Freedrama Main Page * Free Short Play Scripts * Free Plays for Kids

This play can be performed with as few as 15 actors or with as many as desired. Most parts can be played by females except for the parts of NICK and ANDRES, but the parts of NICK and ANDRES can be doubled if necessary.

Time and Place

Once upon a time…

In the Kingdom of Callentine

Set Design

Front of Castle: Prologue, Scene 1, Scene 2, Scene 3 and Scene 4

Inside Nick’s home (simple peasant home): Scene 5 and 6

Set can be changed before Scene 5 during an intermission or peasant house could be painted on inside of castle and castle turned around. Or a portable peasant house can be brought in front of the castle for Scene 5.

Prop List

Scene 2: fairy dust (glitter), medieval music for Scene 2

Scene 4: Strong man contest sign, big fake weight for contestants to lift, bag with 5 pieces of gold,

rags and ugly wig for Beauty

Scene 5: bread, table, chairs, bowls for stew, simple dress for Beauty, broom, reward poster

PROLOGUE

(A single light comes up on the FAIRY)

FAIRY

Now how is this story supposed to start? Let’s see… Oh, yes. Once upon a time there was a princess named Beauty who was lovelier than anyone else in the entire kingdom. But wait, that’s not really when the story started. It really started long ago, in a land far, far away… when Beauty was just a baby. Perhaps I should start by saying twice upon a time… Anyway… There was a royal family… the royal family of Callentine who had brought peace to their kingdom and led everyone out of the Dark Ages… by inventing the light bulb. Just kidding. They were kind and fair rulers who did what was best for the people. As a reward for their good deeds, I decided to make their newborn daughter the most beautiful person in the world. But as you will soon see, making Beauty that beautiful was a big mistake.

(FAIRY snaps her fingers and lights go to black)

SCENE 1

(Lights come up on a medieval village. A castle rises [C] above the peasants’ homes [L, R]. Villagers wander, going about their business. Two stop when they see the beautiful BEAUTY)

SARAH

Isn’t she the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?

MARY

She is a vision of perfection.

(The BEAUTY notices them talking about her)

SARAH

Her parents must have been truly good to receive such a treasure.

BEAUTY

(Angry)

What are you two staring at?

MARY

(Nervous)

We were just…

BEAUTY

(Mocks her)

“You were just” what? Staring? Gawking? Why don’t you go somewhere and mind your own business?

SARAH

Forgive us, Princess.

MARY

We didn’t mean to offend you. We humbly beg forgiveness.

(SARAH and MARY rush away nervously)

BEAUTY

Yeah, well forgive this.

(She throws stones at them)

Ha! Got them.

(Laughs)

That’ll teach them.

TUTOR

(He comes from castle)

Must you treat the peasants that way?

BEAUTY

(Pulls his long beard)

I must!

TUTOR

Can’t you behave like a lady?

BEAUTY

I will, if you will!

(Laughs)

TUTOR

Quit acting like such a beast!

BEAUTY

Don’t call me names or I’ll have Mommy chop off your head like he did to the rest of my tutors.

TUTOR

I meant it in the kindest way.

(She smiles at his change in tone. She throws another stone at a passing peasant)

TUTOR (CONT.)

I’m just worried about you. You don’t seem to care for anyone or anything. Someday you’ll insult the wrong person and you’ll be sorry.

BEAUTY

No, it’s them who will be sorry. Guards!

(GUARDS appear and she points to TUTOR)

Take him away.

TUTOR

What? What did I do?

BEAUTY

He bores me. Off with his head.

(Laughs as the GUARDS drag him off screaming)

So what is on my schedule today?

(She snaps her fingers and a SCRIBE appears in a hurry)

SCRIBE

(Nervously struggling to hold on to numerous scrolls in her arms)

Yes, Princess?

BEAUTY

(Knocks all the scrolls out of her arms)

Read me my schedule.

SCRIBE

(Scrambles to find the right scroll on the ground)

Well, you have a hair appointment at 9, a dress fitting at 10, a…

BEAUTY

Enough! I want to have a party instead.

SCRIBE

But Princess…

BEAUTY

BUT WHAT?!

(PEASANTS stop to see what is going on)

SCRIBE

But of course… I’ll go arrange it immediately.

BEAUTY

Good scribe.

(Pats her on the head)

You always keep your head about you.

SCRIBE

Yes, quite.

(SCRIBE exits)

BEAUTY

(To PEASANTS)

What are you staring at?

(PEASANTS scramble away)

HONOR

(Enters)

Hello, sister. How are you this fair day?

BEAUTY

Are you really that nice or are you just pretending?

HONOR

Whatever do you mean, good sister?

BEAUTY

You’re always so sweet. Don’t you ever get sick of being sweet?

HONOR

(Laughs)

Oh, sister, you always speak in such strange riddles. You always make me laugh.

BEAUTY

And you always make me sick.

HONOR

Where is your fair scribe off to?

BEAUTY

She is preparing a party.

HONOR

Oh, dear.

BEAUTY

Oh, dear, what?

HONOR

I already had a party planned.

BEAUTY

You? You never have parties. You’re not the popular one.

HONOR

I know. I thought it was a silly idea too, but mother insisted.

BEAUTY

Whatever for?

HONOR

Well… uh…

(Blushes)

BEAUTY

Well… uh… WHAT?

HONOR

You see… uh…

BEAUTY

Out with it, girl!

HONOR

There’s this prince…

BEAUTY

What prince?

HONOR

Prince Andres of Acrime.

BEAUTY

Never heard of him.

HONOR

He is soon to be the king of Acrime.

BEAUTY

Acrime? Where the devil is that?

HONOR

Sister? Did you not learn your geography lessons?

BEAUTY

Who cares about stupid geography?

HONOR

Well, Acrime is the large kingdom East of here. Mother says the kingdom is larger than ours.

BEAUTY

Larger than ours?! Impossible.

HONOR

You’re probably right.

BEAUTY

So why are YOU having a party for this prince?

(HONOR blushes and is silent)

BEAUTY (CONT.)

Oh, I know! The party is for me! So I can meet Andres. And I spoiled the surprise. How horrible of me. Well, I will be sufficiently surprised when you introduce me.

HONOR

Well, actually…

BEAUTY

I know you don’t want me to lie but it isn’t really lying. We wouldn’t want to disappoint mother.

HONOR

But…

BEAUTY

I must hurry and get on my most lovely dress. I want to look my best for our guest. Not that I don’t always look my best. I know one can’t improve on perfect beauty, but I shall try.

(BEAUTY exits happily)

HONOR

(Sad)

Actually, the party was for me.

(Honor exits. FAIRY appears)

FAIRY

Ahhh.

(FAIRY can get audience to do an “ahh” together melodrama style)

FAIRY (CONT.)

Poor Honor. That girl has put up with so much. Beauty has always treated her so badly, but Honor continues to be as kind as ever. I must do something for Honor. I must reward her for her goodness in some way. Maybe I could give her a golden brush… a magic mirror… Oh, I know….

(Snaps her fingers)

How about a handsome prince?

(ANDRES walks in. Stands proudly)

Yes, that should do nicely. That will infuriate Beauty for sure.

(Thinks)

But how can I keep Beauty from stealing him? Oh, I know.

(Snaps her fingers and ANDRES stumbles and waves his arms around)

I’ll make him blind. That will protect him from Beauty’s powers.

(FAIRY disappears. PEASANTS go about their business until they see ANDRES)

SAM

Look! Over there. A stranger.

JANIE

He looks like a prince.

MEG

That’s Prince Andres of Acrime.

KELLY

He’s rich.

And powerful.

SAM

He must be here to see our Princess Beauty.

JANIE

Or maybe he’s here to see her sister, Honor.

MEG

But Beauty is so much prettier.

KELLY

But Honor is so much nicer.

Maybe he’s here to see us.

SAM

Dream on.

ANDRES

Good peasants.

(ANDRES is guided by servants because of his blindness)

JANIE

Hello, good prince.

ANDRES

Is this the castle of the fair princess of Callentine?

MEG

Maybe. Which princess?

ANDRES

Oh, yes. There is more than one.

KELLY

Beauty and Honor.

ANDRES

Yes. This is the castle I seek. Thank you good people.

(He tosses them gold coins)

Thank you, good sir!

(ANDRES exits with servants)

SAM

But he never said whom he was coming for.

MEG

I’m sure we’ll find out. No one can ever keep a secret in this kingdom.

JANIE

Why are you looking at me?

KELLY

Come, we’re late for the party.

(PEASANTS all rush off to the party and FAIRY reappears)

FAIRY

I just love a good party. They might as well call it a surprise party because Beauty is going to get the surprise of her life.

(Smiles)

And she ain’t gonna like it one bit.

(Snaps her fingers and lights go black)

SCENE 2

(Many guests are attending the party. Medieval music is heard in the background. Everyone is dressed in fancy costumes and performs a dance that is choreographed to the music. HONOR and the QUEEN join in. BEAUTY hangs back and looks pretty)

HONOR

(After dancing)

Come dance the next dance, sister.

BEAUTY

I don’t want to mess up my dress.

HONOR

But it’s so fun.

BEAUTY

There are some things more important than having fun.

HONOR

Like what?

BEAUTY

Never mind. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ll wait here for the prince to arrive.

HONOR

He already has.

BEAUTY

What? And he didn’t say hi to me yet. Hasn’t he spotted my absolute beauty? Hasn’t he seen how radiant I am today?

HONOR

Uh… Beauty.

BEAUTY

What?

HONOR

He hasn’t seen anything.

BEAUTY

What do you mean?

HONOR

He’s blind.

BEAUTY

Blind? You mean he can’t see?

HONOR

I’m afraid not.

BEAUTY

He can’t even see my beautiful new dress?

HONOR

I’m sorry.

BEAUTY

(Nervous)

Then… then I’ll have to go talk to him.

HONOR

That would be a lovely idea.

BEAUTY

Yes, talk. I can do that.

HONOR

Come. I’ll introduce you.

BEAUTY

Yes, yes. Okay. Just give me a minute.

HONOR

I’ll bring him over.

(HONOR goes to get ANDRES)

BEAUTY

Oh, dear. What am I going to say? What can we talk about? “What do you think of my hair?” No, I can’t say that. “What do you think of my shoes?” No, that won’t work either. What shall I do?

HONOR

(Brings over ANDRES)

Andres. This is my sister, Beauty.

(ANDRES holds out his hand. BEAUTY reluctantly reaches out her hand. ANDRES takes her hand)

ANDRES

It is a pleasure to meet you.

(He kisses her hand)

BEAUTY

So good to meet you too.

(Silence)

Uh, so. How do you like my… I mean… how do you like…

ANDRES

The party?

BEAUTY

Yes.

ANDRES

It’s wonderful. Especially the music. I love the music.

BEAUTY

I hadn’t noticed.

ANDRES

It’s delightful.

(Silence)

BEAUTY

Well, guess you want to run along.

ANDRES

Honor did say she was going to give me a tour of the kingdom after the party. I’m looking forward to it.

BEAUTY

You are?

HONOR

It’s such a beautiful day outside. It should be lovely.

ANDRES

Your sister has been so kind to me. I wish I’d visited your kingdom years ago.

BEAUTY

(Insincere)

Yes, me too.

