Overview
Click here to see Broadway composer Michael Friedman discuss his experience with On the Other Side of the Fence.
In this high-spirited musical, animals from two different farms work together to remove the fence dividing them. In doing so, they discover their similarities are greater than their differences.
A big, strong fence was put up because of a long-standing feud between Farmer Franklin and Farmer Fred. Because of their differences, they have forbidden the animals on their individual farms to communicate with the animals on the other side. One day, two pigs from opposing farms find friendship. The farmers warn them that this is unacceptable, but the pigs and many of the animals question why this has to be. The animals look to each other for answers. Finally, out of desperation, the pigs decide to escape together. The animals prevail upon the farmers to end their feud and make peace with one another. A vote is taken and unanimously the decision is made to "take the fence away.” The farmers begin to see each other in a new light. The animals are jubilant, the pigs return, and acceptance, friendship and understanding lead to a peaceful coexistence.
Themes: Accepting differences - Conflict resolution - Overcoming bullying