The Contest of the Fairies Readers Theater ~ Play Scripts for Kids

Contest-of-the-Fairies

The Contest of the Fairies Readers Theater ~ Play Scripts for Kids 

CHARACTERS

NARRATOR
• FAIRY BUTTERCUP  (*1)
• FAIRY PIXIE   (*2)
• FAIRY TWINKLE  (*3)
• FAIRY SPARKLE  (*4)
• FAIRY DAISY
• FAIRY ROSE
• QUEEN LOUISE
• KING LOUIS
• QUEEN HENRIETTA  (*5)
• KING HENRY  (*6)
• PRINCE PHILIPPE
• PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE  (*7)
• PRINCESS CARING CHERRY  (*8)
• PRINCESS FUNNY FUSCHIA  (*9)
• PRINCESS OUTGOING ORANGE  (*10)
• PRINCESS VALIANT VIOLET  (*11)
• PRINCESS WISE WINTERGREEN (*12)
• PRINCESS ROSANELLA

(*1)  actor who plays FAIRY BUTTERCUP also plays BEE #1 and CARRIAGE FAIRY #1
(*2)  actor who plays FAIRY PIXIE also plays BEE #2 and CARRIAGE FAIRY #2
(*3)  actor who plays FAIRY TWINKLE also plays BEE #3 and CARRIAGE FAIRY #3
(*4)  actor who plays FAIRY SPARKLE also plays BEE #4 and CARRIAGE FAIRY #4
(*5)  actor who plays QUEEN HENRIETTA also plays BEE #5
(*6)  actor who plays KING HENRY also plays BEE #6
(*7)  actor who plays PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE also plays NURSEMAID #1 and MALE WEDDING GUEST #1
(*8)  actor who plays PRINCESS CARING CHERRY also plays NURSEMAID #2 and MALE WEDDING GUEST #2
(*9)  actor who plays PRINCESS FUNNY FUCHSIA also plays NURSEMAID #3 and MALE WEDDING GUEST #3
(*10)  actor who plays PRINCESS OUTGOING ORANGE also plays NURSEMAID #4 and FEMALE WEDDING GUEST #1
(*11)  actor who plays PRINCESS VALIANT VIOLET also plays NURSEMAID #5 and FEMALE WEDDING GUEST #2
(*12)  actor who plays PRINCESS WISE WINTERGREEN also plays NURSEMAID #6 and FEMALE WEDDING GUEST #3

Scene 1 – Fairyland

[Stage set: The stage is divided into two sections.  One half of the stage will be two castle bedrooms. Divide into two sections, one for KING MILFOR and QUEEN MILFOR, and the other one for KING BRIGHTON and QUEEN BRIGHTON.  Each bedroom has a bed and a small table.  The other half of the stage is the royal garden.  There is a fountain and a bench in front of it.]

[Scene 1 takes place at the front of the stage, in front of all the other set pieces.  It is indicated by four mushroom stools made from milk crates.  (See Performance Notes for ideas on set design)]

NARRATOR:
Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to our performance of “Contest of the Fairies.” This is a story from France and it’s brought to you by Stories to Grow by.

[NARRATOR steps forward.]

NARRATOR:
May I present to you (with a grand gesture) the Fairy council?

[FAIRY BUTTERCUP, FAIRY PIXIE, FAIRY SPARKLE and FAIRY BUTTERCUP “fly” in from both sides of the stage. FAIRY BUTTERCUP takes a seat the center of the semi-circle. FAIRY PIXIE, FAIRY BUTTERCUP, and FAIRY SPARKLE take seats on the mushroom chairs that form a semi-circle, and happily chat with one another.]

[FAIRY BUTTERCUP claps. FAIRY PIXIE, FAIRY BUTTERCUP, and FAIRY SPARKLE all stop talking. They sit up straight and tall, looking at FAIRY BUTTERCUP.]

[NARRATOR steps back.]

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Fellow Fairies, it is time for the Fairy Council to begin. As you know, this meeting was called to discuss who should take my place as next Head of Fairyland. Now we have quite a conundrum (pronounce: kuh-NUN-drum) on our hands because we have two qualified candidates – Fairy Daisy and Fairy Rose.

FAIRY PIXIE:
(shakes head) A conundrum indeed. (looks around) Where are they?

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Not here at the moment. So we are free to discuss the matter. Now, your thoughts?

FAIRY TWINKLE:
(enthusiastically) Are we going to take a vote?

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Of course. But first, let’s discuss–

FAIRY TWINKLE:
I vote for Fairy Daisy! She has big bright dreams for the future of Fairyland. And she is the best flier of any of us. Have you seen her flip somersaults in mid-air?

FAIRY PIXIE:
Since when is flipping somersaults in the air a qualification to be Head of Fairyland? We need a leader who has her head AND her feet firmly on the ground. And you know that means Fairy Rose!

FAIRY SPARKLE:
We’re FAIRIES, not trolls. My vote is also for Fairy Daisy. She has the vision to lift us to bold new worlds!

FAIRY PIXIE:
Really, ladies? You prefer a leader who follows some vision to who-knows-what-new-world and leaves behind the duties at home? Apparently SOME of you (glares at Fairy Sparkle and Fairy Twinkle) have forgotten what happened when FAIRY LUNA was head of Fairyland.

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
(shudders) How could we forget?

