Perhaps it’s
no surprise that the Good Witch and Wicked Witch (yes, she’s back
in solid form!) still don’t get along. But the Tin Man and Lion
can’t agree on anything either, and even Dorothy and Toto are
barking at each other. They’ve come back to the Munchkins, experts
on conflict resolution, to learn how to solve their problems.
Munchkin Mediation is a great complement to your curriculum resources in
character education and problem-solving. 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: 978-1-886588-51-6
© 2010 Bad Wolf Press, LLC
Song Samples
Full Song List
1. “Conflict Resolution”
2. “You Gotta Calm Down”
3. “When You Do X”
4. “Don’t Interrupt”
5. “I See Your Point of View”
6. “You Cannot Run Away”
7. “Win-Win”
8. “Write for Yourself”
9. “Follow Through”
10. “Conflict Resolution” (reprise)
Casting
Flexible casting from 11-40 students. Use as many Munchkins, Flying
Monkeys, etc. in each
scene as desired. One student can easily play several roles if needed,
and
individual roles can be doubled up. Note that all roles can be played
by
either boys or girls; see our comments on page 38 of the Teacher’s
Guide.
Script
CHARACTERS:
Munchkins (3)
Wicked Witch of the East
Flying Monkeys (4)
Dorothy
Toto
Wicked Witch of the West
Good Witch of the North
Scarecrow
Lion
Tin Woodsman
Wizard
Winkies (3)
and a CHORUS composed of all students who are not playing
roles on stage at the time.
Song 1 -
Listen now!
(CLASS gathers on stage. music begins. Individual students
step forward and speak.)
STUDENT A (spoken in loud, clear voice):
You all know the story
How Scarecrow got a brain
Lion got some courage
The witch went down the drain.
STUDENT B (spoken in loud, clear voice):
Dorothy’s back in Kansas
Tin Woodman has a heart
Think that’s where it ended?
No—that is just the start.
CHORUS:
’Cause one year later
They’re fighting tooth and claws
One year later
They’ve all come back to Oz…
Because they need some
Conflict Resolution
Munchkins know it all
Conflict Resolution
Munchkins stand up tall.
STUDENT C (spoken in loud, clear voice):
Dorothy snaps at Toto
And Toto barks right back
Lion and Tin Woodman
Are mad and talking smack.
STUDENT D (spoken in loud, clear voice):
Scarecrow’s throwing tantrums
The wizard has a twitch
There are restraining orders
On every single witch.
CHORUS:
’Cause one year later
They’re fighting tooth and claws
One year later
They’ve all come back to Oz…
Because they need some
Conflict Resolution
Munchkins know it all
Conflict Resolution
Munchkins stand up tall.
Conflict Resolution
Munchkins know it all
Conflict Resolution
Munchkins stand up…
Conflict Resolution
Munchkins know it all
Conflict Resolution
Munchkins stand up tall.
They stand up tall
They stand up tall
Tall, tall, tall, tall
Tall, tall, tall, tall.
(TWO MUNCHKINS are talking to each other. Another
MUNCHKIN (#1) runs on stage towards them, excited.)
MUNCHKIN #1: Hey, have you heard? Dorothy’s come back to Oz!
She’s here
right now in Munchkin Country.
MUNCHKIN #2: Toto too?
MUNCHKIN #1: Toto too.
MUNCHKIN #2: Man, I HATE that dog.
MUNCHKIN #3: You can’t hate Toto. Nobody hates Toto. He’s
the cutest dog
ever.
MUNCHKIN #2: Cute? He thought I was a chew toy.
MUNCHKIN #3: That was an accident.
MUNCHKIN #2: An accident! He tried to bury me in the back yard.
MUNCHKIN #1: Would you guys listen up? ALL the old Oz folks have come
back.
They’re having troubles and need to learn how to solve their
problems.
MUNCHKIN #3 (proudly): Well, we Munchkins ARE the world’s experts
in
conflict resolution.
MUNCHKIN #2 (looking off stage): Hey, who’s that? It’s
not Dorothy or her
pit bull, is it?
MUNCHKIN #1: No, it’s the Wicked Witch of the East.
(WICKED WITCH of the EAST enters. She is represented
by Two Actors, each of whom holds one of her legs in front
of him/her—they ARE the legs. The Actors take turns speaking
her lines.)
WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST: Well, don’t just stand there staring.
MUNCHKIN #3: Sorry. But you’re, uh, well…you look like
two legs.
WICKED WITCH of the EAST: I AM two legs. That’s all that’s
left—I was the
victim of a hit and run house. Now I’ve returned to punish that
little brat
who landed her bedroom on me.
