A Tiny Miracle is written for a diverse multi-generational ensemble, ideally with kids, teens, young adults and older adults. In a college or high school setting, this might mean enlisting a few adult teachers and their kids; in a church choir, it could involve both adult and youth choir members. It is written like an oratorio, with choir and soloists, and can be presented in a concert style, with the choir on risers and soloists in front, but it also would lend itself to an inventive staging with creative movement and even puppetry, and the composer is happy to consider making adjustments to the score to support a creative staging. It requires a minimum of about fifteen performers. The work is currently scored for piano, but the composer is ready to orchestrate the work as needed.

Storyteller - SEE BELOW.

Wise Oak/Nurse - SEE BELOW.

Little Tree - SEE BELOW.

Grandfather - bass baritone, mature. Notated on treble staff. Middle C (optional down to low G) up to E (top of treble staff). Can also be ensemble member.

Grandson - child actor 8-10 years old. With a name change, this child could be male or female. Can also be ensemble member.

Grandson (seven years later) - teen actor, brief appearance, no singing required, but can be cast out of the ensemble.

Grumpy Tree - originally performed by a male actor, but could be performed by an actor of any gender or ethnicity. Can also be ensemble member.

Pretty Tree - featured role. A classic show-biz belter. Female, vain, bossy. Low G# below middle C to Eb at top of treble staff.

Wally, the tree lot man - featured role. Kindly, working-class. Originally performed by male actor, can be any ethnicity. Sings in a down-to-earth bluesy style. Written on treble staff, from middle C up to Eb with a couple of Ab’s in falsetto.

Tree lot customers:

Mr. Douglas - baritone, upper-class and proud

Two children (soloists) - written in treble staff, Eb above middle C up to G at top of staff

Miss Martin - lyric soprano, elegant and sophisticated. Middle C up to Gb top of treble staff.

Miss Claritin - classical soprano, written in Handel pastiche. E above middle C up to F# top of treble staff

Poor Man - working class, can be non-singing actor or member of ensemble. Originally played by male actor but could be any gender or ethnicity.

Mr. Johnson - young adult, husband and soon to be father. Pop lyric baritone, written in treble staff. Middle C up to F.

Mrs. Johnson - young adult, about to give birth to her first child. Pop mezzo. Low G below middle C up to C at top of treble staff.

Adult mixed chorus SATB - all roles except the Wise Oak and the Little Tree can be part of the chorus. There is a great deal of challenging choral writing in the score.

Small children’s chorus - as few as two but a half-a-dozen or more would be dandy