Name___Me____________________
Character_Someone other than yourself
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About Your Scripts
-Please spend some time reading over the entire script to get an idea what the show is
about.
-memorize your lines and the lines to the songs as quickly as possible. By the fourth
rehearsal you will be “off book” (till then you can read from your script while in rehearsal)
-remember to bring your script to the theatre camp and home each Wednesday so that you
can go over your parts
-you may keep the script when the show is over
Costumes
For the most part costumes will be provided. Children may be asked to bring some items
in if they have them at home or they can embellish the costume that is provided for them.
You are not expected to purchase or sew anything. Everyone is playing the part of a Big
Top Circus character: Clowns, Tight Rope Walker, Strong Man (Woman), Trapeze Artist,
Ringmaster, etc., and even a Lion and Elephant. If you have any costumes or pieces which
could help us out in this regard, please let us know.
Your child is asked to bring in the following costume bits or props____________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Final Performance
The musical “Circus Circus” will be performed during our last class, on April 6. You will drop
your child off at the regular time (before 5:45 p.m.) and then you may return at 6:35 to get your
seats. The show will start at 6:45. You may bring family, friends and neighbours to the show.
You will pick up your child’s certificate of achievement when you leave.
After the performances please make sure you take everything that belongs to you and leave
anything you may have borrowed. You can pick up your child’s certificate upon leaving.
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CIRCUS CIRCUS
SONG #1 When The Circus Comes to Town
Announcer #1:
Ladies and gentleman! Children of all ages!
It's your lucky day!
Step right up! Step right up!
It's a circus day today!
#2:
We've got clowns and bears,
dogs and cats, and a family of acrobats. (Some acrobats do a tumble or build a pyramid.)
We even have an elephant pair.
So what do you think about that?!
#3:
Step right up! hurry please!
There's a lady the size of a house!
There's even a man on a flying trapeze
and a clown who's afraid of a mouse!
(A clown shrieks and jumps into the arms of another clown.)
#4:
We've got a man who's strong and tough.
He can lift way more than a ton. (A big strong man lifts a barbell.)
And if you think that's not enough,
wait 'til you see his son! (A little strong man lifts two barbells.)
#5:
Look! Here's a lady who can walk on a wire,
all dressed in circus tights!
And there's a fellow who can swallow fire
and hardly ever ignites!
#6:
We know you're going to like our show,
under our own big top.
When to a circus we all go.
The fun just never stops!
#7
And if you’re hungry, step right up,
Get some cotton candy here,
And if the big folk get fed up
They can always buy a beer.
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#8
So on with the show and the main event.
I can't take this suspense.
The lions are getting impatient
for the circus to commence!
(A growl is heard from offstage.)
#9 (running in from the wings)
Oh dear, I fear we're destitute.
The ringmaster is sick.
We need to find a substitute
and do so very quick!
#10
What could it be? He never was
the kind to let us down.
He always introduces us,
when the circus comes to town.
#11
The Ringmaster’s getting tired
I think he’s rather stressed.
But before it gets him fired
He’d better get some rest.
#12
No, he just has laryngitis,
which means his voice is shot.
And a case of gingivitis,
so, pleasant, he is not!
(All wave their hands in front of their noses like a bad smell.)
#13:
Here, I have his fancy cap.
He wears it every night.
He is the only circus chap
to always get it right.
#14
We must act fast or we’re in trouble
We cannot call it quits
Let’s think of something on the double
Before the audience has a fit.
#15:
Someone else must take his place.
Now who's it going to be?
If none of you can solve this case,
I guess it must be me.
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#16:
I think that I'm the one to choose.
I have a stunning voice.
There's really not a thing to lose.
I'm glad to be your choice.
(The entire cast begins arguing about who will be the ringmaster Ad lib ... ` I think it should be
me!”..`I'm a good ringmaster!" ... "Me! Me!" etc. The music begins.)
SONG #2: Who Wants to Be the Ringmaster?
#17:
You each have what it takes, it's true.
What you don't know, you can learn.
As ringmaster, any of you will do.
So why don't you each take a turn?
(Everyone agrees, saying things like "Great idea!" ... "Why didn't I think of that!?" etc.)
Announcer #18:
I'm so excited, I feel like I might try.
I might, as a matter of fact.
But perhaps I’m much too shy
to introduce the very next act.
All:
(ad lib) "Go ahead!" ... "Yes of course, you go first!" ... "Yes! Yes!" ... etc.
(He or she puts on the ringmaster's top hat and introduces the next act.)
Announcer #19:
If you’re shy, and want to pass
We’ve all been there before.
But clear the floor for this brave lass
And we’ll see if we want more.
Ringmaster #1:
Ladies and Gentleman! Moms and Dads!
Please look to the center ring!
Here comes a very courageous lad,
not afraid of anything!
(The lion tamer enters and everyone applauds.)
Announcer #20:
Your introductions were just swell,
I'm here to testify.
I hope my friend can do as well.
Now may he/she have a try?
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All:
(ad lib) "Of course! Of course!" ... "Give it a try!" ... "Yes! Yes!" etc.)
Ringmaster #2: (putting on the ringmaster's hat)
Ladies and gentlemen! Bonnies and Bryans!
Ahoy, there under the tent!
It's time to bring out the ferocious lions
and enjoy the "MANE" event!
(All applaud as the music starts and the lions enter)
Lion Tamer:
No need to use a whip, my friends.
He won't respond to that.
What he prefers are M &M's.
See, he's a pussycat!
Lion:
Oh! Oh! I like the green ones.
They’re the ones for me,
But sometimes I like red.
It’s a matter of taste you see.
(A mouse walks onto the stage and "eeks!" at the lion who scream and flee from the stage.)
Ringmaster #3: (putting on the hat)
And now my friends it time to see
the funniest bunch in town!
They make us laugh so easily.
Here come the circus clowns!
Song #3: Clowning Around
(When all of the activity stops, we see a sad little clown in the middle of the stage.)
#21:
What's the matter with that little clown?
Why does she/he look so sad?
What in the world has got her/him down?
What could be so bad?
,
#22:
That is the saddest clown today,
not happy like the rest.
And if I had to guess, I'd say
I think that she's/he's depressed.
#23:
What is it, clown, that makes you blue,
what makes you melancholy?
Isn't there something that we can do?
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We're here to help, by golly!
Ringmaster #4:
I think I know what will make your day.
I think we can make you smile!
Why don't you be the ringmaster?
Try that for a little while!
(Everybody agrees this is a good idea.)
Sad Clown: (in a meek voice)
Me, the ringmaster? Oh, no, I couldn't.`
I don't have enough of a flare.
Although I'd love it, I know I shouldn't.
Oh no! I never would dare.
Ringmaster #5:
Of course you can, now don't resist,
there's nothing you can't learn.
There is no choice, now I insist,
you have to take my turn.
(Everybody agrees and encourages the little clown.)
Sad Clown: (still meek)
Well, if you really think I might,
I'll gladly give you a rest.
Though I don't think I'll do it right,
I promise to give it my best!
Ringmaster #6
Of course you can, you’ll do it right
No need to have self doubt.
So try it now, with all your might
And let it all come out.
(All cheer as the sad clown slowly puts on the hat and is transformed into a confident ringmaster with a big
smile and a big voice.)
Cast Member Formally Known As Sad Clown:
Ladies and Gentleman! East and West!
No reason for you to frown!
For this is the day that beats the rest
when the circus comes to town!
Reprise: When the Circus Comes to Town
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SONGS
1. When the Circus Comes to Town
2. Who Wants to Be the Ringmaster?
(spoken solo)
Look, ev'rybody! It' a circus !
Who want to be the Ringmaster?
Who wants to be the star?
Let' hear a song from the Ringmaster.
Sing out wherever you are! Ah __
(all sing)
When the circus comes to our town,
ev'rybody acts like a clown!
All the world starts pinning upside down,
when the circus comes to town!
Oh, we'll all get carried away.
We'll declare a new holiday!
We'll all shout' Hooray!
We’ll laugh and play
when the circus comes our way!
Count the elephants one by one.
All the clowns are havin' fun!
They fly with ease up on the high trapeze.
If a lion gets loose, we'll have to run!
Ahhh!
When the circus comes to our town,
ev'rybody acts like a clown!
All the world start spinning upside down,
when the circus comes to town!
(all sing)
Walk the tightrope up in the air.
Down below, the people stare.
You lose your grip and then you just might slip,
and the crowd below get quite a care.
(spoken solo)
He's O.K!
Oh, we'll all get carried away.
We'll declare a new holiday!
We'll all shout "Hooray!"
We'll laugh and play,
when the circus comes our way!
It' a circus day today.
Hooray!
(Solo I)
I want to be the one who sings .
I already have the hat!
I can do all those amazing things,
but I sing ju t a little bit flat! Ah __
Who want to be the Ringmaster?
Who want to be the star?
Let's hear a song from the Ringmaster.
Sing out wherever you are! Ah __
(Solo II)
I know that I can take you far
by singing beneath this tarp.
It' very clear, I should be the star,
so what if my note's a bit harp? Ah __
Who want to be the Ringmaster?
Who want to be the star?
Let's hear a song from the Ringmaster.
Sing out wherever you are! Ah __
(Solo III)
I think that I should get the gig.
My voice will just melt the crowd!
Just make the big top an "extra big,"
'cause what I do best is sing loud! Ah __
She can sing loud! (Ah!)
He can sing soft. (Ah.)
She can sing French. (Oui!)
He can sing Deutsch. (Ja!)
She can sing high, (Ah!)
He can sing low. (Oh!)
We don't know which way to go!
Help us find a star for our show!
Who want to be the Ringmaster?
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Who wants to be the star?
Let's hear a song from the Ringmaster.
Sing out wherever you are!
Oh, sing out wherever you are!
Reprise: When the Circus Come to Town
When the circus come to our town,
ev'rybody acts like a clown!
All the world starts spinning upside down,
when the circus comes to town!
3. Clowning Around
Oh, we’ll all get carried away.
We'll declare a new holiday!
We'll all shout 'Hooray! '
We’ll laugh and play,
when the circus comes our way!
Clowning around, clowning around,
never really knowing
if we're lost or we're found!
Running 'round in circle
like a merry-go-round,
here we are clowning around!
What a laugh! What a gas!
We're riffraff! Got no class!
We'll take any gag
and run it into the ground,
here we are clowning around!
Clowning around, clowning around
never really knowing
if we're lost or we're found!
Running 'round in circle
like a merry-go-round,
here we are clowning around!
Count the elephants one by one.
All the clowns are havin’ fun!
They fly with ease up on the high trapeze.
If a lion gets loose,
we'll have to run!
Oh, we’ll all get carried away.
We’ll declare a new holiday!
We'll all shout "Hooray. ' We'll laugh and play,
when the circus come our way!
It' a circus day today.
Hooray!
Watch us run! What a hoot!
Aren't we fun? Aren't we cute?
We'll take any gag
and run it into the ground,
here we are clowning, now
nobody's frowning now,
here we are clowning around!
Clowning around, clowning around,
never really knowing
if we're lost or we're found!
Running 'round in circles
like a merry-go-round,
here we are clowning, now
nobody's frowning, now,
here we are clowning around!
Yeah!
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