In this classic tale by famous children's writer, Hans Christian Andersen, an emperor's special friendship with a singing nightingale is tested when she flees his beautiful porcelain palace to return to her home in the Chinese forest. Feature your entire chorus as the Citizens of China, your best comedic performers as the royal Courtiers, and a special student as the non-speaking, non-singing Gongkeeper in this 40-minute literature-based musical. The dramatic story is musically and theatrically strong throughout, but especially effective when the Nightingale and the Emperor are reunited at the powerful end. * Recommended for grades 4 and up. * Performance time: approximately 40 minutes. * Staging Notes included.