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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

A Play for Teachers and Students!

Adapted for a Large Cast


Of Young Performers

By
Kathryn Schultz Miller

ArtReach Children’s Theatre Plays


4047 Pro Am Ave. East
Bradenton, FL 34203
Phone: 941-753-3222 Fax: 941-753-5407
www.ChildrensTheatrePlays.com

Copyright 2007, Kathryn Schultz Miller


1

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST


For Teachers and Students!

Adapted for a Large Cast


of Young Performers

Soundtrack: A soundtrack CD is available from


Children’s Theatre Plays.com. Please request if interested.

IMPORTANT COPYRIGHT NOTICE

NO COPIES OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE MADE WITHOUT


WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR.

A ROYALTY IS DUE FOR ALL PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING


PERFORMANCES FOR NON-PAYING AUDIENCES.

This play is fully protected by copyright. Professionals and


amateurs are hereby warned that this play, being fully
protected under international copyright laws, is subject to a
royalty. All rights including professional, amateur, motion
pictures, radio broadcasting, television broadcasting and the
right of translation into foreign languages are strictly reserved.

In its present form this play is reserved for personal reading


and perusal purposes only. However, authorized productions
of this play are encouraged and supported. Arrangements for
productions must be made in writing with:

Kathryn Schultz Miller


ArtReach Children’s Theatre Plays
4047 Pro Am Ave. East
Bradenton, FL 34203
Phone: 941-753-3222 Fax: 941-753-5407
Email: kschultzmiller@mindspring.com
Website: ChildrensTheatrePlays.com

Copyright 2007, Kathryn Schultz Miller

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
2

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST


Running Time: About 40-45 minutes.
CHARACTERS: Flexible cast of 29 – 7 Female, 7 Male, All others F/M

BEAUTY: (F, 72 lines total.)


BEAUTY #1 (F, 21 lines)
BEAUTY #2 (F, 16 lines)
BEAUTY #3 (F, 18 lines)
BEAUTY #4 (F, 17 lines)

BEAST: (M, 43 lines total.)


PRINCE/BEAST (M, 9 lines)
BEAST #1 (M, 8 lines)
BEAST #2 (M, 10 lines)
BEAST #3 (M, 16 lines)

PAPA: (M, 43 lines total.)


PAPA #1 (M, 22 lines)
PAPA #2 (M, 21 lines)

COLOR GUARD:
RED (M/F, 8 lines)
BLUE (M/F, 7 lines)
GREEN (M/F, 7 lines)
YELLOW (M/F, 7 lines)

BEGGAR: (M/F, 12 lines)

HENRI THE PAINTER: (M/F, 8 lines, 1 long speech)

MARCEL THE MIME: (M/F, important movement)

VILLAGERS:
BEBE THE BAKER (M/F, 14 lines)
MILLIE THE MILLINER (F, 14 lines)
GERARD THE GROCER (M/F, 11 lines)
FLORENCE FLOWERS (F, 10 lines)

BRUNO: (M, 22 lines)

WOLVES:
WILD BILL (M/F, 10 lines)
FANG (M/F, 10 lines)
HOWLER (M/F, 7 lines)

CASTLE SERVANTS:
MRS. TEA-TIME (F, 21 lines)
TINK (M/F, 11 lines)
MR. WINDUP (M/F, 31 lines)
MR. SPARKLE (M/F, 32 lines)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
3

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST


STAGING NOTES

It is suggested that the performance be staged in a large room such as a gym,


cafeteria, or fellowship room. A stage is not needed; scenic backdrops are
unnecessary. Audience is arranged on three sides of the playing area, chairs set
up in a horseshoe shape. PERFORMERS (children that will be involved though
not speaking) will be seated in the front row/perimeter of this playing space. The
chairs are set with 2 aisles that leave a path through the audience, which will be
used for exits, entrances and playing area throughout the performance. If
possible allow a large area behind the audience for performing and never forget
to stage scenes from that area and the aisles. This kind of variety in
performance space keeps the audience involved, encourages participation and
makes blocking easy and creative. A few simple benches in the play area may
indicate beds, chairs etc.

There is no backstage. Exits and entrances may mean only that a performer
leaves his or her place in the playing area and simply sits back down in his seat.
Also, performers can always exit down an aisle and sit (or hide) with the
audience to become “backstage”. Being creative with this kind of blocking will
greatly enhance the enjoyment for your cast and audience. (See diagram in
Teachers Guide.)

You may prefer to use a traditional stage if one is available. The play can easily
be adapted to any space or staging style.

The COLOR GUARDS will carry flags/banners in the various primary colors: red,
blue, green and yellow. The flags should be easy to handle; made of silk or
lining fabric attached to lightweight poles – allow the COLOR GUARD time to
play with them so that they are as comfortable to use as batons. There are many
suggestions for their use to indicate setting such as the doors of the palace, trees
in the forest. Let your COLOR GUARD help you to imagine other ways to add
flash and flourish to any scene.

Props and costumes for their parts may be in the PERFORMERS’ laps or on the
floor beside them. In one corner of the upstage area is a stand for percussion
instruments such as chimes, cymbals, bells, wood sticks, kazoos, slide whistles.
Performers may be seated at the stand or nearby so that they can use these
instruments as sound effects throughout the show. If the CD is being used it can
also be operated from this stand. In the other corner is a hat rack or any system
of hooks where props and costume pieces may hang ready for performers as
they enter the playing area.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
4

PERFORMERS:
The PERFORMERS seated along the perimeter of the playing area may be
engaged throughout the performance. They may react at all times, sometimes
vocally. They may provide props, or actually become props (i.e., door knocking).
Use your imagination to involve them as much as possible. It will not only be a
great source of humor throughout but it is a great ploy to keep everyone busy
and paying attention during rehearsals.

CASTING NOTES:
You may easily increase or decrease the number of roles by redistributing line
assignments. Every PERFORMER along the perimeter of the playing area may
be used to create sounds such as echoes, and become part of the scenery such
as flowers in the garden. In this way every child will participate. You may
decrease the amount of time each group spends performing to shorten these
improvised scenes for those less able to perform, or you may increase the time
to show off talent. These kinds of ad-lib scenes are good places to insert song
and dance if you like. This script offers many opportunities for these seated
PERFORMERS to participate but do not hesitate to use your own imagination
and ask for even more ideas from the children.
When adjusting cast size you may consider the following: The smaller roles of
WOLVES and VILLAGERS may be played by the same actors. The cast is very
large so you may want to double in this way. Likewise, if you need a larger cast
you might add more WOLVES, VILLAGERS even more MIMES and SERVANTS.

Look for “OPTIONAL TRANSITION” throughout the script. These indicate breaks
in the storytelling where you might exchange performers in the large roles of
BEAUTY, BEAST and PAPA. The out-in-the open staging style of this play
allows the audience to see these changes take place in full view with no break in
the enjoyment of the play. It actually makes it even more fun for all!

COSTUMES AND PROPS:


You may be as elaborate or simple as you like with costumes. I suggest each
performer wear a basic dark color and use pieces to indicate character. When
several performers share a role have each wear a basic costume of black or dark
clothing with a common piece such as hair ribbon for BEAUTY or a hat for PAPA.

Always choose the most creative way to indicate character. Caps and jackets
may be used but it always best to represent character is through the child’s own
imagination. Give them time to decide how their character talks and walks. If a
child decides that their character would like to wear a ball cap have that child
bring his favorite from home. Any time you run into the need for a prop or set
piece of any kind, remember your front row of performers – you’ll be surprised
how often they come in handy.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
5

BEAST HEADPIECE: The BEAST may be any kind of beast -- he may have
horns or gills or fuzzy ears. Let your BEAST (s) help you decide which kind they
prefer. Create a head piece that may be put on or taken off from above. During
the transition scenes have the BEAST kneel down while other performers place
the head on or lift it off his head. Consider using a hard hat to make the base
and build upon that with any light material such as paper mache or felt fabric.
Remember it should be as light weight as possible so that the transitions may go
smoothly. The BEAST may also wear a large roomy cape, which will be helpful
for the action and also eliminates the need for a full-body costume.

A NOTE FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT


In the past few years since we began creating plays for young performers we’ve
seen a tremendous increase of confidence in the teachers we hear from. Most
are finding it easier to let the process flow and worry less about the final product.
I firmly believe that the experience will be best for all when you keep a few things
in mind:
Free yourself from worry about whether or not it’s “good”. No one is paying big
ticket prices; no one expects a Broadway success. The key to making this
project meaningful is to put the emphasis on process; realize that rehearsal and
practice are as much a part of the experience as the actual performance.
Encourage fun and you will free the children from embarrassment and stress. If
the kids can’t learn the lines let them carry a script or use their own words to
convey the character’s message. If they seem to wander the stage, let them
explore where they want to go – they might surprise you with a wonderful idea.
In every aspect of the process give them the wings to create and think. Give
them a comfortable, supportive place to go and their confidence and self-
expression will soar!
Above all else, make sure you are having fun. If you’ve never directed a play
before, don’t worry. It’s all just pretend -- you can’t do it wrong! The quality of
your experience is every bit as important as that of the children. You need the
joy of self-expression too, that doesn’t go away when we grow up. So give
yourself a break. And when all else fails, laugh!
Thank you so much for choosing Beauty and the Beast. It’s been a pleasure to
hear from you and to receive accounts of your wonderful productions. I can’t
think of anything more rewarding than to create this version of Beauty and the
Beast for you and your students! Break a leg!

– KSM

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
6

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST


CD Sound Cues
CD soundtrack available from Children’s Theatre Plays.com

No. Time Description Cue Line / Action

1 1:19 Thunder, sea sounds Pg 7, Starts the show

2 2:31 Beast roar!, sea, roar!, Pg 9, “Here is your punishment!”


happy music, market

3 1:01 Sad music Pg 13, “I’ll have my wife very soon.”

4 1:07 Ominous music, storm Pg 15, “Take care, Papa!”

5 0:17 Magical sound Pg 17, “Let him in!”

6 0:54 Dreamy garden Pg 21, “The garden…”

7 0:16 Beast roar! Pg 22, “Yes, Beauty, I will bring you a rose.”

8 0:16 Beast roar! Pg 23, “Send me the girl!”

9 0:51 French strings Pg 25, “…how can I let the beast take you?”

10 0:58 Frightening forest Pg 25/26, After MARCEL exits.

11 0:43 Beast roar!, scary sounds Pg 28, BEAST enters through open flags.

12 0:30 Fanfare Pg 31, “Her Ladyship… Beauty!”

13 1:13 Angry mob, waltz Pg 33, “Follow me!”

14 0:56 Angry mob, roar! Pg 35, “I must go now!”

15 0:26 Beast roar!, drums Pg 37, “And heaven help me! I love you!”

16 3:36 Dance finale, curtain call Pg 37, “Not a beast any longer. Your Prince.”

Cues have ½ second of silence at the beginning and 10 seconds at the end (except last). Times shown
include silence.

Start the play with Cue 1, then use Pause/Fwd/Play controls for each cue:
1. Press PAUSE at the end of the cue (10 secs of silence).
2. Press FWD (or SKIP, right arrows) to set at next cue.
3. Press PLAY to start the next cue (at the appropriate line, action, as indicated)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
7

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

AT RISE: As the play begins ALL PERFORMERS except COLOR GUARD will
enter and take their places in the chairs set up for them at the sides of the
playing area. COLOR GUARD: RED, BLUE, GREEN and YELLOW enter last,
carrying flags/banners on long poles. The flag colors match the colors they
represent. As they speak they stand opposite from each other, cross the flags so
that they create an arch.

(SOUND CUE #1: Crack of thunder! Crashing sea noises.)

GUARD RED: Once upon a time…

GUARD BLUE: Long ago and far away…

(They cross their flags.)

GUARD GREEN: High upon a stormy hill…

(GREEN and YELLOW stand in front of RED and BLUE and cross their
flags to form another arch.)

GUARD YELLOW: There was a beautiful castle…

(BEGGAR enters. Her head is covered in a hood and she holds out one
hand, begging to the audience.)

BEGGAR: Alms! Alms for the poor! Alms for the poor!

RED: And in this castle there lived a prince…

(PRINCE enters through the flag arches, pushing them aside. )

BLUE: With a handsome face…

GREEN: And a heart made of stone…

(PRINCE look out to sea, holds his cape against driving rain.
SOUND CUE FADES during folloring lines.)

PRINCE: Ah, such a night!

(GUARDS twirl away and put flags into pole holders (or someone nearby
may hold it). GUARDS stand formally to the side, as palace guards.)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
8

BEGGAR: (Begging to PRINCE.) Alms! Alms for the poor!

PRINCE: What are you doing here? This is private property. (Snaps his
fingers.) Guards! Guards!

(GREEN and YELLOW move forward.)

YELLOW: Your Majesty?

PRINCE: Remove this person at once.

BEGGAR: Your Majesty is it? Are you Prince Francois? Ruler of this land?

PRINCE: I am.

BEGGAR: I am your loyal subject sir. (Bows.)

PRINCE: Then you may show your loyalty by getting out of my sight!

BEGGAR: Sir, you have been most unkind. You live in this grand palace while
your poor people suffer and starve.

PRINCE: And what concern is that of mine?

BEGGAR: Have a heart, Prince. (Extends hand.) Alms?

(PRINCE bats the hand away.)

PRINCE: Guards! Obey my command at once!

(GREEN and YELLOW move forward and take BEGGAR by the arms.)
She wrestles away.)

BEGGAR: Do not be so hasty, Prince. I am not what I seem to be.

PRINCE: What? (Laughs.) You are not a filthy beggar?

BEGGAR: You see only what you care to see. But I have come to change that!

(PERFORMERS use cymbal to add to the crashing sea noises. ALL use
available percussion instruments to add drama. BEGGAR dances around
PRINCE.)

Listen, listen…

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
9

PERFORMERS: (Echoing.) Listen… listen…

BEGGAR: You will learn…

PERFORMERS: (Echoing.) You will learn… You will learn…

(BEGGAR throws off hood.)

BEGGAR: Seize him!

(GREEN and YELLOW take PRINCE by the arms.)

PRINCE: What? What is this?

BEGGAR: You are too proud Prince Francois! (For “Francois” say fran-swah.)
For this you will pay!

PERFORMERS: (Echoing.) You will pay… you will pay…

BEGGAR: Here is your punishment!

(GREEN and YELLOW turn PRINCE around back to the audience and
force him to his knees. RED and BLUE enter with mask/headpiece and
put it on PRINCE’s head. They lift the mask up high and dramatically
bring it down.

SOUND CUE #2: Beast roar, crashing waves, roar [continues]

PRINCE reaches out in agony.)

You wear the mask that is your heart. Only love can save you now,
Prince. If and when a beautiful and good woman comes to you and
loves you – only then will the spell be broken.

Until then you shall remain a BEAST!

