Bottle Demon, The

One-Acts 20

By: Odin Webster
Cast: 3 M, 1 F, 8 flexible, extras (With doubling: 3 M, 1 F, 4 flexible)
Performance Time: Approximately 45 minutes, 38 pgs.

CLASSIC. Adapted from “The Bottle Imp” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Keawe, a poor sailor, buys a glass bottle with a demon living inside it that will grant its owner any wish. Of course, there is a catch…or two. If the owner dies before he can sell the bottle to someone else, his soul will forever burn in hell. In addition, the bottle must be sold for less than what was paid for it or it. Eager to test the bottle demon, Keawe wishes for a mansion on a large estate and then quickly sells the bottle. Soon after, Keawe discovers he has contracted leprosy and knows the only way to cure himself and proceed with his upcoming wedding is to find the bottle and buy it back. Keawe locates the current owner but discovers that the bottle was purchased for only two cents. If Keawe buys the cursed bottle, he will be able to marry his true love but he will burn in hell for all eternity. Keawe purchases the bottle anyway, and with the help of his clever wife, the two discover the perfect solution to their quandary! Twists and turns abound in this enchanting, easy-to-stage play.

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