Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: https://read.jwpepper.com/i/1489280
3 (JMG1238) The drama should occupy center stage, in front of the choir. When Gram is interviewed, the children can angle or move their chairs slightly closer to her desk and Zach places the cell phone on her desk to "record" her comments. Gram shouldn't be stuck behind the desk during the entire musical, of course. So, the director should look for logical places in the musical for her to stand, sit, and move when appropriate. Of course, this goes for all the actors as a natural part of the blocking process. For "Nobody's Listening to Me," Sammie can sing this song downstage right away from the group as she is reflecting privately on her situation. The other actors quietly and unobtrusively work on the family tree chart. If a different singer is used to sing this solo, Sammie can sit downstage quietly alone and reflect as she opens a book to read, looking up periodically. Ideally, Sammie will sing the solo. For "By the Way, I Love You," when Sammie gets upset, prior to the song, she exits. During the introduction to the song, she re-enters dejectedly and sits by herself downstage right. When Kate sees Sammie enter during the song introduction, she gently approaches her and begins singing. If you choose to use a soloist for this song different from the actor who plays Kate, Kate can pantomime quietly speaking lovingly and apologetically to Sammie as the song unfolds (ideally, however, the solo will be sung by Kate). During the interlude (measures 19-21), Kate walks over to the art supplies and picks up a piece of paper and a few colored markers and gives them to Sammie as if to say, "I want you to participate in creating something with me again." Sammie smiles and gladly accepts. They hug at the end of the song. No special costumes are required for the actors; just regular school clothing that reflects their respective characters. The choir can wear brightly colored matching tee-shirts and jeans. Laptop for Gram; schoolbooks for Kate and Olivia; water bottle for Kate (with no actual water in it); books and cell phone for Zach; soccer ball for KJ; papers, pencils & art supplies for Sammie. STAGING COSTUMES PROPS