Let's Party

A musical by Raymond J. Lombardi (Note a royalty is required for this script. For conditions, see details at the foot of the script.)

Summary
Moses, Esther, Ruth, David and Isaiah have been asked to organise the arrangements for the millennium's big event, the birth of Jesus.

Characters
Moses Queen Esther Ruth David Isaiah An angel Reuben the shepherd Three Wisemen

Script
Choir sings "Were Planning A Party" Were plannin a party, A birthday celebration Were plannin a party Well send an invitation To every woman and man Every girl and every boy Gonna plan a party that is full of Peace and hope and joy Were plannin a party A brithday celebration Were plannin a party For the King of Kings! We gotta think through all the details We gotta cover every base We gotta schedule the music We gotta choose the time and place Its gotta be just right Cant have anything go wrong Were gonna think and plan

All day long! This is going to be The greatest party youll see!

ACT I: The First Committee Meeting

(Staging: The biblical characters are sitting around a table, with Moses at the head. There is a whiteboard (or chalkboard) right behind Moses. Moses needs a marker or chalk. Costumes should reflect the biblical character.) Moses: All right, everyone, lets come to order! (he bangs the gavel on the table) We need to get this meeting underway - weve got a lot to discuss. First order of business is to take attendance. (the rest of the group groans) Queen Esther? Queen Esther: Yes, Moses, Im here ... Im sitting right in front of you! Moses: Yes, and looking very queenly, if I might add. Now, King David? David: Is this really necessary? Moses: Yes, the Father said I was to make sure that everyone was accounted for. Now are you here or not? David: Fine. Im here. Moses: Ruth? Ruth: Present. Moses: And last but not least, Isaiah? Isaiah: Present as always. Moses: OK, were all here. Now all of you should have been briefed by Gabriel about the purpose of our mission. Were calling it: "Operation C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S." (Everyone starts murmuring and whispering to one another, while Ruth puts her hand up) Ruth: Im sorry, but what does C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. mean? Moses: I thought Gabriel was going to explain all of this to you! (Moses turns to write on the whiteboard - or chalkboard and writes Committee to Herald the Royal Infant Son To Man As Savior on the board.) We are the Committee to Herald the Royal Infant Son To Man As Savior. Our mission is to make the birth of the savior a very special event. So we need to plan the location, the guests, the accommodations, everything! No detail must go unplanned! Now in the latest E-mail I got from the Father (Moses pulls out a folded piece of paper and starts to open and read it, while Ruth puts her hand up again ...) Yes Ruth, what is it this time? Ruth: Im sorry, but whats an E-mail? Moses: Youve never received an E-mail? You need to catch up with the times, Ruth! David: E-mail means Eternal Mail. You DO know that the Fathers words are Eternal, dont you, Ruth? Ruth: Well, I ... Isaiah: Im getting a vision ... I see a time in the distant future when E-mail will play a major role in the lives of many people, and somehow a man who builds gates is involved ... or is that Bill Gates? Moses: Enough already! Now as I was saying, in His latest E-mail to me, the Father indicated that we should pick a very special place for the child to be born into the world. Queen Esther: I know a palace in Persia thats perfect for large parties. Im sure we can fit, five, maybe six thousand people in the banquet hall.

Moses: I dont think that is what the Father had in mind! He wanted something rather small, intimate, and cozy. Isaiah: Im getting a vision of a very rustic setting ... lots of animals around, some real nature smells. Ruth: Thats sounds gross! (Cue in music for "Theres No Place Like Bethlehem") David: That reminds me of my old hometown, Bethlehem. Id be out on the slopes at night, listening to all the sounds of nature - the chirping insects, the bleating of the sheep ... the nights were cold, the days warm ... why, I can still smell the flowers covering the fields as the sheep grazed nearby. You know, theres no place like Bethlehem ... theres just no better place that I can think of for the baby to be born! Choir sings "Theres No Place Like Bethlehem" Theres no place like Bethlehem To be the birthplace of Gods only son Theres no place like Bethlehem To host a party for the little one Who would grow to give his life Who would end all sin and strife Theres no place like Bethlehem, like Bethlehem Theres no place like Bethlehem Though no palaces were built for him Theres no place like Bethlehem Though they couldnt find room at the inn Just a manger dark and bare In the frosty moonlit air Theres no place like Bethlehem, like Bethlehem The great and mighty cities The peaceful towns by the sea The little village hamlets Had hoped that they would be The place where the king of kings would be born But God had chosen Bethlehem A tiny, sleepy town To be the place where the tiny babe Would be born to one day wear a crown Theres no place like Bethlehem the prophet had claimed long ago Theres no place like Bethlehem The angels said that it was so There in Bethlehem that night The world received the light In the town called Bethlehem, in Bethlehem In Bethlehem in Bethlehem Moses: Bethlehem sounds like a fine place for the child to be born. All in favor say "Amen!" (Everyone says "Amen!") All opposed say "Shalom!" (No one responds) Its

