JAK, BEYOND THE BEANSTALK A New Musical by Coni Koepfinger and James Scheider

by Coni Koepfinger

Jak is the proprietor of Master Jak’s Bread and Puppet Theatre, its foundation rooted in the myth and magic of his childhood dreams. Tended and guided by Jak’s imagination and creative spirit, it’s been wildly successful for many, many years, but now changing times threaten to put him out of business. He may be forced to close up shop, even though his family and friends urge him to keep his legacy alive. Will he...

Jak is the proprietor of Master Jak’s Bread and Puppet Theatre, its foundation rooted in the myth and magic of his childhood dreams. Tended and guided by Jak’s imagination and creative spirit, it’s been wildly successful for many, many years, but now changing times threaten to put him out of business. He may be forced to close up shop, even though his family and friends urge him to keep his legacy alive. Will he give up? Can Jak bring the magic of the past back to save his family’s future once again?

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JAK, BEYOND THE BEANSTALK A New Musical by Coni Koepfinger and James Scheider

DRAMATISTS PERSONAE
(Double cast)


JAK - A very creative guy who happens to be the director, performer and sole proprietor of Master Jak’s Bread and Puppet Theatre- slowly crumbling under with the failing economy and high tech shows in NYC; 35-45

Monica/Harpy – Newly arrived to NYC, an inventive designer in pursuit of her dreams, trying to escape her controlling family / A character in the puppet play- the magic harp; the Giant’s melancholy pal; plays only when she is happy 35-45

Alex/Giant - Jak’s best friend, a very successful lawyer, handsome bachelor who still longs to be an actor/A character in the puppet play - the playful yet lonely giant who lives in a castle in an imaginary kingdom; 35-45

Gilda/Goldie Goose - Jak’s Mom, a caring and kind widow, who lives with her son Jak/A character in the puppet play – the wise old sage who lays the golden eggs; 45-55

Benny Zee/Old Man/Banker/Lawyer - A talking beanstalk, the physical expression of Jak’s creative spirit; a flamboyant Frenchman with a passion for the power of theatre; the other voices of reality; 30-40

option “Sprout Chorus”

Production History

  • Professional, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, 2022