Book by VERA MORRISMusic and Lyrics by BILL FRANCOEUR

© Copyright 1999, by Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.

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ENCHANTED SLEEPING BEAUTY

The Legend of Briar-Rose Adapted and dramatized from the stories of Jakob and Wilhelm

Grimm and the music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Book by VERA MORRIS Music and lyrics by BILL FRANCOEUR

CHARACTERS (In Order of Appearance)

# of lines

MINSTREL ................................. a singer 3 BARONESS ............................... a lady of the court 23 LADY JESSICA .......................... another 24 QUEEN ELEANOR .................... of Never Nod 72 QUILL ........................................ Queen’s secretary 20 KING RUDOLPH ....................... of Never Nod 52 PRIME MINISTER ..................... court advisor 59 CHEF ........................................ emotional cook 27 NURSEMAID ............................. for the infant princess 27 EVILINA ..................................... bad witch 115 SPIDER ..................................... Evilina’s servant 45 BLACK CAT .............................. Evilina’s pet; cynical 31 QUEEN SAMANTHA ................. of neighboring kingdom 21 BARON ...................................... soldier of the king 11 BLUE WITCH ............................ a good and wise woman 29 GREEN WITCH .......................... another 10 RED WITCH ............................... another 9 ORANGE WITCH ....................... another 11 PINK WITCH .............................. another 7 WHITE WITCH ........................... another 9 SEAMSTRESS .......................... her life is needle and thread 7 PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE ......... lovely girl 68 PRINCE ALEXANDER ............... fights for Briar-Rose 65 WALL OF THORNS .................. palace barrier 3 FALSE PRINCESS ................... to trap the prince 5 DARK KNIGHT ........................... fierce warrior 1 ADDITIONAL COURT MEMBERS, GOOD WITCHES ....................... as/if desired n/a

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES

The action takes place once upon a time, in the kingdom of Never Nod.

There are two acts. For preview only

SEQUENCE OF MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT ONE

MC 1 Enchanted Sleeping Beauty— Prologue ............................................. Minstrel, Company MC 2 Hear Ye! Hear Ye! .............................. Baroness, Lady

Jessica, Townspeople

MC 3 I’m a Witch .......................................... Evilina MC 3a I’m a Witch—Underscore .................... Instrumental MC 3b Hear Ye! Hear Ye!—Underscore ........ Instrumental MC 4 The Gift I Bring.................................... Good Witches, King

Rudolph, Eleanor, Chorus

MC 4a I’m a Witch—Underscore .................... Instrumental MC 4b Passage of Time ................................. Instrumental MC 4c The Gift I Bring—Underscore ............. Instrumental MC 5 Good Prince ........................................ Briar-Rose, Prince

Alexander MC 5a I’m a Witch—Underscore .................... Instrumental

ACT TWO MC 6 Entr’acte MC 7 The Death of the Party ....................... Evilina, Spider, Cat MC 8 Little Bird ............................................. Briar-Rose MC 8a I’m a Witch—Underscore .................... Instrumental MC 8b The Gift I Bring—Underscore ............. Instrumental MC 9 I Will Fight! .......................................... Prince Alexander MC 9a I Will Fight!—Underscore .................... Instrumental MC 9b I Will Fight!—Underscore .................... Instrumental MC 9c Sleeping Beauty Awakens .................. Instrumental MC 10 All Is Well That’s Ended Well .............. Company MC 10a Enchanted Sleeping Beauty— Epilogue .............................................. Minstrel, Company MC 11 Curtain Call MC 12 Exit Music

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enchanted sleeping beautythe legend of briar-rose

PROLOGUE

MUSIC CUE 1: “Enchanted Sleeping Beauty—Prologue.” As the musical strains begin, a SPOTLIGHT finds a lone MINSTREL, lute/guitar in hand, DOWN CENTER. The rest of the COMPANY is in a FREEZE, DIMLY LIT or SILHOUETTED in the background. Or they might be on the FORESTAGE or placed throughout the theatre.

MINSTREL: (Sings.) Come ye, lords, come ye, ladies, ’tis a tale I do tell,Of a fairytale princess, come ye now, bid thee well.Come ye, lords, come ye, ladies, she is born on this day,In a storybook kingdom, in a land faraway.(LIGHTS UP slowly on COMPANY.)

COMPANY: (Sings.)Come ye, lords, come ye, ladies, come and fly thee away,On a magical journey, follow now, I do pray.Come ye, lords, come ye, ladies, we are waiting for you,In a storybook kingdom, where dreams can come true.’Tis a story of true love, of beauty so fair.’Tis a tale of a child, a treasure so rare.’Tis a time of rejoicing, as she blossoms and grows,Come ye now, hear my story of sweet Briar-Rose.(LIGHTS DIM on COMPANY. They FREEZE in SILHOUETTE as before. SPOTLIGHT on MINSTREL.)

MINSTREL: (Sings.) ’Tis a time of rejoicing, as she blossoms and grows,Come ye now, hear my story of sweet Briar-Rose.(At end of song, LIGHTS to BLACK. A ROLL OF DRUMS and FLOURISH OF TRUMPETS is heard. COMPANY EXITS.)

ACT ONEScene One

SETTING: Courtyard of the Royal Palace. UPSTAGE CENTER are two throne-like chairs, one for KING RUDOLPH and one for QUEEN ELEANOR. DOWN RIGHT is a bench. ENTRANCES to and from the courtyard STAGE RIGHT and STAGE LEFT. EXTREME DOWN LEFT, on the FORESTAGE, is a section of EVILINA’S Tumbledown Castle. We see a tower room. There’s a work table covered with nasty-looking “stuff”—dusty bottles with colored fluid, dead flowers and dried twigs, stuffed bird. Powder puff and box of face powder. Maybe a skull. The place hasn’t been cleaned in centuries. Dust and cobwebs everywhere.

A chair with a high back is on the FORESTAGE LEFT. It’s positioned so

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the actor supplying the voice of CAT can hide herself from audience view. ENTRANCE RIGHT, EXIT LEFT. No fresh air gets into this scary place. It’s always shadowy and forbidding. (NOTE: Consult PRODUCTION NOTES for suggestions on dressing up the set and staging tips.)

AT RISE: LIGHTS on FORESTAGE. The courtyard and EVILINA’S tower are in shadows. From EXTREME DOWN RIGHT on FORESTAGE ENTERS BARONESS. From EXTREME DOWN LEFT, below EVILINA’S tower room, ENTERS LADY JESSICA. Each holds an open scroll and reads aloud from it as she walks.

Prologue seques to MUSIC CUE 2: “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!”

BARONESS: (Sings.) Hear ye! Hear ye! Good subjects of the king,Arise and hear the gladful tidings we proclaim.

LADY JESSICA: (Sings.) Hear ye! Hear ye! Good subjects of the king,Come one, come all, it’s time to spread the news.(The LIGHTS COME UP FULL on courtyard. TOWNSPEOPLE begin to ENTER from all directions.)

BARONESS: (Speaks.) Good people of the Kingdom of Never Nod. Know ye that on this day a princess has been born to their Gracious Majesties, King Rudolph and Queen Eleanor.

LADY JESSICA: (Speaks.) Rejoice!

BARONESS: (Speaks.) This is a time of celebration!

LADY JESSICA: (Speaks.) A time of holiday!

BARONESS: (Speaks.) A time of happiness! (Cheers and hollers from TOWNSPEOPLE.)

LADY JESSICA: (Sings.) Hear ye! Hear ye! Good citizens of the realm,Come out, come out wherever you are, and don’t be late.(More TOWNSPEOPLE ENTER.)

BARONESS: (Sings.) Hear ye! Hear ye! Good citizens of the realm,Come one, come all, come out and celebrate. (Still more TOWNSPEOPLE ENTER. BARONESS and LADY JESSICA meet CENTER, turn out to TOWNSPEOPLE standing side by side.)

LADY JESSICA: (Speaks.) Know ye the princess shall be called Briar-Rose.

BARONESS: (Speaks.) And it is the wish of all loyal subjects that she grow up in beauty and loveliness.

LADY JESSICA: (Speaks.) Rejoice!

BARONESS: (Speaks.) This is a time of celebration!

LADY JESSICA: (Speaks.) A time of holiday!

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BARONESS: (Speaks.) A time of happiness! (More cheers and hollers.)

BARONESS/LADY JESSICA/TOWNSPEOPLE: (Sing.)Hear ye! Hear ye! A princess now is born.Strike the drum and join the chorus, raise your voice.Hear ye! Hear ye! A princess now is born.Come one, come all, come out and let’s rejoice!Hear ye! Hear ye! A princess now is born.Sound the trumpet, strum the harp, an’ don’t be late.Hear ye! Hear ye! A princess now is born.Come one, come all, come out and celebrate!(DANCE INTERLUDE.)Hear ye! Hear ye! A princess now is born.Sound the trumpet, strum the harp, an’ don’t be late.Hear ye! Hear ye! A princess now is born.Come one, come all, come out and celebrate!Come one, come all, come out and celebrate!Come one, come all, come one, come all,Come one, come all, come out…And celebrate!(At end of song, BARONESS starts to EXIT EXTREME DOWN RIGHT. LADY JESSICA begins to EXIT EXTREME DOWN LEFT. As they make their way out, they repeat the announcement. TOWNSPEOPLE follow them OUT RIGHT and LEFT.)

BARONESS/LADY JESSICA: Hear ye! Hear ye! An announcement to the people of the kingdom of Never Nod. Know ye that on this day a princess has been born to their Gracious Majesties, King Rudolph and Queen Eleanor... (They’re OUT. QUEEN ELEANOR ENTERS LEFT. A regal woman wearing a crown or tiara who, at the moment, is in a state of excitement. She is followed by her secretary, QUILL, a comical young woman with quills sticking out from her hair. Pair of spectacles balanced on her nose tip. She carries a ledger and holds it open. A small bottle of ink is attached to the belt she wears on her costume. In stature she is much smaller than the QUEEN. QUEEN moves CENTER, talking nonstop.)

QUEEN ELEANOR: Perfect! Everything must be perfect. Did you tell the chef I wished to see him?

QUILL: Yes, Your Majesty. Of course, Your Majesty.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Did you make a list of suitable guests as I requested?

QUILL: Yes, Your Majesty. Of course, Your Majesty.

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Gestures to the courtyard.) We’ll gather here in the open courtyard and serve the banquet in the garden. The weather

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will be ideal. Nature herself will be a guest.

QUILL: Yes, Your Majesty. Of course, Your Majesty. Brilliant idea, Your Majesty. (As QUEEN ELEANOR talks on and on, she moves in another direction, then another. She takes rather large steps. QUILL, on the other hand, takes rather tiny steps. Consequently, little QUILL has trouble keeping up with the monarch.)

QUEEN ELEANOR: The gardener? I forgot about the gardener!

QUILL: I took the liberty, Your Majesty. Flowers, I told him. Lots and lots of fresh flowers. In lovely vases and pretty bowls.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Wild orchids and lilac blooms. Petunias and daffodils, daisies and primroses.

QUILL: (As QUEEN ELEANOR babbles on, QUILL plucks a feathered quill from her hair and dips the point into the ink bottle and hastily writes in the ledger. She mumbles the requests as she writes them down.) Wild orchids... lilac blooms... petunias... daffodils...

QUEEN ELEANOR: Dahlias and asters, sunflowers and scarlet sage and buttercups.

QUILL: (Mumbles as she writes.) Dahlias... asters... sunflowers... (KING RUDOLPH ENTERS RIGHT. He, too, wears a crown. Behind him is the PRIME MINISTER. He wears a long robe and carries a floor length staff. He may have a long white beard.)

KING RUDOLPH: (To QUEEN ELEANOR.) My dear, my dear. I wish you’d rest more and dash about less.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Nonsense, husband. I am quite fit. As a matter of fact, I’ve never felt better. (She thinks of another flower. To QUILL.) Calla lilies.

QUILL: Yes, Your Majesty. Of course, Your Majesty. Good choice. (Mumbles, writes.) Calla lilies.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Our infant daughter is almost two weeks old. It’s time for a real party. A wonderful party, a glorious party, to celebrate her birth. (Gasps.) Oh!

PRIME MINISTER: What’s wrong, Your Majesty?

QUEEN ELEANOR: How stupid of me. I quite forgot. (To QUILL, as she indicates the ledger.) Briar-roses. Write down briar-roses.

QUILL: Yes, Your Majesty. Of course, Your Majesty. Briar-roses. (She writes.)

PRIME MINISTER: (To KING.) You can help with the guest list.

KING RUDOLPH: It will be a pleasure. Although I usually leave these things

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to you, Eleanor.

QUEEN ELEANOR: I don’t want to forget anyone. (KING holds out his hand for QUEEN ELEANOR. She takes it and the two walk to the throne chairs. As they do, CHEF ENTERS from LEFT. He wears a white apron and a puffed chef’s hat.)

CHEF: I’m keeping the ovens warm night and day, Your Majesties. I’ve hired extra help from the village to whip the meringues and to chop the almonds. (KING and QUEEN sit.) This party will be a triumph!

QUEEN ELEANOR: I do hope so, Chef. His Majesty and I waited so long for a child. Everything at the celebration must be memorable. Each plate must offer unforgettable treats.

CHEF: Leave everything to me. Wait until you see the menu! Wild turkey stuffed with tiny birds of paradise and cinnamon chestnuts. Salad of snapdragon with ginger sauce dressing. Coconut melons swimming in tureens of strawberry syrup. Will-o’-the-wisp cookies. Six different kinds of cake. Seven soups. Cold and hot. Ten flavors of sherbet!

KING RUDOLPH: (To QUEEN ELEANOR.) The wise women of the kingdom will be invited, I trust.

QUEEN ELEANOR: We couldn’t have a celebration without them.

PRIME MINISTER: Remember, Your Majesty, the wise women of the kingdom are good witches, and good witches can only eat from golden plates.

CHEF: Heavens! I forgot to unpack the golden plates. They’ll have to be polished and dipped in dazzle.

KING RUDOLPH: See to it.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Nothing must go wrong.

CHEF: I’ll see to it at once, Your Majesties. (He bows and bows as he backs LEFT and OUT.)

KING RUDOLPH: Let me think. The Ambassador from over the mountain.

QUILL: I have his name down in the ledger.

QUEEN ELEANOR: The Duchess of Pineapple.

QUILL: In the ledger.

KING RUDOLPH: Queen Samantha.

QUILL: I have her name written down, Your Majesty.

PRIME MINISTER: Queen Samantha has recently given birth.

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QUEEN ELEANOR: We know.

PRIME MINISTER: A boy. Prince Alexander. He and Princess Briar-Rose one day could unite the two kingdoms.

KING RUDOLPH: Always the politician. Aha. Always the politician.

PRIME MINISTER: It’s never too early to think ahead, my king.

KING RUDOLPH: True.

NURSEMAID’S VOICE: (From OFFSTAGE, RIGHT.) Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

KING RUDOLPH: Who’s that?

QUILL/PRIME MINISTER: (Look OFFSTAGE, RIGHT.) It’s the nursemaid.

KING RUDOLPH: The nursemaid?

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Alarmed, stands.) What can it be?

NURSEMAID: (Runs IN.) Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

QUEEN ELEANOR: What’s wrong, woman? Why have you left the princess alone?

NURSEMAID: I thought you’d want to know.

KING RUDOLPH: Know what?

NURSEMAID: The Princess Briar-Rose has spoken her first word.

OTHERS: Her first word?!

NURSEMAID: Yes! Yes! Isn’t it wonderful?

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Eager.) Her first word! What was it?

KING RUDOLPH: What did she say?

PRIME MINISTER: We’re all ears.

NURSEMAID: (Looks misty-eyed. She pauses before she speaks.) She said...

OTHERS: (Lean toward NURSEMAID, eager to know the first word.) Yes?

NURSEMAID: She said, “Goo.”

OTHERS: (Disappointed.) Goo?

NURSEMAID: (Thrilled.) Yes. Goo. (She runs RIGHT.) Such an intelligent baby. (She’s OUT.)

QUEEN ELEANOR: Goo? (Shrugs.) Well, it’s a start. (She sits.)

QUILL: (Checks her ledger.) It’s the standard guest list. “A” to “Z” and back

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again. (She hesitates.) However, there is one name.

PRIME MINISTER: (Steps forward, motions for QUILL to withdraw.) I’ll attend to that matter, Quill.

QUILL: (To QUEEN ELEANOR.) I’ll give the flower list to the gardener. (She curtsies, EXITS LEFT.)

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Calls after her.) Don’t forget the briar-roses.

KING RUDOLPH: Quill is most efficient.

QUEEN ELEANOR: With all those feathered quills sticking out of her head, I think of her as my secretary bird.

KING RUDOLPH: (Chuckles.) Secretary bird? That is good, my dear. Very amusing. (PRIME MINISTER pretends to clear his throat in order to get the KING’S attention.) Yes, yes, Prime Minister. Something about a name, wasn’t it?

PRIME MINISTER: As Your Majesties know, the good witches are a great benefit to the kingdom of Never Nod. They are scholarly and they are wise.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Very wise.

KING RUDOLPH: Wisest women in the kingdom.

QUEEN ELEANOR: And so kind.

PRIME MINISTER: Except for one. (KING RUDOLPH and QUEEN ELEANOR gasp. They know who PRIME MINISTER means.)

QUEEN ELEANOR: You mean—

KING RUDOLPH: (With a touch of dread.) Evilina? (NOTE: In pronouncing the name, the emphasis is on evil. EVILina.)

PRIME MINISTER: Precisely. Evilina. As good witches go, she’s bad. Evilina is the off-horse. No sense of community. She’s not kind, and she’s vain and suspicious. Nor is she scholarly when it comes to good things. Her wisdom is on the dark side. She’s always into things that are best left alone. In short, she dabbles when she should doodle.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Dabbles when she should doodle? I don’t like the sound of that.

KING RUDOLPH: She hasn’t been seen in years.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Last I heard she went into seclusion at her Tumbledown Castle in the grim forest. She always frightened me.

KING RUDOLPH: If she lives, it would be an affront not to invite her.

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PRIME MINISTER: I wouldn’t trust her.

QUEEN ELEANOR: You don’t think she’d do some harm to Princess Briar-Rose?

PRIME MINISTER: That is not for me to say. I’m a Prime Minister, not a fortune teller.

CHEF’S VOICE: (From OFFSTAGE, LEFT.) Your Majesties! Oh! Your Majesties! Oh!

KING RUDOLPH: (Looks OFFSTAGE.) Now what?

CHEF: (Runs IN.) Calamity! Calamity!

QUEEN ELEANOR: Do stop shouting. What has happened?

KING RUDOLPH: Perhaps a soufflé has fallen.

CHEF: The plates! The golden plates!

PRIME MINISTER: What about them?

CHEF: There are only six. There should be seven. It must have been that vagabond the kitchen helper allowed in last week. He begged for a meal. I gave him goat cheese and bread. Oh, the thief! The rogue! Seven wise women and only six golden plates.

PRIME MINISTER: Only six golden plates. Hmmmm. I take this as a sign, Your Majesties. (He shouts STAGE LEFT.) Quill! Quill!

KING RUDOLPH: What do you mean—a sign?

PRIME MINISTER: Seven witches, but only six golden plates. Clearly, one witch need not be invited. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. I’m certain she left the kingdom long, long ago.

QUILL: (Runs IN, out of breath.) You shouted, Prime Minister?

CHEF: I’m going to fire that kitchen helper. It’s all his fault. (He storms OFF.)

PRIME MINISTER: It’s about the guest list.

QUILL: (Fast, flips to the guest list page in the ledger.) You wish to add a name?

PRIME MINISTER: No. We wish to delete a name.

KING RUDOLPH: (Points to ledger.) Draw a line through the name of—Evilina.

QUEEN ELEANOR: I hope we’re doing the right thing.

QUILL: (Crosses out the name with a flourish of her feather.) Done! (BLACKOUT.)

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End of Scene One

[NOTE: Although scene breaks are indicated as such, the action flows continuously, one scene melting into the next in seamless fashion. Avoid choppiness.]

ACT ONEScene Two

LIGHTS UP on FORESTAGE EXTREME DOWN LEFT. EVILINA is ON STAGE. She breaks into wild, scary laughter and quickly turns about. EVILINA is a frightening lady. Her gown might have been beautiful long ago, but now it’s mostly tatters. Her complexion is greenish and her hands are like the talons of a bird. She holds an extra large powder puff in one hand and a box of face powder in the other. (NOTE: The courtyard of the palace remains in DARKNESS. The FORESTAGE is DIMLY LIT and the tower room is shadowy with either a REDDISH, BLUISH or GREENISH GLOW.) MUSIC CUE 3: “I’m a Witch.”

EVILINA: (Sings, playing to the audience.)There was an old man living in town,He was wondrous wise.He jumped into a bramble bush,And scratched out both his eyes.(Speaks.) There they were rolling all over the place.(Sings.) When he discovered his eyes were on the ground,With all his might and main,He jumped into another bush,And scratched ’em in again.I’m a witch, I’m a witch, Evilina is a witch.I’m as mad as a hatter on a roof.I’m a witch, I’m a witch, Evilina is a witch.One wrong move and (Speaks, to audience member.) poof! You’re a frog!(She breaks into wild, scary laughter.)There was a woman living in a town,She rode a thoroughbred.One day she galloped ’neath a tree,And duly lost her head.(Speaks.) Cut it right off on a low hanging branch, don’t you know.(Sings.) When she discovered her head was on the ground,With all her might and main,She climbed right up that horse’s leg,And galloped off again.(Speaks.) Whoo, there she goes!(Sings.) I’m a witch, I’m a witch, Evilina is a witch.

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I’m as mad as a hatter on a roof.I’m a witch, I’m a witch, Evilina is a witch.One wrong move and (Speaks, to audience member.) poof! You’re a mouse!(To a male audience member. Sings.)There is a young man sitting in the house,Staring straight at me.He’s wondering why I look so good,(To ALL.) Now, wouldn’t you agree?(Speaks.) Oh, my, I think he has a crush on me. (She blows him a kiss. To a female audience member. Sings.)There is a young girl sitting in the house,Filled with jealousy.She’s wondering why, oh why, oh why,She can’t look like me.(Speaks.) Eat your heart out, dearie.(Sings.) I’m a witch, I’m a witch, Evilina is a witch.I’m as mad as a hatter on a roof.I’m a witch, I’m a witch, Evilina is a witch.One wrong move and (Speaks, to audience member.) poof! You’re a snake!(To different audience members.)Poof! You’re a cat!Poof! You’re a dog!Poof! You’re a bat!Poof! I’m a witch!(At end of song.) Spider! I’m calling you, Spider. Drat! The creature is never around when he’s wanted. Spider!

SPIDER’S VOICE: (From OFFSTAGE, EXTREME DOWN RIGHT.) Someone calling for the Spider?

EVILINA: Yes, you miserable creepy-crawly! Get in here.

SPIDER’S VOICE: (From OFFSTAGE, EXTREME DOWN RIGHT.) Coming, Evilina. (He ENTERS FORESTAGE. [Consult PRODUCTION NOTES for suggestions on the SPIDER’S costume.] Since the insect is human size, it’s the biggest spider we’ve ever seen! Its movements are almost balletic—in a “creepy-crawly” sort of way. The SPIDER pauses briefly so audience can get a good look at him.)

SPIDER: (To audience.) What are you looking at? Haven’t you ever seen a spider before?

EVILINA: What are you doing over there when I’m over here?

SPIDER: (Motions at something in front of his face.) These cobwebs I spun yesterday aren’t silky enough. I hate cobwebs when they’re not silky.

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EVILINA: I’ve told you a million times that I don’t want “silky” cobwebs. I want “gauzy” cobwebs. (To audience.) Can’t stand silky. Love gauzy. (To the SPIDER.) Come over here. I want your opinion.

SPIDER: (Lies.) I live only to serve you, Evilina. (Sotto, to audience.) What else can I do? If I don’t obey her every whim, she’ll turn me into something nasty. (Obviously, he considers himself quite pleasing in appearance.)

EVILINA: (Her words edged in venom.) I’m waiting.

SPIDER: Here I come. (He slinks over to the tower room.) Here I am. Now what?

EVILINA: Watch. (She plops the puff into the box of powder. She slaps the puff on each side of her face. Powder “billows.” Strikes a pose.) Well?

SPIDER: Well what?

EVILINA: How do I look?

SPIDER: (To audience.) Shall I tell her?

EVILINA: It’s a new face powder I’ve created for the party at the Royal Palace. It’s made of ground beetles and cornstarch. I want to look my best.

SPIDER: (To audience.) You don’t want to see her at her worst. She’s really let herself go.

EVILINA: Why do I ask a spider? What does a spider know of beauty? I’ll ask the cat. (She yells.) Cat!!!

CAT: What?!! (NOTE: About the CAT—It pops up from behind the high-back chair. It can be worked one of three ways—(1) It’s a Halloween black cat made of wood or heavy paper. One-dimensional. The ACTRESS who supplies the CAT’S VOICE holds the figure on a small pole or stick. Or—(2) It’s a hand puppet. The ACTRESS supplying the VOICE OF THE CAT can’t be seen by the audience because of the high-back chair. She can either kneel behind the chair or sit on a small stool. Or—(3) It’s a real person in a cat costume who pops up and down.)

EVILINA: I want your opinion on this new face powder I’ve created. I think I’ve outdone myself. (Again, the puff is plopped into the box and again, powder is slapped to her face. She sneezes. Strikes another pose.) Well?

CAT: Doesn’t help.

EVILINA: (Angry.) Gggggrrrr. (She puts the puff and box back on her

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worktable. Her hands held as if to strangle CAT, she steps to chair.) Take care, you miserable mouser. Take care. I don’t suffer insults easily.

CAT: You asked my opinion, and I gave it to you. What do you want from me? Meow.

EVILINA: Insolent creature.

SPIDER: I don’t think it’s polite to go to a party when you haven’t been invited.

CAT: It’s downright rude.

EVILINA: (A step to SPIDER.) What do you mean I haven’t been invited?

SPIDER: You haven’t received an invitation, have you?

EVILINA: They must have slipped it under the castle door.

SPIDER: You’ve been saying that every day for a week, and the party’s tomorrow. Everybody’s forgotten about you. (EVILINA lifts one arm as if to strike down SPIDER. He cowers.)

EVILINA: Silence!

SPIDER: (Fearful.) You got it.

EVILINA: (Points EXTREME DOWN RIGHT.) To the castle door. Fetch me back my invitation. What are you waiting for? (She roars.) Go!

SPIDER: Gone. (As fast as he can possibly go, the SPIDER slinks across the FORESTAGE and OUT.)

CAT: You can’t expect people to be friendly after you’ve shut yourself up in Tumbledown Castle for years and years.

EVILINA: That has nothing to do with it. I have my work. (She steps to work table.) My charms and spells. My curses and potions! I need solitude and quiet for that.

CAT: Face it, Evilina. You’re not exactly a bundle of laughs.

EVILINA: Silence!

CAT: Meow.

EVILINA: They wouldn’t dare not invite me. I am the most powerful witch in the kingdom of Never Nod!

CAT: Meow.

SPIDER: (Slinks back IN, carrying a large envelope. Crosses to EVILINA.) I’ve got to hand it to you, Evilina. Right where you said it would be.

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EVILINA: (Greedy.) Give it to me! Give it to me! (She grabs the envelope from the SPIDER and rips it open. Takes out the card, looks. Her eyes widen in disbelief.) Eh? What’s this?

CAT: What’s it say?

EVILINA: (Slowly reads, her tone of voice betraying her mounting fury.) “Let Celebrity Carriage solve your problem. A special promotion designed for witches who have trouble transporting their children to and from school.” (Livid, she crumples the notice and tosses it to the floor. Grinds it with her shoe.) Auuuugh! This is no invitation to the party given in honor of the Princess Briar-Rose!!!

SPIDER: (Indifferent.) Didn’t sound like it.

EVILINA: (Lifts both arms upward. LIGHTS FLICKER. PEAL OF THUNDER. Her face contorts into an evil mask of rage.) So! This is how they treat the most powerful wise woman in the realm. Do they think they’ll get away with it? (Without thinking, SPIDER nods its head “yes.” Then, fast, “no.”) Good Queen Eleanor and good King Rudolph will regret not inviting me!

SPIDER: Don’t do anything you’ll regret.

EVILINA: Get out! Get out!

SPIDER: Gone. (Only too happy to escape, he slinks across the FORESTAGE and OUT.)

EVILINA: (Paces back and forth.) I must think of something extra special to repay an extra special insult. Imagine—not inviting Evilina.

CAT: Imagine. (She drops from sight behind the high-back chair. MUSIC CUE 3a: “I’m a Witch—Underscore.”)

EVILINA: (Speaks over music.) It must be wicked, and it must be effective. Something unique. Let me think. Hmmmmm. Hmmmmm. Hmmmmm. (Gleeful.) I have it! (To audience.) Just the thing to give as a gift to Princess Briar-Rose. Ha, ha. (As the LIGHTS DIM on the tower room.) “Spindle, crackle, claw and bite! An evil curse be my delight!” Princess Briar-Rose, you are doomed. (She laughs horribly. MUSIC OUT.) Hahahahahaha!

End of Scene Two

ACT ONEScene Three

LIGHTS ON the Palace Courtyard. MUSIC CUE 3b: “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!—UNDERSCORE.” PRIME MINISTER ENTERS from RIGHT. He bangs the staff on the ground three times.

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PRIME MINISTER: (Speaks over music.) Attend! Attend! Attend! We gather this day to honor the infant Princess Briar-Rose. (He steps LEFT as the procession ENTERS from RIGHT. The PARTICIPANTS walk, as much as possible, in step with the MUSIC. They ENTER in this order: KING RUDOLPH with QUEEN ELEANOR, NURSEMAID holding the baby [doll wrapped in pretty blanket and cap], QUEEN SAMANTHA, BARON, wearing a sword at his side, with BARONESS, LADY JESSICA. If OTHER GUESTS are utilized, they follow after LADY JESSICA. Last IN will be members of the household staff, namely QUILL and CHEF. PARTICIPANTS arrange themselves RIGHT and LEFT of the thrones. When ALL are assembled, KING RUDOLPH holds up his hand for silence and MUSIC OUT.)

KING RUDOLPH: My friends, welcome to this day of good thoughts and good wishes.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Welcome to the celebration for our little princess.

NURSEMAID: (Takes a step forward and indicates the infant. Applause.) Already she has spoken her first word. Goo. (KING RUDOLPH and QUEEN ELEANOR sit.)

PRIME MINISTER: (Steps forward.) Your Majesties, before the giving of gifts and the partaking of rich delicacies and tasties—

CHEF: (Unable to control himself.) Wait ’til you taste the cookies! Wait ’til you sip the punch!

PRIME MINISTER: Shhhhhhh.

CHEF: Oops. Sorry.

PRIME MINISTER: (Back to business.) The good Queen Samantha craves a word.

QUEEN ELEANOR: But of course. (To QUEEN SAMANTHA.) Dear monarch, dear friend.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: (Steps forward.) This is, indeed, a day of great joy, Your Majesties. Like you, I have a small kingdom that must weather every storm and trouble. How wonderful it would be if your little Princess Briar-Rose and my little Prince Alexander would one day wed.

PRIME MINISTER: It is easy to break one twig, not so easy to break two bound together.

KING RUDOLPH: What say you, Eleanor?

QUEEN ELEANOR: I think it’s a beautiful suggestion.

KING RUDOLPH: I think it’s good politics.

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QUEEN SAMANTHA: Then you consent?

KING RUDOLPH: We consent. (He stands.) Hear me well. It is decreed Princess Briar-Rose of Never Nod and Prince Alexander of the neighboring kingdom will one day wed. Together in love and marriage, they will unite the kingdoms. (Applause. KING sits.)

PRIME MINISTER: (Bangs staff three times to ground.) Long live Princess Briar-Rose!

OTHERS: Long live Princess Briar-Rose!

PRIME MINISTER: Long live Prince Alexander!

OTHERS: Long live Prince Alexander!

PRIME MINISTER: Long live our future king and queen!

OTHERS: Long live our future king and queen! (Applause.)

QUEEN SAMANTHA: Your Majesty, is it true that a frog foretold the arrival of little Princess Briar-Rose?

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Stands, delighted to repeat the story.) Quite true. I was sitting by the pond near the palace gates. (She almost floats to the bench, sits.) Like this.

OTHERS: Like that?

QUEEN ELEANOR: Yes. I heard a strange sound behind me.

OTHERS: (Imitate frog’s voice.) Croak.

QUEEN ELEANOR: No. Not like that. More like—(She imitates a frog’s voice.) Rivet.

OTHERS: Rivet?

QUEEN ELEANOR: I turned around. (She does.) There he was, sitting on a lily pad.

OTHERS: A lily pad?

QUEEN ELEANOR: A very large lily pad because he was a very large frog.

CHEF: We never serve frog legs at the palace.

OTHERS: Shhhhhhh.

CHEF: Oops. Sorry.

QUEEN ELEANOR: He asked, “Why are you so sad, Queen Eleanor?”

LADY JESSICA: What did you answer, Your Majesty?

QUEEN ELEANOR: I replied, “Because I have no child. I wish so for a

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child.” He said, “Rivet.”

OTHERS: Rivet?

QUEEN ELEANOR: “Your wish shall be fulfilled. Before a year has passed, you shall bring a daughter into the world.” His very words.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: What a charming story!

BARONESS: Delightful!

LADY JESSICA: Irresistible!

BARON: I think I’ve met that frog, Your Majesty. Hopping here and hopping there. (He imitates the hopping of a frog.) Hip, hop. Hip, hop. (OTHERS also imitate the hopping of a frog.)

OTHERS: Hip, hop. Hip hop. (They continue to hip and hop, enjoying themselves immensely. “Hip, hop. Hip, hop.” Only the PRIME MINISTER looks disapprovingly. He bangs the staff to the ground three times. The hipping and hopping ceases.)

PRIME MINISTER: (To QUEEN ELEANOR.) Your Majesty, we mustn’t keep the wise women of the kingdom waiting. They wish to present their gifts.

QUEEN ELEANOR: The good witches! I almost forgot. (She gets up from the bench and hurries back to her throne chair, sits.) What must they think of me?

KING RUDOLPH: No harm done, my dear. Proceed, Prime Minister.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Let me have the princess. (NURSEMAID crosses to QUEEN ELEANOR and hands her the infant.)

PRIME MINISTER: (An announcement of great importance.) The wise women of the kingdom of Never Nod. (MUSIC CUE 4: “The Gift I Bring.” [NOTE: About the WISE WOMEN/GOOD WITCHES—The script calls for six actresses. However, you can have as few as three. Or as many as you like with some singing together. If you use less than six, simply divide the lines or end the song early. The GOOD WITCHES are identified by the color of the ribbon bow pinned to their costume like a corsage or taped to their wrist or wand. Naturally, if it can be managed, a complete color costume would look sensational, but this is not necessary.] BLUE ENTERS first, LEFT. She’s the leader. A few seconds behind her is GREEN, and then RED. They move as if they were made of soft breezes.)

BLUE: (Sings.) The gift I bring is a gift she will nourish,Some people say, it’s the greatest of wealth.The gift I bring will protect her from illness.

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I bring the gift of good health.(She steps to QUEEN ELEANOR, who proudly removes the infant’s cap. BLUE moves her wand over the baby’s head.)This is the gift that I bring.(She steps aside, RIGHT of KING RUDOLPH. GREEN moves to the infant.)

GREEN: (Sings.) The gift I bring is a gift she’ll require,One she will value twee-deedle-dee-dum.The gift I bring will provide her with insight.I bring the great gift of wisdom.(She does as BLUE did, moves the wand over the baby’s head.)This is the gift that I bring.(She steps beside BLUE, and RED moves to QUEEN ELEANOR. ORANGE, PINK and WHITE ENTER.)

RED: (Sings.) The gift I bring is a gift she will cherish.Touching her spirit, yes, I must confess.The gift I bring will endow her with feeling.I bring the true gift of kindness.(She moves the wand over the baby’s head.)This is the gift that I bring.(She steps beside BLUE and GREEN.)

CHORUS: (Sings.) Bells may toll and bells may ring,Summer to winter, fall to spring,Tra la la la, let angels sing.

BLUE/GREEN/RED: (Sing.) These are the gifts that we bring. (ORANGE moves to QUEEN ELEANOR.)

KING RUDOLPH: (Sings.) We thank you, good witches, for your generous off’ring.

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Sings.) We gladly accept on behalf of the child.

ORANGE: (Sings.) The gift I bring is a gift she will cradle,Keeping it safe though it be demanding.Yes, it’s a gift she’ll assuredly need.My gift is understanding.(She moves the wand over the baby’s head.)This is the gift that I bring.(She stands LEFT of QUEEN ELEANOR. PINK moves IN.)

PINK: (Sings.) The gift I bring is a gift she’ll desire,Brilliant and scholarly forever hence.The gift I’m giving will help her achieve.I bring the gift of intelligence.(She moves wand over the baby’s head.)

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This is the gift that I bring.(She steps beside ORANGE. WHITE moves IN.)

WHITE: (Sings.) The gift I bring is a gift she will treasure,She must take care, for it thus is her duty.This gift must always come from within.I bring the fine gift of beauty.(She moves wand over baby’s head.)This is the gift that I bring.(She steps beside PINK.)

CHORUS: (Sings.) Bells may toll and bells may ring,Summer to winter, fall to spring,Tra la la la, let angels sing.

ALL WITCHES: (Sing.) These are the gifts that we bring.

KING RUDOLPH: (Sings.) We thank you, good witches, for your generous off’ring,

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Sings.) We gladly accept on behalf of the child.

CHORUS: (Sings.) Bells may toll and bells may ring,Summer to winter, fall to spring,Tra la la la, let angels sing.

ALL WITCHES: (Sing.) These are the gifts that we bring.

WITCHES/CHORUS: (Sing.) Yes, these are the gifts,These are the gifts,These are the gifts [they/we] bring!

PRIME MINISTER: (At end of song, bangs staff three times.) Attend! Attend! Attend! A lavish banquet is being served in the Royal Garden next to the unicorn statue.

CHEF: (Unable to contain his excitement.) Wild turkey! Cinnamon chestnuts! Strawberry syrup! Will-o’-the-wisp cookies!

OTHERS: Aaaaahhhhh. (ALL start to move STAGE RIGHT. Suddenly, the LIGHTS DARKEN, and we hear a CRACK OF THUNDER. ALL are unnerved.)

AD LIBS: What’s that? Not a storm! Everything’s gotten so dark! It came up so suddenly.

BARONESS: It can’t be a storm.

LADY JESSICA: There’s not a cloud in the sky. (Again, LIGHTS FLICKER MADLY and another CRACK OF THUNDER. ALL pull back. We hear the CRAZED LAUGHTER OF EVILINA from OFFSTAGE, LEFT.)

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EVILINA’S VOICE: (From OFF LEFT.) Here I come—ready or not! Wheeeeeee! (More CRAZED LAUGHTER as EVILINA sweeps IN. She, too, carries a wand.)

PRIME MINISTER: Good gracious! It’s Evilina!

OTHERS: Evilina!

EVILINA: Guess who’s coming to the party? Sorry I’m late. I hope I’m not inconveniencing anyone. I would have been here sooner, only I didn’t receive an invitation. (QUEEN ELEANOR hugs the baby close to her.)

BARON: (Steps forward, draws his sword.) You’re not welcome here, Evilina. Begone!

EVILINA: (Snaps.) Careful, careful.

KING RUDOLPH: Put away your sword, Baron. There’ll be no bloodshed on this day of all days.

BARON: (Reluctant, returns the weapon to its place.) As you wish, my king.

BLUE: Don’t try anything wicked, Evilina.

GREEN: Nothing bad.

RED: Nothing cruel.

ORANGE: Nothing mean.

PINK: Nothing nasty.

WHITE: Nothing unkind.

EVILINA: (To audience.) They know me so well. (She grins and mocks their words.) Nothing bad, nothing cruel, nothing mean. Nothing nasty. Nothing unkind. (She makes a vile face and snarls.) Grrrrrrrr.

GOOD WITCHES: (Jump back.) Oh!

EVILINA: How dare you lecture me! You know my powers! You miserable excuses for a gaggle of geese. Don’t mess with Evilina! I’m tough! (She tosses her head back and laughs again. EVERYONE is terrified of her.)

KING RUDOLPH: Please. No trouble. You are most welcome here, Evilina.

EVILINA: (Indifferent.) You don’t say. If I’m so welcome, how come I didn’t get an invitation?

KING RUDOLPH: Uh... er... uh... that is... uh...

QUEEN ELEANOR: Uh... er... uh...

PRIME MINISTER: Uh... er...

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OTHERS: Er... uh... er...

CHEF: (Trembles.) Not enough golden plates.

EVILINA: Not enough plates? How curious. (Snide.) Let’s forget about the invitation. I’m not one to hold a grudge. (To audience.) Am I? Don’t answer that. (To court.) Where’s the brat? (Catches herself. Forces a fast fake smile.) I mean, the precious little bundle of joy. The snooky-ookums. (She sees the baby in QUEEN ELEANOR’S arms.) Ah, there she is. Did you ever see anything so sweet? Koochy-koo, koochy-koo. (QUEEN ELEANOR hugs the infant even tighter.) I haven’t presented my gift, have I? I don’t want you to think I’m a rude person. (She casts an evil glance around the courtyard. She’s delighted everyone is in awe of her. She waits until she has full attention. She points a crooked finger at the little princess! MUSIC CUE 4a: “I’m a Witch—Underscore.” All the dialogue until the end of the scene is spoken over the music.) Hear me well and mark my words. On the day Princess Briar-Rose reaches her sixteenth birthday, she shall prick her dainty finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and—die! Hahaha!

QUILL: Die?!

OTHERS: Die? No! Stop it! Evil witch! Enough! No! No!

QUEEN SAMANTHA: Have mercy!

EVILINA: Bah.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Let that dreadful fate fall on my head if you will, but don’t harm this poor child.

KING RUDOLPH: I’ll give you anything you ask. Only take back your curse.

EVILINA: Never! Evilina never forgets, and she never forgives!

BARONESS: Surely the wise women of the kingdom can help?

WHITE: Our powers are not the equal of Evilina’s.

EVILINA: So! You admit I am the most powerful witch in Never Nod.

BARON: (To KING RUDOLPH, his grip on the sword.) Your majesty, let me run her through. That will end the curse.

BLUE: No. Even worse might befall.

GREEN: If you kill a wise woman, nothing follows but disaster.

RED: We’ll think of something, Your Majesty. In time.

ORANGE: We’ll save the princess.

PINK: Yes, yes.

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WHITE: We must.

EVILINA: Wishful thinking. (Snarls.) Amateurs. (She moves to EXIT, LEFT. She turns back. Forceful.) The curse remains! Now I’m going to rain on your celebration! This is what you get for not inviting me! Thunder and wind and rain! Ha! Ha! Ha! Thunder and wind and rain! (She lifts her arms as if calling down the elements. STAGE DARKENS. SOUND OF THUNDER. STORM EFFECTS. Laughing in triumph, EVILINA EXITS. OTHERS scatter in all directions to escape the coming storm. MUSIC and LIGHTS OUT.)

End of Scene Three

ACT ONEScene Four

SETTING: The Palace Courtyard.

LIGHTS UP: KING RUDOLPH and QUEEN ELEANOR, BARONESS and LADY JESSICA are pacing back and forth, sighing heavily. (NOTE: These characters don’t have to leave the STAGE during the BLACKOUT at end of previous scene.) The BLACKOUT hits, a moment passes while OTHERS EXIT, then STAGE LIGHTS COME UP as the scene begins.

KING RUDOLPH: What are we going to do?

QUEEN ELEANOR: My baby. My poor baby.

LADY JESSICA: What a terrible happening! Poor, poor Princess Briar-Rose.

BARONESS: We should have painted a china plate gold. Maybe Evilina wouldn’t have noticed the difference.

KING RUDOLPH: Evilina’s always looking for some reason to cause mischief. I remember her from years ago. Always up to something unpleasant.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Our beautiful celebration ruined.

LADY JESSICA: The chef is in hysterics. He says he’ll never cook again.

BARONESS: The gardener has locked himself in the greenhouse, and he won’t come out.

LADY JESSICA: Raindrops in the soup!

BARONESS: The cakes all turned to soggy mush!

LADY JESSICA: The floral arrangements washed away!

KING RUDOLPH: Enough!

QUEEN ELEANOR: My Briar-Rose. My Briar-Rose. Innocent babe.

PRIME MINISTER: (ENTERS RIGHT. He’s overheard the wailing and

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moaning.) Courage, Your Majesties. Courage. I believe the answer to our problem is close at hand.

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Steps to him.) The good witches have found some way to cancel Evilina’s curse?

PRIME MINISTER: They’re working on it. (OTHERS give an audible sigh of disappointment.)

KING RUDOLPH: How long will it take?

PRIME MINISTER: About sixteen years. In any case, I have a plan of my own. I am certain it will ensure the safety of the princess.

LADY JESSICA: What is it? Tell us.

PRIME MINISTER: See for yourself. (He gestures RIGHT. Speaks in a commanding voice.) You may enter. (ALL look RIGHT. In a moment, a little SEAMSTRESS ENTERS. She has tape measures around her neck. Her apron is studded with threads and needles. Bits and pieces of ribbon.)

BARONESS: The Palace Seamstress? How can she help?

SEAMSTRESS: (Ill at ease, curtsies to KING and QUEEN.) Your Majesties.

PRIME MINISTER: It’s quite simple. If there’s no spindle in the kingdom and there’s no wheel, then no finger can the spindle feel.

OTHERS: Huh?

PRIME MINISTER: Princess Briar-Rose cannot prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel if there is no spinning wheel in the kingdom.

LADY JESSICA: (Jumps up and down, applauds.) Marvelous, marvelous!

QUEEN ELEANOR: Ingenious!

BARONESS: In other words, ban the spinning wheel.

PRIME MINISTER: Exactly. (To KING.) Your Majesty will issue an order to seize every spinning wheel in the kingdom. They will be destroyed.

KING RUDOLPH: At once.

PRIME MINISTER: Forbid the word “spinning wheel” to be spoken.

KING RUDOLPH: Of course!

LADY JESSICA: Is “spinning wheel” one word or two?

PRIME MINISTER: This way the curse is useless.

QUEEN ELEANOR: But where will new cloth come from? We’re much too

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poor a kingdom to import finished cloth from abroad.

PRIME MINISTER: (Indicates SEAMSTRESS.) That’s where the Palace Seamstress comes in. (Again, SEAMSTRESS curtsies.) It will be her duty to keep the court clothing in top condition. Everything will be repaired with needle and thread. At least for the next sixteen years.

QUEEN ELEANOR: No new cloth for sixteen years?

BARONESS/LADY JESSICA: (Unhappy about this.) No new dresses, no new frocks?

PRIME MINISTER: It’s a small price to pay for the life of Princess Briar-Rose.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Can you do this, Seamstress?

SEAMSTRESS: I’m sure I can, Your Majesty. I’m a member of the Seamstress League, and I’ve passed all my exams with top honors. Besides, there’s a goodly store of cloth in the linen closet. Trust me. Sixteen years will pass, and you’ll see not a rip or tear or loose thread on any garment in court.

KING RUDOLPH: Then so be it. I shall issue the edict.

PRIME MINISTER: I’ve already drawn it up, Your Majesty. I have affixed the Royal Seal. (He takes a rolled-up scroll from his costume.)

KING RUDOLPH: You think of everything.

PRIME MINISTER: That’s what Prime Ministers are for.

KING RUDOLPH: Good work, Prime Minister. (To QUEEN ELEANOR.) Come, my dear. To palace duties.

QUEEN ELEANOR: (To BARONESS and LADY JESSICA.) Ladies, you will accompany us. Let’s see if we can console the chef and the gardener. (KING RUDOLPH EXITS UP RIGHT with QUEEN ELEANOR. BARONESS and LADY JESSICA follow.)

PRIME MINISTER: I’m counting on you, Seamstress, to live up to your promise. I don’t want the court looking down-at-the-heels. I can’t abide shabbiness.

SEAMSTRESS: I know my business. You talk for a living. I sew. (Head high, she EXITS after the OTHERS. BARON ENTERS LEFT.)

PRIME MINISTER: Here is the edict. Take as many men as you wish. Pay one gold coin for each spinning wheel seized. Understand?

BARON: I understand.

PRIME MINISTER: If anyone refuses to give up her spinning wheel, arrest her.

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BARON: It shall be done. (PRIME MINISTER holds out the scroll. BARON takes it. PRIME MINISTER EXITS RIGHT. BARON EXITS LEFT. LIGHTS DIM A BIT to suggest a passage of sixteen years. MUSIC CUE 4b: “Passage of Time.” We hear the VOICES of the GOOD WITCHES ENTERING from the back of the AUDITORIUM—half down one aisle, half down the other. They work their way UP ONTO the FORESTAGE. If this entrance is not desired, the GOOD WITCHES can ENTER on FORESTAGE from EXTREME DOWN RIGHT and EXTREME DOWN LEFT. MUSIC OUT.)

ORANGE: Sixteen years since we have been here at the Royal Palace.

GREEN: And nothing has changed.

RED: Not true, sister. Princess Briar-Rose has grown to young womanhood.

ORANGE: As we wished.

PINK: Our gifts have not been wasted.

WHITE: Lovely of spirit and lovely of heart. (The SPIDER ENTERS from the back of AUDITORIUM and works its way down to FORESTAGE. He stands on the AUDITORIUM floor where the GOOD WITCHES can’t see him. The SPIDER eavesdrops, reacting to their conversation.)

GREEN: If only Evilina had not pronounced her wicked curse.

ORANGE: That is why we are gathered here, sisters.

RED: What can we do except hope for the best?

BLUE: More. Much more. For sixteen years I have studied the problem. I am happy to say I have discovered a way to checkmate Evilina. (The SPIDER is horrified. GOOD WITCHES are amazed by BLUE’S comment.)

PINK: How?

BLUE: By pooling our strength and chanting together, we can alter the curse, even if we are helpless to prevent it completely. If the worse should happen, Princess Briar-Rose will not die. (Again, the SPIDER reacts in melodramatic fashion.)

WHITE: What will happen?

BLUE: She will fall into a deep, deep sleep.

ORANGE: How long will this sleep last? (The SPIDER is all “ears.”)

BLUE: It will last until the kiss of true love awakens her.

GOOD WITCHES: (Sweet.) Aaaaaaaaah. (The SPIDER indicates he might throw up.)

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BLUE: Let us concentrate. Let us chant. (MUSIC CUE 4c: “The Gift I Bring—Underscore.” As GOOD WITCHES begin to “spell,” the SPIDER slinks up the aisle and OUT. Or, he can slink to BACKSTAGE via some side door.)

GOOD WITCHES: (Lift their wands and chant in unison over the music.) “If evil comes to passSpindle cuts like glass.Briar-Rose, alas,Will sleep forever.’Til love, true loveEmbraces her.’Til love, true loveAwakens her. (They begin to back OUT.)She will sleep,Sleep deep.She will sleep,Sleep deep—If evil comes to pass...”(They’re OUT. MUSIC OUT. LIGHTS UP FULL. Bright and sunny. SOUND of BIRDS TWITTERING. We hear the VOICE OF PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE, laughing.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE’S VOICE: (From OFF RIGHT.) Hurry, Alexander. The race is almost over.

PRINCE ALEXANDER’S VOICE: (From OFF RIGHT.) Not yet, it isn’t!

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Runs IN. She is, indeed, everything we’ve been led to believe. Beautiful and intelligent. Sweet and charming. She holds a rose in one hand.) I win! I win!

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (ENTERS.) Only because I stumbled over a loose cobblestone.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: I won, I won. Admit it, Alexander.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Smiles.) If it will make you happy. (PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE holds out the rose. He takes it.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Do I look any different?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: You’re out of breath from running.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: I don’t mean that.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: What do you mean?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Yesterday I was one age and today I am another.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Dips into his costume and comes up with a ring.)

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Happy birthday.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Takes the ring and admires it.) How beautiful. (She puts it on.)

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Your parents and my mother want the wedding to be held as soon as possible. They seem anxious about it.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Uniting the two kingdoms is all they talk about. (A tease.) Now what would they say if I didn’t want to marry you?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Alarmed.) How do you mean?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Well, I have many other suitors, you know.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Catches on, plays the game.) Ah, so I’ve heard.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: You have? I mean… you have.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Yes. And I have many other ladies interested in me.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Suddenly worried.) You do?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Feigns conceit.) Why, of course. All those ladies in waiting… I just keep them waiting. It’s the curse of being a strong, handsome prince. Why, do you know there are those who would give a king’s ransom to marry a prince such as myself? (He starts to snicker.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Realizes she’s being teased.) That’s not very funny. (PRINCE ALEXANDER laughs. MUSIC CUE 5: “Good Prince.” Feigning anger, she sings.)Good prince, good prince, you’re rude and you’re boastful.What makes you think I would ever wed such a man?Good prince, good prince, I never will marryA prince who is quite out of hand.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Feigns disbelief. Sings.)My lady, my lady, I beg thee, my lady,You must believe you’re the love of my life.My lady, my lady, my princess, my lady,I beg thee now, come be my wife.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Sings.)Why should I trust you when I don’t believe you?Why should I cherish, love and obey?Why should I honor a man such as you?Good prince, fare-thee-well, now be on your way!

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Melodramatic. Sings.)My lady, my lady, I’m broken, my lady,Shattered, bewildered, a miserable man.

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My lady, my lady, what am I to do?(A sudden thought. A tease.) Perhaps I’ll go see Lady Anne.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Appalled. Sings.)Good prince, good prince, you’re simply revolting!I can’t believe what a cad you can be.Good prince, good prince, be gone and good riddance.My suitors are waiting for me.(Plays a game.) I hear Prince Andrew came courting today.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Plays along. Sings.)Lady Christina has begged me to stay.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Sings.)I hear Prince Phillip is handsomely French.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Bold and brassy. Sings.)Lady Cassandra, now there’s a fine wench!

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Feigns anger. Sings.)Good prince, good prince, you’re crude and you’re hopeless.What makes you think I would wed such a man?Good prince, good prince, I never will marryA prince who is quite out of hand.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Bows to her. Sings sincerely.)My lady, my lady, my princess, my lady,You are my blessing, my spirit, my life.My lady, I’d travel the world just for you.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Softens. Sings.)Good prince, I will still be your wife.(Dreamy.) Good prince.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Equally as dreamy. Sings.) My lady.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Sings.) Good prince.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Sings.) My lady.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Sings.) Good prince.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Sings.) My lady.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Sings.) Good prince.(Speaks, a last jab.) But I still think Prince Phillip is terribly handsome! (She runs away laughing as PRINCE ALEXANDER gives chase. He catches her. They both laugh as the MUSIC ENDS. SEAMSTRESS ENTERS and as OTHERS converse, she takes the PRINCESS’S measurements.)

CHEF: (Hurries IN from LEFT.) Apple upside down, inside out cake. The

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frosting will be vanilla with sprinkles of lemon drops.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: What are you talking about?

CHEF: The birthday cake, of course. Enough to serve a hundred.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Only a hundred?

CHEF: I could add more sugar and butter. (Only now does BRIAR-ROSE notice the SEAMSTRESS.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: What are you doing, Seamstress?

SEAMSTRESS: Measurements for your wedding dress.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: You already know my measurements.

SEAMSTRESS: Measurements change.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Oh, later. Later. It’s my birthday. One thing at a time.

SEAMSTRESS: As you wish, Princess. (She EXITS RIGHT.)

CHEF: You approve, Princess?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Of what?

CHEF: The frosting for your birthday cake? Vanilla with sprinkles of lemon drops.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Sounds nice.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Tasty. I’m fond of cake.

CHEF: Sixteen candles burning bright! (He EXITS LEFT. CAT pops up from behind the chair in EVILINA’S tower room.)

CAT: Where is everyone? I’m hungry. Feed me! (She drops from sight. QUEEN ELEANOR ENTERS RIGHT.)

QUEEN ELEANOR: Ah, the happy couple.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Bows.) Your Majesty.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Your mother is approaching the palace, Prince Alexander.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: I shall go and greet her. (To BRIAR-ROSE.) I’ll only be a moment.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: I’ll come with you.

QUEEN ELEANOR: No. You mustn’t leave the palace.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: I’ll wait for you in the garden, Alexander. (He EXITS.) Why am I never to leave the palace?

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QUEEN ELEANOR: After today it won’t matter. You can come and go as you choose.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: You and Father have been acting strangely about my birthday. Is it so uncommon for a girl to have a sixteenth birthday?

QUEEN ELEANOR: Briar-Rose, child, you are not just any girl. You are a princess. Soon you will be queen.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: In that case, I shall command people to stop treating me as if I were a child.

QUEEN ELEANOR: You will always be my child, Briar-Rose. I am so proud of you. (She kisses BRIAR-ROSE on the forehead.) Now, remember, be on guard. Speak to no strangers and, if you should run across an odd-looking “thing” that looks like a “wheel,” uh, er—

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: What are you talking about, Mother?

QUEEN ELEANOR: Don’t touch it. Don’t have anything to do with it. That’s all I’m saying. Perhaps I’ve said too much. I will be so happy when it’s tomorrow. (She EXITS RIGHT.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: She doesn’t make any sense. Whatever can be the reason?

CHEF: (ENTERS LEFT.) Do come and look at the cake, Princess. Before I put on the frosting. I think it’s too high. If you say it’s too high, I’ll make it lower. If you say it’s too low, I’ll make it higher.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (To audience.) Decisions, decisions. It’s not easy being a princess. (She sweeps OUT, LEFT. CHEF bows, follows after her.)

CAT: (Pops up again.) I’m still hungry. I’m not a spider. I can’t eat flies. (She drops from sight. The SPIDER ENTERS courtyard. EVILINA is with him.)

SPIDER: I wouldn’t lie about a thing like this.

EVILINA: You say the Good Witches were here?

SPIDER: Uh-uh. I make a good spy for you, Evilina, don’t I?

EVILINA: Stop fishing for compliments. Tell me again. What did you overhear?

SPIDER: They said there was nothing they could do. Except to see to it that the Princess Briar-Rose didn’t die.

EVILINA: Drat.

SPIDER: If she cut her finger on a spindle, she would fall into a deep,

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deep sleep. Only the kiss of true love would wake her.

EVILINA: True love. Bah. Curse those interfering Good Witches.

PRINCE ALEXANDER’S VOICE: (From OFF RIGHT.) Briar-Rose! Princess Briar-Rose!

EVILINA: Aha! The voice of true love. Hee, hee, hee. I will see that he never gets to wake Briar-Rose.

SPIDER: How?

EVILINA: I’ll turn him into a frog.

SPIDER: You’ve never been able to pull that one off.

EVILINA: Next best thing. I can make the prince think he’s a frog. I shall imprison him in Castle Tumbledown.

PRINCE ALEXANDER’S VOICE: (From OFF RIGHT.) Briar-Rose!

EVILINA: What are you waiting for? Go! You know what must be done.

SPIDER: Gone. (Fast, he slinks OUT, LEFT.)

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Runs IN RIGHT.) Wait until you see what Mother’s brought for your birthday.

EVILINA: (Curtsies.) Good sir.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Do I know you?

EVILINA: No. But I know you, Prince. I remember the day you were born. And the day you and Princess Briar-Rose were betrothed.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Today is her sweet sixteen birthday party.

EVILINA: Is it? Sweet sixteen and never been kissed. (To audience, snarls.) She never will be, if I have anything to say about it. (To ALEXANDER.) What’s your pet name, Prince.?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: I don’t have a pet name.

EVILINA: In that case, I’ll give you one. How about Skippy?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Doesn’t suit me.

EVILINA: How about Scooter?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: No.

EVILINA: Roscoe?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: I think not.

EVILINA: (Holds high her hands, ready for work.) How about—Frog! (As she utters “Frog,” LIGHTS FLASH, SOUND OF THUNDER. Instantly,

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PRINCE ALEXANDER hunkers down in the frog position.)

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Sounds like a frog.) Rivet. Rivet. Rivet.

EVILINA: (To audience.) I’ve heard of a princess kissing a frog, but never a frog kissing a princess! Hee, hee, hee! (She points RIGHT.) Off with you. Don’t let anyone see you. Stick to the underbrush. To Castle Tumbledown!

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Rivet. Rivet. Rivet. (He hops about for a few moments, then EXITS RIGHT. As soon as he hops/leaps OFFSTAGE, the SPIDER RETURNS. He carries—a spinning wheel!)

SPIDER: Here it is!!

EVILINA: (Delighted.) So I see. Excellent. Excellent. (The SPIDER puts the spinning wheel DOWN CENTER and EVILINA steps to it. Again, her hands are held like claws and she points fingers to the wood as if she expected flames to shoot from her nails.)

SPIDER: The only spinning wheel left in the kingdom.

EVILINA: I’ve been saving it. For a “special occasion.” Happy Birthday from Evilina. (To SPIDER.) Get out!

SPIDER: Gone. (He slinks away. MUSIC CUE 5a: “I’m a Witch—Underscore.” As EVILINA chants her spell, she circles the spinning wheel. LIGHTS BEGIN TO DIM.)

EVILINA: (Chants over the music.)“Spindle, crackle, claw and bite!This evil curse is my delight!Spin, spin, Princess Briar-Rose!Spin, spin, take a sleeping pose!Sweet Princess Briar-Rose and all a-fright!For you each day—eternal night!” (Roaring out the command she turns the wheel.) Spin! Spin! Spin! (MUSIC and LIGHTS OUT.)

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWOScene One

MUSIC CUE 6: “Entr’acte.”

SETTING: Palace garden. Later the same day. The throne chairs have been removed and the bench has been repositioned UP CENTER. To emphasize the garden surroundings, there are a couple of large cutout rosebushes. The spinning wheel is in the tower room. The SPIDER is asleep in the chair.

AT RISE: Lined across the FORESTAGE facing out to audience are LADY

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JESSICA, BARONESS, QUILL, NURSEMAID and SEAMSTRESS. Each holds a gift-wrapped box.

ALL: (Sing, acappella.) Happy birthday to you,Happy birthday to you,Happy birthday, Princess Briar-Rose...Happy birthday to you.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: (ENTERS from RIGHT in a state of concern and irritation. PRIME MINISTER is behind her. OTHERS move RIGHT and LEFT.) I’ve never heard of such a thing. It’s so unlike the boy.

PRIME MINISTER: Boys will be boys.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: Alexander is more than a boy. He’s a prince. Soon to be a husband and a king. Disappearing is not seemly. (As she and PRIME MINISTER talk, LADY JESSICA hands her gift to QUILL, and BARONESS hands her gift to SEAMSTRESS. QUILL and SEAMSTRESS EXIT.)

PRIME MINISTER: I’m certain he’ll be back before you can say Never Nod.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: (Quick.) Never Nod. (She looks about.) Well, I said it. Where is he?

PRIME MINISTER: Merely a figure of speech, Your Majesty.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: The only figure I want to see is the figure of my son.

LADY JESSICA: Something wrong, Queen Samantha?

QUEEN SAMANTHA: My son seems to have disappeared.

BARONESS: Disappeared? That doesn’t sound like the prince. He’d never disappear on Princess Briar-Rose’s birthday.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: (Snaps.) Don’t contradict me. I tell you, Prince Alexander is nowhere to be found.

NURSEMAID: He’s probably gathering briar-roses for the princess. She’s as fond of them as her mother. (She holds up her gift.) He’ll love the gift I’m giving the princess. Her first baby shoes. I had the Seamstress sew on rose petals.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: See if you can find the prince.

NURSEMAID: (Curtsies.) Yes, Queen Samantha. (She EXITS LEFT.)

QUEEN SAMANTHA: I shall have a harsh word or two for my boy. I’ve never known him to do anything like this. It’s irresponsible.

BARON: (ENTERS.) I must be losing my good sight.

PRIME MINISTER: Why do you say that, Baron?

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BARON: I could have sworn I saw Prince Alexander hipping and hopping in the underbrush. (OTHERS chuckle.)

OTHERS: Hipping and hopping in the underbrush?

QUEEN SAMANTHA: (Amused.) What do you think my son is—a frog? Hipping and hopping indeed! (More chuckles.)

BARON: I must have had too much sun. I’m always seeing frogs.

PRIME MINISTER: The prince must attend the birthday party.

LADY JESSICA: We can’t begin without him.

BARONESS: The princess will be so disappointed if he’s not present.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: Obviously, he’s wandered off and forgotten the time.

PRIME MINISTER: We must find the prince.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: Standing here in the garden won’t find him. We must search.

BARON: Excellent idea. Search and find. It’s the military way.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: (EXITS RIGHT, calling out.) Alexander! Alexander! Where are you?

PRIME MINISTER: (Follows QUEEN SAMANTHA.) Prince, where are you, boy?

BARON: (Follows PRIME MINISTER.) Prince! Prince! Here, Prince! (LADY JESSICA and BARONESS follow BARON.)

LADY JESSICA: Prince! Prince!

BARONESS: Prince! Prince!

ALL: Prince! Prince! Here, Prince. Here, Prince. (From off in the distance [OFFSTAGE] comes the SOUND OF A BARKING DOG, as if his name were “Prince.” KING RUDOLPH and QUEEN ELEANOR ENTER LEFT.)

KING RUDOLPH: I tell you, my dear, you’re worrying over nothing.

QUEEN ELEANOR: Nothing? Nothing! This is the day Evilina promised to harm our little girl.

KING RUDOLPH: Briar-Rose is no longer little. She’s a young woman. The Baron has kept an eye out for Evilina all these years. She’s not been seen. The palace is well-guarded. Besides, there’s not a spinning wheel left in the kingdom. If we believe in the curse, then we give Evilina a great deal of power. Disbelieve and she is harmless.

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Sighs with relief.) You’re a wise man, Rudolph.

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KING RUDOLPH: I married you, didn’t I?

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Smiles.) What a lovely thing to say.

KING RUDOLPH: (Looks OFF RIGHT.) The others seem to be out for a walk. Let us join them. Work up an appetite for the ice cream and cake.

QUEEN ELEANOR: I shall put all thoughts of Evilina from my head.

KING RUDOLPH: Splendid. (He EXITS RIGHT, leaving QUEEN ELEANOR alone for a moment.)

QUEEN ELEANOR: (To audience.) If only I could forget Evilina and her curse. I have this terrible feeling. (Shift in mood.) Perhaps the king is right. Disbelieve and she is harmless. (Wavers.) Still? (She puts on a brave face and EXITS RIGHT. LIGHTS DIM on the garden and the action shifts to the tower room of Tumbledown Castle.)

End of Scene One

ACT TWOScene Two

The SPIDER snores—loudly. Again. And again. EVILINA appears on FORESTAGE, EXTREME DOWN RIGHT. The FORESTAGE becomes a passageway in Tumbledown Castle. As she crosses for the tower room, she mumbles happily to herself.

EVILINA: (Put out.) Another party and I haven’t been invited. Tsk, tsk. I must be the party pooper of all time. (To audience.) What’s wrong with me? Nobody seems to like me… Well, if I can’t be the life of the party, I’ll be its death. Hee, hee, hee. (MUSIC CUE 7: “The Death of the Party.” SPIDER stirs, CAT pops up, and they listen. EVILINA sings.)Take one good look at me, now what do you see?One sad and lonely witch not loved by anybody.No time to fret, no time to cry a single tear.Look out, world, get ready, Evilina is here!I’ll be the hag of the ball, the death of the party,With my black-toed pumps and my magic wand.They’ll never forget, no, I’ll make ’em regretThe day they ever heard the name… Evilina!The hag of the ball, the death of the party,They’ll be cryin’, dying for Briar-Rose.But I’ll dance every dance, while she’s in a tranceI’m the wickedest witch I know.They thought that they’d be clever by leaving me out.They really snubbed me to the max.They’ve got a lot to learn about this feisty gal.

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I’ll set her up, say goodnight, then lower the ax!I’ll be the hag of the ball, the death of the party,With my new hairdo and my magic wand.They’ll never forget, no, I’ll make ’em regretThe day they ever heard the name… Evilina!The hag of the ball, the death of the party,They’ll be weepin’, sleepin’ from head to toe.Then I’ll dance every dance in my black stretch pants,I’m the classiest witch I know.I’m gonna get my vengeance, I’m makin’ ’em pay,They’re gonna feel my wrath tonight.Yes, I’m gonna work my magic, what a fine display,I’ll tuck ’em in, say goodnight, then shut out the lights!

SPIDER/CAT: (Sing.) She’ll be the hag of the ball, the death of the party,

EVILINA: (Sings.) With my black-toed pumps and my magic wand.

SPIDER/CAT: (Sing.) They’ll never forget, no, she’ll make ’em regret…

EVILINA: (Sings.) The day they ever heard the name…

ALL THREE: (Sing.) Evilina!

SPIDER/CAT: (Sing.) The hag of the ball, the death of the party.

EVILINA: (Sings.) They’ll be cryin’, dying for Briar-Rose.

SPIDER/CAT: (Sing.) But she’ll dance every dance…

EVILINA: (Sings.) In my black stretch pants.

SPIDER/CAT: (Sing.) She’s the wickedest witch we know.

EVILINA: (Sings.) I’m the wickedest witch I know!(Sassy.) I’m gonna show up uninvited though it isn’t polite.

SPIDER/CAT: (Sing.) She’s gonna show up uninvited,Gonna give ’em a fright.

EVILINA: (Sings.) I’m gonna crash that party, it’ll serve ’em right.

SPIDER/CAT: (Sing.) Evilina’s coming to town.

EVILINA: (Sings.) I’ll be the death of the party.

SPIDER/CAT: (Sing.) She’ll dance the dance in her black stretch pants.

EVILINA: (Speaks in rhythm.) I’ll be the death of the party tonight.

ALL THREE: (Speak. Hushed.) Yeah!(At end of song, SPIDER plops back down in the chair and again starts to doze off. The CAT drops from sight.)

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EVILINA: (To SPIDER.) Get out of that chair!

SPIDER: (Startled, springs awake and flattens himself against the wall in a reflex action.) Auuuuugh!

EVILINA: Where’s the prince?

SPIDER: How should I know? I’ve got enough to worry about. I’m not getting any younger.

CAT: (Pops up.) I know where he is.

EVILINA: Where?

CAT: On the back stairs. He thinks the top step is a lily pad.

EVILINA: I really wish I could work that trick better. It isn’t so impressive when it’s not the real thing. I mean, a man who only thinks he’s a frog isn’t the same thing as being a frog. (The SPIDER and CAT immediately agree with her.)

CAT: True, true.

SPIDER: Win some, lose some.

CAT: Perceptive.

EVILINA: Shut up! When I want your wretched comments, I’ll ask for them.

CAT: No need to be so nasty.

EVILINA: That’s what you think, do you? I’ll be as nasty as I want. Especially today of all days. (She takes a pitch pipe from her costume and blows on it.) Hit it.

ALL: (Much too fast, sing acapella.) Happy birthday to you,Happy birthday to you,Happy birthday, Princess Briar-Rose...(Flat.) Boo-hoo, boo-hoo. Boo-Hoo.

EVILINA: That’s enough. I can’t stand sentiment. (She pockets the pitch pipe.) It’s time for our story to spin...and spin.

CAT: How are you gong to get Princess Briar-Rose to this tower room?

SPIDER: She never leaves the palace.

EVILINA: Fools! All this time and you still doubt my magic powers? In the blinking of a single eyelash, I shall transport this tower to the palace. One moment here, the next there.

CAT: How are you going to get the princess to spin?

SPIDER: She doesn’t even know what a spinning wheel is.

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EVILINA: All the better.

CAT: You mean she’ll be curious?

EVILINA: Exactly. Curious. (A menacing step to CAT.) Let’s not forget—curiosity killed the cat. Meow.

CAT: Gulp. (She drops from sight.)

SPIDER: This is it. The big day. Eh, Evilina?

EVILINA: You said it, Spider. Watch. (She throws up her hands to call down the elements.) “Powers that see, Powers agree.Transport this tower room to the palace for me!” (LIGHTS FLASH, SOUND OF THUNDER. LIGHTS BLACKOUT. SPIDER and EVILINA EXIT in the darkness. CAT, too, if you’re using a real person instead of a puppet. A few moments pass and the LIGHTS COME UP on the garden. Princess BRIAR-ROSE ENTERS RIGHT. She holds a filmy handkerchief or scarf.)

CHEF: (ENTERS LEFT.) Everything is ready for your birthday, Princess.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Thank you, Royal Chef.

CHEF: All we need now are the guests.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: They’re all outside the gates.

CHEF: I hope the ice cream won’t melt.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: So do I.

CHEF: Melted ice cream isn’t worth tasting.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: I suppose not. (CHEF EXITS LEFT.)

NURSEMAID: (ENTERS RIGHT.) You seem rather sad, my princess. Is there anything I can do?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: No. I get unhappy when I realize I’m forbidden to go outside the palace. That’s where everyone is now.

NURSEMAID: After today things will be different.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: People are always saying that to me, and I’m never sure what they mean.

NURSEMAID: My little princess, so grown up.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: To tell the truth, sometimes I get quite bored living in the palace.

NURSEMAID: Patience, patience.

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PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: What is that supposed to mean exactly? Patience for what?

NURSEMAID: (Doesn’t want to discuss the matter any further.) I’ll see if the others are returning. (She EXITS RIGHT.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (To audience.) I may be sixteen and soon-to-be a bride, but I’m still treated as a child. And I am bored. (MUSIC CUE 8: “Little Bird.” A bird in a nearby cage begins chirping and singing cheerfully. Speaks to bird.) What are you so happy about? You’re a prisoner too, you know.(Sings.) Little bird, little bird, all alone in your cage,I hear you singing each morning.If you had just one wish, tell me what would it be?Little bird, would you wish to be free?Little bird, little bird, I’ve a secret to tell.It’s locked away deep inside me.Listen close and I’ll tell you, little bird, don’t ask why,But I wish, how I wish I could fly.I would fly through the forest, over snow-covered hills,I would soar over valleys of green.I would fly over mountains sailing high on the wind,Then down to my castle and back home again.Little bird, little bird, if I let you go free,Would you please promise to take me?Let me always be with you, follow where you may go,Little bird, what a life we would know.We could laugh in the sunshine, we could dance in the rain,We could sing as we travel the sky.We could sail ’cross the ocean to a faraway land.Little bird, let me fly with you, please take my hand.(She takes the bird out of the cage and releases it into the air. [NOTE: The fake bird should be released into the wings, OFFSTAGE. BRIAR-ROSE should follow the bird in flight as if flying out over the audience’s head and away.])Little bird, little bird, let me ride on your wing,Show me the way to your kingdom.Little bird, don’t forget me, come fly me away!

EVILINA’S VOICE: (From OFFSTAGE. Speaks.) Princess? Princess Briar-Rose?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Speaks.) Oh, someone’s coming… (To the VOICE.) In here! (She looks back to the sky. Sings.)Little bird, maybe some other day.

EVILINA: (At end of song, hobbles IN using a cane or walking stick.

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Pretends to be a “nice old lady.”) Dear me, Princess Briar-Rose, now why are you looking so forlorn? Life has much to offer.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Hello. Who are you?

EVILINA: I’m old Jane. The spinner.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Old Jane? What does that mean—“spinner”?

EVILINA: Surely, you jest.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: I’ve never heard the word before. I’m quite certain I’ve never seen you before.

EVILINA: Fancy that. (She points to the tower with the cane.) I work in there.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Looks to tower room.) How odd. I never noticed that before.

EVILINA: You must learn to be more observant. It’s quiet and peaceful in there. Spinners need peace and quiet for their work.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: What sort of work do spinners do?

EVILINA: We spin.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: I still don’t understand.

EVILINA: Would you like to see the workroom?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Yes. I would. Very much. But I mustn’t stay away too long. Today is my birthday.

EVILINA: Isn’t that interesting? (She takes PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE by the hand.) Come with me, child. (She crosses to tower room. PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE goes with her.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: “Spin.” Such an odd word.

EVILINA: Spinners spin cloth. Where do you think cloth comes from, child?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: The linen closet. (By now they’re at the tower room. PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE looks about.) It’s very dim in here, and the place is filled with cobwebs.

EVILINA: Spinners must weave and spiders must spin. Each to his own. (She points to the spinning wheel.) There it is. The spinning wheel.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Examines it with great interest.) I’ve never seen such a strange contraption.

EVILINA: Education is a wonderful thing.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: How does it work?

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EVILINA: It’s quite simple. Would you like to try it?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Thinks about this. Inquires of the audience.) Shall I give it a try? (Regardless of response, she sits at the spinning wheel. [NOTE: If the chair in the room is too high for the spinning wheel, a small stool can be placed in the tower room prior to ACT TWO.])

EVILINA: Comfy?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Quite comfy, thank you, Jane. What do I do?

EVILINA: Repeat after me. Foot on pedal—

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Foot on pedal. (She puts her foot to the pedal.)

EVILINA: Turn the wheel—

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Turn the wheel. (She does.)

EVILINA: Wrap the yarn around the spindle.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Wrap the yarn around the spindle. (MUSIC CUE 8a: “I’m a Witch—Underscore.” As PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE busies herself with the mysteries of the spinning wheel, EVILINA moves RIGHT on FORESTAGE chanting out to audience.)

EVILINA: (Speaks.) Hee, hee. Everything is going as I planned. (Chants.)“A princess sits before it,A shrewd witch stands aside.When the spinning wheel sighsThe spindle answers,And many folk will cry.A weave of unseen clothIs fit stuff for—A witch’s broth!” Ha! Ha! Ha! (MUSIC OUT.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Pricks her finger.) Oh.

EVILINA: What is it, child? (To audience.) As if I didn’t know.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: I’ve cut my finger on this. (She indicates spindle.)

EVILINA: The spindle. And on your sixteenth birthday. What a shame! Let me look. (She steps to PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE and takes her hand. Looks.) Mustn’t be a crybaby. It’s only a little cut. Wash your finger in cool water. No harm done. (PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE yawns.) Sleepy, are we?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Yes. How strange. A moment ago I was wide awake. Now I feel quite drowsy.

EVILINA: You’ll feel better when you’ve dipped your pretty finger into the

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cool water.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Stands.) I hope so. I wouldn’t want to fall asleep at my birthday party. (She yawns.)

EVILINA: That would be awful. (To audience.) Wouldn’t it?

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Goodbye, Jane. It was nice meeting you.

EVILINA: The pleasure was all yours. (PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE yawns again and steps into the garden. EVILINA calls after her.) Why don’t you take a nap, dear? A nice loooooooooong nap. Do you good. Hee, hee, hee. (She EXITS tower room and OUT.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Why am I suddenly so sleepy? I feel as if I haven’t slept in years. (Feeling weak, she moves to bench and sits down.) What’s happening to me? (She yawns again. GOOD WITCHES ENTER—half from DOWN RIGHT and half from DOWN LEFT. PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE yawns again, stretches her arms as if preparing for sleep.)

ORANGE: There she is. Sleepy.

GREEN: Evilina’s doing.

RED: The spindle. (PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE stretches out on the bench.)

BLUE: (Points to tower room.) Look! From Castle Tumbledown.

PINK: Unfortunate Briar-Rose.

WHITE: Poor princess. (PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE puts the scarf over her face to shut out the sun.

ORANGE: And Evilina has spirited away the prince.

GREEN: If we don’t find him, Princess Briar-Rose will never wake.

RED: Unhappy thought.

WHITE: What about the court?

ORANGE: It will grow old and the princess will stay young.

BLUE: We will put the court into a deep sleep, too. It will not wake until Briar-Rose wakes. No matter how long it takes.

OTHERS: Wise. (We hear VOICES OF THE COURT from OFF RIGHT and OFF LEFT. Those who left in search of PRINCE ALEXANDER ENTER RIGHT, including KING RUDOLPH and QUEEN ELEANOR. OTHERS ENTER LEFT—CHEF, QUILL, etc. The GOOD WITCHES, not wishing to be seen, cluster DOWN RIGHT and DOWN LEFT.)

QUEEN SAMANTHA: I am so embarrassed by my son’s behavior.

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KING RUDOLPH: Don’t be too hard on the boy. There must be a logical explanation.

QUEEN ELEANOR: There has to be.

SEAMSTRESS: (Points.) The princess. (ALL look, gasp.)

QUILL: I’ve never seen her do that before—sleeping on a garden bench. (MUSIC CUE 8b: “The Gift I Bring—Underscore.” As they gather about the bench, GOOD WITCHES lift their wands and point them UPSTAGE. They hum in tune with the melody, as if a lullaby. Gradually, words begin to drift off as the COURT PEOPLE attempt to stifle yawns.)

NURSEMAID: Princess, wake up. This isn’t good manners... (Yawns.)

QUEEN ELEANOR: Briar-Rose... (Yawns.)

KING RUDOLPH: What’s the matter with the girl... (Yawns.)

LADY JESSICA: I feel so sleepy... (Yawns.)

BARONESS: So do I... (Yawns.)

CHEF: I mustn’t fall asleep. So much to do... (Yawns.)

QUILL: I could do with a nap... (Yawns.)

PRIME MINISTER: A nap before cake and ice cream would be nice... (Yawns. COURT MEMBERS sleepily EXIT LEFT and RIGHT. PRINCE ALEXANDER ENTERS tower room from EXTREME DOWN LEFT and gets onto the chair, frog-like. He is still under EVILINA’S spell. Gradually, the MUSIC FADES, and the GOOD WITCHES step to PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE and look down at her.)

BLUE: She sleeps.

GREEN: The palace sleeps.

RED: We must find the prince. He is the only hope.

ORANGE: But where?

PINK: Search high, search low.

BLUE: Search inside the palace.

WHITE: Search outside the palace.

BLUE: I’ll try the dark tower.

GREEN: Careful. Evilina may be lurking there.

BLUE: In that case, there’s not a moment to lose. Away. (GOOD WITCHES, except BLUE, EXIT RIGHT and LEFT.) I’ll need all my powers in case

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Evilina has done some harm to Alexander.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Rivet.

BLUE: What was that? (To audience.) Did you hear something?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Rivet. (Pause.) Rivet. (Pause.) Rivet.

BLUE: (Understands. To audience.) No! She wouldn’t. She couldn’t. Evilina was never any good at that prince-into-a-frog trick. (She hurries to the tower room.)

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Rivet. Rivet. Rivet.

BLUE: (ENTERS, sees the spinning wheel.) A spinning wheel!

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Rivet.

BLUE: Prince Alexander, get ahold of yourself. (PRINCE ALEXANDER wraps his arms around his body. To audience.) He understood. There’s hope.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Rivet.

BLUE: You are not a frog prince, Prince. Listen to my voice, Alexander. Concentrate. Concentrate.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Rivet.

BLUE: (Works her wand.) “Long legs, slimy thighs,Fat head and bug eyes.Begone!”

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Rivet.

BLUE: I’ll try again. (Stronger voice.)“Long legs, slimy thighs,Fat head and bug eyes.Begone!”

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Blinks his eyes, rubs them. Sits normally.) Where am I? What’s happened? (He thinks.) I remember. There was an old woman. She made me think I was a frog.

BLUE: That was Evilina. A bad witch. There’s no time for lengthy explanations. She means to harm Briar-Rose.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: What?!

BLUE: She put the princess under a spell. Everyone at court is asleep. If you don’t wake the princess, they’ll all sleep on and on. Forever.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Forever?!

BLUE: Maybe longer.

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PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Stands.) I’ll wake the princess. Even if I have to shake her and shake her.

BLUE: Shaking won’t be necessary. All it takes is the kiss of true love.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: No problem.

BLUE: You’ll find Briar-Rose in the garden. But beware. Evilina will try to prevent you from waking the princess. She will try to destroy you. She’s already had one try.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: I’ll be ready for her. (MUSIC CUE 9: “I Will Fight.”)

BLUE: (Speaks.) Hurry.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Speaks.) Aren’t you coming with me?

BLUE: (Speaks.) There is nothing I can do. It’s all up to you, Prince Alexander. Only you.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Throws his chest out. Speaks.)I’m ready for the challenge.(Sings. Determined.) Evilina, Evilina, Evilina, I am surely coming

for, coming for you.Evilina, Evilina, Evilina, I will see to it you are thoroughly through.I will fight, fight, like a man who’s possessed.Fight, fight, I will give it my best.I will struggle, I will battle, ’till Evilina’s no more!I will fight, fight, ’til the battle is won.Fight, fight, I have only begun.I will vanquish, never falter, I will surely win the war.Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight ’til I settle the, settle the score!Briar-Rose, Briar-Rose, Briar-Rose, I am surely coming for, coming

for you.Briar-Rose, Briar-Rose, Briar-Rose, your prince is coming for, coming

for you.I will fight, fight, like a man who’s possessed.Fight, fight, I will give it my best.I will struggle, I will battle, ’til Evilina’s no more!I will fight, fight, ’til the battle is won.Fight, fight, I have only begun.I will vanquish, never falter, I will surely win the war.Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight ’til I settle the, settle the score!(At end of song, he leaves the tower. BLUE follows him into the

garden, EXITS LEFT. CAT pops up.)

CAT: Wow! Some excitement. (SOUND OF STORM—LIGHTS FLASH. THUNDER.)

End of Scene Two

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ACT TWOScene Three

The SOUND EFFECTS continue for a few moments and PRINCE ALEXANDER backs to CENTER, reacts to FLICKERING LIGHTS and THUNDER. EFFECTS OUT. PRINCE ALEXANDER turns about and sees PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE asleep on the garden bench.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Briar-Rose! (He starts to cross to her.)

EVILINA: (Steps INTO the scene from LEFT.) Not so fast, froggy.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: You!

EVILINA: I see you remember me.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: You’re not easy to forget. If you try to interfere, you’ll regret it.

EVILINA: My, my. Aren’t we confident and proud? If you want to rescue your true love—there she is. I won’t stop you. (She gestures to PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE.) However—(She lifts her hand as if to perform some magic feat. Immediately, a WALL OF THORNS ENTERS and positions itself in front of PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE. [NOTE: Consult PRODUCTION NOTES. The “WALL OF THORNS” is an actress who wears a costume of green. She holds a section of garden lattice in front of her. Sharp points—“thorns”—decorate the woodwork. Or, along with vines, they can be painted on.]) To reach your love you must overcome the Wall of Thorns! Ha! Ha! Ha!

WALL OF THORNS: “Thorn as sharp as needle bite,A wall too strong for all your might.Try me, Prince, and you’ll agreeThe battle only goes to me!” (MUSIC CUE 9a: “I Will Fight—Underscore.” With that, the WALL OF THORNS charges! PRINCE ALEXANDER is knocked to the ground by a thrust of the latticework. He jumps up, only to be knocked down again. EVILINA is delighted. PRINCE ALEXANDER, again, jumps to his feet.)

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Shouts over music.) A sword! I need a sword!

EVILINA: (Speaks to audience, gleeful.) Isn’t that sad? Froggy has no weapon.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Leaps onto the FORESTAGE and roars out to the audience. Speaks.) I need your help. I need a sword! Somebody give me a sword! (USHER[S] run dow the aisles with swords. The swords are held up to PRINCE ALEXANDER. He grabs one and whirls about for the WALL OF THORNS. EVILINA is angry. Yells at USHER[S].)

EVILINA: (Speaks.) That’s not fair! (To PRINCE ALEXANDER.) Fight fair!

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(PRINCE ALEXANDER jumps in from of the WALL OF THORNS and whacks and jabs at it with the sword. The WALL OF THORNS is helpless against such weaponry. She backs OFF, RIGHT, as PRINCE ALEXANDER continues to whack and jab at her with the sword.)

WALL OF THORNS: My thorns! My thorns! My beautiful thorns!(Weaker.) “Try me, Prince, and you’ll agreeThe battle only goes to me!”

EVILINA: Stop him! Stop him! (PRINCE ALEXANDER forces the WALL OF THORNS OFFSTAGE. MUSIC OUT. We hear a descending WAIL from the WALL as she’s destroyed. A moment passes and, then, sections of wooden latticework are tossed back into the garden.)

EVILINA: Drat the boy! (PRINCE ALEXANDER REENTERS, moves for PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE.) Wait. (PRINCE ALEXANDER turns to EVILINA.) You have won. Fair and square. So be it. (She points to the SLEEPING BEAUTY.) That is not the Princess Briar-Rose. That is mere illusion. A reflection of my magical powers.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Where is the real princess? I warn you—no tricks.

EVILINA: She is there. (She gestures to the tower room. FALSE PRINCESS ENTERS the tower room from LEFT, crosses, steps into the garden. She wears a costume very similar to the one BRIAR-ROSE is wearing. When she speaks, the voice is as much like BRIAR-ROSE’S as possible. FALSE PRINCESS wears a veil over her face.)

FALSE PRINCESS: Alexander.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Confused.) Briar-Rose?

FALSE PRINCESS: I knew you would rescue me.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Looks to SLEEPING BEAUTY and back to FALSE PRINCESS.) Is that really you, Briar-Rose?

FALSE PRINCESS: You have freed me from the witch’s spell. To destroy her power now and forever you have only to kiss me.

EVILINA: (Swoops toward audience, speaks covertly.) A kiss of farewell. Little does the prince realize the lips of the false princess are moist with poison! Ha, ha, ha! (She puts her finger to her lips to indicate silence.) Careful. If but one person warns the prince not to kiss the false princess, then the poison is useless. Shhhhh. Not a peep.

FALSE PRINCESS: Soon we will wed. The two kingdoms will be united. (Arms outstretched, she moves for him.)

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Wavers.) Which is the real princess and which is the false? I’m confused.

