Starlight Express

Musical

Writers: Andrew Lloyd Webber Richard Stilgoe Don Black

Overview

Show Information

Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1984
Genres
Fairy Tale/Fantasy
Settings
Fantasy/Imaginary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
The World Championship Railroad Race (as imagined by a young boy)
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Small
Dancing
Heavy
Ideal for
College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, High School, Diverse Cast
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes late teen, young adult, adult, mature adult, child characters

Synopsis

A child’s train set magically comes to life while he sleeps and the various engines compete to become the “Fastest engine in the World!” The underdog, Rusty the Steam train, dreams of becoming the champion but he is belittled by Greaseball, an arrogant diesel train, and Electra, the new electric engine. Encouraged by Poppa, an aging steam train, he turns to the legend of the “Starlight Express” and begs for her help. With her assistance, Rusty realizes that he already has the power to win deep inside himself. He ultimately defeats his archrivals Greaseball and Electra, winning the heart of the lovely first class coach, Pearl, who is waiting for her dream train. Performed entirely on roller skates, Starlight Express is a visual and aural explosion of the senses.

Lead Characters


Starlight Express guide sections