-48-

TEDDY BEAR

You did _good_ for the Dragon!

CIRCUS RIDER (in rapid succession)

_Good_ for the Dragon...

SAMBINGO

_Good_ foh de Dragon....

DRAGON (politely)

You may pass now-- and _goodbye_!

Whereupon SNICKERTY skips offstage right, leading his TROUPE and the prancing MERRY-GO-ROUND HORSES past the DRAGON.

CURTAIN

-49-

## SCENE V

MUSIC..................

The curtains part to disclose
the courtyard of the Princess
Lara. It is backed by a high
hedge with a grilled iron
gate entrance backstage right.

Flowering shrubs and bushes
flank stage right and left.

There is a trellised, flower-
entwined bower upstage right,
where the weeping PRINCESS

LARA is seated. She is attended
only by her MAID-IN-WAITING,
who attempts to comfort her.

### MAID-IN-WAITING

Take comfort, Princess. Someone will come to help
you save your kingdom!

### PRINCESS

(weeping and shaking her head)

There is no one.

### MAID-IN-WAITING

If it weren't for that cross Dragon at the turn

-50-

of the road, we could send forth a call for help!

Just then SNICKERTY'S song
is heard from offstage. The
PRINCESS looks up, startled.
The following business and
dialogue are carried on over
the song; there is no
interruption of action.

SNICKERTY
(singing, the volume increasing as he
approaches)
I just came out of somewhere;
I'm getting nowhere fast;
I'm living in the future,
The present and the past.
Adventures are my special joy,
And when they happen quick
My troupe is just as pleased as I!!!
My name is Snickerty Nick!

As SNICKERTY sings, the
PRINCESS and her MAID-IN-
WAITING listen in surprise;
the PRINCESS dries her tears
and motions her MAID to the

-51-

entrance, as the following
dialogue is carried on over
the song:

PRINCESS

(motioning her Maid-In-Waiting to go to
the gate)

Look without and tell me who comes!

MAID-IN-WAITING

(running to the gate and peeking out)

A strange band, my Princess. They look like a
traveling circus troupe.

PRINCESS (disappointed)

We need more than a circus troupe to give us aid!

By this time, SNICKERTY has
reached the gate, where, in
view of the audience, he
concludes his song:

SNICKERTY (concluding song)

My name is Snickerty Nick! And this is my circus
troupe... Please let us in! We come to rescue the
Princess Lara!

The MAID-IN-WAITING turns

-52-

doubtfully to the PRINCESS
for a command.

PRINCESS (rising)

Open the gate!

Obeying the command, the
MAID-IN-WAITING admits
SNICKERTY, who steps in and
bows to the PRINCESS. Then,
blowing his whistle for
DICKIE-DOODLE to start
singing, he motions his
troupe to enter.

TEDDY BEAR, SAMBINGO, and
CIRCUS RIDER march in,
followed by the HORSES.
Directly in front of the
PRINCESS each, in turn, bows;
SNICKERTY with an expert
flourish; CIRCUS RIDER with
a graceful curtsy; TEDDY BEAR
tries to imitate SNICKERTY
but loses his balance and
falls in an undignified spra-
wl. Regaining his feet, he

-53-

gestures apologetically to
his friends. SAMBINGO, who
started to imitate SNICKERTY,
loses his courage when he sees
the predicament of TEDDY BEAR
and, checking his "bow" half
way, salutes instead. The
HORSES kneel on their
forelegs.

## PRINCESS

You come at a time of great danger, Snickerty
Nick. How can you help me?

Just then are heard the
distant roll of drums and
the shouts of the KING'S
ARMY as it advances to the
Marching Song. ('Buzzy's score')

## MAID-IN-WAITING

(turning to Snickerty in desperation)

You must---you must help the Princess. Lose no
time! The King approaches!

SNICKERTY (to the Princess)

I promise to save you, Princess.

-54-

PRINCESS

But how?

SNICKERTY

(runnint towards the gate, he stops for
a moment to mark the all-too-rapid
advance of the King's Army)

There is no time to explain. Trust me, Princess!

(with a quick bow)

I go!

(he turns and runs out)

SAMBINGO

'Scuse me, Princess, but yo' sho'nuff kin trust
Nicky to save youh!!

MAID-IN-WAITING

But he has no army to fight the King'

TEDDY BEAR

(drawing out his gun)

I got a <u>pop</u> gun.

CIRCUS RIDER

(encouragingly to Princess)

It scared the <u>bears</u> all right!

SAMBINGO(disparagingly)

-55-

Nicky ain't a-gwine to _scare_ the King-- he's
a-gwine ter tell him de truth!

## PRINCESS

The _truth_?

## SAMBINGO

Yas'm -- Ah mean, yas Princess! De King's got
a wicket counselor what tells him yo' is old an'
ugly an' not fit to rule....

## CIRCUS RIDER

That's right -- it's all the evil counselor's
fault!

## TEDDY BEAR

The Old Man said so, and _he_ ought to know.

## PRINCESS

What old man?

## CIRCUS RIDER

The Balloon Man... The one who gave us the
balloons to fly over the Dragon.

## PRINCESS

Oh! So you _flew_ over the Dragon!

## SAMBINGO

-56-

No, Ma'am -- Ah mean '**Princess**' !

TEDDY BEAR

(rapidly interrupting)

Sambingo and I broke our balloon.

SAMBINGO

(interrupting; not willing to let Teddy
Bear tell only his side of the story. He
addresses Teddy Bear:)

You busted **mine**!

TEDDY BEAR

And you broke **mine**!

CIRCUS RIDER

(embarrassed at this quarrel before the
Princess)

It was all quite accidental, Princess.

SAMBINGO

Anyhow, we couldn't fly **ovah** de Dragon, so Nicky
jes' put his fire out and dat Dragon 'jes let
us pass him.

PRINCESS (in amazement)

You mean Snickerty Nick **conquered** the **Dragon**!

-57-

SAMBINGO

Yas'm -- Ah mean '**Princess**' . Dat Dragon's
right friendly **now**.

MAID-IN-WAITING (to Princess)

If he conquered the **Dragon**, Princess, maybe he
**can** stop the King!

Just then there is the sound
of Nicky's stage shout.

SNICKERTY (offstage)

Princess! Princess! I bring the King!

PRINCESS (to Maid-In-Waiting)

The King!

Running in through the
grilled gate entrance,
SNICKERTY stops breathlessly.
He bows to the Princess;
then with a gesture motions
the King to enter.

SNICKERTY

(as he motions to the King)

Enter, Your Majesty!

-58-

The KING enters and
SNICKERTY addresses him.

SNICKERTY

Have I spoken the truth?

KING

(stopping to regard the Princess in surprise)

You have, indeed!

(crossing to the Princess and kneeling
before her)

You are even more beautiful than Snickerty Nick
led me to believe!

SNICKERTY

And she is as wise and good as she is beautiful,
Your Majesty. And all her subjects love her!

KING (looking at the Princess)
Oh, Princess -- my evil counselor misled me! He
not only said that you were wicked, old, and ugly,
but that your people feared and hated you.
Forgive me for believing him and coming to
demand the surrender of your kingdom. Snickerty
Nick persuaded me to leave my counselor and my
army outside your gates -- to come alone to see
how I had been deceived.

-59-

(turning to Snickerty)

I shall always be greatful to you, Snickerty, for you have stopped me from waging war on the loveliest Princess in the world!

PRINCESS

Mine is a peaceful kingdom, Your Majesty. I hope you will leave it so.

KING

I came to seize your realm, Princess, but you have seized my heart instead. If you will be my Queen we can unite our kingdoms.

SNICKERTY claps and some-
saults in joy; SAMBINGO and
TEDDY BEAR join hands in a
hop-skip of enthusiasm; the
CIRCUS RIDER turns to the
MERRY-GO-ROUND HORSES.

CIRCUS RIDER

(in a 'stage' whisper to the Horses)

Did you hear?

