CHRISTMAS AT HUNGRY BEAR MOUNTAIN

 

A Nativity Play for Christmas by Jewell Ellen Smith

 

Copyright © 1989 Jewell Ellen Smith. First performed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, in 1989. All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version. Nonprofit groups may perform this play without payment, but if you plan to perform it, Jewell’s children would appreciate it if you e-mailed her older son David at DSmith1204@aol.com.

 

Click here to go to the Jewell Ellen Smith homepage

 

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace... that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth."

--Isaiah 52:7

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

--Luke 2:10, 11

TIME: The Sunday before Christmas, 1914.

PLACE: Hungry Bear Mountain, a village in the Appalachian Mountains.

CHARACTERS (in the order of appearance):
Lizzie Darden, a retired school teacher
Sally Lou Fender, Lizzie's niece
Rev. Wiley Meeks, pastor of Hungry Bear Mountain Church
Dr. Dave Smith, author/director of the Church Christmas Drama
Members of the Congregation who make up the drama cast:

The Widow Foley (Prophetess Anna)

Al Martin (The devout Simeon)

Eddie Martin (Star Bearer)

Marty Martin (Flashlight Bearer)

Mrs. Skinner (Organist)

The Choir's Male Quartet: Ike Patterson, Hank Bruce, Ed Gibbons, Roy Parker

Miss Alice Green and her Sunday School Class (Angels)

Miss Nan Kemp (Angel of the Lord)

Oscar Bentley (Balthasar)

Louie Bentley (Melchior)

Sam Bentley (Gaspar)

Dick Barnes (First Roman Soldier, Atticus)

Riley Green (Second Roman Soldier, Felix)

Allen Smith (Joseph)

Sally Lou Fender (Mary)

Barnes Infant (Christ Child)

Mr. Kemp (Shepherd)

Carl Crawford (Shepherd)

Mr. Brooks (Shepherd)

 

SCRIPT

 

ACT I, Scene 1

Scene 1--Mid-morning, the Sunday before Christmas, 1914, at the home of Lizzie Darden, a retired rural school teacher, whose sole joy in life is the proper upbringing of her 16-year-old niece, Sally Lou.

Lizzie's house, an unpainted dog-trot structure with a porch across the front, is more luxuriously furnished than most others in Hungry Bear Mountain. Even so, as Lizzie enters her combination dining and sitting room carrying a split-oak basket of eggs, there is no place to set the basket except on a foot-stool.

There is a kerosene lamp on the dining table, a bentwood coat rack in one corner, a couch of sorts, a cedar chest, and a few chairs--one a rocker. On one side wall is a crank-up telephone of the type common in the early decades of the twentieth century. Hand-crocheted doilies decorate all pieces of furniture that will hold them.

In the back of the room is a washstand, complete with water pitcher, bowl, and two small hand towels. In the bottom of the washstand, Miss Lizzie has hidden a birthday cake for Sally Lou. It bears 16 candles.

Lizzie sets the basket of eggs down, finds a smaller basket and an out-of-date mail-order catalog.

LIZZIE: Calling to Sally Lou, who is in an adjoining room, getting dressed to go to church services Sally Lou?

SALLY: offstage Yes, Aunt Lizzie?

LIZZIE. Sugar, you'd better hurry and get dressed. It's nearly church time!

SALLY: still offstage I'm hurrying.

LIZZIE: I don't want you to have to make old Dale trot. It's bad for him and the buggy.

Begins carefully wrapping a dozen eggs, using one page of the catalog for each egg. One by one she places the eggs in the small basket--as she talks on, to herself.

I don't know which is going to wear out first, my old horse or that buggy Pa left me. I reckon the day I retired from teaching school I should'a turned Old Dale out to pasture. But giving up an old horse is like throwing away old shoes, or parting with life-long friends.

Aw, good grannies alive! Now I've lost count of these eggs and I'll have to start all over. takes out all eggs and re-counts, aloud. One, two, three, four... wraps more ...eleven, twelve.

Sighs and rubs her hand across her brow

I hope to heaven my wretched head doesn't start swimmin' again today! If it does, I just won't let on to Sally Lou. There's no need to ruin her birthday. I can't believe that darling girl is already sixteen. I know she's plumb forgot today's her birthday. raises voice Sally Lou, child, it's time for you to leave! Church services will be half over before you get there.

Sally Lou hurries in, bundled up in a heavy cloak. She is trying to get the long thin scarf that covers her hat tied under her chin; but, with gloves on, she's having a difficult time.

SALLY: I'm ready to go! Right now! Aunt Lizzie, do I look all right?

LIZZIE. Of course. You look pretty. Pretty as can be.

SALLY: as she whirls herself around Are any of my petticoats showing?

LIZZIE: Turn slow, and let me look.

Sally turns.

No. Nary a petticoat do I see. Here, reaches for Sally's scarf let me tie a nice bow in your scarf. Like you've heard me say a thousand times, "It pays to put your best foot forward."

SALLY: chiming in "...your best foot forward!" both laugh

LIZZIE: There, now. That's better.

SALLY: Thank you, Ma'am. gives her aunt a peck on the cheek Aunt Lizzie, I wish you'd go with me. It's nearly Christmas, and the new preacher is-- Well-- I think you'd like him.

LIZZIE: Never mind Christmas or the new pastor. I just don't go to church, and that's that. Why, I haven't set foot in the Hungry Bear Church in close to 16 years.

SALLY: Yes, Ma'am, I know.

LIZZIE: picking up small egg basket Here, Sugar, take these eggs to Mrs. Bentley. She wants to bake a stack cake for Christmas--for them three boys of hers to gobble up, of course.

SALLY: But-- Aunt Lizzie, it's Sunday!

LIZZIE: I know what you're thinking. 'Course it is a sin to buy and sell on the Sabbath Day. So you don't take any pay from Mrs. Bentley. Just set this egg basket in the Bentley wagon, and tell her she can settle up with me when she comes to get started on the little bit of sewing I want her to do.

SALLY. Sewing?

LIZZIE: Some window curtains Mrs. Bentley knows about the curtains.

SALLY: taking eggs What are you going to do while I'm gone?

LIZZIE: I don't know, exactly. But, for one thing, I've got to write that letter to Cudin' Caroline and thank her for inviting us to come take Christmas with her and Cudin' Jake. I know she'll be disappointed.

SALLY: at the door Tell her I'm real sorry we can't come to Atlanta. Maybe you ought to explain to her about the Christmas play.

LIZZIE: with displeasure Yes, the everlasting Christmas play!

SALLY: Tell Cudin' Caroline it's my turn to be the Virgin Mary! And I couldn't miss that!

LIZZIE: grabbing up a lap robe draped across the cedar chest Here, take this lap robe and wrap your feet up good. As Pa used to say, "It's cold as Floogins" this morning.

Sally takes robe, exits. Lizzie calls after her.

Hitch old Dale on the south side of the church, so's the wind won't be so bad on him.

SALLY: offstage Yes, Ma'am. I will.

Lizzie turns from doorway to the washstand. She takes out pen, a bottle of ink, and a box of stationery. These she places on the table, sits down--talking to herself all the while.

LIZZIE: To save my soul, I can't see why a little church like the one here at Hungry Bear Mountain has to put on a Christmas pageant every year. It's bound to be the same thing, over and over: Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds, and the angels, and them bad Bentley boys traipsing in as the Three Wise Men!

Every blessed year it's the same! It's beyond me why Doctor Dave puts them three rascals in the play. Of all the young 'uns I ever taught in school, them Bentley boys were the worst. And, the most stupid!

Dips pen in ink and begins the letter, reading to herself as she writes.

LIZZIE: writing and reading Hungry Bear Mountain, December 22, 1914. Dear Cousin Caroline,

This letter is to thank you most kindly for inviting Sally Lou and me to come take Christmas with you and your precious family. That would be so wonderful. It fairly makes me cry to tell you we can't come. We haven't seen you dear cousins in ten years!

It's on account of the church pageant Tuesday night, that is, Christmas Eve. Sally Lou will be the Virgin--

Stops abruptly, changes tone to speak to herself

Good grannies alive! How could I be so stupid! I am slipping! Caroline couldn't possibly get this letter before Christmas--even if I posted it tomorrow. Christmas Day is Wednesday! It takes close to a week to get mail from here to Atlanta, Georgia!

Ah, me! I'll just have to call her on the telephone--even if it is quite an expense.

Goes to wall phone, takes down receiver, turns crank with much vigor

Hello!-- Hello!-- jiggles the receiver hook, gives the crank another turn

Hello! Operator?--

Operator, this is Lizzie Darden in Hungry Bear Mountain....

Yes, that's right. I want you to connect me with my Cousin Caroline Sikes, in Atlanta, Georgia. She--

I don't rightly know what her ring is, but--

Her husband's name? It's Jake Sikes. S-I-K-E-S. Yes, Ma'am....

You'll ring me back?-- All right. Thank you. hangs up receiver, continues standing by phone, talks to herself

Caroline could be gone to church. She always was a religious somebody. But maybe she's still at home. It's not eleven o'clock yet. I do wish that--

Telephone rings, Lizzie quickly takes down receiver

Hello? Hello! Is that you, Caroline?--

It's me: your Cudin' Lizzie Darden! Up in Hungry Bear Mountain!...

It's wonderful to hear your voice! I was sittin' here at the table, fixing to write you a letter. Then I thought--

No, Sugar, me and Sally Lou can't come!--Yes it's a pity. It makes me nearly cry. After all these years, it would be so wonderful to see you and Cudin' Jake, and your boys. I reckon the boys are about growed up now. They--

Little Sally Lou? Well, she's not so little any more. Can you imagine it, that child is 16 years old today! She's plumb forgot it's her birthday. But I've got her a birthday cake--

What kind? It's a big stack cake, six layers. It's hid, right here in the bottom of my washstand, and--

What'd you say?--Old enough to get married? Well, she's old enough. But she will get married never, never, never! Fact is, Caroline, I've got it wrote down in my will that if Sally Lou ever gets foolish enough to up and marry, why that's it! She won't inherit nothin'! Not a dime! I don't let her so much as look at the boys!...

Who does Sally Lou favor? Oh, Caroline, she's beautiful. She's the spittin' image of her ma, poor dear Ophelia....

You want to speak to Sally Lou? I'm sorry, but she just left to go to church. You recollect that I promised my sister Ophelia on her deathbed that I'd raise her little child a Christian. Well, I've kept my word. I don't go to church, but I let Sally Lou go....

The Christmas play?--

Yes, yes, that's the reason--

Doctor Dave Smith--you recollect him, of course--Doc is putting on the Christmas Eve pageant like always, and since Sally Lou is sixteen, she--

Oh, sure, I recollect the year you were the virgin Mary, and when poor dear Ophelia had her turn....

I'm sure you do. Many's the time I've wished you and Cudin' Jake and the rest of y'all hadn't moved off. But heaven knows nobody blamed you. There's nothin' here in Hungry Bear Mountain, 'cept the mountain and a few--

My health? It's pretty good, considerin' my age. Onc't in a while I do get a terrible swimmin' in the head, but--

Doctor Dave? Oh, yes, ever'body calls on him. He's still in practice, still going strong. You knew his wife died eight years ago?...

You want me to tell the doctor what?--

Tell him that bein' in his Christmas play changed your whole life?--Sure, I'll tell him....

I'd better ring off, now, Sugar. Y'all have a good Christmas!...

Thank you, Caroline. I enjoyed talkin' to you, too.--Bye, bye, Sugar! hangs up receiver, talks on to herself

Well, that was sure nice. Now I won't have to write the letter. I'll just trim off the top of the page, and save my stationery for another time.

Gets scissors out of cedar chest, leaving lid of chest open. Trims page of paper, puts it and ink and pen away. Leaves scissors on table.

Maybe I ought not 'a mentioned my will to Caroline. Oh well, it won't make any difference to her; and she sure won't be talkin' it here in the settlement.

Just so long as Sally Lou knows, and understands what the will means--that's all that counts. Next summer I'll just plain tell her she must never think of marrying.

I'm glad I thought to tell Caroline about the surprise cake I baked for Sally Lou.

I believe I'll set the cake out. And she'll see it the first thing when she comes back from church.

Takes high, white "stack" cake from bottom of washstand and places it on the table. She moves the lamp to the washstand, straightens the 16 candles on the cake, backs off to admire her creation.

I must teach Sally Lou how to make an old-timey Appalachian Stack Cake. Ma used to say that "any woman worth her salt can bake a stack cake." The secret's in the fillin'. You've got to have sweet apples, real sweet apples.

Turns to put scissors back in the cedar chest. Instead of closing lid, she takes out three bolts of brightly colored cloth--blue, red, and gold. These she puts aside for the moment. She takes out and unfolds her leather-bound will.

My word, this binding is plumb molded. dusts it off  But I don't reckon that affects the provisions of the will. unfolds document, reads "The Last Will and Testament of Elmira Elizabeth Darden. I, Elmira Elizabeth Darden, being of sound mind and sound body, ..."

Oh, well, I'll read this some other time. places will back in chest, picks up blue cloth, straightens out its wrinkles.

I really ought to re-measure this cloth. If Mrs. Bentley is going to make it into window curtains for me, she'll need to know exactly how many yards of goods there are for each window.

Lizzie unrolls blue length and measures it by her arm and nose, i.e., calculating the length from her nose to the tip of her fingers as being one yard--as was the custom in those days.

Hmm-m, Only three yards. So the blue will have to be used for that one window in my room.

picks up red bolt, unrolls it part way, lays it aside

There's more of the red, thank goodness.

starts measuring the gold cloth. A knock at the door startles her.

Oh, good grannies alive! Whoever that is will think I'm sewing on Sunday!

Quickly piles cloth into chest, but fails to close lid, with the result that part of all three lengths of cloth are still visible. Knocking persists.

LIZZIE: loudly I'm coming! unlocks front door.

In rushes Sally Lou, followed by the new minister. Sally Lou is much flustered; her hat is falling off, she's clutching the lap robe. Rev. Meeks is quite calm. He takes off his hat, holds it in his hand.

SALLY: almost in tears Aunt Lizzie, Aunt Lizzie, I--

LIZZIE: quite alarmed Sally Lou! What's wrong? You're back so early!

SALLY: Aunt Lizzie, don't get worried! Old Dale's all right! The buggy is nearly. And it wasn't his fault. Mine, neither! It all happened when--

LIZZIE: Child, what happened?

SALLY: turning to preacher You'd better tell her, Reverend Meeks. You saw more than I did.

LIZZIE: Saw what?

REV. MEEKS: slowly Ma'am, it was a freakish thing. Sort of a bizarre accident, you might say. The congregation was in the middle of singing the second hymn--"In the Sweet By and By"--Or, maybe it was "Amazing Grace." I forget which. turns to Sally Which hymn was it, Miss Sally Lou?

SALLY: now more composed "Amazing Grace."

LIZZIE: with exasperation Never mind the song! What happened?

REV. MEEKS: refusing to be hurried As I said, we were in the middle of "Amazing Grace" when I happened to glance out the north window.

Here came a team of run-away mules--fat, matched grays--must belong to somebody in Junction City. They were hitched to an empty wagon. There they went, streaking across the churchyard--toward the cemetery! Then, they circled around and doubled back. Next, they cut around behind the church, and when they did, their wagon banged into your buggy.

LIZZIE: aghast My buggy? Oh, mercy!

REV. MEEKS: The buggy turned over. Your horse broke loose and so did three saddle horses. But the men and boys soon rounded 'em up.

Quick as I could, I said the benediction. And next time I looked out the window the run-away mules had run back to the main road and headed south toward Junction City--still going lickety-split!

LIZZIE: You say old Dale is all right?

SALLY: Yes, Ma'am. We brought him home. He's out yonder in the well-lot now.

LIZZIE: Thank the Lord for that. And my buggy? Is it tore to smithereens?

REV. MEEKS: Not too bad, Ma'am. The blacksmith--Mr. Bentley, I believe his name is--Mr. Bentley says he'll repair it the first thing next week.

SALLY: Just one wheel got busted up and the dashboard was knocked sort of catty-whonkus. But Mr. Bentley says he can fix it good as new.

LIZZIE: suddenly remembering the eggs The eggs! What about my dozen eggs?

SALLY: Mrs. Bentley got 'em.

LIZZIE: with a sigh of relief Well, I reckon it could'a been a heap worse. turns to look at Rev. Meeks You must be the new pastor.

REV. MEEKS: very cordially, as he extends his hand to Lizzie Yes, Ma'am. My name is Wiley Meeks, and I'm very pleased to meet you.

LIZZIE: I'm glad to meet you. And I'm much obliged to you for bringing my niece home.

REV. MEEKS: Ma'am, this is my third Sunday at Hungry Bear Church, but I don't believe I've seen you in the congregation.

LIZZIE: Well, now, Reverend, I think I ought to tell you at the outset like I've told all the other pastors assigned here, over the years--I don't go to church, and that's that.

REV. MEEKS: much surprised Why-- why-- why, Ma'am! You sort of set me back on my heels. I don't know what to say.

LIZZIE: matter-of-factly You don't have to say anything. turns to niece Sally Lou, sugar, you go in the kitchen and warm up a sup of coffee for Reverend Meeks.

SALLY: Yes, Ma'am. I sure will.

Sally takes off her hat, puts down the lap robe and starts toward the kitchen door. At sight of the cake, she stops, gasps in delight, and almost says something. But she thinks better of it; for her aunt and the preacher are absorbed in their conversation. Sally exits.

LIZZIE: Reverend, I don't talk this in front of Sally Lou. She's too young to understand.-- Here. take a chair.

Meeks hesitates, sits down. Lizzie walks back and forth.

The reason I don't go to church no more is this: Sixteen years ago I had a fallin' out with the Good Lord, and--

REV. MEEKS: A "fallin' out"?

LIZZIE: That's right. A fallin' out.

REV. MEEKS: How could that happen?

LIZZIE: It was just one bad thing right after another. "Triple Tragedy", I called it. It was in '98 when my troubles started. My poor ma had died that winter, and I was staying here, looking after my pa, when he up and took the pneumonia and died--in spite of all my praying and all the medicine old Doctor Dave Smith poured down him.

Well, Doctor Dave wasn't so old then; his wife was still livin' at that time. But Doctor Dave couldn't keep Pa out'n the grave. And my prayin' didn't neither.

REV. MEEKS: That was bad.

LIZZIE: A couple of years before that my sister Ophelia--my only sister, and I didn't have a brother--my sister Ophelia, she had married a right nice fellow named Charlie Fender, from over at Caledonia, and they were living in the Caledonia Settlement.

Then, in '98, when it came time for Ophelia to have her first baby, they moved back here with me. And that suited me fine.

The baby was born on December 22, but poor Ophelia died that night, with me kneelin' by her bed, prayin' ever' breath I had. wipes tears

Her dyin' words were for me to raise the baby girl a Christian. And I promised I'd do it.

REV. MEEKS: Of course.

LIZZIE: Ophelia's husband Charlie was a good man. But he was sort of at loose ends and didn't have no regular work. So he let somebody talk him into joining up in the United States Army.

For a while, he did fine and sent home money ever' month to help support little Sally Lou. And I thanked the Lord for that, 'cause times was hard in them days.

Then, my brother-in-law got shipped out to fight in the Spanish-American War, and that done it! And I was prayin' for the man, ever' day.

REV. MEEKS: He got shot? Killed?

LIZZIE: The story when it got back to us here in Hungry Bear Mountain was that Charlie was a crack shot, a genuine "sharp-shooter." And one day when some right brisk fightin' was goin' on, he climbed way up in a tree.

And he was pickin' off them Spaniards, one at a time, when one of them enemy soldiers spied him up in the tree and shot back.

Didn't hit him, but the bullet splintered the limb where he was leaning. The limb broke off, and Charlie fell and hit the ground. That fall was what killed Little Sally Lou's daddy.

REV. MEEKS: How unfortunate. Very unfortunate. You certainly did have troubles in '98. But the Good Lord-- You didn't think--

Lizzie, still walking back and forth, stops near the couch. She interrupts the preacher.

LIZZIE: When little Sally Lou's daddy got killed, that's when I had the fallin' out with the Good Lord. I just decided it didn't do no good to pray. Not a bit 'a good!

REV. MEEKS: Don't say that!

LIZZIE: Reverend, you've not heard the worst, yet. But I don't blame God for what befell me next. It was brought on by my own stupidity.

I decided to get married! So I did. I got married. I married a man from down below the state line so's I'd have somebody to help me raise baby Sally Lou.

Things went well enough that winter, clear up to spring and corn plantin' time. Then one Saturday morning my husband he saddled up my best riding horse--I had bought the horse and a brand new saddle for his Christmas present--he saddled up and said he was going to ride into town and look around and did I need anything from town. I said yes we could use a sack of flour. Self-Risin'.

Well, Preacher, I ain't seen the man, the horse, or the saddle since! Not to mention the sack of flour!

I thought-- Oh, mercy! Get--

Lizzie grasps her head with one hand, the side of the couch with the other as she falls in a swoon. She mumbles as she slides to the floor.

My head-- It's-- Get-- Get-- Doctor-- Doctor Dave-- voice trails off

REV. MEEKS: frantically, as he tries to break Lizzie's fall Miss Sally Lou! Com'ere! Quick!

Sally Lou, entering just then with a cup of coffee, drops the cup, spilling coffee all over the floor. She holds on to the saucer, runs to her aunt.

SALLY: Aunt Lizzie! What's the matter? You're plumb white!

REV. MEEKS: She must'a fainted!

SALLY: What'll we do?

REV. MEEKS: First, you help me and we'll lift her up on the couch. keeps talking as they get Lizzie to the couch

Now, you stay with your aunt, and I'll go down to the Church and get Doctor Dave.

SALLY: You reckon he's still there?

REV. MEEKS: He'll be there. He had called a Deacons' Meeting for right after services--to try to get the Finance Committee to set aside a little money for new play costumes--especially for the three Wise Men. The doctor says their outfits are just in tatters. at the doorway, Meeks turns around

Wrap a blanket or something around her! Then try bathing her face with cold water! exits

Sally quickly wraps the lap robe around Lizzie, then dashes over to the washstand, where she pours water in the bowl (spilling much of it), dips a towel into it, squeezes it out, and starts bathing her aunt's forehead.

SALLY: Aunt Lizzie? Wake up! You're gonna be all right. I know you're gonna be all right. voice takes on frantic tone

Oh, God-up-in-heaven, don't let my Aunt Lizzie die! Please don't!

Lizzie moans, Sally keeps wiping her face with the wet cloth.

Open your eyes, Aunt Lizzie! Can you hear me talkin'? It's me, Aunt Lizzie! Sally Lou.

Lizzie moans louder, breathes in short pants.

SALLY LOU: That's it! Open your eyes!

LIZZIE: mumbling My head! My head! Sally Lou, is that you?

SALLY: Sure, Aunt Lizzie, it's me. I know you're gonna be all right. Do you hurt anywhere?

LIZZIE: more distinctly It's my head. My head's swimmin' 'round and 'round. still breathing with difficulty 'Round and 'round. Or maybe it's this room goin' in circles.

Sally folds wet towel into shape of poultice, lays it on Lizzie's forehead.

SALLY. Maybe this cool cloth will help.

LIZZIE. You'd better ring up Doctor Dave. His ring is one long and two shorts. Or, maybe it's two shorts and one long. I just can't recollect which. Looks like I could recollect somethin' that simple-- 'specially after twenty years.

SALLY: soothingly Don't fret yourself, Aunt Lizzie. The preacher's gone to get the doctor.

LIZZIE: without any enthusiasm That's good. Sugar, maybe if you'd bring me a pillow, I could put it under my old cranky head.

SALLY: Yes, Ma'am. exits, returns immediately with two extra-large pillows

LIZZIE: to herself , while Sally is away Oh, this makes me so put out with myself! I'm not sick; I just can't hold up my head.

Dr. Dave comes bustling in, black bag in hand. Rev Meeks enters with him, stands aside. Dr. Dave peels off his topcoat, hands it and his hat to Sally; all the while he is talking to Lizzie, in a rather teasing tone; for they have been friends and neighbors for years.

DR. DAVE: Now, Miss Lizzie, what's all this commotion you've got stirred up? Don't you know it's nearly Christmas! This is no time to be ailing!

This is the time to be writing letters to Santa Claus! And getting ready for the Christmas play! voice takes on enthusiasm We're gonna have a grand play this year! I've put in two new scenes! And Roman Soldiers! And we've got a real live baby to be the Christ Child!

Turns to Sally

Sugar, find me a straight chair, if you don't mind.

REV. MEEKS: quickly I'll get it. hurriedly moves a chair so that the doctor can sit beside the patient.

DR. DAVE: as he eases himself into the chair Time was when I could stand on my feet all day long--night, too--and think nothing of it. Now, every time I see a chair I want to sit down in it. laughs

Sally and preacher laugh

Doctor opens his bag slowly and carefully takes out thermometer, stethoscope, bottles of medicine. He keeps talking.

Growing older is a sort of a mystery. But I tell folks that what makes people age is Time and Gravity. Time wrinkles up your skin. Gravity drags it down. See?

Pinches his own face and stretches skin along his jaw. Sally, preacher laugh; even patient smiles

But now look at Sally Lou! Her face is not wrinkled and sagging down!

SALLY: Aw, Doctor Dave! You're teasing!

Doctor becomes serious as he turns to patient. Sally and preacher move to back stage, pause beside cake, admire it in pantomime. They pick up pieces of broken coffee cup.

DR. DAVE: Miss Lizzie, when did you first start feelin' bad? The preacher said he thought you fainted.

LIZZIE: It was just a few minutes ago. I was standing here, talkin' to the preacher, when my head started swimmin' and everything sort of went black. Now, it seems like the whole room is swirlin' 'round. makes motion with her hand

As Lizzie talks, the doctor takes her pulse.

DR. DAVE: Have you had this light-headedness before? Since last summer, that is? I recollect in July you were sort of down on the lift.

LIZZIE: Well, yes. I got dizzy two or three times this fall. But not this bad.

DR. DAVE. Here, slip this under you tongue. patient takes thermometer

Doctor adjusts stethoscope to his ears.

Now, I want to listen to your heart and your lungs. Sort of sit up a little. And give deep breaths.

Lizzie straightens up, doctor examines chest area, gets up and listens with stethoscope pressed against Lizzie's back

Breathe real deep. Lizzie takes long, deep breaths

Sounds good. Real good. takes thermometer, reads it, shakes it down, returns it to bag.

I want to double-check your pulse.

Takes gold watch from his vest pocket, flips back its cover, places his fingers on patient's wrist, and looks at watch intently. Snaps watchcase closed.

Nothing wrong there! leans back in his chair Now, Miss Lizzie, I don't think there's anything seriously wrong.

If I know you--and I do, after being neighbors 20 years--you've been working yourself to a frazzle. And, worrying over things that don't amount to a hill of beans.

What I want you to do is rest. Take things easy. And stay in bed, at least two days.

I'm going to leave you some powders. takes more medicine from bag

Now don't be surprised if this medicine makes you sort of drowsy and sleepy. That's what it's supposed to do. Just go to sleep. Take one capsule now, and then one every four hours till they're used up.

Have Sally Lou call me, if you take a turn for the worse--which I'm sure you won't. I'll be down at the church all afternoon, rehearsing my Christmas play. pauses I reckon I ought not to say my Christmas play. It's for everybody in Hungry Bear Mountain. Voice becomes gentle, intimate Even for you, Lizzie Darden. And you never come to see it. You miss something, Lizzie, when you don't make Christmas, Christmas!

Turns to Sally and preacher, as--with some difficulty--he gets up.

Sally Lou, Sugar, bring us a glass of water so your aunt can swallow this first dose of her medicine. places medicine on table

Sally hurries out, returns with glass, which she fill from pitcher at washstand. Doctor notices birthday cake as he is putting on his topcoat. This, with the preacher's assistance.

DR. DAVE: with delight Well! Well! Somebody is having a birthday today!

Let me count these candles! counts, under his breath, as he points with his forefinger at each candle

Sixteen! Sugar, I don't believe it's been any sixteen years since I ushered you into this old, wicked world! steps back, closer to Lizzie

Miss Lizzie, does it seem that long to you?

LIZZIE: without spirit No. Not that long.

DR. DAVE: becoming serious again, as he picks up bottle of medicine and hands it to Sally Now, Sally Lou, let your Aunt Lizzie swallow one capsule now. Then, give her another dose every four hours. She's going to be rather drowsy. So you stay with her, pretty close--at least till bedtime. The main thing is for her to rest.

SALLY: Yes, Sir. changes tone to one of alarm But the play! What about dress rehearsal this afternoon? I need to be there! I know the Virgin Mary's lines. But I don't know where to stand, how to hold the Baby Jesus, or anything!

DR. DAVE: unruffled Hmm-mm-m? Give Miss Lizzie her medicine, and let me think.

Sally hands her aunt the capsule, holds the water so that she can gulp it down. Lizzie shudders, makes a face, falls back on her pillows

I know what we can do! That is, if Miss Lizzie won't mind. We'll just hold our dress rehearsal here! Out on the front porch. Let the porch be the stage.

And we've got that portable organ; so even the quartette and the little children can go over their songs. turns to Lizzie

Miss Lizzie, you won't mind, will you, if the people in the play meet here to rehearse--say about 3:00 o'clock?

LIZZIE: without feeling That'll be all right.

DR. DAVE: Good! We'll appreciate it, especially since this is our last chance to practice, and Sally Lou thinks she needs to practice.

takes preacher by the arm

Come on, Preacher Wiley. We're goin' to my house and you're gonna eat dinner with me. On Sundays, my housekeeper cooks up some scrumptious vittles! two start out door

SALLY: calling Doctor Dave?

DR. DAVE: What is it, Sugar?

SALLY: quickly to Lizzie Is it all right if I give them part of my cake?

LIZZIE: drowsily Of course, Child.

SALLY: to doctor Wait just a minute! I want you to take some of my cake with you.

DR. DAVE: How nice!

Sally darts through the kitchen door, returns with plate, napkin, knife. She cuts about a fourth of the cake and hands it to the doctor.

DR. DAVE: while Sally is preparing the cake You see now, Preacher Wiley, you simply missed your callin'. If you had been a country doctor, instead of a country preacher, you might get some delicious stack cake now and then!

Preacher laughs

REV. MEEKS: Stack cake? What kind of cake is that?

DR. DAVE: Come to think of it, you wouldn't know about stack cake. You didn't grow up here in the mountains.

It's a high, high cake like this one here.--I used to watch my grandma make 'em.--You stack one layer on top of another, and you hold it all together with sort of an apple fillin.'

Now what the women folks put in the apples I can't tell you. But it is good!

REV. MEEKS: Sounds delicious.

DR. DAVE: accepting the cake Thank you very much, Little Lady. I'm really going to enjoy this. I might let this fellow here have a thin sliver of it. Very thin.

Men leave, Sally returns to the cake.

SALLY: Aunt Lizzie, this cake is so pretty! You made six layers!

LIZZIE: between yawns Sugar, go in the kitchen and get yourself some dinner. It's all on the stove.

SALLY: I will, in a minute. licks icing off cake knife What can I fix for you?

LIZZIE: very drowsily Nothin', right now. I'm too sleepy to eat. That medicine, it... It's fast workin', The doctor said... He said somethin'... I just can't think...

Sally exits. Lizzie talks on, or tries to talk.

What he said, I wanted... I wanted to... to remember. He said... Ah, now I know!

He said: "Lizzie, you miss something if you don't make Christmas, Christmas."

Yes! that was it: "You miss something if you don't make Christmas, Christmas."

"You miss... somethin' if..." voice trails off as she falls asleep

END OF ACT I

 

ACT II, Scene 1

Scene 1--Sunday afternoon, at the Darden home. Lizzie is propped up in a rocking chair, her head leaning back, her eyes closed. She continues to be very drowsy, and, a bit disoriented. Sally enters, bringing a glass of water and Lizzie's second dose of medicine.

LIZZIE: without opening her eyes. Sugar, what time of night is it?

SALLY: It's not night, Aunt Lizzie. It's still Sunday afternoon. Here's--

LIZZIE: Has Doctor Dave done held his play practice?

SALLY: Not yet. Here's your medicine -- the second dose.

LIZZIE: reluctantly I reckon I'll have to swallow the stuff.

Takes capsule and water, gulps them down, makes a face, shudders

Ya--ack! I hate medicines. closes eyes again

SALLY: I think you ought to go in your room and lie down on the bed. And rest! Like the doctor said.

LIZZIE. I'm resting. See? I've got my eyes closed.

Sally goes to front window, looks out. She sees Dr. Dave and some of the players beginning to arrive.

SALLY: excitedly I see 'em coming! Doctor Dave and the people in the play! Not everybody yet, but lots of 'em.

Dr. Dave leads part of his cast to far left, front stage. He holds the aged Widow Foley by the arm. Close by is A1 Martin and his grandson Eddie, who carries a long cane fishing pole with an enormous homemade star tied to it. With Eddie is Marty Martin, a teenage girl who carries a large flashlight.

Also in the group are the three shepherds, two Roman soldiers, the church male quartet, the organist, Mrs. Skinner, and Rev. Meeks. All wear their Biblical costumes. Members of the quartet and the organist have on choir robes.

LIZZIE: stands up, steadies herself Sally Lou, Sugar, drag my chair over by the window. I want to see who all is out there.

Sally moves rocker, Lizzie sits back down.

LIZZIE. Who is that old lady Doctor Dave is leading along?

SALLY: looking over her aunt's shoulder That's the Prophetess Anna. From Jerusalem.

LIZZIE: I don't mean who is she in the play. I mean who is she?

SALLY. It's the Widow Foley.

LIZZIE: The Widow Foley? You mean to tell me that old soul is in the Christmas play? Why, she's as old as Methuselah! Who's that man standing beside her?

SALLY: That's Mr. Al Martin. He's the devout Simeon of Jerusalem.

LIZZIE: with disbelief The devout Simeon? I can't believe it! Old man Al Martin used to be the biggest bootlegger in Union County! Probably still is! A sot if I ever saw one!

SALLY: That boy holding the fishing pole with the star on it is Mr. Martin's grandson, Eddie. And the girl with the flashlight is Marty, Eddie's big sister.

LIZZIE: I reckon the Bad Bentley Boys are somewhere in the crowd.

SALLY: I don't see 'em right now; but they'll be here. It's sure a pity they don't have some new costumes.

LIZZIE: New costumes?

SALLY: The ragged outfits they've been wearing all these years make 'em look like three beggars instead of Three Kings from the East.

changes tone

Aunt Lizzie, I've got to put on my costume and get out there!

LIZZIE: Well, run on then.

Sally exits. Lizzie continues looking out the window.

Spotlight shifts to Dr. Dave and his players, who are talking among themselves. The doctor claps his hands loudly to get the group's attention.

DR. DAVE: Your attention, please, everybody! group becomes quiet While we're waiting for the rest of the players, just let me say a few words.

First of all, we think it's mighty nice of Miss Lizzie Darden to let us hold our dress rehearsal here in her yard and on her front porch--even though she is a bit under the weather.

Let's be as quiet as we can, for her sake. But now when it comes time for saying your lines, all of you speak up! Mumbling just won't do. If the audience can't hear what you say, you might as well not say it.

AL MARTIN: That's the gospel truth, Doc!

DR. DAVE: ignoring Martin's comment Eddie and Marty? Y'all come over here a minute. youngsters hurry to him I want to make sure you understand exactly what to do Christmas Eve night. Of course you don't have any lines to say, but your parts are very important.

Takes fishing pole from Eddie

Now, Eddie, you must hold the star up as high as you can, like this. demonstrates how to grasp fishing pole Keep it steady. Remember that the Three Kings from the East are depending on the star to guide them to Bethlehem.

EDDIE: Yes, Sir! takes pole, lifts it high

DR. DAVE: Marty, you've got your flashlight?

MARTY: Yes, Sir. Here it is. shows him flashlight, turns it on

DR. DAVE: You are to keep the light focused on the star as Eddie moves slowly across the stage. That'll make the star twinkle.

It'll be dark in the church Christmas Eve night; so you'll have to watch your step. Don't walk too close to Eddie, and don't lag too far behind.

MARTY: Yes, Sir.

DR. DAVE: to Eddie and Marty Y'all step up there on Miss Lizzie's porch, walk slowly across, and let's see how you look.

Youngsters rehearse their walk. Other players clap.

That's fine! Just fine! to Marty Sugar, turn your flashlight off, so as to save the batteries.

Doctor looks around, raises his voice

Is our organist here?

MRS. SKINNER: I'm right here, Dr. Dave! waves her hand

DR. DAVE: What about the men's quartet? And the organ? Did anybody remember to bring our portable organ?

IKE PATTERSON: We're here. And the organ's here.

DR. DAVE: Good, good. Suppose y'all go ahead and practice your first hymn. I believe we decided on OH COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL, didn't we?

IKE: Yes, Sir.

DR. DAVE: By the time you finish, the rest of the cast ought to be here.

Mrs. Skinner starts playing the organ, the quartet gathers around her. They sing the hymn OH COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL.

DR. DAVE: warmly Ah, gentlemen, that was just right, just right.

Enter Miss Alice Green's Sunday School class of some 15 young girls, all in angel costumes--complete with shining wings and haloes. Miss Green is also in angel costume. With this group is Nan Kemp, the Angel of the Lord.

DR. DAVE: Ah, here comes Miss Alice Green with all her little angels! Miss Alice, let's let the angels stand over here. Miss Nan, you, too. angels get situated

My goodness! Just look at you! I never saw such a "Heavenly Host"! You little angels look plumb pretty!

Angels giggle with delight

Where's our servant of the kings, the Forerunner? And the Three Kings? Where are they?

REV. MEEKS: Bob Skinner and the Bentley brothers forgot the manger and the birdcages. So they had to go back to the church.

MRS. SKINNER: calling, from where she sits at the organ Doctor Dave, Mrs. Barnes said please tell you she'll be a little late getting here with the Baby Jesus. But she'll be here, and for you not to worry.

DR. DAVE: That'll be all right. Sees Bob Skinner and the Bentleys approaching. Here are our Forerunner and the Three Kings. Now we can get started.

Bob Skinner and the Bentley brothers--laughing and talking among themselves--make a boisterous, rowdy entrance. Bob is in costume, but Oscar, Louie, and Sam are in bib-style overalls and have their crowns perched on their heads. Their rumpled, ragged robes are slung over their arms.

Bob and Oscar are walking sideways, carrying a large hay-filled manger. Sam has two empty, homemade birdcages. Louie is balancing a large screen on his head.

BOB SKINNER: loudly Watch it, Oscar! You're gonna spill this hay right here in the middle of Miss Lizzie's yard!

OSCAR: Quit complainin'! Hit ain't so easy to walk sideways!

SAM: Doctor Dave, here's these here empty birdcages. Where you want me to set 'em at?

DR. DAVE: Right over there, Sam. Bob, the manger goes on this side. motions toward left stage Louie, you can put the screen in front of the manger.

LOUIE: Yes, Sir. sets screen in place

SAM: still holding one of the bird cages Doctor Dave, hit don't make no sense to have these here bird cages empty! You say the word and me and my brothers will saddle up and go git some pigeons to put in 'em!

LOUIE: We shore will! Our Cudin' Dude over in Junction City, he raises pigeons.

SAM: Ol' Dude, he'll give us all the pigeons we want.

DR. DAVE: speaking to the brothers as if they were children That would be nice. Real nice, in fact, to have Joseph carrying live birds.

SAM: How many pigeons you need?

DR. DAVE: Just two. According to the Bible, when Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the great temple in Jerusalem, Joseph bought two turtledoves, or two pigeons, for the ceremony. They couldn't afford a lamb.

SAM: with enthusiasm We'll git you two fat pigeons, Doctor Dave.

DR. DAVE: You fellows run slip on your costumes, now.

OSCAR: unfolding his ragged robe Doctor, you said we jist might git new outfits to wear this year. Are we gonna git 'em?

DR. DAVE: I'm afraid not, Oscar. The Finance Committee turned me down, flat. Said the Church couldn't afford to buy any new costumes. But y'all don't worry over that. You fellows look fine. Your crowns make you look like real kings.

And besides, it's the gold, and frankincense, and myrrh you carry to Bethlehem which really counts.

And your bowing down before the Child-in-the-Manger--that's the big thing.

Crestfallen, the brothers turn away

SAM: If you say so, Doctor Dave.

LOUIE: That's too bad.

OSCAR: Maybe next year we'll git new robes.

DR. DAVE: raising his voice All right, folks! Let's begin. group listens attentively

We will go all the way through the play, without any stopping. If you forget a line, don't blink an eye! Just keep going. The audience will never know the difference--we hope!

Players laugh

DR. DAVE: still addressing the cast Are there any questions? pause No questions. Good. You youngsters, now remember to be real quiet so you can hear every line of Scripture. That way, you'll know precisely when to come on stage. The Bible tells what happened, and you're just acting it out.

As some of you grownups know, according to an old theatre tradition, years ago when anybody was doing a play, the good guys always came on from right stage and the bad guys entered from left stage.

But we don't pay any attention to that. This is a real play we're going to stage down at the Church on Christmas Eve night. But it's more than a play.

This is the way we folks who live here in Hungry Bear Mountain tell--one more time--how the Christ Child was born in Bethlehem.

It doesn't make any difference who comes in from the left or who walks in from the right. What is important is that we tell the story of the Holy Child, the best we can.

Now, take your places, everybody. Roman Soldiers?

All players except soldiers and doctor leave the scene. Soldiers come to Dr. Dave.

DR. DAVE: Soldiers, this part of the yard along here is the Jerusalem street which runs in front of the great Temple. Remember you're on patrol duty, walking back and forth, back and forth. The First Soldier, Atticus, has been stationed here in Jerusalem several years, while the Second Soldier, Felix, has just arrived from Rome.

Remember your cue. Enter when I read the line "...and all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city...."

Soldiers back off and prepare to come on stage. Doctor moves to far right stage--Bible and script in hand--and begins reading from Bible, King James Version, Luke 2:1, etc.

End of Scene 1

 

Scene 2

Scene 2. Same as scene 1. Action continues without a break. Dr. Dave is seated in clear view of the audience.

DR. DAVE: reading "And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cy-re’-ni-us was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city...."

Roman Soldiers come striding along the street, talking, paying no attention to the several Jerusalem citizens who are walking to and fro.

1^ST SOLDIER: This building over here is the famous Temple of the Jews. Herod's Temple, they call it. It took 46 years to build it.

2^ND SOLDIER: Not a bad looking building. But of course it can't compare with what we've got in Rome. Atticus, you say you've been stationed here in Jerusalem two whole years?

1^ST SOLDIER: That's right. It's not a bad assignment, once you get used to it.

2^ND SOLDIER: I've been here two days, and already I'm wishing I was back in Rome. Jerusalem is so crowded.

1^ST SOLDIER: That's true. The reason so many people are flocking into the city right now is that new tax census Caesar has ordered.

2^ND SOLDIER: I hadn't heard about that.

Mary and Joseph approach from left stage.

1^ST SOLDIER: You see that couple coming yonder? Notice how tired and bewildered they look? I'll bet you my last denarius they're travelers, come just to sign up for Caesar's tax census.

2^ND SOLDIER: Could be.

Joseph approaches soldiers, addresses Second Soldier.

JOSEPH: Excuse me, Soldier, but could you give me some directions?

2^ND SOLDIER: I can't. I just got to Jerusalem, myself. But Atticus here knows the city well.

1^ST SOLDIER: Where do you want to go?

JOSEPH: We're trying to get to a little place called Bethlehem, but somehow yesterday we got off on the wrong road. And last night we had to stay here in Jerusalem.

1^ST SOLDIER: You must be going to Bethlehem on account of the new tax proclamation put out by Caesar Augustus.

JOSEPH: That's why we're going. My wife Mary and I are from Nazareth, but we're descended from the House of David and Bethlehem is the old City of David; so that's where we have to go to be enrolled.

1^ST SOLDIER: I've been to Bethlehem. It's not too far--about five or six miles south of here.

So, go on down this street, and when it curves to the left, you turn to the right. And bear toward the southwest. Pretty soon you'll come to one of the gates in the city wall. I think it's the Fish Gate, but I'm not for sure. Jerusalem has so many gates I can't keep them all straight. Anyway, there at the gate anybody can show you the road leading on to Bethlehem.

JOSEPH: Thank you very much.

Mary and Joseph trudge on, soldiers continue their patrol walking, Dr. Dave reads again.

DR. DAVE: reading "And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him."

--Luke 2:25

Simeon comes creeping along the street, headed for the Temple; he lifts his hand in greeting as he meets the soldiers. First Soldier pulls his companion aside so that Simeon can pass.

SIMEON: without lifting his head The Lord bless you, soldiers.

1^ST SOLDIER: Good morning, Honorable Simeon.

2^ND SOLDIER: Who was that?

1^ST SOLDIER: Simeon. He's a very well-known Jewish man. Highly respected. Our Centurion wouldn't give you a denarius for a dozen Jews, but he has ordered us to be very, very considerate of this one. Says he's a holy man.

Every day, every day he goes to the Temple--just about this time of the morning. And there's an old woman who comes every morning, too.

Sees Prophetess Anna approaching.

That's her, now. The Prophetess Anna. Maybe she'll talk to us a few minutes.

2^ND SOLDIER: Wow, she must be old. She can hardly walk.

1^ST SOLDIER: She's real friendly, considering how the Jews hate us Romans.

Anna moves along with difficulty. She walks a few steps, stops to rest and catch her breath, walks a few more, and stops again.

2^ND SOLDIER: I wonder why she comes to their Temple so often.

1^ST SOLDIER: I'll just ask her. She won't mind. waits for Anna to come closer Good morning, Prophetess Anna!

ANNA: somewhat out of breath Good morning. I see you have a friend this morning.

1^ST SOLDIER: This is Felix. He's just arrived from Rome and I'm showing him what patrol duty is like.

ANNA: Good Morning, Felix.

2^ND SOLDIER: Good morning to you, Ma'am.

1^ST SOLDIER: Prophetess Anna, tell Felix a little about yourself. And why you like to come to the Temple every day. That is, if you don't mind.

ANNA: Oh, I'm proud to tell you who I am. I am Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the Tribe of Asher. Once we lived in the highlands of Galilee. Such a beautiful place. When I was young, I was wed. But evil days came, and in seven years my husband died. Since then, I have been a widow fourscore and four years, serving God with fastings and prayers--night and day, here in our Temple.

But one day, God will send the Redeemer and my prayers will be answered.

2^ND SOLDIER: The Redeemer?

ANNA: The Messiah! The one who will redeem all Israel. I don't think you, as a Roman soldier, can understand that.

2^ND SOLDIER: No, Ma'am, I suppose not.

ANNA: Good day to you both. hobbles on through the Temple door

1^ST SOLDIER: It's time now to go turn in my report.

2^ND SOLDIER: Report?

1^ST SOLDIER: To the Centurion. At mid-morning I have to report back to him.

2^ND SOLDIER: Then what?

1^ST SOLDIER. Sometimes the Centurion assigns me to another street. Often as not, though, he sends me back here to the Temple area.

As soldiers turn to go, Dr. Dave reads again. At the same time the Three Kings and their Forerunner reach the Temple street. The Forerunner, walking in front, carries an ornate chest.

DR. DAVE: reading "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the King, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, “Saying, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and are come to worship him.'"

Forerunner leaves the kings, runs after the departing soldiers.

FORERUNNER: urgently Soldiers! Please wait a minute!

Soldiers stop, turn around to face Forerunner.

1^ST SOLDIER: Yes, Stranger? You have some sort of problem?

FORERUNNER: Yes. You might call it a problem. My masters there waves hand are strangers in this city-- Jerusalem, I believe you call it.

1^ST SOLDIER: Right. This is Jerusalem.

FORERUNNER: My masters are renowned kings from the East. They've been traveling a long, long time--following a strange and brilliant new star. Night after night, it was their guide.

But when we came near Jerusalem, we lost sight of the star. Now, we don't know which way to go to find Him.

1^ST SOLDIER: Find Him? Who are they looking for?

FORERUNNER: They are searching for a Child who is born King of the Jews. It's his star they were following.

2^ND SOLDIER: You have got a problem.

FORERUNNER: My masters told me to ask you the way to the old Jewish king's palace. They reason that there, surely, the old king or someone can direct us to the new king.

1^ST SOLDIER: I can take you to King Herod's palace. But that doesn't mean he will see your kings from the East. He is a strange, strange ruler. Wicked and cruel, everybody says. Of course I've never seen Herod, myself. I'm only telling you what I've heard.

FORERUNNER: Just tell us where the royal palace is.

1^ST SOLDIER. It's hard to find. So, we'll show you the way. Ask your masters to follow us, and we'll lead you to within sight of it.

FORERUNNER: Thank you. returns to Three Kings Come, Sirs, the soldiers are going to show us the way to King Herod's palace.

The three follow soldiers off stage, going to opposite exit from that taken by Mary and Joseph. Dr. Dave resumes reading, from Matthew 2.

DR. DAVE: reading “Now when Herod the king learned that wise men from the East were come to Jerusalem, searching for a new king born king of the Jews, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

"And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet....

"Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem ...”

Now when the kings had heard Herod, "they departed; and, lo, the star which they saw in the East went before them ...

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy!"

Eddie with his homemade star, and Marty with her flashlight file across stage. They are followed by the Forerunner and the Three Kings.

BALTHASAR: (Oscar): Look! There's our star again! It's come back!

MELCHIOR (Louie): It's brighter than ever!

GASPAR (Sam): Now we can find our way!

BALTHASAR: Let's hurry!

Forerunner follows Kings off stage, still carrying the treasure chest.

End of Scene 2

 

Scene 3

Scene 3: In the Temple. The devout Simeon stands beside a tall menorah, his hands uplifted in prayer. Dr. Dave introduces the action by reading. He is paraphrasing lines from St. Luke.

DR. DAVE: reading Now as Simeon entered the Temple to pray, behold the Holy Spirit was upon him. And God revealed unto Simeon "that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ."

SIMEON: praying Hear my prayer, O Lord. I stretch forth my hands unto thee. My spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart is desolate. Hide not thy face from me, O Lord, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift my soul unto thee.

