Play: THE STONE OF DUTY

All club plays are written as a group collaboration between the participants and the group leader.
September 18, 2010

THE STONE OF DUTY
Starring:

Wizard Snumblesnore (Finn)
Crystal the Universal Princess(Molly)
The Flower Gardner named Unicorn (Sky)
Esamaya the Bollywood Goddess (Sage)
Royal Kingdom Clown (Summit)
The Rope Charmer (Tristan)

Synopsis:
Intro. Set in the clouds, Esamaya looks over the land and senses a disturbance. She fears that the evil Sorcerer of Doom will return to the land, bringing darkness and suffering. She sees light coming from the castle laboratory of Wizard Snumblesnore. She blesses his work, trusting that he also senses the return of the Sorcerer of Doom and is working on a solution
I. Within the stone walls of Wizard Snumblesnore's lab, tiny lightning rods, bursts of color and snapping, fizzing sounds shoot around his work table. He reaches into his 'materials cylinder' and pulls out eye of newt, frog warts, ect. To complete this potent potion that will alter dark destiny, the wizard must add one ounce of good humor, 1000 snake scales, several wildcrafted herbs and The Stone of Duty. He resolves to venture into the town to seek the items from the market... all but the Stone of Duty... it would be difficult to procure the precious stone from the princess of the town...
Esamaya is still watching from the clouds and conspires to create an event that will bring the princess and wizard together.
II. Once in town, Wizard Snumblesnore navigates the hustle and bustle of the market. He follows the laughter to where Royal Kingdom Clown is busking(street performing). After the performance, the wizard appeals to the clown for an ounce of good humor. The clown is more than happy to help his friend the wizard. Next, Wizard Snumblesnore approaches the Rope Charmer. After the Rope Charmer performs a masterful rope levitation act, the wizard tells him of his need for 1000 snake scales. Of course! The Rope Charmer runs off to ask his cousin the Snake Charmer for the scales. He returns promptly with a golden cask full of scales. The wizard is very grateful. Lastly, the wizard finds his friend Unicorn, a flower gardener. The wizard details the various plants needed for his potion, and Unicorn's nimble hands pick through foxgloves, borage and geraniums seeking the flowering herbs needed. She briefs Wizard Snumblesnore on the rumor that Crystal the Universal Princess would be presenting Esemaya the Bollywood Goddess at a grand gala that evening. Wizard Snumblesnore thanked Unicorn and dashed off to prepare himself for an unexpected gala that evening.
III. At the gala, Crystal the Universal Princess addresses the masses from a high balcony. She is gracious and also severe about her duties as the princess and most importantly the keeper of The Stone of Duty. She feels that it is her most important duty to provide the people of her land with the finest art in the universe. She is pleased to present a special performance from Esemaya the Bollywood Goddess. The crowd goes wild as Esemaya makes her entrance down the grand staircase. The sounds of drums and bells escort her as she bursts onto the stage into full dance. At the height of the excitment, Crystal, descends the grand staircase and begins to dance in unison with Esemaya. It is an epic performance. The crowd is utterly wow-ed.
IV. After the show, Wizard Snumblesnore approaches Esemaya and Crystal. He relates his need for the Stone of Duty. Esemaya confesses that she encouraged Crystal to host the performance to bring the wizard and the princess together. She assured Crystal that if she would let the wizard use the stone for his work, great change would occur in the dark destiny of the land. The princess is reluctant to relinquish the stone to the wizard. It is her duty to protect it. And so, with no time to waste, the wizard invites the princess to work on the potion with him. Perhaps, he will need some collaborators in this task. Outside the gala, Wizard Snumblesnore, Crystal the Universal Princess, Unicorn, Esamaya the Bollywood Goddess, Royal Kingdom Clown and
The Rope Charmer are headed in a marching procession to the castle laboratory. Once there, each of their gifts are bestowed on the potion making it even more powerful. Bathed in light, the group rejoices in the success of the potion, trusting that they will have what they need if ever threatened by Doom.

Play: THE AMBITIOUS HOUSE PLANT

All club plays are written as a group collaboration between the participants and the group leader.
September 11, 2010

THE AMBITIOUS HOUSE PLANT
Starring:
The Mayor (Jordan)
The Plant (Thomas)
Crescendia the Concert Pianist(Taylor)
Inspector Emerald (Malichi)
Deigo the Ghost of Destiny Revealed(Tristan)

Crew:
Oskar

Synopsis:
I. We find ourselves in the castle-like mansion of The Mayor. She breezes into her parlor, exhausted from a hard day of running the town. The only thing she looks forward to on a day like this is when she will find time to tend to her precious plants. The most prized plant sits on a pedestal in the middle of the room. As she waters it, they communicate, The Plant is non-verbal, so The Mayor interprets to the audience. "What is this my dear one?... You feel you have outgrown your pot? You want to go to MED SCHOOL?! Ha ha! That's preposterous! Who ever heard of a plant going to Med School. You shall stay here with me... it is your duty to look beautiful for me."
The Plant becomes sad and wilted. Alarmed, The Mayor fetches Inspector Emerald to talk some sense into the young plant.
II. The Sheriff of town, Inspector Emerald, bustles in. He assures The Mayor that he..."knows the law! The laws of nature!" And will have a-talkin' with The Plant. Accompanied by Crescendia the Concert Pianist, Inspector Emerald explodes into song and dance, reasoning with The Plant that it is unnatural for a plant to go to Med School. Soon The Plant joins into the song and dance and in the end, The Plant's ambitions are defeated. The Plant resigns to making a comfortable life, potted on a pedestal for eternity. The Mayor is pleased.
III. That night The Mayor has a troubled descent into sleep. She is visited by Diego the Ghost of Destiny Revealed who takes her to dreamland. In her dream, The Mayor finds the most gorgeous, flourishing garden she has ever seen. It is paradise. All of the plants welcome her and wish to be friends with her ... Their perfection soon changes from being alluring to being just plain creepy. Suddenly, The Mayor realizes she is turning into a plant and is trapped in place by roots. The other plants in the garden are pleased and express this avidly in creepy, high-pitched voices, "Now you can stay with us, right here in this garden, forever, and ever AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER..." The flowers keep chanting ever and ever as The Mayor awakes from the nightmare. She quickly picks up the bedside telephone to make an important call.
IV. In the final scene we are in the town hall and the distinguished, Crescendia the Concert Pianist is doing a preamble behind a podium. She is there to present the Mayor's Awards for Educational Excellence. This year the town will be presenting a scholarship to one lucky recipient to attend the local Medical School. The Plant's ambitions are reawakened upon hearing this. It's leaves have become shiny and lustrous once again... people AND plants can have their dreams. This The Plant believes. The show closes with Crescendia opening a small white envelope to announce "The Plant is this year's deserving scholar!"

Event: CLUB @ THE RAMBLE!

Join us next Saturday at 333 between 10 am and 3 pm for special activities to celebrate The Ramble!

The Ramble
A Celebration of Creativity and Community in the Old North End
Saturday, July 31st, 2010 All Day All Night * Rain or Shine

Come out and play for a day that celebrates the creativity, diversity,
community, and commerce of Burlington?s most exciting neighborhood. We
do it North End style with disco veggie shortbus shuttles to move you,
an endless supply of music to get you groovin, lots of yummy local
food to keep you going, and a plethora of goodies to mix it up. Just
add art and, of course, bicycles. You are encouraged to come in
costume although you may just want to make it up as you go along,
stopping at any of the three craft fairs on the map this year. Maybe
you?ll find something on a visit to the One World Market showcasing
micro-businesses and artisans of the old north end?

Field Days, Battle of the Burgs, War of the Wards, North/ South
showdown will kick off the festivities at Battery Park with a little
friendly competition. Expect the water balloon toss to be particularly
difficult to predict this year! Decatur Street Carnival is a festive
place to get your palm read, look at art, sit in the middle of the
street, watch a local band. The House of Hildegard will be hosting a
benefit for the Kai Buddha fund with a, one of many, yard sale.

If you wish to roam, there is no shortage of things to see. Take a
historic or a permaculture garden tour, hear live music almost
anywhere, do some art-making and some art viewing; a regular plethora
of activity!

Play: THREE PRINCESSES MEET FIRECON

All club plays are written as a group collaboration between the participants and the group leader.
July 24, 2010

THREE PRINCESSES MEET FIRECON
Starring:
Elizabeth the Devilish Rose(Jordan)
Gloria the Glorious (Madeleine)
Ruby Pink (Taylor)
Firecon (Malichi)
Townsperson - male (Ryan)
Townsperson - femail (Trish)

Crew:
Ryan and Maeve

Synopsis:
I. We find ourselves in the lair of the notorious Firecon, a totally rock and roll dragon living in the Nebulous dimension. Sword in hand he worships the lightning charged portal that allows him to fly through the skies of any world. While he rocks out playing air guitar on his shining sword, he contemplates which world he will penetrate to do his trouble making on this particular night. Mind made up, Firecon leaps into the portal to the middle ages on planet earth.
II. (Beach Boys- I get around) Firecon is flying through the skies looking for someone, something, someplace to conquer. Over the town of Fairlee, he spots the fairest castle in all the land. Within sleeps the fairest maidens of the land, three princesses named Gloria the Glorious, Elizabeth the Devilish Rose and Ruby Pink. With three evil, maniacal laughs Firecon lands and creeps into the castle. Standing in the sleeping quarters of the three juicy princesses, Firecon quips,"Before I make this castle mine I need to eat a midnight snack!"
III. His giant stomach growls and awakens the three slumbering maidens. Firecon puffs out his reptilian chest making himself look terrifying as the girls awaken. But they just stare at him with absolute enchantment. Firecon tries to look as intimidating as possible, but the girls giggle and coo "Awwww... isn't he just the most precious thing! What a darling dragon!" They aren't afraid of him, they are charmed! Firecon is insulted by their adoring insolence. He threatens them by insisting he is TOUGH! ROUGH! SCARY! DEADLY! "So, what are you doing here cutie pie?" They ask. Firecon states "I want to live here, this castle will be MINE!" Gloria says, "Well, that's just perfect! We have an extra room!" and Ruby says, "You can be our new roommate! This will be just great!" Growing weary of their kindness Firecon agrees saying "Oh, alright. Let's just call it a night and catch some Z's."
IV. Bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning, the princesses call a house meeting to decide how they can help Firecon be the "perfect roommie". They decide that first of all he is going to need proper attire. (classical music plays) They all sit at sewing tables gracefully pulling the finest threads through the richest cloth. Firecon seems to be wielding a sword and piercing through a raw pile of material. Elizabeth holds up a new bodice that has gold ribbing down the front. It is exquisite. Ruby holds up a pink velvet tunic. Flawless. Gloria holds up a delicate lace woven blouse. Impressive! Firecon holds up a ramshackle, crooked, cut-up mess of rags. They decide to try cooking with him instead.
In the kitchen the girls are shifting and stirring and tasting and smelling. Elizabeth suggests more pepper would compliment her recipe. Next to her, breathing heavy with frustration, Firecon breathes in the pepper. He is falling aback trying to hold in a sneeze but with a flash of light, flames burst from his nostrils and mouth into the entire kitchen. Elizabeth exclaims "My dress is charred!" Gloria exclaims "My souffle is charred!" and Ruby exclaims, "The whole kitchen is burnt to a crisp!"
They decide the only thing left to do is dance.
V. In the castle ballroom the princesses brag to Firecon of their custom made, spring loaded dance floor. (waltz plays) Dancing in unison, 1-2-3-4-5-6 turn! The princesses try to show Firecon the customary dances of their land. In his stumbling dervish-like moves Firecon crashes right through the floor! SMASH! Giving up, the princesses decide to take their new roomie on a walk into town to social network.
Down in the town of Fairlee, a futuristic, American tourist examines the open sewage systems, archaic weaponry and aromas of the town square. The princesses attempt to make his acquaintance as he shakes a round of hands, he gets to Firecon and cries out in horror! Loving the fear, Firecon chases the screaming tourist around the square. Meanwhile a snooty friend of the princesses waltzes onto the stage. "Oh hello! I've been meaning to see you! I'd love to come to the castle to visit soon!" The princesses insist that their friend must come and meet their fabulous new roomie! The woman goes to shake hands with Firecon and is repulsed. She quickly turns up her nose and makes her exit rudely, displaying utmost disapproval to the princesses.
Tired, dejected and disappointed the girls decide to return home and call it a day.
VI. The next morning the girls wake up Firecon for a house meeting. They decide as a group that Firecon belongs in the open skies and dark crevasses of Nebulous. (Beach Boys- I get around)Bidding him farewell, Firecon flies away into the open air as the princesses wave goodbye whole-heartedly from below.

