Christmas in My Home Town By Buddy Reaves Summary: It’s Christmas eve. A group of church carolers set out to do the same thing they have done for so many years in the…
Christmas in My Home Town
By Buddy Reaves
Summary: It’s Christmas eve. A group of church carolers set out to do the same thing they have done for so many years in the past… an act of “service” so they can get on with the holiday. They are unaware of what is about to take place. Their lives are about to change….and so are others. The main thrust of this play is evangelism and celebrating Christmas by reaching out to others as Christ did. The unique twist is the audience becomes part of the play at the end.
Keywords: Christmas, outreach, mission
Style: Drama
Duration: Approx. 45 mins.
Actors: 8 M, 4 F, 5 C
Scripture reference: John 3:16, Matt. 25:34-45
Characters:
Jerry (church pastor)
Jane
Hank
Betty
Chuck
Bag lady
Chester (an older man)
Matt & Beth (children)
Lois & David (their parents)
Rocco (“Street punk”)
Parker & Jonathan (teenage brothers)
Jake (the mission Director)
“Pastor Gene” (the church’s usual service leader)
Ivan (Rocco’s father)
Production notes:
Music tracks of the performed songs can be used (suggested) or sung a cappella since the scenes reflect carolers roaming. The underlying music and sound effects tracks during the scenes helps draw out the emotion of the scenes and are recommended throughout the play. Simple timing and a small sound system with a CD player would work well.
Props consist of: 1. The front of a house with a window with shutters that can be swung open with force (scene 3). The window needs to be high enough for the Crabshaw character to look down on the carolers. A walking cane for the Crabshaw character is suggested. 2. A “store” like front with the word “MISSION” painted across the door (scene 6). 3. Park bench, trees etc. to create park scene (scene 5).
This production could be approached in an “off broad way” flavor with scene intros and exits stage left and right without curtains involved, just a dark backdrop.
Costuming must portray a cold weather conditions. Creativity with costuming can make a noticeable difference.
Please notice Production notes before and during scene 7.
Script:
SCENE 1
(musical interlude fades in then voices of carolers begin to fade in and get louder because of confusion)
Jerry: OK, OK, OK people! Listen up! Now let’s go over this again! We have to be back here at the church by 8 for the service, so stick together! Yes, Jane?
Jane: Pastor Jerry, I don’t understand why we have to go to that particular part of town! You do know that it could be dangerous!
Hank: Jane… it’s Christmas Eve and we are going caroling, you know -bringing tidings of good cheer! Besides, that part of town, as you call it, is mostly beggars and homeless people.
Betty: Hank is right! We are to bring the message of the birth of Jesus to everyone! Don’t forget we are the First Christian Community Fellowship of Reformation of the Saints Church! And besides, one song and we’re out-a-there! (most join in with “yeah, that’s right” type of agreement)
Chuck: Hey, come on you guys! You know we still have downtown, our neighborhood and the mission to go to. They are all important and we can’t lose sight of why we decided to do this. These places need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ! So let’s put aside the cold weather (rubbing hands together) and our fears and have some great fellowship!
Carol: Chuck is right. Jerry is the pastor here and we need to stick with the plan and maybe ask God to bless it.
Jane: Oh, there you go again Carol, wanting to pray about the simplest things. God is with us everywhere. We’re just going to sing some Christmas songs! That is all we are planning to do, isn’t it, Pastor Jerry?
Jerry: Look folks, we are going to sing, have fellowship and fun and if God wants to do something else this night I am sure he will make it obvious! Now Carol had the best idea yet. Let’s pray. (everyone bows their heads) Lord, we thank you for this night and the celebration of your birth. As we go from place to place tonight let us be ever mindful of what you have for us. In Jesus name, Amen. OK, everybody let’s get on the bus! Our first song will be “Deck the halls”. Let’s practice on the way! (Jerry gets pitch pipe for note and everyone starts singing. Carolers will start singing the song and walking as scene fades. The sound of the bus motor starts.).
SCENE 2
(Everyone comes in singing Deck the Halls apprehensively.)
Jerry: Ok, we’re here everybody! (everyone reacts)
Jane: Don’t see anyone! ….We’d better go!
Jerry: Jane ! Come on, we’ll be heard by someone. (start singing “Deck the halls” with no energy as they walk hesitantly up to a bag lady). Hey look, there’s someone!
Hank: Hello. (Lady is sitting and looks up then back down.) Hi…my name is Hank. What’s yours? (Still no answer. Some of the carolers are backing up as if they want to leave.) Er..would..you..er.. like to sing with us? (Makes an expression to the others like loss of words and some give the signs of ‘no! don’t go there!’)
Bag Lady: (Speaking slowly) I don’t feel much like singin’. But I would like some food. I’m hungry. Do you have something I could eat?
Chuck: Hey, Jane has a candy bar!
Jane: I’m saving it for later, big mouth! (She is coaxed by the others to give it up). Oh, alright! (She hands it to the lady. The lady takes it with both hands and holds on to Jane’s hand.)
Bag Lady: God bless you my child. I haven’t eaten in two days. You are truly an angel. (This gets a response from everyone except Jane.) You must be rich to go around helping poor people like me. Did you come down here just for me?
Jane: Well…I...er... guess so. (She slowly pulls back her hand and is visibly moved by the lady’s response.)
Jerry: What she means is… Yes, we came here just for you! Would you like some more food?
Bag Lady: No, no - you’ve given plenty. I can make this last all day. But you could sing me my favorite Christmas song.
Hank: What is it?
Bag Lady: Let’s see..it goes…Silent night holy night…(everyone joins in softly, singing 2 stanzas. The lady drops out and just sits back and listens peacefully.) Well, you best be running along now, all a’ ya! Now get! (shoo’s them away with her hands. She then starts pushing her cart away. The group says “Bye” as they turn to walk away. Jane is the last to go.)
Jane: Hey, lady! What is your name?
Bag Lady: My name? ..Lora, my name is Lora. (Lora turns and walks away.)
Jane: Lora. That’s a pretty name…Bye, Lora…Merry Chris….. (She watches as the lady walks out of sight.)
SCENE 3
(Everyone is following Jerry across the stage. Betty is lagging behind and stops because of something in her shoe. She stops to get it out in front of a house that looks dark.)
Betty: Hey, wait a minute! Hold up a minute. HEY, YOU GUYS! (She screams. Everyone comes back to see what her problem is and they all seem irritated and impatient.)
Carol: What is it Betty? Are you OK?
Betty: Yes…(reluctantly)I had a pebble in my shoe.
Chuck: Betty, come on! We’re running behind schedule!
Jerry: Relax Chuck. We’re OK as long as there aren’t any more delays! (Everyone glares at Betty. The window shutters swings open on the house they’re in front of.)
Chester: (in a deep, angry voice) Hey, what’s all the commotion out here?!
Hank: Uh oh, it’s old man Crabshaw!
Chester: What was that? (looking around as to search out the culprit!)
Jerry: Er.. Hi there.. Mr. Crabshaw! ( everyone gets behind Jerry as if they are scared.)
Chester: What are you people doing out there? There’s enough distractions tonight besides having more racket to shut out! Now move along, scat!
Betty: Would you like to hear a Christmas song? After all, that’s what we are doing tonight - singing Christmas songs.
Chester: No, I wouldn’t like to hear a Christmas song! The last thing I want to hear is songs about a star, wise men, gifts, mangers and all that hub bub!
Jerry: So, you do know a little about the birth of Jesus, huh?
Chester: Know it? I used to teach it! (everyone reacts) That’s right. I can quote it front to back, so don’t come preaching ‘round here! We Three Kings….ha ha…out grew it!
Jane: We know that song, We Three Kings. Come on, let’s sing it to him! (The singing starts. Crabshaw acts irritated but listens anyway. As the song progresses, he seems to melt. Song ends.)
Jerry: I hope we didn’t disturb you too much, Mr. Crabshaw. Well, Merry Christmas and remember God loves you….and I’m glad you know Him.
Chester: (different attitude) No, no, you didn’t disturb me at all actually. It’s been a long time since I heard that sung so beautifully…(giggles) That was my favorite Christmas song. (as if he’s reminiscing) uh..you got time to sing another?
Jerry: Well, we’re a little behind but we’ll be at the church around 8 o’clock to sing some more. Why don’t you join us there?
Chester: It’s been a long time since I’ve been in church. I’ll think about it.
