Books published by Baker's Plays

A Farcical Comedy for All GroupsCharacters: 9 male, 6 female. Three interior scenesNew York Idea is a sparkling American classic. Baker's is pleased to offer this polished comedy about New York society at the turn of the century and its heads or tails attitude towards divorce. The action takes place on the eve of Cynthia Karslake's wedding and on the day itself. Gathered for the occasion are all the intended, rejected and contemplated, along with the usual relatives and servants (used to great effect as ploys for various schemes). Throw into the mix Sir Wilfrid Cates-Darby, a visting Englishman who looks upon the New York marriage mores with delighted and ripe mischief, and you have all the ingredients for uproarious farce. In the end, the intended aren't, the rejected are, and it's all a merry scene of deception and self-deception."The New York Idea (is) a notable work of the early 20th century Broadway stage." - Variety

Greg CummingsKiss, Then Tell is a series of nine very short romantic comedies written specifically for high school casts and audiences. Kiss, Then Tell is a series of variations on a theme: each of these poignant, bittersweet one act plays begins by discovering a young couple immediately AFTER their first kiss.In Love Bites, a ten year-old girl needs to convince the new kid in school, a lonely ten year- old boy, that sharing a sandwich is NOT like kissing.

A Comedy in One Act for Six WomenFred CarmichaelCharacters: 6 female. Interior Set"Dear Millie" is the title of a Lonely Hearts column which Millie Tyson writes. She has a summer home in New England close to her three best friends. They have decided that Millie is getting a little too conceited in her advice-giving and have devised a plot wherein they will confide in her that each of their husbands is secretly seeing their best friends. Millie is no one's fool and artfully turns the tables on them before her secretary brings about another surprise. The sixth character is a country maid who has problems of her own. The dialogue is bright and witty, and the plot full of surprises.

Alan Haehnel Comedy ensemble Cast of 30-59 characters bare stage This amazing work by the author of Fourteen Lines is perfect for high schools everywhere. Jane is a teenager of such prowess that, at last count, over thirty-seven thousand people in eighteen different countries wanted to be her. She assembles her friends and followers so that she can retell the story of one of the greatest challenges in her heroic career - the dreaded tale of The Term Paper. Can she

p>George Bernard Shaw.Adapted and abridged by Aurand HarrisComedyCharacters: 3 male, 2 female. Interior SetProbably Shaw's most popular play, Candida recounts the love sickness of young poet Eugene Marchbanks for Candida, wife of the Rev. Morell. At first, Morell is amused; but when he begins to doubt his wife's love, he becomes disturbed and angered. The poet becomes the stronger suitor, Morell realizes his weaknesses and Candida, one of the most remarkable wom

Mystery Farce 5m / 9f / interior June Hunger for is being hounded by Edwina Hyde, a dangerous young woman who is convinced June has stolen the man she loves. Desperate, June heads for the hills, where she encounters a bizarre hillbilly family. They take her in because she looks exactly like Daisy Belle, a relative who has disappeared. Daisy Belle gets a quarterly check from a law firm that always insists on seeing her in person. June agrees to impersonate Daisy Belle because sh

Mystery / Thriller Characters: 8 female (2 male recorded voices) Unit Set: Interior (living room, two bedrooms, and small attic). Set in October 1978, A Night of Dark Intent is the story of six women, who spend the weekend together in an abandoned house. The house, however, is no ordidary home: 13 years prior, it was the location of the grisley Stark chillings, in which young Lenora Stark brutally murdered her parents. Now, as the six women try to unravel the secrets of what

Romantic ComedyCharacters: 7 male, 4 femaleInterior SetSandy, the four-times-married-three-times-divorced owner of a wedding chapel in Las Vegas, has certainly seen her fair share of matrimonies! In the hilarious and heart-warming Four Weddings and an Elvis, we witness four of her most memorable: Bev and Stan, who are getting married as revenge on their exes; Vanessa and Bryce, two arrogant aging stars who are tying the knot as a publicity ploy; and Martin and Fiona, a gentl

