The Lion on the Left
Be the first to bring this new play to life. We’ve waived the World Premiere script fee — simply add the script to your order, and the discount will apply. You’ll only pay the standard performance licensing.
As the premiere producing school or theatre, you’ll receive:
- Official “World Premiere with Gitelman & Good Publishers” credit
- Recognition on our website and in our catalog
- Optional feature in our educator newsletter and social media
In return, we ask that you share:
- At least 5 high-quality production photos
- Brief testimonials from the director and student performers
This helps us celebrate your students’ achievement and inspire other theatre programs nationwide.
Genre: Drama with elements of Magical Realism
Format: Live In-Person Performance
Keywords: Nostalgia, Christmas, memory, coming-of-age, change, family legacy, urban transformation, holding onto the past, emotional attachment, intergenerational conflict, resilience, magical realism, personal growth, identity, loss and renewal, the meaning of home
Cast Size: 11+ (3 male, 6 female, 2 any gender), 4 with doubling (2 male, 2 female), optional extras, flexible gender casting options
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Time Period: small-town America of yesteryear
Cautions: None
In front of Dunlap’s Department Store, beneath the watchful eyes of two towering bronze lions, Veronica has always found a sense of stability—until now. With the store closing and the lions set to be removed, she faces the painful realization that nothing stays the same forever. Desperate to preserve a piece of her past, Veronica embarks on a mission to save the statue, clinging to the memories and magic she believes it holds.
But as the days slip away and the town moves on, she must confront the question: Is holding on always the right choice, or is there a way to move forward without letting go completely? Meanwhile, her mother, Harriet, sees progress where Veronica sees loss, and her great-uncle Hugo watches his life’s work fade into history. A detective, a musician, and even a talking sock monkey all become part of Veronica’s journey—each offering their own perspective on what we keep, what we lose, and what truly lasts.
Perfect for high school theater productions and classroom study, this lyrical and heartfelt story invites students to reflect on the places, objects, and traditions that shape who we are.
How We Price
Our pricing is simple and transparent. Each play includes two parts: a one-time script fee of $150, which grants you immediate access to the play and permission to copy and share it within your program; and a performance license of $65 per performance, which covers your live productions for the selected license duration.
How You License
At checkout, select your license duration (for example, the current or next school year) and the number of performances you plan to give. Each license covers live, in-person performances.
What You Get
You’ll receive an instant PDF download of the full script. During your license period, you’re free to copy, print, and share the script within your school or theatre program for rehearsal and performance use—no per-script fees or copy limits.
Praise for Paul Lewis's Work
“Heartwarming and engaging” - Boston and Beyond/Art & Entertainment
“Extraordinary” - The Boston Globe
“A triumph!” - Seattle Gay News
“Thought-provoking, emotionally raw” - Shoreline Area News