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SYNOPSIS OF The Canterville Ghost

In 1887, the Otis family arrives in England from America - Hiram and Lucretia and their three children, Virginia and the Twins. They are to move into a centuries-old manor house called Canterville Chase.  Although they don’t really believe it, they have been told that the house is haunted by the ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville. Simon, it is said, murdered his wife and disappeared mysteriously nine years later, in 1584. The Otises arrive at night and are met at the Chase by the housekeeper, Mrs. Umney, who immediately dislikes the Americans’ arrogance and disdain for English tradition. When Mrs. Otis discovers the carpet is stained, Mrs. Umney points out that it is the blood of Eleanore de Canterville, and that it cannot be removed. Mrs. Otis laughs and pulls out a bottle of Paragon Detergent and within moments the centuries-old bloodstain is gone. After the family has retired for the night, the ghost of Simon appears, ready for his nightly rounds. When he discovers the stain is gone, he uses Virginia’s paint set to replace it - with green paint -- and continues his chain-rattling and moaning.

Next morning, Virginia finds a book Mrs. Umney is writing -- “Strange Goings-On at Canterville Chase”.  It is a compilation of all the stories ever told about Sir Simon. When Mrs. Umney enters looking for the book, Virginia asks to borrow it. During the conversation, she notices a strange verse etched in the window (“When a little child can win/Prayer from the lips of sin/Then shall all the house be still/And peace come to Canterville”). Mrs. Umney says that it has “something to do with the ghost” and leaves it at that. Mr. and Mrs. Otis come downstairs complaining about the noisy ghost that kept them awake and, upon discovering the new green stain, clean it up again.

Mr. and Mrs. Otis leave for town -- Mrs. Otis wants to completely redecorate the Chase -- and the ghost re-appears. He paints the stain again, this time using blue paint. When they return, the Otises again clean it up.

That evening, the ghost decides he must get rid of the Otises, given their disregard for his history. Leafing through Mrs. Umney’s book, he is reminded of all the characters he has portrayed over the centuries and decides to take on the role of the “Fire-Eyed Monster” to chase the Otises out. He dresses for the part and returns rattling his chains and moaning. Mr. Otis comes downstairs and gives the ghost oil for his chains; the Twins rig a ghost from a sheet and hurl it at Simon; Mrs. Otis gives the ghost medicine for his moaning. In his desperation, the ghost starts up the stairs only to be confronted by the twins, this time beating him with pillows. The ghost naturally retreats, scorned and defeated.

Simon decides on one more attempt: appearing as Reckless Rupert -- the Headless Earl. The outcome is the same as before: the twins rig a bucket to fall on him and pelt him with their pea-shooters. All but Virginia laugh as the ghost beats a hasty retreat.

Next day, all but Virginia go to town to shop. While they are gone, the ghost enters and, not noticing Virginia, bemoans his lot. Curious, the young girl hesitatingly approaches him. Simon explains to her that above all else he is tired, not having slept in 300 years. When he sees that she is genuinely moved by his story, he asks if she has read the prophecy in the window. She admits she has, but doesn’t understand it. Simon explains that it means that he cannot be at peace until someone intercedes on his behalf. Virginia agrees to do so and takes his hand. The two disappear just before the rest of the Otis family returns.

When they discover that Virginia is gone, a search is mounted. Suddenly Virginia reappears carrying a small box, which they discover is filled with jewels. The family retires upstairs and Mrs. Umney turns to her book to write the final chapter.

 

Notes

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CASTING/Vocal Ranges

SIR SIMON DE CANTERVILLE

The ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville has haunted the Chase since 1584 when he was sealed into a room in the castle and left to die by relatives of his wife who he had murdered. His body is still confined but his spirit roams the castle. He has coped with the centuries of boredom and confinement by terrorizing anyone who tries to move into the Chase. With his theatrical bent, he likes to create characters and costume himself in imaginative ways, including “the bloodless Benedictine, the body-stealer of Chertsey Barn” and, his favorite, the headless ghost. He was in his mid-forties when he died and when not acting a role, wears clothes befitting the lord of a 16th century manor.

VOCAL RANGE: A2 (low) - F4 (high)

MRS. UMNEY

Mrs Umney lives in a house on the grounds but not in the manor/castle. Now in her early 50’s she has been the housekeeper for many years. She is not a maid and always wears the same grey outfit one would associate with a landlady of the Victorian era. She is a bit snobbish, especially toward the Otises who have just arrived from “the colonies.” She has chronicled all the stories she has heard of the ghost in a journal, although she has never seen Simon herself.

VOCAL RANGE: C4 (low) - F5 (high)

HIRAM OTIS

An American businessman, Hiram has brought his family to live in Canterville Chase while he is in England. Somewhat disdainful of all things European, he is the stereotypical Yankee taking every opportunity to wave the flag literally and metaphorically. As the head of the household, he knows his primary responsibility is to keep his wife, Lucretia, happy. In his 40’s he is pragmatic and never lets himself get out of control.

VOCAL RANGE: A2 (low) - G4 (high)

LUCRETIA OTIS

Hiram’s wife is just as pro-American as her husband. She finds the Chase quaintly charming but in need of brightening up. She is very concerned about dirt and dust as well as how she, her husband and children look and behave. She dresses impeccably and, while not bossy, expects to be listened to. Her main concern about the ghost is his moaning and chain-rattling which keeps her awake at night.

VOCAL RANGE: F#3 (low) - F5 (high)

VIRGINIA OTIS

Virginia is about 15 years old, the eldest of the Otis children. While being an American is important to her, she is not as fanatical as her parents. She is polite to Mrs Umney and curious about the ghost. Though initially rather frightened, her curiosity leads her to find out whatever she can about Simon and eventually to have concern about his well-being.

VOCAL RANGE: F#3(low) - F5 (high)

VALERIE OTIS and VANESSA OTIS

Valerie and Vanessa do everything together. At about 10 years old they especially like to tease their sister and, eventually, Simon. They see the ghost more as a target for their mischief than as something to be afraid of. They are obedient children when they know they are being seen, and conniving imps when they know they can get away with it.

VOCAL RANGE: F#3(low) - F5 (high)

HEADLESS GHOST

One of Simon’s alter egos, also known as Reckless Rupert, the Headless Earl. He makes a brief appearance (non-speaking/singing role) in which he is ruthlessly beset by the Twins. It’s best to assign an actor for just this role, but it can be doubled by Lucretia or Mrs. Umney.

OPTIONAL CAMEO FOR A CAT

 

Notes

To save the script to your computer click with the right mouse button. A small menu should appear select "save target as" or "save to your computer," or "save link as." The exact text may vary depending on your browser.