Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/77544
could place palm trees, and outside the Grandchildren's home (window), you could make the scene appear to be the snow and blizzard conditions mentioned in the script. If desired, each side of the platform may be set up to resemble the living room of each family. A Christmas tree may be decorated and lit with a few boxes and wrapped gifts under it, and/or you may use living room furniture, or a couple of chairs. The children may simply be seated on a rug or throw, if the platform is raised so that they are still visible to the audience. You will need a recordable book, or a recordable app, and/or a Bible, a phone, a cell phone, or a computer and monitor or laptop. The two parties will be using one computer each and they will be staging a video chat. What equipment you have available and how you want to set up the two living rooms should focus on the conversation between the children and the Grandparents. If your church is technically capable, your screens can project the image of the two "living room" sets and have a close-up of the faces of the characters as they interact on the call. The Grandparents may be seated in their "living room" as platform lights come up, or they may enter in a leisurely manner and take a seat, placing the call to the children as the Overture begins. A mimed (mute) conversation will take place as the Overture plays. Characters may pretend to be speaking, nodding their heads, laughing, etc. Children may be seated in their "living room" on the other side of the platform as lights come up, or they may enter in their Christmas pajamas to answer the phone when the Grandparents call. (If desired, a "parent" or "older sibling" character may be on their side, to help them as needed.) If preferred, you can have your characters get into place during the Overture, then bring the platform lights up on main characters as the Overture ends, immediately before the first line of dialogue. PROPS Two separate Living Room sets – furniture, rugs, Christmas trees, etc. Cell Phone, Tablet Computer, Laptop or Desktop Computer with Monitor Recordable book, CD, Bible or Cell Phone app "Mouse Ear" hat (optional) ACCOMPANIMENT The REAL Christmas Story has been recorded on Split-Track in order to offer your performance the option of having vocal support, if needed. The accompaniment track may be used alone for your performance, or, you may choose to have live musicians. You have great flexibility in making the accompaniment fit your specific needs. 29 Preview Copy