----------------------------- A NOTE REGARDING THIS VERSION ----------------------------- This script is from the HIS COMPANY CATALOGUE of plays and musical resources. It is in ASCII (or plain text) format, and is intended only to be used for evaluation purposes. Visit our web site at http://hc.dlampel.com to download the FREE Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version for performance. THERE IS THE JOY a Palm Sunday sketch by David S. Lampel Copyright 2007 David S. Lampel. All rights reserved. Author's Note There is the Joy is a brief (approximately six minutes) sketch for a Palm Sunday service. It was commissioned to accompany a message on Matthew 21:1-11. As with most of our plays, it requires no set or props--except something on which the two characters can sit. Considering his advanced years, you might also wish to give the old man a walking stick. The director should give close attention to the direction from which Jesus' procession will enter, and the path it will take in front of the characters. There is, of course, no literal procession; all the audience sees are the old man and his daughter. But it is important that the two characters are always looking in the same direction when referencing Jesus and the other people. Ideally, Jesus will approach from either stage left or stage right, down and in front of the stage. So the two characters should be looking at the same spot when He first approaches. Then, during the sketch, Jesus will pass in front of the stage--perhaps the line of sight might be just over the heads of the audience. In any case, the two characters must always appear to be looking at the same thing--in the same place--to make the audience believe. Characters A very--very--old man His middle-aged daughter Scene The Time & Place: Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem ("Palm Sunday") House lights down. Stage lights up. Enter a middle-aged woman helping her father: a decrepit, old man. Daughter (as they enter) But why did you do it? They were all we had! The old man makes no reply. Daughter Or just one. Why not give them just one. But both? The old man makes no reply. But as they approach the spot where they will sit, he begins expectantly looking in the appropriate direction for the approach of Jesus. Daughter (as she helps her father sit down) You'll be the ruin of us. Giving away our last possessions. Man (rebuking her) Daughter! I would not deny what is owed. Daughter (confused) Owed? What could you owe these strangers? Man Not them. Their master. Daughter (slowly realizing to whom he refers) The Galilean? Him? Man (shrugging) He had need of the colt. Daughter So anyone can just come along and take of ours whatever they please? Man He's not just anyone. Daughter (seriously) Father, some say He is a fool. Man (animated; in jest) And some say He is Elijah. Some say He is John the Baptist. (more seriously) But He is neither. (peering into the distance) And look-- (getting his daughter's attention) --look! He approaches. Silently they watch as the procession nears. Daughter (studying Jesus' appearance; matter-of-factly) So very ordinary. What could it be about Him? Man (shocked) You have not heard Him? Daughter (with a shrug) I have not cared to. (pause) Well, I see that He is at least putting our colt to good use--though He would have been better carried by its mother. Man Look! He speaks. Daughter I hear no words. His lips do not move. Man No, He speaks by His actions. He declares Himself. No more parables. No more riddles. Here is the one for whom I have longed all my life. Here is our King. Here is our Savior. Daughter He doesn't look like a king. Man (smiling knowingly) Had he robes of spun gold, He would not be more a king. Daughter (not unkindly) This peasant? How could He be the one? Man Yes, we expected someone more grand. But I have lived long enough to understand that that is not how God works. Daughter (looking around; with amazement) The crowd! Look at all of them! Listen to their--their joy. Man (nodding) They greet their King. (reciting; gently) "Behold your King is coming to you, Gentle, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden." Daughter They cry "Hosanna." From what will He save us? The Romans? The old man says nothing as he watches Jesus pass by. Daughter From Herod. (excitedly) Will He take the throne of Herod? The old man says nothing. Daughter (insistently) Father, from what will He save us? Man (turning to her; penetratingly) From ourselves, girl. From ourselves. Daughter With every year you become more inscrutable. Is it age--or do you enjoy being troublesome? Man (smiling) Age does have benefits. (more soberly) One is clarity of thought. (referring to the passing Jesus) There He is. We cry out "Save us!" because only He can. Daughter (insistently) But from what? Man (collecting his thoughts) What are a few tyrants compared to eternity? What is the burden of taxes compared to life with God? (pause) This time--this place-- These are passing. They are but a breath. (toward Jesus) There. That is what is real. His life. His purpose. There--there is the joy. (pause) Listen to Him, girl. Listen to Him, and you will learn what Jesus will save us from. (reciting) "I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land." Daughter (helping the man to his feet) All right, Father. I'll listen to Him. I'll hear about this salvation. Man (with a twinkle in his eye) Oh, and when you do, girl, ask if we might have back our two donkeys, will you? I understand they are all we have. Daughter (shaking her head; muttering) Inscrutable. Inscrutable old man. They begin to exit, but then she pauses to watch the receding crowd. Daughter (watching the crowd following after Jesus; with awe) Look at how they love Him. Man (looking around) For now. (as they exit, sadly) For now. They exit. ---------------- COPYRIGHT NOTICE ---------------- This script is Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel. This data file is the sole property of David S. Lampel. The data file may not be altered or edited in any way. It may be reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware," without charge. All reproductions of this data file must contain the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel"). This data file may not be used without the permission of David S. Lampel for resale or the enhancement of any other product sold. This includes all of its content. Brief quotations not to exceed more than 500 words may be used, with the appropriate copyright notice, to enhance or supplement personal or church devotions, newsletters, journals, promotions, or spoken messages. Permission is hereby extended for this script to be printed for rehearsal and performance use. Copies may be reproduced in sufficient number for the director, actors, and technical personnel, as long as each copy contains the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel") ----------------- USING THIS SCRIPT ----------------- For electronic distribution, the Internet version of this script uses the following conventions: * character names are in ALL CAPS. * stage directions within a character's line are enclosed in parentheses (e.g., "(with anger)"). * stage directions without are enclosed in brackets (e.g., "[They exit.]"). * the plus sign (+) indicates when to cue trax or begin intro for next song ---------------------------------------------------------------------- These plays and musical resources are made available free-of-charge, without obligation, in service to our Lord and to His glory. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- David S. Lampel Winterset, IA 50273 USA Complete resources at http://hc.dlampel.com/ "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36) 20120305