FAIRY PIXIE:
One bad spell, and all our wands in Fairyland disappeared – like that!

[FAIRIES gasp, hold one or both hands to their cheeks, and shudder.]

FAIRY PIXIE:
What do you say now, Fairy Buttercup?

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Well I must say, you have a point. Fairy Rose is always calm and thoughtful. Important qualities, no doubt. But where does that take us? My vote counts as one, the same as everyone else. So we’re at a tie. Two votes for Fairy Rose and two votes for Fairy Daisy.

FAIRY SPARKLE:
What do we do?

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Let’s put our heads together.

[FAIRY SPARKLE rushes to FAIRY BUTTERCUP’S side and places her head against FAIRY BUTTERCUP’S head.]

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Well, I don’t mean literally! Fairies, follow me.

[FAIRY BUTTERCUP leads FAIRIES in circling the stage for a few moments. Each fairy holds one hand to her chest while cradling that arm’s elbow with the other hand and tipping her head in a thoughtful pose.]

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
(stops, looks at audience, and points one finger upward in the air) Perhaps we should call them both in to help.

FAIRY SPARKLE:
Of course! The Head of Fairyland must be a problem solver. What better way to find out who is the better candidate than to let them solve this very problem?

FAIRY PIXIE:
Let’s call them at once.

[FAIRIES join arms and yodel the words “FAIRY ROSE” and “FAIRY DAISY”. When they have repeated the names twice, FAIRY ROSE and FAIRY DAISY appear from opposite sides of the stage. They both curtsy with respect.]

FAIRY ROSE:
Great Ones!

FAIRY DAISY:
We are summoned.

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Fairy Rose, Fairy Daisy. Thank you for coming. We have been discussing the position of Head of Fairyland. Frankly, it seems you are both equally worthy of being named to the position.

FAIRY ROSE:
Yet one of us is a TAD more worthy than the other, I would think.

FAIRY DAISY:
And that would be ME.

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Both of you stop, for goodness sake! The truth is, we’re in a bit of a pickle. There can only be one Head of Fairyland. And there are two of you. So, we were kinda hoping you two could…

[FAIRY BUTTERCUP, FAIRY SPARKLE, and FAIRY TWINKLE nod. FAIRY DAISY and FAIRY ROSE exchange a long look. FAIRY DAISY puts her hands up in a “WHAT?” gesture. FAIRY ROSE shakes her head and puts her hands up with palms outward as if to say “I have no idea.”]

FAIRY DAISY:
Oh! You want US to decide?

[Other FAIRIES nod.]

FAIRY ROSE:
May FAIRY DAISY and I have a moment to confer?

[FAIRY DAISY and FAIRY ROSE move off to the side and whisper to one another. They gesture wildly with their hands. Then they both return to the elder fairies.]

FAIRY DAISY:
(smiling brightly) We have conferred. What we are proposing is a little friendly competition.

FAIRY ROSE:
The winner to become the new Head of Fairyland.

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Hmm. What kind of competition do you have in mind?

FAIRY ROSE:
I shall raise a princess who is irresistible to all men. Every man who meets her will fall madly in love with her.

FAIRY PIXIE:
That’s not so new…

FAIRY DAISY:
(holds up her index finger) Hear us out. And I will raise a prince. A prince so charming, he can resist any woman. In fact, (pauses dramatically) he will stay true to no one woman.

FAIRY BUTTERCUP and FAIRY PIXIE:
Oooh!

FAIRY PIXIE:
I get it!

FAIRY SPARKLE:
(perplexed) I don’t!

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
Look. If Fairy Daisey’s prince can resist the charms of Fairy Rose’s princess, then Fairy Daisy wins and is Head of Fairyland. If Fairy Rose’s princess can win the heart of the prince and gain his proposal of marriage, then Fairy Rose wins and is Head of Fairyland.

FAIRY SPARKLE:
I see!

[FAIRY BUTTERCUP, FAIRY SPARKLE, and FAIRY PIXIE begin to talk excitedly.]

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
(rings her bell to bring the meeting back to order) Fellow Fairies! You heard the motion. Fairy Rose will bring up a princess who is irresistible to all men. And Fairy Daisy will raise a prince who can be true to no one woman. Of course, this will take time, but what’s a few years in Fairyland?

FAIRY SPARKLE:
Over in a flash.

FAIRY PIXIE:
No time at all.

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
So. All who agree to this competition, say aye!

EVERYONE:
Aye!

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
All opposed?

[All are silent.]

FAIRY BUTTERCUP:
It is settled. (to Fairy Daisy and Fairy Rose) Good luck. (to audience, in a announcer’s voice) Let the games begin!

[FAIRY SPARKLE pulls out a bag of popcorn and a large fountain soda cup. She begins crunching and slurping loudly.]

FAIRY PIXIE:
FAIRY SPARKLE! What on Earth are you doing?

FAIRY SPARKLE:
What’s wrong with a little refreshment?

[All of the fairies glare at FAIRY SPARKLE.]

FAIRY SPARKLE:
WHAT????

[All of the other fairies continue to glare.]

FAIRY SPARKLE:
Oh, very well!

[FAIRY SPARKLE puts the popcorn and soda back behind her. She sits up regally. FAIRY ROSE and FAIRY DAISY curtsy before FAIRY SPARKLE, FAIRY BUTTERCUP, FAIRY PIXIE and FAIRY BUTTERCUP. FAIRY SPARKLE, FAIRY BUTTERCUP, FAIRY PIXIE and FAIRY BUTTERCUP nod regally as FAIRY DAISY and FAIRY ROSE exit.]

