opens as 6-year-old Wolfgang and his 9-year-old sister, Nannerl, perform before the court in Munich where all are dazzled. A grand tour of Europe follows. Leopold Mozart, the father, expresses determination to nurture God's gift of music in his children. But as the prospect of fame and fortune becomes more possible, Leopold succumbs to a fanatical desire to achieve greatness through Wolfgang's genius. Despite their mother's protests to let the children be children, Leopold eventually succeeds in convincing his son that he is defined by his musical genius, to the detriment of their relationship and, ultimately, Wolfgang's life.