“The Pursuit of the Legendary Hunter”

Written by Aaron Wilkinson
Jane Haase
Chris Ferwalt

CHARACTERS
CLEW	The erratic and somewhat unusual tall elf
CREATURE	The Legendary Hunted – and Hunter
Scene 1:  Introduction
NARRATOR	Speaks through sound system from backstage.
PREY	Small animal.
PREDATOR	Big animal.
HUNTER 1	Elvis accent.
HUNTER 2	British accent.
HUNTER 3	British accent.
HUNTER	Circles with CREATURE.
Scene 2:  My OWN Terms
FAINTEST	Ornery but cute puppet (Idear) whose voice is backstage.  Think: Elmo with a weird sense of humor.
CALLER	Think: Creature has to appear to me when I call with this special creature call.  Parallels people who think that God has to answer all their prayers and be obvious to them before they will respond.
PEANUT	Guy holding out peanut on his hand.  Think: Creature has to come begging for my life before I’ll accept him.  Parallels people who think that they are doing God a huge favor to even consider accepting Him.
SUPERPOWER  Think: Creature will give him supernatural powers when he finds it.  Parallels those who are insisting that God MUST give supernatural ‘miracle’ powers.
PROSPERITY  Think: Creature has to give me prosperity when I find him.  Parallels the ‘Prosperity Gospel’ preachers.
NO‑CONVICT  Think: Creature has to let me live my own life.  Parallels people who will call themselves Christians as long as they don’t have to quit what they think is fun.  Is a cross between a blond and a surfer dude.
Scene 3:  Igno Ramus Defends His Doubts
GUIDE	The hunting guide.
WUTTS	The Big Idear.
RAMUS	Mr. Igno Ramus.
CHILD 1	Wears eye‑patch.
CHILD 2	Wears eye‑patch.
CHILD 3	Wears eye‑patch.
Scene 4:  They Don't Call Them Yabuts For Nothing
RATHER	Rather Not Yabut.
LEISURE	Twins;  girl.
LAZY	Twins;  girl.
PROJECT	Busy Yabut.
TINY	Little girl.
PAUPER	Poor Yabut.
HUNGUP 	Yabut with Hang-ups.
Scene 5:  The Lost Hunters
VELISA	Hunter for CREATURE that got sidetracked and trapped in the WURLD;  girl.
JAMES	Hunter for CREATURE that got sidetracked and trapped in the WURLD;  boy.
GWENOLYN	Hunter for CREATURE that got sidetracked and trapped in the WURLD;  girl.
BUBBA	Always says ‘Hey’ with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’ whenever his name is mentioned;  boy.
NEW HUNTER  Sincerely hunting CREATURE but gets deceived by the WURLD.
SINGERS	Sing The Foolish, Though Worldly Wise
Scene 6:  Searching For Love
PRISCILLA	Runaway girl, searching for love, chooses HUGH.
CONSTANCE  Runaway girl, searching for love, chooses CREATURE.
DANGER 1	Tries to kill GIRLS with a sword.
DANGER 2	Tries to kill GIRLS with a knife.
DANGER 3	Tries to kill GIRLS with drugs.
DANGER 4	Tries to kill GIRLS with a shotgun.
HUGH	Photographer who promises love.
Scene 7:  Commercial
POLITICIAN	
Scene 8:  Forgetting How To Hunt
KID	Loud, hyperactive little girl;  eventually sees CREATURE.
MOTHER	Mother of KID;  always doing things;  eventually sees CREATURE.
POSSESSOR 1  Teenage boy;  loves computer games.
POSSESSOR 2  Teenage girl;  loves having things.
RELIGIOUS	Woman;  very ritualistic.
SELF	Girl;  self-centered;  sees only herself.
EXPOUNDER  Only knows teaching and books.
NOTHING	Owns nothing; eventually sees CREATURE.
Scene 9:  Conclusion
HEBREW 1	Impatiently searching for CREATURE.
HEBREW 2	Very religious about ancient scroll.
HEBREW 3	Loud mouth leader;  declares CREATURE is to be executed.
CHANTERS	Sing Chant Of The Walls.

SONGS
Scene 1:  Introduction
	In the Hall of the Mountain King	by Edvard Greig
Scene 2:  My OWN Terms
	Give It To Me MY Way	by Aaron Wilkinson
Scene 3:  Igno Ramus Defends His Doubts
Scene 4:  They Don't Call Them Yabuts For Nothing
Scene 5:  The Lost Hunters
	The Foolish, Though Worldly Wise	by Jane Haase
Scene 6:  Searching For Love
Scene 7:  Commercial     (Optional)
	Joshua Fit The Battle	(Instrumental)
Scene 8:  Forgetting How To Hunt
	Breathe In Me	by Michael W Smith
Scene 9:  Conclusion
	Chant Of The Walls	by Jane Haase
	As The Deer	

STAGING 

	SR
stage-right	SC
stage-center
	SL
stage-left		
	
UR
up-right	
UC
up-center
	
UL
up-left		
OR
off-right	CR
center-right	C
center
	CL
center-left	OL
off-left	
	DR
down-right	DC
down-center
	DL
down-left		
		
audience			

Scene 1:  Introduction
	(Intro music plays In the Hall of the Mountain King.  Lights come up.  Stage has a few forest‑like plants.  Three HUNTERS, with guns, are hidden behind some of the plants.  PREY, dressed as a herbivore animal, enters and sniffs around the audience for awhile before ending up on stage.  Meanwhile, PREDATOR, dressed as a carnivore animal, enters and is looking around audience for PREY in a stalking fashion before ending up on stage.  NARRATOR speaks through sound system from backstage.)
NARRATOR:	Since just after the dawn of time, animals have hunted animals.  In the ever rotating cycle of nature, animals have stalked and killed others for food or protection.  The story is always the same….
	(PREY and PREDATOR get to stage, see each other, and begin chase scene.)
NARRATOR:	The Predator sees dinner, the Prey sees its life pass before its eyes, and they’re off on a merry jaunt through the wood.
	(PREY is running around screaming, PREDATOR is pursuing and making growling noises and stuff.  After awhile, PREY ends up on stage, and there is no sign of PREDATOR.  PREY looks cautiously around.)
NARRATOR:	Then either the Prey eludes his fate.
	(The PREY raises his hands over his head in victory.)
NARRATOR:	Or the Predator attains a meal.
	(The PREDATOR jumps out of nowhere on PREY who dies with a scream and a struggle using martial arts stuff.)
NARRATOR:	And lets the entire forest know of his conquest.
	(PREDATOR roars in victory.)
NARRATOR:	And then there is man….
	(HUNTER 1 steps out from behind bush, aims and fires.  PREDATOR dies in ‘stiff board’ fashion.)
HUNTER 2:	I say old chap, good shot, what?
HUNTER 3:	Indeed.  A capitol shot.
HUNTER 1:	(In Elvis accent)  Well thank yew.  Thank yew very much.  (looks toward audience)  You’re a beautiful audience.
	(HUNTERS carry off both PREDATOR and PREY.)
NARRATOR:	Man, with his intelligence and weapons, is perhaps the greatest hunter ever.  He is the ultimate at hunting the vicious predator, but what about when HE becomes the Hunted….. 
NARRATOR:	Since just after the dawn of time, man himself has been hunting.  Hunting for answers to hard questions.  In his heart of hearts, deep in his soul of souls, he hunts for the answers to life.  What is the purpose of living?  Is there anything after this?  Is there someone out there who really cares for me?  Why am I suffering?  Is there a God?  WHY AM I HERE?
	(The masked CREATURE and a HUNTER enter and stalk each other in a circle so they never really catch up to one another.)
NARRATOR:	Deep in the forest of man’s mind and being, he searches for these answers all his life.  Sadly, it seems that few ever find what they hunt for.  Could there be a parallel between these two worlds?  Is this scene from nature, where the hunter becomes the hunted, much different from what happens in the hearts and minds of billions of humans across the globe?  Could it be that man in his wild pursuit of the meaning of life fails to see that the answers are actually pursuing him.  That the Answer is pursuing him……
	(HUNTER and CREATURE exit.)
NARRATOR:	Not so long ago, and really not that far away, there existed a land where the boundary of imagination – the boundary of heart, soul, and mind – and the boundary of the reality of existence – often blurred together and disappeared all together.
	(CLEW enters, dressed in a two sizes too small elf costume, nonchalantly eating an apple.)
NARRATOR:	It was a land of dwarves, and elves, and hobbits.  Of trolls and dragons and –
CLEW:	And Flying Mothers-in-Law.
NARRATOR:	Wha – ?  Who are you?
CLEW:	Weird.  A voice with no head…..  I’m Clew, the erratic and somewhat unusual tall elf.  Surely you’ve heard of me.
NARRATOR:	Nooooo…. I don’t think so… Wait.  Ah yes, here you are on the second page of the script.  “Clew: An erratic and somewhat unusual tall elf.”
CLEW:	(saluting)  Reporting for duty, sir!
NARRATOR:	Just what is your duty.  It doesn’t say in this script.
CLEW:	Ummm….  I play the handsome and witty TV repairman in this fantasy.
NARRATOR:	I don’t think there are any TVs in this play.
CLEW:	ALL RIGHT!  Looks like I got an easy part!….  Actually, I am helper to the KnowAll Creature and those who hunt him.
NARRATOR:	I haven’t gotten that far into the narration yet.
CLEW:	Oh.  Well then, by all means, proceed.  (continues eating apple)
NARRATOR:	OK.  Ahem.  In this land there was a certain forest known as Sherwood where these boundaries between reality and the deep desires of the heart were particularly blurred.  Here there were even stranger creatures.  Creatures that some people did not believe even existed.  The FirePenguins, the HoodedCacti, and the TrisectedAngle.
CLEW:	Don’t forget the Cockroach That Ate Cincinnati, and the User Friendly Computer.
NARRATOR:	Uhhh, yes…. but perhaps the strangest of all these creatures was the KnowAll Creature.  This Creature appeared in many legends, all of which seemed to contradict each other in one form or another, but all contained the same line:
	The one who truly catches
	The KnowAll Beast,
Will live with all questions
	In joy and in peace.
	Many people come to Sherwood to search for this Creature, to find answers to all their questions, but few find what they are looking for…..
CLEW:	That’s who I’m here to help.  See, these hunters that come from all over this land of ours usually have no idea about how to hunt for the KnowAll Creature.  I mean, you’d think with all the legends around, someone would have written a decent self‑help scroll by now, but so far only one book ever written actually contains useful information, and most of the hunters look down on that book in spite.
NARRATOR:	Care to tell us about that one book, Clew?
CLEW:	Nope.  I’m an erratic elf, not an encyclopedia.  But I will tell you that it’s a pretty well known book.  And in fact, it was written by the Creature himself.  Though most hunters can’t seem to grasp that.
NARRATOR:	Now wait a minute.  The KnowAll Creature can write!?  And he wrote a book about how to catch himself?  He wants to be captured?
CLEW:	The Creature is rarely
	What most think he is.
Yet all that he offers
	He most freely gives.
	The KnowAll hunts hunters
	The legends do speak.
Yet many won’t find
	What they claim to seek.
	(CLEW disappears.)
NARRATOR:	Now what’s that supposed to mean.  Clew?  Clew?  Now we’re all Clue-less.  That’s somewhat unusual…. And erratic too!  This is turning out to be an erratic and somewhat unusual play!
	(Lights fade out.  Stage is cleared for next scene.)

Scene 2:  My OWN Terms
	(Scene opens with five HUNTERS – CALLER, PEANUT, SUPERPOWER, PROSPERITY, and NO‑CONVICT.  They are frozen SR.  CALLER has a moose call.  PEANUT had a bag of peanuts, with a peanut on his outstretched hand.  SUPERPOWER has on a cape and superhero outfit.  PROSPERITY has a couple of chests that he is dragging around.  NO‑CONVICT has his hands over his face, and eventually will be calling out “Heeeerrrreee  Creature, Creature, Creature!” and then suddenly cringing away as if scared he might actually see CREATURE.)
	(CLEW walks in SL with FAINTEST Idear puppet, strolling through the wood.  FAINTEST is a cute but ornery Idear – like Elmo with a weird sense of humor.  FAINTEST speaks through sound system from backstage.)
CLEW:	(singing to the Mister Rogers theme)
What a beautiful day in this She-rwood.
A beautiful day for a hu-nt.
Maybe they’ll find,
The Answer this time.
	(to audience)  Ahhh, I see you’ve stuck around for the second act.  A wise choice!  Allow me to introduce my friend: Faintest.  Say hello, Faintest.
FAINTEST:	Hewo!
CLEW:	Faintest here is an Idear.  Idears are very rare creatures around Sherwood, but not the Creature.  Not all of them have echoy voices like Faintest here.  You can always tell an Idear by its pointed ears and a strawberry birthmark on its bum.
	(CLEW tries to show the strawberry birthmark, but FAINTEST resists and they get into a big roll‑around‑on‑the‑ground fight.  Eventually they roll all the way over to SR, where CLEW notices the frozen HUNTERS.)
CLEW:	Whoa, hold up there, Faintest old buddy.  If you don’t want to show the nice people your birthmark, just say so.  Hey, look at those weird strangers over there.  What do you think they are doing.
FAINTEST:	(pauses, then looks at the audience)  I don’t have the Faintest Idear!  (laughs uproariously)
CLEW:	Ha ha.  Very funny Faintest, my fuzzy friend.  But I’m sure there is an interesting story here.  Let’s find out what it is.
	(CLEW snaps fingers and HUNTERS come to life.  CLEW and FAINTEST have to dodge out of the way as most the HUNTERS begin to run all over the stage:  yelling for the creature, carrying around their various items, doing their actions and causing general chaos.  CLEW and FAINTEST are bewildered for awhile.  CLEW tries to talk to PEANUT, but can’t quite communicate over the noise.)
CLEW:	(raising his voice)  Excuse me sir, but what are you doing?
PEANUT:	(misinterpreting)  What?  What am I chewing?  (holds up the bag of peanuts)  Why just these peanuts!  They are so wonderful.  You should get some.
CLEW:	Uhhh, right, but I asked, “What is taking place here.”
PEANUT:	I like my face just the way it is, thank you very much!
CLEW:	(getting louder)  No, no, I want to know what you’re trying to do!
PEANUT:	Well, cabbage generally, but you can use just regular lettuce if you throw in some oregano.
CLEW:	(getting louder and louder)  What’s your name!!?
PEANUT:	(shaking head in a friendly manner)  No, me neither.  I haven’t the Faintest Idear.
CLEW:	Of course you don’t, I do.
PEANUT:	(conspirator like)  Well, personally I think that dragon does taste a little like chicken.  But that’s just me.
	(CLEW is frustrated, and thinks.)
PEANUT:	Hey, is that an Idear you have there?
CLEW:	(raises a finger with an idea)  Why, yes it is.  (holds FAINTEST like a microphone)  I’m with the Fantasy News Channel, and we’d just like to know what’s going on here.
PEANUT:	Hey!  Are we on TV!?  Hey everyone!  We’re on TV!
	(HUNTERS stop what they are doing and gather around CLEW and FAINTEST.)
SUPERPOWER:  What’s a TV?
CLEW:	It’s like a barrel, only you sit and watch pictures on it for hours at a time.
SUPERPOWER:  That’s a stupid Idear.
	(FAINTEST attacks SUPERPOWER and they have a big roll‑around‑on‑the‑ground fight, yelling: “Get it off me!”, “I am not stupid!”, etc.  Finally, CLEW breaks it up.)
CLEW:	(dusting himself off)  Now, if you’ll behave yourself, Faintest, I’ll continue with my – interview.
CLEW:	(to PEANUT)  Now sir, I was asking, what exactly are you doing here?
PEANUT:	Well, duh!  We’re hunting the Legendary Creature!  Wow, I’m on TV.  (to imaginary camera)  HI MOM!!!…  You know, your camera man looks amazingly like my mother….
CLEW:	That’s great sir – umm..  If you could speak into the Idear here….  All the other hunters I’ve seen stalk around as quiet as they can to find the Creature.  You people are making enough noise to drown out a locomotive.
SUPERPOWER:  Uhhh…  What’s a locomotive?
CLEW:	It’s like a cart and horse, only bigger, and it can only move in a straight line very well.
SUPERPOWER:  Oh.  Well, that’s a stupid Idear.
FAINTEST:	(making move toward SUPERPOWER, but CLEW holding him back)  Why YOU-!
CALLER:	Well, I’m making noise with my special Creature caller.  See!
	(CALLER blows on moose call until one of the other HUNTERS bops him on the head to make him quit.)
CALLER:	Ow!  The Creature has to show up when I make my special call.  He has to come answer my call.
CLEW:	Oh, really?
CALLER:	Yes.  I’ll give my special call, and he will come give me whatever I’m asking for at the moment.
CLEW:	I forgot to introduce myself.  I’m Clew, the erratic and somewhat unusual tall elf.  Perhaps you’ve heard of me.
	(HUNTERS shake their heads, with: “Uhhh…”, “Nope”, “Huh-uh”, “I don’t think so”, etc.)
CLEW:	(a little wounded no one knew him)  Well, I happen to be pretty close with the Creature, in fact it’s my job to help you hunters find the answer you are searching for.
CALLER:	Great!  Maybe you could blow on my caller here?
CLEW:	Actually, I just give out hints to help you find him.  Here’s a hint:  The Creature will come to a call, but its not a special one that magically makes him appear and give you wishes like a genie.  It’s the call of a broken heart.
CALLER:	A broken heart!  That sounds like it hurts.
CLEW:	Oh, it does, but when the Creature heals it, it’s all worth it.
CALLER:	Wait a minute!  This special call won’t make the Creature give me what I want when I want?
CLEW:	Nope.
CALLER:	Well, humph!  I’m not gonna hunt him then.  This is stupid.
	(CALLER throws down moose call and stomps off toward OL.  CREATURE, with mask who has come on SL, tries to get in CALLER’S way to stop him.  CALLER pushes CREATURE out of the way and exits OL.  The remaining HUNTERS scratch their heads, shrug their shoulders, and mumble: “What’s wrong with him?”, “I don’t know”, “Haven’t got the Faintest Idear”, etc.)
CLEW:	(turning to PROSPERITY)  How about you, sir?  What are you carrying around there?
PROSPERITY:  These are my treasure chests.
CLEW:	(turns a chest upside down and shakes)  Hmm…. Looks like you had a bad harvest in the treasure trees this year.
PROSPERITY:  No, you don’t understand.  The ancient scrolls said that the Creature wants me to be happy, and will give me what my heart desires.  That means treasure!  He’s gonna fill my chests.
FAINTEST:	(muttering)  Maybe he should fill your head while he’s at it…
CLEW:	(slaps FAINTEST, back to PROSPERITY)  Here’s another hint:  you remember that broken heart I was talking about earlier?
PROSPERITY:  Yeah.
CLEW:	Well, when the Creature heals that heart, he gives it a new set of desires.  He’ll give you treasure, all right, but not the kind you can keep in an old box.  You have to be willing to let him change your desires before you will ever find him.
PROSPERITY:  What!?!?!  No gold?  No jewels?  If I can’t get cold hard cash out of this deal, then it’s gonna fall through.  This is stupid.
	(PROSPERITY throws down chests and stomps off toward OL  CREATURE tries to get in PROSPERITY’S way, but PROSPERITY pushes CREATURE out of the way and exits OL.  The remaining HUNTERS scratch their heads, shrug their shoulders, and mumble: “What’s his problem?”, “That seems a bit selfish”, etc.)
CLEW:	(to SUPERPOWER)  And how about you, sir?  What’s your angle?
SUPERPOWER:  See this here cape, friend?  This here is my power cape.  When I find the Creature, he’s gonna give me power like you’ve never seen!  I’m gonna need this here super power cape just to hold all that power!
CLEW:	Uhhh… Just what kind of powers are you expecting?
SUPERPOWER:  Ohhhh.  All sorts of supernatural power.  The ancient scrolls outline a few.  I’ll be able to stick my hand into a box of poisonous snakes, and not have them hurt me.  I’ll be able to talk in a code that none of my friends can understand.  (whispering like it’s a secret)  The scroll doesn’t mention this one, but I have heard that I can be filled with so much power, that I’ll be able overpower people, and that I can power them down to the ground because I’ll be so powerful!
FAINTEST:	What a head case.
CLEW:	(slaps FAINTEST, back to SUPERPOWER)  Here’s a hint:  when you find the Creature, he will give you powers, but not the ones you expect.  They’ll be useful powers:  the power to resist temptation, the power to be patient, the power to be humble enough to sweep the floor instead of wearing the cape of power and attaining human glory.  After you have known him awhile, he might even give you the power to do some things that could be considered “Supernatural”.
SUPERPOWER:  (frowning)  Sweeping?!  This doesn’t sound like what I was expecting….
CLEW:	(sighing)  The key to the power the Creature gives you is that he wants it to be useful for something.  What use is there to sticking your hand in a box of snakes and not being harmed, when you could just as easily not stick your hand in?  What is accomplished in speaking in a different language if no one knows what you are saying?  Why would you want to power people over when after they get up, life will go on as if nothing has happened?  No, the Creature gives you power to accomplish his purposes, not to make you feel powerful.
SUPERPOWER:  (upset)  That doesn’t sound at all like what I’m looking for.  (throws down cape)  Searching for this Creature was a stupid Idear!
	(FAINTEST start to chase SUPERPOWER toward OL, dragging CLEW behind.  CLEW brings FAINTEST back.  CREATURE tries to get in SUPERPOWER’S way, but SUPERPOWER pushes CREATURE out of the way and exits OL.)
FAINTEST:	He didn’t have the Faintest – 
CLEW:	Don’t say it!  You just behave yourself, or I’ll throw you back stage.  (looks sadly at remaining two HUNTERS)  So what are you guys’ stories?
PEANUT:	I’ve got these wonderful peanuts for the Creature.  The way I see it, he should have to come and ask me for my peanuts, instead of all this running around hunting for him.  That’s how I’m going to find the Creature.
FAINTEST:	Now you have a head full of rocks.  Were you born like this or did the doctor drop you on your head right after?  You don’t have the faintest idea – 
CLEW:	Didn’t I warn you?!  I told you to behave yourself how many times?  Back stage you go!
FAINTEST:	No, no!  Not backstage!  I’ll be good!  I promise!  Not back there with all those weird people who keep –  (CLEW throws him back)  Ahhhhhhh……  OOOOF!  Hey, there are a bunch of weirdoes back here!  What are you doing?  Don’t pet me.  Hey!  Quit that!  Get your hands off me!  Who knows where they’ve been.  Help!  HELP!……
CLEW:	(shakes his head at FAINTEST, then turns to PEANUT)  You know, my friend there had some good points.  The ancient scrolls say that the Creature is actually the creator of everything.
PEANUT:	What do ya mean?
CLEW:	He created you, me, this forest, this whole world in fact.  How else do you think he can give you peace with all your questions of life.   The Creature does hunt for you, and will come to you, but not for your wonderful peanuts.  You can’t manipulate him by handing him little bits and pieces of your peanuts.  He is the Creator of the world.  He wants to give you peace and joy because he loves you, not because he needs your peanuts.
PEANUT:	What!?!  He’s not going to do what I want for these peanuts?  These are the best peanuts around!  They never swear, or drink, or get in fights!  They’re good peanuts.
CLEW:	I’m sure they are, but that’s just not – 
PEANUT:	Well, if the Creature isn’t going to appreciate my peanuts and give me the respect I deserve, then just forget this whole hunt thing.
	(PEANUT throws down bag of peanuts and stomps toward OL.  CREATURE tries to get in PEANUT’S way, but PEANUT pushes CREATURE out of the way and exits OL.    CLEW turns toward NO‑CONVICT.)
NO‑CONVICT:  Don’t look at me!  Don’t make me feel guilty!  I’m faithfully searching out the creature.  See?  HEEEERRREEEEE Creature, Creature, Creature!!  (cringes back like he might actually see CREATURE)
CLEW:	What’s with the cringing thing?
NO‑CONVICT:  What are you talking about?
CLEW:	You know…  (does the cringe)
NO‑CONVICT:  Oh that.  Welllll, you see, I’m kinda scared of the creature…
CLEW:	Well that’s all right.  He’s not exactly tame….
NO‑CONVICT:  No, no, that doesn’t bother me.
CLEW:	Hmm, it probably should….  So what does?
NO‑CONVICT:  Well, what is this Creature going to ask me to do in return for answering all my questions?  He’s not going to ask me to – (gulp) – give up anything is he?
CLEW:	(sighing)  I’ve told people this many times.  The ancient scrolls never say the Creature will answer all your questions, just give you peace with them.  But what do you mean “give up anything”.
NO‑CONVICT:  I’m no different from every dude and dudette out there. Every once in a while, I get a little crazy with the elder berry wine, ya know.  It’s kinda fun.  Oh yeah, and sometimes I like, lick these toads I find in Sherwood Forest.  Wow, you can get a real buzz out of that!  Oooo, then sometimes, this chic and I, we-  well, we have lots of fun.  Eh, eh?  (elbows CLEW in the ribs)
CLEW:	If you’ve been licking toad, I don’t even want to know what you’re doing with a baby chicken.
NO‑CONVICT:  No, no, I meant a girl.  We kinda get it going every once in awhile, ya know where –
CLEW:	(makes face)  I get the picture.
NO‑CONVICT:  Right, right.  Well, I’m cool with this peace and joy stuff or whatever, but I don’t want to feel guilty about this other stuff I like doing…  Ya know.  So this Creature thing, I’m scared that if I really see him, he’s gonna like ask me to give up some of this stuff, and I don’t want that…  So I’m gonna try and find him with out really looking…  Like this:  HEEEERRRREEEEE Creature, Creature, Creature!  (cringes)
CLEW:	(shakes his head)  Here’s a hint.  The Creature will ask you to give up those things.  But the peace and joy he gives are worth so much more than these temporary pleasures that get old anyway.  Plus, he can give you new things to enjoy that are every bit as fun as what you experience now.  You just have to trust that he can do that.  You know there’s really no point to searching for the Creature if you aren’t willing to let him change your life.
NO‑CONVICT:  Bummer!  That stinks!  Dude, I would keep looking for this Creature thing, but I don’t want to have to feel guilty about my life.  Besides, I just can’t imagine him giving me something that can replace licking toads, man.  I’m outta here.
	(NO‑CONVICT stomps off toward OL.  CREATURE tries to get in NO‑CONVICT’S way, but NO‑CONVICT pushes CREATURE out of the way.  NO‑CONVICT picks up a “toad”, and starts licking, gets a buzz with a “Woah!  Wild!”, and exits OL.  CLEW is all alone on stage with CREATURE, who by now is sitting SL with head cradled in his hands.)
CLEW:	(shaking his head sadly,  to audience)
The Answer does do hunting.
	This much is surely true.
He’s looking for the hunters
	To give his answer to.
	But if you demand your own terms
	To the Maker of us all.
You might as well just sit
	And watch paint drying on a wall.
	(CLEW and CREATURE exit.  My Own Terms is sung while stage is cleared for next scene.)

