Overview

Jack Frakes' sentimental folk play about an idealistic schoolteacher, Andrew Singleton, shows the effect he has on a small farming community when he finds a promising student and falls in love with the local librarian, Jenny Turner. Although the students like Andrew, his enthusiasm for new ideas and progressive education quickly meets with antagonism from the conservative community. Andrew's impatience with old textbooks and inadequate facilities leads him to seek financial aid from the wealthy Homer Wadsworth. He's refused, and becomes momentarily discouraged. Though with the discovery that the Turner's adopted son, Buzzy - who is different from others because of a speech impediment - is extremely bright and talented, Andrew determines to invest his own money and renew his efforts for local education. The Pied Piper of Valley Junction, a parable that takes place during four seasons of 1911 and 1912, gives a nostalgic view of the past while proving one's ability to rise above his or her station or perceived disabilities. With endearing characters, conflicts with which are to empathize and a large number of female roles, this play is suitable for community theatres and high schools.