The Wizard of Oz in 30 Minutes

Excerpt from Play

Characters

Auntie Em
Uncle Henry
Dorothy
Glinda the Good Witch
Wicked Witch of the West
Munchkins (Options: Add or subtract Munchkins, and change gender as needed. These names are taken from the book by L. Frank Baum, except for the Mayor which is a nod to the film.)
Boq (farmer)
Jinjur (baker)
Kiki (candy-lover)
Nimmie (gardener)
Bini (artist)
Mayor (mayor)
Scarecrow
Tin Man
Lion
Guard (Option: Guard can also play The Wizard)
Wizard of Oz
Flying Monkeys (Options: Add or subtract Monkeys. The name Nikko is the only named Monkey in the book. Frank is an homage to L. Frank Baum.)
Nikko
Frank
Toto
(Non-speaking character. Can be an actor, stuffed animal, or puppet.)
Ozabouts
— Ensemble characters who help transition between scenes. They might operate puppets, dance, help change the setting, create sound effects, etc. (Optional. Non-speaking)

Casting Considerations

If you have fewer actors, consider eliminating some of the Munchkins or Monkeys and giving those lines to other actors. If you have more actors, consider adding more Munchkins, Monkeys, or Ozabouts. They can share lines, or you can even write in a few more lines as needed. The Wizard can also play the Guard if you like. The reveal of the Wizard will be a little different, but both options work well.

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Scene 1: Kansas

At Rise: A simple stage representing a Midwest farm. Perhaps a picket fence and/or a clothesline.

Auntie Em: (Calling loudly) Dorothy! Dorothy! Where are you, child?

Uncle Henry: (Entering from the other side of the stage.) Good heavens! What’s the matter, Em? What are you goin’ on about?

Auntie Em: It’s Dorothy. That child is off daydreaming again when she should be doin’ her chores.

Uncle Henry: Aw, let her be, Em. She’s just a child. What’s the harm in a bit of daydreaming?

Auntie Em: What’s the harm? There’s work to be done. This farm doesn’t run itself, you know.

Uncle Henry: I know. I’m just sayin’ the girl should be able to play now and then.

Auntie Em: She can play after the laundry is done. (Perhaps referencing the clothes hanging on the line.)

Uncle Henry: I don’t know if the laundry is gonna get done today, Em. Looks like a storm is brewin’.

Auntie Em: I think you’re right, Henry. Look at those clouds. (They look up at the clouds and don’t notice Dorothy entering.)

Dorothy: (Enters) Aren’t they beautiful?

Auntie Em: Where have you been, young lady? I’ve been callin’ after you for ages now.

Dorothy: Just down by the barn. I was looking at the sky and thinking how nice it would be to fly away on a cloud.

Auntie Em: There you go, daydreamin’ again—such nonsense.

Uncle Henry: Where would you go, Dorothy… if you could fly away?

Dorothy: Oh, I don’t know, Uncle Henry. Maybe somewhere magical and special.

Auntie Em: Kansas is special.

Uncle Henry: Sure is. We’ve got prairies and farms and silos. (A shared smile with Dorothy.)

Dorothy: I know. But I want to travel somewhere far away and see brand-new things.

Auntie Em: The grass isn’t always greener, Dorothy.

Dorothy: But how can I know that for certain if I never go anywhere?

Uncle Henry: (Noticing the storm coming.) None of us are goin’ anywhere right now. That storm’s comin’ quick.

Dorothy: Maybe there will be a rainbow after the storm. I do love rainbows.

Uncle Henry: This is more than a storm. I think it’s a cyclone. (Great urgency)

Auntie Em: Hurry up, everyone! Let’s get down into the cellar.

Uncle Henry: You go on ahead. I’ve got to go bring in the animals. (Exits running)

Dorothy: Oh no! Toto! I left him inside.

Auntie Em: There’s no time, Dorothy. Toto will take care of himself. Let’s go!

Dorothy: I can’t leave Toto! I have to go get him. (She exits quickly in the opposite direction Henry went.)

Auntie Em: Dorothy! Hurry up! (She exits.)

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Storm Scene Change

There are several possibilities for the storm. Consider playing instrumental music and/or storm sound effects. The goal is to know that a cyclone carries Dorothy and her house far away. Consider casting a group of ensemble characters called Ozabouts who help with scene changes in a choreographed way. Here are some ideas for a stormy scene change into Munchkinland:

• Ozabouts hold the ends of the clothesline and swirl across the stage.
• Ozabouts toss stuffed farm animals or puppets around as if they are flying in the wind.
• A picket fence or other set pieces might be on wheels and spin around the stage.
• A picket fence or door might end up on stage with the legs and ruby slippers underneath.
• A large cardboard box painted like a house might be tossed or spun around by the Ozabouts to represent Dorothy’s house in the cyclone.
• The cyclone might be represented by twirling ribbons or fabric or even a projection of a cyclone.

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Scene 2: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

At Rise: We are now in the colorful world of Munchkinland. We might see giant flowers, colorful bushes, or trees. Munchkins are hiding. We see the Wicked Witch of the East’s legs and ruby slippers appear from under Dorothy’s house. (The house might be represented by a picket fence or a door.) Everything is still after the storm. Dorothy is holding Toto as they appear from behind the door or from off-stage.

Dorothy: (Looking around) Oh, my goodness, Toto. I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.

(Munchkins giggle and pop up, unseen by Dorothy.)

Dorothy: What was that?

(Munchkins giggle again and dash about, unseen by Dorothy.)

Dorothy: Who’s there?

(Magical sound effect as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North enters.)

Dorothy: Now I know we’re not in Kansas.

Glinda: Hello, my dear. Are you a good witch or a bad witch, which?

Dorothy: I’m not a witch at all. I’m a girl.

Glinda: What is your name?

Dorothy: I’m Dorothy Gale, from Kansas.

Glinda: So you’re not a witch?

Dorothy: Heavens no. Witches are old and ugly.

(Munchkins giggle.)

Dorothy: There’s that sound again.

Glinda: Don’t worry. That’s just the Munchkins.

Dorothy: Munchkins?

Glinda: Yes. They are the kind people who live in this land. They’re just laughing because I am a witch.

Dorothy: You’re a witch?

Glinda: Yes. I’m Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

Dorothy: But you’re beautiful.

Glinda: As are you, Dorothy Gale. Now, let’s get down to business, shall we? It appears you have killed the Wicked Witch of the East.

Dorothy: Me? I haven’t killed anyone.

Glinda: I’m sure it was an accident, but your house has landed right on top of her. See? Those are her feet.

Dorothy: Oh dear! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to.

Glinda: Don’t be silly! The Munchkins are very grateful. You have set them free! Come out, my friends! The Wicked Witch is dead!

(Munchkins cautiously enter.)

Boq (farmer): Are you sure?

Glinda: I am sure.

Jinjur (baker): Are you positive?

Glinda: I am positive.

Kiki (candy-lover): Are you absolutely, positively sure?

Glinda: She is absolutely, positively, undeniably, and reliably dead.

Mayor: Three cheers for Dorothy!

Munchkins: Hip Hip Hurray! Hip Hip Hurray! Hip Hip Hurray!

Nimmie (gardener): Thank you, Dorothy.

Dorothy: It really was an accident.

Bini (artist): You are our hero!

Dorothy: Me?

Mayor: Yes, you. The Wicked Witch of the East was terrible.

Boq: Now we are free!

Jinjur: No more Wicked Witch!

Kiki: Long live Dorothy!

All Munchkins: Long live Dorothy!

They begin to celebrate, perhaps circling Dorothy and dancing. Scary sound effects as the Wicked Witch of the West enters. Munchkins hide again.

Dorothy: I thought you said she was dead.

Glinda: That was her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East. This is the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked Witch: Where is my sister?

Glinda: There she is. (Pointing to feet and ruby slippers.)

Wicked Witch: Aargh! Who did this?

Dorothy: I’m so sorry. It was an accident.

Wicked Witch: You! You will pay for this, little girl. (Beat. Turning attention to slippers.) Now that my poor sister is dead, I will take her ruby slippers.

(She tries to take the slippers, but they zap her, and she retreats. The Munchkins gather around Dorothy to protect her and hide the ruby slipper exchange. While the Witch talks to Glinda, Dorothy puts the slippers on.)

Glinda: Why don’t you just fly away and leave these nice people alone?

Wicked Witch: Because I need revenge!

Glinda: Revenge will do you no good.

Wicked Witch: Well, someone has to pay!

Glinda: These people owe you nothing. And besides, look who has the slippers now.

(The Munchkins part to reveal Dorothy wearing slippers. Dorothy is surprised, too.)

Wicked Witch: Noooo!

Glinda: It’s too late.

Wicked Witch: I’m the only one who knows how to use them. Give them back!

(Glinda uses her wand to stop the Wicked Witch from charging at Dorothy.)

Glinda: (To Wicked Witch) Stay where you are! (To Dorothy) Those shoes must be very powerful, or she wouldn’t want them so badly.

Wicked Witch: Give them to me. They are mine!

Glinda: You have no power here. Be gone before someone drops a house on you, too.

Wicked Witch: Very well, but I’ll be back. And I’ll get you, my pretty… and your little dog, too!

(Witch exits.)

Dorothy: Oh dear, I think I’ve made a terrible enemy.

Glinda: Indeed, you have. The sooner you get out of here, the safer you will be.

Dorothy: I’d give anything to be back home in Kansas. My Aunt and Uncle must be worried sick about me. But I can’t go back the way I came.

Glinda: That’s true.

Boq: Maybe she should go see the Wizard.

Glinda: Excellent idea.

Jinjur: The Wizard will help her.

Dorothy: Wizard?

Kiki: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Dorothy: Where do I find this wizard?

Nimmie: He lives in the Emerald City.

Dorothy: How do I get there?

Bini: Did you bring a broomstick?

Dorothy: No. I told you, I’m not a witch.

Mayor: Then you’ll have to walk.

Dorothy: Which way do I go?

(Munchkins guide her, showing her the path. Consider having the Ozabouts create the yellow brick road. This might be done by having them hold up signs, lay down yellow tiles, or even by holding yellow fabric or ribbons.)

Mayor: Just follow the Yellow Brick Road.

Boq: Shhh… Don’t tell her. I want her to stay.

Jinjur: Me too.

Kiki: She’s sweet.

All Munchkins: (Ad-lib: “We like her!” “She’s kind!” “Can’t she stay?” etc.)

Mayor: Listen everyone. Dorothy may be our hero, but she’s on a journey.

Dorothy: Oh please. Tell me which way to go.

Nimmie: Just follow the Yellow Brick Road.

Bini: Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

Dorothy: The Yellow Brick Road?

Glinda: That’s right. Just follow the yellow brick road. And never let those ruby slippers off your feet. They are your ticket home.

Dorothy: Thank you all.

Munchkins: Goodbye! Good luck!