The child in all of us never gets tired of reliving again and again the antics and adventures of Tom, Huck, Becky Thatcher, and all the rest of Mark Twain's beloved characters. Developed at the Van Nuys, Calif., Actors Workshop by Tim Kelly, this dramatization appeals to the whole family. The large varied cast provides an opportunity to put whole families on your stage, too, if you desire.

All the familiar characters are here—Huckleberry Finn, Aunt Polly, Becky Thatcher, Widow Douglas, Muff Potter, Cousin Mary, and menacing Injun Joe. The action flows well, and scenes fly by in a lively fashion: The classic "fence-painting" scene, the school lessons from strict Mr. Dobbins, the eerie murder of Doc Robinson in the graveyard at midnight, the pirate journey to Jackson's Island where buried treasure proves very dangerous. Tom's side-splitting "funeral," Tom's courtship of Becky, and other scenes from the immortal classic. Packed with adventure, mystery, and wonderful comedy, it is designed for a simple yet effective production, complete with helpful notes to make rehearsals a source of fun.

In the basic one-set script special attention has been given to the female roles so that any director looking for a well-balanced cast will find it here. Also, the text has been arranged in such a fashion that the rehearsal schedule is both flexible and easy to manage. Action-filled, spirited, and packed with laughter to delight both cast and audience, the play runs approximately 90 minutes. Suitable for proscenium or arena production, here is a box office champion by one of America's best-known and most popular playwrights. For all groups and all ages of actors and audience.

Two acts; Basic set represents a street scene; Time, 1870's; Costumes, typical "old time" clothes if not authentic.

"Plenty of action...Moves quickly to cover most of the highlights of the original. The characters come through with strength, color, and humor. It should be an exciting play to stage." —Harold R. Oaks, Brigham Young University, Children's Book and Play Review. "Our dinner theatre with Tom Sawyer was a tremendous success. The version of this play which you have is easy and fun to do."—Gwen Waldrop, Waller, Texas, High School. "Tom Sawyer was a good choice for the group—fun and educational for the students..."—George Lawson, producer, Barn Theatre, Port Sanilac, Michigan.

See also: Adaptations of the Classics