The Three Old Women's Bet, a Blue Ridge Mountain Folktale, was dramatized by R. Rex Stephenson, famous for his leadership in preserving and making The Jack Tales world famous with his touring group of college students.

Darcy, Regina, and Willameana are three overly competative country housewives and sisters who can only seem to agree on one thing—they've married the three biggest fools on the face of the earth. Of course, determining which of the three is the most foolish is a whole other quandry altogether. In this play, they set out to do just that. They agree to put together a bet at the expense of their husbands which evolves into 25-30 minutes of revelry and side-splitting laughter as each of the men is tricked into various acts of humiliation. A must-see comedy for audiences of all ages.

The play can be done on an almost bare stage. A large, painted backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains will enhance the suggested location of the play. However, the simpler the set, the easier it is for actors to make quick entrances and exits that are necessary for the pace of the play. Costumes for the play should be simple, but reflect mountain dress. Jeans and bib-overalls for men and cotton skirts and aprons for women should create the desired uncomplicated effect. While Three Old Women's Bet relies on the actors' ingenuity, they must create believable and economical characters.

One act; Simple set and mountain dress.

Other Stephenson plays: A Christmas Carol, The Liberated Cinderella, Treasure Island

See also: Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables