These eight plays were commissioned by James W. Rye, producing director of Birmingham Children’s Theater (1985 – 1995). BCT was, and still is, touring adult troupes about in schools about the state, and these shows were part of that program. They were written for smaller casts and simpler sets, suitable for tours.
Some of them have since been staged by children’s theaters around the country, but never published till now.
If your theater or school would care for a perusal .pdf and royalty information on one or more of these shows, please write me at mpnwrites@icloud.com.
The Prince & The Pauper as told by Mr. Mark Twain
America’s most popular humorist, Mark Twain, narrates his classic tale about Edward Prince of Wales swapping places with street urchin Tom Canty. First performed at Birmingham Children Theater, the script was praised as “story-telling theatre at its finest“ by the Birmingham Post Herald.
Cast requirement: 8 actors (5 of them play multiple parts) consisting of 6 men, 2 women (but gender flexible casting is an option.)
Running time: 1 hour.
The Secret Garden
Based on Francis Hodgson Burnett’s childhood meditation on family and grief, this script focuses on the relationship Dickon, a young gardener Mary Lennox, a young girl who cares for Colin who is unable to walk. With Dickon’s help, Mary and Colin care for a long-forgotten secret garden that soon becomes a metaphor for life and its possibilities.
Cast requirements: Various ages, 4 women, 3 men.
Running time: 1 hr.
The Snow Girl
Based on a timeless Russian fable. A older, childless couple fashions the daughter of their dreams from fresh snow and watch her come to life, thanks to the the result of enchantment of a star. They name her Snowflake. But trying to raise her as a “real girl” is not easy, especially when Kupava, one of the village children, challenges Snowflake’s character. A blending of ballet with dramatic action, The Snow Girl is a sweet and sumptuous spectacle.
Cast requirements: Various ages, 4 men, 3 women. (including Snowflake, a non-speaking dancer’s role.)
Running time: 1 hr.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The classic American tale about an awkward schoolmaster and his encounter with Headless Horseman springs to life with comedy and chills. Adapted from the tale by Washington Irving, Ichabod Crane, an awkward school teacher, eyes pretty Katrina Van Pelt which arouses the ire of Bram Bones, Katrina’s beau. With high hopes, Ichabod escorts Katrina to a harvest dance, but nothing goes as the hapless schoolmaster hopes. By evening’s end, he comes face-to-face with the headless specter of Sleepy Hollow.
Cast Requirements: 2 women, 4 men.
Running time: 1 hr.
Young King Arthur
Merlin the Magician is center stage in this retelling of the boy who became king. Merlin, a teacher, also a wizard, schools a lad of humble origins, a boy he calls “Wart.” Wart’s coming-of-age happens right under Merlin’s watchful eye. Whether encountering a bully, feelings for females, or struggling in battle or overcoming inner doubts, Merlin supports him with magic and wisdom, which is perhaps his greatest power of all. Wart perseveres, and ultimately steps forward to meet his destiny as he inadvertently pulls an embedded sword from a stone and is hailed king.
Cast Requirements: 4 men, 2 women.
Running time: 1 hr.
McDonnegal’s Dragon
Ian McDonnegal is an old man, a teller of tall tales, who lives in the Scottish Highlands with his grandson, Glynn. Glynn has grown impatient with his grandfather’s preoccupation with stories, especially when they’re in danger of losing their home losing their land to banker Angus McPhees. But when McDonnegal captures one of the “wee folk” and barely escapaes a fire-breathing dragon, Glynn won’t believe him. For a hundred years, the drago has pursued the little sprite and his only hope of ending his endless pursuit is Ian McDonnegal. Yet McDonnegal refuses to help, until realizes it may be the only way to save his home.
Cast requirements: 2 women, 4 men, 1 rabbit
Running time: 1 hr.
Zorro!
In the Spanish territory of Calífornía, Senor Gomez Romero lives peaceably on a sizeable land grant from the Spanish crown. Here, he makes a quiet home on his rancho with his wife and a beautiful but rebellious daughter, Rosa. Colonel Corti, a Spanish office arrives to the rancho with his men, in search of a fugitive he calls “Zorro the Fox.” Romero introduces him to his house guests: shiftless godson, Don Diego De La Vega, and an simple Padre whom Senora Romero took in for the night on their travels. But Corti finds the mark of a ‘Z’, evidence that Zorro is there and now he’s determined to find him. The night soon becomes a game between the hunted and the hunters with many a swashbuckling twist and turn.
Cast Requirements: 2 women, 4 men (double casting of father/soldier)
Running time: 1 hour
The Wind in the Willows
Ratty, Moley and Badger are worried when their old friend, Toad, succumbs to the latest “craze.” First it was bicycles, but now it’s motor cars! Thinking they will protect him from himself, the three decide to guard Toad through the night at Toad Hall, so he can’t escape to buy a motor car. But he does. Furthermore, purchases a stolen motor car and land himself in jail, requiring Rat, Mole and Badger to break him free. A clever adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s book that highlights the joy of the journey and the value of true friendships.
Cast Requirement: 8 – 10 actors (some double casting is possible).
Running time: 1 hour