Aplauso! Hispanic Children's Theater.

This collection contains eight children's plays in English, Spanish, and bilingual formats. Intended participants and audiences range from preschool children to young adults; most scripts encourage audience participation. Most authors are Americans of Latin American descent or birth, and characters in the plays come from Mexican, Puerto Rican, and other Hispanic cultures, as well as from Hispanic intercultural life in the United States. "Fred Menchaca and Filemon" ("Fred Menchaca y Filemon") (Jose G. Gaytan), presented separately in English and Spanish, is an actor's monologue about cultural differences. "The Caravan" ("La caravana") (Alvan Colon), presented separately in English and Spanish, uses songs, dance, and magic to address the effects on one's behavior of being in power."Bocon" (Lisa Loomer) is a bilingual script that uses such folkloric characters as La Llorona to present a theme of protest against dictatorial power of all kinds. "The Day They Stole All the Colors" ("El dia que robaron todos los colores") (Hector Santiago), presented separately in English and Spanish, is a visual spectacle about interplanetary pirates that uses puppets, marionettes, black light, and multimedia effects. "The Legend of the Golden Coffee Bean" (Manuel Martin, Jr.) is a parable (in English) in which an orphaned Mayan girl travels through the countries of Central America searching for wealth, only to find that the true treasures are learning and sharing. "El gato sin amigos: The Cat Who Had No Friends" (Joe Rosenberg) is a bilingual script for multicultural audiences that relies heavily on audience participation to tell the story of a lazy cat. "Song of the Oak: El canto del roble" (Roy Conboy) is a bilingual fable about the life of an oak tree, featuring six songs. "La lente maravillosa" (Emilio Carballido) (Spanish only) teaches young children about bacteria and personal hygiene. Includes author profiles and background on the plays. (SV)