[Apples2for10]

By now the Minstrel/Larken romantic subplot is pretty well known, but when I was in the show, I paid special attention to any lines that made it blatently obvious, and I could never come up with anything. This makes me feel a little out of place to have been in the show and missed such a big storypoint. We rented scripts, so sadly I don't have the script available to me anymore. Can anyone give me any clues as to what lines (or any part of the show really) suggest that the Minstrel had feelings for Larken? Maybe I've missed something.

[Beagle On Stage]

In the opening scene of the princess number twelve test, the Minstrel says, "She's a pretty little thing," in what the characters he is speaking to take as referring to the princess when really he is staring at Larken. That's all I have off the top of my head, but I'm sure there is much else that depends on the actor portraying the dialogue that way to get it across. The subplot is mostly implied, after all.

[PappyCat]

It's not like it's a huge, necessary subplot anyway.

[ConverseSneaker]

[Beagle On Stage]

I don't think has anything to do with the elimination of the Minstrel character in the third TV version. The minstrel was also cut from the second TV version, in the seventies (Carol sang "Many Moons Ago" as herself). Besides, I don't know why Disney would have an issue with a romantic subplot.

[PappyCat]

I dunno, a creeper older guy praying on a young vulnerable pregnant woman? A little sketch.

[ConverseSneaker]

[Beagle On Stage]

I've never thought of him as being older than Larken, just wordlier since she's pretty much never left the palace. As for a threat to Harry and Larken's relationship, I think that if Disney is comfortable with an illegitimate pregnancy, they're unlikely to be concerned about a breakup in the same relationship.

I think the main reason behind the cutting of the Minstrel in TV versions is that if you're looking for ways to simplify, it is a subplot that can be entirely removed with little effect on the predominate storyline. While we may not appreciate the missing character, and wince when Harry and Larken sing "Normandy" in anticipation of their honeymoon there, it does work well enough in the context of a TV movie that few people will remember.

[Eponine_Fantine]

[PappyCat]

Yeah, I guess I always go by my own Mattress experience where Larken was a 19 year old girl and the minstrel was a 50+ man.

[Salome]

the original minstrel was 28 years old.

[ActingDude17]

Both our Minstrel and Larken were in college.

[Eponine_Fantine]

[Destined4TheStage]

I was lady larkin in my school's production of "Mattress" our men had to come from other areas since our school is all girl. the oldest members of our cast were 40s(king) and 21(dauntless) harry was 18 and minstrel was 16.

as for the larken minstral aspect of the show. it is pretty obvious in various places. the whole song "Normandy" is the minstrel singing to Larken about how he wants to take her away to a romantic place.. not so much escaping the castle before it is known about her pregnacy. Then of course we have the beginning part that someone previously mentioned.
Then right before Normandy, a dialogue is going on between the jester, king, minstrel and larkin.

Jester: "lady larkin"
Larkin (starts)
Jester: Is something wrong?
Larkin: ..no.
Jester: oh well we're glad of that anyway.(gestures for king and minstrel to come out of hiding)
(blah blah.. larkin says something that she was feeling faint and she went outside for fresh air. jester comments on that she was going to camp out (she has bags in her hand) and then larkin breaks down.. and tells everyone that she is leaving forever)

Larkin: it's better this way...i'm leaving.
Minstrel: you're leaving?(clearly upset)
Larkin: yes. i'm leaving the sevice of the queen forever.
Jester: that's a pretty big step to take all alone.
Larkin: i have no other choice.
Minstrel: (very upset now) you're leaving...forever!?
Larkin: yes.
Jester: you'll need help.
Larkin: who would help me!?
Minstrel:..I MY LADY!
...something else happens then the minstrel says.

Minsitrel: (arm around larkin) Chivalry demands that we protect a damsel in distress!

[RED15]

[MissyTiggy]

I have to say, it's completely possible to skip this particular subplot. When I was in the show two years ago, our minstrel was female, playing the role as a female and the sublot wasn't included at all.... our minstrel had a thing for the Wizard.

[Jester-Jester Johnson]

While there is indeed a "subplot" I think it's so understated that it really can go over the audience's heads. If a woman plays The Minstrel, I'm sure it just would seem like they're friends. Now, The Jester being played by a girl, THERE'S something I can't stand.

[ConverseSneaker]

[Jester-Jester Johnson]

I know "Conversesneaker" but I'm a little biased considering I played The Jester.

[ilovemusicals!]

in our show, the Minstrel and the Jester (played by a girl, as a girl), have a romantic sub plot and the reason for Normandy is to get her to stay, by telling her all these great things that she can go do, if she just stays.

[hyperactress23]