A Wild and Wacky Version of the Classic Story Through the Looking

A WildA Wild and and Wacky Wacky Version Version of theof the Classic Classic Story Story ThroughThrough the the Looking Looking Glass Glass by Lewisby Lewis Carroll Carroll

AdaptedAdapted by James by James DeVita DeVita MusicMusic and andLyrics Lyrics by Bill by BillFrancoeur Francoeur

BookBook © 2002, © 2002, by James by James Devita Devita under under the title the oftitle “Looking of “Looking Glass Glass Land” Land” LyricsLyrics © 2002 © 2002 by Pioneer by Pioneer Drama Drama Service, Service, Inc. underInc. under the title the oftitle “Wonderland!” of “Wonderland!”

ProfessionalsProfessionals and amateursand amateurs are herebyare hereby warned warned that thata royalty a royalty must must be paid be paidfor every for every performance,performance, whether whether or not or admissionnot admission is charged. is charged. All inquiries All inquiries regarding regarding rights rights should should be addressedbe addressed to Pioneer to Pioneer Drama Drama Service, Service, Inc., Inc.,PO Box PO 4267,Box 4267, Englewood, Englewood, CO 80155 CO 80155. .

All rightsAll rights to this to thismusical—including musical—including but notbut limitednot limited to amateur, to amateur, professional, professional, radio radio broadcast,broadcast, television, television, motion motion picture, picture, public public reading reading and andtranslation translation into intoforeign foreign languages—arelanguages—are controlled controlled by Pioneer by Pioneer Drama Drama Service, Service, Inc., Inc.,without without whose whose permission permission no performance,no performance, reading reading or presentation or presentation of any of kind any kindin whole in whole or in orpart in maypart bemay given. be given.

TheseThese rights rights are fully are protectedfully protected under under the copyright the copyright laws lawsof the of United the United States States of America of America and ofand all of countries all countries covered covered by the by Universalthe Universal Copyright Copyright Convention Convention or with or withwhich which the the UnitedUnited States States has reciprocalhas reciprocal copyright copyright relations, relations, including including Canada, Canada, Mexico, Mexico, Australia Australia and and all nationsall nations of the of United the United Kingdom. Kingdom.

ONE ONESCRIPT SCRIPT PER PERCAST CAST MEMBER MEMBER MUST MUST BE PURCHASED BE PURCHASED FOR FORPRODUCTION PRODUCTION RIGHTS. RIGHTS. COPYINGCOPYING OR DISTRIBUTING OR DISTRIBUTING ALL ORALL ANY OR ANYPART PART OF THIS OF THIS BOOK BOOK WITHOUTWITHOUT PERMISSION PERMISSION IS STRICTLY IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN FORBIDDEN BY LAW. BY LAW.

On allOn programs, all programs, printing printing and advertising,and advertising, the following the following information information must must appear: appear: 1. The1. fullThe name full name of the of musical the musical 2. The2. fullThe name full name of the of playwright, the playwright, the composer, the composer, and theand lyricist the lyricist 3. The3. followingThe following notice: notice: “Produced “Produced by special by special arrangement arrangement with with PioneerPioneer Drama Drama Service, Service, Inc., Inc.,Denver, Denver, Colorado” Colorado” THROUGHTHROUGH THE THE LOOKING LOOKING GLASS GLASS

CASTCAST OF OFCHARACTERS CHARACTERS # of #lines of lines ALICEALICE ...... you youknow know the theone one 215 215 TROUBADOUR*TROUBADOUR* ...... soloistsoloist who who introduces introduces the theshow show n/a n/a MOTHER’SMOTHER’S VOICE VOICE ...... offstageoffstage 14 14 WHITEWHITE QUEEN QUEEN ...... defenderdefender of the of thecrown crown 76 76 REDRED QUEEN QUEEN ...... vicious,vicious, nasty nasty temper temper 94 94 REDRED PAWNS PAWNS ...... in thein thehands hands of their of their queen queen 32 32 WHITEWHITE PAWNS PAWNS ...... dittoditto 32 32 DAISYDAISY ...... a talkinga talking flower flower 10 10 TIGER-LILYTIGER-LILY ...... alsoalso 13 13 ROSEROSE ...... alsoalso 11 11 ANNOUNCERANNOUNCER ...... baseball,baseball, anyone? anyone? 3 3 UMPUMP ...... dittoditto 4 4 CATCHERCATCHER ...... dittoditto 3 3 VENDORVENDOR ...... generousgenerous popcorn popcorn seller seller 2 2 TWEEDLETWEEDLE DUM DUM ...... not nota statue, a statue, no-how no-how 14 14 TWEEDLETWEEDLE DEE DEE ...... contrariwisecontrariwise 18 18 TRAINTRAIN CONDUCTOR CONDUCTOR ...... by-the-rulesby-the-rules tour tour guide guide 9 9 TICKETTICKET SELLER SELLER ...... sellssells tickets, tickets, of course of course 4 4 HUMPTYHUMPTY DUMPTY DUMPTY ...... just justdon’t don’t tell himtell himhe lookshe looks like like an eggan egg 40 40 WHITEWHITE KNIGHT KNIGHT ...... defendsdefends his queen’shis queen’s honor honor 37 37 REDRED KNIGHT KNIGHT ...... battlesbattles the theWhite White Knight Knight 31 31 EMCEEEMCEE ...... mastersmasters the theceremony ceremony 8 8 THETHE RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES ...... jazzy,jazzy, Southern Southern Baptist, Baptist, Manhattan Manhattan Transfer-styleTransfer-style singing singing group group n/a n/a CHORUS/EXTRASCHORUS/EXTRAS ...... as DANCERS,as DANCERS, PROPER PROPER AUTHORITIES,AUTHORITIES, BASEBALL BASEBALL PLAYERSPLAYERS and and FANS FANS, TOURISTS,, TOURISTS, DIXIEDIXIE CHICKENS, CHICKENS, etc. etc. * If* playingIf playing for forsmall small children, children, you youmay may consider consider making making the the TROUBADOURTROUBADOUR a White a White Rabbit Rabbit wearing wearing Renaissance Renaissance garb. garb.

ii ii RIGHTSRIGHTS MUST MUST BE PURCHASED BE PURCHASED BEFORE BEFORE REPRODUCING REPRODUCING THIS THIS SCRIPT SCRIPT For preview only. SETTINGSETTING TheThe stage stage is bare is bare but butfor thefor thestage stage floor floor which which has haslarge large black black and and whitewhite squares squares representing representing the therows rows and and columns columns of a of chessboard. a chessboard. If it If is it not is not possible possible to paint to paint the the stage stage floor floor or orrepresent represent these these rows rows andand columns columns in some in some other other way, way, the theplay play can can be donebe done with with a single a single square—likesquare—like the therubber rubber home home plate plate used used in baseball in baseball games—which games—which will willrepresent represent all ofall the of thesquares squares to come. to come. Changes Changes in location in location during during the theplay play will willbe establishedbe established either either by aby shift a shift in lighting, in lighting, sound sound or byor by the theensemble ensemble actors actors bringing bringing on onand/or and/or taking taking off setoff setpieces. pieces. No No large,large, fixed fixed set setpieces pieces are areused used so asso toas facilitate to facilitate the thefluid fluid and andrapid rapid movementmovement of oneof one scene scene to another.to another. The The play play should should have have a very a very improvisationalimprovisational feel feel to it. to Any it. Any changes changes by theby theensemble, ensemble, costume costume or or set setare aredone done in full in fullview view of theof theaudience audience as partas part of theof theaction. action. The The membersmembers of the of theensemble ensemble are arethe thestorytellers storytellers of Alice’s of Alice’s imagination. imagination. A wallA wall of flats of flats is upstage is upstage with withvarious various odd oddshaped shaped doors doors and andwindows windows for entrancesfor entrances and and exits. exits. These These doors doors are arenot notnoticeable noticeable at the at thetop topof of the theshow. show. Whatever Whatever design design is painted is painted on theon theflats flats and andthe theway waythey they are arelit obscures lit obscures them. them.

