Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock is a great complement
to your curriculum resources in elementary school language arts. It can be used as part of a Folk Tale or Trickster component
of the curriculum, and it also lends itself naturally to African studies and multicultural studies. And, like all of our plays, this show can be used to improve reading, vocabulary, reading comprehension, performance and music skills, class camaraderie and teamwork, and numerous social skills (read about it!) -- all while enabling students to be part of a truly fun and creative experience they will never forget!
Publication Information
Author: Ron Fink (Composer) and John Heath (Book and Lyrics)
ISBN: 978-1-886588-02-8
© 1995, 2002 Bad Wolf Press, LLC
Song Samples
Full Song List
1. "It’s So Hot"
2. "Down, Down"
3. "We Are Wise Old Zebras"
4. "We Like the Yams"
5. "Down, Down"
6. "Tango with a Mango"
7. "Down, Down"
8. "What’s That Smell?"
9. "Stretch Out My Trunk"
10. "Down, Down"
11. "Where’s Our Yams?"
12. "We See the Trees"
13. "It’s So Hot"
Casting
Flexible casting from 11-40 students.
Use as many lions, rhinos, monkeys etc. as desired.
One student can easily play several roles if needed.
Note that all roles can be played by either boys or girls;
see our comments on page 31 of the Teacher's Guide.
Script
This is the first one-third of the script:
CHARACTERS:
Anansi
Zebras
Lions
Rhinos
Monkeys
Elephants
Little Bush Deer
Storytellers
Chorus (comprised of all animals except Anansi)
All the action of the play takes place in a jungle---a backdrop with
jungle
plants and animals can be used (see "Set and Staging" in the
Teacher's
Guide). There is a large "rock" in the middle of the stage.
On the backdrop
behind the stage there is a sign:
Warning! Magic Rock! If ANYBODY says
"Isn't this a strange moss-covered
rock" they will fall asleep for exactly one hour.
Song 1 -
Listen now!
ENTIRE CAST (sings as they march or dance up to stage):
It’s so hot
It’s so hot
Hot in the jungle in July
It’s so hot
It’s so hot
It’s so hot under African skies.
The monkeys are sweating
MONKEYS: It’s so hot!
The rhinos are fretting
RHINOS: It’s so hot!
The lions are betting it’s hundred degrees.
The monkeys are sweating
MONKEYS: It’s so hot!
The rhinos are fretting
RHINOS: It’s so hot!
Gazelles are gazetting there under the trees.
It’s so hot
It’s so hot
Hot in the jungle in July
It’s so hot
It’s so hot
It’s so hot under African skies.
(soft)
It’s so hot under African skies.
(loud)
It’s so hot under African skies.
(Entire CAST freezes, looking at audience, with the last note of the
song.
It is important that the audience knows the song is over and can now
applaud. See "Turning on the Applause Sign" in the Teacher’s
Guide.)
STORYTELLER (spoken): Long ago, on a very hot summer day, Anansi
the Spider was crawling through the jungle when he spotted something
very strange.
(ANANSI enters as STORYTELLER talks. ANANSI looks shocked
when he notices the rock.)
Song 2 -
Listen now!
ANANSI:
I know every tree in the jungle
I know each lion by its roar
I know every nook of the jungle
But I’ve never seen this before.
(ANANSI points directly at the rock on the word "this")
I know every inch of the jungle
So that’s why this is such a shock
This is quite a change
This is very strange
Isn’t this a strange moss-covered rock!
(ANANSI falls down, instantly asleep)
CHORUS:
Down down down down
Down fell Anansi
Down he fell in sleep,
Down down down down
Down fell Anansi
Slumbering so deep.
Down down down down
Down fell Anansi
One full hour went by,
He woke up some
His head was numb
And he was wondering why
He was wondering why.
ANANSI:
I wonder, I wonder what’s happening to me
I was just taking a short walk
This is quite a change
This is very strange
Isn’t this a strange moss-covered rock!
(ANANSI crashes down again in slumber)
CHORUS:
Down down down down
Down fell Anansi
Down he fell once more,
Down down down down
Down fell Anansi
Sleeping like before.
Down down down down
Down fell Anansi
One full hour went by,
He woke up some
His head was numb
And he was wondering why
He was wondering why.
(As ANANSI wakes up, ZEBRAS dance in)
Song 3
ZEBRAS:
We are wise old Zebras
We’ve got wise old zebra stripes
You should listen to us
And take our wise advice.
CHORUS: Listen to them, listen to them!
We are wise old Zebras
We know wise old zebra stuff
If you listen to us
Then you’ll be wise enough.
It’s a magic rock, magic rock
We know it sounds absurd
CHORUS: Sounds absurd
Magical rock, watch your talk
Don’t say
CHORUS: Don’t say
Don’t say
CHORUS: Don’t say
Don’t say
ZEBRAS and CHORUS:
Don’t say those magical words!
ANANSI: You mean the words, "Isn’t this a strange moss-covered…?"
ZEBRAS (interrupting): SHHHHHH!
We are wise old Zebras
We’ve got wise old zebra stripes
You should listen to us
And take our wise advice.
CHORUS: Listen to them, listen to them!
It’s a magic rock, magic rock
We know it sounds absurd
CHORUS: Sounds absurd
Magical rock, watch your talk
Don’t say
CHORUS: Don’t say
Don’t say
CHORUS: Don’t say
Don’t say
ZEBRAS and CHORUS:
Don’t say those magical words!
(ZEBRAS dance off)
STORYTELLER (spoken): Anansi was delighted to learn of the magic
rock, and he came up with a clever trick. You see, Anansi loved the food
of the jungle, but he did not want to do any work to get it. He’d
rather take
somebody else’s, so he went to the home of the Lions.
ANANSI: Good afternoon, Lions. What are you doing on this hot day?
Song 4 -
Listen now!
LIONS:
We like the yams
We like the yams
That’s all we can say
We work so hard
Out in our backyard
Digging yams all day.
We like to roar
We like to stretch
We like leg of lamb
We like the sun
We like to have fun
But we’d rather have a yam.
Anansi the Spider
Your tricks are well-known
You’d rather steal our yams
than find some on your own.
We like the yams
We like the yams
That’s all we can say
We work so hard
Out in our backyard
Digging yams all day.
(spoken): This is our yam-digging music! Oh we like this!
(LIONS dig and dance as the CHORUS sings)
CHORUS:
They like the yams
They like the yams
That’s all they can say
They work so hard
Out in their backyard
Digging yams all day.
Anansi the Spider
Your tricks are well-known
You’d rather steal their yams than find some on your own.
LIONS:
We like the yams
We like the yams
That’s all we can say
We work so hard
Out in our backyard
Digging yams all day.
LIONS and CHORUS:
We work so hard
Out in our backyard . . .
LIONS:
. . . digging yams all day.
(This concludes the first one-third of the script.)
Additional Comments and Reviews:
"We only need to hear a few bars of a tune we loved from long ago and the memories come flooding back.
I only have to sing the word ANANSI to the year 6 children in our school and they remember a whole host of information about the play and the
Africa topic we were covering four years ago. Bad Wolf Press has livened up my curriculum, made music lessons fun and
sown the seeds for stars of the stage in the future (so many have got the bug!)."
---Gillian Robinson, Teacher (year 2 UK, age 6-7), Lower Darwen Primary School, UK
"The songs were catchy and the students enjoyed singing them all the time.
Whenever someone would say, 'it's hot outside,' the students would burst into song: 'It's so hot, it's so hot, hot in the jungle in July.'
We LOVED the songs, the story, the whole production! We were learning about one country per continent and happen to pick Ghana.
Anansi tales originated there and we were also doing 'just so' stories. The play worked perfectly! I also appreciated the teacher's addition to the play.
Very informative for experienced and new teachers."
---Denisia Wash, Teacher (1st grade), Washington School, WA
"Anansi fits in with the listening and speaking parts of the common core (not to mention fluency, expression, and self-discipline).
We were able to read the book, discuss characters, and compare to other stories. Costumes were easy to create. Songs were easy to learn and fun.
My only problem was that we could not get some of the tunes out of our minds! So fun!"
---Laura Fleming, Vancouver, WA
"The CD was fantastic---so easy to learn from and then perform
with! And the
teacher guide really helped with play production, costumes, and sets.
The children
gained immensely in self-confidence, poise, and self-awareness. It was
truly
remarkable. Parents were so impressed at the level of quality we achieved
in the
performance. Some children said that doing the play was the highlight
of their
school year!"
---Linda Turnbull, Teacher (K-2nd grades), Ho'ala School, Wahiawa, HI
"I used grades K, 1, and 2 (about 40 students in all). They loved
the music. Everyone came that day and night (we did two performances) expecting
to see your average 'cute' early primary show. Instead they saw 'the best
show ever.' I heard that over and over. The next day students began asking
when our next show was and what grades would be doing it. That was wonderful.
Your shows have become a tradition at our
school."
---Judy Colligan, Music Teacher, St. Joseph Catholic School, Farmington,
MO
"Quick and easy. The kids loved the lyrics and always asked to
practice. We only
performed for ourselves but their sense of accomplishment was huge. Lots
of
'back-patting' and complements when we swapped roles. Great self-esteem
building
for the kids and tear-jerking for the teacher (me!). No fuss, no stress."
---Jenni Clark, Teacher (3rd grade), Eufaula Elementary, Eufaula, AL
"The kids loved it! I used two classes and everyone had a part.
It was so easy to
organize. The kids had so much fun. All the students feel so successful
when
everyone is clapping for them. My second graders were exposed to a variety
of
vocabulary that they may not otherwise have been interested in."
---Buffy Esquibel, Teacher (2nd grade), Preston School, Rialto, CA
"I liked the catchy tunes, easy-to-learn songs, and the literature-based
cross-curricular
connections. The show involved everyone, from the shy one to the star.
We're still
singing those tunes."
---Jane Bishop, Teacher (1st-2nd grades), Broadwater School, Helena,
MT
"It was a unique experience that cleverly wove the messages and
concepts through
word and song. You would have been so proud of our children as they worked
with
me during recess to develop the unique choreography that added to the
splendor of
your creation. Children realized it was OK to let their inhibitions go.
Many discovered
a hidden talent for song, acting and dance. Everyone had so much fun
working in the
multilevel experience. We all laughed a great deal!"
---Jane Aikens, Teacher (5th-8th grade), St. Maria Goretti School, Schiller
Park, IL
"My class's final performance of Anansi is tonight. They are dynamite!
With my
experience, their talent, and a fantastic musical to do the whole show
was really
brought to life!...Thank you so much and keep writing because what you've
done is
exactly what I've been looking for."
---Justin Hoffman, Teacher (2nd grade), Wagon Wheel Elementary, Trabuco
Canyon, CA
"This happens to be one of my favorite storybooks and it came to
life beautifully in
the genius songwriting and play formatting. The kids had fun and learned
some great
lessons too."
---Kim Chase, Volunteer Parent/Teacher (2nd/3rd grade), Concord School,
Oak Grove, OR
"This was a GREAT play for K-3 to perform because it was all song...few
lines
to learn!"
---George Rhodes, Teacher (2nd/3rd) Sedgewick School, Blue Hill, ME
"It was adorable! The children really enjoyed performing the play
for the entire school."
---Jackie Brondstater, Teacher (2nd grade), Powhatan School, Boyce, VA
Common Core and Other National Standards
Language Arts
- Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
- Common Core Reading Standards: Foundational Skills:
- K and 1st: Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Word Recognition
- 2nd: Phonics and Word Recognition
- 3rd, 4th, 5th: Phonics and Word Recognition, Fluency
- Common Core Speaking and Listening Standards: Comprehension and Collaboration - K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
- Common Core Language Standards: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use - K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
- Common Core Standard 10: Range, Quality & Complexity: Range of Text Types for K-5th
History/Social Studies
National Core Arts Standards
Vocabulary
fretting
degrees
gazelles
nook
slumbering
numb
absurd
yam
stroll
mango
polka
jig
appeal
woe
mongoose
shrewd
backdrop
shocked
instantly
pantomime
parenthesis
intentionally
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Wolf Products and Licensing
How does your pricing and licensing work?
A: In short: each teacher/director using the play should have a copy of it. That's it! Your purchase gives you the right to use the play with as many classes as you wish, to photocopy the script for your actors, and to put on as many performances as you wish. This one-time purchase gives you a lifetime license. See below for more information on site licenses (for 3+ teachers or whole schools).
Q: What comes in the package?
A: Every musical play comes with the script and a 12-page Teacher's Guide that provides lots of tips and advice for using the play from start to finish. It also includes the audio recording for the play, which has all the songs both WITH and WITHOUT vocals. Sheet music is NOT included with the basic package, but it is available for $12. Extra/replacement CDs are also available for $12.
Every non-musical play comes with the script and the 12-page Teacher's Guide.
Q: I'm just one teacher putting on a play. If I use the play with multiple classes, do I have to purchase multiple licenses?
A: No! Your purchase gives you a lifetime license to be used with as many actors and classes as you wish. If other teachers/directors wish to use the play as well, they will need to purchase their own licenses.
Q: Do I need to purchase scripts for students?
A: No! Your purchase includes permission to photocopy the script for your actors.
Q: What is a "site license"? How do I know if I need one?
A site license is the economical choice when a whole school or grade level wants to put on the same play. Instead of each teacher/director having to purchase a script, the school/site can purchase
a site license. This comes with three copies of the play (or one digital download) and permission to make copies for any additional participating teachers, as well as all the actors. You do NOT need to purchase both a site license and individual copies of the play; just buy one or the other.
Q: I understand that I can get two or more scripts for $35 each. Do they have to be the same play?
Nope! The discount applies whether you are purchasing multiple copies of the same show or single copies of multiple shows.
Q: What is the difference between the printed and digital versions? Which one should I get?
There is no difference in terms of content. The printed version of a musical play comes with an audio CD in a plastic sleeve in the back of the book. The digital version comes with two downloadable files: the script (PDF format) and the songs (individual MP3 files compressed in ZIP format). The advantage of the digital version is that you will not pay shipping and you can start using it instantly. Please read the question following this one about the technical requirements for digital files.
Non-musical plays are available in the form of a printed book or a PDF file.
Q: What are the technical requirements for the digital version?
- You will need to have Adobe Reader (free) or another software application that can open PDF files.
- You will need to be able to open ZIP files. The vast majority of computers should be able to do this without difficulty. If you wish to download the music directly to your phone or tablet, you will need to download an app that will open ZIP files. Many free ones are available.
- You will need to have some kind of audio player (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) that will play MP3 files.
Advanced technical knowledge is not required; but please note that we do not have the ability to offer technical support for issues related to digital files. If you are unsure, it is probably best to stick with the printed version.
Q: What is your return/exchange policy?
A: Bad Wolf proudly offers a 100% guarantee. You can always exchange a product for another or get a full refund. No time limits, no questions.
Q: Is it OK if I edit the script?
A: Yes! Consider the play to be a jumping-off point. You are always welcome to change or omit anything that doesn't work for your class, administration, or parents. You are welcome to rewrite
lyrics, lines, or jokes -- or add your own! (The kids love doing this, by the way.)
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: We say that you should allow for one week within the U.S., but most orders are shipped the same day and arrive 1-3 days later. International orders usually take around two weeks to arrive.
Q: Do I need to pay any performance royalties?
A: As long as your admission price is less than $5 per ticket, you never need to pay performance royalties with a Bad Wolf show. If you decide to charge more than $5 a ticket, or if you are using one of our plays for a PAID workshop, camp, assembly, etc., pay only a low 1-2% royalty on gross revenues. See our royalty page to view the rates and pay.