HONOR

Come, Andres. Let’s have one more dance.

BEAUTY

You can dance?

ANDRES

Well, not really.

HONOR

But I can’t either, so we make perfect partners.

ANDRES

We do!

BEAUTY

Yes, I guess you do.

(Another dance begins and HONOR and ANDRES join in. BEAUTY watches unhappily)

BEAUTY (CONT.)

Some sister Honor is. She goes and steals my prince. Well, I’ll show her. When I’m declared Queen of the Ball, as usual, then Andres will realize who the best princess is.

QUEEN

Attention everyone! Attention!

(Everyone gathers around)

We now must crown the Queen of the Ball.

(BEAUTY crosses to her mother

proudly)

And for the first time, the voting was unanimous. The envelope please.

(SCRIBE brings envelope)

And the winner is… Princess Honor.

(HONOR is shocked, as is BEAUTY. ANDRES cheers, as do the GUESTS)

GUESTS and ANDRES

Hip-hip hurray! Hip-hip hurray.

(HONOR is crowned and given flowers. She is embarrassed)

HONOR

This is such a special day for me. I will remember this always.

QUEEN

As our Queen of the Ball, you have the opportunity to make one royal decree.

BEAUTY

(to a nearby person)

No one can top my last one: a chance to vote on which dress I look best in. I spent a whole day modeling my dresses. What a chore.

HONOR

As Queen of the Ball, I decree that tomorrow will be a holiday.

GUESTS

No work! Hurray.

HONOR

And we will have a feast for ALL the people of our kingdom. Rich and poor.

GUESTS

Hurray!

HONOR

And…

BEAUTY

She’s only allowed one thing. That’s two.

(BEAUTY is totally ignored)

HONOR

We… we…

(HONOR is totally embarrassed. ANDRES steps forward)

ANDRES

Tomorrow we will have a wedding. Honor has agreed to marry me.

BEAUTY

What?!

GUESTS

Hip-hip hurray! Hip-hip hurray!

(PEOPLE crowd around ANDRES and HONOR and they all hurry off stage excitedly. SERVANTS linger, cleaning up)

BEAUTY

I can’t believe this. They didn’t even notice me today. I might as well be invisible.

(FAIRY godmother appears)

FAIRY

That can be arranged.

(She taps BEAUTY with her wand and throws fairy dust)

BEAUTY

Hey! What did you just do?

FAIRY

I made you invisible.

BEAUTY

You did?

FAIRY

I did. You have been the center of attention for too long. It’s time you learned what it’s like not to be noticed.

BEAUTY

Who do you think you are?

FAIRY

I’m your fairy godmother.

BEAUTY

Aren’t you supposed to be nice to me?

FAIRY

I was once. I’m the one who made you beautiful when you were a baby. Now I’m here to correct my error.

BEAUTY

Error. That was no error.

FAIRY

It was Beauty. You may be lovely on the outside but you are ugly on the inside.

BEAUTY

How dare you call me ugly!

FAIRY

You must stay invisible until you learn…

BEAUTY

Invisible huh? This could be fun.

(She kicks a SERVANT who thinks it is another one. SERVANTS get in a fight as a result)

Oh, how lovely.

(She pulls another SERVANT’S hair)

FAIRY

Oh, dear.

(BEAUTY picks up something and makes it float around)

MOLLY

It’s a ghost.

(SERVANTS scream and run out)

BEAUTY

This is great!

FAIRY

Maybe I need to rethink this. Zap!

(Zaps BEAUTY and she freezes)

Perhaps there is another way.

(She waves her wand)

FAIRY

Zippidy – wippidy – mippidy – do. You pick on servants and now they will pick on you!

(BEAUTY collapses and BLACKOUT)

SCENE 3

(QUEEN, HONOR, and ANDRES gather to talk to the SCRIBE)

QUEEN

This is dreadful. Are you sure she is nowhere to be found?

SCRIBE

I’m sorry, my queen. We have looked everywhere. She has just disappeared.

HONOR

This is all my fault.

ANDRES

No, it isn’t.

HONOR

Yes, I never should have hosted that ball. Beauty is the one who always has them. It’s terrible of me to take that from her. She must be so mad at me.

QUEEN

You are just as able to have parties as she is. She has no right to be upset about that.

HONOR

I must find her and talk to her. She must be devastated.

ANDRES

We will search everywhere for her, my princess. We won’t stop until we find her.

QUEEN

(To the SCRIBE)

Gather every available person. The search must begin immediately. A hundred pieces of gold to the one that finds her.

SCRIBE

Yes, my queen.

(They all depart)

FAIRY

This is all going according to my plan. Yes, I have a plan, believe it or not. You think I’m making this up as I go along, don’t you? Well, you’ll see. This story will have a happy ending. I’ll bet my wand on it. Now, to check on Beauty.

(Snaps fingers and blackout)

SCENE 4

(Outside the castle there is a strong man contest going on. Different people compete, trying the lift various objects)

MAYOR

Now we’re down to two contestants. Nick and Joe. Joe will go first.

JOE

No problem.

(Crowd cheers him on. He strains and doesn’t pick up the object)

MAYOR

Now you, Nick.

NICK

I’ll give it a try.

(Tries to lift it. Strains. Then does. Crowd goes wild)

MAYOR

Nick is the winner!

(Girls wave to NICK and blow kisses. Guys pat him on the back and shake his hand)

NICK

Thank you everyone. You are too kind.

MAYOR

And your prize.

(Hands over bag)

NICK

Five pieces of gold! That will feed my whole family for a month.

MAYOR

Congratulations.

NICK

Wow!

JILL

That’s quite a prize.

NICK

You can say that again.

JILL

Do you need someone to help you spend it?

NICK

I plan using this to feed all my brothers and sisters.

