Langston Hughes Holiday Classic Jack Heifner Eric LeRoy Wilson

Transcription

HOLIDAY PLAYS AND MUSICALS
Andrew J. Fenady
“Classic true story comes to life with charming children and
a heart-tugging ending. Yes Virginia really does make you
believe in Santa Claus. Great for the entire family.”
– Audrey Putnam, Lansing Civic Players, Lansing, Mich.
Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus - Family drama. By Andrew
J. Fenady. Based on the teleplay by Val DeCrowl and Andrew J. Fenady. Cast:
17m., 8w., extras (doubling possible). Inspired by a simple, poignant letter written
over a hundred years ago by 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon to the editor of the New
York Sun—and by the timeless editorial response printed on the front page of the Sun.
Virginia wondered and wrote: “Dear Editor, I am eight years old. Some of my little
friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it’s so. Please tell
me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?” Ed Mitchell, the Sun’s editor, gives the assignment of answering Virginia’s letter to Frank Church, who, until his wife and baby died
last Christmas Eve, was the Sun’s best and most dependable reporter. Yes Virginia,
There Is a Santa Claus is a play for young and old, magically reaffirming life’s highest beauty and joy— “the eternal light with which childhood fills the world.” Area
staging. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: Y22. Also available: radio
playbook. Price: $7.50. Code: Y27. Radio manuscript. Price: $12.50. Code: Y26.
The Toledo Repertoire world premiere. (l-r) Katie Reid, Brady J. Sikorsky,
Laura A. Amico and Josh Stabinski.Photo: Bob Meyers, Timeless Images.
Langston Hughes Holiday Classic
African dance and drum ensemble, Pittsburgh, Pa., featuring Shona Sharif.
Black Nativity - The Christmas story in dialogue, narrative, pantomime, gospel song
and folk spirituals—the unique creation of the poet and playwright Langston Hughes. Cast:
variable. “His tone has that intimate, elusive, near-tragic, near-comic sound of the Negro blues,
and is equally defiant of analysis” is how a critic described this work by Langston Hughes, who
mentions Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg and Walt Whitman as his main literary influences. As a young man, Hughes participated enthusiastically in the activities of the Karamu Players
in Cleveland, and later he was to found Negro theatres in Harlem, Los Angeles and Chicago. He
wrote a number of plays and musicals and then came to his own special creation which he calls
“the Gospel Song-Play”... which is Black Nativity. First performed at the York Theatre and then
at President Kennedy’s International Jazz Festival, it went on to cause a sensation at the Festival
of Two Worlds at Spoleto, Italy. A New York Times critic reporting from Spoleto wrote, “Sophisticated Italian audiences greeted Black Nativity with enthusiasm, taking part in the singing
and hand clapping and insisting on curtain call after curtain call.” The staid Rome newspaper II
Tempo wrote, “The elegant festival public appeared to have forgotten itself, lost in this rhythmic
wave that overwhelmed it, an integral part itself that bound stage and auditorium in a mystical
fusion.” In London, Oslo, Brussels, Copenhagen and Rotterdam, Black Nativity triumphed before
its return to New York and the then-new Lincoln Center. Black Nativity is designed for you to add
the music of your choice (from spirituals to traditional carols or your original compositions) and
dance. This thrilling holiday piece will have your audiences on their feet! Simple set. Royalty:
$65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: B72.
They Sing Christmas Up in Harlem: A Lenox Avenue Christmas Carol - A play with improvised music. By Eric
LeRoy Wilson. Cast: 6m., 6w. (may be expanded to 5 more actors,
either gender). In Harlem, in the late 1920s, there lived a numbersrunning gangster by the name of Ebenezer Scrooge who’s very name
strikes terror into the heart of the Harlem community. But now, on
a crisp Christmas Eve, it is Scrooge’s turn to be frightened. Ancestral ghosts arrive, attempting to save Scrooge (and Harlem) from
hate. Swinging through the past, present and future, this modern-
Eric LeRoy Wilson
Lorraine Hansberry award-winning playwright
day Christmas Carol is filled with the rhythms of jazz and voices of
the Harlem Renaissance. Narrated by a bass player named Charlie,
gospel-moaning ghosts, cutthroat gangsters, struggling citizens and
poets come together to tell Dickens’ timeless Christmas tale. They
Sing Christmas Up in Harlem is a funny, profound look at how joy
and hate can change the face of a city. Area staging. Royalty: $65/
performance. Price: $7.50. Code: TB1.
Jack Heifner
Comfort and Joy - Comedy. By Jack Heifner. Cast: 4m., 2w.
Comfort and Joy takes
place during the Christmas season in a house in the Hollywood Hills. Scott and Tony are a happily married couple in the middle of a holiday disaster. Scott’s recently widowed, demanding
mother arrives from Texas convinced that her son is really straight. Tony’s brother (who has
been thrown out of his own house by his wife) is camped out on the sofa threatening suicide.
Finally, Tony’s sister unexpectedly arrives from South America in a very pregnant condition.
Chaos is the order of the day. Into this holiday whirlwind descends an unusual fairy who
teaches the families about love, hope and forgiveness. The fairy plays with time—sending
the characters into their pasts to face the reasons for their current problems. Inventive and
hilarious, this is a fast-moving, funny, touching play. One int. set. Approximate running time: 2
hours, 15 minutes. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: CA8.
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Portland Center Stage world premier production.
(l-r) Michael Mendelson, David Meyers and Amy Perry. Photo: Rick Adams.
Click on a title to visit our website www.dramaticpublishing.com for ordering, script excerpts, music clips and more.
Robert Fulghum
Ernest Zulia
David Caldwell
“Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas was amazing. It is so student-friendly and a director’s dream!”
-Carl Willoughby, Bourbon County High School, Paris, Ky.
“[The authors and composer] have created a holiday gem. We hope to do it every year.”
-Michael Nickley, Medina Co. Show Biz Co., Medina, Ohio
“Entertaining, thought-provoking, a good show that touches audience heartstrings.”
-Lloyd Lowery, Way Off Broadway Players, Midway, Ark.
Mill Mountain Theatre premiere. (l-r) Philip Davidson, Rusty Ferracane, Peggy Lord Chilton,
Dawn Westbrook and Nicolas Glaser. Photo: Tim Trevillian.
Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas - Comedy/Drama/ (optional) Musical. Based on the books by Robert Fulghum. Adapted by Ernest Zulia and David
Caldwell. Music and lyrics by David Caldwell. Cast: 3m., 2w. 1 pianist (may be expanded). Fifteen holiday stories from the international best-selling author of All I Really
Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten have been crafted into an engaging evening
of storytelling and song. Drawn from Fulghum’s five books that have sold over 15 million copies, this charming show takes a funny, heartwarming and often poignant look
at the struggle to find the spirit of the holidays amid the avalanche of commercialism,
stress and chaos that seems to come crashing down every December. Among the many
delightful stories is one about a small immigrant child who comes trick-or-treating in a
cheap Santa mask a few days before Christmas, inadvertently delivering the true meaning of the season to a grownup with a serious case of “Scroogitis”; hilarious musings
about a love/hate relationship with the vibrant poinsettia that arrives in most homes
every December and hangs on and on and on, long after the holidays have ended; and
a beautiful, deeply moving tribute to the winter solstice, celebrating nature’s precious
annual gift of rebirth. Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas is a refreshing alternative to A
Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker and is a wonderful sequel to the stage version of
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (possibly featuring the same cast).
The four original songs and the many favorite holiday tunes can be performed with solo
piano accompaniment or four-piece orchestration. Easy to stage, this charming event
will rekindle the true spirit of the holidays in your adult and family audiences. Various
music packages are available. Simple unit set. Royalty: $65/ performance, plus optional
music rental. Price: $7.50. Code: U25.
James F. Engelhardt Carol Weiss
The Fir Tree - Musical. Book by James F. Engelhardt. Music and lyrics by Carol Weiss. Based on the story by Hans Christian
Andersen. Cast: 3m., 2w. (may be expanded). Hans Christian Andersen
transforms a tiny fir tree and an unhappy boy into a finely woven tale of
happiness and sharing. In a world of joy and plenty, young Eric and the
little fir tree are frustrated to be so small. The tree is so eager to be grown
that it misses the beauty around it: warm sun, gentle breezes, the singing
stream. For Eric and the fir tree, happiness will come when they are tall,
Hans Christian Andersen
until...one rapturous day Eric chooses the little fir to be his Christmas tree.
Too soon the holiday passes. Eric keeps wishing he were big. The little
tree finds itself dry and lonely in the attic. But all is not lost; our fir tree
discovers its happiness in sharing its stories with the resident house mice.
In a final act of giving, the little tree transmits its wisdom to Eric through
a dream. Carol Weiss’ songs and exuberant score add luster to this Christmas gem! One int., one exterior set. Promotional CD available. Royalty
on application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: F46.
A wonderful addition to the Christmas holiday repertoire.
Easily staged, manageable casting, good songs.
Our audience loved it and asked that we
consider bringing it back in future years.
-Dennis Knapp, Circle Theatre, Barnwell, S.C.
.
David Meyers Scott Michal
The Last Christmas Carol - Musical. Book and lyrics by David Meyers.
Music by Scott Michal. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Cast: 22 to 40
or more (approximately half m.), extras, chorus. Doubling possible. The holidays are here
again! But is that any reason for another production of A Christmas Carol? Brodwyn Branson, the Scrooge-like director of a local children’s theatre, certainly doesn’t think so. But
without the green it brings in, his little drama company would be in the red! Still, Branson
can barely conceal his contempt for the whole affair. But just as Branson’s humbug-ish attitude is beginning to rub off on his young actors and threatens to ruin the show, he is visited
by a series of Christmas spirits, including his former agent, an acid-tongued drama critic,
and an Elvis impersonator whose specialty is smelling like The King. Subjected to an eyeopening tour of his own life, Branson comes to understand that the message of the classic
Dickens tale is every bit as relevant today as it ever was. And, miraculously, the kids pull
the show together in the nick of time. A witty script, delightful characters, and unforgettable
songs make The Last Christmas Carol the perfect show to put any Scrooge in the holiday
spirit! Bare stage w/props. Approximate running time: 2 hours. Royalty on application, plus
music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: L08.
Shedd Theatre/
The Davis Discovery Center,
Columbus, Ohio.
(l-r) Alex Adams and Chip Becker.
Photo: The Davis Discovery Center.
Call our office at 800-448-7469 or 815-338-7170 M-F 8:30-5:00 Central time to talk to a real person.
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“A wonderful show with great flexibility for cast size...
Overall, very entertaining and enjoyable.”
Ruth Perry Ann Smit Susan Carle
Victor Herbert Glen MacDonough
-Bill Coldwell, Chaska Valley Family Theater, Chaska, Minn.
Babes in Toyland - Musical. Adapted by Ruth Perry,
Ann Smit and Susan Carle. Based on the operetta by Victor
Herbert and Glen MacDonough. Cast: 9m., 11w., extras.
We’d like to wrap this musical in gold paper with spangles all
over it and attach a card saying Merry Christmas! Remember
the wonderful Victor Herbert music? Remember the lyrics?
“Toyland, toyland, little girl and boy land.” There are wonderful roles for everyone: Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary; Tom
Tom, the Piper’s Son; Jack and Jill; Little Miss Muffet; Wicked
Uncle Barnaby who runs the toy shop (and his comic-ruffian
assistants, Roderigo and Gonzorgo) and can turn children into
dolls and sell them for gold; and lovable Jane and Alan, who
are his next victims. The adaptation uses the original music of
Victor Herbert and much of Glen MacDonough’s libretto and
lyrics. Multiple simple sets. Royalty on application, plus music
rental. Price: $8.50. Code: B06.
Joseph Robinette Karl Jurman
Melissa and the Magic Nutcracker - Musical. Book and lyrics by Joseph Robinette. Music by Karl
Jurman. Based on the story by Haller T. Laughlin. Cast:
2m., 2w., chorus (7 to 30 m. or w.), mouse (m. or w.). This
spirited musical, set at the turn of the century, centers around
Melissa Montgomery, a young girl from Georgia who has
sailed to Maine to spend Christmas with her grandparents.
In the beginning, she is quite unhappy at being away from
her home in the South. Left alone on the sofa to spend her
first night, Melissa is frightened by a mouse. She hurls a nut-
Manhattan Beach Community Church, Manhattan Beach, Calif. (top l-r) Gina O’Connor and Katie O’Connor; (bottom l-r) Stacey Humphrey,
Kelly McKenna and Liz Shelton. Photo: Doug Carter.
cracker at the intruder, and suddenly the mouse becomes human-sized while
the nutcracker is transformed into a handsome sailor. Together, the mouse and
the sailor show Melissa how Christmas is celebrated in other countries. One
int. set. Promotional CD available. Royalty on application, plus music rental.
Price: $8.50. Code: M08.
A child’s treasure becomes the Shining Star of Bethlehem.
Patricia Gray
Charles Tazewell
The Littlest Angel - Drama. Adapted by Patricia Gray. Based
on the story by Charles Tazewell. Cast: 9 actors, plus extras. There
was, in Paradise, a most unruly small boy known throughout Heaven
as the Littlest Angel. He sang off key and his halo was tarnished. Then
he meets the Understanding Angel and explains how difficult it is for a
boy who suddenly finds himself transformed into an angel and that he’s
unhappy because he longs for a box of toys that he left under his bed. A
Heavenly Messenger brings the box and the Littlest Angel is overjoyed.
But his isn’t the only joy in Heaven, for Jesus is to be born. The Littlest Angel has only one thing to give, and he places his box among the
other splendid presents. It shines out from the heavens, becoming what
men will forever call the Shining Star of Bethlehem. Bare stage w/props.
Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: L26.
DeSoto Youth Theatre production. (l-r) Jesse Anne Lipscomb, Ashley Wieranski and Marcia Davis.
Joseph Robinette
Diane Leslie
Charles Tazewell
“The Littlest Angel was fun, easy to costume and stage. The catchy tunes were
thoroughly enjoyed by the students and the play has a wonderful theme and plot.”
The Littlest Angel -
-Jim Phillips, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, Texas
Musical. Book and lyrics by Joseph
Robinette. Music by Diane Leslie. Based on Charles Tazewell’s book.
Cast: 10 to 30 (or more) m. and w., flexible. This classic Christmas
story of a little angel who is transformed from a celestial pest to the
toast of the Heavenly Host is brought magically to life in this humorous, touching, and, above all, inspirational musical. Filled with melody
and mirth, the story follows the adventures—and misadventures—of
the Littlest Angel, from his reluctant entry through the Pearly Gates to
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the triumphant conclusion when his gift to the newborn Christ child
is miraculously transformed into the Shining Star of Bethlehem. The
score includes the engaging solos “Homesick” and “My Gift,” the
enchanting duet “The Little Things,” a variety of ensemble numbers
ranging from the humorous “Have You Met the Littlest Angel?” to the
triumphant “Sound the Harp and Horn!” and, finally, the “heavenly”
title song “The Littlest Angel.” Unit set. Promotional CD available.
Royalty on application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: L02.
FRANK CAPRA’S HOLIDAY CLASSIC
“Rodgers’ version is a very faithful adaptation of Capra's classic.
He obviously knows what average American community theatres are looking for.
It's also broken down into very manageable segments, making rehearsals easier.
Crowd appeal was very high and no one minded that our leading man
looked/sounded nothing like Jimmy Stewart!” -Neal Lewing, Port Polson Players Theater, Polson, Mont.
James W. Rodgers
Frank Capra
It’s a Wonderful Life - Drama. Adapted for the stage by James
W. Rodgers. Based on the film by Frank Capra. Cast: 12m., 10w., 2
boys, 2 girls (doubling possible). In our American culture, It’s a Wonderful Life has become almost as familiar as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
The story is a natural for a stage adaptation: the saga of George Bailey,
the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of
escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic
duty, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save
him from despair and to remind him—by showing him what the world
would have been like had he never been born—that his has been, after
all, a wonderful life. This faithful adaptation has all your favorite characters: George and Mary Bailey, Clarence, Uncle Billy, Violet, and, of
course, the Scrooge-like villain, Mr. Potter. This fine dramatization not
only celebrates the faith of the season, but also celebrates the American
philosophy of life: hard work, fair play and the love and support of one’s
family and community will be rewarded. Unit set. Available in the U.S.
only. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: I 51.
James W. Rodgers John Higgins
It’s a Wonderful Life -The Musical. Book and lyrics
by James W. Rodgers. Music by John Higgins. Based on the film by
Frank Capra. Cast: 12m., 10w., 2 boys, 2 girls (doubling possible, additional townspeople as desired). A beautiful and melodic score has been
added to James W. Rodgers’ faithful and popular adaptation. Capturing both the spirit and the period of the original, the musical selections
offer a wide variety of delightful and heartwarming melodies that can
be easily managed by quality actors with natural but untrained voices.
The songs have been carefully interwoven into the fabric of the book
not only to set mood and atmosphere but to heighten action, delineate
characters, and establish underlying themes. Like the play version , the
musical is easily accessible to community and school groups. Staging
has been kept to a minimum requiring only a simple unit set with limited props, costumes and lighting effects. All the great characters are
here: George (“Something Important”), Mary (“Quiet Wishes; Simple
Dreams”), Clarence (“I Want to Fly”), Violet (“I Love to Dance”), Uncle
Billy and Aunt Tilly (“Whoops! Another Year’s Gone By”), and Potter
(“Easy Living”), 22 songs in all. Solos, duets, ensembles and full chorus
The Wesley Foundation Arena Theatre, Cookeville, Tenn. (clockwise from upper left) Caroline Reel,
Brad Brown, Michelle Winebarger, Megan Reel, Max Magura and Jake Reel. Photo: Robert Anspach.
numbers all have pleasing and catchy melodies and all are within comfortable vocal ranges. Unit set. Available in the U.S. only. Royalty on
application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: I02.
“This is our second year producing this wonderful ‘play with music.’ I don’t know who enjoys it more: the cast or
the audience! There will be a 2006 production for sure!” -Karen Vanover, New Gate Celtic Theatre, Cincinnati, Ohio
Jeremy Brooks Adrian Mitchell
Dylan Thomas
A Child’s Christmas in Wales - Musical. Adapted by
Jeremy Brooks and Adrian Mitchell. Based on the classic by Dylan
Thomas. Cast: 13m., 7w., chorus, extras. All your Christmases will
live again in the magic of Dylan Thomas’ poetic language. “I can never
remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was
twelve or twelve days and twelve nights when I was six.” Despite the
fact that this is a Welsh Christmas and the music is also Welsh, Dylan
Thomas has managed to universalize the very essence of Christmas as
any child anywhere might perceive it. If the play has a plot it is the story
of Christmas day itself, from its quiet, magical beginning full of thrilling
expectations to the end when the boy Dylan creeps up to the bed, replete
with the joy of a perfect Christmas. The cast is flexible and the staging
should be kept simple, attempts at realism would undermine the child’seye view. This is Christmas just the way Christmas always should be.
Area staging. Sound effects tape available (Q63 - $15.00). Royalty:
$65/ performance, plus optional music rental. Price: $7.50. Code: C62.
For staged readings of A Child’s Christmas in Wales (C66) or the Dylan
Thomas poem Memories of Christmas (M65), please call or write.
The Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival production.
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Christopher Sergel
A beautiful, down-to-earth
Christmas story from The Waltons
filled with humor, humanity and love.
Evelyn Swensson
Earl Hamner Jr.
“What a wonderful production! A heartwarming play
with all the right elements for a universal message.”
-Sherry Petrowski, Maryville High School, Maryville, Tenn.
The Homecoming - Musical. Based on the book by Earl Hamner
Jr. and the play by Christopher Sergel. Music and lyrics by Evelyn
Swensson. Cast: 20 to 30 (or more), flexible. This captivating Christmas
musical based on the book by Earl Hamner Jr. (creator of “The Waltons”
television series) and the play by Christopher Sergel is brimming with
humor, love and family values. The story takes place on Dec. 24, 1933,
in a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where Olivia and
her children are preparing for Christmas and waiting for Daddy to come
home. They sing as they make “Applesauce Cake” and listen to Grandpa
and Grandma tell about the Depression in “Hard Times.” Clay-Boy tries
to be like his daddy in “My Father, Clay Spencer” and Becky, frustrated
with household chores, sings and dances a flapper number, “When I Grow
Up.” The whole family trims the tree to a rousing polka, “Let’s Have a
Merry Christmas.” Clay-Boy goes looking for his father at the pool hall
(“Pool Hall Blues”); at Mr. Dooly’s church where a Christ-mas pageant
is in progress accompanied by a choir and children singing spirituals; and
at the Staples home where Miss Etta sings a wistful waltz about “Ashley
Longworth” who once kissed her. Clay Spencer arrives home at midnight
with his arms full of gifts and his heart full of love and joy for his family and
friends in “Christmas Ev’ry Day of My Life.” On hearing these songs for
the first time, Earl Hamner said, “I had already fallen in love with the lyrics
and I feel the same way about the melodies. The music is everything I could
wish for.” Unit set. Promotional CD available. Royalty on application, plus
music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: H06.
Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Gretna, Manitoba, Canada.
Bobbe Bramson
Gayle Hudson
Mary Mapes Dodge
Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates - Musical. Book by Gayle Hudson.
Music and lyrics by Bobbe Bramson. Based on the novel by Mary Mapes Dodge. Cast: 2m.,
1w., 5 boys, 5 girls. Gretl and Hans live with their mother and their father, who exists in a
childlike state after a fall. The children, outcast by their wealthy peers, yearn to have their father restored to the jolly man they remember and also to win the coveted pairs of silver skates
at the annual town race. Hans begs a renowned doctor to try to cure their father. The doctor
takes a liking to young Hans, who reminds him of his own son who disappeared. Why did
his beloved son suddenly disappear so many years before? Where is the bag of guilders lost
since the night of Raff Brinker’s fall? And why did he hand his wife a strange and valuable
silver watch moments before leaving home the night of his accident? In a series of miraculous
twists and turns all these questions are answered and all problems solved in this story of two
young people who, through their determination, selflessness and love, not only find a cure
for their sick father but also secure a future for themselves. And, as if that’s not enough, Gretl
skates home on her newly won silver skates! Area staging. Royalty on application, plus
music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: H04.
“Great, heartwarming story. The actors had fun with it, as did
the audience.” -Cathy Deobler, Dare to Dream Theatre, Simi Valley, Calif.
Northern Westchester Center for the Arts, Mt. Kisco, N.Y. (l-r) Jessica Van Dorn,
David Eldridge and Morgan Brennan. Photo: Austin F. Cassidy.
James DeVita
The Christmas Angel - Comedy.
First Stage Milwaukee production featuring (l-r) Henri Boyd, Joel Bauer and
Rosie Maier. Photo: Rob Goodman.
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By James DeVita. Cast: 5m., 4w. Nothing is
going right this Christmas. Peter is not looking forward to Christmas at Grandma’s—he
can’t find the special present that Grandpa promised him just before he passed away, and
he’s taking it out on everyone around him. Peter’s cousin, Hannah, has decided never to
talk to anyone ever again and invents her own sign language. Hannah’s mom, Ginny, is
very, very pregnant. Uncle Mike is being a grump in the kitchen. Grandma’s two older sons
return home to a rivalry that they never outgrew. Aunt Bop shows up and so do the police.
In the middle of all of this, Grandma is coping with her first Christmas without Grandpa,
trying to keep everyone calm and happy and, at the same time, trying to do absolutely
everything for everybody who walks in the house—as only a grandmother can. As the
mayhem grows, the Christmas reunion turns to chaos and the family short circuits– along
with every light and electrical system in the house. When all seems ready to explode, the
clan receives a well-deserved visit from a very special, very quirky angel, who helps this
very special and just as quirky family rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Any family
who has ever experienced a chaotic holiday gathering will delight in The Christmas Angel.
Unit set. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: CA5.
Charles Dickens
Mavor Moore
A Christmas Carol - Musical. Book, music and lyrics by
Mavor Moore. From the story by Charles Dickens. Incidental music
by Stephen Woodjetts. Cast: 4m., 3w., 4 children, extras as desired. “A
Christmas Carol is a treat ... It avoids the sloppy emotionalizing that
disfigures most productions ... and the various effects of magic have
been selected with theatrical taste and simplicity... In other words, the
production operates at the same level of intelligence as did Charles
Dickens when he wrote the original. A joy to behold ...with festive
music you’re happy to leave the theatre humming ... Instinctively theatrical, a family entertainment of infectious joyousness.” (The Toronto
Globe and Mail) Multiple simple sets. Royalty on application, plus
music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: C07.
Richard Morris
Dolores Claman
Ted Wood
“Mr. Scrooge was a pure delight to produce and perform.
The roles gave all our actors an opportunity to showcase
diverse abilities. The vocal selections were catchy and
put everyone in the holiday spirit. A true holiday classic.”
-Alex DiGuiseppe, Gordon Middle School, Coatesville, Pa.
Mr. Scrooge - Musical. By Richard Morris, Dolores Claman
and Ted Wood. Additional orchestration by Grant Erickson. From
Charles Dickens’ story. Cast: 10m., 9w., 4 ghosts, extras. Here’s a
lilting Christmas show based on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas
Carol. The added dimensions of musical treatment make this a particularly enjoyable new way of presenting this grand story of hardhearted
Ebenezer Scrooge, who hates Christmas and is visited successively
by three ghosts: the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and
Christmas Future. They bring revelations to Scrooge, mainly about
himself, and he’s shocked into action that centers about the poor but
happy Cratchit family and their brave little crippled son, Tiny Tim.
The songs are varied and catchy. This musical was so successful on
Canadian television that it may become an annual event! Area staging.
Royalty on application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: M01.
Marian Jonson
The Cricket on the Hearth - Fantasy.
Adapted by Marian Jonson. Based on the Charles Dickens tale. Cast: 5m., 2w., extras, dancers. To have a cricket on your hearth brings good luck. So
goes the old folk belief, but it does not appear true for Caleb, the toymaker, and his blind daughter, Bertha. For the cricket on the hearth
of their toy shop is a peppery-tempered, interfering sort of chap. Yet
the cricket is willing to help Bertha with the most important search
of her life—finding the truth. With the aid of the cricket and a magic
toy harp, Bertha does at last find the secret ... within her own heart.
Enjoyable anytime and especially timely at Christmas. One int., one
ext. set. Royalty: $50/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: C75.
The Young Peoples Theatre. (l-r) Charlotte Moore, Heather Brown, Douglas Chamberlain, Jason Caverly, Bridget O’Sullivan,
Stephen Beamish. Photo: Michael Cooper.
Julian Lee
“This is an excellent script—wonderful one-act play.
All the important details remained. The play received a
standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience—which
left a lasting impression on the young actors.”
-Mike Burket, Carson Middle School, Fort Carson, Colo.
The Christmas Carol -
Drama. Dramatized by Julian Lee.
From Charles Dickens. Cast: 25 characters, more or less as desired.
More and more people are turning to this version because it is extremely
simple to present. It’s easier than any version we know, and yet it keeps all
the thrill and Christmas joy of the original. Bare stage w/props. Nonroyalty
with purchase of a cast set of playbooks. Price: $5.50. Code: C23.
John R. Carroll
A Carol for Tiny Tim - Drama. By John R. Carroll. Cast:
17m., 6w., extras (doubling possible). This warm and wonderful play
takes place15 years after old Scrooge’s miraculous transformation as
he continues to honor Christmas in his heart. Jacob Marley has called
the Spirits of Christmas to reconvene. This time, however, it is the
grownup Tiny Tim who needs their holiday help. A spoiled young
man, he now uses his past infirmity as a crutch to collect sympathy
and money from family and friends. Jacob feels a visit by the spirits of Christmas Present, Past and Future is just what Tim needs to
learn how to truly stand on his own two feet. Viewing his life, from
humble beginnings to a frightening future, Tim realizes he’s become
self-centered and vows to change his ways just as his benefactor, Mr.
Scrooge, did. Rest assured that Tim (no longer “Tiny”) will learn his
lesson and once again exclaim, “God bless us everyone!” Unit set.
Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: C88.
John Jakes
“In John Jakes’ hands, A Christmas Carol recaptures the magic and mystique
of the Dickens original. It is a brilliant script.” –Jim Volz, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Alabama Shakespeare Festival with Greg Thornton as Charles Dickens.
Photo: ASF/Scarsbrook.
A Christmas Carol - Comedy/Drama with music. By John Jakes. Cast: 11m.,6w.,4 boys,
2 girls (expandable to as many as 30 actors). This Christmas Carol goes beyond other adaptations
with a unique dramatic concept: at the opening curtain, Charles Dickens himself is introduced to the
audience, ready to present one of the famed platform readings of his stories that packed auditoriums
in Europe and America. Of course, the story chosen is one which he often performed, A Christmas
Carol (Dickens’ marked-up script still exists!). The story unfolds behind him, and soon Dickens is
weaving in and out of the action, observing, performing small roles, interpolating short passages of
rich narrative never heard in other versions. He handles props and helps Scrooge and others with
costume changes. Originally conceived for Mr. Jakes’ home stage, the Hilton Head Playhouse, the
play is supremely flexible in cast and design. The piece includes “God Bless Us Everyone,” a lovely
new carol by Jakes and Tony-nominated composer Mel Marvin, as well as suggestions for placement
of incidental music. Unit set. Approximate running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes. Accompaniment CD
“God Bless Us Everyone” is available for purchase (Q17 - $15.00). Royalty: $65/ performance.
Price: $7.50. Code: CA4. See page 285 for a 55-minute touring version.
291
José Cruz González
La Posada (The Inn) - Comedy with music. By José Cruz González.
La Posada. Teatre del Pueblo production. (l-r) Linda Amayo, Ric Ocquinta, Paco Farias, Lilian Amador
and Nicolas Carter. Photo: Charissa Uemura.
Ten Minutes Till Christmas -
Cast: 3m., 2w. This is a festive holiday treat for the entire family to enjoy.
Aurelio and Anita, an elderly Mexican-American couple, prepare their home
to receive guests celebrating Las Posadas. This traditional Christmas custom
involves the entire neighborhood re-enacting the Holy Family’s journey seeking shelter. Filled with music and nostalgia, Aurelio and Anita recall their
first encounter. They transform back magically. We see them fall in love and
get engaged, only to face El Niño, Anita’s former fiancé. He takes exception
to an “Americano” wooing away his girl. El Niño is a Mexican macho who
won’t accept defeat. So Aurelio and El Niño face off in a Mexican showdown
where eating spicy chiles will win the hand of Anita. La Posada will embrace
the hearts and bring laughter to audiences of all ages. One int. set. Music in
book. Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $6.50. Code: L90.
Roger Clark
Comedy. By Roger Clark.
Cast: 9 children and extras. There is great consternation at the North
Pole. It is exactly ten minutes till Christmas, and Santa is blissfully
sleeping. The elves hesitate to wake him—but finally do—and then
Santa announces that he has no intention of going out and delivering
presents! After all, don’t most of the children call him a fake? Mary
Ann, a little girl who believed in Santa so hard that she found herself
up at the North Pole, helps Santa regain his faith. Bare stage w/ props.
Approximate running time: 15 minutes. Royalty: $35/ performance.
Price: $5.50. Code: TA4.
Eleanor Harder
Goldilocks and the Christmas Bears - Musical. Book, music and lyrics by Eleanor Harder. Cast: 3m., 5w., extras. Fox, Wolf, Squirrel and Jay have just
breathed a sigh of relief. The first snowflake has fallen sending the Three Bears off to
bed for a winter’s nap. Suddenly Goldilocks, full of Christmas spirit and just a twinge
of guilt over her last visit, arrives bringing presents to the Three Bears. But Father
Bear gave a stern warning: “Keep it quiet this winter—and no strangers—especially
that Goldilocks.” Goldilocks, shocked to learn that the bears sleep through Christmas,
decides to wake them up. The terrified animals warn her not to, but she will not be
deterred in her effort to bring Christmas to the Three Bears. And she does! One ext.
set. Royalty on application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: G06.
Vin Morreale Jr.
The Happy Holidays Collection: Seven Christmas Comedies for
Children - Comedy. By Vin Morreale Jr. Cast: large and flexible. This collection
of seven Christmas comedies has something for everyone! Some are religious, others
highlight the secular side of the holiday season. Filled with colorful characters and
funy dialogue, included are: The Laziest Angel; The Elf Rebellion; Little Shepherd,
All Alone; The Penguin Who Saved Christmas; The Dickens, You Say; Gail & Gary
Greedy’s Christmas Surprise; and The Christmas Tree From Outer Space, offering
you a variety of enchanting performances. Simple sets. Royalty: $65/ performance.
Price: $7.50. Code: H44.
Creativity Unleashed’s production of The Christmas Tree From Outer Space from The Happy
Holidays Collection.
“Great holiday show! Families loved it.
Wonderful children’s show.
Little kids in ‘furry’ costumes were adorable.”
-Gary Thom, Ft. Atkinson Community Theatre, Ft. Atkinson, Wis.
Beverly Weiler
Santa’s Christmas Tree. Storybook Theatre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
292
Santa’s Christmas Tree - Musical. By Beverly Weiler. Cast: 4m., 3w., 14 children
or 9m., 12w., extras. Santa’s mischievous elves forgot to get Santa’s own Christmas tree. So
Santa sends them out to find the “most beautiful one of all.” Meanwhile, all the trees on Snowy
Mountain dream of being chosen as Santa’s Christmas tree and living ever after in his forest. The
funny and macho Mr. Douglas, the elegant and vain Lady Spruce and the sophisticated Sir Noble
believe they are the perfect choice. And Miss Merry, the scraggly little pine, has to agree. But ...
enter the crazy, wild Blizzard Wizard! There is chaos, fear and laughter as the forest animals try to
escape him. Fortunately, Miss Merry finds a way to come to their rescue and they later thank her
with a kiss. This causes her to blush and actually glow with happiness. Just at this point, the elves
arrive and are amazed to see the little pine sparkling. The rest, of course, is Christmas history.
One int., one ext. set. Music in book. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $6.50. Code: S30.
Ron Kaehler
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma featuring (l-r) Shannon Love , Robin Brooks, and Kyle Earhart.
A Country Christmas Carol - Musical. Book by Ron
Kaehler. Music by Albert Evans. Lyrics by Albert Evans and Ron
Kaehler. Cast: 5m., 4w., 2 boys, 2 girls (expandable). Seasons greetings from Marley County, U.S.A., where folks don’t have a whole
lot, but where everybody’s doing what they can to make the Christmas holiday crackle. Except for one mean and miserly old coot who
somehow misses the whole point. Ring a bell? It’s Dickens’ classic,
dusted off and gussied up in a new country-western musical version.
A Country Christmas Carol is ideal family holiday fare—fresh, engaging, often hilarious, and genuinely moving. It’s a timeless tale of
redemption and reunion, community and family, the kind of story
The Fourth Wise Man - Play with music. Book by Joy
Chaitin, Sarah Stevens and Marilyn D. Anderson. Music arranged
by Joy Chaitin and Sarah Stevens. Based on the story The Other
Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke. Cast: 10 to 20m., 10 to 20w. In
nine self-contained scenes with new arrangements of eight familiar
Christmas carols, an old legend about the first Christmas comes to
life. Some say there were not three wise men who started out to worship the baby Jesus, but four! Artaban, the other wise man, travels a
more difficult path as he is torn between his desire to reach the Christ
child and present his gifts with the other Magi, and the desperate
needs of the people he meets along his route: a merchant who has
been attacked by wild animals, four orphan children who are being
Albert Evans
Photo: Mike Baroli.
that was made for country music. The score would make Patsy Cline
proud, with show-stopping ballads to snappy two-steps, sung by a
feisty bunch who deal head-on with life’s joys and heartaches. All
the characters are here—with some nifty variations: Banker Scrooge,
the man with the worst case of Christmas blues ever; his secretary,
Bobbie Jo Cratchit, a young widow with two small children, Jane
and Tim; his lovable ne’er-do-well nephew Dwight; Lavinia, a goodol’-girl with big hair and an even bigger heart; plus some decidedly
Country Christmas spirits. This is a down-home pleasure from start
to finish. Easy staging. Promotional CD available. Royalty on application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: C09.
Joy Chaitin Sarah Stevens
Marilyn D. Anderson
sold as slaves, and a mother whose baby is threatened with execution by Herod’s soldiers. In choosing to stop and help each of them,
Artaban comes to a deeper understanding of Jesus’ word: “If you
have done a kindness for one of these, the least of my brethren, you
have done it unto me.” Area staging. Approximate running time: 30
minutes. An optional score with classic Christmas songs is available
upon request. Royalty: $35/performance. Price: $5.50. Code: F09.
Ruth Perry David Rogers Diane Leslie
JOY! - Musical. Book by Ruth Perry. Lyrics by David Rogers.
Music by Diane Leslie. Cast:10m., 4w., a chorus and extras. A thrilling and unusual musical that approaches the subject in a way that’s
especially exciting to young people. This is a Christmas musical with
which they’ll truly involve themselves. It begins almost casually with
a bare stage that is quietly filling with high-school students in everyday
clothes. They’ve come to a first rehearsal of a nativity play, but there are
no scripts and no director. For the fun of it, they decide to improvise their
own staging of the nativity and to do it in terms of their own music and
their own language. Thus begins a perfectly marvelous and youthful soft
rock musical. Bare stage w/props. Promotional CD available. Royalty
on application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: J01.
293
James W. Rodgers
A.A. Milne
Valley Youth Theatre, Phoenix, Ariz.
“I really love this show. The music is fun, the plot is clear and concise for small children’s attention spans, and
the production values can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows. I have produced this show three
times—this will be my fourth and it is always a crowd pleaser. The only show that I can have great audience turnouts for with only eight cast members!” -Christi Nicholson, Round Lake Area Park District, Round Lake, Ill.
A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail -
Musical. Book,
music and lyrics by James W. Rodgers. Inspired by A.A. Milne’s
Winnie-the-Pooh. Cast: 9 characters. A very special Friend-andRelation tells Christopher Robin a story of a Christmas Eve very long
ago (about last year) when Eeyore, the old gray donkey who lives by
himself in the thistle corner of Hundred-Acre Wood, was absolutely
miserable. It seems that he lost his tail and Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet
P.G. McKinzie
To Jesus, With Love - Drama. By P.G. McKinzie. Cast: 12
characters, extras. Only when he sees the gorgeous gifts of the Wise
Men does it occur to the Shepherd Boy that he also should have brought
a gift to Jesus. He is ashamed, for he has nothing to give. Nudged by
the helpful sheep, he remembers that he has one treasure—his grandfather’s bronze sheep bell. This play combines the best of the traditional
Christmas plays with a refreshingly different treatment. Area staging.
Royalty: $35/performance. Price: $5.50. Code: T33.
got all of their friends and a search was organized. There is a great
deal of fun and excitement, plus delightful songs, in the adventure that
follows. Its theme, which concerns caring, sharing and the importance
of cultivating friends, makes this a very special and totally enchanting
musical. Bare stage with props. Royalty on application, plus music
rental. Price: $8.50. Code: W03.
Anne Coulter Martens
Song of Glory - Drama. By Anne Coulter Martens. Cast: 6m.,
6w., extras. A church group is about to begin the Christmas program
broadcast when their angel goes missing. The director goes to find a
substitute as the broadcast begins. Bystanders are asked what Christmas means to them. To one, it means gifts; to another, a big dinner;
to another, fun. It is time for the angel to speek—and an angel steps
forward! She says Christmas is many things but, above all, it is Jesus’
birthday. The nativity pageant is presented and the director returns—
unable to find a substitute angel! One ext. set. Non-royalty with purchase of a cast set of playbooks. Price: $5.50. Code: S46.
Patricia Clapp
Dyanne Earley
Kevin Stites
The delightful musical version of
The Toys Take Over Christmas
Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre. (l-r) Brian Dirschell, Mary Bill and Carol Kuykendall.
294
Photo: Lisa Ebright.
The Magic Toyshop - Musical. Book and lyrics by Patricia Clapp and Dyanne Earley. Music by Kevin Stites. Cast: 6m., 4w.
When the Master Toymaker sprinkles a touch of Magic Doll Dust on
the wonderful dolls he has made, they come to life in a surprising way.
They realize how unusual they are when they find they can walk, talk
and breathe. The Master Toymaker realizes it too and decides he does
not want to sell them. They are too wonderful to be “mussed, crushed
and handled” by loving children. The dolls, however, take an opposite
view. They think they are are meant to be loved, and these dolls don’t
want to miss anything. With the aid of an unusual customer, and more
help from the audience, the dolls get their wish to be given to children at
Christmas. One int. set. Royalty: $65/ performance, plus optional music
rental. Price: $7.50. Code: M07.
Jon Robertson
Christmas Dreams -
Drama. By Jon Robertson. Cast: 5m.,
3w., extras. This play takes you to that vulnerable center of the heart
where love must be proved. It is about dreams denied and fulfilled and
those few who still believe in miracles. In Depression-era Chicago,
young Jackie McArthur struggles to support his grandmother, Abby,
while trying to deal with anger at his alcoholic father who recently
abandoned them. It is Christmas Eve, and when he learns his father is
returning, he makes plans to run away. He is visited by a spirit in the
form of a rail-riding tramp and must choose between the love that’s so
hard for him to express and the hate that consumes him. This family
story is told with realism, humor and love and will light every heart
that knows the sting of betrayal and the healing of forgiveness. One
int. set. Royalty: $60/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: C70.
Pat Cook
Dad’s Christmas Miracle -
Comedy. By Pat Cook. Cast:
5m., 5w. Connor Murphy wants a go-cart for Christmas in the worst
way. And that’s how he sets out to get it. Miss McLaughlin, his teacher,
really gums up the works by handing out report cards just before vacation. “This is a socks and underwear card if ever there was one,” his
best friend Neil tells him, blighting his hopes. His other best friend,
Tater, is no help either since he is busy learning his one-word speech
for the Christmas pageant. His brother and sister are stirring up the
household as the holiday approaches. In his mind, Connor sees everyone ganged up against him like a Greek chorus. He even pictures Dad
reciting a theme paper entitled “What I Got for Christmas.” And, of
Christmas Dreams. Footlight Players, Charleston, S.C. Photo: Jon Robertson.
course, it’s up to Dad to perform the impossible by Christmas morning.
Hysterical situations abound in this loving memory of Yuletide charm
back when if you had a dollar it was more money than you knew what
to do with, if you had an hour to play it seemed forever, and the best
time in the whole world had to be Christmas. From the author who
gave you Three Murders and It’s Only Monday! and Baker’s Dozen.
One int. set. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: D55.
“This is a great Christmas show with traditional values and an appreciation for the meaning of Christmas.”
-Suzan Fulton, Amateur Community Theatre Rowlett, Rowlett, Texas
William Gleason
All Through the House - Comedy. By William Gleason. Cast:
7m., 4w. Christmas is approaching and William Garrett is very happy.
It’s 1872 and his three closest friends are over for their weekly meeting
of the Shakespeare Study Club where Shakespeare takes a back seat to
poker and no women are allowed. Nora, his impetuous teenage daughter,
is the first to break the sacred rule. Then the study club is interrupted
again—this time by a domineering mother-in-law who never hesitates to
speak her mind. The last intruder is Reverend Fowler who stops by for
a little Shakespeare and then makes an astonishing revelation that leads
to Christmas insanity. Written by the master of unexpected comedy, this
is a happy play to launch your Christmas season. One int. set. Royalty:
$65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: A33.
“Since it deals with students presenting A Christmas Carol, this play is perfect for school production.
Very amusing with colourful characters, this brief Christmas play is incredibly easy and fun to produce.”
-Anne Stockdale, Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
R. J. Mann
Our Miss Brooks and the Christmas Carol - Comedy.
By R.J. Mann. Cast: 5m., 7w. For the first time, Miss Brooks has time
to draw a breath as Christmas approaches. Then Miss Audubon comes
in weeping. Her cast for A Christmas Carol is in rebellion, and the
problem of the Christmas play is dumped in the lap of the exhausted
Miss Brooks. Then a wild rehearsal is complicated by the principal’s
discovery that someone has hung up a spray of mistletoe. One int. set.
Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: O26.
LeRoma Eshbach Greth
Craig Alpaugh
A Hillbilly Christmas Carol - Farce. By LeRoma Eshbach
Rough Night at the North Pole - Comedy. By Craig Al-
Greth. Cast: 3m., 4w. Christmas Eve has come to the Ozarks. Widow
Hinckley is closing in on Joshua, a lazy, bad-tempered mountaineer.
She brings him a bedraggled Christmas tree in hopes of softening
him up, but Joshua hates Christmas. His relatives all agree, “He’s
just like Scrooge in that thar story.” So they prepare a mountaineer
version of A Christmas Carol and Joshua sees the Ozark Christmas
Past, Present and Future. One int. set. Nonroyalty with purchase of a
cast set of playbooks. Price: $5.50. Code: H19.
paugh. Cast: 4m., 3w. A naughty boy and his reluctant friend come to the
North Pole to get even with Santa Claus. The boy wants revenge because
Santa put coal in his stocking. The kids frame Santa and get him thrown
in the North Pole jail. With Santa out of the way, the boy plans on taking
his place and putting coal in the stockings of all the boys and girls in
the world. But, in this jolly old farce, Santa gets out in time to set things
straight and ensure a Merry Christmas for one and all! Area staging.
Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: R40.
Andy Gregg
The Christmas Corral - Spoof. By Andy Gregg. Cast: 5m., 4w.
plus 3m. or w., doubling possible. Ebenezer Scrooge as a ranch owner?
Oh, yes! Scrooge is his same mean self, hating Christmas and taking potshots at Santa. Foreman Bob Cratchit can’t get the holiday off because
he has to carry feed on his back to the critters on the north forty, but Bob
would like to spend Christmas with his wife and Tiny Tim, who was
crippled falling off a chicken. And then there’s Jake Marley, Scrooge’s
old partner in the XX (that stands for “double-cross”) Ranch. Of course,
the spirits finally show Scrooge the error of his ways and he repents! One
int. set. Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: C42.
295
Nikki Harmon
Winner of the Little Theatre of Alexandria National Competition.
“A captivating little jewel of a play.” —Alexandria Virginia Times
An Implausible Claus -
Comedy. By Nikki Harmon. Cast:
1m., 1 girl. The Ho-Ho Hotline is being answered by residents at a retirement home so that children can talk to Santa or Mrs. Claus. Jensie, with
her home computer, hacks into the phone company’s data banks to find
the address of the Hotline and comes looking for Santa Claus. What she
finds is Aaron Lefkowitz. “According to the phone company this is the
North Pole and you’re Santa Claus,” insists Jensie. “All right, you win.
I’m Santa Lefkowitz,” snaps the old man. “I don’t believe you. Santa’s
not Jewish.” Lefkowitz retorts, “Who else would work on Christmas?”
In the short time this unusual twosome spends together, an old man’s lost
imagination is rekindled and a unique humor bridges an 80-year gap.
Learn old vaudeville routines with Jensie and fly to Paris for a horse race
before lunch. But most of all, laugh and cry and live with a very special
pair who find each other at a very special season. One ext. set. Royalty:
$35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: I47.
Little Theatre of Alexandria production of An Implausible Claus.
Anne Coulter Martens Lloyd C. Douglas
“It was a great success. We had the audience in tears. We
received standing ovations.” -Sidley Harrison, Aztec Municipal
Schools, Aztec, N.M.
Home for Christmas -
Comedy. Adapted by Anne Coulter
Martens. From the story by Lloyd C. Douglas. Cast: 3m., 7w., extras.
The Clayton family has scattered all over the country. Some have been
successful and some have difficult problems. Their mother isn’t well
and this may be her last Christmas. One of the daughters, determined
that the family recapture something they seem to have lost, forces them
all to come home for Christmas. She insists on turning back the clock
and they all dress up as teenagers—much to the amusement of some of
the actual teenagers. In the midst of the laughter, they discover something your audience will want to discover with them. One int. set. Royalty: $60/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: H24.
Lowell Swortzell
“This charming, family-oriented holiday story ... is upbeat,
sweet without being cloying, and quite do-able with a
young cast.”-Joseph Ferreira, KP Drama & GAPS,Wrentham, Mass.
A Visit From St. Nicholas or The Night Before
Christmas - Comedy. By Lowell Swortzell. Cast: 2m., 4w. On
Christmas Eve, 1822, Clement Clark Moore’s house is not as quiet
as a mouse– everyone is stirring. The children await the arrival of St.
Nicholas; Mother and Father think they hear intruders. Cousin Harriet
enlists the children to copy the poem their father has just written for
them, hoping to have it published for all young people to enjoy. Clement, a distinguished professor, fears being known as a poet for children,
and burns the poem! Heartbroken, the children unite to save their poem
by improvising a riotous enactment. How they convince their father to
share his verses brings about the hilarious ending. Bare stage w/props.
Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: V22.
Gil Perlroth
Christmas Is for Children - Musical. By Gil Perlroth.
Cast: 4m., 5w., courtiers, extras. In the kingdom of Hollygolly, everyone is planning the Christmas festivities. Queen Julia, looking forward
to spending the holidays with her firstborn, sings the title song, “Christmas Is for Children.” King August is doubly excited and explains why in
the song, “It’s So Nice to Have Your Birthday on Christmas.” Suddenly
the little prince takes ill and dies, and King August cancels Christmas.
Then two orphans, Augustus and Juliana who live and work in the king’s
stables, offer to spend the holidays pretending to be the children of the
king and queen. Touched by their warmth, the royal couple adopts the
children, pronouncing them prince and princess, and Christmas is once
again restored to Hollygolly. Area staging. Royalty on application, plus
music rental. Price: $6.50. Code: C04.
296
Betty Andrews
Requiem for the Innkeeper - Drama. By Betty Andrews.
Cast: 5m., 4w., extras. This nativity story is told from the point of view
of the innkeeper who told Mary and Joseph that there was no room in
his inn. As an elderly man in a town that has become a tourist mecca,
the innkeeper begins to reminisce about the night that changed his life.
As the play unfolds, we all must wonder whose side we would have
been on had we been there on that night long ago. One ext. set. Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: R28.
John D. Tumpane
“The play within the play which creates an O. Henry-like
ending makes the Christmas nativity have new meaning.”
-Gary Way, Dakota Adventist Academy, Bismarck, N.D.
The Gift of Tenyin - Fable. By John D. Tumpane. Cast: 2m.,
6w. This Christmas play from the Orient is exotic, lovely and original.
It is the Emperor’s birthday and each of his daughters brings him a gift.
One brings a beautiful vase she has made herself. Another daughter with
a lovely voice sings a song. Tenyin’s gift is a play acted by the reluctant
royal sisters. The play tells of a king greater than any emperor. Bare
stage w/props. Royalty: $35/performance. Price: $5.50. Code: G20.
Ruth Perry
Henry Van Dyke
The Other Wise Man - Drama. By Ruth Perry. Based on the
story by Henry Van Dyke. Cast: 11m., 14w., extras. There were three
Wise Men who brought gifts to the King, but legend tells of another
named Artaban, who exchanged all his property for three great jewels to
carry as a gift to the newborn King. On the way, he finds a dying man. If
he delays, he can save the man’s life but the other Wise Men will leave
without him. What can he do? In the final scene, Artaban is discouraged
but still sees the King. The powerful and beautiful conclusion makes
this play ideal for Christmas. Bare stage w/props. Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: O22.
Stephen Lehner Kenneth Wannberg
A Threepenny Christmas - Musical. Book and lyrics
by Stephen Lehner. Music by Kenneth Wannberg. Cast: 12m., 4w.,
extras. A phony Santa steals from the rich to give to the poor. Sherlock
Holmes tips off the police that St. Nick plans to steal the crown jewels
and rob wealthy homes in London. The gang will dress up in Santa
suits and enter by the chimneys. Scotland Yard counters by dressing its
officers as Santas. This musical fantasy about Christmas combines fine
suspense, good humor and rousing songs. Multiple simple sets. Royalty
on application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: T01.
Julian Wiles
“This is a beautifully written portrait of the importance of family
and how Christmas is a time to celebrate that.”
-Gina Moore, Henry County High School, McDonough, Ga.
FrUiTCaKeS - Comedy/Drama.
By Julian Wiles. Cast: 4m.,
4w., 6 boys, 7 girls, extras. Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three
dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken
pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man and a
Christmas hog named Buster and you’ve got the recipe for a funfilled and touching evening filled with holiday cheer. Into this bucolic world comes Jamie, a kid who has run as far away from home as
his money would take him. At first he thinks this town’s inhabitants
are “nuttier than fruitcakes,” but soon he comes to admire, appreciate
and adore this nutty little town. A moving story of alienation, understanding and reconciliation, FrUiTCaKeS provides audiences with a
heaping helping of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer. Area staging. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: F49.
Blitzen! - Comedy/Drama. By Julian Wiles. Cast: 1m., 2w., 3
boys, 7 m. or w. It is the Christmas after one of the largest hurricanes
ever to hit the United States, and Stephen and Andy’s room, like most
of their house, is still in shambles. It is the Christmas when Stephen
has stopped believing in almost everything and the Christmas when
his little brother, Andy, writes to Santa Claus to ask him to fix their
room by Christmas. Of course, no one, especially Stephen, thinks this
is possible, and then Blitzen shows up. This play is not about a natural
disaster, although a hurricane does play a major role in it. Rather it is a
story about beliefs and believing and how if you really want to believe
in magic, sometimes you have to make the magic yourself. A warm
and moving story of a family rediscovering the magic of Christmas.
Unit set. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: B79.
Seymour Reiter Jerry Goldberg
O. Henry’s timeless Christmas tale
of young love and the true value of giving.
The Gift of the Magi - Musical. Book and lyrics by Seymour Reiter. Music by Jerry Goldberg. Based on the story by O.
Henry. Cast: 8m., 7w., extras. Music adds a new enchantment to O.
Henry’s Christmas classic making it a new Christmas experience for
your audience. We still have the attractive young couple coming to
their first Christmas together. While neither can afford a gift for the
other, each gives that which is prized most so that the other may
receive something special. All of this is done in song. Your audience
will find the magic within the play just as the couple find the real
magic of Christmas within their funny-sad gifts. One int. set. Royalty
on application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: G04.
Dark Horse Theatre Co.,
Lehigh Valley, Pa. (l-r)
Bryan Klansek and
Kate Gawel. Artwork courtesy of the author.
Ruth Perry
L. Frank Baum
Christmas in the Land of Oz - Drama. Adapted by Ruth
Perry. From the book by L. Frank Baum. Cast: 6m., 7w. Dorothy’s
back in Kansas with Christmas only a few days away. Aunt Em and Uncle Henry are losing heart because there’s no grass for the hungry cattle.
Luckily, Dorothy knows where to go to replace a lost heart—the Land of
Oz. With “the wink of an eye,” she’s there! But there’s trouble in Oz as
well. With Dorothy gone, her old friends—the Scarecrow, the Cowardly
Lion and the Tin Woodman—havn’t known what to do. They’ve been
sending radio messages, “Calling Dorothy in Kansas.” Dorothy is their
only hope of dealing with the mischievous Winged Monkeys who’ve
spitefully stolen all the Christmas decorations! When finally the problems in Oz and Kansas are solved, the play closes with a rousing carol,
heralding Christmas in Oz, Kansas, and everywhere! One int. set. Royalty: $60/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: C43.
“The Gift of the Magi is a successful adaptation
of O. Henry’s story. This script is quick moving yet
has a sweetness to draw the audience in.
It is very simple staging as well.”
-Stephanie Hartnell, Christian High School, O’Fallon, Mo.
“The Gift of the Magi was a wonderful adaptation of the O. Henry story. There were enough characters in
the cast for an interesting rendition, yet the entire scope was still small enough for the intimate
performances we desired.” -Tammy Franklin, Rising Curtain Theatre and Dance, Arvada, Colo.
The Gift of the Magi -
Drama. Adapted by Anne Coulter
Martens. Based on the story by O. Henry. Cast: 2m., 5w. This is a
touching and beautiful story of a young couple unable to afford presents for each other on their first Christmas together. Each sacrifices
a treasure to provide a gift for the other but, in so doing, they work
Anne Coulter Martens
at almost tragically funny cross-purposes. This is a play about young
love and the value of giving. Indeed, the Magi were wise—and their
gifts were wise gifts, however foolish in the eyes of the practical.
One int. set. Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: G21.
Douglas W. Larche
“Peas on Earth went well. I thought the puns might be above the kids, ages 5-10. But they loved ’em!”
-George Dunn, Kents Hill School, Kents Hill, Maine
“We love this play, especially Peas on Earth. And our audiences loved it, too! This is my second time to produce
the show and I’m sure I’ll do it again.” -C. Wood, Waller High School, Waller, Texas
O Christmas Three! - A trilogy of one-act comedies with mu-
sic. By Father Gander (a.k.a. Douglas W. Larche). Cast: 2 to 6m., 2
to 8w., mixed chorus. Dorcas the Christmas Duck, Tanya and Toulouse
Turkey, Parker and Penelope Penguin, Vincent the Violet-Nosed Vulture, the Ice Elves, the Short Squat Trolls and, of course, Sandy and
Santa Claus populate this delightful Christmas fairyland. Inspired by the
national best-selling children’s book Father Gander Nursery Rhymes:
The Equal Rhymes Amendment, these comedies bring joy to the holiday world. A goofy, good-natured vulture unwittingly volunteers to be
roasted for Christmas dinner in the interactive Dorcas the Christmas
Duck: A Cautionary Tale. A tall, Ice Elf is ridiculed by the Short Squat
Trolls when the Claus family considers relocating to the South Pole in
The Last Straw: A Christmas Fable, and the Turkey family performs
a hilarious Christmas pageant for the uppercrust Penguins in Peas on
Earth: A Bird’s-Eye View of Christmas. Innovative costumes, funny lyrics to familiar Christmas carols, gentle lessons and a sweet but confused
retelling of the Christmas story make O Christmas Three! a joy. Simple
sets. Royalty: $60/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: O54.
297
Stuart Paterson Savourna Stevenson Hans Christian Andersen
“A fun-filled family production that is heartwarming for all ages.”
-Dan Blackley, El Toro High School, Lake Forest, Calif.
“The interaction with the audience was a huge success.”
-Don Hillenbrandt, Creators Arts Centre, Kelowna, British Columbia
The Snow Queen - Fairy tale. Adapted by Stuart Paterson. Based on the story by Hans
Christian Andersen. With incidental music by Savourna Stevenson. Cast: 4m., 4w., 1 m. or w. with
doubling. One of the most beautiful of all fairy tales, the timeless appeal of The Snow Queen lies in
its persuading us that life is truly magical. Andersen’s wonderful language surfaces in Grandma’s
description of the Snow Queen—“On winter nights when we are asleep she flies silently through
the streets and alleyways. Sometimes she stops to look through a window, and when you get up
the window is covered with flowers of frost for she has breathed on the glass.” The wicked Snow
Queen casts her icy spell on the world, turns young Kay’s heart to ice and takes him away as her
eternal prisoner to her ice palace at the very top of the world. Gerda, Kay’s friend, must journey
forever north and brave many dangers to save Kay and break winter’s grip. She never gives up,
and leads us through terrifying ordeals as well as endless fun and nonsense, encountering talking
ravens, the evil Cobweb Spider, a prince and princess, the wild robber-girl, greedy polar bears and
the brave reindeer who carries Gerda across the arctic, in this wonderful, fast-paced adventure
story. Area staging. Optional underscore CD available. Promotional CD available. Royalty: $65/
performance, plus optional music rental. Price: $7.50. Code: S84
Martha Bennett King
“Fantastic! Perfect for junior-high level. Audiences raved, ‘What a spectacle!’
Students love the Goblin!” -Donna King, Chapel Hill Middle School, Tyler, Texas
“The Snow Queen and the Goblin is a touching fairy tale about the
importance of family and friendship. Great opportunities for characterization,
costumes and set. A lot of fun!” -Lindsey Bagnaschi, Leander I.S.D., Leander, Texas
The Snow Queen and the Goblin - Fairy tale. Adapted by Martha Bennett
King. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story. Cast: 3m., 2w., 1 boy, 1 girl, extras.
Can anyone steal happiness? Living in an ice palace of dazzling beauty, the Snow Queen
watches two children, Kay and Gerda, who live in a cozy attic with their loving grandmother.
She orders her goblin, Acha, to steal Kay, whose laughter, songs and games will enliven her
frozen home and bring happiness. A jealous Acha uses his magic mirror to lure him and put
him under a spell. Gerda is terrified but goes searching for Kay, her only weapons; faith and
her grandmother’s song. With these she passes even the ice spears of the Queen’s guards and
finds Kay in the throne room. He works intently with the pieces of a puzzle and does not
recognize Gerda. Heartbroken, Gerda falls to the ground and the goblin instantly encloses her
in a cake of clear ice. A breathless audience waits for Kay to wake up! Two int. sets. Royalty:
$35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: S90.
Nellie McCaslin
The Little Snow Girl -
Artwork courtesy of United Educators, Lake Bluff, Ill.
Fairy tale.
Adapted by Nellie McCaslin. Cast: 3m., 2w., 3
boys, 4 girls, extras. Written for very young audiences, the play tells how a girl made of snow
comes to life for an old couple who had always
wanted a child of their own. Even though she
cannot come indoors, the Snow Girl plays with
the boys and girls of the village to the delight of
the old people who watch her from the window
of their cottage. Then one day the greed of the
old people causes the Snow Girl to leave them
and return to the land of ice and snow. They
are heartbroken, but love and remorse have a
magical effect and their litle Snow Girl is restored to them—this time as a real child. Two
ext. sets. Royalty: $35/ performance. Price:
$5.50. Code: L66.
Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, Edinburgh, Scotland.
True Boardman
The Most Beautiful Star - A small
miracle play. By True Boardman. Cast: 4m.,
1w., 1 boy, 1 girl, extras. A little girl is helping her family decorate the Christmas tree, but
it isn’t easy, and gradually we realize that she’s
blind. The child is thrilled as they describe the
many colors of the decorations, especially the
star for the top of the tree. The top, however, is
out of reach, so they decide to put the star up first
thing tomorrow, Christmas morning. The girl is
so excited about the colorful descriptions of the
tree that she goes to bed praying, once again, for
Jesus to give her back her sight. With tact and
love her family encourages her not to expect too
much. Outside, a man asks some carollers the location of a certain family—he’s been invited. In
a moment he’s beside the girl’s bed, and as she
wakes up something incredible happens—she
sees him! They go to the tree and together they
put the star on top. He encourages her to take a
long, look at the many colors, and that although
it will be some years, she will see again. Christmas morning the family gathers by the tree and
the little girl astounds them with the details of
the decorations, then, to their astonishment,
points to the ornament now shining on top—the
most beautiful star! Area staging. Royalty: $35/
performance. Price: $5.50. Code: M73.
Collections of Nonroyalty Christmas Plays and Programs
Everybody’s Christmas Programs - By Dorothy M.
Shipman. Here is that big Christmas collection for which you have
been asking—enough material for many years to come. Whether
yours is a kindergarten class or a high-school group, this book contains just what you want. Songs, plays, monologues, pageants—and
even a ventriloquist act! Nonroyalty. Price: $7.50. Code: E19.
298
Teacher’s Favorite Christmas Book - By various au-
thors. The finest material available for Christmas programs. There are
exercises for large and small groups, some for boys and some for girls,
recitations of a humorous or a spiritual nature and plays which bring
to life the Christmas fairyland of childhood. A book that will be the
favorite of the class. Nonroyalty. Price: $7.50. Code: T13.
Patricia Clapp
The Toys Take Over Christmas - Drama. By Patricia Clapp.
Cast: 4m., 6w. The hardhearted toymaker refuses to sell any of the dolls
he makes, but his magic has made them almost like real children and they
want to escape the workshop and have fun with other children. The toys
are wonderfully varied. There’s prim Tina, the fashion-plate doll; a tomboy
clown who is so afraid of the toymaker that she agrees with everything he
says; and the rag doll, Sunny, whose legs were badly stuffed so she’s always
on the verge of falling down and has to be helped up by the gallant wooden
soldier. Now the toys are in revolt against the toymaker, and when they find
a jar of hearts, they pin one on him. Zowie—the heart does its stuff! One int.
set. Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: T46.
June Walker Rogers
The Nutcracker -
Deckerville High School, Deckerville, Mich. (l-r) Krista Thayer and Dana Mosure.
Sherman L. Sergel
“The Christmas Miser requires simple
properties and settings making it easy and
inexpensive to produce. It’s a perfect play for
small high-school groups. Very loosely based
on Dickens’ classic Christmas Carol, this
play has a sweet seasonal message.”
-Anne Stockdale, Bridgewater High School, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
The Christmas Miser -
Drama. By Sherman L. Sergel.
Cast: 4m., 8w. Arthur is a tight-fisted, grasping old penny-pincher.
He’s also a famous actor playing Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. On stage, Arthur’s friendly warmth has made his audience love
him. Backstage, it’s different. He fires an actor who’s late for rehearsal
when the young man had to arrange for an operation for his wife.
When he is visited by a once-promising actress whom he fired and by
his sister, what they say shakes him. An old cleaning woman appears
and makes Arthur resolve to make amends. Suddenly He realizes that
it’s Christmas and that he strongly resembles another famous old miser! Like Scrooge, he takes steps—joyous steps! Bare stage w/props.
Royalty: $50/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: C49.
Thomas A. Erhard
Evelyn Madrid Erhard
“A Merry Medieval Christmas was a new and different
experience for our cast and our audiences!
Background on the play was printed in the program
and also given in a pre-curtain speech to the audiences–which here are very conservative. The result: they loved it!
A number of people came a second time and brought
friends.” –Dr. Mary H. Ellis, Theatre Plus, Inc., Port Gibson, Miss.
Fantasy. Adapted by June Walker Rogers.
Cast: 10m., 12w., extras. The legend of the Nutcracker lives on in this
captivating play. At a gala Christmas Eve party, Clara’s godfather presents her with an amazing Nutcracker in the form of a wooden soldier.
Too excited to sleep, she suddenly finds the Nutcracker brought to life.
He is a prince, under the wicked enchantment of the Mouse King, and
she joins him in a series of adventures in strange lands as he seeks to
regain his throne. When she wakes, she finds the Nutcracker gone. Was
it a dream or not? Then her godfather returns with his nephew—who
just happens to look exactly like the prince! The Nutcracker may be enhanced with dances to the music of Tchaikovsky. One int. set. Royalty:
$35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: N22.
P.M. Clepper
“Ms. Scrooge made a wonderful play for the holiday season.
The characters were interesting, the costumes easily obtained,
and the set flexible for a small stage. It is a must for an
all-girls’ school play.” -Livonia Glaves, Duchesne Academy, Houston, Texas
Ms. Scrooge -
P.M. Clepper’s all-female adaptation of Dickens’
classic. Cast: 22w., extras. Edna Scrooge has sacrificed love and friendship to be a success. To her, Bobbie is just an impersonal office machine.
Alone on Christmas Eve, the overworked Edna hallucinates—with
ghostly help—about her grim past and grimmer future. We already know
what we’re getting with old Ebenezer—but Ms. Scrooge is a whole new
Christmas experience. Your cast and your audience will love it! One int.
set. Royalty: $35/ performance. Price: $5.50. Code: M63.
Tom Fuller
The Spirit of Christmas or The Story of Ernestina Scrooge
- Drama. By Tom Fuller. Cast: 5 principal roles (total variable, 13 to 52).
This adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was selected by the Playwrights’ Center of Minneapolis. It is well suited to the needs of high schools
and community theatres, since it has an assortment of fine roles for women.
What happened to Ebenezer Scrooge after the immortal Christmas Day? It
seems he married and had a son, who had a son, who moved to America and
had a daughter, Ernestina, who is the leading lady of this play. Area staging.
Royalty: $60/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: S62.
Tony Gray
A Merry Medieval Christmas! - Comedy. By Thomas
A. Erhard and Evelyn Madrid Erhard. Cast: 6 or more actors. A
different Christmas show, funny yet reverent, that does not demand
a theatre. This is an hour-long modernization of half a dozen English
miracle plays. The originals overflowed with contemporary humor
when first done, yet the underlying faith always shone through. Watch
God create the universe (including your hometown), boo the villain,
Satan, recognize yourselves in Adam and Eve, watch in sadness as
Cain defies God, laugh at the arguments between Noah and his wife as
they embark on their rickety ark, enjoy the slapstick of the shepherds
as they journey from your part of the world to a reverent meeting
in Bethlehem and conclude with joyous cast-and-audience caroling.
Two stepladders and half a dozen stools are all you need for a set. It’s
an evening of warm sharing for all ages. Bare stage w/props. Royalty:
$60/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: M29.
The York Nativity Play - Adapt-
Radford University, Radford, Va.
ed by Tony Gray. From the York cycle of
mystery plays. Cast: 14m., 14w., flexible.
First written about 1340 A.D., this play
has been performed every year since then.
This version keeps all that is distinctive
in the great York cycle. The climax of the
play is at Herod’s court where his crafty
queen, courtiers and spoiled son plot with
him to get the best of the Three Kings and
trick them into revealing the birthplace of
the Child. But an angel brings warning
and there is a very joyful conclusion. Bare
stage. Royalty: $60/ performance. Price:
$7.50. Code: Y11.
299
HOLIDAY PLAYS & MUSICALS
Laurie Brooks
“A homespun little masterpiece, full of spunky, sensible and often poignant Americana.” —The Tennessean, Nashville
“Playwright Laurie Brooks, who has already impressed with her plays for young-adult audiences, aims at the younger
crowd here, but with an emotional depth and complexity that adults should find moving, too.”
—The Dallas Morning News, Nancy Churnin
A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas - Drama. By Laurie
Brooks. Cast: 2m., 5w. In their poorest winter ever, when the crops
have been devastated by locusts and the family must deal with the
death of baby Freddie, Charles Ingalls backtracks his family to Burr
Oak, Iowa, to take over the running of a hotel. And if things weren’t
bad enough, Ma tells Laura she must be nice to Johnny Steadman,
“the worst boy in Iowa.” When wealthy Mrs. Starr asks for Laura
as a companion to read to her in the afternoons, Laura is overjoyed
to be invited into such a fine house, but when she overhears Mrs.
Starr offer to adopt Laura as her own daughter to ease the burden of
so many children, Laura is certain that Ma and Pa will give her up.
As Christmas morning approaches, Laura is faced with a decision:
Will she choose what she believes is best for the family or will she
find a way to stay with Pa, Ma, Mary and Carrie? This original play
presents the poignant story of the “missing” two years in the life of
the Ingalls family—the only substantial period that Laura chose not to
write about in her Little House books. Told with period songs, humor
and depth of character, A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas tells a story
of healing that celebrates the importance of enduring family bonds.
Co-commissioned by The Coterie Theatre, Kansas City, Mo., and the
Nashville Children’s Theatre. (l-r) Mary Tanner Bailey, Amy Bebout, Jeff D. Boyet, Misty Lewis and Evelyn Blythe.
Photo: Dan Brewer.
Nashville Children’s Theatre, Nashville, Tenn., and premiered at The
Coterie Theatre. Bare stage with one transformational prop box that
becomes a grave, table, bed and wagon. Approximate running time:
60 minutes. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: LD5.
Walter Wangerin Jr.
Randy Courts
A joyous new musical retelling of the Nativity story.
Angels and All Children - Musical. Book and lyrics by Walter
Wangerin Jr. Music by Randy Courts. Cast: 3m., 2w., and a chorus of infinite
size. Angels and All Children is a musical retelling of the Nativity story that
can be performed with grand elaboration or sweet simplicity. The world lies in
darkness. Time is stuck at midnight, and the children of the world are unable to
awaken from sleep until the morning light returns. Until then, the parents are
sad and lonely. But God loves the world and decides to send a savior. He sends
a baby, born in a manger, to bring light to the world and angels to awaken the
children. There are five individual characters: a narrator, God, Gabriel, Mary
and Joseph, and a chorus of any size. Children may easily participate in the
joyous resolution of the story. This is a fresh, accessible, marvelously emotional
approach to the story of the birth of the child Jesus. The set is infinitely flexible
and can fit a great variety of spaces. Promotional CD available. Running time
varies from 45 minutes to an hour. Royalty on application. Price: $30.00. Code:
AB2. CD and lead sheets: $30.00. Code: AB3. Music: $30.00. Code: AB4.
Susan Lieberman
David Rush
Rosalie Gerut
“I don’t think there’s anything like it, a show that deals with two holidays at once. It’s about feeling different in a
community that celebrates another holiday than your own. In order for this little town to become a strong community, the individuals must be true to themselves, celebrate their differences and appreciate their need for
each other.” —Drew Martin, director, Stage Left Theatre. Theartermania.com interview
“Evokes the hopefulness of the winter holidays ... treats children and adults with respect.” —Columbus Dispatch
Prairie Lights - Musical. Book by Susan Lieberman. Lyrics by David Rush. Music by
Rosalie Gerut. Piano orchestration and additional arranging by David Sparr. Cast: 4m., 4w., 5
teenage m., 5 teenage w., flexible chorus. A holiday musical called “incisive and poignant” by
the Chicago Sun-Times and “affirming and family-friendly” by the Chicago Tribune, Prairie Lights
tells the story of a Jewish brother and sister who journey west on an orphan train in 1905. Arriving
with other homeless youths in a tiny Nebraska town just before the holidays, Benjamin and Rose
are adopted by Wellspring’s only Jewish couple, Abe and Sophie Birnbaum. Devout 12-year-old
Benjamin clashes with Abe, a successful shopkeeper who has abandoned his religion. Meanwhile,
15-year-old Rose falls secretly in love with a fellow orphan, thus upsetting Sophie’s marriage plans
for the girl. Townsfolk are further divided by the fearful banker, Maxwell Ryder, who wants to send
all of the orphans back to New York. As the town prepares for Christmas and Hanukkah approaches,
Benjamin finds himself enlisting the young people—orphans and local kids alike—on a quest to
reunite Wellspring. Joyful ensemble numbers such as “Sweet Holiday Light” and “I Want to Be a
Maccabee” are complemented by Sophie’s soul-searching lament, “Mama, Good Morning,” and the
romantic ballad, “Far Away With You.” Unit set. Approximate running time: 2 hours. Royalty on
application, plus music rental. Price: $8.50. Code: PA4.
300
Jacob Zachar and Nicole Burgund in the Stage Left Theatre production,
Chicago. Photos: Tony V. Martin.
HOLIDAY PLAYS & MUSICALS
Jennifer Kirkeby
Shirley Mier
Ludwig Bemelmans
“Madeline’s Christmas is an absolutely enchanting musical with beautiful music, a lovely story and a truly
miraculous blend of magic and imagination. The warmth and compassion that was shared
between cast, crew and audience was a wonderful overture to the holiday season.”
—Julie Aiken, York Little Theatre, York, Pa.
Commissioned and premiered by Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, Minn. Photo: Bruce Challgren © PhotoPixels.com.
Madeline’s Christmas -
Musical. Book and lyrics by
Jennifer Kirkeby. Music by Shirley Mier. Based on the book by Ludwig
Bemelmans. Cast: 1m., 14w. “In an old house in Paris that was covered
with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” So begins this
delightful story of Madeline’s Christmas! The day begins like any other
day. Miss Clavel takes the twelve little girls on their morning walk. They
go to the zoo and then back to school for their French history lesson.
Suddenly disaster strikes when everyone gets the flu! Everyone, that is,
except for the ever-resilient Madeline. Saddened that they may not be able
to go home for Christmas, the girls and Miss Clavel take to their beds. But
on Christmas Eve, the adventure begins when there is a knock at the front
door. Expecting to see Santa, Madeline meets the rug merchant who has
brought twelve very special rugs. He reminds Madeline that Christmas is
the time of miracles and that these are not ordinary rugs! Soon everyone
wakes up feeling healthy. The rug merchant shows them that they each
have a magic carpet and that they can fly home to be with their families for
Christmas! After saying goodbye to the girls, Ms. Clavel finds a present
that the girls left for her, befriends a little mouse, and counts her many
blessings singing “Everything Is Right Tonight.” Before you know it,
the girls fly back to the old house and are together again on New Year’s
Eve. Unit set. Promotional CD available. Optional accompaniment CD
available. Approximate running time: 1 hour. Royalty on application, plus
music rental (scores or CD). Price: $8.50. Code: ME8.
Philip Grecian
Remember the good old days of radio—when people had to use their imaginations—when the
mind was a stage? Those days are back—only better! Come into the studio and see the show.
It’s a Wonderful Life -
Radio drama. Adapted by Philip Grecian.
Based on the film by Frank Capra. Cast: 63 speaking roles which may be
played by as few as 7m., 3w., 2 boys, 2 girls. Here is the beloved story of George
Bailey, unsung hero of Bedford Falls. George is a giving, dependable man whose
countless small deeds affect the life of the town. As George prepares to go to
college to fulfill his dream of building skyscrapers, his father, the president of
the small Bailey Building and Loan Company, dies, and George postpones his
dreams, manages the family company, and finds happiness in his marriage to
Mary Hatch. See page 36.
Robert Inman
“The Christmas Bus arrives in style … A welcome
addition to the ... Christmas repertoire.”
—The Charlotte Observer
The Christmas Bus - Comedy/Drama. By Robert Inman. Cast: 3m., 5w., 9 children (may
Blowing Rock Stage Company, Blowing Rock, N.C. Ben Mackel and Susan Roberts-Knowlson.
Photo: Donna Bise.
expand the number of children, but all must fit in the bus!). It’s Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Frump,
the director of the Peaceful Valley Orphanage, is planning what she believes will be the most special Christmas ever for her kids. She’s borrowed an old bus and arranged for each child to spend
Christmas with a family in the area. The only problem is, she hasn’t told the Busybodies on the
orphanage board of trustees, who believe Frump has gotten too old and soft to handle the rowdy
kids at Peaceful Valley. With the help of teenage Thomas, the oldest of the orphans and her trusty
right-hand man, Frump sets off to deliver the kids—pursued by the suspicious Sheriff Snodgrass
and the Busybodies. Along the way, they pick up a passenger: a traveling troubadour who’s been
on the road trying his luck as a folksinger and is now returning home to his girlfriend (who may
or may not be glad to see him). It’s an adventuresome ride, culminating in a Christmas even more
special than Frump could have ever imagined. One int., one ext. set. Approximate running time: 65
minutes. Music in book. Royalty: $65/ performance. Price: $7.50. Code: CD4.
301
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Holiday Plays and Musicals
- Alphabetical Index
Christmas Comedies for Children 292
Hillbilly Christmas Carol, A 295
Homecoming, The (m) 290
Home for Christmas 296
A
I
All Through the House 295
Angels and All Children (m) (ms) 300
Implausible Claus, An 296
It’s a Wonderful Life 289
It’s a Wonderful Life (m) 289
It’s a Wonderful Life (radio ms) 301
B
Babes in Toyland (m) 288
Black Nativity (m) 286
Blitzen! 297
J
C
L
Carol for Tiny Tim, A 291
Child’s Christmas in Wales, A (m) 289
Christmas Angel, The 290
Christmas Bus, The 301
Christmas Carol, A 291
Christmas Carol, A (m) 291
Christmas Carol, The 291
Christmas Corral, The 295
Christmas Dreams 295
Christmas in the Land of Oz 297
Christmas Is for Children (m) 296
Christmas Miser, The 299
Comfort and Joy 286
Country Christmas Carol, A (m) 293
Cricket on the Hearth, The 291
La Posada (The Inn) 292
Last Christmas Carol, The (m) 287
Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, A 300
Little Snow Girl, The 298
Littlest Angel, The 288
Littlest Angel, The (m) 288
D
N
Dad’s Christmas Miracle 295
Nutcracker, The 299
E
O
Everybody’s Christmas Programs 298
O Christmas Three! 297
Other Wise Man, The 296
Our Miss Brooks and the Christmas Carol 295
JOY! (m) 293
F
M
Madeline’s Christmas (m) 301
Magic Toyshop, The (m) 294
Melissa and the Magic Nutcracker (m) 288
Merry Medieval Christmas!, A 299
Ms. Scrooge 299
Mr. Scrooge (m) 291
Most Beautiful Star, The 298
Fir Tree, The (m) 287
Fourth Wise Man, The 293
FrUiTCaKeS 297
P
G
R
Gift of Tenyin, The 296
Gift of the Magi, The 297
Gift of the Magi, The (m) 297
Goldilocks and the Christmas Bears (m) 292
Requiem for the Innkeeper 296
Rough Night at the North Pole 295
H
Santa’s Christmas Tree (m) 292
Snow Queen and the Goblin, The 298
Snow Queen, The 298
Song of Glory 294
Prairie Lights (m) 300
Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates (m) 290
Happy Holidays Collectionm, The: Seven
S
Click on the page number to visit the catalog page.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Spirit of Christmas, The or The Story
of Ernestina Scrooge 299
T
Teacher’s Favorite Christmas Book 298
Ten Minutes Till Christmas 292
They Sing Christmas Up in Harlem: A Lenox
Avenue Christmas Carol (m) 286
Threepenny Christmas, A (m) 296
To Jesus, With Love 294
Toys Take Over Christmas, The 299
U
Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas (m) 287
V
Visit From St. Nicholas, A or The Night
Before Christmas 296
W
Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail [Birthday Tale], A (m) 294
Y
Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus 286
York Nativity Play, The 299
(m) denotes musical / (ms) denotes manuscript

Langston Hughes Holiday Classic Jack Heifner Eric LeRoy Wilson

Transcription

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