Synopsis
Curiosity Cat
Published by Samuel French Inc
6 Male 4 Female
A very funny, very touching new comedy filled with laughter, learning, and heart that's ideal for school groups and professional children's theatres
Curiosity Cat is the play-within-the-book from Grabenstein's award-winning novel for middle grades readers The Hanging Hill
It's not only a story about displaced children and homeless cats, it also tells of family and the value of curiosity ...
When their mother becomes very ill, Claire and Charlie are forced to live with their father's Aunt Jenny
When a stray cat called Curiosity wanders into the house and breaks Claire's prized music box, she immediately throws him back out into the streets
But for the cool and curious Cat, being homeless is more of an adventure, not a concern
Soon, the children - aided by Fred the Dog - set out to rescue Curiosity Cat who is now busily trying to help other forlorn felines find homes ...
... provided he can avoid a newly appointed "cat catcher" who vows to "put him to sleep"!
Filled with memorable characters such as Coot, the geriatric cat; Slicker the big city alley cat; Penelope, the pampered Persian Princess; Fred the extremely loyal dog; a nervous and nutty squirrel; a chorus of cute jailbird strays and evil cat-catcher Skeevelberger, the play builds to a funny and touching climax that will leave your audiences laughing and cheering!
CHARACTERS
AUNT GINNY - Sweet, grandmotherly
CHARLIE - Boy, about 9-11
CLAIRE - Girl, Charlie's sister, 10-14
COOT CAT - Old cat. Cranky. Hard of hearing. Wears a rumpled cardigan. Could be played by male or female
CURIOSITY CAT - Male. Very full of life and, of course, curiosity
DUKE - A Tuxedo Cat who goes from shy to dandy. Could be played by male or female
FATHER - Claire & Charlie's Dad. 30 or 40-something
FRED - Aunt Ginny's dog. Lovable and eager. Male or female
LEO - A retired circus lion
MRS PODGER - The richest woman in town. (Could double as Aunt Ginny)
PENELOPE PODGER - Posh Persian Princess of a cat. Female
SERGEANT SCHULTZ - Big, mean German Shepherd. Male or female
SKEEVELBERGER - The evil next-door neighbor. 30- or 40-something
SLICKER - Cool alley cat with 'tude. Male
SQUIRREL - Nervous and nuts. Male or female
STRAY CATS - All sorts. As many as you want to cast
TUBBS - Aunt Ginny's very fat cat. Male or female. (Could double as Leo or Slicker)
REVIEWS
"Curiosity Cat had my daughter rolling in the floor with laughter! Well done!" ~ Jeanne White
"I must say I was blown away by how well-written the play is. My husband said it is like a Disney movie ... so funny for kids and yet really entertaining for adults, too" ~ Amie Headrick Dyer