settled then! Bethlehem it is. Now, lets see, who should we invite to come and witness this birth? Esther: Shouldnt we invite all the kings and queens of the earth? Ruth: What about all the priests and religious leaders. Shouldnt we include them? David: Maybe we should include the rich and famous. After all, it would be nice for him to get some great birthday gifts. Isaiah: Im getting a vision ... I see humble people ... real "salt of the earth" types. They seem rugged, a little dirty, worn clothes, some of them need a bath ... David: Sounds like most of my shepherd friends! Esther: Shepherds! Why in the world would we want to invite shepherds to this royal occasion? It doesnt make any sense! Ruth: And just whats wrong with the common folks? I was a common girl myself when I walked the earth! Moses: I remember when I was a prince in Egypt ... and then for many years I did some shepherding myself. Shepherds are humble folk. Theyre honest , hardworking, and they really care about their flocks. Isaiah: Seems to me I remember writing something about this very thing as well. In my book ... by the way, have you read my book lately? Anyway, in my book I said that the Messiah would be like a lamb. So I think its very appropriate to invite shepherds as the honored guests! Moses: All those in favor of inviting shepherds to the celebration, say "Amen!" (Everyone says Amen) All those opposed say "Shalom!" (No one responds) Its settled then. Perhaps we should see just how the shepherds will react. I see a little shepherd down there right now. Cant be much more than a boy! His name is Reuben, and hes taking care of his fathers flock. Why dont we send a couple of angels down and invite him? Scene now switches to Reuben, who is standing in center stage, leaning on his staff and whistling the melody to "I Am His Special Guest". Suddenly he looks up to the sky. (Angels are speaking to him, but the audience neither sees nor hears the angels) Reuben: Hello? Are you talking to me? (pause) You are! (more like a question than a statement) You want to invite me to WHAT? (pause) I see ... well, Ive got this flock here with me ... but ... I dont ... Im not ... God the Father said that?!! Well, yes, of course, Id be honored! Ill get ready to leave right now! (music begins) Wow! Ive been invited to birth of the Messiah! Im going to be his special guest! (Reuben sings "I Am His Special Guest") I Am His Special Guest from the musical "Lets Party!" Ill be his special guest Ill go by special request For the Father up in heaven Was lookin down at me And saw this little shepherd underneath the olive tree He invited me to come Where in the manger straw a miracle of miracles

Fills the room with awe Ill be his special guest Choir (Hell be Gods Special Guest) I am his special guest And I can never rest Until Ive gone to see What the angels told me of The one they said that came To show the world Gods love I just cant believe its true That God invited me A lowly shepherd boy From a town near Galilee I am his special guest Choir (he is Gods special guest) No one in my family is important No ones ever been a prince or king No ones even ever been to Egypt And yet the angels came to me to sing That they wanted ME to go to see him The one they called the babe Emmanuel So I am right now on my way to go there Along the way Im gonna shout and tell I am his special guest Ive got a special quest To go up to the Inn Where the party has begun To see this little babe The Fathers only son I may be a shepherd boy Just a humble little lad But I will give my heart and make the Father glad that Im his special guest, that Im his special guest, that Im his special guest At the end of the song Rueben leaves the stage, and the focus returns to the committee Following the song, the committee is a little confused ... Ruth: Moses, I dont understand something. Were planning this big celebration for the birth of the Messiah, but yet youve already invited that little shepherd boy! I dont get it! Isaiah: (trying to be patient) Its called "foreshadowing", my dear. We just got a little prophetic glimpse into the future just now. I used to have them quite frequently when I was on earth! Esther: So what just happened didnt really happen? Isaiah: Not yet. But the response of Reuben tells us that the shepherds are a great choice to go celebrate the birth of Christ.

Moses: People, lets get back on task! Weve got much more to plan! Now , what about the entertainment? Queen Esther: I once knew these guys who could swallow flaming swords ... David: Thatll make the sheep scatter to the four corners of the earth ! Ruth: Why cant we use heavens praise band? Have you heard them lately ? I just found out that theyre doing a show tonight. Isaiah: Hm ... Im getting another vision ... Tonight Show ... many bands, a few bad comedians ... many jokes about a man named "Clinton" who lives in a big white house. Its all very fuzzy, you know! David: Ill take that over the flaming sword guy any day. Esther: I guess the Praise band does sound a little more festive ... Moses: I sure cant think of any better way to announce the coming of the Messiah. After all, theyve been waiting for him to come ever since I was a boy in Egypt! So, do we need to take a vote? (everyone nods their heads "yes", Moses sighs and says) Fine. All those in favor of having Heavens Praise Band provide the music please signify by saying "Amen!" (Everyone says "Amen!") All those opposed say "Shalom!" (Everyone just sits there) The motion is carried. Someone needs to get the message to the angel Jubal to get the band together and put on the show! Choir sings "Heavens Praise Band" Heavens Praise Band words and music by Ray Lombardi Its time to tune the instruments Gotta practice and prepare For the party needs some music Some tunes with style and flair Gotta warmup all the singers Gotta setup all the drums Gotta tinkle on the ivories Gotta practice guitar strums Heavens praise band is coming Gonna sing Gonna shout Gonna Praise Heavens praise band is coming Were gonna worship all our days Well be singing a birthday tune To the newborn king tonight Heavens praise band is coming And this band is outta sight! The angels form the chorus That sing the happy song That Jesus Christ is born today What weve waited for so long The angels singing gloria The trumpets do proclaim The praise band sent from heaven Will never be the same! Heavens praise band is coming

Were going to shout and sing A song for the birthday of the great Messiah King! (An angel appears who hands Moses a note and leaves. Moses opens the note.) David: What did you get? Moses: Its another E-Mail from the Father. Hes telling us that He wants us to invite three kings from distant lands to come to the celebration. Apparently, the three know each other, but they are each from different lands. David: How are they going to find out about Bethlehem? Ruth: Yeah ... its not like we have some sort of global system for people to be able to interact and network individually and corporately no matter where they might live or work. Isaiah: Im getting another vision ... I see that someday, Ruth, people will be able to do just what you said. Itll be called the ... INTER- NET. Esther: Thats impossible! Theres no way a person on one side of earth will be able to interact with someone on the other side! Isaiah: Not true! Not true!" I see a messenger in my vision ... an "instant messenger" if you will ... but, for some reason, at the top of my vision are the letters A.O.L. What can that possibly mean?!!! Moses: People, people, stop fantasizing about something that cant possibly happen! We need to figure out a way to get those gentlemen to Bethlehem. Something big ... something bright ... something that will grab their attention ... (Moses appears lost in thought) Ruth: You mean like a star? (everyone basically ignores her) David: Hm ... lets see, big, bright, grabs attention ... a sign on the top of the highest mountain? Ruth: How about a star? Esther: We could ask the Father to send a big lightening strike that points right down to Bethlehem! David: Youve got to be kidding ... Moses: (still lost in his own thoughts) Lets see ... Hes been a pillar of fire by night, a cloud by day ... Ruth: What about a star? Moses: (excitedly) Ive got it! How about an unusual STAR right about Bethlehem! Then we just tell them to follow the star! (Everyone except Ruth acts real excited about the idea while Ruth fumes ... ) Now, Ruth you were saying ... ? Ruth: Forget it! Lets just tell them to follow the star! Choir sings "Just Follow that Star" Heavens Praise Band words and music by Ray Lombardi Just follow that star Just follow that star It will lead you to the place As it brightly shines in space Just follow that star Just follow that star

He could have given us a roadmap He could have sent an angel guide He could have made a special landmark But this is what He did provide So, just follow that star Just follow that star It will lead you to the place As it brightly shines in space Just follow that star Just follow that star Its a beacon pure and bright It will guide them through the night It was placed with a loving hand so that men from a distant land, could, Just follow that star He could have marked a path with ribbons He could have paved a road so wide He could have cut a trail through forests But he chose a star to be the guide, so Choir concludes; Lights dim, intermission

