The two acts of this play can be
presented as a full-length program or separately as one-act plays. The first act, entitled The
Touch of Gold, shows how King Midas was given the magic touch by the gods—and how Midas
goofed in handling the miracle. The second act, The Donkey's Ears, retells the myth in
which Midas is invited by the gods to judge a singing contest between Apollo and Pan.
The Touch of Gold, Act I of The Trouble with Midas, is a complete one-act play,
recommended for contests, workshops, and evenings of one-acts. It is a technichians' dream play with
virtually unlimited opportunites for unique and spectacular effects. Suggestions are in the
Production Notes of the playscript.
Midas was king of Phrygia—but mostly, he was the king of goofs. When Midas rescued a favorite
of one of the gods of Olympus, the god granted Midas one wish. And Midas wished that everything he
touched would turn to gold. It did—everything—including his food and his daughter. Did Midas
learn from this fiasco? Of course not. In Act 2, The Donkey's Ears, Apollo invites Midas to
judge a singing contest between Apollo and Pan. Apollo chose Midas as the judge because Apollo
wanted to win and he knew that Midas was a friend of the gods. Did Apollo win? Don't ask. How do you
think Midas got those donkey's ears?
Pearson adds comedy, interesting characterizations, and theatricality to the enchantment of the
myths. Special effects can be used to bring about Midas's miracles so that the play is truly stage
magic. Cast members and audiences will love the delightful character roles, such as Luscious, the
bumbling barber who loves Midas's daughter; Goodness, the daughter who tantalizes everyone with
platitudes; Clarissa, Midas's dead queen who hangs around as a pain in the neck; Loella, mythology's
answer to Marilyn Monroe, and others.
Recommended for all groups, junior high to adult. Interesting special effects.
Variable cast.
Two acts; Set, sun room of Midas' palace; Time, long ago.
See also: Ancient Scripts