PRESENTATION DAY : THE PARABLES
SYNOPSIS
Nicki is stressed to the max on her classroom presentation day, but it has nothing to do with her presentation. She's in big trouble at home! As each student group presents on their assigned Parable, Nicki agonizes with Carly over her next steps. To complicate matters, there's a major event at stake. Will the girls make a big sacrifice to find peace with the Lord and their families?

TRACK CUES
1. Overture into Will I Find It (Frantic) 
2. School Bell
3. Use It or Lose It
4. Good Sam
5. What is She Doing Here 
6. Sower and Seed
7. Mama's Warning
8. Castles
9. No Fair
10. Unmerciful Servant
11. Underscore
12. Will I Find It (Duet)
13. Prodigal
14. Bows~Will I Find It (Finale)

SCENE 1
TRACK CUE #1 OVERTURE INTO WILL I FIND IT (FRANTIC)
MARTIN AND STUDENTS are at places in classroom, either frozen in tableau, or doing quiet business.
Nicki enters classroom at :34 in Overture Track, panicked, pacing, etc.
Throughout the play, MARTIN and STUDENTS are unaware of NICKI and CARLY 's exchanges. Audience will accept this illusion if NICKI AND CARLY meet far downstage, and if STUDENTS are doing quiet business, or frozen.

NICKI
Lord, if you get me out of this, I promise I won't ask for anything else as long as I live!
WHEN I LAY MY HEAD IN BED EACH NIGHT WONDERING IS THERE ONE THING I GOT RIGHT? CAUSE I KEEP ON MESSING UP IN SPITE
OF WHAT I KNOW IS BEST.
LIKE I KNOW WHAT'S GOOD AND RIGHT AND TRUE, AND THE THINGS I SHOULD AND SHOULDN'T DO. SO YOU'D THINK BY NOW I'D GET A CLUE,
BUT STILL I FAIL THE TEST.

To God
Lord, why should you keep helping me? I'm a terrible person. That's it. I'm a terrible, rotten person, and I should stop bothering you...but first, can you get me out of this? If you help me on this one, I promise I'll be a missionary.
In Siberia.
With no internet.

Enter Carly.
CARLY
Ooh, I'm so excited it's finally Friday! Did you bring everything you need for the trip?
NICKI
(unenthused) Yeah, it's in my backpack.
CARLY
Good, cause my mom will have the car packed and ready to go when she picks us up in carpool.
Sounds good.
Sounds good? That's all ya got?
Huh?
NICKI
CARLY
(distracted)
NICKI
CARLY
A weekend at the Grand Marriott Hyatt Hilton Raddison Ramada Seaside Resort, and a trip to Six Flags Over the Western Hemisphere, and that's all ya got? "Sounds good?"
(upset) NICKI
I'm sorry. It's just...something happened...
What!? What hap-
CARLY
School bell interrupts.

TRACK CUE #2 SFX SCHOOL BELL 
MARTIN
Good morning class. Please take your seats so we can get started.
The girls do a "tell ya later" take. All students take seats.
MARTIN (CONT'D)
Well, today's the day! I'm very eager to hear your all of your presentations on The Parables! I hope you've all given a lot of thought to your assigned Parable. Some of the Lord's best wisdom is found in these stories. Your presentation will help the rest of us learn more about the story you've been pondering, and what it means in our lives today.
I want each group to start your presentation with your group's illustration of your Parable. As we've discussed, this doesn't have to be anything fancy. Stick figures are fine.
MARTIN (CONT'D)
Then we'll all play a little guessing game to see if we can figure out which Parable you had.
(OPTIONAL) MARTIN: Audience, you can guess too.
OK, any questions?
OK, I'll go first. This is my little drawing I made to represent this whole unit. I'm not much of an artist but...
MARTIN holds up poster, or unveils preset drawing on blackboard, or flips page on flip chart already on an easel. Illustration is two bull heads with horns.
I named this masterpiece...can you guess? "The Pair of Bulls."
Class groans.
That bad, huh? OK then, let's see what YOU've got. Cause it's YOUR turn.
Let's see...
...which group would like to go first?
No response.
OK, would like, might be a little strong. Let's try wants. Which group wants to go first?
No response.
How about...is willing? Which group is willing to go first? How 'bout that?
Nothing.
Well now you've forced me to name names. And the name I'm calling is...Group 1! Because I'm creative that way.
Group 1 looks at each other.
OK, bring your drawing and come on up here. Let's see if we can guess which Parable you had.

DIRECTORS NOTE: ALL GROUP PRESENTATIONS WILL BEGIN WITH PRESENTATION OF ILLUSTRATION AND CAST AND/OR AUDIENCE GUESSING.

GROUP 1 moves to places.
GROUP 1 Illustrator reveals drawing.
Okay, let's all guess!
MARTIN (CONT'D)
DIRECTOR'S OPTIONS:
1) Assign lines for guessing.
2) Students ad lib guessing until correct answer (assigned) is given.
3) Invite Audience to guess too!
4) Guessing begins.
NOTE: MARTIN must be able to maintain control of ad libs. SEE DIRECTOR'S GUIDE.
Yes, close! Some bury it, but some use it. God wants us to use our gifts, so they grow. It's The Parable of the Talents from Matt. 25:14- 30. It's also in Luke 19:11-27.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Assign/divide Spokesperson lines as you see fit.
That's a great place to start. Go for it!
GROUP 1 SPOKESPERSON(S)
MARTIN
TRACK CUE #3 USE IT OR LOSE IT ~ GROUP 1
NARRATOR
THE BOSS CALLED UP THE CREW SAID,
Or NARRATOR pretending to be BOSS.
“I’LL BE GONE A MONTH OR TWO
AND I AM TRUSTING YOU TO CARE FOR ALL I OWN. YOUR LOAD WILL BE JUST THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOU,
4.
   
VERSE 1
BOSS
TRUST ME TO KNOW WHAT IS WISE FOR YOU. USE IT FOR GOOD. THINK OF IT AS A LOAN.”
