Return to KOTB Home Page When Kenny finds an announcement for try-outs for his baseball team, he is upset because he knows that his cancer will keep him from playing this year. When Abbie arrives she finds Kenny spilling his troubles to his dog, Virgil. Abbie encourages Kenny to discuss his feelings openly. Together they talk about the possibility of Kenny's death and find a way to include Kenny in his little league activities. (Kenny, Abbie)
Kenny's classmate, Brenda, has heard that Kenny is very ill, and she really wants to visit her friend. In an effort to make the situation easier on Kenny and his family and to "protect Brenda from death," Brenda's parents have made it clear that Brenda should not visit Kenny. As Brenda approaches the Montgomery house, she encounters Abbie. Abbie helps Brenda understand that Kenny needs and wants to see his friends, that visitors are not a "bother" and that these visits help everyone to be more open and honest about death. (Brenda, Abbie)
n "Bag It!" Keith Montgomery, Kenny's brother, grapples with his thoughts and feelings about the changes in the Montgomery's family life. When word of Kenny's illness spreads among his friends and neighbors, gifts arrive at the Montgomery home at a furious pace. As Keith delivers these presents to Kenny, he feels angry at the attention Kenny receives and guilty for feeling that way. Keith talks with Abbie, Kenny's home hospice nurse, and at her suggestion talks with his brother. Keith wants to do "regular" family things that are part of the familiar routine. Kenny suggests they work together sorting laundry, and together they discuss their feelings about terminal illness and its effects on each of them. (Keith, Abbie, Kenny)
Keith is having a bad day. He is remembering his brother and missing him. Brenda joins Keith and shares his sorrow. They decide to call Abbie, Kenny's hospice nurse, for help. Abbie talks with the children about their grief, encourages them in their memories of Kenny and helps them channel their grief in a positive manner. Through Abbie, Keith and Brenda learn to talk about grief and loss. (Keith, Abbie, Brenda)
NOTE: After each script the children in the audience are given the opportunity to ask their own questions directly to the puppet characters.
| The Kids on the Block, created in 1977, features life size puppets who, through the magic of live puppet theatre, teach children and adults about disabilities, medical and educational differences, and social concerns. Through the hard work and dedication of many community based groups, The Kids on the Block puppets are able to touch the lives of people all over the world. |