Drama Project

Re-enact an important part of history as a member of the Anza Expedition of 1775-76.

Dolores Valdez de Pong

Bring history to life through these three children's plays, produced by Dolores Valdez de Pong for the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The plays include imaginative costumes, music and props. They are ideal for grades 3 and up.

Costume and Prop Photo Gallery (2.6MB PDF)
See photos of costumes and props used in all three plays


Play I: Grandma's Lesson

SUMMARY: When Michael and Miquela have to write a school paper on a historical figure, they come to their grandmother for ideas. She draws on their imagination to teach them about the Anza expedition first-hand.

21 CHARACTERS: Narrator #1, Narrator #2, Grandma, Michael, Miquela, Young Juan Bautista de Anza, Adult Juan Bautista de Anza, Señor Gonzales, Señora Gonzales, Soldier #1, Soldier #2, Soldier #3, Muleteer #1, Muleteer #2, Mule #1, Mule #2, Mestizo, Mulatto, Padre Font, Indian #1, Indian #2

SCRIPT: Download Script, Prop List, and Historical Background (400kb PDF)

SONGS:
1. Joining the Anza Expedition - (score and lyrics)
Song Track (wma | mp4)
Instrumental Track (wma | mp4)

2. Spiritual Song on the Anza Trail - (score and lyrics)
Song Track (wma | mp4)
Instrumental Track (wma | mp4)

3. Arrival Song at the End of the Anza Trail - (score and lyrics)
Song Track (wma | mp4)
Instrumental Track (wma | mp4)

Play II: The Anzas' Gift

SUMMARY: After leading nearly 300 children, women and men on a colonizing mission to Alta California, the Anzas recall the diverse people that made the expedition a success.

13 CHARACTERS: Narrator #1, Narrator #2, Señora Anza, Juan Bautista de Anza, Pablo, Carmen, Padre Font, Soldier, Chief Palma, Muleteer, Mule, Woman, María (young girl)

SCRIPT: Download Script, Prop List, and Historical Background (300kb)

SONGS:
1. Coming to the Colorado - (score and lyrics)
Song Track (wma | mp4)
Instrumental Track (wma | mp4)

2. The Anza Expedition and its Different People - (score and lyrics)
Song Track (wma | mp4)
Instrumental Track (wma | mp4)

Play III: Lisa's Talking History Book

SUMMARY: A magical book brings objects to life that were important to the early settlers of Alta California.

14 CHARACTERS: Narrator, Lisa, Lady Chocolate, Mr. Shovel, Watermelon Gal, First Ribbon, Second Ribbon, Third Ribbon, First Glass Bead, Second Glass Bead, Third Glass Bead, Quadrant, Psaltry, Meticulous Journal

SCRIPT: Download Script, Prop List, and Historical Background (200kb)

SONG:
1. Historical Things from the Anza Expedition - (score and lyrics)
Song Track (wma | mp4)
Instrumental Track (wma | mp4)