Here is your script! You will be given a hard copy (this means a copy on paper) to keep. Roles have NOT been assigned yet, but take a look!!
The Real Thief
An operetta written by Ms. Bair’s 4th Grade class.
Based on the book ‘ The Real Thief’ by William Steig’
Mission Dolores School, San Francisco. California.
Spring 2011
Characters
Narrator 1
Narrator 2
King Basil
Gawain
Derek
Jeffrey – mouse 1
Mouse –2
Mouse 3
Mouse 4
The Prime Minister
Harvey
Garvey
Wetmore
Guard #1
Guard #2
Ezra The Bailiff
Beaver John
Martin the Goat
Louisa May the Bulldog
Locksmith
Ichabod
Songs
Hip Hip Hooray
Don’t You Believe Me/Trial Song
Feeling Guilty
Friends Forever
He’s Finally Back
SCENE ONE
Setting
A Kingdom where the subjects are busily going about their business in the foreground and in the background we see Gawain guarding the treasury and King Basil looking out of the window a crown perched atop his fury head.
Narrator #1
Not so long ago in a land much closer than you think, there was a Royal Kingdom, reigned over by the kind and generous King Basil. The subjects in this kingdom worked and played together very happily. Many of them had known each other since they were tiny mice and geese and chickens and everyone knew their place.
Opening Song – Hip Hip Hooray
(Young animals)
We’re so happy in this kingdom
Every day we run and play.
We have songs we like to sing them
For the King “hip hip hooray”
(Older working animals)
Everything is very peaceful
Everyone is working hard
We have mice and pigs and geese who’ll
Give you a hand if times are hard.
(Garvey, Harvey & Wetmore)
H. We love guarding the king’s treasure
G. We’re important here you see
W. See the sparkle of our buttons
Gawain. Here we guard the treasury.
(King Basil & Prime Minister)
KB. I adore my loyal servants
PM. I am here to keep the law
PM. Watching them I am observant
KB. And my faith in them is sure.
(Everyone)
We’re so happy in this kingdom
That is all we have to say
We have songs we’re going to sing them
For you now “hip hip hooray”
A group of tourists hustles over to Gawain and pose with him taking pictures.
Tourist #1
Could you turn a little to the right Mr Goose?
Gawain says nothing but turns obligingly and strikes a regal pose. The tourists finish taking their pictures either side of him then leave
Tourists 1, 2 & 3
Thanks.
Gawain
To the audience.
I don’t mind posing for photographs and I feel honored to be the Chief Guard of the Royal treasury, but sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I were swimming in my pond and gardening.
Harvey, Garvey & Wetmore approach to change the guard. They honk. (kazzo’s?) Gawain honks back.
Gawain.
Good afternoon. I will make my last visual inventory of the treasury.
He unlocks the door with the key on his belt.
Gawain
Wait a minute?
Wetmore
What’s the problem?
Gawain
I don’t know yet, but I need to recount these rubies, the pile seems a little small.
Wetmore, Harvey and Garvey look puzzled.
Gawain
No! No we have a problem! Come in here at once and help me count.
The 4 geese count carefully. Gawain steps out and faces the audience.
Gawain
There’s been a robbery! I must go and tell the king at once. (runs off to the king)
Gawain
Your Highness, your highness, (he blurted out breathlessly) some treasure is missing!!
The King, who had been enjoying an afternoon snack wiped the honey from his mouth and tried to calm him.
King Basil
Calm down Gawain, there must be some mistake?
They go together and see the missing treasure. The King is still relatively calm.
King Basil
How could anyone have got in there? Only you and I have the keys. Could you possibly have left the door open by mistake?
Gawain
(looking taken aback) Oh no your highness. I’m always careful. I check, I double check, and I re-double check. Sometimes my mind may wonder, thinking about the egg shaped architecture I would love to design, but my eyes are always open. I see left and I see right at the same time. I don’t see so well forward, but no one can get by me without passing either my left eye or my right one!
King Basil
I believe you Gawain, we’ll get to the bottom of this don’t you worry.
Narrator #2
Harvey, Garvey and Wetmore were summoned to the King for questioning. The Locksmith was sent to examine the doors, but nothing unusual was noticed or found. Over the next few days and to Gawain’s utter horror, more treasure disappeared until finally Gawain rushed back to the King with some very, very bad news.
Gawain
The Kalikak diamond is missing!!
