Walter Ben Hare

AUTHOR OF THE PLAYS

"Aaron Boggs, Freshman," "Abbu San of Old Japan," "Civil Service," "A College Town," "Kicked Out of College," "Macbeth à la Mode," "Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown," "Parlor Matches," "A Poor Married Man," "My Irish Rose," "A Rustic Romeo," "Savageland," "A Southern Cinderella," etc.

ILLUSTRATED BY

BUCKTON NENDICK

CHICAGO T.S. DENISON & COMPANY Publishers COPYRIGHT, 1917 BY EBEN H. NORRIS MADE IN U.S.A.

From "Anita's Secret or Christmas in the Steerage"

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED

WITH THE BEST WISHES OF THE AUTHOR

TO

FRANCES MAAS ULLMANN

THE ORIGINAL

"ANITA"

AND

LUDWIG BLOCK ULLMANN

THE ORIGINAL

"JOLLY JACK FROST"

"I have always thought of Christmas time ... as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time ... when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely ...; and I say, God bless it!"

Charles Dickens.

[Pg 5]

FOREWORD

N these little plays I have tried to bring before the public the two dominant characteristics of the ideal Christmas season, kindness, expressed by "good will toward men," and the inward joy wrought by kind acts, and suggested by "peace on earth." As Yuletide draws near we like to think of the swell of Christmas feeling, kindness, peace and good will, that rises like a mighty tide over the world, filling it with the fresh, clean joys and generous impulses that produce the peace that passeth understanding.

Some of the plays are filled with the spirit of fun and jollity that is always associated with Christmas merrymaking; in others I have tried to emphasize the spiritual blessings brought to the children of men on that first white Christmas night when Christ, the Lord, was born in Bethlehem, and all the angels sang, "Gloria in excelsis, peace on earth, good will toward men."

CHILDREN IN PLAYS.

The love of mimetic representation, either as a participant or as a spectator, is an ineradicable instinct of childhood and adolescence. Most of these plays call for a somewhat large number of children. This need not daunt the producer as the chief characters are few and many of the parts have very few lines to speak. Many extra children may be introduced in several of the plays, as a chorus. At Christmas time, the children's season, it is best to allow all who so desire to take part in the entertainment. Some of the parts are rather long, but all have been[Pg 6] played by children of the age indicated in the text. Very little children have sometimes done remarkable work in the plays. I remember one instance when a very tiny Tiny Tim, who was not four years old, spoke his part correctly, was heard in every corner of the church and acted with a naturalness that was indeed remarkable.

REHEARSALS.

First and foremost, do not over-rehearse your play. The chief charm in Christmas plays lies in their naturalness and simplicity, a part of which is almost sure to be lost if they have rehearsed the play until they have lost their wonder and excitement and enjoyment in the make-believe game of amateur theatricals.

The director's aim should be to establish a happy co-operation with the players that will make the whole production, rehearsals, dress rehearsals and final performance, a series of good times crowned by a happy, if not perfect, production. The director should always strive to be cheerful and happy, ever ready to give advice and ever ready to ask for advice, even from the youngest players. Take them into your confidence. Discuss color schemes, costuming, property making, lighting and scenic effects with your actors.

At the first rehearsal have the children listen to a reading of the play. Then read a short scene in detail, allowing each actor to read several parts. Try every child in every child's part before you make your final selection of the cast of characters. If it is possible, begin your second rehearsal on the stage where the play is to be given. Arrange[Pg 7] chairs to represent entrances, doors, windows, etc., and have all properties on hand, in order to impress on the children's minds the necessity of learning the words and the action at the same time. At the third rehearsal the play should be given in its entirety, music, gestures, entrances, exits, groupings and crossing from one side of the stage to another at a given cue, etc. In fact, everything as in the completed production, except that the actors may use their copies of the play for reading the lines.

DELAYS.

The director should make every effort to guard against stage waits and delays of every sort. Have your stage hands, prompter, property managers, scene painters and all your assistants on hand at every rehearsal, if possible. Long waits between the acts, tardiness in beginning the performance, and all delays do much to destroy an otherwise happy impression. Every piece of scenery, every costume, every bit of make-up and every property should be in its place—all ready to make a smooth final performance. Dress rehearsals are absolutely necessary. The last two rehearsals should be complete performances of the play with lights, curtains, costumes, make-up, scenery and all incidentals exactly as they are to be on the night of the performance.

With such preparation, scarcely anything is impossible of attainment. The pleasure of the work and the pride in a production well done will amply repay an ungrudging lavishment of time and labor.

Walter Ben Hare.

Drury College, Springfield, Mo. [Pg 8]

STAGE DIRECTIONS.

Stage directions are purposely simplified and few abbreviations used. R. means right of the stage: C., center; L., left, etc. The actor is supposed to be facing the audience.

MUSIC.

Music is provided for a few of the songs in this book. The others are to be sung to old airs that are presumably familiar to everyone. If any of them should prove unfamiliar, the music of all except some of the hymns will be found in Denison's "Songs Worth While," one of the best arranged and most carefully edited collections of old favorites ever published. This book is beautifully printed on non-glossy paper, measuring 7 by 10-1/4 inches, and is well bound in a stout paper cover done in colors. It may be obtained from the publishers for the price of $1.00, postpaid.

For all the hymns not included in "Songs Worth While," see any standard church hymnal.

[Pg 9]

THE WHITE CHRISTMAS

[Pg 12]

Enlarge

[Pg 13]

THE WHITE CHRISTMAS

A CHRISTMAS MORALITY PLAY IN ONE ACT.

Originally produced by the Quadrangle Club of the University of Missouri, Christmas Eve, 1909.

CHARACTERS.

A Concealed Choir. The Prologue.

For description of costumes, arrangement of the scene, etc., see "Remarks on the Production" at the end of the play.

Time of Playing—About One Hour.

Scene I: Before the play begins the Prologue steps in front of the curtains and addresses the congregation.

Prologue.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife....

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Exit Prologue.)[Pg 15]

(Soft chimes. As these chimes die away in the distance a concealed choir is heard singing.)

O COME, COME, AWAY.

(The front curtains are drawn, showing a winter street in Bethlehem. No one appears on the stage, but the choir continues singing outside at right front.)

Rachel and Priscilla enter from the inn at right front, arm in arm. They go to the center, then to the rear of the stage, turn and face the inn, pause a moment or two, listening to the choir, and then go out at rear left. The choir continues:

While the choir is singing the last three lines of the song, Simeon and Isaac enter from rear left, leaning on their shepherd's crooks. They pause at[Pg 16] rear center and listen to the singing. When the song is finished the organ continues the same music softly.

Simeon. Make haste, my son, the hour is waxing late, The night is cold, methinks our sheep await. Isaac. Nay gran'ther, I would liefer tarry here. The town is gay, the inns are full of cheer. Simeon (points to rear right). But there our duty lies, the wind grows cold! Come, let's away and put the sheep in fold.

(Starts off right.)

Isaac. Nay, Simeon, wait! What means this crowd of men And women here in peaceful Bethlehem? Simeon (comes to him). Herod the King hath issued a decree That each and all his subjects taxèd be; And every one who in this town saw light Must here return and register tonight. From all Judea, aye, from th' distant land, Each Bethlehemite must come at his command. Isaac (comes to the doorway of the inn and peers in). The town is full of people, great and small, Each inn is crowded to its very wall. Simeon (comes down center and takes his arm). But come, we're wasting time, 'tis very late. Make haste, my son, I know the flocks await! Isaac. Thou speakest true, though I would rather stay, Our duty calls, so to the hills, away!

(They go out at rear right.)

[Pg 17]

The concealed choir repeats the first stanza of the song softly. After a slight pause Deborah enters from the inn.

Deborah (coming down to right front). My inn is crowded to the doors. The heat Is stifling, but out here the air is sweet.

