Tom Sawyer
by
Bill Scurato
© 2008 Anthony W. Scurato
All Rights Reserved
Tom Sawyer
Scene 1
Aunt Polly: TOM! (pause) TOM! (pause) What's gone with that boy, I wonder? You TOM! (She pulls down her glasses and looks over them about the room)
Mary: That’s my dear sweet mother, Mrs. Polly Enwright. She’s looking for her nephew...my cousin Tom Sawyer.
Aunt Polly: Tom..........well, I lay if I get hold of you I'll -- (she’s punching about the room with her broom looking for him) I never did see the beat of that boy!(pause) Y-o-u-u Tom!
Mary: Tom came to live with us a while back after his Ma’ was taken by the Lord. My Ma loved her sister so, and sure wants to do right by her boy…but I declare...he drives her to the edge.
(A slight noise behind Aunt Polly. She sees Tom hiding in the corner. He has jam all over his face. Seeing he’s discovered he tries to run, but is caught by Aunt Polly’s grip on his shirt.) Not so fast Tom. Whatchou been up to? Didn’t you hear me ‘a callin you?
Tom: No ma’am. I didn’t hear nothin’
Aunt Polly: Nothin’ you say? And look at your hands. And look at your mouth. What is that?
Tom: Nothin’ Aunt.
Aunt Polly: Nothin’ again. Well, I know what it is. It’s jam--that’s what it is. Forty times I've said if you didn't let that jam alone, I'd skin you. Hand me that switch. (Aunt Polly takes the switch from Tom and raises it on high. She’s about to lower the boom when Tom points away.)
Tom: My! Look behind you, Aunt!
(Aunt Polly turns to look, and Tom escapes her grip and runs away)
Aunt Polly: (laughs gently) Hang the boy, can't I never learn anything?
Mary: Well, there he goes... off for another adventure. Skippin’ school no doubt, off to the old swimmin’ hole. You gotta love it. And you gotta love Tom..... even when he drives you crazy...
Aunt Polly:(sings)
Tom, Tom, whatcha doin; Tom
Why’a always trickin’ me the way you do
Tom, Tom...you know I love ya’ Tom
But how the devil goes about to temptin. you
Oo-oo tempting you.
(She lifts the pillow from the bed and screeches at the snake that she finds.)
My dear sister took from us all them years gone by
Leavin me to tend her boy and how by God I try
Oo-oo God I try
(She speaks as she holds up the snake) Now what on earth was he gonna do with this?
But Tom, Tom, whatcha doin; Tom
Whya always trickin me the way you do
Tom, Tom...you know I love ya’ Tom
But how the devil goes about to temptin. you
Oo-oo Temptin’ you
Mary: Tom has lots of pals here in St. Petersburg. There’s Joe Harper, prob’ly Tom’s best friend. And here come Huckleberry Finn. (Aside to audience) Poor Huck, his pa’s the town drunk, and my Ma don’t like Tom hangin’ around with him. So of course, Tom’s with him every chance he gets.
Joe: Tom, Tom whatcha doin’ Tom
Lets’a get’a goin out and have some fun
Huck: Tom, Tom we’ve battles to be won
And lots of risks to take before the settin’ sun.
Joe & Huck: Oo-oo the settin’ sun
Huck: Geez Tom whatcha got all over yer face?
Joe: Yeah, it’s disgustin’
Tom: No, it ain’t. It’s Aunt Polly’s jam. You’se boys want some?
Huck: Thank’s Tom yer a real pal. (Now all three boys have jam on their faces)
Joe: Sometimes we’ll be pirates finding treasure gold
Huck: Then we’ll join the circus charming young and old.
Joe & Huck: Oo-oo, young and old.
Joe & Huck:
Tom, Tom whatcha doin’ Tom
Lets’a get’a goin out and have some fun
Tom, Tom we’ve battles to be won
And lots of risks to take before the settin’ sun.
Joe & Huck: Oo-oo the settin’ sun
Mary: But not all the boys in town shared Joe’s admiration.
Alfred and Tom confront and circle each other.
Tom: I can lick you!
Alfred: I'd like to see you try it.
Tom: Well, I can do it.
Alfred: No you can't, either.
Tom: Yes I can.
Alfred: No you can't.
Tom: I can.
Alfred: You can't.
Tom: Can!
Alfred: Can't!
Tom shoves Alfred and both are rolling on the ground in serious combat. Tom ends up gripping Alfred’s arm behind his back.
Tom: Holler ‘nuff (Alfred is crying now struggling to free himself.) Holler ‘nuff!!!
Alfred: “Nuff’
Tom: Now that'll learn you. Better look out who you're fooling with next time. (Alfred runs off. Tom proudly struts )
Mary: Yup, sometimes Tom was a fighter, but he also fashioned himself a ladies man. He had quite an eye for the girls of the village. Here’s his girlfriend, Amy Lawrence.
Tom wipes his face and is charming as he approaches Amy
Mary: But wait...there’s a new girl in town... Judge Thatcher’s daughter Becky.
(Tom shows off trying to get her attention. Amy steams.)
Amy:
Tom Tom whatcha doing Tom
You said we was engaged and now you’re showin off
Tom Tom oh, how I hate you Tom
I hope that you get drownded in the cattle trough (She pushes him in)
Oo-oo the cattle trough
Becky:
New girl in a brand new town
It’s a frightning plea
Wonder if someone will come around to rescue me
Oo-oo, rescue me.
Tom: Hello there. My name’s Tom Sawyer.
Becky: Hello Tom Sawyer. I’m Becky Thatcher.
(She sings)
Tom Tom watcha doin Tom
Couldja help me find my way around the block
Tom Tom how kind you are oh Tom
Lets have some lemonade and take a long long walk.
Oo-oo a long, long walk.
Mary: As for me...Tom was a bright spot. Oh, I know he caused my Ma some agitation, but he also brought lots of joy to our house...and the truth be known to our whole town... (she sings...eventually joined by the company.)
Tom, Tom Whatcha doin’ Tom?
Everyone’s a smilin when you pass our way
Tom Tom decent hearted Tom
You bring a touch of sunshine on a cloudy day.
You bring a touch of sunshine on a cloudy day.
(Round)
Scene 2
Mary: The next morning my Ma’ set a little trap for Tom.
Aunt Polly: So Tom, looks like a beautiful Saturday. You got anything special planned?
Tom: Oh, fer sure Aunt Polly. Me and Joe Harper are headin’ out for a day of battle between our two armies. Then later on we’re gonna play pirates.
Aunt Polly: Hmm, sounds like fun.
Tom: (laughs) Yep.
Aunt Polly: How was school yesterday Sidney.
Sid: (A brat) Oh, it was fine Aunt Polly. We learned how to write friendly letters.
Aunt Polly: And how about you, Tom. How was school for you yesterday?
Tom: Oh, it was fine Aunt Polly. Just fine.
Aunt Polly: What did you learn?
Tom: Oh, we spent most of the day on Geography. Lotsa oceans out there. Did you know that, Aunt Polly? (Sid giggles)
Aunt Polly: Yes, I did know that. How many oceans are there, Tom. You must have learned that.
Tom: Well, sure....ya’ see Aunt Polly, this is probly new since you went to school. Ya’ see, there used to be a bunch a’ oceans, but here about a few years ago, all them oceans in the world flowed right here into the Mississippi River. (Sid laughs louder)
Aunt Polly: Did they now?
Tom: Yeah! Ain’t that a miracle?
Aunt Polly: A miracle. Tom do you have anything you wanna tell me?
Tom: Uh... you look very well today Aunt Polly. What a pretty apron!
Aunt Polly: Stop it Tom. Stop it right now. (She grabs him) You didn’t go to school yesterday did you?! You played hooky!! Didn’t you?1 Didn’t you?!
Tom: I....
Aunt Polly: Not only that, you got in a fight and made poor Alfred Temple cry.
Tom: But...
Aunt Polly: Sid bring me Tom’s shirt.
Sid: Yes’m
Aunt Polly: Well Tom. What do you have to say for yourself.
Tom:Aunt Polly... I---I (Sid returns with Tom’s dirty shirt)
Aunt Polly: Look at this shirt, Tom. I don’t figure this shirt got all dirty like this by you a’ studyin’ ‘bout oceans.
Tom: Yes, ma’am....(Sid is sticking his tongue out at Tom behind Aunt Polly’s back. Aunt Polly leads Tom off by the ear. Sid laughs hysterically. Tom gives him a glare.)
Mary: So for skipping school and lying to my Ma, Tom would not be spending his Saturday in battle and with pirates. Instead my mother ordered him to whitewash her fence. Tom’s optimism for the day was quickly crushed.
Scene 3
Transition to fence scene
Mary:
Tom, Tom watcha doin’ Tom
Now ya’ gone and lost your fun on Saturday
Tom, Tom, now you done it Tom
You gotta work while all your friends are out at play.
(During above, Aunt Polly leads Tom to the fence pointing out the job. Tom looks forlorn. Music continues under the following:)
Tom: It just ain’t fair. Ya’ only get one Saturday in a week. Just one. One day a’ freedom And here I am stuck a paintin’ this old fence. Pretty soon Joe Harper and Ben Rogers and all my friends will be headin’ out to play and I’m gonna be stuck here. All day. Not fair! (He takes a deep sigh and begins his task. Ben Rogers enters. He’s clearly in a happy mood. He’s chomping an apple and at the same time mimicking a steamboat, captain, and crew)
Ben: Whoop. Whoop. Ding. Dong Dong. Whoop. Whoop. Ding. Dong Dong. Stop her, sir! Ting-a-ling-ling. Ting-a-ling-ling! Chow! ch-chow-wow! Chow! (Tom essentially ignores all this. Ben approaches him.) Hi, Tom. You’re up a stump ain’t you! (Tom still ignores Ben, but now stops to peruse his work as an artist. Stepping back to get a better perspective.) Poor old Tom, you got a lotta work to do do huh!
Tom: Why, it's you, Ben! I warn't noticing.
Ben: Say -- I'm going in a-swimming, I am. Don't you wish you could? But of course you'd druther work -- wouldn't you? Course you would!
Tom: What do you call work?
Ben: Why, ain't that work?
Tom: (Resuming the task) Well, maybe it is, and maybe it ain't. All I know, is, it suits Tom Sawyer.
Ben: Oh come, now, you don't mean to let on that you like it?
Tom: Like it? Well, I don't see why I oughtn't to like it. Does a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day? (He begins to whistle as he continues)
Ben: (Stops eating his apple) Say, Tom, let me whitewash a little.
Tom: (Looking as if he was about to let Ben paint, but then reconsidering) No -- no -- I reckon it wouldn't hardly do, Ben. You see, Aunt Polly's awful particular about this fence -- right here on the street, you know -- but if it was the back fence I wouldn't mind and she wouldn't. Yes, she's awful particular about this fence; it's got to be done very careful; I reckon there ain't one boy in a thousand, maybe two thousand, that can do it the way it's got to be done.
Ben: No -- is that so? Oh come, now -- lemme just try. Only just a little -- I'd let you, if you was me, Tom.
Tom: Ben, I'd like to, honest injun; but Aunt Polly -- well, Sid wanted to do it, and she wouldn't let him. Now don't you see how I'm fixed? If you was to tackle this fence and anything was to happen to it --
Ben: Oh, shucks, I'll be just as careful. Now lemme try. Say -- I'll give you the core of my apple.
Tom: Well, here -- No, Ben, now don't. I'm afeard --
Ben: I'll give you all of it!
Tom: We’ll all right Ben. Just for a little while. Just be careful, will ya’?
Ben: Sure Tom, sure.
Tom: How ‘bout the apple?
Ben: Oh, yeah, Tom here. (Tom sits on a barrel and chomps the apple as Ben paints the fence.)
(Other boys arrive at first to ridicule, but then beg to paint. For the opportunity they trade a kite, a dead rat on a string, a couple of tadpoles in a jar, a brass door-knob, a dog-collar -- the handle of a knife, and four pieces of orange-peel,
Tom: (Sings)
It’s A Beautiful Day To Paint A Fence
Not a cloud is in the sky
All of God’s good earth is smilin’ out
All the joy you can’t deny
The air is clean
The grass is green
There’s nothing left to do
But paint the fence and make it glow
And make the world brand new.
Up and down, Up and down
How the day does fly
Down and up, round and round
I love my life says I.
Mary: It was amazing! Just about every boy and girl in town stopped by, to get the “privilege” of a’whitewashin’ that old fence. Pretty soon, Huckleberry Finn came along. But Huck wanted nothin’ to do with the fence. He had more important matters on his mind.
Huck: What the heck is a’goin on here Tom,
Tom: Oh, Hi Huck. I’m a’lettin’ some a my friends trade things for the chance to paint a piece of the fence.
Huck: Really?
Tom: Sure, looky here. I got me a doorknob, a dead rat, and knife handle. And there lots more stuff too. Hey watchu got in the bag, Huck? You wanna trade it for a chance to paint?
Huck: C’mon Tom. You know you ain’t gonna hornswaggle me like you done all them. Right?
Tom: Oh, I know Huck. I know. But really, what’s in the bag?
Huck: Take a look. (He lets Tom look in the bag.)
Tom: Holy cow, Huck. It’s dead cat. He’s pretty stiff. Where’d you get him?
Huck: Bought him off’n a boy.
Tom: What’d you give?
Huck: I give a cow bladder that I got over to the slaughterhouse.
Tom: Say, what is dead cats good for Huck?
Huck: Good for? Cure warts with.
Tom: I never heard that Huck? How? How do you cure warts with dead cats?
Huck: Why, you take your cat and go and get in the graveyard 'long about midnight when somebody that was wicked has been buried; and when it's midnight a devil will come, or maybe two or three, but you can't see 'em, you can only hear something like the wind, or maybe hear 'em talk; and when they're taking that feller away, you heave your cat after 'em and say, 'Devil follow corpse, cat follow devil, warts follow cat, I'm done with ye!' That'll fetch ANY wart.
Tom: Sounds right. Didja ever try it, Huck?
Huck: Nah...but I’m fixin’ to to-night. I reckon they'll come after old Hoss Williams to-night.
Tom: Tonight, huh? Lemme go with you? Please Huck?
Huck: Of course. If you ain’t afeared!
Tom: Afeard! 'Tain't likely. Will you meow?
Huck: Yes, and you meow back. Well, I gotta get down to the dock. You wanna come?
Tom: Gee, Huck, I’d like to, but I gotta finish whitewashin’ the fence. (They both laugh)
Tom & Huck:
It’s A Beautiful Day To Paint A Fence
Not a cloud is in the sky
All of God’s good earth is smilin’ out
All the joy you can’t deny
The air is clean
The grass is green
There’s nothing left to do
But paint the fence and make it glow
And make the world brand new.
Up and down, Up and down
How the day does fly
Down and up, round and round
I love my life says I.
Scene 4
Mary: Late that night, when we were all asleep. Tom heard Huck’s meow. He meowed back, the two set out to the town graveyard. Pretty soon they came upon the fresh grave of old Hoss Williams. The boys hid in the shadows. The only sounds were of the rustling wind and the hooting of a distant owl. Pretty soon, Tom broke the quiet.
Tom: (whispering) Hucky, do you believe the dead people like it for us to be here?
Huck: I wisht I knowed. It's awful solemn like, ain't it?
Tom: Say, Hucky -- do you reckon Hoss Williams hears us talking?
Huck: O' course he does. Least his sperrit does.
Tom: I wish I'd said Mister Williams. But I never meant any harm. Everybody calls him Hoss."
Huck: Body can't be too partic'lar how they talk 'bout these here dead people, Tom.
Tom: Sh!
Huck: What is it, Tom?
Tom: Sh! There 'tis again! Didn't you hear it?
Huck: I --
Tom: There! Now you hear it.
Huck: Lord, Tom, they're coming! Them’s the devil spirits comin’, sure. What'll we do?
Tom: I dunno. Think they'll see us?
Huck: Oh, Tom, they can see in the dark, same as cats. I wish’t I hadn't come.
Tom: Oh, don't be afeard. I don't believe they'll bother us. We ain't doing any harm. If we keep perfectly still, maybe they won't notice us at all.
(Off stage voices of Dr. Robinson, Muff Potter and Injun Joe are heard)
Huck: Sh!
Tom: What is it, Huck?
Huck: They'se humans! One of 'em is, anyway. One of 'em's old Muff Potter's voice. Drunk, the same as usual, likely -- blamed old rip!"
(Muff, Injun Joe and Dr. Robinson enter as searching for Hoss Williams’ grave. Robinson holds a lantern. )
Mary: Huck was right. It was the voice of Muff Potter. Out of the darkness he staggered along with Injun Joe and Dr. Robinson. Tom and Huck stayed very still.
(The three find the grave. Injun Joe jumps down, Passes the body up to Muff Potter who places it in the wheelbarrow.)
Dr. Robinson: That’s it. You’ve got it. Good.
Muff: Allright Sawbones. It’s almost done. We just need another $500. and we’ll haul him back for you.
Dr. Robinson: What are you talking about? You required money in advance and I’ve paid you.
Injun Joe: Yes, and you done more than that. (Threatening)
Dr. Robinson: Wh-what do you mean?
Injun Joe: Five years ago you drove me away from your father's kitchen one night, when I come to ask for something to eat, and you said I warn't there for any good; and when I swore I'd get even with you if it took a hundred years, your father had me jailed for a vagrant. Did you think I'd forget? The Injun blood ain't in me for nothing. And now I've got you, and you got to settle, you know!
(Injun Joe is in Robinson’s face. Robinson shoves Joe to the ground. Muff Potter drops his knife and comes to the aid of Joe. He attacks Robinson and the two are engaged in combat. Finally, Robinson picks up the graveboard and strikes Potter, knocking him out. Joe picks up Potter’s knife and mortally stabs Robinson in the chest. Tom and Huck run away, unseen. Potter wakes up and discovers the dead doctor.)
Muff Potter: Lord, how is this, Joe?
Injun Joe: It's a dirty business. What did you do it for?
Muff Potter: I! I never done it!
Injun Joe: Look here! That kind of talk won't wash.
Muff Potter: I thought I'd got sober. I'd no business to drink tonight. But, it's in my head yet -- worse'n when we started here. I'm all in a muddle; can't recollect anything of it, hardly. Tell me, Joe -- honest, now, old feller -- did I do it? Joe, I never meant to --
Injun Joe: Why, you two was scuffling, and he fetched you one with the headboard and you fell flat; and then up you come, all reeling and staggering like, and snatched the knife and jammed it into him, just as he fetched you another awful clip -- and here you've laid, as dead as a wedge til now.
Muff Potter: Oh, I didn't know what I was a-doing. I wish I may die this minute if I did. It was all on account of the whiskey and the excitement, I reckon. Say you won't tell, Joe -- that's a good feller. I always liked you, Joe, and stood up for you, too. Don't you remember? You won't tell, will you, Joe? Please, please don’t tell on me Joe!
Injun Joe: No, you've always been fair and square with me, Muff Potter, and I won't go back on you.
Muff Potter: Oh, Joe, you're an angel. I'll bless you for this the longest day I live.
Injun Joe: Come, now, that's enough of that. This ain't any time for blubbering. You be off yonder way and I'll go this. Move, now, and don't leave any tracks behind you. (Potter exits) If he's as much stunned with the lick and fuddled with the rum as he had the look of being, he won't think of the knife till he's gone so far he'll be afraid to come back after it to such a place by himself -- chicken-heart! (Injun Joe exits)
Mary: So Muff Potter had been convinced that he had murdered Dr. Robinson , when in truth it was Injun Joe who was the murderer. But nobody knew that Tom and Huck had witnessed the whole thing. And they weren’t about to talk.
Huck: You swear to keep mum, Tom?
Tom: I swear Huck.
Mary: The next day, to the boys’ amazement, Muff Potter was arrested for the crime.
Tom: Muff Potter? But he didn’t do it!
Huck: I know! I know!
Tom: What are we gonna do?
Huck: What we said.
Tom: But Huck..they’re gonna hang ol’ Muff
Huck: Look Tom, I’m sorry for Muff, but if we tell what we know, sure-a-snuckered, Injun Joe’s gonna come after our scalps.
Tom: But Huck!
Huck: I’m sorry Tom. But we gotta keep mum.
Mary: And keep mum they did! The Monday mornin’ school bell found Tom with a heavy heart. He took his good old time to get his tail in gear. So the day’s lessons had started without him.
Scene 5
The Schoolhouse: The kids are out of their seats, throwing paper and generally carrying on. The teacher, Miss Mudgenberry, is sitting at her desk, seemingly oblivious, her head buried in a book. Finally she rises.
Miss Mudgenberry: Now class, let’s settle down. Settle down people! (She picks up switch.) I’ll wait! (The kids move to their seats and get quiet.) That’s better. Now boys and girls, we have a new student joining us today. This is Miss Becky Thatcher. Please rise, Miss Thatcher. Where are you from Miss Thatcher?
Becky: We’re from Jefferson City. But we have lots of family and friends here in St. Petersburg.
Miss Mudgenberry: Well, we welcome you Becky. We’ve been talking a lot about our home state of Missouri. (Pointing to a map….) Now here we are in good old St. Petersburg. And here’s Jefferson City, where Becky come from.
Arnie: That’s not to far.
Miss Mudgenberry: Well, it’s a lot closer on the map, than it is traveling on the railroad. Right Becky?
Becky: Yes, Miss Mudgenberry.
Miss Mudgenberry: Now, who can tell me what this is? (She points to the map indicating the river) What is this line that comes right through St. Petersburg, and goes all the way up here?
Alice: Looks like a worm. (Laughter)
Miss Mudgenberry: Well, I guess it does. But I’ll give you a hint. That “worm” is something that all of us see and use every day.
Charlie: I ate a worm once. (Girls cringe)
Miss Mudgenberry: Charlie! (smacks him on the head) Anybody, know what this is?
Amy: I know, Miss Mudgenberry, that’s the river.
Miss Mudgenberry: Very good Amy. Our beautiful river. And does the river have a name?
All: Yes, Miss Mudgenberry.
Miss Mudgenberry: And the name of the river is what?
All: The Mississippi.
Miss Mudgenberry: Right. (all applaud) And who can spell Mississippi? (Silence)
Amy?
Amy: Mis---- (She’s stuck)
Miss Mudgenberry: Lorna?
Lorna: I know how to spell it Miss Mudgenberry I really do.
Miss Mudgenberry: Well, go ahead then.
Lorna: I would...except ...I forgot.
Miss Mudgenberry: Charlie?
Charlie: QRWP....
Miss Mudgenberry: Never mind, Charlie. Becky Thatcher? How about you?
Becky: (Deliberately) M-i-double s...i-double s-i-double p-i.
Miss Mudgenberry: That is correct. Becky. Very good!
Amy: Show off! (Charlie pulls her pigtails)
Becky: Hey, that hurt. Listen, I only know how to spell Mississippi because my teacher taught our class a song.
Arnie: A song?
Becky: Uh-huh
Alice: Teach it to us. (All the kids except Amy prompt her to teach them)
Amy: We don’t have time to sing a song. We have to learn how to spell Mississippi, right Miss Mudgeberry?
Miss Mudgenberry: That is correct Amy.
Opal: But, Becky said she learned how to spell it by singing the song.
Becky: That’s right. I did.
Miss Mudgenberry: But this is nonsense. We have a lot of work to do.
Elizabeth: I’d like learn a new song Miss Mudgenberry, please?
Miss Mudgenberry: All right, Becky...let’s hear it.
Becky: OK, here goes......
M-I-DoubleS-I-DoubleS-I-then a DoubleP-I
OO-OO Mississippi
It’s the second longest river in the USA
And people travel up and down it every day
OO-OO Mississippi (spoken) C’mon
All: Mississippi
Becky:
Take a steamboat down the river get from there to here
And if you ask the pilot he might let you steer
All: OO-OO Mississippi
M-I-DoubleS-I-DoubleS-I-then a DoubleP-I
Becky:
Mississippi glowin’
Mississippi flowin’
Beautiful and dark at night
Catching perfect morning light
All: OO-OO Mississippi
Becky:
There’s nothing more to say it’s like a fine bouquet
The mighty river roaring forward everyday.
OO-OO Mississippi
OO-OO Mississippi
Ensemble:
M-I-DoubleS-I-DoubleS-I-then a DoubleP-I
M-I-DoubleS-I-DoubleS-I-then a DoubleP-I
Miss Mudgenberry: Well, now that was very nice, children. Now its time we got down to some real work. Let’s open up our arithmetic books to page 24, and get started on the----- (Tom enters the doorway quietly) Well, good-morning Mr. Tom Sawyer. .. or should I say good afternoon.
Tom: Hello Miss Mudgenberry...may I say you look very well today, ma’am. What a pretty....shoelace
Miss Mudgenberry: Don’t you try to butter me up, Tom. I’m on to your tricks. Why are you so late?
Tom: I stopped to talk to Huckleberry Finn, Ma’am.
Miss Mudgenberry: Huckleberry Finn! Does your Aunt Polly know you’re consorting with the likes of Huckleberry. Finn?
Tom: No, Ma’am, but----
Miss Mudgenberry: I just might have to stop by your house today at lunch time and have a talk with your Aunt Polly.
Tom: Please Miss Mudgenberry, it was real, real important.
Miss Mudgenberry: I can just imagine...well since you’re late to school, again, you’ll just have to sit with the girls. (children snicker) All right!
Tom: Yes’m. (Tom sits next to Becky)
Miss Mudgenberry: Now then. as I was saying children, lets open our arithmetic books to page 24 and do the even numbered long division problems.
Class: (Choir-like)Yes, Miss Mudgenberry.
(Tom starts flirting with Becky. She’s flirting back. He draws a picture on his chalk slate and shows it to her. She obviously likes it.)
Becky: That’s a real nice picture. How did you learn to draw?
Tom: I taught myself. It was easy.
Becky: Would you teach me?
Tom: Sure. When everybody leaves to go home for lunch, stay here with me and I’ll teach you then, OK?
Becky: OK
(Tom erases his picture writes “I Love You” on his slate. He looks around to see if anybody is watching, then he shows Becky what he has written. She smiles at him.)
Miss Mudgenberry: (Looks at her watch) All right children, it’s just about lunchtime. You can be on your way. We’ll finish this arithmetic work when you get back. Class dismissed. (Lots of noise and hubbub as kids leave the stage. Tom takes Becky’s hand and looks at her. They leave too. Then Miss Mudgenberry packs her bag and is the last one out. A beat. Tom peeks in to be sure the coast is clear, then he exits and returns with Becky by the hand.)
Tom: They’re all gone.
Becky: This is scary. Bein’ all alone in an empty schoolhouse.
Tom: Aw, I dun it lots o’ times. One time me and Joe Harper snuck in at lunch and put spiders in Miss Mudgenberry’s geography book. Did she scream that day!! (laughing)
Becky: So are you gonna teach me how to draw?
Tom: Sure, but first I wanna ask you somethin’.
Becky: Ok, what?
Tom: Well, I was thinkin’ since I love you and all...and you love me right?
Becky: (A little embarrassed...giggling) What’s that you say?
Tom: I jest said, since I love you and you love me right?
Becky: ....I guess I do.
Tom: Good. So we need to get engaged.
Becky: Engaged! What do you mean?
Tom: Look Becky, I love you and you love me so being engaged means you tell me you’ll never have no other boy but me and I tell you I’ll never have no other girl but you.
Becky: Is that it?
Tom: Yeah...we’ll just about.
Becky: OK, Tom Sawyer, I’ll never have no other boy but you.
Tom: And Becky Thatcher...I’ll never have no other girl but you.
Becky: So are we engaged now?
Tom: Almost, there just one more thing we gotta do.
Becky: What’s that?
Tom: We gotta seal our engagement with a kiss. OK?
Becky: Uh...I guess so. OK (They kiss)
Song: We’re engaged
Tom:
I like bein engaged to you.
I do
I like having a girl like you.
It’s true.
Someone I can talk with
Someone I can walk with
I like being engaged to you.
Becky:
I like bein engaged to you.
I do.
I like having a boy like you.
It’s true.
Someone to protect me
Someone to respect me
I like being engaged to you.
Both:
I like bein’ engaged to you.
I do.
Out here, under the sky of blue.
So blue!
Clear and sunny weather....
Holding hands together.
I like bein’ engaged to you.
I like bein’ engaged to you.
Tom: We better kiss one more time to make sure it stuck, OK?
Becky: OK ! (They kiss again)
Tom: Wow, Becky you kiss good.
Becky: Really?!...I never kissed a boy before.
Tom: No kiddin’ When I was engaged to Amy Lawrence, I kissed her and she didn’t kiss near as good as you----
Becky: What?! Amy Lawrence!!! Tom, you mean you were engaged to Amy Lawrence before you were engaged to me?
Tom: Well, uh....yeah...but I .....
Becky: You weasel! How many girls have you been engaged to? Huh? How many?
Tom: Uh...lets see... there was uh.....and uh... (counting on fingers) I guess there was only four or five.
Becky: Four or five...and you kissed all of ‘em.
Tom: Well, sure Becky. The engagement don’t count unless you seal it with a kiss.
Becky: (Breaks into tears) Tom Sawyer.....I never wanna see or talk to you ever again. Never!
Tom: Aw, c’mon Becky...
Becky: I mean it! (Crying continues)
Tom: Listen, Becky, take this. It’s my favorite thing.
Becky: (Through her tears) What is it?
Tom: It’s a genuine brass drawer knob. I traded Ben Rogers a dead snake for it. Ain’t it cool. Here please take it.
Becky: (Taking the drawer knob, she throws it to the floor) I hate you Tom Sawyer! I hate you!
(Tom looking forlorn, exits sadly. Becky looks around and sees that he’s gone. She picks up the drawer knob)
Becky: Tom? Tom? (She cries) Oh, Tom.
Fade
Scene 6
Mary: But Tom was gone. Alfred, seeing that Becky was upset, tried to comfort her. When school dismissed for the day, Becky used Alfred to make Tom jealous.
Kids sing a reprise of Mississippi. Tom watches as Becky latches Alfred’s arm as she walks past Tom, who gives her a forlorn look.
Huck Finn enters and moves to Tom
Huck: Hey there Tom.
Tom: Hello Hucky.
Huck: Why you look’n so low?
Tom: Women! I got me women troubles.
Huck: That a tough thing, Tom.
Tom: Yeah, sure is. (Constable escorts Muff Potter into the jailhouse) Hey Huck what’s the talk around town?
Huck: What’s the talk?
Tom: Yeah.
Huck: Only talk’s ‘bout one thing, Muff Potter.
Tom: Yeah?
Huck: Oh, yeah. Muff Potter, Muff Potter, Muff Potter. Ever’one says he’s gonna hang for kill’n Dr. Robinson.
Tom: Really?
Huck: Yeah, ever’body keeps a’talk’n ‘bout Muff Potter. Keep’s me in a sweat, constant, so’s I wanna go hide som’ers
Tom: Yeah, that’s just how I feel, Huck. I reckon’ he’s a goner.
Huck: Yep.
Tom: I just feel so sorry for him sometime. Don’t you?
Huck: Most always. I mean, I know he drinks too much. But he never done nothin’ to hurt nobody. He gave me a half a fish to eat once. And he always stood by me when I was outta luck.
Tom: Well, he mended kites for me and knitted hooks onto my line. I wish we could get him outta that jail.
Huck: Yeah.
Tom: Hey, Huck. I gotta ask you somethin’
Huck: What?
Tom: You ever told anybody about--that?
Huck: ‘Bout what?
Tom: You know what.
Huck: Oh, ‘course I haven’t.
Tom: Never a word?
Huck: Never a solitary word, so help me. What makes you ask?
Tom: Well, I was a’feared.
Huck: Tom, we would’nt be alive two days if that got found out.
Tom: I know, but---
Huck: Tom we gotta keep mum ‘bout what we saw, or Injun Joe’s gonna tan our hides.
Tom: I know. I know, I just feel bad for ‘ol Muff that’s all.
Huck: Yeah...let’s go visit him. I traded fer some tobaccy to give him fer his pipe.
Tom: That’s good. (They move to jail.)
Tom: Hey there. Hey there Muff Potter!
Huck: Muff! (Muff appears in window)
Muff: Hey Tom. Hiya Huck. What’re you boys up to.
Tom: We just come by to say hello, Muff. How ‘rya feelin?
Muff: Not too bad.
Huck: I gotcha some tobaccy Muff.
Muff: You've been mighty good to me, boys -- better'n anybody else in this town. And I don't forget it, I don't. Often I says to myself, says I, 'I used to mend all the boys' kites and things, and show 'em where the good fishin' places was, and befriend 'em what I could, and now they've all forgot old Muff when he's in trouble; but Tom don't, and Huck don't -- they don't forget him, says I, 'and I don't forget them.'
Tom: We’ll be back to see you again, Muff.
Huck: Yeah, see ‘ya Muff.
They walk slowly away. They stop and give each other a deliberate, somewhat guilty look. Then exit it separate directions.
Song: Don’t Forget Me, Boys
Scene 7
Mary: The next day there was a buzz of excitement and the whole village flocked to Muff Potter’s murder trial. The lawyers was a’whisperin’ and a’fidgetin’ And there was ol’ Muff Potter, pale and haggard, timid and hopeless. And there was Injun Joe lookin’scary as usual. Judge came in and the constable called ever’body to attention.
Constable: Hearye! Hearye! Order in the court. Judge Thatcher is a’ready to hear this case against Muff Potter for the murder of Dr. Wendall Robinson.
Judge: Mr. Albright, you may call your first witness.
Albright: Thank you, your honor. The prosecution calls Enid Stork.
Constable: You swear to tell the truth Enid?
Enid: Yup I do Stinky..(Judge hits gavel) I mean ... I do, Constable Warren.
Albright: Mrs. Stork, on the mornin’ followin’ the murder you happened to spot the defendant Muff Potter, didn’t you?
Enid: Yes, I did. It was Muff all right.
Albright: Tell us about what you saw, Enid.
Enid: Well, I was headin’ out to the inlet in the hopes of catchin’ the evenin’ meal. As I was a’passin’ a remote section of the shore, there was ol’ Muff, in up to his knees.
Albright: What was he doin’?
Enid: Nothin’ much really. Just washing his face and hands. Looked like he was just’a gettin’ cleaned up.
Albright: Did you notice anything unusual?
Enid: Well, I was about to wave a greetin’, when Muff spotted me, and ran off in a hurry of a huff.
Albright: Would you say he looked suspicious?
Enid: I surely would say that. He looked real suspicious.
Albright: Your witness
Honeywell: I don’t have any questions to ask her.
Judge : Call your next witness Mr. Albright
Albright: Elizabeth Anderson...please come forward.
Constable: You promise to tell the truth, Mrs. Anderson?
Elizabeth: I promise.
Albright: Mrs. Anderson, are you acquainted with the defendant, Muff Potter?
Elizabeth: Yes, I am. I would occasionally employ Mr. Potter to do odd jobs at my home. Since my husband died last fall, I’ve needed some help sometimes.
Albright: Did Mr. Potter do a good job for you?
Elizabeth: Yes, he did. He cut down the brush in the back of the house and he painted my shed. He did good work.
Albright: Now Mrs. Anderson. This is the knife found at the scene of the murder. Look at it carefully. (He hands the knife to Elizabeth) Have you ever seen that knife before?
Elizabeth: Why, yes, this is Muff Potter’s knife. I recognize it clearly, because he used it to clean a mess of fish my son Jerome had caught and left for me. I asked Muff to clean them and he did. This is definitely Muff Potter’s knife
(Buzz in the courtroom)
Albright: I have no further questions.
Judge: Mr. Honeywell, you may question the witness.
Honeywell: No questions your honor.
(More buzzing)
Albright: Your honor, by the oaths of citizens whose simple word is above suspicion, we have fastened this awful crime, beyond all possibility of question, upon the unhappy prisoner at the bar. We rest our case here.
Judge: Mr. Honeywell?
Honeywell: Your honor, in our remarks at the opening of this trial, we foreshadowed our purpose to prove that our client did this fearful deed while under the influence of a blind and irresponsible delirium produced by drink. We have changed our mind. We shall not offer that plea." [Then to the Constable:] "Call Thomas Sawyer! (Shock and surprise. Big buzz in the courtroom.)
Constable: Thomas Sawyer, come forward please! (Tom comes forward) Tom do you swear to tell the truth?
Tom: I reckin’ I do.
Honeywell: Thomas Sawyer, where were you on the seventeenth of June, about the hour of midnight?
Tom: (Softly) In the graveyard!
Honeywell: A little bit louder, please. Don't be afraid. You were --
Tom: In the graveyard!
Honeywell: Were you anywhere near Horse Williams' grave?
Tom: (Softly) Yes, sir.
Honeywell: Speak up -- just a trifle louder. How near were you?
Tom: Near as I am to you.
Honeywell: Were you hidden, or not?
Tom: Yup, I was hid.
Honeywell: Where?
Tom: Behind the elms that's on the edge of the grave.
Honeywell: Did you carry anything there with you?
Tom: Only a dead cat.
Honeywell: We will produce the skeleton of that cat. Now, my boy, tell us everything that occurred -- tell it in your own way -- don't skip anything, and don't be afraid.
Tom: Well, I was there in the graveyard round midnight, so as to use the dead cat with the devil spirits so as to cure warts.
(Laughter)
Honeywell: I see
Tom: Purty soon, I heard voices. But it weren’t no devils spirits it was real human beings.
Honeywell: Did you recognize who it was?
Tom: Yes, sir . It was Dr. Robinson, and it was Muff Potter, and it was.....Injun Joe.
Honeywell: What were they doing there.
Tom: They was a gettin’ set to grab ol’ Hoss Williams from his grave.
Honeywell: They were robbin’ the grave?
Tom: Yes sir. They got ol’ Mr. Williams up and outta his grave and onto a wheel barrow, and it appeared they was gonna haul him away.
Honeywell: Then what happened?
Tom: Well, they got into some kind of an argument about money. Injun Joe said he wanted more money from Dr. Robinson cuz ‘a the way he treated him five years ago. Dr. Robinson pushed Injun Joe and he went down. Then Muff Potter took up the cause and started fighten’ hard with Dr. Robinson. They was a’rollin on the ground makin’ quite a fuss.
