Author Jack Dyville titled his modern version of the Jonathan Swift classic Gulliver's Travels, a Play with Music. The premier production was given by Youth Education on Stage under his direction in Williston, North Dakota.

Gulliver is washed ashore in Lilliput where he is called upon to fight a battle between King Little of Lilliput and King Bombo of Blefescu. He prefers using words rather than physical strength or weapons. King Bombo and King Little have been rivals for years, but the marriage of their children appears to be the event that will finally bring the two kingdoms together. Then, at the eleventh hour, the two kings will not compromise on which of the two countries' national anthems will be sung at the wedding of their children, Princess Glory of Lilliput and Prince David of Blefescu. Fortunately, Gulliver is forced into the role of mediator. With the help of the more reasonable members of the royal families, Gulliver manages to put everything right again before the citizens build a new ship to send Gulliver back to sea!

The original Gulliver played guitar on stage and accompanied his songs. If your actor does not play a piano or guitar, one can be used offstage or he can sing acappella. It is clever and funny and combines dialogue with verse throughout, giving the citizens' chorus an old-fashioned Greek theatre style to perform.

Set, throne room and outdoors; Modern language; Fairytale costumes.

Other Dyville plays: Barabbas, Country Christmas Carol, Those Magical Red Sneaks

See also: Adaptations of the Classics; Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables