Dot and the Kangaroo JR Perusal Actor's Script

welcome to the theatre

C ONGRATULATIONS!

You’ll be working with your creative team and fellow cast members to put on a musical. Before you begin rehearsals, there are some important things you should know.

This book is your script. Whether putting on a school production or rehearsing a professional show, every actor, director, and stage manager works from a script. Your script contains some additional information like this introduction and a glossary. You can look up any bold words in the glossary at the back of this book. Be sure to take good care of your script, and use a pencil when taking notes in it, since what you’ll be doing onstage can change during rehearsals.

One of the first things you’ll need to learn is what to call the various areas of the stage. Since most stages used to be raked, or tilted down toward the house, where the audience sits, we still use the term downstage to refer to the area closest to the audience and upstage to refer to the area farthest from the audience. Stage left and stage right are from the actor’s perspective when facing the audience. The diagram above shows how to use these terms to label nine different parts of the stage.

what to expect during rehearsals

You will be performing a musical, a type of play that tells a story through songs, dances, and dialogue Because there are so many parts of a musical, most shows have more than one author. The composer writes the music and usually works with a lyricist, who writes the lyrics, or words, to the songs. The book writer writes the dialogue (spoken words, or lines ) and the stage directions , which tell the actors what to do onstage and what music cues to listen for.

Your director will plan rehearsals so that the cast is ready to give its best performance on opening night! Remember to warm up before each rehearsal so that your mind, body, and voice are ready to go. Every rehearsal process is a little bit different, but here is an idea of what you can expect as you begin to work on your show.

music:

Since you’re performing a musical, it is important to learn the music early on in the rehearsal process. Your music director will teach the cast all the songs in the show and tell you what to practice at home.

choreography:

After you’ve got the music down, you’ll begin working on the choreography – or dance – in the show. Your choreographer will create the dances and teach them to the cast. The music and the choreography help tell the story.

blocking & scene work:

Your director will block the show by telling the cast where to stand and how to move around the stage. You’ll use your theatre terms (downstage left, upstage right, etc.) a lot during this portion of the rehearsal process. You will also practice speaking your lines and work on memorizing them. Rehearsing your part from memory is called being off-book. Your director will help you understand the important action in each scene so you can make the best choices for your character’s objective, or what your character wants.

make the script your own

Always write your name legibly, either in the space provided on the cover of your script or on the title page. Scripts have a way of getting lost or changing hands during rehearsals!

Mark your lines and lyrics with a bright-colored highlighter to make your part stand out on the page. This will allow you to look up from your script during rehearsals, since it will be easier to find your place when you look back down.

Underline important stage directions, lines, lyrics, and individual words. For example, if your line reads, “But, Father doesn’t need to—” and your director wants you to stress the word “need” underline it in your script.

Save time and space by using the following standard abbreviations:

ON: onstage OFF: offstage

US: upstage DS: downstage

SL: stage left SR: stage right

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

CS: center stage X: cross

You may use these abbreviations to modify other instructions (e.g., you could write “R hand up” to remind yourself to raise your right hand). You may also combine them in various ways (e.g., you could write “XDSR” to remind yourself to cross downstage right).

Draw diagrams to help clarify your blocking. For example, if you are instructed to walk in a circle around a table, you might draw a box to represent the table, then draw a circle around it with an arrow indicating the direction in which you are supposed to walk.

Draw stick figures to help you remember your choreography. Remember, the simpler the better.

Mark your music with large commas to remind yourself where to take breaths while singing.

Although you should feel free to mark up your script, be careful it doesn’t become so cluttered with notes that you have a hard time finding your lines on the page!

DOT Not even to pick some wild flower for the cottage? MATILDA No!

DOT

But, Father doesn’t need to— MATILDA Dot! No!

(#4 – SEE THE COUNTRY begins.)

Dot and the Kangaroo JR.

With Movement (MATILDA exits into the cottage. We are now with DOT scrubbing the pee pots.)

dogs, Milk the

cow,

2 4 3 5 6 7 8

and plough.

the line. Dir ty (semi-spoken)

DOT: 4

œj Feed the

Scrub and brush and dig

Hang the wash ing on -

some tips for the theatre

Don’t upstage yourself. Cheat out so the audience can always see your face and hear your voice.

If you are having trouble memorizing your lines, try writing them down or speaking them aloud� Always arrive at rehearsal on time and

It takes an ensemble to make a show; everyone’s part is important.

Keep going! If you forget a line or something unexpected happens, keep the scene moving forward. Chances are, the audience won’t even notice.

Bring your script and a pencil to rehearsal.every

Be respectful of others at all times. Remember to thank the director and fellow cast and crew members. Before the show, say, “Break a leg”– which means “good luck” in the theatre.

Be specific! Make clear choices about your character’s background and motivation in the show.

Always be quiet backstage. And keep in mind, if you can see the audience, they can see you, so stay out of sight.

HAVE FUN!

Dot and the Kangaroo JR. synopsis

MRS� KANGAROO explains that, for many years, Australia’s extraordinary animals and First People coexisted, until the first BRITISH SOLDIERS arrived, including HENRY, MAY, and MATILDA. They build a cottage in the wilderness and DOT is born, but sadly, Dot’s mother, May, doesn’t survive (Prologue).

Fast-forward eight years, and Dot wants to be a brave explorer, and her father, Henry, assures her that she will be – someday, when she’s older. Meanwhile, there’s work to be done, and Dot’s big sister, Matilda, needs Dot’s help. WILLIE WAGTAIL, a bird, swoops down to their porch as the FAMILIES prepare for the day (Everything, But Nothing Without You). Henry sets off to work. Matilda asks Dot if she’s finished her chores. Dot lies and says she has, and Matilda ties back Dot’s hair with a blue ribbon of their mother’s, warning Dot not to go beyond the fence. Dot dreams of adventure (See The Country).

A SUGAR GLIDER appears, and Dot accidentally falls into the gulley while chasing it beyond the fence. She loses her mother’s blue ribbon in the tumble. While looking

for the ribbon, Dot eats a Blue Mountain Bush Berry with the power to make her understand animals! Dot realizes she’s lost and meets Mrs. Kangaroo, who confesses that she’s looking for her son. Dot offers to help her if Mrs. Kangaroo will help Dot get home. Dot climbs into Mrs. Kangaroo’s pouch, and the two set off (On Our Way).

Dot and Mrs. Kangaroo arrive at the waterhole, where LARRY LORIKEET, MAL MAGPIE GOOSE, and WAZZA WATERHERON are startled to see Mrs. Kangaroo traveling with a “new human.” They’re worried Dot has come to harm them, but Dot assures everyone she’s just lost. They ask Dot where her mates are and teach her about friendship (Bottoms Up At The Waterhole). The birds suggest that Dot and Mrs. Kangaroo go to the Platypus for advice on how to get home.

Night has fallen, and Mrs. Kangaroo suggests that she and Dot sleep in a cave. Dot wants to keep going to see the Platypus, but it’s too dangerous. She realizes that Mrs. Kangaroo is still worried about Joey, who was lost when the kangaroos had to escape some new

humans. Mrs. Kangaroo comforts Dot, while back at home Henry and Matilda promise to keep looking for Dot (The Lullaby).

In the morning, KOOKABURRA has parked on Dot, thinking she is an egg that must be hatched. KOALA cheers on Kookaburra, and when Mrs. Kangaroo returns, she reveals that she’d asked them to watch Dot, not to hatch her.

Finally, Dot and Mrs. Kangaroo make it to PLATYPUS, who is not very friendly. He explains to Dot how he made himself a king despite his strangeness (King Of The Burrow) and suggests that she find the Council. After all, if he can be a king, she can find her way home (King Of The Burrow – Playoff). Suddenly, WOMBAT and ECHIDNA run past Dot and Mrs. Kangaroo, trying to escape DINGOES. Mrs. Kangaroo gets Dot to safety but is injured and can’t go on. Dot runs to the Bower for help, where she encounters PEACOCK PAUL and the BOWERBIRDS: BELLE, BREE, and BABS. Dot begs them to help Mrs. Kangaroo, but they are getting ready to host a bower ball (The Ladies’ Lounge). Dot trades her blue pinafore to the Bowerbirds for some Blue Mountain Bush Berries and takes the fruit back to heal Mrs. Kangaroo. Dot confesses that she left looking for someone to help but then realized that she was someone who could help.

The next morning, the COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS has surrounded Dot and Mrs. Kangaroo. Dot is on trial for the crimes of the new humans, and Willie Wagtail is running the court. PELICAN will prosecute Dot, and Mrs. Kangaroo offers to defend her, shocking the other animals. Dot is put on trial, but Platypus stands witness and defends her reputation (Council Of The Animals – Part 1). Mrs. Kangaroo suggests that if Dot is meant to atone for the behavior of her fellow humans, then the bush creatures must atone for their fellow animals as well (Council Of The Animals – Part 2). She calls Dot to the stand, who promises to tell the other humans that amends must be made (Dot’s Testimony) COCKATOO announces that the jury has found Dot not guilty and the animals will help her get home. When they arrive back at her house, Dot gives Mrs. Kangaroo the blue ribbon before they say their goodbyes (See The Country –Reprise).

Dot reveals herself to Henry and Matilda, and when Henry tries to shoo away Mrs. Kangaroo, Dot explains that she helped her get home and that she is looking for her son, JOEY. Turns out Henry found Joey and bandaged his foot. Everyone has made it safely back to their families (Finale).

Dot and the Kangaroo JR. characters

(in order of appearance)

MRS. KANGAROO

HENRY MATILDA

DOT

WILLIE WAGTAIL

SUGAR GLIDER

LARRY LORIKEET

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

WAZZA WATERHERON

KOOKABURRA

KOALA

PLATYPUS

WOMBAT

ECHIDNA

BOWERBIRD BABS

BOWERBIRD BELLE

BOWERBIRD BREE

PEACOCK PAUL

PELICAN

BLACK SWAN

GALAH

SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO

BROLGA

JOEY

ENSEMBLE - British Soldiers, Families, May, Waterhole Birds, Brolgas, Snake, Rainbow Lorikeets, “King Of The Burrow” Soloists (Solo 1, Solo 2, Solo 3, Solo 4), Dingoes (Dingo), Bowerbirds, and various other members of the Council of the Animals, including koalas, possums, wallabies, kangaroos, bilbies, emus, cranes, plovers, ducks, frogs, bandicoots, and parrots�

Dot and the Kangaroo JR. page to stage

Dot and the Kangaroo JR. is based on the classic Australian children’s novel Dot and the Kangaroo, by Ethel Pedley, originally published in 1899. That book led to many more stories, including films and television specials where Dot has adventures with whales and koalas, and she even goes to space!

workshopped at the iTheatrics Summer Academy in New York City. Later that year, vocal tracks were recorded for the show, and Daniel M. and Kate traveled to Australia to be with Daniel S. during the process. The creative team was so excited to record the vocal tracks with authentic Australian accents, and they can’t wait to hear the story told all over the world!

The journey to Dot becoming a Broadway Junior® musical began in January 2020 when Aussie book writer Daniel Stoddart began writing a stage adaptation of the original children’s book. Daniel Stoddart had attended the Junior Theater Festival® in Atlanta, Georgia, for many years, where he met and befriended composer Daniel Mertzlufft. Daniel M. and his writing partner, lyricist Kate Leonard, were thrilled at the idea of writing music for a brand-new show. They loved the animal characters, the story’s setting in the Australian bush, and the show’s themes – joy, love, and community.

Dot’s iconic song “See The Country” was the first song Daniel M. and Kate wrote, and a year later the show was complete. In January 2021, a staged reading was held in Australia with students, and that summer (and again in 2022), the show was

The show features nods to many different musical styles, including jazzy gospel (“King Of The Burrow”), hoedown (“Bottoms Up At The Waterhole”), and modern Broadway pop (“The Ladies’ Lounge”). Dot and the Kangaroo JR. premiered at the 2022 Junior Theatre Festival in Australia and then became part of the 2023 Junior Theater Festival’s New Works Showcase, where brand-new Broadway Junior® adaptations are debuted to the American public.

The show’s authors see Dot and the Kangaroo JR. as a labor of love and hope that each and every person who works on a production feels the love and joy they experienced while writing the show.

Enjoy your production of Dot and the Kangaroo JR., and remember, this show has everything – but nothing without YOU!

(#1 – OVERLETTE begins.)

and the Kangaroo JR.

(#2 – PROLOGUE begins.)

Prologue

PROLOGUE

MRS. KANGAROO: (offstage) One hundred million years ago, the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana separated. Terra Australis drifted and tucked itself down under the bottom of the world. This sacred, ancient land was home to humans and the most extraordinary creatures: Kangaroos!

(MRS. KANGAROO:) Koalas! The platypus! For as long as the human mind can comprehend, the First People and animals of this land lived harmoniously. Then one day...

(Ships with white sails appear, rolling over the waves. First, there is one ship... then another... and another... and another... until there are eleven ships.)

(MRS. KANGAROO:) Eleven ships with huge white sails arrived. Powered by the wind. One after another. All of them bringing a new type of human.

(MRS. KANGAROO:) This new land was so different from their home. There were no cobblestone streets or buildings. Only rugged bush!

Dot

(MRS. KANGAROO:) This new land was so different from their home. There were no cobblestone streets or buildings. Only rugged bush!

(BRITISH SOLDIERS disembark and lead people from the ships, including HENRY, his wife MAY, who wears a blue ribbon in her hair, and their young daughter MATILDA. HENRY, MAY, and MATILDA set out with their belongings. They travel through the bush.)

(MRS. KANGAROO:) Some of them appreciated their new home, but many of them only knew the ways of their own distant land. It felt dangerous, and out of fear, they did everything in their power to reshape and bend the land to their will.

(They arrive and begin to chop down trees and clear the land.)

(A small, rustic cottage appears in the clearing.)

(MRS. KANGAROO:) But sometimes their will was not enough. Poor, unwanted by their home country, and now alone in the bush, no one cared if they lived or died...

(MAY holds her new baby in her arms and attempts to sing something that sounds like a lullaby.)

(MRS. KANGAROO:) ... and some did not survive.

KANGAROO:) ... and some did not survive.

(She coughs, hands the baby to HENRY, and then dies. HENRY holds his swaddled child with an arm around MATILDA.)

HENRY: But there was still hope! This family had something very precious: the Þrst settler child to be born in this ancient land.

(HENRY:) She carried with her her mother's spirit and her father's stubbornness. She was small... but she was strong. Her name was Dot!

(We see DOT for the Þrst time. She wears a blue pinafore and no shoes.)

DOT: And she was a brave explorer who crossed the great divide, discovered an ancient rainforest, and uncovered the secrets of the wild!

& # # 4 4

SCENE ONE – DOT’S COTTAGE

(It is a bright, sunny morning in the Australian bush. We hear all sorts of wonderful bush sounds and various Australian birds.)

HENRY

And you’re going to do all of those things!

DOT Really!?!

HENRY

Of course! When you’re older!

(HENRY sits on the verandah steps to put on his boots. MATILDA enters from inside the cottage.)

MATILDA

Good morning, Father! Dot, I could use some help.

DOT

I could use some adventure!

HENRY

We’re already on one, Dot!

(#3 – EVERYTHING, BUT NOTHING WITHOUT YOU begins.)

Everything, But Nothing Without You EVERYTHING,

(MATILDA hangs the washing on the line.)

MATILDA: We need you here.

HENRY: We need all three of us here... together!

(HENRY collects his saddle from the verandah.)

DOT: Come on, Matilda! (pointing) Let's go explore the gulley!

MATILDA: No, these clothes aren't going to hang themselves.

DOT: How do you know? They might!

you.

(DOT picks up a shirt from the washing basket and throws it into the air.

MATILDA and DOT watch it fall to the ground. It doesn't hang itself.)

MATILDA: Great, right in the dirt.

HENRY: Fine! If you want to go visit the gulley so bad, I'll take you down there myself—

DOT, HENRY: When I'm done with my work.

DOT: You always just Þnd something else that needs doing, and then it's dark again.

HENRY: Oi, cut out that whinging.

(WILLIE WAGTAIL sings (whistles) his birdsong.)

MATILDA: Look at that, Dot—a Willie Wagtail's come to visit you.

DOT: Me?

(DOT stares in fascination as WILLIE WAGTAIL sings again.)

HENRY: What's that, mate? Well, I don't think Dot sees it that way!

DOT: What don't I see?

HENRY: Well, my Wagtail's a little rusty, but I think he's saying, "The most beautiful part of the country is right here on your doorstep!"

DOT: No he isn't!

HENRY: Sure he is. We're lucky to be here, Dot. Look around!

noth ing with out

you.

HENRY

Well, I’m off! I’ve got to finish clearing for that new road through the mountain.

MATILDA

Be safe, Father!

(to DOT)

HENRY

We can talk about the gulley tonight over supper.

DOT

Promise?

Cross my heart!

HENRY

(He kisses DOT on the head.)

Matilda, keep two eyes on your sister. I’ll be back before dusk.

(HENRY kisses MATILDA on the head and exits.)

MATILDA

Now, have you milked the cows and brushed the horses?

DOT

(not telling the truth)

Yes.

MATILDA

Have you fed the dogs and watered the veggies?

