by brothers grimm adapted by rachel nelson fortner … · rumpelstiltskin © 2013 a pocket full of...

Rumpelstiltskin © 2013 A Pocket Full of Plays www.musicalsandplaysforkids.com

THIS IS A PERUSAL SCRIPT. ABSOLUTELY NO COPYING PERMITTED. (970) 628-1960

By Brothers Grimm

Adapted by Rachel Nelson Fortner

Music and Lyrics by Armando Perez

A Pocket Full of Plays

2

Rumpelstiltskin © 2013 A Pocket Full of Plays www.musicalsandplaysforkids.com (970) 628-1960

THIS IS A PERUSAL SCRIPT. ABSOLUTELY NO COPYING PERMITTED.

CAST

RUMPELSTILTSKIN......................................................................................................................................

QUEEN BEATRICE........................................................................................................................................

PRINCE DEMETRIUS....................................................................................................................................

LADY EUGENIA...............................................................................................................................................

LADY BRONWYN............................................................................................................................................

LADY JULIANA.................................................................................................................................................

SIR WILTON......................................................................................................................................................

JESTER................................................................................................................................................................

TILDA...................................................................................................................................................................

SISTERS SIGRID................................................................................................................................................................

GERDA................................................................................................................................................................

ASTRID................................................................................................................................................................

BIRGET................................................................................................................................................................

DAGMAR.............................................................................................................................................................

ELEANORA.........................................................................................................................................................

INGA......................................................................................................................................................................

FAIRIES

TWINKLE............................................................................................................................................................

PIXIE.....................................................................................................................................................................

EVVIE......................................................................................................... ..........................................................

GLITTER......................................................................................................... ...................................................

ADORABELLE...................................................................................................................................................

BLISS......................................................................................................................................................................

DELICIA...............................................................................................................................................................

TITANIA..............................................................................................................................................................

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Overture The curtain opens to find the cast onstage, singing a rousing opening song.

WHAT'S IN A NAME? (Cast)

Rumpelstiltskin: What's in a name?

What's this sound?

It's just a word,

Yet so profound.

Call me by this throughout my life.

And with its help I'll find my wife!

Everyone: Oh what a tale this will be!

Of great mystery!

Can you guess his name?

Straw will be spun into gold.

By this little gnome

His claim to fame.

Rumpelstiltskin: I am small yes this I know,

But my story will be told.

So much mischief to be behold!

Everyone: Tell us your name!

Rumpelstiltskin: I love my name,

But I'll never tell!

Everyone: He plays little tricks,

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And casts little spells.

Rumpelstiltskin: Tis a fun little game?

Everyone: Please tell us your name.

Rumpelstiltskin: I've put you to shame!

Everyone: What's in a name?

Blackout. Curtain Close.

Scene 1 Deep in the enchanted forest at dawn

SETTING: Action takes place in front of the curtain. AT RISE: Rumpelstiltskin is discovered dancing around the forestage. Tinkling music plays

as lights come up.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Fiddle de dum

Fiddle de dee

It's my big day,

Yippee! Yippee!

Fiddle de dee

Fiddle de dum

A bride I'll pick

A pretty one.

Fiddle de do

Fiddle de divey

When I use my magic

Things get lively.

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Tee-hee. (Rumpelstiltskin dances around the stage giggling. Stops suddenly and notices audience) Oh, hello. You might be wondering who I am. Well, you won't be the first or the last. (Wink) I'm Rumpelstiltskin - and I know, the name's a little over the top but it suits me. Some consider me an odd little fellow, what with the dancing and occasionally speaking in rhyme. Not so; you see I'm just a guy, like any other guy. I want what all guys want - a home, a family. So today I'm off to find my bride and not just anyone, I want a real girl. That's right - no trolls or elves for me. Tee hee. (Dances around then stops) By this time next week, I'll be Mr. Rumpelstiltskin to you. Tee-hee.

Rumpelstiltskin dances around the stage giggling as lights flash and tinkling music plays.

Fairies enter from various entrances. TWINKLE: (Shyly) Hello Rumpelstiltskin. PIXIE: What's this I see? Looks like Rumpelstiltskin is very pleased with himself! EVVIE: I'll bet he's up to his usual mischief. GLITTER: Evvie's right. He's a naughty little gnome! RUMPELSTILTSKIN: (Stops dancing) Rats! What do you fairies want now?! It's always

something with you! ADORABELLE: We want to know what shenanigans you're planning, Rumpelstiltskin. BLISS: Indeed! You're obviously cooking up something. DELICIA: Out with it. TITANIA: We're waiting. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Well if you must know...I'm going to be married. TWINKLE: What?! PIXIE: Married? EVVIE: You've got to be kidding! GLITTER: And who are you going to marry? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: I haven't decided and besides, it's none of your business - so leave me

be! ADORABELLE: (Turning to the fairies) Well girls, who among us would like to be

Rumpelstiltskin's bride?

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Pregnant pause as fairies look at each other.

TWINKLE: Well if nobody else is interested... RUMPELSTILTSKIN: What are you talking about? I'm not going to marry a fairy! I want a

real girl! BLISS: Sorry Rumpelstiltskin, that's not possible. You're a magical creature of the forest and

may only marry one of your own kind. It's the law. DELICIA: Besides what "real girl" is going to marry someone called Rumpelstiltskin? (Fairies

giggle except Twinkle) No, I think you best pick out a fairy for your wife. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Well I won't do it! You fairies are too bossy. No one wants a bossy

bride. TWINKLE: I'm not bossy. TITANIA: Oh we fairies don't make the laws. PIXIE: We just enforce them. EVVIE: And as it's written, no magical forest creature be it sprite, troll, elf, gnome or fairy,

may marry a mortal.

RULES AREN'T FOR BREAKING (Fairies)

Evvie: I don't know what you see in girls.

Bliss: Fairies and gnomes, are just so much more appealing.

Twinkle: (In a meek voice) I'll volunteer to marry you.

Pixie: Twinkle, is right. You better marry one of us!

Glitter: If you break this rule,

You must go back to school,

And mind your P's and Q's.

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All Fairies: For as it is written,

Oh dear Rumpelstiltskin,

A fairy you must choose.

Adorabelle: Now let's just say you find a bride.

Do you think she'll want you,

A funny little forest gnome?

Delicia: And don't forget you speak in rhymes,

Titania: It's very annoying.

You giggle, skip and twirl all night.

All Fairies: This law of the forest

May seem like the poorest;

All creatures must obey.

Rules aren't for breaking!

The mistakes that you are making

Will haunt you every day.

GLITTER: So you see Rumpelstiltskin, you must put this ridiculous notion aside. ADORABELLE: You must, or you'll end up with a broken heart. BLISS: At the very least. DELICIA: We only tell you this because we care! TWINKLE: Yes...we care. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Well I don't want to hear it. (Covers his ears and says "Naa Naa" while

stomping his feet) You fairies get me so mad I might explode. Now off with you before I do. TITANIA: Very well, but don't say we didn't warn you!

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Tinkling music plays. All Fairies exit to various exits except Twinkle who lingers for a beat then exits.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Fie on them. There's nothing worse than an annoying fairy unless it's

a bunch of annoying fairies. Now where was I...oh yes- Fiddle dee dee

Fiddle dee dum

I'll find my girl

For the time has come!

Blackout

Scene 2 Sunny morning in the Kingdom of Galiared

SETTING: Curtain opens to reveal a clearing in the woods. There is a small cottage up stage left with a small stool sitting to one side of the door. Free standing bush or shrubbery stands up stage right.

AT RISE: Sigrid leads the sisters on from cottage entrance as she begins the dialogue. Girls

should carry on parcels containing the yarn they plan to sell at market. SIGRID: Come along sisters, we must get this yarn to market. GERDA: I'll say! Our cupboards are bare and I'm starving! ASTRID: After we sell our yarn, let's buy a bag of flour to make some bread. BIRGET: Oh, and some sugar for pies! DAGMAR: Yum! I would love a strawberry pie! ELEANORA: Me too! Let's look for berries on our way to town. INGA: Where's Tilda? She was supposed to spin the last of the wool this morning. SIGRID: I think she's still in bed. She's a lazy little thing. GERDA: Well she's the youngest of us and we've babied her. She's not used to hard work. ASTRID: She'd rather spend her time dreaming than spin the wool or milk the cow. BIRGET: (Moves to the door and calls out) Tilda! Tilda!

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DAGMAR: There she is. (Tilda enters from cottage, fussing with her dress to suggest she has rushed)

TILDA: Good morning sisters! I must have overslept! I had the most wonderful dream! ELEANORA: Not another dream! TILDA: Oh yes! This was a dream I'll not soon forget! INGA: It's a small wonder you have these fanciful dreams - your head is full of nonsense!