(Crashing sounds! BEGGAR gestures toward PRINCE then exits,


laughing. The animal roars again as YELLOW and GREEN swirl their
flags above PRINCE’S head. At last they bring their flags down to cover
the PRINCE, as if closing doors. They waft their flags, ushering the
PRINCE away. ALL exit.

SOUND CUE CONTINUES: Happy music and street/market sounds.)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
10

HENRI enters calling back over his shoulder. He wears an artist’s poofy
hat and carries a palate and brush.

HENRI: Come along now, Marcel! Don’t dawdle! Now it’s just over this hill and
down this alley. (Sees playing area and gasps.) Voila! (For “Voila” say
vwa-lah.) This is it! Now where is my assistant with my canvas and
paints? Marcel!

(MARCEL enters. He is a mime, dressed traditionally in striped shirt,


beret, red scarf and white face. He mimes carrying a canvas and supplies
on his back.)

At last. I have found the perfect scene, Marcel! Set up the easel, quick,
while the spirit moves me!

(MARCEL “sets it up”. He takes easel off back, sets up the easel by
outlining it in the air, careful to show the slant. He draws a square in the
air to make the canvas. He puts canvas up.)

Ah, the colors and the light! It’s perfect! Don’t you see?

(MARCEL looks at empty stage/playing area, shrugs his shoulders and


scratches his head.)

It’s as plain as the scarf on your neck! (To audience.) Well, surely these
kind people see the scene. No?

(AUDIENCE doesn’t see it.)

Use you imagination, my friends! It is a crisp autumn morning, a lovely


village, a perfect French market! Why here comes Bebe the Baker!

(BEBE enters carrying a basket of breads. For “Bonjour” say bohn-zhoor.)

BEBE: Bonjour!

(MILLIE enters wearing a floppy hat, overdressed.)

HENRI: And Millie the Milliner!

MILLIE: Bonjour!

(GERARD enters with a bushel basket of tomatoes.)

GERARD: Bonjour!

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
11

(FLORENCE enters with basket of flowers.)

HENRI: Florence the flower seller!

FLORENCE: Bonjour!

(SOUND CUE FADES during this scene.)

HENRI: Why it’s so real it almost comes to life!

BEBE, MILLIE, GERARD, FLORENCE: (To each other.) Bonjour, bonjour


bonjour!

(MARCEL “sees” it now, gestures to HENRI to watch. He signs “Wait,


wait!” Goes to FLORENCE, mimes taking a coin from his pants pocket,
exchanges it for a flower. He then goes to MILLIE and gives her the
flower. They both act shy and blushing.)

HENRI: Every picture tells a story, my friends. (Winks.) Watch carefully now,
you won’t want to miss a thing.

(HENRI sits to paint. He may pick up his “easel” and move it to the side.)

BEBE: Have you heard the news?

MILLIE: News, what news?

BEBE: It’s about Beauty!

GERARD: Beauty! What a wonderful girl!

FLORENCE: Yes, wonderful! But what a tragedy!

MILLIE: A tragedy! How so?

(They huddle to whisper. MARCEL breaks out of the huddle, mimes: an


old man with long beard, penniless -- turns pockets inside out -- and sick --
he slumps in frailty.)

BEBE: Beauty’s father?

(MARCEL mimes: “ yes!”)

MILLIE: Is he sick?

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
12

GERARD: Lost all his money?

FLORENCE: Shh! Shh! Here she comes now.

(BEAUTY #1 enters, she walks sadly with an empty basket. VILLAGERS


call to her.)

BEBE: Good morning, Beauty. Baguette? Croissant? (Say bah-geht and


kwah-sahn.)

(BEAUTY looks at them longingly.)

BEAUTY: My father’s favorite. But, no, Bebe. Not today, thank you.

MILLIE: A ribbon for your hair, Mademoiselle? (Say mahd-mwah-zehl.)

BEAUTY: How pretty! Oh, no but thank you!

GERARD: Tomatoes or apples? To match the blush of your cheek?

BEAUTY: (Sadly.) They look lovely but… no.

BEBE, MILLIE, GERARD, FLORENCE, MARCEL: Poor Beauty.

FLORENCE: What a pity! Take this, my dear. It is a gift!

(BEAUTY takes the flower and puts it in her hair.)

BEBE: (Hands BEAUTY a loaf of bread.) And this!

MILLIE: (Hands BEAUTY a ribbon.) And this!

GERARD: (Hands BEAUTY a tomato.) And this!

BEAUTY: You’re very kind. Merci. (Say mehr-see.) All of you.

BEBE: Keep your head up, dear.

BEAUTY: I shall try. Bonjour.

BEBE, MILLIE, GERARD, FLORENCE, MARCEL: Bonjour!

(BEAUTY begins to exit one way and VILLAGERS exit in the opposite
direction. BRUNO enters and strikes a jaunty pose.)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
13

BRUNO: Why, Beauty! Fancy meeting you here!

BEAUTY: I pass this way every day, Bruno.

BRUNO: Do you? I never noticed. Anyway I was just wondering about your
father.

BEAUTY: He’s not feeling any better if that’s what you mean.

BRUNO: You know there’s a rumor going round that things are little tight at your
house. Seems the old man’s strapped for cash.

BEAUTY: He made some bad investments, that’s all. His ship will come in
soon. Very soon I’m sure.

BRUNO: Of course it will… but just in case it doesn’t…

BEAUTY: Yes?

BRUNO: If things got real bad….

BEAUTY: We don’t need your help, Bruno.

BRUNO: Have you ever seen my house, Beauty? It’s awful roomy. It’s got an
extra bedroom and the kitchen is deluxe! Just the thing for a young wife.

BEAUTY: I hope you find one soon, Bruno.

BRUNO: Oh, I will. Don’t you worry, Beauty. I’ll have my wife very soon.

(BRUNO exits. BEAUTY exits in other direction.

SOUND CUE #3: Sad music.

MARCEL rearranges things on stage. He puts a chair by a bench, mimes


lighting a fire in the fireplace. MARCEL makes a square/frame around the
scene, then exits.)

HENRI: (To audience.) Now you see how the colors change. From sunny
brightness to shadowy gray.

(PAPA #1 enters, warms himself by the fire, groans and coughs as he sits
down. BEAUTY enters with basket of goods.)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
14

BEAUTY: Oh, Papa! You’re up. How are you feeling today?

PAPA: Ah, Beauty! There’s my favorite girl! I’m feeling quite well, thank
you!

BEAUTY: You never do complain do you? (She kisses him.) Look what I
brought you! (Holds up a tomato.)

PAPA: Such riches!

(SOUND CUE ENDS.)

BEAUTY: Now you just rest while I fix you something to eat.

(MARCEL enters. Knocks on “door”. PERFORMERS makes sound with


rhythm sticks.)

Oh, I’ll get it!

(She takes letter from MARCEL.)

Thank you!

(MARCEL exits.)

PAPA: What is it?

BEAUTY: It’s a letter from England?

PAPA: From England! Let me see that. (Looks at letter, laughs.) Ah, ha! It is
Beauty! (Rips it open, reads.) Ha-ha! At last!

BEAUTY: But what does it mean?

PAPA: Long ago I sold all my belongings to invest in this very ship! (Shaking
the letter.) I thought all was lost. But look! Our ship has come in. We’re
rich, Beauty. Rich! I must go at once.

BEAUTY: Oh, no, you’re much too ill…

PAPA: Nonsense. Look at me. Fit as a fiddle. (Does a little jig and ends it in a
fit of coughing.)

