The magic maker : a portrait of John Langstaff, creator of the Christmas revels

From mischievous child prodigy to the dynamic Lord of the Dance, an engaging look at the life of Revels founder John Langstaff. On Christmas Eve in 1920, John Meredith Langstaff was born into a music-filled home where a rousing, wassailing carol party was the peak of his family's year. Half a century later, his inspired Christmas Revels was born, a theatrical weaving of traditional song, folkdance, and drama that has become a beloved institution across the country. Now award-winning author Susan Cooper, a friend and writer for the Revels, traces its roots through the rhythms of Jack Langstaff's life-from star choirboy (and notorious troublemaker) to his early career as a noted recital singer; from a daunting World W ar II injury to his work as recording artist, TV performer, teacher, and children's author. Along the way, his passion for music, ritual, and community fused to spark the incomparable Revels, a participatory celebration that promises to draw children of all ages for generations to come. On Christmas Eve in 1920, John Meredith Langstaff was born into a music-filled home where a rousing, wassailing carol party was the peak of his family's year. Half a century later, his inspired Christmas Revels was born, a theatrical weaving of traditional song, folkdance, and drama that has become a beloved institution across the country. Now award-winning author Susan Cooper, a friend and writer for the Revels, traces its roots through the rhythms of Jack Langstaff's life--from star choirboy (and notorious troublemaker) to his early career as a noted recital singer; from a daunting World W ar II injury to his work as recording artist, TV performer, teacher, and children's author. Along the way, his passion for music, ritual, and community fused to spark the incomparable Revels, a participatory celebration that promises to draw children of all ages for generations to come. From mischievous child prodigy to the dynamic Lord of the Dance, an engaging look at the life of Revels founder John Langstaff. - Publisher. From Mischievous Child Prodigy To The Dynamic Lord Of The Dance, An Engaging Look At The Life Of Revels Founder John Langstaff. On Christmas Eve In 1920, John Meredith Langstaff Was Born Into A Music-filled Home Where A Rousing, Wassailing Carol Party Was The Peak Of His Family’s Year. Half A Century Later, His Inspired Christmas Revels Was Born, A Theatrical Weaving Of Traditional Song, Folkdance, And Drama That Has Become A Beloved Institution Across The Country. Now Award-winning Author Susan Cooper, A Friend And Writer For The Revels, Traces Its Roots Through The Rhythms Of Jack Langstaff’s Life--from Star Choirboy (and Notorious Troublemaker) To His Early Career As A Noted Recital Singer; From A Daunting World W Ar Ii Injury To His Work As Recording Artist, Tv Performer, Teacher, And Children’s Author. Along The Way, His Passion For Music, Ritual, And Community Fused To Spark The Incomparable Revels, A Participatory Celebration That Promises To Draw Children Of All Ages For Generations To Come. On Christmas Eve in 1920, John Meredith Langstaff was born into a music-filled home where a rousing, wassailing carol party was the peak of his family's year. Half a century later, his inspired Christmas Revels was born, a theatrical weaving of traditional song, folkdance, and drama that has become a beloved institution across the country. Now award-winning author Susan Cooper, a friend and writer for the Revels, traces its roots through the rhythms of Jack Langstaff's life. --from publisher description The choirboy The Morris dances are swell The news seems to get worse and worse Things go deep with him God damn this war! He has time to become an outstanding singer Mr. Langstaff could make an onion sing! I lost my shirt The first real Revels Totally in his element The recruiting sergeant Fifty ideas before breakfast Master of the Revels I've got so much more Books by John Langstaff Recordings by John Langstaff Revels today