[Mushroom stools are removed.  Either FAIRIES take them offstage as they exit, or stagehands come on to remove them.]

Scene 2 – Castle bedroom of King Louis and Queen Louise, also the castle bedroom of King Henry and Queen Henrietta

[Stage Set: One half of the stage is divided into two bedrooms.  Each bedroom has a bed, and a night table, with a candle on it. (See Performance Notes on how to simply create the beds, and how to simulate the flame of a candle - no actual candle flames on stage.  Also, ideas on how to set up the two sets of furniture.)  QUEEN LOUISE'S room also needs another small table and a chair.  This can be placed wherever is most convenient to your layout.  On this table is a vase (not glass) with a pink rose.]

[As the scene opens, KING LOUIS is in his bed reading a scroll. QUEEN LOUISE is seated at the dressing table beside him, brushing her hair. On the opposite end of the stage, KING HENRY is also in bed reading a scroll, however he is frozen in place. QUEEN HENRIETTA is also beside him and she is brushing her hair however she, too, is frozen in place.]

[NARRATOR enters.]

NARRATOR:
You remember Fairy Rose, right? She’s the one raising a princess who will be irresistible to all men. And Fairy Daisy. She’s the one raising a prince who will be true to no one woman. Fairy Rose has the princess, and Fairy Kate has the prince – get it? Anyway, Fairy Rose chose this castle over here (gestures to area where King Louis and Queen Louise are situated) where King Louis and Queen Louise are raising a daughter. The young princess Rosanella is the pride and joy of the kingdom.

QUEEN LOUISE:
(to King Louis) Did I tell you what our Rosanella did today?

KING LOUIS:
(puts down scroll) Another escapade (pronounce: ess-kah-PAYD).

QUEEN LOUISE:
You love these stories as much as I do. So our daughter was having her very first riding lesson. Beauregard (pronounce: BOUGH-rih-gard) asked if she needed a boost to get up in the horse’s saddle. Obviously she does, since Rosanella can’t even reach the belly of the horse.

KING LOUIS:
(nods) Of course.

QUEEN LOUISE:
So I said, “Rosanella, let Beauregard help you up. It’s too high for you.” Rosanella looked at me and said, “Mama, sometimes you just have to let me do things by myself!”

[KING LOUIS and QUEEN LOUISE laugh.]

KING LOUIS:
Such a tiger, and only five years old! Who knows what we’re in for when she grows up?

QUEEN LOUISE:
Let’s not think about THAT. But don’t you know, she got onto that horse without any help!

KING LOUIS:
How did she manage it?

QUEEN LOUISE:
She grabbed hold of the stirrups and climbed up like a mountain goat!

KING LOUIS:
Is it because we’re her parents, or is our Rosanella truly the most amazing little girl in the entire kingdom?

QUEEN LOUISE:
What kingdom – the world! Everyone knows our princess is special. Isn’t it proof that she was born with a birthmark of a pink rose on her neck? (picks up a pink rose from her dresser and holds it under her chin) All the village ladies are now painting a pink rose on the necks of their own infant daughters. But of course it’s not the same.

KING LOUIS:
There is only one Rosanella.

QUEEN LOUISE:
You should hear those at court. If one court attendant offers to help with something, the other will say: “Sometimes you just have to let me do things by myself!”

KING LOUIS:
Well, I’m not sure THAT’s a precedent we want to encourage.

[KING LOUIS rolls his scroll and puts it to the side.]

KING LOUIS:
It is time to turn in. Come to bed, my dear. I shall blow out the candle.

[QUEEN LOUISE goes to her bed and takes off the robe she wears over her long nightgown. KING LOUIS blows out the candle. (See Performance Notes for ideas on how to simulate this).]

KING LOUIS:
Goodnight, my Queen.

QUEEN LOUISE:
And goodnight to you.

[KING LOUIS and QUEEN LOUISE settle into bed and freeze. NARRATOR walks to the other side of the stage where KING HENRY is still frozen, reading his scroll. QUEEN HENRIETTA is still frozen, brushing her hair.]

NARRATOR:
Let’s travel a moment to another castle a mountain range away, where Fairy Rose has chosen her young prince. This is the palace of King Henry and Queen Henrietta.

[KING HENRY and QUEEN HENRIETTA start to move.]

QUEEN HENRIETTA:
Darling, I know you told me not to fret. But I just can’t shake the feeling something isn’t quite right with our little Prince.

KING HENRY:
(sighs and puts down his scroll) Here we go again.

QUEEN HENRIETTA:
He seems to have some sort of power over people. Especially the little ladies at court. They fawn over him beyond all reason.

KING HENRY:
What do you expect? He’ll grow up to be the perfect Prince Charming. Just like me.

QUEEN HENRIETTA:
Uh, I’m going to let that one go... But listen. This is different.

KING HENRY:
Why?

QUEEN HENRIETTA:
Whenever a little girl is within ten feet of the Prince, she is drawn to him like a moth to flame. He seems to have a different playmate every day! How will he ever learn to stay true to one woman when he grows up?

KING HENRY:
My love, he’s only seven years old! We don’t have to worry about such matters for years. Come, now. You need your sleep so you can awake refreshed. To find new things to worry about tomorrow!

[QUEEN HENRIETTA gives KING HENRY a playful (light!) swat on the arm before she gets into her bed.]

KING HENRY:
What was that for? I’m just being my usual Prince Charming self.

QUEEN HENRIETTA:
Is THAT what that was?

[KING HENRY blows out his candle (See Performance Notes for ideas on how to simulate this) and he and QUEEN HENRIETTA lay down and freeze.]

NARRATOR:
Asleep, are they? Let’s mosey on back to King Louis and Queen Louise. They seem to be resting peaceably.

[QUEEN LOUISE begins to toss and turn.]

NARRATOR:
Or not.

QUEEN LOUISE:
(cries out in her sleep) Rosanella! No! NOOOOOOO!

[KING LOUIS is awakened and sits up. He starts to shake QUEEN LOUISE awake.]

KING LOUIS:
Wake up! Darling, you are having a nightmare!

[QUEEN LOUISE bolts up in bed.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
Oh my! Thank goodness, it was a dream!

KING LOUIS:
What are you talking about?

QUEEN LOUISE:
Our Rosanella. She had changed into a bouquet of roses. I held the bouquet, I mean our little daughter, in my two hands. Then a bird swooped down, and snatched the bouquet from me. And carried our baby away!

[QUEEN LOUISE gets out of bed and puts on her robe.]

KING LOUIS:
Darling. You know it was a dream.

QUEEN LOUISE:
Just the same. I need to check on her and make sure she’s all right.

KING LOUIS:
If you must.

[QUEEN LOUISE exits. KING LOUIS lies back down. From backstage we hear a scream. KING LOUIS sits up, horrified.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
(from backstage) She’s GONE! My baby!!

[KING LOUIS exits, rushing offstage in the direction of QUEEN LOUISE.]

Scene 3 – Royal Garden

[Stage Set: The other half of the stage is the garden.  There is a fountain with a chair in front of it.  Decorate the stage around the fountain with various plants and greenery.  (See Performance Notes for ideas on making the fountain and the plants).]

[QUEEN LOUISE is seated on the chair. She is crying quietly and dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.]

NARRATOR:
The entire Kingdom was devastated. The King and Queen could not be consoled after the sudden disappearance of the princess. Day after day, the Queen sat in the garden.

QUEEN LOUISE:
My heart will always be broken! I still can’t believe my Rosanella is gone.

[While the QUEEN LOUISE continues to cry and sniffle, six NURSEMAIDS approach from all sides, each one carrying a basket. When they are very close to her, they quietly set down the baskets so the six baskets surround QUEEN LOUISE in a semi-circle, from one side of her to the other. The baskets have blankets/scarfs in the following six colors – blue, red, fuchsia, orange, violet, and wintergreen. The six NURSEMAIDS leave before QUEEN LOUISE notices them.]

[From offstage, one of the actors makes the sound of a baby’s cry.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
(sobs) I swear I can hear her cry – the same as when she was a newborn babe!

[The other babies wake and start to cry. We hear a chorus of babies crying as each of the six NURSEMAIDS make crying noises from offstage. QUEEN LOUISE puts down her handkerchief and looks up.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
(with surprise) What is this?

[QUEEN LOUISE leans forward and looks into the basket directly in front of her. She pulls the blanket aside slightly.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
It’s a baby! A little girl!

[QUEEN LOUISE pulls the blanket away further.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
Would you look at that! She has the mark of a rose on her neck, just as Rosanella did! Ah! No doubt it is just colored on as all the others.

[QUEEN LOUISE leans forward and examines the basket more closely. Then she puts a hand into the basket.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
Why, it’s a true birthmark, just like my baby Rosanella’s! (to basket) Are you an orphan? How did you get here? (lifts up baby doll and holds it) Oh sweet baby girl! I don’t know where you came from, but you have found a home. Let’s see what is in these other baskets! Maybe it’s your brothers or sisters!

[QUEEN LOUISE walks from basket to basket and pulls back each blanket. She smiles and greets each baby inside. She picks up some for a cuddle and then places them back as she moves around the circle of baskets.]

NARRATOR:
In each of the remaining baskets, Queen Louise found another baby girl. Each one had a pink rose on her neck just like Rosanella. Six little girls! Queen Louise quickly made plans to hire six nursery-maids and six ladies-in-waiting. She sent hither and thither for new cradles, swings, spinning tops, and dolls of all fashions.

[The six NURSEMAIDS reappear on stage and stand behind each basket.]

NARRATOR:
Queen Louise named each Princess for the color of the blanket they were found in.

[NARRATOR names each princess. It is fine for NARRATOR to read the names from an index card (after all, there are six of them). As each baby’s name is read, the NURSEMAID beside that baby makes an exaggerated gesture pointing to the baby.]

NARRATOR:
Princess Blue. Princess Cherry. Princess Fuchsia. Princess Orange. Princess Violet. And Princess Wintergreen.

[QUEEN LOUISE follows the procession of LADIES and baskets offstage.]

NARRATOR:
With the mysterious appearance of the six princesses, happiness returned to the castle. While everyone held deeply the memory of Rosanella, King Louis and Queen Louise busied themselves with the joy of raising their newfound girls. As the girls grew older, it became clear that they differed from one another in certain ways. So much so that gradually they began to be known as:

[As the NARRATOR names each princess, the PRINCESS will step out onto the stage and arrange herself around the royal garden. It is okay for NARRATOR to read the names from an index card. Each princess wears a scarf in the color of her name. For example, Princess Brave Blue wears a blue scarf. This can be the same scarf that was in the basket in the earlier scene.]

NARRATOR:
Princess Brave Blue. Princess Caring Cherry. Princess Funny Fuchsia. Princess Outgoing Orange. Princess Valiant Violet. And Princess Wise Wintergreen. How did the six princesses get along?...

PRINCESS CARING CHERRY:
What a beautiful day, isn’t it sisters?

PRINCESS VALIANT VIOLET:
All the more reason I wish we didn’t have to entertain another of Father’s (air quotes) “visitors.”

NARRATOR:
...pretty well.  And as you can imagine, the girls attracted admirers by the dozen. One hopeful prince or another would flock to their father’s court. But the young ladies were as careful as they were beautiful. They favored no one.

[KING LOUIS strides purposefully onstage. He claps his hands to get the attention of all the PRINCESSES.]

KING LOUIS:
Girls, your attention. Please!

[PRINCESSES stand and curtsy to their father, KING LOUIS. They give him their complete attention.]

KING LOUIS:
I want you to remember that my dear friend King Henry’s son is coming for a visit today. Prince Philippe is known to be a most charming and handsome lad. And an excellent prospect, if I don’t mind saying so. You are all to mind your manners! No funny business! Do you hear?

[PRINCESSES roll their eyes and nudge each other.]

PRINCESS VALIANT VIOLET:
We will try to restrain ourselves, Father.

[KING LOUIS whips around to glare at PRINCESS VALIANT VIOLET and clears his throat loudly. PRINCESS VALIANT VIOLET and all the other PRINCESSES drop their gaze to their feet and look ashamed.]

PRINCESS VALIANT VIOLET:
Father, we'll be good.

KING LOUIS:
That’s better. Well, now. I want to be at the front gate to greet the Prince when he arrives. Everyone – be on your best behavior. (gestures to the six princesses) I’m expecting ONE of you, anyway, to make a good match for him. You can at least give me that, can’t you?

[KING LOUIS strides off the stage just as purposefully as he came in. The PRINCESSES re-arrange themselves on the benches or seated on the ground as they were before KING LOUIS arrived.]

PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE:
We could be having an adventure outside if we didn’t have to meet Prince Fill-it-up.

PRINCESS WISE WINTERGREEN:
Phillipe. You never know, sisters. Maybe this prince will be more of an adventure himself. They say no female can resist him.

FUNNY FUCHSIA:
No female! Well, he hasn’t met us!

PRINCESS OUTGOING ORANGE:
We’ll go through the motions. (pretending to talk to a suitor) “Pleased to meet you.” (turns head, pretending to be the visitor) “Charmed, I’m sure.” He’ll get tired of that nonsense soon enough, and move on.

FUNNY FUCHSIA:
Unless he’s daft enough to think that’s a real conversation.

PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE:
Just our luck, he might be.

PRINCESS WISE WINTERGREEN:
We may need to speed this up, right?

PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE:
So we can have at least some of the day left for ourselves.

PRINCESS CARING CHERRY:
He must think leaving early is his own idea.

PRINCESS OUTGOING ORANGE:
So then, ladies. What will it be, this time?

[PRINCESSES giggle and gather in a huddle. KING LOUIS walks into the garden with PRINCE PHILIPPE by his side. FAIRY DAISY trails behind. PRINCESSES fan out to greet their father.]

KING LOUIS:
(grandly) Girls! Our visitor has arrived! (Princesses sigh, bored) It is my pleasure to introduce you to Prince Philippe.

[PRINCE PHILIPPE presents himself and bows with a grand gesture. Now the PRINCESSES see him and are interested.]

KING LOUIS:
As I said, the Prince is the son of my dear friend, King Henry. I trust you will make him feel welcome. More welcome than the last time. (sternly) You girls know what I’m talking about.

[PRINCESSES press forward to greet PRINCE PHILIPPE. They are each interested in him. They push and shove each other aside, each trying to be the first to introduce herself and get close enough for him to kiss her hand.]

KING LOUIS:
(impatiently) Girls! Where are your manners! I’ve never seen you act this way! Line up! I say, line up and take turns to greet the prince!

[PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE is first in line. She curtseys deeply and extends her hand for the prince to kiss it. He gives the hand a quick kiss.]

PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE:
PRINCE PHILIPPE, my name is Princess Blue. This day, it seems, has just begun, now that I’ve met you.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Princess Blue, Prince Philippe is my name. I have a feeling the day is reeling as I spy those sisters behind you.

[PRINCESSES other than PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE giggle. PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE crosses her arms, annoyed.]

[FAIRY DAISY enters. Just as PRINCE PHILIPPE leans forward to kiss the hand of PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE, FAIRY DAISY puts her hand up palm out to cast a freeze spell.]

FAIRY DAISY:
FREEZE!

[All cast members on stage freeze in place FAIRY DAISY steps between PRINCE PHILIPPE and PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE.]

FAIRY DAISY:
Prince Philippe! I have been your invisible guardian since you were a tot. I always warned you not to fall in love! Remember, if you give your love to one woman, she can steal your heart! Look at these lovely six ladies. There’s LOTS of love (gestures to the six Princesses) to go around!

[FAIRY DAISY moves back to her place behind PRINCE PHILIPPE. She raises her hand and casts an unfreeze spell.]

FAIRY DAISY:
UNFREEZE!

[PRINCESSES silently pantomime introducing themselves to PRINCE PHILIPPE one at a time while NARRATOR speaks.]

NARRATOR:
The prince was greeted by one princess after the next. It was a veritable (pronounce: vehr-it-uh-bul) feast to a prince like Prince Philippe. Before long, he was never happy a single instant without all six princesses with him. And the young ladies truly liked him as much as he liked them. For the first time in his life he really loved. Though the object of his devotion was not one woman, but six, to whom he was equally attached.

[FAIRY ROSE enters. FAIRY DAISY and FAIRY ROSE make their way over to the NARRATOR.]

FAIRY ROSE:
(touches Narrator’s sleeve) Look at that! He is finally learning to love. He will crack soon, you’ll see.

FAIRY DAISY:
(touches Narrator’s other sleeve) Look again! My boy is going to break six hearts at once! That’s a new personal best. Yep, this contest is looking good for ME!

[FAIRY ROSE and FAIRY DAISY glare at each other. NARRATOR clears his throat in annoyance.]

NARRATOR:
Excuse me, you can’t just come over here and interrupt the story. Don’t you fairies know anything about theater etiquette?

[FAIRY DAISY and FAIRY ROSE angrily cross their arms over their chests.]

FAIRY DAISY:
Well ex-cuuuuse ME! At least we’re not just standing around, talking all the time.

NARRATOR:
I’m the NARRATOR! That’s what narrators DO.

FAIRY DAISY:
You said it! Not us.

FAIRY ROSE:
Let’s go, Fairy Daisy. SOME of us have work to do.

[FAIRY DAISY and FAIRY ROSE stomp off in a huff. FAIRY DAISY returns to her spot behind PRINCE PHILIPPE.]

NARRATOR:
(brushes off jacket sleeves where Fairies touched him) As I was saying… After meeting them, Prince Philippe and the princesses could not be separated. Prince Philippe’s father wrote to him again and again, commanding him to return home. Tried to lure him with the prospect of one princess or another. Yet nothing in the world could tear the prince from the six objects of his affections. That is, until one day.

[PRINCESSES re-arrange themselves so that they are seated on the ground in a semi-circle around PRINCE PHILIPPE, who is seated in the middle.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
And that’s how you got rid of Prince Landlucky?

PRINCESS BRAVE BLUE:
All it took was a burping chorus like this. (burps loudly)

[PRINCESSES begin to loudly burp to the tune of “London Bridge.”]

PRINCESS VALIANT VIOLET:
And he suddenly remembered an important message from the courier! Skedaddle – just like that!

[All laugh.]

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
That’s even better than the time you all visited the horse stables before another suitor arrived. Whose idea was that?

[PRINCESSES points to PRINCESS WISE WINTERGREEN. They all hold their noses, remembering, and laugh.]

PRINCESS CARING CHERRY:
One winner after the next. Come on, everyone. Let’s play a game. Anyone feel like a chess?

PRINCESS OUTGOING ORANGE:
How about croquet (pronounce: krow-KAY)? It’s too nice out to stay inside, crouched over a chess board.

PRINCESS WISE WINTERGREEN:
We could move the chess set outside.

[PRINCESSES murmur approvingly at the idea.]

FUNNY FUCHSIA:
And after chess, a picnic!

[A buzzing sound is heard from offstage.]

PRINCESS CARING CHERRY:
What on earth is that awful sound?

[BEES #1-#6 (together, called "BEES") rush onto the stage. The six PRINCESSES and PRINCE MILFOR jump up and scatter. BEES grab the six PRINCESSES, one in each hand, and lead them backstage, leaving PRINCE PHILIPPE alone and frantic. Note- this is pretend, be gentle!]

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
(frantically) Come back! COME BACK! (to audience) What’s going on?

[PRINCE PHILIPPE sits down at center stage and puts his head in his hands. As NARRATOR speaks below, KING LOUIS and QUEEN LOUISE enter. PRINCE PHILIPPE pantomimes giving them the sad news by wringing his hands and pointing to the sky. QUEEN LOUISE collapses into KING LOUIS’ arms and he quietly leads her to the garden bench to console her. PRINCE PHILIPPE returns to his seat on the ground alone.]

NARRATOR:
King Louis and Queen Louise were distraught. The sudden disappearance of the six princesses plunged the whole court into the most terrible grief. That this should happen again! Prince Philippe fell into a deep state of depression. It was feared that if nothing could rise him from it, he would surely die.

[FAIRY DAISY rushes onto the stage. She pulls and prods PRINCE PHILIPPE to get up from his seat.]

FAIRY DAISY:
Come on! Prince Philippe, you have to snap out of it! There are other princesses.

[PRINCE PHILIPPE is unresponsive. Finally, he lays flat on the ground and covers his head with his hands.]

FAIRY DAISY:
I have an idea.

[FAIRY DAISY exits. She returns with two portraits of lovely princesses and tries to catch PRINCE PHILIPPE’s attention with them. He turns away.]

FAIRY DAISY:
Auugh! What am I going to do with you?

[FAIRY DAISY exits.]

NARRATOR:
Nothing could interest our Prince. All he wanted was to stay close to King Louis and Queen Louise, the only people he felt understood his loss.