Honeywell: What was Injun Joe doin.
Tom: Well, at first he was just a’watchin’. But then he picked up Muff Potter’s knife which had been a’layin’ on the ground.
Honeywell: And then?
Tom: Well, Dr. Robinson managed to pull himself free from Muff and he picked up the headboard from Horse William grave. As Muff came at him, Dr. Robinson smashed him with the headboard. (Pause) Then Injun came at Dr. Robinson with the knife and he...(Injun Joe runs up to Tom and shakes him hard.) He stabbed him!!!. Injun Joe stabbed Dr. Robinson in the back!!! (Injun Joe releases Tom and runs out of the courtroom. The Constable and others follow him. )
Honeywell: Your honor, under the circumstances I ask that the murder charge again Muff Potter be dropped.
Judge: Granted. Mr. Potter, you’re free to go.
Muff: Tom! Tom! Thank ya’ Tom. That was a brave thing you did. I’ll never forget ya.
Tom: Aw, it weren’t nothin’ Muff.
Watcha Doin Tom reprise
Mary: So Tom became the hero of St. Petersburg. Muff Potter became a free man, and vowed to be a better man. They couldn’t catch Injun Joe and folks was hopeful that he went far away from here forever. But what was best of of all, as far as Tom was concerned? ........
Becky: Hello Tom....
Tom: Hello Becky
Becky: Looks like you’re the hero of the town.
Tom: I don’t know about that. I just did what anybody would do.
Becky: Well, I’ll tell you this. You’re my hero Tom Sawyer! (She shows him the drawer knob)
Tom: Aw, Becky
Becky: Tom (They hold hands)
Mary: Everybody treated Tom real good. My Ma’ made strawberry shortcake, Tom’s favorite dessert. And the Wida Douglas brought him a big ole batch of ice cream to go with it. The next week, school ended for the summer, and Judge Thatcher had a big picnic in Tom’s honor for all the kids at Rainbow Holler. Tom was as happy as could be.
Scene: 8
Song: Picnic
Picnic, picnic lets have a picnic it’s a perfect day
Picnic, picnic lets have a picnic what more can we say
The sun is high, the grass is green, the air is cool and clear.
It’s time to run and time to play and time for school to disappear. Disappear!
Picnic, picnic lets have a picnic bring it on real fast
Picnic, picnic lets have a picnic make it last and last
No school worries anymore we’re young and worry-free
It’s time for food and lots of fun- It’s picnic time for me. Time for me!
Picnic, picnic lets have a picnic it’s a perfect day
Picnic, picnic lets have a picnic what more can we say. Can we say! Can we say!
Joe Harper: Who’s ready for the cave!
Mary: It was a Rainbow Holler tradition with the town kids to explore McDougal’s cave.
(Stage darkens and kids move enthusiastically to “the cave”. With candles, the kids move in groups around various areas. Eventually all will exit but Tom and Becky)
Becky: Tom, I’m tired can we rest a bit.
Tom: Sure we can. Lets sit right here on the rock.
Becky: Oh, Tom I had a wonderful time today. How about you?
Tom: Yeah, it’s a great picnic Becky. Thanks for invit’n me.
Becky: Invit’n you? ! Tom, this picnic was for you. In your honor!
Tom: Really?
Becky: Sure. You saved the day Tom. You did the bravest thing.
Tom: Well, I just didn’t wanna see ole Muff swing for sumpthin he didn’t do, ya’ know?
Becky: Sure, but it still took a lot of courage, Tom.
Tom: Aw...it weren’t nuthin’
Becky: I’m glad we’re not mad at each other any more.
Tom: Yeah, me too. (Tom is about to kiss her)
Becky: (Rising) Tom, I don’t hear the other kids, do you?
Tom: Huh? Oh....nope I can’t hear nuthin’. Maybe they went back outta the cave.
Becky: Tom, lets get outta here too, OK?
Tom: Yeah, OK Becky (They start moving about the stage, looking for an exit. Soon it becomes clear they’re lost.)
Becky: Tom! Oh, Tom, are we lost?
Tom: Uh...I don’t think so....
Becky: We are lost Tom, aren’t we?!
Tom: Well, maye a little bit....but we’ll find our way Becky. Don’t be afraid.
Becky:(She clutches Tom’s arm) Oh, Tom, I am afraid. (She starts to cry.)
Tom: It’ll be all right, Becky. I’ll take care of you.
He sings:
Don’t you worry Becky, I’ll take care of you
Just hold tight..together we’ll get through
It looks dark now, Becky
But pretty soon you’ll see
We’ll find our way and be OK
Just stick tight to me.
Tom: (After song.... ) Look Becky. You stay here, I’m gonna search through this tunnel for a way out. You hold onto one end of this string so I can find my way back to you, OK?
Becky: OK.....Tom, you promise you’ll come back?
Tom: Promise. (Tom takes one end of the kite string and crawls through the tunnel. He eventually works his way into lighted area (the escape). As he is about to step into the light, a shadow emerges from the darkness. It is Injun Joe, who grabs him by the ankle and lifts him off the ground.
Injun Joe: You little weasel. You tried to do me in, didn’t you. But it looks like you’re the one that’s gettin’ done for. (He pulls out his knife. Tom is scratching and clawing at him. Suddenly Becky appears. The two kids overtake Injun Joe and tie him up with his own rope.
(Town folk appear at the opening, calling Tom and Becky. They move to surround them.)
Mary: So Tom was a hero once again. But this time he shared the glory with his new hero, Becky Thatcher.
Watcha Doin Tom Reprise
