Western Tale, The

Full-Lengths

By: Tracy Krauss
Cast: 6 M, 7 F, 5 flexible, extras (With doubling: 6 M, 5 F, 2 flexible)
Performance Time: Approximately 75-90 minutes, 59 pgs

TRAGI-COMEDY. Loosely based on William Shakespeare’s "The Winter’s Tale." Set in the Wild West, Big Leo, a wealthy rancher, has “gone madder than a dog” with jealousy. Big Leo thinks his best friend, Doc Xavier, has stolen his wife’s heart. Not wanting to be the laughingstock of the county, Big Leo publically accuses his pregnant wife of adultery and takes her to court, where she collapses, apparently dead. Big Leo then orders his newborn baby girl to be abandoned in the Badlands, but his loyal ranch hand secretly saves the child, who is raised by some local squatters. Fast forward 16 years and Big Leo’s deserted daughter and Doc Xavier’s son meet and fall in love. Can what starts as a sad, gloomy winter’s tale blossom into a happy one? With western flair, this adaptation includes Shakespeare’s famous bear scene, and Father Time has been transformed into a traveling snake oil salesman, who functions as the narrator. Audiences will love this Wild West version of the Shakespeare classic complete with mistaken identities, a spring festival, comedic twists, and even a little romance.

Freeviews: To read play excerpts click here.

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

Tracy Krauss is an author, artist, playwright, and director. A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, Mrs. Krauss teaches art, drama, and English. After raising four children, she and her husband now reside in Tumbler Ridge, BC, where she continues to pursue her creative interests.