the mistreated children, a play in one act

CHARACTERS:
The Dad, a beleaguered father
Captain America , a 7-year-old with boundless energy
the Hulk, a 5-year-old with boundless energy
Superman, a 3-year-old with boundless energy

We open in the dining room of an older home in a state of remodeling. The Dad, Captain America, the Hulk, and Superman are finishing a meal of leftover chicken and vegetables. There is much fidgeting and teasing going on.

Captain America: "Why don't you ever let us eat dessert when it's just you?"

The Dad: "What do you mean?"

Captain America : "When just Mom is here, she ALWAYS lets us eat dessert, and when it's you and Mom we ALWAYS get dessert, but when it's just you here we NEVER get dessert. Why don't you ever let us eat dessert?"

The Dad: (thinking to himself) "That's because I eat my dessert after you go to bed."

The Dad: (aloud) "Daddy needs to be on a phone call right now!"