Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
72 pages text
Y T YA

By Brian Kral. Premiered by the Rainbow Compnay Children's Theatre of Las Vegas, here is a powerful drama about the impact of war--and the nightmare of nuclear fallout--as experienced by some of the Second World War's most innocent victims: the children of Japan. A winner of the IUPUI National Playwriting Competition. Multicultural cast. CAST: 12-15 (6-9 F, 4-6 M, with roles for children and adults). Some doubling is possible.

Kyushu, a Japanese "street orphan," is admitted into a Hiroshima hospital in the mid 1950's. When it is discovered that she's losing her eyesight, this spectre is raised whether she is also a victim of "A-bomb illness." Despite her denial that she was in Hiroshima during the bomb blast, she is visited by a ghastly memory of the burned out city, the Cockroach Woman, and she resists all attempts by a Japanese physician and an American psychologist to help her. She falls more deeply into depression and hopelessness---until her chance meeting and eventual friendship with a young A-bomb patient named Sadako gives Kyushu the strength and desire to recover.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
35 pages text
Y

Dramatized by Aurand Harris. First produced by the Harwich Junior Theatre at West Harwich, MA, this is a popular comedy of the funny antics of a boy named Henry. Based on stories by George W. Peck, who made "Peck's Bad Boy" a popular phrase in the English language, the play is an American classic of fun for all audiences, a "laugh-along" with Henry. One set. Turn of the twentieth century costumes. CAST: 7 (3 F, 4 M.)

Ever inventive and imaginative, Henry keeps his family in an uproar with his comic escapades. Set at the turn of the twentieth century, the play has the charm of nostalgia combined with the broad humor of a comic strip. Ultimately, Henry's hilarious shenanigans build to a suspenseful climax which results in the exposure of a swindler-villain.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
Printed Music Score (piano/vocal) by Wright $40.00
31 pages text
Y

By Carol Lynn Wright. Premiere production by the Brigham Young University Theatre in Provo, Utah. Sheer frou-frou, intentionally frivolous,a nd deliciously original. Two sets. Fairy tale costumes. Can be presented with or without music. CAST: 16+ (10 F, 6 M) plus extras.

Pegora, an apprentice Witch, has a flaw in her nature -- she cannot help doing good. When the Head Witch, Mother Martacloy, learns that Pegora has made a contribution to the Orphaned Children's Home, she orders the unfortunate misfit stripped of her broom. Pegora begs for one last chance, and Mother Martacloy grants it, on condition that Pegora kidnap, one by one, the seven Princesses of a neighboring kingdom. Through a series of highly amusing blunders, she actually succeeds in this, despite the King's elaborate precautions. But she is finally outwitted by the Court Jester, and rescued from the clutches of Mother Martacloy.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
Printed Music Score (piano/vocal) by T. Egner $40.00
58 pages text
Y

By Thorbjorn Egner. Translated from the Norwegian. Original folk tale, quite ambitious, with musical treatment of operatic dimensions. Stationary set with alternating inserts, or multiple sets on turntable. Folk costumes. CAST: 13 + (2 F, 8 M, 3 children) optional extras.

Under the benign eye of their good-natured Policeman, the people of Cardemon Town are happily celebrating a Fair, with street shows, animal stunts, and songs. But their pleasure is threatened by the presence on the edge of town of three robbers, Casper, Jasper, and Jonathan, who keep a pet lion to protect them from the law. The three robbers, however, are very human fellows. Dissatisfied with their own uncouth ways, they kidnap Aunt Sophie from the town, to keep house for them. Aunt Sophie, a real tartar, at last has someone to shout at who really deserves it. Taking hold of her job like a master sergeant, she makes the three men wash and scrub and sweep and dig and plant and chop wood, until their dearest wish is to be rid of her. Transporting her back home in the dead of the night, they are caught in the act, and imprisoned in the town's pleasant jail, where in the care of the Policeman's kindly wife, they become useful citizens.

This play is recognized abroad as a major classic. It has been translated into many languages, is regularly presented at holiday times by the great opera houses of Europe, Russia, and Japan. Its translation into English is an event.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
44 pages text
Y

Dramatized by Martha B. King. Premiered by the Goodman Theatre of Chicago. Charming and fanciful interpretation of the provocative old rhyme. One set. Folk costumes. CAST: 8(6 F, 2 M) plus instrumentalist; optional extras.

Peter is a happy and charming lad, whose friends and relatives seem always too busy with the responsibilities of life, to find any time for beauty or fun. He meets Ellen - - who is full of beauty and fun, who makes a wonderful playmate, who loves him, and who wants a house of her own. So they are married. But when Ellen learns that Peter's house is also his grandmother's house, and his mother's house, and his sister's house - - she runs away. And Peter is not able to win her back until he has built her a little house of her very own.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
52 pages text
C Y

By Aurand Harris. First produced at new York University and then the Harwich Junior Theatre in West harwich, MA, here is a delightful joyous dramatization of Beatrix Potter's beloved. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit." Two suggested sets. Victorian and animal costumes. Production licensing not available for England and Canada. CAST: 9 (6 F, 3 M.)

Beatrix Potter, age 13, a poor little rich girl, secluded in her top-floor nursery, creates her own excitement by inventing and illustrating stories about her pet animals. She imagines an adventure for her favorite pet, Peter Rabbit. She becomes Peter and acts out an early version of what becomes her famous The Tale of Peter Rabbit. All the favorite characters appear: Mother Rabbit, Flopsey, Mopsey, Cottontail, the Mouse, the birds, and Mr. McGregor. Here is a revealing and charming glimpse of Victorian society in contrast to the antics of the uninhibited animal world. PETER RABBIT AND ME is filled with humor, adventure, colorful characters, and all of the magic of children's theatre.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
41 pages text
C Y

Dramatized by Madge Miller. A stae adaptation from the story made immortal by Robert Browning. Premiered at the Pittsburgh Children's Theatre. One setting. Medieval costumes. CAST: 15 + (3 F, 3 M, 1 G, 2 B, 6 Either) and optional extras.

A plague of rats has infested the town of Hamelin, when a strange Piper appears with an offer to dispose of the rats for a thousand guilders. The Councilors agree, and the Piper does actually charm the rats with his pipe, until they are drowned in the river Weser. But when the townspeople refuse to pay him his fee, the Piper charms their children with his pipe, and leads them to a nearby mountainside, where the walls of rock close around them. Dirk, a little lame boy who was unable to keep up with the children entering the mountain, tries to recapture the Piper's tune on his own pipe, but finds himself unable to remember it until each of the townspeople has surrendered the possession he loves most, and Dirk even gives up his own crutch.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
61 pages text
C Y

Dramatized by Tim Wright, award-winning playwright, screenwriter, television writer, independent filmmaker and educator, who shows us that he knows how to write for a contemporary audience. First producced at California State University, Northridge. In this energetic re-telling of the classic story, the rats and the humans wage political and social war against each other and anyone who contradicts them. The play can be staged with a multi-generational cast for community theatre, or with students for a summer camp or school production.  CAST: 25 speaking roles with opportunities for cross-gender casting and doubling.

In this telling the rats and the humans wage political and social war against each other and anyone who contradicts them.

The Piper, a former resident of the orphans’ home, comes back to get his due.  When the Mayor refuses to pay him for ridding the town of rats, the Piper sets a daze on the adults and pipes away the children.  Crippled Franz returns, healed from his limp, with news that the children are happier than ever tucked safely away inside the mountain.  The adults recognize their folly as the Piper delivers a final moral narrative.  Humor, action and conflict carry this story of betrayal and simple friendship with the reminder that a promise is a promise.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
41 pages text
Y T YA

By Jeff Church. Originally commissioned and produced by the Birmingham Children's Theatre for a national tour. Freely and fancifully adapted from the famous poem by Robert Browning. In a jazz version the folk-tale belongs anew to everyone, from small children to teenagers. A single street scene in New Orleans. Costumes late 1930s. CAST: 8 +(4 F, 4 M) optional extras.

Set near the docks in New Orleans in the 1930s, three families are plagued by rats. Trying everything short of voodoo, they decide to bring in an outsider, to solve their problem. Abernathy, a Cajun musician is reputed to have rid others of bats and gnats through his music. Bargains are made, and torrid melodies are played at midnight, and rats move. Then promises are broken and, ultimately, teenagers of the neighborhood are lured away by a jazzy dance tune. Folks who put him in a passion find that he pipes to another fashion.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
Also available in Religious Drama: A Classic Quartet anthology
T YA Family

Dramatized by Orlin Corey from the book by John Bunyan. The original cast of the EverymanPlayers enjoyed an extensive national tour, followed by an Off-Broadway engagement in New York's Gothic, Riverside Church. John Bunyan's "little book", as he called it, is an allegorical adventure story, ablaze with color and character, and fueled by the inner urgency of a true spiritual quest. This adaptation utilizes the straightforward English dialogue of Bunyan. Largely eliminated is his tendency to interpret and moralize. Instead, the characters carry the story. Staging may be elaborate or simplified. Medieval era stylized costumes. Mobile props, puppets, mask and Elizabethan-style pageantry have been used successfully. This play has been performed on traditional stages as well as in churches and cathedrals. CAST: 72 roles which may be performed by as few as 15 actors.