iii iii For preview only.

means something along the lines of “very, very serious.” SEQUENCESEQUENCE OF OFMUSICAL MUSICAL NUMBERS NUMBERS

MC MC1 1 Alice Alice in Wonderland— in Wonderland— ProloguePrologue ...... Troubadour/Troubadour/ CompanyCompany MC MC1a 1a Through Through the theLooking Looking Glass Glass ...... Instrumental ...... Instrumental MC MC2 2 Jabberwocky Jabberwocky ...... White ...... White Queen/Red Queen/Red Queen/ChessQueen/Chess Pieces Pieces MC MC2a 2a Trumpet Trumpet Fanfare Fanfare ...... Instrumental Instrumental MC MC2b 2b Trumpet Trumpet Fanfare Fanfare ...... Instrumental Instrumental MC MC2c 2c Take Take Me MeOut Outto the to theBall Ball Game Game ...... Instrumental ...... Instrumental MC MC2d 2d Take Take Me MeOut Outto the to theBall Ball Game Game ...... Instrumental ...... Instrumental MC MC2e 2e Humpty Humpty Dumpty Dumpty ...... Alice Alice MC MC3 3 I Was I Was a Good a Good Egg Egg But ButThen Then I I DoneDone Went Went Bad Bad ...... Humpty ...... Humpty Dumpty/Dixie Dumpty/Dixie ChickensChickens MC MC3a 3a The ThePageant Pageant ...... Instrumental ...... Instrumental MC MC4 4 You YouGot GotResponsibility Responsibility ...... Responsibilities/Chess ...... Responsibilities/Chess PiecesPieces MC MC4a 4a Exit ExitMusic— Music— You YouGot GotResponsibility Responsibility ...... Instrumental ...... Instrumental MC MC4b 4b Through Through the theLooking Looking Glass Glass ...... Instrumental ...... Instrumental MC MC5 5 Was Was It All It Just All Just a Dream?/Finale a Dream?/Finale ....Alice/Citizens ....Alice/Citizens of of WonderlandWonderland MC MC5a 5a Curtain Curtain Call— Call— YouYou Got GotResponsibility Responsibility ...... Instrumental ...... Instrumental

iv iv For preview only. THROUGHTHROUGH THE THE LOOKING LOOKING GLASS GLASS 1 AT1 RISE:AT RISE: The The STAGE STAGE is DARK. is DARK. MUSIC MUSIC CUE CUE 1: “Alice 1: “Alice in Wonderland— in Wonderland— Prologue.”Prologue.” The The ENSEMBLE, ENSEMBLE, except except for the for TROUBADOUR,the TROUBADOUR, ENTERS ENTERS dresseddressed in a in uniform a uniform costume costume during during the themusic music introduction. introduction. (See (See PRODUCTIONPRODUCTION NOTES.) NOTES.) Other Other costume costume pieces pieces will willbe addedbe added and and 5 taken5 taken away away from from the theENSEMBLE ENSEMBLE as theyas they play play various various characters. characters. TheThe ENSEMBLE ENSEMBLE forms forms a group a group UPSTAGE UPSTAGE behind behind ALICE, ALICE, silhouetted silhouetted in a infreeze. a freeze. LIGHTS LIGHTS UP toUP DIM to DIM to set to aset magical a magical atmosphere. atmosphere. A rather A rather tighttight spot spot reveals reveals ALICE ALICE sitting sitting in a inlarge a large armchair armchair CENTER CENTER STAGE. STAGE. TheThe chair chair has hascasters casters on it on so it it so can it canbe easily be easily rolled rolled off later. off later. Beside Beside it it 10 is10 a istable a table with with a large a large chessboard chessboard and andslightly slightly oversized oversized chess chess pieces pieces on it.on A it.stuffed A stuffed kitty kitty is propped is propped up onup theon oppositethe opposite side side of the of board.the board. AliceAlice is playing is playing chess chess with with Kitty. Kitty. There There is also is also a red a redbook book on the on chairthe chair whichwhich will matchwill match the redthe bookred book the WHITEthe WHITE PAWN PAWN brings brings on in on the in nextthe next scene.scene. ALICE ALICE occasionally occasionally leafs leafs through through the bookthe book as she as sheplays plays chess chess 15 with15 with Kitty. Kitty. A second A second SPOT SPOT reveals reveals a TROUBADOUR a TROUBADOUR in Renaissance in Renaissance attire,attire, carrying carrying a lute a luteor guitar. or guitar. He movesHe moves toward toward ALICE ALICE as he as sings. he sings. TROUBADOUR:TROUBADOUR: (Sings.) (Sings.) Alice Alice in Wonderland, in Wonderland, CloseClose your your eyes eyes and andtake take my hand.my hand. You’llYou’ll find find your your Neverland Neverland 20 20 Is justIs justa dream a dream away! away! AliceAlice in Wonderland, in Wonderland, YourYour every every wish wish is my is command.my command. You’llYou’ll come come to understand to understand It’s aIt’s brand a brand new new day. day. 25 25 A fairytale?A fairytale? A fantasy? A fantasy? A quiteA quite illusive illusive mystery. mystery. All willAll surelywill surely come come to pass to pass ThroughThrough the themagic magic looking looking glass! glass! (LIGHTS (LIGHTS COME COME UP. UP.The The rest rest of theof ENSEMBLEthe ENSEMBLE UNFREEZES UNFREEZES and andslowly slowly walks walks toward toward ALICE, ALICE, 30 30 formingforming a group a group around around and/or and/or behind behind her.) her.) TROUBADOUR/ENSEMBLE:TROUBADOUR/ENSEMBLE: (Except (Except ALICE. ALICE. Sing.) Sing.) AliceAlice in Wonderland, in Wonderland, CloseClose your your eyes eyes and andtake take my hand.my hand. You’llYou’ll find find your your Neverland Neverland 35 35 Is justIs justa dream a dream away. away. AliceAlice in Wonderland, in Wonderland, YourYour every every wish wish is my is command.my command. You’llYou’ll come come to understand to understand It’s aIt’s brand a brand new new day. day.

40 40 It’s aIt’s brand a brand new new day! day! (The (The ENSEMBLE ENSEMBLE begins begins to EXIT to EXIT in various in various directions.)directions.) 1 1 For preview only.

13 1 TROUBADOUR:1 TROUBADOUR: (Sings.) (Sings.) You’ll You’ll find find your your Neverland Neverland Is justIs justa dream a dream away! away! (EXITS. (EXITS. MUSIC MUSIC OUT. OUT. LIGHTS LIGHTS UP.) UP.) MOTHER’SMOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: (This (This voice voice is onlyis only heard heard from from OFFSTAGE OFFSTAGE throughoutthroughout the play.)the play.) Alice! Alice! We’re We’re leaving leaving in five in five minutes! minutes! Alice! Alice! 5 ALICE:5 ALICE: (Playing (Playing chess chess with with Kitty.) Kitty.) It’s yourIt’s your turn, turn, Kitty! Kitty! Do hurryDo hurry or we’ll or we’ll nevernever finish finish the thegame! game! MOTHER’SMOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: Alice, Alice, did youdid youbrush brush your your hair?! hair?! ALICE:ALICE: Yes, Yes, I brushed I brushed my myhair! hair! (To (ToKitty.) Kitty.) I hate I hate leaving leaving a game a game unfinished.unfinished. 10 MOTHER’S10 MOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: Alice, Alice, are areyou youready ready yet?! yet?! ALICE:ALICE: (Ignoring (Ignoring her hermother. mother. To Kitty.)To Kitty.) Your Your Majesty. Majesty. (Makes (Makes Kitty Kitty knockknock over over a chess a chess piece.) piece.) Oh, Oh,you youwicked, wicked, wicked wicked little little Kitty! Kitty! LookLook what what you’ve you’ve done! done! That’s That’s not playingnot playing fair! fair!You Youreally really ought ought to to be punished,be punished, you youknow. know. 15 MOTHER’S15 MOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: Alice, Alice, dear, dear, we’re we’re going going to be to late! be late! ALICE:ALICE: All right,All right, already. already. (To (ToKitty.) Kitty.) But ButI’m I’msaving saving up allup yourall your punishments!punishments! I’m I’mnot notforgetting forgetting them, them, I—oh, I—oh, dear, dear, what what if all if all my mypunishments punishments were were saved saved up? up?I should I should be sentbe sent to prison,to prison, I I suppose.suppose. 20 MOTHER’S20 MOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: Alice! Alice! ALICE:ALICE: But ButI won’t I won’t send send you youto prison.to prison. I’ll putI’ll putyou youthrough through into into Wonderland!Wonderland! Then Then you’ll you’ll really really be sorry, be sorry, because because everything everything there there is backwards.is backwards. MOTHER’SMOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: (Angry (Angry now.) now.) Do IDo have I have to come to come and andget you?!get you?! 25 ALICE:25 ALICE: (Angry (Angry also.) also.) And, And, most most of all, of throughall, through the thelooking looking glass, glass, I I givegive all the all theorders orders and andI make I make up allup the all therules! rules! (MUSIC (MUSIC CUE CUE 1a: 1a: “Through“Through the theLooking Looking Glass.” Glass.” Speaks.) Speaks.) Oh, Oh,let’s let’s pretend, pretend, Kitty! Kitty! Let’sLet’s pretend pretend we canwe canget toget the to otherthe other side. side. I wish I wish we couldwe could see seethe the otherother side! side! Just Just for oncefor once I want I want to do to whatdo what I want I want to do! to do!I wish I wish I I 30 30 couldcould put myselfput myself right right through through and andstay stay there there forever! forever! (The (The STAGE STAGE is transformedis transformed into intoWonderland. Wonderland. [NOTE: [NOTE: See See PRODUCTION PRODUCTION NOTES.]NOTES.] This This is done is done in fullin fullview view of theof theAUDIENCE. AUDIENCE. LIGHTS LIGHTS SHIFTSHIFT wildly. wildly. ALL ALL of theof theACTORS ACTORS that thatare arein thein thenext next scene scene ENTERENTER in costumein costume as theas theCHESS CHESS PIECES. PIECES. If EXTRAS If EXTRAS are are 35 35 availableavailable they they can canENTER ENTER also also as DANCERS as DANCERS and andtake take part part in the in the choreographedchoreographed chaos chaos and andscene scene change. change. They They swirl swirl about about ALICE, ALICE, quietlyquietly mumbling mumbling lines lines from from the thescene scene to come, to come, as theas thefollowing following dialoguedialogue continues. continues. As theyAs they swirl swirl about about the theSTAGE, STAGE, an ACTORan ACTOR wheelswheels off theoff thearmchair armchair in a incircuitous a circuitous route, route, as does as does ANOTHER ANOTHER 40 40 withwith the thetable table and andKitty. Kitty. ALICE ALICE turns turns wildly wildly on theon theSTAGE STAGE as if as in if in

2 2 RIGHTSRIGHTS MUST MUST BE PURCHASED BE PURCHASED BEFORE BEFORE REPRODUCING REPRODUCING THIS THIS SCRIPT SCRIPT For preview only.

14 1 1 a whirlpoola whirlpool of wind, of wind, weaving weaving in and in and out outof the of theENSEMBLE. ENSEMBLE. Two Two otherother ACTORS ACTORS hold hold a large a large full lengthfull length mirror mirror between between them them that that is is representedrepresented only only by theby theframe. frame. They They too tooswirl swirl about about the theSTAGE. STAGE. DuringDuring this, this, the theWHITE WHITE PAWN PAWN can caneither either take take the thered redbook book off ofoff of 5 5 ALICE’SALICE’S chair chair or ENTER or ENTER with with one one that that matches matches it.) it.) ALICE:ALICE: (During (During the thetransformation.) transformation.) Oh, Oh,goodness! goodness! Kitty! Kitty! Kitty, Kitty, where where are areyou? you? MOTHER’SMOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: (Distorted.) (Distorted.) Alice, Alice, where where are areyou?! you?! Alice! Alice! ALICE:ALICE: What’s What’s happening?! happening?! Help! Help! Someone Someone help! help! 10 MOTHER’S10 MOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: (Overlapping.) (Overlapping.) Alice! Alice! ALICE:ALICE: Kitty! Kitty! MOTHER’SMOTHER’S VOICE: VOICE: Alice! Alice! ALICE:ALICE: Kitty? Kitty? Where Where are areyou? you? Kitty? Kitty? What What happened? happened? Where Where is is everything?everything? (At (Atthis thispoint point the theACTORS ACTORS who who cleared cleared the theSTAGE STAGE 15 15 are areback back on—unless on—unless this thiswas was accomplished accomplished with with EXTRAS EXTRAS and and theythey don’t don’t need need to RE-ENTER. to RE-ENTER. The The ACTORS ACTORS with with the framethe frame of the of the lookinglooking glass glass are areright right in front in front of ALICE. of ALICE. It is Ittimed is timed so sheso sheswirls swirls rightright through through the theframe frame at theat theend end of herof herprevious previous line. line. As sheAs she does,does, there there should should be abe SOUND a SOUND EFFECT—something EFFECT—something magical, magical, 20 20 or theor thedistorted distorted shattering shattering of glass,of glass, a loud a loud chime, chime, etc., etc., either either tapedtaped or made or made by an by ACTOR an ACTOR ONSTAGE. ONSTAGE. [NOTE: [NOTE: These These SOUND SOUND EFFECTSEFFECTS are areincluded included on theon thepre-recorded pre-recorded music music available available from from the thepublisher.] publisher.] As ALICEAs ALICE steps steps through, through, the theACTORS ACTORS continue continue OFFOFF with with the theframe. frame. If they If they are areneeded needed in the in thescene, scene, they they ENTER ENTER 25 25 againagain as soonas soon as theyas they have have cleared cleared it. Asit. ALICEAs ALICE regains regains her her bearingsbearings after after stepping stepping through through the thelooking looking glass, glass, LIGHTS LIGHTS and and MUSICMUSIC stop. stop. She She is inis Wonderland.in Wonderland. She She spins spins around around slowly, slowly, wonderingwondering what what has hashappened happened and and where where she sheis. The is. The backdrop backdrop is is nownow lit to lit reveal to reveal wonderful, wonderful, colorful colorful designs. designs. GENERAL GENERAL LIGHTING LIGHTING 30 30 is muchis much BRIGHTER BRIGHTER and and more more vibrant vibrant than than the thetop topof the of theshow. show. TheThe CHESS CHESS PIECES, PIECES, to includeto include at leastat least RED RED QUEEN, QUEEN, WHITE WHITE QUEENQUEEN and and some some PAWNS, PAWNS, are arechasing chasing a WHITE a WHITE PAWN PAWN around around ALICEALICE as theyas they try totry get to getthe thered redbook book from from him/her. him/her. They They do notdo not noticenotice ALICE. ALICE. If EXTRAS If EXTRAS are areavailable, available, they they can canalso also be present,be present, 35 35 i.e. thei.e. theKNIGHTS KNIGHTS and and more more PAWNS.) PAWNS.) REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (To (Tothe theWHITE WHITE PAWN PAWN who who is carrying is carrying the thered redbook.) book.) I I am amthe thequeen! queen! Give Give it here! it here! WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: I’m aI’m queen, a queen, too, too, you youknow. know. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Oh, Oh,do bedo quiet.be quiet. 40 ALICE:40 ALICE: (Talks (Talks to herself.) to herself.) Maybe Maybe they they can cantell metell mewhere where I am. I am.

3 3 For preview only.

she’s sliding! Yes! Yes! I think she’s going to make it! I’ve never seen anything like it! She’s stealing home!

