The Princess and the Pea
by Travis Tyre
Fairy tale set in Imperial Russia. The winter palace and a street in St. Petersburg. 5 men,5 women, with optional ensemble; one hour. Ages 6 to 11 . $ 6.50
"Out of the glory days of Russia in the time of the Czars came a prince, a Princess, and a pea." Blending fact and fable, this strikingly original adaptation of The Princess and the Pea sets the action in the tumultuous era of Imperial Russia. Young Alexi, Czar of all the Russias, is under pressure from the Duma to obey the law and take a bride of royal heritage. But he turns away every prospect who visits the Winter Palace until his mother, Catherine, takes matters into her own hands.
Most fairy tale adaptations are set in "once upon a time." This one daringly sets a classic tale in a real historical context, enriching it with a passion for social justice as well as the delight of the improbable. We know from Russian history that this czar, Alexander II, in 1861 actually acted to free the serfs from centuries of oppression by the nobility. Why? Could it be because he found a princess who knew what it was like to grow up among street vendors in the slums of St. Petersburg?
As the bitter winter winds rush through the poor city streets of Imperial Russia, young Anya and her father, Victor, fight Alexander II's tax collectors to keep their precious "spot" on the street where they sell birds. Anya is enchanted with the young tsar, Aleander "Alexi" Nikolaevich, and though they have never properly met, Anya is certain that she can convince the tsar to change his severe laws. Alexi, however, has other problems; the law requires that he marry a true princess. . .
Not the traditional story of the princess and the pea as I remember it--but much better! The dialogue is creative and engaging, the characters are comical, human, and heartwarming, and the plot proves more intricate and more exciting than other "watered down" versions of this delightful tale. The cast may be as small as ten, but is flexible to be as large as twelve or more. Costuming and scenery is versatile, with great room for creativity. The action moves quickly, pushed forward by both plot and character, and at a running time of approximately one hour, it will easily engage kindergartners and sixth graders alike.
Shelly Graham
Children's Book and Play Review
November/December 2000
