alphabetical author index

The Ransom of Red Chief (Martens)

Based on O'Henry's humorous classic about Bill and Sam who make the mistake of kidnapping a brat known as Red.

  • Full Length Play
  • Comedy
  • 90 minutes

  • Target Audience: Pre-Teen (Age 11 - 13), Young Audiences
  • Set Requirements: Interior Set, Exterior Set

  • Performance Group:
  • Community Theatre, Jr High/Primary, College Theatre / Student, High School/Secondary
Based on O'Henry's humorous classic about Bill and Sam who make the mistake of kidnapping a brat known as Red.

Brought up by a skinflint uncle and mean housekeeper, Red gladly leaves with the two strangers. The kidnappers are delighted but it is their last moment of peace. Red, or Red Chief, as he prefers to be called, now has two full-time playmates and keeps them hopping. 

While Bill sets about collecting the ransom, Sam tries to entertain Red Chief. It's tiring work and, finally, Sam's patience exhausted, he makes the mistake of getting Red mad. Red Chief's vengeance soon has Sam calling for help. Never were two hapless criminals so bitterly taken advantage of.

Instead of a handsome ransom, they're going to have to pay what little they have for the privilege of returning the so-called victim. 

  • Casting: 5M, 9F

Name Price
The Ransom of Red Chief (Martens) Script Order Now

Based on O'Henry's humorous classic about Bill and Sam who make the mistake of kidnaping a brat known as Red. Brought up by a skinflint uncle and mean housekeeper, Red gladly leaves with the two strangers. The kidnappers are delighted but it is their last moment of peace. Red'or Red Chief, as he prefers to be called'now has two full-time playmates and keeps them hopping. While Bill sets about collecting the ransom, Sam tries to entertain Red Chief. It's tiring work and, finally, Sam's patience exhausted, he makes the mistake of getting Red mad. Red Chief's vengeance soon has Sam calling for help. Never were two hapless criminals so bitterly taken advantage of. Instead of a handsome ransom, they're going to have to pay what little they have for the privilege of returning the so-called victim. Simplified ext. and int. sets.

$19.95