The HORSES nod and the bells
around their necks jingle

-60-

violently. At this moment
there is a menacing roll of
drums outside the gate. The
King immediately draws his
cloak about him and hastily
pulls his plumed hat down
over his eyes to disguise
himself as much as possible.

KING

(whispering to the Princess)

That is my Evil Counselor.... He grows impatient.

With a reassuring gesture,
the KING steps to one side
and stands facing stage left,
with his back to the entrance.
There is a second roll of
drums. A GUARD of the KING'S
Army flings open the grilled
gate to admit the EVIL
COUNSELOR, who strides in
with a contemptuous glance
at the PRINCESS.

EVIL COUNSELOR

(bowing scornfully to the Princess)

-61-

Princess Lara, it is my painful duty to demand
your peaceful surrender to our forces before
making a formal declamation of war!....

Will you surrender?

PRINCESS (proudly)

I surrender......

(turning towards the King, who at this
moment throws back his cloak and flings
off his hat to reveal himself)

.....to the King!

Kneeling at the PRINCESS'
feet, the KING kisses her
proffered hand, then rises
to address the COUNSELOR.

KING

(to the Counselor, who cringes)

Traitor!

(to the Guard who stands at attention
before His Majesty)

Guard, seize him!

The GUARD obeys the command
and ANOTHER GUARD steps in
to assist him.

-62-

KING (to Counselor)

Go, Traitor! Your punishment should be death
but I sentence you to banishment instead.

The COUNSELOR departs with
his head bowed in shame.

KING (addressing the Guards)

Guards! Call in my men! I have news!

The GUARDS step up, just
outside the entrance.

GUARDS (offstage)

Ho! Men! Enter at His Majesty's command!

Several SOLDIERS of His
Majesty's Army enter and
take their places at the
entrance.

KING (addressing his soldiers)

The Princess has agreed to become my Queen. Our
kingdoms shall be united and together shall we
rule!

SOLDIERS, MAID-IN-WAITING,
SNICKERTY AND HIS TROUPE

-63-

(in unison)

Hurray!

SNICKERTY

Long life to your Majesties!

KING

What reward can we....

SNICKERTY

Your happiness is our reward.... And now we
take our leave.

SNICKERTY blows his whistle;
DICKIE DOODLE starts to sing;
the MERRY-GO-ROUND HORSES
prance. SNICKERTY bows
deepl y before the KING and
his PRINCESS. In rapid
succession, TEDDY BEAR,
SAMBINGO, CIRCUS RIDER, and
the HORSES bow -- in each
case, except that of the
CIRCUS RIDER, in comic
awkwardness. Then, as they
sing, they troop merrily off,

-64-

while the KING and the
PRINCESS lift their hands
in farewell.

SNICKERTY AND HIS TROUPE
(singing in chorus as they 'hop-skippingly'
exit)

Dipsey-Wipsey, Tiddledy-Ipsey,
Snickerty saved the day!
Dipsey-Wipsey, Tiddledy-Ipsey,
We're merrily on our way!

CURTAIN

C A S T

SNICKERTY NICK....A merry little dwarf who was
a goatherd until his goats
were stolen.

RA...............The gallant prince who was trans
formed into a vagabond troubador
by the same evil magician who
seized his kingdom.

SAMBINGO.........A little colored boy, staunch
friend and willing helper
of Snickerty Nick.

HERMINE...........The lovely young princess be
trothed against her will to the
unworthy Prince Popinjay.

THE KING.........Father of Hermine, who always
forgets to wear his crown.

THE QUEEN........Who constantly reminds her
husband to put on his crown
for affairs of state.

PRINCE POPINJAY...Whom the King and Queen have
promised their daughter Hermine.

Two Guards........Of the King's personal bodyguard.

SNICKERTY NICK CONQUERS THE DRAGON

OVERTURE

The curtains part to disclose
a forest scene. A dense
hedge, five or six feet
high, spans the stage in
the foreground, obscuring
all but the moss-trailing
tree tops and the upper
portion of the woodland
cyclorama in the background.
The hedge allows but a
shallow stage on which the
first scene is played.
Flanking the hedge, stage
right and left, are rocks
and bushes and down-stage,
center left, is a moss
covered rock upon which
SNICKERTY NICK sits in an
attitude of utter dejection.
At his right, lying on his
stomach at full length on
the ground and supporting
himself on his elbows, is

-2-

disconsolate SAMBINGO, who cups his chin in his hands and gazes out over the audience with a worried stare. RA, the gallant and confident young troubador, miniature mandolin slung over his shoulder, stands left of Snickerty Nick and regards him thoughtfully.

RA

I'm sorry, Snickerty Nick, but if your goats have been stolen, you can't be a goatherd any more.

SNICKERTY NICK (sorrowfully)

They got my goats....

SAMBINGO (glumly)

They shore did... Now what we gwine t' do?

RA (cheerfully)

Come along! We'll all be vagabonds together.

SNICKERTY

That's an idea!

SAMBINGO

Hurray!

-3-

SNICKERTY N. (jumping to his feet)

Let's go, RA!

Sambingo, delighted at the prospect, also jumps to his feet.

RA

We'll go adventuring.

Suddenly there is the sound of music from backstage. RA, SNICKERTY NICK and SAMBINGO all turn towards the hedge from behind which the music seems to come; they exchange surprised glances, then listen intently.

RA (meaningly)

And we may not have to go very far.

Leading the way, RA tip-toes up to the hedge followed by SNICKERTY NICK and SAMBINGO.

RA, far taller than his companions, finds a peep-hole in the hedge. From now on they speak in careful

-4-

'stage' whispers.

RA

(his back to the audience and his
companions as he peeks through the
hole in the hedge)

What a lovely faery dancing!

SNICKERTY N.

(excitedly hopping up trying to reach
the peek-hole)

Let me see!

SAMBINGO

(crowding in and ju/ing up for a
glimpse)

Me, too. Mah goodness, Ah ain't nevah seen a
faery befoah.

During their mutual hopping
attempts to see, SNICKERTY
NICK and SAMBINGO collide,
knock each other off balance
and both fall. RA turns and
laughs goodnaturedly.

Realizing that without help
neither of them is tall

-5-

enough to reach the hole, he
smiles and steps aside.

RA

There you are, Nicky, step right up.

SNICKERTY NICK steps into the
place that he had and tries
to reach the peep-hole by
hopping up and down. He
gestures helplessly and
motions to SAMBINGO to try
his luck. Looking from the
hole down to Snickerty,
SAMBINGO conserves his energy
by backing up to the little
dwarf, measuring their almost
identical heights and sadly
shaking his head. RA watching
their antics, smiles, then
politely pushes his two short
friends aside.

RA

You've had your chance. Now it's my turn.

RA proceeds to peer through

-6-

the hole again, then turns
to the dejected Snickerty.

RA

Don't be sad, Nicky. Here, I'll help you.

RA lifts SNICKERTY to enable
him to peer through the hole
in the hedge. SNICKERTY'S
face is wreathed in smiles
at what he sees.

RA

Isn't the faery lovely?

SNICKERTY

And how beautifully she does dance!

SAMBINGO

Say, youh-all! Ah wanna look, too!

Tugging ineffectively at RA's
jerkin and at SNICKERTY'S
pointed shoe toe, while
repeating his 'stage-
whispered' plea to no avail,
SAMBINGO'S impatience gets
the better of his judgment

-7-

and he finally shouts aloud:

SAMBINGO (shouting)

Ah wanna look!

Alarmed, RA puts SNICKERTY
down and they both gesture
SAMBINGO to silence.

Obviously, it is too late.

There is a gruff shout off-
stage left.

FIRST GUARD (off stage)

Ho! Who goes there?

The GUARD runs on stage from
left shouting angrily and
rubbing the sleep from his
eyes with one fist; he
brandishes a spear in the
other. RA, SNICKERTY and
SAMBINGO are too surprised
to move The GUARD stops
short as he sees them,
realizing that he is not
equipped to take the entire
troupe into custody.

-8-

FIRST GUARD

Ho! Robbers!