Rumpelstiltskin creeps on from stage right and hides behind a bush. TILDA: Oh Inga, this wasn't nonsense. I dreamed of a handsome prince. He was ever so kind

and he rescued me. SIGRID: Rescued you? From what? TILDA: I don't remember. I just know I was ill fated until he came along.

SOMEWHERE IN MY DREAMS (Tilda and Sisters)

Tilda: You should have seen it.

The image before my eyes.

I was in peril.

Then he came and saved my life.

Somewhere in my dreams,

Where nothing can go wrong.

My prince he waits for me.

Yes, that's where I belong.

Sisters: Please little Tilda.

Quit filling your head with nonsense.

Astrid: Listen to Gerda.

Now get back to work no time for this.

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Tilda: But somewhere in my dre...

Sisters: No! We will not hear anymore.

Tilda: My prince?

Inga: He is not real.

Sisters: It is time to do your chores.

Tilda: I think you're boring.

Sisters: How rude!

Tilda: Silly sisters, obeying every rule of society.

Sisters: We are good women!

Tilda: How dull.

Sisters: Honest women who aren't gonna

Faint at the sight of a prince.

Tilda: Yet somewhere in my dreams,


My prince he waits for me.

Yes that's where I belong.

Sisters: (Sisters singing overlaps Tilda's singing) Wishful thinking!

We've had it with your dreams.

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This is where you belong!

GERDA: Well, enough of this silliness! We're late to market. ASTRID: Tilda you must stay here and do your chores. BIRGET: You still have spinning to do and the cow to milk. TILDA: But it's a beautiful day! I long to be out in the fresh air and sunshine. DAGMAR: Then bring the spinning wheel out here. ELEANORA: That should give you plenty of fresh air and sunshine. INGA: Come girls, we best get to market!

Sisters exit stage right. TILDA: (Sighs) I guess I'll get my spinning wheel and start spinning. Maybe in a little while

I'll take a nap. (She smiles dreamily and exits into the cottage. As soon as she disappears Rumpelstiltskin leaps out and dances around with glee.)

RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Tra la Tra lee

Oh happy day!

A maiden I have found!

She'll make me such a happy man,

She's the fairest girl around.

(Rumpelstiltskin dances around with glee. If possible does a cartwheel even if done badly.)

Now that I've found her, I must figure out a way to make her mine. What reason could

there be for Miss Tilda to seek the company of yours truly? Mmmm. I must create a dilemma that only a magical gnome can fix. Ah ha! I've got it. Oh Tilda, Tilda, you make my heart go pitter pat. (Tilda starts on from cottage with the spinning wheel) Oops, here she comes. I'm off to hatch my plan. (He scurry's off stage right as Tilda sets up spinning wheel and a small stool. She sits down with a sigh and sings the following)

SOMEWHERE IN MY DREAMS- Reprise

(Tilda)

Tilda: Somewhere in my dreams.


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My prince he waits for me

That's where I belong.

Is somewhere in my dreams.

PRINCE DEMETRIUS: (Enters from stage right just in time to hear the last of the song.) Zounds! Who is this lovely? (Clears his throat) Ahem. TILDA: (Jumps up startled) Oh! PRINCE DEMETRIUS: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. TILDA: That's alright. I was lost in my daydreams. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Speaking of lost...I seem to have lost my hunting party. TILDA: Oh dear. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: One minute we were tromping through the forest and the next I find

myself here, gazing at you. TILDA: How unfortunate. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Not really. (They have a moment. Prince recovers.) I see that you're busy

spinning your wool so I'll bid you good day. TILDA: Oh don't rush off. I don't even know your name. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Demetrius and you are? TILDA: Tilda.

From off stage right.

SIR WILTON: There he is your majesty! QUEEN BEATRICE: It's about time. (The others ad lib "Finally" "Good fortune" "Hooray" and

make general noise as they enter from stage right. The Queen doesn't enter until she is announced by Sir Wilton)

SIR WILTON: Presenting Queen Beatrice of the kingdom of Galiared. (Fanfare. All bow.) QUEEN BEATRICE: (As she enters) Prince Demetrius here you are!

LADY EUGENIA: At last!

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LADY BRONWYN: Thank heavens! LADY JULIANA: What a relief! JESTER: My feet are killing me! SIR WILTON: Silence! (Moves to Tilda's stool) Madam, your stool? TILDA: Of course. (Sir Wilton places the stool center stage) QUEEN BEATRICE: (Sits on stool) Demetrius, my dear, you had us worried. I'm so pleased we

finally found you, and not a moment too soon. LADY EUGENIA: Indeed! LADY BRONWYN: Not a moment! LADY JULIANA: I should say! JESTER: I'm thirsty! SIR WILTON: Enough! QUEEN BEATRICE: You see, while searching for you in the dark forest we came upon an

odd little fellow. He jumped about and spoke in rhyme. LADY EUGENIA: Very odd. LADY BRONWYN: Quite peculiar. LADY JULIANA: We were perplexed. JESTER: I liked him. SIR WILTON: Quiet! QUEEN BEATRICE: The little man claimed there was a maiden in these woods who could

spin straw into gold. LADY EUGENIA: Outrageous! LADY BRONWYN: Preposterous! LADY JULIANA: Impossible!

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JESTER: I could use some gold... SIR WILTON: Can it! QUEEN BEATRICE: Needless to say, our kingdom is in dire straights...our royal bank

account is in the red. (Notices Tilda) You there! I see you have a spinning wheel. TILDA: Ah...yes your majesty. QUEEN BEATRICE: Well could you be the maiden the little man spoke of? LADY EUGENIA: It's possible! LADY BRONWYN: Very possible! LADY JULIANA: Even probable! JESTER: She is a maiden! SIR WILTON: Zip it! QUEEN BEATRICE: Young lady, what's your name? TILDA: Tilda. I'm sorry your majesty, but I've no idea how to spin straw into gold. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Mother, you can't be serious! No one has ever spun straw into gold. QUEEN BEATRICE: We shall see, there's always a first time. Sire Wilton, gather some straw

when we return to the castle. Let's put her to the test. SIR WILTON: Yes, your majesty. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Mother this is absurd - I won't have it. QUEEN BEATRICE: My, my, you've taken quite an interest in the girl. How about this...if

Tilda succeeds in spinning straw into gold she shall marry the prince (beat) - that's you darling. If she fails... (She gestures her hand across her throat, with an appropriate sound.)

AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE

(Royal Court)

Queen Beatrice: Pay very close attention to what I'm telling you.

We must save the kingdom son.

This girl that you have fallen for

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Can spin straw into gold.

And you know we do need some.

With her we cannot lose.

This is an offer you can't refuse.

(Instrumental, Jester Dances)

Sir Walton: Listen to your mother boy, grab her and let's go.

There is so much here at stake.

The poor are getting poorer and

Your people they grow hungry.

A decision you must make.

Time for you to choose.

It's an offer you can't refuse.

Prince Demetrius: What should I do?

Take Tilda against her will? No!

Her lovely hand I long to hold,

And plus she spins straw into gold.

Jester: So much gold!

Queen Beatrice: We need gold!

Lady Eugenia, Bronwyn,

and Juliana: Dear prince you know what to do.

There is nothing you have to lose.

Queen, Ladies,

Jester, Wilton: An offer you can't refuse!

QUEEN BEATRICE: Now come along. Back to the castle we go. (She starts off stage right)

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LADY EUGENIA: Right away. LADY BRONWYN: We're off. LADY JULIANA: On the move. JESTER: But we just got here. SIR WILTON: MOVE!

Sir Wilton takes Tilda's arm and they start off stage right as curtain closes.

Blackout. Curtain Close.

Scene 3

SETTING: Cover scene played in front of curtain.

AT RISE: Rumpelstiltskin is discovered dancing around the forestage.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Twiddle dum

Twiddle dee

I've found my bride

She'll soon love me.

Tinkling music as Fairies enter as Rumpelstiltskin hops around with his rhyme.

Twiddle dee

Twiddle dum

Marital bliss

Here I come!

TWINKLE: Hi there... PIXIE: Well, well, well, look who's dancing around and speaking in rhyme. EVVIE: None other than Rumpelstiltskin. GLITTER: You must have had some luck in your ridiculous quest. ADORABELLE: Please tell us you found a pretty little gnome or brownie.

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RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Mind your own beeswax. TWINKLE: Who is she? DELICIA: Does she make your heart go pitter pat? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: My lips are sealed, so scram! TITANIA: We'll scram but please, Rumpelstiltskin, heed our warning. PIXIE: We fairies know what we're talking about. Leave the mortals alone. BLISS: And don't look to us to get you out of a mess.

Tinkling music plays. Fairies exit to various exits. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Hmff. What do they know! They're not the boss of me! Fiddle de dum

Fiddle de derry

There's nothing worse

Than a nosey fairy.

