Recovering Christmas © Theme:
What do you do when the bottom seems to fall out of your personal and professional life? When it seems that everything is falling apart and nothing more could possibly come along . . along comes a guy who just might be an angel. And to make things even worse it is the Christmas season, the most stressful season of the year! A 6 act drama with a short song
Bible Reference: Cast:
14+ Ulysses (Uke) Jones, supervisor at Ford factory Delia, Uke’s wife Jackson 16 year old son Pam 14 year old daughter Mikey 8 year old son Lyla is Delia’s friend Amy is Lyla’s 16 year old daughter Twanna is Delia’s friend, Lebron’s wife Lebron is fellow manager at Ford, Twanna’s husband Emmanuel is Twanna and Lebron’s 16 year old son Tom is Uke and Lebron’s boss Smitty works for Uke Raymond works for Uke Angie is the mysterious stranger, (likely male but could be female) (optionally) any number of non-speaking actors for Act VI
Set:
Act I – Jones family kitchen Act II & Act IV & Avt V – Uke Jones’ office Act III – Country Club restaurant Act VI – Living Room in Jones home
Lighting:
as available, would be best to be able to fully darken down the set between acts
Sound:
as available
Costumes:
standard for work or more formal in Act VI
Props:
tables, chairs, desks, phones, office equipment, cell phones
Special Instructions: In Act VI actors are featured by others freezing, handle this with care Time:
90
Script:
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 1
Act I - Jones Family Kitchen Delia is putting the breakfast on the table, Uke comes on stage, sits at the table Uke:
Mornin’ darlin.’
Uke tries to kiss her cheek, she pushes him away, Delia looks at Uke, frowns Delia:
Now do you mind tellin’ me why you got that old shirt on?
Uke:
What’s wrong with this here shirt, I like this shirt, blue, just like the good old Ford blue down at the plant.
Delia:
Care to tell me why I bother slaving, washing your clothes, making everything nice, you just throw on any old shirt, makes it look like you have a wife that can’t keep her husband looking decent.
Uke:
You do a great job looking after me and the kids, Delia, everybody knows that.
Delia:
How are they supposed to know that Uke, you walking around dressed like some homeless tramp. . . No idea why you can’t be more like Lebron, he a supervisor down at the Ford plant just like you. . . Never know it though, him always dressed neat and good looking, not like you.
Uke:
I look fine Delia honey, I . . .
Delia:
Uke Jones, you look like something scraped up from the Goodwill store is what you look like! . . . Next time somebody at Ford gets a promotion, you just watch, gonna be Lebron, not you.
Uke:
Well, Lebron, he’s a good man, deserving of a promotion . .
Delia:
What does Lebron getting a promotion do for this family, I ask you, Uke Jones? Your son Jackson, he’s 16 now in case you missed it, soon he will be needing a car . . . Where do you think that car is gonna come from, you with no promotion?
Uke:
Jackson will have to work to get the money if he wants a car, same as I did.
Delia:
Maybe you didn’t notice, there’s a recession going on in America, where do you figure a 16 year old boy is gonna get money for a car?
Uke:
Well Jackson he will have to make do with riding a bike just like every other 16 year old. . .
Delia:
“A bike like every other 16 year old” you say? . . . Happen to notice that Twanna’s son Emmanuel has his own car. Likely Lyla’s daughter Amy will have a car soon too.
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 2
Uke:
Look Delia, I can’t help it if your friends have rich husbands who can buy their kids cars and things, fact is I . . .
Delia:
Fact is . . Uke Jones . . fact is you have never stepped up and been able to look after your family. . . Fact is I could have married a dozen guys who would have looked after me proper.
Uke, smiles, tries to put his arm around Delia Uke:
Now tell me darlin’ what would you ever have done, marrying a dozen guys . . ?
Delia pushes Uke away, angry Delia:
Go on and eat your breakfast, don’t be late for work, get fired likely, then just where would I be? . . Maybe time you think of me for once, Uke Jones!
Jackson and Mikey come on stage, sit down at table Jackson:
Is this what I am supposed to eat for breakfast? . . . Mom, you know very well I got a basketball game after school . . . And you are feeding me Corn Flakes? . . . I need decent food if I am gonna perform. . . No one cares about me!
Delia:
Jackson why don’t you go and ask your father why he can’t bring home enough money for me to buy decent food, buy myself nice things once in a while.
Uke:
Look, you all should know it’s not easy being the only one with a job in this house . .
Delia:
What kind of crack is that? . . I suppose that means you think I should go out and get a job . . Not enough that I slave in this house 24 hours a day, now I am supposed to go get a job as well. . . Maybe if some of you tried to follow me around for a day you would think different!
Mikey:
Could we just have a quiet breakfast please?
Uke:
You are right Mikey, just eat up your breakfast and . .
Pam storms onto stage, screaming Pam:
This curling iron is a piece of junk!
Mikey:
Well, it’s Christmas, maybe Santa will bring you a curling iron.
