Thundermuffsby Cindy BlobaumRYAN: I’ll look behind the curtains. (Goes into living room, starts to move curtains aside)DAD: Hmm. (Looks under bed) He’s not under his bed. Where could he be?RYAN (Quietly; to himself): Well, I’ll be. . . (Puts curtains back in place, then shouts) Mom! Dad! Everyone. Come here! I’ve found him! (Everyone rushes into living room.)ALL (Ad lib): Where is he? I don’t see him. Is he still scared? (Etc.)RYAN (Proudly): Look! (Throws open the curtains. MITCHELL is sitting on the porch, his back to the family, earmuffs over his ears.)MOM (Shaking her head): I don’t believe it!STEPHEN: Would you look at that!OLIVIA: He figured it out for himself! (Family files out the door to the porch. MITCHELL turns and notices them.)MITCHELL (Lifting up one side of earmuffs): I don’t mind a good storm. I just like it quiet. (Large crack of thunder is heard.)DAD: All right, everybody—inside! It’s not safe to be out here during an electrical storm. We’ll enjoy the show from the comfort—and safety—of the living room. (Another large crack of thunder is heard and family ad libs excited chatter and laughter as curtain falls.)

Question

Thundermuffsby Cindy BlobaumRYAN: I’ll look behind the curtains. (Goes into living room, starts to move curtains aside)DAD: Hmm. (Looks under bed) He’s not under his bed. Where could he be?RYAN (Quietly; to himself): Well, I’ll be. . . (Puts curtains back in place, then shouts) Mom! Dad! Everyone. Come here! I’ve found him! (Everyone rushes into living room.)ALL (Ad lib): Where is he? I don’t see him. Is he still scared? (Etc.)RYAN (Proudly): Look! (Throws open the curtains. MITCHELL is sitting on the porch, his back to the family, earmuffs over his ears.)MOM (Shaking her head): I don’t believe it!STEPHEN: Would you look at that!OLIVIA: He figured it out for himself! (Family files out the door to the porch. MITCHELL turns and notices them.)MITCHELL (Lifting up one side of earmuffs): I don’t mind a good storm. I just like it quiet. (Large crack of thunder is heard.)DAD: All right, everybody—inside! It’s not safe to be out here during an electrical storm. We’ll enjoy the show from the comfort—and safety—of the living room. (Another large crack of thunder is heard and family ad libs excited chatter and laughter as curtain falls.)

Answer 1

"Thundermuffs" by Cindy Blobaum is a delightful play that explores themes of fear, family support, and self-discovery in the face of challenges. In this excerpt, we see the family engaged in a search for MITCHELL, who has found a unique way to cope with the storm by using earmuffs.

The interactions highlight the dynamics of family relationships; Ryan takes the lead in finding MITCHELL, signaling enthusiasm and teamwork as the family comes together in curiosity and concern. MITCHELL's response when found—his preference for a quiet experience of the storm—illustrates an individual approach to dealing with anxiety, showcasing his resourcefulness.

The scene concludes with a strong message about safety and comfort, as the family opts to enjoy the storm from the safety of their home, promoting a sense of togetherness amid nature's fury. The lively dialogue and ad-libbing from the family members contribute to the lightheartedness of the situation, providing an entertaining contrast to the backdrop of an electrical storm.

This clever combination of humor and warmth makes "Thundermuffs" a heartening story about overcoming fears in a supportive family environment.