Scene sample

THE SPECIAL GIFT
by
Geraldine Smith

Scene 1
The narrator, dressed as a Roman soldier walks on to the stage and stands to one side. On stage is the inn and the stable. The citizens of Bethlehem begin to move about quietly below, or in front of the stage and the innkeeper comes out to chat with the passers-by.

Song: Bethlehem was a Quiet City

Roman Soldier	I remember the day it happened. I was patrolling the streets trying to keep down the panic. Oh yes, Bethlehem was in a terrible state. You see, normally, Bethlehem was a quiet city. People who were born there usually moved away to find work. On the whole, foot patrol was a gentle stroll down pleasant byways; chatting to the melon seller, moving on the beggars and then finishing at the inn for a nice long ....................... er.. chat with the innkeeper. But that day he hadn't much time to chat; there were people in the streets, people in the houses, people everywhere.... and all of them looking for somewhere to sleep.
1st couple	Have you got a room?
Innkeeper	Yes, come in
2nd couple	Have you got a room?
Innkeeper	Well yes, I've just one left. Come in.
Roman Soldier	After that, I knew every room in the city was taken. Anyone else who came along would be disappointed. Then a very poor couple came to the inn. The woman looked very very tired and her husband looked very worried.
Joseph	Have you got a room?
Innkeeper	No, sorry, no room at all.
Roman Soldier	They were disappointed; they just didn't know which way to turn. The innkeeper's children, Jacob and Ruth had been listening and they felt sorry for the couple.
Jacob	They could sleep in the stable
Ruth	I cleaned it out this morning (The children lead Mary and Joseph away. Stage left empty or curtains closed).
Roman Soldier	So at least they had somewhere warm and dry for the night. That night, strange things happened. I had a very odd dream. The sky seemed to be lit up and I could hear beautiful singing. continued......