A Squeaky Wheel Gets Oiled: Adapted for the Stage from a story by Brenda Duffey

Description

Everyone has heard the phrase, “it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil” but how many people know the back-story? The story begins in a kingdom far, far away over the rainbow – a kingdom called Spokend. This kingdom of wheels is a happy one for the gods have blessed the tiny hamlet with plentiful sunshine, water and most important…oil. Until a terrible drought starts to dry up all the oil supplies. What is to be done? The powerful barons of industry and politicians decide to hold a meeting to decide how to solve the situation. Since Spokend is a democracy all the citizens come to the meeting but their voices are ignored, especially the voices of of the poorer citizens of the community suffering from a squeak that can only be cured with oil, Spare Wheel and his wife Fifth Wheel. Despite Spare Wheel’s desperate pleas for oil, he is ignored and sent home without any help or consideration. Without oil, Spare Wheel’s squeak becomes so bad he loses his job and his family starts to suffer when his sick leave and unemployment benefits run out. What is he to do? Spare Wheel and Fifth Wheel develop a scheme that uses the squeak to their advantage against the town magistrate Big Wheel who finally relents and gives over the oil. Thus, for years after in the town of Spokend citizens in need of help are told “It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil.” Cast Size: 10 flexible roles with doubling possible. Running Time: 45 minutes. Royalty: $50.00 per performance Appropriate for all ages.