On the Other Side of the Fence is a story about two farms separated by a big, strong
fence. The fence is there because of a long-standing feud between Farmer Franklin and Farmer Fred. Because of their differences, they have forbidden the animals on their individual farms to have anything to do with the animals on the other side of the fence.
Scene 1
The storyteller describes the ongoing feud that has long divided the two farms and the farmers. The opening song, “On the Other Side of the Fence,” reveals the curiosity of the animals to know more about the animals who live on the other side.
Scene 2
The farmers and their loyal cows, Salt and Pepper, demand that the animals not question their authority. The farm animals are told to “Mind Your Own Business!”
Scene 3
The pigs, Ham and Bacon, wander over to the fence and notice each other for the first time. Something “clicks” between the pigs and a special friendship is born (“I Dig That Pig”).
Scene 4
Having noticed that the pigs meet each day over by the fence, the birds share the news of this friendship (“Spread the Word”). The farmers learn of Ham and Bacon’s interest in one another and angrily decree that it is unacceptable.
Scene 5
The pigs and many of the animals are confused and upset with the current situation. Hairy and his dog pals and Scratch and her feline friends are “Furious,” and express their outrage to the pigs (“Dog-Gone Mad”).
Scene 6
The Woolies offer some advice and suggest to Ham and Bacon that they fool the farmers by sneaking out to see each other (“Pullin’ the Wool”).
Scene 7
The bears, Cheese and Crackers, who wandered onto the farms many years ago, share a different philosophy. Having decided to stay on the farms instead of returning to the forest, the bears suggest to the pigs that maybe they, too, should accept the situation as it is and not fight it (“Grin and Bear It”).
Scene 8
One late night, after all the animals and the farmers have fallen asleep, Hoot and Scoot, the owls, bring Ham and Bacon together. The owls have observed the entire course events from their perch in the big oak tree that hangs over the fence. Because they are so wise, they share something very important with the pigs and let them know the value of friendship (“Good Friends”).
Scene 9
Out of desperation, Ham and Bacon escape together. The next morning, when their disappearance is discovered, the farmers prevail upon the Stinkers, to “persuade” Tattle Tail the weasel to reveal where the pigs are hiding (“Tattle Tail”).
Scene 10
Tattle Tail refuses to divulge the hiding place of Ham and Bacon. Deeply saddened by the pigs’ absence, the animals on both sides share many of the same feelings. Fed up with the farmers’ stubbornness, even the cows, Salt and Pepper, who have been the most faithful to the farmers, begin to express their dissent. Along with the Farmer’s wives, Daisy May and Rosey Fay, the animals from both sides try to convince the farmers to reconcile their differences (“We’ve Got to Work Together”).
Scene 11
The animals prevail upon the farmers to end their feud and make peace with one another. A vote is taken and unanimously the decision is made to take away the fence (“Hooray… Take the Fence Away”).
Scene 12
With the fence removed, the farmers begin to see each other in a new way – the animals are jubilant – and tolerance, acceptance, friendship and understanding are the result. Tattle Tail is proud that he/she was able to keep the secret to help the pigs, and now can have the great pleasure of telling everyone where the pigs are hiding (“Tattle Tail Reprise”).
Scene 13
The show concludes with the return of Ham and Bacon and a great celebration by all (“Celebration Hoe-Down”).
Final Bows
The cast moves into position for the final bows (curtain call) with a reprise of “Hooray… Take the Fence Away” and concludes the show by singing the final two verses of the theme song, “On the Other Side of the Fence.”
Principal and Supporting Roles
STORYTELLER/CALLER – Clear, strong speaking voice with expression, for narration. Can sing or call the song "Celebration Hoe-Down" in an upbeat manner.
FARMERS FRED and FRANKLIN – Character roles, projecting dominance and intolerance. Each farmer can present this in a different way, with a powerful booming voice or an insecure, agitated voice.
ROSEY FAY and DAISY MAY – Character roles, projecting frustration and concern. These characters should be able to transform into being able to speak up for themselves and the animals. Their voices should be strong, clear and melodic.
SALT – Sidekick to Farmer Fred, with a strong, gutsy voice, similar to Fred, who is his role model. Imitates Fred and follows him around like a shadow. Solid, strong voice and is rhythmic.
PEPPER – Sidekick to Farmer Franklin, with a nervous, shaky voice. He almost seems allergic to Franklin, and sneezes when he gets too close to him. He does what he’s told, but he’s unsure. Hesitating, unsure voice that is rhythmic.
HAM – Boy pig with an outgoing, open, accepting nature. He should have strong, bluesy, charismatic voice and should exude personality.
BACON – Girl pig with a kind, trusting nature. She should have a sweet, bluesy voice and exude lots of heart and soul.
HAIRY – Dog with conviction and comic ability, who has lots of guts. He should have a strong, tough, twangy voice, with lots of dimension and dynamics.
SCRATCH – Cat with nerve and comic ability, who is almost irritating. She should have a strong, tough, twangy voice with lots of dimension and dynamics.
CHEESE and CRACKERS – Two bears who live in total denial or live in total acceptance! Comedic, operatic, melodramatic voices, who can lead the ensemble.
HOOT and SCOOT – Owls with wisdom and intellect who understand and have compassion. Beautiful melodic voices that capture the essence of the friendship between the two pigs.
TATTLE TAIL – Mischievous, comical character, with lots of energy and bounce. Dramatic and staccato voice that demands attention.
Featured Ensemble Characters (can be further developed by directors and performers to suit specific production visions)
THE STYLETTES ANDSTYLETTOS – Sizzle, Sassy, Saucy, Juicy - Slab, Slick, Percy, Pete Cool swines who really know how to swing and sing the blues. Voices should be able to harmonize and scat.
THE WINGERS – Doodle, Tweet, Gobble, Quacker – Goose, Pidge, Chick, Rooster Flighty birds, who have clear, melodic and distinctive voices, who can move and/or dance comfortably, in a modern and classical style.
THE RUFFS – Sniff, Rudy, Barker, Fang – Honey, Red, Patch, Shag Ferocious, fed-up dogs, who can sing with guts, gumption and lots of personality. They can tap dance and/or play rhythmic instruments for dance section.
THE MEOWS – Purr, Dander, Slink, Shadow – Prancer, Kitty, Cat, Cleo Whining, fed-up felines, who can sing with guts, gumption and lots of personality. They can tap dance and/or play rhythmic instruments for dance section.
THE WOOLIES – Baaby, Maady, Curls, Fluff – Fleece, Twirl, Chops, Mutton Hip sheep, who can rock and roll and sing at the same time, with much passion, to an upbeat dance number.
THE STINKERS – Stripes, Stinky, Spray, Spunk – Streak, Smelly, P. Uee, Steve Quick singing, totally silly skunks, who can dance a mean “hora.”
30 +/- Cast can be expanded and/or reduced. It's a show that a director can be flexible with. Non-gender for most of the roles (except for Ham and Bacon).