Details 

Three Billy Goats Gruff 

 

Three Billy Goats Gruff

Musical Adaptation by Kevin M Reese]

Available in Musical & Non-Musical Versions

Video Promo Available

Detailed Plot:
As the show begins, we meet the three goats, Nanny, Billie, and Fred as they sing WE’RE THE GOATS. As Billie and Nanny are teasing Fred about how he eats most of the grass, they realize that they are now out of grass! Across the bridge they see a yard full of nice, green, yummy grass. They only problem is, underneath that bridge lives a “grumbly, grouchy, bully of a Troll!” Fred leads them in a song about THE MEAN OLD TROLL, then they realize that they have never SEEN the troll and perhaps he only comes out at night. They retreat into the barn to make their plans on how to get across the bridge to the new grass. Meanwhile, we meet the Troll. He enters dressed as a silly cowboy singing THE COWBOY TROLL. We discover that he is a friendly, gentle giant that would never hurt anyone– he’s just lonely for someone to play with. Suddenly Nanny Goat appears, sneaking her way across the bridge. He discovers her and, thinking he’s found a new playmate to play cowboys, pretends that she’s a robber. Of course, Nanny doesn’t realize what’s going on and thinks the Troll is about to eat her (the thought of which gives the Troll the willies!). In her desperation, Nanny tells the Troll that if he doesn’t eat her, she’ll bring over her sister who is much bigger and meatier. The thought of yet another new playmate elates the Troll. Nanny returns to the barn to tell the other goats that the Troll tried to eat her. Troll returns to his home under the bridge to tell his mom about his new friend. Soon the Troll returns, this time dressed as a pirate, singing THE PIRATE TROLL. Along comes Nanny Goat, showing her sister, Billie, where the “assault” took place. They meet the Troll who, again, thinks the two new playmates want to play pirates. They, too, plead for their lives and promise to bring their bigger brother to meet the Troll. Troll agrees, heading off to tell his mom about the new friends and the goats retreat to get Fred. Again the Troll returns, this time dressed as a rock star, singing THE ROCK ‘N TROLL. As he’s telling us about what it’s like to be a rock star, the three goats return, determined to get across that bridge. Troll stops them and after they tell him about their dilemma and they sing THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER. In their haste to get past the Troll, they are very rude to him and he helps them understand how important manner are in dealing with people– especially if you want something from them. They finally get the message and realize that there is nothing to fear from the Troll, in fact, they now have a new playmate– and lots of nice, fresh, new grass! WE’RE THE GOATS (FINALE).  NOTE: A 30-minute version is also available that may be more suitable for younger audiences.

Courtesy: Express Theatre, Houston, TX

Sets:
Farmyard Exterior with functional bridge.

Original Cast: 4:   2 Men, 2 Women played 4 characters
You may use more actors by NOT doubling.

Theme:
Imagination, Friendship, Family.

Running Time:  45 Min.  

Target Audience: Ages 2 - 10, Families.

Characters:  4
Nanny Goat
Billie Goat
Fred Goat
Troll

MUSIC:
1: WE'RE THE GOATS - Goats
2: THE MEAN OLD TROLL - Goats
3: THE COWBOY TROLL - Troll
4: THE PIRATE TROLL - Troll
5: THE TALL TALE - Billie & Nanny
6: THE ROCK N TROLL - Troll
7: FRED THE FEARLESS! (RAP)- Nanny & Billy
8: THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER - All
9: WE'RE THE GOATS (Finale) - All

Short Description:
All the three Billy Goats want to do is get across the bridge so they can eat the grass on the other side, but they think there's a grumbly, grouchy, bully of a Troll under the bridge who is determined not to let them pass. Well, actually, the Troll is not a bit mean— he just wants someone to play with! They do finally get across, but not until after they learn some manners--and they even make a new friend in the process.

Courtesy: TYKES, Rochester, NY

Original Production
THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF was first presented by the Wichita Children's Theatre for the Once Upon a Time series. It opened April 14, 1997, and played fifteen performances. It was revised for WCT in 2004 to make it the present 43-minute performance length. It was originally directed by John (JB) Boldenow, choreographed by Barb Schoenhofer, and costumed by Audra Wiese. The cast was:

NNanny Goat . . . . . . . . . Kelly Wonsetler
Billie Goat . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Kice
Fred Goat . . . . . . . . . . John (JB) Boldenow, Kevin Reese
Troll . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barb Schoenhofer