[KING BRIGTON, and QUEEN LOUISE enter. They mourn with PRINCE PHILIPPE.]

NARRATOR:
Could there ever be joy in the castle again?

Scene 4 – Front of Palace

[Stage set: Same as previous scene.  (See Performance Notes for ideas on how to show the passing of time).]

[QUEEN LOUISE and KING LOUIS enter, looking sad.]

KING LOUIS:
(sadly) Good morning, dear.

QUEEN LOUISE:
(sadly) It has not been a good morning since you-know-what-happened.

KING LOUIS:
Of course. (sighs)

[They stand together in silence and look miserable.]

[Wind chimes are heard offstage. KING LOUIS and QUEEN LOUISE stand to attention and look around as they try to find the source of the sound.]

KING LOUIS:
What’s that?

QUEEN LOUISE:
I don’t know...

[Along with the wind chimes we can hear lots of girls giggling. Then we see a great carriage enter from stage right being pulled and pushed by CARRIAGE FAIRIES #1 - #4. (See Performance Notes for ideas on how to make the carriage.)]

KING LOUIS:
Look, my dear! What an odd sight!

[The carriage stops. FAIRY ROSE steps out with a beautiful PRINCESS (who is ROSANELLA). She takes PRINCESS ROSANELLA by the arm and escorts her to KING LOUIS and QUEEN LOUISE.]

FAIRY ROSE:
Great Queen Louise, permit me to restore to you your daughter Rosanella, whom I borrowed from you years ago.

[QUEEN LOUISE and KING LOUIS envelope ROSANELLA in a great hug.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
My precious baby girl!

ROSANELLA:
Mother!

QUEEN LOUISE:
I can’t believe this! You’re all grown up!

ROSANELLA:
It’s so good to be back!

KING LOUIS:
How we missed you, dear one! (hugs Rosanella)

QUEEN LOUISE:
This is incredible! (taps King Louis’ shoulder) But my goodness! Dear, a word, please.

KING LOUIS:
Of course, my Queen.

QUEEN LOUISE:
(to Rosanella) Just one moment, my sweet!

[QUEEN LOUISE and KING LOUIS step to a corner of the stage.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
This fairy takes our child when she was a little girl. Then all of a sudden she’s “restored” back to us. Is it supposed to be like the fairy is doing us a favor? How do you feel about this?

KING LOUIS:
I don’t know, actually. The ways of the Fairies are mysterious to we humans.

QUEEN LOUISE:
That is true, no doubt. (resigned) Well, at least our dear Rosanella is back.

KING LOUIS:
Let us be thankful for that.

ROSANELLA:
(waves to her parents) What are you two talking about?

[KING AND QUEEN LOUISE rush over to ROSANELLA.]

QUEEN LOUISE:
You, babycakes!

KING LOUIS:
How much we missed you, lovekin!

[KING and QUEEN LOUISE rejoin ROSANELLA and FAIRY ROSE]

QUEEN LOUISE:
(takes aside Fairy Rose) Fairy Rose, I wouldn’t want to sound ungrateful. But I must ask you about my six lovely girls. Do you know anything if they are lost to us forever? Shall we never see them again?

FAIRY ROSE:
(with a wink) Very soon you will no longer miss them!

QUEEN LOUISE:
Whatever do you mean?

NARRATOR:
And before she could add “For goodness sake, will you please explain yourself!” Fairy Rose was off in a blink of an eye.

[FAIRY ROSE gets back into her carriage. CARRIAGE FAIRIES #1-#4 pull the carriage, and exit.]

Scene 5 – The Royal Garden

[Stage set: Same scene as previous scene, though if you made amendments to show time passing, you can restore to original look (See Performance Notes).]

[PRINCESS ROSANELLA enters and approaches PRINCE PHILIPPE as he lies face down on the ground.]

NARRATOR:
Meanwhile, back in the garden. Prince Philippe remains heartbroken. He is unwilling to leave the place where he last saw his six lovelies.

[PRINCESS ROSANELLA enters.]

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Good sir, are you quite all right?

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
(mumbling so he can barely be understood) Go away!

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
What’s that? Can I get you anything? A glass of water maybe? Bite to eat?

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Leave me alone! (lifts up head) Everyone here knows that I want to be left alone.

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Excuse me! I knew no such thing. I’m new around here.

[PRINCESS ROSANELLA sits beside PRINCE PHILIPPE.]

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Well that’s not exactly the truth. (pauses) I was born here but haven’t been here in a very long time. (pauses again) I mean, actually, when I was a small child I was taken away by a Fairy.

[PRINCE MILIFOR sits up slowly and looks at ROSANELLA in disbelief.]

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
(skeptically) There’s only one child I know that used to live at this castle and was taken away as a child.

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Ah, so he speaks!

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Only to say I can’t imagine you would be that child.

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Believe what you want. I don’t need to prove anything to you.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
That’s fine. Though, if I may be so bold, may I see your neck?

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
That is bold! But why not?

[PRINCE PHILIPPE gets onto his knees and PRINCESS ROSANELLA lifts her chin so that her neck is clearly visible.]

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Why, you have the rosebud mark on your neck! Just like each of my six loves. And in a way, you remind me of them. You are outgoing. You came upon me broken hearted and offered help.

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
You looked so lonely, I couldn’t just leave you there.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
You were brave and plucky in staying here with me even though I yelled, "Leave me alone.”

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
I never run from a challenge.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
You were wise to tell me of your past and who you really are.

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Why would I hide it? It’s not everyone who gets carried away by a Fairy.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
And you’re a bit funny, too.

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Only a bit?

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Throughout it all you showed me how caring you are, through and through.

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Now you’re just trying to flatter me.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Maybe I am.

[PRINCE PHILIPPE kneels and takes PRINCESS ROSANELLA’S hand. PRINCESS ROSANELLA looks shocked.]

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
I vowed after my six lovelies disappeared, that if I ever met anyone who made me feel the way they did, that I would make her my wife. Princess Rosanella, would you do me the honor of becoming my bride?

[PRINCESS ROSANELLA burps loudly and covers her mouth in embarrassment.]

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Oh my gosh! I sometimes do that when I’m nervous! Maybe you no longer feel the same way about me.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
On the contrary! I am even MORE CERTAIN you are the ONLY one for me!

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
This is crazy! We only just met. Yet you feel you know me well enough to propose.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Yes, it is crazy, but–

[PRINCESS ROSANELLA holds up her free hand to shush him.]

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
(slowly and thoughtfully) What’s crazier is- I feel like I know you, too. Almost well enough to accept.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Almost?

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
As if we already spent many hours together. And knew each other well. But of course that’s impossible.

PRINCE PHILIPPE:
Well, maybe. Yet that’s what I feel, too. Do you think..?

PRINCESS ROSANELLA:
Yes. Yes, I will marry you!

[The sound of wind chimes fills the air. FAIRY DAISY runs onto the stage but she is too late. She sees the PRINCE and PRINCESS embracing and she skids to a stop with her hands over her mouth as if she is stifling a scream.]

Scene 6 – Wedding Day

[Stage set: Same as previous scene. However, the castle is decorated with flowers and banners wherever possible for the grand wedding day. WEDDINGS GUESTS and/or stagehands can bring on decorations before scene begins.]

[Everyone enters, except for FAIRY ROSE and FAIRY DAISY.  Guests begin celebrating and pretending to talk to each other.  They stay towards the back of the stage.]

[The sound of wind chimes is heard offstage.  FAIRY ROSE and FAIRY DAISY enter holding wedding gifts.  They have a side conversation, so they should stay towards the front of the stage. Optional: If it isn't too much, they can come on stage in the carriage from Scene 4 -  however this time it has a banner across it that reads “HEAD OF FAIRYLAND.”  They can "park" the carriage wherever is convenient.]

FAIRY DAISY:
It’s nice to travel by carriage once in a while, Fairy Rose.

FAIRY ROSE:
Like mortals, right? I have to say, Fairy Daisy, you are handling the loss of the contest with grace.

FAIRY DAISY:
You won fair and square. But since you brought it up, I am curious to know HOW you won.

FAIRY ROSE:
Well you already know I took Rosanella into my care when she was only five years old. What you don’t know is that I divided her character into six equal parts.

FAIRY DAISY:
You split her personality to make the six princesses?

FAIRY ROSE:
Exactly! Once I was certain that the Prince was in love with all six, I took them back and unified them to the original Princess Rosanella.  He couldn't help but fall in love with her.

FAIRY DAISY:
What an original idea!

FAIRY ROSE:
Thank you. Though now that our contest is settled, I can’t help wondering about something else.

FAIRY DAISY:
What?

FAIRY ROSE:
(waves behind her to Princess Rosanella and Prince Philippe, and the royal couple waves back) The first royal child, of course. Feel like making a contest? What do you say – boy or girl?

FAIRY DAISY:
Fairy Rose, give it a rest! I’ve had about all I can handle with contests for awhile. Besides, you’re Head of Fairyland now. Should you really be doing this sort of thing anymore?

FAIRY ROSE:
Ah well, I suppose. You are sensible, Fairy Daisy. And creative – the whole contest was your idea in the first place. You know, you have many parts to you, too.

FAIRY DAISY:
I certainly hope you’re not thinking about dividing ME into six equal parts!

FAIRY ROSE:
I don’t have to. (arm over Fairy Daisy’s shoulder) I already know all the parts that make you such a good friend.

FAIRY DAISY:
Aww! (arm over Fairy Rose’s shoulder) What do you say we join the wedding reception?

[FAIRY ROSE and FAIRY DAISY turn and move over to the wedding ceremony.  Everyone turns to see them and cheers.]

KING LOUIS:
NOW it’s a party!

QUEEN LOUISE:
Say, that’s the one! The one that fairy can flip somersaults in the air!

KING LOUIS:
You must entertain our wedding party with your wonderful flying tricks!

FAIRY ROSE:
Your reputation precedes you.

FAIRY DAISY:
How did word get out?

FAIRY ROSE:
You’re the one they want.

FAIRY DAISY:
Very well. The crowd calls. (exits)

[CROWD cranes necks upward in one direction.]

CROWD:
Look!! Oooh!

[Then CROWD turns its heads together to look upward in the opposite direction.]

CROWD:
Aaah!

NARRATOR:
And so Princess Rosanella and Prince Philippe were married in a wedding all would remember. Fairy Rose became Head of Fairyland and Fairy Daisy became her closest adviser. And they all lived happily ever after.

[If you have curtains, close them now.]

end

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