The Gift Goes On 2022

THE GIFT GOES ON
Christmas 2022
(written for Somerville International School)
(The play begins with a message of hope ringing into the empty dark auditorium)
Bells have to be there. Can anyone play the jal tarang? Xylophone coordinated concert?
Carol of the Bells - spotlight – on glass – on xylophone - (Mixed Choir / Quartet)
Opening – Only voices in the dark.
(On the left corner in front of the curtain. Brother and sister sitting and rummaging things in an
old shoebox. Sister finds an old postcard)
SCENE 1
Brother/Sister – Minha / Uzair
This scene will basically introduce the umbrella act. The siblings find an old shoebox of their
grandfather’s belongings. In that they find a “missing piece”. They try to follow the rules/riddles
to reach the next clue and the next clue and the next. From every scene that freezes, they fix a
piece and take the next to enter into the next scene. Curtain closes as they take one piece and
move out.
S: Written in the Stars?
B: Heeey…what’s that?
S: This old old looking postcard, it says “Written in the Stars”
B: Show me. Show me (tries to snatch it from her)
S: Why do you always want what I have?!? Can you just…go…find something of your own?
B: No. I won’t. Where'd you get this postcard from?
S: It’s mine! Just give it back! Finders keepers. Mine! (tries to snatch it back)
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B: Wai…wait…wait…what is all this written on the postcard?
(Both pouring over it)
B: Wars, Violence, Agony and Tears
The only solution offered by sages and seers.
Look around and you will find
Something that they left behind.
S: Who left behind?
B: I don't understand.
S: Who left behind what?!?
B: Should you wish to defend or greet
You’ll find me near a gentle bleat. __________, I don't know…but I think…I
think…ok…thinking out loud here…they’re clues
S: Clues?!? (Laughs out loud)
B: Yes. I think so. So many rhymes written on a postcard. Are they really riddles? Or just some
random rhymes written to confuse pro-prose people?
S: Yeah right! Pro-prose!
B: Can't possibly mean anything else, right Molly? But you know what (carefully inspecting it)
maybe we’re supposed to…solve it…maybe look for something?
S: Are you serious?!?
B: Look…look here…see the stamp? The date.
S: From Bethlehem?!? (B nods in victorious triumph) 4 B.C ?!?
B: aaanhaan!
S: But, how on Earth can anything come from Bethlehem!
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B: You know what? Leave your silly questions. Let’s get down to business! What’s the first
riddle again?
S: Wars, Violence, Agony and Tears
The only solution offered by sages and seers.
Look around and you will find
Something that they had left behind.
B: Left behind…left behind. Hmmm…ok. Let’s…ummm…solution to war, violence,
agony….mmmm….
S: Peace? (doubtful)
B: Peace! (louder - confirmatory)
S+B: Peace!! (loudest - excited) (Pointing to the peace symbol in the box)
S pulls it out
S: But the post card says that it’s been left behind. Is someone looking for it?
B: We, of course!
S: Yeah right! Our fights are definitely war and violence…with me landing up in tears!
B: I guess we’re looking for it in the wrong place.
S: What do you mean?
B: What I mean Molly, is that…see, you can’t see peace, right? It can't be felt. So for peace to
appear, maybe we need to…ummm…disappear. (Snatches the postcard from her hand)
S: Oh please! (disdain) Give it to me…give it to me…(tug of war/fight over it)
B: You already have the peace pendant. At least let me have this!
S: No never. It’s not yours. Someone needs it.
B: I need it!
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S+B: I….I…
(Thunder and Lightning)
SCENE 2
CURTAIN 1 OPENS
B+S: What's happening? What is this place? Where are we?
B: Shhhh…quiet! (To Molly)
Transported to a terrible place.
Crowd 1: People are walking about in darkness:
(Short pantomimes of crimes in the world – killing, beating, cheating etc.
(A few people come around and ask a few rhetorical questions.)
P1: Why…WHY do we spill the blood of each other?
P2: Why…WHY… do we swindle and cheat each other?
P3: Why…Oh WHY…is there so much despair….and hatred...anger and suffering in this world?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYeekQkAdc&ab_channel=BlackEyedPeasVEVO
DANCE 1 (by the pantomime people) : (Where is the Love? - BEP)
Do we have rappers? Can we have people singing it?
People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt, hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
Or would you turn the other cheek?
Father, Father, Father, help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
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Where is the love (love)
Where is the love? (The love)
Where is the love, the love, the love?
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (love)
Where is the love, the love, the love?
People killin', people dyin' (Choir)
Children hurt, hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
Or would you turn the other cheek?
Father, Father, Father, help us (Choir - lesser)
Send some guidance from above (Choir - lesser)
'Cause people got me, got me questionin' (Choir - lesser)
Where is the love (love) (solo) (10 mins)
(B+ S in front on the front center steps)
B: They definitely require peace. The times are dark.
S: (takes out the peace symbol from her pocket. Looks at it for long) It is dark…but…how do I
give it to them?
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B: Give what?
P4: WHERE? Where… is the love? Where…where is the hope? When does the misery end?
They say there is a time to weep…a time to laugh…a time to mourn and a time to dance. (Ecc
3:4) WHEN?? When will that time come?!?
P5: What we see is only mourning…only weeping…where is the laughter? Where is the dance?
When do we see happiness instead of the strain? The joy instead of the pain? WHEN?? When
will that time come?!?
P4 and P5 freeze.
B: Now.
S: Go! Go! Go!
B goes and puts the peace symbol into the hands of P4 and P5.
(Prophet 1 enters from the Left wing, as P5 finishes speaking)
All the people are scared and gather around…listening to the prophet. But P4 and P5 are calm.