BEAUTY: Please don’t go, Papa.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
15

PAPA: I must, Beauty. It is our only hope.

BEAUTY: (Near tears.) Let me come with you.

PAPA: It is a long trip my dear. It’s not for a girl like you. Now cheer up. What
shall I bring you as a gift? Irish lace and a strand of pearls?

BEAUTY: A rose. Bring me a rose, father.

PAPA: Only that? You’re a most unusual girl, Beauty. Give us a kiss.

(Offers cheek, she kisses.)

I’m off.

BEAUTY: Take care, Papa!

(PAPA exits down the aisle. BEAUTY cries as she waves. MARCEL cries
too and offers her a handkerchief, then his arm as he escorts her off,
exiting.

OPTIONAL TRANSITION: BEAUTY #1 exits and will be replaced by


BEAUTY #2 at next entrance.

COLOR GUARD enter with their flags and swirl them around the playing
area. PAPA enters during next lines and walks among the wafting flags
pushing them away as they obstruct his path.)

SOUND CUE #4: Dark, ominous music, storm, wind.

RED: The weather was cold and stormy…

(PERFORMERS make the sound of wind and wave their hands to show
the gusts. PAPA reacts to the ‘waves” as they hit him. PERFORMERS
may also use percussion instruments to punctuate the action.)

BLUE: The chill wind cut him to the bone…

RED: Beauty’s father traveled as far as he could…

YELLOW: Then he left the beaten path…

GREEN: And climbed the rough and rocky hills…

YELLOW: Until at last he reached a dark and lonely forest…

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
16

PAPA: Where am I? I should have reached the shore by now.

(SOUND CUE ENDS. WOLVES enter playing area and howl.)

WOLVES: Oh-ooooowwwwww! Oh-oooowww!

PAPA: Ah! What is that?

(COLOR GUARD swirls flags away to reveal WOLVES to PAPA.)

Ahhhh….!

(WOLVES snarl and circle PAPA.)

WILD BILL: What do ya make of him boys?

PAPA: (Terrified.) Please…

FANG: A right tasty morsel.

HOWLER: Naw. Too old. Probably tough.

FANG: I haven’t eaten since breakfast.

WILD BILL: Yeah, my belly’s rumblin’.

PAPA: Please, I beg you!

HOWLER: Looks like he’ll have to do.

FANG: Until something juicier comes along.

WOLVES: Oh-oooooowwww!

(PAPA screams and runs off, running down aisle, WOLVES follow
snarling. COLOR GUARD swirl flags around as PAPA enters again from
behind the audience.)

RED: He ran as fast as he could…

BLUE: With the wolves nipping at his heels…

GREEN: Until he saw…

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
17

(COLOR GUARD strike pose, they arches as before to indicate castle but
the arches cross over to indicate that they are closed.)

PAPA: (Sees it.) A castle!

(PAPA runs to “door” and pounds, PERFORMERS make the sound of


knocking.)

Please let me in!

(TINK sticks his head out between the flags.)

TINK: Look, Mama! It’s some kind of strange creature!

MRS. TEA-TIME: Don’t point, Tink. It’s rude.

(MRS. TEA-TIME looks out.)

Oh, dear, you’re right! I haven’t seen one of those in years.

(To COLOR GUARD.)

Well don’t just stand there. Let him in!

(SOUND CUE #5: Magical tinkling sound as doors open, CUE ENDS.
COLOR GUARD open flags. PERFORMERS use chimes for magical
sound. PAPA walks in looking around in awe.)

PAPA: It’s beautiful!

(WOLVES enter, yapping.)

MRS. TEA-TIME: Hurry, hurry!

(COLOR GUARD close flags. WOLVES run up and whine as the flags
close.)

WILD BILL: Well, there’s always rodents…

HOWLER: Small birds…

FANG: Peanut butter.

(WOLVES slink away, exiting. Flags twirl away, exiting.)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
18

TINK: What do we do now, Mama?

MRS. TEA-TIME: It’s been so long I hardly know. I think we start with tea.

(She carries a teapot and pours into a cup. She gives cup to TINK, who
gives it to PAPA. PAPA gulps it down.)

Oh, my.

PAPA: (Out of breath.) Merci. I’ve traveled so far… I’ve I lost my way…

(WINDUP and SPARKLE enter.)

WINDUP & SPARKLE: What is the meaning of this?

SPARKLE: What is all this hub-bub?

WINDUP: Now see here, Mrs. Tea-time. We haven’t time for nonsense…

SPARKLE: If someone would endeavor to illoo-minate me…

(They stop, see PAPA, gasp!)

WINDUP & SPARKLE: A guest!

MRS. TEA-TIME: Why yes, that’s what they’re called. I remember now.
Guests!

TINK: (Amazed.) A guest!

SPARKLE: And you know what guests need don’t you, Mr. Windup?

WINDUP: I certainly do, Mr. Sparkle. They need to tidy up!

(WINDUP and SPARKLE take a big cloths from their pockets and use
them to dust PAPA off, violently, big swinging strokes that knock PAPA
around. WINDUP & SPARKLE twirl PAPA around as they “tidy”.)

SPARKLE: They need scrubbing and rubbing…

WINDUP: They need bathing and shaving…

SPARKLE: Don’t forget those feet!

WINDUP: Don’t forget those teeth!

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
19

MRS. TEA-TIME: How about something to eat?

WINDUP: Yes! Must have something to eat!

SPARKLE: Good!

WINDUP: Excellent!

SPARKLE: Splendid!

(MRS. TEA-TIME gives SPARKLE a dish/platter of food. SPARKLE and


WINDUP waft it under PAPA’s nose, they pass it back and forth as they
name foods.)

WINDUP: Chicken and turkey and a plate of ham?

SPARKLE: Dumplings and ducklings and a pot of spam?

WINDUP: Chocolate and ice cream and bowls of jam?

SPARKLE: Crumpets and donuts and candied yams!

PAPA: Wait!

WINDUP and SPARKLE: Whaaa…?

PAPA: Let me swallow.

WINDUP and SPARKLE: Very well.

(They cross their arms and tap their feet with impatience. PAPA swallows.
They take away the platters and wheel him around the room.)

WINDUP: Now light a fire!

SPARKLE: Now just take a seat!

(WINDUP puts a fluffs a cushion and puts behind PAPA.)

WINDUP: Just make yourself cozy…

SPARKLE: Now put up your feet!

WINDUP and SPARKLE: Comfy?

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
20

(Giving PAPA no time to answer.)

SPARKLE: Good!

WINDUP: Excellent!

SPARKLE: Splendid!

(Just as PAPA gets settled they whisk away the chair.)

Time for night clothes!

(They twirl PAPA around, trying to pull up his shirt.)

WINDUP: Up-see daisy!

SPARKLE: Whoop-see-up-see!

(PAPA stops them.)

PAPA: Wait! I can do this myself!

(WINDUP and SPARKLE turn their noses up. Wounded and sarcastic…)

SPARKLE: Good.

WINDUP: Excellent.

SPARKLE: Splendid.

MRS. TEA-TIME: Perhaps I should take it from here.

SPARKLE: Just be careful not to tell him about…

WINDUP: (Stage whisper, pointing upstairs.) You. Know. What.

MRS. TEA-TIME: Oh I’ll be careful…

(WINDUP and SPARKLE exit. PAPA is all wound up in his clothes…)

PAPA: Perhaps you could give me a hand…

MRS. TEA-TIME: Oh dear.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
21

(She helps him struggle out of the clothes.)

Those two can be a bit much, can’t they? But never mind. They mean
well. Tink, get a blanket.

TINK: Yes, Mama.

(TINK takes to MRS. TEA-TIME.)

MRS. TEA-TIME: Let’s tuck you in now.

(She puts him to bed. He may sit on a bench as MRS. TEA-TIME cozies
a blanket around his neck.)

There now. Pleasant dreams. In the morning you can have a nice walk in
the garden. Come along, Tink.

TINK: Goodnight, Mr. Guest.

(TINK and MRS. TEA-TIME exit.)

PAPA: (Falling asleep.) The garden…

(SOUND CUE #6: Eerie, dreamy garden music.)

HENRI: Ah, such a lovely picture. A castle. The moonlight. A garden. Marcel,
what kind of flowers should we have in the garden?

(As HENRI says the names, individual PERFORMERS enter becoming


the flowers. MARCEL stops by each flower and inhales the fragrance.)

Violets? Lilies? Marigolds?

(MARCEL shakes his head “no”, whips out a rose. )

Ah, yes. A rose. Nothing smells as sweet a rose…

(SOUND CUE ENDS.)

PERFORMERS: (Dreamily.) A rose… a rose… a rose…

(MARCEL moves the rose under PAPA’s nose. PAPA smells it and, with
eyes closed, follows its scent as it leads him to the garden. BEAST #1 is
behind BLUE’S flag as they move into scene close to PAPA behind rose.)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
22

PAPA: (Dreaming.) Yes, Beauty, I will bring you a rose.

(He opens his eyes and sees the rose. He plucks it. MARCEL and BLUE
twirl away. BEAST #1 stands and howls!

SOUND CUE #7: Beast roar! CUE ENDS.

FLOWERS react in fear and fall away, exiting.)

BEAST: HOW DARE YOU STEAL ONE OF MY ROSES!

(PAPA falls trembling to the ground.)

PAPA: (Terrified.) Ah! Sir! Your Majesty! Forgive me.

BEAST: (Howls.) Howwwwlll! Thief!

PAPA: I did not know the rose belonged to you! The servants have been so
kind I thought no one would mind…

BEAST: I give you food and shelter and this is how you repay me?

PAPA: Sir, I have been on a long journey. I lost my way! Now all I want is to
find my way home. My daughter asked for a rose…

BEAST: Your daughter?

PAPA: Yes. Beauty.

BEAST: She is called Beauty?

PAPA: She is so striking, everyone has called her that since she was a girl.
Please sir, for my daughter’s sake, let me return to her.

BEAST: (Growls as he sighs.) Ahhh…! If your daughter loves you enough to


take your place, I will take her instead. If she refuses you will return to me
and take your punishment.

PAPA: Never, I would never let her take my place. Kill me instead.

(PAPA drops his head down. BEAST raises his arm as if to strike but
does not.)

BEAST: I am the master of this beautiful palace and yet I am its prisoner. Your
daughter might be my only chance. Send me the girl…

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
23

PAPA: Never!

(BEAST begins to exit.)

BEAST: Send me the girl!

(SOUND CUE #8: Beast roar! PERFORMERS may add to this roar with
a gong sound or a crash of a cymbal. CUE ENDS.

OPTIONAL TRANSITION: BEAST #1 exits, BEAST #2 will replace him


upon next entrance.

As BEAST exits, he away whisked behind BLUE’s flag. PAPA turns to


the audience.)

PAPA: Oh Beauty, what have I done?

(GREEN, YELLOW and RED wave flags around PAPA.)

GREEN: And so Beauty’s father began his long, sad journey home.

(The flags waft PAPA down the aisle as PERFORMERS “whoosh” them
away, ALL exiting.

OPTIONAL TRANSITION: PAPA #1 exits, PAPA #2 will replace him


upon next entrance.

OPTIONAL TRANSITION: BEAUTY #2 enters, pursued by BRUNO.)

BEAUTY: I’ve told you before, Bruno! Please don’t make me say it again!

BRUNO: Have you seen the way the girls in the village look at me? Why any
one of them would be thrilled to by my wife.

BEAUTY: Then please do thrill one of them!

BRUNO: I can give you diamonds, gowns of silk and satin! My house is like a
palace!

BEAUTY: I don’t want a palace!

BRUNO: Then what do you want?

BEAUTY: You could never understand.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
24

BRUNO: Aren’t you being a bit selfish, Beauty? Think of your father.

BEAUTY: (Suddenly struck with sadness.) Papa!

BRUNO: If you married me your Papa wouldn’t have to go away like this. You
could see him all the time -- when you’re not seeing me, of course.

BEAUTY: Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I should think of him instead of


myself.

BRUNO: Now you’re thinking. Let’s have a cozy little dinner tonight. Say around
six?

BEAUTY: All right. Around six.

BRUNO: I knew you’d see it my way. Eventually.

(BRUNO exits and BEAUTY throws herself onto a bench, buries her head
and cries. PAPA #2 enters, stops sees her and tiptoes to her. He taps
her shoulder, she sits up, he stands behind her and covers her eyes.)

BEAUTY: Who is it? (To herself.) Oh, could it be at last? (To PAPA.) Well if
you won’t tell me I’ll have to guess. Could it be that horrible father of
mine?

PAPA: Horrible?

BEAUTY: Yes he has stayed away so long I barely remember what he looks
like.

PAPA: But what if that horrible father brought you a gift? (He holds rose before
her face.) Open your eyes.

BEAUTY: A rose! (She turns.) Papa!

(They embrace.)

Papa, this is the most perfect rose I’ve ever seen.

PAPA: It came at quite a cost.

BEAUTY: What do you mean?

PAPA: Beauty, I have returned to you -- only to say goodbye. I got lost deep in

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
25

the forest and there I found a palace…

BEAUTY: A palace!

PAPA: And in it lives a creature, a monster… a beast! When I picked the rose
he said I was a thief. And that I must return to him and pay for my crime.

BEAUTY: For picking a rose?

PAPA: There is only one way I can be saved. But it is unthinkable.

BEAUTY: How?

PAPA: He wants you to take my place.

BEAUTY: I will go in your place! Immediately!

PAPA: You mean everything to me, Beauty. You’re all I have. I would never let
you go. Put it out of your mind.

(He smoothes her hair and kisses her forehead.)

I only want to enjoy the time I have left with you.

(PAPA lovingly touches her cheek and exits. BEAUTY is left alone with
the rose.)

BEAUTY: Oh, Papa, how can I let the beast take you?

(SOUND CUE #9: Poignant French strings.

MARCEL enters and tries to communicate with her as she makes her
decision to leave. He shakes his head “no”. He takes the rose and tries
to keep it from her. She takes it back.)

How can you understand? It is because of the love in my heart.


Whatever the danger. I must go!

(SOUND CUE ENDS.

OPTIONAL TRANSITION: BEAUTY #2 exits, BEAUTY #3 will enter upon


next entrance.

MARCEL droops in sadness. He covers his heart and blows her a kiss.
Slowly, he walks away, exiting.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
26

SOUND CUE #10: Frightening forest music. PERFORMERS punctuate


the action with percussion instruments.

BEAUTY #3 enters, trudging and exhausted.)

YELLOW: Beauty walked for days and days…

RED: The wind got colder…

BLUE: The cliffs got higher…

GREEN: At last she found herself in a deep, dark forest…

BEAUTY: Oh, I’m lost. I’m hopelessly lost.

(WILD BILL enters.)

WILD BILL: Well, I’ll be. Get a load of this, boys.

(HOWLER and FANG enter.)

What kinda species is that you figure?

HOWLER: I’ve seen one of these before. It’s called a girl.

FANG: No, you mongrel. It’s called a lady.

WILD BILL: You’re both wrong. It’s called dinner.

(They look at each other and snicker in agreement.


SOUND CUE ENDS.)

YELLOW: Just then, at the top of a high hill…

(COLOR GUARD lift flags to form castle as before.)

BEAUTY: A light! At last! Someone must live up there! Hello? Hello!

(WOLVES spread out and form a circle around BEAUTY, slinking and
hiding behind audience members.)

WILD BILL: Careful boys, don’t let her slip away.

FANG: Don’t worry, chief. We got her surrounded.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
27

BEAUTY: If only someone could hear me. Hello up there!

(She steps toward castle, closer to WOLVES. They suddenly step out and
snap at her.)

Wolves!

(WOLVES snarl as they swat paws at her.)

Please. Let me pass.

FANG: You know we’d like to oblige ya miss…

HOWLER: Even if we weren’t hungry…

FANG: Which we are.

WILD BILL: We got our reputation to look out for.

FANG: See if we was to let you go…

HOWLER: They’d just be another pack of wolves right behind us.

FANG: It’s the rule of the forest, don’t you know?

BEAUTY: (Terrified.) Rule? What rule?

HOWLER: It’s quite simple really. It’s…

WILD BILL: Eat or be eaten.

BEAUTY: No!

(BEAUTY takes off running, dropping the rose. FANG follows her down
the aisle and around behind the audience while WILD BILL and HOWLER
take their places at the top of the aisle in playing area. BEAUTY runs in
and finds herself surrounded, WOLVES snarling.)

WILD BILL: Ready boys?

BEAUTY: Please!

(OPTIONAL TRANSITION: BEAST #2 enters, he will be replaced by


BEAST #3 on page 27.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
28

WOLVES start to pounce. COLOR GUARD suddenly open flags as


BEAST #2 enters, roaring.

SOUND CUE #11: Beast roar!, loud, dramatic scary sounds.

Beauty sees BEAST and screams! She faints at the sight. WOLVES
back away, terrified…)

WILD BILL: I… I… I seem to have lost my appetite.

(BEAST roars again and stretches himself to his full height.)

WOLVES: Ahhh….!!!

(SOUND CUE ENDS. WOLVES scream and run, exiting down aisles.
BEAST sees BEAUTY and rose on the ground. He picks up the rose.)

BEAST: Ah, Beauty. You’ve come at last.

(He throws his cape around her and, as if he is carrying her, wafts her
away, through the arch as flags close up behind them.

Scary sound subside. MRS. TEA-TIME and TINK enter. MRS. TEA-TIME
calls over her shoulder.)

MRS. TEA-TIME: Bring her this way, gentlemen. Tink, make up the bed!

(TINK arranges benches to make a bed. WINDUP and SPARKLE carry


BEAUTY in, she has one arm draped over each neck. They lay her down
on bed, she is limp.)

TINK: Should we make her some tea, Mama?

MRS. TEA-TIME: Oh, I think she needs more than tea, dearie.

TINK: What’s wrong with her?

MRS. TEA-TIME: She’s had quite a fright. The master can be quite… unnerving
if you’re not used to him.

SPARKLE: She’ll need scrubbing and rubbing…

WINDUP: And bathing and shaving…

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
29

MRS. TEA-TIME: Not this time, I’m afraid. What she needs is rest. Come along
all of you.

(They exit. BEAST enters with rose and stands over her.)

BEAST: What did the beggar tell me? A beautiful girl must love you…
Only then will the spell be broken… (Sighs, growls.) Ahhh….

(BEAUTY wakes, sees him and screams. She jumps from bed to get
away.)

Please. Do not be afraid.

BEAUTY: You’re the monster.

BEAST: Monster?

BEAUTY: Yes, the beast my father told me about. He told me how you wanted
to punish him. For taking the rose.

BEAST: (Sadly.) It must sound very cruel to you.

BEAUTY: My father is an honest man. He keeps his promises, no matter how


cruel and unjust! I am here to take his place. Just as you requested!

BEAST: You are as brave as you are beautiful.

BEAUTY: Kill me… if you must.

BEAST: I will never harm you, Beauty. You must believe me.

BEAUTY: I will never trust you. Never!

(BEAST growls sadly and walks away, exiting. COLOR GUARD twirl their
flags again as he exits. MRS. TEA-TIME enters with tray.)

MRS. TEA-TIME: Why, there you are! Up and about. You gave us quite a
fright.

BEAUTY: What is this place?

MRS. TEA-TIME: Can’t you see? It’s a castle.

BEAUTY: A castle? For a beast to live in?

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
30

MRS. TEA-TIME: He doesn’t live here exactly. He sort of prowls here. He’s a
very sad creature, my master.

BEAUTY: Why is he sad?

MRS. TEA-TIME: Oh, that’s a long story. Perhaps some other time. Tea?

BEAUTY: I don’t want anything.

MRS. TEA-TIME: Well, it’s very good tea. I’ll just leave it here for you.

(MRS. TEA-TIME exits. BEAUTY begins to write.)

BEAUTY: Dear Father. By now you know that I have left home. I shall miss
you, Papa…

(MRS. TEA-TIME pops her head in.)

MRS. TEA-TIME: Oh by the way, the master has requested that you join him for
dinner.

BEAUTY: Absolutely not.

MRS. TEA-TIME: It’s not an invitation, dearie. It’s a command.

(BEAUTY turns back to writing.)

BEAUTY: Try not to think of me, Papa. This is for the best, I’m sure. All my
love, Beauty.

(She folds the letter and holds it to her chest.)

I shall never see you again!

(OPTIONAL TRANSITION: BEAUTY #3 exits, BEAUTY #4 will replace


her upon next entrance.

She exits. BEAST enters followed by WINDUP and SPARKLE.)

BEAST: It is ridiculous! Absurd! I won’t do it!

WINDUP: But sir, surely you realize…

SPARKLE: She’s a lady, after all, don’t you see?

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
31

WINDUP: She will expect you to be dressed properly.

SPARKLE: A tasteful necktie perhaps?

(SPARKLE holds bow tie up to BEAST’s chin.)

WINDUP: Some shiny shoes.

SPARKLE: And always popular… a pair of pants!

(He holds up large polka-dotted pants.)

BEAST: I won’t do it! I am not a man. I am a beast!

WINDUP: Oh, please don’t be so hard on yourself, sir.

BEAST: Bring her to me!

(WINDUP and SPARKLE scurry away, exiting. They may carry away tea
props.)

This spell will never be broken. It is impossible!

(He turns away, sighs in despair. COLOR GUARD enters with flags.)

RED: If it pleases your, highness…

BLUE: It is our honor to present…

GREEN: The right honorable lady..

YELLOW: And most welcomed guest…

COLOR GUARD & PERFORMERS: Her Ladyship… Beauty!

(SOUND CUE #12: Fanfare. PERFORMERS may make the fanfare


sound and extend their arms as if to present BEAUTY to the crowd. CUE
ENDS.)

BEAUTY #4 enters, looks around apprehensively.)

BEAST: Good evening, Beauty.

BEAUTY: Good evening, your highness.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
32

(BEAST takes her hand and leads her.)

RED: The days passed into weeks…

BLUE: The weeks passed into months…

BEAST: (Gives her a book.) I thought you might enjoy this.

BEAUTY: Oh, a book. It’s so pretty! Its pages are edged in gold.

BEAST: But look inside, look to the words.

BEAUTY: What do the words say?

BEAST: They say the things that are in my heart. I would write them myself, if I
were not a beast.

(BEAST exits. BEAUTY takes out her letter and writes.)

BEAUTY: Dear Papa. The beast is not as I expected. Sometimes he is so sad


and so tender I think his heart will break. But he is a beast. I could never
love a beast !

(BEAUTY folds the letter and exits. COLOR GUARD turn away. PAPA
enters, reading letter.)

PAPA: (Reading.) I know I have gone against your wishes to come here.
Please do try to forgive me. Your loving daughter… (Looks up, crumples
letter.) Beauty! You have disobeyed me!

(PAPA exits, storming down the aisle. VILLAGERS enter.)

BEBE: Have you heard the news?

MILLIE: Beauty’s father has come to town!

GERARD: He just came by my shop looking for his daughter.

FLORENCE: What has happened to her?

BEBE: It seems she’s run away!

MILLIE: Run away! Oh, my. (Uses her hat to fan herself.)

GERARD: Mon Dieu! (Say mohn-dee-uh.) It is too much!

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
33

FLORENCE: Her father must be frantic!

(BRUNO enters.)

BRUNO: What is this I hear about Beauty?

MILLIE: (Tearfully.) It’s true, its true!

BRUNO: But I’ve made the plans for our wedding. The cake, the flowers, the
hall…

(PAPA enters.)

PAPA: Your wedding? Beauty never told me she planned to marry you!

BRUNO: Now see here, old boy, the girl loves me. She told me so herself!

(VILLAGERS gasp!)

MILLIE: That’s a lie!

BRUNO: Well, not in so many words. But I can I read between the lines well
enough. She would never run away from me! She must have been
kidnapped!

VILLAGERS: Kidnapped!

GERARD: I, for one, will pledge my life to save her!

BEBE: (Stepping forward.) And me!

MILLIE: And me!

FLORENCE: And me!

BEBE: But where can she be?

PAPA: Follow me!

(ALL exit down the aisle.

SOUND CUE #13: Sounds of angry mob [continues].

COLOR GUARD raise flags, TINK sticks his head out between the flags.)

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
34

TINK: Look, Mama! Come quick! There are a lot of guests out there!

(MRS. TEA-TIME sticks her head out.)

MRS. TEA-TIME: More like an angry mob, I’d say.

TINK: What do they want, Mama?

MRS. TEA-TIME: I can’t be certain. But I think they’re up to no good. And just
when everything was going so well.

(SOUND CUE CONTINUES: A beautiful waltz overpowers the sound of


the mob.

COLOR GUARD open their flags and BEAUTY and BEAST #3 enter
waltzing. They dance briskly around the playing area, clearly enjoying
themselves. They dance as they speak.)

BEAST: Beauty, you make me so happy. What can I give you as a token of my
affection? Silk gowns, gold, jewels?

BEAUTY: You’ve given me so much. How can I ask for more? But there is one
thing.

BEAST: Tell me! Anything!

(She stops the dance. SOUND CUE ENDS.)

BEAUTY: Let me see my father again.

BEAST: (Growls.) Ahhh….! Of course. How selfish of me not to think of it.

(MRS. TEA-TIME brings him a hand mirror.)

You may see him anytime. Just look in the mirror and you will see.

(BEAUTY takes mirror, looks…)

BEAUTY: Just look in the mirror and you will see…

BEAST: Just where your heart is longing to be…

BEAUTY: Just where your heart is longing… Papa? It’s Papa! Look! In the
mirror! I must go to him.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
35

BEAST: (Sadly.) And now you will leave me.

BEAUTY: I’ll return. I promise!

BEAST: I fear it is a promise you will not keep.

BEAUTY: (Looking in mirror.) Papa! I must go! I must go now!

(BEAUTY exits. BEAST roars sadly and exits. WINDUP and SPARKLE
enter, out of breath.

SOUND CUE #14: Angry mob, pounding, etc. [continues])

WINDUP: Mrs. Tea-Time! There is a crowd pounding at the door!

SPARKLE: They demand to see Beauty!

WINDUP: And our master!

MRS. TEA-TIME: What do they want with him?

SPARKLE: They say he’s a kidnapper!

WINDUP: A thief!

SPARKLE: And a beast!

WINDUP: They want to do the worst I fear. What shall we do?

SPARKLE: What shall we do?

TINK: Mama! What shall we do?

MRS. TEA-TIME: Nothing. There is nothing we can do. It’s all in our master’s
hands now.

(They exit. VILLAGERS, PAPA and BRUNO enter, they are joined by the
WOLVES, rushing up the aisle to playing area. They all call out, lines are
overlapping as WOLVES howls and snap at castle doors. PERFORMERS
and audience members may join in the mob sounds.)

VILLAGERS: Where is Beauty? We demand to see Beauty! Let her go you


beast! Beauty! Let us see her!

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
36

(SOUND CUE CONTINUES: Beast roar! CUE ENDS.

BEAST enters. ALL gasp at the sight of him.)

BEAST: Yes, it is I. You may believe your eyes. I am a beast who once was a
man. Once I treated others with cruelty. For that I have been punished.

(BRUNO steps forward.)

BRUNO: You’ve taken Beauty!

BEAST: She came to me of her own accord.

BRUNO: Liar! She loves me. Only me!

(BEAUTY enters and stands behind BEAST.)

I’ll show you punishment.

(BRUNO lifts his fists to fight.)

BEAUTY: Bruno! No. He’s not what he seems.

BRUNO: Don’t worry, Beauty. I’ll save you from this brute.

(He moves around BEAST to fight.)

BEAST: You are making a mistake. Beauty is returning to you. I cannot stop
her.

(BRUNO throws a punch. BEAST stops it with just one stroke of his arm.)

PAPA: Beauty, come to me! Save yourself!

(BRUNO throws another punch that BEAST does not block. He catches it
in the belly.)

BEAST: Ah! (Doubles over.) Beauty. Go.

(BRUNO and BEAST fight, BEAST allows himself to be beaten. At last,


BEAST falls. BRUNO is out of breath, staggering.)

PAPA: Beauty. You’re free.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
37

(BEAUTY runs to PAPA to embrace him. VILLAGERS murmur in relief,


“she’s safe, at last”. BRUNO stands and speaks to BEAUTY.)

BRUNO: Come on, Beauty. Come to me.

BEAUTY: No! You’re all so very wrong. He is not a brute. He is the kindest
creature I have ever known.

BEAST: (Growl, sighs.) Beauty what can I give you to remember me by?

BEAUTY: (Tearfully.) Just a rose from the garden.

BEAST: I have it here, though it is old and faded. (He holds out rose.)

BEAUTY: It is a perfect rose. (She takes rose.) Because it means you love me.

BEAST: I do.

BEAUTY: And heaven help me! I love you!

(SOUND CUE #15: Beast roar!, drums. COLOR GUARD twirl their flags
around the stage. From behind the flags (though not completely hiding
BEAST) the BEAST headpiece mask is lifted. At last the flags fly away
and BEAST is transformed to a handsome prince. CUE ENDS.)

BEAST/PRINCE: Beauty. Do you know what you have done? You’ve released
me from my spell.

BEAUTY: (Searching his face.) It is you! Oh, beast!

BEAST/PRINCE: No. Not a beast any longer. Your prince.

(He offers holds his arms up as if to dance. She comes to him, they waltz
gently.

SOUND CUE #16: Dance finale, curtain call [continues to end].)

MRS. TEA-TIME: Well now, would you look at that.

TINK: He’s different, Mama!

MRS. TEA-TIME: Oh not so much, dearie. He just found something he’d lost,
that’s all.