(Looks upward.)

The bright stars twinkle with mysterious light, Methinks there's something strange about the night.

She sits on the bench in front of the inn. Timothy enters from rear left. Deborah continues her soliloquy.

The air is still, the night is very cold, The shepherds seek the hills to watch the fold.

(Sees him.)

(Timothy goes out at rear R.)

Deborah. Some strange, unearthly voice seems calling me, Methinks this night portends great things to be.

Enter Rachel and Priscilla from rear right, then come down center and address the hostess.

Rachel. Hail, hostess of the inn, my cousin here Hath lodgings at your inn. We'd seek its cheer. Deborah (rises). Enter within. My guests tonight are gay And fain would turn this winter's night to day.

Rachel and Priscilla enter the inn, followed by Deborah. The organ music continues softly. After a slight pause enter Anna from rear left. She leads Ruth and Thomas by the hand.[Pg 18]

Thomas (at rear center). Oh, mother, hark! There's music in the inn! Anna. 'Tis not for us—their noise and merry din. Ruth. Our little town is crowded, joyous, gay. Thomas. So many travelers came this way today. Ruth. The night is chill and cold, I much do fear The little sheep will shiver by the mere. Anna. Too cold it is for thee, I fear, in truth, Return and get thy cloak, my little Ruth. We'll wait for thee upon the little hill.

(Points off R.)

But speed thy steps, the cold will work thee ill. Ruth. I'll fly, dear mother, like an arrow home.

(Runs out at L.)

Anna. We must not tarry. Come, my Thomas, come!

(She leads him out at rear R. There is a pause. The music changes to a mysterious plaintive air. The old German song, Holy Night, may be effectively introduced as an organ solo.)

Enter from rear right, Joseph, walking with a staff and supporting Mary.

Mary. Here is a place, now I must rest awhile! For many a league, for many a weary mile, [Pg 19]We've trudged along since break of day began. Joseph. 'Tis true, and I'm an old and ancient man, My joints are stiff, my bones are waxing old— And the long night is bitter, bitter cold. Here take my cloak and keep thee warm within, And wait thee here while I search out an inn.

(He wraps his cloak around her and seats her on the bench or stool in front of the manger. He goes out at rear left. The music changes to the Magnificat, to be found in all Episcopal hymnals.)

Mary (sings). My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty has magnified me: and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations. He hath showed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, forever.

Enter Joseph from rear L.

[Pg 20]

Joseph. For hours I've trudged the street in fruitless quest, Here is an inn, mayhap at last we'll rest.

Enter Deborah from the inn.

Mary. Husband, I'm faint; I can no farther go. Methinks I'll rest me here upon this loe.

(Sits in front of the manger.)

Joseph (assisting her). Have courage, Mary, here's the hostess here.

(Comes to Deborah at right.)

We'd lodge with thee tonight. Deborah. Alas, I fear My inn is crowded to the very wall, Soldiers and scribes, the rich, the great, the small! Joseph. Is there room for us? My wife is ill. Deborah. My heart is sad and it is not my will To send you hence, but naught is left to do. Perhaps some other inn will shelter you. Joseph. Alas, the other inns are all the same! Deborah. Never was seen the like in Bethlehem.

(Laughter and noise at R.)

My guests are merry, hear their jovial din!

(Goes to R.)

I pity you, there's no room at the inn.

(Exits into the inn.)

[Pg 21]

Mary. Our last hope gone! Now, what shall we do? My strength is leaving!

(Bows head.)

Joseph. Would I could succor you. I'll wrap thee warm. Now rest thee here a while. We've traveled far, full many a weary mile.

Enter Ruth from rear L., hurrying along.

Joseph. Maiden, I fain would stop thee in thy flight— Can'st tell where we could lodge this winter night? Ruth. That inn is crowded. There's one upon the hill. Joseph. I've tried them all, my wife is very ill. Ruth. That little stable there upon the loe,

(Points to L front.)

