Welcome to the swamp! This is a story of love, treachery, and redemption. It is loosely based on a 17th century folk song, A FROG WENT A-COURTING.
The time-frame is as old as enchantment, the story as new as spring love.
It opens as our indulgent Grey Cat orphans a baby mouse when he makes lunch of her mother. Awakening in consciousness, he engages Uncle Rat, the most prominent creature at the pond, to care for her.
She grows into a lovely, sheltered mouse, having been educated by Uncle in every subject except real life experience.
As Uncle grows old he fears leaving her alone with no one to care for her so in secret, he solicits the help of his friend, Grey Cat, to find her a beau. Uncle’s long lost nephew arrives, along with problems and growing turmoil as Miss Mousey has recently fallen in love with the pond’s hero and swamp musician, the very charming, Froggy.
The story becomes untangled with spurned lovers, unrequited hearts, and a growing suspicion in Uncle’s heart that meddling in love could prove disastrous.
The colorful, supporting creatures bring humor, fun and gossip to the mix.
The eighteen new songs that run from jazz to rockabilly to folk to torch will linger in the minds of the audience long after the lights go out.
Bring the family and sit back, as a new folk tale unfolds, enchanting and capturing the attention of new audiences.
ROMANCE! MURDER! SINGING FROGS! What more could one ask!
CAST OF CHARACTERS (click to open)
Froggy: The archetypical hero, he is brave, eager, romantic, idealistic and “a pretty good musician.” He gets all the girls and is pretty nonchalant until he meets Mousey.
Gray Cat: begins the show as a self indulgent feline but changes to a more enlightened and responsible creature as a result of his dietary choices…and then discovers.. more change is required of him. He has humorous wisdom in his earnestness.
Uncle Rat: loving, protective, wise, and yet unwise perhaps, as he loves his adopted daughter and will sacrifice all for her. He and Gray Cat are old cronies solid in their devotion to each other. This role requires solo as well as duet singing with Gray Cat. Horace (the fake) Raymond: (M) (minimum age 14 must appear 16 or older) A charismatic villain, he assumes a false identity to secure his happy future as Mousey’s husband and Uncle Rat’s heir. He is charming and a city boy with great style. But who is under that charming façade?
Miss Toad: a “Red Hot Mama”…she leads with her “charms” but hides a broken heart and must learn to value herself. Loves Froggy and will do almost anything to get him. She is jealous of Mousey’s good fortune and must choose to become an enemy or an ally and discover where real love is found.
Left Bank: a true romantic (he’s French!); he never seems to get the girl…or does he? A humorous side kick for Froggy, he is in love with Miss Toad. Will need a French accent.
Poncho: the Latino wry third member of the three Frogskateers. He is muy macho and loyal to Froggy and Left Bank. He balances their emo tendencies. Will need a Hispanic accent…. think Antonio Banderas.
Ms Hen: she is fervently devoted to knowing everyone’s business and imparting her learned opinion on what they need to do about it. She firmly believes the swamp runs better with her in charge. Is always busy, bustling, and not listening.
Miss Goose: she is Gray Cat’s friend and is more fair in her judgments of others than her other crony Ms Hen. She has high hopes of becoming an accomplished vocalist…if she could just lose that nagging squawk in her voice from her “cold”. She shows us the value of persistence and faith.
Miss Pig: A comedic character, she likes to eat, and while dieting, likes to eat. ..actually, she is all about eating. She is sweetly oblique as she follows Miss Hen’s lead in about everything…especially the crème puffs!
FEATURED ENSEMBLE ROLES:
Mr. Badger: not the sharpest tool in the shed. He is the jailer and thinks in a direct line…no curves in his thinking…though he does appreciate curves on a lady.
The Real Raymond: the unsuspecting heir to Uncle Rat’s estate. He falls prey to the villain.
ENSEMBLE ROLES:
Rats 1, 2, 3
Mr. Rooster
Mr. Bumble
Mother Mouse: gives her life for her daughter. A Parisienne.
Google: a turtle
The Toadettes: backup singers and 60s style dancers for Miss Toad
Lightning Bugs, Tadpoles, Chicklette
ENSEMBLE ROLES:
Mr. Rooster
Mr. Bumble
Mother Mouse: gives her life for her daughter. A Parisienne.
Google: a turtle
The Toadettes: backup singers and 60s style dancers for Miss Toad
Lightning Bugs, Tadpoles, Chicklette
Stay tuned for more information about upcoming performances.
If you would like more information about licensing Swamp Opera, please contact us via email:shirleyjean7@yahoo.com