The Wonderful Interesting Mysterious Birthday
Opening of The Week of the Children's Book
The walls of auditorium are decorated with children's illustrations from their favourite books, everywhere there hangs ballons and streamers. A large sign on the wall reads "Happy Anniversary!". After a performance of dancing, performers leave the stage .
Narrator (clapping in time with music): We should thank the dance troupe " Barvinok” (Perriwinkle)" for such a wonderful performance!
Dancers exchange bows and leave.
Narrator (addressing the audience): I Hope you guys have not forgotten to prepare any surprise on our holiday. You see today we celebrate the anniversary of " Week of the Children's Book ", and on Birthdays, as you know, it is not polite to come empty handed. So who wishes to present the first congratulations?
The First Group rises from places.
Narrator: And as usual our most active readers rise to the forefront! I think, that they deserve applause for their boldness!
Applause. First group of readers go onto the stage.
Narrator: Well tell us, what did you bring?
Readers: A gift.
Narrator: I do not see anything in your hands.
1-st person: And it cannot be seen.
Narrator: Why?
2-nd person: Because it can only be heard.
Sits down at piano and plays. The others sing:
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, dear “Week of Children’s Books”, Happy Birthday to you.
Narrator: Wonderful! (Addresses the hall). And now all together! Guys Repeat!
The Auditorium Repeats.
Narrator: Once again! Louder! And with Feeling!
Sing all together.
Narrator: That is very loud and well done. Good job Guys.
Applause. The first group returns to their seats.
Narrator: I don't doubt, that we all liked your surprise very much ! By the way, where is she? Probably, she is late … Could be, Maybe it is necessary to hasten her a little.
Solemn music. Applause. However nothing occurs.
Narrator: Strange... Let's call her once again.
Solemn music Again sounds. Applause. On the stage appears a little old lady in a green dress and in a red cap. She has a humpback, a limp, one-eye, a nose like a hook, and at once it is obvious, that she is the Fairy.
The Fairy: Is there among you the Singing grass or the dark Blue Bird?
Narrator (perplexed): There is some grass, only it does not sing.
The Fairy: To do without a grass Singing maybe I can, but the dark Blue Bird is simply necessary for me! Therefore you should to go look for it.
Narrator: Excuse me, certainly, but perhaps it is better for you to ask somebody else. You see we have invited all these people to our birthday and it will be extremely impolite, if we left …
The Fairy: Ah yes, it seems, I heard something about This Birthday … Well, and where she?
Narrator: who?
The Fairy: Week of Children’s Books!
Narrator: She Is late. It may be necessary to call her once again.
The Fairy: She is an original. She has invited so many visitors, yet she has not come. Can be, that she has forgotten? By the way, she has forgotten to invite me...
Narrator: Do not take offence, it is simply that she sometime loses her head. Poor memory …
The Fairy: How old is she now?
Narrator: Today will be her 60th year, but she still remains young, and with each year becomes more and more attractive and interesting. Never leaves the book. Adores travel, especially in time and to other planets. In addition to all – she loves adventures. And she still adores children and the children feel the same.
The Fairy: It Seems, I guess, about whom you speak … it is necessary for you to wait for her.
Narrator: And what if we were to go look for her?
The Fairy: In that case, you should go to another country.
Narrator: Which one?
The Fairy: Well certainly, the Magic country! By the way, at the same time you can look there for the dark Blue Bird.
Narrator: But how to get there? We, you see, do not know the way …
The Fairy (Angrily): Look more closely, the road passes under your legs!
Narrator (looking under legs): There is no road here.
The Fairy: Yes there is, you are simply blind!
Narrator: I have excellent sight, but I do not see any road.
The Fairy: And I speak, that you of nothing see. Since with fairies lights, people are blind. For example, What do I look like to you? Well, answer! Am I young or old? Am I beautiful or ugly? I am smooth or lumpy?
Narrator: Well you have a hump on you back and….
The Fairy: I do not have any hump! And my nose is like a hook? The left eye gone?
Conducting: Yes, your eye is not there… And who has pricked it out.
The Fairy: No one has pricked it out. It is there even more beautiful than the right. And its color is celestial-blue. And how do you see my hair? Golden as ripe ears of corn … As native gold … strands so full and rich, it is even hard for my head … it falls in waves … Watch my hands …
Pulls out from under a cap a pair of gray-haired locks.
Narrator: Yes I see a little hair …
The Fairy: " A little hair "?! Sheaves! Armfuls! Thickets! Streams of gold! Yes! Do you know who I am?!
Narrator: Not really
The Fairy: I am a fairy Biriljuna!
