Complete sccript

SCENE 1


At RISE:
NARRATOR 1

Good evening. We are pleased to have you with us this evening.

Tonight, we’re going to present a play called Shenandoah: A Christmas Story. With apologies to James Stewart and company for the 1965 film version and John Cullom for the 1975 musical. Our story relates Christmases at the Anderson family house over the course of several years.

Because there was no electricity, nor running water, and all of those things we take for granted today, the Andersons would not have had the joy of listening to a cell phone ring-tone. (need loud cell-phone ring-tone now.) So, we would ask you to please turn off those devices that might destroy our trip back in time.

The year is 1839. The setting is the Shenandoah valley in Virginia in late December.

We begin our story by meeting young Charlie Anderson and his wife, Martha, newlyweds, at their very first Christmas.

(The kitchen, sparsely equipped, in the Anderson home. There are two crudely constructed wooden chairs next to a simarly constructed table. A single, empty, coat tree stands next to the door)

O SHENANDOAH, I LONG TO SEE YOU
OH, YOU ROLLING RIVER
O SHENANDOAH, I LONG TO SEE YOU
AWAY, MY HEART’S AWAY
CROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI

O VALLEY GREEN, I AM YOUR DAUGHTER
OH, YOU ROLLING RIVER
FOREVER MORE, YOUR FAITHFUL DAUGHTER
AWAY, MY HEART’S AWAY
CROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI

OH, MEADOWS WARM THAT SPRING EMBRACES
OH, YOU ROLLING RIVER
THOUGH I HAVE SEEN A HUNDRED PLACES
AWAY, MY HEART’S AWAY
CROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI
O SHENANDOAH, I LONG TO SEE YOU
OH, YOU ROLLING RIVER
O SHENANDOAH, I LONG TO SEE YOU
AWAY, MY HEART’S AWAY
CROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI


YOUNG MARTHA (Off stage)
Charlie! Charlie! Hurry up!

YOUNG CHARLIE (Off stage)
Is it time? Is the baby comin’?

YOUNG MARTHA (Off stage)
No. No, Mr. Anderson, it’s cold! I’m freezin’. Come on, let’s go!

(Charlie and Martha enter the kitchen, shaking off the snow. Charlie is carrying wood for the fireplace.)

CHARLIE

Let me get a fire goin’

MARTHA

(stands in the middle of the room, shivering.)

Hurry up, Mr. Anderson. It’s colder in here than it is outside!

CHARLIE

(Gets the fire going)

There. (rubs his hands together.) That’ll get us warm.

(Goes over to Martha. He helps her with her coat, and hangs it up. They sit down at the table.)

YOUNG CHARLIE
Mrs. Anderson, I tell you, this has got to be the most beautiful land that was ever created!
(He jumps to his feet, excitedly.)
Why, I feel like I could just run out and plant …



YOUNG MARTHA
(Wryly)
You might want to wait until the snow melts, Charlie.

YOUNG CHARLIE
(Laughs. Sits down, abruptly. Jumps up, again)

Mrs. Anderson, I tell you, this is like heaven! (quieter) We may not have a lot. (looks around, smiles. Sits back down) But we have each other and God’s blessings. And soon…
(looks at Martha’s middle – she is obviously expecting.)


YOUNG MARTHA
And we’re healthy. We may not have a house like up in Richmond, (beat) but this is more than Mary had 1800 years ago. (beat) They just had a stable…
(stands up, walks around Charlie’s chair, puts her hands on his shoulders…Blackout)



























I HAVE TRAVELLED MANY MOONLESS NIGHTS
COLD AND WEARY WITH A BABE INSIDE
AND I WONDER WHAT I’VE DONE
HOLY FATHER, YOU HAVE COME,
CHOSEN ME NOW TO CARRY YOUR SON

I AM WAITING IN A SILENT PRAYER
I AM FRIGHTENED BY THE LOAD I BEAR
IN A WORLD AS COLD AS STONE
MUST I WALK THIS PATH ALONE
BE WITH ME NOW, BE WITH ME NOW

BREATH OF HEAVEN, HOLD ME TOGETHER
BE FOREVER NEAR ME, BREATH OF HEAVEN
BREATH OF HEAVEN, LIGHTEN MY DARKNESS
POUR OVER ME YOUR HOLINESS
FOR YOU ARE HOLY
BREATH OF HEAVEN

DO YOU WONDER AS YOU WATCH MY FACE
IF A WISER ONE SHOULD HAVE HAD MY PLACE
BUT I OFFER ALL I AM
FOR THE MERCY OF YOUR PLAN
HELP ME BE STRONG, HELP ME BE, HELP ME

BREATH OF HEAVEN, HOLD ME TOGETHER
BE FOREVER NEAR ME, BREATH OF HEAVEN
BREATH OF HEAVEN, LIGHTEN MY DARKNESS
POUR OVER ME YOUR HOLINESS
FOR YOU ARE HOLY

BREATH OF HEAVEN, HOLD ME TOGETHER
BE FOREVER NEAR ME, BREATH OF HEAVEN
BREATH OF HEAVEN, LIGHTEN MY DARKNESS
POUR OVER ME YOUR HOLINESS
FOR YOU ARE HOLY

BREATH OF HEAVEN
BREATH OF HEAVEN
BREATH OF HEAVEN






NARRATOR 1

Years have passed at the Anderson place. It has grown. It now has a barn and a stall for horses. It has a garden out back. And the family has grown, as well. Six boys, five of them healthy and growing like weeds. Martha is expecting, again. But this one has weakened her and her two sisters, Becca and Norma Jean, have come to stay with the Andersons and help out until the birthing.

BECCA
Martha, I plumb do declare! How that Charlie can expect you to handle all these chilluns… and put food on the table.. and when is he going to build that bedroom out back that he keeps talking about…

MARTHA
Now, Becca, you know he has his hands full with the stock..
(she shifts the baby boy to the other side of her lap)
And he has Jacob and James out with him.

BECCA
(snorts in disgust)
To help him with the work, you mean…

NORMA JEAN
Becca, you’re just mad ‘cause Martha done left home and left you with the cleaning up and helping Mama cook…

BECCA
Norma Jean, if you would help out once in a while instead of …
(take a swipe at Norma Jean who runs around the table)

MARTHA
(a little anxiously)
Norma Jean! Be careful with those dishes. They were mama’s best!

NORMA JEAN
(puts them on the table. Continues to run around the table. Giggles)

MARTHA
(sharply)
Girls! (beat) Girls! (they stop)
If you’re not going to help, I’ll have Charlie take you back home.

MARY BETH PORTER

(Off stage. In a loud voice)

And, Furman, be sure to put a blanket on that horse. Otherwise, he’ll catch his death of cold!

(Mary Beth Porter enters the Kitchen with a small child and carrying a big pot and a basket. She is talking non-stop.)

Hey there, Martha Louise. I seed you weren’t at church Sunday and Charles left before I could talk with him.. Pastor Holt said he were feeling poorly, so I up and made a double batch of stew. Furman … Keep your hands to yourself, Junior. (she smacks “Junior” on the hand) …managed to bag a mess of rabbits and you know they won’t keep more ‘n a week or two. There’s some pone bread in the basket, be sure to use it to sop the juice up.

(Turns to Becca and Norma Jean who are staring, open-mouthed at her.)

You two girls helping your sister? You know this is a time in a woman’s life when she needs all the help she can get and Jesus won’t take kindly to you putting off work onto her!

MARTHA

Mary Beth ---

MARY BETH PORTER

(cuts her off)

Never you mind. You keep off your feet and watch for that child of your’n. I’ll be leavin’. I got two babies of my own to watch for. Get that man of yours to help out.

(walks out)

Furman! Let’s get on home. Oh, hey there, Charles. You take care of that (fades off)


(Charlie and the two boys come in. Charlie goes off stage.)

CHARLIE
Now, you boys wash up.

(the children start getting excited, talking about the snow, and Christmas, and what presents will they get this year.)

MR SANTA BRING ME SOME TOYS
BRING MERRY CHRISTMAS
TO ALL GIRLS AND BOYS
AND EV’RY NIGHT I’LL GO TO SLEEP SINGING
AND DREAM ABOUT THE PRESENTS YOU’LL BE BRINGING

SANTA (SANTA) PROMISE ME PLEASE
GIVE EV’RY REINDEER A HUG AND A SQUEEZE
I’LL BE GOOD AS GOOD CAN BE
MR. SANTA, DON’T FORGET ME!

