By Whitney Ryan Garrity

© Copyright 2009, Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.

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RAP-PUNZELA Fairy Tale in Verse

By WHITNEY RYAN GARRITY

CAST OF CHARACTERS(In Order of Appearance)

# of lines

RAPPERS ..................................two to four narrators 56HUSBAND .................................devoted to his wife 34WIFE ........................................selfi sh, greedy woman 26WITCH ......................................vengeful old crone; devoted to 37

her gardenRAPUNZEL ................................beautiful young girl 30PRINCE .....................................handsome and noble; devoted 23

to Rapunzel

SETTINGTIME: A very long time ago.PLACE: A faraway kingdomThe action takes place on a single set, parts of which will represent a humble shack, the witch’s garden, Rapunzel’s tower and the woods beyond. There is a backdrop that should give a fairy-tale feeling to the set. A round table and two chairs are RIGHT to represent the shack. A tower fl at is UP LEFT. The fl at has a cutout window and is large enough to hide two actors, small props and a shopping cart behind it. The witch’s garden will be represented by the rappers. A foot-high picket fence CENTER STAGE can further establish the garden.

See set design on page 17.

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RAP-PUNZEL

AT RISE: The LIGHTS fade UP CENTER, revealing the RAPPERS FROZEN in various poses. A backdrop depicts a fairy-tale kingdom. The RAPPERS UNFREEZE and address the AUDIENCE.RAPPER 1: Once upon a time…RAPPERS 2/3: Or so they say!RAPPERS: …in a kingdom far away

(LIGHTS UP RIGHT, revealing HUSBAND and WIFE. She wears a period skirt with a large bustle in back. Behind the couple are a small, round table and two chairs. A satchel hangs from the back of one of the chairs.) There lived a husbandWho could not say “no”To his wife,For he loved her so.

HUSBAND: (To WIFE, hand over his heart.) Whate’er you ask,I’ll not say “no,”For my wife,I love you so.

WIFE: (Smug.) Yes, I know!RAPPER 1: Soon the wife

Was to have a baby…RAPPERS 1/2: Don’t mean “no”…RAPPERS: Don’t mean “maybe.”

(WIFE turns her skirt around so the bustle is positioned in front, representing her “condition.”) And one nightAs they prepared for bed,The wife turned to her spouseAnd sweetly said…

WIFE: (Smacks HUSBAND sharply on the back of his head.)Listen husband,Lest I get riled!As I carry our dear child,I have such a terr’ble craving.It makes me think of misbehaving!

HUSBAND: (Loving.) Wife, what does your heart desire?A ruby, emerald or sapphire?

WIFE: (Annoyed.) A gem’s for themWith grander means.All I crave is garden greens!

HUSBAND: Wife, what would reallyMake you drool?A mansion, yacht or swimming pool?

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WIFE: (Grows more annoyed.) All that stuff just don’t mean beans.What I crave is garden greens!

HUSBAND: Wife, what would make youJump for joy?Fortune, fame…

WIFE: (Angry, shakes her fi st at HUSBAND.) Now listen, boy!Before our babeHas reached its teens,Fetch your wifeSome garden greens!

HUSBAND: (Fearful of the implication.) Say what?WIFE/RAPPERS: Garden greens!HUSBAND: (Nervous.) Yes, but—WIFE/RAPPERS: Garden greens!HUSBAND/WIFE/RAPPERS: Before our/your babe

Has reached its teens,Fetch my/your wifeSome garden greens!

WIFE: And it’s lucky, to be sure,That there’s a garden (Turns HUSBAND to face CENTER.)Right next door!

HUSBAND: (Turns back, frightened.) The witch’s garden?She’s old and mean,She’ll not share a single green!

WIFE: (Turns HUSBAND back again.) The witch’s garden!She’s old (Taps her forehead.) not keen.She’ll not miss a single green.

HUSBAND: (Appalled.) My dear wife,What do you mean?Should I steal…

WIFE: (Smacks him on the back of his head again.) Oh, get real!(Sweetly.) It’s for the baby, and that meansThe end surely justifi es the greens.

HUSBAND/RAPPERS: It’s for the baby, and that meansThe end surely justifi es the greens.

HUSBAND: (Swallows hard, resigns himself.) Whate’er you ask,I’ll not say “no,”For my wife,I love you so.

