The Children’s Hour SYNOPSIS: Karen and Martha own and operate a boarding school in upstate New York in the 1930’s. Mary Tilford, a disaffected student, lies and bullies the other girls. In order to get out of school for good, Mary concocts a lie that Karen and Martha are lovers, which she tells to her grandmother/guardian. This erupts into a far-reaching scandal. By the time the lie is revealed as false, it is too late and lives have been ruined. Character Descriptions YOUTHS (to be played as 12-14 year olds) MARY TILFORD – Smart, spoiled. Bullies the other girls. Not overtly malicious; rather, will use anyone or anything to get her way, no matter who gets hurt. PEGGY ROGERS – Mary’s friend and roommate. Doesn’t really trust Mary, but wants to impress her. EVELYN MUNN – Mary’s friend and roommate. Like Peggy, doesn’t really trust Mary, but wants to impress. Is written with a lisp which we may or may not use. ROSALIE WELLS – Would be able to stand up to Mary. However, Mary has a secret on Rosalie, and Rosalie is terrified that it would be revealed. HELEN BURTON – stickler for the rules LOIS FISHER – Slow student CATHERINE – Know it all. ADULTS KAREN WRIGHT – 20’s – 30’s. Competent, intelligent, gentle but firm when needed. MARTHA DOBIE – 20’s – 30’s. Somewhat high-strung, but not overboard. Tends to see the glass half-empty. LILLY MORTAR – 40’s – 50’s. Martha’s aunt. A faded actress. Resents that she is dependent on Martha, and compensates by being somewhat theatrical. MRS. AMELIA TILFORD – 60’s. Mary’s grandmother. Wealthy, self-assured – but at the end very vulnerable. AGATHA – any age. Mrs. Tilford’s maid. Not taken in by Mary’s shenanigans. DR. JOSEPH CARDIN – 30’s. Karen’s fiancé. Also gentle but firm. A good guy.