THE STORY: The place is rural New England, the time the latter part of the nineteenth century. Ned Crocker, a twelve-year-old trained from infancy as a bare-back rider, runs away from the circus and works as a stable boy for a young New England spinster. Miss Emily believes that home and fireside can solve any boy’s problems, but she discovers that a “liberty horse” cannot be set to pulling a pony wagon without running into trouble. Ned’s father, “The Great Scarlatti,” had met with a serious accident in the Main Top, and as a result of running away the boy is left without a contract for the following season, just when he most needs it. The complications are resolved in a surprise ending that has a Yankee lawyer stealing a Christmas Tree and a jolly Irish housekeeper dancing the quadrille with Santa Claus. Exceptionally well written with interesting and appealing characters—excellent family entertainment.
A suspenseful comedy suggested by a boy’s story by Louisa May Alcott, this charming and lively play will be of particular interest to younger groups.
