Once Upon a Texas is a book of eight short plays with flexible casts, 5-20 minutes in length, based on actual events.

Texas Between the Rivers—a humorous tale about Stephen F. Austin's very first settlers.10 minutes; 4m, 2w, extras
Texas By Any Other Name—a colorful account of the naming of Texas.10 minutes; 8m, 4 m or w, extras
A Capital Idea—a humourous look at Austin's problems in choosing the site of his capital.5-10 minutes; 4m, 4 m or w
It Takes a Heap of Lovin' —a specialty number in choreographed mime and hoe-down dance as pioneers build a log cabin.5-10 minutes; 2-6m, 2-6w, 1 m or w
Life in the Country—a poignant dramatic portrayal of the fear of the wild and the daily struggle for food.5-10 minutes; 9m, 8w, extras
Those Revolting Texians—a dramatic portrayal of events of the Texas Revolution.5-10 minutes; 9m, 1w, 1 m or w
Three-Legged Willie—a humorous look at the first district court in the Republic of Texas.10 minutes; 12m, 2w, extras
Pecos Bill and the Texas Stars—an action-packed comedy in which Pecos Bill invents Texas.10 minutes; 1m, 1w, extras

The first seven playlets give a fictional but more or less true picture of what life was like in Stephen F. Austin's original colony from its earliest settlers to the establishment of the Republic of Texas. The eighth short play in this collection—Pecos Bill and the Texas Stars—depicts the fanciful "invention" of the Lone Star State by its most famous folklore character, Pecos Bill, and his wild, wild bronco, Widow-maker.

The historical sketches are based on research for a Columbus, Texas, Sesquicentennial Pageant commissioned by Columbus Homes Tours, Inc. for the 150th birthday of the city of Columbus in 1973, and a Fayette County Historical Pageant commissioned by the Fayette County Commissioners Court for presentation during the Texas Sesquicentennial in 1986.

You may present one, all eight, or any combination of the playlets. The seven historical sketches fit together well for a full evening's entertainment, as well as a tribute to the men and women who gave us Texas as we know it today. Pecos Bill and the Texas Stars provides a lively, cheerful conclusion to the seven historical sketches. The same performers may be used in all the playlets, or a different cast may be chosen for each, which means that a fairly small or a very large group of actors may appear on stage. The plays are suitable for all groups and all ages. Bare stage with set pieces added as needed. The amount of music—ranging from much to none, recorded or live—must be decided by each director.

See also: Collections of Skits and Playlets