Peaceful. Over the entire scene, slowly one by one they all become peaceful, though troubled.
ISIAH: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep
darkness a light has dawned. - Isaiah 9:2
P6: (Walking upto Isiah…touching his robe) Are you….are you the messiah?
ISIAH: No little one…my name is Isiah…I have come to tell you of things that are yet to come.
The good Lord has revealed to me…in visions…that the light of heaven is soon to come.
P7: (Crouching behind P6) Are you…a prophet?
ISIAH: (chuckles) Well, yes. A prophet. Sent by God, to tell you (P7)…and you (people)…and
you (audience)…that soon…and very soon, walking in darkness will not be and that it’s always
darkest before dawn.
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P8: Is this light coming tonight? Tomorrow?
ISIAH: Soon.
P9: How soon? We want to know. (general nodding by all people)
P8: We need to know.
P9: The nation wants to know (general nodding by all people)
ISIAH: Our ways are not His ways for a thousand ages in our sight is like an evening gone by for
Him. In His time, He will send the light.How? And when? No tongue can tell. For No eye has seen
and no ear has heard. But…know this you must, laughter, dance, happiness and joy can come only
when there is Peace and Peace will prevail only when the power of Love overcomes the Love of
power.
SOLO: small girl singing solo…dimmed lights…gentle spotlight…
'Cause people got me, got me questionin' (falling on knees center stage…people circle)
Where is the love? (palms open)
(Lights dim completely on the stage. Crowds talking in muffled voices. Walking with slow heavy
steps. As if lost)
S: You heard what the prophet…whattsizname? (pointing to Isiah)
B: Isaiah (mumbling)
S: Isaiah. Prophet Isiah...yes, he said that a light is coming…and the last time I checked, prophets
are usually right, bruh.
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B: I’m sure. I’m not denying that Sarah…it’s just that we still don't know when….and more
importantly how. It could take long. Veeeery long! Till then all this war and violence just
keeps…going on and on? (visibly disturbed - sits down center stage steps)
S: Well. You gotta have faith. You have to believe (shaking him). There can be miracles only when
you believe (to the audience)
SCENE 3
There can be miracles - Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey (Prince of Egypt)
(Voice over + single violin solo of melody line in the background. Prophet 2 enters, followed by
5 children, when the first three lines are being played and takes his place at the center of the
stage.)
The Prince of Egypt (1998) - When You Believe Scene (8/10) | Movieclips
SOLO 1:
Many nights we prayed
With no proof that anyone could hear
In our hearts we had a hopeful song that we barely understood
(Prophet sings the next four lines. Crowd 1 remains in the background)
(SOLO 1) Prophet 2: We must not be afraid
Although there is much to fear
Believe in yourself for we were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could,
(SOLO 2) Small girl : solo: There can be miracles
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When you believe Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
(CHOIR SONG 1) 3 - 4 children can join in: Who knows what miracles you can achieve?
When you believe, somehow you will. You will when you believe. (up to 1:18)
(Crowd 1 speaks together - violin line - instrumental continues)
P10: We’ve prayed. We’ve cried. Alas! It has all fallen on deaf ears. Does
anybody….ANYBODY up there hear us? (looking upwards)
SOLO 3: In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
SOLO 4: Hope seems like the summer bird
Too swiftly flown away
SOLO 3: Yet now I'm standing here (Solo 4: Now I’m standing here - rounds)
My hearts so full, I can't explain
DUET 3 and 4: Seeking faith and speakin' words
I never thought I'd say
There can be miracles
When you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill (Mmm)
CHOIR: Who knows what miracles you can achieve? (You can achieve)
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe
You will when you believe (fading out as long as required to clear the stage)
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(Crowds and prophet exit the stage on both sides as the “You will when you believe” repeats. A
scroll falls out of the prophet’s robes)
(Lights to be dimmed on the stage, spotlight on B+S)
(Olden times people….Bethlehem sorts begin entering the stage. It’s a regular market scene.
general life. Sellers. Hawkers. Women. Men. Children. Street players)
B: Did you see that?
S: Pick it up. Pick it up. Pick it up!
(They run to pick the dropped scroll and they exit)
DANCE 2: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (DANCE 4-5) – Maria
Street Players/ singers:
(Slow with ukulele)
SOLO: God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
SOLO: Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
DUET: To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Beat picks up…SONG PLAYS FOR THE DANCE God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Hladnov
Rock Choir (Pentatonix cover) live
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(Please record this in our voices/ but this beat is good / not live / slow rhythm (2:10 onwards)
and picking up pace at the end. No this piece in totality…just the bits required. Ending is good)
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Remember Christ our Savior
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
Comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, in Israel
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Comfort and joy
Fear not then, said the Angel
Let nothing you affright
This day is born a Savior
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Of a pure Virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's pow'r and might
Comfort and joy
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Remember Christ our Savior
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
(One of the dancers will step over something and immediately pick it up and ask)
Dancer: What in the world? (looks at it puzzled) Does anyone know what is it?
(One of the dancers will have the peace symbol which they show to each other and
simultaneously the symbol will be shown on the projector at the back) (20 mins)
SCENE FREEZES
(B+S re-enter)
B: Hah! Peace!
S: We were right! We were right! We were right!
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(B+S move forward, CURTAIN CLOSES)
B: We?!? I said peace first.
S: Are you kidding me? I said peace first!
B+S: I…I…
S: You know what? It’s a pity we gave peace away. If anyone in the world needs it…it is us!!
B: Not us. You! You need it!
S: You need it (mimicry him) Anyway…what…are…we…doing with this?!? (takes out the
scroll)
B: Oh Good Lord! You still have this?!?
S: …and this! (takes out the postcard)
B: No wayyy! Wait. What’s the next riddle?
(Both pouring over the postcard)
SCENE 4
(B reads)
B: Riddle 2: Should you wish to defend or greet
You’ll find me near a gentle bleat.
S: What’s that again? Bleat, you say?
B: Yeah you know….baaaaaa (bleating sound)
Prophet 3 from side staircase roaming around aimlessly…looking for something high and
low.
B: Oh my! (straightening himself) You think he heard?
S: Him? (laughs) No no! I don't think so. You think?
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B: I sure did cut a terrible first impression with him, alright.
(More people start coming in from both sides)
B: Oh great! An entourage! Just when I thought I embarrassed myself in front of only one
person, he turns out to have an entire circus following him.
S (laughs): No no. He’s….he’s too busy looking for something. It’s ok. I’m sure he didn't hear a
thing. And please…the people…they have much better things to do…(to the side) than listen to
you, of course!
B: Do you think….(long pause) this (looks to the scroll) is what he’s looking for? Pause.
S: Hmmm.Possibly…maybe. Give it. Give it. Give it.
B throws the scroll gently, such that it rolls to the prophet’s feet. Prophet picks it up.
Prophet is happy that he found it. Looking to read out the prophecy about Bethlehem – (Micah).
Lot of people listening
Prophet 3 (Amish/Dheemant): Oh! Thank God. finally!
(clears throat)
Listen…Listen, people of God…This is what the Lord your God says… “But you, Bethlehem
Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who
will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Person from crowd 1: (to the audience) Bethlehem? Can anything good come out of
Bethlehem?
(Choir sings…spotlight on choir)
CHOIR SONG 2: O Little Town of Bethlehem - Choir
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O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
(Choir Oohs)
Person from the Crowd 2: (to the prophet) Why? Why should we believe you? Give us a
sign! Give us a sign that we may believe.
Crowd: Yes. A Sign.
Prophet 3: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and
give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtgZ8SmoE7k&ab_channel=MichaelCard-Topic
Prophet 3: A sign shall be given (I would prefer Amish here)
A virgin will conceive
A human baby bearing
Undiminished Deity
The glory of the nations
A light for all to see
That hope for all who will embrace
His warm reality
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Immanuel
Our God is with us
And if God is with us
Who could stand against us
Our God is with us
Immanuel
For all those who live
In the shadow of death
A glorious light has dawned
For all those who stumble
In the darkness
Behold your light has come
Immanuel
Our God is with us
And if God is with us
Who could stand against us
Our God is with us
Immanuel
Person from the Crowd 3: If God is with us…what are we doing here? What are we waiting
for? Is he already here?
Crowd: Is he? Is that right? Is it so? (crowd mumbling) – general confusion and muffled
discussion
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CHOIR SONG 2 CONTINUES
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in
The dear Christ enters in.
(Choir sings…spotlight on choir...CURTAIN OPENS when the last line is being
sung…The dear Christ enters in.)
(Choir Oohs) (30 mins)
SCENE 5
Traveling of Mary, Joseph, donkey, sheep from room to room being shunned out and then
finding a place in the manger (rolling center)
3 Innkeepers, on rolling boards…background music for being shunned…knocking on the
door….choir ooohs…. and finally accepted in the manger in the center
3 Innkeepers exit after refusing
Joseph knocks on the door
In-keeper 1: What? What? Can’t you see I’m having dinner with my family...and about to
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retire for the day?
Joseph: Kind Sir, My name is Joseph, and this is my wife, Mary…I….er…we need a room
to stay. We have been travelling from Nazareth and my wife…she…she needs to rest
(pointing to Mary)
In-keeper 1: Well, you must be a special kind of crazy to be travelling with a woman who is
with child.
Joseph: Kind sir, just a small place.
In-keeper 1: All the rooms are full. There is nothing to give you.
Joseph: Sir, I…
In-keeper 1: What part of “NOTHING” do you not understand? (slams the door)
Joseph and Mary continue travelling. Knocks on the next door.
In-keeper 2: Yes? Yes? Who is it? (putting on his spectacles and in home clothes)
Joseph: Kind Sir, my wife and I need a room to stay. We have been travelling from
Nazareth and my wife…she…she really needs to rest (pointing to Mary)
In-keeper 2: Interesting. Travelling in the dead of night with a woman about to give birth.
Why have you come here from Nazareth all the way here? Isn’t Nazareth almost a three day
travel? Why would you do such a thing?
Joseph: Kind sir, I am but a poor carpenter who just obeyed a decree issued by Caesar
Augustus that all the world should be registered…for a census to be taken. To be registered,
everyone has to go back to his own city. Bethlehem is my city. And here, I am obeying
Caesar and the law…to get ourselves registered.
In-Keeper2: Don’t you see, everyone from far has come into town to get themselves
registered. You are a little too short and a little too late. All the rooms are full and there is
