Trolls, according to Scandinavian folklore, are sprite-like creatures without souls. But the Little Troll in this play wants a soul. His chances of getting one seem nil, however, because he lives with a Witch who lacks not only a soul—she doesn't have a heart either. This heartless old Witch dotes on ugliness. "Beauty fades, but ugly lives forever," she proclaims. Attempting to make the world as ugly as possible, she traps pretty young girls and turns them into ugly old rag dolls. When the play opens the Witch is laying plans to trap Michele, a little girl that the Troll has had his eyes on. She's something he'd like to find under his Christmas tree—but not as an ugly rag doll. The Witch wants to trap Michele, not only because the little girl is pretty, but also because Michele's grandfather owns a magic rose. The Witch wants the rose.

The play is another exciting romp through toyland in the inimitable manner of Herman Ammann, author of such favorites as The Magic Well, A Canterbury Tale From the Wife of Bath, and The Little Match Girl. Ammann's plays delight little children because of their fairyland characters and suspenseful action, and they titillate adults with their subtle glimpses of mankind's foibles. His characters are people you know. And things they do are the things you know you do—and shouldn't. That's why no writer of children's plays anywhere does a better job of entertaining the parents while charming the kiddies.

An easy play to stage for all groups. Simple interior set; doll and fairyland costumes.

"Our children love the play [The Little Troll Without a Soul], the plot is excellent and parts are handled easily by the children."—Marjorie Price, Chipman Elementary School, New Brunswick, Canada. "Everyone, children and adults alike, are leaving the theater smiling and ready to come back for more!"—Karen Letts, Ft. Bend Community Theater, Houston, Texas.

Other Ammann plays: A Ghost for Rosanda, The Steadfast Tin Soldier

See also: Christmas Musicals