Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
Printed Music Score (piano/vocal) by Glenn Mack $40.00
45 pages text
YT

Developed from Horatio Alger by Aurand Harris. Premiere performances at the Harwich Junior Theatre and the North Shore Music Theatre in Massachusetts. Also produced at the Shanghai Children's Art Theatre in China. Perfectly straight-faced treatment of the dime-novel hero who rose from rags to riches. Simple, movable sets of painted screens. Late 19th century, New York City costumes. CAST: 9 + (3 F, 6 M) plus chorus.

Ragged Dick, an honest, upright lad who earns his meager living by shining shoes, is entrusted with a $2.00 bill by a rich banker. When he delivers the change to the banker's home, this manly boy attracts the interest of the banker's daughter, who stirs his ambition. In a dramatic scene, Dick has the opportunity to rescue a poor little Match Boy from a tenement fire; and when the Match Boy proves to be the heir to a fortune, the banker recognizes Dick's sterling qualities, and starts him on the road to riches.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
32 pages text
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By Brian Kral. Originally produced by the Rainbow Company of Las Vegas here is a fresh adaptation of the hilarious O'Henry classic, set in the turn-of-the-twentieth century West. Open stage; western American costumes of the time. Easy to tour. CAST: 3 (2 M, 1 B).

This winning story captures all the charm and exaggerated comedy of O'Henry's classic about two bungling kidnappers who fall prey to their young "victim," who "turns the tables" on their plan. Armed with the latest inventions of a rapidly-changing America in the early twentieth century, the kidnappers attempt to make their fortunes by holding for ransom "a two-legged sky-rocket named Johnny Dorset" -- who insists he's an Indian chief! The outcome is a side-splitting combination of historical fact and entertaining fancy.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
45 pages text
Y

Dramatized by Jack Melanos. Originally produced by Children's World Theatre of New York. Intensely dramatic and suspenseful telling of the Rapunzel story. Two settings. Fairy tale costumes. CAST: 6 (3 F, 2M 1 Either) with doublling, or up to 8 (4 F, 3 M, 1 Either).

Margot and Otto, rejoicing at the birth of Rapunzel, their first baby, are horrified when the child is claimed and taken by a Witch, who needs the baby for her own evil purposes. Rapunzel is brought up in the Witch's care, unaware of her real parentage. She retainins enough human instinct to resist the Witch's spells and earns the love of others who have fallen under the Witch's enchantment. For this she is exiled to a lonely tower, where no one but the Witch may gain admittance, achieved only by climbing up the tower upon Rapunzel's long hair. A young Prince happens on the scene by accident and learns the secret. When he tries to rescue Rapunzel, he too falls under the Witch's spell. Good triumphs, although it requires great courage to gain possession of the Witch's magic chain and find the spell that reduces her to a withered tree.

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

By Sandra Redmond. Music by Donald Adkins. A charming old-fashioned tale with a contemporary message, enhanced by the Adkins music. Premiere productions with Cameo Productions at Flare Square Theatre , Calgary Stampede and the 3rd Stage, in Stratford, Ontario. An attic setting. Costumes of dolls and toy animals. Cast: 12 (6 F, 6M).

Three trader rats, McClot, McClutter, and McClump invade an attic where a long forgotten colony of dolls resides. The visitors offer the dolls exactly what each wants, asking very little in return - - half a teapot. Vanilla, Sasparilla, and Marie enthusiastically agree. Miss Mumbles and Scrumptious the Bear are compelled to accept the terms, despite anxieties. Only Ready Steady and his sarcastic horse, Ramona, recognize how dangerous the newcomers are. As rats are not easy to defeat, all must unite. Courage, brilliance, and unalloyed fun ensue. Derek, a high-flying Spider, not only spins the tale, but sings such terrible songs he helps drive the rats away.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
Printed Music Score (piano/vocal) $35.00
38 pages text
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By Kathryn Schultz Miller. Originally produced by ArtReach Touring Theatre of Cincinnati. A riveting battlefield drama, this coming-of-age play follows Henry’s emotional journey to the meaning of courage.  Songs of the poignant music of the period included in script.  Music score available from publisher. Simple setting, suitable for touring. Yankee military uniforms and other simple period costumes.  CAST: written for 2 (1 F, 1 M) with doubling, or up to 11 ( 1 F, 9 M, 1 Either) with roles distributed.

Henry’s glamorous image of war leads him to enlist with excited anticipation.  He soon finds himself engrossed in a very real conversation with the other young recruits about whether they each will run or stand and fight when faced with an actual conflict.  The first battle proves too frightening for Henry, driving him to escape to the woods.  After rationalizing his self-preservation, he comes face to face with the fatal wounding of his new friend, Jim.  Devastated, he vows to take care of Jim, and grants his dying wish to be moved away from the threat of trampling hooves.  Returning to his regiment, Henry finds his comrades unaware that he ran, and decides to preserve his pride by fabricating a story of battle survival.  He then redeems himself in the ensuing battle.  Henry and his comrade, Wilson, overhear their general speaking highly of their regiment, and revealing a plan to order a charge of the Rebel flag.  Henry and Wilson decide it is their destiny to be the ones to do it, and after much bloody fighting, Henry manages to take the Confederate flag.  Together, they celebrate victory, finding that though shortly before this day they had joined the army as boys, they have finished as men.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
63 pages text
C Y

By Mary Hall Surface, a nationally successful adaptation of the Kenneth Grahame classic. This charming tale of an unlikely friendship was co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center Theatre for Young People, and the Seattle Children's Theatre. Set suggests a medieval village and outside of the Dragon's cave. CAST: 8 (3 F; 5 M.)

The village of Guildermere blames the Dragon who lives upon the Downs for dying crops and sour milk. But this dragon is a peace-loving, poetry-spouting fellow who would much prefer a cup of tea to a battle. When Saint George arrives, the dragon and his young friend, Glaston, face quite a challenge indeed. While true to the spirit and language of the charming original, this adaptation embraces the dramatic power of what happens when misunderstanding escalates into prejudice and violence. An enormous favorite in its original productions.

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Royalty $40.00
40 pages text
Y

By Stanley Vincent Longman. A story theatre adaptation of Joel Chandler Harris' Uncle Remus tales. Premiered at the Summer Repertory Theatre of the University of Georgia. Simple set; suitable for touring. Neutral costumes with animal-piece overlays. Cast: 4 characters of either gender.

Brer Terrapin has the two zombie-like big critturs, Brer Bear and Brer Fox, set the stage as the Big Road. Brer Rabbit comes along, wakes the big critturs from their lethargy, and plays such pranks on them that they get mighty mean. They try everything to outdo and outwit the little Rabbit and Terrapin, but these two finally play one last trick on them that strikes them dumb. Then Brer Terrapin has those two zombie-like big critturs take the set back apart like it was. This award-winning play has had successful productions throughout the country.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
67 pages text
C Y

Developed from legends by Arthur Fauquez, translated from the French. Three U.S. premiers including the Madison Wisconsin Theatre Guild, University of Texas Department of Drama and the Jongleurs of Centenary College, Louisiana. A sparkling satire. One set, which changes seasons. Animal costumes. (A supplement of costume and make-up designs, by Irene Corey, is complimentary with licensing for production.) CAST: 7 (1 F; 6 M).

Brought to trial for his offenses against the other animals, Reynard is given a year of probation, in which to mend his ways. But the playful Fox cannot resist the opportunity to trick his fellows, and accumulates a long list of misdeeds before the year is half up. Enraged by this, the Wolf and the Bear lead a conspiracy against him, and actually have the noose around his neck when the hunters close in, trapping all the animals. Terror-struck, each one schemes only for his own safety. It is Reynard who contrives a way to save their lives.