SANTA, HERE COMES SANTA
SANTA, HERE COMES SANTA
SANTA, HERE COMES SANTA
MR. SANTA, BRING ME SOME TOYS!

MR. SANTA (SANTA) DEAR OLD SAINT NICK
BE AWFUL CAREFUL
AND PLEASE DON’T GET SICK
PUT ON YOUR COAT WHEN BREEZES GET BLOWIN’
AND WHEN YOU CROSS THE STREET,
LOOK WHERE YOU’RE GOIN’

SANTA! SANTA, WE’VE BEEN SO GOOD
WE’VE WASHED THE DISHES
AND DONE WHAT WE’VE SHOULD
MADE UP THE BED
AND SCRUBBED UP OUR TOES-ES
WE’VE USED THE KLEENEX WHEN WE’VE BLOWN OUR NOSES!

SANTA (SANTA) LOOK AT OUR EARS
THEY’RE CLEAN AS WHISTLES
WE’RE SHARPER THAN SHEARS
NOW WE’VE PUT YOU ON THE SPOT
MR. SANTA BRING US A LOT!

(The kids go running off stage. Becca and Norma Jean go after them. Charlie come back in, goes over to Martha, who is sitting. She is obviously tired.)

CHARLIE

(stands behind Martha, places a hand on her shoulder)

Mrs. Anderson, how are you doing today?

MARTHA

A little tired, Mr. Anderson.
(smiles wanly, put a hand on his)

I sure hope we get some snow for Christmas. The children would really like it.

CHARLIE

Well, we need the moisture. That’s a fact

MARTHA

How did the boys do?

CHARLIE
They did really good. Well.. (smiles) They will be doin’ fine soon.
(walks over to the door as noise is heard off stage)
How’re the girls doin’?

MARTHA
They’re growing up too soon, but, really, they’re doin’ okay and they’re a comfort.
(Off stage, sharp noises from the children..)

CHARLIE

I better go see what’s going on (goes off-stage right)

MARTHA

(Rocks the baby for a while, then places him in a cradle next to her.)

Lord, I know you test us. Help me to know your will…

MARY, DID YOU KNOW
THAT YOUR BABY BOY
WOULD SOMEDAY WALK ON WATER
MARY, DID YOU KNOW
YOUR BABY BOY WOULD SAVE
OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR BABY BOY
HAS COME TO MAKE YOU NEW?
THIS CHILD THAT YOU DELIVERED
WOULD SOON DELIVER YOU

MARY, DID YOU KNOW
THAT YOUR BABY BOY
WILL GIVE SIGHT TO A BLIND MAN
MARY, DID YOU KNOW
THAT YOUR BABY BOY
WOULD CALM A STORM WITH HIS HAND.

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR BABY BOY
HAS WALKED WHERE ANGELS TROD
WHEN YOU KISS YOUR LITTLE BABY
YOU KISS THE FACE OF GOD

MARY, DID YOU KNOW?
MARY, DID YOU KNOW?

THE BLIND WILL SEE, THE DEAF WILL HEAR
THE DEAD WILL LIVE AGAIN
THE LAME WILL LEAP, THE DUMB WILL SPEAK
THE PRAISES OF THE LAMB

OH, MARY, DID YOU KNOW
THAT YOUR BABY BOY
IS LORD OF ALL CREATION
MARY, DID YOU KNOW
THAT YOUR BABY BOY
WILL ONE DAY RULE THE NATIONS.

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR BABY BOY
WAS HEAVEN’S PERFECT LAMP
THIS SLEEPING CHILD YOU’RE HOLDING
IS THE GREAT “I AM”.



NARRATOR 1

Jennie Anderson came into the world December 18, 1845. She was a lusty, healthy child who wanted the world to know that she was here.

(new born crying noise. Loud. Really LOUD)

NARRATOR 2

Martha Anderson left this world on December 20, 1845. She was 25 years old. She had brought seven children into this world. One, Charlie Anderson, Jr., was at rest in the family plot. Now she would rest beside him.

(off-stage crying of children and women.)
(anguished sound of “Angus Dei” fades)

(Congregation files in and sits in first three rows of audience. Pastor stands in front of podium.)



PASTOR

Lord, you have called your child, Martha Louise Anderson, home. Receive her into Your kingdom. She is a child of God and has served you well.

Lamb of God. You take away the sins of the world.

CONGREGATION
Have mercy on us.

PASTOR

Lamb of God. You take away the sins of the world.

CONGREGATION
Have mercy on us.

PASTOR

Lamb of God. You take away the sins of the world.

CONGREGATION
Grant us peace.


ALLELUJAH
ALLELUJAH
FOR THE LORD ALMIGHTY REIGNS
ALLELUJAH
ALLELUJAH
FOR THE LORD ALMIGHTY REIGNS

HOLY, HOLY ARE YOU LORD GOD ALMIGHTY
WORTHY IS THE LAMB
WORTHY IS THE LAMB
YOU ARE HOLY HOLY
ARE YOU LORD GOD ALMIGHTY
WORTHY IS THE LAMB
WORTHY IS THE LAMB

AMEN

ALLELUJAH
ALLELUJAH
FOR THE LORD ALMIGHTY REIGNS
ALLELUJAH
ALLELUJAH
FOR THE LORD ALMIGHTY REIGNS

AMEN





















(Congregation files back to green room. Stage left. Charlie stays at cemetery.)


CHARLIE

(sitting in the chair by the family plot. Silence.)

Well, Mrs. Anderson, I don’t know what to do. Becca and Norma Jean, they’re gonna stay here for a while to help out with the boys and the baby.

(puts his head down)

Oh, Martha…
(breaks down)
Mary Beth Porter has come over with her boy, Josh. She fixed dinner…

(looks down at his plate)


You’d be proud of Jacob and James. And all the boys. They’ve been a big help. (beat) Looks like we may have a white Christmas, after all..
(looks off, back, then off again)

Well, Mrs. Anderson, take good care of Charlie Junior. (beat) Goodnight.

I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
JUST LIKE THE ONE I USED TO KNOW
WHERE THE TREE TOPS GLISTEN
AND CHILDREN LISTEN
TO HEAR SLEIGH BELLS IN THE SNOW

I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
WITH EV’RY GREETING CARD I WRITE
MAY YOUR DAYS BE MERRY AND BRIGHT
AND MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMASES BE WHITE…(Blackout)










NARRATOR 1

In 1859, the Winds of War were sweeping the south. In Atlanta, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama, men were talking a strange new word: secession. Even in Richmond, Virginia, many were talking of breaking off from the Union.

NARRATOR 2

In the beautiful Shenandoah valley, this talk was very confusing. Young men were talking war; Older, and wiser, heads were urging caution. Here, the issues there were not as clear as they were further south.

NARRATOR 1

To Charlie Anderson, the issue is very clear. He, and his, will not be a part of either issue. He intends to sit this one out.

(Charlie and his two oldest sons are in the kitchen. Charlie is sitting, drinking a cup of coffee.)

JACOB
(walks over to counter where James is standing.)
Father, they say that if Lincoln is elected, many of the southern states will --
[break away from the Union]

CHARLIE
We are not many of the southern, nor, indeed, are we any of the southern states.
(looks hard at his two oldest boys)

If, that is, when Abraham Lincoln is elected, life here will go on as it always has…

JAMES
Father, Josh Porter, is claiming that he will join up with the “Confederate” –
[forces in Richmond]

CHARLIE
James, that is pure nonsense! There is no “Confederate” anything and, remember:
Josh Porter is not a member of this family. At least, not yet! And, if he does some silly thing like … well …

(ROBERT walks in and hears the discussion.)

ROBERT

We’ll whip those “bluecoats” all the way back to Canada!

(Jacob and James smile at each other. Charlie doesn’t. Starts to say something when…)

(Norma Jean and Anne Anderson come in. Anne walks over to James and takes his hand)

NORMA JEAN
What’s all the long faces?

JAMES
Jake wants to go fight those rebs down in South Carolina.

ROBERT
Me, too!

JACOB
James ---

NORMA JEAN

(Walks over and grabs ROBERT by the ear and walks him toward the door stage right)

You go do your chores, young man. Now!

(Turns to Jacob and James)

You two need to think about what your mother would want you to do. She would not ---
[want you fighting in a war]

CHARLIE
She would not want you talkin’ this nonsense.

ANNE
James.

JAMES
Yes! (Sharply, turns to Anne. Quieter) Yes.