Blackout

Scene 4 Later that day

SETTING: Curtain opens to reveal a royal chamber. It could be the throne room or just

another room in the castle.

AT RISE: Tilda is found standing a little right of center stage. TILDA: Oh dear! This is dreadful! How does one spin straw into gold? I've had no

experience. Most of my spinning is done with wool. This is a nightmare.

Sisters enter from stage left.

SIGRID: Oh Tilda, we came just as soon as we heard! GERDA: How did you get yourself into such a pickle? ASTRID: When we returned home, you were nowhere to be found!

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BIRGET: We rushed back to the village only to learn you'd been brought here to the castle. DAGMAR: We've been told the most outrageous thing! ELEANORA: They're saying you can spin straw into gold. INGA: Tilda, you know that's impossible. TILDA: I know! I tried to explain that to the Queen but she would have none of it. Oh what

am I to do? SIGRID: Well you better figure it out! GERDA: All your silly dreaming has gotten you into this mess. ASTRID: Gerda's right! If you'd done your chores this morning when you were suppose to,

this would never have happened. BIRGET: Now sisters we need to encourage Tilda, not make her feel worse than she already

does. DAGMAR: What Birget says is true. I just don't know how we can help her. ELEANORA: Well, Tilda, you just have to set your mind to it. TILDA: What? INGA: That's right, if you try your very hardest you're bound to succeed. TILDA: Try my hardest? SIGRID: Absolutely. Now's not the time to give up. GERDA: Anything's possible. TILDA: Anything's possible? ASTRID: Why remember when you spun that cord from flax and we fixed the roof? BIRGET: That was sort of like magic. DAGMAR: This spinning straw into gold is no different than that. TILDA: No different? ELEANORA: Now we must leave you to it.

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TILDA: Make us proud! INGA: Do your best! TILDA: Do my best? (Sisters exit stage right) Exactly how do I do my best! Has everyone gone

crazy?

Enter Sir Wilton from stage left.

SIR WILTON: Greetings Miss Tilda. Announcing her Royal Highness, Queen Beatrice of the Kingdom of Galiared. (Fanfare. Tilda curtseys as the Queen enters from stage left followed by the Ladies in Waiting and Jester who carry a spinning wheel and straw/gold prop (See property list).

QUEEN BEATRICE: My dear, you've caused quite a stir. There is dancing in the streets. All

the villagers are delighted to have our financial troubles come to an end. Poor peasants, I've had to raise taxes so often that most of them are penniless. Now that 's all about to change. Once you've spun this straw into gold we will all be rich.

LADY EUGENIA: Hooray! LADY BRONWYN: Hurrah! LADY JULIANA: Bravo! JESTER: Hot dog! SIR WILTON: Shush! QUEEN BEATRICE: Young lady, are you ready to commence spinning? TILDA: Well..I...guess. QUEEN BEATRICE: Splendid! (Turning to the others.) Sir Wilton, set up the spinning wheel

and straw. SIR WILTON: Yes your majesty. Come ladies, Jester. LADY EUGENIA: We're ready! LADY BRONWYN: I've got the straw. LADY JULIANA: As do I! JESTER: I'll set up the spinning wheel.

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They arranged straw prop and spinning wheel around stool. QUEEN BEATRICE: Have at it! We'll be back in an hour and remember if you don't

complete this task... (She gestures her hand across her throat, with an appropriate sound.) TILDA: (Swallows) Yes your majesty.

Exit Queen and others stage left. Tilda sits down and heaves a big sigh. After a moment Prince Demetrius enters from stage left.

PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Tilda I've come to wish you good luck. TILDA: Thank you, but I fear I may need more than luck - perhaps a miracle. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: I'm doing my best to convince Mother that this is a preposterous

notion. TILDA: Oh I hope you have some luck before it's too late. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Drat! If only there was some way to transform this straw into gold

all our troubles would be over. TILDA: Our troubles? PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Of course. Remember if you can do this, then we will marry. I'd like

that... TILDA: You would? Oh Prince Demetrius... PRINCE DEMETRIUS: It's just Demetrius to you.

MY HEART GOES PITTER PAT (Tilda & Prince Demetrius)

Prince Demetrius: I can't contain my heart.

It's beating out of my chest.

This woman has me going mad!

But I'm enjoying it?

Tilda: This handsome prince is standing here

And I can't help but smile.

His charming ways and big strong arms

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Has my heart going wild.

Both: Does he(she) share these feelings too?

This I need to know because

My heart goes pitter pat when you're close.

Everything seems brighter

And my chest keeps getting tighter.

Our souls go titter tat

As they dance around in the night sky.

Tilda: I must find a way to provide

Some gold for his kingdom.

If I'm to spend the rest of my life with him.

Prince Demetrius: There must be some other way to save her.

Both: There has to be a way for us to be together!

Does he (she) share these feelings too?

This I need to know because










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Sir Wilton enters from stage right. SIR WILTON: (Clears his throat) Sire, the Queen has requested your presence in the royal

garden.

PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Thank you, Sir Milton, I was just leaving. (Moves stage left and then turns to speak.) Good luck! My heart remains here with you.

Prince Demetrius exits stage left. Tilda sits down and begins to cry in earnest.

Tinkling music plays as Rumpelstiltskin enters from stage right.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN: What's this...tears? Why would a lovely maiden weep with such gusto?

TILDA: Who are you? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: That's for me to know and for you to find out. Tee hee. Now, tell me

what's troubling you. TILDA: Do you see this straw? The queen is convinced I can spin it into gold. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: So what's the problem? TILDA: I CAN'T SPIN STRAW INTO GOLD! RUMPELSTILTSKIN: What if I told you that I can? TILDA: You can? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Of course. Why, I could do it in my sleep. TILDA: In your sleep? (Rushes towards him) Oh would you please help me and spin this straw

into gold? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Maybe yes, maybe no. What's in it for me? You know - I scratch

your back, you scratch mine. TILDA: But I have no way to scratch your back. I mean, I have nothing to offer. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Well, that is a problem. Let me think. Mmm. I've got it. Once I've

spun this straw into gold you must become my bride. TILDA: I don't think...I mean, no offense but...you're an odd little fellow. I just never dreamed

I'd marry someone like you..

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RUMPELSTILTSKIN: You don't seem to have too many options. TILDA: I don't suppose I do, but I don't even know your name. How can you expect me to

marry you when I don't even know what to call you. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: You're right, point taken. OK, I'll sweeten the pot. I'll spin this

straw into gold and I'll give you twenty four hours to figure out my name. When I return, if you can't guess my name, then you will marry me with no fuss.

TILDA: Fine. Deal. I can worry about the rest of it later. Now please, get started before the

Queen returns. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Stand back. (Mysterious music plays as he chants the following) Dance for me

Oh you piles of straw

Spin and twirl and shine.

Dance until you turn to gold

That sparkles and glitters so fine.

Pause, nothing happens

Rats! No good. I was afraid of this! TILDA: Oh dear, what's wrong?! RUMPELSTILTSKIN: I so didn't want to do this! (Hesitating, with difficulty) Forest Fairies come to me

I need your magic power

We must turn this straw into gold

Hurry, we've only an hour!

Lights flash and dim as Fairies enter with gold streamers singing. Their movement around the stage covers the action of Rumpelstiltskin turning the prop straw/gold prop around so the gold section faces down stage.

SPIN THE STRAW (Fairies)

Spin the straw for me.

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Turn into gold

We summon the magic of old.

As Fairies exit stage right, music fades out.

TILDA: Wow! RUMPELSTILTSKIN: (Brushes hands) That takes care of that. I'm off, but I shall return at

this time tomorrow to claim my bride. TILDA: But you told me if I guessed your name I would be free. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: So I did. HA! You'll never guess my name. Tee hee. (Exits stage right

giggling.)

Sir Wilton enters from stage left.

SIR WILTON: Greetings Miss (Sees gold)...Oh my! (Gathers himself) Announcing her Royal Highness, Queen Beatrice of the kingdom of Galiared. (Fanfare Tilda curtseys as the Queen enters followed by the Prince, Ladies in Waiting, Jester and Sisters from stage left.)

QUEEN BEATRICE: Good heavens! Do my eyes deceive me? Do I see piles of gold? LADY EUGENIA: Indeed! LADY BRONWYN: You do! LADY JULIANA: You certainly do! JESTER: Me too! Lines must be fast or possibly said at once.

TILDA: Yes Your Highness, tis done. SIGRID: Tilda, you did it! GERDA: Amazing, just amazing! ASTRID: This is incredible! BIRGET: Oh Tilda, we're so proud of you. DAGMAR: It's nothing short of a miracle! ELEANORA: I can't believe my eyes!

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INGA: How did you do it? SIR WILTON: Silence! QUEEN BEATRICE: You've done yourself proud my dear. This gold will restore our

kingdom to its former glory. I declare this a holiday! We must celebrate our good fortune. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: But Mother you mustn't forget your promise. QUEEN BEATRICE: Which promise is that dear? I make so many it's hard to keep them

straight. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: You said if Tilda spun the straw into gold she could marry the prince

- me. QUEEN BEATRICE: Oh I did, didn't I? Well I suppose I should keep my promise. Sir

Wilton spread the word that tomorrow my son, Prince Demetrius, shall marry Miss Tilda. Let the preparations begin.

LADY EUGENIA: Oh a wedding! LADY BRONWYN: I love weddings! LADY JULIANA: Me too! JESTER: Me three! QUEEN BEATRICE: Come along, we've much to do.

All exit stage left except Prince Demetrius.

PRINCE DEMETRIUS: (Moves to Tilda) Tilda, you did it! TILDA: I didn't do it. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: What do you mean? TILDA: An odd little fellow appeared and did it for me. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: An odd little fellow? Mmm. Well, no matter as long as the job was

done and we're free to marry. TILDA: I'm afraid I'm not free to marry. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: What are you talking about?

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TILDA: The funny little man made me promise that if he spun the straw into gold, I would marry him.

PRINCE DEMETRIUS: What?! How is that possible? You're to marry me. TILDA: I had no choice. Either I accepted his offer or you know... (She gestures her hand across

her throat, with an appropriate sound.) PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Is there nothing that can be done? TILDA: There is one more condition. He told me that if I could guess his name upon his

return, then I would be free. But I have no idea what his name could be. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Then there is a chance! We must find him! I will search the country

side and somehow learn his name! TILDA: Do you think it's possible? PRINCE DEMETRIUS: If straw can be spun into gold then anything is possible.

Blackout

Scene 5 That night

SETTING: Cover scene played in front of curtain. AT RISE: Fairies are found grouped center stage.

Tinkling music.

TWINKLE: Well I guess Rumpelstiltskin is getting married. (Sigh) PIXIE: Thanks to us. EVVIE: What were we thinking?! GLITTER: With our combined magic, we're unstoppable. ADORABELLE: We need to be more careful! BLISS: We're just too tenderhearted. DELICIA: We can never say no. TITANIA: If he marries that girl he'll be miserable. Oh Rumpelstiltskin - such an odd little

fellow.

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TWINKLE: I don't think he's odd.

Rumpelstiltskin leaps on with a giggle.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Greetings fairies! I did it! I've found myself a real girl! This time tomorrow I'll be a married man.

PIXIE: Don't you mean gnome! RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Whatever. EVVIE: Rumpelstiltskin we fairies helped you turn that straw into gold. GLITTER: Against our better judgment. ADORABELLE: We should have refused! RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Ya, well, you're invited to come fly around my wedding. BLISS: Why is it so important for you to marry a "real girl"? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Wouldn't you like to know. DELICIA: There's no shame in being a gnome. TWINKLE: Delicia's right! (To Rumpelstiltskin) I like you just the way you are. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: You do? TITANIA: Sure she does. Twinkle is the finest fairy around and would make a lovely bride.

Rumpelstiltskin stares at Twinkle as if seeing her for the first time.

GLITTER: Come on girls, let's give Rumpelstiltskin some time for thinking. ADORABELLE: Ta ta. BLISS: Toodle loo TWINKLE: Bye Rumpelstiltskin...

Tinkling music as Fairies exit stage right.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Time for thinking? Humph! Who needs to think? I know I don't. Tee hee.

As Rumpelstiltskin dances around and chants the following chant,

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Prince Demetrius creeps on from stage left and hides in the shadows.

Fiddle de dum

Fiddle de dee

Such happiness,

And all for me!

Doodle lee do

Doodle lee dame

Rumpelstiltskin

Is my name!

Prince smiles and quickly exits stage left.

Scene 6

The next day. SETTING: Curtain opens to reveal the royal chamber. One chair or stool is up stage, just left

of center.