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Royalty $40.00
25 pages text
Y

By Martha Bennett King. This beguiling work, derived from ancient ballads by a master of playwriting, allows subtle audience participation. Out of the medieval sport of riddles, a spell is woven of laughter, life, and death while naturally involving the audience in song and suspense. Settings of an open field and a room in the palace may be simple or elaborate. CAST: 13 (5 F; 8M).

Riddles, now the delight of children, were once a sport-of-wits for adults. The ancient ballad on which this play is based tells of a king who forgot the laughter behind the shout: "Answer my riddle or pay me a fee." The envious king raises the stakes to grim heights, commanding a wealthy Abbot to answer three impossible riddles at peril of his wealth and his head. The queen, her ladies, the court jesters, an evil astrologer, even the audience become involved--first in spirited riddle songs and questions, then step-by-step in growing concern for the despairing and doomed Abbot. It is the scorned step-brother of the Abbot, a simple singing shepherd, whose wit and courage bring the day to an astonishing climax in which the tale's the thing.

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Royalty $40.00
37 pages text
Y

By Aurand Harris. Commissioned and first produced by the IUPUI University Theatre (Indianapolis) at the White River State Park Arts Festival. A wonderfully theatrical play about a boy who is different ––instead of marbles, he has poems in his pockets. Through him one glimpses every gifted child, and the special needs of every one in his special world. A cultural view of American traditions 1849-1916. Period costumes. CAST: 19 + (5 F, 9 M, 5 Either) plus extras, or 9 minimum ( 3 F, 6 M) with doubling.

A comedy, exciting, appealing, touching, and also biographically true of the Indiana boy, James Whitcomb Riley, the famous early American poet. Beginning on his 75th birthday, proclaimed a national day of celebration buy President Woodrow Wilson, the poet recalls his youth--the merry-go-round at the country fair; the old swimming hole; the painful dunce cap at the cruel village school; the bonfires of Halloween; and unforgettable little Orphan Annie; the Underground Railroad and the horror of the Civil War; and the medicine show where his poems first won public applause. Brimful of background music and spectacle, Ride a Blue Horse shows a gifted child coping with a universal problem––that of being different.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
28 pages text
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By Aurand Harris adapted from William Shakespeare. Premiered by the Harwich Junior Theatre of Massachusetts. A fun-filled and enchanting fantasy based on English folk tales and scenes from A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. The play is a felicitous blend of slapstick, suspense, music, dancing, and Shakespeare's lyric poetry--a refreshing way to introduce children and teens to the wonderful world of Shakespeare. Two simple settings. Elizabethan ristics and elfin sprite costumes. CAST: 6 (1 F, 4 M, 1 Either) with doubling, or up to 12 (1 F, 4 M, 7 Either).

Mischievous young Robin sets out to find his fortune and encounters Oberon, King of the Wee People. Oberon, himself a merry prankster, auditions Robin for the position of his royal jester. In the wood, Robin hood-winks two rustics, Bottom the Weaver and Quince the Carpenter. Through magical means, he tricks Queen Titania into falling in love with Bottom, who sports a donkey's head. But the comic confusion and the merry madness of a Midsummer Night end happily -- as a fairy tale should.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
36 pages text
Y

Dramatized by James Norris. First produced by Children's World Theatre of New York City, here is a merry play of Medieval England. Three sets. Medieval costumes. CAST:13 (2 F, 11 M), or 11 (2 F, 9 M) with doubling.

Robert Fitzooth of Locksley (aka Robin Hood) earns the displeasure of the Sheriff of Nottingham, by defending his home from unlawful seizure, in the King's absence. Declared an outlaw, Robin gathers a few loyal friends about him, and retires to Sherwood Forest, where he trains his men to play pranks on the rich, usurping officials, and wins fame by his prowess as an archer. In an effort to capture him, the Sheriff declares a shooting match at the Nottingham Fair. Robin and his men, taking the precaution to wear disguise, enter the town long enough for Robin to win the golden arrow, but escape with difficulty, pursued by the Sheriff and his party. In the ensuing duel between Robin and the Sheriff, it appears that Robin has lost; and his men are in despair at the tragedy, when the tide is suddenly turned.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
37 pages text
Y

Dramatized by Charlotte B. Chorpenning. Adapted from Defoe's adventure story. Original production by the Goodman Memorial Theatre, Chicago. Two settings. 17th century English and primitive costumes. CAST: 13 (2 F; 10 M, 1 Either) plus a parrot puppet.

Young Robinson Crusoe, defying the wish of his parents, leaves his comfortable English home to sail for the Horn. Shipwrecked near an uncharted island, his life is spared; and faced with the prospect of a long, lonely lifetime in this isolated condition, he makes use of native foods and fabrics to create necessities and even comforts for himself. One day, he has the good fortune to rescue a native from cannibals, and in a most moving scene begins to teach the native his language and customs. Their eventual rescue by an English ship brings the play to a dramatic conclusion.

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

Dramatized for the stage by Orlin Corey, this arrangement of Saint Paul's letter to the Romans (circa 58 A.D.) is staged as a dramatic spoken cantata with musical interludes. Staging may be interpreted in various ways. The professional premiere of the work, by the Everyman Players, chose design inspired from 12th century Romanesque sculpture (interpreted into design by Irene Corey) and bell music of the carillon (composed by Johan Franco). This play has been performed on traditional stages as well as in churches and cathedrals around the world. Cast: 10-12 (5-7 F, 5 M).

From Paul's personal introduction to his three-fold benedictions a masterful intelligence informs his mighty purpose: to concisely state Christianity's message, rooted in the rich Jewish tradition. By insightful example and sweeping summary he journeys from Adam to Abraham; Moses to the Prophets, revealing "the secret kept since the world began," opening a spiritual vista both universal and revolutionary. Keystone of this spoken orchestration is the Apostle's mastery of classical rhetoric. Employing the language of the Authorized Version of King James, this dramatic presentation of this epistle radiates a passionate expression of love, hope, and peace.
Also available: An Odyssey of Masquers-The Everyman Players for design photos.

Books $7.00
Royalty $50.00
81 pages
Approx. running time: 90 min.
Ask about contest-length licensing criteria
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Dramatized by James DeVita. First commissioned and produced by the University of Northern Iowa Theater Department in cooperation with the Sturgis Youth Theater. A fictional dramatization set in World War II Germany based on the true story of Sophie Scholl and the resistance group known as The White Rose. Representational set. (Special request licensing for shortened adaptation for contest performance.) CAST: 26 +(6 F, 18 M) plus extraa, or 11 minimum (4 F, 7 M)with doubling.

In Germany, 1943, a group of university students, appalled at the truth which is coming to light about the Nazi Party, start a resistance group aimed at bringing down Hitler and the Nazi regime. It is a true story of breathtaking courage, selflessness, and utter faith in what is right. The efforts of The White Rose, referred to once as "quite possibly the single most heroic feat in European history", are an inspiring tribute to the goodness of humanity shining even in the darkest moments of history.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
37 pages text
Y T YA

By Ed Graczyk. Premiered by the Pickwick Players of Midland Community Theatre, Midland Texas. Freely adapted from Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. This play, owning scant allegiance to the Shakespeare play that gives rise to it, takes many liberties with the Bard's text. In doing so, it achieves a comedy style of its own. One unit set with changing properties. Elizabethan costumes. CAST: 10 (1 F, 8 M, 1 Either).

Peter Quince the carpenter is out of work, and in his idleness persuades his friends, "the rude mechanicals" to compete for a prize the Duke is offering for a play to be performed in honor of his wedding. The rude mechanicals snatch at the chance to recoup their failing fortunes. Manipulated by Puck, a playful sprite, Quince writes a play about Pyramus and Thisbe and recruits the mechanicals to perform in it. It proves a riot, and wins the prize.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
40 pages text
Y T

Dramatized by Charlotte B. Chorpenning. Original production by the Goodman Memorial Theatre, Chicago. A play of intrigue, showing that greed can never master the world. Two sets. Fairy tale costumes. CAST: 15 (7 F, 8 M).

Rumpelstiltskin wishes a King's baby to put in his pot, so that he may rule the hearts of men, filling them so full of greed that they will destroy each other, leaving him the whole world to himself. Looking over the earth from his hilltop, he discovers a miller's daughter, who has just won a Prince for her husband, if she can spin straw into gold. When the King orders her actually to spin the gold, she is left alone in despair; and Rumpelstiltskin appears magically, offering to spin the gold for her, if she will give him her first child. When the child is born, and Rumpel appears to claim it, she persuades him to give her another chance. He offers her one chance to keep the child -- if she can guess his name. When, at the last moment, she confronts him with the name, he flies to pieces with rage.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
Printed Music Score (vocal/instrumental chord) $35.00
33 pages text
C

By Moses Goldberg. Music and lyrics by Lisa Palas. First performed by Stage One: The Louisville Children's Theatre. Interpreted especially for younger children, ages 4-6, this is a work of humor and honesty by one of the American masters of participation theatre. Simple scenery. May be performed in the round. CAST: 6 (3 F, 3 M).

A group of strolling players prepare to perform one of the best loved fairy tales. After the prologue - - which delightfully introduces young audiences to the conventions of the stage - - they enact the story of the bragging Baker, his patient daughter, and her attempt to spin straw into gold for the greedy Queen so she may marry the shy Prince. An evil dwarf provides the gold - - but at a terrible price - - the first-born child of the royal pair. Aided by a witty Mime, and with some help from the audience, the comic Rumpelstiltskin is thwarted; and a lesson is learned by all.

Books $7.00
Royalty $40.00
Printed Music Score (piano/vocal) $50.00
36 pages text
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Musical play by Ed Graczyk. Music by Gerry Pyle. World premiere by the Pickwick Players of Midland Community Theatre. From the gifted theatrical team of Graczyk and Pyle, a modern fable for everyone who is or was young. A single set, eclectic costumes. CAST: 13 + (4 F, 7 M, 2 Either) plus optional extras.

Run away into the secret hideaway world of the lost and stranded with Jed, a "Tom Sawyer" of 20th century America, as he ventures off to discover his place in a new perfect world. Along the way toward his spectacular goal he is confronted by magic, mystery and a myriad of interesting runaway characters only to discover that . . . "running just wears out your toes, when the place you are running to is right under your nose."

Books $5.00
Royalty $20.00
9 pages text
C Y

Play by Judith Martin. Music by Donald Ashwander. Developed in rehearsal with Irving Burton and Pilar Garcia. A Christmas fantasy of runaway presents, from the uniquely creative Paperbag Players of New York. The characters wear modern clothes, the actors playing the Presents, are gift-wrapped. The scenery is a large cardboard carton (top and bottom removed) with a different scene painted on each side: a Christmas tree, a ticket booth at a movie theatre, the front of a pizza store, and a warehouse window with lots of Christmas parcels painted beneath it. With creative actors and imaginative children, that's all you need! Ideal for touring and in-school performance. CAST: 6+ (2 F, 2 M, 2 Either) plus as many Presents as you wish.

To the tune of Donald Ashwander"s "Wrap and Tie" song, the play traces the wonderfully unlikely adventures of a group of runaway Christmas Presents. The entire town pursues them, in vain. Sadly everyone goes to a party without presents, where they discover that Christmas is beautiful without expensive gifts. Astonished, the dizzy, hide-away Presents return to share the fun in a singing, dancing finale for everyone.