NARRATOR
HE KNEW THE FIRST COULD HANDLE IT WITHOUT A BIT OF SCANDAL. IT WAS
QUITE A LOAD THE FIRST ONE WAS ASSIGNED. THE SECOND SHE GOT SOMEWHAT LESS -
“LET’S SEE IF SHE WILL DO HER BEST.”
NARRATOR
BOSS
THE LAST CAT GOT ONE - HER FIRST JOB, BEAR IN MIND.
CHORUS
ENSEMBLE
USE IT OR LOSE IT.
THAT’S HOW THE STORY GOES.
USE IT OR LOSE IT.
ARE YOU BREATHIN’? THEN YOU’RE CHOSEN. CAUSE A TALENT OR TWO’S BEEN GIVEN TO YOU, IT’S NOT WHAT YOU GOT, IT’S JUST WHAT YOU DO. A LITTLE? A LOT? WHO CARES, GET A CLUE!
THEY USED IT AND THAT’S HOW IT GREW!
USE IT OR LOSE IT.
VERSE 2
NARRATOR
NO SOONER WAS THE BOSS AWAY,
THE FIRST ONE SAID, “LET’S SEIZE THE DAY!”
WENT STRAIGHT TO WORK AND DOUBLED WHAT SHE HAD. THE SECOND WENT OUT AND DID JUST THE SAME,
BUT NOW I MUST TELL YOU THE THIRD WAS LAME.
SHE SAT ON HER GIFT - IT REALLY WAS RATHER SAD.
THE BOSS RETURNED TO CHECK ACCOUNTS,
THE FIRST TWO SHOWED HIM LARGE AMOUNTS
THEY EARNED FOR HIM BY USING WHAT HE GAVE.
THE THIRD SAID, “I HAVEN’T GOT ROUND TO IT,
I WASN’T SURE SO I GAMED A BIT.
I’LL GRAB IT NOW, IT’S WITH ALL THE STUFF I SAVE.”
CHORUS
ENSEMBLE
USE IT OR LOSE IT.
THAT’S HOW THE STORY GOES. USE IT OR LOSE IT.
5.
ARE YOU BREATHIN? THEN YOU’RE CHOSEN. CAUSE A TALENT OR TWO’S BEEN GIVEN TO YOU, IT’S NOT WHAT YOU GOT, IT’S JUST WHAT YOU DO. A LITTLE? A LOT? WHO CARES, GET A CLUE!
THEY USED IT AND THAT’S HOW IT GREW!
USE IT OR LOSE IT.
VERSE 3
ENSEMBLE OR BOSS
ALL GOOD GIFTS COME FROM ON HIGH AND WHEN THEY’RE USED THEY MULTIPLY, HELPING ALL THE CHILDREN I ADORE. THESE TWO WORKERS MADE ME GLAD,
DID ALL THEY COULD WITH WHAT THEY HAD. THEY’VE DONE WELL WITH A BIT....
SO NOW I’LL GIVE THEM MORE!
ENSEMBLE
CHORUS
USE IT OR LOSE IT.
THAT’S HOW THE STORY GOES.
USE IT OR LOSE IT.
ARE YOU BREATHIN? THEN YOU’RE CHOSEN. CAUSE A TALENT OR TWO’S BEEN GIVEN TO YOU, IT’S NOT WHAT YOU GOT, IT’S JUST WHAT YOU DO. A LITTLE? A LOT? WHO CARES, GET A CLUE:
TAG
FIGURE IT OUT,
CUT OUT THE POUTING AND
DOUBTING AND DON’T MAKE ME SHOUT! USE IS OR LOSE IT.
MARTIN
Wow! What a great start! You guys nailed it! "It's not what ya got. It's what you DO...with what ya got." What's been GIVEN to you, I might add. I'm liking that! Looks like you dove deep into those reflection questions. Good for you!
OK, who wants to follow that?! Group 2, are you up for it?
Group 2 makes eye contact and takes places.
Group 2 Illustrator presents THE GOOD SAMARITAN drawing. Guessing begins.
Correctly identify THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN.
6.
GROUP 2 SPOKESPERSON (S)
Right! The PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN. It's one of the most famous Parables. It's about helping people in need. Not just helping, but, noticing the needs of others, even people who aren't our friends.
TRACK CUE #4 GOOD SAM ~ GROUP 2
AND WE’RE SORRY TO SAY SHE WAS BEATEN THAT DAY. WHAT DID THAT TEENAGER SAY?
MELODY B
VICTIM
HELP ME, PLEASE HELP ME, I’M FAR FROM MY HOME. DON’T LET ME DIE HERE ALONE.
HELP ME, PLEASE HELP ME. I’M FAR FROM MY HOME. DON’T LET ME DIE HERE ALONE.
MELODY A
NARRATOR
FROM THE CHURCH ROUND THE BEND,
COMES A SPECIAL HOLY FRIEND.
HE'LL BE HELPFUL I KNOW, CAUSE THE LORD TOLD US SO. HE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE OF THAT POOR BEATEN TEEN. AND WE’RE SORRY TO SAY HE DID NOT HELP THAT DAY. WHAT DID THAT CHURCH PERSON SAY?
MELODY C
CHURCH PERSON 1
I’D LIKE TO STOP, I REALLY WOULD.
YOU KNOW I'D HELP YOU IF I COULD,
BUT CHURCH IS STARTING AND I SHOULD
GET THERE CHOP – CHOP.
I’M CROSSING TO THE OTHER SIDE
SO IT CAN ALWAYS BE DENIED
I SAW YOU HURTING AND DECIDED NOT TO STOP.
VICTIM
HELP ME, PLEASE HELP ME, I’M FAR FROM MY HOME.
MELODY B
7.
 
MELODY A
NARRATOR
NOW A SCOOTER BROKE DOWN,
IN A ROUGH PART OF TOWN,
WITH A TEEN ALL ALONE
WHO DID NOT CHARGE HER PHONE. THEN HER HEART POUNDS WITH FEAR, AS THE STRANGER COMES NEAR.
DON’T LET ME DIE HERE ALONE.
MELODY A
NARRATOR
FROM THE CHURCH ROUND THE BEND
COMES ANOTHER HOLY FRIEND.
SHE'LL BE HELPFUL I KNOW, CAUSE THE LORD TOLD US SO. SHE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE OF THAT POOR BEATEN TEEN. AND WE’RE SORRY TO SAY SHE DID NOT HELP THAT DAY. WHAT DID THAT CHURCH PERSON SAY?
MELODY C
CHURCH PERSON 2
I REALLY HATE TO GET INVOLVED.
I’M NEEDED NOW TO PROBLEM SOLVE.
AND BUDGET MATTERS TO RESOLVE, HYMNBOOKS TO SWAP. I’M CROSSING TO THE OTHER SIDE
SO IT CAN ALWAYS BE DENIED
I SAW YOU HURTING AND DECIDED NOT TO STOP–
VICTIM
-HELP ME, PLEASE HELP ME, I’M FAR FROM MY HOME. DON’T LET ME DIE HERE ALONE.
MELODY B
MELODY A
NARRATOR
FROM THAT ROUGH PART OF TOWN,
WHERE THAT SCOOTER BROKE DOWN,
COMES A STRANGER THAT DAY, WHERE THAT TEENAGER LAY. NOW HER HEART POUNDS WITH FEAR,
AS THAT STRANGER COMES NEAR.
THEN HE REACHES HIS HAND, “CAN I HELP YOU MY FRIEND?” AND I BET YOU REMEMBER THE END.
MELODY B ENSEMBLE AND CHARACTERS
WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? WHAT DO I SEE?
WHO IN THIS STORY IS ME?
AM I THE ONE HURTING? OR THE ONE WHO SETS FREE? OR THE ONE WHO REFUSES TO SEE?
MARTIN
Wow! Nice work! So you asked a great question: Who are each of us in that story? How do we see ourselves? And how can we grow? Great job, Group 2! Thank you, students!
8.
CARLY drags NICKI downstage for a private exchange. MARTIN and STUDENTS freeze or do quiet business.
SCENE 2
CARLY
Wow, what did you think about that song? I mean, I would help my friends, yeah! But strangers? Or somebody I don't like? I don't know about that. But I guess that's the point, right?
(distracted)
NICKI
What?
Helping someone who might NOT be your friend.
NICKI
I don't know. Nevermind that! I'm the one who needs help. I'm in trouble. Big trouble.
With who?
My Mom.
Eww, rough. AND my brother. Blake?
CARLY NICKI CARLY NICKI CARLY
NICKI
CARLY
Ha! Not likely. I've got so much trash on him, he can't afford to rat me out for about 7 years.
Brian?
CARLY
9.
NICKI
Brian always cryin'? That little dweeb? I can take care of him in my sleep.
CARLY
What is this, Twenty Questions? It might speed things up if you fill in the gaps a little. Not Jared. Isn't he away at school?
NICKI
Yes. Except when he comes home.
CARLY NICKI CARLY
He came home last night for the weekend because he didn't have any
CARLY
Well you know he drives a motorcycle.
Stop! You did not wreck his motorcycle!?
No! Would I be standing here? Breathing? It's about the car.
CARLY
NICKI
And he came home?
Yes.
So? What?? Tell me.
classes today.
OK.
So what happened?
NICKI
NICKI
CARLY
NICKI
CARLY NICKI
You wrecked the car?!
What do you think I'm an idiot? Driving without a license?
So whenever Jared comes home, he parks his motorcycle in the garage right beside my Mom's car. There's just enough space between the car and the wall - the wall where all the yard tools are hanging.
10.
11. Well I know you've never touched a yard tool, so no worries there.
NICKI
Awe. That's sweet.
CARLY
CARLY
Maybe.
You trimmed the lawn, and THEN you wrecked the motorcycle?
NICKI
No! Last night I went to the car to get my Math book because Ms. Miller said if I miss another assignment I'll get lunch detention.
CARLY
Again.
Ooh. You've had that a lot this year.
NICKI
No kidding. Last week I got a "Missing You" card from the cafeteria ladies.
CARLY
NICKI shoots CARLY a look.
NICKI
Anyway, I walked around to my side of the car to get the book and saw the motorcycle.
And you couldn't resist getting on.
CARLY
NICKI
No... I couldn't resist the leather jacket hanging on the handle bar. I mean, have you seen me in a leather jacket? Bad to the bone! THEN I couldn't resist getting on.
Of course.
CARLY NICKI
So I'm just playing around, pretending. No harm, no fowl.
Until?
CARLY
MARTIN interrupts, commanding class attention.
MARTIN
OK class, I've made a few notes here and we're ready to resume our presentations. We're off to a really strong start, so Group 3, you're up next. Ready?
CARLY gives NICKI a "...can't wait to hear this" look as they return to their seats.
Please take your places and show us your drawing.
Group 3 takes places.
Group 3 Illustrator holds up drawing of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
We had kind of an obscure Parable. I think maybe we don't understand it, or it makes us uncomfortable, and we don't like the way it makes us feel.
Any guesses?
Guessing begins.
Affirm when answer is right, or give answer.
SEE DIRECTOR'S PRODUCTION GUIDE FOR SUGGESTIONS.
OK, it's The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9.
Move 2 chairs into place to simulate "Church pew."
Basically, the Pharisee was...
Motion toward student stepping downstage to play The Pharisee. This is Character #1.
..."a good person." She went to church all the time, had lots of friends there, and felt really at home there. She was from a "good family" and thought of herself as really "religious."
But one day, when the Pharisee and her Pharisee friend...
Motion toward student stepping downstage to play The Pharisee's Friend. This is Character #2.
...were sitting in church and....well, let's see what happened.
The Pharisee and Friend sit in chairs to simulate "church."
GROUP 3 SPOKESPERSON (S)
12.
TRACK CUE #5 WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE ~ GROUP 3
DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Song is sung by Pharisee and Pharisee's Friend. Tax Collector remains invisible and silent.
CHARACTER 1
(full voice) OOH! Can I squeeze in there?
CHARACTER 2
(Whispering)
Shh! Hurry up! Church is about to start.
VERSE 1
CHARACTER 1
OHH, I LOVE YOUR DRESS, YOU’RE ALWAYS CHIC, BEFORE THE PASTOR STARTS TO SPEAK,
STAND UP AND TURN SO I CAN REALLY SEE.
CHARACTER 2
(Spoken)
YEAH, I’LL STOP TALKING IN A FEW, BUT LIKE, WHAT ARE THEY GONNA DO? MY UNCLE LEADS THE USHERS AND
MY MOTHER RUNS THE NURSERY. WAIT!
PRECHORUS
IS THAT WHO I THINK I SEE? THIRD ROW BACK, HOW CAN IT BE? SHE MIGHT TRY TO SPEAK TO ME. HIDE ME, HIDE ME!
CHORUS
WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO
LIKE SHOULD WE MAKE IT CLEAR?
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO
I DON’T MEAN TO BE MEAN.
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO
I DON’T THINK CHURCH IS HER SCENE. NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO.
Shh! Be Quiet!
CHARACTER 1
13.
   
VERSE 2
CHARACTER 2
LOOK, SHE’S SITTING ALL ALONE,
WE COULD MAKE HER FEEL AT HOME,
SAY HELLO IN CASE SHE’S FEELING DOWN.
NOT FOR ME. NO THANKS. I’M GOOD.
GO ON IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULD.
BUT JUST A LITTLE WARNING: SHE MIGHT TRY TO HANG AROUND WITH US. WAIT!
PRECHORUS
IS THAT WHAT I THINK I SEE?
SHE’S SINGING? WHAT AN IRONY! BEFORE SHE TRIES TO SPEAK TO ME HIDE ME, HIDE ME.
CHORUS
WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO
LIKE SHOULD WE MAKE IT CLEAR?
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO
I DON’T MEAN TO BE MEAN.
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO
I DON’T THINK CHURCH IS HER SCENE. NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO.
VERSE 3
CHARACTER 2
CHARACTER 1
I THINK I HEARD HER MOM IS SICK
AND SHE WENT DOWNHILL SUPER QUICK. OR MAYBE IT WAS REHAB – I DON’T KNOW.
I’M NOT SURE– WE DON’T HANG OUT. WHATEVER HER LIFE’S ABOUT,
JUST NOT SURE SHE’LL FIT IN HERE. DON’T SAY I DIDN’T TELL YOU SO. WAIT!
PRECHORUS
IS THAT WHAT I THINK I SEE? SHE’S AT THE ALTER ON ONE KNEE. HOPE SHE DOESN’T SPEAK TO ME HIDE ME, HIDE ME.
With compassion, Character 2 stands and slowly walks toward the imaginary "girl." This will be toward and beyond the audience. She exits.
CHARACTER 1
14.
VERSE 4
HEY WHY ARE YOU STANDING NOW?
YOU’RE WALKING DOWN THE CENTER AISLE - HEADED TOWARD THAT GIRL WE HARDLY KNOW? NICE OF YOU TO MEET HER THERE,
NICE OF YOU TO SHOW YOU CARE...
OUTRO
AM I WHO I WANT TO BE
WHEN THE FATHER LOOKS AT ME? OR AM I LIKE THE PHARISEE? THINKING JUST OF ME...
MARTIN
Thank you! Wow, you all are so creative...your illustrations, and the way you've made these Parables come to life. You're showing us the meaning and application of these stories in our lives today.
OK, Group 4! Your turn! Come on up and let's see your drawing.
Group 4 takes places.
Group 4 Illustrator presents drawing.
Guessing begins.
Affirm or give answer.
SEE DIRECTOR'S PRODUCTION GUIDE FOR SUGGESTIONS.
TRACK CUE #6 SOWER AND SEED ~ GROUP 4
DIRECTORS NOTE: Divide solos to fit your needs. JESUS can be one actor, several actors, or that verse soloist pretending to be JESUS.
SOLO 1
A FARMER SCATTERED SEED AROUND.
SOME COMPLETELY MISSED THE GROUND.
BIG SURPRISE, I BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
IT MISSED THE GROUND,
WHEN THE FARMER SCATTERED SEED AROUND. BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
15.
 
ENSEMBLE
WHAT’S THAT GOT TO DO WITH US? ALL THE PEOPLE MADE A FUSS. HEY-DEE HO-DEE-HI-DEE HEY! WHAT DID JESUS SAY?
THE SEED IS GOD’S TRUTH. YOUR HEART IS THE GROUND.
SOLO 1
HOW DO YOU RECEIVE HIM WHEN HIS LOVE IS SPREAD AROUND?
DOES IT MISS THE GROUND?
WHEN IT COMES TO YOU, DOES IT SKIP RIGHT THROUGH? BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
SOLO 2
A FARMER SCATTERED SEED AROUND. SOME FELL ON THE ROCKY GROUND. BIG SURPRISE, I BET YOU KNOW IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
JESUS
ON ROCKY GROUND
WHEN THE FARMER SCATTERED SEED AROUND. BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
WHAT’S THAT GOT TO DO WITH US? ALL THE PEOPLE MADE A FUSS. HEY-DEE HO-DEE HI-DEE, HEY! WHAT DID JESUS SAY?
ENSEMBLE
(ENSEMBLE AND AUDIENCE JOINS IN ON THE CALL AND RESPONSE.)
THE SEED IS... GOD’S TRUTH? YOUR HEART IS...
JESUS
SOLO 2
JESUS
SOLO 2
THE GROUND?
HOW DO YOU RECEIVE HIM WHEN HIS LOVE IS SPREAD AROUND?
ARE YOU ROCKY GROUND?
DO YOU CHANGE REAL FAST,
16.
BUT IT DOESN’T LAST? BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
SOLO 3
A FARMER SCATTERED SEED AROUND,
BUT SOME FELL ON THE THORNY GROUND.
BIG SURPRISE, I BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
ON THORNY GROUND
WHEN THE FARMER SCATTERED SEED AROUND. BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
WHAT’S THAT GOT TO DO WITH US? ALL THE PEOPLE MADE A FUSS. HEY-DEE HO-DEE HI-DEE HEY! WHAT DID JESUS SAY?
THE SEED IS...
JESUS
GOD’S TRUTH. YOUR HEART IS... THE GROUND.
ENSEMBLE JESUS ENSEMBLE
SOLO 3
ENSEMBLE
Increasing voices and enthusiasm on response.
HOW DO YOU RECEIVE HIM WHEN HIS LOVE IS SPREAD AROUND?
ARE YOU THORNY GROUND?
IS IT CHOKED AWAY BY YOUR STRESS EACH DAY?
BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL NEVER REALLY GROW.
SOLO 4
A FARMER SCATTERED SEED AROUND. SOME FELL ON THE HEALTHY GROUND. BIG SURPRISE, I BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL GROW AND GROW AND GROW. ON HEALTHY GROUND,
WHEN THE FARMER SCATTERED SEED AROUND.
17.
BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL GROW AND GROW AND GROW.
WHAT’S THAT GOT TO DO WITH US? ALL THE PEOPLE MADE A FUSS. HEY-DEE HO-DEE HI-DEE HEY! WHAT DID JESUS SAY?
THE SEED IS...
JESUS ENSEMBLE
Audience may join on response.
GOD’S TRUTH! YOUR HEART IS... THE GROUND!
JESUS
ENSEMBLE
SOLO 4
HOW DO YOU RECEIVE HIM
WHEN HIS LOVE IS SPREAD AROUND? ARE YOU HEALTHY GROUND?
DOES IT REACH DOWN DEEP
LIKE A DREAM YOU KEEP?
BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL GROW AND GROW
AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW AND GROW.
ARE YOU HEALTHY GROUND? DOES IT REACH DOWN DEEP LIKE A DREAM YOU KEEP? BET YOU KNOW
IT’LL GROW AND GROW AND GROW!
ENSEMBLE
ENSEMBLE
(Add voices with each repeat.)
MARTIN
WOW!!! That was fun!! Thank you Sower and Seed group!!
18.
OK, we'll take a break here. It's getting close to study hall. Just think about all this while we take a little break from our presentations.
Students quietly pack up and exit. Or, you may choose to have students stay onstage and do quiet business.
CARLY and NICKI cross DS to continue private dialogue.
SCENE 3
OK, so you're in the garage, on the motorcycle-
NICKI In the jacket on the motorcycle-
The motorcycle between the car and the wall-
NICKI
The wall with the yard tools-
The yard tools that you've never touched-
Don't know what half that stuff is.
CARLY
CARLY
CARLY
NICKI
CARLY
Ok, get to it, will ya? Study Hall is only 30 minutes long!
NICKI
Right. So I'm getting off the bike, and just as I start to put down the kick stand, I feel something crawl toward my ear. Naturally I swat at my ear - don't want a tarantula giving birth in there - and when I let one hand off the bike...it fell-
(gasp) CARLY NICKI
Into the car!?! No. Into the wall.
19.
Where the lawn tools are hanging?
WERE hanging.
And a tool hit the bike?
NICKI CARLY NICKI
The car.
And it's tool...ZZZ. (emphasizing plural)
CARLY
Not the weed wacker.
(emphasizing descriptors)
Oh, no. How bad?
CARLY
CARLY
NICKI
No...the Black and Decker 20 Volt Cordless String Weed Wacker.
NICKI does giant, slow claw motion high in the air, as if from top of door frame to bottom of car, accompanied by her obnoxious screeching noise.
NICKI
Also the snow shovel, I think. There's an imprint that looks like a shovel. Or Winston Churchill.
Both pause for a moment of fear, grief and dread.
Well I'm sure your mom will forgive you.
CARLY
NICKI
She'll "for-give" me alright...after she gives me "What for!" There'll
be a consequence for it - it's just a question of what.
CARLY
Well, it was all just an accident!! I mean how could you have known all that would happen?
NICKI
Because my mom has always warned us about it. Warned me especially.
20.
About what?
About a million times.
CARLY
NICKI
CARLY NO! What has she warned you about?
NICKI
About this exact thing!
The lawn tools and the car? CARLY
NICKI
YES! She practically predicted the whole thing. Almost word for word, just the way it happened.
TRACK CUE #7 MAMA'S WARNING
CAR BY THE WALL,
CAUSE STUFF COULD FALL, AND THEN YOU'LL BAWL, AND HAVE TO CRAWL,
AND TELL US ALL THERE'LL BE A SQUALL AND THEN A BRAWL-
(interrupting "brawl") -OK, that's ALL! I get it.
And no more mall.
CARLY
NICKI
(quickly and quietly sneaking in one more)
CARLY does a "cut it" gesture.
21.
I TELL YA, SHE'S TOLD ME, A MILLION TIMES BEFORE: PLEASE DON'T TOUCH THE BIKE IN THE
GARAGE BESIDE THE DOOR
OF THE CAR BESIDE THE WALL
CAUSE THINGS COULD FALL, NOW DON'T IGNORE ME. PLEASE DON'T TOUCH THE BIKE IN THE GARAGE, BESIDE THE DOOR,
DOOR OF THE CAR,
Wow! So what did she say? CARLY
About what?
DUH! About the CAR.
NICKI
CARLY
NICKI
I don't know. I haven't told her yet.
You haven't told her yet? When did you plan to tell her?
NICKI
(shrugs)
I'm too scared.
You gotta tell her before we leave for the trip.
NICKI
(stunned) What!?! I think just the opposite.
What?
(shocked)
CARLY
CARLY
CARLY
NICKI
Yeah, I've thought it all through. Here's how it will go: This morning, Mom will take Brian to the bus stop and go on to work. He gets in his booster seat from her side, so she won't even see it.
CARLY does shocked take.
Mom will get out on her side - so predictable - and go into work for the day.
Then Jared will roll out of bed at the crack of noon and ride his bike over to visit his girlfriend, Kat. Kat, Kat, blind as a bat if she likes my brother.
Again, CARLY stunned.
Brian's friend's Mom gets them both from the bus and keeps him in the afternoon till my Mom picks him up.
Mom will pick up Brian and come home - exhausted from work. Once again, she'll get out on HER side of the car - unimaginative, I know.
22.
She'll get Brian out of his seat and go in the house. Jared will come home after dark.
Then the weekend.
Then rinse, repeat Monday morning.
By the time she sees it, it could have happened anywhere!
In fact, it's quite possible no one will notice until we wash the car...right before we visit my grandparents in Nebraska next summer.
CARLY NICKI
You can't be serious.
I can't tell her before the trip.
You HAVE to.
I do not HAVE to.
CARLY NICKI
(resentful)
BEAT as CARLY ponders.
CARLY
I don't know Nicki. It will make me really uncomfortable having you on the trip without you telling your Mom.
NICKI
(stunned, angry)
Great! So this is what I get for trusting you with a secret? You use it
against me? Thanks a lot, Carly! Some friend!
CARLY
I can't have you on the trip when I know about this. My parents would never trust me again.
They'll never know you knew. They might never even know I did it.
CARLY ponders.
I'll know.
CARLY
Furious, NICKI storms back to seat.
NICKI
23.
I'm sorry, Nicki.
CARLY (CONT'D)
If students have exited, reenter here.
MARTIN
OK, let's get back at it now! I love the way these stories give us wisdom for everyday life.
Let's see...who's next? Group....5!! Ready?
Group 5 takes places.
Group 5 Illustrator presents drawing.
Guessing begins.
Affirm or give answer.
SEE DIRECTOR'S PRODUCTION GUIDE FOR SUGGESTIONS.
TRACK CUE #8 CASTLES ~ GROUP 5
24.
VERSE 1
SOLO
WE BUILD A CASTLE IN THE SAND,
WE SKIP AROUND IT HAND IN HAND.
FOREVER YOU'RE MY NEW BEST FRIEND.
AND NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE THAT.
BUT SOON THE SUNLIGHT’S GOING DOWN
SUNKISSED FAMILIES HOMEWARD BOUND.
BUT YOU WERE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND.
AND OUR CASTLE KINGDOM’S SWALLOWED IN THE GROUND.
DID I THINK SOMEHOW TODAY WAS A FOREVER GUARANTEE? DID I TRY TO MAKE IT SOMETHING IT COULD NEVER EVER BE?
CHORUS
LIKE THAT CASTLE IN THE SAND,
WHEN THE WATER MEETS THE LAND.
KINGDOMS VANISH AS I’M STANDING HELPLESSLY. MAY ALL MY DREAMS AND ALL MY PLANS
BE PLANTED FIRMLY IN THE HAND
OF THE ROCK WHO’S HOLDING ALL ETERNITY.
ALL I COUNT ON IS THE HAND THAT’S HOLDING ME.
VERSE 2
GRANDMA’S HOUSE, YOU’LL FIND ME THERE. CHRISTMAS BAKING FILLS THE AIR.
HER BOOKS BESIDE HER FAVORITE CHAIR, AND NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE THAT.
PRECHORUS
WISH EVERY YEAR SHE’D STAY THE SAME. SHE’LL TAKE MY HAND, SHE’LL SAY MY NAME. BUT IN MY HEART IT’S JUST A GAME.
SHE IS MOVING ON. NO ONE IS TO BLAME.
PRECHORUS
DID I THINK SOMEHOW THOSE DAYS WERE A FOREVER GUARANTEE? DID I TRY TO MAKE THEM SOMETHING THEY COULD NEVER EVER BE?
CHORUS (HARMONY OPTIONAL)
LIKE THAT CASTLE IN THE SAND, WHEN THE
WATER MEETS THE LAND.
KINGDOMS VANISH AS I’M STANDING HELPLESSLY. MAY ALL MY DREAMS AND ALL MY PLANS
BE PLANTED FIRMLY IN THE HAND
OF THE ROCK WHO’S HOLDING ALL ETERNITY.
ALL I COUNT ON IS THE HAND THAT’S HOLDING ME.
VERSE 3
MY FAMILY FELT THE SHIFTING TIDE.
IN THE SHADOWS, TEARS ARE CRIED.
A MARRIAGE BROKEN, DREAMS DENIED. AND NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE THAT.
MY PARENTS BREAK THE NEWS ONE DAY, DANCING DADDY MOVES AWAY.
AND ALL MY PRAYERS CAN’T MAKE HIM STAY. BUT LIFE GOES ON. HELP ME FIND A WAY.
CHORUS (HARMONY OPTIONAL)
LIKE THAT CASTLE IN THE SAND,
WHEN THE WATER MEETS THE LAND.
KINGDOMS VANISH AS I’M STANDING HELPLESSLY. MAY ALL MY DREAMS AND ALL MY PLANS
BE PLANTED FIRMLY IN THE HAND
OF THE ROCK WHO’S HOLDING ALL ETERNITY.
ALL I COUNT ON IS THE HAND THAT’S HOLDING ME.
VERSE 4
I’M OLDER NOW, YOU'D THINK I’D KNOW. LIKE THAT CASTLE, LONG AGO.
THE WATERS RISE, THE WINDS WILL BLOW. THE SAND CAN NEVER BE THE STONE.
Beat to absorb.
MARTIN
Wow. I know that's true. Build your dreams on the things that will last. I've learned that painful lesson a few times in my life.
Ok, I'm recovering now. Who's next? Group 6, come on up here!
25.
Group 6 takes places.
Group 6 Illustrator presents drawing. Guessing begins.
Affirm or give answer.
SEE DIRECTOR'S PRODUCTION GUIDE.
TRACK CUE #9 NO FAIR ~GROUP 6
Big burger hat and fast food hats might be fun.
NARRATOR
AS THE SUN WAS COMING UP, SIPPING FROM HIS COFFEE CUP, THE BURGER BOSS WAS HIRING FOR THE DAY.
HE STARTED WITH A FAITHFUL CREW
OF BURGER SERVERS JUST LIKE YOU.
AT 10:00 O’CLOCK, IN JUST A SNAP,
HE USED HIS TRUSTY HIRING APP,
AND NEWER BURGER SERVERS JOINED THE TEAM. LATER ON AT NOON AND 4:00,
AGAIN “INDEED,” HE HIRED SOME MORE
SERVERS WHO COULD JOIN THE BURGER SCENE.
THIS WENT ON TILL CLOSING TIME,
ADDING SERVERS TO THE LINE
TO FRY THE FRIES AND SLING THE FOOD FOR PAY. SOME WORKED SINCE THE CRACK OF DAWN, SOME WERE BARELY HIRED ON
BEFORE THE FINAL HOUR OF THE DAY.
AT 9:00PM HE LOCKED THE DOOR,
THE CHAIRS WENT UP TO MOP THE FLOOR.
BOSS
HE CALLED EACH ONE BY NAME.
THE LAST ONES IN, HE PAID THEM FIRST.
TOGETHER THEY AGREED UPON THE PAY.
I’LL PAY YOU NOW.
Huh? What? Excuse me?
WORKERS
NARRATOR
26.
I don’t think so! Are you serious?
NARRATOR
THE EARLY WORKERS GRUMPED AND CURSED.
WORKERS
NARRATOR
WORKERS
AND THEN THEY FIGURED OUT...THEY ALL WERE PAID THE SAME!
NO FAIR, I BEEN HERE FROM THE START. NO FAIR, DOIN’ MORE THAN MY PART. NO FAIR, TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR CHART. HOW DARE THEY GET THE SAME AS ME. NO FAIR, I BEEN WORKING ALL DAY.
NO FAIR, AND THEY GOT THE SAME PAY. NO FAIR, I GOT SOMETHING TO SAY. NO FAIR, NO FAIR, NO FAIR!
BOSS
COMPARING IS AN ENDLESS GAME.
NO TWO CHILDREN ARE THE SAME.
I GAVE TO YOU EXACTLY AS AGREED.
I KNOW IT’S HARD TO UNDERSTAND
THE METHOD OF THE MASTER’S HAND.
I GIVE TO EACH EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEED.
I can’t believe it! Are you kidding me! Uhhhh!
WORKERS
NO FAIR, THIS IS MAKING ME MAD.
NO FAIR, I’VE GOT SOMETHING TO ADD. NO FAIR, NOW I’M CALLING MY DAD. HOW DARE THEY GET THE SAME AS ME. NO FAIR, AND I’LL WRITE A REVIEW.
NO FAIR, YOU’RE A NEGATIVE 2.
NO FAIR, AND I’M CANCELING YOU!
NO FAIR, NO FAIR, NO FAIR!
BOSS
MY BLESSINGS ARE NOT FINITE,
THEY ARE ENDLESS SO IT’S ALRIGHT
THAT I GIVE THEM OUT HOWEVER I MAY CHOOSE. IF THESE FRIENDS I CHOOSE TO BLESS,
IT DOESN’T MEAN THERE’S ANY LESS FOR YOU. WHAT THEY GAIN ISN’T WHAT YOU LOSE.
27.
ENSEMBLE
HERE’ A SECRET WE WILL SHARE:
LIFE IS NOT REMOTELY FAIR.
HE IS NOT CONCERNED WITH KEEPING SCORE.
BOSS
BUT HE IS ALWAYS THERE WITH YOU. TRUST HIM TO TAKE CARE OF YOU WITH EVERYTHING HE SAID HE’D DO –
ALL OUR NEEDS, AND MORE.
ENSEMBLE
SCENE 4
Angry, NICKI rushes CARLY downstage to resume argument.
NICKI
Wow! NO FAIR is right!!! How ironic! If I don't rat myself out, you're deciding I can't go on the trip?
I just asked you to tell your Mom first. So YOU'RE deciding, not me.
NICKI
Well thanks for that clarification, but if I tell her, there won't BE a trip. At least not for ME.
How about for me? We've been planning this for like, 4 months.
Can we postpone?
NICKI
CARLY
CARLY
CARLY
NO! The hotel is reserved. The park tickets are already bought. WITH Fast Passes, I might add.
NICKI
CARLY
Me and my mom? On the Superman Skydive? Sounds like a rager. This affects me too, ya know?
OK, then go without me.
28.
29. OK, how about...I'll tell her as soon as we get home Sunday night?
CARLY ponders.
I don't think so. It wouldn't be right.
NICKI
CARLY
MARTIN
(Interrupting) OK, how about Group 7?
NICKI and CARLY, both upset, return to seats.
MARTIN (CONT'D)
I see some characters in this group, so come on up here and show us
whatcha got!
Group 7 takes places.
Group 7 Illustrator presents drawing. Guessing begins.
Affirm or give answer.
TRACK CUE #10 UNMERCIFUL (LIP SYNC)~GROUP 7
DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Lip sync opera characters must be over- the-top melodramatic. Henchmen dressed like prison guards, hauling Debtor away, etc. This piece may be fully lip sync, or the rap may be done live.
RAP #1
NOW LET’S ALL BE PRETENDERS,
PRETEND WE’RE ALL SPENDERS
WHO OWE LOTS OF CASH...LET’S JUST SAY. THEN YOUR CREDIT CARD VENDOR
AND HOME MORTGAGE LENDER
COME BANG ON YOUR DOOR ONE DARK DAY. THEY PAUSE AND THEN WHAT DO THEY SAY?
YOU MUST PAY WHAT YOU OWE OR YOU SOON WILL BE GONE. GET YOUR CHILDREN AND GO, AND BE OUT BEFORE DAWN. ALL THIS STUFF THAT’S FOR SHOW WILL BE OUT ON THE LAWN
LENDER #1 LIP SYNC
IF YOU DON’T PAY UP NOW!
SEE THESE GOONS WORK FOR ME
AND THEY’LL DRAG YOU AWAY.