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really nothing I can do for you, nor for your wife, nor for your child. Please. Be gone!
Joseph: Sir, please, I just need…
In-keeper: (slams the door) Be gone!
Joseph and Mary continue travelling. Knocks on the next door.
In-keeper 3: (opens the door / furious) At this ungodly hour? Really?
Joseph: Kind Sir, my name is Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth…and this, this is my wife,
Mary. We have been travelling from Nazareth for the census and my wife…she…she really
needs to lay down now (pointing to Mary) …and my donkey needs to be rested and fed to
carry us on. We’re tired and just need a little shelter for the night, before we continue in the
morning.
In-keeper3: (melting and showing first signs of compassion) Census or no census, should
you not be taking care of your wife before anything else? You really must be certain to put
her through this travel.
Joseph: The law above all, Kind sir.
In-Keeper 3: Well, there is no room to spare. We’re all out. It seems everyone has landed
up for the census! I can’t do anything for your wife, but I can think…I can do something
for your tired donkey. (stepping out) You see that faint light over there....(pointing
right)…that is my stable. My manger. You can rest your donkey there. You’ll find a little
hay to feed your donkey and a wooden trough to give it water. Atleast your donkey will be
rested for you to travel back tomorrow in the morning.
Joseph: Thank you, kind sir.
Mary: Thank you, sir. We are indeed indebted to you.
In-Keeper 3: Let me see if I can send my boy in the morning with food for you. Right now
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(looking at his watch) it’s too late. Sorry.
Joseph: No, no. Kind sir, we’ll be well. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.
May the good Lord bless you for opening your heart to us.
In-keeper 3: Well, when the Messiah comes…and IF he ever comes…you make sure you
put in a good word for me, eh? (snickering)
Mary and Joseph bow lightly and start travelling towards the manger. Joseph goes about
settling Mary on a stack of hay, washing and feeding the donkey, putting things in place.
(B+S watch the whole scene from the left)
B: Really? No room for the savior of the world?
S: It’s strange how people keep crying about where the savior is…when he will come…and
why it’s taking so long! But…now that he’s here…no one….NO ONE gives him even an
inch of space to just be. Isn’t that ironic? Don’t you think?
B: Well, that’s God’s plan I guess. That the savior would be born in a manger, surrounded
by cows, donkeys, goats and sheep.
S: Sheep!
B: What sheep?
S: Sheep! The riddle…the gentle bleat…oh where is that postcard? You had it.
B: No, YOU had it! Don’t tell me you’ve lost it!
S: No, I don’t have it. Remember you took it from…oh…hehehe…I do have it. Sorry.
B: I told ya!
S: So…that was…should you wish to defend or greet
You’ll find me near a gentle bleat.
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B: Near a gentle bleat. That means…near a sheep.
S: Who is found near a sheep?
B: A shepherd…but, is the correct question who or what?
S: What?
B: As in…what is found near a gentle bleat?
(Joseph now pulls in a sheep with his staff)
B+S: (Together) The staff! The Staff! The Shepherd’s Staff!
S: They use a staff to defend sheep.
B: I wish I had a staff of my own.
S: And why would you need that?
B: To manage my own little sheep. (pulls her cheeks)
S: Can you please not do that!
(Molly sneaks out to steal Joseph’s staff)
B: (to the audience) But, I really wonder why they have been shunned by everyone…and
now it’s a manger? That’s it? Who would have known that the promised light of the
world…the hope of generations…would be born in a humble manger?
S: Look what I found!
B: Are you insane?!? You stole from Joseph?
S: The riddle said we have to!
B: The riddle just said where to find it…Gosh Molly! What is wrong with you?
S: Okaaay. I’ll give it back. Relax!
B: Relax?!?
S: Yes. Relax. I’ll put it back when he’s not watching. Just like I took it when he wasn’t! I
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don’t know. He somehow reminds me of you!
B: Me?!? That’s a laugh!
S: Well, he’s absent minded like you for sure!
B: Cut some slack will you? He’s just travelled for three days…without any rest and with a
wife who needs to rest…he’s tired. Don’t be like those mean innkeepers. You have to
excuse him if he’s not at his best! For crying out loud, he’s been travelling with a donkey
walking slowly through the dusty roads.
S: I agree…a king, though, should come on horseback…with an entourage…just like the
prophets had. The entire entourage following him. Make you feel important and all, yeah?
B: With fanfare
S: and trumpets
S: and…
B: well…definitely not on a donkey. (both of them look towards the manger)
Joseph: (to Mary) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government
will be upon his shoulders and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the
Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.
SOLO 3: Mary: What Child is this? SOLO 3 (Mary)
What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet (4 small angels twirling)
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
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Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
B: The little son of Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.
S: And He is the King but what is a king without a kingdom? Where are his people?
(Mary+ Joseph remain in the manger…4 small twirling angels take their position on either
side of the manger/or Mary. Slowly the animals start coming in... Starting with the sheep.
S: I said people but these are animals (she looks at the staff in her hand)
Be right back. One minute.
B: Where are you going? Maybe it is all according to plan!
S: People. We need people. Not animals…she tries to pull the sheep back with the staff, but
the sheep pulls the staff from her hand and runs away)
Hey You!… sheep!... Stop! Wait! Wait! Give it back! Oh Good Lord! * face palm *. (They
chase the sheep but it runs away and they give up the chase)
B: What have you done?
Jesus our savior Kind and Good – Class 4 + 4 solos
CHOIR SONG 3 -Jesus, our Savior, kind and good,
was born in a manger of straw and wood,
And the friendly beasts around Him stood,
Jesus, our Savior, kind and good.
SOLO 4: “I,” said the donkey shaggy and brown,
“I carried his mother uphill and down,
I carried her safely to Bethlehem town.
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”I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
CHOIR: All animals: Jesus, our Savior, kind and good,
SOLO 5 ”I,” said the cow, all white and red,
“I gave Him my manger for a bed,
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head.
”I,” said the cow, all white and red.
SOLO 6 ”I,” said the sheep with the curly horn,
“I gave Him my wool for a blanket warm,
He wore my coat on Christmas morn.
”I,” said the sheep with the curly horn.
Sheep only gives the staff to Joseph. Joseph looks at the sheep angrily. Sheep says symbolic
sorry.
SOLO 7 ”I,” said the dove from the rafters high,
“I cooed Him to sleep so He would not cry.
We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I.
”I,” said the dove from the rafters high.
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Jesus, our Savior, kind and good (repeat and fade till all extra animals exist)
(Lights to be dimmed…Only 2 sheep+1cow+1donkey to join the Mary and Joseph in the
manger, other animals exit from the wings)
(B+S come on the stage)
B: A humble King and his humble kingdom. His people are not royalty. His people are not
fancy. They are but poor sheep and cows and his kingdom is a manger where they all
belong.
S: How many kings do we know who live a life like this?
SOLO 8 -How many Kings? Solo + Class 7
How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least?
How many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me
CURTAIN CLOSES
B+S come in front of the stage
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B: You know, the kingdom cannot be only of sheep and cows. I’m sure, there is nobody here to
welcome the king, because they do not know about the birth of the savior.
S: Possibly. But how do we tell the people? There is no WhatsApp or Instagram.
B: Those days? Well…umm…no idea. Did they have letters? Or postcards?
S: Postcard! What does our postcard say?
B: You have it!
S: I do?!?
B: Don’t tell me you lost it again!
S: Again?
B: Aha! Gotcha! So it says…listen carefully…Round, sparkling, holy and bright,
Shines through the darkest of night.
S: Holy and bright…darkest of night.
(CURTAIN OPENS)
SCENE 6
(Mary Joseph in the center of stage with baby Jesus, angels with circle them while solos are
sung)
SOLO 9-Angels We Have Heard on High - Class 5 + solo
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
26
(Choir Oohs continue)
B: Messengers! The Ancient Messengers! Angels.
S: Angels with their beautiful Halos!
(Choir Oohs continue)
SOLO 10- Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
(S: Runs and takes the halo from a small angel standing in front)
(CURTAIN CLOSES)
(B+S come back on stage from the side staircase)
B: Molly! You can’t just take their crown! That’s stealing!
S: It’s so pretty! (looking at it) (then tries it on) How do I look?
B: Molly…JUST….GIVE IT BACK! Please! You’re making me nervous.
S: Why do you keep accusing me of stealing?!? As I see it…It’s called borrowing! Do you want
to get to the mystery of the postcard or not?
B: I sure do (mumbling)
S: Then just do as the postcard says.
B: Fine! Borrowing but borrowing from the angels? What nerves!
27
B: But, where do we go with this?
CURTAIN OPENS with Jesus, Mary and Baby Jesus
SCENE 7
CHOIR SONG 4: Away in a Manger - It’s Christmas! (Mixed Choir / Quartet)
DANCE 3: ANGELS DANCE (DANCE 7-8) – Prerna + Arushi M
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes
I love thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle 'til morning is nigh
It's Christmas
The angels are singing
And I know the reason
The Savior is born
It's Christmas
The bells are ringing
And I feel like shouting
Joy to the world
It's Christmas
The bells are ringing
28
And I feel like shouting
Joy to the world
(Angels start moving…purposively…from left to right, Mary Joseph remain on stage in the last
wing)
B: Where are all the angels going?
G: They seem like they have a task at hand
B: Aha! To tell more people I presume.
G: Do you think the angels are going to fly to far away kingdoms and call on Kings to come and
see their contemporary?
B: Let’s follow them. Come!
(Spotlight shifts to B+S sitting on the left stairs)
(The angels on the left side will exit from wing 2&3 and the remaining angles on the right side
will move to the left and the shepherds will come one by one in front of the mid curtain closed.
Mary, Joseph scene, behind mid-curtain)
CHOIR SONG 5
DANCE 4 ACTIONS ONLY: While Shepherds watched their flocks by Night (Mixed
Choir / Quartet)
While shepherds watched their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around
"Fear not", said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind
29
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind"
"To you, in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
The Savior who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be the sign"
"The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands
And in a manger laid"
(Shepherds exit…some more angels enter)
SHEPHERD 1: We must look for this new born King! The angels cannot be wrong.
SHEPHERD 2: He’s here! He’s here! Our redemption draweth neigh.
SHEPHERD 3: Where do we go from here now?
SHEPHERD 4: They came from there…lets go in that direction?
SHEPHERD 1, 2, 3: (ad lib) Yes, come. Take the sheep. Let’s go. This way, is it?
(Mid curtain opens slowly to reveal Mary, Joseph, Manger scene with basic angels and sheep)
DANCE 5: Hark The Herald Angels Sing – King of Heaven come down (DANCE 6-7) –
Nidhi K +Binita
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
30
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
"Glory to the new-born king"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
31
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
