A Quickie Money-Maker in 2 acts. Quickie? Yes, it is one of four from Clark that can be ready for an audience after only 4 or 5 rehearsals. The others are The Saga of Sagebrush Sal, Ragweed Cowboy Joe, and The Shaky Tale of Doctor Jakey. Most of the lines are read by a narrator while the performers portray the action on stage; thus, very little memorization is involved. Most of the characters are melodramatic stereotypes with broad, exaggerated movements—the kind of acting that is easy for actors but entertaining for fun-loving audiences. Money-Maker? Ask anyone who's done them. They have made tons of money from professional dinner theatres to Scouts and 4-H groups. Omit parts or change them to meet your needs.

History combined with comedy makes this an ideal play for Presidents Day, the Fourth of July, and other patriotic celebrations. It's wildly, wonderfully funny. It does not pretend to be an authentic biography of Washington; as the Announcer points out in his opening lines, this play gives a peek at what might have been in the private life of the Father of Our Country. There are intentional anachronisms and fanciful tampering with history. It's all in fun. Patriotic shows often are so staid and factual that they defeat their purpose. In this one George Washington is presented as a human being who, like all other human beings, sometimes makes errors. Nothing in the play is intended to dishonor him or picture him in an unfavorable light; each scene ends with Washington triumphant.

Since the play is not historically accurate, costumes do not have to be authentic down to the last hemstitch, although eighteenth century dress should at least be suggested. The tricorne, or three-cornered hat, and the knee breeches are distinguishing features. The "little" boys in Act I may wear buckskin jackets, jerkins, vests, and other timeless garments, with ankle-length dresses for he girls. Scenery is minimal to allow for quick scene changes. In most cases the set can be changed during the time it takes the Announcer to deliver his introductory speech for the new scene. A couple of benches may suggest the schoolroom; two or three cardboard or plywood trees make a wilderness, etc.

The Director's Script for this play gives details and drawings for costumes, scenery, props, and other technicalities, as well as suggestions for making the show more ribald or more conservative. Provision is made for specialty song and dance numbers, if desired.

See also: Melodramas