DOT

Yes and yes.

MATILDA

What about the pee pots? Are they scrubbed?

DOT

What if I get that Willie Wagtail to help me?

(They look at WILLIE WAGTAIL. He flies away.)

MATILDA

It’s clearly got better things to do.

(MATILDA takes a blue ribbon out of her hair and uses it to tie back DOT’s hair.)

Here. Take Mother’s ribbon.

(She kisses DOT on the head, then hands her a scrubbing brush and bucket.)

It’ll keep your hair out of the pee pots. And remember, don’t go past the fence.

Father

Dot and the Kangaroo JR.

See The Country

Movement (MATILDA exits into the cottage. We are now with DOT scrubbing the pee pots.)

(A SUGAR GLIDER appears.)

(DOT)

Why, it’s a sugar glider. Hello there, little thing. Have you come to help me?

(DOT gestures for the SUGAR GLIDER to come and help. The SUGAR GLIDER looks frightened.)

Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. (The SUGAR GLIDER jumps.)

That’s quite a jump for a little thing. I can jump too, watch! (#5 – CHASING THE SUGAR GLIDER begins.)

(In dance, DOT jumps; the SUGAR GLIDER responds with a jump. DOT jumps again, as does the SUGAR GLIDER. DOT and the SUGAR GLIDER dance around the yard, having fun mimicking each other’s quirky hop maneuvers. A horse neighs offstage in the paddock. The SUGAR GLIDER doesn’t like the sound and jumps away.)

(DOT)

Hey, don’t go! That’s just one of Father’s horses in our paddock.

(The SUGAR GLIDER jumps over the fence.)

Wait! I thought we were having fun.

(DOT playfully dances past the fence, chasing the SUGAR GLIDER away from the cottage. They travel deep into the bush and closer and closer to the gulley. Suddenly, DOT realises she is standing on the edge.)

The gulley!

(DOT teeters on the edge but seems to regain her balance. The SUGAR GLIDER jumps over the edge.)

Wait!!

(Trying to save the SUGAR GLIDER, DOT falls into the gulley. As she tumbles down the steep embankment through trees and bushes, the SUGAR GLIDER opens its arms and legs, revealing a parachute-like membrane, allowing it to glide gently through the air. The SUGAR GLIDER waves to DOT and floats away. As DOT continues to tumble deeper and deeper into the gulley, her mother’s blue ribbon falls out. DOT’s tumble ends with a heavy thud.)

(A KOOKABURRA laughs. Silence.)

(DOT)

Hello! Father! Matilda! Anybody?

(Lost and all alone, DOT cries. DOT realises her blue ribbon has fallen out and looks for it among the leaves.)

Oh, no! My mother’s ribbon. Where is it?

(She sees something small and blue.)

What’s this? Oh, it’s just a little blue berry!

(#6 – LITTLE BLUE BERRY begins.)

(DOT picks up and examines the berry. She cautiously smells it. It smells good. She tastes it. It tastes so good, she gobbles the rest of it.)

SCENE TWO – SOMEWHERE IN THE BUSH

(A large kangaroo (MRS. KANGAROO) enters, backwards, clearly looking for something or someone. DOT searches again for the blue ribbon. They bump into each other, and there is a moment of surprise that quickly turns into wonder. Both are slightly puzzled that the other isn’t frightened.)

(DOT)

Shoo, kangaroo – go away!

MRS. KANGAROO

Excuse me?

DOT

Shoo, I said – I’m trying to find my ribbon! (realising MRS. KANGAROO can speak) Wait, did you just... talk?!

MRS. KANGAROO

Of course. All us animals can talk. Understanding each other is the real difficulty.

DOT (DOT can’t believe it.)

I’m talking to a kangaroo.

MRS. KANGAROO

You’ll get over it! Now, you must have eaten a Blue Mountain Bush Berry?

DOT

A what-y what berry?

MRS. KANGAROO

They’re powerful medicine that help all creatures be heard by one another, with magical healing powers. What are you doing out here in the bush?

DOT

I’ve lost my way home.

MRS. KANGAROO

That’s just like you new humans! If you only have one home in one place, of course you’re going to lose it.

DOT

Don’t you have a home?

MRS. KANGAROO

You’re in it! The entire bush is my backyard.

DOT

I’m not supposed to go beyond our fence.

MRS. KANGAROO

You won’t see much of the world stuck inside a fence. Don’t you ever run and bounce and play with your mother?

DOT

My mother died when I was a baby.

MRS. KANGAROO

I’m sorry.

Are you a mother?

DOT

MRS. KANGAROO

Yes, I am a proud Mumma, or “Mimi” as the First People call me.

DOT

But where are your children?

MRS. KANGAROO

My son is lost. I’ve been searching everywhere for him.

DOT

What’s his name?

Joey. (beat)

MRS. KANGAROO

Where are my manners. I’m Mrs. Kangaroo, and I’m from here, Wiradjuri country. Do you have a name, little one?

DOT

Dot. (an idea)

Maybe I could help you find your lost Joey and you could help me find my way back home?

MRS. KANGAROO

Deal! First, we’ll need to find someone who knows the way. I know just the place to start: the waterhole! This way!!

(#7 – BOING! BOING! BOING! begins.)

(MRS. KANGAROO starts hopping off, then notices DOT hasn’t moved, and stops.)

(MRS. KANGAROO)

What’s the matter, dear? Hop to it!

(#8 – UNDERWHELMING BOINGS begins.)

(DOT awkwardly hops three times.)

(MRS. KANGAROO)

These new humans! (rolling her eyes) It’ll take all day at your pace. (an idea) I know! Hop in my pouch. (MRS. KANGAROO gestures toward her pouch.)

DOT

I beg your pardon?!

MRS. KANGAROO

My pouch! That’s where Joey would ride. But dust off your feet. I’ve just had the rugs cleaned. (DOT attempts to climb into her pouch.) It can be uncomfortable if you put your foot in the— (As DOT goes headfirst into the pouch, MRS. KANGAROO finishes the sentence in a wince of pain.) Wrong position!

DOT (from inside the pouch) It’s cozy in here.

MRS. KANGAROO

Now, hold on tight. It can get a little turbulent. (DOT’s head is poking out of the pouch.)

DOT

How far away is the waterhole? (#9 – ON OUR WAY begins.)

Dot and the Kangaroo JR.

On Our Way

ON OUR WAY

MRS. KANGAROO: It's a long way, but I know the trick to making a long journey ßy by.

DOT: How?

MRS. KANGAROO: Well... Steady

& # # # 2 2 7

I've (MRS. KANGAROO:)

KANGAROO, DOT, ENSEMBLE:)

work be comes play,

work be comes play,

(DOT and MRS. KANGAROO arrive at the waterhole.)

MRS. KANGAROO

We’re here.

Look at all the birds!

DOT

MRS. KANGAROO

Shh! We must tread softly. The waterhole is a quiet place at twilight.

SCENE THREE – THE BUSH WATERHOLE

LARRY LORIKEET

So, Mal, Wazza, how ’bout this one? “Why did the dingo cross the road twice?”

(MAL MAGPIE GOOSE and WAZZA WATERHERON look at each other and shrug.)

He was chasing a boomerang!

(MAL MAGPIE GOOSE and WAZZA WATERHERON groan and slap LARRY on the back. It’s the worst joke they’ve ever heard.)

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

You know, Larry, for a Rainbow Lorikeet, you’re a dreadful comedian.

WAZZA WATERHERON

It’s any wonder the missus can’t wait to get you outta the tree.

LARRY LORIKEET

Don’t bring my missus into it, you goose!

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

Hey! That’s Magpie Goose to you!

(WAZZA notices MRS. KANGAROO and DOT.)

WAZZA WATERHERON

Hey, hey, hey! Fellas, check this out!

LARRY LORIKEET

Crikey! What’s Mrs. Kangaroo doin’ with one of those new humans?!

WAZZA WATERHERON (frightened) New human!?!

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

Dead set! She must have lost the plot!

WAZZA WATERHERON

(to MRS. KANGAROO)

Fair dinkum, mate! I wouldn’t be walkin’ around down there with a new human.

MRS. KANGAROO

(calling back to the birds)

She’ll be right!

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

That’s what our mate Duncan the Double-Eyed Fig Parrot said before he flew down to suss it out.

WAZZA WATERHERON

Then from somewhere in the bushes, “BANG BANG!”

(This loud sound startles all of the BIRDS. There is a moment of squawking before they all settle again.)

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

(starting to blubber through tears)

He was our brother! Rest his feathers.

WAZZA WATERHERON

(blubbers through tears)

A brother from another mother!

LARRY LORIKEET

Keep it together, fellas. (to DOT)

There seems to be a big mob of your lot comin’ to our waterhole for a drink lately.