MUNCHKIN #1: You can’t really blame Dorothy for that.
WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST: Oh I can’t, can’t I? I’m
a witch. It’s my job to
cackle a lot and go after innocent little girls from Kansas.
MUNCHKIN #2: That’s a cool job.
WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST: And it’s got a nice 401k. But it’s
hard to enjoy
retirement when you’ve been FLATTENED. I’m going to get
even with that
reckless little twit. I’ll teach her to drive a house without
a license.
MUNCHKIN #3: I can understand why you might be upset.
WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST: UpSET?! I’m not upset. I’m irate!
I’m furious!!
I’m PEEVED!!!
MUNCHKIN #1: You’ve got to settle down. The first step in managing
conflict
is to calm down. Take a big breath. Go on.
(WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST takes a giant breath.)
MUNCHKIN #2: There. That’s better, isn’t it?
MUNCHKIN #3: Are you still mad?
Song 2 -
Listen now!
WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST:
Am I mad?
Well let’s see—
Someone dropped a house on me!
And nothing nothing nothing but my feet were sticking out.
Sure I’m mad
I see red
There’s a farmhouse on my head!
It makes me want to cast a spell and punch and kick and shout!
CHORUS:
You gotta calm down
You gotta calm down
Gotta keep two feet upon the ground
There is no doubt
To work things out
Take a big breath ’cause you gotta calm down.
WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST:
But I’m mad
And I’m back
And I’m on that felon’s track
I’m gonna search until I find that creep
who stole my shoes.
When I do
I’ll show grace…
Drop a condo on her face
It’s time that stinkin’ rotten little Dorothy paid her
dues.
MUNCHKINS and CHORUS:
You gotta calm down
You gotta calm down
Gotta keep two feet upon the ground
There is no doubt
To work things out
Take a big breath ’cause you gotta calm down.
Take a big breath…ah…’cause you gotta calm down.
WICKED
WITCH OF THE EAST (spoken): I see your point. I’ve got
to calm down
before I can solve any problems.
MUNCHKIN #1: Try counting.
WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST: How far?
MUNCHKIN #2: Until you feel your anger has cooled.
MUNCHKIN #3: Or until you pass out.
WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST: Okay, I’ll give it a try.
(SHE starts to exit, counting slowly; she gets mad towards
end of line)
One…two—two legs, which is all I have because of THAT
LITTLE…
(catches herself)
Er…three…four…five—five toes on two legs
and no fingers because THAT SNEAKY
LITTLE…
(catches herself, starts over)
Uh…one, two, three, four…
(Exits)
MUNCHKIN #1: I’m not sure the counting is going to do it.
(THREE FLYING MONKEYS enter)
MONKEY #1: Did someone say something about counting?
MONKEY #2: We LOVE math.
MUNCHKIN #2: What are you flying monkeys doing here? Aren’t
you supposed to
be flying or something?
MONKEY #3: We were. But we heard you talking numbers. Are you going
to do
some algebra?
ALL THREE MONKEYS: Flying Monkeys LOVE algebra.
MONKEY #1 (with enthusiasm): If Monkey X is flying east at 40 miles
an
hour…
MONKEY #2: And Monkey Y is flying west at 30 miles an hour…
MONKEY #3: And Monkey Z is flying north at 50 miles an hour…
ALL THREE MONKEYS: Then: how long does it take to ditch Monica?
MUNCHKIN #3: Who’s Monica?
MONICA (enters, out of breath): Hey guys! Where’d…ya…go?
ALL THREE MONKEYS: Monica!
MONKEY #1: She’s my little sister.
MONICA (angry): You ditched me…on…purpose!
(SHE raises his fist and starts toward MONKEY #1; the other
MONKEYS get in her way)
MUNCHKIN #2: That’s no way to solve a problem.
MONKEY #2: It was just a joke, Monica.
MONICA: You guys are all creeps.
MUNCHKIN #3: Insults aren’t going to help. You have to use “I-Statements.”
MONICA: Okay. “I” think you guys are all creeps.
MONKEY #1: That’s not what he means, Monica.
MONKEY #2: You remember the formula we were talking about the other
day,
don’t you?
MONKEY #3: It’s our patented equation for solving problems.
Here, we’ll go
over it again.
Song 3 -
Listen now!
THREE MONKEYS (not MONICA):
When you do X, I feel Y, so what I’d like is Z.
When it comes to solving problems that’s our recipe.
When you’re in a conflict here’s the formula that’s
key:
When you do X, I feel Y, so what I’d like is Z.