Meet: KIM JORDAN

Kim Jordan will now be leading drama club in Trish's absence. Yay!

Biography: Kim Jordan is excited to be a member of the Very Merry Theatre team! She is a Burlington-based actress, director, poet, and dancer who has been leading theatre workshops, camps, and classes for over 15 years. Kim participated in a children’s theatre company much like VMT when she was growing up and it fed her life-long love of theatre and storytelling. She is a Master’s degree candidate focusing on Theatre for Conflict Resolution and Social Change, and is writing her thesis on using theatre as a tool for bullying prevention in schools.

Play: THE TRIUMPH OF THE VOLCANO PEOPLE

All club plays are written as a group collaboration between the participants and the group leader.
July 10, 2010

THE TRIUMPH OF THE VOLCANO PEOPLE
Starring:
Dancing Dahlila Faerie (Sage)
Magic Marigold (Sky)
The FABULOUS Faerie (Jordan)
The Wizard Warrior (Malichi)
The Sunburst Faerie (Madelyne)
Captain Bones of the Blaster 900 (Summit)


Synopsis:
I. Somewhere near the equator in the Atlantic Ocean towers an immense volcanic mound. It is the year 3010 and the ocean waters are lower than they have ever been in history. Braving the high salt contents of the waters and the high co2 of the skies are futuristic pirates. The toughest of them all is Captain Bones. Captain Bones cruises the sea, land and skies in his retro fitted rocket ship known as the Blaster 900. The world above has become a hostile place, but below exists a utopia of heat dwelling mystical creatures. This particular community we find in the volcano are fire worshiping flower faeries and warriors. They love to sit around in the comfort of the flames telling stories, dancing and enjoying general togetherness.
II. On one particular day as the faeries relished in the flames, declaring how lovely it was to be alive, above lurked Captain Bones looking for a hiding place for his bountiful booty. Suddenly a shower of COLD, HARD, GOLDEN discs poured down from the volcanoes opening into the dwelling place below. The FABULOUS Faerie shouted "Brrr! What is this? It's so cold?" The Dancing Dahlila Faerie exlaimed "Ouch! And it is hard!" And Magic Marigold brooded "And it's golden! Only I'm allowed to be this golden around here!!" The Wizard Warrior was perturbed to see what he wisely know to be 'money' crash down from the sky into his utopian paradise. "We must go above and see who has done such a thing!" Cried the people. The Wizard Warrior cautioned them of how cold it was above and helped them with guard themselves against the cold, hard climate of the earth lands.
III. Chanting "We're going up! We're going up!" The mystical peoples circled up the winding path to the opening of the volcano. Once above they spotted the ragged looking Captain Bones rowing his dingy back to the Blaster 900. They shouted at him "Why have you dumped these cold, hard, golden things on us? We don't want your earth things messing up our home!" Captain Bones sneered and said, "Don't touch my treasure I will be back for it in 24 days, and if you have moved a single piece I will roast you in the jets of my ship! Har har har har!!!" At first the mystical peoples were startled and they retreated into the volcanoes. But once below they decided to concoct a plan. Calling upon all the forces of the earth contained in their volcano, they did a ritual to blast the coins out of the volcano. Captains Bones was showered with molten hot lava specks and golden syrup that had once been his coins. It was quickly dissolving into the salty waters of the Atlantic. "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Captain Bones was defeated.

Event: THE WIZARD SOLUTIONS SHOW 07/02

For one week in June, Very Merry Theater's 333 space was transformed into a school of wizardry in preparation for The Wizard's Solution Show. This group of budding changemakers, alchemists and magicians focused on a conflict in their dream-life, family, school or global context in order to create magical intentions for miraculous solutions. A major focus that was weighing on the kids' hearts was the oil spill in the gulf. However, others addressed diabetes, cancer, friendship, kindness and healthy food as concerns.

Over the course of the week the young scholars crafted hats, wands and spell books. They also learned techniques for potion-crafting by making plant magic infusions with combinations of some of the following herbs: chaga, alfalfa, calendula, peppermint, orange peel, blackberry leaf, raspberry leaf, elderberry, red clover and more. The use of these potions augmented by the power of crystals made for a super charged performance as each wizard presented their 'solutions' to a full house.

! Keep making magic and envisioning positive change in the world ! The power of intention is real...