The Kraken
a dramatization of the book by Don C. Reed
written by Adam, Jake, and Caleb
December, 1999

Cast:
Narrator: Melissa
Mom: Amanda
Sally: Terra
Tom: Jake
Theo: Adam
Noddy Weathers: Caleb
Murphy: Caleb

Setting: Newfoundland, 1800's
Tom: So Mr. Weathers, what are you doin'?
Mr. Weathers: I'm given this dog a hangen.
Tom: Whats for?
Weathers: It's spenden me too much money.
Tom: I'll trade you 12 fishhooks for it.
Weathers: How about 1 fish, smoked?
Tom: OK, it's a deal.

Narrator: Tom traded one fish for the dog.

Tom: Dad, I got a dog.
Theo: Your ma ain't gonna 'preciate it much.
Tom: I will keep him in the basement.
Theo: That's a good idea.

Narrator: Tom goes to his sister's room and tells her about the dog.

Sally: You did what?
Tom: I traded 1 smoked fish for him.
Sally: What's his name?
Tom: Murphy. You like it?
Sally: Murphy, huh? I'll have to get used to it. What are you going to feed him?
Tom: The inside of fish after I clean them.
Sally: That's not healthy for him.
Tom: What would you suggest Sally?
Sally: Dog food from the boat.
Tom: No, dog food is too expensive. We can't waste any money or fish.
Sally: You're right. Those darn merchants are always ripping us off.
Tom: Ya, but we need the food. Don't say that to the merchants.

Narrator: Tom went downstairs and talked to Murphy.

Tom: In the mornin' you and me are gonna tell ma 'bout ya, OK?
Murphy: woof woof

Narrator: Sure enough, in the morning Tom told Ma.

Mother: You did what?!
Tom: He saved my life from the Kraken.
Mother: The Giant Squid!
Tom: Ya, the kraken took the halibut I caught and tried to tip my boat. Murphy jumped in and scared him off.
Mother: I guess we can keep him, but you have to take care of him.
Tom: Ya hear that boy? I gets t' keep ya!
Murphy: woof woof
Theo: Now Tom, a dog is a lot of responsibility. You have to take care of him. Don't expect us to do it for ya.
Tom: I know, I don't expect you and ma to take care of Murphy for me.
Mother: You have to catch his supper and take care of him.
Tom: I know, you already said that, ma.

Narrator: Tom feeds Murphy and takes him to the basement. Then Tom goes upstairs to bed.

Mother: Wake up Tom, you slept in for over two hours. It's seven o'clock.
Tom: Have you checked on Murphy?
Mother: I told you, you have to take care of him.
Tom: I know, I just wanted you to check on him.
Mother: If you get up soon you can check on him yourself.
Theo: Tom, hurry and get up so you can help me gather firewood and catch breakfast.
Tom: OK.

Narrator: Tom and Murphy get ready to see the merchant.

Tom: Today is the big day.
Murphy: woof woof

Narrator: I hope you liked this play. We really tried hard to put it together. And now I will tell you the actors. My name is Melissa and I played Narrator. This is Jake and he played Tom, Amanda played Mom, Adam played Theo, Caleb played Noddy Weathers, and Murphy, and Terra played Sally, the annoying little sister.

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