Narrator: Forgive, but I thought that fairies looked, well different…
The Fairy: Now I am convinced, that you are completely blind. Well anyways, I have a cap with the magic diamond that will return your lost sight. (Gets green cap with diamond). The Diamond presses on a special lump on your head, and to the person sight comes back. Want to try it on? (Places cap on a the Narrator’s head). Now turn the diamond from right to left … One turn … Another …
Charming music is heard. Narrator with a surprised look, looks round and round.
Narrator: My God, it is beautiful here! And why did I not notice before it? And what happened with walls? They became so light and brilliant … Are they are made of sugar or from jewels?
The Fairy: All stones are identical, all are precious, but the person sees only some of them …
Narrator (looking at a watch): And who are these fine ladies, that have joined hands in dance?
The Fairy: These are the Hours of your life. They are glad, that you have escaped to freedom, though not for long, and that they are now visible to you.
Narrator (not lowering eyes from the fairy): And how is there now a fantastic princess with wonderful gold hair?
The Fairy: Well at last you can see me! You can remove the cap. Turn the diamond from left to right. Only do not hasten.
Narrator turns diamond and removes the cap. Music is switched off. Narrator again looks round and round.
The Fairy: Well, now you are convinced, That the Magic country is beside this world?
Narrator: Yes! And you are sure, that we shall find there what we search for?
The Fairy: Certainly!
Narrator (pulling on the cap): Then I will immediately go there!
The Fairy (removing the cap): do not hasten. Experience shows, that children are guided in such places much better.
Narrator: you propose to send these children there?
The Fairy: And why not? Titile and Mitile have perfectly performed my assingment before.
Narrator: But you will go with them?
The Fairy: No, it is impossible for me! In the morning I have to cook a potion and when I am late, it boils away …
Narrator: But who will show them the road?
The Fairy: They will find it. Children’s sight is much more open and vigilant, than adults. They are able to distinguish what is not real and true, for example, what is your way to do such?
Gets from basket any item. Narrator gives it the correct name and the list of properties from the encyclopaedic dictionary.
The Fairy (Addressing the audience): And you children, what is this like?
Children express their opinions. The fairy continues to take from the basket various items. Children put forward their opinions. For the most original - the fairy distributes sweets.
The Fairy: Well, now I am sure, that you will not lose the way and will find the road to the Magic country. So good luck to you and come back soon!
Leaves Stage
The Fairy (Again having returned to the stage): OH yes, do not forget about the dark Blue bird! (Disappears behind side scenes).
Narrator: Well, I am not sure what I should do. Whether to let you all go to another country? Especially the Magic Country! I am afraid of what could happen there... I think therefore, it is necessary to go with you. But how shall we all begin, how will we go……
At this moment the White Rabbit jumps out from the right side scenes.
The Rabbit: Ah, My God, My God! I am late , late! (Disappears behind the left side scenes).
Narrator: Am I asleep, or do visions … (After this phrase the Rabbit again appears on a stage) begin.
The Rabbit: Ah, my poor moustache! Ah, my poor eyes! (Crosses the stage on a diagonal and disappears behind set).
Narrator: Yes it is, he is really a speaking rabbit! And white … Could it be the same one?.
The Rabbit (again having jumped out on stage): The Queen will be beside herself! (Gets watch from a waistcoat). My God, I am late! (Rushes in a panic around the stage).
Narrator: Well, certainly, its him. Guys, you, probably, have heard of him. He is the Rabbit from a fairy tale " Alice in Wonderland "! And, apparently, he is going there now. And as far as I know it is in the Magic Country …
The Rabbit (continuing to run around on the stage): Well where has it gotten to?!
Narrator: Have you lost something?
The Rabbit (not paying attention to Narrator): I precisely remember, that it was somewhere here! Ah, My God, My God! Queen’s orders will be to execute me … Yes where is this hole?
Narrator: Mister Rabbit, Mister Rabbit … Excuse me, i do not wish to disturb you..
The Rabbit (having been dumbfounded): Alice?! Again this importunate little girl!
Narrator: Mister Rabbit, I am not Alice at all …
The Rabbit: Get away from me! Do not come near!!! Leave me alone!!!
Music begins. The rabbit starts to run, the Narrator directly behind. The rabbit continually dives for side scenes and again comes up behind of them, trying to lose his pursuer.
Narrator (pursuing him) Mister Rabbit, Mister Rabbit … I only wanted to ask … Mister Rabbit!
The Rabbit: about – OUCH!
Conducting: Mister Rabbit … Wait a Minute … I can not run so fast! Mister Rabbit, stop, let's talk… OOOFF !
Run out opposite side scenes and collide face to face in the middle of the stage. Music is switched off. Both stand dazed.
Narrator (out of breath): Mister Rabbit, I only wanted to ask, whether you agree …
The Rabbit: not !!!
