Regalo and the amulet

This play is an effort both to prepare something new to add to the storehouse of theatrical material of interest to children, and to utilize materials that are age old: the myths, legends and fairy stories that were part of the heritage of many Americans' European ancestors. Regalo and the Amulet is a distillation of stories, with no direct source. It is the story of' a gypsy boy, Regalo, who has no knowledge of his parentage, and of Alians, an old gypsy fortune-teller who takes care of him, and whom he, in turn helps. It is also the tale of a mysterious amulet. Aliana says it is Regalo's, but will tell him no more about it. The play tells how Regale finds out about his amulet and his ancestry. It is also the story of a king who doesn't like to rule, and of his haughty princess daughter, and of the fortunes told by Aliana to the princess and her lady-in waiting. Other characters are a cryptic Man in Black, and Dendriana, the gypsy queen with an absorbing interest in Regalo. A strange sign keeps appearing In unlikely places, and reappearing after u. has been painted out. The author's efforts have been concentrated on the creation of a story that will interest children and give them an absorbing experience in the theatre through characters who are varied, and with whom children can relate. The production could be simple or elaborate. There is an opportunity to create colorful gypsy equipment, especially the\ud fortune-teller's tent, which could be painted with elaborate gypsy designs. The village scenes provide opportunity for colorful action without undue technical demands. The palace throne room can be simple or elaborate as is wished. Special effects include the disappearing,reappearing sign; a character who disappears, leaving only a pile of clothes; a butterfly figure which breaks with a loud bang and much smoke; another butterfly which hovers over the gypsy tent; the entrances and exits of Man In Black, who "appears and disappears", and the pervasive mystery surrounding Dendriana