The Chronicles of Suburbia a children’s Christmas musical by Ray Lombardi The three Wexler children are mad. Mad because mom is making them go to Christmas Eve service, because grandma insists. So when the three go to the hall closet to get their coats and find a pine branch sticking out from the garments, their curiosity gets the best of them and into closet they go, only to stumble into a strange and magical land. Here they meet Diego, a very impatient angel who will accompany them on a strange and wonderful mission to the town of Bethlehem, and to the place where Christmas was born. . . and in the process they discover the special task that God has in store for them! Cast List Mom Douglas Wexler, oldest child in family Christy Wexler, middle child Jeff Wexler, youngest child Diego, impatient angel Esther: shepherd Jonas: shepherd Rachel: shepherd Mary Joseph Grandma Scene 1: The Wexler living room Setting: Mom, Douglas, Christy and Jeff and all standing in the living room. A christmas tree glows in the corner, with a variety of wrapped packages set underneath. It’s a typical living room in suburbia - couch, chairs, end table, lamp, etc. Off to one side is a coat closet. An evergreen branch protrudes through the garments (an artificial christmas tree branch works well) The family is obviously in an uproar. It’s Christmas eve at 6:30 pm. Mom, agitatedly: “I’ve already told you three times, we ARE going to the Christmas eve service at grandma’s church tonight!” Christy: “Grandma doesn’t care if we go. I don’t want to go!” Jeff: “Me either. Why can’t we open some presents instead?” Douglas: “Dan’s mom doesn’t make him go to services. Why do we have to go?” Mom: “I PROMISED your grandmother I would get you there this year. For some reason she thinks it is really important that I take you to this service. She didn’t say why - but you know how your grandmother is. Are you sure you want to take a chance on not getting your presents from her this year?” Christy: “You mean. . . like, if we don’t go, we’re not getting our presents?” Douglas, to Christy: “What are you, deaf? That’s what she just said. .. duh!” Mom: “Enough. I want all three of you to go get your coats on right now. I’ve got to go start the dishwasher, and grandma should be here any minute to pick us up. I don’t want grandma to see this ATTITUDE.” Jeff: “Come on, guys. We might as well get this over with.” Douglas, as if under his breath: “This is the last time!!” The three turn and head for the closet. Mom exits stage. The three come to the closet and stop short. Douglas, peering at the weird, lone branch sticking out of the closet. “Um, guys, is that really ah. . .ah. . . um. . . a. . . Jeff: “Pine branch?” Douglas: “Yeah. Pine branch. Is this one of your stupid jokes, Christy?” Christy, to Douglas: “Very funny. You know you did this, and you probably told mom that I did, didn’t you? Douglas: “You always blame me for everything. But this time, I really didn’t do this.” Jeff: “I’m going in.” Christy: “I think we should tell mom.” Jeff: “Mom’s gonna say we’re stalling, and she’ll just yell at us again.” Douglas: “For once the shrimp is right. I say let’s find out what this is all about. I’ll go first.” Douglas steps up to the closet and tries to peer through the coats very cautiously. Meanwhile, Christy leans up close to him quietly and suddenly, and loudly yells Christy: “BOO!” Douglas panics and lunges through the coats yelling, Douglas “AGH!” Jeff: “Where’d he go?” Christy: “I don’t know. I was just kidding.” Jeff: “Douglas? You there? Come on, stop playing around! Come on out!” Christy: “I’m going in!” Jeff” Don’t leave me here!” Christy: “You STAY PUT, or mom will have my head!” Jeff: “NO.” Christy: “YES!” Jeff, before Christy can even blink, lunges through the coats. Christy: “JEFF YOU GET BACK HERE RIGHT THIS MINUTE! (pause) Jeff? Jeff? (pause) Boys! They never listen!” Christy plunges through the coats. Lights go down, scene concludes. Scene 2: The hills of Bethlehem Setting: A pasture. Sheep bleating in the distance. Night time, around 8:00 pm. As the scene opens, Douglas is standing in the pasture in a daze, trying to figure out exactly what has happened and where he is. Seconds later Jeff stumbles out into the pasture. (Jeff should probably come from somewhere off stage) Jeff, as he stumbles out on to stage: “Whoa, dude! What happened?” Christy immediately follows behind, temporarily