Jerry- Well, goodbye Mr. Crabshaw….come on everybody. We’re almost at the mission.
Hank: (taking his hat off and waits until the others are out of hearing). Merry Christmas, sir. Ah..Mr Crabshaw, do you really know a lot about the Bible like you said?
Chester: Yes, son. Yes I do. I was a professor of theology at the college. When I lost my wife a few years back, I got really mad at God and well, I just gave up on this stuff…
Hank: It’s O.K., sir. I understand. I used to sit with my dad for hours and hear him read the Bible and talk about God and how good He is. Right after my 16th birthday he died suddenly. I never could figure that one out. (Hank looks down, eyebrows down, bewildered)
Chester: The pain goes deep, doesn’t it son…by the way, what’s your name, boy?
Hank: It’s Hank, Hank Farley, sir.
Chester: Hmm.. Farley, Farley..I had a student named Bill Farley once. Wonderful student! He would hang on every word I said and…
Hank: Bill Farley? Did you say Bill Farley?? Why, that was my Dad! Wow, You were the cool teacher he always talked about! He said you knew everything about the Bible! (Chester leans out more and Hank gets closer to the window)
Chester: Imagine that! You do look like your father! Son…er.. Hank, would you like to come in and warm up with some hot tea and talk a while?
Hank: Really?? Sure! I…I’ll go tell the others and be right back! Man, this is great!! (Hank runs off)
Chester: Yes,… This is great. (Smiles, looking up as to give thanks to God and shuts the shutters slowly)
SCENE 4
(A couple with a little boy and girl carrying luggage stop to get bearings)
Matt: Dad, where are we?
Beth: We’ve been walking for hours!
Lois: Now kids, It’s only been….45 minutes….maybe an hour since we got off the bus and your father knows where he’s going…don’t you Father? (Lois looks at her watch.)
David: I just know it’s here somewhere! I can’t be that bad at directions!
Beth: Mom, why do they call it a Mission?
Lois: It simply means a place where people can stay if they…well….don’t have money or a place to live.
Matt- Dad, don’t we have some money? You sold our farm so we could move here, didn’t you?
David: (glances at Lois) Beth, Matt, I have some thing to tell you. (Kneels down in front of his children. Lois puts her hands on their shoulders and moves them in front of David as she stands behind them.) You see, your Dad ran into a problem and the reason we had to come here was to find a new job.
(Jerry and the gang come in singing the final lines of “The 12 days of Christmas.”)
Carol: Merry Christmas! I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but you look lost!
Lois: (looking at David) Well…..we just got into town and lost our way.
David: Yes, I suppose we could use some help right now! My name is David Ross, my wife Lois, and this is Matt and Beth.
Carol: My name is Carol, Hi! (shake hands and everyone in group says hello) How can we help?
Beth: We’re looking for the Mission!
Matt: Yeah, and our Dad needs a job and we’re hungry too! (David and Lois act embarrassed and shuffle the kids out of the way).
David: I’m…. afraid… my children are right.. We’re farmers from the Midwest and I ran into some hard times and this is as far as our money will take us. I heard the Mission was safe, warm and close to work downtown.
Jerry: David, my name is Jerry and I am the pastor of these brave caroler’s. We were headed to the Mission and you are welcome to come with us.
Carol: Hey, you can then come to church with us for a special service of singing and eating and….
Matt & Beth: Food?.. and singing? Yeah, Dad come on!!! We’re hungry!!
Jerry: Hey, that’s a great idea Carol!
Beth: What do you think, Dad?
David: (looks at family with big smile, sticks hand out to shake Jerry’s hand) You’ve got a deal, Pastor!
Jerry: Great! OK everybody, we’re running a little late so we’ll take the shortcut through the park, so stick together!!
Carol: O.K. gang…grab a bag! Lois, you come with me…I’ve got an idea! My uncle owns a nursery and he’s been looking for…….
(Everyone starts singing off stage left, “Joy to the world”)
Carol: Jane, are you O.K.?
Jane: Yeah, I’m O.K. (She stays put and looks sad. Lora is on her mind. She gets a determined look on her face and heads back or away from the group) Carol, I..I gotta go back!
