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: Th