JILL

Oh, you’re no fun. Come on. Live a little. Let’s throw a party.

NICK

I’m not going to waste this money on some silly party.

JILL

I’ll dance every dance with you. I won’t leave your side.

NICK

No, Jill. Forget it. I’d rather feed my family a month, then play for a day.

JILL

Would you do it for a kiss?

NICK

Good-bye, Jill.

JILL

Fine. Be that way. There are a million boys that like me. I’ll go dance with one of them.

NICK

You do that.

MAYOR

Jill certainly is a beautiful girl, Nick. How come you don’t like her?

NICK

She doesn’t understand how important this money is to my family.

MAYOR

I must say I admire you, my boy. Not many young men your age would give up everything for a bunch of little orphan kids.

NICK

As far as I know I haven’t given up anything for them. My family and I have food, clothes, and a roof over our heads. What more could anyone want?

MAYOR

You got me there. Come, I want to introduce you to some friends of mine.

(MAYOR and NICK exit. BEAUTY enters in rags. She is completely messed up. She is dizzy and confused)

BEAUTY

Where am I?

MEG

Who are you?

BEAUTY

I’m Beauty.

JOHN

That’s a funny name.

BEAUTY

What’s so funny about it?

SALLY

Well, you’re not exactly…

(NICK enters and notices that BEAUTY is upset)

BEAUTY

(Notices her clothing)

Oh, what happened? Where are my lovely dresses? Who did this to me?

(Realizes)

My fairy godmother did this. Where are you? I demand you come to me immediately.

MEG

She’s crazy.

SALLY

Let’s go, Meg.

(NICK goes up to BEAUTY)

MEG

See you later, crazy girl.

SALLY

(To MEG as they go)

They should call her Ugly, not Beauty.

BEAUTY

Yeah, well, if I weren’t so nice, I’d call you a thing or two.

NICK

What seems to be the trouble?

(BEAUTY notices how handsome NICK

is)

BEAUTY

Uh… hi. I seem to have been greatly wronged and am seeking restitution.

NICK

Oh…

BEAUTY

Believe it or not, I am Princess Beauty.

(NICK tries not to laugh)

What’s so funny?

NICK

It’s just that… you look nothing like her.

BEAUTY

I know. My fairy godmother did this too me.

NICK

I thought fairy godmothers were supposed to be helpful.

BEAUTY

So did I. Where is she?

(Yells)

This isn’t funny, fairy godmother. If you don’t turn me back now, you’ll be sorry.

NICK

If you’re really Beauty, why don’t you just go home and tell them what happened? You can take a bath and get cleaned up and it will be okay.

BEAUTY

That’s an excellent idea.

(She marches up to the castle gate)

Hello, you stupid servants. Let me in. It’s Princess Beauty.

(They scramble and rush to open the door. But they stop her)

Get out of my way.

GUARD

Sorry, but you’re not Princess Beauty.

BEAUTY

I am so.

GUARD

You can’t possibly be.

BEAUTY

Step aside. I want to see my mother.

GUARD

No way! Back off.

BEAUTY

Don’t touch me.

(They push her out and she lands on the ground)

GUARD

And don’t try that again or we’ll throw you in the dungeon.

BEAUTY

(Cries)

Now what am I going to do?

NICK

(Helps her up)

Do you have anywhere else to go?

BEAUTY

No. No where.

NICK

Come with me. We’ll get you cleaned up and fed. Then we’ll decide what to do.

(NICK takes BEAUTY by the hand and leads her away)

HONOR

(Comes to gate)

Have you seen any sign of my sister?

GUARD

No, Princess.

HONOR

No one else has seen her?

GUARD

Oh, sure. Lots of people have come claiming the reward your mother offered. They say she’s anywhere from the stables to the moon. We even had one peasant come and claim she WAS Princess Beauty.

HONOR

Really?

GUARD

She looked nothing like her. She was all dirty and ugly.

HONOR

Didn’t you offer to help her?

GUARD

Uh, well…

HONOR

We should help all the people of our kingdom, especially those who are suffering.

GUARD

I’m very sorry, Princess. I will not error again.

HONOR

Please let us know immediately if there is any sign of Beauty.

(HONOR exits)

BILL

Hey there! I found her. I found the Princess Beauty!

(Points off L. LADY appears)

LADY

(Old and strange and dressed quite funny)

Here I am!

(They laugh as the lights fade to black. A spotlight comes up on FAIRY)

FAIRY

Well, well, well. Beauty has found herself a handsome peasant boy. A most unexpected development. A most unexpected and PLEASANT peasant development. A day or so among the “little people” might be exactly what Beauty needs to see things differently. Now for the difficult part. I must teleport all of you into Nick’s tiny home. It’s much smaller than this castle here. If you don’t mind I’ll have to shrink you down a bit. You will be no bigger than mice. You must all agree to stay in hiding though. Oh, yes and watch out for the family cat. He gets awful hungry this time of day. Everyone ready? Here we go.

(Snaps her fingers and black out)

What happened to the lights? What’s going on here? Did someone forget to pay the light bill? This is ridiculous.

(Remembers the audience. Turns on a small light)

Oh. I suppose all of you are more upset than I am about this. Now, no one panic. I’ve got everything under control.

(Her little light goes out)

I think.

(OPTIONAL INTERMISSION)

SCENE 5

(NICK takes BEAUTY to his humble home. It’s a simple peasant’s home)

NICK

Here we are.

BEAUTY

(Not pleased)

Oh.

NICK

What’s wrong?

BEAUTY

You live here?

NICK

That’s right. You’re used to your huge castle and all your fancy stuff.

BEAUTY

You’re making fun of me aren’t you?

NICK

I’m sorry. It’s just a little hard to believe you’re the princess.

