Synopsis
The Blue Ridge Mountain folktales were collected and dramatized by Dr. R. Rex Stephenson at Ferrum College, Virginia, where he toured the plays with a company of his students—usually five men and five women. From 1975 to 1991, the Jack Tale Players performed the stories 1,325 times to more than half a million people of all ages in 34 states and in England. Jack, the teenage protagonist of most of the tales, is the universal underdog who outwits "upper-dogs" like robbers, giants, witches, devils and big brothers. Jack Fear-No-Man: Jack wins a $10,000 reward from the king of Virginia for conquering three giants. Jack and the Witch's Tale: Jack defeats a witch with kindness. Foolish Jack: Jack is outwitted by some sharp traders. Jack and the Robbers: Jack and some runaway animals scare the meanness out of a band of thieves. Jack and Ol' Greasy Beard: Jack outsmarts his older brothers and catches a thief and rescues a girl in distress. Wicked John and the Devil: The meanest man on earth bedevils the devil.
Notes
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Details
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Status
In stock
- Type of Show Collection
- Product Code J57000
- Cast Size 10
- Pages 72
- Min. Royalty Rate $110/perf
- Cost $11.95
- Approx. Run Time 60 min
Categories
- Target Audience Young Audiences | Middle School | High School | College and Adult | Family (all ages)
- Performing Group High School | College Theatre | Community Theatre
- Genre Comedy
- ISBN(13) 9780886803612
Customer Reviews
- "This is a fun script that helps to connect students to their history. It also allows for use of music and dancing which added to the fun!"
- Review by Claire Covington, Broadway High School, Broadway, Va.
- "This is a delightful script and engages both children and adults. I think it celebrates Appalachia in a very positive way. The humor is clever and the staging is easy. The play allows for improvisation and creativity. The flexible cast allowed me to include a large cast, giving everyone a role. I recommend Jack Tales, especially to Appalachian groups. "
- Review by Karen Vuranch, Concord University, Athens, W.VA.
Hints, Tips, and Tricks
- "Incorporating music was very helpful. We had traditional musician and singers perform between each story and that helped reinforce the celebration of Appalachian culture. "
- Tip by Karen Vuranch, Concord University, Athens, W.VA.
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