Hootch - The Play
By Karen Meyer
If you choose to use the script for this complimentary play, we encourage you to purchase at least one copy of the book, which is available on Amazon. Please kindly email me, if you perform the play, letting me know when and where it will be presented. I would appreciate it! - Karen
Story of the Play
Hootch is the main character in the play. He lives with his brother Hip and his parents in a rocky area which has several cave-like entries. One is Hootch’s room where he goes when things don’t turn out the way he wants. Hootch is always thinking; hence, he is always planning for his next adventure -- one that mostly benefits himself.
Hip is Hootch’s older brother who is complacent—he loves to sleep. In fact, he is satisfied to sleep the day away, but he keeps his ear tuned to his parent’s announcement that they have found food. Hip is often bothered by his little brother’s active mind. He doesn’t like to be awaken only to hear that it looks like it will be a good day. He considers Hootch to be young and playful and not very serious.
The parents of Hootch and Hip are loving and concerned about both their two “children.” The father is ready to spend time listening to Hootch’s dreams and ready to answer all Hootch’s questions about their relatives, or anything else Hootch would like to know about. The mother dotes over her younger son and is cautious for him. She is vigilant in protecting her “baby.”
Cousins Hitch and Henry live far away, but their family and Hootch’s family are both modern and not wanting for modern conveniences. They both have Skype so the cousins are able to keep in touch.
Neighbors of the hyenas that appear in the play are: two pigs, three cows, one horse, four sheep and one goat. Although the hyena family have a rocky place where they live, they are not far away from a farmer’s grassy pasture. Yet Hootch’s hyena family is not a threat to the animals. They have signed a contract with the farmer who owns them. As the contract reads, they have promised not to harm his animals when looking for food. Even when having to travel far and wide to find food, they will not look upon these animals as “supper,” but as friends. Besides, when these animal neighbors are bullied by their enemies, often the same kind of farm animals, all they have to do is report their concern for their safety to the hyena family—and there is no problem for the hyena family to take care of their enemies for them.
The hyena family also works together to protect their animal neighbors from wolves, coyotes, a lynx and Bobcat. And there is nothing to fear from the small fox who lives in the area. He is smart and knows he’s no match for hyenas.
Characters
Hootch (all about himself)
Hip (annoyed by his little brother)
Dad (interested in Hootch’s education)
Mom (doting and cautious for Hootch’s safety)
Cousins: Hitch and Henry (the same ages as Hootch & Hip)
The Farmer (owner of the animals):
Two Pigs (a brother and sister)
Three Cows (mom and twin calves)
One Horse (talks big -- thinks he owns the place)
Four Sheep (eating the grass too close to the ground)
The Goat (takes care of the Sheep and challenges the horse)
The Wolf (tries to talk the hyenas into sharing a meal)
The Two Coyotes (they back-up the Wolf about sharing.)
The Lynx (thinks he’s more vicious than hyenas)
The Bobcat (not afraid of any animal -- even one bigger than himself)
Scenes
Scene for Act One: The rocky area where the hyena family lives. Clothing can be brown pajamas or loose brown pants and loose brown shirt hanging. If it’s spotted – all the better. They need tails and a brown or orange mask with ears. Mask can cover only half the face so actors can talk. Make the eye openings big so it’s easy to see. Need mittens for paws.
Scene for Act Two: The grassy pasture area of the farmland. Clumps of grass.
Scene for Act Three: Hootch in his room (behind a rock prop). Hip is calling to him. Later, the kitchen.
Time of Act One: Early morning – before the sun comes up.
Time for Act Two: Late morning to late afternoon.
Time for Act Three: Evening – but not dark yet.
(The Theme Song is played on the piano before the play begins, or the music is played and recorded, and then played from the recording.)
ACT One – Scene One
At the rise of the curtain, or the beginning of the film, if a film is used: Hip is sleeping on a rock (or a prop that looks like a rock.) The stage is lit enough so the audience can see Hip and Hootch. Hip is totally stretched out and snoring contently. But Hootch is wide awake and sitting up, on something that also looks like a rock with a prop behind them that looks rock-like.
(Hootch yawns, but his head jerks and his eyes pop open. He rubs his eyes with his paws. Then he claps his paws together and announces:)
What a great day! (Hootch looks at Hip and shakes his head)
(Hootch says to the audience:) Hip is never ready to face the day. Let me tell you about my brother, Hip. He thinks he is smarter than me—but he’s not.
(Hip half-way wakes up and says:) It’s still dark. It’s not morning yet. Be quiet Hootch.
(Hootch to audience:) Hip thinks he is smarter than me, but he’s not. Just because someone thinks they are smarter… doesn’t mean they are.
