Robert Cormier's brilliant novel The Chocolate War is a compelling coming-of-age story about young people in conflict at a New England prep school. The richly drawn characterizations and crackling dialogue keep the intriguing action moving from beginning to end. As dramatized by Joseph Robinette, all the elements of the book are brought vividly to life'the humor, drama, despair and hope ultimately lead to an ending that is as satisfying as it is surprising. Though a number of the roles are students at the prep school (male), an ensemble of 5 to 10 actors who voice the inner thoughts of the characters and comment on the proceedings throughout may be played by male or female or any combination thereof, thus making for a well-balanced cast, if desired. The New York Times Book Review called The Chocolate War masterfully structured and rich in theme. The action is well crafted and suspenseful; complex ideas develop and unfold with clarity. The resulting dramatization remains faithful to the unforgettable, thought-provoking novel which has successfully made the quantum leap from page to stage. One unit set.