The Toothpaste Millionaire

by David Hansen

based on the book by Jean Merrill

Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower is aghast when he sees that the price of toothpaste has gone up — and he bets he can make a WHOLE GALLON for the same price as one tube from the store! The challenge? He has to solve real-life math problems first! With help from his good friend Kate, and the collective power of a group of determined children, can this group keep up with the high demand for their popular product...

Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower is aghast when he sees that the price of toothpaste has gone up — and he bets he can make a WHOLE GALLON for the same price as one tube from the store! The challenge? He has to solve real-life math problems first! With help from his good friend Kate, and the collective power of a group of determined children, can this group keep up with the high demand for their popular product? Adapted from the beloved children’s book by Jean Merrill, playwright David Hansen weaves a story of perseverance, friendship, ingenuity, and the power in numbers (literally!) for children ages 8+

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The Toothpaste Millionaire

Recommended by

  • Brent Alles: The Toothpaste Millionaire by David Hansen
    “

    This adaptation was a lot of fun, and I definitely think it's going to go over well with the young (and young-at-heart) audiences that it's designed for. The use of "clapping games" at the beginning sets the energy effectively and then we're off. Nicely nostalgic for the time period of the original work; it also doesn't seem dated but instead fresh and engaging (even if grandparents may need to explain just who David Cassidy is, I suppose - but they should learn!). Great characters for actors of all types to perform. Really groovy work by Hansen - I dug it!

    This adaptation was a lot of fun, and I definitely think it's going to go over well with the young (and young-at-heart) audiences that it's designed for. The use of "clapping games" at the beginning sets the energy effectively and then we're off. Nicely nostalgic for the time period of the original work; it also doesn't seem dated but instead fresh and engaging (even if grandparents may need to explain just who David Cassidy is, I suppose - but they should learn!). Great characters for actors of all types to perform. Really groovy work by Hansen - I dug it!

    ”
  • Tom Erb: The Toothpaste Millionaire by David Hansen
    “

    "The Toothpaste Millionaire" is a fun, easy-to-follow play that shows the writer's talent for making interesting characters and snappy dialogue. David Hansen takes a smart, curious boy named Rufus and his friend Kate on an exciting business adventure. As they figure out how to make and sell toothpaste, the kids learn important lessons about math, business, and growing up. With lots of jokes and a fast-moving story, Hansen creates an entertaining and educational play. The characters feel real and talk like regular kids, making it easy for the audience to root for their success.

    "The Toothpaste Millionaire" is a fun, easy-to-follow play that shows the writer's talent for making interesting characters and snappy dialogue. David Hansen takes a smart, curious boy named Rufus and his friend Kate on an exciting business adventure. As they figure out how to make and sell toothpaste, the kids learn important lessons about math, business, and growing up. With lots of jokes and a fast-moving story, Hansen creates an entertaining and educational play. The characters feel real and talk like regular kids, making it easy for the audience to root for their success.

    ”

Production History

  • Professional, Talespinner Children's Theatre, 2024