ACT II: THE DAY OF THE PARTY

(The committee reconvenes and talks excitedly among one another as they realize that the day has finally come and Christ has been born in Bethlehem, just as they had planned it. The conversation begins ...) Moses: People, people, lets come to order please! Even though everything is going smoothly down on earth we need to stay focused! I need status reports on the proceedings! Now, David, was all prepared as planned in Bethlehem? David: Check! Moses: Was the manger ready as we agreed? Ruth: Check! Moses: Did the Praise band arrive on schedule? Esther: Check! Moses: Did the shepherds find their way to the Inn? Isaiah: Check! Moses: Did the wise men arrive yet? (silence - everyone looks around like it wasnt their job to find out ... Moses gets impatient and repeats the question) Moses: Well? What about the wisemen? Who was supposed to check this detail? (Ruth timidly raises her hand ... ) Ruth: I think I was, sir ... Moses: Dont tell me we didnt follow up on the wisemen! The Father was very specific! Hes not going to ... (Isaiah interrupts him) Isaiah: Ah ... Moses, I think theyve just arrived. Dont forget, they had the furthest to travel. Im just glad they got here at all. Why, some would have given up long ago and

just headed home. But these three men knew that it was worth coming all this way to meet the child born a savior. I gotta hand it to them - they really stuck it out! I think I can hear them talking about their trip right now! (Isaiah puts a hand behind his ear as the music begins for "Weve Come All This Way") Wisemen Trio sings "Weve Come All This Way" Weve Come All This Way (The Song of the Wise men) It was a long , long journey Were tired and were cold Our feet are really achin And our bones feel so old But weve finally come to Bethlehem To celebrate this day It is for this one purpose that Weve come all this way! Chorus: I bring gifts of gold I bring gifts of frankincense I bring gift of myrrh We went to all expense To bring the King of Kings and Lord of Lords a gift on his birthday For this is the reason we came all this way There were dangers on this journey And Herod tried to learn About this little baby king He wants us to return But we wont give in to his lies When we have done our stay, for Jesus is the reason that Weve come all this way Moses: Well, I dont know about you folks, but Im thrilled that things came off without a hitch! Isaiah, how do you think the rest of the world will feel about the Messiahs coming? Isaiah: I dont want burst your bubble, Moses, but I wouldnt count on too many people getting very excited. Ruth: Whys that, Isaiah? Isaiah: Well, you see the Messiah has been sent to the world to save mankind, but man is filled with sin, and doesnt think he needs a savior. So when that little boy becomes a man, hes going to cause quite a stir among the people. But not to worry - you see, God the Father has a very special plan for the Messiah that will be important to every man, woman and child that walks the earth. Someday, the Messiah will be beaten, and broken, and then put to death. I wrote about this very thing in my book - by the way, have you read my book lately? In my book I said that he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, and by his wounds we are healed. I know this is very difficult, but remember,

his dying will give us all new life. And thats why tonight is a special time to rejoice. And so tonight, we celebrate! David: I feel like singing! Why, I havent written a Psalm in centuries ! I better get started on something appropriate! Esther: This is just like the day when Mordecai saved the Jews from destruction! Ruth: And like the time my beloved husband Boaz saved me from a life of despair! Moses: We ALL have reason to celebrate ... because the MESSIAH has come to earth! Praise Jehovah! Lets celebrate His birth! Choir presents finale "What A Party, What A Night" What A Party, What A Night! words and music by Ray Lombardi What a party, What a night What a time of pure delight What a celebration What a time to laugh and sing In the birthday party for the little newborn king! (repeat) Everyone gathered all around And did not dare to make a sound Every beast was still, every breath was held Until he was born then we all joined and yelled What a party, What a night What a time of pure delight What a celebration What a time to laugh and sing In the birthday party for the little newborn king! Joy to the world, the Lord has come Let earth receive her king Let every heart prepare him room And heavn and nature sing And heavn and nature sing And heavn and heavn and nature sing! What a party, What a night What a time of pure delight What a celebration What a time to laugh and sing In the birthday party for the little newborn king! O come let us adore Him O come let us adore Him O come let us adore Him Christ the Lord
............................................................................... Copyright Raymond J Lombardi. All rights reserved.

A Royalty is payable for use of this script. Sheet music and backing CD's are available from the Author. To pay Royalties and obtain copies of the music, visit the Author's Website at www.lorray.com for details.