Pam, sarcastic: Mikey . . . Dear child Mikey! . . . I do not need a 7 year old child . . . Mikey:
Eight.
Pam:
I do not need a . . child . . . to give me some idiot comments about a person who does not exist . . .
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 3
Mikey:
I can see where Santa won’t be coming to visit someone in this house . . .
Pam:
Get a brain little child! . . The whole Christmas season is based on some fat guy coming down a chimney and some ridiculous baby in some ridiculous manger. . . Neither of which is believed by anyone in their right mind.
Uke:
See here young lady . . . I will not have the birth of Jesus discussed in that manner.
Pam:
Oh give it a rest Father!
Pam starts to leave the stage Delia:
You can’t go to school without food.
Pam:
I will pick up something decent at McDonalds. . . . I need money.
Delia hands Pam money Pam:
Big whoop! . . Five bucks!
Pam storms off stage Uke, to Jackson: I will try to get to your basketball game if I can get off work in time son. . . Maybe we can go out for a coke after. Jackson:
No can do Dad, there’s a party at Diana’s.
Uke:
Diana Underhill?
Jackson:
The one and only.
Uke:
I don’t want you spending time with Diana or her family.
Jackson:
Who my friends are and who I spend time with is no one’s business.
Uke:
I forbid you to go there!
Jackson, ignores Uke, holds hand out to Delia: And I need forty bucks. Uke, shock:
Forty dollars?
Jackson:
My turn to buy the . . (grins). . . coke and chips.
Delia hands money to Jackson Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 4
Jackson, kisses Delia’s cheek: Thanks Mom . . Don’t wait up. Jackson goes off stage Uke:
What did you just do Delia?
Delia:
What did you expect me to do, the boy needs spending money, we don’t want him turning into someone who doesn’t pay his share.
Uke:
You know very well there will be liquor and drugs at the Underhills.
Delia:
Show a little faith in my son Uke! . . Jackson has his head screwed on right, maybe use a little trust. . . . (looks at watch) . . Look at the time! . . You will have to drop Mikey off at school, I am late for my meeting at the club.
Delia rushes off stage, Uke throws his hands up in frustration Mikey:
Just another day in paradise Pop! . . Come on, let’s go save the rest of the day.
Uke:
You are a good kid Mikey.
lights down
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 5
Act II Ford Plant, Uke Jones’ office Uke, Smitty and Raymond are sitting around a desk Uke:
Well, the fact is that our productivity is down in the last quarter, and defects are up.
Smitty:
I tell you its the steel we are bringing in from China lately, poor quality, that’s what’s causing the rejects.
Raymond:
Smitty’s right Uke, its the old rule, garbage in, garbage out.
Uke:
Be that as it may Raymond, our group has the worst stats in the whole plant.
Smitty:
If I’ve told you once, I told you a dozen times, you’ve gotta fudge the figures, its what Lebron and all the other supervisors do, that’s what makes them look good.
Raymond:
And makes us look bad.
Uke:
Well no way I am fudging any figures.
Smitty:
Well Uke, guess you gotta learn to live with the comparisons with Lebron and the flack from your boss Tom.
Uke:
Look, we gotta shape up, . . . now we are behind on the axle order, get a move on, OK?
Raymond:
You know you can count on us Uke.
Smitty:
And don’t worry so much, old Tom is just cracking the whip is all, . . he gets a lot of jollies outta that.
Raymond and Smitty leave, Uke sits at his desk, head in hands After a short time Tom and Lebron come in Tom:
Hey Uke, got a minute?
Uke:
Tom, come on in. . . Lebron.
Lebron, boastful: Hey Uke, old pal, how is the . . other half . . of the plant doing? Tom:
Actually, that’s why I got us all together this morning. . . See, fact is, Uke’s group are not doing that great. Productivity is down versus your group Lebron. And rejects are way higher than yours.
Lebron:
What can I say? Better management gets better results.
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 6
Tom:
So it would seem Lebron . . So it would seem. . . Anyhow, what I want, Lebron, is that you will spend some time assisting Uke, kinda mentoring him over the next few weeks.
Lebron:
Hey hold on a minute here! . . No way I got spare time to babysit Uke or anyone else, my plate is full I tell you!
Tom:
Regardless, work it out . . . It is what I expect and it shall happen.
Lebron stands up, snarls at Uke Lebron:
Thanks a lot . . Ulysses Jones . . Useless Jones everyone calls you, your name for sure fits you!
Lebron storms off stage Uke:
I feel sorry for Lebron.
Tom:
You know Uke, you amaze me, sometimes frustrate me to distraction. . . . Do you understand what’s going on here? . . . Unless you get your act together I am gonna have to let you go. . . And no one likes to up and fire a man at Christmas. . . I am hoping that with Lebron’s assistance we can get things back to acceptable, and you get to keep your job. . . Do I make myself clear?
lights down
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 7
Act III –Pleasant Hills Country Club Lyla is sitting at a table, drinking coffee, after a few seconds Delia rushes on stage Delia:
Someday I would like to get the guy behind all this nonsense.
Lyla:
Hi Delia, and just what nonsense might that be?
Delia:
This whole Christmas silliness is what. . . Whoever is behind all this Christmas nonsense needs to be strung up.
Lyla:
Well the guy behind Christmas goes back a bit Delia. . . Like over two thousand years.
Delia, smiles: Oh great, here comes the religion commercial. I like you a lot Lyla but you know how I feel about religion. . . And right now all I want is for me and you and Twanna, . . (looks at her watch, frowns) . . when she gets here . . . to plot out our Christmas getaway to Acapulco . .sans kids! Lyla:
Sorry Delia, you are going to have to plan that one without Andrew and I.
Delia, shock:
What are you talking about girl? . . You know us three couples we have been doing this for three years now, we deserve to pamper ourselves, get away from this rat race!
Lyla:
Well Andrew feels like we should be cutting back, the recession and all, and we should be putting more money aside, never know where this economy is gonna take us.
Delia:
What foolishness is that husband of yours talking? Sounds to me like Andrew has been spending too much time with that fool husband of mine, always talking about what we can’t afford, how we need to be . . . “prudent in our spending.” . . whatever that means! . .
Lyla:
Well, I think your Uke is right, we all need to show restraint in these times.
Delia:
Don’t you go there Lyla! . . We work hard, we deserve some of the perks of our positions in society!
Lyla:
Well you and Uke can do as you wish, but Andrew and I won’t be going on a holiday this year.
Delia:
Oh sure, like Uke will go when he hears you guys aren’t going! . . Uke has just been waiting for an excuse to back out.
Lyla:
Well I am sure that Lebron and Twanna will be going.
Delia:
You don’t understand Lyla. . . See, like, this is the Christmas season, and, like, this here getaway to Acapulco is God’s Christmas gift to us, don’t you see?
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 8
Lyla, smiles:
For sure God had in mind some wonderful gifts for us, at Christmas and all through the year, but somehow I doubt if one of those gifts was a luxury excursion to Acapulco. Acapulco somehow doesn’t quite rank up there with God’s gifts of forgiveness and salvation.
Delia:
Oh brother, can you tone down the religion thing a bit Delia?
Twanna comes on stage Delia:
Twanna girl, you tell Delia here to cool it with the religion OK?
Twanna:
Delia, I got way more important things than religion on my mind.
Twanna breaks into tears, Delia and Lyla come to her, console her Lyla:
What is wrong Twanna?
Twanna:
It’s me and Lebron.
Delia:
What happened to Lebron?
Twanna:
The fool lost it is what.
Lyla:
What happened Twanna?
Twanna:
Lebron told me its over between us.
Delia, shock:
No way Twanna! . . . You two have been married for going on twenty years, the kids, he’s got a good job, there must be some mistake.
Twanna:
Lebron told me I don’t fit his image anymore, he has himself a young thing half my age.
Delia:
Well you just tell Lebron that he has his responsibilities and he better get his head straight and stop all this silliness!
Twanna:
Delia have you been listening at all? . . . Lebron has moved out . . we are done . .we are . . . .
Twanna starts to sob uncontrollably Lyla:
Oh Twanna, I am so sorry, how can we help, what can we do?
Twanna:
Nothing anyone can do.
Lyla:
I will be praying for you, and for the kids, and for Lebron as well.
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 9
Delia, annoyed: Give it a rest with the religion thing Lyla. Twanna needs real help now. . . Maybe some marriage counselling . . Twanna:
Lebron and me have seen every counsellor in town, nobody’s going to solve this mess. We’ve fought our way through problems in our marriage. But seems like we don’t have the will to solve this one.
Lyla:
God can solve even the most hopeless situations Twanna. He came as a powerless, defenceless baby on that Christmas long ago, and he took on the problems of the world, even the problems you and Lebron are facing right now.
Delia, annoyed: Lyla, can’t you see Twanna is hurting, now I am telling you for the last time, quit it with the cheap Bible story answers to real problems. Twanna:
Lyla means well, Delia. And I appreciate what you are trying to do Lyla, . . but right now I need help from someone that can put his arms around me and give me answers and advice, . . someone with flesh and blood, . . not someone from an old book.
Lyla:
I’m not offering help from a book, Jesus is real . . he walked this earth just like you and I . . and just as you are going through tragedy and being let down by your husband, Jesus was abandoned by his friends, and he was mocked and beaten and humiliated and put to death.
Delia:
Lyla, you know I have had just about enough of your crazy talk. What we all need to do is have a heart to heart with Andrew and Lebron both, show them the error of their ways, . . . . and make our reservations to Acapulco.
Twanna:
If you and Uke are going to Acapulco, only thing I can say is have a blast. I won’t be there and sounds like Lyla and Andrew won’t be there. . . And if Lebron is there it will be with his new sugar babe.
Delia:
Some Christmas this is gonna be, seems like everyone is setting out to make my Christmas the very worst ever. . . . Thanks a lot you guys!
Twanna, shock: You figure you are the one with a Christmas that is the very worst ever? . . . I don’t think so girl! . . . Best you come live at my house for a while, you will learn what worst ever is all about! phone rings, Delia reacts with annoyance Delia:
Now just who is bothering me now? . . . (takes phone out of purse) . . Sometimes I think Alexander Graham Bell shoulda gone golfing rather than dream up this annoying fool gadget.
Delia pushes buttons on cell phone, puts phone back in purse, almost instantly it starts to ring again Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 10
Delia:
Who is the idiot who can’t take a hint that I don’t want to talk to him?
Lyla:
Never know Delia, might be an important call, better you answer it.
Delia, annoyed, reaches for phone: Oh man! (talks in phone, annoyed) Who is this? . . (listens, registers shock) Pam did what? (listens, registers more shock) Jackson is where? Oh my God! lights down
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 11
Act IV – Uke’s office Uke is sitting at his desk, looking at papers, sighs, looks up, frustrated Uke:
What’s the use, no matter what I do the numbers just don’t add up. Let’s face it! . . I don’t have the smarts to make my department measure up to Lebron’s department. Useless Jones, that’s what they call me. . . and the name for sure fits! I might as well admit it . . . I don’t have what it takes to . .
phone rings, Uke stares at it for a few seconds, shakes his head, reaches for phone Uke:
Production, Uke Jones speaking. (listens, surprised look) She is . . ? . . . OK, . . send her in.
Uke gets up from his desk greets Lyla as she comes on stage, Lyla looks very strained Uke:
Now to what do I owe the honor of this pre-Christmas visit Lyla? . . Are you out and about playing Santa?
Lyla:
There’s been trouble Uke.
Uke:
Trouble? . . What kind of trouble? . . . Wait . . . is Delia OK?
Lyla:
It’s not Delia, it’s your kids.
Uke:
Kids? What happened?
Lyla:
Pam . . seems she took off from school with some boy.
Uke:
Pam did what? . . Who is this boy and . .
Lyla:
And also Uke there has been an accident .. . . a car accident, and it’s Jackson . . he has been badly injured.
Uke:
Jackson? . . Injured? . . Oh my God! . . Is he OK? . . Is he gonna be OK? . . Where is he? . . . What happened?
Lyla:
We don’t have many details but it seems a group of the kids were out partying and there was some alcohol and . .
Uke:
I knew it, that Underhill family! . . I warned Jackson to stay away from them and . . Lyla . . . . is he going to be OK?
Lyla:
It happened out of town and they took the injured to a local hospital. . . They are going to transfer Jackson to City Hospital later today after he is stabilized.
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 12
Uke:
I will go down to the hospital to see him . . to find out . .
Lyla:
He won’t arrive at City Hospital for a couple of hours, there will be no one there until then Uke.
Uke:
Well where is Delia, I need to be with her, she will need me. . . She shouldn’t be alone.
Lyla:
Delia isn’t alone. . . The school needed someone to make out a report on Pam, so Twanna drove Delia to the school. She will meet you at the hospital in an hour.
Uke:
How could this happen? . . Pam . . Jackson. . . I mean they are good kids and . .
Lyla:
Yes they are Uke. . . And now we just need to pray that are both going to be OK. I will see you at the hospital later, I have to pick up my kids and take them home first.
Lyla turns to leave Uke:
Thank you Lyla . . for caring . . and for praying . .
lights down
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 13
Act V - Angie on the scene, Uke’s office Uke sits at desk, chin in hands, staring straight ahead Uke:
What else could go wrong? Jackson going to the hospital, intensive care. Pam has run off, no one knows where. Delia thinks I am useless as a husband and a father. Useless Jones is me, for sure! My boss thinks I am ineffective as a manager, I will likely be fired. Can’t think of one reason for going on. And it’s almost Christmas . . Christmas should be . . Christmasy. There should be a feeling of Christmas . . in the air. This is some Christmas. . .
Uke shakes head, bows head, freezes Song:
Where is the “Christmas in the air”? There is no laughter anywhere Seems all is darkness and despair And where is “Christmas in the air”?
Uke:
What happened? We’ve had problems from time to time but . . We always worked it out . . Family . . Career . . . What happened to that Christmas feeling?
Song:
Where is the “Christmas in the air”? There is no laughter anywhere Seems all is darkness and despair And where is “Christmas in the air”?
Uke:
Seems like everything I touch turns all wrong. Sometimes I think it would be better if I never was born. Yeh . . . much better . .
Angie Voice: You don’t mean that. Uke thinks a second, shakes head to clear thoughts Uke:
Delia could have married her dozen other guys that were available. Jackson and Pam would have had a better Dad. Ford would have had a more aggressive, more competent manager.
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 14
Angie Voice: Or perhaps . . . Delia may have been lonely and alone . . And certainly Jackson and Pam would not have existed, nor would little Mikey. And Ford would be missing their most honest and conscientious employee. Uke, looking around, shocked: Who is it . .? . . . Where are you. . . ? Angie comes on stage Angie:
You called?
Uke:
Who are you?
Angie:
Just a friend.
Uke:
A friend? . . . Whose friend?
Angie:
Yours. . . At least I would like to be.
Uke:
You don’t want me for a friend.
Angie:
I don’t?
Uke:
You don’t. . . .
Angie:
I don’t?
Uke:
Trust me . . You don’t.
Angie:
You are down on yourself Ulysses.
Uke:
How do you know my name?
Angie:
Oh I know all about you Ulysses.
Uke:
I think I should be afraid . . how come I am not?
Angie, chuckles: No one has ever been afraid of me Ulysses. Uke:
If we are gonna be friends maybe call me Uke, like all my friends do.
Angie:
Well personally I favour Ulysses but, as you wish . . .Uke.
Uke:
Question . . . How did you get in here? I don’t see any security tag.
Angie, smile: I am the most secure guy you know, so a security tag is not necessary. Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 15
Uke:
Are you a . . . (makes wing motions with arms) . . ?
Angie:
Let’s just say that I am a special ambassador, kinda to look out for you.
Uke:
Wow . . my own guardian angel. . . . . Wow! . . . What’s your name angel?
Angie:
Well, seein’s as how I can call you Uke, why don’t you just go and call me Angie?
Uke:
Angie? . . I like it . . . got a ring to it.
Angie:
As does Uke. . . Two good names . . Uke and Angie. . . Good for two friends.
Uke:
Something confusing here. . . If you are like . . an angel . . . then where are the . . . . (makes wing motions with arms)
Angie:
Why is it everyone gets all bent outta shape over wings? . . How do you figure I work undercover sporting a pair of Class A wings? . . And did you ever try to get decent looking clothing that fit well with wings? (looks at Uke, frowns) That crack was meant to make you smile . . . And . . not even the tiniest glimmer. Do you realize what this could do to my reputation as the funniest clown in the clouds.
Uke, serious: What am I gonna do Angie, . . . about my family, . . . my job? Angie:
In situations like this a lotta folks find that praying is a good thing.
Uke:
I been praying today.
Angie:
I noticed, but you may want to recall from your old Sunday School days that the Book says, “Pray without ceasing.” . . . And last several years I have noticed that you . . well . . . did a lot of . . . ceasing.
Uke:
Yes, I know that I have, and I feel real bad about it, . . and sorry . . . I really am sorry Angie.
Angie:
Hey, listen Uke, I am just the messenger. I’m not the guy you should be saying these things to.
Uke:
No? . . You mean I should . . . (looks upward)
Angie:
Yup, you should Uke. . . No doubt about it.
Uke:
Trouble is, I am bad out of practice . . Maybe you could help me some.
Angie:
I overheard some of what you said this morning, sounded real good to me.
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 16
Uke:
Maybe I could recite The Lord’s Prayer.
Angie:
That’s a good one, fact is I wish more folks would use that one more often, but, thing is, you got some pretty specific things you need to address, so maybe this time, instead of The Lord’s Prayer, maybe it oughta be . . Uke’s prayer.
Uke:
You think . .?
Angie:
Yeh . . I do think Uke. . . Fact is, and I have it on real good authority, God hears the prayers that come straight from the heart. . . . Every time.
Uke:
Well, . . . if you are sure.
Angie:
I am very sure Uke, very sure indeed.
Uke:
OK, well here goes . . . Lord, this here is Uke, you maybe know me best by the name of Ulysses Jones. Anyways, things aren’t good for me right now. And, before I start, Lord, . . I regret that I kinda . . fell away . . from church, and praying . . and . . (wipes away a tear, tries to control emotions) I am . . so . . . very, very, very sorry Lord. I know I have made all sorts of excuses in the past . . But all I can say now is . . I have no excuse. No excuse for leaving you out of my life. No excuse for not seeing to it that I brought my kids up in church. No excuse for not being a Christian example in my home. No excuse for failing to be a Christian example in my workplace. Lord, I tried to be a good husband, a good father, a good employee. But I realize now that trying to live a perfect life just isn’t possible, Lord I think what I need is you in my life. Lord, please be with Jackson and with the doctors . . . Lord he is . . my son . . Lord I love my son . . Save him for me Lord. . . Please . . And my daughter Pam . . I don’t know where she is Lord. . . But you do. . Protect her Lord, bring her back to me . . Safe. And my wife, Delia . . I love her Lord, I truly do. Things haven’t always been great there . . but I love her Lord. I want for us to start over . . a renewal of our marriage. Please . . Oh and thank you Lord for my son Mikey . . He’s a good boy Lord, thank you for him. And my job Lord . . Looks like I am gonna be fired. . I love my job . .
Recovering Christmas © ©Copyright DramaShare® 2011
Page 17
But Lord, I guess if I have my family back, thing is we can work things out . . even if I am unemployed. I know I asked a lot Lord . . But please . . Please Lord. Angie takes out a large handkerchief and blows nose loudly Uke:
You think the Lord heard my prayer Angie?
Angie:
I know he heard every word Uke. And I think you are going to have a visit from your boss Tom.
Uke:
Wow! . . Like you can see the future and you know Tom will be coming to talk to me?
Angie, confused: See the future? . . Nah, I am looking out the window and I see Tom coming down the hall. Tom comes on stage Uke:
Tom . . . I was kinda expecting you actually. Like you to meet my friend Angie.
Tom looks around, frowns Tom:
What are you talking about Uke, there’s just you and me here.
Angie:
Tom can’t see me or hear me Uke. . . You are on your own.
Uke, to Tom:
Sooooo . . . Is the hammer coming down Tom?
Tom:
Yeh, ‘fraid it is Uke. . . But I got no choice. . . And I feel real bad about it for Lebron’s sake.
Uke:
Don’t feel bad Tom, not your fault, I had my opportunity to show . .
Uke stops, frowns, thinks Uke:
You feel bad for Lebron? . . . I don’t understand . .
Tom:
Lebron has been fired.
Uke, shock:
Nooooooo! . . . Why? . . . . Why Lebron? . . . I mean he was . .
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Tom:
Lebron was fired because he was falsifying production reports and he was taking kickbacks from suppliers. . . Both of which are, as you know, strictly against company policy.
Uke:
I feel so bad for Lebron, I mean, it’s Christmas, and he has worked here at Ford all his adult life. . . What will he do? . . What will Twanna and the kids do?
Tom:
From what I hear Lebron moved out on Twanna last week.
Uke:
I am so sorry. . . After we see Jackson at the hospital I will have Delia drop over and see if there is anything she can do to help Twanna . . And I will go talk to Lebron, he must be in shock over it all.
Tom:
You never fail to amaze me Uke. . . Here Lebron was trying to make you look bad here at the plant, and you want to help him.
Uke:
It’s what friends do. . . (looks at Angie) Right?
Angie gives thumbs up sign to Uke Tom:
I know you want to get to the hospital to be with Jackson, you go ahead. Call me and let me know how Jackson is doing, OK? . . And I will be thinking of you and your family.
Uke:
Thanks Tom, I will call you. . . . Maybe if you have a minute you could pray for us?
Tom:
Well, afraid I never did learn much about praying but . .
Uke, looks at Angie: No worries, I got this friend can teach you all you need to know in that department. Angie nods, smiles, Uke leaves the stage lights out
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Act VI - Christmas party at Jones home Uke is standing downstage center, hand outstretched as lights come up Uke:
Welcome to our home, Merry Christmas! . . Come on in, make yourself at home.
all actors come on stage from all sides, smiling, happy, speaking rapid fire All, individually: Good to see you again. A beautiful night isn’t it? Wonderful to see you again. I just love your dress! Help yourself to the snacks. I remember back on the farm when I was a kid, the sleigh rides. So nice to get together at Christmas. How is the family? Blessings of the season! And special plans for the holidays? Amazing how your kids have grown! Merry Christmas! (etc., etc.) Angie, to Uke: Nice party Uke, thanks for the invite. Uke:
Christmas is a time for getting together with friends . . . and you are a good friend Angie.
Angie:
Aww, so nice to be included. . . Been some Christmas season for the Jones family and friends.
Uke:
Yes. . . yes, it has been that.
Jackson walks by on crutches Angie:
Nice to see Jackson out of the hospital, getting around some.
Uke:
It’s been a tough time for Jackson, not just recuperating, but learning who his real friends are.
Jackson moves to Amy Angie:
I notice that Jackson is quite friendly with Lyla’s daughter Amy. . . They for sure do make one lovely young couple.
Angie and Uke move near Jackson and Amy at which point all actors except Uke and Angie freeze
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Uke:
Hey wait just a minute there Angie . . Jackson and Amy are friends . . nothing more, just friends is all.
Angie, smile: I never did say they was any more than friends . . seems you are a bit sensitive on that account Uke. Uke:
Not sensitive at all, but the way you are talking, that sly smile of yours, you’d think that my son and Amy are about to get engaged or something and that’s just silly, I mean they are children.
Angie, nods head: Sixteen year old children for a fact. . . (pauses, thinks) . . I was trying to remember, how old was you back when you started dating Delia? Uke, shock:
Hey just one cotton pickin’ minute here! . . So I was 16 when Delia and me started dating . . but that was different circumstances, different times. Kids they grew up faster in the old days. No way you can compare Delia and me dating with Jackson and Amy dating.
Angie:
Oh you are saying Jackson and Amy are dating?
Uke, annoyed: No Jackson and Amy aren’t dating! . . I did not mean to say dating . . I meant to say . . I dunno . . friending. Angie:
Friending? . . I like that. . . Well, whatever, they are good kids.
all actors unfreeze, Emmanuel moves to Jackson & Amy, Uke shows displeasure Amy:
Hey Emmanuel, Merry Christmas!
Emmanuel, suave: How’s my most favourite chick doin’? all except Uke and Angie freeze Uke:
Hey what is that Emmanuel doing, coming on to Amy? Don’t he realize that Amy is Jackson’s girl?
Angie:
Oh so you mean Jackson and Amy are like going steady?
Uke, annoyed: No they are not going steady! . . . Like I said, they are . . . friending! all actors unfreeze, Mikey moves to Jackson, Amy & Emmanuel Amy:
Hey Mikey! . . Merry Christmas to you!
Mikey:
Merry Christmas Amy, you sure look nice!
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Amy:
Why thank you Mikey, what a nice thing for you to say.
Emmanuel:
Hey look here, little Mikey he is startin’ to notice the chicks, good on you Mikey my man! . . . Give me five man! Emmanuel & Mikey high 5 Hey Mikey, I tell ya, a party comin’ down later tonight at my old man’s house, him and his woman are outta town, liquor cabinet open and available, gonna be some young chicks there for you to meet, what you say man?
Mikey pauses, looks to Jackson & Amy all except Uke and Angie freeze Uke:
That Emmanuel is no good, a bad influence on my kids, I will put an end to this right now!
Uke starts to move toward Emmanuel, Angie holds up his hand to stop him Angie:
Just maybe hold back a bit Uke.
Uke:
What are you saying . . “hold back a bit”? . . Emmanuel he is nothing but trouble and both Mikey and Jackson are at risk!
Angie:
You have to have some trust in your kids Uke, they are good kids, . . . and you can’t protect them every minute of the day. Let’s just hold off, see if Mikey and Jackson, with the influence of Amy, will do what’s right, OK?
Uke:
Easy for you to say, you just a guardian angel, I am the father 24/7, try that some day!
all actors unfreeze Amy:
No can do Emmanuel. (puts arm around Mikey’s shoulder) My friend Mikey here is busy tonight.
Emmanuel:
What’s this, Mikey has a date with a chick tonight?
Amy:
Mikey has a date with lots of girls, and guys too. Mikey volunteered to help organize the Christmas Rock Concert at the church.
Emmanuel, laughs: Mikey, you gonna tell me that you would rather go to some church thing than go livin’ the life with me and my friends? Mikey:
Ya, actually I would, for sure . . . But you are welcome to come along with us Emmanuel.
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Emmanuel:
Not just too likely child, me I am set to . . . party! (to Jackson) What say Jackson, are you with me son?
Uke moves a step to interfere, Angie holds up his hand to stop Uke Jackson:
Nah, I will have to pass on your party Emmanuel, (puts arm around Amy’s shoulder), I got a date with this lovely lady at the Christmas Rock Concert at the church, and I am gonna play lead guitar in the band.
Uke reacts with pride, all actors except Uke and Angie freeze Uke:
That’s my boy! . . He’s not going to no party with Emmanuel, . . my boy is . . .dating!
Angie:
You mean . . friending.
Uke:
Nope! . . . My boy is . . . dating!
all actors unfreeze Amy:
We got an opening for a drummer in the band Emmanuel, what about you go to the Rock Concert with us?
Emmanuel:
Don’t think I would quite fit in, not my kinda crowd.
Amy, coy:
Did you know that Jasmine is singing in the band?
Emmanuel, eyes light up: Jasmine Black? . . Wow she is some gorgeous creature! Jackson:
Yes she is . . . and she is also a strong Christian.
Emmanuel, mimes playing drums: You can go ahead, sign up me and my sticks! Mikey:
Let’s go ask Pam to come with us to the Rock Concert.
young people move to side stage location where Pam is sitting alone, texting Amy:
Us guys are going to the Christmas Rock Concert at the church, care to come along Pam?
Pam, disgust: No! Mikey:
Aww, it will be awesome, please come.
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Pam:
Child, let me put this in words that even you can understand . . . I would rather slit my wrists than get together with the “Who’s Who” in losers at that church thing.
Emmanuel:
Not losers at all Pam, I am gonna be there playing drums in the band.
Pam:
I am disappointed in you Emmanuel, but there is no telling the depths of some people’s stupidity.
Jackson:
Please Pam . .
Pam, firm and louder: I do not wish to go, OK? crowd looks around, uncomfortable Jackson:
Please . .
Pam, screams: I said I don’t want to go to your stupid church thing! . . Now . . leave . . me . . alone! Pam runs off stage crowd stops, there is awkward silence for a few seconds, crowd goes back to talking Amy, Jackson, Mikey and Emmanuel slowly leave the stage Angie:
I feel bad about Pam, she seems very troubled.
Uke:
Seems like ever since she ran off from school she is withdrawn. . angry. Wish there was something I could do but . .
Angie:
Seems like sometimes, Uke, you just gotta let go and let God.
Uke:
Easy for you to say Angie.
Angie:
Nah, not easy at all Uke. . . Very, very hard for me to say.
Uke, fear:
Are you saying that Pam is going to . .
Angie:
I am just saying that you need to continue to love her, and encourage her, and be there for her, and pray for her.. . Remember that Jesus came to earth for the Pams of this world . . .and he died on that cross for the Pams of this world. God cares deeply about what Pam is going through
crowd unfreezes Delia, Lyla and Twanna move to Uke and Angie, Delia kisses Uke`s cheek Delia:
What are you doing dear husband of mine, here all by yourself? . . . (looks at Angie) . . . Oh that explains it, you been talking with Angie, that’s what.
