The Phantom Tollbooth: A Children's Play in Two Acts

by Susan Nanus, Norton Juster (Original Author)

FantasyCharacters:15 male and female

Simple set.

Here are Milo's adventures in the Land of Wisdom where he's forced to think about many new things. Milo learns of the argument between King Azaz and his brother, the Mathemagician whose disagreement over words and numbers has led to the banishment of Princesses Sweet Rhyme and Pure Reason. Milo is dispatched to rescue the Princesses from the Land of Ignorance. The knowledge and skills Milo picks up on his journey help him to save the Princesses. When he must return home, Milo's sorry to leave his friends-- but enriched by his experience, he realizes his attitude towards learning will never be the same.

Genres: Plays, Fantasy, Read For School, Childrens

70 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Rabbi Susan Nanus is the Director of Adult Programs and one of seven rabbis at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles. In that capacity, she teaches, preaches, and oversees most of the adult cultural and educational programs at the Temple.
While studying for her smicha at the Academy of Jewish Religion in Los Angeles, Rabbi Nanus worked as a rabbinic intern at Congregation Ahavat Torah in Westwood and the Santa Monica Synagogue. During that time, she was also the Coordinator of Senior Programs at the Westside Jewish Community Center.
A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Rabbi Nanus did not decide to become a rabbi until her mid-50s. Before that, she was a playwright and film and television writer in New York and Los Angeles. Her play, “The Survivor,” about the Warsaw Ghetto, was produced on Broadway, Off-Broadway, as well as Los Angeles. As a television movie writer, she had 15 movies on air and won numerous awards.
Rabbi Nanus is also the mother of a daughter, Lili. In her scant spare time, Rabbi Nanus loves to attend theater, read mystery novels, and do research on her favorite subject, Queen Elizabeth I.

Reviews

[Cupof Tea]

We performed this in junior high school. I was the Demon of Insincerity :D

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this production version of "The Phantom Tollbooth," originally written by Norton Juster, was written very well as both a story and a play. With this script, Susan Nanus does justice to the original book. It follows the original story very well, even with some added parts and some more funny moments. In the script, a young boy named Milo is bored out of his mind, that is until he discovers a mysterious tollbooth in his room, and upon entering it takes not only just Milo, but also the reader on an adventure of a life time. This would be a great play to do for a school, although it does require a lot of technical aspects. One of these technical aspects would be a moving car that would need to fit four different kids. However, looking past all of that, it makes both a great story and a great production. I recommend this play for any elementary school or middle school looking to put on a comedic or character-driven production. After reading this production script, I may even have to reread the original book as well!

[Michael Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo’s adventures in the land of wisdom. Dictionopolis and Digitoplis are in a disagreement over what is more important, words or numbers. Normally Rhyme and Reason would settle disagreements but have been banished for not choosing one over the other. Enter Milo the boy disinterested in most things goes to save the princess with the excuse of why not. The importance of learning, using what you learn, and using your time while appreciating it are at center of this charming children’s play. Excellent capture of the source material.

[Charles Hamel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did this play while I was in Junior High. It was quite fun. I played: The Lethargians, The awful Dynne, (Discord’s assistant) I also played one more character but I can’t remember the name. The page or something like that.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever and delightful.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very serviceable adaptation that captures the spirit and the fun of the novel.

[Daliz Carrion · Rating 4 out of 5]

My middle school students love this play.

[Pryscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was one of my favorites growing up. It was so special to see how it could be broken up into a production. The characters are so witty and silly. I hope I can direct this some day.

[Demetria]

I just skimmed on the flight and my favorite character is dodechahedron. Reminds me of that mars sibling of the magic man from adventure time.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to page 50 and just couldn't read any more. It may be a great book for kids, but not for me. The part I read reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, except the mad hatter scene goes on and on and on. ie- 'lets eat light for dinner' 'trays of light come out' ha, ha so funny. . .light and light. . .I get it, light is both a noun AND an adjective. One word, two meanings!. . .fun. . . Seriously though, I feel like I just spent the last hour in room full of 6-9 year olds and need adult conversation now.

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo is a young boy who is very bored one day so he travels some place new. As Milo travels through this different world he learn about the importance of time and to believe in yourself. While in this different world he learns about the Princesses who are trapped in the castle-in-the-air. Read the book to find out how Milo saves these princesses and what lessons he learns on his way.

[Jean Carlos]

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[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book for almost all of my childhood. It really started me thinking. It's one I read and re-read over and over. It will always have a special place in my heart.

[David Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome!

[Brielle B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all! It was so boring, confusing, and an all around bad book. Don't read it!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adaptation of the original. Just finished directing it -- one of my favorites for children!

[Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun to read along with the book, The Phantom Tollbooth. I'd love to see this play.