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

I remember a time before the big ships came, when the First People would come down here.

LARRY LORIKEET

They’d never stay too long, just do what was needed and then move on.

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

You new humans don’t seem like that. You just seem greedy, lost, and confused!

LARRY LORIKEET

And Duncan hasn’t been the only one.

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

Sooner or later, we’ll all be cactus.

MRS. KANGAROO

This one is young. She carries nothing with her. (to DOT) Follow me slowly.

(More whispering as the news spreads. MRS. KANGAROO leads DOT down to the edge, and they begin to sip from the waterhole. LARRY LORIKEET flies down.)

LARRY LORIKEET

So, you’re not here to hurt us?

DOT

Of course not. I’ve just lost my way home.

LARRY LORIKEET

What kinda human are you anyway?

DOT

I’m a girl.

LARRY LORIKEET

Where’s the rest of your mob?

DOT

Huh?

Ya family. Ya mates!

LARRY LORIKEET

DOT

I don’t have any mates.

LARRY LORIKEET

Whaddaya mean? Everyone needs mates!

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

To knock about with!

WAZZA WATERHERON

To tell your troubles to!

LARRY LORIKEET

To make fun of!

To make fun of?

Too right!

That’s awful!

DOT

WAZZA WATERHERON

DOT

LARRY LORIKEET

Come on, Mal! Wazza! Let’s show her how it’s done.

(#10 – BOTTOMS UP AT THE WATERHOLE begins.)

BOTTOMS UP AT THE WATERHOLE

(Suddenly, the waterhole is a ßurry of wings and chattering. BIRDS of all shapes and colours come down from the trees and the shrubs to drink. There is now much celebrating to be done.)

& # # # 2 2

LARRY: Oi, you lot! Get over here! & # #

WATERHOLE BIRDS: (ad-lib) G'day, Larry! Howzit goin'? What's this all about? Strewth, what's with the human? (etc.)

MAL: Whaddaya reckon so far, mate?

DOT: I'm not sure I...

LARRY: Alright fellas! Looks like we're gonna have to break it down for her!

BIRDS:)

BIRDS: (BARI BIRDS:)

SCAT BIRDS:

(RHYTHM BIRDS:)

(BARI BIRDS:)

Dwee

Chu

Chu chu chu chu chu ga

¿ ¿ ¿ ‰ ¿ ¿ ¿

Chu

Dum dum da dum

Dum dum da dum

Dum

Dwee

Dum

Chu chu chu chu chu ga

Dum dum da dum

dwee doo doo bi (ALL:) (except DOT and KANGAROO)

Dum dum da dum

dwee doo doo bi

DOT: This is so much fun.

MAL: That's just how we roll 'round here!

DOT: So you laugh with each other... not at each other!?

WAZZA: Bingo!

LARRY: There's a lotta ways to love ya mates! Give it a try on old Mrs. Fluffy-butt here.

DOT: This is so much fun.

MAL: That's just how we roll 'round here!

DOT: So you laugh with each other... not at each other!?

WAZZA: Bingo!

LARRY: There's a lotta ways to love ya mates!

WAZZA: Give it a try on old Mrs. Fluffy-butt here. (WAZZA pulls MRS. KANGAROO into the action.)

DOT: I couldn't.

MRS. KANGAROO: Go ahead, Dot! I could use a laugh.

DOT: Okay... I'll try. 14x

Kan ga roo, The

(There is an uncomfortable pause in the song. Then all of the BIRDS burst into laughter at Dot's joke.)

LARRY: Nailed it, Dot!

Tempo 1

Bot toms up at the

(LARRY LORIKEET gives DOT a push, and the BROLGAS lead DOT to join in their elegant “ballet,” which is more like a country barn dance. Cheers all around!)

(LARRY LORIKEET gives DOT a push, and the BROLGAS lead DOT to join in their elegant “ballet,” which is more like a country barn dance. Cheers all around!)

MAL, LARRY, WAZZA:

wat er hole!

Bot toms up

Bot toms up at the

LARRY LORIKEET

Come back anytime, Dot.

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

As far as lost humans go, you make a pretty good waterhole bird!

DOT

Thanks, mate!

MRS. KANGAROO

Speaking of lost, I need to get Dot home!

LARRY LORIKEET

Whaddaya reckon fellas, should Dot here pay a visit to the King?

DOT

The King?

MRS. KANGAROO

Of course, the Platypus!

LARRY LORIKEET

He’s the sharpest tool in the shed.

MRS. KANGAROO

You think he would help us?

WAZZA WATERHERON

Not willingly.

MAL MAGPIE GOOSE

He’s always patrolling for trespassers near his burrow. Might’ve seen your family.

WAZZA WATERHERON

See, Dot, good mates’ll always have your back—

LARRY LORIKEET

’cause they can’t stand lookin’ at your face, Wazza! (beat) Hoo roo!

(#11 – ON OUR WAY TRANSITION 1 begins.)

(MAL MAGPIE GOOSE, WAZZA WATERHERON, and LARRY LORIKEET head off together, laughing. DOT climbs back inside MRS. KANGAROO’s pouch. They bound off into the bush.)

SCENE FOUR – A SACRED CAVE

(DOT and MRS. KANGAROO arrive at the entrance to a cave. Night has fallen. We hear a distant DINGO howl.)

MRS. KANGAROO

We’ll camp here for the night.

DOT

I can’t stay out here in the bush all night. This cave doesn’t even have a front door.

MRS. KANGAROO

Why would we need a front door?

DOT

So we can close it and keep the animals out.

MRS. KANGAROO

Perhaps your father closes your door at night to keep you in.

DOT (leaving) I must get home.

MRS. KANGAROO (under her breath)

I can see why a front door would be useful. (to DOT) You’ll only get more lost.

(A DINGO howls in the distance. DOT stops.)

DOT (cautious)

What’s that?

MRS. KANGAROO

Dingoes! I can help you get to the Platypus tomorrow, but you need to trust me. This country is a vast, mysterious place, full of hidden creatures. It’s dangerous for little ones out here.

(A beat as DOT realises she has been selfish.)

DOT

Mrs. Kangaroo, how did your Joey go missing?

(#12 – LOSING JOEY begins.)

MRS. KANGAROO

We were playing in the long grass on Joey’s favourite plain. I could hear a new sound on the breeze. New humans were approaching quickly on their galloping beasts, firing their bang bangs. Joey leapt into my pouch, and I set off as fast as I could. It was a hideous, long chase, and I began to weaken.

(MRS. KANGAROO struggles with this part of the story.)

I hid Joey in a soft bush while I led the humans away. As soon as they’d gone and the dust had settled, I returned for him, but... (silence)

He was gone. (beat)

Come, sit with me.

DOT

I’m so sorry. If a kangaroo isn’t even safe out here, how can I ever make it home?

MRS. KANGAROO

You see the moon peeking through those leaves? (DOT nods.)

Whenever I see it looking down on me, I can feel Joey in here. (gesturing to her heart)

We can’t always be beside our loved ones, Dot. It doesn’t mean they’re not with you. Come now, rest your head.

(#13 – THE LULLABY begins.)

THE LULLABY

Rit. 3 (MRS. KANGAROO:) Close your eyes, Dot. Can you feel them? In your heart? (Lights up on HENRY and MATILDA back on the verandah of their cottage.)

HENRY: (through tears) I searched everywhere, Matilda. I tracked her footsteps down to the gulley. Then, nothing. They just vanished completely without a trace. Nothing, except for the trail of a big kangaroo.

MATILDA: Poor, little Dot. HENRY: I'll Þnd her, Matilda, I promise. I'm not giving up.

(MATILDA:)

See

HENRY:

See

MRS. KANGAROO:

stars

See

merge from her œ œ œ

merge from her

merge from her

shade, to

the

ise

made,

the

(DOT has fallen asleep. MRS. KANGAROO sheds a tear for her JOEY.)

SCENE FIVE – OUTSIDE THE SACRED CAVE

(#14 – SUNRISE begins.)

(Sunrise. KOOKABURRA is sitting on top of a sleeping DOT. KOALA supports KOOKABURRA.)

KOALA

You’re doing wonderfully. Just focus!

KOOKABURRA

Am I really doing it?

Just like a real parent.

KOALA

KOOKABURRA

Oh, my dear Koala! This is the happiest day of my life!

KOALA

I’m so very proud of you. Just breathe! And concentrate.

KOOKABURRA

Yes. Good idea! (concentrating; then to self)

Come on, Kookaburra, you can do it! (KOOKABURRA concentrates. A pause. KOOKABURRA peaks out of one eye to see if DOT has hatched yet.) Anything?

KOALA

Not yet, my love! Perhaps I should have a turn.

KOOKABURRA

Oh dear me, no! You haven’t got the right Koalafications! (laughing)

Koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa.

DOT

(muffled from underneath KOOKABURRA) What’s going on?

KOALA

Did you hear that?

(KOALA and KOOKABURRA look around and listen for the sound.)

DOT (muffled) Get off me!

KOALA

There it is again!

(They notice DOT wriggling.)

KOOKABURRA

Oh, look, it’s hatching. I’ve done it! We’re parents!

(DOT gets to her feet and dusts off her pinafore. She notices KOALA and KOOKABURRA lovingly doting over her.)

KOALA

G’day, little one! Don’t be afraid.

DOT (stepping towards them) Who are you?

KOOKABURRA

It walks and talks!

KOALA

My, my, younglings sure do grow up fast these days.

DOT What’s going on?

KOOKABURRA

(like talking to a newborn baby) We are your parents, dear!

DOT Where’s Mrs. Kangaroo?

KOALA

Look at those beautiful eyes. She definitely gets those from you, my love!

(There is an awkward pause as they all look at each other, wondering what to do next.)

KOOKABURRA (to KOALA) What happens now?

KOALA

I think you’re supposed to feed it so it doesn’t die! (A SNAKE enters.)

A snake!

(calmly)

You don’t say?

Right on time!

DOT

KOALA

KOOKABURRA

DOT

It’s coming straight for me—

KOOKABURRA

(exhaling)

Never fear! Your parents are here!

(KOOKABURRA grabs the snake by the tail and snaps it onto the ground, killing it instantly. KOOKABURRA begins to eat it.)

(KOOKABURRA)

(to DOT with a mouthful of snake)

Breakfast! Can I offer you a bite?

(KOOKABURRA tries to feed DOT some snake directly from his beak.)

DOT

Eeeewwww! Yuck!

KOOKABURRA

A simple “No, thank you!” would suffice!

KOALA

Right, first things first... hoist her up the tree.

(KOALA follows Kookaburra’s direction and starts pushing DOT up the nearby tree.)

DOT Why?

KOOKABURRA

So we can push you out.

Push me out?!

DOT

KOOKABURRA

How else are you going to learn to fly?

DOT

But I can’t fly!

KOALA

Not with an attitude like that.

KOOKABURRA

Now, as my mother once said... “Start flapping!”

(KOALA and KOOKABURRA are about to push DOT out of the tree when MRS. KANGAROO returns.)

MRS. KANGAROO

Stop! What are you doing?

KOALA

We’re teaching little Kookie how to fly!

KOOKABURRA

There’s never been parents quite as good as us.

MRS. KANGAROO Parents?

KOOKABURRA

Yes, you told us to hatch her!

MRS. KANGAROO

No, I told you to watch her! Get her out of that gum tree, now!

(KOOKABURRA and KOALA help DOT down out of the tree. From her pouch, MRS. KANGAROO provides some grass, nuts, and shoots for DOT.)

Here, eat your breakfast. We must get you to the Platypus before the berries wear off.

(We hear a loud DINGO howl.)

KOALA

Oh, no! Time to go!

KOOKABURRA

You’re on your own, kid!

(KOALA and KOOKABURRA exit.)

DOT

Those are the worst parents I’ve ever seen.

MRS. KANGAROO

Nobody’s perfect! We’d better get moving.

(#15 – ON OUR WAY TRANSITION 2 begins.)

(DOT and MRS. KANGAROO bound off into the bush.)

SCENE SIX – THE CREEK

(MRS. KANGAROO and DOT arrive at a creek. MRS. KANGAROO tentatively approaches the entrance to a burrow.)

DOT

What does the Platypus look like?

MRS. KANGAROO

Let me do the talking.

(#16 – PLATYPUS ENTERS begins.)

(The PLATYPUS enters from within the burrow. DOT hides behind MRS. KANGAROO. MRS. KANGAROO addresses him politely.)

(MRS. KANGAROO)

Excuse me, Platypus—

PLATYPUS

It’s ornithorhynchus paradoxus, actually. If you’re going to trample about my creek, at least have the courtesy to use my correct scientific name. Otherwise, be on your way so I can get back to my hot stone therapy.

MRS. KANGAROO

We need your assistance.

PLATYPUS

Of course, of course. That’s all you creatures ever want. You never just pop by to say, “Good morning!” Or, “Sorry for the centuries of mockery.”

(In PLATYPUS’s state of frustration, MRS. KANGAROO has revealed DOT. She now stands before PLATYPUS.)

Of all the nerve, you bring one of those new humans to my dominion. They trample about like they know everything! They look like ducks out of water... Wow! Just... wow!

MRS. KANGAROO

We’re trying to get her home.

PLATYPUS

When last I checked, I didn’t cohabitate with humans. And for good reason.

DOT

Well, maybe you’ve seen Mrs. Kangaroo’s lost Joey? She last—

PLATYPUS

Silence! You seek an audience with the great duck-billed Platypus? Mother Earth’s experiment, made from the odds and ends of the birds and beasts that were left over after she’d finished the rest of them? I assure you – I have been insulted enough by the ignorance of humans. Good day!

(PLATYPUS makes to exit.)

DOT

Please. We don’t know what to do. The bush is so big, and I’m just a little girl.

PLATYPUS

(mimicking DOT)

We don’t know what to do. I’m just a little girl. Bah! Look at me! What do you see?

MRS. KANGAROO

Never mind, we’ll be on our way—

PLATYPUS

Let the child speak! (to DOT) What do you see?

DOT

I see someone who is awfully... unique?

PLATYPUS

How very diplomatic of you. You won’t last long out here boohooing about your size. I made myself a king! That didn’t happen by letting my “limitations” dictate my life.

(#17 – KING OF THE BURROW begins.)

KING OF THE BURROW

DOT: A king?

PLATYPUS: What, can't you tell?

Energetically, In 2, Swung

& b 4 4 4

(PLATYPUS:)

Bill of a duck, Bod -

PLATYPUS: The one and only! (PLATYPUS, PART 1:)

(SOPRANO/ALTO LORIKEETS:)

(TENOR LORIKEETS:)

Grab your mates and

PLATYPUS:

(SOPRANO/ALTO LORIKEETS:)

(TENOR LORIKEETS:)

& & V

& &

I'm the

He's the

He's the

King!

(A big finish. DOT applauds.)

PLATYPUS

Now, if a creature made from a bunch of leftover bits can become king, surely a little girl can pull on her big-girl pants and find her way home. That is, if she’s clever and seeks out the Council.

MRS. KANGAROO

The Council, of course! They know everything!

DOT

What council?

PLATYPUS

You must seek out the Council of the Animals, led by Willie Wagtail, who spends his time between us bush folk and you new humans. He holds court on the far side of Echo Mountain.

DOT

How will we find the Council when we get there?

PLATYPUS

You won’t need to. They’ll find you.

(PLATYPUS starts to exit.)

DOT (overly excited)

Ornithorhynchus paradoxus! Thank you!

(DOT hugs the PLATYPUS. He feels awkward.)

PLATYPUS

What are you doing? What is she doing?

DOT

It’s called a hug!

PLATYPUS

Hmm, how strange... and yet... how cosy!

DOT

Mr. Paradoxus, will we ever meet again?

PLATYPUS

We’ll see, little human. We’ll see.

(#18 – KING OF THE BURROW (PLAYOFF) begins.)

KING OF THE BURROW (PLAYOFF)

Energetically, In 2, Swung

(PLATYPUS ends with a big Þnish, then dives into the creek and disappears. RAINBOW LORIKEETS exit.)

(PLATYPUS:)

SOPRANO/ALTO LORIKEETS: TENOR LORIKEETS:

He's the

(#19 – ON OUR WAY TRANSITION 3/DINGO DANGER begins.)

SCENE SEVEN – THE CHASE

(Frightened, an elderly WOMBAT and ECHIDNA and many other ANIMALS and BIRDS run by, trying to escape something.)

WOMBAT (puffing and panting) Hurry! Come on. Pick up the pace!

ECHIDNA

I’m going as fast as I can.

What’s happening?

Danger! Dingoes!

Run for your life!

DOT

ECHIDNA

WOMBAT

(#20 – THE CHASE begins.)

DOT

What is it?

MRS. KANGAROO

Dingoes are nearby! Hop in my pouch! Quickly!

(Without wasting time, DOT climbs into the pouch, and they bound through the bush.)

DOT

Can’t we go some other way?

MRS. KANGAROO

This is the only passage to Echo Mountain and the Council of the Animals.

(We see the DINGOES sitting and chewing on some old bones. MRS. KANGAROO creeps by the DINGOES.)

DOT

(whispering)

It’s the dingoes!

Shhh!

MRS. KANGAROO

(The DINGOES have heard something. MRS. KANGAROO freezes. The DINGOES sniff the air, then let out a howl.

DOT screams. MRS. KANGAROO sets off at a terrific pace. DOT and MRS. KANGAROO race through the bush at a wild speed, crashing through the leaves and branches. We hear the pack of DINGOES snarling and howling in pursuit.)

DOT

Hurry! They’re going to catch us.

(Breathless, MRS. KANGAROO arrives at a wide gorge. They are trapped with no escape.)

Oh, no! A gorge! We’re trapped.

(One of the DINGOES has arrived and tosses his head into the air and howls.)

MRS. KANGAROO

Quickly, Dot! Hide behind that bush!

(DOT does as she is told. The DINGO lunges forward and ferociously attacks MRS. KANGAROO. There is a momentary struggle, and the DINGO bites MRS. KANGAROO’s tail. She lets out a cry of pain before raising her powerful leg and driving it into the DINGO. Yelping, the DINGO is thrown to the ground. It does not get up. We hear the howls of the rest of the DINGO pack approaching.)

(MRS. KANGAROO)

Back in my pouch. Now!

(getting in the pouch)

DOT

We’ll never make it past the dingoes.

MRS. KANGAROO

We’re not going past the dingoes. We’re going to leap across the gorge.

DOT

We’ll never make it. It’s too far. I’m too heavy.

MRS. KANGAROO

I’ll never leave a child ever again!

(The rest of the DINGO pack arrives. MRS. KANGAROO steps back from the edge, then with a run-up, she takes a final leap into the darkness and over the gorge. The DINGOES try to snap her ankles, but they miss. There is a rush of air as MRS. KANGAROO and DOT fly to their fate, leaving the DINGOES behind in the darkness. They seem to hang in the air in slow motion before they land on the other side with a loud thud. MRS. KANGAROO staggers and falls to the ground with exhaustion. DOT climbs out of her pouch. We hear one last distant DINGO howl.)

DOT

You did it! We’re safe.

(MRS. KANGAROO, weak and dazed, struggles to sit up.) You’re injured. We need to get you help. Let’s go—

MRS. KANGAROO (very weak)

I can’t, Dot... I’m too weak.

DOT

Then I’ll find someone who can help us.

MRS. KANGAROO

Please... don’t go, Dot. It’s not safe.

DOT

I’ll be right back.

(#21 – SEARCHING FOR HELP/THE BOWER begins.)

(DOT runs off.)

SCENE EIGHT – THE BOWER

(In a peaceful part of the bush, sheltered by a canopy of trees, there is a din of squeals and chattering from the BOWERBIRDS and PEACOCK PAUL.)

PEACOCK PAUL

Ladies, your plumage looks wicked today!

BOWERBIRDS

Thanks!

BOWERBIRD BABS

We’ve been trying a new product!

BOWERBIRD BELLE

It’s the new wattle tree sap wax!

BOWERBIRD BREE

It’s totally on point!

(All four BIRDS fuss and preen their feathers. It’s a big deal! DOT enters, urgently searching for help.)

BOWERBIRD BABS

Hey birdy! You lost?

DOT

Please, you have to come. There’s a kangaroo who needs help.

BOWERBIRD BELLE

(pointing to Dot’s pinafore)

Blue feathers!!

Blue feathers?

Blue feathers???

Obsessed!

BOWERBIRD BREE

BOWERBIRD BABS

PEACOCK PAUL

DOT

Come on, follow me! Hurry!

(DOT tries to leave, but BOWERBIRDS gather around DOT, examining her pinafore.)

BOWERBIRD BABS

Birdy, how did you get your feathers so blue?

DOT

I’m not a bird! I’m a girl. This is my pinafore.

BOWERBIRD BELLE

Oh!

Oh?

Oh???

Obsessed!

BOWERBIRD BREE

BOWERBIRD BABS

PEACOCK PAUL

BOWERBIRD BABS

Um, can I, like, have your pina-thingy?

DOT

I don’t even know you! Please, Mrs. Kangaroo – she’s hurt.

BOWERBIRD BABS

I’m Bowerbird Babs. Heeeeeeey!

BOWERBIRD BELLE

Bowerbird Belle! Hiiiii!

BOWERBIRD BREE

Bowerbird Bree! Hellooooo!

PEACOCK PAUL

Peacock Paul! Obseeeessed!

BOWERBIRD BABS

He’s not really a bowerbird, but he’s our friend.

BOWERBIRD BREE

Plus he matches the décor.

BOWERBIRDS

(squealing with excitement)

Blue!!!! Ah!!!

BOWERBIRD BABS

We love all things blue—

Bluebells!

Blue butterflies!

Blue feathers!

BOWERBIRD BELLE

BOWERBIRD BREE

PEACOCK PAUL

BOWERBIRD BELLE

That’s why we’ve just got to have your pina-thingy.

DOT

Please, you need to hurry. Mrs. Kangaroo needs help. I can’t help her on my own.

BOWERBIRD BABS

Woah! Calm down, little girly! We’re kinda expecting some birdie boys any minute now.

PEACOCK PAUL

We’re hosting a bower ball!

BOWERBIRD BELLE

We can’t leave!

BOWERBIRD BABS

It’s a big old world out there for us little birdies... or girlies... or whatever you said you were.

BOWERBIRD BREE

Sometimes you just gotta stand up on your own two talons and believe in yourself.

PEACOCK PAUL

Reach for the stars!

BOWERBIRD BREE

We believe in you!

BOWERBIRD BELLE

You got this!

BOWERBIRD BABS

That’s what we’ve learnt. Take this bower for example. (#22 – THE LADIES’ LOUNGE begins.)

THE LADIES’ LOUNGE

made it on our own

lus ter and the spar kle of the

(DOT sees that PEACOCK PAUL is eating berries.)

DOT: Are those Blue Mountain Bush Berries?

PEACOCK PAUL: Yes! Cute, right?

DOT: (to BOWERBIRD GIRLS) I'll trade you those berries for my pinafore.

BABS: You got it!

(DOT removes her pinafore and trades it for the berries.)

BREE: Let's get this bower ball started!!!

Loo sen up! And get those feath ers

BABS,

shak ing! Be cause you've

nev er met a bird this bold.

boys be lieve this bow er!? - -

shell and ev 'ry ßow er, All the

(ALL BOWERBIRDS, PEACOCK PAUL:) -

(BARI BIRDS:)

ground they had to sco ur To

BABS: Yes, girls! (ALL BOWERBIRDS, PEACOCK PAUL:) -

PEACOCK PAUL: Come on, everyone! Big Þnish!

Woah, (ALL:)

The lad ies' lounge!

(#23 – THE LADIES’ LOUNGE (PLAYOFF)/ECHO MOUNTAIN begins.)

(The BOWERBIRDS dance off.)

SCENE NINE – ECHO MOUNTAIN

(Dusk has fallen. It begins to rain lightly. DOT returns to MRS. KANGAROO.)

DOT

Mrs. Kangaroo, I found you some berries! (producing the berries) Look!

MRS. KANGAROO

You really are a remarkable child, Dot!

DOT

I hope they’ll make you stronger.

MRS. KANGAROO

They will!

(MRS. KANGAROO eats the food. Her strength slowly starts to return.)

Here, you should take some too!

(DOT eats some berries.)

My brave little Dot.

DOT

All I could think about was finding someone to help. But then I realised, I’m someone who can help.

MRS. KANGAROO

Your father would be very proud of you. I know I am.

DOT

And I have a feeling we’re going to find your Joey tomorrow. (after reflection) Why were the dingoes trying to hurt us?

MRS. KANGAROO

Not everyone is going to be on your side, Dot! That is just the way things are. The good news is that you get to choose who is on your side and what sort of a human you want to be.

(beat)

Let us get some rest now.

(#24 – DAWN BREAKS begins.)

(DOT nestles up with MRS. KANGAROO as the lights fade to night.)

SCENE TEN – THE COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS

(Dawn breaks. MRS. KANGAROO’s strength is beginning to return, but she is still weak. DOT wakes to discover she is surrounded by a great gathering of animals and birds, including MAL MAGPIE GOOSE, LARRY LORIKEET, WAZZA WATERHERON, KOOKABURRA, KOALA, PELICAN, GALAH, BROLGA, WOMBAT, ECHIDNA, SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO, BLACK SWAN, RAINBOW LORIKEETS, other koalas, brolgas, possums, wallabies, kangaroos, emus, cranes, plovers, ducks, frogs, bilbies, bandicoots, and lots of screaming parrots. There is a great cacophony of screeching and chattering voices as DOT sits up and looks around at the beautifully overwhelming sight of colour and noise.)

DOT

Oh! What’s going on?

She ought to be told!

Tell her yourself.

ECHIDNA

BLACK SWAN

WOMBAT

One of us should tell her.

GALAH

Shhh! The Council is about to start.

DOT

Mrs. Kangaroo! Platypus was right! It’s the Council of the Animals.

MRS. KANGAROO

We’ve arrived.

DOT

All the animals of the bush must be here.

COCKATOO

Here comes Willie.

WILLIE WAGTAIL

(acting like an expert, carrying a copy of the Oxford Dictionary)

Hear ye! Hear ye! Quiet!

(Finally, there is silence from the COUNCIL.)

We, the Council of the Animals, are gathered here for the trial of Dot for the wrongs we bush creatures have suffered at the hands of you new humans.

(Once again, the COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS erupts into a chorus of screeching and chatter.)

COUNCIL ANIMALS

(ad-lib)

Here, here! Dreadfully dangerous humans! Cut to the chase! She’s guilty. (etc.)

DOT

I don’t understand.

WILLIE WAGTAIL

Enough! (silence once again)

I, Willie Wagtail, have built my nest under the eaves of the Gabble-Babble Courthouse and am deeply learnèd in the business of human law. Pelican, will you stand as prosecutor?

PELICAN

(confidently)

Of course.

WILLIE WAGTAIL

Now for the defense—

(The COUNCIL MEMBERS quietly mutter to themselves. No one wants to stand as Dot’s defense.)

COUNCIL ANIMALS

(ad-lib)

I’m not doing it! Who’d be mad enough to defend a human? No way! (etc.)

(MRS. KANGAROO steps forward.)

MRS. KANGAROO

I will come to Dot’s defense.

(Loud murmurs and reactions of shock that MRS. KANGAROO has chosen to side with this human.)

COUNCIL ANIMALS

(ad-lib)

She can’t be serious! She’s lost the plot! She’s been spending too much time with that human! (etc.)

WILLIE WAGTAIL

But Mrs. Kangaroo, you lost your Joey to these beasts. Even after such a loss as yours, you choose to stand in defense of this being?

MRS. KANGAROO

I have seen the good in this human and carried her as my own. I must defend her.

(The COUNCIL voices more reactions of disbelief.)

WILLIE WAGTAIL

As you wish. Let the trial begin!

(#25 – COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS (PART 1) begins.)

COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS (PART 1)

(Exciting chatter and screeching as the COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS forms a more formal courtroom seating arrangement.)

COUNCIL ANIMALS: (ad-lib) Well this just got interesting! I'll bet you ten to one Pelican's got this in the bag. Tell her she's dreamin'. Let's get a good seat. (etc.)

All I know for cer tain Is the BROLGA: COUNCIL ANIMALS: -

PELICAN: I call the Þrst witness to the stand. Larry Lorikeet.

(LARRY LORIKEET ßies down and perches on an elaborate tree stump used as the witness stand in the COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS.)

(PELICAN:) Tell the jury how many times have you seen new humans at the waterhole?

LARRY: Twice. Once with Dot. The other time when they shot poor, old Duncan.

PELICAN: And did you fear this human would do the same thing to you?

LARRY: For a second there, sorta! They can be scary buggas!

PELICAN: No further questions.

Would she shoot me? Ab so lut ely, She MAL:

would n't think twice! -

WILLIE: Next witness. Kookaburra. (KOOKABURRA takes the witness stump.)

PELICAN: Kookaburra, is it true the girl forced you to destroy a fellow animal?

DOT: (interrupting) That snake was Kookaburra's breakfast—

WILLIE: Order!

KOOKABURRA: Well, I was hungry.

PELICAN: (to DOT) And how were you feeling at the time?

DOT: I was frightened, but I was also glad to see the snake gone.

PELICAN: She admits it. Happy for the death of a bush creature.

COUNCIL ANIMALS:

bird killed it– But she willed it! She

WILLIE: Let us speak to the Þnal witness. Bring in... the platypus! (The other ANIMALS are shocked to see PLATYPUS attending the COUNCIL.)

ALL: (gasping, ad-lib) Oh! It's the platypus! What are they doing here? Well, bless my branches! (etc.)

PLATYPUS: Let's not all sit here looking like a bunch of stunned mullets. Let's begin.

PELICAN: How is the accused known to you?

PLATYPUS: Never in my existence have I encountered such an unusual Homo sapien.

PELICAN: Finally, we have some truth!

PELICAN: (getting frustrated) Would you explain the destruction of our homes and loved ones as "sympathetic behaviour"?

PLATYPUS: Before I answer, should we confer with the Þsh that are inside your belly?

(There is a murmur among the court.)

COUNCIL ANIMALS: (ad-lib) It's a good point! Fair enough! I hadn't thought of it like that! So wise! (etc.)

PLATYPUS: She cannot be held accountable for those before her.

COUNCIL ANIMALS:

COUNCIL ANIMALS:

PELICAN: I call Mrs. Kangaroo to the stand. (This is met with the loudest chatter among all the animals yet as MRS. KANGAROO takes the stand.)

Did the girl pre tend?

PELICAN

Mrs. Kangaroo, is it true that you’ve had contact with more of these new humans?

MRS. KANGAROO

Sadly, yes.

PELICAN

Would I be right in assuming your previous encounter was, how shall I say, inhumane?

MRS. KANGAROO

Yes, that would be right.

PELICAN

And, (regarding DOT) present company excluded, would you categorise these humans as destructive or peaceful?

(#26 – COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS (PART 2) begins.)

COUNCIL OF THE ANIMALS (PART 2)

MRS. KANGAROO: It is quite true that humans can destroy animals, but may I also point out that animals and birds destroy one another too?

Per haps we (MRS. KANGAROO:) (loosely this rhythm)

COUNCIL ANIMALS: (There is much commotion among the COUNCIL.)

(There is chaos in the court.) WILLIE: Order! Order in the court!

MRS. KANGAROO: There have to be all sorts of creatures on earth. Hawks and snakes, rats and mice, dingoes and goannas, all Þnding a way to co-exist. Predators and prey, side by side, yet we demand that only this child atone?

(MRS. KANGAROO:) For all we know, it could be nature's plan that the future of our bush lie in the hands of this little human. (DOT joins MRS. KANGAROO. They stand before the COUNCIL, uniÞed.)

The

(PART 1:)

(PART 2:)

(#27 – DOT’S TESTIMONY begins.)

DOT’S TESTIMONY

MRS. KANGAROO: Your honour, I will now call my one and only witness. Dot, please take the stand.

(DOT takes the stand.)

(MRS. KANGAROO:) Would you like to speak for yourself?

DOT: I would. You see...

go back to the hu

Molto Rit.

mans, I'll

tell them the stor

(Silence. PELICAN retires, defeated.)

(#28 – THE VERDICT begins.)

WILLIE WAGTAIL

To conclude the proceedings, members of the jury, you may now deliberate.

(The COUNCIL scratches and chatters among themselves. Then, unexpectedly, COCKATOO speaks very eloquently and seriously.)

COCKATOO

We, the jury of the Council of the Animals, find this little human... not guilty! We therefore agree to help Dot find her way home.

WILLIE WAGTAIL

That’s it. Court dismissed!

(The COUNCIL disperses in the same flurry of screeching and chatter in which they arrived. DOT looks at MRS. KANGAROO and then runs forward and hugs her around the neck. WILLIE WAGTAIL produces Dot’s blue ribbon.)

Here, I think you must’ve dropped this.

DOT

My mother’s blue ribbon! Where did you find it?

WILLIE WAGTAIL

I saw it while passing through the great gulley. (DOT ties the ribbon in her hair.) Let’s get you home, Dot!

MRS. KANGAROO (to DOT) Are you ready?

I think so.

DOT

WILLIE WAGTAIL

We’ll have you home in two shakes of a wallaby’s whisker. Follow me.

(#29 – ON OUR WAY TRANSITION 4/AT THE COTTAGE begins.)

(DOT and MRS. KANGAROO travel through the bush one last time, following WILLIE WAGTAIL.)

SCENE ELEVEN – DOT’S COTTAGE

(Dot’s cottage finally appears in the distance beyond the fence. HENRY is sitting on the verandah steps with his arms around MATILDA. With excitement, DOT climbs out of the pouch.)

DOT

It’s my cottage! Come on!

MRS. KANGAROO

Dot, this is where I must leave you.

DOT No!

MRS. KANGAROO

This is your home. Those are your family.

DOT

I don’t want to say goodbye.

MRS. KANGAROO

Nor do I. But my home is out there. (DOT hugs MRS. KANGAROO tightly.) I feel like I’m losing my Joey all over again.

DOT

It feels like I’m losing my family again. (DOT thinks for a moment, then takes her mother’s blue ribbon and gives it to MRS. KANGAROO.) Here, take this. It belonged to my mother.