RA (recovering from his
surprise)

Robbers fiddlesticks! We were just looking at
the lovely dancing faery.

FIRST GURAD (laughing
unpleasantly)

Faery! Ho! Ho! That's the Princess Hermine,
betrothed to Prince Popinjay.

(suddenly)

Who are you to dare to look at her?

SNICKERTY

This is my friend Ra, the troubador, and this is
Sambingo, and I'm a goat---

FIRST GUARD (interrupting)

A goat? Ho! Ho!

SNICKERTY

But you didn't let me finish... I <u>herd</u>......

FIRST GURAD (again interrupting.)

I've <u>heard</u> enough and you've looked where you've
no business to look......

-9-

Come along with me to His Majesty! All of you!

The GUARD makes an attempt to
marshall the trio into the
garden. They refuse and the
GUARD thrusts his spear
menacingly towards them. As
he concentrates his attention
on the protesting RA and

SNICKERTY, SAMBINGO sneaks
in back of him and tickles
him in the ribs. Confused,
the Guard turns abruptly to
go after SAMBINGO, and

SNICKERTY has an opportunity
to trip him. Attracted by the
noise of the ensuing confusion,
the SECOND GUARD runs in.

FIRST GUARD

Help! Help!

SECOND GUARD

What's going on here?

FIRST GUARD (regaining his
feet)

-II-

## SCENE II

The hedge and foreground props have been removed. The curtains part to disclose a corner of the royal garden: There are trees and flowering shrubs in the background, while their Majesties, the KING and QUEEN, are seated on a flower trellised throne center stage. The KING, more comfortable than correct, has placed his heavy crown at his side. Lank PRINCE POPINJAY, arms folded, stands in smug importance near the KING. As the GUARDS marshall their captives in from stage right, HERMINE is finishing her dance. The offstage music ceases, HERMINE curtsies before her parents and bows briefly to POPINJAY. As POPINJAY says, "Well done,

-12-

Hermine," she turns to leave,
stage left, but noticing RA
and his companions, returns
to stand questioningly at
her mother's side. The KING
rises hastily to address
the GUARDS.

KING

Well..... Well....

The QUEEN, always insistent
upon court etiquette,
quickly interrupts by
tugging at her husband's
royal robes and hands him
his crown.

QUEEN (reproachfully)

My _dear_..... your _crown_!

KING

(apologetically placing it on his head
at an angle)

Oh yes... yes... of course.

(to the Guards)

Well.... What have we here?

-13-

## FIRST GUARD

Your Majesty, I found these fellows peeking into the royal garden. He says he's a troubador, this black one doesn't say anything, and that little fellow says he's a goat! I think they're spies or robbers!

## RA

We are not, Your Majesty. I'm Ra, the Troubador, and my friend herds goats.

## FIRST GUARD

He heard music... that's what he heard, Your Majesty. And he peeked in... A spy, that's what he is.

## SAMBINGO (to the King)

Naw-suh... Ah mean, Youh Honah... We ain't no spies... An' Ah's jes' Sambingo...

## SNICKERTY

Your Majesty... We were only listening to the music and watching the Princess. She dances so beautifully we thought she was a faery.

## KING

(evidently pleased at the compliment)

-14-

You seem harmless enough.

(to the Guards)

Let them go!

There is the sound of a terrific roar. Everyone remains transfixed with horror.

SAMBINGO (in wide-eyed fright)

Mah goodness!

QUEEN (rising in terror)

It's the Dragon!

KING

(turning to Popinjay who cringes slightly before again assuming his air of bravado)

Popinjay, you must slay the Dragon... Too long have we lived in fear of his attack.... You must slay him *before* you marry my daughter!

POPINJAY

(with a great show of bravery he does not feel)

Rest your fears. The Dragon's roar will be heard no more.

-15-

POPINJAY, chest out, head
high, nods reasuringly,
then bows before the KING.

HERMINE (crossing to the
King)

Your Majesty, I will _not_ marry Prince Popinjay...
not even if he _does_ kill the Dragon.

KING (severely)

You will do as I command!

HERMINE (pleading)

But father, I don't love him.

RA

That's right, Princess, you shouldn't marry a
man you don't love.

HERMINE glances quickly at
RA and with a slight smile
slyly lowers her eyes and
looks back at the KING.

KING (turning to Ra)

How _dare_ you!

(turning to the Guards)

Throw him in the dungeon!

-16-

The GUARDS start to lead RA
and his companions away as
the KING removes his crown
to scratch his head reflect-
ively, then replaces the
crown to issue his command.

KING

On second thought, the dungeon is too dusty.
Throw him into the stokade instead. There's a
pail of water there... But no food!

The GUARDS thrust their
spears at Ra and the march
begins.

SNICKERTY

But your Majesty, he only spoke the truth.

KING

(angered by Snickerty's remark)

Guards... take him along to the stockade!

SAMBINGO

(watching his friends' departure, he is
torn between loyalty and fear. Loyalty
triumphs as he turns to tug at the
Guards jerkin)

-17-

Ah's gwine, too.

KING

Go! All of you.

RA

(turning as the Guards force him to
march away)

Don't change your mind, Princess!

HERMINE shyly blushingly
tries to keep her eyes from
RA, but as he exits, her
admiring glance follows him.
Before the prisoners are
out of sight, SAMBINGO
turns to wave at the
PRINCESS, loses his balance,
trips and falls. The
PRINCESS cannot refrain
from laughing.

PRINCESS

(turning indignantly to the King though
not forgetting her respect)

He did speak the truth, Your Majesty. It was
unfair of you to imprison him for his courage

-18-

to speak the truth!

KING (furious)

You question my judgment! Go! Go and prepare for
the wedding.

HERMINE bows her head in
defeat and exits left. The
KING watches her, then turns
to POPINJAY.

KING

Popinjay, be off and slay the Dragon that the
wedding may take place immediately.

POPINJAY bows as the curtain
falls.

-19-

## SCENE III

The background set remains the same but the flower trellised throne has been removed and in place of the royal garden, the curtains part to reveal the exterior of a stockade barricade slanting upstage from right down to center up. The hedge used in Scene I can be utilized for the stockade barrier if it is constructed as reversible flats which have been painted on one side to represent a stout timbered wall. Upstage of the middle of the barricade is a wide and heavy wooden gate. Behind it RA is seen pacing back and forth as SNICKERTY NICK, grasping the restraining timbers of the gate, looks longingly

-2I-

RA

(suddenly stops pacing and stands looking
offstage left)

Look... there's the Princess... She's coming here.

With bowed head, HERMINE
walks on stage left. As she
reaches the gate, she covers
her face with her hands and
bursts into tears.

RA (greatly concerned)

Why, Princess, what is the matter?

PRINCESS

My father has commanded me to prepare for my
wedding to Prince Popinjay.

RA

If I could only get out of here, I'm sure I
could help you.

The PRINCESS smiles through
her tears while RA reaches
out to clasp her hand as a
gesture of everlasting
devotion. Suddenly there is
the blood-curdling offstage

-22-

roar. It comes from the left
wing. In terror HERMINE
presses back against the
gate as though for RA'S
protection. He encircles
her with a protecting arm
thrust through the gate.

HERMINE (in horror)

It's the Dragon!

RA

(withdrawing his arm to thrust her from
him)

Quick! You must run for your life!