MONKEY #1 (spoken to MONICA): Try it, Monica! Tell us what’s
wrong.
MONICA:
When you fly off to the sky and keep your plans from me
I feel sad and short of breath and need some oxygen
So I’d like an invitation every now and then
OTHER MONKEYS:
When you do X, I feel Y, so what I’d like is Z.
MONKEYS (not MONICA):
Now that was perfect
We never knew
Now that was perfect
Now it’s clear what to do!
ALL MONKEYS and CHORUS:
When you do X, I feel Y, so what I’d like is Z.
When it comes to solving problems that’s our recipe.
When you’re in a conflict here’s the formula that’s
key:
When you do X, I feel Y, so what I’d like is Z.
(FLYING MONKEYS all exit.)
MUNCHKIN #1: Hey, I think I see Dorothy coming.
MUNCHKIN #2: And Toto too?
MUNCHKIN #1: Toto too.
MUNCHKIN #2: I’m outa here.
(runs off)
MUNCHKIN #3 (shouting after him): He’s had his shots!
(DOROTHY and TOTO enter. THEY are arguing, talking
over one another and interrupting.)
DOROTHY: See, Toto? You scared off that poor little Munchkin.
TOTO (begins speaking on “off”): Just because I buried
him once out in the
backyard—that’s what dogs do.
DOROTHY (begins speaking on “backyard”): Would you let
me finish a sentence
before you jump in and start talking and interrupt me?
TOTO (begins speaking on “start”): You always interrupt
me.
MUNCHKIN #1: Whoa! Hold on you two!
MUNCHKIN #2: You can’t keep interrupting each other.
MUNCHKIN #3: You’ve got to try some active listening—really
try to hear
what the other person is saying and take turns.
DOROTHY and TOTO (together): But it’s his/her fault!
(This concludes the first one-third of the script.)
Additional Comments and Reviews:
"Munchkin Mediation was a smash hit. It was so much fun, clever, funny, and the students really learned from it. Nothing boosts confidence like being on stage. I had a parent nearly in tears thanking me for doing the Munchkin Mediation play and offering the opportunity to her son. Without your plays, I couldn't have offered it."
---Lisa Julian, Reading Teacher (6th grade) and After-School Theatre Program Teacher, Amanda Arnold Elementary, Manhattan, KS
"Munchkin Mediation features the Wizard of Oz characters, who are well known by the students and the audience. The music was fantastic and easy to learn. I feel that this particular play has a message that we all need to hear. The strategies for getting along with others I typed and posted below the stage area, so that as the play progressed the audience could connect with each one. The length of this play is just right for third graders.
"The play correlated with our health standards and our health textbook; in fact, I used the health book chapter on containing conflict resolution strategies to connect the content in the play with our existing curriculum. Also, we have a character education program at our school and this musical reinforced the ideas that are a part of the school-wide program. We performed it for the entire school, about 800 kids. I love directing your plays using all four arts: theater, dance, music, and visual arts! This was one of my favorites!"
---Amy Bagnall, Teacher (3rd grade), Valencia Elementary School, CA
"I did Munchkin Mediation this year with 4th and 5th grade students at an inner-city school in PA. I did catch them singing 'You Gotta Calm Down' to an angry classmate in the hall one day -- golden moment!"
---Angela Mosley, Teacher (4th/5th), Fountain Hill Elementary school, Bethlehem, PA
"The kids had a blast doing it. We did it as part of the school's drama club, and it was really fun. It was great seeing kids get up on stage in front of the entire school and sing a solo! It really showcases the beauty and talent of these kids' spirits. The kids loved being familiar Oz characters, but getting to act out something new. Kids absolutely love to perform and love to watch perfomances. It is one thing to lecture kids about different conflict resolutions, it is another to have them learn songs and act out a show based on it! The kids learn better and have such a better time doing it."
---Leala Montes, Teacher (5th-8th grade), Bethany Elementary, Mountain House, CA
"It was so fantastic!!! I did it with first through third graders. They were amazing. One third grade parent was so choked up about her daughter's performance of the Left Leg of the Wicked Witch of the East. All I could make out was 'a career in theatre.' Other parents said it was so much better than the extracurricular activity that they pay for after school."
---Marian Slama Shetley, Teacher (1st-3rd grade), Montessori Peaks Academy, Littleton, CO
"It was a fantastic experience and a great show. And it was also a learning experience for my performers (all of whom have autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral disablities, etc.). I think it will be good for special ed and music ed teachers to know that your materials are accessible to their students. It took lots of work, but everyone worked like troopers, and WOW! We just performed it to a standing ovation!"
---Carol Cultin, Pyramid Incorporated, Pensacola, FL
"I used this play at the end of last year with a class that had many social issues. It helped them get along better and when I see them this year, they still talk about it and sometimes sing the songs. I liked it all and our audience did too! It was a big hit. I wouldn't change anything.
"My students and I love these plays! They build reading fluency, build vocabulary, and give children confidence as they learn to speak clearly in front of an audience. They help reduce stress. Sometimes when we need a break from academics, we break out in song and dance too. The plays are comical so we enjoy laughing together."
---Jane Root, Teacher (4th grade), Cedar Heights Elementary, Lancaster, OH
"My students loved it. I always enjoy the humor that you incorporate into your musicals and the kids really like the laughs. I think this musical did a good job of teaching my students, and those who came to watch our musical, some great skills to use during times of conflict. I love working on plays during state testing times. We sing, move around, create scenery and decide on costumes, so it takes some of the testing pressure off. I tell the parents that this is a less threatening way to ease them into public speaking. Those who are more shy get a chance to have a speaking part with a larger group. Those who are more outgoing may end up with a larger role. Every year I am surprised at who shines brightest. They always amaze me, but my munchkin who 'hates Toto' blew it out of the water. I never would have guessed! Some students who struggle with other academics excel in the arts."
---Andrea Hitchcock, Teacher (3rd grade), Lakeside Elementary, Chisago City, MN
"I wanted to express my thanks for Munchkin Mediation. My class really loved the songs. They still use the choruses to help each other through sticky situations (i.e., You gotta calm down)."
---Jean-Marie Kent, Teacher, Madrona K-8 School, Seattle, WA
"What a delightful program. The students loved it. I teach in a small rural one room school, and we did this production with only 12 students. It worked. The songs were easy for the children to learn and we had a blast with the costumes. With all the talk of bullying in schools, Munchkin Mediation is a perfect way to teach conflict resolution. What a wonderful way to incorporate the arts into the curriculum. It's a great way to teach reading, memorization, and just to have fun!"
---Michael Aubin, Teacher (K-6), Elm River Township School, Toivola, MI
"One of my students was diagnosed with autism and I was nervous about how he was going to react during the performance. Facing a full house can be nerve-racking for everyone - let alone my poor boy! He was playing one of the Winkies in Munchkin Mediation but would not come up on stage at first. I am delighted to say that not only did he get up there confidently, but also acted his part, sang the song and danced the choreography that we had made up for it! It was truly the top point of my carrier as an educator and all that thanks to YOU! Thank you for all the amazing musical plays you have provided us with."
---Maria Zark, Teacher (grade 5), American International School of Lagos Prek
"Mediation is always applicable with children (and any age). I used the phrases from the songs often to prompt students toward their own mediation issues."
---B. Frost, Teacher (3rd-5th grades), High Desert Montessori School, Reno, NV
"We loved everything about Munchkin Mediation!!! The students found the music and script easy to memorize and perform; most said the songs were sung in the shower for many days :) We performed for the school and comments were made about that particular play becoming an annual tradition. Loved, loved, loved the entire experience!"
---Machelle Rogers, Teacher (5th grade), Rosamond Elementary, Riverton, UT
Common Core and Other National Standards
Health/Character
Language Arts
- Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
- Common Core Reading Standards: Foundational Skills:
- 3rd, 4th, 5th: Phonics and Word Recognition, Fluency
- Common Core Speaking and Listening Standards: Comprehension and Collaboration - 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
- Common Core Language Standards: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use -3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
- Common Core Standard 10: Range, Quality & Complexity:
National Core Arts Standards
Vocabulary
General Vocabulary Building
cackle
401k
reckless
twit
irate
furious
peeved
felon
grace
formula
patented
equation
abrupt
summarize
fillet
newt
baguette
perspective
bizarre
psychopath
mayhem
gore
delegate
responsibilities
strife
throw-rug
arbitrator
negotiation
solution
brainstorm
grudgingly
compromise
alternate
constructive
a humbug
tantrum
techniques
recommend
heartily
internal
rave
rant
rail
relish (vb.)
masterpiece
mutilated
defamation
libel
slander
groovy
repercussion
malign
bellicose
nettled
Phrases
down the drain
fight tooth and claw
to “snap” at someone
talk smack
restraining order
hit and run
see red
drive without a license
pay one’s dues
to “ditch” someone
pick a fight
green with envy
fenny snake
stick like glue
rush hour
break into song
special interest group
win-win
to “get one’s drift”
to “pen” a
letter
follow through
pay off
cave under
percent of gross
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.