Midcoast Youth Theater
Magic Tree House
Knights at Dawn
Synopsis
Adventure awaits! Join Jack and Annie as they travel back in time in Magic Tree House: Knights at Dawn, a musical based on Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved book series. When the siblings discover a mysterious tree house filled with books, they open one about knights and castles — and suddenly find themselves transported to medieval England!
In this magical journey, Jack and Annie explore a grand castle filled with knights, jesters, and secrets. Mistaken for spies, they’re thrown into the dungeon and meet the Duke’s imprisoned brother, Harry.
With courage, cleverness, and a little “magic,” Jack and Annie get caught up in a daring rescue involving a dungeon, a feast, and a swooping knight on horseback! With help from the Knight, the Squires, Castle Folk, Minstrels, and a whole ensemble of colorful characters, Jack and Annie must use their smarts, courage, and teamwork to make it home safely.
Filled with catchy songs, funny moments, and plenty of imagination, Knights at Dawn is a perfect show for young performers who love adventure and storytelling. There are lots of speaking and singing roles for all ages and experience levels — from royal knights and castle staff to townspeople, jesters, and even the magical tree house itself!
This musical celebrates curiosity, bravery, and the power of books to transport us anywhere — even back to the time of kings, castles, and shining armor!
Character descriptions
Jack
Jack is a young boy. Jack is bookish, thoughtful, and curious about the world, always eager to jot down his observations. Cautious by nature, his tree house adventures help him build confidence. He shares a close, protective bond with his younger sister Annie, though her impulsiveness sometimes tests his patience.
Annie
Jack's younger sister and, in many ways, his opposite in terms of personality. She is a risk-taker who often follows her heart instead of her head. She sometimes teases Jack about his careful attitude toward life and often encourages him to be more adventurous. She loves animals of any kind and has a very loving heart.
Duke/Duchess
A pompous bully who enjoys being the center of attention and wielding his or her power.
The Jester
A professional entertainer/performer whose job it is to amuse the Duke and his guests, and he or she is the only person allowed to criticize or make fun of the Duke.
Black Knight
A mysterious figure who sends Jack and Annie on their quest. In the Duke's kingdom, the Black Knight is something of a legend and a celebrity.
Red
One of the main Castle Sentries/Guards. Red is the ringleader, a bit of a braggart, and the most ambitious of the three guards.
Mustache
One of the main Castle Sentries/Guards. Mustache is a tough guy type and most of what he says and does is done in an effort to impress his boss, Red.
Squinty
One of the main Castle Sentries/Guards. Squinty is more innocent than the others, bringing much of the comic relief to their scenes.
Keenan
Keenan is the head honcho and takes great pride for all things concerning the Duke's dungeon.
Elf
Keenan's right hand man/woman and another big fan of dungeon life.
Harry
The Duke's brother and although he has been in the dungeon for forty-seven years, he has retained his quiet dignity and nobility.
Commoners
Sharon the Sheep Shearer, Chandler the Candle Maker, Bartley of the Barley Meadow, Cartwright the Cart Builder,Tom the Tinker… The common members of the kingdom who try to talk their way into the castle feast so that they can catch a glimpse of the Black Knight. (Think: fans trying to get backstage to meet their favorite rock star). The names of the characters were based on traditional medieval surnames that identified a person's occupation.
Minstrels
The castle musicians and singers.
Castle Kids
Rikki, Baxter, Yates and the Other Castle Kids are the children of the castle servants. They are spunky and adventurous and highly competitive with one another.
Suits Of Armor
The Suits are housed in the armory and brought to life by the song "To Be A Knight."
Keepers Of The Dungeon
The servants of Keenan and Elf who enjoy every moment of their lives in the dungeon.
Vagrants
The Youngest Vagrant and the the Oldest Vagrant are prisoners of the dungeon being held for the "crime" of being orphaned.