HERMINE, paralizes with
fright, is powerless to
move. She can only lean
back fearfully against the
gate. The Dragon's roars
increase in volume as he
approaches. There is a
flash of red light from
stage left... Another....
The flashes continue,

-23-

growing brighter as the
Dragon comes nearer. With
apparently superhuman
strength fostered by the
danger to the Princess, RA
forces the gate open and,
pushing her to one side,
draws his sword as the flame-
spurting Dragon lumbers
menacingly on stage left.
The 'flame' shooting from
his wide nostrils and enor-
mous mouth is accomplished
by lights controlled off-
stage by a battery wired
through the Dragon's suit to
his head. A red'spot' light,
flashed offstage, augments
the illusion and can be
perfectly timed with the
Dragon's spurts of flame,
if, after each roar, he
'spits and breathes forth
fire'... RA only waits for
the Dragon to come partially

-24-

on stage so that his size
is simply indicated by the
enormity of his head and
the front part of his body.
The rest is left to the
audience's imagination.....
As RA steps into position
to thrust his sword down
the Dragon's throat,
SNICKERTY NICK rushes out
from the stockade, pail of
water in hand. Before RA
can prevent him, SNICKERTY
NICK dashes up to the Dragon
and throws the contents of
the pail down his throat.
There is the sound of a
mighty sizzle, the 'fire'
lights (battery and spot)
flash rapidly, then stop
altogether as the Dragon
breathes forth a great gust
of smoke. The smoke is also
controlled from offstage and
is accomplished with the aid

-25-

of a "smoke box" (procurable at any prop house or made with the aid of bellows) attached to the Dragon's mouth by a hose running through the Dragon suit. The Dragon gives forth a protesting roar that sounds suspiciously like a gurgle and collapses weakly on the ground. SAMBINGO, seeing that the Dragon has lost his danger along with his fire, steps carefully from behind the stockade.

Neither the PRINCESS nor RA can recover from their relieved suspense.

SNICKERTY NICK alone commands the situation and looks reprovingly at the feeble dragon.

-26-

DRAGON

(pathetically, to Snickerty)

Now look what you've done. I didn't mean any
harm. I only came to collect two dollars and
seventy-nine cents from Prince Popinjay....

(to Hermine)

He bribed me to play dead so he could marry you.
Then he wouldn't pay me.

The PRINCESS and RA exchange glances as the Dragon continues to wail and finally lays his head down in utter defeat. At this moment the KING, QUEEN, POPINJAY and the GUARDS, having heard the noise, run in from upstage left. The KING and QUEEN regard the Dragon in complete amazement and unbelievingly turn to POPINJAY as they notice the unsheathed sword in RA'S hand. Turning to RA, the KING, who again fails to

-27-

wear his crown, begins to
speak:

KING (to Ra)

Why... Why... You've...

QUEEN (hastily interrupting)

My dera... please... your _crown_!

At this, one of the GUARDS,
who carries the crown,
places it on his spear head,
steps up to present it to
the KING, who contritely
places it on his head
before turning again to RA.
The GUARD bows military
fashion and steps back.

KING (to Ra)

You've slain the Dragon...

(turning to Popinjay)
and you told me that _you_ killed him.

POPINJAY

(taken off guard, answers quickly)
That must be _another_ Dragon.

-28-

DRAGON

(lifting his head to regard Popinjay
accusingly)

I am the only Dragon in the world!

(to the startled King and Queen, who are
. unnerved by hearing the 'dead' Dragon speak)
And I'm <u>not</u> dead....

(nodding towards Snickerty Nick)

He put my fire out before that fellow....

(indicating Ra with another nod)
had a chance to kill me. I was just looking for
Popinjay to collect what he owed me.

KING

<u>Owed</u> you!

DRAGON

Yes; he bribed me to play dead so he could marry
Hermine. I only charged him two dollars and
seventy-nine cents. Now he won't pay me.

POPINJAY (drawing his sword on
Ra)

Treachery!

RA, taken off guard by this
sudden turn of affairs,
recovers, parries... and the

-29-

duel is off. HERMINE, alarmed
for RA'S safety, would have
run to him if SNICKERTY NICK
and SAMBINGO had not restrained
her. The duel continues as all
watch intently. The GUARDS are
prevented from interfering by
a gesture from the KING. RA
is obviously the better sword-
sman and, knocking the sword
from POPINJAY'S hand as
POPINJAY stumbles, RA places
his foot on his fallen
adversary's chest and, holding
his sword in position to run
him through, turns to the KING.

RA (to the KING)

Your Majesty, what is your command?

KING

(regarding Popinjay with disgust and RA
with admiration)

Release him.

(to Popinjay, who regains his footing
as he looks angrily at Ra)

-30-

Now go, knave, and never come near this kingdom
again.

POPINJAY cringes as he exits
upstage center left.

HERMINE

And _that_ was to be my brave bridegroom.

QUEEN (sadly)

Now we have no Prince to marry our Princess...
Oh dear... we'll just have to look around for
another... A _brave_ one.

HERMINE (spiritedly)

Oh, no, we won't. Ra is brave enough for me. He
would have saved my life. I'm going to marry _him_.

At this Ra cannot conceal his
joy, and smiles happily as
SNICKERTY NICK and SAMBINGO
run to shake his hand and
skip gleefully around him.

QUEEN

Ridiculous, you can't marry a troubador!

KING

No matter _how_ brave he is.

-31-

HERMINE

But I <u>love</u> him!

There is a crash of cymbals...
The stage is plunged in
darkness... There is a music-
al crescendo and confusion
of alarmed voices that
diminishes to a soft musical
background as a spotlight on
SNICKERTY NICK alone
punctuates the blackout.
SNICKERTY does a short hop-
skip-turn and wisely,
mysteriously addresses the
audience.

SNICKERTY

And <u>that</u> is all that's necessary.

QUEEN

(standing unseen on the darkened stage,
only her voice is audible)

My daughter shall <u>not</u> marry a troubador.

KING (he too is unseen)

Love is <u>not</u> all that's necessary.

SNICKERTY NICK

-32-

But love can work miracles!

The 'spot' on SNICKERTY goes
out. There is a second crash
of cymbals and musical
crescendo as a spotlight hits
RA, now attired in royal
robes, a crown on his head.
The music ceases.

RA

That is true. Love has transformed me. Long ago
an evil magician seized my kingdom and changed
me from a Prince into a troubador. I could not
become a Prince again until a Princess loved me
for myself.

The spot goes off. Stage lights on.

RA (turning to the Princess)

Lovely Princess Hermine, will you marry Prince
Ra?

HERMINE

I would marry you, Ra, as prince or troubador.

SNICKERTY

Hurray! Love has restored his kingdom!

-33-

The following exclamations
follow each other in
humorously rapid staccato,
with emphasis on SAMBINGO'S
line:

QUEEN

(to the King in pleased amazement)

My dear......

KING

(to the Queen in happy bewilderment)

My word......

SAMBINGO (to the audience)

Mah goodness!

SNICKERTY

Now everybody's happy!

HERMINE (compassionately)

Except the poor Dragon.

(to Ra)

I don't think he feels well.

DRAGON (wailing)

I don't.... I feel cheated.

-34-

RA

Never mind. I'll pay Popinjay's debt to you...
so cheer up and come along to stay with us.
You'll be most welcome at my Kingdom. It's just
north of here.

DRAGON (shivering)

No, thank you. Now that my fire's out I wouldn't
budge a foot north of here....

(hastily)

But I'll take the two-seventy-nine. It will help
me get to the South Pole.

RA

(taking a purse from his belt, flings it
to the Dragon.

There! There's your money with interest enough
to take you anywhere and back again.

SNICKERTY

Good! Now everybody is happy.

(suddenly he sees a far from happy
expression on Sambingo's face)

Why, what's the matter, Sambingo? Aren't you
happy?

SAMBINGO

-35-

Ah's happy enough, but.... Ah's *still* hungry.

RA (laughing)

Then come to the wedding feast!

There are sounds of music
and laughter as RA and
HERMINE gaily lead the
procession to exit upstage
center left. SNICKERTY NICK
brings up the rear as the
Dragon complacently nods over
his purse and remains stage
left. Just before he exits,
SNICKERTY NICK turns and
runs down stage center front
to address the audience.

SNICKERTY

Now, Ra was right and the King was wrong,
For Ra spoke only the truth.

But a reward was his before very long
With a bride of beauty and youth.

For love demands not a crown nor a song,
And Hermine offered the proof......

-36-

So don't forget when you leave today
That love is important every which way.

FINAL CURTAIN

CAST

SNICKERTY NICK....The wise and merry little dwarf
who is both philosopher and
adventurer and who is always
ready to do good where it is
needed.

WINDY............Who proves that it is an ill
wind that blows no good.

THE PRINCESS BUTTERFLY..Ruler of the Butterfly
who is celebrating her
birthday.

SAMBINGO...........The tiny colored butterfly who
acts as gate keeper for the
Princess.

BUZZY..............The Pirate Bee, warlike and
greedy until Snickerty Nick
and Windy "cool" him off.

BEES...............The army of Buzzy. (Ten or
twelve are suggested)

BUTTERFLIES........The subjects and guests of the
Princess. (Ten or twelve are
again suggested....and include:

SAMBINGO

SNICKERTY NICK
and
BUZZY THE PIRATE BEE

OVERTURE

SCENE I

The curtains part to disclose
a woodland scene with shrubs,
bushes and moss-covered rocks
in profusion. Upstage left is
a huge tree, gnarled and
forked. As the overture fades
into the introduction of the
"Wind" Song, a spotlight is
directed on the tree fork
where WINDY mischievously
appears and perches to sing.
His appearance is preceded
by a loud and eerie "whoe-e-ee"
sound achieved by a wind
instrument, and wind machines,
stage right and left, create
the wind illusion.

- 2 -

WINDY (singing)

When I sing through the leaves in the top of the
trees

You can hear though you cannot see

My thin black wings in invisible flight---

I'm Windy---the mystery!

As I sway the leaves I scatter new seeds

And whisper that they should grow

Till the fragrance of blossoms and sharp sweet
pine

Arise from the gardens I've planted below.

As WINDY concludes the second verse he sees SNICKERTY NICK entering downstage right and, with a wink, ducks behind the tree. SNICKERTY NICK skips in gaily singing as the "spot" on WINDY goes out.

SNICKERTY

Oh--- I just came out of Somewhere

And I'm getting nowhere fast;

I'm living in the future,

The present and the past;

-3-

I'm here, I'm there, I'm everywhere,
I'm slow and I'm quick;
I'm young, I'm old,
I'm meek, I'm bold---
My name is Snickerty Nick.

By this time SNICKERTY is
center stage. He has hop-
skipped around rocks and bushes
and finishes his merry tune
as he takes a deep breath and
leans against a large rock.
The spot again blinks on WINDY
who, with the assistance of an
off-stage sound effect, gives
forth a mighty puff. With
attendant drum rolls to
highten the effect and augment
the tumbling excitement, as
well as with the assistance of
the left stage wind machine,
SNICKERTY roll almost back to
the "wings" from which he en-
tered as WINDY concludes his
song. During the ensuing last
verse the audience hears the

-4-

roar of "thunder" and sees
lightning flashes.

WINDY (singing)

I fence with the lightning and roar with the
thunder

And toss the ships high on the sea,

But the children all know that I'm good tho'
I'M bold

And they sing when they recognize me.

WINDY concludes his song with
an eerie whistling laugh
(easily accomplished with a
flute)

SNICKERTY

(picking himself up and recovering from
the "blowing about" he has been subjected
to)

Well, I'm not singing, Windy.... not while you're
up to your old tricks.

(brushing himself off)

Now I'm all dusty, and I'm late to the birthday
party of the Princess Butterfly.

WINDY

-6-

OVERTURE

SCENE II

The curtains part to disclose
a high, dense hedge spanning
the stage front. Flowers are
entwined in the thick foliage
and a center stage entrance
is partially obscured by
trailing vines and flowers.

Above and beyond the hedge
(backstage) only treetops and
the upper portion of a wood-
land cyclorama are visible to
the audience. At the vine-
draped entrance SAMBINGO is
stationed. Proud of his role
of custodian of the gate
upon such an auspicious
occasion as the birthday
party of the Princess, the
little colored butterfly
gate keeper stands importantly
at attention. A tiny Hawaiian
Butterfly, a miniature ukelele
in one hand,

-7-

her falling grass skirt in
the other, runs hastily on
stage towards SAMBINGO from
the "wings" left.

SAMBINGO (sternly)

You're late!

HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLY (contritely)

I didn't mean to be but I had trouble with my
skirt.

SAMBINGO

(offering her an enormous safety pin,
"blanket" size variety, which he unpins
from one of his own tattered and brightly
patched wings)

Here....

HAWAIIAN

(accepting it and trying to pin her skirt
on securely)

Thank you, Sambingo.

At this moment, from back-
stage is heard the introduct-
ory accompaniment for the
butterfly chorus. The faintly

-9-

Celebrate with song and dance

Raise your voices high.

This is the happy birthday

Of our Princess Butterfly.

In this peaceful bower

Joy reigns all supreme

Through the kindly power

Of our lovely Queen.

Celebrate with song and dance

Raise your voices high.

This is the happy birthday

Of our Princess Butterfly.

Lift up your heads, oh roses,

Raise them to the sky,

Celebrate the birthday ---

(Here SAMBINGO'S voice rings out in
sudden solo)

SAMBINGO'S VOICE

Of de Princess Flutterby!

SAMBINGO lets out a deep
breath, collapses to an
attitude of complete
relaxation and grins at the
impatient SNICKERTY.

-IO-

SAMBINGO (to Snickerty)

Ah'm a-bustin' wid singin' foh de Princess.
(turning abruptly, he shouts in at the entrance)

Snickerty Nick am heah!

With a long "oooooh" to a chromatic scale, SNICKERTY winks at SAMBINGO, pirouettes and addresses SAMBINGO.

SNICKERTY (sadly)

I missed *your* chorus, and I *like* to sing.

SAMBINGO

Go ahead ... Ah ain't a-gwine to stop youh.

SNICKERTY (doubtfully)

Well...

(then he smiles and begins to sing)

Education I've not had at all,
I use my brains instead.

I sat on a rock overlooking the sea
And my thoughts were busy as they could be --
And I dreamed and dreamed.

And the people said

I was a lazy, good-for-nothing cad,
I'd grow up bad.

-12-

OVERTURE

SCENE III

The curtains part to disclose
a butterfly glade. The hedge
has been removed, leaving the
Rose Tree Throne in full view.

Constructed to give the appearance of a full-blown pink rose, canopied with garlands of smaller rambler roses and backed by a blossoming rose tree, the Rose Tree Throne occupies center upstage.

(Herein stage sets described are those found practical in the Hollywood presentation of the play, but can be altered and adapted to individual production requirements and facilities).... The Princess in shimmering blue, her gorgeous wings outspread, and wearing a silver crown on her head, occupies the throne.)

-13-

On her either side and forming
a semicircle that ends down-
stage right and left with the
Rose Tree Throne in center
position, are toadstool seats
of graduated size... (The
number of seats is regulated
by the size of the available
cast and stage. Ten or twelve
is a satisfactory number, but
more or less can be used)....
The effect is one of center
height. Stage right, at an
angle standing right to left
upstage, is the interior
view of the same hedge and
entrance seen in scene two.
Vari-colored butterflies
occupy the toadstool seats
and there are groups of
butterflies scattered about
the stage near flowering
shrubs and blossom-garlanded
trees. Downstage left on a
moss-covered rock or on a

-14- (B)

As the Princess' gesture and
command a tiny butterfly,
wand in hand, runs up beneath
the overhanging bluebells and,
to timed musical notes on an
ascending scale, strikes the
first three bells successfully,
but, because the fourth is too
high for her to reach, falls
in her attempt to hit it....
She tumbles forward and her
embarrassed confusion provokes
SNICKERTY NICK, who has not
yet taken his place of honor
at the Princess' right, to say
consolingly:

SNICKERTY (consolingly)

Never mind....

(now he himself whistles the fourth note,
after which he nods with satisfaction)

There! That'll do it!

SNICKERTY'S whistle is the
cue for the music of Golden
Wings' dance. As the musical

-15-

introduction is heard,
SNICKERTY runs to take his
place and from upstage left
GOLDEN WINGS runs out from
the backstage shrubbery and
dances for the assembled
guests of The Princess
Butterfly. The length of
GOLDEN WINGS' dance is de-
pendent upon the graceful
aptitude of the little girl
who assumes the role, and
while it should create the
illusion of a butterfly
lightly fluttering among blo-
ssoms, it should have signif-
icance as well: it is sugges-
ted that GOLDEN WINGS carry
in a goblet made of a single
large flower. This she can
offer first to the Princess,
who graciously touches it with
her lips, then to SNICKERTY
to bid him welcome, then to
the Hawaiian Butterfly, who

-16-

sips and who, in turn, passes
it around the semicircle as
a loving cup........

GOLDEN WINGS' dance concluded,
she bows deeply and runs to a
position left of the Princess.

As the applause subsides, the
music melts into an Hawaiian
melody as the Hawaiian Butter-
fly, who has watched GOLDEN
WINGS enviously, starts
swaying her shoulders. With
a rapid glance at SNICKERTY,
she crosses over to him,
"chucks" him quickly under
the chin and, beginning a
graceful Hawaiian dance,
motions an invitation to
SNICKERTY to join her. He
does, imitating her movements
as best he can. The result of
their very brief duet sends
the butterflies into shouts of
merriment. Exhausted after his
attempt, SNICKERTY sommersaults
and lies breathlessly on the

-17-

ground. The music over, the
little HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLY
gives him a reassuring wave
and runs back to her place.

SNICKERTY

(breathless but admiring, addresses the
pretty little HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLY)

I think I'd like to practice.

(turning quickly to the Princess and trying
to conceal his embarrassment at showing
interest in one of her guests)

I think practice......

PRINCESS

(interrupting and smiling knowingly at the
HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLY)

... makes perfect! ... Of course, Nicky!

SNICKERTY

(still trying not to appear shy about his
attraction to the hula dancing butterfly)

Of course, I'm glad you think I think the right
"think" and we both think the same think.

(patter)

Oh -- I'm a very busy tinker

-18-

For I mend all I can,
And the best of things I mend
Are the thinks of man.

All the BUTTERFLIES applaud
and cheer SNICKERTY NICK, but
over their cries of "Good
Nicky", "Hurray", there is
heard from offstage an unmis-
takable and angry buzzing that
is increasing in volume. The
BUTTERFLIES are suddenly mute
with terror. NICKY looks
questioningly at the PRINCESS.
SAMBINGO, peering out through
the entrance, turns and, wide-
eyed with fright, announces:

SAMBINGO

Dat's Buzzy -- de Pirate Bee!!!

PRINCESS (in helpless fear)

He threatens to seize my throne!

A group of frightened BUTTER-
FLIES huddle together. Others
look for places to hide. There

-19-

is general panic and confusion.
Some try to conceal themselves
behind the toadstools and sh-
rubs. One of the tiniest crou-
ches and covers herself with
her wings, onlt to peek out
with a scared face to find
herself conspicuously alone
downstage. She runs in terror
and kneels before the PRINCESS,
who touches her head with a
reassuring gesture and motions
her to a place beside the Rose
Tree Throne.

BUZZY'S marching song is heard
from off stage. As he and
his Pirate Bees approach, the
volume increases. The BUTTER-
FLIES, frozen with fright,
listen apprehensively.

BUZZY (singing offstage)

Hurray for Buzzy, the Pirate Bee,

He always buzzes to victory.

With a zuzz and a buzz

-20-

And a biff-boom-zing,
I'm leading my men to the fray
While they sing:

BEES (singing in chorus,
offstage)
Hurray for Buzzy, the Pirate Bee,
He always buzzes to victory!

Song continues while several
BUTTERFLIES run to the pro-
tection of the Rose Tree
Throne as the HAWAIIAN BUTTER
FLY runs to SNICKERTY NICK
who indicates, with a gesture
that he'll protect her......
Reassured somewhat, she uses
her ukelele to pantomime an
offensive whack on the as-
yet-unseen invaders and
hands it to SNICKERTY as a
weapon.

BUZZY
(continuing song-still offstage-volume
increasing)

-21-

You understand, of course, that's me!

I'm coming to capture these flowers and land,

So beware of me and my Pirate Band!

BEES (in chorus)

We're going to seize this beautiful glade

And settle here when the seizure's made!

Action on the stage must
continue during the song:

TWO BUTTERFLIES, running from
opposite directions to new
hiding places, collide, fall,
regain their feet, rub their
respective bumped places, then
abruptly shake hands before
continuing, each on his dash
to a concealing toadstool.

The PRINCESS is endeavoring
to comfort her frightened
subjects and motions those of
them who seek her protection
to places at her side.

SNICKERTY scratches his head
as he searches, with an
exaggeratedly puzzled express-
ion,

-22-

for a plan of defense.

BEES (singing in chorus)
We're going to seize this beautiful glade
And settle here when the seizure's made.

BUZZY (singing alone)
Here I and my men shall establish our home,
Sipping golden honey from the Rosr Tree Throne!

BUZZY has finished the song
with a crescendo, and menacing
buzzing is now heard offstage.
Volume increases over follow-
ing dialogue:

SAMBINGO
Dat's Buzzy, sho' 'nuff....
(his knees suddenly shake)
An' I'se havin' trouble wif mah bravery!

SAMBINGO controls his quaking
legs and makes a dash across
to left stage. (stage left)
He stops short at SNICKERTY'S
" Wait!"

SNICKERTY

-23-

(to the running Sambingo)

Wait! Where are you going?

SAMBINGO

(over his shoulder to Snickerty)

Ah's practically gone!

SNICKERTY

What's your hurry?

SAMBINGO

Ah ain't gwine to be no doohman foh no bees!

SAMBINGO continues his dash
and ducks behind a partially
concealing toadstool from which
at intervals, he peeks.

PRINCESS

Nicky, you are my -- Tinker of Thinks. What
shall we do?

SNICKERTY

(with an expression of joy at his sudden idea)

As your Tinker of Thinks, I know what I'll do.

(he patters the following verse as the BUTTER-
FLIES listen intently:)

-24-

A Tinker is a mender, a mender of things,
And I'll mend the song that Buzzy sings
For he is certainly cracked more than any, I see,
This warlike Buzzy, the Pirate Bee!
(looks upward as he produces a whistle from
his pocket, blows it, and calls:)

Windy: Windy!
(to the Princess)
He'll help you, Princess!

BUTTERFLIES (ad libbing in
confused chorus)

Windy: Hurray! He'll help us! Hurray for Nicky!
Hurray for our Tinker of Thinks!!! Hurray, Nicky..
get Windy!......

PRINCESS

Yes, Nicky, hurry.....
(to the half hidden Sambingo)

Sambingo, get wings for Nicky....
(to Snickerty)

You'll get there faster if you use them.

SNICKERTY nods in agreement
as SAMBINGO, running to a
near-by bush, draws a pair

-26-

Wriggle one shoulder!

SNICKERTY wriggles one
shoulder.

A BLUE BUTTERFLY

Bend your knees!

SNICKERTY executes several
deep knee bends.

A GREEN BUTTERFLY

Raise on your toes!

SNICKERTY raises on his toes.

His disappointed expression
at his continued inability to
fly is reflected in the faces
of all the butterflies.

A PURPLE BUTTERFLY

Turn around fast!

SNICKERTY turns around so
fast he grows dizzy and falls.

SAMBINGO (desperately)

Try holdin' youh breath!

-27-

SAMBINGO didn't intend to offend with a suggestion given in all good faith, but SNICKERTY misunderstands and jumps up angrily, hopping up and down as he protests:

SNICKERTY (protestingly)

I won't do it!!! I certainly won't do it!

PRINCESS (consolingly)

Of course not, Nicky... It takes time to learn to fly.

(to Sambingo)

Sambingo, take Nicky to our flying field...

(she motions stage left)

...and send him off with a lightning flash!

SAMBINGO and NICKY hurriedly exit upstage left. All the BUTTERFLIES cheer and follow as far as the stage left 'wings', where they stop to wave and ad lib.