Scene 3:  Igno Ramus Defends His Doubts
	(Hunting GUIDE enters, and begins arranging an assortment of white scrolls on a table.  In a trash can are a few scrolls of differing colors.  WUTTS and CREATURE enter with a banner that says “HUNTING GUIDE”, and hang it up.  WUTTS is a Big Idear, and is dressed liked an Idear.  CREATURE hears RAMUS coming and as soon as RAMUS starts to speak, hides behind his mask.)
RAMUS:	Hey, What's The Big Idear hanging that sign there? 
	(WUTTS turns proudly and points to herself, grinning broadly)
GUIDE:	Oh, good morning to you, too!   Wutts, please introduce me to your friend. 
WUTTS:	I sure would, Guide, but I never saw him before in my life.  (turning to RAMUS)  How did you know my name, Mister?
RAMUS:	What’s she talking about?
	(WUTTS is confused and looks back and forth between RAMUS and GUIDE, squinting and shaking her head.)
GUIDE:	This is Wutts.  She's a Big Idear.
RAMUS:	(waving WUTTS off)  Never mind.  This here is a reserve.  All the animals and other creatures in Sherwood Forest are protected by the Endangered Species Act.  You can't hunt in Sherwood Forest.
GUIDE:	No cause for concern, Mr. uh. . .What did you say your name was?
RAMUS:	The name is Ramus. 
GUIDE:	That wouldn't be Igno Ramus, by any chance?  (picking up a scroll)  This will explain our purpose here.  (handing RAMUS a scroll)  Since you are the first person to enter my establishment, I'd like to give you a complimentary scroll.
RAMUS:	What’s this?
	(WUTTS leaps forward as if to grab RAMUS and GUIDE holds her back and gestures for her to keep quiet.  RAMUS opens the scroll and scans its contents.)
GUIDE:	It's the Authorized Version.  You may have seen other counterfeits, but this is the real thing.
RAMUS:	Hey, this scroll is about the legend of the KnowAll Creature.
	(RAMUS tosses it back with the ones in the trash can.  WUTTS fishes it out, smoothes it and replaces it with the others.)
RAMUS:	Don't tell me.  You're one of those nut cases that believes there is a creature in these woods that can solve all our problems and answer all our questions.
	(Three CHILDREN, each wearing an eye patch, enter and silently consult with WUTTS about getting some scrolls.  They exchange their colored scrolls for white ones.  They leave the new scrolls on the table until they pick them up to leave.  Colored ones go in trash can.  CREATURE teases CHILDREN by removing his mask for a second, and each one gets a glimpse of him.)
GUIDE:	You're very welcome to the scroll, Mr. Ramus.  I take it you have no interest in searching for the KnowAll Creature?
RAMUS:	You're smarter than I took you for at first. I don't have the time or energy to go hunting about for something I don't even know exists. No one can know if the KnowAll Creature exists.
	(Children hear RAMUS say "no one can know", and they all turn and stare at him.  They laugh and point at RAMUS.)
GUIDE:	Hmm…Perhaps I shouldn't say this, but, conversely, you are dumber than I took you for at first.
RAMUS:	(indignant) What's The Big Idear?
	(WUTTS looks up again as if called for a reason, then grins and nods as GUIDE goes on.)
GUIDE:	That's got to be the world's most unscientific and unintellectual position!
RAMUS:	So…enlighten me, Great White Hunter.
GUIDE:	Since you insist.  You've never seen the KnowAll Creature.  That's one thing.  But do you suggest there can be no reality beyond the range of your own personal discovery?
RAMUS:	Well, if you put it that way…I…
GUIDE:	Answer me this.  Of all facts known or even knowable by man, what percentage would you imagine you know?  Say, ONE PERCENT?
RAMUS:	Oh, no way!  Not even one tenth of one per cent!
GUIDE:	So you admit that the vast majority of known reality has never even entered your mind.  Isn't it quite possible that the KnowAll Creature could occupy a corner of that vast realm still unknown to you?
RAMUS:	Well, hey…I'm not the only one.  Great intellectual minds have considered this question for hundreds of years.  They have studied, investigated and approached the subject from every conceivable angle and never proven that the KnowAll Creature exists.
GUIDE:	And they never will.
	(CHILDREN give a huge, loud, exaggerated intake of breath, in disbelief.  WUTTS gasps, and turns toward CREATURE for reassurance.  CREATURE just smiles and gestures for her to listen carefully.)
RAMUS:	Ha…….Gotcha
GUIDE:	The KnowAll Creature is outside and above the material realm.  He defies the paltry attempts of man to discover him by natural scientific methods and conceivable angles, as you put it.  For the KnowAll Creature to be known or proven, it must be through other than natural means.
RAMUS:	You mean by faith, I suppose!
GUIDE:	You are getting smarter by the minute, my friend.  Of course, by faith.
RAMUS:	But I won't believe anything I don't have proof for.
CHILD 1:	Oh boy.  He's asking for it now!
CHILD 2:	He'd better take his shoes off before he goes any further!
CHILD 3:	Yeah.  He's gonna get his foot in clear up to his ankles!
GUIDE:	Nonsense.  Almost everything you do believe to be true has never really been seen by you or proven to you.  You accept it by faith!
RAMUS:	Yeah, like what?
GUIDE:	Like . . . these children, here.  Where did they come from?  Did they hatch from an egg or drop from a tree limb like ripe fruit?
	(CHILDREN give squeals of laughter.)
RAMUS:	That's ridiculous.  They were born naked and squirming just as you and I were.
	(CHILDREN cover their faces with their hands as if embarrassed.)
GUIDE:	Really?  How do you know that?  Were you there when they were born?  Or for that matter, do you remember when you were born?
	(RAMUS considers this and tries to interrupt, but GUIDE continues.)
GUIDE:	You believe because someone taught you that information.  You trusted the teacher and believed the teaching by faith.
RAMUS:	Well. . . sure.  I admit you scored there.
GUIDE:	Now there are many – like myself – who testify that the KnowAll Creature exists and can be known by those who believe in him.  We have seen him, talked to him, touched him.  In fact he is so real that he is with me at all times.
	(RAMUS looks all about, trying to get a glimpse of the KnowAll Creature.)
RAMUS:	Why should I believe your testimony over the opinions of many brilliant scholars who after serious study continue to doubt the reality of the KnowAll Creature?
CHILD 1:	Poor guy, he must have a banana in his ear.
CHILD 2:	Gross!  That doesn't sound very appealing!
GUIDE:	You do not encounter the KnowAll Creature by intellectual acuity.  It takes spiritual perception to know and understand him.  A blind man could not discover the reality of color through thinking and education.  So also the KnowAll Creature can only be known by those who have faith—like spiritual vision.
	(GUIDE singles out a CHILD.)
GUIDE:	An uneducated child with only one good eye would be a more reliable authority on the existence of color than a whole roomful of blind intellectuals!
RAMUS:	(obviously unconvinced, looks at the sky as if getting a signal)  Oh, my, oh my.  I just remembered, I . . .  uh. .  I . . forgot to turn off the stove before I left home.  Sorry, got to run.  (exits)
CHILD 1:	What in the world is a stove?
CHILD 2:	Never heard of such a thing.
CHILD 3:	Must be something you'd have to see to believe.
	(CHILDREN each take a scroll and start to exit.)
GUIDE:	Wutts, make sure those children get off in the right direction.  We don't want them to be confused by any of Igno Ramus's line of thinking.
	(WUTTS and CHILDREN exit.  GUIDE and CREATURE fade into the scenery as lights go down.  Stage is cleared for next scene.)

Scene 4:  They Don't Call Them Yabuts For Nothing
	(The YABUTS – RATHER, LEISURE, LAZY, PROJECT, PAUPER, HUNGUP – enter UL together, each holding a piece of paper which is an invitation and carrying U-blocks for sitting.  LEISURE and LAZY are twins, each carrying a fluffy cushion to use to soften the hardness of the U-blocks chairs.  PAUPER is dressed very poor.  TINY, a child, is in audience front row.  The YABUTS are waving the invitations about, looking at it again and again, grumbling.)
PROJECT:	What are we doing here?
LEISURE:	(whining tone)  How long have we been waiting, already?
LAZY:	We must have something better to do than stand  around here all day.
RATHER:	(breaking up the conversation with a loud voice)  Does anybody have a clue what is going on?
	(CLEW pops up, eventually entering and carrying an invitation list.)
CLEW:	“Clue”?  Did I hear someone say “clue”?  Clew, the erratic and somewhat unusual tall elf., at your service!
	Gather 'round people
	In groups or alone.
The Great KnowAll Creature
	Will make himself known.
	You all are invited,
	He's called you by name.
You're welcome to join us,
	That's why we came. 
	(RATHER goes to CLEW DC, in the spotlight.  The other YABUTS stay UL, in the shadows.)
RATHER:	Clew, is it, huh?  (points to invitation)  So you're the one responsible for sending these invitations?   Then please explain.  What's this . . I quote, "Go into the highways and along the hedges and compel them to come. . " unquote …. business?  Or maybe I'd rather not know.
CLEW:	Let me guess.  (consulting a list)  You must be Rather Yabut
	(turns to address audience confidentially)
The Yabuts are a special breed
	And yet you meet some everyday
At first they seem to be agreed
	With everything you have to say.
	"Yeah," they say, "that sounds real good"
	And then they add  the "buts"
That is how they got their name—
	The Sherwood Forest Yabuts.
	(turning back to address RATHER)  Oh. . . as to your question.  It's quite simple actually.  The Creature asked me to invite folks who wouldn't otherwise darken the door of the hunting lodge.  I was hoping to persuade you to go with us to witness the revealing of the KnowAll Creature. . . 
RATHER:	Ya but –  life is too short to be wandering off on some wild goose – or whatever the Creature is supposed to be – chase.  I have other things I'd rather be doing.
CLEW:	What things could you possibly rather do than see the Creature? 
RATHER:	Why, rather practical and necessary things.  Such as get the bubble-gum out of my daughter's hair, clean the fish tank, give my St. Bernard a bath, and floss my pet piranha's teeth.  Is that enough?  Now you give me one good reason why I should go along.
CLEW:	You asked for one,
	I'll give you two:
The Creature has
	Invited you
	(CLEW holds up one finger, then shows RATHER the invitation list and makes it two fingers up.)
	Here, look and see,
	He's called your name —
Like you called me,
	That's why I came.
RATHER:	Hey, Clew, I rather like your style.  
CLEW:  	Well…. Who doesn’t?
RATHER: 	Ya but – I hate to disappoint you.  I'll tell you what.  See if you can get my sisters to go.  They don't do any real work anyway. They'd rather do almost anything else.  If they go, they can tell me all about it. 
CLEW:	It's your choice,
	I won't insist.
Just remember later —
	You were on the list.
	(RATHER goes back UL.  LEISURE and LAZY come DC to CLEW, limping a bit, yawning, and rubbing their sore backs.)
LEISURE:	My back is killing me and my feet are sore.  (to CLEW)  You have a lot of nerve keeping us waiting so long.
LAZY:	I bet my cool lemonade is warm by now and my hammock is no longer in the shade.
CLEW:	I recognize you two!  Aren't you the Yabut twins, Leisure and Lazy?
LAZY:	Ya but –  how did you know?
CLEW:	I have you listed right here.  So you got the invitation, huh?
LAZY:	(yawning)  Well. . . Ya but –  I'm afraid to get started on something that may cut into my nap time.
CLEW:	I'm sorry to hear you say that, Lazy.  You'd never regret making the effort.  Knowing the Creature could change your whole life.
LAZY:	That's a scary thought.  I’m comfortable just the way I am.
CLEW:	How about you, Leisure?  Surely you can see the benefit of responding to the Creature's invitation. . . 
LEISURE:	Ya but –  I won't be able to make it.  As it is, I'm going to miss my zit squeezing session because of these delays.  I don't appreciate being inconvenienced for this kind of foolishness.  If the Creature is so set on revealing himself, he can make an appointment with my secretary.  She'll be able to fit him in somewhere between my hair braiding appointment and my dulcimer lessons.
CLEW :	Even though you think you have rights to
	Enjoy all your comforts and pleasures.
I should think when the Creature invites you
	You'd take more definitive measures – 
	To see him, to know him, to love him,
	To give up your selfish desires,
And seek him and answer his bidding,
	And do what the Creature requires.
LEISURE :	Ya but –  I know!  Okay!  How about a compromise?  We can send my camcorder along and you can video the revealing and I'll watch the tape after my massage, or perhaps while I am having my toe nails painted.  Lazy will watch it too, if I get it all set up for her.  How's that sound?
CLEW:	How does that sound?  Like a slap in the face.
	Is that the best you can do?
The Creature isn't some soap opera hunk
	You turn on and tune in to view!
	(LEISURE and LAZY gather themselves up and saunter UL.)
CLEW:	This is harder than I thought it would be.  Obviously, those who do not know the Creature have no idea of the value of his friendship.  But I won't give up.  It will be worth it if even one person will seek him.
	(PROJECT starts to come DC to CLEW.)
CLEW:	How about you?  (gestures toward PROJECT)  Wouldn't you love to see the Creature for yourself?
PROJECT:	Ya but –  you see, I am in the middle of a pressing project at the moment.
CLEW:	Is that so?  And what is this pressing project?  Shirts, dresses, linens?
PROJECT:	Are you trying to be cute?  Or just trying?  I'm writing a book  It's an autobiography.
CLEW:	You're writing about cars?  What is so urgent about that – they haven't even been invented yet!
PROJECT:	Very funny.  I am writing about my life and how I have lived it.
CLEW:	I get it.  What's it called?
PROJECT:	It's called:  “I Did It My Way”.
CLEW:	Catchy title.  Does it have a happy ending?
PROJECT:	How should I know?  Writing a life’s work is a long, hard job.  I haven't gotten that far yet.
CLEW:	May I be so bold as to suggest that a brief divergence at this juncture could prove valuable in ensuring a positive outcome?
PROJECT:	Huh??  Are you making fun of me?
CLEW:	What I'm trying to say is this:
	Now is the time to choose
To seek the creature with all your heart – 
	What do you have to lose?
	Write his name on each page of your life
	Begin now, it isn't too late
Let him determine the story line
	And the ending will turn out . . . well.. .GREAT!
PROJECT:	Ya but –  I'm not sure I could trust him to write my story.  I mean, I don't want to lose my identity.  Maybe he should just write his own story.
	(PROJECT starts moving away, waving him off.)
CLEW:	(to the departing PROJECT)  He already has, my friend.  Please reconsider.
	(PROJECT, ignoring CLEW, goes UL.  CREATURE enters UR and is definitely ignored by YABUTS.  CLEW looks to CREATURE, who points him to TINY, in the audience front row.  TINY approaches as if she is desiring to participate.  CLEW goes to TINY to far DC, almost in the audience, as if they really aren't in the main action at the time.  CREATURE waits SR.  PAUPER eventually comes SL, observing CLEW and TINY with longing.)
CLEW:	Howdy, there, little gal.  My name is Clew.  Something I can do for you?  Say, wouldn't you like to see the KnowAll Creature?
TINY:	Well, ya but –  when I told the others I wanted to go, they said, "Ya but –  you're too young."
CLEW:	(looking at invitation list)  I get it now.  That must be why there are only a few children here today.  Many received invitations, but something or someone hindered them from coming.  But I'm glad you're here.
	(CLEW sets TINY on his lap)
CLEW:	Listen, Tiny.  You're not too young.  This is what the Creature told me just the other day:
	Let the little children
	Come unto Me
Let me take them in my arms
	And set them on my knee.
	Let my hands in blessing,
	Touch each little head.
Let the children come to me,
	That's what the Creature said.
TINY:	My grandpa saw the Creature years ago.  He told me about him before he died.
CLEW:	So you do know about the Creature.  I bet you want to see him a whole bunch, huh?
TINY:	Ya, but –  my teacher said that there are lots of unusual creatures in Sherwood forest and they were all about the same.  We have been studying them at school.  When we get older, we are supposed to be able to choose the creature we want to know and follow.
CLEW:	You know what, Tiny?
	(TINY looks into CLEW'S eyes.)
CLEW:	I think you came here today because the KnowAll Creature wants you to see him and love him just as your Grandpa did.  Come right on up here and you can go along with us.
	(CLEW takes TINY to the CREATURE, who welcomes the girl and embraces her.)
CLEW:	(to audience)  The Creature is greatly pleased!  Here is a young one who will have her entire life to see and know the Creature.
	(CLEW looks to see who is coming next..  PAUPER comes DC to CLEW, crying and moaning.)
CLEW:	Say, now.  What's the problem?  You can tell ole Uncle Clew.
PAUPER:	I saw the joy that child experienced.  I'm old and poor.  I have nothing to offer the Creature.  My youth is gone. The last grains of sand are about to slide through the hour glass.  I've wasted my whole life and come up empty.  (starts crying)
CLEW:	But, you're just as welcome to go as any.  The Creature invites you just as you are.  You would like to see Him, wouldn't you?
PAUPER:	Well…  Ya but –  I can't afford to make a trip like that.  I told you I don't have anything to offer.  (starts crying)
CLEW:	You are the perfect candidate then.  The trip is paid for and the ticket is free.  You know what that means, don't you?
PAUPER:	(suddenly sullen and wary)  Ya but –  I know about free offers.  There's always a string attached somewhere.  Some hidden fee or obligation.  I am destitute, and I don't see any way out!  (start crying again)
CLEW:	The Creature delights in empty hands
	Lifted to him for filling.
And, O how he loves the empty heart,
	He'll fill it if only you're willing.
	You're right, there are some strings attached,
	How wonderful and true!
His cords of love bind us to him,
	We know he'll see us through!
PAUPER:	Okay, I surrender!  I have nothing to lose.
CLEW:	Now you have the right attitude.
	(CLEW leads PAUPER toward CREATURE standing with TINY. CREATURE welcomes PAUPER.  CLEW goes back DC.  HUNGUP goes to CLEW, DC.)
CLEW:	(seeing HUNGUP)  Say – how about you?  Want to join us?
HUNGUP:	I sure would --Ya but –  first I need to get some things straightened out in my  life.  I'm a mess!
CLEW:	The KnowAll Creature knows all about that.  That's why he invited you.
HUNGUP:	Ya but –  you don't understand.  I have some pretty nasty habits I need to gain victory over before I can presume to see the KnowAll Creature.
CLEW:	That's the whole point.  Once you see the KnowAll Creature, he can conquer those bad habits for you!
HUNGUP:	(sagging head, looking doubtful)  Don't you see. . .If the Creature really knows all, then the minute he lays eyes on me he'll knock me into the next time zone. .. or worse.
CLEW:	He knows you and loves you, there are no "ifs" about it,
	Come to him, trust in him and you'll see.
From all of your hang-ups and every bad habit,
	In him you'll find strength to break free.
	(HUNGUP looks up enthused for a second then changes back to hopeless countenance.)
HUNGUP:	Ya but –  that all sounds really great, but too easy.  I can't believe there's not more to it than that.  I'm miserable, it's true, but . . now don't be offended… with all the attempts I've made over the years to conquer myself, I just don't think seeing the KnowAll Creature could be the solution.
	(HANGUP goes back UL.  CREATURE takes TINY and PAUPER, and exits OR.  The remaining YABUTS exit OL, crumbling up and discarding the invitations.)
CLEW:	(to audience)  So that's how it is
	The Creature invites
Some will accept
	While others not quite.
	And then there are some
	Who choose to elect
To spurn him, refuse him
	And flat-out reject.
	Well, off to the Hunting Lodge, where many at least profess to have seen Him.
	(CLEW sets stage for next scene.)

