A Tall Turkey Tale from Old Virginia
A Thanksgiving Comedy in One Act
by Leslie McBlair
About the Play: The Tall Turkey Tale is a researched portrayal of the settlers and the Chesopean Indians during the early years of English settlement in Tidewater, Virginia, at the Southern end of the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a funny first Thanksgiving story for children.
The Characters:
Turk: A husky turkey
Gabbler: His turkey-wife
George Thorpe: A hard-working settler
Elizabeth Thorpe: His wife
Willy Thorpe: Their young son, age 10
Sarah Thorpe: Their daughter
Mary Thorpe: Their daughter
Alma Finch: A neighbor-woman
Dick Finch: Her nasty son, age 20
Takreh (The Willow): An Indian woman
Kynehsweh (Leaping Cloud):An Indian girl, age 13
Quahree (Running Wolf): Her older brother, age 20
The Scenes:
Act I, Scene 1. The front yard of the Thorpe’s cabin, located on the banks of the Lynnhaven River, November 1618
Scene 2. Sundown that same day.
Act II: The next day: A Thanksgiving feast
The Scene: A clearing in front of a rough log cabin. In the background, the remains of a large garden and farm implements, barrels, etc., around the yard. There are cut logs, sawdust, boards, etc., as someone is building a table.
From the Play:
Gabbler: I wouldn’t say we are exactly wild, Mr. Turk. We grew up under the watchful eye and generous hand of Kynehsweh, the Indian girl. I’ve never known a time without nearby humans.
Turk: ‘Tis why they brought us here, Gabby. We are cultivated the plants and fruits. Yet, our lives are no shorter, nor any worse than the life of our wild northern cousins. I guess it’s all the same if you’re a turkey. (He hears a sound) Awk! Gobble! (Very suddenly, willy thorpe jumps out from behind the house and runs inexpertly toward the birds)
willy: (shouting, but thinking he’s enticing them) Here, birdie! Here! Turk, turk, turkey. (He makes some noises)
Gabbler: (As they are excitedly dashing offstage) Gak! Run, Turk! Gobble! Awk!
Willy stops just before exiting, and turns around briefly.
Willy: Shucks! I almost had ‘em that time. Boy, would I like to have one of those big turkeys for a pet. I know! (He beams with excitement and, rushing over to a barrel beside the porch, he reaches in for a handful of corn. Holding it in front of him, Willy exits after the turkeys) Come, turkey. Here, nice big bird. Ho! Mr. and Mrs. Turk—ee, where are you? (More noises as he goes off. Meanwhile, the front door has opened and Sarah and Mary thorpe have stepped out onto the porch. They are giggling and sassy over the strange behavior of their brother.)
SARAH: There goes silly Willy! Always chasing after the strangest-looking creatures!
MARY: What in the world does he want with those funny-sounding birds? What does Father call them?