King Basil
WHAT?!!
Narrator 2
By this time they were both frantic. There was no way to account for the disappearances. Their behavior toward each other, which had always been trusting and filled with kindness began to change. The King began to look at Gawain a little differently. This offended Gawain, so one day he said.
Gawain
Begging your honorable indulgence, but as you and I are the only two with keys and I didn’t steal the treasure, isn’t it in the realm of possibility that your regal self made a royal mistake?
King Basil
(Affronted and upset)
How dare you. I MAKE NO MISTAKES! Why would I steal from myself you foolish goose?
Narrator 1
From this point on things went from bad to worse and the ever doubtful and jealous Prime Minister was given more room for his opinions.
Prime Minister
Your majesty, as no locks have been broken and only you and Gawain have keys to the treasury we must conclude that he stole the treasure.
King Basil
But he is an honorable goose & I love him as I would a son.
Prime Minister
You may hold those opinions, but the fact remains he is the prime suspect and should be taken to trial.
King Basil
(Reluctantly)
Ok, Ok, we shall set up a trial date, but only because I want to get to the bottom of this.
Without missing a beat
Prime Minister
Guards…..take him to the dungeon, we shall hold the trial in the morning.
A bewildered Gawain is escorted to the dungeon.
SCENE TWO
The courthouse & trial.
Narrator
The whole town had crowded into the courthouse. They all knew Gawain. They were his friends & his admirers. They couldn’t believe the charges that were being brought against him and were convinced he would be proven innocent. King Basil sat in the judges seat and looked very tired.
Ezra the Bailiff
Order in the courtroom.
He bangs a gavel on the desk.
Ezra
Order!
Bangs again, this time the room falls to an uneasy silence.
King Basil
Do you, Gawain the goose, swear to tell only the truth?
Gawain
I do.
King Basil
Are you the Chief Guard of the Royal Treasury?
Gawain
You know I am! You appointed me yourself!
King Basil
Raising his voice.
Is it a fact that 29 rubies, 103 gold ducats and the Kalikak diamond are missing from the treasury?
Gawain
Yes, and there’s no need to shout!
Giggling from the crowd.
King Basil
Are you aware that because of this thieving, taxes will have to be raised?
Gawain
No I wasn’t aware of that.
(at this point Gawain starts to lose the support of the crowd. The prime minister steps forward.)
Prime Minister
Would your majesty mind if I asked the defendant a couple of questions?
King Basil
Not at all, I fear I am unable to come to a rational conclusion without your insight.
Prime Minister
Mr. Goose. You saw the locksmiths report, could you tell the jury, was there any evidence of a break in?
Gawain
NO
Prime Minister
So the thief presumably used a key?
Gawain
I no longer know what to think?
Prime Minister
And who holds the keys to the treasury?
Gawain
Myself and King Basil……(there was an uncomfortable silence in the room) I know what you’re all thinking (shouted Gawain) but it wasn’t me! I can’t vouch for the King, but it wasn’t me!
Narrator
These last remarks stunned the crowd and enraged King Basil. Gawain lost the support of his community. He couldn’t believe what was happening. A small mouse in the front row, shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Song
Don’t You Believe Me/The Trial Song
PM
It’s come to our attention
That’s why we’re here today
To hold you in detention
And let you have your say
It has to be here noted
It isn’t meant to smear
But you stole the Royal treasure
The evidence is clear
Gawain
Oh why can’t you believe me?
You’ve searched my home and more
You’ve crushed me like a peanut
I’m broken and I’m sore.
I’ve always been more faithful
Than any Labrador
This trial here is shameful
I’m wounded to the core.
PM
What say you judge and jury?
What verdict can you bring?
To remedy injustice
Let’s make this villain sing.
Jury
Gawain has been our friend now
For more than twenty years
And we could not imagine
A day filled with such tears
But he has fallen hardest
Because he was so high
Our previous opinions
Bring tears to our eyes.
King
Then sentence I am passing
Although it seems absurd
You must go back to prison
(All )
You lying thieving bird!
Narrator
The guards approached Gawain carrying heavy chains and a sudden rage filled Gawain’s spirit. He saw the wide blue sky outside the courtroom. He beat his wings furiously and...
Gawain
I will be rid of you all forever
Narrator
…. he flew out of the open window and disappeared. Everyone rushed out of the courtroom to see Gawain fly high up into the sky….everyone that is except for the small mouse who had been sitting in the front row. He burst into tears and ran away through a crack in the wall.