Holiday PlayCharacters: 8 male, 13 female, or 11 male, 17 femaleUnit Set.The classic story of A Christmas Carol is given a modern twist and set at West End High School, where the campus "Scrooge" is Meredith Priestly, the most beautiful, most popular, meanest, nastiest girl in school! With uninterested and never present globe-trotting parents, the lead in the school production of Romeo and Juliet and Queen Bee of campus (or so she thinks!) is in need of a reminder of what Chri

An American adaptation of Richard Sheridan's, The Rivals.

101 Winning Monologues for Young Performers Including 101 valuable acting hints! Acting teacher Mark Weston has written a companion to his most successful Winning Monologues from the Beginnings Workshop. After observing his acting students over many years struggling with books that offered speeches and recitations in lieu of monologues, Mr. Weston wrote his true and original monologues for young performers. He is pleased to acknowledge that many young performers have benefitted. For t

Adapted from Moliere by Charles Jeffries and Luis Muñoz Comedy Characters: 8 male, 7 female So virtuous is Tartuffe that every form of pleasure is an abomination to him. Orgon, a rich merchant, is completely duped by the ruse and watches approvingly as the cunning Tartuffe "reforms" his whole family. So besotted is the merchant that he even plans to give Tartuffe his fortune, his house, and finally his daughter! Orgon's wife finally exposes Tartuffe for the rogue he is --

Mystery Comedy Characters: 5 male, 7female. Interior Set When a houseful of sweet little old ladies discover that a handsome bachelor lives across the street, they are delighted. When they learn that he is none other than Detective Dennis O'Finn, of Homicide, they are faced with the problem of how to attract his attention. The answer is simplicity itself: a nice, genteel homicide with a cup of tea as the murder weapon. When a brash young woman reporter begins to suspect the truth,

Characters: 3 male, 6 female. Representational set Shakespeare's characters are forever famous, not only for the beauty of the lines they spoke, but for wit, humor, and joyous humanity! Six of these great women and three extraordinary men meet in a totally contemporary play! Kate and Petruchio, Romeo and Juliet, daring Henry V, plus Lady Macbeth and Cleopatra, combine to produce a mad and merry tribute to the greatest writer of them all!

Characters: 6 male, 5 female, extras. Length: 35 minutes In this devastatingly funny play by one of America's most popular playwrights of Christian drama, we find an idealistic young man who believes he can start the perfect church. And of course, he runs into a myriad problems: active participation, selection of a pastor, choice of music director, policy on church doctrine, outreach for membership, and so on. Although this easy to produce play is mostly amusing, it does make an impor

Adapted and abridged by Harold G. Sliker Characters: 5 male, 4 female This is a skillfully condensed, two scene adaptation with all the flavor of the original. Earnest is a convenient excuse for Jack Worthing whenever he needs to avoid social responsibilities -- but then Earnest seems to take on a life of his own! Minimum of ten copies required for production. ONE-ACT

A Comedy for Children and a Lesson for Adults flexible cast of 2 male & 6 female. Set: bare stage with pieces. Length of Show: 55 minutes King and Queen discover that their son, the Prince, doesn't talk. The pretty young Maiden points out this fact, but they do not listen to her. Consequently, the royal couple put the Prince through a series of probing tests conducted by their three zany wizards. Of course, there is nothing wrong, but by this point, the Prince has lost his confide

Various authorsThis collection is aimed at the gaiety of the holiday season. Each has its message, yet all are contemporary in theme. Contents: Christmas Eve Blues by Kurtz Gordon (1 male, 1 female, 1 boy)The Ladies Discover Christmas by Anne Coulter Martens (6 female)The Season To Be Jolly by Kurtz Gordon (5 male, 5 female)Christmas For Carla by Anne Coulter Martens (5 female)The Merry-Go-Round Gift by Anne Coulter Martens (2 male, 3 female)Christmas Trees For Sale by Dorothy C. Allan (3 male, 2 female)Meet Mr. C. by Anne Coulter Martens (7 male, 7 female)