15 1 WHITE1 WHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (To (ToWHITE WHITE PAWN.) PAWN.) Come Come over over here, here, dear. dear. REDRED PAWN: PAWN: (About (About the thered redbook.) book.) I found I found it! It’s it! mine!It’s mine! WHITEWHITE PAWN: PAWN: It belongs It belongs to everyone! to everyone! ALICE:ALICE: Excuse Excuse me, me, could could you—? you—? 5 RED5 RED PAWN: PAWN: Give Give me! me! (Takes (Takes the thebook.) book.) WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Ahem—children, Ahem—children, um, um, excuse excuse me. me. Children? Children? (To (To REDRED PAWN.) PAWN.) Might Might I have I have a word a word with with you? you? (PAWN (PAWN stomps stomps on on her herfoot.) foot.) Ow! Ow! WHITEWHITE PAWN: PAWN: (Grabs (Grabs at RED at RED PAWN’S PAWN’S book.) book.) Give Give it back! it back! 10 ALICE:10 ALICE: (Tries (Tries to get to gettheir their attention.) attention.) Um, Um, hello hello there. there. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Violence Violence never never solves solves anything. anything. ALICE:ALICE: Excuse Excuse me. me. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Not Notthat that anything anything needs needs solving. solving. ALICE:ALICE: (Louder.) (Louder.) I said, I said, excuse excuse me! me! 15 ALL15 ALL CHESS CHESS PIECES: PIECES: (They (They ALL ALL look look at ALICE, at ALICE, and and their their bickering bickering suddenlysuddenly stops. stops. They They ALL ALL scream, scream, stepping stepping back back in unison,in unison, frightened.)frightened.) Ahh! Ahh! ALICE:ALICE: Hello. Hello. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Steps (Steps forward forward and and takes takes charge charge of theof thesituation.) situation.) 20 20 Don’tDon’t you you “hello” “hello” me. me. Who Who are areyou?! you?! WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Yes, Yes, little little girl, girl, who who are areyou? you? And And what what are areyou you doing doing here?here? REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Yes! Yes! WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: What? What? 25 RED25 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: What? What? WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: What? What? CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: What What are areyou you doing doing here?! here?! (A PAWN (A PAWN takes takes ALICE’S ALICE’S measurementsmeasurements with with a measuring a measuring tape tape and and calls calls them them out outto theto the WHITEWHITE QUEEN, QUEEN, who who takes takes notes notes in ain book.a book. The The OTHERS OTHERS 30 30 observeobserve ALICE ALICE with with things things like likebinoculars, binoculars, a magnifying a magnifying glass, glass, etc.,etc., calling calling things things out: out: “Female, “Female, five five foot foot three, three, hair—blonde, hair—blonde, eyes—blue,”eyes—blue,” etc .etc The. The WHITE WHITE QUEEN QUEEN peers peers at her at herthrough through opera opera glasses.)glasses.) ALICE:ALICE: (During (During the theabove above exam.) exam.) What What are areyou you all doing?all doing? I—please I—please 35 35 don’tdon’t do that!do that! REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Exam (Exam complete.) complete.) Conclusion? Conclusion?

4 4 For preview only.

16 1 CHESS1 CHESS PIECES: PIECES: Human! Human! (A reaction (A reaction of amazement of amazement from from ALL.) ALL.) REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Now, Now, I’ll ask I’ll askyou youagain. again. What What are areyou youdoing doing here? here? ALICE:ALICE: Well, Well, to begin to begin with, with, I’m introducingI’m introducing myself. myself. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: How How nice nice of you.of you. Allow Allow me meto introduceto introduce myself. myself. 5 5 I’m—I’m— REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Oh, Oh,hush! hush! That’s That’s not notwhat what we meantwe meant at all. at all. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Where Where did youdid youcome come from, from, child? child? ALICE:ALICE: I came I came through through the thelooking looking glass. glass. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Through Through the thewhat? what? 10 ALICE:10 ALICE: The The looking looking glass. glass. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: I don’t I don’t see seeany anylooking looking glass! glass! WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Are Areyou yousure? sure? ALICE:ALICE: Yes. Yes. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: So…you So…you say sayyou youcame came through through a looking a looking glass glass to… to… 15 15 to what?to what? Why Why would would you youdo ado thing a thing like likethat? that? ALICE:ALICE: No reason.No reason. Just Just curious. curious. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Curious? Curious? WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Just Just curious, curious, you yousay? say? (They (They ALL ALL echo echo the theword word to to eacheach other other very very seriously.) seriously.) 20 ALICE:20 ALICE: Yes. Yes. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Well, Well, you youknow know what what they they say sayabout… about… (Serious (Serious whisper.)whisper.) …curiosity! …curiosity! ALICE:ALICE: No. No. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Let Letme mehandle handle this, this, please. please. 25 WHITE25 WHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (Shakes (Shakes her herhead, head, feeling feeling sorry sorry for forALICE.) ALICE.) CuriouserCuriouser and and curiouser. curiouser. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Sharply.) (Sharply.) Now, Now, just justwhere where do youdo youthink think you’re you’re going, going, youngyoung lady? lady? ALICE:ALICE: I’m notI’m notsure. sure. I seem I seem to have to have lost lostmy way.my way. 30 RED30 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: I don’t I don’t know know what what you youmean mean by your by your way. way. All the All theways ways aroundaround here here belong belong to me. to me. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: And And me. me. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: And And why why did youdid youcome come here here at all? at all?Curtsey Curtsey while while you’re you’re thinkingthinking what what to say. to say. And And always always say say“Your “Your Majesty.” Majesty.” It saves It saves time. time. 35 ALICE:35 ALICE: (Curtsies (Curtsies clumsily.) clumsily.) I was I was just justpretending, pretending, Your Your Majesty, Majesty, and and then—then—

5 5 For preview only.

17 1 RED1 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: A likely A likely story. story. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: On theOn contrary,the contrary, I think I think it’s rather it’s rather unlikely, unlikely, if you if youask ask me.me. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: No oneNo oneasked asked you. you. (To (Tothe thePAWNS, PAWNS, who who are aredoing doing 5 5 nothing.)nothing.) Children! Children! Stop Stop that. that. (Viciously.) (Viciously.) Do youDo youwant want to be to sentbe sent to yourto your rooms rooms with with chocolate chocolate pudding pudding and andice cream?ice cream? Do you?!Do you?! PAWNS:PAWNS: (Shake (Shake their their heads heads no.) no.)Yes. Yes. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Then Then stop stop being being so good! so good! (They (They start start to fight to fight over overthe the bookbook again.) again.) That’s That’s better. better. 10 ALICE:10 ALICE: This This is Wonderland! is Wonderland! It really It really does does exist. exist. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Of course Of course it does. it does. The Thequestion question is, do is, you? do you? ALICE:ALICE: Do IDo what? I what? REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Do youDo youexist? exist? ALICE:ALICE: Of course Of course I do. I do. 15 CHESS15 CHESS PIECES: PIECES: Prove Prove it. it. ALICE:ALICE: (At a(At loss.) a loss.) Well, Well, I… I…I… I… CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: Hmmm? Hmmm? REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Just Just as I asthought. I thought. You Youdon’t don’t exist. exist. Good-bye. Good-bye. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (As (Asif ALICE if ALICE was was no longerno longer there.) there.) Where Where were were 20 20 we?we? REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: The Thechildren children were were fighting. fighting. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Oh, Oh,yes. yes. Children? Children? (The (The PAWNS PAWNS pick pick up theup fightthe fight fromfrom where where the REDthe RED PAWN PAWN had hadstomped stomped on the on QUEEN’Sthe QUEEN’S foot.) foot.) ALICE:ALICE: How How utterly utterly rude! rude! (Grabs (Grabs the bookthe book from from one oneof the of PAWNSthe PAWNS 25 25 as he/sheas he/she runs runs by her.)by her.) If I don’tIf I don’t exist, exist, then then who who is holding is holding this this book?!book?! CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (They (They consider consider this, this, then then ad-lib ad-lib responses responses such such as as the following.)the following.) Hmmm… Hmmm… good good point. point. I can I cansee seeher sideher side of it. of Could it. Could be. be. 30 RED30 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Concedes.) (Concedes.) Okay, Okay, you youcan canexist. exist. ALICE:ALICE: Thank Thank you. you. What What is this is thisyou’re you’re all fighting all fighting about? about? WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: It’s aIt’s book. a book. (Takes (Takes book.) book.) Don’t Don’t they they have have books books wherewhere you youcome come from? from? ALICE:ALICE: Yes. Yes. 35 WHITE35 WHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Can Can you youread, read, child? child? ALICE:ALICE: Yes. Yes.

6 6 RIGHTSRIGHTS MUST MUST BE PURCHASED BE PURCHASED BEFORE BEFORE REPRODUCING REPRODUCING THIS THISSCRIPT SCRIPT For preview only.

1 Queensburg Express. All aboard! Come on, kid, you’re holding up the line.

18 1 RED1 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Shoves (Shoves the thebook book in her in herface.) face.) Is this Is thisthe theone oneyou you read?read? ALICE:ALICE: Well, Well, I can’t I can’t read read anything anything if it’s if thatit’s thatclose close to my to nose.my nose. (He (He putsputs it in ither in herhands.) hands.) Thank Thank you. you. 5 RED5 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: Well? Well? ALICE:ALICE: Yes, Yes, I can I canread read this. this. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: She She can canread! read! (Celebration (Celebration from from ALL. ALL. They They echo echo “She“She can canread!”) read!”) ALICE:ALICE: Of course Of course I can. I can. Would Would you youlike liketo hear to hear it? it? 10 WHITE10 WHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Oh, Oh,yes, yes, please! please! CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Ad-lib.) (Ad-lib.) Do, Do,do! Yes!do! Yes! Read, Read, read, read, read! read! ALICE:ALICE: It says… It says… CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (They (They ad-lib ad-lib encouragement.) encouragement.) Yes, Yes, yes… yes… go on…go on… read,read, read, read, read! read! 15 ALICE:15 ALICE: Ykcowrebbaj. Ykcowrebbaj. Sevot Sevot yhitils yhitils eht dna—eht dna— REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Group (Group disappointment. disappointment. They They start start to EXIT.) to EXIT.) Oh, Oh,for for goodnessgoodness sake! sake! We Wecan canall do all that, do that, young young lady! lady! WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Do youDo youknow know what what it means? it means? ALICE:ALICE: I’m afraidI’m afraid not. not. 20 RED20 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: Then Then why why didn’t didn’t you yousay sayso? so? ALICE:ALICE: You Youdidn’t didn’t ask askme. me. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Oh. Oh. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (To PAWNS.)(To PAWNS.) Come Come along, along, children. children. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: You’ve You’ve been been a great a great help. help. (Starts (Starts to EXIT to EXIT again. again. [NOTE: [NOTE: 25 25 If theIf PAWNSthe PAWNS are double-castare double-cast as FLOWERS, as FLOWERS, they they should should EXIT EXIT at at this thispoint point in order in order to get to readyget ready for thatfor thatscene.]) scene.]) ALICE:ALICE: Wait! Wait! I know I know what what it is! it is! CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Ad-lib (Ad-lib with with sarcasm.) sarcasm.) Yes, Yes, I’m I’msure sure you youdo. do.Oh, Oh, yeah.yeah. Sure. Sure. 30 ALICE:30 ALICE: Wait! Wait! No, No,really, really, I do! I It’sdo! aIt’s looking a looking glass glass book! book! REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: What What did youdid yousay sayit was? it was? ALICE:ALICE: A looking A looking glass glass book! book! All theAll thewords words are arebackwards! backwards! If I onlyIf I only had hada mirror. a mirror. WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (Holds (Holds up aup mirror a mirror which which she sheproduces produces from from her her 35 35 costume.)costume.) Mirror! Mirror! ALICE:ALICE: How How fortunate. fortunate. See? See? In the In mirrorthe mirror they they all go all the go rightthe right way. way.

7 7 For preview only.

road we’ll be coming up to the spot where three knights and a bishop held a great battle to rescue… 1 WHITE1 WHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: Goodness, Goodness, she’s she’s right. right. REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: Let Letme mesee see that. that. (Pause (Pause as REDas RED QUEEN QUEEN tries tries to to decipherdecipher the thebook. book. ) Well, ) Well, somebody somebody read read it already! it already! (ALL (ALL gather gather aroundaround ALICE ALICE and and the thebook. book. MUSIC MUSIC CUE CUE 2: “Jabberwocky.”2: “Jabberwocky.” ALL ALL 5 5 gathergather around around ALICE ALICE and and the thebook.) book.) ALLALL CHESS CHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Sing.) (Sing.) Jabberwocky, Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, CanCan you you comprehend comprehend every every word word I’m I’msayin’? sayin’? Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, Rappin’Rappin’ every every syllable, syllable, swing swing ’n’ swayin’. ’n’ swayin’. 10 10 Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, TheThe rhythm rhythm of the of thesyntax’s syntax’s quite quite appealin’. appealin’. Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, A purelyA purely nonsensical, nonsensical, illogical, illogical, funky funky feelin’! feelin’! CHESSCHESS PIECE PIECE #1: #1: (Speaks (Speaks in rap in rapstyle style with with maximum maximum expression expression 15 15 throughout.)throughout.) ’Twas ’Twas brillig, brillig, and and the theslithy slithy toves toves Did Didgyre gyre and and gimble gimble in the in thewabe; wabe; CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) In the In thewabe! wabe! WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) All mimsyAll mimsy were were the theborogoves, borogoves, AndAnd the themome mome raths raths outgrabe. outgrabe. 20 CHESS20 CHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Outgrabe! Outgrabe! CHESSCHESS PIECE PIECE #2: #2: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) “You“You best best beware beware the theJabberwock, Jabberwock, my myson! son! TheThe jaws jaws that that bite bite and and the theclaws claws that that catch!” catch!” REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) 25 25 “You“You best best beware beware the theJubjub Jubjub bird, bird, and and shun…” shun…” CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) And And shun! shun! REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) “The “The frumious… frumious… CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Frumious… Frumious… REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) …Bandersnatch!” …Bandersnatch!” 30 CHESS30 CHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Oh, Oh, my! my! (Sing.)(Sing.) Jabberwocky, Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, CanCan you you comprehend comprehend every every word word I’m I’msayin’? sayin’? Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, Rappin’Rappin’ every every syllable, syllable, swing swing ’n’ swayin’. ’n’ swayin’. 35 35 Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, TheThe rhythm rhythm of the of thesyntax’s syntax’s quite quite appealin’. appealin’. Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, A purelyA purely nonsensical, nonsensical, illogical, illogical, funky funky feelin’! feelin’!

8 8 For preview only. 1 CHESS1 CHESS PIECE PIECE #1: #1: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) He tookHe took his vorpalhis vorpal sword sword in hand: in hand: LongLong time time the themanxome manxome foe foehe sought—he sought— WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) 5 5 So restedSo rested by the by Tumtumthe Tumtum tree, tree, AndAnd stood stood awhile awhile in thought. in thought. CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) In thought! In thought! REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) AndAnd as in as uffish in uffish thought thought he stood,he stood, 10 10 TheThe Jabberwock, Jabberwock, with with eyes eyes of flame, of flame, CameCame whiffling whiffling through through the thetulgey tulgey wood, wood, AndAnd burbled… burbled… WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Burbled? Burbled? CHESSCHESS PIECE PIECE #1: #1: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Burbled? Burbled? 15 ALICE:15 ALICE: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Burbled? Burbled? REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) …burbled …burbled as it as came. it came. CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Sing.) (Sing.) Jabberwocky, Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, CanCan you youcomprehend comprehend every every word word I’m sayin’?I’m sayin’? Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, 20 20 Rappin’Rappin’ every every syllable, syllable, swing swing ’n’ swayin’. ’n’ swayin’. Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, TheThe rhythm rhythm of the of thesyntax’s syntax’s quite quite appealin’. appealin’. Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, A purelyA purely nonsensical, nonsensical, illogical, illogical, funky funky feelin’! feelin’! 25 WHITE25 WHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) One, One, two! two! CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) One, One, two! two! WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) And And through through and and through, through, TheThe vorpal vorpal blade blade went went snicker-snack! snicker-snack! CHESSCHESS PIECE PIECE #1: #1: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) 30 30 He leftHe itleft dead, it dead, and and with with its head its head He wentHe went galumphing galumphing back. back. CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Oh, Oh,yeah! yeah! REDRED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) “And“And hast hast thou thou slain slain the theJabberwock? Jabberwock? 35 35 ComeCome to my to arms,my arms, my beamishmy beamish boy! boy! Oh, Oh,frabjous frabjous day!” day!” CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) “Callooh! “Callooh! Callay!” Callay!”

