As a kid in the 80s, it was always kind of a thing that when October rolled around, you’d keep your eye out for the new Halloween “specials” that would land on TV just in time for the spooky season. It seemed that every year brought with it a new crop of self-contained stories that took place against a backdrop of fresh fall colors and pumpkin patches peppered with shades of orange and green. Whether it’s age or reality, it doesn’t seem that there’s as many of those “specials” these days, but this year I found a new one that exists only in audio form.
On his just-released “audio play” entitled THE GRAND SCREAM OF THINGS, children’s entertainer ANDY Z. manages to perfectly capture the magical vibe of the Halloween “specials” of the 1980s despite lacking a visual component.
Presented as in the pre-television days when radio was gathered around and celebrated as a storytelling device, this hour-long play features a complete cast of well-crafted and performed characters that interact with Andy and friends as he embarks on an adventure driven by the discovery of a Witches’ wand in his own backyard.
The 23-track aural journey is highlighted by 10 original songs from across the Kindie Rock spectrum, with elements of punk rock, big band, hip-hop, indie rock, and more making their way into the mix.
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ANDY Z’s THE GRAND SCREAM OF THINGS is by far one of the best new family entertainment offerings for Halloween 2012, and one that should delight listeners for years to come. Is it too early to wish for an animated version for 2013?
THE GRAND SCREAM OF THINGS is available now on iTunes or from http://andyz.com/
The Rock Father Rating: 5/5 Stars
FTC Disclosure: A copy of this album was provided to The Rock Father for the purpose of review consideration. All opinions are that of James Zahn with input from a 3-year-old.