WIFE: (Sweetly.) Yes, I know! (Gives him a shove.) So, go!RAPPERS: The wife set off to cleanse her palate,

Ready for her fresh green salad.

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WIFE: Now, where are those croutons?(EXITS RIGHT. HUSBAND, reluctant, takes up the satchel and shoulders it, then moves CENTER as the RAPPERS form a “wall” in front of him. LIGHTS FADE RIGHT.)

RAPPERS: With a satchel to hold his haul,The husband climbed the garden wall…(HUSBAND makes an unsuccessful attempt and tumbles backwards.) The husband climbed the garden wall…(HUSBAND takes a running start. RAPPERS let down the “wall,” causing HUSBAND to tumble forward this time. RAPPERS are much amused.) And on the other side,He did fall.

HUSBAND: (Gets to his feet, in pain but indignant.) I did not fall!RAPPERS: Did too!HUSBAND: Did not!RAPPERS: Did too! (Addresses the AUDIENCE.)

The husband landed with a “thud”…HUSBAND: (Assesses the seat of his pants unhappily.)

Right into the muck and mud! (Looks around, cautious, as RAPPERS sit in a row, cross-legged at CENTER behind the picket fencing [optional]. RAPPERS raise their arms and waggle their fi ngers, to represent the “garden greens.”)

RAPPERS: He spied a garden like no otherAnd a witch tending to itLike a mother.

WITCH: (ENTERS LEFT, with a watering can. As she moves to the “garden,” HUSBAND hides his face with the satchel. WITCH sighs.) A lonely witch, (Sighs.)No son, no daughter,(Proud.) I tend my garden, like I ought’er(Brandishes the watering can.)With lots and lots and lots of water!(Passes through the “garden,” as she pantomimes watering it.)

WITCH/RAPPERS: Turnip greens, parsley greens,Collard greens, spinach greens,Lettuce, cabbage, brocc’li plusArugula and asparagus!

RAPPER 1: Lettuce!RAPPER 2: Cabbage!RAPPER 3: (Makes a face.) Brocc’li!RAPPERS: Plus…WITCH/RAPPERS: Arugula and asparagus!

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WITCH: (Sighs.) The lettuce is my son. (Sighs.)The cabbage is my daughter.(Brandishes the watering can, suddenly bright.)So off I spring,To fetch my offspring water!(EXITS LEFT with the watering can, humming.)

HUSBAND: (Slowly lowers the satchel and approaches the “garden.” Overwhelmed.) Oh, joy of joys!Oh, scene of scenes!Rows and rows of tasty greens! (Passes from one RAPPER to the next, collects the “greens.” RAPPERS drop their arms, as HUSBAND “up-roots” his take.)

HUSBAND/RAPPERS: Turnip greens, parsley greens,Collard greens, spinach greens,

HUSBAND: Lettuce, cabbage, brocc’li!RAPPERS: Plus…HUSBAND/RAPPERS: Arugula and asparagus!RAPPERS: The old witch suddenly reappeared,

(WITCH ENTERS LEFT with the watering can and peers about in the darkness.) Sensing something in her garden weird.

HUSBAND: (Offended.) Who are you calling “weird”?(Quickly regrets his retort and hides his face behind his satchel. His knees knock together in fright.)

WITCH: (Does not see HUSBAND, because his face is hidden.)Ho, there!Who does go there?Tramplin’ through my precious gardenWithout so much as “I beg your pardon.”

HUSBAND: (Lowers the satchel, meek.) I beg your pardon.WITCH: (Furious.) It’s too late for that, buck-o!HUSBAND: (Aside to the RAPPERS, incredulous.) “Buck-o”? (RAPPERS

shrug.)WITCH: What business have you here?

State your case and make it clear!HUSBAND: My wife and I,

We live next door.And my wife, I could not love more.(Gushes.) Oh, you’d love her, too! The way her cute little nose crinkles up when she laughs and the way she—

WITCH: (Cuts him off impatiently.)Continue with your woeful tale(Makes magical gesture.)

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Or greet tomorrow as—(Thinks a moment.) —a snail!

HUSBAND: (Frightened.) I dare not fail! (Swallows hard.)With a child we’ll soon be blessed.My wife craves greens, hence my quest.For I guessed yours were the best.