BUTTERFLIES

(waving and ad libbing in confused chorus)

-29-

he commands his men to "Halt"

BUZZY

Company, halt!

The BEES stop short as BUZZY surveys the frightened BUTTERFLIES with arrogant contempt. Then he turns to his men and dramatically raises his hand.

BUZZY

To buzz or not to buzz... That is the question.

In perfect unison the BEES bend their knees sharply outward (morning exercise fashion), jerk their legs straight together, and with an obvious deep breath (also in perfect unison), shout:

BEES (in chorus)

To buzz!

BUZZY

Bravo! Company -- atten - tion!

' The BEES, who have been standing in strict

-30-

military obedience facing
the audience, wheel sharply
at BUZZY'S command and face
him, backs to audience.

BUZZY

Draw -- st ing - ers!

All the little BEES, in
perfect unison, knees strai-ght,
swing their hips to the
left, and with a wide sweep
of their right hands dramatic-ally pull out their stingers,
swinging back immediately to
an errect position, stingers
upraised in their right hands

BUZZY

I'm the new conqueror!.... Charge!

As the BEES take a menacing
step forward, there is a
complete blackout, the sound
of a great roar of wind,
which increases in volume to
a mighty crescendo.... the

-31-

BUTTERFLIES ad lib shouts of
"Hurray, Windy;" the BEES
buzz angrily until there is
great din and confusion. At
the hight of the noise the
blackout is punctuated by a
flash of lightning. Full up
on stage lights to reveal
SNICKERTY NICK, where he has
"dropped" at the foot of the
PRINCESS. He picks himself
up, rubbing himself where he
apparently "bumped too hard
in landing."

SNICKERTY

Just dropped in to meet the new conqueror! Glad
I'm not too late!

SAMBINGO

Naw suh.... But youh shore couldna' been no later

SNICKERTY (to the Princess)

I brought my friend Windy...Rather, he brought me.

Sound of an unmistakable
"hiss" of wind.

-32-

BUZZY (angrily)

What's that?

SNICKERTY

Windy. He's hissing you because you remind him of
Pan.

BUZZY

(interrupting to roar with unpleasant
laughter)

Ho! Ho! Me, Buzzy, remind anyone of <u>Pan</u>!

(sneering)

I'm a <u>warrior</u>, not a Beauty God!

SAMBINGO

(perplexed--almost to himself)

Pan...? <u>Beauty</u>...?

(shaking his head as he answers his own
question)

Naw, <u>suh</u>... Pan <u>cakes</u>....

SAMBINGO runs to the PRINCESS
for protection as BUZZY turns
sharply to glare at him.

SNICKERTY

You interrupted me, Buzzy... I was going to say

Pandora's <u>box</u>... A lot of evil came out of it!

-33-

BUZZY (fiercely)

Better not act 'smart' with Buzzy!

SNICKERTY (undaunted)

Well, since I had no education, I use my brains
instead...you don't... You have a bee in your
bonnet!

BUZZY and his men are too
surprised to continue their
charge and stand regarding
SNICKERTY in amazement.

BUZZY

(regaining his air of bravado and disregarding
SNICKERTY for lack of a good retort,
addresses the Princess as he brandishes his
drawn stinger)

Surrender!

PRINCESS

No! I will _not_ surrender but I will share our
flowers. There are enough for Butterflies and Bees
You shall not sacrifice beauty for greed.

BUZZY

I want _all_ the flowers!.... Bees are useful...
Butterflies are nothing but a pair of pretty wings

-34-

Beauty -- bah...!

PRINCESS

But you forget. You find your golden honey hidden
in the midst of beauty...

BUZZY

**Honey!** That's what we're after and we don't care
where it's hidden. We'll find it and we'll grab
all we can. That's what I came to say, because
"grab all we can" is my way. When I can't get it
peacefully, I'll make war!

PRINCESS

War must cease!

BUZZY

I'm a warlike Bee and someday I'll be as great as
Zhengis Khan, Napoleon and Muss-Up-Lini!

SNICKERTY

It's good I arrived before that day.

BUZZY (contemptuously)

And who are you?

SNICKERTY

Snickerty Nick!

You can't stop me! BUZZY

-35-

SNICKERTY

Maybe not... But I have a friend who can !

SNICKERTY produces a whistle
from his pocket and, lifting
his head, gives a lusty blow
for Windy.

SNICKERTY

Windy!

There is another roar of wind
which continues under
dialogue.

BUTTERFLIES

Windy!
Hurray!
He'll save us!!

BUZZY

Windy is my enemy...I won't stand for him!

There is the sound of a
terrific blast of wind...
Then, with the aid of a
wind machine operating from
offstage left, everything,

-37-

## BUZZY

(momentarily regaining his feet as he attempts to 'buck' the wind)

No!!!

The BEES, struggling to avoid being blown out through the vine-draped entrance, are tumbling and somersaulting stage right.

## SNICKERTY

Windy! Maybe you'd better blow them to the North Pole!

BEES (in confused chorus)

No! No! It's too cold!

## SNICKERTY

Fighters need cooling off!

(Snickerty gives a sharp blow of his whistle)

Windy! To the North Pole!!!

There is an eerie, whistling chuckle (best achieved by a flute or some wind instrument) from Windy. This is followed by the sound of another even

-38-

louder blast of wind......
the wind machine is turned on
full force and BUZZY and his
BEES are hurled, tumbling
backwards, out through the
right stage entrance. SAMBINGO
grimly hangs onto the toad-
stool.

TOTAL BLACKOUT.

A spotlight is thrown on the
windblown, toadstool clutching
SAMBINGO... he is wide-eyed
and yelling for mercy.

SAMBINGO

Lawdy, Lawdy.... Ah mean Windy... Stop youh
foolin' wid dis colored Butterfly... Ah cum f'um
de South... An' Ah don't wanta go No'th....!!

From the darkened stage left
someone throws SAMBINGO a
red hot water bag... Letting
go of the toadstool in order
to catch it, he is blown
backwards, out of the spot
into the darkness, hot water

-40-

## SCENE IV

MUSIC. Several introductory bars of "Winter Gnomes" song are heard followed by the eerie, whistling laugh of WINDY, then by resounding howls of wind.

The curtains part to disclose the "North Pole". Only stage right is revealed. Stage left is blocked in darkness (or obscured by partially drawn curtains). The North Pole scene may be represented either as an authentic ice covered Arctic wasteland or as a stylized "North Pole", (a miniature flag pole set on a pyramidal snowpeak, which in turn rests on a globe of the world.). The set may be simplified in either case by lighting. Blue lights thrown on white draped cellophane,

-41-

sprinkled "snow drifts" achieve
the necessary effect. It is
important to cover the stage
floor in white to convincingly
create the illusion. There is
the obvious advantage of
eliminating detail work if
the stylized "North Pole"
is decided upon. The "Pole"
itself should fly a stiff
triangular flag labeling the
locale beyond dispute.

Regardless of method of hand-
ling the set, a towering ice
peak topped by a short pole
is needed for business. The
peak should be so constructed
that it is backed by a ladder,
steps or a platform upon which
SNICKERTY can perch unseen
until the moment of his
sudden appearance....

As the lights go on, BUZZY,
SAMBINGO, and all the BEES,
well sprinkled with snow, are

42-

gathered, shivering, sneezing,
and rubbing their hands, at
the foot of the peak......

The offstage laugh of WINDY
and the howls of wintery blasts
continue.

## BEES

(ad libbing in unison between sneezes,
coughs, and 'br-r-r-rs')

It's cold!.... Kerchoo........!

There's ice on my wings!

My stinger's frozen!

I want to go home!

## SAMBINGO

(still clutching the hot water bag to his
stomach as he looks up at the "North Pole"
and wails)

Ah didn't do nuthin' wrong......

## BUZZY (fiercely)

Oh, go climb the North Pole!

## SAMBINGO

Naw, suh, Buzzy.... Ah's frized to stiff to climb
nuthin'.... Oh, Lawdy, Lawdy, Ah's cold!

-46-

## SCENE V

MUSIC... Fade into sound of the wind... An eerie laugh...

The curtains part to again disclose the Butterfly Glade. As the act opens the PRINCESS is standing at the Rose Tree Throne listening expectantly to the increasing roar of the wind.... All the BUTTERFLIES are excitedly clapping, looking offstage right, and crying, "Hurray, Windy's coming." The little

HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLY runs to the entrance right and peers out between the vines. The sound of SNICKERTY NICK'S whistle is heard.

HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLY

(turning from the entrance)

Ooooooooh.... Nicky's coming!.... Nicky's coming!

The HAWAIIAN BUTTERFLY'S

-48-

PRINCESS (smiling)

Yes... But he's *my* "Tinker of Thinks"!

At that moment there is a terrific roar... a shriek of Windy's laughter, and everything, including BUTTERFLIES, is blown back from the entrance across to left stage. The PRINCESS alone remains out of the path of the wind. (Wind machine operating from stage right) As the BUTTERFLIES are blown *away* from the entrance, the BEES, preceded by SNICKERTY and followed by SAMBINGO (hot water bag in hand) are blown tumbling and somersaulting through into the glade..... The roar and wind die down as SNICKERTY and the others regain their balance and stomp their feet warm.

PRINCESS

Welcome!... But where is Buzzy?

-49-

SNICKERTY

(jerking his thumb in the direction from
which they were blown)

He's out in the cold... where pirates belong!

BEES (in union)

Down with pirates!

At this moment, BUZZY
himself appears at the
entrance. He is a greatly
altered BUZZY, crestfallen,
humble, shivering.

BUZZY (pleading)

I'm not a pirate anymore!

PRINCESS

Then welcome, Buzzy!

EVERYONE

Hurray!

BUZZY and the BEES (singing)

We shook saying Ooh! And we shook saying Ow!

It was cold, cold, cold!

we're

We're no longer pirates peaceful bees now--

-50-

No longer pirates but peaceful bees now;

We hope you believe what you're told.

We shivered and shook and our buzzers got froze
So tight that we could not use them, then all of
the snows came spilling,

Then chilling the ends of our nose,

Then prickling and icing the tips of our toes,

And we ran saying Ooh! And we ran saying Ow!

It was cold, cold, cold,

It was cold, cold, cold.

BUTTERFLIES (ad lib cheering)

Hurray!

The PRINCESS graciously
motions BUZZY to come
nearer the Rose Tree Throne.

He advances timidly towards
her as she gestures to the
BUTTERFLY BELL RINGER(the
same who had previously
fallen in an endeavor to
hit the highest bell).

PRINCESS

Bells!

-51-

The little BUTTERFLY BELL
RINGER succeeds in striking
the highest note this time
by a sudden trick. Just as
she gives every indication
of being about to repeat her
fall, she suddenly steps up
on a toadstool which had
been conveniently situated
all the time and success-
fully strikes the highest
bell... This is the cue for
the BUTTERFLIES' reply to
the BEES' song.

BUTTERFLIES (singing in chorus)

For Beauty and Peace are needed, you see,
By bees as well as by you and me.

BUZZY steps over to
SNICKERTY, turns sharplt to
bend, with his back to the
dwarf...SNICKERTY then
withdraws the proffered
stinger (surrender of the
sword) which BUZZY was

-52-

again wearing in his tail.
BUZZY stands erect, turns to
SNICKERTY and they shake
hands... All BEES and
BUTTERFLIES cheer, then
shout. As the introductory
music of the "Dipsey Wipsey"
song begins they join hands
and skip around BUZZY and
SNICKERTY NICK. The PRINCESS
remains at the higher
level of her Rose Tree
Throne and looks on appro-
vingly. As they dance around
they sing. During the song
the little HAWAIIAN BUTTER-
FLY breaks from the circle
to run up and give
SNICKERTY a quick kiss.
Then, embarrassed, she runs
from him, ducks out under
the arms of the dancing,
singing BEES and BUTTERFLIES
and dashes to the protective
concealment of a left down-

-53-

stage toadstool to hide her
confusion.

BEES and BUTTERFLIES

(dancing and singing in chorus)

Hurray! Hurray!

They saved the day.

Dipsey-Wipsey, Piddledy Ipsey,

For Nicky we shout 'Hurray'!

Repeat the song. Conclude
music.

BLACKOUT.

SPOTLIGHT on SNICKERTY
NICK alone.

SNICKERTY (to the audience)

For grabbing nations and greedy men always get
left in the end!

CURTAIN

SNICKERTY NICK

and the

THREE BEARS

## SCENE I

A woodland glade with gnarled and moss-
draped trees, dense shrubs and colorful
flowers. Downstage right is a grassy
mound where the slumbering Goldenlocks
lies half concealed by bushes. Center
stage left is a crossroad sign, its
base heavily flanked with shrubs, its
arms indicating directions of "Giant's
Castle," "Noah's Ark Landing," "Three
Bears Home." A forest pathway leads
from back stage and forks left to the
signpost, right off stage. As the
scene opens Snickerty Nick's song is
heard from a distance off stage ---
for the conclusion of the song Snickerty
Nick skips down from the pathway sing-
ing and leading Jo-John by the hand.

-2-

SNICKERTY (singing)

Oh-- I just came out of Somewhere,
And I'm getting Noplace fast.
I'm living in the Present,
The Future and the Past.
I'm here, I'm there, I'm everywhere,
I'm slow and I'm quick.
I'm young, I'm old - I'm meek, I'm bold,
And my name is Snickerty Nick!

JO-JOHN sinks on a convenient rock
to rest as he applauds the song
and SNICKERTY gestures towards the
signpost.

SNICKERTY (motioning to the left
as the sign indicates) to the BEARS!
Come along, JoJohn! We mustn't be
late!

As SNICKERTY turns to Jo John, who
wearily rises as he heaves a deep
sigh, the chimpanzee T-WEE, who
has been hiding in the bushes at
the base of the sign-post, appears
just long enough to wink and turn
the sign-post so that the direction

-4-

just missing him. Snickerty
jumps aside and T-WEE appears,
laughing. Exasperated
Snickerty makes a move toward
T-Wee, who makes a quick escape
behind the bushes left. Jo-
John and Snickerty look hope-
lessly at the different paths
and the fallen sign.

SNICKERTY: See what the
scalawag has done! Now we
don't know which way to go.

Suddenly Jo-John sees GOLDEN-
LOCKS and indicates his discov-
ery to Snickerty.

Jo-JOHN: There's Golden-
locks. Perhaps she can tell us.

Snickerty tip-toes to Golden-
locks and pulls one of her
curls. She stirs, then goes
back to sleep. Next he picks
up a fern and tickles her nose.
She opens her eyes and sits up

-5-

energetically, brushing away
the annoying tickle.

SNICKERTY: (Laughing)

Hello, Goldenlocks! We are
going to visit the Three Bears
who live in the woods. Will
you come along with us?

Goldenlocks jumps up and starts
a little jig in which Snickerty
joins.

GOLDENLOCKS (joyfully)

Oh, that will be great fun!

SNICKERTY: (suddenly serious)

Now, both of you must be on your
best behavior. The Bears are one
of our best families. Now come
along.

JO-JOHN (indicating the fallen

sign) But we don't know which
way to go!

SNICKERTY: (impatiently) Well,

at least go with dignity -- like me.

-9-

an amused interest in T-WEE.

Without being noticed, she returns.

GOLDENLOCKS (to T-WEE): Why
don't you come along to show us
the way?

T-WEE (chuckling): Just follow the
trail and I'll be there later.

GOLDENLOCKS nods happily and
skips out. T-WEE turns a few
handsprings, then walks out,
whistling. As soon as the
stage is clear, PAPA BEAR'S
voice is heard off-stage right.

PAPA BEAR (in a deep cultured voice): Excellent berries, my dear.

The conversation is continued
as the THREE BEARS enter from
stage right. They have been
picking berries and all carry
pails. They move briskly and
it is obvious they all think