ACT 1/SCENE 1: OPENING (15)
SETTING:
Late afternoon Christmas eve; outside M&R
CHARACTERS:
Cody (8 yrs), Laura (Cody’s older sister), Lucy (Cody’s MeMaw; Mom to
Trish/Wendi), Wendi (Cody’s Mom), Trish (Wendi’s Sister/Cody’s Aunt), Billie
(disgruntled adult gal working part-time as an elf in Santa Land); Samuel (Policeman
Angel Unaware), Miss Sadie (speaking shopper), Garland (Garland Vendor Angel
Unaware), Panhandler (small speaking)
Cody:
What time is it now, MeMaw?
Lucy:
It’s 4 o’clock, Cody.
Cody:
And Santa leaves when?
Lucy:
5:00.
Cody:
But, what if he leaves early! It is Christmas Eve!
Lucy:
(to Trish who has entered) Trish . . . we’ve been here since 3:30.
Trish:
I’m sorry Mom, Wendi lost her pearl earrings . . .
Lucy:
Her wedding earrings?
Trish:
Yes, and she needs some for Todd’s party at Tantilla tonight. So, we ended up at the Jewel
Room . . .
Cody:
Aunt Trish! We’re going to miss Santa . . .
Lucy:
Here she comes.
Cody:
(to Wendi who rushes in) Mom, we’ve been waiting forever!
Wendi:
I’m sorry, Cody . . .
Lucy:
Trish said you lost your pearl earrings?
Wendi:
I have turned the house upside down. They’re nowhere to be found! (showing Jewel Room
bag) I found some that look like them . . . hopefully Todd won’t notice until AFTER the party.
Laura:
(holding up her own Jewel Room bag) Inside this bag is my perfect gift for you, MeMaw!
Lucy:
(indicating how special) From the Jewel Room!
Laura:
It’s the place to find a perfect gift! I got Mom’s present there, too. (targeting Cody) She’s
going to love it!
Wendi:
(focusing her attention on Laura) You do have a knack for finding the perfect gift!
Cody:
Yeah, yeah! Laura ALWAYS finds the perfect gift for everybody. Can we see Santa now?
Lucy:
Of course, Cody. But, remember . . . don’t ask Santa for everything you want . . .
1
Cody:
I’m going to ask him for just two things . . . and for one favor.
Lucy:
A favor?
Cody:
A surprise for Mom . . . you’ll see.
Billie rushes in and collides into a shopper carrying packages which go flying. Billie’s hat goes flying.
Billie:
Yet another bump on the pothole covered highway of my life!
Samuel:
(Policeman Angel– to Billie who is retrieving scattered packages) Need a hand there?
Billie:
I am so late! First, I couldn’t find my (sarcastically) adorable elf hat . . . I couldn’t find my
wallet! Then, I missed my bus . . .
Samuel:
Run along, Billie. I’ll help Miss Sadie.
Billie:
Thanks! (then it registers) How’d you know my name?
Samuel:
Your name tag?
Billie:
Oh, yeah. (opens up coat to look at name tag (inside her coat), then rushes off)
Ms. Sadie: (to Samuel) And, how’d you know my name?
Samuel:
Lucky guess?
AFTER THE SONG – street is closing down
Samuel:
(referring to Garland’s empty stand) Looks like you mastered the fine art of salesmanship
there, Garland.
Garland:
Just capitalized on a centuries’ old truth, my friend . . . last minute shoppers plus rock
bottom prices equal sell out! And, (he hands money he has “earned” to a panhandler) an
answered prayer . . .
Panhand: Has anyone ever told you you’re an angel? (Panhandler hurries off)
Garland:
A time or two . . . (to Samuel) I saw Gabe’s “”Christmas Eve project” headed to Santa Land.
Cute little guy . . .
Samuel:
He is. But, Cody’s not the only project on Gabe’s agenda tonight. A certain young lady
named Billie just came on the radar . . .
Garland:
The elf girl?
Samuel:
Yep . . . She and Cody will both be looking for something that’s lost. Gabe’s gonna help
them find those things.
Garland:
. . . and more?
Samuel:
Exactly!
2
ACT 1/SCENE 2a-b: SANTALAND/WISHES AND KIDS (12)
SETTING:
M&R Santa Land.
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Sauers (M&R manager), Wendi, Trish, Lucy, Billie, Santa, Snow Queen,
Elf Belle
Billie:
I’m so sorry, Mrs. Sauers. I couldn’t find my hat . . . or my wallet, and . . .
Sauers:
(Not losing her polished M&R manager demeanor, but making her point) I’m sure your
excuses are creative . . . as they always are, Miss Fleet. That doesn’t change the fact that
you are very late . . . as you always are. Please just get to your post, without stopping at
the restroom, the water fountain . . . or the snack machine!
Billie:
Yes, mam. (Taking off her coat) And, if you don’t mind just hanging this up for me . . .
(facetiously) I can even skip the coat room.
Sauers:
(As Billie hurries away) Thank heavens she’s a seasonal employee.
Billie heads to her post next to Santa. Action resumes with kids rotating through to see Santa.
Wendi:
Oh my! Look at the line! (in response to Cody’s look) I’ll stay as long as I can . . . but I
absolutely have to leave here by 4:30.
Lucy:
(to Cody and Laura) So many special memories in this place! (to Cody and Laura) Your
Grandpa and I brought your Mom and Aunt Trish here in 1934 – that was the year “The Real
Santa” decided to make Miller & Rhoads his home. (to Wendi and Trish) You girls had
matching red velvet dresses, jingle bell hair bows, white gloves . . .
Wendi/Trish:. . . and black patent leather shoes.
Lucy:
Of course! (looking around) This place was magical from the very beginning, and it still is!
Maybe because the air is full of family love and happy Christmas Wishes!
Santa:
(standing) Boys and girls . . . it’s reindeer supper time! And while I tend to my feeding
chores, I’m going to ask my beautiful Snow Queen (Snow Queen crosses to Santa) and my
favorite helper Elf, Billie (Billie gives a fake smile), to keep you entertained.
SQ:
It will be our pleasure, Santa.
Then as Santa exits up the Chimney.
SQ:
Boys and girls, come up on the stage -- so everyone can see how pretty, and handsome,
you’re looking this afternoon -- and we’ll sing some of your favorite Christmas songs while
we wait for Santa. Does that sound like fun?
Wendi:
(To Laura) Laura, take your brother on up to sing with other children. (then, to Lucy) I hate
to do this . . . but I have got to get to the party! Thanks again for keeping the kids, Mom!
Trish:
(to Wendi, reminding) We’ll see you early in the morning?
3
Wendi:
Bright and early. (holding up the Jewel Room bag) And, say a prayer Todd doesn’t notice
my “new” pearls!
Focus back on Santa stage.
SQ:
(setting Billie up) Children, pay close attention to Elf Billie here . . . because she is going to
lead you.
Billie:
(Caught unaware) I am?
SQ:
You are! And, oh, what’s that? (exaggerated listening pose) I think I hear Santa calling. I
better slip up to the roof and give him a hand feeding those reindeer.
Billie:
(Aggravated) I think Santa has plenty of elf-help on the roof, Snow Queen.
SQ:
No, I definitely hear him calling my name! (aside to Billie/different voice) You’ll be fine.
Snow Queen exits, leaving Elf Billie alone with Elf Belle (at the record player).
Elf Belle:
What do you want to sing, Elf Billie? I have all the kids’ favorites here!
Billie:
Ok, how about we start with . . . (scrambling) Frosty the Snowman?
Elf Belle:
Excellent choice! I even have some props! (Retrieving snowman costume)
Billie:
Props?
Elf Belle:
Who wants to be Frosty? (no volunteers) No one? Ok, then . . . should Elf Billie be Frosty?
Billie:
(not liking this) I think I’ll pass . . .
Elf Belle:
You’ll be a great Frosty. Here, put his on (handing top), and these (hands her a carrot
nose, scarf, etc.), and hold this (hands a broom)! (to the Kids) Who wants the hat?
Elf Billie:
(lots of hands up) NOW, we have volunteers!
Elf Belle:
(handing hat to one child) Ok . . . you are in charge of the hat. Everybody ready?
4
ACT 1/SCENE 2c: SANTALAND/DECEPTION (13)
CHARACTERS:
Cody, Laura, Trish, Lucy, Billie, Santa, Snow Queen, Mrs. Sauers, MaryAnne
Santa:
(from offstage) Ho, ho, ho!
SQ:
Hurry back in line, Boys and Girls. Santa’s on the way.
Billie:
(To Snow Queen) You’ve got this timing down, don’t you.
SQ:
To a science. (as Santa enters, she returns to her place)
Lucy:
(to Cody and Laura) Go ahead. It’s your turn. (Cody and Laura go first to Snow Queen)
SQ:
Who’s here to see Santa?
Laura:
Laura and Cody. He’s here for Santa . . . I’m twelve, so I’m just here for the picture.
SQ:
I see.
Santa:
Come on over, Cody. (Cody walks to Santa) Hop up on Santa’s lap . . . and, Laura, you
stand right next to my chair . . . because you are such a big girl now! (Laura smiles pleased
at that) Look at the camera and give us your best smile! (Laura and Cody smile/camera
flashes) Good. Now, tell me, what’s on your list this year, Cody?
