"The first time I heard author Susan Lowell read The Three Little Javelinas, something unexpected happened. I went home and wrote a song. I had never written a song before; I didn’t even know I could write a song! Then, I wrote another one. And another one. And now, more than two years later, The Three Javelinas is opening at Childsplay. I was inspired by Susan’s books to write a play that celebrates the sights and sounds of the desert Southwest through the reimagination of a classic children’s tale. At the core of the Javelinas stories, and of the original “three little pigs” story, is a conflict between family and hunger…hunger for food, but also for adventure, for independence, even for fame. As I started to write about Juan, Jose and Josefina, I began to wonder…what if what you hunger for as an individual is not understood by your family? What if your dreams conflict with those of the people you love most? And what happens when, despite it all, you go out in the world and things don’t turn out exactly as you expected? Like the Javelinas, we are each going to stumble upon unexpected opportunities and challenges. I hope that, like Juan, Jose, Josefina and me, when you find something that truly inspires you, you’ll embrace it. You never know where the unexpected might take you!" - Jenny Millinger
"What a rich musical history the Southwest offers! Having spent most of my life surrounded by the wonderful music of this region it was not difficult to find inspiration to begin the development of The Three Javelinas' sound. In an effort to fully honor the area's music, we explored a wide range of styles from the roots of mariachi to the traditions of the Tohono O'odham. We even discovered a complex history of new gems like the Southwest's influence on rockabilly musicians and the "folk-glam" songstress Katie Lee. Even now, the Southwest continues to develop its own musical styles as musicians both embrace this magnificent culture and incorporate new ideas into its traditions. Today is a perfect example of this as we blend a wide range of the Southwest with the techniques and inspirations of musical theatre. With our continually growing global community, I personally am excited to see where the music of the Southwest will head next. Who knows, maybe it will even be influenced by you!" - Todd Hulet
Costume Designs by D. Daniel Hollingshead with Kish Finnegan. Scenic Design by Holly Windingstad.