(Angels and shepherds with a few sheep sit around the manger in a proper arrangement. Dim
lights)
Focus/spotlight on the brother and sister
B: Well…at least some human beings. It was getting a bit, I don’t know…animal-esque and
supernatural a kingdom for our King
S: Humility and divinity *sigh*
B: Well, divinity, so does NOT suit you. Where does this go? (taking the halo off her head)
S: Give it back to me! (snatches it) Well, it goes right where it belongs. To him who is fit to wear
this crown which is Round, sparkling, holy and bright, Shines through the darkest of night. There
is only one king here, without a crown that is rightfully his from the beginning of time. That’s
whom it belongs to (S goes and gently places it on the head of the Christ child)
CURTAIN CLOSES (S come out in front)
B: (to the audience, as the curtain closes) The King has been crowned. Let’s rejoice and
announce it to the world. More people should know that the king is here. (looking at S) But, how
do we tell more people? Do we ask the angels again? But how many times can an angel be
asked?
S: As if you can command angels to go again and again!
32
B: No. But who else? How else? How can we spread the news? How can more people be told?
S: Maybe…WE should go and tell more people.
B: We?!?
S: Yes! You and me, both bro!
b: Fine, let’s do this. Come.
(B+S get up to as the curtain opens)
CURTAIN OPENS
SCENE 8
(Shepherds, angels and Mary and Joseph in the manger in the centre… shifted back (max) to
make space for the dancers)
S: Look! There are some shepherds grazing their sheep in the field. Maybe we can start with
them.
(start moving towards the bunch of shepherds)
B: (holds back the hand of the sister) Wait! Can you be patient for once. Look there the angels
have beaten us to it.
S: Oh the shepherds too have reached already!
B: Now more people will know! Yessss!
S: The more, the merrier!
B: Gooooo Shepherds!
DANCE 6 Go Tell it on the Mountain – (DANCE 4,5,6) - Sophia
33
CHOIR: Go, Go Go go go go (echo)
(dancers begin to enter)
Go! Tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born (dancers to have taken their positions)
TRACK and DANCE BEGINS:
Go! Tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a Holy light
The shepherds feared and trembled
When, lo! Above the Earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior's birth
34
Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And brought us all salvation
That blessed Christmas morn
(Dancers will start leaving in the last two lines)
S: Now THAT looks like a full kingdom. There are angels, there are shepherds and their flocks
and in just the humble manner as was prophesied. Are we expecting anyone else?
B: Do I look like an encyclopedia?
S: You? No. Not at all!
B: Really?
S:…but I am sure the postcard is a better encyclopedia than you.
B: More reliable, I agree (mumbling) What’s the next one? (loudly)
S: Next one…ok…so it’s A box of surprise full of delight
A source of extreme joy at first sight.
35
B: Source of extreme joy? You know what would bring actual joy on this occasion a little? A
little fanfare. A little pomp and…a little show. THAT would make it look grand.
S: Well, it would definitely have added to the spectacle!
B: It would be great if an actual king comes to greet and welcome the king of kings. This is
well…too simple, isn’t it?
S: Joe, I think you spoke too soon. Look! (Amazed. She points at the three kings)
(Three kings enter)
We Three Kings – Class 4 + 3 solos
CHOIR SONG 6 (Only chorus)
The 3 kings sing: We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
Choir: O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
SOLO 11
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign.
36
SOLO 12
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high.
SOLO 13
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
37
(Kings will offer gifts one by one as they finish their solos, bow to baby Jesus and move to the
side. Scene freezes)
B: Well…as they say…be careful what you wish for, ‘coz you just might get it. You got your
kings alright!
S: For once I agree with you big bro. My wish has been granted and the kings have come in all
their pomp and splendor, bearing such wonderful gifts!
B+S: GIFTS! (together)
B: A box of delight
G: Definitely joy at first sight!
B: That’s it! That’s the answer.
S: That reminds me when was the last time you gave me a gift?
B: Alright sis, come on now. You have me! I am your greatest gift!
S: Ewwww…If you are the gift, I DEFINITELY don’t want it. I want this one! (S picks the gold
gift from the manger and walks away.)(Take the Box with the Gold)
B: Seriously! You have GOT TO STOP doing that! (puts it back in t’s place) It’s ask and you
shall receive. Not take and be a petty thief.
S: Again! I’m just borrowing!
B: To-may-to. To-mah-to.
(The scene unfreezes)
KING 1: We are indeed honored to behold the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
KING 2: There is nothing more fulfilling than when ancient promises come true.
Joseph: The pleasure is ours. We accept your gifts with humble hearts and hope that one day our
little baby lives out the prophecies that your gifts have foretold.
38
KING 3: A King. A Real King is born. This day in Bethlehem! Choir (oooohs)
A King is born this day in Bethlehem
Hallelujah (oooohs)
KING 2: No crown is worn but angels worship Him
Halle-hallelujah
KING 1: Almighty God, so meek, so mild
Salvation comes through this holy Child
(Choir) A King is born (KING 3: He is in the manger now)
(Choir) A King is born (KING 2: humbly come and humbly bow)
(Choir) The tiny boy (KING 1: reaching out a tiny hand)
(Choir) A King is born this day in Bethlehem
(Music with Calypso beat starts for the dance)
DANCE 7: A KING IS BORN – TOM INGLIS (DANCE 5-6) – Bhawna
Hallelujah
No crown is worn but angels worship Him
Halle-hallelujah
Almighty God, so meek, so mild
A King is born (He is in the manger now)
A King is born (humbly come and humbly bow)
39
The tiny boy (reaching out a tiny hand)
Yes His palace is lowly, His throne is made of hay
Hallelujah (hallelujah)
Shepherds bow down to see His holy face
Halle-hallelujah
Heaven is singing of peace on earth
Filled with the wonder of this birth
A King is born (He is in the manger now)
A King is born (humbly come and humbly bow)
The tiny boy (reaching out a tiny, tiny hand)
Come on, clap your hands with it
Come humbly and humbly bow
He's in the manger now
40
A King is born this day in Bethlehem (a King is born, is born)
Hallelujah (hallelujah)
No crown is worn but angels worship Him
Halle-hallelujah
Almighty God, so meek, so mild
A King is born (everybody praise His name)
A King is born (we will never be the same)
The tiny Lord (reached out His mighty hand)
A King is born (we will never, never be the same)
A tiny Lord (reached out His Mighty hand)
This day in Bethlehem
This day in Bethlehem (repeat and fade till they exit)
(B+S come back on the stage)
S: What is the baby’s name?
B: Well you steal from a child (pause) nay, a King…and you do not even have the common
courtesy to ask his name.
S: Wait…I’ll ask.
B: No. They’ll probably recognize you. I’ll ask.
41
G: Ask the mother. Or…ask the father. Anyway he looks like you only.
B: (goes and asks Joseph) Excuse me, Kind Sir, what is…ummm…the child’s name? Have you
given him a name yet?
Joseph: An angel spoke to me long ago. He is the one who named our child and gave me the
message from God that our child will be called JESUS, because he will save his people from
their sins. And Man will live forever more, because of this day.
B: Jesus. What a powerful name it is! (pause) But, whyyy…do I feel like I know you? Have
we…have we met before?
Joseph: HAVE we met before?
B: It’s just that everything feels like a déjà vu. I feel like….like I’ve been here before.
Joseph: And time. Time goes by. So slowly. And time can do SO much.
B: May I see baby Jesus?
Joseph: Certainly…Sussh…He’s sleeping. There. (points to the child)
(SCENE FREEZES- Teachers stand on the stairs and sing)
Silent Night – Teachers quartet - 3 verses (lighting across the auditorium)
B: He’s beautiful. Heavenly peace upon that sleeping face, I see. Well, I got to make a move.
Thank you for letting me in.
Joseph: Always, always welcome (B turns to leave) Errrmmm….aren’t you forgetting
something?
B: I am?
Joseph: Are you?
B: No. I… I didn’t have anything. I came empty-handed.
42
Joseph: Well then…you must not return empty-handed. All who meet the Christ child are never
left empty. Here. Take this (hands the gold gift box). Isn’t this what you came for?
B: No. No. I just came to meet the little king. I did not come to take anything. It was molly who
was trying to…wanting to…well…errr…
Joseph: All who meet the Christ child never go back empty-handed. The gift goes on.
Thunder and Lightning. Transported back to reality with S. He’s holding the box. S just sitting
bored. Turns and looks around.
S: Really? Ohhh…. now really?!? And I’m the Klepto?
B: I didn’t say that.
S: You did too! Now give me that (snatches the box) So Klepto, huh? Runs in the family!
B: He gave it to me (stunned. A little dazed)
S: Yeah. Right. (opening the box) That’s what they all say.
B: No. He gave it to me.
S: It’s not opening!
B: (all knowing nod) Check the post card.
S: Oh right! It did have riddles left. Wait. (pulls out the postcard)
They bowed before the little king
Offering bits which they could bring
He gives His light to a world so dim
What therefore will you give him?
B: What will you give him?
S: I don’t know. I want to open this box and it just is not…mmmm (tries pulling it apart)
…opening. I can at least see what baby Jesus “gave you” so that we can give something of equal
43
value. That’s just plain basic courtesy of gifting, right?
B: Open it then.
S: How? I don’t know ok! I’m trying! You should have asked Joseph when you had the chance.
Maybe he knew how to open it.
B: By any chance are there any more clues? Riddles? The postcard’s literally been guiding us
this whole time!
S: It indeed is written in the stars!
Though you feel the rhymes now have been fully versed
Take a round to the beginning as the last will be the first.
Not in wars, not in space, and not upon a shelf,
For when you look, surely you will find it on yourself.
B: What?
S: We’ve come full circle?
B: The last will be the first. The first. The first riddle. What was it?
S: Peace?
B: Yes. Peace. Where is it?
S: I gave it to the people there, remember?
B: We are the people, silly!
S: We?!?
B: Yes! Remember what Joseph said? Jesus is the Prince of Peace! and this…this is a gift from
the Prince of Peace!
S: Wooooah! Ohhhkaaay.
B: Check your pockets Check your pockets. Quick!
44
S: Why?!? (begins searching)
B: Not upon the shelf… For when you look, surely you will find it on yourself!
S: What?!? (Holds up the peace symbol) No wayyyy!
B: Excellent! Open! Open! Open!
S: (Opens the box)
B+S (pouring over it) * sigh *
B: NOW tell me. You’ve seen what he’s given us. What will you give Him now?
S: What can I give him?
B: I don’t know, but you have to equal it. Match it.
SOLO 14-What can I give him? – Minha – 1 paragraph.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuH_7yJI-CI&ab_channel=BradZChef
What can I give him?
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring Him a Lamb
If I were a wise man,
I'd sure do my part
So what can I give Him
Give Him my heart
What can I can give Him
But all of my heart
Give Him my heart
45
What can I give Him
But all of my heart
(she holds up the gold heart form the opened gift box. Jo standing behind Molly as a visual
repetition of Mary and Joseph centre stage. Spotlight only on these two sets of Mary and
Joseph/Jo and Molly)
VOICE OVER: God sent down his only begotten son, Jesus – His very heartbeat – to save us
all. He is with us, Emmanuel. What can we give a God who has everything and gave his love as
a gift? The answer is simple. Nothing. Only our love to the people around us. Leaving the world,
a little better than we found it. His gift of love…well, through us…it goes on.
(celebratory pop from the side stage wings. Full lights. Grand finale dance. Roll credits. Bows
begin)
DANCE 8 CHRISTMAS DANCE MEDLEY (DANCE 8 -11) – Evanya + Binita
Joy to the world Unspeakable Joy
O come all Ye faithful
Feliz Navidad
Cast - Taking a bow.
46

The Gift Goes On 2022

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THE GIFT GOES ON

(written for Somerville International School)

Carol of the Bells - spotlight – on glass – on xylophone - (Mixed Choir / Quartet)

Opening – Only voices in the dark.

old shoebox. Sister finds an old postcard)

Brother/Sister – Minha / Uzair

S: Written in the Stars?

S: This old old looking postcard, it says “Written in the Stars”

B: Show me. Show me (tries to snatch it from her)

B: No. I won’t. Where'd you get this postcard from?

(Both pouring over it)

B: Wars, Violence, Agony and Tears

The only solution offered by sages and seers.

Look around and you will find

Something that they left behind.

S: Who left behind?

S: Who left behind what?!?

B: Should you wish to defend or greet

You’ll find me near a gentle bleat. __________, I don't know…but I think…I

think…ok…thinking out loud here…they’re clues

S: Clues?!? (Laughs out loud)

random rhymes written to confuse pro-prose people?

S: Yeah right! Pro-prose!

maybe we’re supposed to…solve it…maybe look for something?

S: Are you serious?!?

B: Look…look here…see the stamp? The date.

S: From Bethlehem?!? (B nods in victorious triumph) 4 B.C ?!?

S: But, how on Earth can anything come from Bethlehem!

S: Wars, Violence, Agony and Tears

The only solution offered by sages and seers.

Look around and you will find

Something that they had left behind.

B: Left behind…left behind. Hmmm…ok. Let’s…ummm…solution to war, violence,

B: Peace! (louder - confirmatory)

B: I guess we’re looking for it in the wrong place.

S: What do you mean?

S: Oh please! (disdain) Give it to me…give it to me…(tug of war/fight over it)

S: No never. It’s not yours. Someone needs it.

(Thunder and Lightning)

B+S: What's happening? What is this place? Where are we?

B: Shhhh…quiet! (To Molly)

Transported to a terrible place.

Crowd 1: People are walking about in darkness:

(Short pantomimes of crimes in the world – killing, beating, cheating etc.

(A few people come around and ask a few rhetorical questions.)

P1: Why…WHY do we spill the blood of each other?

P2: Why…WHY… do we swindle and cheat each other?

DANCE 1 (by the pantomime people) : (Where is the Love? - BEP)

Do we have rappers? Can we have people singing it?

People killin', people dyin'

Children hurt, hear them cryin'

Can you practice what you preach

Or would you turn the other cheek?

Father, Father, Father, help us

Send some guidance from above

'Cause people got me, got me questionin'

Where is the love? (The love)

Where is the love? (The love)

Where is the love, the love, the love?