DAISY AND THE BANDIT
by Tonya Hays
Daisy and the Bandit is an old-fashioned melodrama with a modern twist. Sly Snidley is determined to get his hands on the beautiful Blue Bunch Ranch to complete his monopoly of ownership of Tinkertown. Assisted by the goodhearted but misguided Miss Kitty, who manages Sly’s saloon, Sly and Kitty wreak havoc in their devious plots. The handsome but simple hero Sheriff Creed Wyatt tries his best to defeat Sly’s efforts and falls in love with the beautiful Daisy Bunch who comes home due to the supposed suspicious death of her mother Ellie Bunch, owner of the Blue Bunch Ranch. Daisy and the Bandit has all the makings of traditional melodrama but is an immersive experience where the audience not only responds typically with boos and hisses, cheers and sighs but creates the soundscape of trains and storms and participates in sing-alongs that advance the plot. Other numerous audience opportunities are scattered throughout the play, culminating in their vote on the fate of Sly Snidley. With a flexible cast Daisy and the Bandit is sure to engage artists and audiences in a fun theatrical evening.
- Cast Size: 3M 3W 4ANY
- Running Time: Approx 60 minutes
- Royalty Rate: $75 per performance
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About the Playwright
Tonya Hays is an Associate Professor of Theatre Performance at Mississippi State University (MSU). Her creative research focuses on Theatre for Change and Theatre for Young Audiences. In addition to her work at MSU she consults with the Mississippi Arts Commission working with schools on Arts Integration as part of the Mississippi Whole Schools Program. She produced the first reading of plays for Enough – Plays to End Gun Violence in the state of Mississippi. Most recently Hays worked with Polish and Ukrainian Students, utilizing theatre as means to teach English, in cultural exchange and as a way to improve mental health. She has written numerous plays and musicals that have been produced around the world. She is the recipient of several awards at the state, regional and national levels for her work in Theatre for Young Audiences. She believes in the transcending and transforming power of theatre. She resides in Mississippi with her theatre/therapy dog Tallulah (Tully).
Tonya Hays’ Daisy and the Bandit is a delightful throwback to the golden age of melodrama, complete with heroes, villains, audience participation, and enough fun to keep theatergoers smiling from curtain to curtain.
One of the play’s greatest strengths is its clever use of narrators, who not only guide the audience through the story but also teach them the time-honored rules of melodrama. Newcomers quickly learn when to cheer the hero, applaud the heroine, and enthusiastically boo the villain. By the time the action begins, the audience has become part of the show itself, creating an atmosphere that is both energetic and welcoming.
The story unfolds with all the charm and excitement audiences expect from a classic melodrama. Daisy is a heroine worth rooting for, while the Sly Snidely, the villain, provides just the right amount of mischief and mystery. The plot moves at a lively pace, filled with humorous situations, exaggerated characters, and plenty of opportunities for audience reactions.
What makes Daisy and the Bandit especially enjoyable is its embrace of theatrical fun. Rather than trying to be overly serious, the play celebrates the joy of live performance and invites everyone in the room to participate in songs and sound effects. The result is an experience that feels less like watching a play and more like attending a community celebration.
Tonya Hays demonstrates a strong understanding of melodramatic tradition while making the format accessible to modern audiences. The narrators serve as excellent guides, the humor lands well, and the interactive elements keep audiences engaged throughout.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of melodrama or experiencing the genre for the first time, Daisy and the Bandit offers an entertaining evening filled with laughter, audience participation, and old-fashioned theatrical charm. It’s the kind of production that reminds us why live theater remains such a magical experience.
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