9 9 For preview only. 1 RED1 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) He chortledHe chortled in his in joy.his joy. CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Right Right on! on!Right Right on! on! ALICE:ALICE: (Takes (Takes the thebook book and and reads; reads; speaks speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) ’Twas’Twas brillig, brillig, and and the theslithy slithy toves, toves, 5 5 Did Didgyre gyre and and gimble gimble in the in thewabe; wabe; CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) In the In thewabe! wabe! ALICE:ALICE: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) All mimsyAll mimsy were were the theborogoves, borogoves, AndAnd the themome mome raths raths outgrabe. outgrabe. CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Outgrabe! Outgrabe! 10 ALICE:10 ALICE: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) “You“You best best beware beware the theJabberwock, Jabberwock, my son!my son! TheThe jaws jaws that that bite biteand and the theclaws claws that that catch! catch! YouYou best best beware beware the theJubjub Jubjub bird, bird, and and shun…” shun…” CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) And And shun! shun! 15 ALICE:15 ALICE: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) “The “The frumious… frumious… WHITEWHITE QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Frumious… Frumious… ALICE:ALICE: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Frumious… Frumious… CHESSCHESS PIECE PIECE #1: #1: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Frumious? Frumious? ALICE:ALICE: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Frumious! Frumious! 20 RED20 RED QUEEN: QUEEN: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Frumious?! Frumious?! ALICE:ALICE: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) …Bandersnatch!” …Bandersnatch!” CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Bandersnatch?! Bandersnatch?! ALICE:ALICE: (Speaks (Speaks in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Bandersnatch! Bandersnatch! CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Speak (Speak in rhythm.) in rhythm.) Oh, Oh,my! my! 25 ALICE/CHESS25 ALICE/CHESS PIECES: PIECES: (Sing.) (Sing.) Jabberwocky, Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, CanCan you youcomprehend comprehend every every word word I’m sayin’?I’m sayin’? Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, Rappin’Rappin’ every every syllable, syllable, swing swing ’n’ swayin’. ’n’ swayin’. Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, 30 30 TheThe rhythm rhythm of the of thesyntax’s syntax’s quite quite appealin. appealin. Jabberwocky,Jabberwocky, talky, talky, talky, talky, A purelyA purely nonsensical, nonsensical, illogical, illogical, funky funky feelin! feelin! (MUSIC (MUSIC OUT. OUT. ALL ALL exceptexcept ALICE ALICE EXIT.) EXIT.) ALICE:ALICE: (Calls (Calls after after them.) them.) Oh, Oh,must must you yougo? go? I should I should very very much much like like 35 35 to playto play another another game game with with you youbefore before I go I home! go home! Oh, Oh,well… well… good- good- bye!bye! (To (Toherself.) herself.) What What on earthon earth is “Mome is “Mome raths raths outgrabe”? outgrabe”? ROSE:ROSE: (ENTERS (ENTERS with with TIGER-LILY TIGER-LILY and and DAISY.) DAISY.) Mome: Mome: adjective; adjective;

10 10 RIGHTSRIGHTS MUST MUST BE PURCHASED BE PURCHASED BEFORE BEFORE REPRODUCING REPRODUCING THIS THIS SCRIPT SCRIPT For preview only. are lit obscures them.

1 1 meansmeans something something along along the thelines lines of “very of “very,, very very serious.” serious.” (In the(In the originaloriginal production, production, the theFLOWERS FLOWERS ENTERED ENTERED through through traps traps in in the thefloor floor of the of theSTAGE, STAGE, revealing revealing only only the theupper upper halves halves of their of their bodies.bodies. They They simultaneously simultaneously flapped flapped open open the thedoors doors in answerin answer to to 5 5 ALICE’SALICE’S question. question. If traps If traps are arenot annot option, an option, a similar a similar effect effect can can be be obtainedobtained by havingby having them them appear appear in several in several windows windows with with hinged hinged doorsdoors on themon them which which open open out outof the of theUPSTAGE UPSTAGE wall wall of flats.) of flats.) TIGER-LILY:TIGER-LILY: Rath Rath is a iskind a kind of turtle. of turtle. DAISY:DAISY: And And to outgrabe to outgrabe means means “to squeak.”“to squeak.” 10 TIGER-LILY:10 TIGER-LILY: So altogether,So altogether, mome mome raths raths outgrabe outgrabe means means something something like like“the “the very very serious serious turtles turtles squeaked.” squeaked.” DAISY:DAISY: Mome Mome raths raths outgrabe outgrabe sounds sounds much much more more fun, fun, though, though, don’t don’t youyou think? think? ROSE:ROSE: What’s What’s the thematter? matter? Why Why don’t don’t you you speak? speak? 15 ALICE:15 ALICE: I—I’ve I—I’ve never never seen seen flowers flowers that that could could talk talkbefore. before. TIGER-LILY:TIGER-LILY: Before? Before? Before Before what? what? ALICE:ALICE: I mean I mean at all. at Canall. Can all flowers all flowers talk? talk? DAISY:DAISY: Of courseOf course they they can. can. Are Areyou you worth worth talking talking to? to? ROSE:ROSE: Are Areyou you a weed? a weed? 20 ALICE:20 ALICE: That’s That’s not nota very a very nice nice question. question. ROSE:ROSE: I’m I’mnot nota very a very nice nice flower. flower. TIGER-LILY:TIGER-LILY: Both Both of you of you stop stop acting acting like likebuds! buds! ALICE:ALICE: Yes, Yes, if you if you don’t don’t hold hold your your tongues, tongues, I’ll pickI’ll pick you! you! (They (They freezefreeze in fright. in fright. ALICE ALICE whispers whispers to TIGER-LILY.) to TIGER-LILY.) I really I really wouldn’t wouldn’t 25 25 pickpick them. them. I just I justwanted wanted to scareto scare them. them. Is everyone Is everyone so rudeso rude in in Wonderland?Wonderland? TIGER-LILY:TIGER-LILY: Not Noteveryone, everyone, just justthe therude rude ones. ones. (To (ToFLOWERS.) FLOWERS.) See See now?now? You You made made the thelittle little human human angry! angry! ALICE:ALICE: Alice. Alice. 30 TIGER-LILY:30 TIGER-LILY: What’s What’s that? that? ALICE:ALICE: My Myname name is Alice. is Alice. TIGER-LILY:TIGER-LILY: You’ve You’ve made made the thelittle little human human Alice Alice angry! angry! Let Letthat that be abe a lesson.lesson. Now… Now… where where are areyou you off to,off child?to, child? ALICE:ALICE: I don’t I don’t know. know. I should I should very very much much like liketo find to find the thechess chess pieces pieces 35 35 again.again. I do I lovedo love the thegame game so. so.Maybe Maybe they they would would let melet meplay. play. I I shouldshould really really like liketo be to abe queen a queen best. best. ROSE:ROSE: Everyone Everyone wants wants to be to thebe thequeen. queen.

