Song : “The Donkey’s Song”
(The donkey is lying down asleep. The cat is back on her hay bale, trying
to sleep.)
Narr.1: (snores)
Narr.2: Oy! Derek! How about a bit of hush.
Narr.1: (snores)
Narr.2: Doesn’t look like this’ll be much of a silent night.
Narr.1: (snoring dies down and stops)
Narr.2: That’s better. A bit of peace and not before time. (The mouse
suddenly topples from his vantage point with a very large crash. The cat
sits bolt upright) What on earth was that? (goes to investigate, at which
point the mouse scuttles across to the other side of the stable and hides.
The cat follows cautiously) Who’s that?
Narr.1: No one.
Narr.2: That’s all right then. (goes to walk away and then stops) Wait
a minute, you can’t fool me.
Narr.1: Can’t blame me for trying.
Narr.2: That sounds like …. Yes! You’re a mouse.
Narr.1: Sort of. But only a little one.
Narr.2: (aside) Bite size we call it. C’mon out where I can see you.
Narr.1: But you might hurt me. What I’ve been told about you cats is
not very nice.
Narr.2: You don’t want to believe everything you hear. Some of us are
really quite friendly. Come on out – I’d really like to eat …. meet you.
Narr.1: You’re not going to do anything nasty?
Narr.2: As if I would. The very thought. In fact I’m really vegetarian
so you’re quite safe.
Narr.1: If you promise....
Narr.2: Promise. Word of honour. All that stuff.
(The mouse cautiously emerges. Meanwhile the cat is tucking a serviette
into her collar.)
Narr.1: What’s that you’re wearing?
Narr.2: Wouldn’t want to get any mouse crumbs on my coat, now would
I? (grabs hold of the mouse)
Narr.1: But you promised.
Narr.2: Did I? Must have slipped my mind. Sorry. Where was I? Oh yes,
lunch.
Narr.1: (knocks loudly on door)
Narr.2: Oh! (cat gives a startled jump and drops the mouse who scurries
off) This is really getting annoying, all these noises – and bad for my
heart I’m sure. This was supposed to be my mealtime as well. Who is that
rat-a-tat-tatting anyway?
Song : “There isn’t any room”
(Door opens and Mary and Joseph enter. The cat has resumed her position
on the bale of hay.)
Narr.2: Are you sure this is where he said?
Narr.1: I think so. It was good that he thought of it under the circumstances.
Narr.2: Oooh! (Mary clutches her stomach)
Narr.1: Are you all right?
Narr.2: Yes, but I don’t think this baby’s going to be long in coming.
Narr.1: Here, look lie down. This hay should make a fairly comfortable
bed. (sees the cat) Shoo, moggie.
Narr.2: (indignantly) Moggie? Moggie? I’ll have you know that I am
of royal descent. The Pharaoh’s court no less. Moggie indeed.
Narr.1: We might not have a room, but at least this is a bed of sorts.
Shame we miss out on the dining room though.
Narr.2: Don’t tell me your problems. You’re the reason I’m going hungry
at present.
Narr.1: It’s good to rest, that was a tiring journey. Must have been
even worse for Mary, I’m glad she’s sleeping now. But I’m afraid the toughest
part is still to come - when her labour begins.
Narr.2: Labour? You’re going to put her to work? What sort of a cruel,
heartless fellow are you?
Narr.1: It’s a real shame she had to come all this way, but when the
authorities say "A census will be taken", you can’t really argue.
Narr.2: What is this chap on about? 'Bout time he came to his own senses
if you ask me.
Narr.1: Well puss, won’t be long now. I guess tonight will be the night.0
Narr.2: Tonight’ll be what night? You really are confusing me. I wish
you could understand me, there are a few questions I’d like some answers
to.
Narr.1: It is so peaceful here. Sleep on Mary, I’ll just be as quiet
as a little mouse.
Narr.2: Mouse! Don’t remind me. But that’ll have to wait, obviously
something pretty important is about to take place around here, and whatever
it is I don’t want to miss it.
Narr.1: Will you look at those stars, how wonderful.
Song : “A Starry Night”
(Mary is now seated on the hay bale cradling a baby. Joseph stands,
looking on.)
Narr.2: So that’s what he was on about – a kitten. Well, of sorts.
It’s a big one, though.
Narr.1: Ah choo!
Narr.2: Aha! My lunch is back. C’mon in little mouse, things have really
been happening since you disappeared.
Narr.1: Uh uh! You’re not gonna catch me out twice in a row.
Narr.2: It’s all right - really. There’s so much excitement around
here I really seem to have lost my appetite. Look, see who’s just arrived
now.
(The shepherds enter and kneel before the new born baby.)
Narr.1: Who are they? Haven’t seen them around here before.
Narr.2: I think they call them sheep herds, or something like that.
They live just outside of town.
Narr.1: I’ve never been outside of town, what’s it like?
Narr.2: It’s pretty empty, no houses or anything like that. And big;
it stretches way, way off into the distance.
Narr.1: You really know a lot don’t you?
Narr.2: I suppose you could say I’ve been around.
Narr.1: Those sheep thingummies must have been around, too, then. I’ve
never been anywhere like that. (sniffs) Not since my mother went away.
One day she just didn’t come home and no-one knows what happened to her.
Narr.2: (embarrassed aside) Perhaps some of us know.
Narr.1: It’s not much fun being on your own.
Narr.2: Oh come on little chap, cheer up. Look, how about I take care
of you from now on. (with sudden realisation) What am I saying?
Narr.1: Would you really? No going back on your word again.
Narr.2: No. I hate to imagine what the others will think. Probably
say I’ve gone soft or something. But who cares. This really is a night
for unusual things to happen.
Narr.1: I’m glad that lady came in here - and had her baby. We might
never have become friends otherwise.
Narr.2: You’re right, little friend. Isn’t it strange, he’s only been
here for a few minutes but already that baby’s changed things for us. I
wonder if he’ll ever make a difference for anyone else?
Song : “The Cat and the Mouse”
...........................................
Copyright David Winfield 2001, all rights reserved.
This script may be used free, provided no entrance fee is charged. In return
for free performance, the author would like to be told when the script
is used. He may be contacted at davenjo@xtra.co.nz