Hip: (drowsy) What did you say, Hootch? Did you say it’s breakfast?
Hootch: No Hip. Mother and father haven’t called us yet, but wake up! The day looks like a good one!
Hip: (turning away to get comfortable) You always say that, Hootch.
Hootch: But it’s always true! Each day is an exciting opportunity!
Hip: That’s okay Hootch. Let me sleep. We can explore later.
Hootch: You’re no fun. Mom could call anytime. Don’t blame me if you sleep through breakfast. They always go out early to hunt, you know. They could be back by now.
Hip: That’s okay. Goodnight. (Hip pulls his legs up to his chest to get even more comfortable.)
(Hootch gets up.) Mom. Dad. Are you back yet? Hello. Are you here?
(Dad meeting Hootch as he begins to walk away from Hip) Hi, Son. You’re up early—as usual.
(Hootch hugs his dad) Morning dad. Was it hard to find food? How did it go today?
Dad: It was easy today, Hootch. The Lynx left something behind. He must have been full because he usually fights with us over a meal.
Hootch: Is mom cooking it or are we eating it rare?
Dad: Let’s go check, son. (they leave the stage)
Act One – Scene Two
(Mom walks onto the stage. She shakes her head at Hip) Hip, you must be having sweet dreams, but breakfast is ready.
(Hip turns over, sits up and looks at mom): Did you say breakfast?
(Mom laughs with a slight hyena sound – a somewhat shrill sound) You’re so funny, Hip. You’re always easy to wake up if you smell or hear the word “food!”
(Hip stands up and hugs mom and puts his paws on her shoulders) That’s because you and dad are the best hunters! You always bring back something good.
(Dad and Hootch enter the stage again. Hootch is sneezing)
Mom: Up too early son? There was a mist in the air earlier this morning. Didn’t catch a cold, did you? (She feels Hootch’s forehead.)
(Hootch politely brushes her hand away.) Mom, I’m okay. A fly buzzed past my nose. Didn’t you hear its buzz? Here he comes again. (A buzzing sound is heard.)
(Hip jumps up in the air trying to catch it, slapping his paws together) Missed it. Oh, Well.
(Hootch looks at mom) Can we eat now? I’m really hungry. I did a lot of exercises already this morning.
(Hip puts his paws on his hips) You did no such thing! You were doing nothing but pestering me – trying to wake me up – way too early!
(Hootch puts his hands on his hips and sticks his face close to Hip) Did not!
(Hip sticks his face closer yet to Hootch) Did too!
(Dad puts one paw on Hip’s shoulder and the other on Hootch’s) Kids! Hey, lets go see what we’ve brought home for breakfast.
(Hip runs ahead) Beat you to the table, Hootch!
(Hootch starts to run after Hip, but trips on his own feet and falls. He makes short cry-type sounds)
(Mom stoops over to help Hootch up) My poor baby. Did Hip trip you?
(Hootch leans his head again his mom’s shoulder facing the audience) Yes, mom, he did. Mean ole brother.
(Dad pats Hootch on the back) Now, Hootch, you know he didn’t.
(Hootch turns to his dad, whining) He did, dad. He really did.
(Mom looks at dad) Hootch wouldn’t lie. He must be telling the truth.
(Dad shakes his head) Let’s go to the table – before Hips eats everything gone!
(The three of them walk off stage. The curtain closes, or the film announces Act Two – The stage is set for Act Two.
(The Theme Song is played before Act Two again.)
ACT Two – Scene One
(The flooring has patches of grass (could be made of paper) with a barn in the background, or painted prop that shows a picture of a barn.)
(Enter the dad and mom and Hootch and Hip. They all sit down to enjoy the day and talk.)
(Dad stretches – arms up with palms of paws pointing toward each other) It’s going to be a great day. That was a good meal, mom.
(Enter the Lynx, marching up to dad) What’s the idea of taking my food away. I wasn’t done with that yet!
(Dad stands up to face the Lynx while mom, Hootch and Hip look on) If you walk away, the game is good for whoever comes around next.
(Lynx pointing his paw at dad.) Well, I wasn’t done with it and you owe me a meal!
(Dad pointing his paw at the Lynx.) You can talk smart, but we don’t owe you anything!
(The Lynx uses both paws to push at dad, but dad dodges.) Dad: Hold on. You think you want to fight? I SAID . . . we don’t owe you anything!
(The Lynx tries to hit dad with his paw, but dad dodges again) Dad: You really want to pick a fight? There are four against one here!
(The Lynx turns to walk away, but turns around as he leaves the stage) I’m just telling you… leave my food alone. That was MINE!
