The White Christmas and other Merry Christmas PlaysHare, Walter Ben
Religion
The White Christmas and other Merry Christmas Plays
Hare, Walter Ben
Christmas plays
Down left, near the audience, is the manger, a building extending out
from left about seven feet. It has a back and one side of scenery or
dark draperies and a thatched roof, covered with twigs or evergreen
branches. There may be a door leading into the manger from the stage,
but this is not necessary, as the characters can go out behind the
manger. A front curtain, of dark goods, conceals the interior of the
manger from the audience until it is withdrawn by Joseph.
The interior of the manger is covered with hay. Rude boxes and farm
implements all around. A large upturned chair with wooden legs may
simulate the crib, if it is concealed by enough straw. An electric
light bulb is concealed in this straw and shines on the face of Mary,
bending over the crib.
If desired, the manger scene may be presented in the choir loft, the
manger hidden by curtains until revealed by Joseph. In this case have
the evergreen trees at the left of the stage and arrange the manger
scene at the rear and elevated above the other scene. This will prove
most feasible in churches where the choir loft is immediately behind
and above the platform.
LIGHTS.
Dim all the lights in the audience. Have a powerful searchlight,
engine headlight or two powerful auto lights shining on the stage from
a concealed elevation at the left. Shade these lights with a blue
isinglass shield, thus casting a blue light over the entire stage. Use
a strong yellow light on the manger scene, the rest of the stage being
in darkness.
PROPERTIES.
If it is possible have bits of white confetti or finely cut paper fall
from above during the shepherds' scene in Act II.
The bases of the trees should be covered with cotton.
Three rough crooks for the shepherds.
Chimes to ring off the stage. A dinner gong or set of chimes will
answer.
For the lamb use a white muff, being careful to shield it from the
direct gaze of the audience.
A spray of cherries.
A small bird of blue feathers.
A ball.
A crown and scepter made of gilded wood.
A censor made of metallic butter dish suspended by chains.
A fancy jewel case, supposed to contain myrrh.
Bench in front of inn.
Rude box in front of manger.
COSTUMES.
MARY--A sweet-faced blonde. Long tunic of light blue, falling straight
from neck to the ankles. White stockings. Sandals. Hair in two long
braids either side of face. White veil draped around head and
shoulders, bound about the brow with circlet. Dark red mantle,
fastened to left shoulder and draped around body. This mantle may
trail on the ground. The tunic may be made of cotton crepon, the
mantle of dyed muslin.
JOSEPH--A virile, bearded man of about fifty. Sandals. Long black
cassock, easily obtained from an Episcopal choir. Striped couch cover
may serve as mantle. This should be draped about head and body. Long
staff.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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