A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Ballad of King Windowglass

Short Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  4any gender (adult), 9any gender (youth)

The Good King Wenceslas (a name everyone seems to have trouble pronouncing) sets out to give his gift to a peasant he has seen, but encounters unanticipated difficulties from some of his subjects who question the "political correctness" of his gift.

The Ballad of King Windowglass

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4any gender (adult), 9any gender (youth)
  • Duration
    Duration
    40 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Farce, Fantasy, Christmas/Holiday, Fables/Folktales, Chancel Drama / Pageant, Parody / Spoof, Faith-based
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences

Details

Summary
The carol "Good King Wenceslas" is the basis for this lively forty-five minute farce. The Good King Wenceslas (a name everyone seems to have trouble pronouncing) sets out to give his gift to a peasant he has seen, but encounters unanticipated difficulties from some of his subjects who question the "political correctness" of his gift. Much fun is derived from the "thither and yon" of Olde English.

All characters are imagined from the words of "Good King Wenceslas."

TWO PEASANTS
KING WENCESLAS
SCRUFFY
THE POOR MAN
SIR EWING THE INEPT
SISTER ANTAGONISTICA
BURGHER MORAN OF AVARICE ON THE RHINE
THE BUREAUCRAT
4 DICKENSIAN SINGERS

Requires a minimum of four singers, but larger group may be used. A mixed "quartette" of trained singers is best. A larger group of untrained singers singing in unison is acceptable. The part of Scruffy should be played by someone younger (or at least smaller) than the other cast members.

  • Time Period 18th Century
  • Setting A suggested forest somewhere in Dickensian England. 
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features No intermission, Play w/ Music
  • Duration 40 minutes
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Music

  • Chorus Size Medium

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £30 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Jack Kurtz

Jack Kurtz has been a Presbyterian pastor for 37 years, PC(USA), in Missouri and Northern Virginia. Educational degrees include: Doctor of Ministry, San Francisco Theological Seminary; and Master of Divinity, McCormick Theological Seminary. Mr. Kurtz has created a theatre co ...
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