WITCH: Yes, my neighbor,You guess true! (Mulls it over.)And I suppose I could share a few.But in return, here’s what you’ll do.When the babe at last arrives,Bring it to me.I’ll spare the greens, and your lives!

HUSBAND: (Incredulous.) Bring the baby to you?WITCH: I’ll spare the greens, and your lives!

Yours and your wive’s!HUSBAND: Shouldn’t that be “wife’s” not “wive’s”?WITCH: (Threatening.) He who corrects a witch seldom survives!

So do we have a deal, my son?HUSBAND: (Hopeful.) Have I another choice?

(WITCH shakes her head.) Not one?WITCH: None!HUSBAND: (Resigned, sad.) So it is done!

(WITCH and HUSBAND seal the agreement with a handshake.)WITCH: (Aside; with a cackle.) Oh, that was fun! (To HUSBAND.)

Now, thieving husband, hit the road!(Repeats magical gesture.) Or greet tomorrow as—(Thinks a moment.) —a toad!(Points OFF RIGHT menacingly. HUSBAND EXITS RIGHT, dejected, dragging the satchel behind him.)

RAPPERS: (Get to their feet.) The husband returnedTo his humble abode.

WITCH: (Addresses the AUDIENCE.)A lesson my greedy neighbor learns,Not to fi ddle with my fi ddle-ferns! (EXITS LEFT, humming.)

WIFE: (LIGHTS COME UP RIGHT to reveal WIFE, standing by the table impatiently. She cups her ear and listens anxiously.)Is that my husband, true and brave?(Rubs her hands together.) And does he bring me what I crave?(HUSBAND ENTERS RIGHT. WIFE snatches the satchel, sits and pantomimes emptying the contents onto the table greedily.)Oh, joy of joys!

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Oh, scene of scenes!A satchel fi lled with tasty greens!

WIFE/RAPPERS: Turnip greens, parsley greens,Collard greens, spinach greens,

WIFE: Lettuce, cabbage, brocc’li!RAPPERS: Plus…WIFE/RAPPERS: Arugula and asparagus.HUSBAND: (Sits at the table, sad.)

I’ve fetched the greens, just as you bade.But a terrible price I’ve paid,For the witch demands a trade!

WIFE: (Feigns interest as she eats, ravenous.)And what does the old witch desire?A ruby, emerald or sapphire?

HUSBAND: No, you’ll fi nd each jewel she’d shun,For she craves our little one!

WIFE: (Pays no attention.)What would make the old witch drool?A mansion, yacht or swimming pool?

HUSBAND: Chances are that she’d have none.For she craves our little one!

WIFE: (Still oblivious.) How could we that crone appease?Fortune, fame—

HUSBAND: (Stands, pleads.) Now listen, please!Whether it be girl or son,The old witch craves our little one!

WIFE: (Hears at last.) Say what?HUSBAND/RAPPERS: Little one!WIFE: (Nervous.) Yes, but—HUSBAND/RAPPERS: Little one!HUSBAND/WIFE/RAPPERS: Whether it be girl or son,

The old witch craves our/your little one!RAPPERS: Soon enough,

The baby came.WIFE: (Testy, to the RAPPERS, as she EXITS RIGHT.)

Soon enough for you, maybe!(HUSBAND returns the satchel to the back of the chair.)

RAPPERS: But before they couldChoose a name,The witch appeared to stake her claim!

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WITCH: (ENTERS LEFT wearing a black cloak.)Months ago, a bargain struck.(WIFE ENTERS RIGHT carrying a pink bundle. Her bustle has been returned to the back. WITCH points to the bundle.)Now I’ve come to see your babe gets tuck!

WIFE: (Aside, to HUSBAND.) Shouldn’t that be “taken”?HUSBAND: (Ponders.) It’s possibly “took.”HUSBAND/WIFE: Certainly not “tuck”!WITCH: (Threatening.) Correct a witch and have bad luck!

(Lunges for the bundle, but WIFE holds it out of reach, causing WITCH to fall. WITCH gets to her feet, irritated.)

WIFE: (To HUSBAND.) Have we another choice?(HUSBAND shakes his head sadly.) Not one?

HUSBAND: None.WITCH: (Snatches the bundle.) So it is done! (Aside, with a cackle.)

Oh, this fun! (Turns the bundle end over end curiously.)So, this bundle here of joy,Be it girl or be it boy?

HUSBAND/WIFE: As you can see,A girl is she.As pretty as a girl can be.

