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This is a loose stage adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's wonderful short story by the same name. Both the new script and the original short story (which is now in the public domain) are included in this book.

Considerable liberty was taken to make the story suitable for the stage, including adding a new character, and providing a slightly different ending.

The opening scene is set... More

This is a loose stage adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's wonderful short story by the same name. Both the new script and the original short story (which is now in the public domain) are included in this book.

Considerable liberty was taken to make the story suitable for the stage, including adding a new character, and providing a slightly different ending.

The opening scene is set thus: 'The Scene: Dr. Heidegger's Study. "A dim, old-fashioned chamber, festooned with cobwebs, and besprinkled with antique dust." The room is lined with bookcases on one of which sits a bust of Hippocrates. A skeleton hangs in a wooden cabinet in one corner. On one wall, there is a looking glass, dark with age. It's gilt frame is tarnished. A faded, full-length portrait of a young lady hangs on another wall but is obscured by a drawn curtain. To the side, a large book, "bound in black leather, with massive silver clasps," and no visible title lies shut on the doctor's desk. In the center of the room is a small, round table on which is sitting a large, cut-glass punch bowl filled with a clear and effervescent liquid. Light from a window falls upon the bowl. There are also four empty cut-glass wine glasses. A door opens into the room.'

This adaptation is part of the Small-Time Press "Adhockery Theater" series, and was created especially with high-school and college groups in mind. Permissions include the right for non-profit groups and organizations to produce the play without payment of royalties.

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