The Pied Piper of Hamelin

This energetic version of the classic tale is dramatized by Tim Wright, award-winning playwright, screenwriter, television writer, independent filmmaker and educator. In this telling, the rats and the humans wage political and social war against each other and anyone who contradicts them. The Piper, a former resident of the orphans' home, comes back to get his due. When the mayor refuses to pay him for ridding the town of rats, the piper sets a daze on the adults and pipes away the children. Crippled Franz returns, healed from his limp, with news that the children are happier than ever, tucked safely away inside the mountain. The adults recognize their folly as the piper delivers a final moral narrative. Humor, action and conflict carry this story of betrayal and simple friendship with the reminder that a promise is a promise. The play can be staged with a multi-generational cast for community theatre, or with students for a summer camp or school production. May be played without intermission. The large cast of actors with costumes, props and sound carry the story.