CAST: 2M, 2F
SET: Bare stage
TIME: About 65 minutes
Script:
$8.00 each
ROYALTY:
$55 First Performance
$55 Each Additional Performance
SET: Bare stage
TIME: About 65 minutes
Script:
$8.00 each
ROYALTY:
$55 First Performance
$55 Each Additional Performance
The commedia troupe — Columbine, Rosetta, Punchin, and Arlequin — cracks open their big book of stories once again to share Mark Twain’s tale of The Prince and the Pauper. This commedia take on the classic story of mixed-identity is ripe with physical comedy, clowning, antics, and sight gags! This story is especially well-suited for hysterics and commedia charm with our players pretending to be other people... who are pretending to be somebody else themselves!
Commedia dell’arte, Italian for “comedy of the professional artists,” was a popular form of improvisational theatre that began in Italy in the 15th century and continued in its appeal for centuries. At that time, all performances were unscripted and held outdoors, with only simple props and no scenery. The influence of commedia dell’arte is evident in much of our contemporary comedy, most notably in the great commedia artists of the 20th century, the Marx Brothers.
When presented today, the commedia players — such as Arlequin, Punchin, Rosetta, Pantalone and Columbine — are portrayed as poor travelers who have made all their props from objects they’ve found. Their costumes, with the commedia diamond pattern always evident, are partly hand-made and partly inherited from wealthier people who either tired of that fashion or thought better of it. The various talents of the actors’ acrobatics, dance, music, quick wit and insight into human nature, all make the plays as entertaining and relevant today as they were to the people of Renaissance Europe, when commedia dell’arte was at its height of popularity.
Pioneer Drama Service is proud to carry 11 commedia dell’arte adaptations by the renowned, award-winning children’s playwright, Lane Riosley. Each bursts with physical humor and witty banter that breathe new life and energy into the classic fairy tales. Everything needed for these productions — costumes, props and special effects — fits into a single wagon or chest on wheels, making these shows perfect for touring or professional productions.
Commedia dell’arte, Italian for “comedy of the professional artists,” was a popular form of improvisational theatre that began in Italy in the 15th century and continued in its appeal for centuries. At that time, all performances were unscripted and held outdoors, with only simple props and no scenery. The influence of commedia dell’arte is evident in much of our contemporary comedy, most notably in the great commedia artists of the 20th century, the Marx Brothers.
When presented today, the commedia players — such as Arlequin, Punchin, Rosetta, Pantalone and Columbine — are portrayed as poor travelers who have made all their props from objects they’ve found. Their costumes, with the commedia diamond pattern always evident, are partly hand-made and partly inherited from wealthier people who either tired of that fashion or thought better of it. The various talents of the actors’ acrobatics, dance, music, quick wit and insight into human nature, all make the plays as entertaining and relevant today as they were to the people of Renaissance Europe, when commedia dell’arte was at its height of popularity.
Pioneer Drama Service is proud to carry 11 commedia dell’arte adaptations by the renowned, award-winning children’s playwright, Lane Riosley. Each bursts with physical humor and witty banter that breathe new life and energy into the classic fairy tales. Everything needed for these productions — costumes, props and special effects — fits into a single wagon or chest on wheels, making these shows perfect for touring or professional productions.
Additional products available:
The Commedia Prince and the Pauper
Production Photos

UNIV OF ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM, AL
BIRMINGHAM, AL
YOCUM INSTITUTE FOR ARTS EDU
WEST LAWN, PA
WEST LAWN, PA
CANTON SCHOOL DIST R-V
CANTON, MO
CANTON, MO
SIOUX FALLS PARKS AND REC
SIOUX FALLS, SD
SIOUX FALLS, SD
LINDA TAYLOR
GOWER, MO
GOWER, MO
LUCKY LAKE SCHOOL
LUCKY LAKE, SK CANADA
LUCKY LAKE, SK CANADA
JANETTE GAINES
JONESBOROUGH, TN
JONESBOROUGH, TN
BROOK STETLER
SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL
SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL
Different versions of the
same or similar story:
same or similar story:
Other titles
you may like:
you may like:
The Commedia Cinderella
The Commedia Tales of King Arthur
The Commedia Princess and the Pea
The Commedia Robin Hood
The Commedia Voyages of Sinbad
The Commedia Tales of King Arthur
The Commedia Princess and the Pea
The Commedia Robin Hood
The Commedia Voyages of Sinbad
Other products you might be interested in:
The Prop Master
Whether you are a professional, volunteer, or student prop master, this book will take you through the necessary steps of thought and action needed to be a properties master in the theatrical world.
