Script by David Downing Music and Lyrics by Tom Megan
Cast: 8 m or f, 9 f, 9m extras 55 minutes Elementary / Middle School
BUZZ ON is a fun-filled parody of science fiction moview. A comic musical of killer bees "attacking" a small town, BUZZ ON includes an absent-minded mad scientist, a Queen Bee who acts like Mae West, and a script full of puns. The play has been bery popluar with young people's theater groups.
Royalty: $35/$25
Chanticleer
Script by Priscilla B. Dewey Music and Lyrics by Katrina Campion
Cast: 18 m or f, 5 f, 7 m, extras. 60 minutes Elementary / Middle School
Based on an actual event, this lyrical musical tells the tale of an enchanted Swiss weathervane. Preston and Josie Clark, an American couple traveling in Europe at the turn of the last century, persuade the caretaker of a Swiss castle to sell them the handsome sculpture of a rooster, much against the wishes of the town's children. the displaced "coq" is brought back to America and haunts the Clark family with its longing for home. the melodic score weaves a spell that will captivate audiences as this dramatic tale unfolds.
Royalty: $35/$25
Clam's Casino
Script by Sam Abel Music and Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 9 m or f, 5 f, 4 m, extras 70 minutes Elementary / Middle School
The Waters off Long Island are home to Clam, his Casino, and a lively community of creatures, including brainy Dr. Snail, grumpy Crab, indecisive Jellyfish, the rock legend Star, the beautiful Pearl and her two suitors, Oyster and petulant Morey Eel (with his band of Guppies). But "Somethin's Fishy" in these waters, as the "above the ocean fish" and their environmental disasters begin to infiltrate Clam's Casino. A minor deity and her Holy Mackerels intervene but will it be in time? Who will win Pearl's luminous "hand"? Will the perpetrators of "The Oil Slick Blues" see the error of their ways? Find out in this musical romp through the ever changing waters of "Clam's Casino".
Royalty: $50/$35
Don't Touch That Dial
Script by Sam Abel Music by Gregg Saeger, Narciaas Campion Lyrics by Abel and Campion
Cast: 8 m, 9 f, extras 60 minutes Middle / High School
"Can't THEY ever put on good TV shows?" "THEY never have anything new on TV!" What will happen when we meet the mysterious THEY and witness their attempts to keep people watching TV against their better judgment? Tune in to find out!
Royalty: $50/$35
Family Court
Script by toby Dewey Music and Lyrics by David Friedman
Cast: 18 m, 19 f, extras 75 minutes Middle / High School
Family Court is about fourteen-year-old Allen Greenfield, who wants to divorce his parents. Meeting in the courtroom with his parents and a judge, Allen recounts in flashback scenes the difficulties he has encountered at home, in school, and with the law. While the tone of the show is poignant, the play has many light moments and concludes with an upbeat ending as Allen and his family are willing to make a fresh start. This is an ideal show for larger casts, as the play depicts Allen, his siblings and his friends at three stages of life.
Royalty: $35/$25
Family Tree
Script by Toby Dewey Music and Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 5 m or f, 18 f, 10 m 70 minutes Middle / High School
The Discovery of a secret reverberates not only through a present-day family, but also through its family tree of ancestors, dating back to 1861. Past and present-day family members focus on fourteen year-old Jeremy Willoughby, who confronts issues of identy, political awareness, and family loyalty. Traditions are challenged, and past and present converge, as Jeremy becomes the vortex of the family storm.
Royalty: $50/$35
Food for Thought
Script by Robert Houghton and David Downing Music and Lyrics by Tom Megan
Cast: 10 m or f, 12 f, 8 m, extras 70 minutes Elementary / Middle School
A teenage "Junk Food Junkie" causes his/her mother much concern. Mom's attempts to reform her child's eating habits lead the pair from doctor to sorcerer, through corporate board rooms, health spas, and the child's own body. Poking fun at fads, fanatics, and fast foods, this is a musical for audiences of all ages. Faced with "A Mixed Up World/Where everyone tells you where to go/What not to do," the young protagonist discovers "The choce is up to me." The fun and lyrical score offers wonderful singing opportunitries for young voices.
Royalty: $50/$35
Jigsaw
Script by Toby Dewey Music and Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 14 m of f, 2 f, 2 m, extras 75 minutes Middle / High School
So you think you are good at jigsaw puzzles? How about a life-sized one that includes a professional wrestler, an opera singer, an elf, a ballerina, three witches, a bag lady, and a scuba diver? Written in the tradition of the Theater of the Absurd, this unpredictible play offers a zany, outrageous and whimiscal view of life. Four young strangers find themselves trying to piece this bizarre puzzle together. But why? Do the pieces fit? does every piece have a place? Is the puzzle ever finished? And why is the puzzle here in the first place?
Royalty: $50/$35
Left Out
Script by Sam Abel Music/Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 12 m or f, 9 f, 4 m, extras 75 minutes Middle / High School
What happens when peer pressure and prejudice invade the peaceful lives of teens living together at a boarding school? A classroom game about prejudice - lefties are the oppressed minority - starts to turn serious. The lefties try to fight back, as the righties sink deeper and deper into their newly assumed power. Cooler heads prevail, but not without tough lessons for teens, teachers, and their parents. This show has been a real hit with middle schoolers.
Royalty: $50/$35
"Campion's clever lyrics and zippy music brought a polish and spirit to the work rarely seen on junior and senior high school stagings. 'Right and left Blues' is a number worthy of Broadway...a clear Show stopper."
The Tab Newspapers, Boston, MA
Monopoly
Script by Tobey Dewey Music and Lyrics by Jack Megan Additional music and lyrics by Tom Megan
Cast: 15 f, 15 m, extras 75 minutes Middle / High School
The Parker Brothers, intoxicated with the economic success of their newest game, decide to hold a promotional stunt for all the world to see. They offer three young people from different backgrounds the opportunity to circle the Monopoly board and choose a property. Escorted by the Banker the young players meet many people, from the street-wise youths of Baltic Avenue to the socialites of Boardwalk. With a lighthearted spirit and a tuneful score, this play looks at some of the issues surrounding socio-economic difference and the decisions young people face in choosing their goals.
Royalty: $50/$35
Mystery At The Hopeless Hotel
Script by Ned White Music and Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 16 m or f, 11 f, 5 m 80 minutes Middle / High School
Everyone loves a mystery! After failing to solve a major case, ace private detective Jack McKay finds sanctuary with his new identity as a bellhop at the Hopeless Hotel, a seedy place populated by a wild assortment of offbeat characters. When one of the guests is murdered, McKay summons his courage (and all of his six senses, who appear as fantasy characters) to unravel the mystery. Rich in stage action, with a single master set, this energetcally paced play explores the value of trusting one's intuition, and confronting past mistakes.
Royalty: $50/$35
Finally! Great shows for kids
Suzanne Clifton Walsh, Director Creative Arts Convent of the Sacred Heart New York, New York
NOZONE
Script by Toby Dewey Music and Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 9 m or f, 12 f, 7 m, extras 70 minutes Middle / High School
"Today we had record-breaking heat, a downpour, thunder and lightning, a hurricane, a blizzard, and now there are glaciers moving towards us!" In NOZONE you will meet a most unusual family, including roller-skating grandparents searching for the perfect moment from their past and a father who thinks he is superhero known as the Chameleon. With an upbeat score that will get your toes tappin'. NOZONE is outrageous, whimisical, and absurd. Is explores a serious issue with a variety of eccentric characters who are challenging and appealing to teenagers.
Royalty: $50/$35
Power Play
Script by Talbot Dewey, Jr. Music and Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 15 m or f, 6 f, 5 m, extras 70 minutes Middle / High School
Power Play is fast-paced, refreshing, humorous, and alarming. It deals with current issues and offers a perspective that adults usually do not see: power viewed through the eyes of young people. A theatre group arrives to prepare for their performance. Changing into costumes and beginning their physical and vocal warm-ups, the young actors leave school, family, and concerns behind and take on their fantasy roles. A millionaire, a general, a rock star, a Surpeme Court justice, and fashion model are some of the fantasy weave in and out of the scenes as certain memvers of the cast become excited and exhilarated in their discovery of new power.
Royalty: $50/$35
The Cookie Crumbl'd
Script by Sam Abel Non-musical
Cast: 5 m, 9 f, extras 60 minutes Elementary / Middle School
World-famous private eye Sherlock Flintlock takes on the evil Dr. Doom and his band of rats in this raucous one-act farce. A troop of juvenile criminals posing as girl scounts is terrorizing the city by selling poisoned cookies. Meanwhile Dr. Doom is stealing the victims' bodies and turning them into monsters to take over the world. Flintlock and his sidekick, Miss Bungalow, track down the criminals. But can they save the city in time?
Royalty: $25/performance
"Where else but in the Freelance Press catalogue can you find plays as innovative as 'Nozone' and 'Power Play'? Contemporary young actors need - and deserve - material this challenging and original."
Kristina Johnson, Artistic Director Royal Palm Players Boca Grande, Florida
The Dreammakers
Script by Sam Abel Music and Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 10 m or f, 3 f, 3 m, extras 75 minutes
Janice a defiant teenager , is mysteriously and mistakenly transported to the land of the Dreammakers. There she finds herself caught in a fight between Lothar, Lord of Nightmare, and his arch rival. Augusta Euphoria III, Head Dreammaker. With the help of Augusta's bumbling apprentices, Janice brings peace to the divided kingdom and returns home to "Dream a new world - you just might get it!" The memorable score includes several counterpoint numbers specifically scored for young voices.
Royalty: $50/$35
The Writing on the Wall
Script by David Downing Music and Lyrics by Martha Rogers
Cast: 6 m or f, 6 f, 6 m, extras 75 minutes Middle / High School
Miles Elding wants to be an artist. He meets two graffiti gangs, the Wall Blasters and the Subway Devils. With the help of their artistic skills, Miles tries to save a building for the homeless people of his town and to defeat the town's corrupt mayor. As he pursues his artistic dreams, Miles confronts some of life's tougher questions. This contemporary show is filled with upbeat music, perfect for rousing dance numbers.
Royalty: $50/$35
Tortoise vs. Hare
Script / lyrics by Stephen Murray Music by Stephen Murray
Flexible cast size, most roles m or f. 60 minutes Elementary / Middle School
This witty new musical version of Aesop's famous fable won the Anna Aornio national children's playwriting contest. Harry Hare and her gang of "Hare's angels" terriorize the animals of the forest until Theodore Tortoise challenges her right to rule. It is agreed that the dispute will be settled by the most famous race in children's literature. Slow-paced Theodore is put through an exercise and nutrition program by his animal pals, while Harry and her Hares plan their cheating tactics. This musical fable with multiple morals has been enhoyed by children and adults in numerous performance and included upbeat music that ranges from rock 'n roll, to calypso, to jazz.
Royalty: $50/$35
"Murray's contemporary version of Aesop's tale expands upon the notion that "slow and steady wins the race". His approach to a seris of value statements that help us, as modern citizens to be more in touch with what we can do for ourselves and each other..."
Atlantic News, Hampton, N.H.
Tumbleweed
Script by Sebastian Stuart Music and Lyrics by Narcissa Campion
Cast: 13 m or f, 10 f, 7 m
Tumbleweed is a wild and wacky western about a most unusual town. Set in 1898, it tells the tale of Abigail, a well bred young girl who disguises herself as a boy and runs away to Texas in search of adventure. She hooks up with a talking (and singing) dog named Grunge Bucket, who introduces her to the dying town of Tumbleweed. A gang of desperados, four talking (and singing) horses, dancehall girls, an orphan named Hope who dreams of saving Tumbleweed, and a cast of eccentric characters put the Wild back in the West. Abby gets all the adventure she can handle and then some! The upbeat and heartfelt score truly bring this western to life. From the "Grunge Bucket Blues" to "Can't Get the Dancin' Out of Me", your audiences will delight in this madcap adventure.
Royalty: $50/$35
All Rights Reserved - Freelance Players, Inc. 2009
