It's a beautiful summer day in Paw Paw, Michigan, and all the neighborhood kids are on their way to Edwina Spoonapple's house. Edwina, creator and star of The Dear Edwina Show, anxiously awaits her cast and crew as they introduce themselves to us ("Paw Paw, Michigan"). Finally, the kids arrive at Edwina's, ready to start the weekly episode of The Dear Edwina Show, where folk from around the world send letters to Edwina Spoonapple in hopes of receiving her invaluable advice.
Today, Edwina is especially excited and even more bossy than usual; the talent scout from the Kalamazoo Advice-a-Palooza Festival (the biggest advice-giving convention ever!) will see the show... and their act might have a chance to fill in the slot abandoned by Dr. Joyce Brothers! Alas, right before showtime, one of Edwina's cast members breaks his leg. Who will fill in for this all-important episode? Bobby, the new neighbor next-door, arrives with brownies from his mom. After introducing her siblings, who are playing the drums and piano, Edwina instantly drafts him to perform; Bobby, however, is immobilized by stage fright.
A crestfallen Edwina tells Bobby about the wonderful accomplishments of her three siblings and of their ribbons or report cards tacked up on her parents' fridge. Her talent, however, has no tangible award... except for the chance to go to Kalamazoo Advice-a-Palooza Festival ("Up on the Fridge"). Bobby is convinced. He joins the show.
The show begins with the full cast, a wheelbarrow full of letters and "Dear Edwina," promising with song and dance that their marvelous Edwina can answer any problem posed. The first letter is introduced along with a cast member, Scott's, bumbling admission of his adoration of Edwina ("Here Comes a Letter"). In "Aphrodite," the letter-writer explains how her brother is a picky eater; she begs for Edwina's advice. Edwina invites the rock group, Susie and the Napkins, to explain that it's not what one eats, but what one says, that allows one to be polite ("Say No, Thank You").
Becky, cheerleader of the Paw Paw Wildcats, gives "Becky's Cheer" to remind the talent scout from Kalamazoo Advice-a-Palooza Festival that Edwina is the best. "Another Letter" is sung in preparation of moving on. Scott, however, has a special letter that he wants Edwina to read. She chooses a different letter and, in "Abigail," the letter's author tells us of the woes concerning her obnoxious brother. Edwina illustrates a solution with the story of her scary Uncle Vladimir from Transylvania in "Frankenguest," where Frankenguest is just about the rudest guest one could have at a birthday party.
In order to choose the next letter, cast member, Kelli, performs the "Poshkonozovich Dance." In this next letter/song "Carrie" tells about her monstrous lack of knowledge in setting a dining table. Edwina gives her solution in "Ode to Oneida," where she explains how to set a table.
With a big bow, the company takes a break from The Dear Edwina Show by the lemonade stand ("Time for Intermission"). Scott again tries to get Edwina to read his special letter, but to no avail. As the company looks for the talent scout, they discover that she's been sleeping!
All are called back to the second half of The Dear Edwina Show ("Here Come More Letters"). The first letter is from Periwinkle, who is very blue because she must move to a place where no one knows her and she is very shy ("Periwinkle"). Edwina replies with the lesson that anyone can make a person feel welcome in a new and strange place just by saying hello ("Hola, Lola"). Becky tries to wake up the lethargic talent scout with "Becky's Second Cheer."
Again, Scott tries to get Edwina to read his special letter, but yet another letter saves her. A steel band has lost all the money it's raised to go to Jamaica ("Ziggy"). Edwina explains the benefits of resisting the temptation to spend foolhardily and to save, save, save ("Put it in the Piggy")! The Dear Edwina Show ends... or tries to end ("Thanks for Coming"). Scott insists on reading his own special letter, which is about — what else — a boy who is in love with a girl who pays him no mind ("Edwina"). Edwina wants to dismiss his pleas, but the company supports Scott, and Edwina is momentarily swept away as the company gives its audience their second and true farewell ("Thanks for Coming 2)".
All is interrupted by a call from the talent scout. She wants Scott to perform the National Anthem at the Kalamazoo Advice-a-Palooza Festival. The rest of the company, including Edwina, did not make the festival. Edwina is crushed, despite parting words of support from her exiting cast members ("Up on the Fridge – Reprise"). She is interrupted by her little sister, Katie, who has run away from the Summer Math Olympics. It turns out that she has been slighted by her jealous competitors. Edwina gives Katie the advice to be proud and remain herself despite people trying to knock her down ("Sing Your Own Song"). Katie tells Edwina to take her own advice and not let the talent scout knock her down!
Edwina expresses that what really matters is not a prize one can hold, but one's family, friends and aspirations. Lastly, the whole company sings "Hola, Lola" as an encore for Grandma and her video camera.
Edwina Spoonapple
The creator, director and choreographer of The Dear Edwina Show and is the main-staple of the play. Her character goes through a tremendous arc throughout the series of events in the play; from frustration to relief, anger to joy, horror to happiness& all within one afternoon in her own garage! The role of Edwina demands your most talented actor to pull off her bossy yet lovable character. Also, since the play is designed around her and she has the most stage time, the actor playing Edwina should feel more than comfortable onstage. Edwina's music is also a bit challenging. Your actor should have a strong, clear voice with good diction. A musical background would be helpful.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Becky
Edwina's enthusiastic friend and the top of the cheerleading pyramid for the Paw Paw Wildcats. Cheerleading consumes her life and creating new cheers for everyday occasions brings her great joy. This girl even cheers her anger! Becky is a vocally non-demanding role with only a few vocal lines. Stage presence is more important when it comes to casting Becky. Cast the loudest, most outgoing un-shy person you can. Athletic ability, if not cheerleading experience, would be helpful, but not necessary.
Gender: female
Scott
A neighbor boy who is helplessly in love with Edwina. He dotes on her every move and is always conniving a way to gain her attention. Choose a strong actor who feels comfortable being bold with his emotions. A good singer is a must for this role. Scott's song requires vocal dexterity and is demanding in style. An actor with strong comedic timing will be an asset to your production during Scott's 'transformation.'
Gender: male
Vocal range top: Ab5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Kelli
Edwina's neighbor and Paw Paw, Michigan's resident ballerina. The character of Kelli can go one of two ways, depending on your talent pool. If you have a cast member with a background in ballet, great! Let her go wild, perhaps even choreograph her own piece, and turn "Poshkonozovich Dance" into a showcase. If the actor playing Kelli has no ballet experience, not a problem. We've all flapped our arms and stood on our tippy-toes pretending to be ballerinas, have her do the same and turn it into a comedy bit! No one said Kelli was a good ballerina.
Gender: female
Bobby
Edwina's new next-door neighbor. He is a friendly and compassionate character who goes out of his way to help others. The character of Bobby will be able to get away with imperfections throughout the show, as he is a last minute replacement for Lars. Cast an actor who is outgoing and gets along with everyone.
Gender: male
Lars Vanderploonk
One of the Vanderploonk triplets and a neighborhood friend of Edwina. He is incredibly accident-prone and twists his ankle in the first scene. Lars has many prat falls before he actually twists his ankle. Casting an actor with good physical comedy skills would be helpful (always remember that any staged fall or injury should be carefully choreographed and rehearsed to prevent a real injury. Safety first!). You may want to consider having Lars return to the stage a little while after his injury in a wheelchair, a cast or leg brace, or on crutches. This adds to the comedy of the play and opens up the casting of Lars for the actor who wants to be in your show so badly but isn't exactly Baryshnikov.
Gender: male
Billy Vanderploonk
One of the Vanderploonk triplets and a neighborhood friend of Edwina. He works double duty on The Dear Edwina Show by performing onstage and serving as Box Office Manager.
Gender: male
Cordell Vanderploonk
One of the Vanderploonk triplets and a neighborhood friend of Edwina. He works double duty in The Dear Edwina Show by performing onstage and serving as House Manager.
Gender: male
Annie
Edwina's friend and the Girl Scout of Paw Paw. Annie works for and collects her Girl Scout badges like they were buried treasure. No matter what problem may arise, she is prepared with the know-how and resources to solve it in a flash - A MacGyver for the new generation! She is perky, energetic and helpful& maybe even too helpful.
Gender: female
Aphrodite
One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Carrie
One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Abigail
One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Periwinkle
One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Ziggy & The Marching Band
One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: Ab4
Vocal range bottom: Ab3
Vladimir
Edwina's scary uncle from afar. The actor should be a strong enough singer to feel comfortable with their own song and a strong enough actor to engage the audience with their story (and keep them engaged through the duration of the song). Impeccable diction is a must for this character as Vladimir's lines are written with a Transylvanian "Dracula" accent in mind. The actor may be pulled from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry just this one role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Frank
A rude, self-centered, bratty, offensive, disrespectful, socially inept child and the subject of Vladimir's song, Frankenguest. This non-singing role requires the actor to speak their lines during musical breaks in the song. Cast an "over the top" actor and you'll be just fine.
Gender: male
Chef Ludmilla
Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Actors may be selected from the company or, depending or your cast size, carry just their one role.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3
William
Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Actors may be selected from the company or, depending or your cast size, carry just their one role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: Eb4
Sonoma
Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Actors may be selected from the company or, depending or your cast size, carry just their one role.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: Eb4
Fairy Forkmother
Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Actors may be selected from the company or, depending or your cast size, carry just their one role.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: Bb5
Vocal range bottom: Bb4
Susie & The Napkins
Susie and The Napkins are a local band who have just come from a Battle of the Bands concert at the Paw Paw Community Center to sing "Say No Thank You." Susie and The Napkins should be able to move well, if you choose to choreograph the number. Johnny and The Queen act out the story in the lyrics. They are not required to sing, but to merely speak in rhythm during the song. Be sure you cast someone who can 'feel the beat.' Your actors may be selected from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry their one role.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Johnny and Queen Of Boola Boola
Susie and The Napkins are a local band who have just come from a Battle of the Bands concert at the Paw Paw Community Center to sing "Say No Thank You." Susie and The Napkins should be able to move well, if you choose to choreograph the number. Johnny and The Queen act out the story in the lyrics. They are not required to sing, but to merely speak in rhythm during the song. Be sure you cast someone who can 'feel the beat.' Your actors may be selected from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry their one role.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Lola
New to America, Lola expresses her shyness in the song, "Hola, Lola." It would be helpful if this actor speaks Spanish or has a good ear for languages. She may be selected from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry this one role.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Harry
Lola's cousin and the reason she flies from Lima, Peru, to Honolulu. He is a fun, happy-go-lucky character show just wants to make sure his favorite cousin is having a good time. Harry may be selected from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry this one role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C#4
Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Mary Sue Betty Bob
Mary Sue Betty Bob's backup for "Put it in the Piggy." The girl company members play the "Girls" and the "Pigs" are played by the boy company members.
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Farmer Jerry, Girls and Pigs
Mary Sue Betty Bob's backup for "Put it in the Piggy." The girl company members play the "Girls" and the "Pigs" are played by the boy company members.
Gender: male
Katie Spoonapple
Edwina's little sister and a math wiz. Although she arrives at the end of the play, she has the very important role of influencing Edwina's thoughts and feelings. It is Katie that brings about the climax of the play, showing Edwina the "best advice of all." Choose an actor who looks younger than Edwina or is diminutive in stature.
Gender: female
Ann Van Buren
The Kalamazoo Advice-A-Palooza talent scout. She is represented only by a brief voice-over that may be recorded beforehand. When it comes to casting this voice, think very L.A., sweetie darling.
Gender: female
Myra/Myron Spoonapple
Edwina's little sister/brother and musical director of The Dear Edwina Show (played by the Musical Director).
Gender: any
Joe/Jo Spoonapple
Edwina's older brother/sister. Percussionist of The Dear Edwina Show.
Gender: any
- Writing Letters
- Journalism
- Global Salutations
- Ethnic Cuisines
- Currency
- Social Etiquette
- Friendship
- Bullying
- Conflict Resolution
Billing
Requirements
Author Billing – Disney's Dear Edwina Jr.
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Music by
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Book & Lyrics by
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ZINA GOLDRICH
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MARCY HEISLER
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Video Warning
ANY VIDEO RECORDING MADE OF THIS PERFORMANCE IS AUTHORIZED FOR PERSONAL, AT-HOME, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH RECORDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED UNDER FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW.Included Materials
| Resource | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ACTOR'S BOOK | 30 |
| DIRECTOR'S GUIDE | 1 |
| DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES AND MEDIA | 1 |
| FAMILY MATTERS | 30 |
| GUIDE VOCAL AND PERF TRACKS DIGITAL | 1 |
| GUIDE VOCAL AND PERF TRACKS DIGITAL | 1 |
| PIANO VOCAL SCORE | 1 |