(Dad turns to the family) He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
(Enter the Wolf and the two Coyotes. They group together and confront dad. The Wolf speaks.) Did you eat the whole thing? There was enough to go around.
(The coyotes jump up and down.)
Coyote One: Yeah, what about us?
Coyote Two: Yeah, don’t you think WE ever get hungry?
(The Wolf speaks with one paw on his hip and the other pointing three times back and forth toward dad) You ought to think of others! You ought to be more careful. There are three of us. We could gang up on the two of you, dad and mom, when you go out hunting.
(Dad, pointing his paw three times back and forth toward the Wolf) We’re not afraid of you! We’re not even afraid of the three of you! We’re hyenas! That says it all. Get lost!
(The Wolf and the Coyotes drop their shoulders and sink their heads slightly.
(The Wolf speaks) We just came to warn you. We’ll leave you to enjoy your full stomachs, but don’t take our warning lightly. (They walk off stage.)
(Enter the Bobcat sleeking – one foot forward, the other sliding behind as he walks) Hey! I’m with them – how come you didn’t leave any food for us? You guys are pigs!
(Dad faces the Bobcat) Say What?
(Bobcat facing dad alone now) I SAID, I agree with the three of them. You are selfish pigs!
(Dad shakes his paw at the Bobcat) WHO are you calling pigs?
(Bobcat does a circle dance with his head up and turning from side to side) YOU! ALL OF YOU! You are pigs for taking all the food for yourselves!
(Dad mocks the Bobcat by doing a little circle dance himself) There was hardly enough food left for the four of us . . . after the Lynx ate. You’ve got to be kidding! And stop calling us PIGS! Or I’ll…
(Bobcat with his paws pointing away from his body and upward) Or you’ll what?
(Dad looking at the Bobcat. Mom stands up now, saying) Go jump in a lake and CHILL OUT! You talk big, but we’re not afraid of you!
(Bobcat turns to leave. Stops and faces them.) This isn’t the end of it. I’ll be back. And sooner than you think!
ACT Two – Scene Two
(Enter the two pigs making oinking sounds and wearing lots of stuffing to make them look fat)
Pig One ( a boy with overalls, with squeaky voice): We heard the bobcat say “pigs.” Was he talking about us?
Pig Two (a girl wearing a tutu, also with a squeaky voice): Is he going to try to eat us? We’re scared. (She shivers)
(Mom speaks this time) Don’t worry little ones.
(Hootch and Hip laugh) She called them “little” ones! (they laugh again.)
(Mom turns to Hootch and Hip) Shhhh. Be polite.
(Hip turns to Hootch) What was that song you made up the other day?
(Piano begins to play, or recording is played, and Hip and Hootch stand up & dance around, holding paws, singing.)
“Piggy, Piggy, you’re so FAT! We’re so glad that we are NOT, Big fat pigs like YOU!”
(Mom giggles in a high voice.) Boys, stop that. That’s bad.
(The two pigs face Hip and Hootch who are still standing and they sing with piano, or recording)
“You think you’re smart; That’s no surprise. But look at you; You’d win no prize, But pigs do all the time!”
(Mom turns to the pigs) You all are so funny. Don’t worry about your safety. We have signed a contract. We won’t hurt you, and THEY won’t either! We’re here to protect you.
(The two pigs making oinking sounds) That’s SO GOOD to hear. We knew we could depend on you. YOU’RE our FRIENDS! (They walk off stage.)
(Enter the three cows, all three mooing)
Cow One (the mom): Moo, Is there trouble?
Cow Two (her calf, a girl wearing a ribbon on her ear ): Baa-Moo. Do we need to worry?
Cow Three (her other calf, a boy wearing a bell around his neck) Baa-Moo. I don’t want to have to kick someone – someone like a bobcat or a coyote. I could do it. I would LOVE to do it!
Cow One (the mom) Sonny, stop talking so big. We may not be able to protect ourselves. That’s why we are glad the hyenas are our friends.
(Enter the horse with a skipping trot) You cows don’t need to worry. I can take care of you. We don’t even need the hyenas. I can take care of the place, and I can do it ALL BY MYSELF.
(Enter the farmer, wearing overalls, walking tall and straight) Is there trouble here? Why are all my animals gathering around? I have told them that you are their friends, but that it’s best if they leave you alone. (He looks at his animals) What are you all doing here? Go on now. Leave this family alone.
(Enter the four sheep. One has a wad of grass sticking out of its mouth)
Sheep One: Baa, Baa. You are still our friends, right?
Sheep Two: Baa, Baa. Why are you here, Farmer Bill?
Sheep Three: Baa, Baa, Baa. Is it time to sign a new contract?
Sheep Four: (Drops the grass from his mouth) Baa. (Looking at the other three Sheep) Don’t you think they know we know how to say, “Baa?” You guys overdo it, don’t you think? Farmer Bill will take care of things.
(Enter the goat with head down as though he is going to butt someone; Mom hyena jumps out of the way and Hootch and Hip run to her side.) Whose butt shall I butt? Who needs me to butt a butt?
(Farmer Bill pats the goat) You’re too eager to show off your strength. Take these sheep back where there is still some grass left.
(Goat, turning his head to the sheep) Come on you sheep. You eat the grass so close to the ground, that there’s nothing left for anyone else. That’s okay though. I LIKE chewing on tin cans. (Turning to the audience) We get along fine, but . . . do YOU have any tin cans?
(Farmer Bill looking at dad and then mom) So, is everything good here?
Dad: Sure, everything’s fine. We can handle the wolf, the coyotes, the lynx and the bobcat – all of them at once if we need to. Those predators will never be a match for us.
Farmer Bill: Good. We’ll work up a new contract in a few months when one is due again, and I’ll be sure to reward you generously. (Farmer Bill walks off the stage.)
(Enter the girl pig) I heard everything! I’m not scared anymore. I know you will protect us. You have sharp teeth and you know how to growl! (She tries to growl. Part of a growl comes out with an oink following) You will chase our enemies away – far away. Thank you all.
Hootch: You betcha! Don’t worry little one. (Hootch giggles)
Hip: Don’t talk so smart, Hootch.
Mom: Now boys. Let’s not argue. Let’s have a pleasant day.
(The Theme song is played again.)
Act Three – Scene One
(Hip walks onto the stage. He stops, looks around, then he goes to the rock-prop where Hootch is hiding which is Hootch’s room.)
(Hip sniffs the rock. He turns to the audience) I have to do this to know for sure if this is where Hootch is. (He sniffs again) What’s that awful smell! Something smells rotten! (Hip holds his nose) What a foul smell! You will never want to play “scratch and sniff” on THIS rock!
(Hip turns to the audience again) It’s Hootch’s room alright. He hides food from me and then forgets about it. (Hip backs away) Well, I’ve got to do this. Mom and dad asked me to talk to Hootch.
Hip: Hootch. (Pauses) Hootch. Hootch, it’s only me. I want to talk to you. (Pause) Hootch, can you hear me? I know you don’t want me in your room. Come on, Hootch. Talk to me.
(Hootch calls from behind the rock) Go away!
Hip: I only want to talk to you. It’s only me here.
(Hootch peeks out from behind the rock) Is it ONLY you, Hip?
Hip: Yes, it’s only me. What have you done that you’re hiding?
Hootch: Nothing.
Hip: You MUST have done SOMETHING! Did you throw a fit again?
Hootch: No!
Hip: Then why are you hiding?
Hootch: I’m not hiding!
Hip: Then come out and talk to me.
(Hootch comes from behind the rock) Nothing’s wrong.
Hip: Are you sure? You look very sad.
(Hootch starts to cry shrill screaming sounds) YES! I’m sad. (Hootch lays down on the ground with his legs and paws up in the air) I just want to give up. (Hootch turns his head toward the audience) I don’t like the world! Mom and dad won’t let me do ANYTHING!
Hip: Mom and dad care about you. They only want what’s best for you. What is it you asked them for THIS time?
Hootch: I want to travel. I want to visit my cousins, Hitch and Henry.
Hip: Mom and dad talked to me. They said they would let you travel.
Hootch: THEY DID?
Hip: Yes, they said they will let you travel all by yourself when you are old enough.
Hootch: That’s the problem. I am old enough! I may be younger than you, but I’m smarter than you. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I can figure out a route. It’s not that far away.
Hip: It’s farther away than you think, Hootch.
Hootch: You’re just like mom and dad. You don’t have any good news for me!
Hip: Hootch. Every time you throw a fit and go yelling and screaming to your room, you look like a baby. You show them you’re immature. How can they think you’re grown-up when you act like that? You need to apologize, Hootch.
Hootch: (Pauses) Maybe so. (Pauses, but then in a loud voice) But what I’d REALLY like to do is stick out my tongue – at you and at everybody! Even though I know it’s wrong. (Hootch sticks his tongue out at Hip and then at the audience.)
Hip: That’s not going to help.
Hootch: I know. But it makes me feel better.
Hip: Maybe that’s why mom and dad don’t think you’re old enough to travel yet. You can’t start out on a trip and stick out your tongue at everybody you don’t like.
Hootch: If I promise mom and dad that I won’t stick out my tongue, do you think they would let me travel – all by myself?
Hip: Maybe, but why don’t you start by asking mom and dad for forgiveness. That would show them how big you are. Go to them and ask for forgiveness.
Hootch: THAT is really hard to do! I know I should, but it’s so humbling. I don’t know if I can do that. (Hootch pauses to think) But doing the right thing isn’t always easy.
Hip: Yes, I know, Hootch. It isn’t always easy to do the right thing.
Hootch: Will you go with me Hip?
Hip: I think it’s something you should do by yourself. Mom and dad will be more impressed if they think it was your idea.
Hootch: Oh! I don’t know. I don’t remember being sorry about anything. Remember when I made fun of the pigs with that song about them? I wasn’t sorry then.
Hip: That was funny. It even made mom giggle – before she thought better of it. She told us to stop. I guess we should have been sorry about that.
Hootch: We can’t even make fun of pigs? You’re kidding – aren’t you?
Hip: Well, they’re animals like we are. I’ve seen Farmer Bill pat his pigs just like he give the cow and the horse a pat. That means he loves them… doesn’t it?
Hootch: Maybe so, but for right now, I just want to apologize to mom and dad. I hope the words will come out of my mouth.
Hip: Good luck.
(Hootch stumbles twice, but doesn’t fall, as he walks off the stage) Saying I’m sorry will be hard to do.
(Hip turns to the audience) Hootch thinks he is smarter than me. He even thinks he is smarter than mom and dad. But just because he thinks he’s smarter, doesn’t mean that he is. My little brother has a lot to learn. First, he has to learn not to throw fits. He has to learn to talk about things.
Act Three – Scene Two
(Curtain is closed for a minute, or the film announces Scene Two.)
(When Scene Two begins, Hootch is standing facing his mom and dad, who are standing facing Hootch. They are standing next to a small table that is in front of where the curtain opens. Hip is farther away, sitting on the floor bouncing his teddy bear up and down.)
Hootch: Mom and Dad, I have something to tell you.
Dad: Yes, what is it son?
Hootch: I… I think I forgot.
Mom: Oh! My sweet baby! I think I know what you’re trying to say. It’s okay. We forgive you.
Hootch: That’s what it was! I came to ask you to forgive me for… what did I do wrong?
Dad: I can help you out here. You heard the word, “No” and you ran to your room howling. I even hear some loud screaming about it!
(Turning to dad, mom said) Don’t over-do it, dad. Hootch, all is forgotten.
Hootch: Oh! Good! I came to say “I’m sorry. I will wait to travel until I am older.
(Then Hootch puts one paw on his hip and shakes his other paw at them saying) But you wait and see! I’m going to travel; I want to see the world. I want to visit Hitch and Henry!
(Both his mom and dad hug Hootch. They told him) We forgive you and we want you to know that we love you.
Dad: And we always will love you, Hootch.
Mom: Even when you’re grown up and no longer our baby, we’ll still love you.
Dad: We haven’t talked to Hitch and Henry and their parents for a long time. Let’s Skype them right now!
(Dad goes over to the wall and picks up a window frame. He sets it on the table. He holds one side and mom holds the other side of the frame. There is a round circle on the right side of the frame)
(Hip jumps up throwing his teddy bear into the air saying) I want to turn the knob – It’s my turn! (He makes it look like he’s turning it on.)
Hootch: I get the best spot. (Hootch sits on the kitchen floor and Hip joins him.)
(The curtain opens just enough to show the frame of the Skype.)
(A few music notes come on indicating that Skype has begun, and four hyenas stand behind the frame. Hitch and Henry are shorter than the parents who are standing behind them.)
Dad: Haven’t talked to you for awhile. How are things with all of you?
Hootch: Hi, Hitch and Henry! Hi! Hi! Hi!
Hitch and Henry: Hi, Hootch. Hi, Hip.
Hitch and Henry’s dad: We can’t talk long. We were just leaving to go hunting. It’s supper time where we are. What time is it there?
Dad: We’re a few hours behind you, so it’s about time for our supper too, so we’re about ready to leave, also. Just wanted to check in. We’ll let you go so the game doesn’t get away from you.
Hootch: Come and see us again, Hitch, and bring Henry.
Hitch: Mom and dad don’t want us to travel by ourselves anymore, but we can all come again soon. Bye for now.
Hootch and Hip: Bye, Hitch. Bye, Henry. Bye, everyone!
(Hip turns the imaginary dial of the Skype off)
(Dad and mom set the Skype frame against the wall and dad says) Let’s all go out to eat!
Hip: Did someone say “food?” (Hip wasn’t always sleeping.)
The End