Christian, burdened by failure and betrayal, determines to flee the City of Destruction in search of a better place. In his wandering he blunders into the Slough of Despond, stumbles through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and debates with such imposters as Mr. Worldly Wiseman and Ignorance. He discovers the Cross and finds his way, befriended by fellow pilgrims, and after setbacks and failures, he arrives at the Celestial City.
Also available: An Odyssey of Masquers-The Everyman Players for design photos.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
52 pages text
Y

Dramatized by Aurand Harris of the award-winning novel of Betsy Byars. Premiered at Northwestern University Department of Drama. Written in a theatrical and imaginative style, utilizing exciting musical, sound, and lighting effects, this play is both touching and funny. It treats a modern social problem with arresting insight, humor, and emotional theatrical impact. One set. Contemporary costumes. CAST: 5 (2 F, 3 M)

Three children are bounced like pinballs from one foster home to another, Carlie, fifteen and street-wise and a natural leader, is a victim of child abuse. Thirteen-year old Harvey is wheelchair-bound after his drunken father ran over both of his legs with his new car. Thomas J., eight, was abandoned on a doorstep as a baby. Each longs for the comfort of a real home. Now, in the play, they come together for the first time at Mrs. Mason's, an understanding foster mother who encourages them to follow Carlie's urging "to do something for ourselves." By the end of summer the "pinballs" have become a "family."

Books $7.00
Royalty $35.00
33 pages text
C Y

Dramatized by Madge Miller. A faithful retelling of the Collodi story. Several locales suggested. Fairy tale costumes. Masks and puppet/props suggested. CAST: 6 (1 F, 2 M , 2 Either, 1 B) with doubling, or up to 8 (1F, 2 M, 3 Either, 2 B). This play has also been performed by all-female cast.

Gepetto the wood-carver creates a wooden puppet who unexpectedly assumes a life of his own. He is still a woodenhead, however, and longs to be a real boy; but the Blue Fairy tells him he must earn this right. Falling into the clutches of a Fox and a Cat, he is led through many ludicrous predicaments before he is able to achieve his ambition.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
Printed Music Score (piano/vocal) $50.00
56 pages text
C Y

Dramatized by Arnold Wengrow. Music by Nicky Rea and Jackie Cassada. First produced by the University of North Carolina at Ashville Department of Drama. A musical version of the famous Carlo Collodi tale in a highly theatrical mixture of musical comedy, storytelling, commedia, dance, mime, and puppetry. Fluid staging with minimal set, props, and costumes, although more elaborate settings and costumes can be used to increase spectacle. Suitable for touring. CAST: 10 (1 F, 4 M 5 Either) with doubling, or up to 20 + (2 F, 8 M, 10 Either) plus optional extras.

A lively troupe of actors create all the colorful characters of the story of a willful little wooden marionette who runs away from the carpenter Gepetto, to encounter a host of fantastic adventures. On his journey Pinocchio joins a traveling marionette show, gets tricked by a singing-and-dancing Fox and Cat, meets the magical Blue Fairy, and makes a thrilling escape from the Land of Ease, where lazy boys turn into donkeys. When Pinocchio rescues Gepetto from a Sea Monster, he discovers that he has gotten his dearest wish and turnes into a real boy.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
Music Score is incorporated in the play book
37 pages text
Y

Dramatized by Aurand Harris. First productions were at Western Michigan College of Education and Seattle Junior Programs. A present-day fairy tale, adapted from Phyllis McGinley's popular book.Two sets. Royal and folk costumes. CAST: 13 (7 F, 4 M, 2 Either) or suitable for an all-female cast.

