The dominant Bullies (Lion, Monkey, Owl and Rabbit) and their helpless Targets (Tiger, Unicorn, Duck and Elephant) cannot resolve their daily problems (“We Got Issues”). Dinosaur, who has been traveling through the galaxies, crashes due to a malfunction of the rocket ship. The characters live in an atmosphere of unending stress because they are bullied every day (“The Land Between”). Dinosaur, a wise and experienced mediator, senses that these two groups need some guidance (“What’ll You Do?”). The Bullies threaten to blow up the rocket ship unless Dinosaur leaves immediately, which is not possible because the ship is broken. Tiger, a gender-fluid scientist, resolves that if he fixes the ship, they can all finally escape from the Bullies.
The Bullies, led by Lion, break into Tiger’s laboratory, trash everything, and lock Tiger inside. From outside the lab, the Bullies proudly share their malicious social media posts about Tiger (“Copy. Paste. Send.”). Dinosaur intercedes, but the Bullies stalk off, unconvinced. Dinosaur promises to bring tools to release Tiger.
Multi-colored Unicorn is harassed and treated as invisible. Unicorn is shaken and loses confidence, but Dinosaur gives reassurance (“I Am For Real”). The Bullies steal Unicorn’s backpack and run to a nearby pond, where they discover Duck sitting on a rock, hoping to learn to quack once they escape. Duck, who struggles to speak correctly, is taunted by Owl (“Beg A Little, Crawl A Little”). Duck has trouble finding the right thing to say (“Longing To Qua...”). The Bullies use Unicorn’s backpack to tie Duck on the rock. Dinosaur and Unicorn discover Duck, but they can’t swim. They go looking for Elephant, who is big and can walk in the water to reach Duck.
Elephant, who feels physically inadequate, is compressing food and drinks for the escape, but is tormented by Rabbit and the other Bullies. Dinosaur and Unicorn convince Elephant to help Duck (“Time To Stand Up!”) and the three of them successfully rescue Duck. Unicorn, noticing Monkey’s bananas sticking out of the backpack, quickly hides them (“Going Bananas!”). Unicorn begins to taunt Monkey, but Dinosaur steps in, and Monkey realizes how painful it is to be the target of bullying. To the dismay of Lion and the other Bullies, Monkey tentatively joins the Targets as they return to the lab to rescue Tiger.
Dinosaur, Monkey and the Targets free Tiger. The Targets ask if they can escape with Dinosaur if Tiger fixes the ship. Dinosaur says they must first resolve their problems with the Bullies. The Targets are empowered (“I Feel Strong!”). Dinosaur is impressed, and everyone feels optimistic (“Hold Onto Hope”).
Freed to do as they like, the Targets consider bullying back, but decide instead to tell the Bullies how they feel. The Bullies are unmoved. Monkey has a choice to make and decides to officially join the Targets (“Latitude To Your Attitude”). Duck convinces Owl to help others with academic problems, rather than slander and snub. Dinosaur and Elephant explain why Rabbit should stop bullying (“Hop, Rabbit, Hop!”). Rabbit is reluctant at first, but eventually understands and agrees (“Rabbit! Rabbit!”)
This leaves only Lion, who remains unaffected (“Greed”). The former Bullies join the Targets in their attempt to persuade Lion (“Bully No More!”), but still, Lion resists. Tiger tries a different tactic, telling Lion, “Everyone has problems, but we all have choices and are responsible for what we do.” Lion agrees to think about changing behavior (“A Perfect World”).
Elephant trips while racing to escape and the other Targets stop to help. When they arrive at the rocket ship, Dinosaur is inside, and the door is locked. Tiger programmed the door to stay shut to keep the Bullies out. The Targets decide not to leave The Land Between, to stand up for their rights and embrace their new friendships with the Bullies (“Don’t Bully Me Down!”)
Flexible casting: A chorus may be added.
MEDIATOR
DINOSAUR – A million years old, charismatic, trustworthy and protective with the wisdom of the ages.
BULLIES
Egotists and narcissists without concern for anyone but themselves.
LION – Tyrannical dictator.
MONKEY – Taunting prankster.
OWL – Snooty intellectual.
RABBIT – Arrogant athlete.
TARGETS
Scapegoats and underdogs without the confidence to protect themselves against abuse.
TIGER – (LGBTQIA) Scientist
UNICORN – Multicolored philosopher.
DUCK – Learning disabled student.
ELEPHANT – Heavy, clumsy loner.
Bully No More! features an Ensemble cast of nine characters, but a chorus may be added.
Expandable cast: Roles can be doubled with younger children sharing a part.
Flexible Casting: Elementary Schools may perform the musical over time.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL teachers can divide the show into scenes, select one class, or group, to begin with the opening dialogue, and end after the first song. The anti-bullying message continues throughout the school year, presented at weekly meetings, with a different class or group, one scene at a time. Several songs, "Hold Onto Hope!" "I Feel Strong!" and "A Perfect World," can be taught for the entire school to sing along when those scenes are performed.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS and THEATRE CAMPS are the perfect ages to perform Bully No More!
HIGH SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, PARENT ORGANIZATIONS, TRAVELING TROUPES and PROFESSIONAL THEATRES can perform Bully No More! for elementary and middle school students.
Ensemble Cast – 9 Characters – a chorus may be added
Expandable cast: Roles can be doubled with younger children sharing a part.
Flexible Casting: Elementary Schools may perform the musical over time.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL teachers can divide the show into scenes, select one class, or group, to begin with the opening dialogue, and end after the first song. The anti-bullying message continues throughout the school year, presented at weekly meetings, with a different class or group, one scene at a time. Several songs, "Hold Onto Hope!" "I Feel Strong!" and "A Perfect World," can be taught for the entire school to sing along when those scenes are performed.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND THEATRE CAMPS are the perfect ages to perform Bully No More!
HIGH SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, PARENT ORGANIZATIONS, TRAVELING TROUPES, and PROFESSIONAL THEATRES can perform Bully No More! for elementary and middle school students.