Christopher Columbus was a dreamer born in a questioning age. A free spirit—perhaps a little brat as a child—he grew up to become a brilliant visionary who remade the world. Although he has his detractors who blame him for many of the ills in today's America, the fact remains that he is one of the most important persons in American and world history. This play, designed for audiences of all ages, gives the world a chance to know him better.

The curtain rises on 10-year-old Christopher, a feisty little kid in Genoa who would rather play with toy boats than eat supper. He gets a paddling when he tells his teacher that the earth is round. And he dreams. Cleverly plotted to flow from scene to scene without annoying breaks, the play shows Columbus growing up, falling in love, getting married—and dreaming. He takes his dream of sailing westward to reach the East to King John of Portugal—and nearly loses his life. He takes his plans to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in Spain—and waits seven years in poverty, frustration, and the jeers of his companions before the monarchs call him for a hearing. The play ends on Oct. 12, 1492, when the lookouts on the Pinta, the Niña, and the Santa Maria see land.

Lewis Hardee did extensive research to make the play authentic, and he used his experience in theatre to make it exciting, amusing, emotional, and captivating. It may be presented as a musical with a score by the author. Premiered in New York's Open Gate Theatre. Suitable for all ages. The cast may be very large (minimum: 6-8 men, 5-8 women). Simple set (virtually bare stage). Even though this is a period play, costumes need not be expensive. Information regarding costumes may be found in the Production Notes of the script.

Other musical/non-musicals: A*B*C*, Airport 1904, Hansel and Gretel, Heidi, How Reading Came Back to Nowhere, I Just Wanna Tell Somebody, It Happened in Hamelin, Robin Hood, The Wizard of Oz

See also: Plays with a Foreign Flavor