Wind in the Willows, The

One-Acts 45

By: C. Edward Wheaton
Cast: 3 M, 4 F, 16 flexible, opt. extras (With doubling: 3 M, 2 F, 10 flexible)
Performance Time: Approximately 60 minutes, 59 pgs.

CLASSIC. Adapted from the novel by Kenneth Grahame. Struck with spring fever, Marely the mole emerges from his underground home and ventures to the river, where he meets up with Ribby the water rat and the mischievous Thaddius Toad, who has a knack for getting himself into trouble. Obsessed with motorcars, the impulsive Toad “borrows” Mr. and Mrs. Churchmouse’s car, recklessly crashes it into a tree, and ends up in jail. To save Toad, Ribby and Marley journey into the Wild Woods in order to find the wise Badger, who they think can transform Toad into a responsible, sensible creature and convince Judge H. Owl to release Toad from jail. Meanwhile, the rascally weasels have emerged from the Wild Woods, taken up residence in Toad’s house, and are running all the river-bankers off. With the help of two hedgehogs, Toad manages to sneak out of jail disguised as a washerwoman. Toad then joins up with Badger, Ribby, and Marley, and the friends set out to take back Toad Hall and drive the weasels back into the Wild Woods where they belong. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the friends’ adventures as they encounter a host of amusing animals including an otter, a horse, an owl, gray rats, a groundhog, wood mice, and even a pack rat.

Freeviews: To read play excerpts click here.

About the Story: To read more about the story click here.

C. Edward Wheaton (1950-2019) studied drama at Stanislaus State College and had an extensive background in 19th-century and early 20th-century American drama and literature. He was from Stevinson, CA.