The King and Queen plan a birthday party for their daughter Esmeralda, showering her with gifts and toys, ordering a feast with entertainment, and inviting a neighboring Prince to play with her. But the Princess is in a sulky mood, and throwing one of her royal tantrums, she goads the usually well-mannered Prince into declaring what no one has ever dared to admit — that she is a plain Princess. Faced at last with the truth, the Princess falls into a genuine decline, and her parents offer a great reward to anyone who can make her beautiful. All the wise men try, without success. Finally, the royal dustwoman, Dame Goodwit, offers to make the Princess beautiful in three months — if the Princess will come and live in her cottage with her three daughters. The changes that take place are only natural ones, but when the Princess learns to do a truly unselfish thing, her mouth turns up, her nose turns down, and her eyes sparkle like the candles on a birthday cake.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
Printed Instrumental Ensemble Score $40.00
62 pages text
Y T YA

By Suzan Zeder. A play of universal delight about townspeople making a play in the Medieval era. Unit set. Simple, medieval costumes. Incidental music score by Daniel Paul Davis available. CAST: 18 (8 F, 10 M) with doubling, or increase the cast number by distributing the 49 roles.

At the tag end of the fifteenth century, the tiny town of Frogsham musters its dubious resources to mount the Corpus Christi play of Noah and the Flood. This medieval play within a play presents a teeming townful of characters who mirror their biblical pageant counterparts, including the Seven Deadly Sins. It also provides a humorous glimpse of fifteenth century stagecraft and the timeless panic of performers who must go on before the show is ready. Marvelous opportunities for medieval spectacle, innovative staging, costumes, masks, dance; all with an expandable cast, this script features a full length adaptation of the Noah play based upon the celebrated Chester and Wakefield Cycles.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
25 pages text
Y

Developed from history by Aurand Harris. Dramatic account of an historical legend stemming from the first American colony at Jamestown. One set. Pioneer and Indian costumes. CAST: 11 + (2 F, 5 M, 4 + Either.)

Chief Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas, and her sister, Woussicket, are giving thanks to the gods for abundant harvest, when they are surprised by two white men from the starving Jamestown colony, who beg for food. Powhatan refuses them, and sends them away empty-handed; but Pocahontas secretly befriends the settlers, by sharing her own corn with them. In this she is discovered and betrayed by her jealous sister, and the two men are captured. Their leader, John Smith, is sentenced to die, when Pocahontas, at great risk to herself, intercedes for him, and persuades her father to save the little colony from starvation.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
Printed Music Score (piano)$40.00
Printed Music Score (vocal)$35.00
56 pages text
Y

Adapted by Aurand Harris. Music by Steve Wheaton. Premiere's given by the Nashville Academy Theatre, and the Steuben Chldren's Theater of Mason City, Iowa. Mark Twain's famous story of a prince and a pauper exchanging places comes alive in scenes of action, humor, and pageantry, enhanced by appropriate music. Costumes of Tudor England. CAST: 11 + (4 F, 5 M, 2 B) extras optional or double-cast to reduce cast number.+ 4 extras .

After exchanging places, a prince and a poor boy discover their new roles are more difficult than their old ones. their challenges are played out against life in Tudor England, hard and cruel, with such colorful characters as the Witchwoman, an abusive father, and such diverse activities as a puppet show - - which echos the age - - a whipping post, and a coronation. The straight forward story, told in dramatic scenes bridged by singing minstrel, speeds the play to a genuine climax. From page to page, the curtain rises on a new and delightful THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
82 pages text
Y T

By Jackson Lacey. Developed at London's Unicorn Theatre for Young People, this two-act play draws from one of the tales of Old Russia. Multiple scenes and special effects. CAST: 17 + (4 F, 7 M, 6E)+ 4 extras.

Golden apples are being stolen from the garden of the King of Kiev. He sets his three sons, Prince Dimitri, Prince Vasili, and Prince Ivan on a quest to find the thief. Dangerous adventures adn romance follow but all is at risk but for a promise kept by the youngest, Prince Ivan--and the fantastic firebird.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
35 pages text
Y

By Paul Lavrakas. Commissioned and premiered by Birmingham Children's Theatre, and subsequently produced by the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. A theatrical version of Hans Christian Andersen's familiar and beloved tale, told with gentle humor. Simple unit set. Fairy tale costumes. CAST: 6 (2 F, 4 M.)

Princess Astrid finds she has been lured from her home by Gustav the Troll as a prospective bride for the bookish Prince Eric. Although this feisty princess has no interest in either marriage or princes, she spiritedly takes a series of tests to prove that she is "a real princess." Despite the plotting of the oily courtier, Osric, Astrid and Eric are drawn to each other out of respect for the other's stubborn individualism. However, before there may be a proper happy ending, Astrid must pass a final test.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
42 pages text
C Y

Dramatized by Madge Miller. Premiered by Grace Price Productions in Pittsburg, here is a comic version of the beguiling fairy tale about a princess who had to learn true values from a lowly swineherd. Two sets. Fairy tale costumes. CAST: 8 (5 F, 3 M.)

Princess Rosalie scorns the simple gifts sent her by the Prince of the Little Kingdom, and vents her royal rage on her father, her governess, and her ladies-in-waiting. The Prince engages the royal jester in a plot to test the Princess, disguises himself as a swineherd, and taunts her with mechanical toys fit only for the lowly taste of a swineherd. Despite the jester's helpful hints, the Princess falls into the trap and proves unworthy of the Prince. But in the process, she learns her mistake; and when the Prince proves that her heart is genuinely changed, he claims her for his bride.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
20 pages text
T YA

By Thomas Martin. Originally presented by Theatre of Youth Company, Buffalo NY, this taut, contemporary drama that has won wide praise through extensive production. "Strong, sobering, and devilishly clever theatre" -- The Buffalo Evening News, New York. Recommended for high schools, community theatres, and universities. Simple set. Contemporary costumes. CAST: 5 (3 F, 2 M.)

Five former class mates return to their high school alma mater for an assembly program. One at a time they mount the stage, discussing the role alcohol has played in their lives. The last to appear is Elaine Hayes, now a recording star. She explains that prior to a recent concert one of the people now on stage, while driving under the influence, killed the daughter of another person now on stage. Midway through this tumultuous revelation, Elaine admits that she is, after all, an actress, and the story is pretense. Out of that uproar the entire play ascends to a powerful and gripping climax.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
Printed Music Score for Harpsichord/1 line vocal Soprano interlude $40.00
49 pages text
T YA

By Mary Hall Surface. You’re familiar with the genius of Mozart, as well as his famously difficult personality.  This play shows you why.  An edgy piece with compelling relationships, a remarkable sound score and a daring look at the role his parents and public played in his developing talent.  Commissioned and performed by the California Theater Center and produced at the Kennedy Center, this play may be of particular interest to gifted and talented programs, youth performing arts schools and colleges. Single, evocative setting.  Printed Music Score: An original music score is available which provides the off-stage (or pre-recorded) music for the harpsichord which is “played” by the prodigy as well as incidental music. CAST: 8 (4 F, 4 M) minimum, or option to add extras.

PRODIGY opens as six-year-old Wolfgang and his nine-year-old sister, Nannerl, perform before the court in Munich where all are dazzled.  A grand tour of Europe follows.  Leopold Mozart, the father, expresses determination to nurture God’s gift of music in his children.  But as the prospect of fame and fortune becomes more possible, Leopold succumbs to a fanatical desire to achieve greatness through Wolfgang’s genius.  Despite their mother’s protests to let the children be children, Leopold eventually succeeds in convincing his son that he is defined by his musical genius, to the detriment of their relationship and ultimately, Wolfgang’s life.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
Piano/vocal Score by Glenn Mack $40.00
Cannot be licensed for non-musical productions
38 pages text
C Y

By Aurand Harris. Premiered at the Atlanta Children's Theatre at the Alliance Theatre. The ageless puppet play brought to life -- but fire-works! Unit set, with changing props. Traditional Punch and Judy costumes. CAST: 6 (1 F, 3 M, 2 Either) with doubling, or up to 13 (1 F, 7 M, 5 Either).

Punch and Judy, pining behind the tiny stage of their "Closed" puppet theatre, are suddenly made aware of a live audience out front by their winsome little dog Toby. They cannot resist the call to perform. Bursting from behind the puppet stage, they expand into live actors. Merry as a cricket, Punch goes his joyful way through all the familiar plot routines, singing, high-stepping, slap-sticking at all the forces that would mold him into Society's form, cheerfully determined to be his own man, to be free - - and comes out the winner. Might makes right, you see. But they are old puppets. In the end, they return to the puppet stage, singing "There'll always be a Punch and Judy," fading into their puppet selves behind the tiny faded curtain.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
41 pages text
T YA

Dramatized by Gregory A. Falls based on the book by Jean Merrill. Created and toured with the Young ACT Company in Washington. A war begins with a Daffodil Massacre and ends with a Cantaloupe Day! An action-packed allegory set in the twenty-first century, which looks back on the 1990s when the people of New York City made a choice between progress and pushcarts. A combination of vaudeville and cartoon, with half-masks and exaggerated contemporary costumes, one-wheeled truck and pushcart props, facniful sound effects and tumbling. CAST: 8 (3 F, 5 M) with doubling, or up to 46 (11 F, 13 M, 22 Either).

In 2011, a television documentary program recaps the 1991 Pushcart War in New York City, which began when Mack, driving a mammoth moving truck, ran over the pushcart belonging to Morris the florist. Morris was pitched headfirst into a pickle barrel and daffodils were scattered everywhere. This calamity was part of a grand conspiracy by "The Three" largest trucking firms in the city to remove all pushcarts, automobiles, and taxis from the streets of New York. The pushcart peddlers fought back with a "secret weapon," and the battle with the trucks raged on and on. Finally, the peddlers staged a peace march, but even this did not stop the trucks; and the mayor charged the pushcarts with disturbing traffic. The people of New York, however, came to the peddlers' defense in a startling conclusion.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
Optional piano/vocal/bells Score $35.00
33 pages text
C

By Moses Goldberg. Optional music by Bill Corcoran. A fastpaced and witty interpretation of the beloved tale, especially for children 4-8. Simple scenery. May be performed in the round. CAST: 4 (2 F, 2 M.)

After an inventive prologue, which introduces the young audience to some of the conventions of the stage in an amusing way, the troupe performs the familiar tale of the lovable Simple, who befriends an extremely clever cat. The cat is so grateful for Simple's friendship, and especially for the beautiful pair of boots she receives, that she promises to find Simple a place to live. With the audience's creative assistance, Puss also manages to find Simple a well-matched Princess, and to defeat the evil Ogre.

Books $7.00
Royalty $35.00
30 pages text
Y

Dramatized by Madge Miller. Amazing tale of a remarkable cat, who made his master's fortune. Three settings. Fairy tale costumes. CAST: 6 (2 F, 3 M, 1 Either), or may be performed by an all-female cast.

Christophe, the Miller's son, deprived of his rightful inheritance, is left nothing but a pet cat - - but Puss proves to be a valuable property. Through his daring antics, Puss contrives to have his master made a Marquis, which makes it possible for him to win a princess for his bride, and finally dispose of a wicked Enchanter.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
TBA pages text
Approx. Runnning Time: 50 min.
C Y

by Stephanie Routman. Successfully co-produced and premiered by the Marin Theatre Company Performing Arts Conservatory and TCT (The Children’s Theatre) as a touring production in Mill Valley, California. International dialects, clever transitions and creative use of percussion accentuate this entertaining set of tales. May be performed individually or as a whole. Actors and audience alike will enjoy this romp. Fun roles for versitile actors. Flexible staging, suitable for touring. Costume pieces and masks. CAST: 4 +(2 F, 2 M) with doubling plus percussionist, or up to 22 (4 F, 7 M, 11 Either) with roles distributed.

MC Cat warms up the audience with a comedy routine, then introduces the first tale by recounting the memory of his French Aunt Puss, the smartest cat in France (PUSS IN BOOTS) who came up with a clever plan to make her pauper master rich.  Puss succeeds and gets to live the high life of a palace cat.  Next, MC recounts her cousin Wild Cat from West Africa (WILD CAT AND HYENA) who unknowingly built the same house with Hyena.  They each think the house is helping to build itself.  West African style drumming supports the action in this tale.  MC remembers the story of her Chinese ancestor Mao who risked his life to help his master (THE MAGIC RING). When kindly Li Po releases a carp, it gives him a magic ring.  Evil Shao Ling steals the ring, but Li Po’s cat, Mao, and Shao Ling’s Dog work together to retrieve it.  Staging and percussion are in the style of Peking Opera.Finally, MC segues into the tale of her Mexican nephew, Gatito, who with a rooster, and lamb manages to get into a heap of trouble on Abuela’s farm (THE CAT, THE ROOSTER AND THE LAMB). When Gatito is left to stir the pot, the temptation to eat the meat is too great.  He and his cohorts find themselves outfoxing a wolf, and luckily bringing home a spoil to replace what they greedily ate.