Remember thy promise of old, O Lord, that thou wilt send the One who will redeem all Israel. Send Him speedily, I pray. In thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

For my days are as a shadow that passeth away. Cf. Psalm 143

The Angel of the Lord appears before Simeon.

SIMEON: falling to his knees before Angel  O Lord, great is thy mercy!

ANGEL: Simeon, thou just and devout servant of the most high God, the Lord of Hosts has sent me to speak to thee.

SIMEON. To speak to me?

ANGEL: Thy days are more than a shadow that passeth away, Simeon. Thy days shall be blessed. The Lord has ordained, and it shall come to pass, that thou, Simeon, shall not see death, "before thou hast seen the Lord's Christ."

SIMEON: bowing himself to the floor Blessed be the name of the Lord! When Simeon raises himself up, the Angel is gone.

SIMEON: breathlessly I've seen a vision! God has spoken to me! O, bless the Lord! I must tell someone!

Staggers to his feet

But who? Who will believe me? I know! Anna! The Prophetess Anna! She will believe me.

Starts out of the temple, calling loudly

Anna? Anna? Where are you?

ANNA: entering from a side door Simeon, did you call me?

SIMEON: Oh, Anna! The most wonderful thing happened! An angel of God spoke to me!

ANNA: An angel? Are you sure?

SIMEON: Yes! Just now! While I was praying in Temple. Ah, Anna, what a marvelous thing she told me!

ANNA: What did she say?

SIMEON: Before I see death, I will see the Redeemer, the Lord's Christ!

ANNA: Oh, Simeon! Simeon!

SIMEON: You know what this means? It means the Messiah is coming soon. Very soon, for I am an old man.

ANNA: If you live to see Him, I may see Him, too! But what should we do? Where will He appear? How will we know Him?

SIMEON: becoming calm I will wait for Him, here at the Temple.

ANNA: Yes, yes, this is the best place. It is the house of the Lord. Surely God will send Him here.

SIMEON: Our ancient prophets foretold that the Messiah would surely come. I wish I could remember all they said.

ANNA: It's impossible to remember all the prophecies--there are so many. But one I do know. The Prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah will come as a child.

SIMEON: As a child? Then I should watch as the infants are brought here to the Temple for the dedication ceremonies.

ANNA. I'll help you watch, Simeon.

SIMEON: Just now, I must go back into the Temple and say a prayer of thanksgiving.

ANNA: I, too, must go and say a prayer. And today I will fast.

Simeon and Anna enter the Temple, going in at separate doors.

End of Scene 3

 

Dr. Dave resumes reading. Spotlight shifts to the stable in Bethlehem.

 

Scene 4

Scene 4. At the Bethlehem stable. The Christ Child sleeps in the hay-filled manger. Mary sits on the right, facing the Child. Joseph stands on the opposite side of the manger, a staff in his hand. Above the manger hangs the star, still attached to the fishing pole.

DR. DAVE: reading And it came to pass that while Joseph and Mary his espoused wife were in Bethlehem, "the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Spotlight moves to another part of the stage, to show a group of shepherds gathered around a campfire. There is no break. Dr. Dave keeps reading.

DR. DAVE: reading "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid."

The Shepherd area of the stage is flooded with light at the same time the ANGEL OF THE LORD appears. The shepherds scramble to their feet, back away from the angel.

ANGEL: Fear not, Shepherds. "For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people!"

1^ST SHEPHERD (Mr. Kemp): Wha-- wha-- what good tidings?

ANGEL: "Unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

1^ST SHEPHERD: You-- you-- you mean a babe? Born in Bethlehem?

ANGEL: "This shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

Miss Alice Green and her Sunday School Class of angels appear as Dr. Dave reads on.

DR. DAVE: reading “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying:

‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men.’"

ANGEL HOST: in unison, chanting "Glory to God in the highest, On earth peace, Good will toward men."

1^ST SHEPHERD: to his companions Come on! Let's go to Bethlehem.

Shepherds move to the stable scene, kneel before the Christ Child.

DR. DAVE: reading “And the shepherds came with haste unto Bethlehem, and they found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger."

ANGEL HOST follows shepherds to the stable, singing as they go: "Away in a Manger,"--three verses, to the accompaniment of the Hungry Bear Mountain Church's portable organ, played by Mrs. Skinner.

As the last strains of the song fade, the Three Kings and their Forerunner--still carrying the chest--come and kneel before the Christ Child. This, as DR. DAVE reads.

DR. DAVE reading And it came to pass that when the wise men were come unto Bethlehem, "they saw the Young Child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him.

"And when they had opened their treasures,

Forerunner opens chest, moves aside.

"They presented Him gifts:
"Gold; Balthasar (Oscar) lifts out bag of gold, hands it to Joseph
"And Frankincense; Melchior (Louie) hands jar from chest to J.
"And Myrrh." Gaspar (Sam) takes box from chest, gives it to J.

Simultaneously, the Kings bow very low, rise, and slowly leave as Dr. Dave is reading their final verse.

DR. DAVE: reading And the wise men from the East, "being warned of God … that they should not return to King Herod, departed into their own country another way."

Angels and Shepherds fade out of the scene, leaving Mary and Joseph alone with the Christ Child.

JOSEPH: Ah, Mary! This has been a blessed day! The Holy Child was born! Angels came down and sang for Him! Shepherds left their flocks to come adore Him! Even kings from far away lands bowed down. And gave him gifts!

MARY: Yes, Joseph.

JOSEPH: Now, Mary, we need to think what to do. True, we are far from home--way down here in Bethlehem. But we must follow all our traditions.

When the Holy Child is eight days old, we will have the circumcision, as is the custom. And we will give Him the name JESUS.

MARY: What about the Law of Moses? Can we keep that?

JOSEPH. Of course we will abide by the Law of Moses. When the Babe is 40 days old, we will take Him to the great Temple in Jerusalem.

We can't afford to buy a lamb for the sacrifice, but we can get two turtledoves or two pigeons.

Stagehands place screen in front of Mary and Joseph. Dr. Dave reads.

DR. DAVE: reading Now when the Child was eight days old, his name was called JESUS. And, according to the Law of Moses, on the 40th day they brought the Child to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.

End of Scene 4

 

Scene 5

Scene 5. On the Jerusalem street in front of the Temple, 40 days later. Numerous citizens walk to and fro. Among them are Simeon and Anna, who are making their way to the Temple entrance. The Roman soldiers Atticus and Felix are again on patrol duty.

1^ST SOLDIER: Tell me, Felix, what do you think of Jerusalem by this time? You've been here over a month now.

2^ND SOLDIER: I've been here exactly 40 days! And I'd jump at a chance to go back to Rome.

1^ST SOLDIER: Back to Rome?

2^ND SOLDIER: No, I'm joking. This patrol duty in front of the Temple is interesting, if nothing else.

1^ST SOLDIER: You do see all kinds of people. Here come our old friends Simeon and the Prophetess--as usual.

2^ND SOLDIER: I notice lately that they stand out in front of the Temple a lot, watching the people come and go, especially the couples, with infants.

1^ST SOLDIER: Maybe old people just like children.

Simeon and Anna climb the Temple steps. The soldiers walk on down the street. The spotlight shifts to the two old people

ANNA: Simeon, I am beginning to worry. It has been 40 days now since the angel spoke to you, and you still haven't seen the Messiah. Are you worried?

SIMEON: No, no, Anna. My heart is not troubled. God said that I will see the Messiah before I see death. And so I shall.

Our Lord is a God of truth. He will keep His word. Besides, 40 days is nothing. Our people have waited centuries for the coming of the Messiah.

ANNA: We talked about it once, but I can't remember what question it is that you ask each couple who brings their firstborn to the Temple.

SIMEON: It has to do with two ancient prophecies. One is that the Messiah, when he comes, will be descended from David the King. The other prophecy is that the Saviour will come out of Bethlehem.

ANNA: Oh, yes. Now I remember. You ask the young parents if they are of the house of David and if their child was born in Bethlehem.

SIMEON: Yes, those two questions.

ANNA: As soon as I say my morning prayers, I'll come back and watch while you go to pray.

SIMEON: Prophetess Anna, you are very kind.

Anna exits through Temple door. Simeon looks anxiously up and down the street as numerous people pass by, some going one way, some the other. DR. DAVE reads.

DR. DAVE: reading Now it came to pass that "when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law,

"Simeon came by the Spirit into the temple.... Then took he the Child up in his arms, and blessed God ..."

Enter Joseph and Mary. He carries two empty birdcages, she holds the Child Jesus. They halt. Joseph approaches Simeon.

JOSEPH: Sir, we have come to keep the Law of Moses for our firstborn Son. Would you be so kind as to direct us where to go?

SIMEON: Yes, my son, yes. First though let me ask if you might have come from Bethlehem?

JOSEPH: We did. How did you know?

SIMEON: I didn't know. I was just hoping that your Son was born in Bethlehem. I'm waiting for such a child.

JOSEPH: We're from Nazareth, but we had to go down to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus ordered that census. And the Child was born soon after we arrived.

SIMEON: with excitement Bethlehem is the old City of David! You must be of the house of David the King!

JOSEPH: We are, Sir. David is our ancestor.

SIMEON: eagerly, as he moves toward Mary Then let me see the Child!

Mary brings infant. Simeon takes him up in his arms, becomes ecstatic.

SIMEON: The Messiah! The Messiah! He has come! Blessed be the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob!

Simeon looks up, begins praying

SIMEON: O Lord, I am thy servant! Now let me "depart in peace according to thy word:

"For mine eyes have seen thy Salvation,
"Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
"A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Simeon turns to parents. Anna enters.

Bless you! Bless you! "Behold, this Child is set for the fall and the rising again of many in Israel!..."

Anna quickens her pace when she sees the Child. Joseph and Mary turn to each other.

DR. DAVE: reading "And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken ..."

JOSEPH: Mary, did you hear the wonderful things he said about the Holy Child?

DR. DAVE: reading And Anna “coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for Redemption in Jerusalem."

SIMEON: triumphantly showing the Babe to Anna Look, Anna! He is the Lord's Christ!

ANNA: gently touching the Child's head Oh, how beautiful! How beautiful! He shines! Like a star!

SIMEON: Yes! He is "The Light of the World!"

ANNA: I must go tell everybody in Jerusalem! I will go from house to house, saying "Our Redeemer has come! Our Redeemer has come! Our Redeemer has come!" exits, still murmuring "Our Redeemer has come!..."

SIMEON: to Mary and Joseph Come, my children, I will take you to the priest. carries Babe through Temple door. Mary, Joseph follow.

Dr. Dave concludes his reading

DR. DAVE: reading "And when they had performed all things according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.

"And the Child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."

Entire cast of the church play converges on stage, with Dr. Dave in the forefront. He is beaming with delight at how well the rehearsal went.

DR. DAVE. Thank you, everybody! That was fine! Absolutely fine! The best rehearsal we've ever had! And I reckon in the last twenty years we've had a jillion!

A wave of agreement and laughter sweeps through the cast.

Now remember, on Christmas Eve night the last thing on the program will be the cast and the congregation singing "Silent Night, Holy Night."

I wish we had time to rehearse that, but it's nearly dark. So let's all go home now.

One more thing: get to the Church a little early Christmas Eve. The program is supposed to start at 7 o'clock. So be there, in costume, at 6:30!

Group breaks up, some leaving immediately, some lingering, talking and laughing. They carry away the manger, the organ, other props. Finally all are off stage except Sally Lou and Dr. Dave.

SALLY: with concern Dr. Dave, I just went inside to check on Aunt Lizzie, and--

DR. DAVE: Is she all right?

SALLY: Yes, Sir. She's fine. She's sound asleep, sitting up in her chair. I don't know whether to wake her up and try to get her to go to bed, or what to do. This afternoon she wouldn't lie down.

DR. DAVE: I'll tell you what: suppose you light the lamp and leave it burning for Miss Lizzie. Then, if she wakes up during the night she can find her way to her bed, or the couch.

By tomorrow your aunt should be feeling well enough. But to make sure, I'll stop by to see her early in the morning, before I go to Junction City.

SALLY: Thank you, Dr. Dave. Good night!

DR. DAVE: Good night, Sally Lou.

Doctor exits. Sally turns and enters house.

END OF ACT II

 

ACT III Sc. 1

Scene 1. The Darden sitting room, late Sunday afternoon, immediately after the play rehearsal held on the front porch. There is no break between the preceding scene and this.

Sally tiptoes into the room. Miss Lizzie is still asleep in her rocker by the window. Sally takes a match and lights the kerosene lamp. Next she eases a footstool under Lizzie's feet and covers her lightly with a blanket from the cedar chest. Sally does not disturb the three lengths of cloth left on the chest earlier in the day. The birthday cake is still on the table. Sally cuts herself a sliver, pops it into her mouth, and exits, carrying the cake with her. Lizzie sleeps on.

The Angel Of The Lord glides in, from the front porch, and comes near Lizzie. As she speaks, Lizzie responds, without waking.

ANGEL: Lizzie Darden?

LIZZIE: Yes?

ANGEL: Lizzie, I am the Angel of the Lord, as you see. I've been talking with some dear people who want to come visit you.

LIZZIE: They want to visit me?

ANGEL: Yes. May I bring them in? They're out on your porch.

LIZZIE: Why, yes. Never let it be said that Lizzie Darden is not a hospitable woman.

ANGEL: Of course you are a hospitable woman.

LIZZIE: Who are these visitors?

ANGEL: You know them well, I believe. I'll usher them in, a few at the time. Each one has a message for you. That's the reason they've come.

Angel ushers in Simeon and the Prophetess Anna.

SIMEON and ANNA: in unison Good evening, Miss Lizzie.

LIZZIE: I know you folks! You are old man Al Martin, aren't you? And you're the Widow Foley. I think!

No, no! That's wrong! points to Simeon You're the devout Simeon!

And you-- You-- points to Anna You're an aged prophetess out of the Bible! You're named-- uh-- uh-- named-- what is your name?

ANNA: Tonight my name is Anna, the Prophetess. What I want to say to you, Lizzie Darden, is that you never get too old to tell about the Christ Child! Never! Never too old!

SIMEON: The thing I have to say to you, Miss Lizzie, is simple. Sure, ol' A1 Martin was onc't a no 'count fellow, Crooked as a dog's hind leg. Then I got a chanc't to turn into the devout Simeon, and I learn't somethin' o1' A1 Martin never know-ed.

You see, Miss Lizzie, the devout Simeon of Jerusalem was a man who watched an' prayed at the temple. And God blessed him. Simeon got to see the Christ Child!

To me, A1 Martin in Hungry Bear Mountain, that means we all kin watch 'n pray. And if'n we do, God lets us see the Messiah!

That's all I wanted to tell you, Miss Lizzie. turns to Anna Come, Prophetess Anna. Many people in Jerusalem are waiting for us.

Angel of the Lord sees the two out, ushers in the Three Kings.

ANGEL: to Lizzie Here are more visitors, Miss Lizzie. They have come from lands far away. As you see, they wear golden crowns on their heads, which means they are kings!

LIZZIE: much bewildered No, no, I don't think they're kings from lands far away. These three look to me like the bad Bentley boys, from down the road a piece. But I can't be for sure! Speak up! Speak up, men! Are you somebody who lives in Hungry Bear Mountain, or, are you kings from far away?

BALTHASAR (Oscar): as he bows low to Lizzie Ah, gracious lady, we thank you for asking who we are. We have traveled far, with a star to guide us.

I am Balthasar, King of The-Land-Between-Two-Rivers. And these are my friends and traveling companions.

Louie bows

MELCHIOR (Louie): Kind lady, I am Melchior, ruler of the Land of Sheba.

Sam bows

GASPAR (Sam): Ah, wise madam, I am called Gaspar, King of Tarshish and the Isles of the Sea.

BALTHASAR: We understand why you thought we look like the bad Bentley Boys who have lived all their lives in Hungry Bear Mountain.

MELCHIOR: For 364 days each year we are the Bentley brothers. And when you was our schoolteacher, we shore was bad and stupid.

GASPAR: with delight But ever' year when Christmas Eve comes, and Doctor Dave needs us to help tell the Christmas story, we git all changed into kings! Kings from lands far away! We bring gifts to the Christ Child!

BALTHASAR: holding up sack of gold I give Him a bag of gold!

MELCHIOR: I bring Him pure frankincense! holds up container

GASPAR: holding up jar I give him myrrh! Sweet, sweet myrrh!

ANGEL: What the kings wish you to know, Miss Lizzie, is that any person can bring gifts to the Christ Child.

LIZZIE: No, no, I don't think so. Not me. I couldn't possibly give a gift to the Christ Child. I wouldn't know where to find Him. There's no star to guide me.

ANGEL: Come, Great Kings, there is yet another person waiting to see Miss Lizzie.

Angel starts leading the kings out, but they stop beside the cedar chest and the bolts of cloth lying there. The angel does not notice; rather she moves on toward the front entrance. The kings revert to being the Bentley brothers.

OSCAR: grabbing the red cloth and holding it out at arm's length Look, guys! Look! Look at this here cloth!

LOUIE: snatching up the gold piece Holy smoke! I ain't never seen no piece goods this purty!

SAM: spreading out the third length Three pieces of the stuff! It's jist what we need! Let's steal it! Our Ma could sew it up into the purr-rr-rtiest costumes you ever seen! drapes cloth around his shoulders, prances about

LOUIE: wrapping himself in his length of cloth Brother, you got a good idea! These worn out things we got on are a disgrace! shakes skirt of his costume

Besides, Miss Lizzie Darden is the richest woman in Hungry Bear Mountain. She don't need this here cloth!

OSCAR: Wait a minute! Wait a minute! We ain't gonna steal this stuff! Folks call us "them Bad Bentley Boys" and I don't give a hoot! We are sorta bad. But we ain't no thieves! Put that cloth down! And come on! We gotta go git them pigeons, like we promised!

Sam and Louie replace cloth; Angel returns.

ANGEL: Come, Kings of the Orient, your star is waiting to guide you on your journey.

ANGEL leads three out, returns with Sally Lou, who has the Christ Child in her arms. Lizzie is nodding, her eyes closed. ANGEL touches her gently.

ANGEL: Lizzie, here is someone else to see you. The blessed Virgin Mary! She wants to show you the Christ Child!

Sally brings Child close to Lizzie, pulls aside his blanket.

SALLY: See how beautiful is the Babe born this night in a stable!

LIZZIE: Sally Lou, is this you? No, no, it couldn't be you! Of course not. It's the Virgin Mary. And the blessed Holy Babe! He is the most beautiful child I ever saw!

SALLY: I knew you'd say so, Aunt Lizzie! Just think: Little Jesus is like all other babies born in the world. So, all newborn babes are like Jesus! Isn't that wonderful!

ANGEL: placing her arm around Sally's shoulder Come, Mary, Joseph is waiting. You must prepare to take the Holy Child to Nazareth. That will be his home.

ANGEL leads Sally and the baby away. Lizzie nods again, stirs uneasily.

End of Scene 1

 

Scene 2

Scene 2. Same as Scene 1. There is no break. Lizzie is asleep in her rocker. The kerosene lamp is still burning. Morning has come. Lizzie wakes up.

LIZZIE: to herself Mercy sakes! Here it is daylight! I can't believe I slept the whole night, sitting here in this rocker.

Pushes aside blanket

That dream I had! It was a dream and a half! But, I don't know-- Maybe it wasn't a dream. It seemed so real.

Gets up, steadies herself and walks across the room to blow out the kerosene light.

The curtain cloth! I wonder if they took it? hurries to chest No! This cloth hasn't been touched. straightens the cloth Such a dream makes you wonder. I have to admit that seeing Sally Lou with that baby nearly got me. It started me thinking. Thinking about my will, for one thing.

Lizzie quickly scrambles through contents of cedar chest, pulls out the leather-bound will, starts to re-read it.

LIZZIE: reading The Last Will and Testament of--

Sally Lou, pert and cheerful, enters carrying a breakfast tray. Lizzie hides the will behind her back, steps over a pace or two, and quickly drops the will back into the cedar chest.

SALLY: Good morning, Aunt Lizzie! Here's your breakfast.

LIZZIE: Morning, Sugar. My goodness, you've got enough cooked up here for a log-rolling! Eggs and grits and ham and biscuits, and blackberry jam and butter, and more biscuits. You must 'a got up before daylight.

Sally places tray on table. Lizzie pulls up a chair, sits down.

SALLY: Yes 'um, I did. Dr. Dave said he's coming early this morning, before he leaves to go to Junction City.

LIZZIE: He doesn't need to bother about me. I'm fine now.

SALLY: Your head? It's better?

LIZZIE: Yes. Thank goodness.

Dr. Dave knocks at the door.

SALLY: I 'spect that's Dr. Dave. hurries to open door, doctor enters--bundled up in his topcoat Come in, Doctor Dave.

DR. DAVE: Morning, Sally Lou. How is your Aunt Lizzie this morning?

SALLY: Much better. Let me take your overcoat.

DR. DAVE: No, I'm not going to stay that long. You can have my hat, though.

SALLY: as she hangs up the hat Go on in, Doctor. Aunt Lizzie is fixing to eat breakfast.

DR. DAVE: Then looks like I'm just in time. Morning, Miss Lizzie.

LIZZIE: Morning, Dr. Dave. You're up and out mighty early. Won't you take a chair?

Dr. sits down, Lizzie turns to Sally

Maybe Dr. Dave would like a bite of breakfast. Go fix him a plate like mine.

DR. DAVE: No, thanks I've had my breakfast. turns to Sally But, I tell you what, Sugar. If you've got any of that birthday cake left, I'd sure enjoy a piece of that. And maybe just a sup of coffee!

Measures with thumb and forefinger to show how much a sup is.

SALLY: Yes, Sir. We've got plenty cake! exits

DR. DAVE: Do you feel all right this morning?

LIZZIE: Oh, yes. I'm fine.

DR. DAVE: Good. I thought you just needed rest.

LIZZIE: leaning forward and speaking confidentially Dr. Dave, while Sally's in the kitchen, I want to ask you two favors.

DR. DAVE: Whatever you say, Lizzie. You know I'd do anything for you.

Lizzie quickly gets the will out of the chest, as she keeps a watch on the kitchen door.

LIZZIE: I think I told you one time about my will.

DR. DAVE: Yes. I recollect you had an outlandish clause in it about little Sally Lou never getting married.

LIZZIE: Well, I've changed my mind. And I want to get you to take the will into Junction City and drop it off at Jim Brooks' law office. Tell Jim to re-write it so as to leave off that marrying paragraph, and tell him I'll be in to see him--first thing after New Year's.

Hands will to doctor; he quickly stuffs it into his pocket.

DR. DAVE: You're doing a sensible thing, Lizzie. I'm sure proud you changed your mind about your niece's marriage. You could 'a ruined the child's whole life. Now if I could just get you to change your mind about another certain marriage, I'd be a happy, happy country doctor.

LIZZIE: pleasantly Ah, Dave, you never change!

DR. DAVE: I sure don't. I never give up, either.

Sally enters, bringing a piece of cake, but no coffee

DR. DAVE: Ah, much obliged. I decided yesterday that this is the best stack cake I ever put in my mouth!

SALLY: I spilled all the coffee! So I'll have to run make a fresh pot. But it won't take me a minute. exits

DR. DAVE: eating first bite of cake De-licious! Now what's this other little favor you mentioned?

LIZZIE: Last night I couldn't half sleep. After I watched your play rehearsal and--

DR. DAVE: with surprise and delight You watched our rehearsal? What'd you think about it? Especially old Simeon and the Prophetess Anna! It's the first time I ever put in a scene for them. And the Roman Soldiers? Did you--

LIZZIE: They were good. In fact the whole play was good. Then, somehow, I couldn't tell exactly when the play ended and when my dream began.

DR. DAVE: Your dream?

As Lizzie answers, she hurriedly bundles up the three pieces of cloth at the cedar chest.

LIZZIE: It was a long dream. Strange, too. Very strange. Very vivid. So I'll tell you about it some other time. I want you to take this cloth, and when you pass by the Bentley place, please stop and hand it to Mrs. Bentley. Whatever you do, don't tell her where you got it. Just ask her to sew it up into costumes for her boys to wear in the play. She--

DR. DAVE: greatly surprised Lizzie Darden! Bless your heart!

LIZZIE: Mrs. Bentley sews fast. She can get 'em ready by Christmas Eve.

DR. DAVE: eagerly Lizzie, I know you never go down to the Church anymore. But Christmas Eve, come! Come see the play! Please do. I'll drive over in my double buggy and get you!

LIZZIE: Well, I just might go. I would like to see the play, but I don't want to put you to the trouble of driving all the way over here. I'll just hitch up old Dale, and--

DR. DAVE: with high good humor And what, Dear Lady, do you propose to hitch Dale to?

LIZZIE: My buggy, of course.

DR. DAVE: Lizzie! Your buggy is broken down! Remember? One wheel's busted!

LIZZIE: gasps Ahh-h! I had plumb forgot about my poor buggy! Good grannies alive! I--

DR. DAVE: I'll be here to get you at 5:30!

LIZZIE: Well, all right then.

Sally enters, triumphantly holding the coffeepot and a cup

SALLY: Here's your coffee. But it's nearly black as our old cat!

DR. DAVE: That's the way I like it: Plenty black.

SALLY: Dr. Dave, is Aunt Lizzie goin' to have to take any more of that medicine today?

DR. DAVE: No, Sally Lou, your Aunt Lizzie doesn't need any more medicine. Her head, and her heart, I think, are much improved.

SALLY: I'm sure glad, 'cause she makes a terrible face when she has to swallow medicine.

LIZZIE: laughing Child, you shouldn't tell the doctor everything you know!

DR. DAVE: I'd find out anyway! all laugh

Doctor gulps the remainder of his coffee, gets up

I've got to get on into town. starts toward door Much obliged for the cake and coffee remembers the cloth Oh, this pretty cloth! picks up bundle I'll see you ladies Christmas Eve. gets his hat, exits

SALLY: What's he going to do with that cloth?

LIZZIE: Oh, that's that curtain material I've had for years. It's just not suitable for our windows, and I don't need it. So the doctor is taking it to somebody who does.

SALLY: Oh, I see. Aunt Lizzie, what are we going to do today?

LIZZIE: For one thing-- Oh, goodness! I forgot to tell the doctor something! rushes to doorway, calls out Doctor Dave!

DR. DAVE: turns and calls back Yes, Ma'am? returns to Lizzie

LIZZIE: I forgot to tell you something. You remember my Cousin Caroline who used to live here and moved off to Atlanta?

DR. DAVE: Yes. I remember Caroline. Quite well. Her husband and little boys, too.

LIZZIE: I talked to her on the telephone yesterday, and Caroline said to tell you--and these are her exact words--"Tell Dr. Dave that being in the Christmas play changed my whole life!" So I promised her I'd sure tell you.

DR. DAVE: Thank you , Lizzie. That makes my old heart glad! Real glad!

Raises his hand, leaves

LIZZIE: to herself, as she turns back to the sitting room I think maybe the Christmas play has changed my whole life, too. Sally Lou, Sugar, let's get busy!

SALLY: What are we going to do?

LIZZIE: We've got to start fixin' for Christmas!

This is going to be the best Christmas we ever had in Hungry Bear Mountain!

Each exits through the kitchen door--Sally taking the tray, Lizzie the coffeepot.

FINAL CURTAIN

See mini-postlude

Mini-postlude to CHRISTMAS AT HUNGRY BEAR MOUNTAIN

(A Nativity play by Jewell Ellen Smith)

It is Christmas Eve evening at the Lizzie Darden home. Lizzie, much dressed up, enters, begins putting on shawl, gloves. Picks up purse. She is ready to go to the church to see the play, and, impatiently waiting for Sally Lou to get ready and for Dr. Dave to arrive. Sally Lou is in her room, getting dressed.

LIZZIE: calling Sally Lou?

SALLY: offstage Yes, Ma'am?

LIZZIE: Hurry, Child. You're so slow. And you don't seem to realize that Christmas Eve night has come! Dr. Dave will be here to get us, any minute!

SALLY: still offstage I 'm hurrying!

LIZZIE: pulling back the curtains and looking out the window Here he comes now! We'll wait for you, out on the porch.

SALLY: still offstage Yes, Ma'am!

Lizzie hurries out to the porch, as Dr. Dave is coming up the walkway. He carries an ornate brass lantern. At the same instant the Bentley brothers go romping by--attired in their gorgeous new Kings of the Orient costumes. One swings a red kerosene lantern, the other two hold on their shoulders the two cages with the pigeons they've acquired from their cousin in Junction City.

The lantern bearer is singing--rather loudly, fast, and slightly off-key--"We Three Kings of Orient are! Bearing gifts we traverse a-far, field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star ..."

As the three hurry offstage, all repeat "We Three Kings of Orient are! Bearing gifts we traverse a-far ..."voices fade

LIZZIE: much excited Look, Dave! Just look at 'em!

DR. DAVE: much pleased Ah, yes! The Bentley boys.

LIZZIE: warmly No, that's not "the Bad Bentley Boys." That is "The Three Kings from Lands Far Away."

Sally joins her elders

LIZZIE: Come on, y'all! I can't wait to get to the church!

DR. DAVE: My buggy's out this way.

Dr. Dave assists Lizzie down the front steps. Sally Lou follows the two off stage.

END OF PLAY

 

Click here to go to the Jewell Ellen Smith homepage

 

The following pictures were taken at The Starbuck Community Church, Starbuck, Washington, at a performance in 2003:

 

Mary and Joseph with Simeon

 

Bethlehem Scene

 

“Oh, Come, All ye Faithful”

 

“My masters have come many miles.”

 

“Here, Sugar, take these eggs to Mrs. Bentley. She says she wants to bake a cake for Christmas.”

 

“My goodness! Just look at you! I never saw such a ‘Heavenly Host’ You angels look plumb pretty!”

 

“It was just one bad thing right after another. ‘Triple Tragedy,’ I called it.”

 

“Take one capsule now, and then one every four hours, ‘til they’re used up.”

 

“Let me see the child! The Messiah! The Messiah! He as come! Blessed be the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob!”

 

Final song with the whole cast