Hans Christian Andersen's tragic story is dramatized with love and tenderness. Ragged, hungry little Maggie tries to sell matches on the icy streets of a cold city, but no one will buy them—not because people are malicious or spiteful, but because they are so involved in their own interests that they fail to understand the needs of others. In desperation Maggie lights her matches to warm herself. She doesn't get warm, but somehow her pitiful little flame lights up the world around her. It is especially meaningful at Christmas—or any season.

Maggie may be almost any age of childhood—from a preschooler to a young high school girl. And her story appeals to children and adults alike. This play is ideal for directors who want to use a large number of people; the size of the cast is virtually unlimited. Fourteen girls and eleven boys appeared in the premiere production. However, the size of the cast may be drastically reduced by letting some of the characters play two, or even three, parts. The Usher, for example, might double as the Grandmother and a passerby.

The outdoor staging may be elaborate or simple. Authentic Victorian costumes may be used against a three-dimensional set. Or the costumes may be symbolic capes and hoods and the set may be a simple cardboard cut-out painted to represent the facade of a row of buildings. In fact, the play may be set in the present day with modern dress. The Director's Script includes a detailed discussion of costumes and set.

"The people of Alaska will benefit by being able to see this fine play."—KUAC-TV, Fairbanks. "We are again using The Little Match Girl for our Christmas program this year...Thanks for such delightful material."—Suzette Valentine, Edgewood, Tex., High School.

Also available: The Little Match Girl, the Musical by Sidney Berger and Theo Fanidi.

Other Ammann plays: A Canterbury Tale from the Wife of Bath, A Ghost for Rosanda, The Little Troll without a Soul, The Magic Well, The Steadfast Tin Soldier

See also: Elementary/Jr. High and Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables