The Christmas Hedgehog
Drama
Six Advent Plays for Children
Object:
Characters
Older Julie
Jerry
Elaine
Deena
Julie
Alice
Baby
David
Jimmy
Mrs. Wells
Mrs. Malby
Mary (nonspeaking)
Joseph (nonspeaking)
Donkey
Dog
Shepherds (two or three, nonspeaking)
Sheep (several, nonspeaking)
Scene One
(Five chairs are placed in the middle front of the stage in the formation of an imaginary car. A manger scene is located at the center back of the stage. A ladder and greenery need to be placed on the far side of the manger scene. Older Julie stands at a lectern with a microphone at far right stage.)
Older Julie: I remember all my Christmases as being happy times. The holidays were filled with friends and family, the Sunday school program, the Christmas tree and presents, and the delicious food. There have been many Christmases that were special in my life, but, every time I see the manger with the baby Jesus there is one Christmas that stands out in my memory. Tonight, I would like to share it with you. It was a Sunday, just following church. Near Thanksgiving, as I recall.
(Jerry is standing by the car. Elaine has arrived with little Deena and Julie each holding one of her hands.)
Jerry: Where's David? We need to get home right now, the game has already started.
Elaine: I couldn't find him in the classroom.
Jerry: Deena, go find your brother.
(Deena runs back to church, Julie gets into the car. Alice walks up carrying her new baby and greets the family.)
Alice: Hello, Elaine, Jerry. I'm sorry I missed choir last Thursday. Joannie was being very fussy.
Elaine: You were missed. There are so few altos, and we are preparing our Christmas music.
Alice: I'll try to make it next week. By the way, may we borrow your travel crib over the holidays? We are planning a trip to Mother's for Thanksgiving.
Elaine: Why, of course, Alice. Keep it as long as you like; we aren't using it anymore.
Jerry: By the way, we have not seen you and John for a long time. Why don't you plan to have dinner with us this Friday, about 6:30?
Alice: We would enjoy that very much, we'll be there. Thank you.
(Deena runs up with David and his friend, Jimmy -- their clothes look torn apart.)
Deena: I found them fighting on the playground again.
Elaine: Oh, David, your new pants are ruined.
David: Jimmy pushed me off the swing.
Jerry: (impatiently) Well, get in the car so we can go home.
Alice: (pulling him toward her) Oh, Jimmy, why did you do that?
Elaine: It's okay, Alice. I'll get the crib over to you in the morning.
(The family gets into the car: Deena, David, and Julie in the backseat, Jerry is driving and Elaine sits next to him. They wave at people as they leave, and everyone pretends to be traveling. They sway with the curves... look out the windows, like a car ride.)
David: Will you put a band-aid on my knee, Mommy?
Elaine: Yes, dear, when we get home.
Jerry: Why were you and Jimmy fighting? I thought you were best friends.
Elaine: (reaches over and taps father on the arm) Now, Jerry.
David: Daddy, what's a deadhog?
Jerry: A deadhog? I've never heard of a deadhog.
Deena: He means a hedgehog, Daddy.
Jerry: Oh, a hedgehog is a small animal, much like a raccoon. Why do you ask?
David: 'Cause, Mrs. Wells wants me to be a deadhog in the Christmas play.
Jerry: I don't understand. What does a hedgehog have to do with Christmas?
Julie: We're doing "The Animals' Christmas," and everyone in the play is an animal.
Elaine: Oh, and what animal are you, Julie?
Julie: I'm the goat that sits in the doorway and talks to the dog.
Deena: And I'm the cow that gave Mary her bed so that she would be able to get some rest.
David: And Jimmy is the lamb.
Deena: (sneeringly) Some lamb.
Elaine: Now, Deena, try to think how Jimmy feels. Everyone makes over his baby sister so much, he must feel bad.
David: (pouting) But, he's so mean to me.
(They arrive home. Jerry stops the car. Everyone responds bodily to the auto's stopping by swaying back and then forward.... The family leaves car and goes into house.)
Scene Two
(This scene takes place in the stable. There is a small chair in the stable so the Cow can sit on the chair then later gives it to Mary. The Cow and the Hedgehog snuggle close. The Goat sits next to the Dog in the doorway. If possible, it is nice to have a pretend doorway. It could be painted cardboard.)
Older Julie: (from podium) A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, everyone was at the first dress rehearsal for the Christmas play, "The Animals' Christmas." Everyone was in costume and ...
Mrs. Wells: (bustling about getting everyone arranged, changes her mind and moves children around, then she stands back to direct the children) All right, children, let's take it from page two.
Mrs. Malby: The friendly dog bounced out to meet the couple as they came down the path and led them to the stable. The man looked into the mouth of the cave and saw the small, warm room. The cow struggled to her feet and offered the tired woman her bed.
Cow: Moooo. She looks so tired... she shall have my bed.
Mrs. Malby: The man led Mary to the cow's soft bed, spread a blanket, and gently helped his wife, Mary, onto the soft straw. The little cow sighed as she laid herself awkwardly on the hard ground.
(Cow sighs and sits next to the chair and the Hedgehog.)
Donkey: Thank you for giving my mistress your bed.
Cow: Mooooo, I was glad I was able to.
(Mrs. Wells walks over and moves a child so he can be seen better.)
Mrs. Malby: Once more, the animals settle down with the cow now sleeping on the cold, hard ground and the hedgehog curled up close to keep warm. The frisky goat and the dog, sitting near the mouth of the cave, begin to wonder about the strangeness of the night.
Dog: Rrrrufff, I have never seen the stars so bright.
Goat: Aaaaa, nor I, and I've noticed something else, everything is so still, not a sound. This must be a very special night.
Dog: Look, the lights at the inn are down, but it is still so bright.
Mrs. Wells: (walks over to hand Mary a doll and on her way back she turns the spotlight toward the stable, then moves a few children and animals around so they can be seen better) That's better. You may go on now, Mrs. Malby.
Mrs. Malby: No one else knew of what was taking place but those within the humble stable. (pause) As Mary held the newborn babe, the cow nudged the donkey.
Cow: My manger would make a soft, warm bed for the little one.
Donkey: You are very kind. I'll let my master know what to do. Master... master. (touches Joseph on the arm with his nose)
(Joseph takes doll from Mary and lays it in the manger.)
Mrs. Malby: As the doves cooed the tiny babe to sleep, the animals crowded close to keep each other warm. The dog and goat continue their watch over the night.
(Mrs. Wells dims lights on inside of cave, then turns spotlight on the doorway.)
Dog: What is that up there? (points his nose to a star in the distance)
Goat: Aaaaaa star... the brightest star I've ever seen....
Choir or instrumental
"Do You See What I See?"
Mrs. Malby: Out in the field where the shepherds were tending their flock there were angels who suddenly appeared and told of the great event. The shepherds left the fields and started toward Bethlehem.
(Shepherds and Jimmy, the lamb, come down the aisle, this includes all other little children playing lambs.)
Mrs. Malby: The shepherds arrived leading their flock and entered the stable to kneel before the manger. The lamb poked his head into the doorway and looked around.
(Mrs. Wells adjusts the spotlight on the cave where the manger is located.)
Hedgehog: Go away... it's already too crowded. We don't need any more animals in here.
Lamb: We would like to see the baby. See the blanket my master carries over his shoulder? It is made from my wool. Let me remind him of what he is to do.
Mrs. Malby: The lamb moves to the manger and tugs at the blanket on the shepherd's shoulder to remind him to give it to the baby. The shepherd removes his shawl and hands it to Mary. She gives him a grateful smile and tucks the warm blanket around the infant.
Mrs. Wells: (directing) That's all for today, children. Now be sure to be here next Saturday at 4:30 with your costumes on. See you then.
(As the children leave, little Julie takes her costume off and drops it in the aisle as she rushes for the door. Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Malby greet Alice who comes in with the baby. They stand and chat and fuss over Jimmy's baby sister.)
Mrs. Wells: Isn't she the sweetest thing. May I hold her?
Alice: (hands baby to Mrs. Wells) Of course.
(Jimmy runs over to his mother and hangs onto her skirt. Alice pats Jimmy on the head, rather impatiently. Alice walks out with Mrs. Malby and Mrs. Wells, who is holding the baby, as they continue to chat. Jimmy stands alone for a moment and then runs back into the church, picks up the doll in the manger, tears the blanket away, and spanks the doll then throws it back into the manger -- upside down. He goes to the side of the stage and climbs a ladder leading to greens used as decorations, above the stable, where he proceeds to tear them apart and throw some onto the floor. David walks back into the sanctuary; he does not see Jimmy, but sees the doll upside down. He picks it up and gently rewraps the doll in the blanket. Julie comes in the side door to pick up her costume that she left on the floor. She stops when she sees David and watches quietly from the side aisle, out of his sight but where the audience can see her.)
David: (sitting down at front of stage, holding and talking to the doll) Hi, Jesus.
(Music plays softly in the background.)
David: Jesus, Mrs. Malby tells me in Sunday school that you love everyone.
(Jimmy looks down from his hiding place.)
David: Do you love Jimmy?
(Jimmy shakes his head no.)
David: He has been bad to me, lately. He hits me all the time and calls me names.
Jimmy: (puts hand over his mouth) Oh!
David: He has not been very nice to me, but, I still love him... he's my best friend.
Jimmy: (tentatively) Hi, David.
David: (looks around) Where are you?
Jimmy: Here I am, up here.
(Jimmy climbs down and sits next to David.)
Jimmy: I'm sorry, I've been so mean, will you be my friend again?
David: (puts arm around Jimmy) Of course, Jimmy, come home with me and I'll show you my new airplane.
Jimmy: Okay.
(The boys walk out together, arms around each other.)
Older Julie: I understood right then. It is people loving people that makes the difference. It is Jesus working through our love that causes people to change.
The End
Older Julie
Jerry
Elaine
Deena
Julie
Alice
Baby
David
Jimmy
Mrs. Wells
Mrs. Malby
Mary (nonspeaking)
Joseph (nonspeaking)
Donkey
Dog
Shepherds (two or three, nonspeaking)
Sheep (several, nonspeaking)
Scene One
(Five chairs are placed in the middle front of the stage in the formation of an imaginary car. A manger scene is located at the center back of the stage. A ladder and greenery need to be placed on the far side of the manger scene. Older Julie stands at a lectern with a microphone at far right stage.)
Older Julie: I remember all my Christmases as being happy times. The holidays were filled with friends and family, the Sunday school program, the Christmas tree and presents, and the delicious food. There have been many Christmases that were special in my life, but, every time I see the manger with the baby Jesus there is one Christmas that stands out in my memory. Tonight, I would like to share it with you. It was a Sunday, just following church. Near Thanksgiving, as I recall.
(Jerry is standing by the car. Elaine has arrived with little Deena and Julie each holding one of her hands.)
Jerry: Where's David? We need to get home right now, the game has already started.
Elaine: I couldn't find him in the classroom.
Jerry: Deena, go find your brother.
(Deena runs back to church, Julie gets into the car. Alice walks up carrying her new baby and greets the family.)
Alice: Hello, Elaine, Jerry. I'm sorry I missed choir last Thursday. Joannie was being very fussy.
Elaine: You were missed. There are so few altos, and we are preparing our Christmas music.
Alice: I'll try to make it next week. By the way, may we borrow your travel crib over the holidays? We are planning a trip to Mother's for Thanksgiving.
Elaine: Why, of course, Alice. Keep it as long as you like; we aren't using it anymore.
Jerry: By the way, we have not seen you and John for a long time. Why don't you plan to have dinner with us this Friday, about 6:30?
Alice: We would enjoy that very much, we'll be there. Thank you.
(Deena runs up with David and his friend, Jimmy -- their clothes look torn apart.)
Deena: I found them fighting on the playground again.
Elaine: Oh, David, your new pants are ruined.
David: Jimmy pushed me off the swing.
Jerry: (impatiently) Well, get in the car so we can go home.
Alice: (pulling him toward her) Oh, Jimmy, why did you do that?
Elaine: It's okay, Alice. I'll get the crib over to you in the morning.
(The family gets into the car: Deena, David, and Julie in the backseat, Jerry is driving and Elaine sits next to him. They wave at people as they leave, and everyone pretends to be traveling. They sway with the curves... look out the windows, like a car ride.)
David: Will you put a band-aid on my knee, Mommy?
Elaine: Yes, dear, when we get home.
Jerry: Why were you and Jimmy fighting? I thought you were best friends.
Elaine: (reaches over and taps father on the arm) Now, Jerry.
David: Daddy, what's a deadhog?
Jerry: A deadhog? I've never heard of a deadhog.
Deena: He means a hedgehog, Daddy.
Jerry: Oh, a hedgehog is a small animal, much like a raccoon. Why do you ask?
David: 'Cause, Mrs. Wells wants me to be a deadhog in the Christmas play.
Jerry: I don't understand. What does a hedgehog have to do with Christmas?
Julie: We're doing "The Animals' Christmas," and everyone in the play is an animal.
Elaine: Oh, and what animal are you, Julie?
Julie: I'm the goat that sits in the doorway and talks to the dog.
Deena: And I'm the cow that gave Mary her bed so that she would be able to get some rest.
David: And Jimmy is the lamb.
Deena: (sneeringly) Some lamb.
Elaine: Now, Deena, try to think how Jimmy feels. Everyone makes over his baby sister so much, he must feel bad.
David: (pouting) But, he's so mean to me.
(They arrive home. Jerry stops the car. Everyone responds bodily to the auto's stopping by swaying back and then forward.... The family leaves car and goes into house.)
Scene Two
(This scene takes place in the stable. There is a small chair in the stable so the Cow can sit on the chair then later gives it to Mary. The Cow and the Hedgehog snuggle close. The Goat sits next to the Dog in the doorway. If possible, it is nice to have a pretend doorway. It could be painted cardboard.)
Older Julie: (from podium) A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, everyone was at the first dress rehearsal for the Christmas play, "The Animals' Christmas." Everyone was in costume and ...
Mrs. Wells: (bustling about getting everyone arranged, changes her mind and moves children around, then she stands back to direct the children) All right, children, let's take it from page two.
Mrs. Malby: The friendly dog bounced out to meet the couple as they came down the path and led them to the stable. The man looked into the mouth of the cave and saw the small, warm room. The cow struggled to her feet and offered the tired woman her bed.
Cow: Moooo. She looks so tired... she shall have my bed.
Mrs. Malby: The man led Mary to the cow's soft bed, spread a blanket, and gently helped his wife, Mary, onto the soft straw. The little cow sighed as she laid herself awkwardly on the hard ground.
(Cow sighs and sits next to the chair and the Hedgehog.)
Donkey: Thank you for giving my mistress your bed.
Cow: Mooooo, I was glad I was able to.
(Mrs. Wells walks over and moves a child so he can be seen better.)
Mrs. Malby: Once more, the animals settle down with the cow now sleeping on the cold, hard ground and the hedgehog curled up close to keep warm. The frisky goat and the dog, sitting near the mouth of the cave, begin to wonder about the strangeness of the night.
Dog: Rrrrufff, I have never seen the stars so bright.
Goat: Aaaaa, nor I, and I've noticed something else, everything is so still, not a sound. This must be a very special night.
Dog: Look, the lights at the inn are down, but it is still so bright.
Mrs. Wells: (walks over to hand Mary a doll and on her way back she turns the spotlight toward the stable, then moves a few children and animals around so they can be seen better) That's better. You may go on now, Mrs. Malby.
Mrs. Malby: No one else knew of what was taking place but those within the humble stable. (pause) As Mary held the newborn babe, the cow nudged the donkey.
Cow: My manger would make a soft, warm bed for the little one.
Donkey: You are very kind. I'll let my master know what to do. Master... master. (touches Joseph on the arm with his nose)
(Joseph takes doll from Mary and lays it in the manger.)
Mrs. Malby: As the doves cooed the tiny babe to sleep, the animals crowded close to keep each other warm. The dog and goat continue their watch over the night.
(Mrs. Wells dims lights on inside of cave, then turns spotlight on the doorway.)
Dog: What is that up there? (points his nose to a star in the distance)
Goat: Aaaaaa star... the brightest star I've ever seen....
Choir or instrumental
"Do You See What I See?"
Mrs. Malby: Out in the field where the shepherds were tending their flock there were angels who suddenly appeared and told of the great event. The shepherds left the fields and started toward Bethlehem.
(Shepherds and Jimmy, the lamb, come down the aisle, this includes all other little children playing lambs.)
Mrs. Malby: The shepherds arrived leading their flock and entered the stable to kneel before the manger. The lamb poked his head into the doorway and looked around.
(Mrs. Wells adjusts the spotlight on the cave where the manger is located.)
Hedgehog: Go away... it's already too crowded. We don't need any more animals in here.
Lamb: We would like to see the baby. See the blanket my master carries over his shoulder? It is made from my wool. Let me remind him of what he is to do.
Mrs. Malby: The lamb moves to the manger and tugs at the blanket on the shepherd's shoulder to remind him to give it to the baby. The shepherd removes his shawl and hands it to Mary. She gives him a grateful smile and tucks the warm blanket around the infant.
Mrs. Wells: (directing) That's all for today, children. Now be sure to be here next Saturday at 4:30 with your costumes on. See you then.
(As the children leave, little Julie takes her costume off and drops it in the aisle as she rushes for the door. Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Malby greet Alice who comes in with the baby. They stand and chat and fuss over Jimmy's baby sister.)
Mrs. Wells: Isn't she the sweetest thing. May I hold her?
Alice: (hands baby to Mrs. Wells) Of course.
(Jimmy runs over to his mother and hangs onto her skirt. Alice pats Jimmy on the head, rather impatiently. Alice walks out with Mrs. Malby and Mrs. Wells, who is holding the baby, as they continue to chat. Jimmy stands alone for a moment and then runs back into the church, picks up the doll in the manger, tears the blanket away, and spanks the doll then throws it back into the manger -- upside down. He goes to the side of the stage and climbs a ladder leading to greens used as decorations, above the stable, where he proceeds to tear them apart and throw some onto the floor. David walks back into the sanctuary; he does not see Jimmy, but sees the doll upside down. He picks it up and gently rewraps the doll in the blanket. Julie comes in the side door to pick up her costume that she left on the floor. She stops when she sees David and watches quietly from the side aisle, out of his sight but where the audience can see her.)
David: (sitting down at front of stage, holding and talking to the doll) Hi, Jesus.
(Music plays softly in the background.)
David: Jesus, Mrs. Malby tells me in Sunday school that you love everyone.
(Jimmy looks down from his hiding place.)
David: Do you love Jimmy?
(Jimmy shakes his head no.)
David: He has been bad to me, lately. He hits me all the time and calls me names.
Jimmy: (puts hand over his mouth) Oh!
David: He has not been very nice to me, but, I still love him... he's my best friend.
Jimmy: (tentatively) Hi, David.
David: (looks around) Where are you?
Jimmy: Here I am, up here.
(Jimmy climbs down and sits next to David.)
Jimmy: I'm sorry, I've been so mean, will you be my friend again?
David: (puts arm around Jimmy) Of course, Jimmy, come home with me and I'll show you my new airplane.
Jimmy: Okay.
(The boys walk out together, arms around each other.)
Older Julie: I understood right then. It is people loving people that makes the difference. It is Jesus working through our love that causes people to change.
The End
