Important Note: When our musical scripts were first written, the choral and accompaniment music for which they were written were current and available. But Christian music literature has a brief shelf life; it goes out of print quickly. (We do not compose music, but write dramatic scripts that work with existing published music literature.)
Rather than remove our scripts because the associated music literature may no longer be available, we have opted to give our users the opportunity to either locate the original music on their own, or substitute music of their own choosing.
Do not plan on using one of our musical scripts until you have made this decision.
The information below includes everything we know about the music literature originally used for this musical. Nothing is gained by writing us for more.
60 minutes / 13 characters
Description
A long-time, and highly regarded matriarch of a small local church has just passed away. She was a very old woman, and had been looking forward to going home to be with the Lord. One night she simply slept her way into His arms. The church has gathered to bury her, but there is very little sadness. They are here to celebrate her life—to rejoice together and to testify to the impact this saint has had on all their lives.
Production Notes
This script is very flexible for the Director in assigning roles. It has been written under the following assumptions: 1) This musical will be performed by a predominantly adult choir that would not include children, but may include a few older teenagers, and 2) the church may have some people who wish to participate on stage, but who do not sing, or are not able to sing solos.
Because of these assumptions, the script allows for flexible casting. For example, the role of George could be played by a choir member, or by someone who steps in unobtrusively at the appropriate moment—as if he were part of the choir. Additionally, the song that follows his segment could be personalized, and presented as more of a testimony, if he sings measures 26 to 42 as a solo—or it can be sung, as written, by the choir, or another soloist.
Characters
Choir/Chorus
In this musical the choir, or chorus, represents the fictional church congregation. Throughout the entire musical (save, optionally, during the last song) they remain in character—just your average folks from a small, evangelical church.
Pastor
In I’ll Fly Away, the Pastor is the central figure. He is not the “lead” in the traditional theatrical sense that he is the most important character, but rather in the more traditional church sense that he is the spiritual leader of the group. He should offer a strong, trustworthy presence. The age of the character is not critical, but the person should be old enough to lend maturity to the role.
Jill
Jill is a mature teenager, sensitive to the loss of her dear friend, and observant of things around her.
Helen
This middle-aged woman is a strong aunt-figure (or just good friend) to Jill.
Choir Director
The choir director has only one line, but it is a good one. The Choir Director should be played by a woman, and one happy to put a lot of “juice” into the part. (Optionally, if the audience is to be invited to sing along during Those Good Old Gospel Songs, this character could be the one to step out and lead the singing. Or the Pastor character could do it.)
George
George is a middle-aged man and a Vietnam war vet. (This would make his age somewhere around 45 to 50.) It wouldn’t hurt for him to be a strong, burly type, but this is not necessary.
Fred
A friend of George, Fred has a fast mouth and a happy, kidding nature. This part has just two quick lines.
Janet Barlow
Janet is a thinker, and, while her age is not critical, she should be old enough to have had some history with Edna Mae.
Loretta
Like the Choir Director, Loretta has one fast line that should be delivered well.
Bill Lewis
While Bill is the Chairman of the Deacons, this doesn’t necessarily mean he needs to be aged. He could be in his mid-Thirties on up. He is a good leader, but is prone to periodic fits of temper when displeased. His fast mouth, however, is counterbalanced by his willingness to apologize for committing an offense.
Pallbearer/Scotty
Because Scotty is in, or is just out of, military service, he should be between 18 and 25 years old. He has a tough, defensive personality, but has been emotionally hit between the eyes at this burial service.
Pallbearers
With Scotty, three other pallbearers should be sufficient. They have no lines, and don’t even need to express any stage presence. So this is a good opportunity to enlist willing volunteers without any stage experience.
Wardrobe
The entire cast should be dressed in simple, contemporary “Sunday-go-to-Meeting” clothes. The only exception would be for the (4) pallbearers, who should be dressed in similar (but not necessarily identical) dark suits.
Music Information
I’ll Fly Away w/ We’ll Understand it Better By and By
When We all Get Together with the Lord
Those Good Old Gospel Songs
He Came to Me w/ He Giveth More Grace
Victory Shall be Mine
He’ll Understand and Say `Well Done’
Raise the Roof
Though Your Sins be as Scarlet w/ Wonder Working Power
When the Lamb Becomes the Light
Right Here and Now
from More Gospel Truth – Order #MB-746
Lillenas Publishing Company
Box 419527
Kansas City, MO 64141
Orders: 800-877-0700 (M-F 7:30 am to 6 pm CST, SAT 8 am to 1 pm)
FAX: 800-849-9827
Choral Promo Pack (Music Directors only) – L-9211C $6.00
Book – MB-746 $6.99
Listening Cassette (10-pack) $39.99
Accompaniment CD, Split-Channel – MU-9211T $65.00
Accompaniment Cassette Stereo – MU-9211C $65.00
Accompaniment Cassette, Split-Channel – MU-9211S $65.00
Orchestration – OR-9211 $250.00
“Right Here and Now” – Order #25986-0784-7
Benson Music Group
365 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37228
Orders: 800-846-7664
615-742-6800
Fax: 615-742-6911
Octavo – $1.30 (5000 available)
Cassette Accompaniment – $14.98
Topics
I’ll Fly Away Funeral Church Matriarch Heaven Legacy Pastor Pallbearers
