The Reluctant Dragon
Adapted from Kenneth Grahame’s story
Book, Music, & Lyrics by Darryl G. Bojanowski
Orchestrations by Bill Corcoran, additional orchestrations by Christopher DeCastro
Performance Time
approx. 60 minutes
Casting
3 M, 1 F and featured Boy or Girl role and 6-8 or more Child/Teen Chorus
Songs Include:
That's The Way It Is; A Dragon!; Don't Go Up On Them There Downs;
Poetry; A Knight!; The Natural Order Of Things; On And On, And On, And On
Libretto/Vocal Scores
(must be purchased at JW Pepper)
18 Copies Minimum Purchase of Libretto/Vocal Scores @ $10 each
Synopsis
The Boy has always believed that if people take the time to write something in a book it must be true, especially if it is about knights and dragons. He comes home one day to find his Mother in a dither because she has seen a giant creature in a cave on the Downs. As she tells him about it, he decides it must be a dragon. Next morning, he goes to the cave but finds instead of a ferocious giant beast a gentle beast that is friendly, hospitable and loves writing poetry. Confused, the Boy finds he likes this Dragon. On his way home, he meets Mister Pimm who tells him the villagers are worried about the dragon and have hired Saint George to come and slay him. Horrified, the Boy decides to talk to the knight himself and stop the battle. It turns out that Saint George is also a poet and agrees to meet with the Dragon. The two hit it off and decide to have a pretend battle which will satisfy the villagers’ need for a fight. The battle happens and the villagers, the Boy, Saint George and the Dragon happily go on their way.
Production History
A Premiere Playhouse, a regional musical theatre in Columbus, OH, 6/15-26, 1993
What Critics Are Saying
"Adapted from Kenneth Grahame's children's book, 'The Reluctant Dragon' is commendable for its pleasant tone and inspired songs. The clever 'That's The Way It Is,' the ensemble number that opens the hourlong 'Dragon,' establishes the 'natural order' -- that a dragon must be fierce and that a knight must fight him and win."
Nancy Gilson -— The Columbus Dispatch

All PRODUCTION materials will be digitally delivered 10 weeks before your first rehearsal.
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Piano / Vocal Score: Casting/Vocal Ranges, Synopsis, Scenes and Songs List, Orchestra Tracks Guide
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Full Orchestral Score (not just cues!) with Keyboard Patch lists, Percussion Lists, Tacet Lists
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Producing a TND Musical features FLEXIBLE instrumentation choices:
1) Full Orchestra OR 2) Piano/Keyboard and Percussion OR 3) .MP3 Digital Orchestra Performance Tracks
FULL ORCHESTRA
15 Instrumental Part Books:
REED 1: Flute/Piccolo
REED 2: Oboe /English Horn
REED 3: Clarinet in Bb
REED 4: Bassoon
BRASS: Trumpet in B♭, Horn in F, Trombone
STRINGS: Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Bass;
PIANO/KEYBOARD; TWO PERCUSSIONISTS
Everything you need to produce a successful show—organized, accessible, and ready when you are
Production Resources
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Director Script
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Costume, Set & Technical Notes (with production photos)
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Prop List
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Study Guide with lesson ideas
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Writer’s Perspective & staging insights
Music & Rehearsal Materials
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Integrated Piano/Vocal Score (script + music together)
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Full Conductor’s Score
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Orchestra Performance Tracks (.mp3)
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RMS Learning Tracks for efficient rehearsal
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Flexible instrumentation options
Marketing & Promotion Assets
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Social Media graphics & ready-to-use captions
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Press Release templates
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Show Logo package (print + digital formats)
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Marketing copy for programs, posters & websites
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Editable Show Program template (Canva-ready)
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Customizable Official Video Trailer
Digital Convenience
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Digital delivery of all materials
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No shipping • No returns • Instant access
