From the author: "Storyville was created to be our spring 2002 show. The script was written with simplicity and budget in mind. It was designed to be flexible, manageable, and, most importantly, entertaining. We enjoyed much success with our run, and I am sure others will as well."

A Wise Woman enters carrying a large book titled Storyville. She crosses to Center Stage, sits and addresses the audience. "Storyville is the town where everyone has a fable to unfold and a tale to tell. Stories are different, but they all begin with 'Once upon a time...'." Numerous players enter, all talking at once until the Wise Woman signals to the audience, blows her whistle, and starts the procession of stories with the Lion King and his bad breath.

When given the opportunity, most people will jump at the chance to tell their story. The characters in this one-act play are no different. You see, everyone in Storyville has a tale to tell. The problem is, they all want to talk at the same time.

Other tales include a farmer and his family that felt their house was too small until the Wise Woman solved their problem; the Gingerbread Boy; a vain, rich woman who wanted attention until she got it with a dress of rags; a little red hen who refused to share her bread with her friends who had refused to help her raise the grain; and a farmer who needed help to pull up a big turnip (asking children in the audience for help).

Adults and children alike will take delight as many of their favorite characters come forward on stage to share their stories.

Also: five fishermen who thought one had drowned when each one doing the counting failed to count himself; followed by Chicken Licken, who thought the sky was falling; and finally Foxy Loxy, who was outwitting several of the others when all the characters rush on stage trying to say the last line to each of the stories. The Wise Woman says that there is only one way to end all good stories and asks the audience to chant, "They all lived happily ever after." She closes the book as she says, "The end."

This quick paced, audience participation play is easy to mount and can be performed in any type space. The flexible casting and simple set and costumes make it ideal for both schools and touring companies.

See also: Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables