Bugs 'n Flies
This 30-minute show is about Herb (the 'H' is silent) and his garden. Herb thinks his garden should be free of all insects and bugs. He has tried plant food, fertilizers, sprays and other methods to achieve this, but many of the bugs remain. Herb's new gardening friends tell him of the things bugs and flies do to benefit gardens, like pollenating flowers, enriching the soil, and even eating some of the pesky invaders that prey on garden crops. Meanwhile, the bugs and insects who live around Herb's garden begin bickering among themselves, boasting which of them benefits the garden the most, and who is the most attractive. In the end, harmony is found, and Herb learns about the beauty and complexity of his garden's environment. Six short songs for the humans and the creatures provide opportunities to sing and dance, especially for the insects, who may have colorful costumes. The flexible casting allows for more than a dozen roles, with extras and doubling possible, as needed.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHTS TERRY AND DAVE BRANDL
TALK ABOUT "BUGS 'N FLIES"
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A: Costumes. We previously worked on a show that had children playing butterflies, and we had a surplus of butterfly wings in our storage. We conceived the idea of writing a play to use these costumes and allow the actors to have fun with the roles.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: We enjoy playing with words, and the opening dialogue about the silent Hs and Ks always makes us chuckle.
Q: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM? ARE THEY BASED ON PEOPLE YOU KNOW?
A: Dave learned gardening from his father, so the human characters are based on agricultural wisdom he acquired over the years. The insect characters are based on the different insects' descriptions and behaviors.
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: We wanted the children to have fun with the script; every character has a chance to be integrated into the story. We also wanted to include natural elements of the symbiotic relationships and interactions among plants and insects.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A: "Bugs 'n Flies" was the 2nd script we wrote in the 30-minute musical genre. It provides the children with opportunities to act, and to sing and dance, at a level appropriate for their talents.