THE STAR
A Children's Play
by
D. M. Bocaz-Larson
Copyright
© 1989
All
Rights Reserved*
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NOTE: The play may not be reproduced, redistributed or republished in any form without written permission from the author.
Thank you for selecting my script. Have fun and enjoy the play.
Sincerely,
D. M. Bocaz-Larson
* * *
Cast of Characters
(All characters are done by actors
wearing some
sort of
costume that depicts the kind of animals
they are
portraying)
Mouse: Story-teller of the
play. He
or she is an excellent speaker
and has a dry wit.
This
character of course is made up
to look like a mouse.
Rabbit: Friend of
MOUSE. He or she is
a comical rabbit who is very
enthusiastic about everything
that happens. Both
RABBIT and
MOUSE are not to be seen by
the other actors unless
otherwise stated.
Snowy: A young, kind
female lamb who
is quite wise for her age.
The events
of the play revolve
around her life and the things
she discovers within herself
and in others.
Despite all
that happens, her pure
personality remains as snow
white as her wool.
Peter: A young male lamb
who is the
best friend of SNOWY.
They
have a good relationship and
have a strong understanding of
one another. It would
seem
like nothing could tear them
apart.
Jud: A young lamb
with black wool
who is the bully of the
stable. He is not well liked
and doesn't give anyone a
reason to do so. He
has made
life miserable for all the
young lambs in the stable, but
SNOWY still
hopes that
kindness might turn JUD
around.
Elder: An old bull who
thinks himself
a wise animal. He is
quite
full of himself and is sure he
knows everything there is to
know about everything.
He is
very dignified and loves to be
praised.
Unfortunately, it
has all gone to his head.
Wise
One: A truly
wise old goat who
helps Snowy at her time of
greatest need. He or
she is a
very eccentric and cares
little about the prestige of
being called an elder.
He is
rather comical in
a gruff
sorta way and always gets to
the heart of the matter.
He
always seems to know what is
going on and is never lost
within the story or surprised
at what happens. He
seems to
have a special liking for
SNOWY.
Messenger: Messenger from the city and
bearer of bad news.
He is a
very dramatic dog who wears a
Greek helmet
and a wooden
sword. He is always
frantic
and short of breath.
Sister: Sister
of the MESSENGER and
bearer of good news.
She is
a calm and relaxed dog.
She
wears flowers in her helmet
and carries flowers instead of
a sword. She is a
definite
pleasant contrast to her
brother.
Note
The following characters may be played by
either males or females: MOUSE, RABBIT, ELDER, and WISE ONE. All others characters may be played by either
but the names might need to be changed to better fit the actor or actress. Please do so with caution so none of the
meaning is stifled (i.e. SNOWY, PETER, and JUD).
Time and Place
A small stable in Ancient Greece
Background
Christmas
is my favorite time of year. Not because
of the presents or the great sales. It's
all the love and sharing, and the reason behind the holiday. Too often we forget what Christmas is all
about when we're in the crowded shopping malls or even decorating the
tree. This play is dedicated to the true
meaning of Christmas. May we never
forget what it is really all about.
(Lights come up on a stable. There are hay bales
and/or boxes lining the upstage
area. From a nook
UL an actor dressed as a MOUSE hops
up on
something
UC)
MOUSE
(Looks around for
anyone besides audience. Sees
no
one. Speaking like a politician)
Hello,
fellow citizens
(Aside)
and
fellow mice.
(Hops down, speaks to audience
casually without
missing a
beat)
I'm
here to tell you a story. Mice are
fantastic story-tellers, I'll have you know.
We're wonderful listeners,
(Points to ears)
note
the big ears.
(Points to member of audience)
No wise
cracks, buddy.
(Slight pause)
We hear
everything, but people rarely listen to the tales we tell. But, I ask you to listen now to this fable I
will dazzle you with. It will make you
laugh and it might make you cry. And if
you're not careful, you might learn something that would make your parents
proud.
(Pause. Points all around him)
This is
a stable,
(Looks slyly at audience)
if
you couldn't tell. It's been my home
since I was a wee little rat.
(Hears something in audience)
What's
that? Where are we? You can't tell?! This is Ancient Greece, my friends. The time of great battles, immortal heroes,
and wise kings...
(Pause)
Or not
so wise kings. Well, anyway. It's a wonderful time to be alive. During the day you can take in a battle.
(Dancing about with an imaginary
sword)
You can
see Hector and Achilles fight it out in a grueling battle of trusts and
parries. Others fall by the thousands,
but heroes battle all afternoon...
(Stops his
prancing about. Speaks frankly)
One
gets mortally wounded, the other leaves.
The wounded one is healed by some priest and the whole thing starts over
again the next day.
(Slight pause)
In the
afternoon, you can go and listen to the local king of the moment tell the
people what he thinks is the best thing to do on the latest issue. And at night, you can watch the king marry
his latest wife. Then, a sacrifice can
be attended to wind up the day.
(Remembers something)
Oh,
yes, then there's our story.
(RABBIT comes hopping on from off
R. He sneaks up
on MOUSE)
RABBIT
Hi,
Mouse!
(MOUSE jumps and runs to nook. Rabbit laughs)
I love
doing that to you.
MOUSE
(Comes out angrily)
Excuse me,
Rabbit, but I'm in the middle of a play here.
RABBIT
I
know. That's why I came out. You're boring the audience to death with that
speech of yours.
(Looking out at audience and
pointing)
That
poor fellow in the third row looks like he needs a pillow.
MOUSE
Pardon
me, but I'm the story-teller. And we
tell stories.
RABBIT
Fine. But, would you get on with it?
MOUSE
I will
if you would quit interrupting.
RABBIT
They're
all yours.
MOUSE
Thank
you.
(About to continue)
RABBIT
You're
welcome.
MOUSE
Are you
finished?
RABBIT
(Nods and as MOUSE is about to
continue)
Quite finished, thank you.
MOUSE
(Clears throat)
Back to our story.
(RABBIT hops to
On one
fine evening, when the stars were so very bright, in this very stable a
beautiful snowy white lamb was born.
Every animal in the stable came to see the lovely new child. All were so joyous and tickled to the toes.
(Pause)
Except
for one young black sheep who felt a little ignored.
(RABBIT finds a carrot and starts
munching loudly
on it. MOUSE stops and turns angrily. It takes
RABBIT a moment to notice MOUSE)
RABBIT
(Holds carrot out)
Want
some?
MOUSE
No!
RABBIT
Sorry.
