Rescuing Zintaurus

De: Bob Druker, Steve Dawson

Narrado por: full cast

When an evil king threatens the destruction of Zintaurus, one dog, Kaytaiya, must undertake a heroic quest. But not in her own dog body! Magically transformed by the exiled Queen Ravenna into the body of a cat, she is sent to find the Little Plane that holds the key to the survival of her homeland, and bring it back by train. But everyone she encounters has problems of their own and needs her support. The train, Joe, must have his will restored, having fallen under the spell of the mind-numbing weed, false bliss blossom. The plane is in deep despair, having been involved in a tragic accident, and has lost the ability to fly. Freckles, the mysterious one-armed dog sent to help the travelers, is socially isolated and in need of a friend.

“Rescuing Zintaurus” is a magical musical play for middle grades that the Chicago Tribune raved, “well worth a listen” and the Hyde Park Herald called, “charming…it should delight adults, too.” Through the writing of psychiatrist Bob Druker, ably assisted by acclaimed Chicago songwriter Steve Dawson, there is much to learn about depression, substance abuse, trauma, loss and healing. A final dramatic confrontation awaits in Zintaurus between the forces of good and evil. Can good prevail? Yes, if the travelers can overcome their individual post traumatic problems. Otherwise, Zintaurus and its Rock of Truth and the very concept of Truth itself will be no more.

Overcoming trauma is one of the most timely issues at this moment in history. And Druker argues that it is intimately related to another very timely issue, the defending of individual truth within ourselves, and in the world at large.

©2024 Bob Druker (P)2024 Bob Druker

Incredible story, music and production

I have to recommend this to really anyone. I listen to it with my teen son and we both enjoyed it so much and looked forward to each chapter. The story is an important one and is very relatable around challenges we all face, gathering strength to face challenges and more It’s well told. Also, there’s really great music throughout. All of this together makes for one great listen.

A Charming and Meaningful Musical Adventure

Rescuing Zintaurus is a delightful and moving musical play that seamlessly blends humor, heartfelt storytelling and catchy songs into a fantasy adventure suitable for middle-grade listeners - and adults too! Framed within a story about rescuing a kingdom from evil, the play tackles serious topics like trauma and loss with sensitivity and care, presenting them in an engaging and accessible way.

The story follows Kaytaiya, a brave dog, and her brother Eorik, a cat, on a mission to save their homeland. Kaytaiya’s journey is as much about helping others heal as it is about confronting her own struggles, while Eorik’s perspective adds a sense of childlike wonder to the adventure. The memorable characters they meet along the way each face their own traumas, and the story beautifully illustrates that none of them can heal or rediscover their true selves without support.

What sets Rescuing Zintaurus apart is its ability to balance profound themes with lightness, whimsy, and an imaginative world of talking animals and sentient vehicles. The songs are irresistibly catchy, the performances stellar and the dialogue masterfully weaves playful moments into the narrative without diminishing its deeper messages.

Packed with heart, fun and valuable lessons, this play reminds us not to let trauma define us and emphasizes the importance of holding onto individual truth, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Highly recommended!

Rescuing Zintaurus has everything!

Rescuing Zintaurus, a fairy tale, depicts a king, a queen, a train, a plane, a cat and a dog. They face dilemmas: magic vs. free will, good vs. evil, truth and authenticity vs. lies and duplicity. They find adventure, romance, the strength of an individual and the power of community. They overcome adversity including abandonment, addiction, anxiety, depression, loneliness and grief by casting off false beliefs and fending off attacks. Folksy, accessible music lightens the tone and highlights the lessons. A great story for any late grade school or middle school child to explore independently or for a younger child, with the help of a grown up, to experience.