a retro videogame musical about finding the courage to

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COMING TO TEXAS THIS FALL!

SheDFW Festival, Fort Worth, September 10–12.

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SYNOPSIS

In the last week of summer vacation before their senior year begins, three teens gather to play a long-lost video game console one of them found in the Alamogordo Dump (if-you-know-you-know). When the game flickers to life, the 8-bit world of Castleland comes to life onstage, featuring Princess Pink, her beloved sidekick Ribit, and a cast of zany enemies and NPCs.

Will Princess Pink save her beloved pizza delivery person, Scooter, from the clutches of BeeGee and their evil goons? Will teenager Melba ever come clean about why she REALLY went to Alamogordo? And who exactly is P.M. anyway?

In the words of the wizard’s apprentices from Castle Gray, “All will be answered, if you will permit it. As I said ’bout my birthday piñata, ‘let’s hit it!’

BOOK, MUSIC, & LYRICS
by Amanda Dills

  • Former K-12 Music Educator turned Instructional Designer
  • NE Arts Council Grant Winner
  • Master’s in Music Composition from Oklahoma City University
  • Proud Mom to an 8-year-old gamer and game developer
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Battle Crown’s Journey to the Stage

1. 2015 – Eduational Premiere

Battle Crown was originally written as a comission for Neligh-Oakdale High School, where it received a full production.

2. 2017 – University reading

Staged reading featuring music students at Oklahoma City University

3. 2025 – Industry showcases

Songs from the musical have appeared on New Works Cabarets and a Table Reading was held by MusicalWriters.com. (cast pictured)

Cast of Characters

Battle Crown is perfect for large educational and youth theatre settings, but can also be done with a smaller cast and lots of yummy doubling.

IRL Characters

Melba
(brilliant, awkward)

Jax
(goofy, loyal)

Hush
(silent but deadly)

P.M.
(1980s developer)

Playable Characters

Princess Pink
(perfect & naive game heroine)

Ribit
(think,”I am Groot”, with ribits)

Scooter
(lovable delivery driver)

NPCs

BeeGee
(2-headed bad guy)

Grandy Gray
(wise, rapping, portal keeper)

AND MORE!

Flexible Casting Needs!!

  • Minimum = 10 actors (with doubling)
  • Max = 50+
  • 3 roles designated female
  • Remaining roles can be played by any gender
  • Cultural, age, and body diversity encouraged!
  • Roles to challenge and inspire performers of all levels

FAQs

We’d love to chat with you about the possibility of producing Battle Crown at your school or theater!

Contact us

Battle Crown runs about 2 hours, including intermission.

There are 2 main styles: within the video game, the music is very 8-bit and chiptune, something you might hear in a 1980s video game. The music for the IRL teens is a bit more contemporary, and includes a variety of styles.

Melba and Princess Pink are the main characters (especially if the actress playing Pink also doubles as P.M.)

The characters of Jax, Hush, and Ribit are on stage throughout the show, with Jax having the most lines and songs. (Hush is a mostly silent character, and Ribit speaks only in “Ribits.”)

Beyond that, there are MANY supporting and ensemble roles, each with their own quirks and moments to shine!

Seussical is similar in terms of casting demands, vibes, and general whimsy.
Drowsy Chaperone is similar in terms of framing devices and nostaligia.
Me More Chill in terms of nerdy vibes and teenage angst.
Movies like Wreck It Ralph and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in terms of style.

Please contact us via the Contact Form below.

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