(Props: an old shovel with a ribbon on handle and envelope with card attached, 4 - 6 metal chairs, bridal bingo game, lectern
(Scene: all girls are seated in an arc with bride at center and an empty chair beside her, maid of honor standing at lectern; shovel is leaning against screen behind maid of honor.)
Tanya: (calls out the bingo word marker loudly) 'Reception'.
All cast: (Talking among themselves and hunting for the word on their card. Debbie has a match)
Tanya: (pauses while cast look for matches on their cards) Are you ready? (Finds another piece) 'Something Blue'.
All cast: (Talking among themselves and hunting for the word on their card).
Girl #1: Would somebody please win...I'm ready to eat!
All cast: (laughing)
Tanya: Okay, okay, we're almost done. (Everyone quiets down; Tanya finds another piece) 'Wedding Cake'.
Debbie: (Talking among themselves and hunting for the word on their card; Debbie gets bingo) (very loudly) bingo!!!!
Girl #1: Yea!...We can eat!
Tanya: (To Girl #1) I'm glad I got plenty of food!
All cast: laughs
Tanya: By the way, I think the rule is the bride doesn't get a prize if she wins the game...
Debbie: Oh, no! That's not the way it works!
All cast: laughs
Tanya: (sits beside Debbie) Hey, you girls are really a wild bunch!
Girl #2: It must be those exciting games you picked out for us!
Tanya: (Mock anger) Fine. Next shower you can pick out the games!!! (Sticks out her tongue at Girl #2)
Debbie: Hey, girls...don't give Tanya such a hard time. I really appreciate all the hard work she has done!! (hugs Tanya)
Tanya: (Holds hands with Debbie) It's okay, Debbie. I know they are just playing around. I just want to be sure that you have a fun time at your shower. (pause, and looks at the group) You know, Debbie and I have known each other since elementary school, and we have been best friends ever since.
Debbie: (faking being serious) Yes, I told Brad that we would have to buy a house with an extra bedroom just for Tanya!
(All cast laughs and Tanya gives Debbie a friendly push.)
Tanya: Before I lose complete control, I think we should---
Girl #1: EAT!!!
Tanya: As I was saying, before I loose complete control, I think we should open the gifts.
Girl #1: Do you mind if I get a snack?
(All cast laughs)
Tanya: (not listening to girl #1) Okay, before we open the gifts we brought, Debbie's grandmother...
Debbie: (interrupting Tanya) Oh, no! (she puts her head in hands briefly then looks up and says) You don't know my grandmother! She can be a little weird! I can't imagine what she has done...
Tanya: Well, it appears that nothing has changed. She called me yesterday and insisted that I come by her house and get her gift for you. She said she could not come today, but she wanted you to have her gift, and she wanted it to be the first gift you got. So..(gets up and gets the shovel)...here it is!!!(passes shovel to Debbie as Debbie stands)
(Cast becomes very quiet)
Debbie: (looks at the shovel in disbelief) Wow...I...I...don't know what to say. (pause and continues to look at shovel and group) I knew she was odd, but this is really strange!!
Girl #2: Debbie, there's a card there...
Debbie: Oh, yeah (sees card)
Tanya: (takes the shovel) Let me help you.
Debbie: (opens the envelope and takes out the card; opens it and studies it for a moment)
Girl #2: Well, what does it say?
Debbie: Its sound crazy, but then it....(pause)...well, let me just read it to you. 'Dearest granddaughter, I'm sorry I could not be at your bridal shower, but I am just too weak. I'm saving my strength so I can be at your wedding. You probably think I am crazy because of the shovel, but so does everyone else, and I really don't care what anybody thinks! (Debbie looks at the group and shakes her head; group laughs a little) 'The shovel is one that your grandfather had when we got married, and that makes it very old! I wanted you to have it. You can use the shovel for one of two purposes. If you don't work at your marriage everyday and love your husband with your whole heart you can use it to dig your grave, because your marriage will kill you (Debbie looks at the group as the group laughs). Or you can use this shovel to dig a deep foundation for your marriage. If you build your marriage on a strong foundation of commitment to each other, nothing will ever destroy it. How you use this shovel is your choice'
Tanya: (Tanya hands the shovel back to Debbie) Wow, Debbie, your grandmother comes right to the point!
Debbie: (Looks at audience) Yeah...I guess Brad and I are going to have to learn how to dig a foundation.
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© Fred Lane, Crosswind Community Church, All rights reserved
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies
are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In
exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified
of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted
at: advpastor@gmail.com