NEW CLOTHES FOR THE EMPEROR
by Cynthia Mercati

With dialogue and stage action as dazzling as the emperor’s imaginary extravagant clothing, this charming adaptation will make your stage come alive with laughter and an important lesson-it’s the heart that makes the man, not the clothing. Princess Chenille is the only one in the royal family who knows that clothes can’t fix the kingdom’s problems. Poverty, hunger and neglect simply cannot be ’cheered up’ by silk or taffeta! The power-hungry prime minister, Count De Gauche, has convinced the emperor he should wed Princess Chenille, even though she cannot stand him and loves another. Luckily, the narrator (a servant in the castle who ends up playing a vital role in the story) comes up with a plan to postpone the wedding-a royal clothes contest for the emperor’s wedding outfit! You won’t forget the two ruffians posing as tailors as they weave their scheme with finesse, fervor, and invisible fabric! By the end of this down-to-earth story, the good-hearted (but slightly featherbrained!) emperor realizes the error of his ways, demotes the crooked Count De Gauche to work in the stables and welcomes Captain Herringbone Faircloth as Princess Chenille’s husband. Full of physical humor and dynamic, loveable characters, this script brings zip and zing to the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale.

Rated G

Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado