The emotional story, exotic scenery, spectacle, sound effects and background music utilizing Japanese themes and instruments electronically produced to create the varied moods of the play—all blend to produce what could well be the most memorable play ever mounted on your stage. Often called "Kaguya Hime" (Glittering Lady), the story of the Shining Princess is one of Japan's best-known and most-beloved tales. The earliest written version (Tales of the Bamboo Cutter or Taketori Monogatori) was produced a thousand years ago and is believed to be the oldest piece of fiction in Japanese literature. So well known, in fact, is Princess Kaguya Hime that scenes from her story are pictured on modern Japanese postage stamps.

The play tells the story of Moonbeam, mysterious daughter of the Moon King. She is hidden as a tiny babe inside a magically glowing bamboo, to be discovered on the night of the August Moon by the childless Bamboo Cutter. The play presents the comedy and adventure of Moonbeam's bumbling suitors; the startling revelation of her true identity and fate; the dramatic clash between the Moon King and the Emperor; and finally, Moonbeam's bittersweet departure from her earthly loved ones.

The taped music score, utilizing Japanese themes and instruments, is electronically produced to create the varied moods of the play. The score ranges from eerie forest music, to comic fanfares, to unearthly fantastic effects. All the sound effects indicated in the script are stylized and incorporated into the soundtrack. The action of the play is continuous, with music and dance facilitating the transitions. There are no complete blackouts or curtains. There are no vocals (some of the words are chanted to music), but the script calls for several dances, and much of the other movement (such as the fight between boatmen and a dragon) may be choreographed. Though the script lends itself to exotic decor and spectacle, the play can also be produced in fairly modest fashion. Production notes at the end of the script provide suggestions for simplifying or embellishing. Performers have ranged in age from elementary school students to adults in its many productions.

One act; Set, several scenes with minimal scenery; Place, Japan; Time, 1000 years ago.

"Originally written for a large-scale production, Shining Princess is versatile enough to be scaled down for classroom or touring..."—BYU Children's Book Review, which gave the play an "A" rating. "The plot is fascinating...Real touches of poetry...a fine job of introducing children to a beautiful story from another culture...well-crafted...rich in authenticity, splendor, magic, and humor...high artistic level."—CTAA judges' comments in recommending the play for production.

Other Ashby plays: Don Coyote, Happily Ever After, Once Upon a Broomstick, Once Upon a Santa Claus, Professor Zuccini's Traveling Tales, Santa Claus is Missing

See also: Plays with a Foreign Flavor