SCENE THREE
The real thief exposed.
Setting - inside Derek’s decorated mouse hole.
Derek
What have I done? (pause as he looks around his mouse hole at the shiny rubies and gold) What have I done to loyal innocent Gawain? (shouting) I am the real thief not him, I am guilty, not him. What have I done?
Narrator
All Derek’s shouting and wailing has brought other mice into his hole to see what the commotion is about. They are amazed to see the jewels and gold adoring his walls and floor.
Jeffrey mouse1
Derek, what’s going on down here? You haven’t been out to see us for ages, and you’ve been all secretive when any of us has tried to invite you around for cheese? We thought you didn’t want to be our friend anymore?
Mouse 2
Look at your place.
All mice
Wow!
Song - Feeling Guilty
(Derek)
One day when I was wandering
I found a gap and went right in.
There was the treasury sparkling bright
I took some rubies that shone in the night
(Mouse quartet)
Oh no oh no what did you do?
You stole the jewels your desire grew
Hidden away in your tiny mouse hole
You adorned the walls with rubies and gold.
(Derek)
I stole more jewels to decorate
I never thought I would harm my mate
I thought the kingdom would never accuse
Such a fine and trustworthy goose.
(Mouse quartet)
Oh no oh no what did you do?
You hurt Gawain and away he flew.
Into the forest into the dark.
He wrapped his feet in twigs and stalks.
(Derek)
I must steal more so the whole town’s shamed.
Gawain was true the thief remains.
Then when they know it, the jewels I’ll return
Bring Gawain back home their apology earned.
(Mouse quartet)
He must steal more so the whole town’s shamed.
Gawain was true the thief remains.
Then when they know it, the jewels he’ll return
Bring Gawain back home their apology earned.
Derek
Looking ashamedly around at his fellow mice.
I didn’t think they would notice. They had so much in there.
Jeffrey Mouse 1
Stealing is wrong Derek
Derek
Hanging his head in shame.
I know.
Mouse 2
Poor Gawain I bet he feels awful.
Derek
I know.
Mouse 3
So are you going to steal more treasure now?
Derek
Yes it’s the only way.
Mouse 4
Can I have some this time?
Mouse, 1, 2, 3 and Derek
NO you can’t!!
Mouse 4
Okay, okay keep your whiskers on.
Narrator
Over the next few days Derek carefully stole more and more treasure which thoroughly confused and amazed Harvey, Garvey and Wetmore. Luckily for them the King was now the only one with the key, so they couldn’t be blamed.
Prime Minister
To the geese.
Are you sure, treasure has been taken every day?
Harvey
Yes sir.
Prime Minister
Diamonds?
Garvey
Yes sir.
Prime Minister
Gold?
Wetmore
Yes sir.
King Basil
And my soccer trophies?
Harvey, Garvey and Wetmore trying to look serious.
Harvey
Those too your majesty.
King Basil
Well then it is clear. We have made a terrible, terrible mistake!
The geese and prime minister all hang their heads in shame.
There is no time to lose, poor Gawain has been hunted like a duck in the forest for too long already. We must get a message to the guards who are hunting him. They must stop hunting him immediately and please just find him and bring him home to us!
Harvey Garvey and Wetmore
Yes your majesty.!!
SCENE FOUR
In the forest
Narrator
The guards weren’t the only ones hunting for Gawain in the forest that day. As soon as Derek had heard the word that Gawain had been wrongly accused he got his old friends to help him put all the treasure back in the treasury and then together they sealed the crack tightly shut so it couldn’t be opened again. This job done he packed a picnic and ran off as fast as his tiny little legs could carry him (which was pretty fast) into the forest to find Gawain.
Derek
Gawain? Gawain! Are you here?
Gawain
No…go away.
Derek
Oh only I thought I heard…….hang on….who said “no”?
Gawain
Nobody
Derek
Oh. Gawain, Gawain, they know you didn’t steal the treasure. They want you to come back. All is forgiven
Gawain
(appearing from behind a bush and startling Derek)
They what?
Derek
Oh Gawain I finally found you. I’m so glad to see you. (pause)
You scared me! (Pause) I am so ashamed.
Gawain
Derek please settle down and tell me what’s the matter and how come they’re not looking for me anymore?
Derek
Well, they are (Gawain startles and looks over his shoulder) but they want to bring you home an innocent Goose.
Gawain
Suspiciously. They do, do they?
Derek
Yes, yes.
Gawain
Do they know who it was?
Derek
No. They don’t know. But I do. (pause) It was me!
Gawain
In astonishment You?? Pause
How do they know it wasn’t me?
Derek
Because I went on stealing after you flew away-to establish your innocence.
Narrator
Huddled together in the forest Derek told Gawain the whole story of his thieving without thinking he was going to cause any harm. About his guilt at the trial and about wanting to confess, but being too afraid to. He cried throughout the telling.
Gawain
I don’t know what to say Derek. I feel angry and sad and joyful all at the same time. Gawain cries. They hug.
Song- Friends Forever
Derek
Can you forgive me
My dear Gawain
I have done you such wrong
Gawain
Derek your tears
Have shown me your pain
Your suffering’s been long.
Both
We’re friends forever
We will never part
No matter the state we’re in.
We’re friends together
And if we are smart
We’ll be there through thick and thin
Gawain
When you’re alone
And the world has gone mad
Friendship is what you need.
Derek
Friends are worth more
Than the silver and gold
That fills us with want and greed.
Both
We’re friends forever
We will never part
No matter the state we’re in.
We’re friends together
And if we are smart
We’ll be there through thick and thin
Derek
Let’s go back to the kingdom now. The treasure has been returned and when I come back with you they will be so happy they won’t punish me too badly.
Gawain
Are you going to confess?
Derek
Yes. I must be punished for what I did.
Gawain
I think you have been punished for what you did. What about the one’s who wrongly accused me. What about their punishment?
Derek
Think about what they’ve been through for judging you so unjustly. The king thinks he’s lost you forever.
Gawain
I will return with you, but they must never know who did it. That will be their punishment.
Derek
I agree. Only you and I will know.
SCENE FIVE
Back to the kingdom.
Narrator
They started across the lake about midday, Derek riding under Gawain’s wing. He held on tightly because there was a wind and the water was choppy. They arrived in town at sunset when the lights were being turned on. It was as if the lights were going on to welcome them.
Martin the Goat
Hey who’s that coming down the street?
Louisa May the Bulldog
I don’t know I need my glasses.
Beaver John
I think it’s Gawain.
Jeffrey the mouse
Yes it is….and Derek is with him.
Ichabod
Hip hip Hooray
Ichabod
He’s finally back!
King Basil
I don’t believe my eyes.
Gawain can you forgive me?
Gawain
I believe you have suffered enough.
Harvey, Garvey and Wetmore
Can you forgive us?
Gawain
We have all suffered enough.
Song - He’s Finally Back
He’s finally back
He’s finally back
We thought he’d gone
But he’s finally back
We cried our tears
And felt our fears
Gawain forgave us
And he’s very sincere.
Hooray he’s back
Hooray he’s back
Let’s throw a party
Hooray he’s back.
Basil & echo of chorus
I didn’t know what I was gonna do?
(He didn’t know what he was gonna do?)
Cried on my pillow till it was soaked through!
(Cried on his pillow till it was soaked through)
But now he’s back I’m gonna jump for joy.
(But now he’s back we’re gonna jump for joy)
He’s my one and only golden boy
(He’s our one and only golden boy)
He’s finally back
He’s finally back
We thought we’d lost him
But he’s finally back
We had our doubts
We worked it out
We learned compassion
That’s what life’s about.
King
I will never from here to eternity mistrust you again. I repent.
Gawain
Please you highness, forget it, I forgive you.
(they hug)
(sing chorus)
Hooray he’s back
Hooray he’s back
Let’s throw a party
Hooray he’s back.
King Basil
Understanding that you may no longer be interested in your position as Chief Guard of the Royal Treasury, I hereby appoint you Royal Architect; and your first commission is to build us a new Opera House!
Gawain
Oh thank you, thank you your highness.
King Basil
And Derek the mouse, in honor of your finding and returning our dear, dear friend, I appoint you his design assistant. (aside and winking) Someone told me you had a keen eye for decoration!
Narrator
There was peace and harmony in the kingdom once more, except for the little troubles that come up every so often even in the best circumstances, since nothing is perfect.
King Basil
Hip Hip Hooray!
All
Hip Hip Hooray
Sing x2
Hooray he’s back
Hooray he’s back
Let’s throw a party
Hooray he’s back.
END
