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Dear Edwina JR.

  • Performances must be done by accredited schools using students only.
  • Sorry, orders cannot be processed for Community Theatres, Children's Theatres or Performing Arts schools which do not have an academic curriculum.

Broadway Collection musicals make take ~1 week to process since a separate licensing contract must be signed. Please plan to accordingly to order these shows.

Dear Edwina JR.
Dear Edwina JR.

Credits

Book by Marcy Heisler

Lyrics by Marcy Heisler

Music by Zina Goldrich

Overview / Synopsis

Dear Edwina JR. is a heartwarming musical about the joys of growing up, from the creators of Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Written in a "show-within-a-show" format, Dear Edwina JR.is the perfect "girl power" musical for a new generation.

Dear Edwina JR. follows the adventures of plucky advice-giver-extraordinaire, Edwina Spoonapple, as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of buoyant production numbers for the latest edition of her weekly "Advice-a-Palooza." Edwina and her friends share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends through clever, catchy and poignant songs.

Featuring a host of supporting roles that can be distributed widely or doubled (or even tripled), depending on your cast size, Dear Edwina JR. provides a perfect opportunity to showcase your young performers.


Cast of Characters
Edwina Spoonapple The creator, director and choreographer of The Dear Edwina Show and is the main-staple of the play. Her character goes through a tremendous arc throughout the series of events in the play; from frustration to relief, anger to joy, horror to happiness & all within one afternoon in her own garage! The role of Edwina demands your most talented actor to pull off her bossy yet lovable character. Also, since the play is designed around her and she has the most stage time, the actor playing Edwina should feel more than comfortable onstage. Edwina's music is also a bit challenging. Your actor should have a strong, clear voice with good diction. A musical background would be helpful.
Gender: Female
Vocal range: A3-C5
Becky Edwina's enthusiastic friend and the top of the cheerleading pyramid for the Paw Paw Wildcats. Cheerleading consumes her life and creating new cheers for everyday occasions brings her great joy. This girl even cheers her anger! Becky is a vocally non-demanding role with only a few vocal lines. Stage presence is more important when it comes to casting Becky. Cast the loudest, most outgoing un-shy person you can. Athletic ability, if not cheerleading experience, would be helpful, but not necessary.
Gender: Female
Scott A neighbor boy who is helplessly in love with Edwina. He dotes on her every move and is always conniving a way to gain her attention. Choose a strong actor who feels comfortable being bold with his emotions. A good singer is a must for this role. Scott's song requires vocal dexterity and is demanding in style. An actor with strong comedic timing will be an asset to your production during Scott's 'transformation.'
Gender: Male
Vocal range: C4-Ab5
Kelli Edwina's neighbor and Paw Paw, Michigan's resident ballerina. The character of Kelli can go one of two ways, depending on your talent pool. If you have a cast member with a background in ballet, great! Let her go wild, perhaps even choreograph her own piece, and turn "Poshkonozovich Dance" into a showcase. If the actor playing Kelli has no ballet experience, not a problem. We've all flapped our arms and stood on our tippy-toes pretending to be ballerinas, have her do the same and turn it into a comedy bit! No one said Kelli was a good ballerina.
Gender: Female
Bobby Edwina's new next-door neighbor. He is a friendly and compassionate character who goes out of his way to help others. The character of Bobby will be able to get away with imperfections throughout the show, as he is a last minute replacement for Lars. Cast an actor who is outgoing and gets along with everyone.
Gender: Male
Lars Vanderploonk One of the Vanderploonk triplets and a neighborhood friend of Edwina. He is incredibly accident-prone and twists his ankle in the first scene. Lars has many prat falls before he actually twists his ankle. Casting an actor with good physical comedy skills would be helpful (always remember that any staged fall or injury should be carefully choreographed and rehearsed to prevent a real injury. Safety first!). You may want to consider having Lars return to the stage a little while after his injury in a wheelchair, a cast or leg brace, or on crutches. This adds to the comedy of the play and opens up the casting of Lars for the actor who wants to be in your show so badly but isn't exactly Baryshnikov.
Gender: Male
Billy Vanderploonk One of the Vanderploonk triplets and a neighborhood friend of Edwina. He works double duty on The Dear Edwina Show by performing onstage and serving as Box Office Manager.
Gender: Male
Cordell Vanderploonk One of the Vanderploonk triplets and a neighborhood friend of Edwina. He works double duty in The Dear Edwina Show by performing onstage and serving as House Manager.
Gender: Male
Annie Edwina's friend and the Girl Scout of Paw Paw. Annie works for and collects her Girl Scout badges like they were buried treasure. No matter what problem may arise, she is prepared with the know-how and resources to solve it in a flash - A MacGyver for the new generation! She is perky, energetic and helpful & maybe even too helpful.
Gender: Female
Aphrodite One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: Both
Vocal range: A3-Eb5
Carrie One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: Female
Vocal range: B3-D5
Abigail One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: Female
Vocal range: B3-D5
Periwinkle One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: Both
Vocal range: Bb3-C5
Ziggy & The Marching Band One of the 'letter readers' in The Dear Edwina Show. They each have vocal solos (aside from the Marching Band, who only sing backup vocals) whereby they explain their dilemmas in hopes of receiving Edwina's advice. Consider casting these roles from your ensemble or you can have any of the other characters above perform one of the roles.
Gender: Both
Vocal range: Ab3-Ab4
Vladimir Edwina's scary uncle from afar. The actor should be a strong enough singer to feel comfortable with their own song and a strong enough actor to engage the audience with their story (and keep them engaged through the duration of the song). Impeccable diction is a must for this character as Vladimir's lines are written with a Transylvanian "Dracula" accent in mind. The actor may be pulled from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry just this one role.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: A3-F5
Frank A rude, self-centered, bratty, offensive, disrespectful, socially inept child and the subject of Vladimir's song, Frankenguest. This non-singing role requires the actor to speak their lines during musical breaks in the song. Cast an "over the top" actor and you'll be just fine.
Gender: Male
Chef Ludmilla Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Actors may be selected from the company or, depending or your cast size, carry just their one role.
Gender: Both
Vocal range: A3-F5
William Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Actors may be selected from the company or, depending or your cast size, carry just their one role.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: Eb4-F5
Sonoma Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Actors may be selected from the company or, depending or your cast size, carry just their one role.
Gender: Both
Vocal range: Eb4-F5
Fairy Forkmother Part of a team to instruct the rest of the company on how to set a table in "Fork, Knife, Spoon." Each actor should have strong music and vocal skills. Actors may be selected from the company or, depending or your cast size, carry just their one role.
Gender: Female
Vocal range: Bb4-Bb5
Susie & The Napkins Susie and The Napkins are a local band who have just come from a Battle of the Bands concert at the Paw Paw Community Center to sing "Say No Thank You." Susie and The Napkins should be able to move well, if you choose to choreograph the number. Johnny and The Queen act out the story in the lyrics. They are not required to sing, but to merely speak in rhythm during the song. Be sure you cast someone who can 'feel the beat.' Your actors may be selected from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry their one role.
Gender: Both
Vocal range: Bb3-D5
Johnny and Queen of Boola BoolaSusie and The Napkins are a local band who have just come from a Battle of the Bands concert at the Paw Paw Community Center to sing "Say No Thank You." Susie and The Napkins should be able to move well, if you choose to choreograph the number. Johnny and The Queen act out the story in the lyrics. They are not required to sing, but to merely speak in rhythm during the song. Be sure you cast someone who can 'feel the beat.' Your actors may be selected from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry their one role.
Gender: Both
Vocal range: A3-F5
Lola New to America, Lola expresses her shyness in the song, "Hola, Lola." It would be helpful if this actor speaks Spanish or has a good ear for languages. She may be selected from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry this one role.
Gender: Female
Vocal range: B2-A4
Harry Lola's cousin and the reason she flies from Lima, Peru, to Honolulu. He is a fun, happy-go-lucky character who just wants to make sure his favorite cousin is having a good time. Harry may be selected from the company or, depending on your cast size, carry this one role.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: Ab2-C#4
Mary Sue Betty Bob Mary Sue Betty Bob's backup for "Put it in the Piggy." The girl company members play the "Girls" and the "Pigs" are played by the boy company members.
Vocal range: C4-D5
Farmer Jerry, Girls and Pigs Mary Sue Betty Bob's backup for "Put it in the Piggy." The girl company members play the "Girls" and the "Pigs" are played by the boy company members.
Gender: Male
Katie Spoonapple Edwina's little sister and a math wiz. Although she arrives at the end of the play, she has the very important role of influencing Edwina's thoughts and feelings. It is Katie that brings about the climax of the play, showing Edwina the "best advice of all." Choose an actor who looks younger than Edwina or is diminutive in stature.
Gender: Female
Ann Van Buren The Kalamazoo Advice-A-Palooza talent scout. She is represented only by a brief voice-over that may be recorded beforehand. When it comes to casting this voice, think very L.A., sweetie darling.
Gender: Female
Myra/Myron Spoonapple Edwina's little sister/brother and musical director of The Dear Edwina Show (played by the Musical Director).
Gender: Both

Joe/Jo Spoonapple Edwina's older brother/sister. Percussionist of The Dear Edwina Show.
Gender: Both