11 11 End of script sample. PRODUCTIONPRODUCTION NOTES NOTES PROPERTIESPROPERTIES ON ONSTAGE, STAGE, Prologue: Prologue: Large Large armchair armchair on casters, on casters, small small table table (with (with or or withoutwithout casters) casters) with with a large a large chessboard chessboard (the (the chessboard chessboard should should matchmatch the thedesign design on theon thestage stage floor, floor, if there if there is one) is one) and andslightly slightly oversizedoversized chess chess pieces pieces on it,on stuffedit, stuffed kitten, kitten, red redbook, book, runway runway carpetcarpet (hidden (hidden until until brought brought out byout WHITE by WHITE KNIGHT) KNIGHT) BROUGHTBROUGHT ON, ON, Prologue: Prologue: LuteLute or guitar or guitar (TROUBADOUR). (TROUBADOUR). BROUGHTBROUGHT ON, ON, Wonderland, Wonderland, First First Square: Square: RedRed book book (WHITE (WHITE PAWN) PAWN) MeasuringMeasuring tape, tape, binoculars, binoculars, magnifying magnifying glass, glass, and andother other measuringmeasuring devices devices (RED (RED and andWHITE WHITE PAWNS, PAWNS, KNIGHTS, KNIGHTS, etc.)etc.) NotebookNotebook and andpencil pencil (WHITE (WHITE QUEEN) QUEEN) HandHand mirror mirror (WHITE (WHITE QUEEN) QUEEN) OperaOpera glasses glasses (WHITE (WHITE QUEEN) QUEEN) BROUGHTBROUGHT ON, ON, Second Second Square: Square: MeasuringMeasuring devices, devices, compass, compass, map, map, wheeled wheeled bin bincontaining containing baseballbaseball equipment: equipment: mitts, mitts, caps, caps, plastic plastic bat, bat,catcher’s catcher’s mask mask and andpads, pads, umpire’s umpire’s mask mask and andpads, pads, pennants, pennants, large large hand hand broombroom to sweep to sweep the platethe plate (PROPER (PROPER AUTHORITIES) AUTHORITIES) VendorVendor cart cartor trayor traywith with foil-wrapped foil-wrapped “hot “hot dogs,” dogs,” and andperhaps perhaps somesome bags bags of popcorn of popcorn (VENDOR). (VENDOR). BROUGHTBROUGHT ON, ON, Fourth Fourth Square: Square: CamerasCameras (TOURISTS) (TOURISTS) EnormousEnormous ticket ticket (TICKET (TICKET SELLER) SELLER) BROUGHTBROUGHT ON, ON, Fifth Fifth Square: Square: Shawl,Shawl, brush brush (WHITE (WHITE QUEEN) QUEEN) SignSign reading reading “Quiet,” “Quiet,” small small notebook notebook and andpencil pencil (HUMPTY) (HUMPTY) BROUGHTBROUGHT ON, ON, Sixth Sixth Square: Square: Confetti,Confetti, party party horns, horns, noise-makers noise-makers (CHESS (CHESS PIECES, PIECES, EXTRAS) EXTRAS) BROUGHTBROUGHT ON, ON, Eighth Eighth Square: Square: Bells,Bells, roses, roses, banner banner reading reading “Queen,” “Queen,” crown crown (VARIOUS (VARIOUS CHARACTERS)CHARACTERS) MicrophoneMicrophone with with cord cord (EMCEE) (EMCEE) StopStop watch watch and andwhistle whistle (RED (RED QUEEN) QUEEN) ChampagneChampagne glass glass or Dixie or Dixie cup cup(WHITE (WHITE QUEEN) QUEEN) PaperPaper fold-out fold-out turkey turkey on tray,on tray, “chocolate “chocolate pudding”, pudding”, door door frame frame or or doordoor (WHOEVER (WHOEVER IS AVAILABLE.) IS AVAILABLE.)

40 40

28 SOUNDSOUND EFFECTS EFFECTS [NOTE:[NOTE: If using If using pre-recorded pre-recorded music music for forproduction, production, some some sound sound effectseffects are areincluded.] included.] FirstFirst Square: Square: trumpets trumpets blare blare FifthFifth Square: Square: alarms alarms sound sound or ambulance or ambulance siren siren SeventhSeventh Square: Square: siren siren In addition,In addition, the thetransformation transformation in and in and out outof Wonderland of Wonderland should should be be accompaniedaccompanied by some by some sound sound effects. effects. They They can canbe magicalbe magical sounds sounds or or a combinationa combination of the of soundsthe sounds listed listed above—a above—a sort sort of chaotic of chaotic cacophony cacophony of noisesof noises that that lasts lasts until until the transformationthe transformation is complete. is complete. Upon Upon entering entering Wonderland,Wonderland, there there should should be abe distorted a distorted sound sound of shattering of shattering of glass of glass or aor loud a loud chime. chime. Also, Also, the theprogression progression to each to each new new square square should should be be accentedaccented with with some some sort sort of sound of sound effect. effect.

COSTUMESCOSTUMES TheThe original original production production used used a uniform a uniform costume costume (i.e. (i.e. jumpsuits, jumpsuits, or or overalls,overalls, or identical or identical jeans jeans and and sweatshirts, sweatshirts, etc.) etc.) as the as thebase base costume costume of theof theENSEMBLE. ENSEMBLE. Another Another production production had had the theENSEMBLE ENSEMBLE and and ALICEALICE in camouflaged in camouflaged hunting hunting pants, pants, Army Army boots boots and andwild wild colored colored sweatshirts,sweatshirts, making making the theplay play have have a very a very contemporary contemporary look look from from the the veryvery beginning. beginning. To this To thisthey they added added costumes costumes pieces pieces as needed. as needed. Most Most of theseof these changes changes are aredone done in view in view of the of AUDIENCEthe AUDIENCE. For. Formany many of the of the smallersmaller characters, characters, only only small small additions additions are arenecessary. necessary. For Forexample: example: the theCONDUCTOR CONDUCTOR can canbe as be simple as simple as a as conductor’s a conductor’s hat; hat; TOURISTS TOURISTS can cansimply simply have have cameras, cameras, sunglasses sunglasses and and flowered flowered Hawaiian Hawaiian shirts; shirts; PROPERPROPER AUTHORITIES AUTHORITIES could could just justhave have police police hats hats and and badges; badges; THETHE RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES can canhave have mirrored mirrored sunglasses sunglasses and and matchingmatching jackets jackets of some of some sort. sort. These These should should all have all have the lookthe look of being of being pulledpulled out outof a of trunk—and a trunk—and they they actually actually can canbe pulledbe pulled out outof a of trunk. a trunk. TheThe larger larger characters characters can canbe costumedbe costumed simply simply or more or more substantially. substantially. SomeSome suggestions: suggestions: ALICE:ALICE: Can Can be traditionalbe traditional or takeor take on aon more a more contemporary contemporary look look to to matchmatch the thestyle style of the of theplay. play. Don’t Don’t be afraidbe afraid to try to somethingtry something new new andand original original here. here. CHESSCHESS PIECES: PIECES: These These can cansimply simply be appropriatelybe appropriately colored colored T-shirts T-shirts andand hats hats denoting denoting their their rank, rank, or they or they can canbe morebe more fully fully costumed. costumed. TheyThey can canactually actually look look like likechess chess pieces, pieces, or lookor look more more like likereal real queens,queens, or look or look like likewhat what a child a child would would dress dress up likeup likeif they if they were were to playto play a queen a queen and and queen. queen. One One production production costumed costumed the WHITEthe WHITE QUEENQUEEN in a in wedding a wedding dress dress and and tiara, tiara, and and the theRED RED QUEEN QUEEN in in a reda redevening evening gown. gown. Another Another production production had had the theQUEENS QUEENS in in appropriatelyappropriately colored colored business business suits suits and and the theKNIGHTS KNIGHTS in military in military