(Tosses carrot over shoulder)
MOUSE
The
little lamb, called Snowy by most, was loved and cherished by her mother. They had such a special relationship, not
often found in your average stable. No
one could argue that there was a lot of love in their home, the feelings were
powerfully felt when ever one would pass by.
We all couldn't help but smile when we watched Snowy play. She learned so quickly the things young lambs
learn. She was soon discovered to be
quite wise for her years, and she always had a kind thought for us each day.
(Thoughtfully)
What
lessons we would learn if we took more time to listen to our young.
(Pause)
RABBIT
(Comes forward)
You done, yet?
MOUSE
Does it
sound like it?!
RABBIT
(A little ashamed)
I don't
know. I wasn't really listening.
MOUSE
(About to get angry but hears
someone coming from
off R)
Someone's
coming. Let's hide and listen.
(MOUSE starts to head for a place to
sit and hide,
which is
UL)
RABBIT
Hide and
listen?! That isn't very polite.
MOUSE
(Grabs RABBIT and takes him to a
place to sit, UL)
Since
when are you an expert on politeness?
(They sit UL)
RABBIT
Now,
wait a minute, buddy!
MOUSE
(Pushes him down)
Shhhh!
(SNOWY comes running on from R
followed by her
best friend
PETER)
PETER
(Huffs and puffs after the run)
Where
are you taking me, Snowy?
SNOWY
(Stops and points to sky above
audience)
There,
Peter. Look.
PETER
(Looks)
At what?
SNOWY
The star.
PETER
Which
one?
SNOWY
The bright one.
PETER
(Unenthused)
Oh,
that one.
SNOWY
Yes,
isn't it glorious?
(PETER shrugs. SNOWY sits happily)
I could
sit here and look at it for hours.
(RABBIT is struggling to take a look
at the star.
MOUSE pulls him down)
PETER
(Humors her)
Uh-huh.
SNOWY
What I
wouldn't give to be with that star, so high above the earth, so free.
PETER
Snowy?
SNOWY
Yes,
Peter?
PETER
I don't
get it.
SNOWY
Huh?
PETER
What's
the point?
SNOWY
(Looks down and turns to him
thoughtfully)
Wouldn't
you give anything to be up with a star and be free of this Earth?
PETER
(Looks down. Pause)
Yeah, I
guess I would.
SNOWY
Sometimes,
I feel confined here. I look to the sky
and wish that star would swoop down and take me away from it all.
PETER
(Looks up seriously now)
If one
ever drops by, let me know.
(SNOWY looks at him)
I might
join you.
SNOWY
(Points)
Meanwhile,
the star is still there to comfort us.
PETER
Yeah.
(Pause. They look happily at star)
SNOWY
You
know. If you listen quietly enough, each
time the star flickers, it seems to say, "One day. One day I will come. I promise."
PETER
(Smiles)
It's a
fun dream, even if it may not be true.
SNOWY
I don't
know why, but I feel that it is true.
(Sighs)
Oh,
what I wouldn't give to be with that star.
PETER
Now,
you've got me hooked on it.
SNOWY
Is it
really so bad?
PETER
(Thinks)
Actually,
it's kinda nice.
Sorta comforting.
(Pause)
Thank
you, Snowy.
SNOWY
For what?
PETER
For sharing this with me.
SNOWY
Anything for my best pal.
PETER
(Jokingly)
Ah,
shucks.
(They laugh)
Have you
told any body else about the star?
SNOWY
I told
Mom.
PETER
What
did she say?
SNOWY
It was
funny. When, I told her, her eyes
sparkled and she smiled to herself. She
said, before I was born, she had a dream about the star when it was snowing. That's how she came up my name - Snowy.
PETER
That's
neat. But, I always thought you got your
name from how white your wool is. I've
never seen any wool as white as yours.
SNOWY
I
thought that at first, too.
PETER
What about
the elders? They might like this star
thing.
SNOWY
(Hesitant)
Maybe. But, I'm not sure they would understand.
PETER
(Surprised)
The
elders not understand? They know
everything.
SNOWY
(Reluctantly)
I don't
know.
PETER
Oh, I
know. The star is something for us
alone, right?
SNOWY
Yes and
no. The star is very special for reasons
that I have myself. You might develop a
special feeling for the star, too, but probably for a different reason.
PETER
So the
star is something different for each of us.
SNOWY
(Points up to star)
But,
basically it's the same thing.
PETER
Oh.
(Pause)
I'm a
little confused.
SNOWY
I want
to share the star with everyone, but I want everyone to love it for their own reasons,
not mine.
PETER
I get
it!
SNOWY
It's
sort of like the little Greek stable boy who comes in and feeds us each day.
PETER
(Cocks his head)
It is?
SNOWY
You and
I like him because he scratches our chins each morning. Th elders like him
because he brings them grain. The Wise
One likes him because he sneaks in left overs from
breakfast. Rabbit...
RABBIT
Huh?
MOUSE
Shhhh!
SNOWY
Rabbit
likes him because he leaves carrots by the door everyday. Everyone likes him for different reasons, but
he's still the same boy.
RABBIT
That's
deep.
MOUSE
Will
you be quiet?!
PETER
Now, I
understand. You're pretty good at
explaining things. the
elders don't bother to stop and tell us what they're talking about. But, you always have some fun way of helping
me understand. Like an example or
story. Your stories are great.
JUD
(Comes in from R)
I think
they're stupid myself.
(Everyone freezes as MOUSE
interrupts)
MOUSE
Oh,
no. Not Jud, the black sheep. He's the biggest rascal in the stables.
RABBIT
(Starts to get up)
Well,
I'll just have to show him a thing or two...
MOUSE
Rabbit...
RABBIT
(Goes to JUD, who is frozen in
place)
Come
on, Jud! I'm fed up with you! No more pushing any of us around?
(JUD says nothing. RABBIT punches the air)
Come on , Jud. I'm ready
for ya'.
(Stops)
He's
not moving.
(Looks around)
Hey,
what's going on here?
(Looks at motionless SNOWY and
PETER)
What's
with everyone?
MOUSE
You
interrupted the story, so the story stopped.
RABBIT
Oh.
MOUSE
Now,
will you go back and hide so we can get on with it?
RABBIT
Okay,
fine. I'll just go sit in a dark corner
and never say another word again.
(Goes back UL)
MOUSE
(To audience)
As you
can tell, Jud is not popular around here.
(Somewhat to RABBIT)
But,
fighting never solves anything.
(RABBIT gives him a dirty look. MOUSE looks at
JUD)
We all
have Jud's in our lives. Some get to us and make us miserable. But, a few people get to them and something
special happens.
RABBIT
Yawn!