MRS. KANGAROO

You’ll never be lost in my heart, Dot.

for ev en though at

MRS. KANGAROO: Oh, Dot! (MRS. KANGAROO hugs DOT, and they hold each other for the last time.)

(#31 – DOT RETURNS begins.)

(HENRY looks up and sees MRS. KANGAROO in the bush.)

HENRY

Look, Matilda! It’s a kangaroo!

(MRS. KANGAROO leads DOT out from the bushes.)

MATILDA

Father! It’s Dot!

Dot? It can’t be?

HENRY

(MATILDA and HENRY run towards DOT. Their reunion is an emotional embrace.)

What were you doing with that kangaroo, Dot?

(to MRS. KANGAROO) Get away! Go on! Shoo!

DOT

Father, no! She saved me and brought me home.

HENRY

A kangaroo saved you?

DOT

Yes! She took care of me. The animals, they’re just like us! She lost her child, just like you did.

HENRY

A lost joey?

(HENRY exits inside the cottage.)

MATILDA

Mother must have sent her to watch over you.

DOT

Maybe!

(#32 – A LOST JOEY? begins.)

(HENRY reenters carrying JOEY, with a bandaged foot. He puts JOEY down. JOEY hops over to MRS. KANGAROO.)

JOEY

Mimi? Mimi!!!

Joey!!!

MRS. KANGAROO

It’s her Joey. Her lost Joey!

DOT

MATILDA

Father found it injured in the long grass when he was out looking for you.

(JOEY jumps into her pouch.)

(#33 – FINALE begins.)

HENRY: I expect she's feeling like us, then. DOT: She is!

Not Too Slowly

(All of the BUSH ANIMALS and FAMILIES have arrived.)

HENRY, MATILDA, MRS. KANGAROO:

HENRY, MATILDA, MRS. KANGAROO, DOT, JOEY:

noth ing with out Rit.

(MRS. KANGAROO nuzzles her JOEY. HENRY and MATILDA lead DOT inside. DOT stops in the doorway and looks back to MRS. KANGAROO. She looks up at DOT. Blackout.)

THE END

(#34 – BOWS begins.)

(#35 – PLAYOUT begins.)

Words To Know From Dot and the Kangaroo JR.

Burrow – a tunnel or hole created by an animal to live in.

Cohabitate – to live in the same location.

Confer – to discuss and compare opinions on a situation.

Daunting – something that seems intimidating and difficult to accomplish.

Diplomatic – skilled in sensing what to do or say in sensitive situations to avoid conflict and maintain good relationships.

Dux Animalium – Latin for “leader of animals.”

Gondwana – a supercontinent composed of land masses in today’s Southern Hemisphere, including Africa, Antarctica, Arabian Peninsula, Australasia, India, Madagascar, and South America.

Gulley – a valley in the land created by running water, like a creek or river.

Homo sapiens – the species name for humans.

Hue – a particular color or shade.

Idiosyncratic – peculiar or eccentric in temperament.

Mate – a friend.

Mockery – the act of making fun of a person, place, or thing, typically by imitation.

Oi – an interjection used in multiple ways, but most commonly to grab someone’s attention.

Omega – the last letter of the Greek alphabet; the ultimate or final form.

Paddock – a fenced-in enclosure for animals.

Pinafore – a sleeveless, apron-like dress typically worn over clothing to keep clothes clean.

Plumage – the pattern and color of birds’ feathers.

Quokka – a small, plant-eating marsupial with a small face, round ears, and tail; native to Australia.

Suffice – to be enough or meet the need.

Supercontinent – a large landmass consisting of most of the earth’s land.

Terra Australis – Latin for “Southern Land.” Terra Australis was used to describe Australia on maps.

The Bush – an uncleared area of wilderness with few human inhabitants.

Verandah – an outdoor living space with a roof attached, also known as a porch.

Wiradjuri Country – the land of the Wiradjuri people, the largest Aboriginal Nation in New South Wales.

GLOSSARY OF AUSSIE TERMS

Bugga – an annoying or playful person or animal.

Cactus – dead.

Crikey – an expression of surprise.

Dead set – an expression that means you are 100% serious.

Fair dinkum – to proclaim something is true or fair.

Fella – a man.

First Nations people – the people who originally occupied Australia.

G’day – an abbreviated version of “Good Day.” It is a friendly way to say, “Hello! How are you?” to friends and strangers.

Grouse – this word means “very good.”

Hoo roo – A saying for goodbye, farewell, or see you later.

Honk – to pass intestinal gas/wind.

Lad – a rebelious teen who hangs out in groups.

Lost the plot – to be beyond normal reasoning.

Pee pot – a toilet pot.

Ripper – very good; excellent; fantastic.

She’ll be right – a way of saying something will be ok.

Sorta – an abbreviated version of “Sort of.”

Strewth – an expression of surprise or dismay.

Suss it out – to investigate something.

The Missus – a term used by some Australian husbands for their wives.

True Blue – very genuine, very loyal; expressing Australian values; Australian.

Too right – to exclaim absolute certainty. An expression of emphatic agreement.

Whaddaya reckon – what do you think?

Whinge – to complain persistently and in a peevish or irritating way.

glossary

actor: A person who performs as a character in a play or musical.

author: A writer of a play or musical, also known as a playwright. A musical’s authors include the book writer, a composer and a lyricist.

blocking: The actors’ movement in a play or musical, not including the choreography. The director usually assigns blocking during rehearsals.

book writer: One of the authors of a musical. The book writer writes the lines (dialogue) and the stage directions. Also called the librettist.

cast: The performers in a show.

cheating out: Turning oneself slightly toward the house when performing so the audience may better see one’s face and hear one’s lines.

choreographer: A person who creates and teaches the dance numbers in a musical.

composer: A person who writes music for a musical.

creative team: The author(s), director, choreographer, music director and designers for a play or musical.

cross: When an actor onstage moves toward or away from another actor or object.

dialogue: A conversation between two or more characters.

director: A person who provides the artistic vision, coordinates the creative elements and stages the play.

downstage: The portion of the stage closest to the audience. The opposite of upstage.

house: The area of the theatre where the audience sits to watch the show.

house left: The left side of the theatre from the audience’s perspective. If something is located “house left,” it is to the left side of the audience as they are seated in the theatre.

house right: The right side of the theatre from the audience’s perspective. If something is located “house right,” it is to the right side of the audience as they are seated in the theatre.

lines: The dialogue spoken by the actors.

lyricist: A person who writes the lyrics of a musical. The lyricist works with a composer to create songs.

lyrics: The words of a song.

monologue: A dramatic speech by one actor.

music director: A person who is in charge of teaching the songs to the cast and orchestra and maintaining the quality of the performed score.

musical: A play with songs that are used to tell a story.

objective: a goal or purpose to be achieved

off-book: The actor’s ability to perform his or her memorized lines without holding the script.

offstage: Any area out of view of the audience. Also called backstage. onstage: Anything on the stage and within view of the audience is said to be onstage.

opening night: The first official performance of a production, after which the show is frozen, meaning no further changes are made, and reviews may be published.

play: A type of dramatic writing meant to be performed live on a stage. A musical is one kind of play.

protagonist: The main character in a musical. The action centers around this character.

raked stage: A stage which is raised slightly upstage so that it slants towards the audience.

rehearsal: A meeting during which the cast learns and practices the show.

script: 1) The written words that make up a show, including spoken words, stage directions and lyrics. 2) The book that contains those words. speed-through: To speak through the dialogue of a scene as quickly as possible. A speed-through rehearsal helps actors memorize their lines, and it infuses energy into the pacing of a scene.

stage directions: Words in the script that describe the actions of the characters.

stage left: The left side of the stage, from the actor’s perspective. The same side of the theatre as house right.

stage manager: A person who is responsible for keeping all rehearsals and performances on schedule.

stage right: The right side of the stage, from the actor’s perspective. The same side of the theatre as house left.

upstage: The part of the stage farthest from the audience. The opposite of downstage.

warm-ups: Exercises at the beginning of a rehearsal or before a performance that prepare actors’ voices and bodies.

Actor’s Script Credits

Contributing Editors

Rebecca Marlowe

Marianne Phelps Designer

Matt Hagmeier Curtis

Kevin Johnson

Steven G. Kennedy

Music Layout

Rob Rokicki

Daniel Mertzlufft

Music Supervisor

Lindsay Lupi

Associate Editor

Laura Jo Schuster

Senior Managing Editor

Susan Fuller

The Broadway Junior® Concept and Format

Created by Music Theatre International (MTI)

Adaptation and support materials developed for MTI by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.

See MTI’s complete line of Broadway Junior® musicals at: broadwayjr.com

MTI’s School Edition and full-length musicals may be found at: MTIShows.com