SCENE 5
(Park setting. Rocco, a street punk is arguing with some other boys as the carolers come upon them. When Chuck sees his own sons he moves ahead and the others recognize what’s going on and respectfully back up. The focus is on the boys).
Jerry: Hey, Chuck aren’t those your boys?
Chuck: Parker, Jonathan - is that you? What are you boys doing here? You’re supposed to be at the matinee!
Parker: I know, Dad.. but we were just….
Chuck: “We were just” nothing! Church is starting soon and I have a good mind to send you home! Why, I should ground you boys for a week for lying to your mom and me! What will it take to…….
Rocco: Hey, pop - hold up a minute! (Rocco then looks at Parker and Jonathan) This is your “old man” that you said is cool and trusts you? He don’t look so cool to me! (giving Chuck the up and down once-over).
Parker: Yes.. (with his head hung down)
Chuck: Wait a minute here. Who are you and what’s he talking about, son?
Parker: Well Dad, you see we were on our way to see the movie…
Jerry: Hey, Chuck (tugging on his coat) Excuse me just a second, son. I can see you have your hands full here, Chuck! We’re going to run ahead (looking at watch) and go on to the Mission. We’ll just meet you back at the church a little later, if you can’t catch up, OK?
Chuck: Sure, Pastor. (The gang moves off stage). Now you were saying?!
Parker: We were going to the movie when….
Rocco: (looking at Parker) Hey, you don’t owe him nuttin’! Like I said, your parents don’t care about you. They just want to control you!
Chuck: Who are you?
Parker: Dad! Please listen to me! This is Rocco. He used to be on the basketball team at school and he dropped out. We were on our way to the movie when we ran into him here and well….he…he…
Chuck: (calming down) He what, son?
Parker: He was trying to…to give us something.
Rocco: Give?? Hey, this stuff costs money! (holds up a baggie with marijuana then stuffs it back into his coat).
Chuck: That’s it!! You just crossed the line! ( He grabs Rocco by the arm).
Parker: Dad! Wait!! ( grabbing his dad’s arm)You don’t understand! I was …that is we…were here telling Rocco about Jesus! About Christmas and that it’s not just a holiday… it’s everyday! Didn’t you always tell us God doesn’t like sin but loves the sinner? We were telling him how you taught us that our love is what changes other people. Isn’t that right, Dad?
Chuck: Oh, boy … yes son, that is the message of Jesus. (He looks shamefully at Rocco). Boys, can forgive your dad for jumping the gun?
Parker & Jonathan: (Smiling) Sure, Dad!
Rocco: Hey, Pop, If this Jesus stuff is true, then why would he let my old man kick me out and always yell at me and ..and… rough me up and give me this black eye?
Chuck: (putting his hand on Rocco’s shoulder) Rocco, I don’t know your father and I don’t have all the answers, but one thing I do know. Jesus loves you and has quite a wonderful plan for your life. I know Jesus never hurt anyone, so I know he didn’t approve of what your father did. You see, Jesus loves your father too!
Rocco: How come I haven’t heard this before?
Parker: There’s a lot more we can tell you, too. Your dad as well. Come with us, Rocco?
(Exit)
SCENE 6
(All the carolers come rushing up to the front of the Mission just as it’s getting locked up by Jake the Mission Director. People are with him as they step out of the building.)
Jerry: Hey, what’s going on? You’re not locking up, are you?
Jake: Oh hi, Pastor Jerry. We’ve been without power for hours now and we can’t feed anyone and it’s getting colder so we are going to use some of our funds and go to a restaurant, if we can find one open or.. (leans closer to Jerry and says in a lower voice) one that will let us in!
Betty: Pastor, are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Carol: Uh oh…This could be a challenge!
Jerry: (smiles at Betty, then turns to Jake and the others) Jake, you reckon these folks would like a warm place to sit and enjoy Christmas music and some good old fashioned home cookin’, hot apple cider, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, turkey, dressing and…?
All: Yes!!
Jake: We’re ready anytime you are Pastor! (all shake their heads in agreement)
Carol: Well, let’s go! I love eatin’ meetings!
(Every one starts out, and Betty stops Pastor Jerry)
Betty: Hold on, Pastor Jerry, hold on. I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of the others but you weren’t thinking what I was thinking!
Jerry: Oh, yes, I think I was this time, Betty! I was thinking that this is possibly the best Christmas we’ve ever had. Come on, let’s get back to the church! I can’t wait to see what God is going to do next! (Betty smiles as she understands)
SCENE 7
[PRODUCTION NOTE : This is a pivotal point in the production. It is suggested that this scene begin with the music minister or a pastor of the church that has NOT BEEN IN THE PRODUCTION UP TO THIS POINT! He must begin this epilog as himself, to portray that the final outcome of this production actually ends in this particular church and this congregation is the congregation that are waiting for Pastor Jerry and the others to show. The audience will soon realize they have become part of the play by playing their role as the church service the carolers had to get back to.]
Pastor Gene: Welcome everyone! I’m glad to see everyone here tonight! If you would please stand. We are waiting on Pastor Jerry to get here but we’ll go ahead and get started……
Jerry: (Hurrying in) Wait… We’re here, we’re here! How are you tonight, Pastor Gene?
Pastor Gene: I’m doing well .. good to see you!
Jerry: Good…and it’s good to see everyone here tonight! Please bear with us. I know we’re late but we have some wonderful surprises in store for everyone tonight and it is going to be a wonderful Christmas Eve so, if you would get started and we’ll catch up in a few minutes! (music intro to song begins)
Pastor Gene: Alright everyone let’s sing “Angels we have heard on high”
[PRODUCTION NOTE: At this time in the production the audience should now realize they are part of the production. They sing 3 sacred Christmas songs back to back. During these songs all the cast must remain in character! “Lora” the bag lady will be ushered in by “Jane” to a seat in front of the church and she will sit (or stand) with her. “Hank” will bring in “Chester Crabshaw” and sit (or stand) with him near the front. “Carol” will bring in the “Ross” family and sit them near the front. “Jake” and the Mission folks will be ushered in by “Betty”. It is suggested that Chuck bring in Rocco and Rocco’s Dad (new character) along with his two boys last and sit them strategically where they can be seen by everyone in the church or banquet hall or wherever the production is held. The timing of the carolers bringing in their guests must be methodical with the songs as the congregation is singing. We found slow movement is better so that the audience can absorb what is taking place. Two scene entrances per song gives a good presentation. If your church is one that has ushers, it is suggested that the ushers play their part by ushering in the characters and bringing in more chairs (folding) with them to sit the characters down front, especially if the house is full.]
Pastor Gene: Come on back up, Pastor Jerry! Everyone give Pastor Jerry a big “God bless you” as he comes back to the platform! (applause)
Jerry: Thank you, Gene! God bless you. Everyone sounded wonderful singing those beautiful Christmas hymns. Well, we’re back. We were running a little late after singing all evening and we just had an exciting and wonderful night. I can’t wait to share with you some of the stories! Without delaying we are going to get right into it. You see we have special guest with us tonight, and let’s start with Jane. Jane stand up and introduce your special guest and tell us what happened tonight.
Jane: Well, Pastor Jerry, congregation; this is Lora.
Jerry: Hi Lora, welcome.
Lora: Hi..and..thank you.
Jane: You know how God really tugs on your heart and puts somebody on your mind? That’s what happened to me tonight with Lora. As we were going along singing songs to other people, God just really tugged on my heart to go back and get her and I had to do it. I found her as she was getting ready to go to sleep. She was fixing to crawl up in a box on a side of a building and all she had was newspapers to cover up with. You know, all I could think about was how she’s been living there for fifteen years and not had a family, not had a home and I brought her here tonight because we need to give her that family, that home.
Jerry: You know, you’re right Jane. Lora, you are welcome to stay with us and we are going to provide for you a nice warm bed and food and you won’t have to go back because we love you and God loves you and has plans for you. Let’s welcome Lora folks! (applause)
Lora: Thank you..
Jerry: Next, let’s move over here to Carol. Boy, Carol you have a whole family here! Why don’t you stand and introduce them.
Carol: Pastor Jerry, I have with me tonight Dave Ross and his wife Lois and their children Matt and Beth.
Jerry: Welcome Dave, Lois and thank you for being with us. So, tell us what happened tonight.
Carol: They’re here from the great Northwest and as a matter of fact they just sold their farm and really had no place to go and they we looking for the Mission and that’s when our path’s crossed and here they are to fellowship with us!
Jerry: Great!