Musical Numbers

Paw-Paw Michigan
Up On the Fridge
Dear Edwina
Here Comes a Letter
Aphrodite
Say No Thank You
Becky's Cheers
Another Letter
Abigail
Frankenguest
Carrie
Fork, Knife, Spoon
Time for Intermission
Here Come More Letters
Periwinkle
Hola, Lola
Becky's Second Cheers
Ziggy
Put it in the Piggy
Thanks for Coming 1
Edwina
Thank for Coming 2
Up on the Fridge Breakdown
Sing Your Own Song
Hola, Lola Encore

Important: Due to the fact that "grandrights" must be obtained for licensing and performance of Junior Shows, certain restrictions do apply:

  • Performances must be done by accredited schools using students in Grade 9 or under only. High schools with students older than ninth grade must contact Music Theater International directly.
  • Sorry, orders cannot be processed for Community Theatres, Children's Theatres or Performing Arts schools which do not have an academic curriculum.
  • Your purchase price includes the materials in the showkit plus unlimited performing rights for one year. Upon placing your order, you will receive a performance rights license from Hal Leonard Corporation. After the completed license is returned to Hal Leonard, they will send out the complete Showkit (non-returnable). Twisted Plays will then send you an invoice for the material.
  • Products may be sold only in the United States and Canada.
$695.00
  • Stock: In Stock
  • Item Number: HL00218175
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Broadway Collection Licensing Steps

Whether you're looking for an Broadway Collection show based on a recent hit from Broadway, a timeless classic, a beloved Disney tune or a show based on an award-winning book, we have something for everyone.

Simply browse the collection from the list on our Broadway Junior, Broadway Kids, Young@Part or Younger@Part showpages, and you'll find helpful information on the shows' requirements on their individual show pages.


Read a Copy of the Script Before You Decide

Not sure what show you'd like to perform? Order an audio sampler of a script (also comes with a full listening CD of the show) so you can read the libretto to see if it's right for your group. Read one or read several musicals to help you make the best decision. We strongly recommend you read the script before you book a show - even if you think you know a title. Only you know what material is appropriate for your school.

Audio Samplers are available from Twisted Plays for $10-$15 USD (plus shipping) each. These are yours to keep, even if you decide not to perform the show.

Twisted Plays knows schools are facing challenging times, so they've created a special license just for accredited schools grades K-9. This license includes all the ShowKit™ resources listed above, plus the right to perform the show as many times as you would like within one year.


  • MTI's 30-minute KIDS titles range from $395 to $645
  • MTI's 60-minute JR. titles range from $550 to $795
  • Young@Part titles are $675
  • Younger@Part titles are $525


Simply order your selected musical from Twisted Plays. Be sure to include your school's shipping and contact information.

Once Twisted Plays has received your order your License Agreement will be sent/emailed/faxed to you. This is generally a quick process, so be sure to contact us at info@twistedplays.com if you do NOT receive your License Agreement within one week of placing your order.

Read over your License Agreement CLOSELY to be sure you understand it. Broadway Collection titles are non-returnable, so once you sign the license, you've made your purchase. Sign your agreement and return it to Hal Leonard as soon as possible.


Once we receive your signed agreement we will ship your order.

Congratulations! You're on the way to what we hope is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of yours' and your students' lives! When your ShowKit™ arrives in the mail you're ready to start rehearsing.

Broadway Collection FAQ

Your Performance License is good for 12 months. You can keep all the materials after the 12 month period, but the materials are not reusable.

You will need to purchase a new kit and sign a new performance license if you would like to perform the show again at another time. The materials are not re-useable, refundable or transferable.

The shows that can be videotaped with the purchase of a Video License at $75 include:

  • Disney's Aladdin JR.
  • Disney's Aladdin KIDS
  • Annie JR.
  • Annie KIDS
  • Disney's The Aristocats KIDS
  • Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR.
  • Disney's Cinderella KIDS
  • Dear Edwina JR.
  • Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs before Dark KIDS
  • Elf The Musical JR.
  • Fame JR.
  • The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley JR.
  • Disney's Frozen JR.
  • Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens JR.
  • Guys and Dolls JR.
  • Disney's High School Musical 2 JR.
  • Disney's High School Musical JR.
  • Honk! JR.
  • Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach JR.
  • Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS
  • Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS
  • Disney's The Lion King JR.
  • Disney's The Lion King KIDS
  • Disney's The Little Mermaid JR.
  • Madagascar - A Musical Adventure JR.
  • Mary Poppins JR.
  • Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.
  • Peter Pan JR.
  • Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS
  • Seussical JR.
  • Seussical KIDS
  • Shrek The Musical JR.
  • Singin' in the Rain JR.
  • Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS

Main restrictions: video recordings are for cast/crew/families only, can't be sold and can't be broadcast in any way including on the Internet.


