The Old Toymaker
by
Harvey E. Ostroff
Narr: In a city that used to be a town, in the province of Saskatchewan not two days be fore yesterday, there lived a tired, but happy old man. He was Grampa Schpeiler...a toymaker.
( Lights come up on an old man with white hair and curly white beard kneeling beside a rocking chair. He wears a red shirt and black wool pants held up by bright geen suspenders. He is carving on a large box. He puts down his tools, sighs, sits in his chair and takes out his pipe.) He had just put the finishing touches on a horribly scarey Jack in the Box. He looked around the workshop and smiled.
( lights come up on the rest of the workshop. The floor is littered with wood shavings and life sized toys as described by the narrator.)
He glanced around the room again. There, on the table, was the blue elephant. He had made for Johnny Quisto and in the corner, by the pot - bellied stove, was the wooden train, He'd carved for Elizabeth Cridge. There were clown dolls and dancing dolls and marionettes of every shape and description. There were pandas and stuffed kittens and bunnies and even a purple snake he'd made especially for little Patrick Peacock., but the most beautiful of all was the fairy princess doll he'd made for his very own grandaughter Laurie Ann.
(Grampa nods and smiles to himself drawing in on his pipe thoughtfully.)
Grampa: I don't think I've ever made anything as beautiful as this before.
Narr: No sooner had the thought come out of his head than who should come running through the door but his pretty nine year old grandaughter and she'd been crying.
( Enter Laurie Ann. She is wearing a blue dress with matching ribbon.)
Grampa: What's the matter dear? ( Pulling Laurie Ann onto his knee) Come on dear. Tell old Grampa what's wrong. (He waits ) come on little Laurie bear.
Laurie Ann: (Sniffing away her tears. Grampa wipes her eyes with a large red polka dotted hankie.) Mommie and daddy are having a big fight. They're shouting and screaming at each other and ...
Grampa: Oh!
Laurie Ann: And it's all about you Grampa.
Grampa: Oh.
Laurie Ann: Yes it is. Daddy said that he was going to put you away in a home for old people. And that he.. he was going to um...put computers in and... and he was going to mecan... mecan... he was going to put machines in the shop to make the toys. He said that you were too old fashioned and that we weren't making enough money and that ( Bursting into tears again) that you were too much trouble to keep around anymore. Grampa!!! I don't want him to put you away.
Grampa: ( Hugging Laurie Ann) Don't you worry sweetheart. (worriedly ) I'll think of something....You watch the shop for a little while. I need a little time to think.... Oh I know what'll cheer you up. The Princess doll is for you. Merry Chrismas Laurie bear. ( He walks up the stairs to his little room above the toy shop. )
Narr: He was trying to sound happy, but his shoulders drooped and his eyes were sad and his walk was very slow. Meanwhile, down in the shop, Laurie Ann approached her new Doll.
Laurie Ann: Oh how I wish that you were a real fairy princess. Then you could help Grampa.
( The doll's wings begin to flutter and her wand glows with a ruby light bathing the whole room in a red glow. She opens her eyes)
Anitra: Hello Laurie Ann. I'm to be your new friend.
Laurie Ann ( Spluttering) But...but...How is it that I ... that you...
Anitra: That I am alive? We are all alive my dear. Every toy your Grampa has ever made has been given a special spark of life.
Laurie Ann: But a moment ago you were just a little doll. Now you're bigger than I am. All the toys are.
Anitra: It's all in the way people see us. If we let them know about our secret, we can be seen as if we're life size. Otherwise,we appear to be normal little toys. Just the right size for children to play with .
Laurie Ann: (Confused) What do you mean? I...
Narr: Suddenly, a muffled voice began to shout. And the Jack in the box in the corner began to shake
Jack: I'll tell ya I'll tell ya if you'll just let me outa here. (The box shakes and clatters. Finally Jack pops out.)
Narr: Jack calmly explained the whole thing
Jack: (Screaming ) Ya see. The old guy. I mean Grampa. Put so much uh, so much... so much of that...uh..into us that we that we...
Anitra: Love?
Jack: Yah L...L...Yah that mushy stuff. Anyhoo. He put so much into us when he made us that we just naturally. Um.. That...that
Anitra: That each one of us is given a little spark of life
Simone, the purple snake slithers over
Simone: Ssso when Grampa makesss a toy, he alwayssss thinkssss about the boy or girl he'ssss making it for. He takessss a great deal of pride in hissss work. I'm even ssssewn by hand. And I have tiny eyelashessss to make me pretty. Ssssee? That'ssss what makesssss usssss sssso ssssspecial.
Jack: Well that took you long enough . Here ol' Gramps is in trouble and all you do is jabber away about your crummy eylashes!
Narr: Just then the bell on the doorpost of the little shop began to ring. and the toys all scurried back to their places.
Ogden Willis enters. He is a well-dressed man in his thirties. He has a cultured bearing and a commanding presence. He has a small moustache and carries an important looking briefcase.
Willis: Where is your grandfather child?
Laurie Ann: He's upstairs resting sir. I'm in charge of the shop now. May I help you?
Willis: Well, Mr. Schpieler said that I could pick up the stuffed kitten that he'd made for my daughter Michelle. I'm Ogden Willis.
Laurie Ann And I'm Laurie Ann Stolfe. Pleased to meet you Mr. Willis.
Laurie Ann ( goes to the shelf) Here it is. (reads the tag) For Michelle Willis. (Gives it to him.) There you go sir.
Willis: What a polite young lady you are. Thank you. He pulls out a business card ,hands it to Laurie Ann and takes the stuffed kitten) Tell your grandfather to send the bill to this address. Why this is perfect. Wonderful! It's exactly what I wanted. Michelle is going to love it. Tell your grandfather how pleased I am . (exits)
Anitra: (Approaching Laurie Ann as the other toys begin to stir.) You see my dear, that's exactly what we meant. Grampa's toys bring so much happiness that---
Laurie Ann: That some of the happiness has to come back to you and thats what gives you life.
Jack: I thought we'd already covered that. Now how are we to solve the problem. The problem !!!
Narr: Nobody moved. Nobody spoke a word. Jack was right of course. How could they help poor Grampa? What could toys do? Finally, Agatha, the blue elephant, spoke up.
Agatha: I think we should sneak up on Laurie Ann's father, tie him up , tie a rock to his feet and throw him in the pond .
All the toys: No!! That's no good! What a stupid idea!
Narr: Teddy was next to speak. He was shy and felt as if he had to repeat himself to make certain that he was being heard.
Teddy: What if we... What if we locked Grampa in his room so that Laurie's father can't get to him...Can't get to him.
All the toys: No!! That's no good! What a stupid idea!
Jack: No No No No No!!!!! That's nonsense Teddy. Just plain nonsense.
Anitra: ( Waved her magic wand and plucked the card right out of Laurie Ann's hand) Read the card dear. Read the card.
Laurie Ann: Willis, Willis, Gladys and Frump, Barristers and solic..solic..itors, 120 Harvest avenue, Mr. Ogden Willis Q. C. What's a barrister and solic..itor.
Agatha: I know! I know!! a barrister is something that people attach to staircases. you slide down on them when---
Teddy: No it's not Agatha. No it's not. Barristors and solicitors mean Lawyers. They mean Lawyers.
Tommy: That's it precisely, absolutely and positively. I remember a time when my father, the general, went to see a lawyer about court- marsalling one of his seargeants. Yes it was in the year of the great war when My father the general----
Anitra: ( Seeing that Jack was about to pounce on him) Not right now corporal..
Tommy: had to discipline several of his non com---
Anitra: Shouts Atten Hut!
Tommy: (Snaps to attention and salutes.)
Jack: A lawyer! great Idea. Glad I thought of it.
Anitra: ( Ignoring Jack) A lawyer protects people and helps them so that others won't be able to take advantage of them.
Jack: Exactly. That's just what I was going to say. Go see him right away. tell him whats happening.
Teddy: Right away. Right away.
Agatha: Immediately.
Tommy: Forward march hup...hup...hup... We don't want to go to war. we know what our feet are for Sound off. One. Two. Sound off. Three,four .Sound off. One, two three, four. One, two. threefour.
Narr: All of the toys made such a clamour urging Laurie Ann to leave that they woke Grampa up. they heard him putting on his shoes and immediately quietened down.
Anitra: (Whispering)We don't want Grampa to know about us. It isn't time yet.
Grampa: (Coming down the stairs) What was that noise Laurie Ann?
Laurie Ann: Noise? Oh. I was just playing pretend with the toys Grampa. I'm sorry if I woke you up.
Grampa: That's all right sweetheart. Did any customers come in while I was upstairs?
Laurie Ann: Yes Grampa. Mr. willis was here. He picked up the Pink Kitten and asked if I could bring him the bill when you woke up. He really liked it Grampa. Can I go? It's just over on Harvest street.I could take my bicycle.
Grampa: ( smiling ) Grampa's little helper.....wait just a minute. I'll get the bill.
Narr: Laurie Ann felt a bit guilty at having to lie like that to her grandfather but it was a white lie and it was for his own good.
Anitra: (Whispering ) Take me with you. Perhaps I can help.
Laurie Ann: I will.
Grampa: Who are you talking to dear?
Laurie Ann: It was nothing Grampa. I was just telling the princess doll that I would take her along. May I Grampa? Pleeeease.
Grampa: Certainly. I'm glad you like her.
Laurie Ann: Oh, I love her Grampa. She's going to be a great friend. She's going to be your friend too Grampa. You just wait and see.
Narr: (As the lights come down on Sc. I ) Grampa Sat down heavily. He simply didn't know what he was going to do. He didn't want to have to leave the shop after more than fifty years. One small tear trickled down his face and landed on Jack who was in his open box beside the chair. Meanwhile in the house beside the toy shop......
Scene 2
Lights come up on the Stolfe Living room. Charles, Laurie Ann's father, was pacing up and down beside the couch, stopping every few moments, muttering to himself and then resuming the pacing. martha, Charles wife and Grampa's daughter, enters. She is very angry.
Martha: Charles, I think that you should at least talk to Grampa before you make any final arrangements.
Charles: ( Stubbornly ) I will not. I'm tired of doing everything his way. He's getting much too old to run things. Why, if we don't make some changes around here, and quickly too, we're going to lose the house and have to move into the shop with Grampa. How'd you like that?... I said how'd you like that. It wasn't a rhetorical question. Will you please answer me????(Shouting ) Answer me!!!!
Narr: Martha didn't respond. If there was anything that could get Charles in a complete turmoil, it was the silent treatment. He stormed out of the house, across the lawn and straight into the shop.
Charles: (Shouting ) Grampa. We're going to have a talk.
Grampa: (Calmly ) I know my boy. What seems to be the problem?
Charles: Don't call me your boy. I'm forty three years old. I haven't been a boy for a long time. I'm not anybody's boy.
Grampa: All right Mr. Stolfe, sir. ( quickly ) Charles. calm down. I'm sorry.
Charles: Grampa, I'm going to close the shop, expand and open up a large factory. I'm going to put you in a nursing home with people your own age that has doctors and nurses to take care of you.
Grampa: Slow down my B...I mean Charles. Listen to me for a moment.
Charles: I'm tired of listening to you. I've been listening to you for too many years. It's time you started listening to me.
Grampa: All right...Go ahead...Speak.
Charles: I have nothing more to say.
Grampa: Then, may I speak?
Charles: Oh, go ahead. But be quick about it.
Grampa: Thank you kindly. Well, let's take things one at a time. Look around you Charles. look at the toys we made for this Christmas season. Aren't they beautiful? Aren't they well made?
Charles: (As he looks around the room his expression softens for a moment.) Yes the toys do look beautiful. Especially the stuffed turtle that I made for the little Alexander boy. But there just aren't enough of them. Listen you old fool! Do you want your precious grandaughter to starve?
(Softer ) These are different times Grampa. Every other toy company in existance is using computers now. You don't even want machines in the shop. How can we survive? With machines we can make a hundred toys in the time it takes to make just one or two. Computers can make thousands. Think of the money that that would bring in. Think of the many girls and boys that would be playing with those toys.
Grampa: But what kind of toys would they be Charles? How long would they last?
Narr: Charles knew that Grampa was right; that the toys made by the large machines wouldn't be nearly as strong or as carefully constructed as those crafted by hand. Being wrong made him even angrier.
Charles: I don't care. The builders are coming to see the place this afternoon. And by tomorrow, the deal will be signed.
Grampa: Don't you need my signature. I do own the premises.
Charles: (Triumphant )Not for much longer you don't. Doctor Neuman has agreed to sign a paper saying that you are mentally incompetent and too old to run the place. After the judge sees that, it's straight to the old folks home.
Grampa: I see.
Charles: ( Trying to make amends ) It's not as if I'm trying to hurt you Grampa. I just want the best for....
Grampa: Get out of my shop Charles.
Charles: But---
Grampa: I said get out! Get out!!!!. (He throws the red caboose beside him at Charles' retreating back.)
Charles: I'll be back this afternoon. ( He slams the door. )
Narr: (As the lights come down on Sc. 2 ) Grampa walked slowly to the door and picked up the little caboose. One of the wheels was broken. He took it over to his workbench , gathered his tools and started the repair.
Scene 3
Narr: While Grampa and Charles were having their little talk, Laurie Ann and Anitra made their way to Lawyer Willis' office. They had almost arrived when they ran into Gerri Holmes, the neighborhood bully.
Gerri: Ooh. It's cute little Laurie Ann. Watcha doin in my neighborhood, kid.
Laurie Ann: Well, I was just going over to Harvest street to see---
Gerri: I don't care where you're goin. (spies Anitra ) Ooh. Looka the cute little Dolly. (Harshly ) Gimme that. And all your money too.
Anitra: Do as she says, I'll handle her.
Laurie Ann: Here.
Gerri: (Reaches for the Doll and trips immediately. ) Hey! What gives? (She watches as her own fist travels towards her mouth and she slugs herself. A moment later, her arm twists behind her back. She begins to whine . ) Ouch. Owie! ooh! Stop that you .Stop it!!! That hurts.