Cody:
An Etch-A-Sketch, and roller skates – my Mom says I can’t have the skates until I’m 9, but I
figure if you bring me a pair, she’ll let me use ‘em.
Santa:
Well, your Mom knows best. So, if you’ll stop fussing with your sister, I’ll see about the EtchA-Sketch . . . and, maybe some surprises. But we’ll wait on the roller skates, ok?
Cody:
Ok!
Santa:
(as Cody hops down) And, Laura, I’ll bring you some surprises, too.
Cody:
(Remembering) Oh, man! I almost forgot! (he tries to go back to Santa)
Billie:
(stopping Cody) Whoa, wrong way, young man!
Cody:
But, I need to ask Santa for a favor!
Laura:
(leading him off) It’s not your turn anymore, Cody.
Lucy and Trish meet Cody and Laura as they come off the stage.
Cody:
MeMaw, can we get back in line? I forgot to ask Santa for my favor.
Lucy:
What’s so important, Cody?
Cody:
Santa knows lots of stuff, right? Like if you’re awake, and when you’ve been good or bad?
Lucy:
That’s what they say.
Cody:
Then I bet he can tell me where Mom lost her pearls. I can find them, wrap them up, and
surprise Mom! For once, I’ll have perfect gift!
Lucy:
I’m afraid Santa’s not in the lost and found business, Cody.
5
Trish:
And, the line is closed. Besides, I’ve got to get to the bank, and MeMaw needs something
from Woolworths. You two can ride in the car with me . . . or walk to the store with MeMaw
and take the bus home.
Laura:
We’ll go with, MeMaw!
MaryAnne: (Distracts Trish) Trish! Come over here, girl. I want you to meet someone.
Cody:
(getting an idea) No . . . I think I’ll go with Aunt Trish.
Lucy:
Then, go stand right by her until she’s done talking with Miss MaryAnne.
Cody:
(deceptively) I will.
Lucy:
We’re going to have to hustle, Laura.
As Laura and Lucy exit, Cody hides behind something as Trish hugs her friend and turns around.
Trish:
(looking around) I guess they had to run. (she shrugs her shoulders/exits)
Cody tries to scoot under the red cord. That has closed the Santa line. Ms. Sauers sees and stops him.
Sauers:
(to Cody) Young man, haven’t you seen Santa?
Cody:
Yes, mam, I have. But, I . . .
Sauers:
(suspicious) Where’s your mother?
Cody:
(sees lady paying for pictures and lies) Over there . . . paying for my pictures.
Sauers:
Then, go stand right by her until she’s done.
Cody:
I will. (He pretends he is going to the lady but hides)
Announcer: (as Ms. Sauers exits) Shoppers, the time is 5pm and Miller & Rhoads is now closed. Please
make your way to the nearest exit . . . and have a Merry Christmas!
Sauers:
(Going to the stage as Snow Queen leaves) Another delightful year comes to a close, Santa.
Santa:
I have just a few things to pack in the sleigh before I go.
Sauers:
Travel safely, and we’ll see you next year.
Santa:
I look forward to it. (He exits)
Sauers:
(to Billie) Miss Walters. (pointedly handing Billie her coat). I thought I’d save you that last
trip to the coat room, and your check will come in the mail . . . so, you can hurry on home to
your family. (Ms. Sauers exits)
Billie:
I don’t have one. (reaching in her pocket, her keys aren’t there) Where are my keys?
(thinking) The coatroom! (just before she exits) One of these days, I’m going to lose
my mind!
6
Act 1/Scene 2d/e: SANTALAND/LOST (7)
CHARACTERS:
Cody, Billie, Gabe,
Gabe:
(Seeing Cody) Whoa, young man. Where are you off to? And, where’s your Mom? (No
answer) Are you lost?
Cody:
No, but I’m looking for something that’s lost. Look mister! I just need to talk to Santa. Can
you take me to the roof?
Gabe:
Santa’s gone, Cody.
Cody:
You know my name?
Gabe:
I overheard you talking to Santa. You wanted roller skates.
Cody:
Yeah, he busted me on that one. But, I forgot to ask Santa for the most important thing.
Gabe:
And what’s that?
Cody:
My Mom lost her real pearl earrings . . . the ones my Dad gave her when they got married.
If Santa can tell me where to find them – because he knows everything, right? – I can
surprise my Mom with the perfect Christmas gift!
Gabe:
Santa’s not in the lost and found business, son.
Cody:
MeMaw said the same thing. So, I guess I’m out of luck.
Gabe:
Not necessarily . . . I bet we can help you find what you’ve lost.
Cody:
We? Oh, I didn’t lose anything. It’s my Mom. She lost her earrings.
Gabe:
Yeah, well, you lost something, too, Cody. And, God sent me to help you with that.
Cody:
So, God is in the lost and found business?
Gabe:
Yes, that’s one of His most important jobs.
Cody:
Well, I don’t know too much about God yet, because I’m just a kid. But, I’ve been to Church
with my MeMaw enough to know God probably isn’t very happy with me right about now –
since I lied to my MeMaw . . . and that sales lady, too.
Gabe:
So, you know what you did was wrong?
Cody:
(Cody nods yes) Yeah. I’m really sorry about that part . . .
Gabe:
Feeling sorry is the first step to making things right. You see God understands that
sometimes people get “lost” too, when they stray away from what He wants them to do . . .
like tell the truth. (Cody ashamed.) But, just like your Mom’s earrings can be found -- (then
to Billie) or your keys, Billie (Billie is curious he knows her keys are lost) -- God made a way
for lost people to find their way back to Him.
Cody:
How’d He do that?
7
Gabe:
He had a birthday.
Billie:
Christmas, right?
Gabe:
That’s right. How much do you know about Christmas?
Billie:
Not that much really.
Cody:
Me neither.
Gabe:
Here, (grabbing an Etch-A-Sketch) let me show you.
Gabe:
(Drawing) There was a stable . . . (erasing) I’d better go back a little further than that.
Let’s start with a hillside (drawing) . . . some trees and bushes . . . and a VERY bright star.
Cody:
Hey, you’re fast with that thing!
Gabe:
(Drawing) Also, there were sheep . . . and shepherds.
Cody:
They don’t look like shepherds.
Gabe:
(Looking) Hmm . . . what’s missing?
Billie:
Their staffs?
Gabe:
That’s it! (draws) Every good shepherd needs . . . a staff. (Finishing) There! I’ll call this
masterpiece (writing) “Shepherds in Waiting”.
Cody:
What were they waiting for?
Gabe:
Many hundreds of years before Jesus was born, God had promised his chosen people, the
Jews, that He would send someone – they called Him the Messiah -- to save them from their
enemies. On the night Jesus was born, our Shepherds were still waiting on the Lord to fulfill
that promise. As a matter of fact, all the Jewish people were waiting on the Lord – trying
not to lose hope and finding strength in His promise.
Cody:
So a lot of people had been looking for Jesus for a long time!
Gabe:
Yes! But, on that first Christmas night, a host of Angels appeared in the sky to tell the
Shepherds that their waiting was finally over. They would find what they had been looking
for in their own home town!
Billie:
I wish I could have seen that!
Gabe:
You can!
Billie:
Can what?
Gabe:
You can see it all . . . if you’re up for a little trip that is . . .
Billie:
Sure.
Cody:
Me, too.
Gabe:
Ok . . . follow me . . .
8
ACT 1/SCENE 3: MISSING (9)
SETTING:
Immediately following, outside of Lucy’s home
CHARACTERS:
Lucy, Laura, Trish, Myrtle and Elsie (neighbors)
Lucy/Laura standing outside her front door holding Woolworth’s bags, talking with friends (Elsie/Myrtle)
Lucy:
We had a delightful afternoon seeing Santa, then I picked up a few last minute things at
Woolworths. How was your afternoon?
Myrtle:
We had lunch at the Tea Room, then (holding up their Woolworths bags) picked up a few
last minute things at Woolworths! Now, we’re off to Christmas Eve communion.
Lucy:
I won’t make Communion tonight. Wendi and Todd are partying at Tantilla, so my
grandchildren are spending the night.
Elsie:
Then Santa’s stopping here this year?
Lucy:
Oh, yes!
Myrtle:
That’ll be fun for you . . .
Trish:
(Enters) The line at the bank was around the block! Did you find we need at Woolworths?
Lucy:
(holding up the bag) I did!
Trish:
And Cody’s inside?
Lucy:
No. I thought he was with you.
Trish:
Laura said they were going with you.
Lucy:
Cody changed his mind . . . I told him to go stand right by you and MaryAnne.
Trish:
I never saw him.
Lucy:
Oh, dear! Do you think he’s still in the store?
Trish:
He might be.
Lucy:
He wouldn’t try to ride the bus home alone?
Myrtle:
Calm down. What we need is a plan. Lucy, I’ll drive you back to Miller & Rhoads. Elsie, you
stay here with Laura in case Cody comes home. And, Trish . . . you better go to Tantilla.
Wendi and Todd need to know Cody’s lost.
Trish:
Wendi is going to strangle me! (then) Ok, I’m on my way (she exits)
Myrtle:
And, we’re on our way . . . (they exit)
Elsie:
(putting her arm around Laura) Don’t worry, Laura. I’m sure they’ll find him safe and
sound! How about some hot chocolate?
9
ACT 1/SCENE 4: TANTILLA BALLROOM (A1.S4 TANTILLA) (9)
SETTING:
Immediately following, inside Tantilla Gardens (Todd’s office party)
CHARACTERS:
Wendi and Todd, Jimmy and Susan Matthews; Trish
Todd sits at a table waiting for Wendi.
Wendi:
Sorry I’m late.
Todd:
A vision this lovely worth waiting for. (Noticing) New earrings?
Wendi:
You noticed . . .
Jimmy an older gentleman and his wife, Susan walk towards them.
Jimmy:
Todd, my boy.
Todd:
(clueing Wendi) Jimmy Matthews is a senior partner in the New York Office. His wife is
Susan; you met them last year. (greeting Jimmy) Jimmy, I trust you had a good flight in.
Jimmy:
We did . . . (conversation continues – pantomime)
Wendi:
Are you enjoying the party, Susan?
Susan:
Yes. The band is fantastic!
Trish enters, breathless.
Wendi:
Trish what are you . . . (seeing the look on her face) what’s wrong?
Trish:
Maybe nothing . . .
Wendi:
You face doesn’t say “nothing” . . .
Trish:
Well, after Santa Land, Mom rode the bus home and I drove home with Laura . . .
Wendi:
Spill it Trish . . .
Trish:
. . . and neither of us had Cody . . .
Wendi:
You lost him?
Trish:
I thought he was with Mom, Mom thought he was with me . . . See, Mom had to stop by
Woolworths and I had to stop by the bank . . .
Todd:
You can give us the details on the way. Where did you see him last?
Trish:
(as they are all leaving) Inside Santa Land at Miller & Rhoads.
10
ACT 2/SCENE 5: SHEEPLESS SHEPHERD (12)
SETTING:
Bethlehem Hillside, the night of Jesus’s birth
CHARACTERS:
Levi (a scatter-brained shepherd), Jacob (Levi’s father), Eli, Mark, Beulah (Levi’s
mother), Naomi, Ruth, Hannah
Levi enters up camel out aisle and weaves his way through the audience – staying he can be spotlit.
Levi:
Jeremiah. Are you hiding from me? I’m tired of this game. (to audience member) Have
you seen Jeremiah . . . he’s about this tall (holds hand at the level of a small child) and
has big brown eyes. (Calling in another part of the house) Jeremiah! It is not nice to
hide from Daddy! (to another audience member) Have you seen my Jeremiah? I’ve
been searching for hours! (making his way to the bottom of the SR Ramp). Who would
have thought that one stinking sheep . . . literally stinking sheep . . . could slip away –
just like that (snapping his fingers). My big chance to prove myself . . . and I blew it!
(to the audience) Mother says that if she had a denarius for every time I got distracted,
before long she’d have – I sure am hungry!
Lights up on other shepherds telling sheep jokes. The scene starts with laughter (at joke told).
Jacob:
I got one. What do you call a sheep without legs?
Eli:
I’ll bite.
Jacob:
A cloud!
Raucous laughter around.
Mark:
How about this . . . What has 8 legs, 4 ears, and twice as much wool as a sheep?
Eli:
I don’t know, what?
Mark:
Two sheep!
Laughter all around and comments – “that’s a good one”, “I heard that last week,” etc.
Eli:
My turn. Why did the sheep jump in the lake?
Jacob/Mark:
(look at each other, then both at Eli) To take a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaath!
Eli looks disheartened that his punch line was hijacked.
Mark:
That’s an oldie moldie, brother.
Jacob:
(seeing Levi) Levi, we thought you got lost, son.
Levi:
Not me!
Jacob:
(noticing that Levi isn’t carrying Jeremiah) Where’s Jeremiah?.
All eyes on Levi – they suspect the worst.
Eli:
You didn’t lose him?
11
Enter Levi’s Mom, Beulah, with and a gaggle of ladies from the village (including Naomi).
Beulah:
Of course he did! He’s got the attention span of a gnat and less common sense!
Levi:
(to his sister, Tabitha) Tabby, did you tell Mom?
Beulah:
Do not blame your sister!
Naomi:
Everybody within the sound of your screaming voice knows you lost Jeremiah.
Ruth:
And, we came to help you find him, for the third time this week.
Naomi:
I wish I could lose weight as easy as Levi loses that sheep!
Levi rolls his eyes – exaggerated.
Beulah:
That’s right . . . keep rolling your eyes. Maybe you’ll find a brain back there!
Jacob:
We can handle this, Beulah.
Beulah:
(Sarcastically) Obviously not . . .