'Tis snug and warm. 'Twill shield thee from the snow. Mary (rises). God's blessing on thy little head, sweet child! Come, Joseph, for the wind now waxes wild.

(Exits L. front.)

(Joseph leads her to exit L., then turns and looks off R.)

Joseph.

(Ruth stands at rear C., watching him.)

The curtains slowly fall.

Scene II: Hymn by the congregation.

WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS.

The Prologue appears before the curtains and speaks.

Prologue.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.[Pg 25]

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (Exit Prologue at L.)

(Soft chimes are heard. The Shepherds, accompanied by the concealed choir, are heard singing:)

LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT

As the Shepherds begin on the second stanza of the hymn, the curtains rise disclosing the same scene as before. Simeon, Timothy and Isaac discovered seated in a group at rear center, singing. Thomas stands by his father.

[Pg 26]

Simeon. Methought I heard a whir of wings on high. Timothy. I see naught save the snow and starry sky. Isaac. We've come a long and mighty step today, From o'er the frosty hills and far away. Thomas (pointing over the manger). Look, father, dost thou see that shining star That seems to stand above the town so far? 'Tis like a wondrous blossom on a stem, And see, it ever shines o'er Bethlehem! Timothy. A brighter star, I'm sure I never saw— And perfect form, without a speck or flaw. Simeon. A stranger star! It never shone before, It standeth still above that stable door.

Enter Anna and Ruth from rear left. Anna carries a little lamb.

Anna (joining the group). Look ye, I've found a little lamb new-born. Timothy. Poor little beastie! Wrap him well and warm. Simeon. An ill night to be born in, frost and snow, Naught but cold skies above, cold earth below. I marvel any little creature should be born On such a night. Anna. I found it all forlorn, [Pg 27]Crying beside its mother in the storm. Simeon (comes down a little to right front). Hark, I thought I heard a sound of mighty wings! Listen! Is it the winter sky that sings? Isaac (with the group at rear center). Nay, gran'ther, I heard naught. You're old and gray And weary with the miles you've walked today. Simeon. At noon I met a man who tarried in the shade, He led a mule, and riding it a maid— A maiden with a face I'll ne'er forget, A wondrous face, I seem to see it yet Lit with an inward shining, as if God Had set a lighted lamp within her soul. Many have passed all day, but none like these, And no face have I ever seen like hers. Timothy. Belike the man and maid were strangers here, And come to Bethlehem at the king's command.

Ruth (comes down to Simeon and takes his hand). Methinks I met that very man and maid— A maiden with such wondrous dove-like eyes, I saw them near this place, all tired and worn, Trudging about the town, seeking an inn. Simeon. And did they find one? Ruth. Nay, not so! For every inn was crowded to its doors. Hard by Deborah's inn there is a little barn, All full of cattle, oxen, cooing doves— [Pg 28]I showed it to them, and they went therein. Thomas (standing at rear L. with Anna). Mother, that star! That wondrous, wondrous light,

(Points up.)

It turns the night to day, it shines so bright I am afraid! It cannot be that any star, Only a star, can give so great a light. It frightens me. Anna. All things are strange tonight. The very sheep are restless in their fold, They watch the star and do not mind the cold. Simeon (puts hand to right ear, bends toward right and listens). Again I heard a singing in the sky! Timothy. You heard the tinkling bell of some stray sheep, The night grows late, come let us all to sleep. Simeon. Yea, all ye lie down and take your rest, I'll keep the watch alone, this night is blest.

(The others recline at the rear.)

Anna (comes to Simeon). Here, take the little sheep and keep it warm.

(Lies down.)

Simeon. Poor little new-born beast, I'll guard from harm. Again I marvel that you should be born On such a night, poor little lamb forlorn.

(Simeon walks toward the manger with the sheep in his arms. The others sleep.)

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.[Pg 29]

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

(Soft Music.)

(He arouses the others. They listen wonderingly, standing or reclining.)

Voice (an unseen soprano chants softly).