MOUSE
Okay,
okay. I can take a hint.
(MOUSE goes back UL with
RABBIT. The three others
go back
into motion)
JUD
Some of
those stories...
(Laughs)
PETER
Now,
wait a minute, Jud.
SNOWY
Take it
easy, Peter.
PETER
Sorry.
JUD
(Mockingly)
What's
the matter, Peter? Does Snowy got you on a leash.
PETER
(Goes at him)
That's
it. He asked for it.
SNOWY
Peter! Stop!
(PETER haults
but keeps his eyes on JUD)
JUD
Hey,
Snowy. Why don't you tell him one of
your stupid stories? That will stop
him. It'll probably put him to sleep.
(Laughs)
PETER
(Furious)
Shut up,
Jud!
SNOWY
(Steps between them)
Stop
it, Peter.
JUD
(Mocks)
Stop
it, Peter. Stop it, Peter...
PETER
I'm
going to knock your teeth out, Jud!
SNOWY
Calm
down and look at the star.
(She turns him and points to the
star)
Remember
the star.
(PETER moves away and calms
down. He looks
humbly at
star)
JUD
Star? What star?
SNOWY
(Points up)
That one.
JUD
(Unimpressed)
So?
SNOWY
(Looks happily at star)
Isn't
it beautiful?
JUD
(Looks)
It's
okay.
(Pause. They all look a moment)
This is
stupid. Life's too short to spend
looking at stars.
(JUD exits)
Chow, fuzz-heads.
PETER
Why do
I put up with him?
SNOWY
All
animals are important.
PETER
Even Jud?
SNOWY
Yes, Peter. We all have a purpose. His is just as important as yours.
PETER
I doubt
it.
SNOWY
Don't
act that way.
PETER
I have
trouble believing Jud is as important as I am.
I work so hard at doing good things.
What good has he done?
SNOWY
(Looks at star)
We all
look the same under the star way up in the sky.
Just tiny little specks, no different than the rest. No one stands out from the rest.
PETER
What
purpose does Jud have? What makes him
the same as those who are good?
SNOWY
Maybe
he's here to help us develop a thick skin or to teach us how to hold back our
anger.
PETER
I still
want to clobber him.
SNOWY
What
will that solve?
PETER
It'll
sure make me feel better.
SNOWY
It makes
you happy to hurt someone?
PETER
But...but
it's Jud.
SNOWY
How
would hurting him make him feel?
PETER
Bad, I
guess.
SNOWY
Would
it stop him from bothering you?
PETER
Maybe.
SNOWY
Would he
leave other animals alone?
PETER
Probably not. He might even be meaner to
others.
SNOWY
How
about me?
PETER
Huh?
SNOWY
Would
he be nice to me?
PETER
Maybe. Maybe not. I'll protect you, though.
SNOWY
If you
were kind to him, he might not bother either one of us.
PETER
Be
kind? To Jud?
SNOWY
Yes,
all he could need is a few kind words to warm him up a little.
PETER
I don't
know if I have enough kind words to melt Jud's icy
heart.
SNOWY
You said
you work hard to do good things.
PETER
I do!
SNOWY
Are you
working hard to do good things for Jud?
PETER
(Pause. Ashamed)
I'm
sorry, Snowy. You're right. If I want to do good things, I must do them
all the time. I have to be good to
everyone...even Jud.
(PETER looks sad)
SNOWY
Don't
feel bad. I wasn't trying to upset you;
I was just trying to help.
PETER
It's
not you, it's me. I feel really bad
about thinking I'm so good and then I turn around and be mean to Jud.
SNOWY
Your
not scarred for life. You still have a
chance to show kindness to Jud. Don't
keep worrying about what you have done; change it.
PETER
Okay,
okay. But, I still feel like a creep.
SNOWY
(Points at star)
What do
you see?
PETER
The star.
SNOWY
Is it
not as bright?
PETER
No. It hasn't changed at all.
SNOWY
And it
never will.
PETER
Huh?
SNOWY
The
star will always be the same, no matter what you do. It will always be there for you, to comfort
you and be your friend.
PETER
(Looks up)
Say,
that's neat, always having something that's there for you no matter what.
SNOWY
It's
even there for Jud.
PETER
Even Jud? Wow, that's quite a star.
SNOWY
Come
on, it's late. Let's hit the hay.
(They exit L. RABBIT comes out and watches them
go. MOUSE follows)
RABBIT
Be kind
to Jud? That's quite a feat.
MOUSE
Be
nice, Rabbit. You're being as bad
example to our audience.
RABBIT
A bad
example!
(To himself)
He's
telling me I'm a bad example. What do
you call, Jud?! He's not exactly your everyday good citizen.
MOUSE
I know,
I know. If Jud were the last person on
Earth, I'd probably ignore him, too.
RABBIT
See! See!
You're as bad as the rest of us!
I knew it.
MOUSE
Okay,
I'm no angel, but I try to be a good mouse.
RABBIT
Me, too. Well, a good rabbit anyway.
MOUSE
Snowy's right.
We should be nice to Jud, no matter how mean he is.
RABBIT
What?! Come on, Mouse.
MOUSE
If
we're mean to him,
we're just as bad as he is.
RABBIT
Oh,
I'll try to be nice. But,
if he takes one step out of line...
(He is about to punch an imaginary
JUD)
MOUSE
You'll
still be nice.
RABBIT
Fine,
I'll be good. In fact, I'll be better
than good. I'll be so good...
MOUSE
Here
comes Jud.
RABBIT
(A flash of anger hits him)
Why
that little...
MOUSE
Let's
hide.
RABBIT
He's
asking for it.
(MOUSE grabs him and drags him UL)
MOUSE
You'll never
learn.
RABBIT
But,
the guy's a creep.
MOUSE
Quiet!
(JUD comes on from off R and looks
up at star)
JUD
The star.
(Looks, trying to enjoy it)
What's
so special about it?
(Stares at it)
This is
no fun. It doesn't do anything. I like excitement.
This is
boring.
RABBIT
(Clenching his fist)
You
want excitement? I'll give you
excitement...
MOUSE
(Pulling him down)
Shhh!
JUD
Why am
I even looking at it?
(Yelling)
Who
needs you, you stupid star?!
ELDER
(A large old bull comes on from L)
Jud,
what are you doing?
JUD
(Jumps, then smiles)
Hello,
oh wise Elder.
(Kindly)
That
was a wonderful speech you made this morning.
I was
deeply
moved.
ELDER
(Pompously)
Why,
thank you, my good boy. Your mother
should be proud to
have
such a well bred lamb as you.
JUD
I am
honored by your words, oh great Elder.
ELDER
What
was it that you were doing?
JUD
(Pause.
Smiles evily)
I was
looking at the star!
(Points)
ELDER
Which
star?
JUD
The bright one. Isn't it wonderful?
ELDER
(Only glances)
Why are
you looking at stars?
JUD
It's
the star.
ELDER
Why are
you looking at it?
JUD
Snowy
told me about it.
ELDER
Snowy?
(Smiles)
That wonderful child.
JUD
(Angry. Blurting it out)
She
told us all to worship it!
ELDER
(Shocked)
Worship
it? Snowy told you that? This is a serious
offense. Are you sure?
JUD
Yes,
positive.
ELDER
Snowy
seems like such a good child.
JUD
It's
all a front! She's only pretending to be
good so she
can
draw us in and trap us!
ELDER
This is
distressing news.
JUD
(Fake sadness)
She
drew me in with her kind words and then I became weak.
She put
me under the star's spell.
ELDER
She
used magic?
JUD
Uh...yeah. She cast a spell on me and made me worship
the
star
like it was a god.
ELDER
A god and only one?
JUD
Only one.
ELDER
That's
awful. How could anyone worship only one
god?
JUD
But,
your wise, sensible words broke that horrible spell.
(Kneeling and kissing his hand)
Oh,
thank you. Thank you for saving me. It was so scary.
But you
freed me from that dreadful nightmare...
ELDER
(Deep in thought, walks away and JUD
falls on his face)
I must
speak to Snowy about this.
JUD
(Pushing it)
That's
it! Sock it to her!
ELDER
(Sharply)
Excuse
me?
JUD
(Politely)
Forgive
me, wise and powerful one who knows all.
(ELDER softens)
It's just
the after effects of the spell.
(Smiles)
I'm all
right with you here. Your supreme wisdom
steadies
me,
your infinite knowledge...
ELDER
Thank
you, Jud. That will be enough of
that. Go fetch
Snowy for me.
JUD
(Salutes)
With pleasure.
(Exits L)
ELDER
(Looks at star distastefully)
Worshiping a star.
(Pause. Looks at it longer. Softens a little,
but shakes
his head angrily)
Preposterous.
RABBIT
(Pops up. ELDER freezes)
Wise and powerful, huh?
(Goes to ELDER, pushing up imaginary
sleeves)
I'll
show you something wise and powerful.
MOUSE
(Frantic. Stopping him)
What
are you doing?! That's an Elder!
RABBIT
(Stops and looks at MOUSE)
So?
MOUSE
You
don't go around beating up Elders!
RABBIT
Why
not?
MOUSE
(Trying to answer)
B...because...he's an Elder.
RABBIT
What's
so special about that?
MOUSE
Well...uh...
RABBIT
(Tapping his foot)
I'm
waiting.
MOUSE
Give me
a minute...Elders are just to be respected...
RABBIT
Why?
MOUSE
I don't
know. That's how it's always been.
RABBIT
(Looks at ELDER)
I try
to respect older animals, but they get so stuffy and
stuck
up about it.
MOUSE
Don't
say that.
RABBIT
But,
it's true. They get old, and everyone
tells them them
they're
smart, so they begin to think they're smart.
I
wouldn't
call believing Jud's story real smart.
MOUSE
Stop
saying that!
RABBIT
What? That they're not as wise as they say they
are?!
MOUSE
Shhh! Not so loud!
RABBIT
(Yells)
Hey,
everybody! The Elders have a screw
loose!
MOUSE
(Angry)
Rabbit!
RABBIT
Mouse!
MOUSE
(Looks up and points at star)
Now,
look what you've done. A cloud has
covered the star.
RABBIT
(Shocked)
I
didn't do that, did I?
(MOUSE is silent)
Did I?
(MOUSE starts walking away. RABBIT looks up.
Sobs.)
I've
done it! I've finally done it! I've destroyed the
star!
(Yells up)
I'm
sorry star! I didn't mean to be mad at
the Elder! I
promise
I'll be nice! I won't ever fight again
if you come
back! I'll hang up my boxing gloves! I'll be good, I promise!
MOUSE
(Looks up)
The
clouds are clearing. The star is back.
RABBIT
(Smiles)
Thank
you, star. Thank you.
MOUSE
Here
come Snowy and Jud.
RABBIT
Jud! Why that little...I'll show him not to mess
with Snowy...
MOUSE
The
clouds are coming back.
(RABBIT goes white with terror)
RABBIT
(Sobbing)
I'm
sorry!
(Cries and blubbers. MOUSE takes him back UL)
(JUD leads SNOWY on from off L)
SNOWY
You
called for me, Elder?
ELDER
Yes,
Snowy. I've heard some distressing news.
SNOWY
(Concerned)
What's
happened?
ELDER
Someone
has been worshiping a single god of unknown origin. And this animal has cast spells on others to
get them to join in the new religion.
SNOWY
Really? That's awful.
But why are you telling me all this, my Elder? I am young and do not have your wisdom.
JUD
(Accusing)
You see
how she flatters you and tries to draw you in?
ELDER
Silence,
Jud!
SNOWY
What is
this? What's going on?
RABBIT
(Pops up)
Run,
Snowy! It's a trap!
MOUSE
(Pulling him down)
Quiet!
ELDER
Jud has
informed me that you are worshiping a star.
SNOWY
The star?
ELDER
So, you
don't deny it?
SNOWY
The
clouds are clearing.
(Points)
There,
you can see it.
JUD
Don't
look! The magic!
SNOWY
What
magic?
ELDER
Jud
said you used the star's magic to make him worship it.
JUD
But
your wise words freed me.
ELDER
Yes, Jud. And I hope my words bring you to reason also,
Snowy.
SNOWY
I look
at the star because it's soothing and safe.
Its calmness relaxes me, helps me to think clearly. It's so much simpler than the life we live
here. Without it, I'm afraid I would be
lost. It gives me something to hold on
to, something to look forward to each day...
JUD
Listen
to her! Pure blasphemy!
ELDER
Give up
these childish games, Snowy, and come back to reality. Our many great gods are the only ones who
deserve respect.
JUD
And the
Elders, too, oh wise one.
ELDER
See? Jud is a very good little lamb.
RABBIT
Come on. Give me a break. Jud, a good little lamb?
MOUSE
(Points)
The
clouds are coming back.
(RABBIT is terrified and hides)
ELDER
Forget
about your star. It does no one any
good.
(ELDER and JUD exit L)
SNOWY
The
star helps me.
(About to cry)
RABBIT
(Goes up to her. She freezes)
Poor Snowy. I wish we could help her.
