CAST: 2M, 3F, plus 1 role that can be any
SET: Interior cottage set
TIME: About 25 minutes
Script:
$7.25 each Director’s book: $22.50 each
ROYALTY:
$45 First Performance
$45 Each Additional Performance
SET: Interior cottage set
TIME: About 25 minutes
Script:
$7.25 each Director’s book: $22.50 each
ROYALTY:
$45 First Performance
$45 Each Additional Performance
W.W. Jacobs’ cautionary tale about greed and wishful thinking is given new life — and more female roles — in this gripping adaptation by theatre legend Jon Jory. This short one-act is perfect for a night of one acts or for competition, packing a powerful punch with compelling storytelling and sweeping character arcs.
The poor Whites drudge on in their modest cottage in a remote village in 1900s England. Content with the simple things, Henry doesn’t care for tales of superstition like the one told by his wife Eleanor’s gossipy friend. But when Sergeant-Major Morris visits the Whites with an equally tall tale about a mummified monkey’s paw that grants wishes, Henry is intrigued — despite Major’s warnings of dire consequences. The uncharacteristically frivolous Whites cajole the relic from the reluctant major, who begs them to destroy the paw, lest they get more than they bargained for.
At the behest of his grown daughter and wife, Henry heeds Major’s plea to at least be sensible and makes only one small wish — just enough money to pay off their simple house. But when daughter Helen heads to work at the factory the next morning with still no sign of the money, the hopeful family accepts that it was just a lark. The reality, however, is far worse than they could have imagined.
The poor Whites drudge on in their modest cottage in a remote village in 1900s England. Content with the simple things, Henry doesn’t care for tales of superstition like the one told by his wife Eleanor’s gossipy friend. But when Sergeant-Major Morris visits the Whites with an equally tall tale about a mummified monkey’s paw that grants wishes, Henry is intrigued — despite Major’s warnings of dire consequences. The uncharacteristically frivolous Whites cajole the relic from the reluctant major, who begs them to destroy the paw, lest they get more than they bargained for.
At the behest of his grown daughter and wife, Henry heeds Major’s plea to at least be sensible and makes only one small wish — just enough money to pay off their simple house. But when daughter Helen heads to work at the factory the next morning with still no sign of the money, the hopeful family accepts that it was just a lark. The reality, however, is far worse than they could have imagined.
Additional products available:
Director’s book: $22.50 each
Director’s book: $22.50 each
The Monkey’s Paw
Use this script sample — including the cast list, production notes and several pages of the actual script — to help you select your next show. It is open in a new browser tab or window. To open it again, please click here.
LYNDON INSTITUTE
LYNDON CENTER, VT
LYNDON CENTER, VT
LITTLE FORK BIG FALLS ISD 362
LITTLE FORK, MN
LITTLE FORK, MN
JACK RICKMAN
VICTORIA, TX
VICTORIA, TX
HERMITAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL
HERMITAGE, AR
HERMITAGE, AR
GALLATIN R-V SCHOOL DIST
GALLATIN, MO
GALLATIN, MO
KERMIT ISD
KERMIT, TX
KERMIT, TX
PARK CITY HIGH SCHOOL
PARK CITY, UT
PARK CITY, UT
SCHILLING SCHOOL
CINCINNATI, OH
CINCINNATI, OH
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Other products you might be interested in:
Introduction to Readers Theatre
Readers Theatre is engaged in a pursuit of a more contemporary self-definition, and some of the more theatrical trends of classroom performance are reflected in this book of practices and principles.
Readers Theatre is engaged in a pursuit of a more contemporary self-definition, and some of the more theatrical trends of classroom performance are reflected in this book of practices and principles.
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.