Comedy Characters: 6-7 male, 18-19 femaleOne room set"Never fear, Bradley Baxter is here!"When Lady White's diamond necklace disappears after a dinner party, a police detective is called in to find out where the prized possession has gone. The case seems simple enough to Lady White's husband and daughter, but when bumbling detective Bradley Baxter arrives and sends the household into disorder and frustration, the case becomes anything but simple. Neighbors are invited and not a

ComedyCharacters: 4 male, 2 femaleIn the kingdom of Middlefield, there is a tradition. On a princess' sixteenth birthday, she is tied to a rock, kidnapped by a dragon, rescued by a prince and lives happily ever after. But what happens when the prince is too afraid to fight, the princess wants to do the rescuing by herself, and the dragon is nowhere to be found? Adapted from the story by Edith Nesbit, The Last of the Dragons tells a tale of bravery, intelligence and unexpected fr

Characters: 7 male, 5 female, plus minor roles, doubling possibleOne of the most popular children's plays in Great Britain, professionally toured throughout Scandinavia, and the subject of broad-based critical acclaim, this stimulating interpretation reaches out and captures youthful audiences with unprecedented spirit. The timeless story of the wooden puppet who must earn the right to fulfill his longing to be a real boy brilliantly conveys lessons of responsibility and respect for the feeli

Musical / Characters: 5 female, 4 male (or 3f, 2m with doubling)Scenery: Unit SetWhen four bored children decide to play in the Giant's garden, they are in for a nasty surprise. The Giant builds a fence to keep them out, and threatens anyone who tries to come in. But when winter comes and sees that no one is having any fun, it decides to stay forever. It's up to the new girl in town to take down the fence and teach the Giant a lesson in friendship. Based on the story by Oscar Wilde. The Selfish Giant was originally produced by the celebrated and critically-acclaimed Manhattan Children's Theatre. "The Selfish Giant is a kids' show, but the theme is universal. Its simple message may influence your child, but its effect on you may be refreshingly unexpected." -The Tribeca Tribune.

Comedy / Characters: 3 male, 7 female, 4 extras (women)Scenery: InteriorOrphaned as a child to be raised by his scientist uncle deep in the Canadian woods, Romeo Montague has never set eyes upon a woman in his over twenty-one years. That is all about to change when two Americans - Larry McNeil and Rex Simons - stumble across him in the woods and invite him to visit them in the States. He arrives to find a house full of women, including Larry's two outgoing sisters, Connie and Billie, and

Drama Characters: 2 male, 3 female. One Set This play was produced professionally in New York and London, as well as on television. A young couple arrive at an old house just before a snowstorm isolates them. Since her child's death, the wife has been in a sanitarium and the guilt and tensions of the young couple's tragic loss have all but destroyed their relationship. They try to rebuild their mutual trust, but the wife hears voices and she and the audience see the pale figure of

12 actors (possible doubling/extras as desired), 24+speaking rolesUnit set. Optional Intermission.The Pirate Musical! opens with the promise of adventure. A book is pulled from a treasure chest and we spin the tale of Hoagy and Shirley. Once in a blue moon, these best friends find themselves shipwrecked in their imaginations, this time on the mystical island of Wacky Tacky Boo. Once a paradise, the island's natural resources have been plundered by Pollution Pirates. The local animals enlist the aid of our heroes in preventing the pirates from devastating their habitat. After harrowing chases, Shirley and Hoagy meet The Big Mermaid, a Seaweed Siren who has sprouted legs in time to compete in the island's annual talent show: Wacky Tacky Idol. By the end of Act One, everyone armed with their own agenda are on their way to compete in the extravaganza.Act Two is a show within a show which enables each production to showcase the unique talents of their cast. Who will win Wacky Tacky Idol? Will the pirates clean up their act? All is revealed in the all singing, all dancing finale!"As fine a theatrical treat for children as you're likely to find on any enchanted island! Cleverly written on both parent and kid levels. Its loony landscape finds infectious pop diversity." -Steve Park, New York Newsday.