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FALSE PRINCESS: (Pulls veil aside.) My prince. Kiss me. (PRINCE ALEXANDER moves to kiss her. [NOTE: At this point, hopefully, someone in the AUDIENCE will yell out “No!” or some such. But, to make sure, USHER[S] or someone concerned with the show will protest—“No!”—“Don’t kiss her!”—“Stop!” etc.])

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Startled, he jumps back.) What?! (He looks closer at FALSE PRINCESS.) This is not Princess Briar-Rose. The lips of this false creature are moist with poison! (EVILINA whines in anger. PRINCE ALEXANDER holds the sword ready to whack the FALSE PRINCESS in twain. FALSE PRINCESS screams as PRINCE ALEXANDER swings the sword. FALSE PRINCESS runs back into the tower room and OUT. As she does, EVILINA yells.)

EVILINA: Spider! Get in here!

SPIDER: (ENTERS.) What is it this time?

EVILINA: (Points to PRINCE ALEXANDER.) The prince. Destroy him. (PRINCE ALEXANDER gets another grip on the handle of the sword. Ready to whack the SPIDER when it gets close. The SPIDER takes one look at his opponent and decides to beat a hasty retreat.)

SPIDER: Me? Destroy him? You’ve got to be kidding. (He runs OFF.)

EVILINA: Treacherous spider! I’ll never trust a spider again.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Admit your defeat, witch, and I’ll spare your life.

EVILINA: You haven’t won yet, Prince Alexander. You have yet to meet my most powerful ally. My most magnificent creation. Behold—The Dark Knight! (She raises one arm upward. THUNDER. MUSIC CUE 9b: “I Will Fight—Underscore.” STAGE DARKENS and the DARK KNIGHT stomps IN. He’s a fearsome warrior wearing dark clothing. [NOTE: Consult PRODUCTION NOTES for a full description of this character.] He, too, carries a sword. And a battle shield. Menacingly, he advances on PRINCE ALEXANDER, and the two fight. Sword against sword. EVILINA moves about, observing. PRINCE ALEXANDER strikes at the battle shield, but it seems to have little effect on the DARK KNIGHT. Every time the DARK KNIGHT swings at PRINCE ALEXANDER, the young man leaps aside. The battle continues. Speaks over music.) What are you waiting for, Dark Knight? Finish him off! I command you! (PRINCE ALEXANDER and the DARK KNIGHT battle on. PRINCE ALEXANDER backsteps, OFFSTAGE RIGHT. The DARK KNIGHT continues to advance. Sword against sword. Sword against shield. As the warriors EXIT, EVILINA creeps CENTER and watches the action.) Strike! Strike quick and hard! Destroy the prince! (BATTLE SOUNDS continue from OFFSTAGE. CLANG! BANG! CLANG! MUSIC OUT. Then—a CRY OF

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ANGUISH from the DARK KNIGHT and the SOUND of his body hitting the ground with a THUD. EVILINA is horrified by what she sees.) Nooooooooooooo. It cannot be. (LIGHTS UP. A moment passes. PRINCE ALEXANDER REENTERS. He holds the battle shield.)

PRINCE ALEXANDER: The Dark Knight’s battle shield. He is vanquished. When my sword stuck him he turned to dust. He was only a shadow. (He drops the shield.)

EVILINA: Oh, wicked boy. You have defeated me. (She covers her face with her hands and sinks to the floor. MUSIC CUE 9c: “Sleeping Beauty Awakens.” PRINCE ALEXANDER steps to PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE. He kneels beside the bench and removes the scarf. Pause. Gently he kisses the PRINCESS. Stands. Pause. PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE wakes, yawns.)

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: Goodness. What am I doing napping on a garden bench? (MUSIC OUT. She sees PRINCE ALEXANDER.) Alexander.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: Happy birthday. (COURT MEMBERS, yawning and stretching, begin to drift ONTO the STAGE from RIGHT and LEFT. GOOD WITCHES APPEAR from EXTREME DOWN RIGHT and EXTREME DOWN LEFT on FORESTAGE. They watch the proceedings as if the garden were an inner-stage. [NOTE: At this point, the ENTIRE CAST, with the exception of the SPIDER, who will, of course, appear at Curtain Call, is ONSTAGE.])

OTHERS: (Between yawns.) Happy birthday, Princess. Happy birthday. (PRINCE ALEXANDER holds out his hand. PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE takes it. They stand UPSTAGE, CENTER.)

QUEEN SAMANTHA: Alexander, where have you been?

PRINCE ALEXANDER: It’s a long story, Mother. Someday I’ll tell you all about it.

PRIME MINISTER: (Bangs staff to the ground.) Attend! Attend! Attend! Let us celebrate the birthday of Princess Briar-Rose and her coming marriage to Prince Alexander of the neighboring kingdom. (Applause.)

OTHERS: Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

EVILINA: (Gets up.) Bah!

OTHERS: (Amazed.) It’s Evilina!

QUEEN ELEANOR: Who let her in?

EVILINA: You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’m finished in the bad witch trade. Doesn’t pay. Maybe I can market my beetle and

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cornstarch face powder. (She steps to audience.) I’ve got a word of advice for all of you out there. Be very, very careful who you don’t invite to your next party. Golden plates aren’t necessary.

GOOD WITCHES: (Gesture with their hands.) Away.

EVILINA: Bah. (She slinks OFF.)

KING RUDOLPH: From this day forth, the ban on spinning wheels is lifted. Once again, they are welcome in the kingdom of Never Nod. (Applause.)

PRIME MINISTER: Attend! Attend! Attend! May the Princess Briar-Rose and her prince live happily ever after.

ALL: Happily ever after.

CAT: (Pops up.) Wow. (MUSIC CUE 10: “All is Well That’s Ended Well.” Laughter and cheers.)

KING RUDOLPH: (Sings.) It’s a time to celebrate.

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Sings.) Let’s have a celebration.

PRIME MINISTER: (Sings.) Sound the trumpet, strike the bell.

QUEEN SAMANTHA: (Sings.) It’s a time to celebrate.

PRINCE ALEXANDER/PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Sing.) Let’s have a celebration.

ALL SOLOISTS: (Sing.) All is well that’s ended well.

COMPANY: (Sings.) It’s a time to celebrate.Let’s have a celebration.Sound the trumpet, strike the bell.It’s a time to celebrate.Let’s have a celebration.All is well that’s ended well.

KING RUDOLPH: (Sings.) Let there be a proclamation,Sent throughout the nation,All are welcome on this day.

QUEEN ELEANOR: (Sings.) We will have a royal wedding…

QUEEN SAMANTHA: (Sings.) In a royal setting.

ALL SOLOISTS: (Sing.) All are welcome on this day.

COMPANY: (Sings.) It’s a time to celebrate.Let’s have a celebration.Sound the trumpet, strike the bell.It’s a time to celebrate.Let’s have a celebration.

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All is well that’s ended well.

PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE: (Sings.) Let the days be filled with laughter,Always ever after.Merriment, to all good cheer.

PRINCE ALEXANDER: (Sings.) Let the nights be filled with dancing,Singing and romancing,

ALL SOLOISTS: (Sing.) Heard by people far and near.

COMPANY: (Sings.) It’s a time to celebrate.Let’s have a celebration.Sound the trumpet, strike the bell.It’s a time to celebrate.Let’s have a celebration.All is well that’s ended well.It’s a time to celebrate.Let’s have a celebration.Sound the trumpet, strike the bell.It’s a time to celebrate.Let’s have a celebration.All is well that’s ended well.Celebrate!Celebrate!Celebrate!(Segue to MUSIC CUE 10a: “Enchanted Sleeping Beauty—Epilogue.”)

COMPANY: (Sings.)Come ye, lords, come ye, ladies, come and fly thee away,On a magical journey, follow now, I do pray.Come ye, lords, come ye, ladies, we are waiting for you,In a storybook kingdom, where dreams can come true.’Tis a story of true love, of beauty so fair.’Tis a tale of a child, a treasure so rare.’Tis a time of rejoicing, as she blossoms and grows,Come ye now, hear my story of sweet Briar-Rose.(LIGHTS DIM on COMPANY. They FREEZE in SILHOUETTE as in PROLOGUE. SPOTLIGHT on MINSTREL.)

MINSTREL: ’Tis a time of rejoicing, as she blossoms and grows.Come ye now, hear my story of sweet Briar-Rose.(LIGHTS FADE to BLACK.)

END OF MUSICAL

MUSIC CUE 11: “Curtain Call.”

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MUSIC CUE 12: “Exit Music.”

production notes

PROPERTIES

ONSTAGE for ACT ONE

PALACE COURTYARD: Two throne-like chairs, bench.

EVILINA’S TOWER ROOM: Work table with dusty bottles of colored liquid, large powder puff, box of powder, dried twigs, stuffed bird, high-back chair.

ONSTAGE for ACT TWO

PALACE GARDEN: Strike thrones, reposition bench. Add two cutout rosebushes.

EVILINA’S TOWER ROOM: Add spinning wheel.

ACT ONE

BROUGHT ON, Scene One: Scrolls (BARONESS, LADY JESSICA); crown (QUEEN ELEANOR); feathered quills, ledger, spectacles, small ink bottle on belt (QUILL); crown (KING RUDOLPH); long robe, floor-length staff, optional white beard (PRIME MINISTER); apron, puffed cook’s hat (CHEF).

BROUGHT ON, Scene Two: Large envelope containing large card (SPIDER).

BROUGHT ON, Scene Three: Baby doll with cap, wrapped in pretty blanket (NURSEMAID); sword (BARON); wand (EVILINA); wands, colored ribbon bows (GOOD WITCHES).

BROUGHT ON, Scene Four: Tape measure, apron with needles, bits of cloth and thread, ribbons (SEAMSTRESS); scroll (PRIME MINISTER); rose (PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE); ring (PRINCE ALEXANDER).

ACT TWO

BROUGHT ON, Scene One: Gift-wrapped boxes (LADY JESSICA, BARONESS, QUILL, NURSEMAID, SEAMSTRESS).

BROUGHT ON, Scene Two: Pitch pipe, cane or walking stick (EVILINA); scarf (PRINCESS BRIAR-ROSE).

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BROUGHT ON, Scene Three: Swords (USHERS); sections of latticework (tossed in from OFFSTAGE); veil (FALSE PRINCESS); sword, shield (DARK KNIGHT).

SOUND

Trumpet or drum flourish, thunder and storm effects, birds twittering, barking dog (easily done by actor OFFSTAGE who is good at barking like a dog), battle noises.

FLEXIBLE CASTING

Arrange to fit your needs. For example, if you want more female roles, CHEF can be played by an actress. So can SPIDER. If you want another male role, LADY JESSICA can be played as a nobleman—LORD JASPER. Ditto for THE WALL OF THORNS. Although six WITCHES are mentioned in the text, you can uses fewer—2, 3, 4. Whatever. Simply redistribute the lines. CAT can be eliminated if you wish. The cutting of a few lines will be required, rest can be given to the SPIDER. BARON might double in the role of the DARK KNIGHT.

QUILL, BARONESS or LADY JESSICA might double in the role of FALSE PRINCESS. For a larger cast, add additional COURT MEMBERS and/or GOOD WITCHES.

DRESSING UP THE SET

A painted scenic backdrop showing a garden scene will prove effective. A cutout statue or column for ACT ONE, another bench. More cutout rosebushes in ACT TWO.

THE CAT PUPPET

If you decide to use a hand puppet instead of a live actor or cutout, another animal will also work okay. A skunk hand puppet is fairly easy to find. A goose, a parrot.

COSTUMES

As indicated in the script. The usual fairy tale garments. However, there are three costumes that require special attention:

The WALL OF THORNS: The actress wears green tights, green overshirt, a green head mask (a green bathing cap works okay). Or face is painted green. Green gloves (or hands painted green). She holds the garden lattice. Vines and leaves are either painted onto the latticework or attached to it. The “thorns” need be nothing more than foam “cones” or “points,” painted black.

The DARK KNIGHT: His costume should be dark, of course, and his prop sword and shield should be black. He might wear a helmet so we can’t see

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his face. Or a mask of some sort. Even a black ski mask will work, gloves. For a truly dramatic effect consider this—THE DARK KNIGHT is headless.

To do this, add about a foot of extra “costume” above the head of the actor. A long black robe works fine for this effect, but you will need to add a foot of material to the hem.

The important thing about the DARK KNIGHT is this—he must look genuinely scary. Since his sword battle with PRINCE ALEXANDER is performed on a darkened stage, this effect is easily obtainable.

SPIDER: A type of outfit like the comic book hero Spiderman—or the creature might have an extra pair of “legs” sprouting from its sides. Stuffed long gloves or stockings work for this effect. “Webs” (rope) might drop from the arms.

ABOUT THE SWORDPLAYThe more exciting and authentic-looking you can make the battle

between the DARK KNIGHT and PRINCE ALEXANDER, the greater the audience response. Don’t rush it and remember—safety first. The

battle between the PRINCE and the DARK KNIGHT might be done in slow motion. Same for PRINCE versus WALL OF THORNS.

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