WITCH: (Gleeful.) Oh, goody! (Hugs the bundle tight.)A girl is sugar, a girl is spice.Raising a girl will be oh so nice! (Baby-talks to the bundle)Oh, biddy-biddy-boo!Oh, biddy-biddy-biddy-boo!(Turns to HUSBAND and WIFE, threatening.) Now off you go,(Makes magical gesture, drops the bundle. She retrieves it and gestures with one hand.) Or greet tomorrow as…(Flustered.) …oh, dear! Where was I? (Mutters to herself.)A girl is sugar, a girl is spice.Or greet tomorrow as— (Triumphant to HUSBAND and WIFE.)—Two little mice!(Cackles loudly, then turns her attention back to the bundle, baby-talks again.) Oh, biddy-biddy-biddy-boo!

RAPPERS: Best to take the witch’s advice!(HUSBAND and WIFE EXIT RIGHT, sad. RAPPERS EXIT LEFT, as the LIGHTS FADE except for a FOLLOW SPOT on the WITCH, at CENTER. She paces back and forth and pats the bundle vigorously over her shoulder.)

WITCH: Now, for a name… a name…I could call her “Rampion” or maybe “Radish,” too.I could call her “Rutabaga” or even “Rhubarb”… (Winces.)

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Ooh!No, those ones’llNever do!I’ll name her… (Stops pacing, inspired.)“Rapunzel”! (Shrugs to the AUDIENCE.)Of course you knew! (Dances with the bundle.)I’ve raised plotsOf vegetables aplenty.Lots of tomatoes, potatoes and more,Four-score and twenty. (Stops dancing.)But now, at last, I’ll raise a fl ower!A fl ower for the world to seeJust how lovely a fl ower can be! (Thinks.)No, no. Not the world.For the world is wicked,The world is wild,And a mother must protect her child.(Mouths the word “mother.” Enjoys the feel of it.)Yes, a mother must protect her fl ower.I’ll raise the girl in an ivory tower,And I’ll never once allow herTo witness the world and its evil power!

RAPPERS: (LIGHTS COME UP to reveal the RAPPERS, LEFT. They stand by a fl at that depicts the façade of a stone tower with a cutout window.) The seasons passed, as seasons are apt to do,And the little child grew.And lordy, how her hair did, too!

WITCH: (Unwraps the bundle and a large, blond rag doll is revealed. Pantomimes helping the doll take its fi rst steps. Guides the doll toward the tower, as RAPPERS move to CENTER.) Brush and comb your hair of gold,You are nearly two years old.Good daughters do as they are told.Then, no matter what befalls,You’ll be safe within these walls. (EXITS behind the tower.)

RAPPERS: Brush and comb your hair of gold,You’re already ten years old.(RAPUNZEL EMERGES from the opposite side of the tower. She wears a blond pigtail wig. WITCH APPEARS from behind the tower and playfully chases RAPUNZEL around the other side. They DISAPPEAR.) Good daughters do as they are told.Then, no matter what befalls,You’ll be safe within these walls.

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(RAPUNZEL EMERGES from behind the tower again. This time, she wears a blond wig with one very long braid. She continuously brushes the end of the braid with an ornate brush.)Brush and comb your hair of gold.

RAPUNZEL: I am 17 years old.Good daughters do as they are told.

RAPUNZEL/RAPPERS: Then, no matter what befalls,I’ll/You’ll be safe within these walls.(RAPUNZEL EXITS behind the tower.)

RAPPERS: Yes, of course Rapunzel grew,And lordy, how her hair did, too!

WITCH: (ENTERS from behind the tower, still wearing her cloak and carrying a small basket. Calls sweetly.) Rapunzel!(Raps the tower with her basket impatiently.) Rapunzel!

RAPUNZEL: (APPEARS in the window of the tower. Sleepy.)Yes, Mother?(WITCH mouths the word “mother.” Gleeful again.)Will you be going out today?

WITCH: Yes, my dear.RAPUNZEL: Take me with you, then, I pray.WITCH: No, my dear.

I must say “nay.”For the world is wicked,The world wild.Stay safe inside,My darling child. (EXITS behind the tower.)

RAPUNZEL: (With a sigh.) Yes, Mother.(WITCH REAPPEARS from behind the tower. She carries a very large basket. RAPUNZEL calls to her eagerly from the window.)Will you be going out today?