Youth MusicalCharacters: 3 male, 6 female, 1 additional speaking part. Optional drummers, dancers, and chorus. An amusing and heartwarming update of the children's classic tale. The original music, influenced by African and Caribbean rhythms, is designed to appeal to and be performed by young people. Children of all ethnic groups can identify with the heroine's courage and resilience on and appreciation for community support.

TYA, Children's Theatre, MusicalOver two dozen speaking roles, extras as desired, Grades 5 thru 12 Unit Set The Pirate Musical! - Buccaneer's Edition features the beloved, comic story of the original The Pirate Musical! but is written to accommodate larger and younger casts! With memorable music, captivating adventure, and outlandish, lovable characters, this new version is perfect for school groups, children's theatres, or any large ensemble!Best friends Hoagy and Shirley find themselves shipwrecked in their imaginations, this time on the mystical island of Wacky Tacky Boo. Once a paradise, the island's natural resources have been plundered by Pollution Pirates. The local animals enlist the aid of our heroes in preventing the pirates from devastating their habitat. After harrowing chases Shirley and Hoagy meet The Big Mermaid, a Seaweed Siren who has spouted legs in time to compete in the island's annual talent show: Wacky Tacky Idol. By the end of Act One, everyone armed with their own agenda are on their way to compete in the extravaganza. Act Two is a show within a show which enables each production to showcase the unique talents of their cast. Who will win Wacky Tacky Idol? Will the pirates clean up their act? All is revealed in the all-singing, all-dancing finale!"As fine a theatrical treat as you're likely to find on any enchanted island. Cleverly written on both parent and kid levels. Its loony landscape finds its charm in infectious pop diversity." - Steve Parks, New York Newsday"The show promotes problem-solving, creativity, and responsibility within a fun-filled, action-packed musical adventure. The Pirate Musical! provided all cast members with opportunities to shine--The music dazzled the audience and the students had the swashbuckling time of their lives!" - Lynn Herschlein, Principal: West Side Elementary School, CSH District, NY

Comedy / Characters: 1 female,4 male or 1 male, 4 femaleAre you looking for something different for Christmas this year? Tired of Christmas Carol and Gift of the Magi? Well, this is the script for you: eight reindeer dishing about the real Santa. All those rumors you've heard about him and the elves? About Rudolph's little secret? About Vixen's story that was leaked to the press? All true. Yes, the reindeer finally speak up and -- believe us -- they do not hold back!Please keep in mind th

Namaste, wa ho te sen. Welcome to six more globe-trotting one-acts with various plays for ages 8-18. Flex-gendered roles and cultural insights are incorporated into plays from Africa, Finland, India, Russia and the USA. Discovering inner qualities beyond appearances, modern day children time-warped back to pioneer days, children and parents at odds with each other, and what brings happiness in life are some of the timeless and universal lessons that folktales bring to bear on our own journey.

Is it true what they say about "The Luck of the Irish?" Do leprechauns, rainbows with pots of gold and magical shamrocks really exist? Join Jack, the youngest son of the King of Ireland, on his quest to find out! Jack was never thought to be brave or heroic, certainly not like his two older brothers who were very much favored by their father. But Jack finds his own strengths as he opens his eyes and ears to those around him. When a Wise Old Man offers him a golden shamrock, he quickly learns that its magical powers bring him whatever he NEEDS. It is only when this shamrock is suddenly lost, that he truly discovers what it is to be a hero! Audience members are critical to Jack's journey - he needs them! Who else could throw the bag guys in the dungeon or be on the lookout for a ferocious dragon, or tame a swarm of angry buzzing bees?