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R Rex Stephenson

R REX STEPHENSON  (1943 - )

 Nationality:    USA
email:    Click here to contact     Website:    n/a

Literary Agent:    n/a


Dr. R. Rex Stephenson, born 21 Oct 1943, earned his Ph.D. in educational theatre at New York University. Rex has more than twenty plays published, has won two major play writing contests, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and the National Archives Play Writing Contest. In 1996 he received the Jean Ritchie Fellowship to research and write plays on John Wesley, the founder of the United Methodist Church. He was awarded the 1997 East Central Theatre Conference's Award for "Theatrical Excellence." In 2007 he was awarded the prestigious SETC Sara Spencer Child Drama Award. Stephenson is the most published children's playwright in Virginia. He is also an actor and director and has acted and directed plays in both the United States and England. Rex lives in Ferrum, VA and has three daughters, Janice, Jessica and Juliet.

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below is a list of R Rex Stephenson's plays - click on a Play Title for more information

 Adventures of Huck Finn, The         Alice in Wonderland         And the Rains Came...and Came         Christmas Carol, A: An Adaptation of Charles Dickens Classic Tale         Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, A         Daniel!         Galileo: Man of Science         Glorious Son of York         Grandmother Tales         Jack in the Blue Ridge Mountains         Jack's Adventures with the King's Girl         Jungle Book, The         Just So Stories         Liberated Cinderella, The, or, The Return of the Godfather         Life on the Mississippi         Mark Twain's the Prince and the Pauper         Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer - A Musical         My Travels with Cecil         Too Free for Me         Treasure Island         Two Lost Babes

Adventures of Huck Finn, The

Synopsis:
This adaptation of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn follows Mark Twain's novel from Huck running away from The Widow Douglas to join Jim for their adventures down the Mississippi River. They encounter the King and the Duke; get involved in a Shakespearian production of "Romeo and Juliet," are joined by Tom Sawyer and end up at Aunt Sally's, where Jim is freed and Huck takes off for "Injun Territory."

Notes:
written by C Michael Perry, R. Rex Stephenson And Jon Cohn

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    1996

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

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Genre:
Musical Adaptation

Parts:
Male:  11            Female:  6            Other:  townespeople & children

Further Reference:
-

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Alice in Wonderland

Synopsis:
Lewis Carroll, multi-talented, but totally disorganized, has put off dramatizing 'Alice in Wonderland' until the day before it is due. To help him create it he gets Alice Liddell and her friends to improvise all the delightful characters. Humor and chaos reign as all these actors try to reinact important scenes from his book. Songs include 'One Place On', 'The Royal March', and 'Late Again'.

Notes:
One Act version available through Eldridge Publishing under the same title.

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    1995

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Eldridge Plays & Musicals 1996   978-1575142913

Music:
-

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If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Musical Adaptation

Parts:
Male:  7            Female:  11            Other:  children

Further Reference:
-

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And the Rains Came...and Came

Synopsis:
This play chronicles Noah's adventures in building and getting animals onto his Arch. He is laughed at by the town, nagged by his wife, and prodded by the voice of God. However, the primary conflict comes when Noah tries to disobey God's rule and get his mother and step-father on the Arch. The piece is not only funny, but very poignant as it explores the relationship between a son and his mother. Clever tunes by Gary Evans makes this piece suitable for church or school.

Notes:
Resource guide was written by Nelie McCaslin.

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    1999

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Leicester Bay Theatricals 2000   -

Music:
-

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Genre:
Religious Musical

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  2            Other:  Up To 17 Children

Further Reference:
-

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Christmas Carol, A: An Adaptation of Charles Dickens Classic Tale

Synopsis:
The play takes place in Rochester, England where Dickens has written an adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' for the stage. To the surprise of everyone Dickens not only intends to write the adaption but to star in and direct it. On the other hand, Dickens is in for a surprise himself because most of the men in town are too busy with Christmas to take roles. It seems as though the play will have to be canceled, when a group of ladies persuade Dickens to allow them to fill the roles that their husbands were to play.

Notes:
Cast size can be enlarged to 44 actors. Play runs about 1 hr. 30 mins. One simple set.

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    2000

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Dramatic Publishing 2000   0-88680-487-6

Music:
-

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Genre:
Christmas

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  10            Other:  Various Extra Roles

Further Reference:
-

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Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, A

Synopsis:
Sir Boss, a computer wiz, is transported back in time to the age of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. After proving his "magic" is more powerful than Merlin's, Sir Boss begins to modernize Camelot. The new TV station has Morgan La Faye as chief newscaster and Merlin as the "predictor" of the weather; the Knights of the Round Table form a basketball team, the Camelot Pacers; and everyone is getting e-mail. All goes well until King Arthur and Sir Boss travel through Camelot, disguised as peasants, so the King can see how the common people really live. Morgan and Merlin take this opportunity to create mischief by having the two sold into slavery. The rescue and return of Sir Boss climaxes the play, capturing Twain's humor, inventiveness and dark undercurrents as well.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    1998

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Eldridge Plays & Musicals 2000   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Comedy Adaptation

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  Cast of 15 actors (extras/doubling).

Further Reference:
-

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Daniel!

Synopsis:
the story of the faithfulness of Daniel and his "brothers" has inspired generations. While this is a comedy at heart, it is filled with faith and hope and inspiration as we see the examples of dedication to God. We see the change of heart as a King unburdens himself to the Most High God. We witness the writing on the wall, we visit the Fiery Furnace and the Den of Lions with the cutest little lions ever. the music covers a wide range of styles and will help this show entertain any family audience. Songs include: HOW GREAT the WONDERS, PLOTTING, WE AIN'T HEARD NOTHIN' YET!, the DREAM, INTO the FIRE!, THIS IS MY NEW ADMINISTRATION, WHAT WILL BECOME OF ME?, and others.

Notes:
written by C Michael Perry And R. Rex Stephenson

1st Produced:
Blue Ridge Dinner theatre    -

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Eldridge Plays www.histage.com   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Family Musical

Parts:
Male:  9            Female:  5            Other:  ensemble and children

Further Reference:
-

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Galileo: Man of Science

Synopsis:
The life of Galileo Galilei makes both spellbinding drama and an absorbing lesson for young people in history and science. Enlivened by comedy and song, Galileo's inventions and adventures have their lighthearted moments, but by the time the Spanish Inquisition brings him to court you'll find your audiences gripped by a deeply serious exploration of ethics and scientific inquiry.

Notes:
Co-Author Dr. Mike Trochim and Dramaturg Aurrand Harris. Jeannie C. Ritchie Fellowship grant was received to write this play. Cast can comprise of 5-12 actors. Ideal for touring. Study guide comes with play.

1st Produced:
Luray, VA    1995

Organisations:
Jeannie C. Ritchie Fellowship

1st Published:
Dramatic Publishing 1995   932-720277

Music:
-

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Genre:
Historical Musical

Parts:
Male:  5            Female:  2            Other:  9 extras either gender

Further Reference:
-

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Glorious Son of York

Synopsis:
Richard III returns to set the record straight about how he was maligned by William Shakespeare. To prove his case to the audience he dramatizes numerous scenes in the play. We see Richard as both enchanting and villainous. Who simply refuses to answer some questions like "What happened to the princess?" The author, who performed the piece more than a hundred times from Wisconsin to Mississippi and at the International Richard III Convention in New Jersey, found it an ideal touring vehicle for high schools and colleges.

Notes:
No longer in print. Manuscript form available through playwright. Cast can be 2-8 actors either gender.

1st Produced:
Stuart High School    1994

Organisations:
Virginia Commission of Humanities Grant

1st Published:
Encore Publishing 2000   157-5143623

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Historical Drama

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Grandmother Tales

Synopsis:
When we think of Appalachian storytelling, we tend to think of Jack's tales and stalwart heroes like Wicked John. But the mountains have their feisty heroines too, and Grandmother Tales is a celebration of two of these free spirits, Mutsmag and Ashpet. Grandmother, who gathers her young'uns with a song and a dulcimer (or a guitar, if that's what you have), narrates in the best story theatre tradition. She invites her listeners to take roles as undertakers, ugly sisters, trees, horses and even a fireplace. The stories she shares are of Mutsmag, derived from Scottish folklore and sometimes known as Molly Whuppie and sometimes as Muncimag, and Ashpet, a southern Appalachian Cinderella. Mutsmag and Ashpet go together as a full evening of theater, but if performed separately, they are an ideal length for a school assembly or competition.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Radford University    2003

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Dramatic Publishing 2004   158342864X

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Folktale

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  Flexible cast of 10-20 actors

Further Reference:
-

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Jack in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Synopsis:
Here are four Appalachian folktales your audiences will love & and your actors will love performing, too! Our favorite folk hero, Jack, appears in all four stories: "Jack's Mother's Second Marriage," "Jack and the Mean Old Man," "Foolish Jack," and "Soldier Jack." All four tales are fast paced and humorous, and still hold true to the oral traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Notes:
A Jack Tale songbook and study guide is also available through the publisher.

1st Produced:
Callaway Elementary    1976

Organisations:
Jack Tale Players

1st Published:
Eldridge Plays & Musicals 2004   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Folktale

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  Flexible cast 9-30 actors. Can be done all male or all female

Further Reference:
-

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Jack's Adventures with the King's Girl

Synopsis:
This play opens when a woman who is collecting mountain folktales asks the Gentry family to tell her one. But they do better than that! They act out for her the story of "Jack and the King's Girl." When a Princess has a "witchin'" put on her, Jack decides to save her and collect the reward. It isn't an easy task, especially when he has to sleep over in a haunted house. Along the way he makes some friends who have special skills, however, and ultimately they help him meet every challenge the old witch throws at him. Of course Jack saves the Princess!

Notes:
Easy touring play. Awarded at IUPUI National Youth Theatre Play Writing competition for excellence in play writing.

1st Produced:
Bretton Academy for the Performing Arts    1993

Organisations:
Jack Tale Players

1st Published:
Eldridge Plays & Musicals 1999   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Folktale

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  Flexible cast 10-24 actors. Can be done all male or all female

Further Reference:
-

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Jungle Book, The

Synopsis:
The many generations of readers who have ranked Kipling's books among their favorite stories will appreciate Stephenson's fidelity to the original text. Scenes from the Mowgli stories are arranged in episodes that form a coherent account of Mowgli's young life. The fantasy of talking animals raising an abandoned man-cub makes this play particularly appealing to young children, while both children and adults identify with Mowgli's struggle to find his place in the world. As he is adopted and then cast out by communities of animals and humans, he experiences love as well as rejection.

Notes:
There is a resource guide included in the script.

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    1997

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Leicester Bay Theatricals 1998   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Classical Adaptation

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  6            Other:  Monkeys, Wolves, and Villagers

Further Reference:
-

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Just So Stories

Just So Stories
Rudyard Kipling's Dramatic and entertaining stories about how the Camel got his hump, how the Elephant got his nose, how the Whale got his spout, and other richly woven tales come to life in this engaging musical. Mr. and Mrs. Kipling and their two bubbly yet unpretentious daughters serve as narrators. the story weaves from animal tales to the final human one, how Manor in this case an enterprising young girl!wrote the first letter. Especially engaging is the two-person whale which is a great theatrical device. the show opens with the song, When the World Was Brand New, and features other humorous and rhythmic tunes as the Whale With a Whale of an Appetite, An Elongated Nose that Looks Like a Hose, and Firest Friends. Easy to produce, this whimsical musical is sure to charm everyone. (Non-musical version available as Kipling's Just So Stories.)

Notes:
adaptation And lyrics by R Rex Stephenson; music And Additional lyrics by Emily Rose Tucker; based on the book by Rudyard Kipling

1st Produced:
Blue Ridge Dinner Teatre, Ferrum, Virginia    2005

Organisations:
-

1st Published:

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  min 14 people

Further Reference:
-

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Liberated Cinderella, The, or, The Return of the Godfather

Synopsis:
Cinderella needs help to go to the ball. Unfortunately, Fairy Godmother is busy and sends the Fairy Godfather, a Marlon Brando-type mafia figure, to supervise the event. He tries to pawn off puny Prince Pimple as a date. She rejects him, outwits her ugly step-sisters, fends off Little Red Riding Hood's wolf, and succeeds as all Cinderellas do.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Redkey High School IN    1970

Organisations:
Redkey High School Drama Club

1st Published:
Dramatic Publishing 1974   886-801087

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Fractured Fairytale Comedy

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Life on the Mississippi

Synopsis:
Here is a combination of three of Mark Twain's books blended into one story that continues Huck and Tom's great adventures. Huck and Tom are called to Arkansas because something mysterious is happening to Uncle Silas. As only Huck and Tom can, they set about solving the mystery that involves twin brothers, the maniacal Widow Dunlap and her nere-do-well son. This story is as poignant and humorous as Huck Finn, but without any of the racial overtones that in some areas has made Twain a controversial author.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    2001

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Eldridge Plays & Musicals 2004   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Classical Adaptation

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  Flexible cast of 18-35 actors

Further Reference:
-

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Mark Twain's the Prince and the Pauper

Synopsis:
A faithful adaptation of Twain's novel. The play takes place in Twain's attic in Connecticut. As the girls (members of the Angelfish Club) enter for a meeting Twain begins to pass out the parts and the girls finally get into the fact that some of them will be playing boys. This is the perfect show for a group with numerous females available for roles and a small number of males.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    2002

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Eldridge Plays & Musicals 2002   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Classical Adaptation

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  2            Other:  9 girls 2 boys

Further Reference:
-

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Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer - A Musical

Synopsis:
This musical follows closely to Twain's novel, 'Tom Sawyer'. Using a storyteller to move quickly from one scene to another. No real set is required and is comprised of ten tuneful and sometimes haunting songs. Has been staged at several high schools including an excellent production at William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA.

Notes:
Lyrics by Dr. R. Rex Stephenson. Music by Emily Rose Tucker. Large ensemble cast.

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    2007

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Classical Musical Adaptation

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  flexible cast

Further Reference:
-

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My Travels with Cecil

Synopsis:
This play dramatizes the true story of Cecil Sharp's journey throughout the Appalachian Mountains in 1916 to discover English ballads still surviving in America.

Notes:
Includes traditional Appalachian ballads.

1st Produced:
Benjamin Franklin Middle School    2002

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Encore Publishing 2002   157-5143836

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Historical Drama

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  5            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Too Free for Me

Synopsis:
The drama is based on an actual trial that occurred in Franklin County, Virginia in 1851. Indiana Choice, a black woman, claims that she and her three children are free. She sues Gresham Choice, her alleged owner, for not only her freedom but that of her three children. Gresham, a prominent citizen with political aspirations, denies Indiana is a free black. The events of the trial are recalled by Margaret Oxley who attended this trial as a child. Oxley is especially fond of Jubal Early, the lawyer for Indiana. As the trial progresses, a variety of witnesses are called to provide evidence concerning Indiana's legal status. The pivotal witness is Cassandra Choice, wife of the man trying to keep Indiana in slavery. She is also the only person that knows Indiana's real status. Cassandra is torn between her duty to her friend, Indiana, and her wifely duties to her husband, Gresham.

Notes:
Winner of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education award in 1995. Ideal for Black History month observances or high school competitions (Marion High School in VA won District, Regional, and performed State in 2012).

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    1979

Organisations:
Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre

1st Published:
Eldridge Plays & Musicals 1998   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Historical Drama

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  6            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Treasure Island

Synopsis:
This play shows a high- or middle-school class bringing Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' to the stage. It is an attempt by Stevenson's stepson, Lloyd, to help his father write his first book for young people. Therefore, the production should always have the style of schoolchildren attempting to create their own drama.

Notes:
This adaptation faithfully follows Louis Stevenson's book while allowing for more gender based casting.

1st Produced:
Ferrum College    1994

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Dramatic Publishing 1995   886-804132

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

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Genre:
Classical Adaptation

Parts:
Male:  5            Female:  5            Other:  Various Extras and 1 child

Further Reference:
-

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Two Lost Babes

Synopsis:
The Appalachian version of 'Hansel and Gretel' which incorporates two evil witches and the mother and father that are not evil. Script incorporates healthy eating as the witches try to fatten up the children by lots of junk food. Several delightful tunes. Easy to tour. Run time 25 mins.

Notes:
Manuscript version available via playwright.

1st Produced:
Bascomb Elementary School Woodstock, GA    2006

Organisations:
Jack Tale Players

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Folktale

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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