Freely adapted from ancient Spanish and Italian folklore, these Tales are set within the theatrical framework of a company of traveling players headed by Professor Zuccini, impresario. The script can accomodate a small company (six minimum), but also provides parts for a much larger group. The tales are The Flower Sisters, in which a widow washer-woman and her three daughters outwit the devil; The Pasta Brothers (Vermicelli and Rigatoni), in which the "dumb" brother outsmarts the smart one; and The Proud Prince, who must learn humility to find a bride (the youngest Flower Sister). Three tales make a full evening's entertainment (70-90 minutes), or each may be presented separately as a one-act play. The Brigham Young University Children's Book Review gave the play an "A" rating for audiences K-6. "This collection of three folk tales produced in Commedia style is a theatrical delight...Dialogue is quick paced, action abounds and the piece should be fun for a cast to perform."—Harold R. Oaks.

As to style, think in terms of a friendly, familiar touring company returning to a small town for a performance. The Troupe welcomes the audience, then sets up for the plays. In addition to a wheelbarrow, washtub, and small ladder, they also carry on one or two large wooden boxes or trunks (the boxes can be painted to look like old-time theatre trunks). Containing props, make-up, and costumes, the trunks are also used as furniture and scenery. The stage is bare except for what the actors carry on. Professor Zuccini acts as all-round Master of Ceremonies. Using vaudeville-type title cards, Professor introduces each Tale, plays roles, hands props to actors, helps in shifts, throws cues to actors, even holds a book if necessary. The general format should be loose, inventive, physical. Actors can wear a simple basic costume to which other bits and pieces may be added—in view of the audience. Incorporate musical instruments or toy music-makers, plus whatever "home-made" effects the company improvises. The particular talents of the company should be exploited. Variety acts can be added between the Tales. Males can play the older comic women's roles; likewise, females can play Gold Nose, Professor, and other roles designed for men. The whole company should be involved in the set-up, the shifts, in creating special sound and music effects, in the strike, and finally, in the farewell and departure.

One of the many charms of this play is its suitability for so many different types of performing groups. Prior to publication, it was well tested and polished with productions by adult touring companies, high school, junior high, and elementary students, and a 4-H Club, in Texas, New Mexico, Montana, and California. It appeals to tiny children, to teenagers, and to adults.

"I must tell you, as a teacher, how perfect your play has been for us. I loved the idea of being able to use all of the students in the class...The lines are perfect for a young audience, and they allow the performers to really show their stuff," a junior high director wrote the author. From the review in the Louisville Courier-Journal: "Professor Zuccini's Traveling Tales provides a zesty, wacky garnish on this year's Classics in Context Festival...with high spirits, creative comedy talents and generous helpings of vaudevillian fun."