While the birthday girl sleeps, the toys around her cake come alive and act out Andersen's fairy tale about the handicapped tin soldier who loved a dancing paper doll. Herman Ammann's unique ability to instill his characters with traits that make us think of our friends (and a few enemies) gives us a Phi Beta Kappa egghead named Humpty Dumpty, a slob of a shoe salesman named Prince Charming, a dyspeptic jack-in-the-box who hides when things get unpleasant, and a monkey who "likes to monkey around with the pretty girls." A children's play that charms audiences and delights actors of every age.

Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," was the foundation upon which this original play was built. Those familiar with the fairy tale will remember that the original Tin Soldier had only one leg and that he and his dancing doll (she was made of paper) had a tragic ending in a fire.

This play adds not only a happy ending but several new characters (including some old friends from other fairy tales) and a timely message. In the fairy tale the Tin Soldier is melted into a lump resembling a heart; in this play the soldier grows a heart—which, as in the fairy tale, turns out to be the secret of his steadfastness.

Whether played by adults for children, or by children for adults—or by children for other children—The Steadfast Tin Soldier has that particular charm which alights only in the world of make-believe: the personification of our suspicions that "there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of" in our sometimes drab world of reality.

Simple costumes and a simple set, with a bit of music here and there—and a dab of special lighting if available—can bring out the magic of this charming play. The script itself will suggest many of these technical features. The busy director, however, will find the Director's Script to be a delightful aid in staging. A Director's Script (prompt book) contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization and plot and theme; and it suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business.

One act; Simple set; fairyland costumes.

Ammann's other fantasyland plays include The Magic Well, A Canterbury Tale from the Wife of Bath, The Little Match Girl (1-act), A Ghost for Rosanda, The Little Troll Without a Soul

See also: Elementary/Jr. High, Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables

"I do love your plays!"—Huntsville, Alabama.