Naomi:
You guys are only good at one thing! (ladies all agree)
Eli:
That’s called “focus”, ladies.
Hannah enters carrying Jeremiah.
Hannah:
Something you lost just wandered into my kitchen. Lucky for Jeremiah (lamb’s name) I
already have a lamb on the spit.
Naomi:
Speaking of dinner, I’d better head home before I burn mine.
Ruth:
I left a pot of stew on the fire myself.
Beulah:
(As the other ladies are leaving – to Levi) Dumber than a box of rocks. But, I love ya!
Mark:
That’s just so sweet . . .
12
Act 2/Scene 6b: NATIVITY/COMPANY (7)
CHARACTERS:
Gabe, Cody, Billie
This dialogue follows the ending of Celtic Christmas (as Wisemen present their gifts).
Cody:
Wow! Who are those guys?
Gabe:
Those, Cody, are the Three Kings, also known as the Wiseman, who knew from a prophesy
that the greatest King of all would be born in Bethlehem. When they saw (pointing to the
Star of Bethlehem) that bright star in the sky. They knew it was a sign the King had been
born. They followed it from their homes far away and it led them right to Jesus.
Then as the three kings present their gifts in turn.
Billie:
What are they doing now?
Gabe:
The Wiseman brought Jesus certain gifts that were given, during the time they lived, to
honor a very special person. Balthazar brought gold – a precious metal that symbolized
Jesus is a King.
Gabe:
Melchoir’s gift was frankincense, an expensive perfume. It was also used by the priests in
the Jewish temple when they worshiped God. So, the frankincense was a symbol that Jesus
is God.
Gabe:
Gaspar brought myrrh. A costly oil poured on things that were to be used in a special way –
especially a person who was chosen to do something for God. So, Gaspar’s gift symbolized
that God had something very important for Jesus to do here on earth.
Cody:
Those were the perfect gifts.
Gabe:
No, Cody. There has only been one perfect gift. On this night, in this place, God gave us His
only Son . . . wrapped in ragged cloth and tied with His love. He sent Jesus to show us that
if we’ve wandered away from God . . . like you did when you lied to your MeMaw and Miss
Sauers . . . we don’t have to stay lost.
Billie:
So, Christmas is the perfect gift?
Gabe:
Yes . . . and when you unwrap it, you - and Cody - will find everything you’re looking for.
Cody:
Mr. Gabe. When I grow up, I want to be an angel just like you!
Gabe:
(kneeling next to Cody) You can’t be an angel, Cody, but you can do an angel’s work.
Cody:
How?
Gabe:
By sharing the perfect gift of Christmas! The message is always the same . . . whether it
comes from an angel, a boy like you - (to Billie) or a young lady like you. (presents her keys)
Billie:
What was lost can be found.
Gabe:
(handing Billie’s keys) That’s the key!
13
ACT 2/SCENE 7: FOUND (12)
SETTING:
Immediately following, outside M&R
CHARACTERS:
Gabe, Cody, Billie, Samuel (policeman), Wendi, Todd, Lucy, Myrtle (neighbor)
Lights up on Lucy and Myrtle entering up the Camel In aisle.
Myrtle:
He’s probably still in the store.
Lucy:
I hope so . . . but how are we going to get inside.
Samuel:
Can I help you, ladies?
Myrtle:
She lost her grandson.
Lucy:
I lost my grandson. We were visiting Santa . . . I thought he was with my daughter . . . she
thought he was with me . . .
Samuel:
I see . . .
Myrtle:
We think . . . we hope . . . he’s still inside.
Cody, Gabe and Billie enter.
Cody:
Here I am, MeMaw.
Lucy goes to him quickly and he meets her.
Lucy:
Cody . . . (hugging him tight)
Myrtle:
Thank goodness
Lucy:
Are you alright?
Cody:
Of course! I was with Mr. Gabe!
Wendi and Todd enter.
Wendi:
Cody! Thank God you’re safe! Where have you been?
Cody:
Mr. Gabe took me . . . and my new friend Billie, too . . . on the best adventure ever! He
showed us THE perfect gift! I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Wendi:
Thank you for finding my son.
Gabe:
I found something else as well . . . when I was locking up last week. . . (taking her earrings
out of his pocket).
Wendi:
My earrings! (now she remembers) I took them off to try on that red hat!
Gabe:
They were on Sarah Sue’s counter.
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Wendi:
Thank you.
Billie:
Is there anything you can’t find?
Gabe:
There’s nothing that’s been lost that God can’t find.
Cody:
MeMaw, can Billie spend Christmas with us?
MeMaw:
I’m sure Billie wants to spend Christmas with her family, Cody.
Cody:
She doesn’t have a family.
MeMaw:
(seeing Billie’s downcast face, she knows it is true) She does now!
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CHARACTERS (20)
Cody:
Young Boy (8 years old) – Cody is all boy -- a good kid with a big heart. He loves his
family and gets a lot of personal satisfaction from doing nice things and giving little
surprises. His typical sibling rivalry with his sister sometimes takes a tense turn
because of Laura’s competitive nature and need to be “the best.” When his family,
particularly his Mom and MeMaw, dote on Laura – and especially when Laura rubs it in
with sly looks and comments to Cody -- it gets under Cody’s skin. So, Cody’s
motivation in wanting to find his Mom’s missing pearls and wrap them up as the
“perfect gift” is multi-faceted. He truly wants to please his Mom, but he also sees this
as a way to get her attention for himself and to one-up his sister. Cody’s better nature
is compromised when he resorts to deception and manipulation in order to accomplish
his self-focused goals. This is not typical behavior for Cody. Spiritually, he has heard
some Bible stories and knows, generally, about Jesus from attending Church with his
MeMaw some weeks and on special occasions, and says memorized bedtime prayers –
but this isn’t a driving force in his life. His experiences in our story change that.
Laura:
Cody’s 12 year-old sister – Laura really loves her family, including her brother, and
she is basically a good girl. But, she is very competitive. She likes to be “the best” at
everything and enjoys the attention that comes with being the best. Laura
sometimes flaunts her success in a way that is insensitive to her brother’s feelings but
under the radar of the rest of her family. The worry and responsibility Laura
instinctively feels when she learns Cody is lost cause her to examine her attitude and
insensitive behavior. Spiritually, she has heard some Bible stories and knows,
generally, about Jesus from attending Church with her MeMaw when she spends the
night and on special occasions, and used to say memorized bedtime prayers – but
this isn’t a major part of her life. Her experiences cause her to question things – but
haven’t brought about a fulsome change – yet.
Wendi:
Cody’s/Laura’s Mom – Wendi is a loving Wife and stay-at-home Mom. She was raised
in a happy middle-class home and is close with, and dedicated to, her Mom and her
sister Trish (her Dad is deceased). She is happily married to Todd, whom she
supports in all things, including his career goals, and she is generally happy with life.
She has, however, heaped her plate to overflowing. She cooks healthy meals in her
well-kept home, volunteers at the kids’ schools, donates her time and talents to
several other organizations, works out three times a week, and prides herself on
being modestly stylish on a budget. She brings home some extra money by selling
Tupperware. Spiritually, she was raised in a Christian home, but she is not deep in
her faith and tends to use Sunday to catch up on errands and housework rather than
attending Church. In other words, she has a foundation from her past and is open –
just has become self-consumed with stuff. Losing Cody causes her to begin taking
stock, and the indication, at the end of our story, is that she will experience a change
in focus and depth of faith commitment through what Cody will share with her.
Trish:
Wendi’s Younger Sister/Cody’s Aunt – not yet married, works in bank administration.
Fairly conservative like her sister Wendi, but a bit more cutting edge stylish. Trish is
a bit of a social butterfly and enjoys time with her girlfriends, theatre, travel, etc.
She absolutely loves being the “favorite aunt” to Laura and Cody. And, because
Wendi is spread pretty thin, Trish finds herself taking an increasing role in helping out
their widowed Mom, organizing family events (like Christmas morning brunch), etc.
She likes things to run smoothly and doesn’t like confrontation or confusion. Trish
attends Church faithfully with her Mother each Sunday and is spiritually solid.
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Lucy:
Cody’s MeMaw/Wendi’s Mom/Trish’s Mom – Lucy loves, loves, loves her family –
especially her grandchildren! She is kind and thoughtful with a streak of whimsical
fun. She finds joy in family traditions and treasures her memories of happy family
times. She has become relatively independent/self-sufficient since her husband’s
death several years ago and she still lives in their middle-class family home in a nice
neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia. So, she misses her husband but isn’t
depressingly lonely. She is stylish for her age and has an active social life with ladies
her own age, especially those in her Church circles. She has a deep and active faith
and takes her grandchildren to Church with her when they spend the night and on
special occasions. She worries that her daughter Wendi is spread too thin, wishes
Wendi and Todd would be more involved in the Church, and hopes Trish will find a
good husband and give her more grandchildren.
Todd:
Cody’s Dad – a good husband and father and a rising star at the Richmond branch of
a major national marketing firm. Although he was raised in a good Christian home
and considers himself a Christian, he, like Wendi, has put Church on the back burner
to other weekend activities.
