Here's something different. Give it a try. This dramatization of Lewis Carroll's nonsense poem has a group of frumious characters galumphing aboard a space ship in search of a snark. Is there such a creature? Will our friends outgrabe in despair if they encounter a Bandersnatch? The lively music and fast action, trademarks of Jackson's plays for Children's Theatre, keep young audiences enraptured without a moment to get restless. As for adults—it'll fritter your wig. Professionally premiered by the Children's Musical Theatre of Mobile, Ala.

Originally toured with four actors—three men and one woman—The Hunting of the Snark can use as many as nine performers—all male, all female, or any combination.

Like Alice in Wonderland the whole thing has the flavor of a kaleidoscopic dream. Four persons—the Captain, the Butcher, the Banker, and the Lawyer—go on a wild hunting expedition in search of a Snark. What's a Snark? Nobody knows because no one has ever seen one. Where do Snarks live? Nobody knows. Are they dangerous? Well, probably not...

But oh, beamish nephew, beware of the day
If your Snark be a Boojum! For then
You will softly and suddenly vanish away,
And never be met with again.

Lewis Carroll put his adventures on a sailing ship in the ocean; Eugene Jackson put his on a spaceship in space, searching for the planet of the Snark. Also making the journey is an eager Beaver, played in the origianl production by a hand puppet (to keep the size of the cast down).

Suitable for performers of any age and recommended for child audiences, the play is full of action and noise—the kind of play that keeps kids in their seats. The lively music by David Ellis offers opportunities for clever, original choreography, which should be as nonsensical and humorous as the rest of the play.

Other Jackson musical adaptations: Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio, The Secret Garden, The Wizard of Oz, You're a Grand Old Flag

Jackson originals: Amazing Grace and Her Jellybean Tree, Coffey Pott Meets the Wolfman, Eager Beaver Builds a Dam, Ghoul School, Hippie!, Little Red Riding Wolf, Rag Dolls, Who Can Fix the Dragon's Wagon?