The Spit Brothers^©

Words & Lyrics by Neill Kramer

Musical Composition by Dave Mampe

Topic: Bullying, father-son and peer-to-peer relationships

Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Cast: 2 main boy actors (ages 8-10); supplementary kid actors (3-5 boys ages 8-10, 1 small girl - or girls playing playing boy parts); 3 adult actors; kid dancers (between 5-20).

The Spit Brothers is a contemporary musical that concerns itself with the relationship between two boys, as we see them through their father and son and peer relationships. One boy, RUSTY, has a father that's too busy to spend much time with him, while the other boy, ROB, has a very caring Dad. ROB has a physical handicap and is confined to a wheelchair during the key section of the play. RUSTY'S Dad cares about RUSTY but is desperately trying to keep his business afloat. ROB'S Dad is a clown and is enamored with his son but is also a bit silly.

RUSTY is a socially aggressive kid and when he is in a peer group he knows how to control the others. He likes to think he's a "rock and roller" and a movie star. It's his way of drawing attention to himself, since try as he might, he can't get the full attention of his Dad.

ROB tries to be an equal to RUSTY, but most of the time it doesn't work out. There are several scenes where RUSTY repeatedly bullies ROB around. RUSTY eventually pushes ROB'S wheelchair over (after ROB makes a derogatory remark to him). In the next scene, out of sheer frustration and with the help of some of his friends, ROB ambushes RUSTY and smashes eggs onto RUSTY'S head, admonishing him.

The resolution of the conflict between RUSTY and ROB occurs when a film crew comes to town. The kids stand behind a roped-off area and the DIRECTOR wants one kid to be in a scene. To the surprise of everyone, RUSTY volunteers ROB for the scene. RUSTY then does a cool "move" and suddenly the DIRECTOR wants RUSTY and his "move" to be in the movie, too.

The final scene is the repeat of an earlier RUSTY song, "I Think it's Groovy to Live in a Movie," but now ROB is up there singing by his side.

An epilogue is then performed. RUSTY and ROB are adults. They are amazed to see their babies give each other the same "spit brothers high-five handshake" that they gave each other when they were kids.

Notes: While the play is meant to be performed with children in the lead roles, it is conceivable adult actors performing as children could work.