The Claw Production Kit
$395.00
When an out-of-order claw game suddenly turns back on, all of the toys are ecstatic! Well… all of the toys except for Dot, a terrified stuffed cow. Dot’s desperate to hold onto her home and her best friend, Aiden. Can Dot conquer her fear of the unknown with some help from the Flair Bears, Mighty Mutant Power Turtles, Beanie Elders, and the all-knowing Mystical 8-ball?
LENGTH: 45-minutes
AGE: 7-12
CAST SIZE: 23+
THEMES: Transitions, Embracing the Unfamiliar
Listen to the full show!
The All-Inclusive Production Kit
Every Beat by Beat musical comes with a digital Production Kit that provides everything you need to produce the show at one simple, affordable price.
Actor Book
The script the actors use. Clear, simple and professionally formatted to make your rehearsals run without a hitch. (PDF Download)
Director Book
A comprehensive guide to casting, sets, props and costumes. Plus the entire script with margin notes on how to direct the actors, when to press "play" for each music cue, and a blank stage to keep track of your blocking.
Piano-Vocal Sheet Music
Professionally arranged piano-vocal sheet music of every song in an easy-to-read format with dialogue cues. Perfectly matches the accompaniment tracks.
Vocal Tracks
Vocal recordings of the main songs in the show to help your actors arrive at rehearsal full prepared. (MP3 Download)
Accompaniment Tracks
Professionally orchestrated instrumental tracks of every song that the actors can perform along with during the show. Recorded by live, award-winning musicians to give every performance a visceral, authentic feel. Includes incidental and scene change music. Perfectly matches the Piano-Vocal Score to make rehearsals run without a hitch (MP3 Download)
Logo Pack
Attract audiences and sponsors with eye-catching logos on posters, programs, t-shirts and advertising. No restrictions on use.
Copy License
Permission to duplicate/print-on-demand as many copies of the above materials as needed for your entire cast and crew throughout the duration of the show.
Video Recording License
Legally record and share your production online, through DVD sales, or streaming, worry-free.
The resources above are conveniently provided through an online dashboard that you can access throughout your production.
We believe in clear, upfront pricing.
We know the importance of being able to confidently budget before choosing a show to produce. You’ll find the cost of our Production Kits to be about half the price of large publishers. Please we never charge extra for the things you need (logos, video license, etc.)
School Pricing
Accredited elementary and middle-schools.-
Digital Production Kit
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Unlimited performing rights for a 1-year period
Standard Pricing
All other organizations.-
Digital Production Kit
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$100/per performance royalty
Purchase Orders are accepted from U.S. schools only. International orders are welcome. Since we create all of our shows in-house, we have no restrictions on what countries can perform the material.
If you have a question about pricing, or want to inquire whether you qualify for a discount, send us an email with some background on your organization.
Actor Book: The script the actors use. Clear, simple and professionally formatted to help give your actors a true theatre experience. The vocal sheet music is seamlessly integrated into the script to make your rehearsals run without a hitch. (PDF Download)
Director Book: A comprehensive guide to casting, sets, props and costumes. Plus the entire script with embedded notes on directing, choreography and music cues throughout. On the bottom of each page is a blank stage template for you to keep track of your blocking. (PDF Download)
Piano-Vocal Score: Professionally arranged Piano-Vocal Sheet music of the entire show in an easy to read format with script cues. Perfectly matches the Accompaniment Recordings. (PDF Download)
Vocal Tracks: The vocal recordings let your actors enjoy learning, practicing and perfecting the show’s songs with professional New York City performers as their guide. This allows your actors to arrive at rehearsals fully prepared. (MP3 Download)
Accompaniment Tracks: Also known as backing or karaoke tracks. All the instrumental music that actors can perform along with during the show. Professionally orchestrated to sound just like a Broadway orchestra. Includes sounds effects and scene change music. Music Cues in the Director Book tell you when to press “play”. (MP3 Download)
Logo Pack: Attract audiences and sponsors with professional logos on posters, programs, handbills, and advertising. Show logos are provided in multiple digital formats. You’re allowed to use them in any way you wish, including on cast t-shirts! (JPEG and PNG Download)
Copy License: No more wondering, “Did I order enough scripts for everyone?” The Copy License gives you the flexibility to copy and print as many scripts as you need for your entire cast and crew throughout the duration of your production. (PDF Download)
Video Recording License: The video recording license takes the “worry” out of turning your stage production into sharable videos. You can legally video record your production, upload it to YouTube, stream your production, or share it with your cast – so long as it’s being used for non-commercial purposes. (PDF Download)
Synopsis
Synopsis
By: Denver Casado, Jessica Penzias, Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm,
Christyn Budzyna & Jack Mitchell
Apprentice: Eli Cohen
Orchestrations: Andrew Fox
We open inside an out-of-order claw game, where our narrator, CLAW introduces us to two best friends: a cow plush named DOT and a stuffed dragon named AIDEN. While AIDEN wishes he could leave the game, DOT loves being stuck inside, where things never change. DOT cheers up AIDEN, as all of the toys go about their familiar daily routine. (“The Best Day Since Yesterday”)
Suddenly, the ground beneath them starts to shake! All of the TOYS are tossed around inside the machine, as the claw game springs to life for the first time in ages!
AIDEN is thrilled! He’s determined to leave the game today. DOT, meanwhile, is terrified of facing the unknown. In a fit of panic, she hatches a scheme to hold onto a little piece of home – she and Aiden will leave the game together. (“The Who Knows What”)
A trio of BEANIE ELDERS overhear DOT and AIDEN’s conversation and tell them about the famed “Double Trouble” – an elusive move where two toys link arms and are pulled out of the machine together. To pull it off, they’ll need to master three crucial steps: Strike a pose, hold on, and be ready! (“Double Trouble”)
As DOT and AIDEN set out to tackle step one of the Double Trouble, they visit the eccentric FLAIR BEARS, who teach them how to strike the most impressive pose possible by embracing their confidence. (“Strike a Pose”) As their song comes to an end, a confident bear is grabbed by CLAW. (“Goodbye #1”)
CLAW reminds the toys about the joys of the outside world, leading them in a musical celebration of the greatest wonder of all – pizza. (“Pizza Lullaby”)
Meanwhile, DOT and AIDEN are determined to conquer step two of the Double Trouble. They visit the MIGHTY MUTANT POWER TURTLES, who teach them how to hold on by never giving up no matter what obstacles they face. (“Mighty Mutant Power Turtles”) As their song comes to a close, CLAW grabs a power turtle who holds on tight. (“Goodbye #2”)
Now that they’ve learned to strike a pose and hold on, the last step of the Double Trouble is simply: “be ready!” AIDEN is certain they are both ready to go, but DOT is not so sure. She tries to convince AIDEN to wait, but he’s insistent – The next time CLAW comes down, it’s time to leave!
Panicked, DOT rushes up to the MYSTICAL 8 BALL. She’s desperate for a sign that she and AIDEN will always be together in the outside world, but the MYSTICAL 8 BALL is unable to offer any guarantees. More terrified than ever, DOT is decidedly not ready to leave.
Suddenly, the CLAW springs to life! This is it! AIDEN rushes forward and links arms with DOT, striking an impressive pose. CLAW grabs AIDEN and starts to pull the pair out of the machine. It’s working! They’re doing the Double Trouble! But, in a moment of panic, DOT lets go of AIDEN’s hand. DOT tumbles back into the machine as AIDEN is pulled outside. (“Goodbye #3”)
As she watches her best friend disappear, DOT is devastated. The toys rush to her aid, and she confesses that she let go because, without any guarantees, she’ll never have what it takes to face so much that’s new and unknown. The other toys comfort her – she’s proved she’s capable of tackling new skills all day! She has the strength to face any challenge that comes her way.
DOT feels emboldened. As the CLAW lowers again, the other toys rally around DOT and, this time, DOT is ready! As the crane lifts her up, she realizes she’s been selected by the same little girl who won Aiden! The friends reunite, as everyone celebrates the adventures that await them out in the unknown! (“Finale”)
Characters
Characters
Note: All roles are gender neutral and pronouns can be changed to reflect the actor playing the part.
LEADS
DOT: An anxious stuffed cow
AIDEN: A charismatic stuffed dragon, Dot’s best friend
CLAW: The wise old sage, the hand of fate, our narrator
THE FLAIR BEARS
Inspired by the Care Bears, the Flair Bears are a group of wildly eccentric stuffed bears, each passionate about different forms of art.
BEARONICA: A dancer, leader of the bears
BEARLIN: A bear sculptor
BEARNARD: A bear novelist
BEARNACLE: A bear painter
BEARY: A very punny bear
SHAKESBEAR: A shakespearean bear
BEARBARA: A very dramatic bear
FLAIR BEAR ENSEMBLE (flexible)
THE MIGHTY MUTANT POWER TURTLES
A combination of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Mighty ‘Morphin Power Rangers, the Mighty Mutant Power Turtles are a group of off-brand heroes.
REN: Red, named after René Magritte
DEL: Green, named after Eugène Delacroix
VAN: Yellow, named after Vincent Van Gogh
CAM: Blue, named after Camille Pissarro
SAL: Pink, named after Salvador Dali
POWER TURTLE ENSEMBLE (flexible)
THE BEANIE ELDERS
Inspired by the Beanie Babies, the Beanie Elders are a group of old curmudgeonly toys from the 90’s.
WALLEE THE WALRUS
EL THE ELEPHANT
MO THE MOOSE
THE MYSTICAL 8-BALL
Based on the Magic 8-Ball, Mystical 8-Ball communicates using a trio of answers.
YES DEFINITELY
MOST LIKELY
OUTLOOK HAZY
TOY ENSEMBLE (flexible)
How does The Claw costume work?
Our concept is that The Claw would be played by a kid who resides on a pedestal up above the others on the back of the stage. To resemble the “talons” of the claw, consider repurposing 3 pool noodles – one that would attach to a hat on the head, and two held in his/her hands. When the claw goes to grab a toy, he/she would walk down from the pedestal downstage, wrap the “toy” in the pool noodles, and carry it offstage. Of course this is only one option – we’re excited to see what you come up with!
Photos
Photos
Videos
Videos
Introducing “The Claw”
Full Video: Glenelg Country School
Nate E. – Richfield Middle School (Richfield, MN) –
We just closed our production of “The Claw” to rave reviews. Thanks for such a wonderful production about friendship and growing up. We’ve done LOTS of BBBP shows and this one was easily our most popular with our audience and our cast. We had a five-foot tall claw that could be lowered from our fly gallery and interactive LED lights that would operate every time there was the coin-drop sound. Keep the accessible, affordable, wonderful shows coming – we really appreciate the amazing artistic work that you all do!
Denise B. – St. Croix Montessori School (Virgin Islands) –
We loved The CLaw. Lovely story, great songs!We hope to perform more Beat By Beat productions.
CVG – Gallo Center for the Arts (Modesto, CA) –
I was just in the claw and it was amazing! we performed it at gallo center GCYA. I was Ell.
Darci S. –
I gotta tell you that I took my 6.5 year old to see her very first musical at her older sisters middle school. It happened to be “The Claw”. My 6.5 year old daughter loved it SO MUCH that she cried because it was over, the last show and also that she couldn’t be in it because she is too young. Great show for young performers! We were glad to find the playlist of songs on YouTube so she could have her own little after party singing along and “performing” while jumping on a mini trampoline. Thanks for your work!
Robert E. 6.2 –
I was an actor in the claw as a Power Turtle and my experience was terrific the plot was insane and the overall acting was fun. We have done many BBBP musicals and they are all great. I recommend doing this musical for your school.
A Gregory –
Our production of The Claw just closed last week. The students are still walking the halls singing the songs! I loved the characters, the amazing music, the nostalgia, the balance of heartfelt and humorous, and the easy, all-inclusive nature of the production licensing. It was an exceptional experience overall, and I look forward to programming other Beat By Beat shows in the future. Thank you for writing shows that have great characters, SEL messages, and music that is written specifically for this age group! Elementary theater needs more writers like you!
Christa Schmidt –
Just finished our production of “The Claw,” our first BBB show. Our elementary audience was captivated and all the teachers were in tears at the end. I got numerous comments from teachers that it exceeded expectations, head and shoulders. Looking forward to seeing all the shows BBB continues to make.
Laura Krokos –
This is my favorite musical! Incredibly well done!!
Kirsti K. –
I just want you and everyone at Beat by Beat press to know how grateful we are to you. I work at a Title 1 public school, and have been using your musicals for the past 7 years now. They are phenomenal! The music is fun, the writing is well done, and most importantly they allow so many kids to shine and experience a new kind of confidence.
This year we just finished our run of The Claw. I have to say, I was in tears by the end of each performance. The message of this show is so pertinent to life. I’ve had a lot of changes in my life and at work this year that have been so hard to deal with. Putting on this musical with my students allowed me time to reflect, talk with them about their personal struggles and then help all of us to move forward. So thank you to whoever wrote this gem.
Thank you for all the work you do to create and development musicals geared towards kids that help them learn life lessons. Beat by Beat is an amazing company.
I’m trying to decide what musical to choose for next year!