BEAUTY

Well, I don’t care what you think. I’ll get along just fine without you.

NICK

Now, don’t be like that. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Aren’t you hungry?

(Holds out some bread to her)

BEAUTY

(Eyes bread)

Maybe a little.

NICK

Then eat.

(She takes it and eats greedily)

You are hungry.

BEAUTY

Where’s that big family of yours you told me about on the way over here?

NICK

They’re probably out for their afternoon walk.

(Hears them coming)

There they are now.

(They march in happily)

PETER

Hello, Nick!

NICK

Hello, family. I have great news.

PATTY

You found a goose that lays golden eggs?

NICK

Almost as good. I won the strong man contest. I won five pieces of gold.

KIDS

(Ad lib)

WOW! Way to go. Good job.

JANIE

That’s wonderful. That can feed us for a year.

NICK

Well, maybe not a year, but it will sure help.

CINDY

(She notices BEAUTY)

Who’s this, Nick?

JIMMY

Is it your girlfriend?

NICK

This is a friend in need.

SAM

What’s her name?

BEAUTY

Beauty. My name is Beauty.

(Some of the kids laugh)

JANIE

Don’t laugh. Even though she may not be beautiful on the outside, she must be beautiful on the inside. That’s the most important kind of beauty.

NICK

Well said, sister.

JANIE

Children. Run along and do your chores. Dinner will be ready soon.

(KIDS leave except for JANIE and NICK)

BEAUTY

If only that were true. I’m afraid I’m ugly inside and out.

JANIE

You mustn’t say that.

BEAUTY

But I am ugly on the inside. That’s why I was turned ugly on the outside too, because beauty is all that was important to me.

JANIE

Come with me. Let’s fix you up and we’ll see if we can’t find that beauty again.

(JANIE and BEAUTY exit out back L. There is a knock R by SCRIBE)

NICK

(Answers door and SCRIBE hands him a reward poster)

What’s this?

SCRIBE

I am the royal scribe. We are offering a reward for anyone who knows the location of Princess Beauty. 100 pieces of gold.

NICK

100 pieces? That’s a fortune!

SCRIBE

So if you see her…

NICK

I will let you know.

SCRIBE

Good day.

NICK

Uh, wait a minute. How do I know if it’s her?

SCRIBE

She’s the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. You can’t miss her.

NICK

But what if something happened? What if she got dirty or messed up somehow? How could you tell it was she?

SCRIBE

That’s a good question. We do have several impostors claiming to be her. Let me see… Oh, I know. She has a star shaped birthmark on her foot. You can’t miss it when she takes off her shoes, which she rarely does. It’s the one imperfection in her perfect beauty.

NICK

Thank you. I’ll let you know.

SCRIBE

Good day, then.

NICK

(Puts two and two together)

I wonder…

(There’s another knock at the door)

Who could that be?

JILL

Hi, Nick.

NICK

Oh, hi, Jill.

JILL

Aren’t you happy to see me?

NICK

Well…

JILL

I decided to forgive you for insulting me today.

NICK

You have, huh?

JILL

Yes, you were such a brute to me, but I can’t help myself. I still like you.

NICK

Lucky me.

JILL

So do you still want to go to the dance with me?

NICK

I already told you…

JILL

It won’t cost us anything. I hear Princess Honor is paying for everything.

NICK

Princess Honor?

JILL

It’s her wedding ball. Everyone is invited. And it’s free!

NICK

I heard it was canceled.

JILL

What?!

NICK

Princess Honor refuses to get married until Beauty is found.

JILL

Leave it to Beauty to ruin my plans. I hope they never find her.

NICK

That’s a terrible thing to say.

JILL

She’s so mean and awful. The only good thing about her is her looks.

NICK

I’m sure she’s a good, honest person like the rest of us.

JILL

I doubt it.

NICK

So I guess we don’t have to worry about the dance now.

JILL

I guess not. Do you want to go for a walk instead?

NICK

No, thanks.

JILL

Why not?

NICK

I have company.

JILL

You always have company.

NICK

Guess you’ll be going then…

JILL

What’s his name?

NICK

Whose name?

JILL

Your guest?

NICK

You mean, “her” name?

JILL

It’s a “her?”

NICK

Actually, she says she’s Princess Beauty but she looks nothing like her.

JILL

So do you like her?

NICK

I just met her.

JILL

But do you like her?

NICK

There’s something about her… something special…

JILL

I can see I’m not wanted. I better go.

NICK

Please don’t be mad, Jill.

JILL

But I thought you liked me?

NICK

I do… as… a friend…

JILL

But I’m so beautiful. How could you not like me?

NICK

There are more important things than beauty…

JILL

Fine, then. Good-bye… forever.

(She runs out)

NICK

I’d be worried about her but she said the same thing to me last week.

(KIDS return)

Are you finished with your chores?

(KIDS nod)

Are you washed up for dinner?

(KIDS look at each other nervously)

You know the rules. No washing. No dinner.

(KIDS reluctantly start to exit to wash up but stop when they see BEAUTY enter)

Wow. You look great.

(KIDS nod)

What did you do, Janie?

JANIE

A little scrubbing and a nice dress did a little bit of magic.

SAM

You’re pretty.

CINDY

Nick thinks so, too.

NICK

Run along kids and wash up.

(KIDS exit)

JANIE

(BEAUTY looks sad)

What’s wrong, Beauty?

BEAUTY

I don’t understand why you’ve been so kind to me. I’ve never done anything for you. I don’t have money to give you or anything else.

NICK

We are always willing to help those in need.

JANIE

Before they died, mother and father made us promise to always help people.

NICK

Half these kids aren’t even really our brothers and sisters. They’re orphans.

JANIE

Like us.

BEAUTY

But why? You don’t owe them anything.

NICK

There’s more to life than owing people something.

JANIE

I best go out and get the stew. It’s cooking over the fire outside.

NICK

And Beauty can help serve.

BEAUTY

Serve?

NICK

Would you mind?

BEAUTY

I’ve never served anyone.

NICK

This is a good time to start.

BEAUTY

Do I have to?

JANIE

She’s our guest Nick. She shouldn’t have to serve.

NICK

Whatever you say.

(JANIE exits)

I can’t believe you.

BEAUTY

What?

NICK

Janie was nice enough to clean you up and give you her best dress. Now you won’t help her with dinner.

BEAUTY

But I’m a princess. We don’t serve.

NICK

You’re a spoiled brat is what you are.

BEAUTY

How dare you!

NICK

How dare you.

BEAUTY

What about you?

NICK

Huh?

BEAUTY

I don’t see you serving either.

NICK

But I’m a man.

BEAUTY

Well, who’s the spoiled brat now?

NICK

That’s different.

BEAUTY

Oh, I see. The women serve the men. That’s how it works.

NICK

It’s no worse than EVERYONE having to serve the princess.

BEAUTY

It’s a totally different thing all together.

NICK

Wait, wait. Let’s not fight. I have an idea. Why don’t we both go help Janie?

BEAUTY

I suppose that would be a good compromise.

NICK

Let’s do it.

(KIDS enter as they exit)

PATTY

There go Nick and his girlfriend.

CINDY

He likes her doesn’t he?

PETER

I’ll bet he marries her.

JIMMY

He will not.

PETER

Will so.

JIMMY

Will not.

(JANIE enters with kettle, followed by BEAUTY and NICK with bowls)

PATTY

Dinner!

JANIE

Sit children and we’ll serve you.

CINDY

I want Beauty to serve me.

(BEAUTY sighs and gives a bowl to CINDY)

JIMMY

I want Beauty to serve me too.

(BEAUTY does)

PETER

Me too.

JIMMY

Me first!

BEAUTY

(Throws down a bowl)

What do I look like? A servant?

JIMMY

(Cries)

She yelled at me!

BEAUTY

Oh, golly.

JANIE

(Tries to comfort him)

It’s okay, Jimmy. She didn’t mean it.

BEAUTY

Quiet! I can’t stand all that noise.

(Other kids start to cry)

Ah!

NICK

(To BEAUTY)

Now, look here. You can’t go around and yell at my family. We’ve tried to be nice to you and look how you treat us.

BEAUTY

Fine, I’ll leave.

MANDY

(Youngest girl stops her)

Beauty. Please don’t go.

BEAUTY

I…

MANDY

You can stay. I’ll take care of you. I’ll feed you and make you pretty dresses.

BEAUTY

(Plops down and cries)

It doesn’t matter what I do. You all still like me. I don’t understand.

MANDY

It’s because you’re beautiful.

BEAUTY

Not anymore.

MANDY

I can see it inside you.

BEAUTY

(Hugs MANDY)

Thank you.

MANDY

(To NICK)

Please let her stay.

OTHER KIDS

Please.

NICK

Only if she cleans up that bowl of stew she threw down.

MANDY

I’ll do it for her.

NICK

No. Only she can do it or she needs to go.

MANDY

Please, Beauty. Please clean it up. We want you to stay.

JIMMY

I’m not mad at you. Please, don’t leave.

BEAUTY

Fine. I’ll clean it up.

KIDS

Yeah!

(BEAUTY starts to clean)

JANIE

That’s good enough. I’ll get the rest.

NICK

No, she has to clean it all.

(BEAUTY continues)

BEAUTY

Hey, you know. This isn’t so bad. In fact, it’s almost fun. Give me a broom, I want to clean the rest of the room.

(CINDY gets her a broom)

BEAUTY

This is fun.

NICK

Okay, okay. You did it. You can stop now.

BEAUTY

No, this is great. I’ve never had this kind of fun.

NICK

I’ve created a monster.

(KIDS cheer BEAUTY on as lights fade to black)

FAIRY

(A light appears on her)

And clean she did. Beauty attacked every piece of dirt like she was dueling an evil, fire-breathing dragon. “Take that, dirt. Take that!” She had never done anything as difficult, or as fun, or as wonderful. She cleaned until the sun faded in the West and she couldn’t see the end of the broom anymore. She was tired but happy… and forever transformed.

SCENE 6

(BEAUTY is sitting, her feet propped up on a chair. She is tired from cleaning. It is night. A candle is lit)

NICK

(Enters quietly)

You’re finally done?

BEAUTY

I even cleaned the bottom of the table.

NICK

(Looks under it)

I can’t believe it.

BEAUTY

I’ve never enjoyed myself that much before. And I’ve never been this tired.

NICK

You were incredible. It would have taken us a week to do that much cleaning. You have paid us back and more.

BEAUTY

Finally, a compliment.

NICK

I have been kind of hard on you.

BEAUTY

Kind of? I’ve never been treated so poorly.

NICK

This was definitely a day of firsts for you.

BEAUTY

You can say that again.

(She moans)

NICK

What’s wrong?

BEAUTY

My feet. They hurt so badly.

NICK

It’s those shoes. They look too small for you.

BEAUTY

Maybe so.

NICK

Can I take them off for you?

BEAUTY

No, that’s okay. I’m fine.

NICK

No, really. I’ll rub them for you.

BEAUTY

Oooh. A foot rub. How I miss those.

NICK

May I?

BEAUTY

No.

NICK

Please.

BEAUTY

Oh, I’m too tired to argue.

(He sits and she rests her feet in his lap)

I’ll have to warn you…

NICK

(Removes her shoes. He stares,

stunned)

The birthmark.

BEAUTY

Isn’t it ugly?

NICK

Ah… aah…

(Speechless)

BEAUTY

Nick? What’s wrong?

NICK

You’re the princess!

BEAUTY

I’ve been trying to tell you that.

NICK

(Falls on his knees)

Oh, your highness. I’m so sorry.

BEAUTY

Nick, please don’t grovel. That’s why I liked you. You didn’t feel like you had to treat me that way. I’m just a normal peasant girl now.

NICK

But why?

BEAUTY

My stupid fairy godmother did this to me. Correction: My smart fairy godmother. She’s made me like cleaning.

(Yells out)

It worked, fairy godmother. It worked! I’m happy not being a beauty.

(Looks at NICK)

I never thought I could live without my beauty, but I guess I can.

(CINDY and SAM wander in unnoticed)

NICK

Who said you weren’t beautiful?

BEAUTY

I look dreadful.

NICK

I don’t think you look so bad.

(CINDY motions in other KIDS)

BEAUTY

Really?

NICK

Really. You look good enough to kiss.

(He leans in and KIDS start giggling)

What are you all doing in here? You’re supposed to be in bed.

MANDY

We wanted to see you kiss her.

(KIDS giggle)

NICK

Go back to bed.

(KIDS exit)

Sorry about that.

BEAUTY

That’s okay.

NICK

So what do we do now?

BEAUTY

I don’t know.

NICK

Should I go get the Scribe? We can show him your birthmark and then you can go home.

BEAUTY

And you can get your hundred gold pieces for bringing me back home.

NICK

How did you know about that?

BEAUTY

I found the reward poster when I was cleaning.

NICK

I don’t want any reward.

BEAUTY

You’re crazy not to take it.

NICK

I should be paying them a hundred pieces of gold for letting me spend time with you.

BEAUTY

But I’ve been terrible to you and your family.

NICK

You may have upset me at times. But there’s something about you. The way you are that makes me never want to let you go. It’s not your beauty, it’s you.

BEAUTY

Oh, Nick.

(They hug)

NICK

Your fairy godmother took the beauty on the outside and put it on the inside.

BEAUTY

Thank you.

NICK

No, let’s thank your fairy godmother.

(FAIRY appears)

FAIRY

You called?

BEAUTY

There you are! I ought to…

(Grabs her)

Give you a big hug.

FAIRY

Well, this is certainly a change.

BEAUTY

I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done.

FAIRY

Perhaps I over did it a bit.

NICK

I suppose you’re going to change her back now.

FAIRY

I can and I will.

BEAUTY

No, wait. I just got used to being this way.

NICK

But don’t you want to be a princess?

BEAUTY

But if I become a princess, I can’t be with you.

NICK

You’d give all that up for me.

BEAUTY

You and your family were so good to me. You’re the first one to care for me for who I am, not what I look like. And I feel so good. Before I just felt bad all the time.

FAIRY

Oh, what to do, what to do. Fairy godmother rules say I must change you back since you learned your lesson.

BEAUTY

Can’t you break them, just this once?

NICK

But what about your family, Beauty? They’re worried about you. If you don’t go back…

BEAUTY

Oh, my goodness. I forgot about them. How awful of me.

FAIRY

Nobody’s perfect.

BEAUTY

Especially not me.

FAIRY

What will it be, Beauty?

BEAUTY

Why can’t I have both?

FAIRY

Both?

BEAUTY

Both Nick and my family.

NICK

Beauty?

BEAUTY

Yes, Nick.

NICK

You must go home.

BEAUTY

But, Nick…

NICK

Your family needs you. I know what it’s like to lose someone you love. It leaves an emptiness in your life that you can never fill. When my parents died…

BEAUTY

If you think that’s what’s best…

NICK

I do.

BEAUTY

But I don’t want to become so mean and terrible again.

FAIRY

You can be any way you want to be now. I promise.

BEAUTY

Then I better go.

NICK

I’ll miss you, Beauty.

(Takes her hands)

BEAUTY

I’ll miss you too.

FAIRY

Ready?

BEAUTY

Ready.

FAIRY

Here we go! Zap!

(Lights go black)

BEAUTY

It’s so dark.

FAIRY

Something’s wrong?

BEAUTY

Are we home yet?

NICK

(Runs into something)

I’m afraid not.

(There is a knock at the door)

I wonder who that is. I guess we’ll never know because I can’t find the door.

FAIRY

Now what’s the spell for turning on lights.

(She claps her hands twice)

Clap on!

(The lights return)

FAIRY (CONT.)

That was easy.

NICK

I’ve got the door.

(Opens it)

JANIE

It’s me, Nick. I’ve brought someone.

(She leads in HONOR and the QUEEN with SCRIBE and GUARDS)

BEAUTY

Sister! Mother!

(She runs and hugs them)

QUEEN

Beauty? Is it really you?

HONOR

What happened to you?

BEAUTY

Something wonderful.

QUEEN

I don’t understand.

BEAUTY

I haven’t been the nicest person in the world and my fairy godmother here decided to turn me inside out.

HONOR

I’m so glad you’re safe.

BEAUTY

I don’t know what would have happened to me if it hadn’t been for Nick.

QUEEN

Nick?

NICK

(On his knees)

Yes, your highness.

QUEEN

Please rise.

(The kids all start to gather)

Hello, children.

CINDY

Are you really the queen?

QUEEN

I’m really the queen.

CINDY

I don’t believe you.

NICK

Cindy, show some respect.

QUEEN

That’s okay. She seems like a sweet girl.

BEAUTY

Thank you all for taking care of me. You’ve all been so wonderful.

MANDY

Are you leaving us?

SAM

Please, don’t go.

NICK

She must go. She’s a princess.

BEAUTY

But… I can’t just go back to the way I was. I like my new life.

QUEEN

What are you saying? You don’t want to come home?

BEAUTY

I don’t want to be who I was before. And I can never be as good as Honor.

HONOR

What do you mean?

BEAUTY

I’m still not as beautiful as you are, sister. I don’t think I ever can be.

HONOR

But you are the most beautiful woman in the kingdom.

BEAUTY

I used to think so, but not anymore. Now I think you’ve always been the most beautiful, we just couldn’t see it.

FAIRY

I can return your beauty to you now.

BEAUTY

No, I don’t think I want my beauty anymore.

NICK

I think you’re beautiful now.

PETER

Don’t change, Beauty.

BEAUTY

I don’t think I will.

HONOR

Mother? Can’t we let Beauty stay here?

QUEEN

My daughter? A peasant? Never.

HONOR

Then why don’t you get rid of the peasants.

NICK

What?!

HONOR

That sounded terrible. What I mean is why don’t you make all the peasants nobles, lords, and ladies? We can give them all some of our riches and they can all live as well as we do.

QUEEN

I suppose we could do that.

BEAUTY

Oh, please, mother.

QUEEN

Okay. We’ll do it!

ALL

Hurray!

QUEEN

We will open the royal treasuries. We’ll give away all our excess clothes and food. No one will ever suffer in our kingdom again!

ALL

Hurray!

QUEEN

And we’ll start with our friends Nick and Janie.

NICK

Please, your highness. We don’t need anything. We are happy as we are.

QUEEN

What?

JANIE

We have everything we need.

QUEEN

But you don’t have silver plates and purple robes. You don’t have golden chairs and fuzzy slippers.

BEAUTY

All things we can live without.

HONOR

How about no more taxes?

NICK

It’s a deal.

(Shakes QUEEN’s hand)

QUEEN

No… no… no more taxes. Are you sure we can do that?

HONOR

Yes, mother. We can. We have more money than we know what to do with and soon I’ll be married to Andres and living in his kingdom.

QUEEN

Then who will lead my kingdom?

BEAUTY

Perhaps Nick would be willing.

NICK

Me?

BEAUTY

You could make him a prince, mother.

NICK

Me?

BEAUTY

And then we could get married.

NICK and QUEEN

Married?

KIDS

Hurray!

HONOR

I think it’s a wonderful idea!

QUEEN

I think we’re out voted, Nick.

NICK

It looks that way.

QUEEN

This is certainly one of the most unusual things that has ever happened in my kingdom.

BEAUTY

You can say that again.

NICK

You sure this is what you want to do, Beauty?

BEAUTY

I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.

(They hug)

HONOR

It looks like we’re going to have a double wedding!

KIDS

Hurray!

PETER

I get to be best man!

CINDY

I get to be the maid of honor.

MANDY

I want to be the flower girl.

QUEEN

What have I gotten myself into?

(Lights fade to black)

EPILOGUE

FAIRY

(A light comes up on her. She’s sobbing happily)

Wasn’t that a touching story? Oh, I’m sorry. I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

(Gets herself under control)

Things were never the same in the kingdom again. Peasants were freed from their burden of taxes and numerous holidays were declared for the upcoming weddings of Beauty to Nick and Honor to Andres. And they all lived happily ever after, of course.

(Stops as if someone has asked her a question)

Me? I’m off to Hawaii for our centennial fairy godmother convention. I heard the big island is going to blow its top. That will be quite a show. Almost as good as this one. Bye now!

(Snaps her fingers and lights fade to

black)

END OF PLAY

ADAPTED MONOLOGUES

"FAIRY GODMOTHER"

monologue

by D. M. Larson

PRINCESS BEAUTY

Nick, please don't grovel. That's why I liked you. You didn't feel like you had to treat me that way. I'm just a normal peasant girl now. My stupid fairy godmother did this to me. Correction: My smart fairy godmother. She's made me like cleaning.

It worked, fairy godmother. It worked! I'm happy not being a beauty.

I never thought I could live without my beauty, but I guess I can. But, I can't just go back to the way I was. I like my new life. I just don't want to be who I was before. I can never be as good as Honor.

I'm still not as beautiful as you are, sister. I don't think I ever can be. I used to think I was the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, but not anymore. Now I think you've always been the most beautiful the whole time, I just couldn't see it.

No, Fairy Godmother, don't change me back. I don't think I want my old beauty anymore. It does me more harm than good.

END OF MONOLOGUE

***

"THE MOST BEAUTIFUL"

monologue

by D. M. Larson

PRINCESS BEAUTY

But, I can't just go back to the way I was. I like my new life.

I just don't want to be who I was before. I can never be as good as Honor.

I'm still not as beautiful as you are, sister. I don't think I ever can be.

I used to think I was the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, but not anymore. Now I think you've always been the most beautiful the whole time, I just couldn't see it.

No, Fairy Godmother, don't change me back. I don't think I want my old beauty anymore. It does me more harm than good.

END OF MONOLOGUE

***

"WITHOUT MY BEAUTY"

monologue

by D. M. Larson

PRINCESS BEAUTY

(Yells out)

It worked, fairy godmother. It worked! I'm happy not being a beauty.

(Looks at NICK)

I never thought I could live without my beauty, but I guess I can.

END OF MONOLOGUE

***

"INSIDE OUT"

monologue

by D. M. Larson

NICK

I don't want any reward. I should be paying them a hundred pieces of gold for letting me spend time with you.

You may have upset me at times. But there's something about you. The way you are makes me never want to let you go. It's not your beauty, it's you.

Your fairy godmother took the beauty on the outside and put it on the inside. Let's thank her for turning you inside out and making you someone I can love.

END OF MONOLOGUE

***

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