Uke, shock:
Angie . . Delia . . . You . . ?
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Delia:
We have been chatting a time or two, not just you that’s got good friends in high places Ulysses Jones! (hugs Uke)
Twanna:
I swear I have no idea what you too are going on about, talking gibberish!
Lyla, winks:
Must be a private joke is my guess Twanna.
Uke:
How are you doing Twanna?
Twanna:
Well, getting by. . . Each day is kind of an adventure it seems, but . . getting by.
Uke:
I want you to know you and the kids, and Lebron too, are in our thoughts . . in our prayers.
Twanna, emotional, tries to control: Uke Jones, you had better not go and make me cry, spoil the makeup that I worked two hours to layer on me! Uke:
My bad Twanna, I promise not to do that again.
Delia:
I wish you would come to the Christmas service with us at our church Twanna. You would make lots of good friends there, so would your kids.
Twanna, smiles: I noticed that (to Uke) your son Jackson, and (to Lyla) your daughter Amy trucked my son Emmanuel off to church with them tonight. . . Next thing I know my son is gonna be going around speaking in tongues! Lyla:
You don’t mind I hope. . . It’s just like it seems Emmanuel needs good friends. . .
Twanna:
Mind? . . I am overjoyed . . . Perhaps an answer to prayer. . . You guys have good kids.
Lyla:
Amy and Jackson are good friends.
Uke:
Not just good friends . . Jackson and Amy are . . . (proudly) . . dating!
Lyla:
Oh they are, are they? . . (small smile) . . And just when did I give my approval to my daughter dating your son?
Uke:
Lyla, you see how they look at each other . . Amy is so gorgeous and beautiful inside and out. . . And how is Amy gonna resist Jackson, him taking the good looks from his father.
Lyla:
I can just imagine Jackson will take his modesty from his father as well. . . (smiles) . .Jackson is a fine young boy, and if it works out between him and Amy we will be pleased for them.
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Delia:
Yes we will Lyla. But regardless I am sure both of them will grow and benefit from spending time together.
Twanna:
I wish I had just even a little of what you guys have.
Delia:
You come on with us Twanna, there are some folks from the church I am just dying to have you meet.
Delia, Lyla and Twanna go offstage at this point only Uke and Angie are on stage Uke:
Delia and me, we are blessed, Angie.
Angie:
Yes you are Uke, I am seeing good things.
Uke:
Delia is a wonderful woman. . . We both got a bit off track, but we are working at it. And we got some good friends, like Lyla, at church.
Tom comes on stage Tom:
Merry Christmas Uke. . . Merry Christmas Angie.
Uke, shock:
You mean you can see Angie?
Tom:
What kind of question is that Uke?
Angie:
Tom and me, we have been talking some as well.
Uke:
You are a busy little guy aren’t you Angie?
Angie|:
I get around.
Tom:
Anyhow, I just dropped by for a minute, wanted to drop off your special Christmas bonus check.
Uke:
But we already got our bonus checks . . I don’t understand.
Tom:
Well this bonus check is for our new Quality Control Manager in head office.
Uke:
Now I am completely confused. Who is the new Quality Control Manager in head office, and why are you telling me all this?
Tom:
Well, when you get back to the office after the Christmas break I want you to drop by my office and maybe the details will become a little more clear to you.
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Angie:
Seems like congratulations are in order. . . (sticks out hand to Uke, shake hands) . . Congratulations new Mr. Quality Control Manager in head office.
Uke:
I don`t know what to say . . .
Tom, laughs: Just a simple “Ì accept” would suffice Uke. Now if you excuse me, I have to go. My family are going to a midnight Christmas service at our new church, wouldn`t want to miss it, it`s been years since I went. (shakes hands with Uke and Angie) God`s richest blessings on you both! Tom goes off stage Uke moves a chair to downstage center Uke:
Bring a chair, come sit with me Angie.
Angie moves a chair beside Uke a few moments silence as actors stare straight ahead Uke:
I am glad you came into my life Angie.
Angie:
I am glad about that too Uke.
Uke:
Fact is. . . you are maybe about the best friend I got . . maybe about the best friend I ever did have.
Angie:
That’s quite a statement Uke, quite an honor.
a few moments silence as actors stare straight ahead Uke:
A question Angie . . .
Angie:
Shoot.
Uke:
Are you really an angel?
Angie:
Well, I am a friend . . .
Uke:
Yes you are . . a very good friend indeed . . . But are you an angel?
Angie:
So long as we are very good friends, . . does it really matter who I am?
Uke:
Nah . . doesn’t matter a bit. (pauses a few seconds, looks at Angie) Angie . . Something I want to say to you.
Angie:
What is that Uke?
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Uke:
Merry Christmas, dear friend.
Angie:
And Merry Christmas to you, dear friend Uke!
actors freeze lights slowly down and off
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