MOUSE
We
can. Go get the Wise One.
RABBIT
But
we're just watching the story, aren't we?
We aren't supposed to interfere.
MOUSE
Just go
get him!
RABBIT
Okay,
okay. I'm going.
(Exits R)
Ask a
simple question...
MOUSE
Poor Snowy. I hope the Wise One can
help.
WISE ONE
(Off R)
Dag
nabbit! What
do ya' want, Rabbit?
I ain't got time for carrots!
RABBIT
(Off R)
Please,
come talk to Snowy.
WISE ONE
(Off R)
Oh, all
right. Lead the way, long ears. Lead the way.
(They come on. WISE ONE goes up to SNOWY who is
still
frozen in place)
What's
with her?
MOUSE
We've
stopped the story so we could bring you in to talk with her.
WISE ONE
Well,
get on with it!
MOUSE
Yes,
sir. Sorry, Wise One. I'm most sorry.
WISE ONE
Oh,
please. I hate grovelling.
MOUSE
Come
on, Rabbit.
(MOUSE goes up L with RABBIT)
RABBIT
(Pouting)
I never
get to be in the story.
WISE ONE
What
seems to be the trouble, Snowy?
SNOWY
(Jumps a little)
Wise
One. I didn't hear you come in.
WISE ONE
I'm kinda funny that way.
What cha' need?
SNOWY
Jud
told the Elder I was worshiping the star and casting spells on other animals to
get them to do it, too.
WISE ONE
Only
Jud could come up with that one.
SNOWY
It's
not really Jud that's bothering me.
WISE ONE
Who's
getting your goat, then?
SNOWY
It's
the Elder.
WISE ONE
The Elder? What's that critter preachin'
about now?
SNOWY
She
said the star was childish and I should forget about it. But, I can't give it up! It's real!
WISE ONE
Calm
down, calm down. What's this star thing?
SNOWY
(Points)
Up there. The cluds have
cleared so you can see it.
WISE ONE
The bright one?
SNOWY
Yeah.
WISE ONE
You've
chosen wisely, Snowy. That's a very
special star.
SNOWY
(Excited at his response)
Yes, it
is. It's become very important to me.
WISE ONE
(Looking at star)
Does it
calm you, make you feel secure?
SNOWY
(Her eyes on it)
Very much so.
WISE ONE
(Watches her)
Do you
long for it to come and take you from this world?
SNOWY
Yes.
WISE ONE
Does it
seem to promise that one day it will come?
SNOWY
It
truly feels that way.
WISE ONE
One day
it will come for you, Snowy.
SNOWY
(Looks at him)
It
will?
WISE ONE
Sooner than you think.
(He exits R)
SNOWY
Wise
One?
(Starts after him)
What do
you mean by "soon"?
(He is gone. She turns and runs off L)
Peter! Come here, quick!
RABBIT
(Comes out)
Holy
mole hills! What was the Wise One
talking about?
MOUSE
(Comes out)
I'm not
sure.
RABBIT
You're
not sure? You're telling the story,
aren't you? You should know these
things.
MOUSE
I'm
sorry. My ears are only so big. I can only hear so many things.
RABBIT
(Pouting)
But, I wanna know what the Wise One was talking about.
MOUSE
Me, too. He must know something about the star that we
don't.
RABBIT
Maybe
they teach about the star in Wise One school.
MOUSE
Maybe.
RABBIT
I was
only joking.
MOUSE
No,
maybe someone many years ago did teach him about the star.
RABBIT
Then
how did Snowy know about it, too?
MOUSE
Beats me.
RABBIT
And
what is all this stuff about the star coming soon?
MOUSE
Maybe
if we listen some more, we'll find out.
RABBIT
Yeah! Okay, who's next in the play?
MOUSE
(Proudly)
I am.
RABBIT
(Unexcited)
You?
MOUSE
(Annoyed)
Yes,
me. You have a problem with that?
RABBIT
You're
not going into one of your long, boring speeches again, are you?
MOUSE
Boring
speeches?! I'll have you know that I'm
one of the finest story-tellers in the land.
RABBIT
Okay,
okay. Take it easy. I was only kidding.
MOUSE
Good. Shall I begin?
RABBIT
By all means.
MOUSE
(Clears throat. To audience)
The next
evening, after dinner, when the animals had their fill of food, clouds began to
creep in from the horizon and thunder moaned faintly over the land. Something was approaching. It was felt by us all.
(Pause)
RABBIT
That's
it?
MOUSE
Yep.
RABBIT
I did
all that complaining just for that?
MOUSE
Uh-huh.
RABBIT
You cut
it short on purpose.
MOUSE
Shhh! Someone's coming.
RABBIT
(Looks around)
Everybody's
coming. What's up?
MOUSE
Let's
hide and see.
(They hide. ELDER comes on from L)
ELDER
(Yells)
Come
everyone! Quickly!
JUD
(From off L)
What is
it, oh great, wise, wonderful Elder?
WISE ONE
(On from R)
What's
with all the noise?
(SNOWY and PETER come on from L)
PETER
What's
going on?
SNOWY
Has
something happened?
ELDER
Please listen everyone.
(JUD and WISE ONE stand R of
ELDER. PETER and
SNOWY, L)
A
messenger comes from the city. I've
called us all together so that we may all hear the news.
JUD
That was
very wise of you, honorable Elder.
RABBIT
Give me
a break.
MOUSE
Shhh!
PETER
(Points off L)
Here
comes the messenger!
(A dog comes running on and crashes
to the floor, RC,
exhausted. Panting)
MESSENGER
I bring
news from the city.
ELDER
As
Elder of the group, I am in the position of asking...
WISE ONE
(Going to dog)
What's
the message?
MESSENGER
(Staggering about dramatically)
A great
plague has swept the land. Humans are
dropping right and left. No one is
safe. There is no escape.
ELDER
The
gods are angry with the humans, they must pay the price.
MESSENGER
The
priests were sent to talk to the gods to find out how to end the plague.
WISE ONE
Did they
come up with anything?
MESSENGER
There
was an oracle from the gods.
JUD
An oracle?
PETER
What's
that?
ELDER
A message from the gods.
WISE ONE
Well,
what did the oracle say?
MESSENGER
The
gods demand a sacrifice.
PETER
(Frightened)
That
means one of us.
ELDER
(Reluctant)
What
animal did they ask for?
MESSENGER
A lamb.
(ELDER is relieved, WISE ONE is
concerned, JUD and PETER are
terrified, SNOWY is unreadable.)
ELDER
(Frankly)
Did they
ask for a certain kind of lamb?