The remaining shows do not allow videotaping. Parents cannot tape, even just for their own personal in-home use. It has nothing to do with how the tape would be used, not being sold, etc. It all comes down to legal copyright rights. Here is how Music Theatre International explains it:


Unfortunately, the rights to videotape are not available. Copyright law gives authors the exclusive right to control the reproduction of their work. When a license is granted for a live stage production of a show, that license does not include the right to tape it because the authors retain the sole right to decide when or if their work is recorded in any way. Even a videotape made for classroom use, as a personal memento or as an archival school record violates the authors' separate right to reproduce their work. In most cases, the authors have already granted such rights exclusively to film or television companies, in which case videotaping this show would also be infringing upon the rights granted by the authors to a third party.


There is no broadcasting of the show in any way, even if you've signed a video license. The license specifically restricts the right to broadcast your performance on YouTube, any school channel, etc.

No. All performers are required to be in the 9th grade or under when the show is performed.

No. The show must be performed exactly as it has been provided to you in the ShowKit™ materials and you cannot delete, alter or make changes of any kind in the text of the play, the musical numbers, characters or characterizations.

BROADWAY JUNIOR/KIDS

With the MTI ShowKit™ that comes with every Broadway Junior show, there's no way to fail! Even teachers with no theatrical training or experience can easily put on a successful production. All ShowKits™ contain helpful materials enabling you to make your musical the ultimate interdisciplinary teaching tool.


The ShowKit™ includes*:


  • Director's Guide
    • Tips and suggestions on casting, rehearsals, directing, choreography, costumes, sets, props, lighting and more
    • Curriculum Connections featuring educational activities and lesson plans tied to the show
  • 30 Actor Scripts - For all the actors to customize and keep
  • Performance Accompaniment & Guide Vocal Tracks
    • Adapted from the original Broadway orchestrations and professionally produced
    • Great keys for young singers
    • Guide-vocal tracks allow students to "sing along" - learning the music is easy and fun
    • Fully orchestrated accompaniment-only tracks are excellent for live performances with good tempos and easy-to-follow cues
  • One Piano/Vocal Score
    • Complete scores for the director and rehearsal/performance pianist
    • Complete piano/vocal score with script cues
    • Transposed into age-appropriate keys
    • Easy-to-read format
  • Choreography Videos
    • Instructional choreography videos with world-renowned choreographer Steven Kennedy
    • Steven shows you everything you need to know to handle the dance portions of your MTI Broadway Junior Collection® title
  • Downloadable Resources
    • Audition materials
    • Customizable press release
    • Customizable show program
    • Helpful templates

* Some showkits have additional or fewer components. See specific show web pages for exact contents.


THE NEW DIRECTOR'S GUIDE

We've been busy updating all of our ShowKits™ to ensure they remain the best educational resource in the industry. One of the most exciting new elements is the fully re-conceived Director's Guide, patterned after Broadway production show books. In addition to all of the content you love in the classic Director's Guide, features of the new Director's Guide include:


  • A three-ring binder allowing you to carry all of your production information in one place and expand and customize the binder to meet your production needs
  • The Actor's Script section of the Guide features a full-sized script for easier viewing
  • Expanded resources in all production and curriculum areas that reach three levels of directing experience: beginning, intermediate and advanced
  • Downloadable resources including audition materials and editable forms

Young@Part/Younger@Part

Each Showbox includes:

  • 30 Cast Script/Vocal Books
  • Director's Script
  • 2 Piano/Vocal Scores
  • Guide Vocals CD
  • Performance Tracks CD
  • Logo Pack CD

TRW is thrilled to announce the inclusion of two vital production resources in our Young@Part® ShowBox: choreographic videos brought to you by The Original Production (TOP), and Digital Backdrops from Broadway Media Distribution (BMD). We consider these creative elements - choreography and scenic design - as crucial to the production value of a show. Your Digital Backdrops and Choreographic Videos will be delivered digitally as soon as you've booked your Young@Part® license. We can't wait to give you access to these incredible production tools so you can see firsthand what the excitement is about.


CHOREOGRAPHIC GUIDE VIDEOS BY TOP

TOP Choreographic Videos provide step-by-step instruction from Broadway choreographers, giving you and your cast the training to execute each number in the show. Whether you use the choreography as is or adapt it for the unique needs of your cast, this thorough teaching tool is a framework for bringing memorable dance numbers to your show. TOP not only breaks down the dance sequences, but also examines the history and development of each style of movement in the show. Teachers consistently share with us how TOP has helped challenge and motivate their students, provide development for their choreographers, and bring a "wow factor" that thrills their audiences.

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