Scripts
An engaging story, a lively sense of humor, dynamic pacing, audience appeal - these are the essential elements of the plays of Steve Seyfried.
The characters and themes of history, literature, folklore, science and nutrition are brought to the stage with an energy that has delighted, informed and enriched over a million young and old theatregoers since 1980.
CURRENT PROJECTS
THAT FABULOUS FRANKLIN - TOURING PA, NJ, DE & MD - A birthday tribute to the ultimate "Ben there - done that" multi-tasker. Two actors bring Franklin's story to life in fast-paced, fun-filled forty-five minute show.
KOSCIUSZKO'S GARDEN/THE SEEDS OF FREEDOM - The amazing story of Polish patriot Tadeusz Koscisuzko - the man who designed the defenses of West Point and wrote a declaration of independence for Poland. Thomas Jefferson called his friend "as pure a son of liberty as I have met".
THE TRAIL WEST – Based on the journals of pioneers, this play follows the exploits of a family on the Oregon Trail.
SCIENCE PEOPLE – Galileo, Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur, George Washington Carver and Marie Curie tell their stories of curiosity and discovery.
FINDING KING TUT – British archeologist Howard Carter follows the clues of antiquity to the extraordinary riches in the tomb of Tutankhamen.
THE MARVELOUS MACHINE – This inspiration play encourages parents and children to make healthy choices – eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise, for your mind as well as your body.
THE DUET PLAYS In 1980 Steve and his wife Elise began writing producing and performing two-actor plays on tour. All of these well-known tales receive a "Duet Productions" twist that adds a great spirit of novelty and fun to the performance. These scripts (* Co-written with Elise Seyfried) include:
ADAPTATIONS OF FAMILIAR TITLES: |
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| ALADDIN | ALICE IN WONDERLAND | ROBIN HOOD |
| RIP VAN WINKLE | PUSS IN BOOTS | SNOW WHITE |
| CINDERELLA | PINOCCHIO | THE WIZARD OF OZ |
| PETER PAN | ANDROCLES AND THE LION | ANANSI THE TRICKSTER |
| THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES | JACK AND THE BEANSTALK | TOAD'S ESCAPE (adapted from THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS) |
UNUSUAL ADAPTATIONS AND ORIGINAL SCRIPTS: |
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| JARED'S ISLAND* Based on the book by Marguerite de Angeli, commissioned by the Free Library of Philadelphia to commemorate de Angeli's 90th birthday. CLAUS AND HIS WONDERFUL STAFF* Based on a story by author and illustrator Howard Pyle KNIGHTLY KNEWS – A timid knight, a mysterious orange dragon and a young reporter for the Medieval Times find a way to make their dreams come true in this original tale. THE LEGEND OF FINN McCOOL* The great Celtic hero overcomes Cuchullan the Giant and Aillen the Flame-Breathing Goblin to save King Cormac's Castle Tara. THE SILVER PHOENIX A collection of three Chinese folktales encouraging the wise use of talent PEDROLINO IN A PINCH* The characters of the Italy's commedia dell'arte come alive in a fanciful chase to find the goose that ate the ruby ring. |
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HISTORY & SCIENCE |
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| NICHOLAS COPERNICUS, THE CENTER OF LIGHT The great Polish astronomer provides great service to his native land while creating the first accurate map of the Solar System. THE COLUMBUS DAY SAIL A terrific blend of humor and history that traces Columbus' story from his early life in Genoa through his first voyage across the Ocean Sea. MILLENNIUM MILESTONES Following the advances in transportation and communication, this play provides an insightful and humorous look back at the outstanding events of the last 1000 years. MY NAME IS LEWES – Lewes, Delaware – the first town in the first state – is celebrating its 375th Anniversary in 2006. This play will be a featured event of the year long festivities. THE GEORGETOWN HUNDRED - Commissioned by the town of Georgetown, DE to celebrate their bicentennial. FLIGHT A full-length musical based on the life of American icon Howard Hughes. Winner of the 1999 Stanley Drama Award. Book by Steve Seyfried, Lyrics by Elise and Steve Seyfried, Music by James Scully. LEWIS & CLARK DISCOVERING AMERICA – Audiences join Jefferson’s Corps of Discovery as the make their way down the rivers and across the mountains to the Pacific Ocean. BEN AND THE GERMANS – Joint project with the Pennsylvania German Society and the U Penn German department dealing with Ben Franklin and his conflicts with German immigrants who were slow to assimilate. |
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ADDITIONAL PLAYS |
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| FAMILY MUSICALS
GOOSEFEATHERS A full-length musical adaptation of PEDROLINO IN A PINCH. Music and lyrics by Charles Gilbert. Cast of three. |
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AND MORE THE BALANCING ACT The writing and production of this one-act was funded by the Delaware Humanities Forum in 1987 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U. S. Constitution. The play focuses on the story of Delaware delegate John Dickinson who seeks to balance the needs of the large and small states as well as his personal and professional life. Cast of 8. |
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Mr. Seyfried's plays have been supported by grants and commissions from: The Pennsylvania Arts Council, Delaware Division of the Arts, DE Humanities Forum, DE Department of Education, PA Department of Agriculture, Dairy Council, Inc., The Free Library of Philadelphia, Arts in Special Education Project for Pennsylvania, The Possum Point Players, the City of Georgetown DE, The City of Lewes DE, The Gannett Foundation, Verizon, The 5-County Arts Fund, The Copernicus Society of America, Independence National Historical Park, The Academy of Natural Sciences.