Offstage Voices:I never thought I'd hear Gerri bawling like that .Whatta wimp. Catch me if you can. Little Geraldine.
Gerri: I'll get you. (Turns to Laurie Ann. ) How'd you do that?
Offstage Geraldi-ine.
Voices:
Gerri: You're dead. (She trips three or four times on her way offstage.. ) There's sompin' wierd goin on here. Wierd.
Laurie Ann: Thanks Anitra. I'll bet she'll think twice before picking on me again.
Anitra: Every time she tries to bully someone, she'll trip over her own feet. I think she may just be a bit more gentle from now on.
Narr: Laurie Ann turned the corner and ran right into Sammy Wang, one of her classmates at school. Sammy was wearing a light spring jacket with a hole in one of the elbows and no gloves. It was much too cold out for that kind of clothing. Sammy was shivering and he had a very sad face.
Laurie Ann: Whats' wrong Sammy?
Sammy: (Sullenly ) None of your business.
Laurie Ann: (Shrugged and began to get back on her bicycle. )
Sammy: I'm not having Christmas this year and I don't care.
Laurie Ann: Why not?
Sammy: Ever since our store had to close down, my folks have been out of work. Mom says that we can't afford Christmas this year.
Laurie Ann: (Whispers to Anitra) Can't you do something?
Sammy: Huh? What'd you say?
Nar: Anitra winked her eye and the tip of her wand glowed for an instant. Just then a well dressed man walked by. He seemed to be in a tremendous hurry. As he passed them by, his wallet fell out of his back pocket. Sammy saw it at once and pounced on it as if he were going to keep it. It was thick with money and important papers. Sammy hesitated for only an instant.
Sammy: Mister.....Mister.
Mr. Glockner: What? Oh....Glockner, Josiah Glockner. What's this about kid?
Sammy: (Shows him the wallet.) Here. It fell out.
Mr. Glockner: Thank you very much young man.
Sammy: You're welcome sir. ( He turned to go )
Mr. Glockner: Wait a minute kid. (He holds out some money) Here's a reward for your honesty. You're a good lad.
Sammy: (Giving back the money ) Do you...Do you think you could give my folks a job instead. Uh... They've been looking for work for a long, long time and we can't even have a Christmas this year.
Mr. Glockner: (Motions to Sammy and writes on a piece of paper.)C'mere kid. I own the Fantasy Garden restaurant and it just so happens that I could use some more staff at this particular time. strange co incidence,huh?... Why don't you and your folks join us for Christmas dinner tomorrow night. My treat and uh...have your mom or dad come and see me at 5:30 this afternoon. Anybody who raises an honest and polite little boy like you ought to have no worries at this time of year.
Narr: Sammy ran down the street just as fast as his little legs could carry him.
Sammy: Mom. Daaad. Mom.
Laurie Ann: (Turning to Anitra. ) That was wonderful. How did you do that?
Anitra: I hardly did anything at all. I just kind of allowed things to happen.
Nar: Finally they reached 120 Harvest street and Lawyer Willis' office.
Laurie Ann: ( Knocks on the door. After a moment it is opened by a very beautiful woman.) Hi, I'm looking for Lawyer Willis.
Ms Willis: You found her. How can I help you?
Laurie Ann: Uh...Here ( She thrustthe bill at her.) That's for the pink kitten.
Ms. Willis: Thank you very much miss...
Laurie Ann: Laurie Ann Stolfe.
Ms. Willis: Pleased to meet you dear. I'm Ms Willis. Mr. Willis' partner and his wife too. ( Goes to her purse and takes out some money. ) Will there be anything else?
Laurie Ann: Well, We've got some problems. I can't pay very much but when I grow up I can. I'm going to baby sit in a few more years. and if you have any kids....
Narr: They sat down and Laurie Ann told her all about their problems. She made notes on a pad by her desk and when she was satisfied that she had all of the facts.....
Ms Willis: Tell me dear, how old is your grandfather?
Laurie Ann: I'm not sure but he had his eightieth birthday party a few years ago.
Ms. Willis: Well, it's a complex case but I think that between Mr. Willis and I, we may be able to come up with one or two ideas. Did your grandfather know that you were coming here to see me?
Laurie Ann: Just about the bill.
Ms. Willis: Well, you're a clever little girl. You came to exactly the right place. You go straight home now and tell your grandfather all about our little visit. Tell him that mr. Willis and I will drop by the toy shop at eight o'clock tonight. You be there too and, ...Mr Willis and I are expecting our first child in June. You can count on your living up to that promise about babysitting.
Laurie Ann: Sure thing and thanks. Thanks a lot..........
(3 of 6 scenes)