WINDUP: He makes a fine Prince, I must say.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
38

SPARKLE: Even without the pants.

WINDUP: I’d say he’s quite… good.

SPARKLE: Excellent.

WINDUP: Splendid.

(MARCEL enters and draws a frame around the scene. Turns to HENRI
to present it with a ta-da gesture.)

HENRI: I agree, Marcel. It’s amazing how love always lights up a canvas. Why
it’s pretty as a picture!

BEAUTY: (Stage whispers to PRINCE.) Everyone is watching us.

BEAST/PRINCE: Let them! I have something important to say. Will you marry
me, Beauty?

BEAUTY: Yes, I will marry you, my Prince.

BEAST/PRINCE: Did you hear that, everyone? She said yes!

(SOUND CUE music swells as BEAUTY and BEAST dance. If there are
multiple BEAUTYS and BEASTS they waltz in as couples. All others
applaud the dancing couple(s).

During the finale and curtain call all performers fill the music with action
and dancing. MARCEL asks MILLIE to dance. ALL begin to pair off.

With each couple, one invites the other to dance, they bow to audience
and then dance to the side of the playing area until all have paired off and
bowed: FLORENCE dances with GERARD, TINK dances with MRS.
TEA-TIME. MR. SPARKLE asks MR. WINDUP to dance. WINDUP thinks
about it a bit, decides it’s okay, shrugs, they dance. BRUNO asks PAPA,
they dance uncomfortably.

COLOR GUARD lift their flags and open them – BEGGAR enters and
asks “Alms? Alms for the poor?” of audience members. WOLVES enter
howling, they bow, then snap at audience members and BEGGAR.
COLOR GUARD whisk their flags in front of the pesky WOLVES and
usher them away.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
39

Finally COLOR GUARD take their bows – they each do a clever twirl of
their flags as they bow. At last music ends, dance ends and all wave to
audience…

SOUND CUE ENDS.)

ALL: Bonjour everyone!

(MARCEL comes center stage, touches his hand to his heart and blows a
kiss to audience.

ALL bow together… )

END

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
40

PROPS

Color Guard Flags/Banners


Beast Mask/Headpiece
Market Baskets
Bread
Tomatoes and Apples
Flowers
Ribbon
Letter from England
Teapot
Cup
2 Dusting Cloths
Platter of Food
Cushion
Blanket
Violet
Lily
Marigold
Rose
Tea Tray
Beauty’s Letter
Papa’s Letter
Pen or Quill
Bow Tie
Comical Pants
Book
Hand Mirror

Kathryn Schultz Miller

Kathy co-founded the professional ArtReach Touring Theatre in Cincinnati and served
as Artistic Director and Playwright for over 20 years. Many of her 55+ plays have been
published, including A Thousand Cranes which was performed at the Kennedy Center,
the Sundance Institute, the International Fringe Festival, and thousands of times the
world over. She has won numerous awards including three prestigious National
Endowment for the Arts Playwrights Awards, six Ohio Arts Council Playwriting
Fellowships, and the Post-Corbett Foundation Excellence in Playwrighting Award. Kathy
lives in Florida with her husband Barry who creates soundtracks, processes orders, and
maintains website design for ArtReach Children’s Theatre Plays.

© Copyright Kathryn Schultz Miller, all rights reserved. This play cannot be performed
without written permission from the author and payment of royalty for all performances
(including non-paying audiences).
41

FULL PLAY LIST - Check our website often for exciting new titles!
A Christmas Carol Dicken’s classic story, traditional Christmas songs (SPP)
A Christmas Cinderella The classic fairy tale with music – just for Christmas! (SPP)
A Christmas Peter Pan Peter Pan Christmas version with Holiday music (SPP)
A Christmas Wizard of Oz Wizard of Oz Christmas version with Holiday music! (SPP)
A Snow White Christmas The classic fairy tale with music – just for Christmas! (SPP)
A Thousand Cranes Story of Sadako, a young Hiroshima victim (SM, EX, SPP)
Aladdin (and the Magic Lamp) Magical characters, audience participation! (SM, EX, SPP)
Alice in Wonderland Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland (SM, EX, SPP)
Amelia Earhart Amelia's life and her final, tragic flight (SM)
Annie Oakley The true story of an American heroine (SM)
Beauty and the Beast A classic tale, beautifully told (SM, SPP)
Blue Horses Four children act out their dreams (SM)
Choosing Sides for Basketball School friends deal with life and self esteem (SM)
Cinderella The world’s most popular fairy tale (SPP)
Emperor’s New Clothes, The A rollicking version of the classic tale (SM, EX, SPP)
Hansel and Gretel Classic fairy tale, audience participation! (SM)
Haunted Houses Four children tell haunting real life stories (SM)
I Think I Can A young girl gains confidence through imagination (SM)
I'm a Celebrity! An unpopular boy dreams of becoming famous (SM)
Island Son A Caribbean boy’s adventure on an enchanted island (SM)
Jack and the Beanstalk Hilarious version, audience participation! (SM)
Knights of the Round Table King Arthur fights the forces of evil (SM, EX)
Laura Ingalls Wilder Voice of the Prairie: Story of the beloved author (SM, EX)
Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Innovative retelling of the classic Halloween tale (SM, EX)
Legend of the Trouble Dolls An anciant Central American legend comes to life (SM)
Lewis and Clark American explorers, a Bicentennial of Discovery (SM)
Little Mermaid, The Classic musical tale of underwater adventure (SPP)
Mark Twain Show, The Twain’s writings: Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn and company (SM)
Mountains are a Feeling Traditional Appalachian stories and folk tales (SM)
Peter Pan The popular story that never grows old (SPP)
Pinocchio The little puppet who became a real live boy! (SM, SPP)
Poe! Poe! Poe! Edgar Allen Poe's classic writings, reader’s theatre style (SM)
Princess and the Pea, The Full length version of the classic fairy tale (EX)
Red Badge of Courage, The Stephen Crane’s classic Civil War story (SM, EX)
Robin Hood The classic Medieval adventure tale (SM, EX)
Rumpelstiltskin The delightfully rich fairy tale told in a Scottish setting (SM)
Shakespeare to Go! Scenes from the Bard’s popular works, playfully told (SM)
Shining Moment, The A grandfather's tender story and his final, loving gift (SM)
Sleeping Beauty The classic musical fairy tale of the sleeping Princess (SPP)
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs A classic fairy tale and favorite the world over! (SPP)
Sword in the Stone, The Merlin teaches Arthur to be a good king (SM, EX)
Thomas Edison: Fire of Genius Illuminating review of the great inventor's life and times (SM)
Time Machine, The Two children hitch a ride into the future (SM)
Trail of Tears Cherokees removal from their homeland (SM)
Treasure Island A fun, adventurous adapation of the classic story (SPP)
Twas the Night Before Christmas Holiday musical play with famous St. Nicholas poen (SPP)
Very Bestest Christmas Present, The Hilarious holiday fun – great for parties! (SM)
We Are The Dream The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (SPP)
Welcome Home A Vietnam veteran shares his memories (SM)
Why Do Heroes Have Big Feet? Midwest tall tales and American folklore (SM)
Wizard of Oz, The Our most popular play! (SPP, also bilingual Spanish version)
Yearning to Breathe Free A Caribbean boy searches for freedon in America (SM)
You Don't See Me A young girl deals with the loss of her brother (SM)
Young Cherokee Native American culture and myths (SM)

*SM=SMall cast (touring), EX=EXpanded cast, SPP=School Play Package (large cast)
42

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