oblivious to her surroundings. . . Christy: “Jeff, I told you to stay. . . . um . . . stay. . . um. . . . put.” She looks around, bewildered Christy: “What in the world. . .?” Suddenly, from the other side of the stage, Diego comes scurrying across to the children. Diego is an angel with Attention Deficit Disorder. Also very impatient. Plus he has some other not-too-angelic qualities. Diego, extremely agitated: “There you are! Finally! What took you so long? I’ve been waiting and waiting for you. Why, it’s been at least 5 minutes! Where have you been?” Douglas: “We’re supposed to be at the Greentown Community Church right now.” Diego: “Church? Church? There’s no time for church! We’ve got to get moving! I don’t want to miss all the excitement! If the master finds out I’ve messed up this assignment I’ll never get promoted to archangel!” Christy: “Wait just a minute. You’re an angel? You don’t look anything like an angel.” Diego: “Well what do you think I’m supposed to look like? Do I look frustrated and fed up? Do I look like I want to stand around here and argue with you? We’ve got to get going! Now are you coming or not?” Douglas: “What’s the big rush?” Diego: “Don’t you know? Haven’t you been paying attention?” Douglas: “I guess not.” Diego: “Something amazing is happening tonight, and we don’t want to miss it!” Children sing SOMETHING AMAZING CHORUS: Something amazing Is happening in Bethlehem tonight! Something remarkable we’re going to see before the morning light. Something beautiful, miraculous, spectacular, incredible Something amazing is happening here tonight! VERSE 1 It will be a night of miracles A night of awe It will be a night when the king of kings lies in a bed of straw It will be a night of singing When angels fill the sky It will be a night of rejoicing A night when God draws nigh REPEAT CHORUS It will be a night of miracles A night of joy and peace It will be a night to celebrate a night of great release It will be a night to praise and shout A glorious night to sing It will be a night when all the earth bows to the infant king Children conclude song while Diego and the children prepare to leave. Christy: “So where’s your ride?” Diego: “My what?” Christy: “You know, your wheels? Diego: “Huh?” Christy: “Your CAR. You know, C.A.R.?? Diego: “No time for that!! Stop fooling around! We’ve got to get going!” Diego starts scurrying away, with Jeff and Christy trailing, but Douglas isn’t moving. Douglas, yelling: “STOP!” Jeff and Christy plow into the back of Diego, who has followed this order perfectly. Diego: “What IS it? We’re going to be late!” Douglas: “Late for what? What is this place? Why are we here? And more importantly, how do we get home?” Diego: “Didn’t you get the memo?” Christy, incredulously: “The memo?” Diego: “Yes, yes, the memo! The memo from the Master!” Christy: “Look, we don’t know anything about no memo. We’re just three ordinary kids from suburbia getting ready to go to the Christmas Eve service at grandma’s church.” Diego: “AH. . . so THAT’S what it is to be called. CHRISTMAS. I like it!” Jeff, whispering aside to Douglas: “This guy is SO WEIRD.” Diego, coming out of his temporary stupor: Oh yes, where was I? I lost my train of thought there for a moment! (sheepishly) I tend to do that. . .” Christy: “The memo? You were about to tell us about the memo?” Diego: “Yes, the memo. Right. Seems that the Master has decided that he has a special task for the three of you. And I’m to accompany you so you don’t get into mischief along the way. I don’t know why He always gives ME these jobs. I’ve put in for a promotion to archangel at least three times. But NOOOOO... it’s always Gabriel that gets the fun jobs. And do I get to sing in the choir? NOOOOO. I have a fine singing voice!” Jeff: “Dude, you have issues.” Christy: “What’s this job?” Douglas: “Yeah, what are we supposed to do? Diego: “Beats me. I’m just doing my job. Now can we please get going?” Douglas: “Where are going? Diego: “What is wrong with you people? We’re going to BETHLEHEM!” Diego and the children exit the stage while the children prepare to sing. .. Children sing, WE’RE GOING TO BETHLEHEM We’re going to Bethlehem We’re going to see the infant king We’re going to Bethlehem We’re going to worship him and sing For this baby is God’s only Son He is the anointed one Sent from heaven high above Came to earth with peace and love We’re going to Bethlehem We’re going to Bethlehem We’re going to see the infant king We’re going to Bethlehem We’re going to worship him and sing For Bethlehem, that little town Will forever be renown It’s place in history defined Where God brought blessing to mankind We’re going to Bethlehem Bethlehem, we’re goin’, we’re goin’ Bethlehem, we’re goin’, we’re goin’ Bethlehem, we’re goin’, we’re goin’ We’re going there to see the king! We’re going to Bethlehem We’re going to see the infant king We’re going to Bethlehem We’re going to worship him and sing For in Bethlehem is born today One who will proclaim the way To find release from sin and shame It’s why to earth this Savior came We’re going to Bethlehem Scene 3: Meeting Up with the Shepherds Setting: The foursome reenters the stage, still in the pastures of Bethlehem. Diego suddenly stops. Diego: “Sshh! Do you hear that?” Christy, whispering: “Hear what? I don’t hear anything!” Jeff, whispering to Douglas, but emphasizing every word: “This guy has a screw loose!!” Diego: “Can’t you hear it? It’s the choir. The master sent them. I wanted to sing, but of course. . .” Douglas, interrupting: “Yeah, yeah, we know; you didn’t get chosen for the choir. What are they singing?” Diego: “They’re singing ‘Gloria, in exclesis Deo.’ I heard them rehearsing yesterday. I thought they could use some help in the tenor section, but no. . . “ Christy: “Yeah, yeah, we know; they didn’t let you sing.” Diego, excitedly: “You know what this means of course!” Christy: “Um, no, we don’t.” Diego: “What is wrong with you children! Don’t you know anything?” Christy: “Why don’t you just assume we don’t know anything, and fill in the details.” Diego, impatiently: “It means, of course, that the baby has been born. Mary has given birth. The Master’s plan has been put into action. Isn’t it wonderful?” Douglas: “You mean, Mary, the mother of Jesus?” Diego: “How did you know the baby’s name? That was supposed to be top secret! Only the archangels were informed of that. Did I tell you I put in for archangel three times?” All, in unison: “YES.” From the side of the stage a commotion is heard before being seen. Then out from the side emerges three very excited shepherds. . . Jonas, Esther, and Rachel. They stop when they get to the foursome. Diego: “Hey, what’s up?” Esther: What’s up is that we just saw something fantastic! A whole of choir of angels suddenly appeared in the sky and sang to us.” Rachel: “It was amazing!” Jonas: “And sung very well if I do say so myself. I especially liked the tenor section.” Diego, frustrated: “It figures. I’ll never get to sing now.” Douglas: “Wait a minute. Why you people? Why did the angels come sing to you?” Jeff: “Yeah? Why are you so important?” Esther: “You really don’t know? Then you better listen to this!” The children sing: WHY SHEPHERDS? Why shepherds? Why shepherds? Why did the angels sing to the shepherds? They were ordinary people Just like you and me They were good ‘ole boys Some from Galilee Why shepherds Why shepherds ‘cause they were just like you and me Shepherds were the common folk of the day Shepherds lived a simple life, in a simple way Shepherds didn’t talk much but what they had to say Is that Shepherding was just OK! Shepherds were the the ones who watched over sheep Shepherds labored day and night, getting little sleep Shepherds were reliable, the evening watch they’d keep At night they were so quiet, not even a small peep! The children finish singing, and Diego, the Wexlers and the shepherds get ready to start towards the manger. Diego: “I’ll lead the way.” Jonas: “That’s OK, we know where we’re going.” Diego: “If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to lead.” Rachel: “Whatever! Can we just get going here?” Diego starts walking confidently towards one side of the stage,while the rest of the group just stands there. Esther: “Excuse me, sir. . . but. . . ah. . . it’s this way.” (Esther points off in the opposite direction) Diego: “Yes, of course. I knew that. Just checking to see if you were given the right directions. Let’s go! We’re already behind schedule!” Jeff, aside to Douglas: “This guy is looney tunes!!” The group hurry off stage as the scene comes to an end. Scene 4: The Manger Setting: The manger of Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph are sitting next to the manger watching over the baby Jesus. (A doll is in the manger stall is a good enough prop for the baby!) Mary: “He’s beautiful, isn’t he, Joseph?” Joseph: “He certainly is. I’m still overwhelmed with this whole thing. I hope I can be a good father to him.” Mary: “You already are, Joseph. You already are.” The children sing: THE CHILD IN THE MANGER The child in the manger seemed so innocent The child in the manger, fragile and small But the child in the manger was a savior Whose own life would be given for us all He was a child in a manger But king of my heart He was a child in a manger But right from the start I could see He was much more than meets the eye For the child in the manger was also God most high The child in the manger came to earth that night The child came to bring good news to men That He would become the risen savior through his sacrifice forgiven is our sin As the children conclude the song the entourage of children, shepherds and Diego come to the manger and kneel before the baby. Diego: “This is so exciting! The Master has been planning this for such a long time. And now, here we are, at the first, what did you call it? Christmas. I like it!” Douglas: “I have to admit, this is amazing! I can’t believe we’re seeing this with our own eyes!” Christy: “I know. We’ve been celebrating Christmas all these years. And I never really thought about why we were celebrating. It was all about. . . “ Jeff, interrupting: “It was all about the toys. . . and games. .. and sports stuff.” Christy: “And dolls, and clothes and, well, more clothes.” Douglas: “And books, and art supplies and DVD’s. “ Christy: “But now. . .” Douglas, interrupting: “But now I know the real reason we celebrate.” Jeff: “Do we still get to open presents?” Christy: “Of course. But we exchange gifts because it reminds us of this great gift that God has given us. Just look at him! He’s the greatest thing that ever happened to mankind.” Douglas: “And we got to see it firsthand.” Jeff: “Wait ‘till I tell Grandma!” Christy: “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” Douglas: “I don’t know HOW we going to tell grandma. Are we ever going to get back home?” Jeff: “And what happened to the task the Master wanted us to do?” Diego: “Look, I’m sorry. I did everything I was told to do with you. If I don’t get my promotion now to archangel, well, I’m not going to be a very happy angel! And it’s time for me to take you back to where you came from. Just remember to put in a good word for me, OK? You’ll tell the Master I did everything I was supposed to, right?” Douglas: “Yes, yes. Don’t worry. We’re not going to stand in the way of your promotion!” Diego: “Wonderful! OK, then, let’s head back! I here the angel choir is having a big party to celebrate and I don’t want to miss it.” The entourage all leave the stage while the lights come down. Scene 5: Back in the pasture On their return trip to the pasture from where they came, Diego and the Wexler’s encounter a strange group of three men. . . The wisemen approach the group from the opposite direction. Diego: “Hold up there, children. There are some suspicious-looking characters just ahead. They’re wearing some very strange clothes and appear to be carrying gifts of some kind.” Jeff: “Oh, yeah. They would be the wisemen.” Christy: “That’s right. They’ve got gifts of gold, frankincense and Myrrh.” Douglas: “And they come from the Orient, following the star.” Diego: “How DO you know all this? It wasn’t in the memo! Did that archangel Gabriel tell you all this? You know, If I had just gotten the promotion I was supposed to get, none of this would be happening right now. . “ (Diego continues to complain and mumble while Douglas says. . Douglas; “Here we go again!” The Wisemen sing WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE We three kings of Orient Are Bearing Gifts we travel afar Field and fountain Moor and mountain Following yonder star O Star of Wonder, Star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light Gold I have my gift to a king (solo line) Frankincense I gratefully bring (solo line) Myrrh I offer from this coffer (solo line) Three gifts of which we sing (all together) O Star of Wonder, Star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light Glorious now behold Him arise King and God and Sacrifice Alleluia, Alleluia Earth to heav'n replies O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to Thy perfect light  The wisemen finish, move offstage, and Diego and the children are left standing in