The Ransom of Red Chief

Play script by Brian Kral. A fresh adaptation of the hilarious O'Henry classic, set in the turn-of-the-century West. Flexible set (space only; the interior of a cave.) Cast of 2 men, 1 boy. Ideal vehicle for touring.

This winning story captures all the charm and exaggerated comedy of O'Henry's classic about two bungling kidnappers who fall prey to their young "victim." Armed with the latest inventions of a rapidly-changing America, they attempt to make their fortunes by holding for ransom "a two-legged sky-rocket named Johnny Dorset" -- who insists he's an Indian chief! The outcome is a side-splitting combination of historical fact and entertaining fancy, and has been accorded ovations by every audience who saw the original production by the Rainbow Company of Las Vegas. Since it is pure O'Henry, HIS applause is presumed guaranteed.