41 41

29 uniformsuniforms with with sashes sashes of red of redor white or white delineating delineating their their alliance. alliance. It’s It’s openopen to manyto many possibilities. possibilities. The The main main thing thing is to is clearlyto clearly denote denote everyone’severyone’s color color and and rank. rank. FLOWERS:FLOWERS: The The original original production production created created head head pieces pieces with with huge huge petalspetals extending extending from from them. them. They They also also had had petals petals around around their their wrists.wrists. UMP:UMP: Wears Wears a chest a chest protector protector and and baseball baseball cap cap backwards. backwards. CATCHER:CATCHER: Catcher’s Catcher’s mask mask and and baseball baseball glove. glove. TWEEDLETWEEDLE DUM DUM and and TWEEDLE TWEEDLE DEE: DEE: Corpulent Corpulent and and identical. identical. Have Have a balla ballwith with these these two. two. HUMPTYHUMPTY DUMPTY: DUMPTY: Wears Wears a western-style a western-style bolo bolo tie, tie,an over-sizedan over-sized cowboycowboy hat hatand and cowboy cowboy boots boots on hison hisfake fake legs. legs. One One production production simplysimply pulled pulled the theactor’s actor’s sweatshirt sweatshirt up overup over his hishead head so thatso that the the collarcollar ringed ringed tightly tightly around around his face—hishis face—his face face was was still stillvisible. visible. He He thenthen held held a large a large egg egg in his in hands.his hands. THETHE KNIGHTS: KNIGHTS: The The original original production production used used plastic plastic helmets helmets from from a a children’schildren’s store store (which (which were were intentionally intentionally too toosmall small for thefor theactors), actors), andand they they rode rode in within with brooms brooms between between their their legs legs like likehobby hobby horses.horses. The The WHITE WHITE KNIGHT KNIGHT wears wears glasses glasses as wellas well as aas helmet. a helmet. BothBoth KNIGHTS KNIGHTS wear wear swords swords in scabbards. in scabbards. A nice A nice touch touch would would be be plasticplastic light light sabers sabers instead instead of swords. of swords.

FLEXIBLEFLEXIBLE CASTING CASTING ManyMany of theof theparts parts may may be bedouble-cast double-cast (or (ormore). more). One One possible possible combinationcombination for multiplefor multiple casting casting is as is follows:as follows: WhiteWhite Queen/Tweedle Queen/Tweedle Dee/Mother’s Dee/Mother’s Voice/Proper Voice/Proper Authority Authority #1/Umpire #1/Umpire RedRed Queen/Tweedle Queen/Tweedle Dum/Tourist Dum/Tourist Tiger-lily/TicketTiger-lily/Ticket Seller/Emcee/Responsibility Seller/Emcee/Responsibility WhiteWhite Knight/Humpty/Proper Knight/Humpty/Proper Authority Authority #2/Announcer/Responsibility #2/Announcer/Responsibility RedRed Knight/Daisy/Vendor/Tourist/Responsibility Knight/Daisy/Vendor/Tourist/Responsibility WhiteWhite Queen/Proper Queen/Proper Authority Authority #3/Catcher/Tourist #3/Catcher/Tourist Rose/Conductor/ResponsibilityRose/Conductor/Responsibility ChildrenChildren or other or other extras extras as PAWNSas PAWNS

ALICE’SALICE’S PROGRESSION PROGRESSION THROUGH THROUGH THE THE SQUARES SQUARES ThereThere are area number a number of timesof times in thein theplay play where where Alice Alice makes makes the the decisiondecision to continue to continue her heradventure. adventure. Each Each time time should should be highlightedbe highlighted in somein some way. way. The The script script indicates indicates some some possibilities. possibilities. This This is, of is, course, of course, widewide open open to the to theimagination imagination of director of director and and actors. actors. The The ensemble, ensemble,

42 42 RIGHTSRIGHTS MUST MUST BE PURCHASED BE PURCHASED BEFORE BEFORE REPRODUCING REPRODUCING THIS THIS SCRIPT SCRIPT

Oh. I didn’t see you. as storytelleras storyteller,, is free is free to cheer to cheer Alice Alice on, on,or be or disappointedbe disappointed when when she she wantswants to goto home.go home. Sound Sound cues cues can canbe addedbe added to punctuateto punctuate Alice’s Alice’s decisionsdecisions to go to forward.go forward. Each Each new new square square should should also also be highlightedbe highlighted in somein some way way upon upon her herarrival, arrival, either either with with lights, lights, sound sound or actionor action on on stage.stage. The The ensemble ensemble can canall yellall yellthe thenumber number of theof thesquare square as sheas she stepssteps on it,on they it, they can canenter enter with with signs signs with with the thenumber number of the of thesquare square writtenwritten on it,on blow it, blow party party horns, horns, or ad-lib or ad-lib appropriately, appropriately, such such as “She’sas “She’s mademade it! Another it! Another square! square! Only Only two twomore more to go!to go!Alice!” Alice!” etc. etc.Again, Again, it it shouldshould all have all have a zany, a zany, improvisational improvisational feel feelto it toand it and it doesn’t it doesn’t need need big big productionproduction values. values. It’s importantIt’s important that that we trackwe track Alice’s Alice’s progress progress through through the thegame game and and that that the theEighth Eighth Square Square be thebe thebiggest biggest event event other other than than the thetransformations transformations in and in and out outof Wonderland—i.e. of Wonderland—i.e. pageantry pageantry music, music, lightslights sweeping sweeping the the stage stage (flashlights (flashlights or orspots), spots), flashbulbs flashbulbs popping, popping, paparazzi…paparazzi… basically basically whatever whatever your your imagination imagination and and resources resources allow. allow.

MISCELLANEOUSMISCELLANEOUS SomeSome productions productions have have costumed costumed the theplay play as aas period a period piece, piece, and and othersothers have have made made Alice Alice very very contemporary. contemporary. While While the thescript script maintains maintains the theclassic classic language language of the of theoriginal original fairytale, fairytale, the theplay play is littered is littered with with modern-daymodern-day illusions, illusions, and and the theeclectic eclectic music music score score lends lends itself itself to ato a moremore contemporary contemporary production, production, if desired. if desired. To modernizeTo modernize the thescript, script, AliceAlice may may be castbe cast as aas typical a typical “hip” “hip” teenager, teenager, wearing wearing jeans, jeans, a trendy a trendy dress,dress, cheerleader cheerleader outfit, outfit, etc. insteadetc. instead of the of thetraditional traditional blue blueand andwhite white dress.dress. In this In thiscase, case, directors directors might might also also modify modify some some of the of thetraditional, traditional, properproper English English to reflect to reflect more more current, current, colloquial colloquial speech. speech. TheThe play play should should have have a jazzy, a jazzy, zany, zany, improvisational improvisational quality quality to it. to Actors it. Actors andand directors directors together together are areencouraged encouraged to add to add to the to suggestions,the suggestions, build build on themon them or comeor come up withup with original original solutions. solutions. Costuming, Costuming, props props and and set canset canbe asbe elaborateas elaborate or as or sparseas sparse as youas youfeel feelappropriate appropriate for yourfor your production.production. The The nature nature of the of thepiece, piece, however, however, lends lends itself itself to a to certain a certain sparseness,sparseness, a suggestion a suggestion of character of character and and location location as opposed as opposed to the to the too tooliteral. literal. It helps It helps keep keep the theshow show loose loose and and quick quick and and created created in the in the momentmoment right right before before the theeyes eyes of the of theaudience. audience. SomeSome productions productions have have made made the thered redbook book in the in thebeginning beginning of the of the playplay clearly clearly marked marked “Through “Through the theLooking Looking Glass.” Glass.” They They then then have have AliceAlice reading reading the thebook book as sheas sheis waiting is waiting for Kittyfor Kitty to take to take her herturn turn in in the thechess chess game. game. Right Right before before the thetransformation transformation she sheeither either nods nods off oroff actively or actively wishes wishes to the to thebook book to take to take her heraway away from from her herpresent present situation.situation. The The conceit conceit of the of theplay play is then, is then, did thisdid thisreally really happen happen or is or it is it all aall dream? a dream?

43 43

It isn’t picked at all. It’s ground.

31 We hope you’ve enjoyed this script sample.

We encourage you to read the entire script before making your final decision.

You may order a paper preview copy or gain instant access to the complete script online through our E-view program. We invite you to learn more and create an account at www.pioneerdrama.com/E-view.

Thank you for your interest in our plays and musicals. If you’d like advice on other plays or musicals to read, our customer service representatives are happy to assist you when you call 800.333.7262 during normal business hours.

www.pioneerdrama.com 800.333.7262 Outside of North America 303.779.4035 Fax 303.779.4315 PO Box 4267 Englewood, CO 80155-4267

We’re here to help!