WITCH: Yes, my dear.RAPUNZEL: Take me with you, then, I pray.WITCH: No, my dear.

I must say “nay.”For the world is wicked,The world wild.Stay safe inside,My darling child. (EXITS behind the tower.)

RAPUNZEL: (With a sigh.) Yes, Mother.(WITCH REAPPEARS from behind the tower, this time pushing a shopping cart. RAPUNZEL calls to her eagerly.)Will you be going out today?

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WITCH: Yes, my dear.RAPUNZEL: Take me with you, then, I pray.WITCH: No, my dear.

I must say “nay.” (RAPUNZEL mouths the words with the WITCH while she makes a face.)

WITCH/RAPUNZEL: For the world is wicked,The world wild. (WITCH turns to catch RAPUNZEL, but RAPUNZEL smiles sweetly.)

WITCH: Stay safe inside,My darling child. (EXITS behind the tower.)

RAPUNZEL: (With a sigh.) Yes, Mother.WITCH: (ENTERS from the behind the tower suddenly; sing-song.) And

brush your hair!RAPUNZEL: Yes, Mother.

(WITCH DISAPPEARS behind the tower. RAPUNZEL brushes her hair as she gazes out the window.) I love my tower, strong and tall.I love my mother, warts and all.I love my home, and yet, and stillI long for what’s just beyond my windowsill.Beyond these walls, a world awaitsPast this prison, through the gates.Let me test my mettle against the fatesAnd settle for what befallsJust beyond these walls.Beyond these walls, adventure lies,A land of trees and hills and skies.Though to leave my spire may seem unwise,Desire intently callsJust beyond these walls.If only this tower had stairwells,I’d say my farewells and start descending.A fairytale kingdom’sFamous for stories,So what’s one more happy ending?Beyond these walls, there’s love and life,A love to save me from my strife.Let us join together as man and wifeAnd weather life’s storms and squalls,Just beyond these walls.

PRINCE: (From OFFSTAGE.) Horsie? Oh, horsie!RAPUNZEL: Surely my true love calls

Just beyond these walls.

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RAPPERS: Then it came to pass, one day,While the witch had gone away,A prince’s horse had run astray. (Sit in a row, creating the “garden” again.)

PRINCE: (ENTERS LEFT.) Here, horsie! (Notices the “garden.”)Oh, joy of joys!Oh, scene of scenes!Rows and rows of tasty greens!

PRINCE/RAPPERS: Turnip greens, parsley greens,Collard greens, spinach greens,

PRINCE: Lettuce, cabbage, brocc’li!RAPPERS: Plus…PRINCE/RAPPERS: Arugula and asparagus!PRINCE: (Notices RAPUNZEL at her window and is instantly smitten.)

But what’s this? A miss?I’ve seen plots of vegetables aplenty.Lots of tomatoes, potatoes and more,Four-score and twenty.But I’ve seen such a fl owerAs this maiden in the tower. (To RAPUNZEL.)Miss, my heart you already claim.Pray tell this smitten prince your name.

RAPUNZEL: (Teases him, coy.)I could be called “Rampion” or maybe “Radish,” too.I could be called “Rutabaga” or even “Rhubarb”…

PRINCE: (Winces.) Ooh!No, those ones’llNever do!

RAPUNZEL: I’m called Rapunzel.PRINCE: Rapunzel, I must be with you!

So tell me where I’ll fi nd a door.RAPUNZEL: (Shakes her head.) No door.PRINCE: No door? You’re sure?RAPUNZEL: (Shrugs.) No door.PRINCE: (Pouts.) What a bore!

Then I’ll simply climb the stair.RAPUNZEL: (Shakes her head.) No stair.PRINCE: No stair? (Stomps his foot.) Unfair!RAPUNZEL: (Shrugs.) No stair.PRINCE: I don’t suppose an elevator…RAPUNZEL: (Giggles.) They aren’t invented ’til much later!

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PRINCE: Then perhaps your hair of gold, itCould be lowered so I may hold it.

RAPUNZEL: You need but ask, and I’ll unfold it.PRINCE: Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair to me. (RAPUNZEL

lowers her long braid. PRINCE holds it against his cheek.)Oh, joy of joys!Oh, sweet caress!On the morrow, I’ll climb this tressAnd rescue you from your distress.Then we’ll live in happiness. (Looks at RAPUNZEL.)What say you?