the pasture. Diego: “Well, this is it. You came from right over there (he points to the back of the closet) and now you are ready to return. It’s been interesting!” Douglas: “Thanks, Diego. Thank you for taking us to the manger. And by the way, I hope you get that promotion. You deserve it.” Diego: “You really think so? I’m so glad you said something! Why, just yesterday I was thinking that maybe after today, you know, with everything that’s happened, that, well it might be the right time, and. . .” (Diego continues to mumble away about his promotion) Jeff, whispering to Christy: “That guy is OFF HIS ROCKER!” Christy: “Come on! We’re going to be in SUCH trouble! It’s been hours and hours since we came through that closet!” Douglas: “Yeah. I don’t need to get grounded again this month! Hurry up!” They rush off to the “closet” entrance as the lights come down on scene 5. Scene 6: The children stumble into the house just as they hear the doorbell. The three are all out of breath as Christy opens the door. . . Christy, surprised: “Grandma! Aren’t you. . . um. . . a little late?” Grandma: “Of course not, dear. Service doesn’t begin for another half hour and it only takes 5 minutes to get to the church.” Douglas: “Wow. That’s really weird. . .” Jeff: “You’re not kidding.” Grandma: “Something wrong, children? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Christy: “Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s just. . . fine!” Grandma: “So nothing strange happened tonight?” Douglas: “Strange? Not really. . .” Grandma: “Nothing out of the ordinary?” Christy: “Well. . . Grandma. . . if we told you. . .” Jeff: “Aw, just spit it out. Grandma, we went through closet in the hall and somehow ended up in Bethlehem, the night Jesus was born. We were taken by an angel to the manger and saw the baby Jesus. And then the angel took us back to the closet, and we just came through a minute before you came to the door.” All three look at Grandma to see what her reaction to this startling news is going to be. . . Grandma: “So how is Diego doing these days. Did he get his promotion?” Christy: “Grandma! How did you. . . Who told you. . . I never. . .” Douglas: “There’s no way. . . I didn’t. . . Jeff couldn’t. . .” Grandma: “Don’t worry, children, your secret is safe with me. You see, the same thing happened to me many years ago, when I was just a child.” Jeff: “No way!” Douglas: “And it was the same angel, Diego?” Grandma: “Sure was.” Christy: “Grandma, did Diego tell you that the Master had a task for you to do?” Grandma: “Oh yes, he did.” Christy: “So did you ever find out what that task was?” Grandma: “Oh yes, I did.” Christy: “Well, could you tell us, because he told us the same thing, but we don’t know what the task is.” Grandma: “You don’t?” Douglas: “We don’t. But we’d like to know.” Grandma: “Children. I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out yet. Your task is to tell the world about the real meaning of Christmas. So many people have forgotten, just as you all did, what Christmas is really all about. And now it’s up to you. It’s up to you to tell everyone you know that Jesus really did come to this earth to save us from our sin. That’s the task. That’s what the Master wants you to do. So, are you ready? Jeff: “I’m ready! I’ll go tell Andy, and Chuck, and Grady. . .” Grandma: “No, I meant are you ready to go to the service? Call your mom down. It’s time to leave.” Everyone puts their coats on, mom comes in and they all walk offstage as the children sing the finale. Children sing TELL EVERYONE Tell everyone, tell everyone Tell everyone of Jesus birth Tell everyone, tell everyone Tell everyone of His great worth Tell them that the Christ of Christmas Came to earth to save mankind Tell them through the Christ of Christmas New life they now can find Tell everyone, tell everyone Tell everyone He came to save Tell everyone, tell everyone Tell everyone of what God gave When He sent to earth this Savior To redeem men from their sin So that new life he could offer And give new hearts within Tell everyone tell everyone Tell them about God’s only Son If we don’t tell them how will they hear? That Jesus is waiting, he wants to draw near And that he longs for all men to receive this gift of love This precious gift of life from the Father up above. Tell everyone, tell everyone Tell everyone. . . PAGE PAGE 1 OF NUMPAGES 15 PAGE PAGE 1 OF NUMPAGES 15