Quick Facts:
WRITER and COMPOSER: Kelly Thoreson ORCHESTRATOR: Mark Reeves
SCRIPT: 54 pages (includes director’s notes and stage directions; song lyrics within script)
LENGTH: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes; Two Acts
RECOMMENDED: for churches and colleges/universities
MAIN CHARACTERS: 8 M + 4 F + Angelic Host/Choir unlimited
ROLES: Approximately 14 that can be double cast for supporting roles/small speaking parts
ELEMENTS: songs, spoken dialogue, acting, dancing, comedy; SFX play an important role in this production
MUSICAL NUMBERS: 7 choral numbers, a men’s quartet, men’s ensemble, small mixed ensemble, a number of solo pieces; fully orchestrated; accompaniment tracks available
SET DESIGN: Simple to complex set – the sky is the limit for your creative team to design a set bringing ‘heaven to earth’
Character List:
Cast/Character Profiles:
*Denotes a singing role
**Denotes a character that will “age” in second half of production during Jesus’ ministry years.
*** Denotes a character in ACT II only.
| *Angelic Host/Ensemble: | The choir is the angelic host; made up of many cast members. Their home is heaven, and they worship God and do His bidding. |
| *Guardian: | The lead role; young male. Angel most concerned about the Son being sent to earth. Guardian is endearing and good-hearted but over-protective and a worrywart when given his assignment. |
| POPS: | AKA “Professor of Prophesy”. POPS is an older zany and eccentric angel modeled after the professor in the movie “Back to the Future”. He is an expert on prophesy and Guardian is a dear student of his. |
| Grace: | She is the “organizer” angel and is excited about all the activity. Grace is giddy, gaudy, and a little disheveled. |
| *Michael: | The archangel. His presence is demanding. He is handsome and strong. Michael speaks with authority yet is kind and patient. |
| Gabriel: | God’s messenger. Gabriel is authoritative, joyful, and gentle as he communicates God’s divine plans. |
| *Holly: | Holly is an optimistic, happy angel that tries to encourage all around her. Everything is great and all will be well as far as Holly is concerned. Childlike faith is her strength. Small singing role during Resurrection Scene. |
| Clarence: | Older Angel. Endearing and funny. Likened to Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life” with the physical comedy prowess of Barney Fife. |
| Herald: | Older Angel. Reasonable. Has a deep trust in the Father’s plan. |
| *Melody: | Melody is the director of the Halo Choir. She’s whimsical and artsy. |
| Commander: | In charge of Pearly Gate Patrol. Small speaking part. |
Shepherds/four brothers:
| *Jacob: | Oldest of the four brothers. Jacob is restless in his current position but feels stuck in the family business of shepherding. |
| *Joshua: | The youngest of four shepherds in ACT I. Has dreams of becoming a carpenter. Strong emotional actor needed in Act II as older Nathaniel. (May use a different actor with similar features.) |
| *Zechariah: | Just a nice normal guy. Reasonable and dependable. |
| */** Nathaniel: | The youngest of four shepherds in ACT I. Has dreams of becoming a carpenter. Strong emotional actor needed in Act II as older Nathaniel. (May use a different actor with similar features.) |
| ***Joanna: | Nathaniel’s wife in ACT II. |
| Rachel: | Young girl looking for her kitten. Minor role in Shepherd Scene. |
| Caleb: | Rachel’s little brother. Non-speaking part. |
| ***Satan: | The enemy of God and all mankind. This angelic being is twisted and manipulative, deceived and cunning; strong, convincing, physical actor needed. |
| */**Mary: | Young Jewish girl. Humble and full of faith in ACT I. (May use a different actor with similar features in ACT II.) |
| ***Mary Magdalene: | Friend of Mary in ACT II. Small speaking part. |
| Joseph: | Young man. Earthly father of Jesus. Non-speaking part. |
| Baby Jesus: | Use a newborn if possible. |
| ***Jesus: | Son of God sent from heaven; Messiah and Savior of the world. |
| ***John: | John the Baptist. A man of conviction; fearless. Small speaking part in opening scene of ACT II. |
| ***Pharisees: | (3-4 ideal.) In Baptism scene and Pilate’s Court scene of ACT II. Mob mentality. Head Pharisee small speaking role. |
| Soldiers: | (3-4 ideal.) Roman soldiers used in village scenes, before Pilate, behind scrim during flashback scenes, and at tomb. Small speaking part for head guard. |
| ***Pontius Pilate: | Roman governor; key figure in Jesus’ trial. Small speaking part. |
| Villagers/Children: | In village scenes, baptism scene, and finale. Small speaking part for a man and women in ACT II. |
| Dancers: | As desired. |
| Samson: | A kitten – a real one. |
| Seabiscuit: | A donkey – a real one. Used in ACTS I and II. |
Author’s note: You can double-cast the following roles:
- The four shepherds (Jacob, Joshua, Zechariah, Nathaniel)
- Rachel and Caleb
- Joseph
- Joanna
- Mary Magdalane
- John the Baptist
- Pharisees
- Soldiers
- Villagers/Dancers/Children
- Mary and Nathaniel (they age 30 years for ACT II); actors needed to portray them behind scrim in Flashback Scene of ACT II.
Production Note:
Depending on your timing and length of production, you may choose to include a time of worship led by Guardian and full cast before the final song, “Someday”.
