Mr. Grumble

Tobias George, A.K.A. Mr. Grumble, is an exclusively male character. He is the aging keeper of a small city zoo. He has no children, few friends, and lost his wife some years previously to cancer; because of this, he is consistently sad and grouchy througout most of the story. He is a Christian, but has backslid quite a bit and allowed himself to become consumed by despair.

The animals love him dearly because, despite his gloom, he is an excellent caregiver. They gave him the name by which he goes throughout the play, because they do not know his real name and "Grumble" is the sound he makes most often. When they finally open his eyes and show him that somebody cares, and that God is still there, Mr. Grumble loses his sadness and sings one of the most moving songs in the play.

His uniform should consist of a green button-up shirt and dark slacks or jeans, with a pair of boots (either workboots or rubber rainboots) and an unbuttoned coat of some heavy material, such as denim. As it is winter, he might also have a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a toboggan.

Featured Songs

 * Never Alone Reprise(Solo)
 * Finale! (optional ad lib)

Played By
N/A

Trivia

 * Mr. Grumble's real name was Mr. George in the original story; however, his first name was not ever mentioned.
 * In the original story, Mr. Grumble's late wife was named Jessica. In the musical, her name has been changed to Janice.
 * Tobias is a Hebrew name, which means (appropriately enough) "The Lord is Good."