Music Starts again. The rabbit jumps off from a stage.
Narrator: Guys, do not let him out the door! Close the door!. Well do not sit there, help me to catch him! Hold him! Do not let him leave!
Spectators are encouaged to join pursuit. The rabbit winds zigzags between groups, periodically crying out retorts, like:
Narrator: Surround him, surround him! Catch him, catch him! (After capture of the talking Rabbit:) Good job my fellows, and now bring him here!
The Rabbit (still resisting): Get back! Do not touch me! I am a very important person! Release me! I am late!
Narrator (to Audience after the delivery of the Rabbit to the stage): Thanks alot, and now go back to your places. I shall talk to him.
The Rabbit (straightening his waistcoat and putting himself in order): You will answer for this! The Queen will be beside herself! And all of you will have your heads choped right off!
Narrator: Mister Rabbit, calm down please.
The Rabbit (checking time): Ah, my God, I already was late!
Narrator: Excuseme , if we take up some of your time …
The Rabbit: Ah, you, you, what trifles … (Bursts in hysterical laughter). You have stolen from me a whole three minutes, and you may never return it! From you there is nothing but troubles! Your last visit cost even more?!
Narrator: Really you do not see, that I’m not Alice!
The Rabbit: You think I do not know you, you may have grown up a little, but I see. Maybe. What is it that you want from me?
Narrator: Nothing special, simply we wanted to ask you to take us with you …
The Rabbit: What, all?.. You have lost your mind! HAHAHA! You do not belong there. Better to stay at home while you are still whole. Farewell! I hope, that this was our last meeting. (Leaves for side scenes, a few seconds later his voice is heard). Yes, thank God!
The Soundtrack with magic music.
Narrator on tip toes, is hiding behind rabbit and also disappears behind side scenes. Soon from side stage appears the head of the rabbit. When he sees stage empty he jumps back out on stage.
The Rabbit (shaking off): FU, at last I got rid of her!
Narrator (creeping out on stage behind Rabbit): Mister Rabbit …
The Rabbit: what - who?! You again here?!!.. If you will not cease to pursue me - I will take you to the court!!!
Solemn music is unexpectedly begun. The rabbit is standing at attention. On the stage, with much pomp arrives the card Queen of Hearts with support from her retinue of Sixes which leave. Bringing up the rear an executioner – Jack of Clubs. Music is switched off.
Queen: Mister Advisor, if I am not mistaken, you were going to address the court? Be not troubled - I will decide all … Executioner, chop off all their heads!
The Rabbit: Pardon, your majesty, how may I help?
Queen: You? You were late by three minutes, and do not deserve my mercy! Executioner, chop off his head first!!!
Executioner (Scratching an axe on the nape of his neck): I Obey, your majesty!
The Rabbit (falling on knees): Your majesty, I am not guilty! I can explain it all!
Narrator: He actually is not guilty. We have detained him.
The Rabbit: Yes, yes, they did, they did.!
Queen (to Rabbit): Think up something more interesting! I am bothered with these monotonous justifications! Apply imagination!! Learn to tell lies!!!
The Rabbit (shivering from ears down to tip of his tail): But, your majesty, I have always found valid reasons for delays …
Queen: And I do not wish to listen to them any more! Is it really so difficult for you to compose an improbable history?! Surprise me, amaze me! Only through these lies, will you manage to win my trust!
Narrator: Your majesty, may we be allowed to try and help him??
Queen (looking up and down at Narrator): Well, you can try …
Narrator (addressing audience): Guys, who among you is the master of composing improbable stories? (NarratorChooses 4 children from volunteers, who are brought up on stage).
Queen: I Warn you beforehand, I shall believe in any fable, but only under one condition - if it will seem to me amusing. Any thing different and - the head will leave the shoulders!
Narrator: In that case, We will need time for us to collect our thoughts and exercise our brains.
Queen: Well, I will give you 5 minutes for preparation.
Narrator (after curtsey): You are very magnanimous. With your permission, we shall leave to meet.
Queen: As you wish. But do not forget to return! You may go.
Narrator along with royal retinue leaves with children for side scenes.
The Rabbit (sitting on a floor, having clasped his head in his paws): Ah, my poor moustache! Ah, my poor eyes!
Queen: Stop your blubbering! If you will not now advise me how to organize my royal leisure, I shall order you to be executed once again!.
The Rabbit (stammering and chattering teeth): I c - could o-offer you p-party in a royal croquet, b-but at we do not have the neccesary equipment …
Queen: To spit! We shall do it without hedgehogs and flamingos … (Addressing the audience Well, shall we play?! I asked you a question, shall we play?!! (Illicits from children a positive answer). Perfect! The Left plays against the right, the right play against the left! Distribute the balls!
The Rabbit (jumping up since he was told to execute an order): Distribute the balls!
Queen: Also do not mix, blue balls - left, pink - right!
Queen: With my signal you will begin! Do not stand from places! Listen to my command! Left throw blue balls right, right throw pink balls left! The team that wins will have more balls on the other teams terrirtory! The game stops at my whim! Be prepared: one, two, three - go!!!
The music begins. Battle begins. Queen encourages battling with retorts such as:
Executioner (at which the Executioner will invariable answer): I Obey, your majesty, (rubbing the axe).
In three minutes the queen shouts "Stop"!
Queen (addressing to rabbit and Executioner): Well, and who has won as you see it?
The Rabbit (uncertainly): In my opinion, the right has won
The Executioner (decisevly): And in my opinion the left.
Queen: Be silent!!! I shall order you to chop off both of your heads! You should say, that " As always our queen, you have won!”
After the conflict returns Narrator with children.
Queen: Ah, it is you … Have you thought up any story?
Narrator: Yes, certainly.
Queen: Do tell your tale.
Children state the story. The first starts, and the others continue.
Queen: Well, you have convinced me. And for that I want to award you on a royal gift - I give you life, and also I gift you four trump cards from the pack.
(Distributes participants four cards of lady with the autograph and a portrait).
Besides that, you are henceforth authorized to sit it the presence of Queen. So you can now sit at your places. (Sends children back to seats) And I appoint you the maid of honour to the Queen.
Narrator: Thanks, certainly, but I shall hardly come to your court yard.
Queen: It should be necessary to chop off your head for impudence, but you have punished yourself, having refused such an honour.
The Rabbit (having grown a little bolder): Your majesty, and what about me?
Queen: Well, well, I forgive you too. But remember, next time you will think out appropriatly improbable stories!
The Rabbit (having declined in deep bow): I Thank you, your majesty, you are so kind …
Narrator: We would be thankful if you could tell….
The Rabbit (said through set teeth): I shall be grateful to you until my dying day…
Queen (conducting): All right, farewell it is time for me to depart. It is necessary to hold a pair of executions yet.
Narrator: Your majesty, may I ask you one question.
Queen: Ask, only quickly, I am here now, but soon am leaving.
Narrator: The question is whether you have somewhere met Week of the Children's Book?
Queen: No, I have never meet with her. But if I do meet with her, I shall give the order to chop off her head!
Narrator: For what?
Queen: For me to maintain my respect and dignity.
Solemn music begins. Queen together with the retinue leaves stage.
Narrator: I am afraid that we should speed up our search, it is starting to get late .
A sound, it is not clear where it comes from "ring ring ring”
Narrator: What is that?
Spends some time trying to find out a source of the sound until she notices a box on a table.
Narrator: Ah, what wonderful bagatelle! I do not think it was here earlier … (Studies the discovery). It is similar to a casket, and ancient … Though it seems it most likely a musical snuffbox. It is interesting, how it got started.… (Finds on the table a key). AHA, a key! (Turns key three times). Nothing it turns out. Probably, theres some trick. (Pulls out key and looks in the keyhole). WOW, yes there is a whole small town in this snuffbox! And it is beautiful! It is a pity, that it is so small … But why does it not work? (Plays with it, shakes unmerciful).
Then from below there is sounds "ring ring ring", and from under the table a boy in a metal skirt gets out.
Narrator: Where have you come from, who are you?
The Handbell (a side): I - a boy - handbell, ring ring ring, from this small town. (Specifies the snuffbox). You have shaken the snuffbox so that I have fallen out of it.
Narrator: Excuse me, please, I did not purposely …
The Handbell: Anyway, I see what you mean but , Ding ding ding. I shall not be broken.
Narrator: Tell me why does the music not play?
The Handbell: How do you not know that Princess Spring has died?
Narrator: And why has she died?
The Handbell: They say that she has bursted with rage, ring ring ring
Narrator: So that means you are now mourning?
The Handbell: Generally, we did not love her, Ding Ding Ding. Simply without the spring there can be no music.
Narrator: Why?
The Handbell: You do not understand anything, RING ring ring. If the spring did not push the cylinder - the cylinder not spin, if the cylinder did not spin the hammer will not stick if the hammer did not stick for the little hammers did not cling, the little hammers will not knock, handbells will not ring. At this time the handbells do not ring - and there is no music! Ring ring ring.
Narrator: I shall prove to you that you can make music perfectly well without the ill-natured person of the princess. (Addresses audience). Guys, again it is necessary for me to get some assistants, this time with good singing voices.
6 person are selected and, having placed them in a rank, gives them a couplet of any known songs which words have been divided up into seperate syllables beforehand. For example: " In the grass sit grass- hop-per, just as cu-cum-ber " etc.
Narrator ( to assistants): Imagine, that you are handbells …
The Handbell: Nothing will work without a hammer
Narrator: Well, I shall take this hammer … (Gets from a table a huge hammer). So, imagine, that you are handbells, and I am the hammer. I will strike you, and you in turn, after each impact you should sing a slice of songs, but not the first one, and then the following in order. By the way, we have already divided the song. So lets reherse.
After trial practices and if necessary finding replacements for too quiet and false "handbells", first having given them a sweet for diligence. Contiue until sound becomes more or less acceptable, and a melody results.
Narrator (delaying a hammer strike): And now try to sing this song.
Narrator sings a piece followed by Children.
Narrator (to Handbell): Well, was that pleasant?
The Handbell: Yes, Ding Ding Ding. Thanks to you for this delightful concert. Allow me to present, as a token of gratitude, to you these modest gifts. (Presents children with tiny handbells).
Narrator: And you, guys, say "thanks" to the Handbell, and head back to your places.
Children return to seats
The Handbell (to Narrator): And thanks to you for the lesson. I Never would have believed that it is possible to be engaged in music without supervisors, Ding Ding Ding. Now I shall run and I tell the rest about this.
Narrator: Wait, a quick question, have you ever meet Week of the Children's Book?
The Handbell: No! I am from a very small small town – there is no where to put an entire week., Ring Ding Ring. (Runs up to the snuffbox and disappears behind the table).
Conducting: It's just one thing after another. Whom still to ask?
Instead of the answer to the questio,n to the stage comes a little boy in a blue peaked hat, a green tie, a red shirt and yellow shorts.
Narrator: Hey, the boy, the boy. Do you know …
Neznayka (name means little boy that knows nothing): I do not know.
Narrator: But you see I still have not asked you anything.
Neznayka: And all the same I know nothing.
Narrator: Well, do you even know what your name is?
Neznayka: I do not know, but for some reason people tease me and call me Neznayka
Narrator: Clearly, it is better than to ask you nothing.
Neznayka: You ask as much as necessary! You, for example, can ask, whether I shall agree to read you the poetry?
Narrator: Not right now, maybe next time. We are in a hurry. Maybe you should read them to another.
Neznayka: But others also refuse to listen to them.
Narrator: Really are you that bad at poetry?
Neznayka: Nothing like that at all, it is simply that they do not understand poetry.
Narrator: Well all right, read one, but only the shortest.
Neznayka: And you have not armed yourselves with tomatoes?
Narrator: Surely not
Neznayka: Then I agree.
Gets from his pocket a scroll of impressive size, gets on a chair, clears his throat theatrically, strikes an elaborate pose and not taking his eyes from the manuscript, his bad voice announces loudly:
I am called Neznayka From me to you the Balalaika!
After performance he bows, jumps off the chair and with enthusiasim applauds himself.
Neznayka ( proud): In truth it is well done!
Narrator: Not exactly. Yes, it was ok, but you should study about how to write verses so that they have both sense and a rhyme.
Neznayka: But I have no need to study, I am talented.
Narrator: Abilities need to be developed. You do not want to bury the talent in the ground?
Neznayka: Certainly, I do not want that – But I do not like to work, especially to dig.
Narrator: But begin a poet, constantly it is necessary to work beyond ones self.
Neznayka: And poets work?
Narrator: Well, at least, their head and heart works hard.
Neznayka: Everyone says, that the head does not work well for me, and nevertheless, I write verses!
Narrator: All Poems are not poetry. And you can be convinced of it if you will listen to poems, which our poets have devoted to Week of the Children's Book. Especially for you we now shall ask them to read their works.
Applause. Poets come up on stage and read their poems.
Narrator (after they sit back down): Well, now that you have heard others’ works you can see it is not such easy work?
Neznayka: Yes, probably, it will be easier to learn to dig … (Deep in thought he trudges for side scenes).
Narrator: Really!! I think perhaps we did not get through. But any way we must be on our way!
The songs of Cat Basil and Foxes Alisy begins.
Cat Basil (after the music is switched off): You there noble Sir, I must ask you whether you somewhere nearby saw the boy with a wooden head?
Fox Alisa (having appeared in time, limping, to her partner): We are his parents …
Cat Basil: But he has run away from us, having left us to die in poverty! A very insensible thing to do , a crude log!
Fox Alisa (closing his mouth with her hand): But all the same we love him very much …
Cat Basil: And despite that he has stolen from us the last of our money!
Fox Alisa: Not that money breeds happiness …
Cat Basil: Certainly not , happiness comes from children!
Fox Alisa: I beg of you, please help us to find him! (Sobs loudly, burying her head on the shoulder of Narrator).
Narrator: Well do not be upset, describe him to me in more detail.
Fox Alisa (having stopped crying in a flash): On him … on him was a paper jacket and shorts …
Narrator: About the jacket you are sure, and shorts on him as well.
Cat Basil (quickly): And a cap, you have forgotten to tell about the cap!
Narrator: Something seems familiar I believe I remember … And the head on him, was it oak, so it is doubtless …
Fox Alisa: It's him all signs agree!
Cat Basil: It must, must be him! (Balls his paw into a fist). Ah, the thief! (Attacks Narrator). Where has he gone? Answer me!
Narrator: Apparently, to dig up some talent.
Cat Basil: No, what has he done, where has he gone?
Fox Alisa: All is gone! All is gone!
Narrator: Do not despair so, maybe he will think again.
Cat Basil: So you say that he is not able to think!
Fox Alisa: I directed him to the road to the Country of Fools!
Narrator: Wait, I thought, that we were in the Magic country.
Cat Basil: Well, certainly in Magic! Where you may still find the Field of Miracles?! Our money is lost, for certain he has already dug it up!
Fox Alisa: Maybe he overlooked a place.
Cat Basil: It is necessary to plough up the entire field now!
Narrator: What field?
Cat Basil: This field!
Fox Alisa: The Field of miracles!
Narrator: And this is so wonderful?
Fox Alisa (having exchanged glances with Basil): All desires … Are granted here.
Cat Basil (having winked at Alisa): It is only necessary to bury money add salt and say: hocus pocus…
A part of the song " the Field of Miracles " begins to play.
Fox Alisa (insinuatingly): You have a wish?
Cat Basil: And money?!
Narrator: Yes, but in any case I am not going to bury it. Besides I have no time to think of wishes, it is necessary to find Week of the Children's Book again.
Cat Basil: Search for a wind in a field!
Fox Alisa: The empty invention!
Narrator: What do you mean?
Cat Basil: Only that you search in vain, you waste your time.
Narrator: Why?
Cat Basil: Because she is not present!
Fox Alisa: She has gone, left, went abroad!
Narrator: But she has told, me, she said she would be here!
Cat Basil: She has decieved you!
Clapping and singing with jeer:
Have deceived the
foolish girl
On four cams,
On the fifth barrel,
That you believed!
Narrator (angrily): Stop! (Addresses the audience). Guys, we must immediately go back - we have nothing to search for in this country any more!
Cat Basil: Hardly possible that you will get out...
Fox Alisa: Our country is separated from all places by desert and huge mountains through which no one passes.
Narrator: And nobody can help us?
Fox Alisa: One wizard may help you – He is great and awful though.
Narrator: And what is his name?
Cat Basil: Guess!
Narrator: I am not to familiar with wizards.
Cat Basil (having thrown off shabby overcoat, and is well dressed beneath): Then guess under letters! (approaches a “wheel” and opens it up (with great effort) and then spins it very hard) You will guess – and from us you will get a super-prize, we shall show you how to find him. If you do not guess – you will stay forever in the Country of Fools!
The song " the Field of Miracles " plays
Narrator: Then I shall call on my friends, hey guys. (To the audience) Guys it is necessary for me to get three assistants who understand magic and magic things.
While Narrator chooses assistants, Fox Alisa changes from her tattered clothes behind side scenes and comes back in a fancy blouse and a miniskirt, having set up in the middle of the stage a board with the coded word from ten letters.
Cat Basil (after players were stood near the wheel and the song was switched off): Well, we shall start!
Narrator: No, no, we do not know the rules. To start, you should tell to us something about the him
Cat Basil: About whom?
Narrator: About this wizard.
Cat Basil: And what should I tell about him - nobody has ever seen him.
Narrator: But then why is his name, The Great and Awful?
Cat Basil: It is something like a title. He has given it to himself.
Narrator: Did he fall down from the Moon?
Cat Basil: You have almost guessed it – He came down from the sky and at once declared himself the governor of the Magic country. However, inhabitants have obeyed him with pleasure. You see, they expect him to protect them against malicious magicians. First of all he has constructed a city, and was then locked in a throne hall and began to work miracles. In the many intervening years people have forgotten his apperance, and there has been every possible rumor about him. Some have said that he is similar to a Fiery Sphere, others say that only his head is alive, the third swear that he is able to turn into a sea maiden or into a terrible animal … Anyway, he has not poorly managed the country. But there were also problems. His largest failure was the campaign against the Witch Basende. Flying monkeys broke his army. But he managed to be rescued and escape from captivity. That's all that is known about him. (to the First player). Spin the wheel about. (Basil stops the wheel by hand) What good luck – you have landed on the spot marked prize. Bring a prize into the studio.
Fox Alisa brings out a Black box …
Cat Basil (holding it in his paw): So, do want to take away a prize or will you leave it with me? … Well all right, all right I will not bargain with you … And is it ever possible to bargain with children? Take it take it. (Opens the box and gives it to the player). Well, there you are do not hesitate. … That means, is there anything is there? (Takes away from Fox Alisy a bagel). And here is your bagel? It looks good - eat it in health!
Cat and Fox are filled with silly laughter. Fox Alisa carries away a box.
Narrator: It is a shame for you to deceive children?!
Cat Basil: Imagine!
(to the Second player). The next player!
The second player spins the wheel. Cat Basil stops it on the move.
Cat Basil: I congratulate you. You have the right to make one phone call.
Fox Alisa brings out a phone.
Cat Basil: Dial any number … I shall give you help.
Dials a random number. Hooters and a bell are sounded
Fox Alisa (looking out from side scenes): I will answer the phone … (Lifts the receiver the second phone). Hallo … who is it?
Cat Basil (in a tube): the Elephant.
Fox Alisa: From where?
Cat Basil (tells the player): say " from a camel "! (Shouts in a tube). From a camel!
Fox Alisa: What is it you want?
Cat Basil: some Chocolate, ask for chocolate! (Shouts). Chocolate!
Fox Alisa: For whom?
Cat Basil (rubbing the player on a head): For this son of mine.
Fox Alisa: And how much should I send?
Cat Basil: Do send five or six bars.
Narrator (hanging up the phone): Well this beats everything, all you are doing in playing about! I think you are …
Cat Basil: Why did you interrupt the conversation?! They did not have time to write down the address. Because of you they will not send us some chocolate! You have left children without sweets! ( To Players). All right, do not be upset, it would spoil our teeth. (to the Third player). Your turn – Spin the wheel! (Having stopped it on the move). Ah, to bad for you- you are absolutely bankrupt! And it means, that all your property is given over to the Field of Miracles … And well, turn out your pockets - we shall look and see what you have. (Together with Fox Alisa begins to search the child).
Narrator: Stop immediately! This is robbery in broad daylight! We will not play anymore!
Cat Basil: You won't? What sensitive players …
Fox Alisa: And really we are only trying to joke, You make it impossible …
Narrator: These are foolish jokes!
Cat Basil: It is simply that you do not have sense of humour!
Narrator: But you do not understand my urgency!
Fox Alisa: If you want, we shall not joke at all.
Narrator: And to settle our disagreements - the sponsor of our program, the tavern of " Three Fishes", gives all participants a special prize!
Fox Alisa: Three crusts of bread into the studio!
A chef in a white cap and a chef's jacket brings out three puff cakes. Fox Alisa accepts the tray and distributes the gifts to children. Then leaves for side scenes.
Narrator: Again you have deceived us!
Cat Basil: Ok OK that is it, no more surprises, word of honour!
The remainder of the game passes by rules (Wheel of Fortune).
Cat Basil (After one of the participants has named the word): he knows, he knows! It will not be considered!
Narrator: What do you mean - it will not be considered?
Fox Alisa (jumping out on the stage): The help from the audience!
Narrator: There was no help! We have guessed a word, and now you should tell us how to find this wizard.
Cat Basil: Anything we should know?
Fox Alisa: Search us?
Narrator: But you promised!
Cat Basil: Promises can wait for three years!
Narrator: You are simple swindlers!
Fox Alisa: Basil, did you hear, how she has offended us?
Cat Basil: We shall leave here, Alisa! What impudence, Meooow, we shall complain to the Police! You will be arrested for illegal stay in the Country of Fools.
Leave.
Narrator: I do not know how i did not recognize them immediately?! They are Fox Alisa and Cat Basil - known swindlers and charlatans. Probably, in this country all actually grow stupid. We need to get out of here before we do turn into fools as well! (To players). Guys, do you know, where Wizard of Oz lives? (-------) Well, certainly, in Emerald city! I see that you too once read this fairy tale. And how could Iforget it? And do you remember, which road leads us there? (Asks players if those do not know - addresses the audience). That is correct. Now that we remeber, we need to go on the yellow brick road. (Players). Well then take your seats and I shall try to find the road … Yes there it is
Finds the footpath laid out by yellow squares which are going down in a hall and through some loops again rising on stage. The music begins. Narrator follows the way. Curtain closes. Towards the end of the path approaches the stage comes a small man dressed in green from head to toe.
Guard: Stand, Who goes?
Narrator: Excuse me, may I ask you, how much farther to Emerald City?
Guard: You already asked. Why do you travel to Emerald City?