NOW IT’S PRISON YOU’LL SEE AND UNTIL YOU CAN PAY, THEN IN PRISON YOU’LL BE AND IN PRISON YOU’LL STAY, IF YOU DON’T PAY UP NOW!
DEBTOR #1 LIP SYNC
NO! SHE SAID NO!
PLEASE DO NOT MAKE US GO. BUT MY KIDS! LET US STAY. WE’LL FIND A WAY TO PAY... WELL, WHAT DO YOU SAY?
LENDER #1 LIP SYNC
WHAT DO I SAY?
WHAT DO I SAY?
OK.
I’LL ASK MY SON TO PAY.
RAP #2
NOW SHE HARDLY BELIEVED
THE STRANGE GIFT SHE’D RECEIVED.
HER DEBT WAS FORGIVEN THAT DAY!
SO SHE SKIPPED ROUND THE BEND
TO THE HOUSE OF A FRIEND
WHO OWED HER TEN DOLLARS, LET’S SAY. SHE PAUSED AND THEN WHAT DID SHE SAY?
DEBTOR #1 LIP SYNC
YOU MUST PAY WHAT YOU OWE OR YOU SOON WILL BE GONE. GET YOUR CHILDREN AND GO, AND BE OUT BEFORE DAWN.
ALL THIS STUFF THAT’S FOR SHOW WILL BE OUT ON THE LAWN. IF YOU DON’T PAY UP NOW!
SEE THESE GOONS WORK FOR ME
AND THEY’LL DRAG YOU AWAY.
NOW IT’S PRISON YOU’LL SEE AND UNTIL YOU CAN PAY, THEN IN PRISON YOU’LL BE AND IN PRISON YOU’LL STAY, IF YOU DON’T PAY UP NOW!
DEBTOR #2 LIP SYNC
NO! SHE SAID, NO!
PLEASE DO NOT MAKE US GO! BUT MY KIDS! LET US STAY. WE’LL FIND A WAY TO PAY. WELL, WHATDAYA SAY?
30.
WHAT DO I SAY? WHAT DO I SAY? NO WAY!
DEBTOR #1 LIP SYNC
RAPPERS
SO TO PRISON SHE WENT THAT DARK DAY.
RAP #3
NOW THE PEOPLE IN TOWN,
WHO WATCHED ALL THIS GO DOWN, REPORTED BACK ALL THEY HAD SEEN. THEN THAT CREDIT CARD VENDOR, AND HOME MORTGAGE LENDER SAID,
SAD TO HEAR YOU’VE BEEN SO MEAN.
LENDER#1 LIP SYNC
RAPPERS
YOU CAN READ FOR YOURSELF THE NEXT SCENE.
LENDER #1 LIP SYNC
AFTER ALL THAT YOU OWED, AND YOUR DEBT IS NOT MILD, T’WAS MERCY I SHOWED. I FORGAVE YOU AND SMILED. AND I CANCELED YOUR LOAD WITH THE LIFE OF MY...
RAP #4
SO WHEN YOU’RE TREATED BADLY
AND START PLOTTING MADLY
REVENGE FOR THE WRONG YOU’VE BEEN DONE. JUST REMEMBER YOUR DEBT.
IT’S GIGANTIC, AND YET,
IT’S PAID, BY THE GIFT OF GOD’S SON.
SCENE 5
NICKI and CARLY take places downstage to resume argument.
NICKI
anybody who refuses to forgive?
(sudden anger)
Wow! Unforgiveness! What an INTERESTING SONG! Hmm, do I know
31.
32. If I'm not PERFECT enough to go with you, Carly, take somebody else!
That's a silly thing to say. Nobody's perfect.
Mr./Ms. Martin is. Everybody knows teachers are perfect!
I never see it.
NICKI
CARLY
(sarcastically)
CARLY
NICKI
Beat for laugh.
Oh right!
NICKI
You are! You're practically perfect! I mean, you're just a good
person...
And I'm a bad person. Why do I always do stuff I know I shouldn't do? And I don't do stuff I know I should do? Because I'm a terrible, rotten person, that's why! I'm a bad person.
TRACK CUE #11 SFX UNDERSCORE
CARLY
NICKI
No, I am. I've made so many bargains with God to get me out of trouble. If I don't end up in jail, I'll have to become a Priest.
CARLY
Trust me. If you're bad, so I am I. I do stuff I know I shouldn't do, and I DON'T do stuff I know I should do.
And YOU'RE perfect!
CARLY
You are not a bad person!
I hide it. I might look that way from the outside, but I'm the same as everybody else on the inside.
Besides, I'm not sure there's such a thing as "a good person" - unless we're just comparing ourselves to...other PEOPLE.
Who else is there?
NICKI
(shrug) CARLY Points up.
NICKI
Well I know I'm pathetic. That's for sure. So how come you seem so good?
CARLY
I don't know. Maybe any "good" in me...in any of us...is really just the Lord...living inside of me.
TRACK CUE #12 WILL I FIND IT (DUET)
NICKI
I hear those words all the time, but I never really understand what they mean.
VERSE ONE
WHEN I LAY MY HEAD IN BED EACH NIGHT WONDERING, IS THERE ONE THING I GOT RIGHT? CAUSE I KEEP ON MESSING UP IN SPITE
OF WHAT I KNOW IS BEST.
LIKE I KNOW WHAT’S GOOD AND RIGHT AND TRUE. AND THE THINGS I SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T DO. SO YOU'D THINK BY NOW I'D GET A CLUE
BUT STILL I FAIL THE TEST.
CARLY
THE POWER IS NOT INSIDE ME. TO DO IT ON MY OWN.
I NEED A POWER TO GUIDE ME I CAN’T DO IT ALL ALONE.
33.


 
PRECHORUS
CHORUS
NICKI
WILL I FIND IT IN A ROMANCE
LIKE THEY PROMISE IN A SONG?
WILL I FIND IT IN A FRIENDSHIP
IF I SEARCH MY WHOLE LIFE LONG?
I CAN LOOK AROUND, BUT IT’S NOT FOUND IN ANYTHING I SEE.