MESSENGER
A lamb with snow-white wool.
(All look to SNOWY who is
shocked. JUD looks
relieved)
RABBIT
(Everyone else freezes. He comes forward)
Wait a
minute! Wait a minute!
MOUSE
(Comes out)
What's
wrong?
RABBIT
The
oracle doesn't mean Snowy, does it?
MOUSE
(Sadly)
I'm
afraid so.
RABBIT
(Sad and angry)
But,
this can't be! Why Snowy?! She never did anything wrong!
MOUSE
Calm down, Rabbit.
RABBIT
Calm
down! The humans want to sacrifice
Snowy!
MOUSE
I'm
sorry, Rabbit. When an oracle comes...
RABBIT
(Sad, almost crying)
Poor
Snowy! The humans will take her up on a
stone slab and raise their swords...
(Shudders)
I can't
even talk about it.
MOUSE
(Comforting him)
It'll
be all right.
RABBIT
(Horrified)
Be all
right?!
MOUSE
(Points to MESSENGER)
They're
paying the Messenger good money to do this play. Let's not keep him waiting.
RABBIT
(Sadly goes up L)
Poor Snowy.
(MOUSE follows)
PETER
They
can't mean Snowy!
MESSENGER
She
fits the oracle.
JUD
That's
too bad, Snowy. Oh, well. Maybe next time.
PETER
(Angry)
That's
it Jud! You asked for it!
ELDER
(Parting them)
Children!
(They
stop)
This is
a serious matter.
(Growing concerned)
A very
valuable life is at stake.
WISE ONE
(To dog)
There's
no mistake in your news? Are you sure
the oracle said a snow-white lamb?
MESSENGER
(Sadly)
I'm
positive.
ELDER
This
news is most upsetting.
MESSENGER
There's
more.
WISE ONE
Speak,
boy.
MESSENGER
I
wouldn't tell the humans where Snowy was, so they have to search all the
stables. I came here right away. I delivered my news to you, but the humans are
still coming.
(A creeky
barn door is heard. All look out at the audience. Dog frightened)
They're
coming!
PETER
Quick! Hide, Snowy!
ELDER
(To SNOWY)
Get
behind me, child.
(All stand in front of SNOWY, except
JUD.
Everyone looks forward, fearfully)
PETER
What
are they saying?
ELDER
(Scared)
Don't
ask me.
JUD
You
must know, Elder.
ELDER
(Pause)
Well...uh...
WISE ONE
(Translating)
Allow
me. They want Snowy.
PETER
They
can't have her.
MESSENGER
(Shaking)
They're
getting angry.
ELDER
What
should we do?
JUD
(Grabs SNOWY. Takes her forward)
Here
she is! Take her away!
(SNOWY bows low in defeat)
ELDER
Jud! How dare you?
PETER
You
little jerk!
JUD
We must
appease the gods.
MESSENGER
They're
leaving.
WISE ONE
They'll
be back for her tomorrow.
PETER
(Going at JUD)
How
could you do that to Snowy?!
ELDER
(Grabs PETER)
No,
Peter.
(JUD exits R)
PETER
(Going to SNOWY. Sadly hugs her)
We
tried to hide you, Snowy. I'm so sorry.
(Idea)
Maybe
you can still escape! There's a hole
under...
SNOWY
No,
Peter. I must go.
PETER
You
can't.
SNOWY
I have
to.
PETER
(Frantic)
Why,
Snowy, why?!
(SNOWY is silent)
ELDER
Peter, hush.
PETER
I won't
let Snowy go!
(SNOWY exits L)
Snowy?
(PETER starts after her)
WISE ONE
(Stops him)
She
needs to be alone.
PETER
(Crying)
She
can't go! Not now!
ELDER
(Takes PETER off R)
Come,
Peter. Rest. Then we will talk.
MESSENGER
(Sadly)
I guess
I was too late.
WISE ONE
(Distant)
No, you
were right on time.
MESSENGER
What?
WISE ONE
Nothing, nothing. I'm old. I mummble
a lot.
MESSENGER
(Sadly)
I must
return to the city and take my punishment.
WISE ONE
Punishment?
MESSENGER
I tried
to save Snowy. The gods don't like that
sort of thing.
WISE ONE
Who
knows? Maybe they'll overlook you.
MESSENGER
(Starts to exit L)
I doubt
it.
(Stops)
Messengers
always get the bad end of the deal.
Deliver a message, and poof!
They're gone.
(Shrugs)
That's
(He exits L)
WISE ONE
(Distant)
Right on time.
(He exits R)
RABBIT
(Comes forward)
I can't
believe it.
MOUSE
What?
RABBIT
I just
can't believe it.
MOUSE
(Annoyed)
What
can't you believe?
RABBIT
Are you
sure you're not getting your stories mixed up?
MOUSE
It's
all in order. No sub-plot forgotten.
RABBIT
Poor Snowy. Is there nothing we can
do?
MOUSE
(Sadly shakes his head)
We can
only wait and see, but it doesn't look good at the moment.
RABBIT
(Idea)
Wait. Can't you change the story a little? Snip a little here, add a little there?
MOUSE
(Shocked)
How
dare you suggest I change the story?!
RABBIT
Sorry.
MOUSE
As a
story-teller I have certain rules I live by and I never would break...
RABBIT
(Giving in)
Okay,
okay.
MOUSE
...I
would never dream of changing a story...
RABBIT
I said
I was sorry!
MOUSE
Fine. Can we continue with the story in its
original form?
RABBIT
Of course.
MOUSE
Thank
you.
RABBIT
No
problem.
MOUSE
You are
most kind.
RABBIT
Thank
you.
MOUSE
No,
thank you.
RABBIT
You're
very welcome.
MOUSE
(Annoyed)
Enough
already!
RABBIT
You may
continue.
MOUSE
(To audience)
Back to our play.
(Goes back upstage)
RABBIT
(Surprised. Follows)
That's
all you're going to say?
MOUSE
That's
it.
RABBIT
I'm
shocked.
MOUSE
Shhh!
(WISE ONE comes on from R)
WISE ONE
(To RABBIT and MOUSE)
I
thought you two would never stop yakking away.
RABBIT
(To MOUSE)
I
thought we were invisible.
MOUSE
You're
not supposed to see us, Wise One.
WISE ONE
(Remembers)
Oh,
that's right. Sorry. Mind goes after a while. I'll get it right tomorrow night.
MOUSE
Shhh! Here comes Snowy!
WISE ONE
Don't
"shhh" me.
MOUSE
(Pleading)
Wise
One.
WISE ONE
All right. I'll be good.
Calm your whiskers.
(SNOWY comes on from L with a sack
and pulls out
something
wrapped in cloth)
SNOWY
Wise
One. I have something for you.
(Hands item over)
WISE ONE
(Takes it)
What is
it?
SNOWY
It's a
present.
WISE ONE
What
for?
SNOWY
You
have been so good to me here. I wanted
to give you something in return.
WISE ONE
You
didn't have to do this.
SNOWY
I wanted
to. Please open it.
WISE ONE
(Shrugs and opens it. It is a beautiful apple.
Smiles)
Thank
you. I love apples.
SNOWY
Food for thought.
WISE ONE
(Smiles again)
Wisely said.
(Frowns a bit)
I
didn't get you anything.
SNOWY
I
wanted to give, not get. It's the giving
that's important.
WISE ONE
Thank
you once again. I'll put it to good use.
SNOWY
Wise
One?
WISE ONE
Yes,
Snowy?
SNOWY
Will I
be with the star soon?
WISE ONE
(Shrugs)
Maybe, maybe not.
(Exits R)
SNOWY
Oh.
ELDER
(Enters from R)
Hello
Snowy, my child.
SNOWY
(Taking a gift from the bag)
I have
a gift for you.
ELDER
A present?
SNOWY
Here.
(Hands it over)
ELDER
(Opens it. It's a cylinder)
Thank
you very much, Snowy.
SNOWY
It's a
round tube to use so you can see many stars more closely. It helps you to focus on them so you see them
better. Some stars are so very
beautiful...
(Pause)
...if you're in to that sort of thing.
ELDER
I am
honored.
SNOWY
You
like it?
ELDER
Yes,
very much.
SNOWY
I had
hoped you would.
ELDER
I'll
use it first chance I get.
SNOWY
You'll
love it, I promise.
ELDER
(Seriously)
Snowy. When you go up to the sacrifice, I want you
to struggle and fight...
SNOWY
I can't
do that.
ELDER
Why
not?
SNOWY
A
sacrifice that struggles and fights brings bad luck.
ELDER
I
know. That's why you must...
SNOWY
I want
to die for the good of the people. I
want to help save them.
(ELDER is silent a moment)
ELDER
If that
is what you wish.
SNOWY
It is.
ELDER
(Pause. Exits L)
Thank
you for the gift.
(JUD enters R. Stops when he sees SNOWY. About
to leave
again)
SNOWY
Jud,
wait.
(JUD stops. SNOWY takes out gift)
I have
a present for you.
JUD
(Shocked)
A present?
SNOWY
Yes. Here it is.
JUD
Are you
crazy? You're giving me a gift after I
turned you in?
SNOWY
Yes. Come open it.
(JUD takes it, opens it)
JUD
It's a
rock shaped like a star.
SNOWY
The star.
JUD
(Pause. Softly)
Thank
you, Snowy.
(Starts to exit L. Stops)
I'll
miss you.
(Exits)
SNOWY
I'll
miss you, too, Jud.
PETER
(Enters form R)
Snowy?
SNOWY
(Smiles)
Hi,
Peter.
PETER
I'm
sorry I got so upset. It's just the
thought of losing you...
(Pause)
SNOWY
Peter,
I have a present for you.
(Takes a gift out)
PETER
Why are
you giving me a present?
SNOWY
(Hands it over)
Because I care. Open it.
PETER
(He does. It is a small lamp)
Your lamp. I can't take this.
SNOWY
I won't
be needing it...
PETER
Don't
talk like this...
SNOWY
Please,
take it.
PETER
But...
SNOWY
I used
this light to find my way to the star each night. Now, I'm giving it to you. Please, never forget the star.
PETER
(Pause. Holds the lamp close)
No,
I'll never forget, Snowy, never.
(Pause. SNOWY walks downstage)
Are you
scared? Scared about the...sacrifice?
SNOWY
Actually,
I'm not scared at all.
PETER
You're
not?
SNOWY
I'm not
because I know I'll be with the star soon
PETER
What?
SNOWY
It's
coming for me, I can feel it.
PETER
(Puzzled)
How do
you...what are you...
SNOWY
(Points)
I'll be
up there with the star. What happiness
and joy it brings.
(To PETER)
Let the
lamp lead you here each night.
(Pause)
Please,
don't forget.
PETER
(Slowly, sad)
I
won't.
SNOWY
Farewell,
Peter.
(Starts to exit L. Stops)
Keep up
the good work.
(Exits)
PETER
(Looks at lamp)
I'll
remember, Snowy. I'll visit each and
every night.
(Pause. Almost in tears)
I'll
think of you always. The stories, our friendship.
(Pause)
And the star.
(PETER freezes as MOUSE and RABBIT
come out)
RABBIT
(Sadly)
That's
it? Snowy's
gone?
MOUSE
It's
not over yet.
RABBIT
(Brightening)
It's
not? Do you mean Peter goes and rescues
her from the evil clutches of the humans?
MOUSE
No,
Snowy is gone.
RABBIT
(Angry)
No,
that can't be! Snowy is the main
character! She can't be sacrificed!
MOUSE
I'm
sorry, Rabbit. A story is a story.
RABBIT
Why
doesn't Snowy run away? She can't go!
MOUSE
She said
she wanted to go.
RABBIT
(Whines)
I don't
understand why!
MOUSE
She
wants to save the humans from the plague.
RABBIT
But,
why do that?
MOUSE
She is
dying for them so that they can live.
RABBIT
(Upset)
I can't
take this anymore. I don't know if I can
listen any longer.
MOUSE
The
Messenger is returning.
RABBIT
Let's
hide and listen.
(Goes up L)
MOUSE
(Follows)
I
thought you didn't want to hear any more.
RABBIT
Shhh!
(MESSENGER enters L. PETER sees him)
MESSENGER
(Frantic to PETER)
There's
a new oracle!
PETER
(Curious and annoyed)
What
now?
MESSENGER
First,
the gods demanded that a cloak be made of Snowy's
wool and given to the king.
PETER
(Upset)
They
cut off all Snowy's wool?
MESSENGER
Yeah. It was so awful. A snip here, there, and
everywhere. They got it all.
PETER
Poor Snowy. She must have been
terrified.
MESSENGER
Actually,
she didn't struggle at all.
PETER
She
didn't?
MESSENGER
She
stood very still the whole time neither resisting or
crying out. She just let them strip away
everything.
PETER
I wish
I couldo do something. I feel so helpless.
MESSENGER
I'm
afraid there's more.
PETER
(Distant)
More?
(JUD wanders on from R and stays in
shadows
listening)
MESSENGER
The
oracle wanted...how should I say it...
(Pause)
PETER
Just
spit it out, plain and simple. That
always works.
MESSENGER
Snowy's
best friend must be sacrificed with her.
PETER
(Terrified)
Wha...What?
MESSENGER
Hey,
aren't you her closest friend?
PETER
Who...me?
MESSENGER
Yes,
you. Aren't you the one?
PETER
(Backing away)
No,
sorry. You have the wrong lamb.
MESSENGER
I was
sure it was you.
PETER
(Really scared)
Nope. I hardly know her. Gotta go. Bye.
(Exits L)
MESSENGER
I was
almost positive that was the right lamb.
JUD
(Comes forward)
Are you
looking for Snowy's best friend?
MESSENGER
Yes, as
a matter of fact, I am.
JUD
Well,
you're looking at him.
MESSENGER
Who?
JUD
(Annoyed)
Snowy's
best friend!
MESSENGER
You?
JUD
Yes!
MESSENGER
Are you
sure?
JUD
I'm Snowy's best friend, okay?!
Take me to the sacrifice.
MESSENGER
I
didn't think you were Snowy's best buddy.
JUD
(Mad)
Well, I
am. So let's go!
MESSENGER
(Leads way off L)
All right. Follow me.
(They exit L)
RABBIT
(Comes
forward)
Wait a
minute! Something funny is going on
here!
MOUSE
No, the
story is right in order.
RABBIT
No
way. You're getting things mixed
up. Peter should be going to be
sacrificed with Snowy, not Jud.
MOUSE
No, Jud's the right lamb.
RABBIT
But,
Peter is Snowy's best friend!
(Pause)
Isn't
he?
MOUSE
Peter
got scared and ran away. He likes his
life too much. He was willing to do
anything to escape.
RABBIT
I can't
believe Peter would do anything like that.
MOUSE
Neither
can I, but he did.
RABBIT
What
about Jud? He would never do anything
like that.
MOUSE
He did,
though.
RABBIT
Are you
sure you got that right?
MOUSE
Yes.
RABBIT
It wasn't
the Wise One or the Elder?
MOUSE
No, it
was Jud.
RABBIT
Why
would Jud say he was Snowy's best friend and then go
to be sacrificed? That's very unlike
Jud.
MOUSE
Maybe
Snowy actually got through to him. Snowy
has a way with animals, ya' know.
RABBIT
She
does know how to say the right thing.
MOUSE
She
probably was the first animal ever to be kind to him.
RABBIT
Being
nice to Jud is quite a feat.
MOUSE
If you
had only one animal that was nice to you, wouldn't you do something nice for
them?
RABBIT
Yeah. I guess I would.
MOUSE
Now,
you can't say Jud never did anything nice.
RABBIT
I still
can't believe he did it. Who would have
thought Jud would sacrifice his life for another animal?
MOUSE
Kinda
makes you believe in miracles.
RABBIT
Yeah. If that isn't a miracle, I don't know what
one is.
MOUSE
(Looks off L)
Here
comes somebody.
RABBIT
(Squints)
Looks kinda like the Messenger.
MOUSE
I'm not
sure if it is or not.
(The MESSENGER'S SISTER enters L)
SISTER
Everyone
come quickly!
MOUSE
It's
the Messenger's sister.
SISTER
I bring
news from the city!
RABBIT
(Goes to her)
Oh,
forget about the others. Tell us what's
going on.
SISTER
(Stage whisper)
My
brother said I wasn't supposed to be able to see you two.
RABBIT
Who
cares? Tell us the news.
MOUSE
Wait. Why didn't your brother, the Messenger come?
SISTER
Messengers
never deliver good news, so my brother sent me.
RABBIT
Forget
all that. Just tell us the news.
SISTER
The
plague has been lifted! When the priests
performed the sacrifice, the plague ended.
MOUSE
Great! The others will be pleased.
SISTER
The king
was so grateful, he took the cloak made from Snowy's
wool and wrapped her in it, lifting her from the altar. He carried her to the Tomb of Kings and
buried her there. Then, the humans
celebrated their new life free of the plague.
Peace has returned at last.
RABBIT
(Sniffing)
Ah, gee
whiz. I'm all choked up.
SISTER
(Gives each of them flowers)
Here.
MOUSE
What's
this for?
SISTER
My
brother carries a sword, I carry flowers.
Bye-bye.
(She exits through audience [if
desired] and
gives out
flowers)
RABBIT
That
was nice of her.
(Eats flowers)
Flowers
are good stuff.
(Takes MOUSE'S and eats them)
MOUSE
I'm
glad you like them.
RABBIT
Oh, I
do. Thank you very much.
MOUSE
(To audience)
I have prepared
a special little ending to the story for you...
RABBIT
You're
not going to bore them to death again, are you?
They're been here for a long time, and I'm sure...
MOUSE
I'm not
the one doing it, Rabbit.
RABBIT
(Pause)
You're
not?
MOUSE
(Annoyed)
No.
RABBIT
I'm
speechless.
MOUSE
Good.
RABBIT
Get on
with it, then.
(PETER comes on from off R)
MOUSE
Shhh! Here it is.
(They step back)
PETER
(Carrying lantern, goes to star and
looks up to
it)
Hello,
star.
(Slight pause)
Nice
evening.
(Pause)
You're
quite beautiful tonight.
(Pause)
Snowy
asked me to come here to see you. I must
admit, I feel a little strange.
(Pause. Looks at star. Smile)
You do
make me feel at peace.
(Looks down)
I was
so grumpy all day.
(Looks up)
But now
I'm okay.
(Pause)
There
are some new lambs in the stable. I'll
have to bring them here tomorrow night.
I bet they'll really like seeing you.
(Pause. Waves)
Well, I
guess I'll see you later. I know where
to find you if I need anything.
(Starts to exit. Stops)
And
thank you, star, for everything.
(Exits R)
MOUSE
(Steps forward. To audience)
"If
we shadows have offended, Think but of this, and all is mended..."
RABBIT
Oh, quit
with the Shakespeare. Show off.
MOUSE
I
thought it would be a nice touch.
RABBIT
Can't
you just say in plain and simple terms, "Good night"?
MOUSE
Nope.
RABBIT
Why
not?
MOUSE
Because
you just did.
RABBIT
Oh. I see your point.
MOUSE
Good
night, everyone.
(Exits L)
RABBIT
(To himself)
I
already said that.
(Follows MOUSE)
Hey,
you just said you weren't going to say good night...
(Lights fade)
END OF
PLAY