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BABES IN TOYLAND
STUDY GUIDE
&
VOCABULARY
A BALTIMORE ACTORS’ TEATRE PRODUCTION
BABES IN TOYLAND – A STUDY GUIDE
Babes in Toyland, a musical extravaganza, was first produced on Broadway in 1903. The
musical score was written by Victor Herbert and the book and lyrics were written by
Glen MacDonough. The production you will see is adapted by Helen Grigal, producer
and director, of The Baltimore Actors’ Theatre.
When Babes in Toyland was first produced on Broadway the critics said, “This show
will prove a perfect dream of delight to the children, and will recall the happy days of
childhood to those who are facing the stern realities of life.” In other words, this is
delightful for all ages. In Miss. Grigal’s adaptation this is certainly true.
Babes in Toyland is an operetta which was a very popular form of musical entertainment
in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Victor Herbert was among the most successful
composers of this genre. The performance you will see will be highlights from the full
show. You will hear the beautiful melodies composed by Mr. Herbert and follow the
story of the Piper family as they leave the Mother Goose Village and make their way
through the Dragon Forest to the magical land of all children’s dreams, Toyland.
You will meet many characters or hear about them in our highlights. Those featured are:
The Widow Piper and her many children; Mary Coltrary, the widow’s eldest daughter.
Mr. Barnably, the villain, and his nephew, Allen who is engaged to marry Mary
Contrary; Mr. Barnaby’s four partners, Rodrigo, Gonzorgo, Natasha, and Flora who seem
to bungle all Mr. Barnaby’s plans to marry Mary Contrary; The Forest Fairy who helps
the Piper family get through the Dragon Forest and give enchantment to Toyland; The
Toy Maker and his wife who are responsible for making all the toys that are shipped out
to Toyland; Marmaduke who insures that all the toys are made to the highest standards;
and, of course, the Toyland soldiers who help bring justice to Mr. Barnably and his four
bungling sidekicks.
In this wonderful musical there are many beautiful melodies that have become holiday
favorites: I can’t do the sum, Lemonade, Just a Toy, The Parade of Wooden Soldiers, and,
probably them most well known Toyland. You will hear them sung by the east and played
by the pit ensemble. The pit ensemble is composed of a piano, synthesizer, and drum
kit. These pit musicians work with the performers to present live singing and dancing
which enhances the story. As already mentioned, this is a musical adaptation, and in this
world of recorded music, it is a real treat to hear a live, on-stage performance.
Coming to see Babes in Toyland is an exciting theatre experience. Have you been to the
theatre and seen a live production? As members of the audience you must remember that
seeing a theatre production is different than seeing a movie or watching television. You
must pay close attention to what is happening on-stage. You also must keep in mind that
because it is a live production, you must listen quietly to understand what is happening.
When a musical number is finished you should applaud to show how much you enjoyed
it. Remember coming to the theater is a magical experience and one that you will never
forget. Students of all ages will participate in the performance and your part as the
audience is as important to this experience as the performers’ joy of bringing to you.
Your experience during this performance will be enhanced by using your imaginations.
It is fun to make-believe and being in a darkened theatre watching performers dressed in
period costumes, acting, singing, and dancing will transport you to a world where your
imaginations are your tickets to this exciting adventure.
So sit back and get ready to go to Toyland a truly magical and enchanting place where
“your dreams come true!”
BABES IN TOYLAND – A STUDY GUIDE-VOCABULARY
1. musical score – a printed or manuscript copy of a piece of music which shows
the parts for all the performers. Victor Herbert composed this score in 1903.
2. book and lyrics – spoken dialogue of a musical play. The word libretto
sometimes is used. The words of a song.
3. adaptation – the practice of rewriting plays to fit them for conditions of
performance different from those for which they were originally composed.
4. producer and director – term for the person responsible for the financial side of
play production. Person responsible for general interpretation of a play and for the
conduct of rehearsals.
5. Broadway – street-running north south of Manhattan Island, New York. It is used
to denote the New York commercial theatre because many famous theatres stood
on it.
6. operetta – a light opera in which musical numbers, songs and dances are linked
by spoken dialogue, popular in the 19th and 20th centuries.
7. genre – belonging to a period or group.
8. Mother Goose Village – the village where the characters live. Mother Goose
lives there.
9. Dragon Forest – the forest where the Dragon lives to keep anyone from reaching
Toyland.
10. Toyland – The magical place where the toys are made for shipment to children
during the holidays.
11. highlights – the high points of a production’s story, musical numbers and
situations.
12. featured – the main characters who are responsible for moving the story forward
or to whom the story is about.
13. villain – the character who energizes dramatic action by desiring or performing
what the play represents as evil. The “bad guy.”
14. pit ensemble – provides the musical accompaniment.
15. audience – one or more persons assembled to see a performance.
16. applause – spectators’ appreciation for performers by clapping of hands.
17. imaginations – the ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful. In the theatre
using imagination to see and understand things that are not real.
18. period costumes – cloths worn by the performers from a time long ago.