Whether you are a professional, volunteer, or student prop master, this book will take you through the necessary steps of thought and action needed to be a properties master in the theatrical world.
Electronic Script Information
For preview: E-Views
E-Views deliver a non-printable, complete preview script to your Pioneer library for reading anytime. Click on ORDER THIS TITLE, then select ELECTRONIC PREVIEW SCRIPT. Learn more about creating an E-view library here.
For production: E-Scripts
Our Get It Soon delivery option allows you to download printable PDFs of all your production material and zip files of your music tracks within one business day of placing your order. This delivery option is available to schools and organizations with a business address and requires the purchase of a sufficient number of scripts for your entire cast. It does not require pre-payment of your order and/or royalties.
To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. As you check out, make sure to specify that your address is a business address so you can select Get It Soon as a DELIVERY OPTION.
IMPORTANT:
NOTE: If you wish to receive your material immediately, take advantage of our Get It Now! delivery option. Prepayment required.
E-Views deliver a non-printable, complete preview script to your Pioneer library for reading anytime. Click on ORDER THIS TITLE, then select ELECTRONIC PREVIEW SCRIPT. Learn more about creating an E-view library here.
For production: E-Scripts
Our Get It Soon delivery option allows you to download printable PDFs of all your production material and zip files of your music tracks within one business day of placing your order. This delivery option is available to schools and organizations with a business address and requires the purchase of a sufficient number of scripts for your entire cast. It does not require pre-payment of your order and/or royalties.
To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. As you check out, make sure to specify that your address is a business address so you can select Get It Soon as a DELIVERY OPTION.
IMPORTANT:
- You will receive emailed links to download all ordered parts within one business day of when your order is submitted. Valid email address is required.
- A $6 e-delivery fee will be added to each order.
- All prices are the same whether traditional or digital.
- There are no returns, exchanges, or refunds on digital materials.
NOTE: If you wish to receive your material immediately, take advantage of our Get It Now! delivery option. Prepayment required.
Get It Now! Immediate Downloads
Our Get It Now! delivery option allows you to immediately download printable PDFs of all your production material and zip files of your music tracks. This delivery option requires the purchase of a sufficient number of scripts for your entire cast and pre-payment of your entire order, including royalties.
To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. Then, select “Get It Now!” as your DELIVERY OPTION during checkout and enter your credit card information in the appropriate space. Make sure you specify the exact number of performances and select “Bill Now” for your royalties.
IMPORTANT:
NOTE: If you do not wish to prepay for your entire production, use our Get It Soon delivery option and receive your digital materials within one business day.
To choose this option, place your PRODUCTION ORDER normally, including the total number of scripts you need for your production. As with all production orders, you must order a minimum of one script per cast member. Then, select “Get It Now!” as your DELIVERY OPTION during checkout and enter your credit card information in the appropriate space. Make sure you specify the exact number of performances and select “Bill Now” for your royalties.
IMPORTANT:
- You will receive emailed links to download all ordered parts immediately after your order is submitted. Valid email address is required.
- A $6 e-delivery fee will be added to each order.
- All prices are the same whether traditional or digital.
- There are no returns, exchanges, or refunds on digital materials.
NOTE: If you do not wish to prepay for your entire production, use our Get It Soon delivery option and receive your digital materials within one business day.