RAPUNZEL: Yes, oh, yes!PRINCE: (Releases the braid.) For now, I must end our discourse.

I still have yet to fi nd my horse! (Calls OFF, as he EXITS RIGHT.) Horsie? Oh, horsie! (RAPUNZEL sighs.)

RAPPERS: (Get to their feet.) Too soon, the witch returned.And now, see how she seethed and burned.How much had the old crone heard?

WITCH: (ENTERS from behind the tower.) Every word!RAPUNZEL: (In terror.) Oh, no! (Moves out of view of the window.)WITCH: Oh, wicked prince to climb her tress!

Their marriage would cause me distress!I must cause them unhappiness!(Paces.) But how? Oh, how?(Stops pacing, with a cruel grin.)Now, can’t you guess?(Produces a pair of garden shears from within her cloak.) Yes!For the girl’s lovesick paradingShe deserves a good upbraiding—make that, un-braiding! (Cackles and EXITS behind the tower. RAPUNZEL screams, then the braid drops from the window. WITCH REAPPEARS, picks up the braid.)Even as she primped the hair that adorned her,I grabbed my shears and swiftly shorned her!

RAPUNZEL: (Appears in the window, sad.)That should not be “shorned” but “sheared”!

WITCH: (Threatening.) Others who dared correct a witchMysteriously disappeared!As for you, ungrateful child,You wish to see the world so wild? (Gestures magically.)

RAPPERS: Summoning her magic power,The witch released RapunzelFrom the tower. (RAPUNZEL, tentative, joins WITCH under the tower.)

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WITCH: Then go, I say.And do not come again this way!

RAPPERS: She banished Rapunzel to the wood.WITCH: (To AUDIENCE, sweetly.)

A mother does things for a child’s own good.(Gives RAPUNZEL a shove LEFT. RAPUNZEL EXITS LEFT, crying. WITCH holds up the braid.) Now let me wear my daughter’s switch,Her prince will be greeted by this old witch!(Bursts into cackling laughter, then stops abruptly and cups her ear, listening RIGHT.)Hark, he comes! (Rushes behind the tower as the PRINCE ENTERS RIGHT.)

PRINCE: (Looks about, searching.) Horsie? Oh, horsie!(Gives a look to the AUDIENCE and shrugs. Gazes up at the window.) My dear Rapunzel, lady fair.Tell me, tell me, are you there?Please let down your golden hair!(WITCH’S hand appears from the window. She dangles the braid for the PRINCE. He grabs it and holds it against his cheek again.)Oh, sweet caress!Oh, joy of joys—

WITCH: (Impatient.) Yeah, yeah. Yada-yada-yada.Just get to climbing, pretty boy!

PRINCE: (Tugs at the braid, tentative.) My dear Rapunzel?WITCH: (Pops into view at the window.)

Your dear Rapunzel? In a word, no!RAPPERS: And with that, the witch let go!

(WITCH releases the braid and the PRINCE mimes falling.)The prince was blinded by the thorns below!

RAPPER 1: And you know that’s gotta hurt!RAPPERS: And off he staggered, through the wood. (PRINCE staggers

OFF LEFT, blind. He clutches the braid against his cheek.)WITCH: (Sweet.) A mother does things for her child’s own good.

(DISAPPEARS behind the tower. PRINCE staggers back ON from LEFT, still clutching the braid.)

RAPPERS: The injured prince wandered about,Faltered and then passed clean out!(PRINCE collapses, lays on his back.) A pathetic sight.

PRINCE: (Lifts his head. To AUDIENCE.) Ain’t no doubt!(Passes out again.)

RAPPERS: Just then, Rapunzel happened by(RAPUNZEL ENTERS LEFT, still crying.)

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And found her prince right where he lie.(RAPUNZEL, in her grief, steps right over her unnoticed PRINCE. RAPPERS address her.) And found her prince right where he lie!

RAPUNZEL: (Turns to see PRINCE.) Oh! (Steps back over the PRINCE and kneels at his side, crying.)

RAPPERS: Her tears of woe turned to tears of delight. (RAPUNZEL wails woefully. RAPPERS address her again.) Tears of delight!

RAPUNZEL: Oh! (Laughs boisterously as she cries.)RAPPERS: (Shrug at the AUDIENCE.)

And her tears restored the prince’s sight!PRINCE: (Sits up abruptly. “High-fi ves” RAPUNZEL.) All right! (Catches

himself, embarrassed.) I mean…My dear Rapunzel, tell me trueIs this a dream or really you?(RAPUNZEL takes up the braid, posing with it for recognition.)It is you!Oh, joy of joys!Oh, sweet caress!You’ve rescued me from my distress.Now we’ll live in happiness.What say you?

RAPUNZEL: Yes, oh, yes! (RAPUNZEL and PRINCE clasp hands. A SPOTLIGHT illuminates the couple, as the LIGHTS DIM around them.) Before the curtain starts descending…

PRINCE: At last we’ll have our happy ending.RAPUNZEL/PRINCE: Beyond the wood,

For two soul mates,A princely castle—

PRINCE: With doors!RAPUNZEL/PRINCE: —awaits.

Let’s test our mettle against the fates,And settle for everything right and good,Just beyond the wood! (They kiss, then get to their feet.)

RAPPERS: Through the forest, off to wed,They followed a path to where it led,And found a humble cottage ahead. (RAPUNZEL and PRINCE move arm-in-arm RIGHT. LIGHTS UP RIGHT. HUSBAND and WIFE have ENTERED in the darkness and are revealed in front of the table. RAPUNZEL and the PRINCE join them.)The couple recognized their daughter,As in a good fairy tale they ought’er.

HUSBAND: Oh, bless this day, and bless this shack!

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WIFE: We fi nally have our daughter back!RAPUNZEL: (Beams.) And look! I landed a prince!

(ALL but RAPPERS strike a joyous pose and FREEZE.)RAPPERS: Meanwhile the witch her lesson learns.WITCH: (ENTERS LEFT. She has removed her cloak and carries a

watering can.) Children should not be raised like fi ddle-ferns.They need sunlight air and space,For nothing can grow in a cold, dark place.

WITCH/RAPPERS: Give them sunlight air and space,For nothing can grow in a cold, dark place!

WITCH: I’ve lost my daughter and my chance!I guess I’m best at raising plants.(Shrugs and EXITS LEFT as she intones.)Turnips greens, parsley greens,Collard greens, spinach greens,Lettuce, cabbage…

RAPPERS: The witch is reconciled to her fate,And everyone lives happily ever—

RAPUNZEL/PRINCE/HUSBAND/WIFE: (UNFREEZE.) Wait! (RAPUNZEL and PRINCE produce two blue bundles from the wings.)

HUSBAND/WIFE: Oh, scene of scenes,Oh, joy of joys…

RAPUNZEL/PRINCE: We’ve been blessed with two twin boys!RAPUNZEL/PRINCE/HUSBAND/WIFE:

A happy ending for all of us…RAPUNZEL: Rapunzel…PRINCE: Her prince…WIFE: Her mother…HUSBAND: Her father…RAPPERS: Plus… (RAPUNZEL and PRINCE hold out the bundles.)ALL: Arugula and asparagus!RAPPERS: The end! (CURTAIN.)

END OF PLAY

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PRODUCTION NOTES

PROPERTIES LISTONSTAGE: A small, round table; two chairs; satchel; tower fl at; picket

fencingBROUGHT ON:

Watering can, garden shears, small basket, large basket, shopping cart (WITCH)

Pink bundle, with rag doll (WIFE)Brush [pre-set behind tower] (RAPUNZEL)Two blue bundles (PRINCE, RAPUNZEL)

COSTUMESThe HUSBAND, WIFE, RAPUNZEL and PRINCE should appear to come from a fairy-tale time, and WIFE should have a skirt with a large bustle that can be turned from back to front to represent a pregnant belly. The WITCH’S cloak should have a pocket inside to hold the garden shears.

ORIGINAL PRODUCTIONRap-Punzel was fi rst presented in association with The Department of Theatre and Dance at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas. The play was performed at the Huntsville Children’s Center in June 2005. Direction was by Whitney Ryan Garrity. The cast was as follows:RAPPERS ..................................Daniel Herrington, Curtis Judalet,

Michael KethanHUSBAND .................................Tyler JonesWIFE ........................................Wendy LucasWITCH ......................................Heather HodnottRAPUNZEL ................................Cady RaffertyPRINCE .....................................Brent McBeth

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