Narrator: We want to see the Great Wizard of Oz! We hope, that he will grant our wish; you see he is the only one to help us, nobody else can help us
Guard: Wizard of Oz is mighty and threatening, and if you came to him with an empty purpose and distracted the Wizard from his wise reflections, he would destroy you in one instant.
Narrator: But we came to the Great Wizard of Oz on very important business.
Guard: I, the guard of the Gate, Faramant, and if you have already came I should lead you to the Wizard of Oz. Only wear these glasses. Otherwise you will be blinded with the magnificence of Emerald City.
Gets from a bag glasses and puts them on Narrator and on himself. The music begins Narrator and Guard climb up on stage. The music ends, the curtain opens.
Guard: Wait here. If Wizard of Oz mighty will want to see you- he will let you know.
Leaves the stage. Narrator with curiosity looks around.
Narrator: I do not see anybody. (Studies a stage) I wonder wheater he has died?
Unexpectedly in the middle of an empty room the voice is heard
Wizard of Oz: I Wizard of Oz, Great and Awful! Why do you disturb me?
Narrator: Where are you?
Wizard of Oz: I am everywhere! I can take on any apperance and I become invisible when I want. And now speak – why did you come?
Narrator: Great Wizard of Oz, we came to ask you to grant our wish!
Wizard of Oz: What wish?
Narrator: We want to go back home!
Wizard of Oz: Why, unless you did not like my wonderful country?
Narrator: Your country is really wonderful but nevertheless we should return. As we have been invited to a birthday party and we are already late for it.
Wizard of Oz: Well, come back the day after tomorrow, I shall think about your request!
Narrator: But we can not wait! Is it so difficult for you to send us home? You are the Great Wizard.
Wizard of Oz: Raise your voice to me, and you shall see how i care, do not come back until next week.
Narrator: If you will not send us back - I shall tell everyone that you are not the wizard!
After this phrase from the side scenes of the stage jumps out a frightened small man with an unreasonably big head.
Wizard of Oz: No, no, not at present, Just tell me what you want, I will make whatever you wish to happen.
Narrator: Who are you
Wizard of Oz: I am the Wizard of Oz, Great and Powerful.
Narrator: But I was told that Wizard of Oz is only a living head or a fiery Sphere …
Wizard of Oz: All this is true but nevertheless you are mistaken, they are only masks.
Narrator: Why- masks?! Unless you are not the Great Wizard?
Wizard of Oz: I had an idea, a chance to become the great Wizard.
Narrator: And actually?
Wizard of Oz: And actually … Alas, I am an ordinary person …
Narrator: I shall tell to you who you are - you are a deceiver!
Wizard of Oz: Yes, I am the Great and Awful deceiver. And surprised everybody in the world does not guess it. You see if malicious enough wizards were to find out who I am, I, and Emerald City will come our collective end. But you have exposed me …
Narrator: So that means, we shall never get back home?
Wizard of Oz: I shall tell to you a secret - from here there is one emergency exit.
Narrator: What?
Wizard of Oz: Tell me how you got here?
Narrator: We chased the White Rabbit …
Wizard of Oz: …So you need to find the rabbit hole.
Narrator: But where do we search for it?
Wizard of Oz: If you will swear, that you will give out my secret to no one, I shall show it to you.
Narrator: We Swear.
Wizard of Oz: Follow me.
Disappears behind side scenes.
Wizard of Oz: It is a little bit narrowish. Excuse the discomfort.
Narrator: No Problem. Thank you so much.
Wizard of Oz: Happy journey. Also do not forget about our contract.
Narrator: we shall not overlook. Farewell!
A bit later conducting appears on the other hand side scenes.
Narrator: And all this happened because we believed an old witch and to go to such distance! Now we are late for the Birthday Party. For certain She already has come and waits for us. (Examines the stage). Where is she? (Looks behind side scenes). It could be, she has hidden and decided to arrange a surprise for us? Madam Children’s Book! Madam Children’s Boook! (Searches all back stages). Strange, she does not seem to be here … And what do we do now)?! Oh what a nightmare!
The Director of library (stepping onstage): What happened?
Narrator: An accident! Week of the Children's Book is gone!
The Director: What do you mean - gone? She is in the Magic country.
Narrator: We have wandered the entire Magic Country and have not found her there.
The Director: The Magic country is too big, it can not be comlpetely explored. And if you want to attend the Birthday of Week of the Children's Book - Come to our library! Here awaits the magic world of the literature in which you can make friends with Alice in Wonderland , take a walk in the small Town in a snuffbox, communicate with Neznayka, Cat Basil and Fox Alisa, and also follow the yellowbrick road to Emerald city and to meet on the way many new friends and have fascinating adventures! But also, this Week there are interesting competitions, drawings and surprises from ours dear Children’s Book.
We await your visit to the library. Please come soon.