David: Hello pastor, how are you doing?
Jerry: Just fine…
David: I sure appreciate you all having me here with my family.. I tell ya we had a rough time there.. it was to the point we didn’t know what we were going to do until this fine group came along and I just..well the Lord just blessed us, I’m tellin’ ya! And Carol’s uncle gave me a job managing his nursery with a house on the property that we can live in!
Jerry: It is a wonderful thing how God works. Dave, you and your family are welcomed to be a part of us and we just praise God for miracles and timing…
Dave: We feel at home just walking in the door and it’s a wonderful feeling! God is really alive inside! (everyone responds with excitement)
Jerry: God’s divine appointments can’t be replaced and we’re thrilled! Merry Christmas everybody and welcome! (applause) Well, let’s move over here to Hank. Hank, why don’t you stand and introduce your guest that most of us already know.
Hank: This is Mr. Chester Crabshaw
Chester: Thank you..Thank you.
Hank: While we were out tonight we came across his house and at first I was a little bit frightened of Mr. Crabshaw (Crabshaw chuckles) but as the evening progressed I found we have a whole lot in common! He actually taught the Bible to my father. Now that we’ve gotten aquainted, Mr. Crabshaw has agreed to be my mentor!
Jerry: Wow, that’s great!
Chester: Yes…He’s a fine young man.
Jerry: Thank you, Chester. You know you are welcome here. We are looking forward to some of that Bible teaching we’ve heard so much about!
Chester: Well, thank you pastor. It’s a pleasure to be here tonight.
Jerry: Boy, what a great evening so far! So many different things have happened in so many lives! I see Chuck over there! Chuck, I heard you had quite an interesting night yourself! Stand and tell us all about it!
Chuck: Evenin’ Pastor, thank you. It was interesting, it was humbling and it was wonderful all at the same time. Tonight as we entered the park you noticed that Parker and Jonathan were talking to a friend of theirs named Rocco. Well, to make a long story short, tonight Jonathan and Parker had the privilege to….well, hang on a second. Rocco, why don’t you stand up and tell everyone tonight what happened.
Rocco: Well, I accepted Jesus as my Savior tonight.
Jerry: Man, that is wonderful! (applause) You know, that is what it is all about, accepting Jesus as your Savior. I want to congratulate all the carolers on how they extended themselves to others they sang to tonight. But it doesn’t stop there.. Go ahead Chuck, tell us what else happened!
Chuck: After that we left the park and had the opportunity to go to Rocco’s house and meet his Dad. Over here to my right you see Ivan, Rocco’s dad.
Jerry: Welcome, Ivan.
Ivan: Thank you, pastor, for what you done for me and my boy, here.
Chuck: We had the awesome opportunity at Ivan’s house to talk and get to know him a little and we invited him here and he agreed and it’s wonderful to have Rocco and his dad, Ivan, here with us tonight.
Jerry: Folks, it’s such a privilege to have everyone here tonight to help us celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.. What a special night it is. Rocco, Ivan - God bless you, and Merry Christmas. Chuck, boys, you have blessed your pastors’ heart tonight by getting out there and ministering. Thank you.
Well saints, put your hands together and let’s welcome everyone here and we don’t want to forget Jake. Jake, my goodness, it looks like...it looks like you brought all of downtown with you! Jake, we so much appreciate you and what the mission means to so many. What a great outreach that is. Folks, stay as long as you want, have as much as you can eat. We have plenty. This has been such a wonderful night. This has truly been what Christmas is all about. It’s about fellowship. It’s about one another. It’s about the gift of Jesus Christ in our lives that makes all of this possible when we yield to him and his leading. I would like to thank all who went out on the streets tonight caroling and thank you, Pastor Gene, for leading Christmas praise and worship. May God bless each and every one.
Let’s pray. Father we thank you for Christmas and what it means to us. We thank you for the gift, the beautiful gift of Jesus Christ. Father, bless all the fellowship tonight. Bless the new relationships that are springing forth tonight. We thank you Lord for warmth, we thank you for the food, we thank you for our families, we thank you for your provision. We just want to praise you Lord. And Father, I want to thank you for a wonderful “Christmas in my Hometown”. Amen.
ENDS
© Buddy Reaves (2007), all rights reserved. This script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
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: