Song Samples
Full Song List
1. One Big Mystery
2. Gotta Have an Introduction
3. Choose Your Topic Wisely
4. Cooking Up an Essay
5. Working Out
6. My Thesaurus
7. The Style Reserve
8. Gotta Revise
9. Plagiarism
10. One Big Mystery (reprise)
Casting
Flexible casting from 11-40 students.
Use as many Butlers, Maids, Drivers, Cooks, etc.
as desired; one student can easily play several roles. Note that all
roles can be played by either boys or girls, including the presidents;
see our comments on page 40 of the Teacher's Guide.
Script
This is the first one-third of the script:
CHARACTERS:
Steve Stevens, Private Eye
Narrator (has a crush on Steve)
Butlers
Maids
Cooks
Drivers
Eccentric Aunts
Amelia Earhart
Colonel Ketchup
Style Reserve Recruits
Miss Mansion
Bill Shakespeare
Plagiarists
and a CHORUS composed of all students who are not playing
roles on stage at the time.
(CLASS enters, sits around back of stage/classroom. There
is a small desk with a chair in the middle. STEVE STEVENS
enters, sits on the chair and leans back. NARRATOR enters,
holding a book. SHE stands slightly to one side at front, and
reads loudly and clearly to the audience from the book.)
NARRATOR (she speaks in a clipped rhythm, detective-style): It was warm
day. Private Eye Steve Stevens was cool, though. Too cool. He needed
a
case. The rent was due, and he'd eaten nothing but Lucky Charms* for
three
days. He hated Leprechauns. The phone rang.
(SHE makes a silly phone ringing sound.)
It was a call that would change his life.
STEVE (picking up the phone):
Steve Stevens, Private Eye.
(pause to listen, then speaks; excited)
Wow, that IS a good deal! Two weeks in Hawaii every year?
NARRATOR: But THIS was NOT the call. This was a solicitation for a
time-share condo. Steve hung up the phone.
STEVE (not wanting to hang up, protests to NARRATOR): But for only 10,000
bucks I could get a beautiful...
NARRATOR (interrupting, very forcefully): STEVE HUNG UP THE PHONE!
STEVE (hanging up the phone): Okay, okay. Geez. This detective genre
is so
confining.
NARRATOR (collects herself, begins reading from the book again): The
phone
rang.
(SHE makes a silly phone ringing sound)
It was a call that would change his life.
STEVE (grabs the phone eagerly, starts talking before he hears who is
on the
line): I didn't want to hang up. They made me. Tell me more about...
(HE stops talking, now listening to someone speaking)
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else.
(Listens for a bit)
A case? For me? Of course I'm free.
(HE holds his hand over the phone, whispers loudly, happily
to NARRATOR)
It's a case! It's a case! Wow, it's a case!
NARRATOR (reading to audience from her book): Steve was cool.
STEVE (collecting himself, trying to act cool, speaks back into phone):
You're in luck, Miss Mansion. I think I can squeeze you in. What's the
problem?
(He listens a bit, then asks disbelievingly)
You had WHAT stolen?
(Pause; then, obviously faking it)
Sure, uh, that's not a problem. We, uh, see that all the time. I've handled
dozens, maybe millions of cases like that.
NARRATOR (still reading from the book): Steve was lying.
STEVE (covering phone; to NARRATOR): Would you stop that?
(into phone)
Oh no, not you, Miss Mansion. I'll be over in a few minutes.
(HE hangs up. To NARRATOR:)
Come on. We gotta go. Some rich dame just had an heirloom stolen. A
paragraph. Whatever that is.
(HE rushes off)
NARRATOR: Steve was clueless. Cute, but clueless.
(STEVE shouts from side): Come on! Round up the usual suspects.
NARRATOR: Steve had always wanted to say that.
(NARRATOR rushes off; CLASS stands and sings)
Song 1 -
Listen now!
CLASS:
You like detective stories?
You like a little laugh?
You've found the place
'Cause here's the case
Of the missing paragraph.
A crime has been committed
So grab your polygraph
We're in a race
To solve the case
Of the missing paragraph.
One, big
One mystery
We'll search out each clue
One, big
One mystery
We'll learn about writing essays too.
We've got a nice Who Dunnit
And here's the final draft
Now we're on pace
To solve the case
Of the missing paragraph.
A crime has been committed
So grab your polygraph
We're in a race
To solve the case
Of the missing paragraph.
One, big
One mystery
We'll search out each clue
One, big
One mystery
We¹ll learn about writing essays too.
(CLASS sits down. STEVE walks on; NARRATOR takes her
place at front, to one side, as before.)
NARRATOR (reading from book): A few minutes later, Steve was knocking
on
Miss Mansion¹s front door.
(STEVE looks aroundthere is no door, of course. HE throws up his
hands at
NARRATOR. SHE repeats:)
Steve KNOCKED on the door.
(HE shrugs, pretends to knock in the air, half-heartedly.
NARRATOR says:)
Knock, knock, knock.
STEVE (to NARRATOR): Thanks. I can handle it from here.
NARRATOR: Something strange had overcome Steve.
STEVE: Really. Go on. I'll be okay.
NARRATOR (hurt, reads from book): Steve foolishly decided to go solo,
dismissing the only decent thing he had in his life.
(SHE exits in a huff; THREE BUTLERS quickly appear)
BUTLER #1: Mr. Stevens, I presume?
STEVE: That's right. Private Eye. Miss Mansion called me about the,
uh,
missing heirloom.
BUTLER #2: Welcome to the Mansion Mansion. We are her butlers. Please
come
into the library.
BUTLER #3: Miss Mansion is indisposed at the moment.
BUTLER #1: She has asked us to show you the crime scene.
BUTLER #2 (holding a fancy piece of paper, like parchment): This is
the
manuscript.
(Hands it to STEVE)
BUTLER #3: It's an essay composed by her grandfather.
BUTLER #1: It was a prize-winning essay, the money for which he parlayed
into the Mansion fortune. It is of great sentimental value to Miss Mansion.
STEVE: I thought it was stolen.
BUTLER #2: Not the entire essay. Just a paragraph.
BUTLER #3: And not just any paragraph. The OPENING paragraph.
STEVE: Is that important?
BUTLER #1: Important? The opening paragraph is THE crucial paragraph.
BUTLER #2: It sets the tone, presents the topic---it outlines the entire
essay.
BUTLER #3: It's like a Butler. It greets the readers and invites them
in.
STEVE: Sounds valuable.
BUTLERS #1, 2, 3 (together): Absolutely.
Song 2 -
Listen now!
BUTLERS:
Gotta gotta gotta have
Gotta gotta gotta have, yeah
Gotta gotta gotta have an introduction.
Gotta gotta gotta have
Gotta gotta gotta have
Gotta gotta gotta have an introduction.
First paragraphs open doors
That's where things begin
First paragraphs greet your guests
And welcome them in.
Gotta gotta gotta have
Gotta gotta gotta have, yeah
Gotta gotta gotta have an introduction.
Open the door
Show what's in store
Make 'em want more
Gotta gotta gotta have an introduction.
First paragraphs state the theme
And your point of view
Though butlers don¹t like to shout
Thesis statements do!
BUTLERS and CHORUS:
Gotta gotta gotta have
Gotta gotta gotta have, yeah
Gotta gotta gotta have an introduction.
Open the door
Show what's in store
Make 'em want more
Gotta gotta gotta have an introduction, oh
Gotta gotta gotta have an introduction.
(THEY exit. NARRATOR enters and takes place at front, side
of stage. Two MAIDs also enter, dusting and cleaning.)
NARRATOR (reading from book): The case was heating up. So was Steve
Stevens---he had handcuffed all three butlers to the coffee table. The
Butler
ALWAYS does it, he reasoned. Steve was wrong. He was big enough to admit
it.
Especially when faced with a lawsuit. Meanwhile, rumors were flying through
the rest of the Mansion household. The Maids even dusted off some old
memories.
(SHE exits)
MAID #1 (pointing to exiting NARRATOR): Who was that?
MAID #2: I don't know. She showed up with that Private Eye. Some sort
of
story-tellin' device, I think.
MAID #1: Better than a voice-over.
MAID #2: Oh, yes! Nothin's cheesier than a voice-over.
MAID #1: So, do you have any theories about who took the paragraph?
MAID #2: I don't see why they¹re makin' such a big deal about it.
It's the
topic that counts in essay writin'.
MAID #1: It is, isn't it? You can't even THINK about writin' an openin'
paragraph until you have something to write about.
MAID #2: And you should pick somethin' fun. If you like what you're
workin'
on, it's easy. I've always loved cleanin' my ears, for example. Back
in
school I wrote every single essay about my ears.
MAID #1: And I used to write about footwear! I LOVE footwear. Sometimes
I
put on three or four pair of Miss Mansion's socks and run around the
house
pretendin' I'm rich.
MAID #2: Yep. You gotta write about what you love.
Song 3 -
Listen now!
MAIDS:
Choose your topic wisely
That's rule number one
Choose your topic wisely, oh
Make your writing fun!
MAID #2:
My fav'rite essay I composed
Explained how ear wax comes and goes
I learned so much and all these years
I've cherished all the stuff inside my ears.
Woh oh oh oh
MAIDS:
Choose your topic wisely
That's rule number one
Choose your topic wisely, oh
Make your writing fun!
MAID #1:
My fav'rite was outside the box
I analyzed Abe Lincoln's socks
The Civil War then lit my fuse
'Cause I had stood in Mr. Lincoln's shoes
Woh oh oh oh.
MAIDS:
Choose your topic wisely
That's rule number one
Choose your topic wisely, oh
Make your writing fun!
MAIDS and CHORUS:
Choose your topic wisely
That's rule number one
Choose your topic wisely, oh
Make your writing fun!
Make your writing fun!
(THEY exit. STEVE enters, walking slowly, sniffing the air.
NARRATOR enters and takes her position.)
NARRATOR (reading from book): Steve was on the scent. Literally. He
smelled
something delicious and it was almost lunch time.
(SHE looks up, no longer seeming to read from the book.
SHE speaks dreamily at first, but gets upset towards the end.)
It had been days since Steve had a good home-cooked meal. And certainly
there was someone who would love to cook him a great meal. Someone who
is
there every day. Someone who reads his thoughts like a book. Someone
he
barely notices, someone who might as well be DEAD.
(SHE starts weeping hysterically and runs off stage)
(This concludes the first one-third of the script.)
Additional Comments and Reviews:
"I had such a blast doing this. My students loved the songs and
sung them constantly, even after we were done with the musical! They
developed their own choreography, coached each other and really came
together as a team. They were also highly motivated to learn new
vocabulary. Overall it was a wonderful experience."
---Anna Fink, Teacher (4th grade), CHIME Elementary, Woodland Hills, CA
"We had a wonderful time with the script and music, which were
easy to learn and follow along
with. The content of the play followed right along with what was taught
throughout the year.
It was great!"
---Julie Sheffer, Teacher (5th grade), Clark Elementary School, Paducah,
KY.
"Thorougly standards based! The audience loved the humor and we
had standing ovations."
---Vince Rosato, teacher (4th) Searles Elementary, Union City, CA
"The kids did a superb job. The adults loved the humor, and when
the kids saw the adults
reaction they loved it too. I'm getting compliments on the performance
from teachers all
over the school. Thank you. I will try this play again. "
---Ronni Harvith, Teacher (5th) Fields Road Elementary, Gaithersburg,
MD
"GREAT fun! My young performers (10th grade) performed it for grades
2-7 and it was very
well received. There are even some jokes that only the grownups get."
---Jan Labellarte, Teacher (10th grade), Warren County Technical School,
Washington, NJ
"The kids' favorite. Great songs."
---Linda May, Teacher (5th grade), Centennial Arts Academy, Gainesville,
GA.
"The fifth grade class that I'm working with is doing Missing
Paragraph.
Their teacher told me that as they walked across their school they sang
the
theme song all they way there. Doing the musical has brought them together
as a group. "
---Rich Howell, Founder, EnRiching Education, Nevada City, CA
"The Case of the Missing Paragraph was a fun way to introduce expository writing. I love the humor and the fact that it was suitable for all the students (those with tons of confidence and those not so confident). I love that I can adjust your plays to fit the dynamics of my students. I can make them as small or as big of a production as I see fit. Also, I can just use the songs in my daily classes to reinforce certain concepts and skills. When students can 'sing a concept' it helps them retain it better."
---Kristina Cevallos, Teacher (5th grade), FL
"We loved it, and it touched on many parts of writing in a musical
way."
---Stacey Garbon, Teacher (4th grade), Moss Park Elementary, Orlando,
FL
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.