AT RISE: Tilda, dressed in her wedding gown, is found in mid conversation with Prince Demetrius. TILDA: Rumple what? PRINCE DEMETRIUS: Rumpelstiltskin. I found him chanting as he danced around deep in

the forest. TILDA: Thank goodness. I would never have guessed that name. PRINCE DEMETRIUS: I'd better leave you; he could be here any moment. TILDA: Right. Rumpelstiltskin? PRINCE DEMETRIUS: You've got it. Good luck. (He exits stage left) TILDA: (She sits down on chair, takes a deep breath and begins to falsely weep) Oh me, oh my. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: (Leaping on from stage right.) Weeping again are we? No need; after

you fail to guess my name you'll be the luckiest girl in the kingdom. TILDA: The luckiest girl in the kingdom?

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RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Of course! You will have yours truly for a husband. Now enough

chatter. What's my name? TILDA: Alright. Mmmm. Let me think. Is it Harvey? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: (Jumps around with glee) Hahahaha! Harvey? WRONG! TILDA: Darn. Is it Basil? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Basil? (More dancing around) Hahahaha! You're killing me. NOT! TILDA: How about...Rumpelstiltskin? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: Rumpel what? TILDA: Rumpelstiltskin? RUMPELSTILTSKIN: (In stunned disbelief) How...when..oooooh! Aaaaaah (Explodes into an

apoplectic fit complete with shrieking, running in place, throwing arms in all directions. He falls to the floor and kicks his legs while pounding his arms. Tinkling music plays as Fairies enter from stage right. They gather around him.)

PIXIE: Oh dear. EVVIE: Things are not working out so well. GLITTER: We tried to warn you... ADORABELLE: ...but you're a stubborn little gnome. BLISS: You need to calm down and come with us. DELICIA: We'll take you home. Back to the enchanted forest where you belong.

TITANIA: Twinkle help him up. (Twinkle helps Rumpelstiltskin to his feet.)

TWINKLE: Come on Rumpelstiltskin, we'll cheer you up. RUMPELSTILTSKIN: (Still crying and moaning) But...I...she...ahhh TWINKLE: I know, I know. (Rumpelstiltskin and Fairies exit stage right, after a beat the Sisters

enter from stage left with a bridal veil.) SIGRID: Here she is!

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GERDA: Tilda we must hurry! ASTRID: It's almost time for your wedding! BIRGET: (Placing veil on Tilda's head) You'll make a beautiful bride. DAGMAR: This is a great day! ELEANORA: All your dreams have come true! INGA: No more spinning or milking for you!

Sir Wilton enters from stage left. SIR WILTON: Presenting Queen Beatrice of the kingdom of Galiared. (Fanfare. All bow.) QUEEN BEATRICE: (She enters followed by Ladies in Waiting and Jester) Royal subjects! I

think I speak for the whole kingdom when I say - welcome Princess Tilda, welcome! You're worth your weight in gold! Now let the festivities begin!

All: Hurrah! PRINCE DEMETRIUS: (Turning to Tilda for a private moment) You make my heart go pitter

pat.

SPIN HAPPINESS TO GOLD/FINALE (Cast)

Sisters: Our sister has done it.

Her dreams have come true.

With help from some magical fairies

And a little gnome too.

No more spinning straw for Tilda

And no one can take this away.

Royal Court: Spin happiness to gold.

And that's what she has done.

We're grateful for your service Tilda.

Queen Beatrice: Please marry my son!

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Royal Court: Now our kingdom is debt free

and the people here are thrilled.

And it's all thanks to you.

Jester: Good thing no blood was spilled!

Everyone: Spin happiness to gold!

Spin happiness to gold!

Fairies: We knew the outcome, we know the rules.

Oh Rumpelstiltskin! You had us amused.

Has a lesson been learned?

Love has to be earned.

Twinkle: And now you're with me

Just as it should be

Rumplestiltskin: I've waited so long for somewhere to belong

I can't help but sing along

Tilda/Demetrius/ Twinkle

Rumpelstiltskin: My heart goes pitter pat when you're close.



Our souls go titter tat as they

Dance around in the night sky.

Rumplestiltskin: What's in a name? What's this sound?

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It's just a word, yet so profound.

Call me by this throughout my life.

That is my name and this is my wife! (Holding hands with

Twinkle)

Chasing a girl, chasing a dream.

Tilda and I were not meant to be.

The wife that I sought was flapping her wings

Right in front of me!

Singing overlaps Rumpelstiltskin

Everyone: What's in a name?

Please tell us your name.

Look at your fame,

Yet a kingdom you saved.

Rumplestiltskin: He is small yes this we know

But his story will be told.

Everyone: What's in a name!?

THE END

by brothers grimm adapted by rachel nelson fortner … · rumpelstiltskin © 2013 a pocket full of...

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