Jacky's Magic Beanstalk

by William Buck

Fairy tale theatre for ages 4 to 9. 7 to 10 performers, flexible gender. 50 minutes . $ 6.50

This ever-popular tale of the Small outwitting the Big is recast with a feisty young woman as the beanstalk climber, and told with warmth as well as outlandish humor and non-stop action by the time Jacky gets to the top of the beanstalk.

Jacky gets magical assistance along with the beans--a stick that will rise up and fight her foes, a harpstring that sings in the wind, and Buzz-Buzz, a singing bee to become her companion. But even with these, it takes all her courage, imagination and good sense to outwit the Giant and his wife.

While many more fine plays today are being written for upper elementary and older students, it's still hard to find really good material for the very young. Jacky's Magical Beanstalk is such a find. It tickles their funny bones, enlists their enthusiastic help, and honors their wish to believe in goodness and magic. Its action is fast-paced without violence (the giant is more befuddled than cruel) and the relationships between mother, daughter, and even the cow have tenderness as well as wit.