Books published by publisher Anchorage Press

Play script. By Victor Herbert, updated and adapted by Ken Holamon. All of the glorious music and fabulous fantasy characters of the classic Victor Herbert creation, in a bright contemporary version. Two acts. 1 Village Square and 5 outdoor locales. 12 men, 13 women with multiple casting opportunities; 2 baby lambs, a mongrel dog, a stuffed parrot. Victor Herbert's unforgettable tunes accompany Contrary Mary, Tom-Tom, and their friends, as they journey from Mother Goose Village to Toyland, seeking the Master Toymaker to save their home. They reach Toyland, despite the bumbling villany of Barnaby's comic henchmen, just in time to help the Toymaker save Christmas around the world. To the timeless "March of the Toy Soldiers," all of the fabulous fantasy characters and lively toy soldiers sing and dance this joyful celebration of the spirit of giving.

An energetic re-telling of the classic story of a strangely enchanting piper who rids a miserly town of its rats--only to be rewarded by being cheated of his reward. Scenery may be minimal or grand. Approx. running time: 75 min. Two acts that may be played without intermission. Cast of 6 women, 20 men, (with options for doubling or adding extras).In this telling the rats and the human "vermin" wage political and social war against each other and anyone who contradicts them. But there are heroes too in Hamelin: the crippled orphan Franz, his pet mouse Mortimer, and of course The Piper. Humor, action, and conflict carry this story of betrayal and simple friendship with the reminder that a promise is a promise.

Play script developed from Horatio Alger by Aurand Harris. Musical score by Glenn Mack available from the publisher, Anchorage Press Plays. Perfectly straight-faced treatment of the dime-novel hero who rose from rags to riches. Cast of 3 women, 6 men, extras. Four sets, painted on reversible screens and set in place by the actors. Late Victorian costumes. Produced at the Shanghai Children's Art Theatre, 1987.Ragged Dick, an honest, upright lad who earns his meager living by shining shoes, is entrusted with a $2.00 bill by a rich banker. When he delivers the change to the banker's home, this manly boy attracts the interest of the banker's daughter, who stirs his ambition. In a dramatic scene, Dick has the opportunity to rescue a poor little Match Boy from a tenement fire; and when the Match Boy proves to be the heir to a fortune, the banker recognizes Dick's sterling qualities, and starts him on the road to riches.

A play in two acts for young people of all ages, based on the tale by Hans Christian Andersen as retold in Japan, most delightfully and faithfully. Setting: A platform stage requiring the fashion of the Kabuki or Noh drama. Cast of 6 men, 6 women. Approx. run time: 50-55 min.A superb adaptation of Andersen's THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES adapted by Judith Baker Kase. Made thoroughly and appropriately Japanese, the beloved tale is spiritedly brought to life and given further perspective in the Island Empire of Japan. Cynical courtiers and idealistic rogues act out their destiny to everyone's recognition and laughter. The result is an oriental tapestry of theatrical pleasure.

Play developed in rehearsal with Irving Burton and Pilar Garcia. A right-now Christmas fantasy of runaway presents, from the Paperbag Players of New York. This mini-play has 6 modern characters and as many Presents as you wish. The characters wear modern clothes, the Presents are gift-wrapped. The only scenery is a large cardboard carton (top and bottom removed) with a different scene painted on each side: a Christmas tree, a ticket booth at a movie theatre, the front of a pizza store, and a warehouse window with lots of Christmas parcels painted beneath it. Ideal for in-school performance.To the tune of Donald Ashwander"s "Wrap and Tie" song, the play traces the wonderfully unlikely adventures of a group of runaway Christmas Presents. In vain the entire town pursues them. Sadly everyone goes to a party without presents, where they discover that Christmas is beautiful without expensive gifts. Astonished, the dizzy, hide-away Presents return to share the fun in a singing, dancing finale for everyone.

Play script based on the historical life and character of the remarkable 19th century black woman, Sojourner Truth. Slave-born in 1797, in New York State, she was committed to the cause of freedom for black and white men and women all her life. Cast of 3 men, 3 women. Unadorned dress of the period. Single set on an open stage or platform. At the age of 9, Sojourner is placed on the auction block and sold away from her parents to a cruel master. Her cunning survival skills and unshakeable faith in God, are her only resources. She is also endowed with a glorious singing voice which wells up to voice her yearning for a better life. She gains her freedom at age 31, and, thereafter, becomes a dedicated leader in the struggle for human rights, notably during the Civil War, appearing as a fervent orator alongside such figures as Frederick Douglas, Amy Post, William Lloyd Garrison, and Wendell Phillips. For the rest of her life, undaunted, she worked for the rights of all men and women, black and white, seeking freedom for slaves, and social justice for all.

The heritage of the wild and woolly West for the adults of tomorrow. One set, "western costumes." May be produced with or without audience participation. Written for 3 men and 2 women, with music, but with 42 speaking roles, the number of actors is most flexible. Ideal for K-6, or community audiences. A wildfire success in the West and the Rockies. Music included.With the help of black cowboy Nat Love, "Deadwood Dick", we meet a melting pot of characters who made a difference out West. Don Pedro de la Peralta lays out the city of Santa Fe long before the Pilgrims reach Plymouth Rock. A teenaged Sacagawea helps Lewis and Clark's original exploration of the West. Newspaper editor Gail Borden writes "Remember the Alamo" before inventing a process for condensed milk. Slaves learn about freedom in the Gold Rush. Esther Morris wins the cause for equal rights in Wyoming. John Stetson builds a better hat. Elfego Baca faces prejudice with blazing six-guns. The challenges of the future are pondered by the ancestors of the past, who realize that a people without history are like the "wind on the buffalo grass." Song and story for all.

Play script dramatized by James Norris. A gay and jaunty play of Medieval England. Cast of 2 women, 9 men. Three sets. Medieval costumes.Robert Fitzooth of Locksley earns the displeasure of the Sheriff of Nottingham, by defending his home from unlawful seizure, in the King's absence. Declared an outlaw, he gathers a few loyal friends about him, and retires to Sherwood Forest, where he trains his men to play pranks on the rich, usurping officials, and wins fame by his prowess as an archer. In an effort to capture him, the Sheriff declares a shooting match at the Nottingham Fair. Robin and his men, taking the precaution to wear disguise, enter the town long enough for Robin to win the golden arrow, but escape with difficulty, pursued by the Sheriff and his party. In the ensuing duel between Robin and the Sheriff, it appears that Robin has lost; and his men are in despair at the tragedy, when the tide is suddenly turned.

Play script adapted by Helen P. Avery from Oscar Wilde's whimsical, shivery and moving story about a Ghost who is tired of haunting. One set. Period costumes. Cast of 5 F, 5 M, 2 children.A Sixteenth-Century Ghost, Sir Simon, haunts his family mansion, periodically terrifying its inhabitants. Around 1900 the house is sold to an American businessman and his family who refuse to be scared by strange apparitions. Mr. and Mrs. Otis offer the Ghost oil for his chains and medicine for indigestion, and the children pester him with mischievous pranks. Only Virginia, the courageous older daughter attempts to understand the Ghost's problems. After Sir Simon helps her rescue from some thieving gypsies, Virginia is able to assist him in finding rest at last.