A children’s classic comes to life when members of the NHSO and narrator/composer Thomas C. Duffy present Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Saturday, March 17, 2:00pm at the Omni New Haven Hotel and Sunday, March 18, 2:00pm at Shelton Intermediate School.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is the story of Mike, a steam shovel operator, and his steam shovel, Mary Anne. First published in 1939 by Virginia Lee Burton, Mike and Mary Anne face competition from modern, diesel-powered machines. Although the small town doubts him, Mike believes that Mary Anne can dig faster than a hundred men in a single day. Will Mike and Mary Anne prevail? Accompanied by music composed by Yale University professor Thomas C. Duffy, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, is a story of perseverance and friendship!

“The challenging thing about writing music for family concerts is the audience’s range of musical sophistication,” said Tom Duffy. The theme and general appeal need to fit the tastes and interests of the youngest cohort, yet the music should not sell short the expectations of the more experienced listeners.”