Transcript

MUSIC

Let's have some fun 

with things that rhyme

welcome Kids 

it's poetry time!

Hip Hip Hurray!

Welcome everyone to Kids’ Poetry Club with me, Little Dazzy Donuts. Queenie called me earlier today, and asked if I could pop into the Club to meet with her and Chicken to discuss an idea they’ve been brewing. In my experience, any idea that Queenie and Chicken have is one that’s worth looking into, and so I’m heading into the Club now, excited to see what I’ll find.

As I’m not quite at the Club yet, why don’t we take advantage of this time to do our Club registration? This is where you get to shout out your name and get a Club point for being here. So, on the count of three, shout out your name so that I can hear you through your phone, computer, or radio.

Let the drum roll begin. Here goes …. One. Two. Three! ….. Excellent!

Well, I just arrived at the Club, let’s head in and see what Queenie and Chicken are up to.

SOUND (Door)

Hi Queenie … Hi Chicken.

Queenie: YIPPEE!!!! You’re here, Little Dazzy Donuts! This is so exciting. Come over here and join us at our Noodling Table.

This is the Noodling Table?

Queenie: It is. I accept that a couple of weeks’ ago, we used the same table as our headquarters for the Sammy Showers Treasure Hunt – but it’s multi-purpose, and right now, it’s our Noodling Table.

And what happens at the Noodling Table?

Queenie: Well, as the name suggests … this is where we noodle … and right now, we’re noodling about a great idea that we had earlier today. It all started with a message we received from the local theater – did you receive it too?

I did. It was about the December show being cancelled this year. That’s such a shame – I know that a lot of people look forward to the December show each year. They always put on something that’s tremendous fun.

Queenie: They do, and I go every year. I try to get a seat in the front row. Last year, they did Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and it was so funny. They had three people in bear costumes playing the parts of Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear, and I laughed so much when they all got in the wrong beds … oh, and they made their porridge with the wrong ingredients and everything tasted awful. Those bears were spitting out porridge all over the front row, and I got covered. I laughed so much. You would have loved it!

It sounds like fun. I guess that everything that has been happening this year has meant that a lot of events have been cancelled. Still, it’s sad about the show. You could have taken Chicken with you this year.

Queenie: And you too. The three of us could have gone together. This year, they were going to do a version of Jack and the Beanstalk, but instead of Jack it was going to be Jill, and instead of a beanstalk, it was going to be a large potted plant. I bet that Jill and the Amazing Potted Plant would have been a great laugh.

So, receiving the message about the December show being cancelled got you two here at the Noodling Table?

Queenie: That’s exactly what happened. I was so disappointed about the show being cancelled, and I told Chicken all about it … and she asked why we can’t just put on a show ourselves, instead. Well, when she asked that question, I knew that we’d need some time here around the Noodling Table.

And what have you come up with so far?

Queenie: Well, we like the idea of putting on our own show … but we wouldn’t be able to put on a show in-person for the same reason that the theater can’t … but then Chicken came up with a genius idea!

Which was?

Queenie: If we can’t do it in-person, then why not do it on the radio instead? There’s no reason why we can’t write and act in a fun show and broadcast it on the local radio for everyone to listen to in their homes. Well, that would cheer everyone up. Of course, it wouldn’t be exactly the same if it’s on the radio – but I bet that we could still make it fun.

Well, I love the idea! It would be tremendous fun – not only to listen to, but also to do. I wonder how we’d go about doing something like that?

Queenie: Well, that’s the perfect question for three people seated around the Noodling Table. I tell you what, why don’t Chicken and I write out a list of everything we’d need to do to put on a radio show, and while we do that, you could read us a poem. Do you happen to have any poems about the theater or performing?

You know me – I have a poem about most things … and yes, I do have a poem about the theater. It’s called “I Take The Stage”. Here. I’ll read it to you now ….

The concert hall sat silent.
The audience felt alone.
The orchestra waited in the pit,
while the singers just went home.

Stage hands found themselves on hold,
lighting crew in the dark.
Everyone waited and wondered if
this performance was some type of art.

The critics were critically scribbling
harsh words for the front page.
The night I sneaked in early,
and quietly took the stage!

So, how’s it going thinking through a show for the radio?

Queenie: Well, we’re noodling on which show to put on. We’ve listed all of the ones that the theater has done over the last few years, and none of them seem right for us. Look!

Oh yes … so four years’ ago, they did Snow White.

Queenie: They did! We do have lots of sheep, and so we could do Snow White and the Seven Sheep … but I worry that’s too many sheep and not enough parts for everyone else. As you know, I’m a big fan of sheep, but even I worry about the potential chaos of doing a live radio show that involves seven of them. So, that one’s a non-starter.

Well, three years’ ago, the December show was Dick Whittington & His Cat.

Queenie: And we don’t have a cat. We do have Chicken here … but Dick Whittington & His Chicken would be a very different show … and we ideally want Chicken and her quartet to do the music. I’m not sure that Chicken can be in the quartet and also be one of the two main characters. So, that’s a non-starter too.

Okay, then, two years ago, the December show was Mother Goose.

Queenie: And where exactly would we get a goose from? So, do you see the problem we’re facing? None of these traditional December shows seem to work for us … and, I actually think that the world is ready for a completely new story instead of us re-running all of the old ones. Which means just one thing – we’re going to have to write our own show.

I guess we are. But what would our show be about?

Queenie: Ummm … well, let’s list what makes a funny show successful.

SOUND (Chicken)

Queenie: You’re right, Chicken – we need a hero. These shows always have a hero – someone that everyone cheers for and wants them to win. That hero faces lots of challenges, and has ups and downs, but comes through in the end. So, we definitely need a hero.

Well, you’re my hero, Queenie.

Queenie: I am? Well, I’ve never thought of myself as a hero – but let’s put my name down for now and see what happens. I’ll put me down as a reluctant hero. Okay, what else do we need?

SOUND (Chicken)

Queenie: Oh yes – we need a baddy. That’s someone who people can boo and hiss at. Ummm … I don’t know of any baddies in real life, and so perhaps we can find someone who can pretend to be a baddy. You know, Sammy Showers is good at pretending – he’s on the radio all the time doing his weather forecasts, and he has to pretend to sound excited about the weather even if it’s raining for the tenth straight day. I bet that he can pretend to be a baddy.  Just in case, I’ll put him down as the baddy for now.

This actually seems to be going quite well. So, we have a hero and a baddy. What else do we need?

SOUND (Chicken)

Queenie: Oh yes – the hero often has a friend who helps them. Well, you’re my friend Chicken. Do you think that you could play the part of the friend and also play your saxophone?

SOUND (Chicken)

Queenie: YIPPEE!!!!! Gosh, this is going well. So, we have the hero, the friend, and the baddy. Ummm, what else do we need?

SOUND (Chicken)

Queenie: Oh, you’re right Chicken. A good funny show has a joker – someone who is silly and clowns around. Little Dazzy Donuts, can you tell jokes?

Let me try. How about this one … what’s the best way of saving water?

Queenie: I don’t know – what is the best way of saving water?

Dilute it!

Queenie: Sorry?

Dilute it! The best way of saving water is to dilute it.

Queenie: Okay, so you’re definitely not the right person for the joker role, Little Dazzy Donuts. I think you may be more of a narrator. Let’s put you down as the Narrator. Great! But we still need a joker.

SOUND (Chicken)

Queenie: Oh yes – you’re right, Chicken. Tom and Art are always joking around on their drive-time show. Oh, they crack me up every day. They do pranks, and they’re so quick witted. I wonder if they’d be willing to both be jokers for us. I’ll write their names down just in case. Okay then, let’s see what we’ve got so far … we have Queenie as the reluctant hero … Chicken as the hero’s friend … Sammy Showers as the baddy … Tom & Art as the jokers … and you’re the narrator, Little Dazzy Donuts. Of course, we’d want to have parts for all of our friends, but let’s use those names for starters.

Oh, what about Hedgehog. Wouldn’t you want a part for Hedgehog?

Queenie: We thought about Hedgehog, but sadly we’ll be doing the show in December, and Hedgehog hibernates during Winter. If it’s a mild Winter, Hedgehog may still be active in December, but it’s probably best that we don’t assume that will happen. It would be a shame if we cast Hedgehog into an important part, and then find we have a sleepy, or even fast asleep, actor when we come to do the show. So, I’ll chat with Hedgehog and talk through our thinking – we can then record the show when it goes out on the radio so that Hedgehog can listen to it in the Spring.

Great! So, it sounds like you know the actors, and so now we need to figure out what the plot is – in other words, what story are those actors acting in?

Queenie: Ummm …. Why don’t Chicken and I noodle on that while you read us another poem, Little Dazzy Donuts?

Excellent. Well, our second poem is also about the theater, and is called “Acting Strange”. Here. I’ll read the poem to you now …

I’m in an acting position,

just doing it temporary.

You could just say,

I’m acting strange

or acting arbitrary.

Today, I’m acting normal:

a hard act then to follow.

In my juggling act,

you’ll find in fact,

I’ll act differently tomorrow.

If I’m acting funny towards you,

the advice I give is clear,

just leave me be

you’ll come to see

the whole thing’s my idea.

When I’ve got my act together,

my life will be jam-packed.

So, I’ll act my age,

on and off the stage,

‘til they catch me in the act.

You may see me acting out or up.

Act like a kid all day.

I can explain it all,

come curtain call,

I’m just acting in my play.

So, Queenie and Chicken – how’s it going in thinking through the plot of the show?

Queenie: Well, we haven’t got far … but we have noticed that most shows are about a journey. You know, the hero is often on a journey. Sometimes it’s a travel journey … and sometimes it’s a journey where they find something out about themselves. Either way, there’s a journey. So, we think that the plot needs to be about me and Chicken going on a journey, helped by our joker friends of Tom & Art, and hindered by the baddy played by Sammy Showers. Oh, and with you narrating it.

Well, you have made a lot of progress. So what happens next?

Queenie: Well, I think that we need to write the show, and then convince people to act in it … oh, and then we’ll rehearse it so that we’re ready to do it for the radio in December. Gosh, this really sounds exciting! Oh, hang on …. I forgot something.

What did you forget? 

Queenie: Well, the most important part of any TV, film, or stage production!

Oh … you’re thinking of sound equipment – you know, microphones, recording equipment. That sort of thing.

Queenie: Oh no – I’m assuming that the radio station has that sort of stuff. No, I’m thinking of something even more important than that. I’m thinking of catering! We can’t do all of this on an empty stomach! Actors are temperamental at the best of times … but I bet they’re really tough to work with if they’re hungry. So, we’re going to need all of this catered. You know – sandwiches, cakes, teas. That sort of thing.

Well, I must confess that I didn’t think of that at all.

Queenie: Well, perhaps that’s why you’re the narrator, Little Dazzy Donuts. Okay, well I better call up Chef Katie Currant and see if she’s willing to cater for us. Let’s try calling her now …

SOUND (Phone)

Chef Katie: Hi, this is Chef Katie Currant.

Queenie: Hi, Chef Katie. It’s Queenie.

Chef Katie: Oh, hi Queenie. How nice to hear from you. How are things?

Queenie: Oh, they’re peachy, Chef Katie. Real peachy.

Chef Katie: Well, Queenie, I’m just waiting for a cake to come out of the oven, but I have a couple of minutes. How can I help you today?

Queenie: Well, I wanted to see if you’re interested to help me with a December show I’m putting on.

Chef Katie: That sounds interesting. What sort of show?

Queenie: It will be a funny one. We’re going to write it, and then do it live on the local radio station.

Chef Katie: And you want my help?

Queenie: Yes – for the most important part of the show.

Chef Katie: You know, Queenie – I’ve always wanted to be in a show. Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of being an actor … but nobody has ever asked me before.

Queenie: Oh, actually, Chef Katie …

Chef Katie: If you’re replacing the December show, I bet you’ll need someone to be a fairy godmother. I’d love a part like that.

Queenie: Well, actually, I was thinking about …

Chef Katie: Oh, I’m loving the sound of this. Put me down as the Fairy Godmother please. This will be so exciting. It’s like a dream come true…. Oh, there’s my timer going off. I better go get the cake out of the oven. Thank you so much for asking me to be in your show Queenie. Bye for now.

Queenie: Chef Katie … Chef Katie … I thought that you could do the catering. Chef Katie … are you there? Oh, she’s gone!

Well, Queenie, how did it go with Chef Katie. Is she willing to do the catering for your show?

Queenie: Ummmm … I don’t know. I went into the call looking for a caterer and I came out of it with a Fairy Godmother. Oh well, I suppose we’ll be fine. I can always make a few sandwiches for the actors – I bet they’d like my peanut butter and avocado sandwiches. They’re my specialty. Oh well, I better call up everyone else and see if they’ll be in the show.

While you do that, I’ll read out final poem for today. This one is called “Hollywood Star” and is all about someone who dreams of being a big actor. Here, I’ll read it to you now.

I dreamt of being an actor:

a star of stage and screen.

The best-known household name

this world has ever seen.

I pictured being a Poitier,

a Dench, or Meryl Streep –

with a string of hits, also starring me,

releasing every week.

You’d see my name in papers,

my face on magazines.

I’d be honored by the Oscars,

and knighted by the Queen.

I’d live in gated mansions.

Dining out for free.

They’d install a plaque where I grew up

with the road named after me.

Sadly, the dream is still just that,

and fame it does elude.

‘Though you may have heard me on TV

selling cereal  and dog food.

While waiting for a film role,

I’m in pantomime right now.

You won’t know my name, or see my face.

I’m the rear end of the cow.

Well, sadly, that was our final poem for today. While Queenie phones up people in search of acting volunteers, let me remind everyone that there are lots of ways to join in with the club. If you go to kidspoetryclub.com, you can see the PodSnack video for the episode and also download the episode’s PodPack of activities. They’re all free. Plus there’s information on how to send your poems and drawings into the club, including your poem and art entries into the Autumn/Fall competition on the topic of gratitude – so, what you’re thankful for, grateful for, and appreciative of. You’ll find everything you need at kidspoetryclub.com.

It has been so lovely to spend time with you! Thank you for joining me, Queenie, Chicken, and Chef Katie Currant. I hope you enjoyed yourself, and hope you’ll be back for more next time the Club meets. Join us again next week when we’ll have a brand new topic, and new poems.

As always, let's finish with our short goodbye poem:

We've had some fun 

with things that rhymed

goodbye Kids 

until next time!

This is Little Dazzy Donuts saying .... keep rhyming!!!

MUSIC