In a faraway land, a humble merchant’s act of kindness and a daughter’s selfless love lead to an unforgettable adventure. The Enchanted Rose: A Tale of Beauty and the Beast is a magical play for children about courage, compassion, and seeing beyond appearances.

CHARACTERS:

NARRATOR

ALBERT

MONNA

BELL

BEAUTY

BEAST

SCRIPT:

NARRATOR: In a land where fortunes could shift like desert sands, lived a merchant named Albert. His world, once gilded with prosperity, was now shadowed by dwindling wealth. He had three daughters, each a jewel, though of different facets. Monna, the eldest, sparkled with ambition. Bell, the middle, gleamed with desires. And then there was Beauty, whose true radiance lay not in outward show, but in the quiet kindness of her soul. One day, a chilling realization settled upon Albert’s weary shoulders.

ALBERT: The ledgers… they mock me. My coffers echo with emptiness. How will we survive? My daughters live in a dream, unaware of the storm gathering at our door. Joseph’s words, once a whisper of desperation, now shout as my only path. This journey… this perilous business trip, it’s our last fragile hope. I must tell them. Pray they understand.

NARRATOR: The following morning, the unspoken tension in the air was palpable as Albert gathered his daughters.

ALBERT: I embark tomorrow. A long journey to distant lands.

MONNA: Oh, Father! Will you bring me something splendid? Something truly dazzling?

ALBERT: What treasure do you desire, Monna?

MONNA: A brocade gown! The richest silk, woven with gold thread. Imagine! I would be the envy of every ball!

ALBERT: It shall be yours. And you, Bell?

BELL: A genuine pearl necklace, Father, please! Each pearl perfectly round, shimmering with moonlight. It would complete me!

ALBERT: (Turns to Beauty) And my sweet Beauty? What can I bring for you?

BEAUTY: (Her voice gentle, but filled with a quiet sorrow) Nothing, Father, save your safe return. My heart aches at the thought of your leaving.

ALBERT: Oh, Beauty. You know I must go. Our very home, our livelihood, teeters on the edge.

BEAUTY: You know money means little to me. Our bond, our family… that is my true wealth.

ALBERT: I know, my dear. And it is precisely why I must go. I promised your mother, on her dying breath, that I would always provide for you, protect you. Now, tell me, my courageous girl, what small token would lighten your spirit?

BEAUTY: Just a single rose. The most beautiful one you see. Nothing more.

ALBERT: (Surprised) A rose!

MONNA & BELL: (In unison, a hint of disdain in their voices) A rose?

BEAUTY: Yes. A single, perfect rose. Let its beauty remind you of home and my quiet love.

ALBERT: It will be the most magnificent rose, my precious daughter. A testament to your pure heart. Now, it grows late. Until the morning.

MONNA, BELL, & BEAUTY: Good night, Father.

NARRATOR: The eastern sky was still a smudge of grey when Albert, weary but resolute, prepared for his journey. Beauty stood by him, their breath misting in the cool dawn air as they loaded his horse.

BEAUTY: I will miss you, Father. Every moment.

ALBERT:  And I, you, my little rose. Your sisters? Still dreaming, no doubt.

BEAUTY: They are.

ALBERT: Ah, well. No time to linger.

BEAUTY: When do you think you’ll return?

ALBERT: The winds of fortune are fickle, my dear. But I shall hasten back the moment my task is done.

BEAUTY: Farewell, Father. Be safe. And remember… the rose.

ALBERT: (Swings into the saddle) I will. Farewell!

NARRATOR: Albert spurred his horse onward, leaving the familiar behind. Days later, his business concluded, he turned his thoughts towards home, the promised rose a gentle whisper in his mind. But as he rode through the ancient woods, the sky, once clear, unleashed its fury.

ALBERT: (Struggling against the wind and rain, thunder rumbling overhead) Heavens! A tempest! I must find shelter, or this storm will claim us both!

NARRATOR: Through the lashing rain, a beacon pierced the deepening gloom—a single, unwavering light, deep within the heart of the forest.

ALBERT: A light! A sanctuary! To that light, my noble steed!

NARRATOR: He urged his horse forward, the desperate ride a blur of mud and shadow, until at last, through the swirling mist, a colossal castle loomed into view, its silhouette stark against the stormy sky.

ALBERT:  A castle! Perhaps here, a warm hearth and a safe haven for the night.

NARRATOR: He dismounted, approaching the grand, unbarred entrance. A chill wind swept through the open doorway.

ALBERT: (Calling out, his voice echoing into the vast silence) Hello? Is anyone here? I am lost and in dire need of shelter!

NARRATOR: No answer. Hesitantly, he stepped inside. The great hall was silent, but upon a table, a feast lay spread as if awaiting a king. The aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air.

ALBERT: Such a spread! My thanks to my unknown host. I confess, I am famished.

NARRATOR: He ate his fill, the warmth of the food a welcome comfort. Afterward, curiosity tugged at him. He ascended a grand staircase, calling out again.

ALBERT: Hello? Is anyone about?

NARRATOR: Only the eerie silence of the castle replied.

ALBERT: This is… unsettling. Not a soul. Yet, what splendor! The tapestries, the art… And that bed! (He spots a lavish bedchamber) It beckons to a weary traveler. Just a moment’s rest…

NARRATOR: And with that, exhausted, he succumbed to sleep. When dawn crept through the tall windows, he awoke to find a steaming mug of coffee and a platter of fresh fruit beside his bed, placed by an unseen hand.

ALBERT: (Rubbing the sleep from his eyes) Who could have been so kind? And this smells divine!

NARRATOR: He savored his breakfast, then descended, eager to express his gratitude. But the castle remained deserted.

ALBERT: Still no one. A phantom host, it seems.

NARRATOR: He wandered towards the garden, where his horse patiently waited, tethered to a gnarled oak. As he approached, a vibrant splash of color caught his eye—a magnificent rose bush, its blossoms bursting with life, dew-kissed and fragrant.

ALBERT: These roses… they are as exquisite as Beauty herself. How pleased she will be. I must pluck one for her. My promise…

NARRATOR: But as he reached for the most perfect bloom, a guttural roar shattered the morning’s peace. From the depths of the rose garden, a monstrous figure burst forth, adorned in surprisingly rich garments. Its eyes, bloodshot and burning with fury, fixed upon Albert, and a voice like grinding stones rumbled through the air.

BEAST: (Voice echoing with rage) Ungrateful wretch! I offered you refuge, food, shelter! And this is my reward? The theft of my most cherished treasures! You deserve death!

NARRATOR: Albert, paralyzed by terror, fell to his knees, his hands clasped in desperate supplication.

ALBERT: (Voice trembling, tears welling in his eyes) Forgive me, noble Beast! Please, spare my life! I beg you! The rose… it was not for me! It was for my youngest daughter, Beauty. I promised her a rose from my journey.

BEAST: (His eyes narrowing, the fury unwavering) I will grant you mercy, old man, but on one condition only.

ALBERT: Any condition! Name it!

BEAST: You shall bring me your daughter!

ALBERT: (Horrified) My daughter? No! Never!

BEAST: (Stepping closer, a menacing shadow) Yes! Swear upon your very soul that you will bring her, or your life ends here and now!

ALBERT: No… I will bring her. I promise.

BEAST: Then begone! I have no further use for you. Depart!

NARRATOR: Albert fled the castle, the Beast’s roar echoing in his ears. He arrived home, tears streaming down his face, to the anxious embrace of his daughters. As he recounted his terrifying ordeal, a quiet resolve settled upon Beauty’s features.

BEAUTY:  Dearest Father, I would lay down my life for you. Do not despair. You will keep your promise, and your life will be spared. I will go to the castle. I will take your place.

ALBERT: Oh, Beauty! My brave, sweet girl! Forgive me! You saved my life, yet again!

BEAUTY: There is nothing to forgive. I shall prepare at once.

NARRATOR: That very night, Albert, his heart heavy with dread, guided Beauty back to the ominous castle. The great door, as before, stood open, and the Beast awaited them in the flickering torchlight.

BEAST: (A low rumble) Good evening, old man. I see you are a man of your word.

ALBERT: I swore I would.

BEAST: (His gaze fixed on Beauty, a strange curiosity in his eyes) Is this the maiden who desired a simple rose?

ALBERT: Yes.

BEAST: (Turning to Beauty, his voice surprisingly less harsh) Welcome, Beauty, to my domain.

BEAUTY: How do you know my name?

BEAST: Your father, in his terror, spoke it.

NARRATOR: Beauty, despite her fear, found herself observing the Beast with an unexpected quietude. He seemed… not entirely monstrous. A peculiar sense of a hidden sadness emanated from him.

BEAUTY: (To herself) He’s being… kind. I must remember my fear, keep my distance, no matter his surprising gentleness.

NARRATOR: The Beast then turned to Albert.

BEAST: Your time here is done. Go.

ALBERT: But…

BEAST: I said, go!

NARRATOR: Albert, with a final, tearful embrace and kiss for his daughter, turned and departed, leaving Beauty alone with the Beast.

BEAST: Fear not, Beauty. You shall want for nothing here. I have prepared the finest chambers for you. Please, follow me.

NARRATOR: The Beast led Beauty to a magnificent room, resplendent with rich furnishings and a breathtaking view.

BEAUTY: Thank you. It is… truly magnificent. But if you would allow me, I wish to be alone for a time.

BEAST: Of course. Rest is vital. Good night, Beauty.

BEAUTY: Good night.

NARRATOR: For days, a quiet dance unfolded within the castle walls. Beauty, with her needlework, sat by the crackling fire, her thoughts often far away. The Beast, a silent sentinel, would simply watch her, a profound stillness in his gaze. Weeks bled into months, and slowly, imperceptibly, a fragile bridge of understanding began to form between them. They spoke, at first haltingly, then with increasing ease, sharing stories and laughter. The monstrous exterior of the Beast began to recede, replaced by the warmth of his companionship. One evening, as the firelight danced across their faces, the Beast spoke, his voice unusually gentle.

BEAST: Beauty… we have shared so many moments, so many conversations. I find profound joy in your presence. It is time… for me to ask you a question that weighs heavily on my heart. Will you… Will you marry me?

NARRATOR: Beauty, caught completely by surprise, felt a whirlwind of emotions.

BEAUTY: This… this is unexpected. I… I don’t know what to say.

NARRATOR: Her mind wrestled with the image of his form, a stark contrast to the kindness she had come to know. To marry such a creature… it seemed impossible. Yet, she remembered his unwavering kindness, the debt she owed for her own life, and her father’s. She could not bear to wound him.

BEAUTY: I… I am so sorry. I cannot say yes. My heart… it wishes it could, but…

BEAST: I understand completely, Beauty. Your refusal does not offend me.

NARRATOR: Life continued in its gentle rhythm. One day, the Beast presented Beauty with a gift – a looking glass, not of ordinary silver, but of shimmering magic.

BEAUTY: Oh! Thank you! When I gaze into it, I see my family, so far away!

BEAST:  No longer will you feel so utterly alone.

NARRATOR: Beauty spent hours at the mirror, her heart aching with a mixture of longing and love. But as the days passed, a new anxiety began to creep in. One afternoon, the Beast found her weeping softly by the magical glass.

BEAST: What troubles you, Beauty?

BEAUTY: (Tears streaming down her face) My father… he is gravely ill. Oh, if only I could see him, just one last time, before it’s too late!

BEAST: No! You will never leave this castle!

BEAUTY: Please! I must! He needs me!

BEAST: Very well. But only if you swear upon your life that you will return within seven days. Break that promise and I… I will surely die.

BEAUTY: I swear it! By all that is sacred, I will return! You are so incredibly kind! Oh, the joy!

BEAST: The carriage awaits. Go to him.

BEAUTY: I will be back in seven days. I promise.

BEAST: And I… I shall be waiting.

NARRATOR: Beauty left the castle in a flurry of hope and urgency. As soon as her father saw her, a miraculous surge of strength flowed through him. His fever broke, and his eyes, once dim, regained their sparkle.

ALBERT: (His voice weak but filled with overwhelming love) Oh, Beauty, my precious girl! I have missed you beyond words!

BEAUTY: (Clinging to him) And I, you, Father!

ALBERT: This is all my fault.

BEAUTY: No, Father, please don’t say that. My life at the castle… it has not been terrible. I have spent many wonderful hours with the Beast. He treats me with such kindness. He is good.

ALBERT: Your words… they ease a heavy burden from my soul. I have been consumed with guilt, leaving you in that fearsome place with that… that creature!

BEAUTY: I am here with you now. And I will stay, and nurse you back to full health.

ALBERT: (Whispering) I love you, my daughter.

BEAUTY: (Kissing his forehead) I love you too, Father. Now, rest.

NARRATOR: Beauty remained by her father’s side, tending to him with devoted care, until he was strong enough to rise from his bed. In her joy, she lost track of the fleeting days. The seven days she had promised the Beast slipped by unnoticed. Then, one night, a chilling nightmare jolted her awake.

BEAUTY: (Gasping, tears streaming down her face) No! It was so real! The Beast… he was dying! Calling my name! “Come back, come back to me!” Oh, I must return! Now!

NARRATOR: She hastily gathered her belongings, a frantic goodbye to her father, her only farewell.

BEAUTY: (Urging her horse, her voice desperate) Hurry, my good horse, hurry!

NARRATOR: She rode with a desperate urgency, the image of the dying Beast searing her mind as she raced towards the distant castle.

BEAUTY: Please, please, don’t let me be too late!

NARRATOR: She burst into the castle, racing up the grand staircase, her voice echoing through the silent halls, calling his name. But there was no reply. Her heart plummeting, she rushed to the garden, and there, amidst the roses, she found him. The Beast lay motionless on the ground, his eyes closed, his breathing shallow.

BEAUTY: (Collapsing beside him) Don’t die! Oh, please, don’t die! I’ll marry you! I will!

NARRATOR: At her heartfelt declaration, a breathtaking transformation began. A shimmering light enveloped the Beast. His grotesque features melted, reformed, and softened. Before Beauty’s astonished eyes, the monstrous form dissolved, revealing instead a handsome young man, his eyes, no longer bloodshot, gazing at her with profound love.

BEAST: How I have yearned for this moment! My heart suffered in silence, bound by a terrible secret. An evil witch cursed me, turning me into this monstrous form. Only the true love of a maiden, willing to accept me as I was, could break the spell. My dearest… my Beauty… I would be the happiest man alive if you would, truly, be my wife.

BEAUTY: Yes! Oh, yes! A thousand times, yes!

NARRATOR: And so, shortly thereafter, a grand wedding was held, not of obligation, but of profound love. From that day forward, the young Prince, freed from his curse, filled his gardens with nothing but the most exquisite roses, each one a symbol of the love that broke his enchantment. And to this very day, the castle stands, forever known as the Castle of the Rose.

THE END

Author:  Popular European Folktale

Adapted by: K I D S I N C O

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Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tales – Original fairy tales.

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