Scene 5:  The Lost Hunters
	(Scene starts out dark.  Lights up to reveal four LOST HUNTERS – VELISA, JAMES, GWENOLYN, and BUBBA – in ‘corral’ of U-blocks and what not.  LOST HUNTERS are sitting and look despondent, frowning, and thoughtful.  CREATURE is on outside of corral and trying to get their attention to no avail.  CLEW is off on the corner of stage.)
CREATURE:	Just ask.  Please.  All you have to do is ask me…..
	(Spot comes on CLEW.)
CLEW:	See yonder sitting hunters four.
	All wearing their unhappy frowns.
They have but to ask to open a door.
	Yet they sit on their duffs looking down.
	(Spot goes off CLEW.)
CREATURE:	(sadly)  Why won’t you ask?  I’ve finally found you, and you won’t even ask.
	(NEW HUNTER comes on stage.  CREATURE goes to him and begins tapping him on the shoulder.  He slaps around his head like he’s bothered by an insect.)
NEW HUNTER:  Stupid mosquitoes.  This is a fine hunt and all, but I could do without the stupid bugs!  I think it’s time for another dose of Ye’ Old Off Mosquito Repellent.
	(CLEW comes to talk to NEW HUNTER, but NEW HUNTER whips out a can of repellent, and sprays it all over including CLEW and the CREATURE.  CLEW and CREATURE cough and choke and pass out somewhere out of the way.)
NEW HUNTER:  (shaking fist at imagined mosquitoes)  Take that you nasty varmints!
	(NEW HUNTER walks toward corral.  The LOST HUNTERS suddenly see NEW HUNTER.  They jump up, paste on wide smiles, and start doing things like miming basketball and baseball.  GWENOLYN pulls out a bunch of grapes and starts eating them luxuriously.  NEW HUNTER notices the LOST HUNTERS and comes over to corral.)
NEW HUNTER:  (in old English)  Ho there fellow humans.  Methinks thou art caught within this wall….. thingy.
VELISA:	What did he just say, James?
JAMES:	I haven’t the faintest Idear.
	(FAINTEST IDEAR is thrown on stage.  LOST HUNTERS look at FAINTEST IDEAR for a while, then throw it offstage.)
NEW HUNTER:  I repeateth once again.  Methinks thou art caught up together within yon fence.
JAMES:  Hey Gwenolyn, come get a load of this guy.  He talks funny.
	(GWENOLYN and BUBBA come over to look at NEW HUNTER.)
NEW HUNTER:  I do not talk funny.  I heard that this was supposed to be a fantasy drama and I’m just trying to get into the spirit of things.  Are you guys stuck in that corral thing?
GWENOLYN:  What?  Us?  Stuck?  Ha ha ha….. 
	(LOST HUNTERS start to laugh and pound each other on the back as though it’s the funniest thing in the world.)
NEW HUNTER:  (confused)  Well then what are you doing in there?
VELISA:	We, my friend, are having fun!  This isn’t a corral or a fence or a wall.  It’s merely part of the scenery around here.  It’s called a WURLD.  It’s a rare occurrence of tree roots and logs and such, gathered in a circular fashion.
JAMES:	It has something to do with El Nino.
	(LOST HUNTERS blame it on El Nino with: “Yeah, that’s it”, “Yep, El Nino”, “Do it to you every time”, “Of course”, etc.)
NEW HUNTER:  (nods his head)  Ohhhh!  El Nino!  Of course.  That explains EVERYthing.  Well, almost everything.  Who are you guys?
GWENOLYN:  We are the Lost Hunters of Sherwood Forest.
VELISA:	Yep, that we are.  This is James, that’s Gwenolyn, I’m Velisa, and this is.… Bubba.
BUBBA:	(with low voice and giving a ‘thumbs up’)  Hey.
NEW HUNTER:  Bubba?
BUBBA:	(with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’)  Hey.
JAMES:	Yep.  Bubba.
BUBBA:	(with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’)  Hey.
	(BUBBA always says ‘Hey’ with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’ whenever his name is mentioned.)
NEW HUNTER:  Oh.  Well, you’re all hunters?
GWENOLYN:  That’s right.
NEW HUNTER:  Great!  Me too!  I’ve been searching high and low for days now for the KnowAll Creature that will give me peace with all my questions.  Maybe we can all band together and help each other look!
VELISA:	Uhhhhh….  Well, you see we can’t exactly… I mean – 
GWENOLYN:  (cutting in)  What Velisa is trying to say is that we used to be hunters, but now we’re not anymore.  Now we all live together in this WURLD.
NEW HUNTER:  Oh…  What exactly do you do in this – what was it called – WURLD?
JAMES:	Isn’t it obvious?  We have fun!
GWENOLYN:  Every day is a fun day in the WURLD!
VELISA:	Oh yes.  Fun, fun.  You wouldn’t believe the pleasures the WURLD has to offer!
JAMES:	Hey!  Why don’t you come live in this WURLD with me, Gwenolyn, Velisa, and Bubba?
BUBBA:	(with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’)  Hey.
NEW HUNTER:  (doubtful)  Well, I don’t know.  I really want to find this Creature….  I’d hate to waste too much time….
GWENOLYN:  Come on!  It’ll be fun.  It’s ever so much more enjoyable than hunting the Creature.
NEW HUNTER:  (giving just a little)  Welllll…. It’s fun you say?
JAMES:	Oh, It’s heavenly!
NEW HUNTER:  I can leave whenever I want to, right?
VELISA:	Oh, of course, of course.  It’s easy to leave the WURLD.  You just have to think happy thoughts and take one of any number of 12 step programs available.
GWENOLYN:  But you won’t want to leave once you’ve experienced what the WURLD has to offer.
NEW HUNTER:  I’m still not sure…  What do you say Bubba?
BUBBA:	(with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’)  Hey.
NEW HUNTER:  Well, when you put it like that.  (puts one foot over the corral and strandles it)  Maybe if I can put just one foot in the WURLD . . .  Boy this is hard to balance ... (falls over into corral)
	(LOST HUNTERS hoot and cheer and congratulate NEW  HUNTER.  SINGERS enter and sing The Foolish, Though Worldly Wise.  During song, LOST HUNTERS lift NEW HUNTER to his feet, pat him on the back, but then go back to their sitting positions – all thoughtful frowns.)
SINGERS:	If you go out in the woods today,
	You're in for a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today,
	Watch out for the worldly wise.
	They bend the truth to get their own way—
They're having fun, well, that's what they say.
Today's the day the Creature will crash their picnic.
	The worldly wise are the ones who try
	To lure the hunters away.
They call with offers of pleasures sweet,
	And fun each and every day.
	The saddest bunch that ever there was
Will try to trap the hunters because
Today's the day the Creature will crash their picnic.
	It's no picnic in the world
And yet its captives say they're having a wonderful time today.
See them, watch them mope and gripe
And hear their phony claims of liberty.
	Hear them grumble and complain
They're full of fears and doubts.
They follow the worldly lies.
And in the end they know they've rejected
The Creature's loving call-
That's why they're foolish, though worldly wise.
	(SINGERS exit.)
NEW HUNTER:  (is pumped)  All right!  I’m ready for fun!  Let’s go guys….  Guys….  Guys?  (waves hand in front of JAMES’S face)  Hey, Jimmy, boy!  How about some basketball?
JAMES:	What?  Who are – oh, it’s you.  No, no.  I used to have so much fun playing those games, but after awhile, it got old….  No, I don’t want to play.
NEW HUNTER:  (little less enthusiasm)  Oh.  (goes over to VELISA)  Hey!  Velisa!  Let’s go play baseball!
VELISA:	Huh?  What?  Baseba – Nah, no way.  When I first came to the WURLD, I loved to play that game, but now it just seems so…. empty.  No, I don’t want to play that game anymore.
NEW HUNTER:  (even more wind out of his sails, goes over to BUBBA)  Hi Bubba.  Do you wanna – 
BUBBA:	(with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’)  Hey.
NEW HUNTER:  That’s great, Bubba, but do you-
BUBBA:	(with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’)  Hey.
NEW HUNTER:  (frustrated)  Will you just let me finish my question!  What I want to know is, ‘Bubba, will you want to-‘
BUBBA:	(with low voice and giving ‘thumbs up’)  Hey.
	(NEW HUNTER throws hands up in the air and moves on to GWENOLYN who has the bunch of grapes by him, but isn’t eating)
NEW HUNTER:  Gwenolyn, pal, buddy, can I have some of those grapes there?
GWENOLYN:  What the – ?  Who in the WURLD are you!?
NEW HUNTER:  Don’t you remember?  I just came into the WURLD so I could have some fun and enjoy myself…
GWENOLYN:  Oh yeah.  Ummm…. The grapes.  Sure, have some grapes.  I wouldn’t recommend it though…  They’re sour.
NEW HUNTER:  (looks incredulous, picks off a grape and eats it, chews it for awhile)  Hey!  This isn’t so bad.  In fact, it tastes pretty….  (makes a face and spits it out)  Yech!  I don’t believe it.  I saw you eating them just a minute ago!!
GWENOLYN:  Hmmmm…..?  Oh the grapes.  Yes, they look awfully inviting on the outside, don’t they?  They even taste good at first.  All the fruit this tree here in the WURLD bears looks really good, but after the first bite you find out that there are some pretty nasty consequences that come with eating it…..  I only ate them to make you come in here with us.
NEW HUNTER:  (jumps up, looking at LOST HUNTERS in a new light)  ….wanted me to come in here with you…  (suddenly has a thought, and tries to get out of the corral, but can’t – panicked)  Guys!  I can’t get out!  You said I could get out whenever I wanted!  But I can’t!
JAMES:	Yeah, well – we lied.
GWENOLYN:  Will you cut out the yelling.
VELISA:	Yeah, we’re trying to think.
NEW HUNTER:  Think?  Think?!  Is that all you do in here?  Think?!!
JAMES:	Of course.
GWENOLYN:  That’s all there is to do after awhile.
VELISA:	We try to think of a way to get out of here.
	(BUBBA suddenly jumps up and down, and taps his head, and makes it obvious that he has an idea.)
JAMES:	Hey!  Bubba has an idea!
VELISA:	Bubba, my boy, have you thought of a way to get out of the WURLD?
	(BUBBA nods vigorously.)
GWENOLYN:  Well show us!  Show us the way out!
	(BUBBA hold up cup marked “poison”, drinks it, then falls down dead. LOST HUNTERS and NEW HUNTER crowd around BUBBA, with “Bubba?”, “Are you all right?”, “Bubba speak to me!”, “Bubba?!”.)
VELISA:	(finally, Dr. McCoy like)  He’s dead, Jim.
GWENOLYN:  That was his way out.
JAMES:	He was trapped in here the longest.  When you’re trapped in the WURLD too long you’ll do anything to get out….
	(LOST HUNTERS sit back down to frown and think.)
NEW HUNTER:  (falling to his knees)  HELP!  Somebody please help!  I shouldn’t have gotten distracted from hunting the Creature.  I shouldn’t have gotten stuck in this WURLD, but I did, and now I can’t escape.  Oh, I’d do anything to get out!  (looks at dead BUBBA, and shivers)  Almost anything…..
	(CREATURE and CLEW have been up and just watching.  As soon as NEW HUNTER makes his plea, CREATURE jumps up and runs over to him.)
CREATURE:	I’m here, I’ll help.  Just ask me.
NEW HUNTER:  (squints, but can’t see anything)  I can hear you, but I can’t see you.  Who are you?
CREATURE:	I am the One you set out in these woods to search for in the first place.
NEW HUNTER:  The KnowAll Creature!?  Why can’t I see you?
CLEW:	He’s right here.  You could see him if you could see past the WURLD, but when you’re so stuck in the WURLD, it is almost impossible to understand that which is outside it.
CREATURE:	Follow my voice and I’ll show you the way out.
NEW HUNTER:  How can I follow something I can not see?
CLEW:	To trust outside sense,
	To follow while blind.
This is true faith,
	That few ever find.
CREATURE:	I’ll get you out, but it is important:  You must ask me.
NEW HUNTER:  I have found no other way out.  You are my only hope.  Please will you show me the way?
CREATURE:	(ecstatic that someone finally asked for help, walks to the front of the corral, and spreads his arms out to push down part of the wall)  Here!  Here!  Over here.  I’ve opened a way out.
NEW HUNTER:  (coming out).  I- I can see you now!
	(NEW HUNTER gives CREATURE a hug.)
VELISA:	Hey, who are you talking to over there?
NEW HUNTER:  (shouting back to the LOST HUNTERS)  Look here’s a way out!  The KnowAll Creature made a way out!
JAMES:	(suspicious)  Who are you trying to fool.  There is no way out.  I don’t see anything over there, but the same old wall.  (turns back toward opening)
NEW HUNTER:  Velisa?  Can you see this?  (gestures toward hole in wall)
VELISA:	I thought I did, but how’d it get there?  You say a creature made it?  Well, I’m not going to use it.  I don’t need help from anyone.  I’m going to find my own way out!  (turns back to opening)
NEW HUNTER:  Gwenolyn?  Won’t you come out?
GWENOLYN:  I can see the opening, and I saw the Creature for a moment pushing it down.  But….  (holding up grapes)  I haven’t quite finished my grapes yet….  What if the Creature makes me leave my grapes behind?
NEW HUNTER:  But Gwenolyn.  They’re sour!  Remember?
GWENOLYN:  (cradling grapes and muttering)  All the same, I’m not quite done with them yet.  Maybe when I’m done with my grapes, I’ll come out of the WURLD.  (turns back on the opening)
	(NEW HUNTER turns sadly away, but then the CREATURE touches his shoulder, and he turns to CREATURE with a smile.  They walk happily off stage, talking animatedly.)
	(CLEW starts putting the knocked down wall back up.  He stop and turns to audience.)
CLEW:	‘Don’t harden your heart,
	The scroll it does say.
Listen and follow
	He’s calling today.
	If like Gwenolyn,
	You think you can wait.
Some day you’ll turn
	And find…. it’s too late….
	(CLEW goes back to putting up the wall.  Lights fade.)

Scene 6:  Searching For Love
	(Two GIRLS – PRISCILLA and CONSTANCE – enter UR onto cleared stage, with lights down low.  They cling to each other and walk fearfully, as into a dark forest.)
PRISCILLA:	It’s so dark, Constance.
CONSTANCE:  I know, Priscilla.  And it feels so – lonely.
	(CREATURE enters UL, with a heart mask.  He’s carrying flowers hidden in his pocket..)
PRISCILLA:	At least we’re out of that house.  I hate Edgar!
CONSTANCE:  Why did Mom ever pick up that loser?
	(CREATURE goes to GIRLS, unseen by them, and follows them and they slowly go DR.  DANGER 1 enters with a sword, also unseen, and stands DR.)
CONSTANCE:  What a jerk!  Telling us what we can or can’t do.  Acting like he was our Dad.
PRISCILLA:	(after a pause)  I really hate Dad.
CONSTANCE:  The way he used to – touch – me – and you.
	(DANGER 1 swings sword at GIRLS, but CREATURE moves GIRLS, and sword missed.)
PRISCILLA:	I hope he rots in that dungeon.
	(DANGER 1 swings sword again at GIRLS, but CREATURE fends off sword with his hand.  DANGER 1 drops sword and exits.  GIRLS slowly continue to UC.  DANGER 2 enters with a knife, and stands UC.)
CONSTANCE:  Anyway, I am glad to be out of there – forever.
PRISCILLA:	I’m never going to go back.  We’re going to find a place where we’re loved – without being hurt.
	(DANGER 2 jabs with knife at GIRLS, but CREATURE moves GIRLS, and knife missed.)
CONSTANCE:  I want to find love – the right kind of love.
	(DANGER 2 stabs knife again at GIRLS, but CREATURE grabs DANGER 2’S wrist and stops him.  DANGER 1 drops knife and exits.  GIRLS slowly continue to DC.  DANGER 3 enters with drugs, and stands DC.)
PRISCILLA:	We don’t need them, Constance.  They’re impossible with their yelling – and all the junk they give us.
CONSTANCE:  We’ll take care of ourselves – better than they can.
PRISCILLA:	We just need a little help from friends who really love us.
CONSTANCE:  Priscilla – you and I – we can make it just fine on our own.
	(DANGER 3 offers drugs to GIRLS.  PRISCILLA notices drugs and starts to turn to DANGER 3.  CREATURE forces GIRLS to turn away from DANGER 3.  CREATURE slaps DANGER 3’S hands into the air, throwing drugs everywhere.  DANGER 3 exits.  GIRLS slowly continue to UL.  DANGER 4 enters with shotgun, and stands DR.)
PRISCILLA:	Ummm – Constance – do you know where we are?  Are we – lost?
CONSTANCE:  I don’t know.  But I am getting tired.  How long have we been walking in this forest?
PRISCILLA:	Must have been a long time.  In this dark forest, you can’t tell if its morning or daytime or night.
CONSTANCE:  This place is so lonely – and bare.  There’s nothing colorful or – 
	(DANGER 4 aims shotgun at GIRLS.  CREATURE gets flowers from his pocket and throws them onto ground in front of GIRLS.  GIRLS duck down to look at flowers, with a “Oh, look.”  DANGER 4 shoots shotgun with a bang and misses the kneeling GIRLS.)
PRISCILLA:	They sure are pretty.  It’s too bad we can’t eat them.
CONSTANCE:  Yeah, I’m sorta hungry, too.
	(DANGER 4 starts to reload shotgun.  CREATURE quickly walks to DANGER 4.  CREATURE grabs shotgun with one hand and throws it to the ground.  With the other hand, CREATURE makes a sweeping “strike” at DANGER 4’S head.  DANGER 4 exits, holding his head.  GIRLS slowly continue to DL.  HUGH enters with flash‑camera, and stands DL.)
PRISCILLA:	(getting scared again)  It’s funny how they just appeared – all of sudden like.  I just hope we don’t have to find – some other things.
CONSTANCE:  (also getting scared again)  Like – animals – or bears – or lions – 
PRISCILLA:	Lions?!  I heard that the Creature here is really a terrible lion.
CONSTANCE:  Oh, why did we ever come searching in Sherwood forest?
	(HUGH points flash‑camera at GIRLS, ready to take their picture.  CREATURE turns GIRLS from HUGH, and stands between GIRLS and HUGH.)
PRISCILLA:	It was your idea to go looking for this KnowAll Creature with all the answers to our questions!
	(CREATURE turns and puts hand on CONSTANCE’S shoulder.)
CONSTANCE:  I just wanted to find some love!
	(HUGH takes picture with flash‑camera, making a big flash on the dimly lit stage.)
PRISCILLA:	(turning to HUGH)  Hey, what was that?  Somebody’s taking our picture.
HUGH:	(to GIRLS)  I just had to take a picture of such beautiful girls.  I’m a photographer, and I love beauty.
	(Lights slowly brighten.)
PRISCILLA:  (going to HUGH)  What’s your name?
HUGH:	Hugh.
CONSTANCE: (turning to HUGH)  Who?
HUGH:	That right – Hugh.
CONSTANCE:  You are – who?
HUGH:	Yes, I are – Hugh.
PRISCILLA:	(to CONSTANCE)  Would you knock that off!  (back to HUGH, flirting)  That’s Constance.  She’s the deaf one.  I’m Priscilla.
HUGH:	(flirting back to PRISCILLA)  I overheard you talking about how dangerous the forest is.  I love how your voices just float through the trees here.
PRISCILLA:	We’ve been in here for such a long time, Hugh.
CONSTANCE:  We are getting – tired – of searching.
HUGH:	Would you like for me to take you out of this forest – out of Sherwood Forest?
PRISCILLA:	Sure would.
HUGH:	(confused)  Ummm – that’s what I said – Sherwood Forest.  Would you like for me to take you out of Sherwood Forest?
PRISCILLA:	Sure would.
HUGH:	(more confused)  Yes – that’s the name of the forest – Sherwood.  Would you like for me to take you out of here?  You must have a lot of reasons for to leave here.
PRISCILLA:	Sure would.
CONSTANCE:  For rest.
HUGH:	(very confused)  Would you say that again.
PRISCILLA:	Sure would.
CONSTANCE:  For rest.
HUGH:	Sure would, for rest.  Sherwood Forest.  (big sigh)  Anyway – now that we’ve done the comic relief with some very bad puns – anyway – you’re right that the legendary Creature is a ferocious lion.  His roar is sure loud, but he doesn’t scare me.  (getting closer to PRISCILLA)  When it comes down to it, I think the Creature is as dangerous as a lamb.  Why, I dare him to come right now and show his face.
	(CREATURE lifts his hand from CONSTANCE’S shoulder, and steps forward.  GIRLS and HUGH finally see him.  PRISCILLA, frightened, grabs onto HUGH.  CREATURE removes his mask and raises his arms, ready to roar loudly.  But then he slowly lowers his arms into a pleading position.)
CREATURE:	(pleading)  I love you, Priscilla.  I love you, Constance.
CONSTANCE:  We’ve been searching everywhere for you.
HUGH:	(laughing)  Ha.  Some searching.  You’ve been wandering around this forest like you’re lost.  It didn’t look like you were hunting for the Creature – 
CREATURE:	(interrupting, to GIRLS)  No, but I was hunting for you.
CONSTANCE:  Can you help us?  Can you answer our questions – 
PRISCILLA:	(interrupting, talking to CREATURE but looking at HUGH)  Can you help us find love?
	(CLEW enters and joins everyone.)
CREATURE:	Yes, I can provide love for you – but perhaps not in the manner that you think I should.  I will have Clew take you to your home, and there I will teach you and strengthen – 
PRISCILLA:	(very angry when CREATURE says “home”)  Home?!  Oh no you’re not.  That place is awful.
CREATURE:	Your home is not a good place.  But unless it becomes dangerous, then the best place for you to be is at home.  There will come a day when it will be the right time to leave.  But until then – 
PRISCILLA:	(interrupting, disgusted)  I’m never going back!  (turning completely to HUGH)  I’m much better off being out of there.
CONSTANCE:  (unsure, to CREATURE)  You want me to go home?
CREATURE:	(to CONSTANCE)  Yes.  I will give my love to you there.  You will learn of love from my book.  Other hunters of myself will come to you and encourage you.  And Clew will be there to provide peace and hope during the darkest times.
CLEW:	Now that you’ve found the Creature, you may be able to – influence – your Mom – and Edgar.
CREATURE:	And, at home, you will learn to love those who are hardest to love.
HUGH:	(turning to exit, to GIRLS)  You girls don’t want to do that.  Come with me.  I’ll make famous models out of you.  And I’ll show you what real love is.
	(PRISCILLA, still holding onto HUGH, thinks a moment and then turns to exit with HUGH.  Just before they exit, PRISCILLA turns back to CONSTANCE.)
PRISCILLA:	Come on, Constance.  This way is more real.
CONSTANCE:  (thinking for a moment, then to PRISCILLA but looking at CREATURE)  No, I believe this way is right.
	(CREATURE and CONSTANCE hug as HUGH and PRISCILLA exit.  CREATURE then puts CONSTANCE’S hand into CLEW’S.)
CREATURE:	Clew will take you back home now.  Constance, I love you very much.  Have faith that your search for love is now on the right way.
	(CLEW and CONSTANCE turn and walk to DR.  CREATURE exits.  Lights dim everywhere except DR.)
CONSTANCE:  (stopping with questions for CLEW)  Clew, who is he – the KnowAll Creature – really?
CLEW:	You were right.  He is a lion – a great lion – and he’s also a lamb.
CONSTANCE:  Is he safe?
CLEW:	Of course he isn’t safe.  But he’s good.  Stay with him, young lady, and you’ll always find love.
CONSTANCE:  It’s been very hard and scary, but I’m glad that I searched for love.
CLEW:	Hmm.  Maybe you should be glad that love searched for you.
	(CONSTANCE and CLEW exit.  Stage is cleared for next scene.)

Scene 7:  Commercial
	(Scene starts out dark.)

Scene 8:  Forgetting How To Hunt
	(CREATURE comes on stage,. with a mask hiding his face.  CLEW is setting up a meeting place – the hunting lodge – for the HUNTERS, using U‑blocks to sit.  The HUNTERS eventually include: KID, MOTHER, POSSESSORS, RELIGIOUS, SELF, EXPOUNDER, and NOTHING.)
CLUE:	(to CREATURE)  They should be here pretty soon.  (looking at watch)  It’s Sunday again.
	(CREATURE sighs.)
CLUE:	Every week they come – (ironic) faithfully.  (not encouraged)  Will they see you this time?  It’s been a long time since they’ve seen you.  You would think that these, who study you most, would see you the easiest.
	(CLEW, shaking his head and downcast, exits.  KID and MOTHER enter.  KID is little, loud, doesn’t obey, and gets restless quickly.  MOTHER is harried, forgetful, and busy.)
KID:	(running back and forth, excited)  I want to go hunting!  Let’s go hunting, Mom!  Why can’t we go hunting now.  I don’t want to wait for everybody else.  I want to go hunting.
	(CREATURE tries to show himself to KID, but KID is running too fast to see.)
MOTHER:	(preparing for the hunt)  Now, you know that we have to get everything prepared for the hunt this morning.  There’s the coffee and the food and the – oh no, I forgot the handouts.  (rushes to prepare the handouts)  And we must wait for the pianist to show up – he’s always late you know – so we can sing our songs before the hunt.
	(CREATURE, who has been unsuccessfully running after MOTHER, stops in front of her. MOTHER stops and sees CREATURE for a brief moment.)
CREATURE:	Please, sit and listen to me.
	(MOTHER shakes it off and continues by going around CREATURE.)
MOTHER:	We have some special speakers for our hunt today.  And we must get ready for the offering to be taken for the hunt.
KID:	Ah, why do we always have to do all that stuff for the hunt.  I want to go hunting.
	(CREATURE stops in front of KID. KID stops and sees CREATURE.)
KID:	(staring at CREATURE)  I want to go hunting.  (gets distracted again, off running and shouting)  I want to go hunting!  I want to go hunting now!
	(KID almost runs into two POSSESSORS, who are materialistic teenagers, as they enter.)
POSSESSOR 1:  (to POSSESSOR 2)  I just hope that the speaker for the hunt doesn’t talk too long this morning.  I can’t wait to finish my new King Arthur computer game.  It’s awesome.
POSSESSOR 2:  I talked my folks into going to the Enchanted Burger Castle right after the hunt.  And then we get to go look at jousting horses, for when I get my license next month.  I really, really, really want a white one.
CREATURE:	(stepping in front of POSSESSORS)  Please, hug me and let me hold onto you.
	(POSSESSORS go around CREATURE, as if avoiding a pesky mosquito.)
POSSESSOR 1:  I got to level 8 on King Arthur last night.  I killed 40 dragons with his red laser lance.
MOTHER:	(to POSSESSORS, cheerily)  Good to see you on this beautiful hunt day.
KID:	(going up to POSSESSORS)  I love going hunting – don’t you?  I can hardly wait to go hunting for the Creature.
POSSESSOR 2:  (shushing KID)  Don’t talk so loud inside the hunting lodge, kid.  It’s so rude.
POSSESSOR 1:  We better hurry and get a seat in the back.  I want to draw you the cool King Arthur 3-D arrow repellent shield.
	(POSSESSORS sit down in back on U‑blocks.  RELIGIOUS, a well dressed woman, enters and goes through a ritual of “looking” north, east, south, and west.  KID runs to MOTHER.)
KID:	Look, Mommy, there’s that lady who wears the same dress every hunt day.  Mommy – she does everything the same.
MOTHER:	It’s important to be proper on hunt day.  I wish I could be as proper as she, but I have so much to do today  – oh no, I forgot the handouts again.
	(MOTHER rushes to hand out the handouts.)
KID:	(staring at RELIGIOUS doing her ritual)  I sure don’t want to do the same thing every time.  I just want to go hunting.
	(KID goes off running and shouting again.  CREATURE stands where RELIGIOUS is heading.  RELIGIOUS goes to CREATURE, a bit annoyed.)
CREATURE:	(to RELIGIOUS)  Please, be my friend and listen to me.
RELIGIOUS:	(to CREATURE)  Excuse me.  I don’t remember seeing you here before, so you must be new.  But you’re standing in the place where I always sit.
	(RELIGIOUS taps her foot impatiently until CREATURE moves on.  RELIGIOUS sits down.  MOTHER goes to RELIGIOUS and gives her a handout.)
MOTHER:	(to RELIGIOUS)  Isn’t it such a beautiful day for the Creature hunt.
RELIGIOUS:	My yes.  Like I always said, there’s nothing better than a meeting at the hunting lodge.
KID:	(rushing to MOTHER, interrupting)  Mommy, when can we go hunting?  I really want to go hunting for the KnowAll Creature.
RELIGIOUS:	(to KID)  Yes, little girl, hunting for the Creature is sure fun.  But don’t you know that we first sing some Creature hunt songs.  Like I always said, there’s nothing better than singing the songs of the hunt.
KID:	(looking confused by RELIGIOUS, to MOTHER)  But Mommy, I really want to find the Creature.
	(SELF, a self-absorbed woman carrying a hand mirror, and EXPOUNDER, armed with books, start to enter.)
RELIGIOUS:	(to KID)  Yes, little girl, finding the Creature is such a wonderful experience.  (pointing to SELF and EXPOUNDER)  And here come those that will tell us stories about finding the Creature.  Like I always said, there’s nothing better than hearing stories of the hunt.
	(KID, MOTHER, and EXPOUNDER sit down.  SELF gets in front and speaks to them all, looking at her mirror at times to admire herself.)
SELF:	(emphasizing “I”)  I thank you for coming and listening to me, the first one to ever see the KnowAll Creature.  It happened to me many, many years ago – in this very spot.  I began searching for the Creature with all my heart, knowing that if I persisted, I would find the Creature.  My search was so very hard and so very long.  During that lonely 15 minutes, I became so discouraged and exhausted that I almost gave up.  But I knew that deep inside me, I had the power to find this Legendary Creature.
	(CREATURE comes right in front of SELF.)
SELF:	Then – all of a sudden –  there he was – right in front of me.
CREATURE:	(to SELF)  Please, remove that veil of self, so you can see me again.
	(SELF becomes absorbed in looking at herself in the mirror while she’s talking.  CREATURE, sadly, eventually moves away from SELF.)
SELF:	It was the greatest experience of my life.  I had actually seen the Creature.  And ever since, I have come to this hunt each week so that I can share how I first saw the Creature.
KID:	(who has become bored, loudly)  Mommy, do we have to keep listening to this lady?  Can’t we just go hunting?
	(MOTHER quiets KID, for a little while.)
SELF:	(still to the mirror)  Nobody believed me at first.  But I, all by myself, proved it to them.  Today, many forget that I was the very first one and they don’t want to listen to my story.  But I have been the most faithful at the hunt.  I was the one who practically started the whole idea.
	(EXPOUNDER gets up and steers the self-absorbed SELF to her seat.  EXPOUNDER gathers up his books and begins to talk strongly to the others.)
EXPOUNDER:  After years of study of the KnowAll Creature, I’m here to tell everything there is to know about the Creature.  Even though I have never seen the Creature, I can tell exactly what he looks like, what he sounds like, even what he smells like.
	(CREATURE comes right in front of EXPOUNDER.)
CREATURE:	(to EXPOUNDER)  Please, let me show you your life’s work.
EXPOUNDER:  (peering around CREATURE, looking suspiciously at the others)  I have compared the writings in the KnowAll Creature book against all other sources in existence.  I am able to prove that not only does the Creature exists, but that he also has appeared to people throughout the ages – 
	(CREATURE very sadly leaves EXPOUNDER.  NOTHING, dressed poorly, enters and sits on an U‑block chair.)
KID:	(interrupting, pointing to NOTHING)  Mommy, why does that guy wear such an old coat?  Doesn’t he have any clothes?
MOTHER:	(quieting KID)  He has almost nothing.  I don’t think he owns a single thing, except those old clothes.  I’m not sure why – I think maybe he gave everything away.
EXPOUNDER:  (continuing)  As I was saying, the appearance of the Creature is such a fascinating topic.  Let me take the next few hours and demonstrate how the legend book, over and over, proves that -- .
	(CREATURE goes to other side of stage and looks at NOTHING.)
KID:	(interrupting, distraught)  Oh, Mommy, can I please go hunting now.  I’m so tired of hearing about the Creature.  I want to see the Creature – 
	(CREATURE lowers his mask.  NOTHING stands up and sees CREATURE.)
NOTHING:	(pointing to Creature, loudly)  Look – there he is – I see him – I see the Creature!
	(All the HUNTERS turn to where NOTHING is pointing, but they do not see CREATURE, with a “I don’t see anything”, “There’s nothing there”, “What is he talking about”, “He just causing trouble”.  CREATURE turns and starts toward NOTHING.)
CREATURE:	(to NOTHING)  Yes, you who are blessed because there you have nothing to block out my presence – yes, you do see me.
NOTHING:	Oh, I see him, I really do see him.  And I hear his voice.
KID:	(suddenly seeing CREATURE, staring)  I see him, too.  Mommy, I see the Creature.
CREATURE:	(continuing to talk to and go to NOTHING)  Please, always be satisfied with who I am and with what I tell you.
MOTHER:	(quickly looking for CREATURE)  What, honey?  Where?  Where do you see the Creature?
	(All the HUNTERS – except MOTHER and KID – starts to surround NOTHING, cutting him off from CREATURE.)
KID:	Right here, Mommy.  He’s going to that guy that saw him.  Mommy – the Creature is talking to that guy.
MOTHER:	What?  You can hear the Creature’s voice?
	(HUNTERS tries to turn NOTHING from his view of CREATURE, but NOTHING keeps staring at CREATURE.  CREATURE turns to MOTHER, getting right in front of her face.  KID continues to stare at CREATURE.)
RELIGIOUS:	(to NOTHING)  Young man, this is not proper for a hunt meeting.  Now stop it.
POSSESSOR 2:  (to NOTHING)  Hey, come with our family to Enchanted Burger Castle.
POSSESSOR 1:  (to NOTHING)  Hey guy – you just got to play my new King Arthur computer game.  It’s awesome.
SELF:	(holding mirror to NOTHING’S face)  Doesn’t this experience do wonders for your self-pride and self-confidence.
EXPOUNDER:  Come, I need to teach you more about the Creature.
CREATURE:	(to MOTHER)  Please, let me speak to you about the questions of your life.
KID:	Mommy, can’t you see the Creature?  Mommy, he’s talking to you.
MOTHER:	(trying very hard to see CREATURE)  I think – maybe – I see a little – I hear something.  I really want to find – (changing her mind) – No, I have too many things to do, too many things to get done.  I don’t have time.
	(All the HUNTERS – except for NOTHING and KID –  turn to MOTHER, distracting her from CREATURE.)
EXPOUNDER:  I have to finish my lecture.
RELIGIOUS:	It’s 12 o’clock, time for the meeting to end.
SELF:	I don’t want to be here anymore.
POSSESSOR 1:  Come on, we’ve got things at home – 
POSSESSOR 2:  Let’s go do something fun – 
MOTHER:	I need to prepare for next week’s meeting.  We’re supposed to plan our great hunt fund raiser – 
CREATURE:	(yelling very loudly)  Stop!
	(All the HUNTERS freezes.)
CREATURE:	All of you must leave!  I will hunt this one down until she stops to see me again.
	(CREATURE takes away mask and makes a sweeping “strike” with it to the top of MOTHER’S head, without actually touching her head with the mask.  MOTHER , unfreezing, appears shaken and staggers forward to DC.)
MOTHER:	Oh – I feel so – sick – so stiff – I can barely – walk.  Please, help me sit down.
	(Rest of HUNTERS unfreezes.  CREATURE gets U‑block chair and MOTHER sits on it very stiffly.  KID goes to NOTHING and they watch CREATURE.  The rest of the HUNTERS gather around the sick MOTHER.)
MOTHER:	I can hardly move.  I – can – barely—speak.
POSSESSOR 2:  (feeling strangely compelled to leave)  I’m so sorry for you – but we must be going now.
POSSESSOR 1:  (feeling strangely compelled to leave)  I’m sorry – but we have things we need to take care of.
	(POSSESSOR 1 and POSSESSOR 2 exit.)
RELIGIOUS:	(feeling strangely compelled to leave)  This is so awful for you – but I must go home at my normal time.
	(RELIGIOUS exits.)
SELF:	(feeling strangely compelled to leave)  I know you have a terrible illness – but I must go before I get sick.
EXPOUNDER:  (feeling strangely compelled to leave)  I do hope you feel better soon – but there is a conference I must go to.
	(SELF and EXPOUNDER exit.  CLUE enters and joins NOTHING and KID.)
CREATURE:	(to MOTHER)  Please, hear my voice again.
MOTHER:	I – think – I – hear – 
CLUE:	So that’s the way he’s going to get her to listen.
	If you’re flat on your back
	And can’t move at all,
Then there’s nothing you can do
	But hear his call.
NOTHING:	(questioning to CLUE)  She had too many distractions – too many things to do – didn’t she – so that she didn’t notice the Creature?
CREATURE:	(standing in front of MOTHER)  Please, look to me.
MOTHER:	(barely turning her head to CREATURE)  I – think – I – see – 
KID:	How come none of the other people could see the Creature?
CLUE:	There are many wonderful things for us to do: fun times, good entertainment, meaningful rituals, feeling good about yourself, studying about the Creature.  But when these things become more important than being with the Creature – 
NOTHING:	It would be better to have nothing at all.
CREATURE:	(still to MOTHER)  Please, touch me – feel me – 
	(MOTHER slowly reaches out and grabs CREATURE’S hand.)
CREATURE:	And let me surround you with all that I am.
KID:	(to CLEW)  Is she going to be all right?
CLUE:	Yes.  She’s finally remembered how to go hunting.
	(Lights fade out.  All exit.  Breathe In Me is sung while stage is cleared for next scene.)

Scene 9:  Conclusion
	(A “wall” is built with U‑blocks.  The wall separates SL from SC & SR.  CREATURE is SL, behind the wall, with a wall looking mask hiding his face.  Three HEBREWS enter SR.  HEBREW 2 is carrying an open scroll.)
HEBREW 1:	(running onto stage, eager to find CREATURE, to the other HEBREWS)  Hurry.  Maybe we’ll see the Creature today.
HEBREW 2:	(constantly reading the open scroll)  I don’t think the ancient scroll tells us what day we’ll find the Creature.  Maybe the right week –
HEBREW 3	(the leader, taking charge)  Now wait right there.  Let’s just make sure we’re doing everything correctly in our search for the Creature.  First of all, have we eaten the right foods.
HEBREW 2:	(reading the scroll)  Yes, for the last 40 days, we have only eaten the foods blessed by the ancient scroll.
HEBREW 1:	(sticking out a fat stomach)  Yep, this morning’s breakfast was especially blessed.
HEBREW 3:	Let’s see – our clothes are the correct ones.
HEBREW 2	(reading)  And we put them on in the correct order as the ancient scroll instructed.
HEBREW 1:	(getting impatient)  And you both took hours doing it too this morning.  Come on, let’s search for the KnowAll Creature –
HEBREW 3:	(interrupting)  Did we say the proper prayers?
HEBREW 2:	Yes, exactly the same as in the ancient scroll.
HEBREW 3:	And did we offer the proper sacrifices?
HEBREW 1:	(impatient)  Yes.  Can we go now?
HEBREW 3:	Well, I guess we’re ready.  But where are we going to search for the Creature?
HEBREW 2:	(reading)  Well, the ancient scroll prophesies that the Creature will come from maybe somewhere over there. (points to SL)
	(HEBREW 1, searching quickly, comes up to wall and does not see CREATURE.  HEBREW 2 & 3 take their time, searching everywhere.  CLEW enters.)
CLEW:	Ah.  Man’s quest for understanding his own life is always stopped by the wall that is at the end of his own life – a wall that he is unable to see beyond and is unable to hurdle over by his own strength.
HEBREW 3:	(seeing CLEW and yelling to him)  Hey – you with the clothes that got left in dryer for three days – are we in the part of Sherwood where we can see the Creature?
HEBREW 2:	(again reading)  The ancient scroll says he’s to appear somewhere around here.
HEBREW 1:	(trying to figure out wall)  What is this thing here?  I think it's hiding the KnowAll Creature.
CLEW:	It appears to me to be sheer plates of internal timber solids, probably of the coniferous variety, assembled together symmetrically by means of strong, sharp metal cylinders and bovine originated adhesive material.
HEBREW 1:	What?!
CLEW:	It’s a wall.
HEBREW 3:	Of course it’s a wall.  Aren’t you Clew, the erratic and somewhat unusual tall elf?
HEBREW 2:	And aren’t you supposed to be giving us the hidden metaphysical meaning of this “wall”?
CLEW:	Well, it is keeping you from finding the Creature.
HEBREW 1:	(searching the wall, but still not seeing CREATURE)  Where?  I can’t see him.  Is he there?
CLEW:	Yes, right under your nose.
HEBREW 1:	Why can’t I see him?  What’s wrong with me?
CLEW:	You can’t see the Creature because of the wall.
It represents everything wrong with you all.
HEBREW 3:	But we spent so much time preparing ourselves.
HEBREW 2:	We’ve followed the ancient scroll’s instructions.
CLEW:	You attempt to perfection
	In your minds eye.
But you’ll never make it,
	Despite how you try.
	Your efforts are fruitless
	When you search on your own.
You can’t ever find him
	If you go it alone.
HEBREW 3:	Maybe over time, the wall will eventually – dissolve or fall apart?
CLEW:	No, over time the wall just gets bigger and stronger.  With every act of disobedience, with every selfish desire, you build the wall higher and higher.
	(CHANTERS enter and sing Chant Of The Walls to the tune of Joshua Fit the Battle.)
CHANTERS:	(Chorus)
You, and you alone, have built the walls,
	Built the walls,
	Built the walls.
You, and you alone, have built the walls,
	The walls that keep you out.
	You, and you alone, have built the walls,
	Built the walls,
	Built the walls.
You, and you alone have built the walls,
	The walls of sin and doubt.
	(Verse 1)
It was by your choice you laid each plank,
	And you thought you had it made.
Now alone with no one else to thank,
	You can see the fool you played.
	(Repeat Chorus.)
	(Verse 2)
You spurned the truth just to have your way,
	All your efforts came to naught.
You have built a wall keeping you away,
	From the Creature you have sought.
	(Repeat Chorus.)
	(CHANTERS exit.)
HEBREW 3:	(back to CLEW and the wall)  But still – if you wait long enough – something might happen to it.
CLEW:	If you wait long enough,
	Only one thing will happen.
You’ll die – and that’s death – 
	And it isn’t called nappin’.
HEBREW 2:	Ummm, death is the ultimate wall, isn’t it.
HEBREW 1:	(blankly staring over the wall, defeated)  Then – the wall is impassable?
CLEW:	For you – but not for the Creature.
	(CREATURE comes around wall to SC, in front of the HEBREWS, who still can not see him.  CREATURE still has mask hiding his face.)
CREATURE:	Here I am.
HEBREW 1:	Where are you?  I can hear you, but I can’t see –
CREATURE:	(interrupting, removing mask)  I am here.
	(HEBREWS finally see CREATURE and are shocked.)
HEBREW 1:	Is it you?  Are you the Creature?
CREATURE:	I am.  I am the one you seek.
HEBREW 3:	(looking face to face with CREATURE)  Wait.  You’re not the Creature.  You’re a man.  You are – an impostor!
HEBREW 2:	(reading scroll again)  I don’t think the ancient scroll says anything about the Creature looking like – (look face to face with CREATURE) – you.
HEBREW 1:	(standing up for CREATURE)  No, wait.  I think – maybe – he is the Creature.
HEBREW 2:	(reading scroll again)  This is not the Creature foretold by the ancient scroll.  It’s just a man.
HEBREW 3:	You are not the one we’ve been searching for.  You – are just a man.
CREATURE:	Yes, I am a man, but I am also – the Creature.
HEBREW 3:	How dare you call yourself the Creature!  You are a liar!
HEBREW 2:	He has performed sacrilege on our ancient scroll!  And by the ancient scroll, he must be judged – and punished.
HEBREW 1:	No!  I say you are wrong.
HEBREW 3:	(calling out)  Are there any other witnesses against this fraud – against this criminal!
	(REJECTOR hunters – from the previous scenes – enter, bringing weapons.  They accuse CREATURE in different ways.  A few FOLLOWER hunters – from  the previous scenes – enter.  They weakly defend CREATURE.)
	(At one point, a REJECTOR accuses: “We hunted for you with our questions – but you never gave the answer we were looking for”.  CREATURE replies: “I never promised to answer all your questions – just to let you live with joy and peace”.)
HEBREW 3:	(finally, to CREATURE)  Now – Man – answers us straight.  Do you claim to be the Creature of Sherwood?
CREATURE:	Yes – I am the KnowAll Creature – who has been hunting for you.
	(REJECTORS explode angrily with “He’s not the Creature!”, “He was hunting us!”, “He was trying to kill us!”, “He killed the real Creature!”, “Kill him!”.)
HEBREW 3:	Then he must die.  (to the REJECTORS)  Grab him!  Don’t let him escape!
	(REJECTORS charge CREATURE all at once; but CREATURE holds out his hands and stops them.  CREATURE purposely backs up to the wall and places the back of his outstretched hands against the wall.)
CREATURE:	I have come to hunt and capture those who seek me.  But you were unable to see me completely, because of the wall keeping you away.  But this – your great rejection of me – will be the means by which I will remove this hideous wall of sin and prove to you that I am the Creature.
	(The REJECTORS, one by one, kill CREATURE with their weapons, accompanied by loud sound effects.  CREATURE sinks lower and lower, with his hands pinned to the wall, until he finally collapses in a heap.  After a moment, the FOLLOWERS rush to CREATURE, crying, and raising his limp body to his feet.  HEBREW 3 goes to CREATURE, lifts up his lifeless head, then lets it drop.)
HEBREW 3:	He’s dead.  The “Creature” – who was hunting us – is dead.  Let’s bind his useless body to the wall he was hiding behind.
	(REJECTORS pull away FOLLOWERS, who huddle SR crying.  REJECTORS take CREATURE, droop him over the wall on his chest, and close the wall around him, making a three sided tomb.  The REJECTORS quietly exit and the lights dim.  CLEW, who has been watching everything, approaches the weeping FOLLOWERS to comfort them.)
CLEW:	Ah, the deep night is so dark, that the only sound to escape is crying.  But be encouraged: a new day is rushing in and the dawn will break with the sound of redemption.
	(The FOLLOWERS continue to cry with “What?!”, “Don’t you understand”, “They killed the Creature”, “We searched so far to find him”, “We hoped that he’d find us”.)
CLEW:	Ah, but in this dark, deep night, can’t you hear the rumblings of the power that can not be held by any wall – 
	(Rumbling earthquake sound effects start.)
CLEW:	(getting louder) – the sounds of trumpets heralding a triumphant age – the singing of the heavens as it witnesses the miracles of all miracles – 
	(Trumpets and angels and others strange sound effects are heard.)
CLEW:	(shouting) – and the thunderous echoes of the destruction of man’s great enemy – the breaking defeat of death itself.
	(A thunderous crack sound effect is heard, the lights go black, and the U‑blocks are heard to be knocked down.  The lights come up slowly, and morning music begins to play.  The wall is broken down, and CREATURE is missing.  CLEW has also exited.  The FOLLOWERS get up and stare at broken wall.  Then they rush to the wall and frantically search, crying, with “What has happened?”, “Where is his body?”, “What have they done to him?”, “We’ve lost him!”, “We must search for him”, “We’ll never find him!”.  CREATURE enters SR behind the searching FOLLOWERS.  One by one, he chases after each scurrying FOLLOWER until he catches him.  Each FOLLOWER, when caught, turns around with surprise, hugs CREATURE, and excitedly helps CREATURE catch the next searching FOLLOWER.  The last FOLLOWER is caught as the morning music climaxes.  With a final hug, CREATURE sends the FOLLOWERS offstage.)
	(Final speech is given, using Psalm 18:34 and Psalm 139.  As The Deer  starts.  CAST enters and sings song to God.)
CAST:	As the deer panteth for the water,
	so my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
	and I long to worship Thee.
	(Chorus)
You alone are my Strength, my Shield;
	To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire
	and I long to worship Thee.
	You’re my friend and You are my brother
	even though You are a King.
I love You more than any other,
	so much more than anything.
	(Repeat Chorus)
	I love You more than gold or silver,
	only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy giver
	and the apple of my eye.
	(Repeat Chorus)
	(CAST exits.)