Gabe:
Arch Angel working as night watchman in M&R – Gabe is affable and fun. He
approaches his “assignments” with a think out-side-of-the-box creativity and disarms
them with his charm and genuine interest in their life circumstances and concerns.
He can bring even the smallest events quickly into “big picture” focus. He is admired
and revered (as one would expect given his archangel station) by the other angels –
but they also have a friendly, lighthearted camaraderie with him and with each other.
Neither Gabe nor the other angels “worry” or feel pressure of “time” – because they
see things from an informed, Heavenly point of view.
Billie:
Easily frazzled, well-meaning, big-hearted girl who has become increasingly
discouraged with the circumstances of her life. Billie found herself an orphanage at a
young age. She has a dim memory of her Mom and Dad and some happy family
times. Whether either or both of her parents fell on hard times and had to leave her
to be taken care of, or whether her parents have died, we will leave to the audience’s
imagination. But, she lived at the Methodist Orphanage from the time she was six,
where she was “loved” and well cared for, but missed the warmth of a real family
relationship.
Being a Methodist establishment, Billie was taken to Church as s child and has a good
knowledge of Bible stories and Jesus. She made a profession of faith, was baptized,
and is a believer.
While at the orphanage, she stayed out of trouble and felt more comfortable helping
with the other children than hanging out with the other girls her age. She loved
playing dress up with them, acting out silly stories, playing games and tucking them in
at night – almost like their mom. Billie grew into a thoughtful, intelligent and perky
young woman. When she graduated from high school (no money to go to college),
she left the orphanage with lots of hugs, a Hallmark card with $200 inside, and pretty
high hopes that she could make a good life for herself. Her real dream was to meet a
special guy and really have a family of her own.
Billie rented an efficiency apartment (where she still lives) and got a job waiting tables
at Third Street Diner where she now is a daytime assistant manager. Because she
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works the Sunday morning shift, church attendance fell by the wayside. Billie has had
a few short-lived, fairly casual relationships, but is pretty discerning in looking for a
husband and just hasn’t found the right guy. Billie is friendly and jokes around with
the other waitresses and customers and is well liked, but she doesn’t “hang out” with
other girls her age after work. She prefers to go home, watch happy family sitcoms
and romantic comedy movies and read.
She took the part-time job at M&R as Santa’s Elf because she thought it might be nice
to be around families at Christmastime – even if they aren’t hers. BUT, she has found
that the extra work on her plate is hard to handle time-wise. When she finishes her
shift at Third Street each day, she changes in the bathroom, covers up her elf costume
with her coat, and rushes to catch the bus so she can make the M&R evening Elf shift.
She never quite makes it on time and is always arriving at work frazzled. Her
heretofore organized routine is all off kilter, and she is forever misplacing her things.
Also, seeing the happy families has made her more, not less, lonely, and she finds
herself being uncharacteristically grumpy and short-tempered. She is getting older
now (late 20s) and is beginning to give up hope of a family of her own. These days,
she doesn’t feel like she matters much to anyone – including God.
Samuel:
Policeman Angel Unaware (speaking)
M&R Workers:
Salesclerks and Other Workers (Ensemble groups)
Garland Vendor: (outside) Angel Unaware - Singer
Shopper Ens:
Ensemble of soloists and ensemble singers in opening
Shoppers:
Christmas Shoppers on Grace Street and Inside M&R (Company)
Santa:
Traditional Santa Land Jolly Old Elf
Snow Queen:
Traditional/lovely/sweet on stage, but a little prissy/self-absorbed offstage
Elf Jingle:
Day shift Elf
Elf Belle:
Music Helper Elf
Santa Families: Families waiting to see Santa
Santa Kids:
weKIDS Choir
Angels Disguised: Dancers, Singers from Mechanical Exhibits
Stick People:
Youth Choir, including soloists and dancers
Myrtle/Elsie:
Lucy’s Friends (speaking)
Tantilla Singers: Soloists/Ensemble
Tantilla Dancers: Ballroom and Period
Todd Co-Worker: Jimmy Matthews
Jimmy’s Wife:
Susan Matthews
Levi:
Comical Shepherd who has lost his only sheep
Shepherds:
Several including Jacob (Levi’s father), Mark and Eli (speaking)
Beulah:
Levi’s Mother
Naomi/Ruth:
Beulah’s good friends (speaking
Shepherd Wives/
Family Friends: Several incl. a couple of youth (incl. Levis’ sister, Tabitha)
Hannah:
Townsperson (speaking –but not in the song b/c enters after)
Mary/Joseph:
Singers
Family Nativity: Nativity Ensemble Group
Angel Dancers: Cherubim, Seraphim and Angels
Jewish Dancers: Townspeople Dancers at the Nativity
Wisemen:
Kings Courts:
Midnight Cry Solo:
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