ANNE
James, Becky has been asking where her daddy is. I think maybe you should go talk with her for awhile.. (looks sharply at Jacob and Charlie)

JAMES
(blushes and ducks his head)
Aw, Annie..
ANNE
Well, come on. They’re goin’ on a sleigh ride with the children. Let’s you n’ I go with them.
(walks out pulling James along, he looks back, sheepishly)


CHARLIE
Well, Jake, we know who wears the pants in that family!
(laughs. Jacob laughs, too)

Well, she’s a good –
[daughter-in-law]

(Jennie comes running in, talking excitedly)

JENNIE
Papa, Papa! Can I go on the sleigh ride with the Porters? Can I? Can I?

CHARLIE
Whoa. Slow down.
(grabs her and turns her around to face him)
Have your done all your chores?

JENNIE
Oh, yes, Papa! I’ve done everything Aunt Becca and Aunt Norma Jean done told me to.

CHARLIE
“I’ve done everything that Aunt Becca and Aunt Norma Jean has told me to do.”
(smiles up at Becca as she comes into the room)

BECCA
“have told me to..” correcting both Becky and Charlie. (Charlie looks at her ruefully.) I’ll be goin’ along with them. Charlie, she’s done all, well, most all, of her work.

CHARLIE
Well …okay.
(looks at Jennie)

But stay warm (beat) and mind your manners!
(Jennie rushes out of the room before he can say the last line)
…And mind your manners…

JACOB
Father, I’ll go with them, too

JACOB (Cont’d)

(looks at Charlie, ducks his head) I better keep an eye on them…
(exit stage right, Charlie’s alone)

CHARLIE
Quiet, at last –
(Robert runs in)

ROBERT
Papa, I mean, Father..

CHARLIE
Yes, yes (frowns, laughs) yes, go ahead.

(Off sounds of children, adults laughing fadeout)

JUST HEAR THOSE SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING
AND RING TING TINGLING, TOO
COME ON IT’S LOVELY WEATHER
FOR A SLEIGH RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOU

OUTSIDE THE SNOW IS FALLIN’
AND FRIENDS ARE CALLIN, YOO HOO
COME ON IT’S LOVELY WEATHER
FOR A SLEIGH RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOU

GIDDIE-YAP, GIDDIE-YAP, GIDDIE-YAP, LET’S GO
LET’S LOOK AT THE SHOW
WE’RE RIDING IN A WONDERLAND OF SNOW
GIDDIE-YAP, GIDDIE-YAP, GIDDIE-YAP, IT’S GRAND
JUST HOLDING YOUR HAND
WE’RE GLIDING ALONG WITH A SONG
OF A WINTERY FAIRY LAND.

OUR CHEEKS ARE NICE AND ROSY
AND COMFY COZY ARE WE
WE’RE SNUGGLED UP TOGETHER
LIKE TWO BIRDS OF A FEATHER ARE WE

LET’S TAKE THE ROAD BEFORE US
AND SING A CHORUS OR TWO
COME ON IT’S LOVELY WEATHER
FOR A SLEIGH RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOU

THERE’S A BIRTHDAY PARTY AT THE HOME
OF FARMER GRAY
IT’LL BE THE PERFECT ENDING OF A PERFECT DAY
WE’LL BE SINGING THE SONGS WE LOVE TO SING
WITHOUT A SINGLE STOP
AT THE FIREPLACE WHILE WE WATCH THE CHESTNUTS POP!

THERE’S A HAPPY FEELING NOTHING
IN THE WORLD CAN BUY
WHEN THEY PASS AROUND THE COFFEE
AND THE PUMPKIN PIE
IT’LL NEARLY BE LIKE A PICTURE PRINT
BY CURRIER AND IVES
THESE WONDERFUL THINGS ARE THE THINGS
WE’LL REMEMBER ALL THROUGH OUR LIVES

JUST HEAR THOSE SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING
AND RING TING TINGLING, TOO
COME ON IT’S LOVELY WEATHER
FOR A SLEIGH RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOU

OUTSIDE THE SNOW IS FALLIN’
AND FRIENDS ARE CALLIN, YOO HOO
COME ON IT’S LOVELY WEATHER
FOR A SLEIGH RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOU

IT’S LOVELY WEATHER
FOR A SLEIGH RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOU



















(CHARLIE sitting in chair talking to Martha)

CHARLIE
Mrs. Anderson, it’s been a good year. The crops have managed to grow in spite of me! (smiles) JAMES and ANNE have a boy now, named Charles. I told ‘em they didn’t need to do that… But, he does look a little like me … That Becky sures dotes on little Charlie..

I guess Becca and Norma Jean are probably gonna stay here forever.. Oh, I know, I know. I try to run them off. They don’t pay any attention to me. Even though Robert’s almost grown, and Jennie’s turned into quite a beauty, they still cluck around them like two mother hens!

I don’t like the talk I’ve been hearin’ in town. Talk of secession, of pulling away from the union. And Jacob, him being in the army, I’m worried. And James, him wanting to join, too. No, of course, I don’t let the children know. And now that Lincoln’s been elected, there’s a lot of hot-heads …

Well, we’ll see what’s gonna happen. No, no, I’m not gonna let anyone pull us away from each other. I made a promise to you. I’ll keep it. Somehow. The family will stay together and I will... Don’t you worry about a thing…

That Josh Porter has been hanging around a lot. Yes, I know, it’s Jennie he’s here to see. Yes, he’s good boy. But she’s just too young!

(looks away)
Yes, I know, she only a year younger than you were when we got married …(fadeout)


















(Jennie Anderson and Josh Porter are outside the kitchen talking to each other. Josh is talking about joining the Confederate army and fighting the north)

JOSH

I tell you, Jennie, people are joining up to the new army faster than a tic hound! I hear that Lee himself is gonna lead it!

JENNIE

Josh, would you go away? I mean..

JOSH

Why, no, Jennie. This would be to protect us’ns here in Virginny, Jennie…(smiles)

JENNIE

When are you gonna talk to Father? You know, about us…

JOSH

Well.. (looks around, stumbles..) I don’t know, Jennie. Your Pa.. He don’t like me none.. (quieter.., unsure)

JENNIE

Josh, he does like you. He just don’t like to talk about joining no army. But, he likes you. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t let me be out here alone with you!

JOSH
Well, I don’t …

MARY BETH PORTER
(voices off stage)

Josh, let’s go! Where is that boy, I swear! Furman! Cover that horse!

JOSH

I gotta go.. bye! (runs off)

JENNIE
(watches Josh leave)
Oh, Josh. Why do you have to join up with some old fool army? (beat) why can’t you just stay here, at home, (beat) with me.

DO YOU REMEMBER ME?
I SAT UPON YOUR KNEE;
I WROTE TO YOU WITH CHILDHOOD FANTASIES.

WELL, I’M ALL GROWN-UP NOW,
AND STILL NEED HELP SOMEHOW.
NOT FOR MYSELF,
BUT FOR A WORLD IN NEED.

SO HERE’S MY LIFELONG WISH,
MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST.
NOT FOR MYSELF,
BUT FOR A WORLD IN NEED.

NO MORE LIVES TORN APART
THAT WARS WOULD NEVER START
AND TIME WOULD HEAL ALL HEARTS.
AND EVERYONE WOULD HAVE A FRIEND,
AND RIGHT WOULD ALWAYS WIN,
AND LOVE WOULD NEVER END.
THIS IS MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST.

AS CHILDREN WE BELIEVED
THE GRANDEST SIGHT TO SEE
WAS SOMETHING LOVELY WRAPPED
BENEATH OUR TREE.

WELL, HEAVEN SURELY KNOWS
THAT PACKAGES AND BOWS
CAN NEVER HEAL
A HURTING HUMAN SOUL.

NO MORE LIVES TORN APART
THAT WARS WOULD NEVER START
AND TIME WOULD HEAL ALL HEARTS.
AND EVERYONE WOULD HAVE A FRIEND,
AND RIGHT WOULD ALWAYS WIN,
AND LOVE WOULD NEVER END.
THIS IS MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST.




WHAT IS THIS ILLUSION CALLED
THE INNOCENCE OF YOUTH/
MAYBE ONLY IN OUR BLIND BELIEF
CAN WE EVER FIND THE TRUTH.

NO MORE LIVES TORN APART
THAT WARS WOULD NEVER START
AND TIME WOULD HEAL ALL HEARTS.
AND EVERYONE WOULD HAVE A FRIEND,
AND RIGHT WOULD ALWAYS WIN,
AND LOVE WOULD NEVER END.
THIS IS MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST.

THIS IS MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST.


(off stage, voices, loud)

JAMES
It happened! South Carolina has seceded!

JOSH PORTER
Well, that tears it. What’ll your Lincoln do now?























SCENE 2

NARRATOR 1

In what some consider to be our darkest hours, America was plunged into a great civil war. Pitting states against states, churches against like denominations, political friends against each other, neighbors against neighbors, cousins against cousins, and brothers against brothers.

NARRATOR 2

As time wore on, names of places such as Gettysburg, Shiloh, and Chickamauga, became symbols of great battles, of many lost soldiers on both sides of a war that was threatening to destroy even the Anderson family.

NARRATOR 1

Josh Porter DID join the Confederate army. He was not able to stay around Shenandoah valley, as he had so bravely told Jennie, and ended up in Georgia. Jacob Anderson was promoted to Captain and was sent to Pennsylvania. James Anderson, against Charlie’s wishes, also joined the union forces. John, Nathan and Robert Anderson, stayed at home. Robert really wanted to “jin up” and fight against the “blue coats.” (even though Jacob and James were also “blue coats.”)

NARRATOR 2

Jacob Anderson was at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, when the biggest battle of the civil war was fought. In the terrible three days of action between the two great forces, he suffered a wound that ended his soldiering. Although they saved his leg, he would always have a gimp, a reminder of that battle.

NARRATOR 1

James Anderson arrived at Gettysburg on July 6, 1863. The great and terrible battles had taken place during the first three days of July, with many casualties on both sides. After General Lee withdrew on July 3, both armies spent the time recovering and burying the dead. In this scenario Captain James Anderson arrived.

NARRATOR 2

Late in August of 1863, Josh Porter’s attachment was sent to Tennessee to help bolster Confederate General Braggs’ army. On September 19, 1863, they met and fought union forces at Chickamauga creek. After fierce fighting union forces retreated to Chattanooga.



NARRATOR 1

In early November, Captain James Anderson and his attachment was sent to Chattanooga, which was now under the command on Union General U.S. Grant. On November 23, union forces attacked Confederate forces in an effort to break the blockade around Chattanooga.

(battle sounds, men yelling, quiet. Scene opens with solitary soldier in a gray coat with his back toward the audience)

(Thunder in the background, far away.
Gets closer, louder)

JOSH

(crouches down close to the ground, drops his weapon and covers up, cowering.)

(thunder noises get louder. Animals scream. Noises start to fade.)

(JOSH stand up, facing upstage. Then bends down and picks up his weapon.)


MAJOR IN UNION ARMY (off stage)

Hey! Hey, you! (steps onto stage with other soldiers, including Captain James Anderson, in blue coats)

Stop! (shouts at Confederate soldier) Put that rifle down. (Confederate soldier slowly puts his rifle on the ground) Turn around and put your hands up! Now!

(Confederate soldier turns around – it is Josh
Porter.)

JOSH

(faces the Union soldiers)

JAMES
(steps up and looks at Josh)
Josh? Boy? That you?


MAJOR IN UNION ARMY

Captain, do you know this man?

JAMES

Yes sir, I do. It’s my sister’s fiancé, sir.

MAJOR IN UNION ARMY

I can’t say much for her chosin’, Captain. He looks like he ain’t et in a week. (looks at Josh, then the Captain. Sighs) Put some food in that man. We’re gonna go on ahead. Do what you need to do. Either feed him or shoot him! (They go off)

JAMES

Oh, Josh. (can’t look at him) Hey, you hungry?

JOSH
(simply) yes.
(James puts his pistol away, gets in his pack and gives food to Josh. Josh wolfs it down. They stare at each other.)

JOSH (Cont’d)

How’s Jennie? Have you heard from her? (looks down)

JAMES

She’s fine. (hastens to add) Your folks are fine, too.

JOSH

How’s your pa? And the rest? (looks up)

JAMES

So far, okay. Yeah, ev’ryone’s fine, fine.

(they sit quietly, staring off at the distant sounds of war.)

JAMES

Well, I guess you better be goin’, Josh.

JOSH

Yeah, I guess. (looks at James. James turns around)

JAMES
Leave the rifle, Josh.

JOSH

Goodbye, James

(Josh walks away, leaving the rifle)

JAMES
(to an empty scene) Goodbye, Josh. Good luck.





(scene to kitchen and Anne Anderson reading letter from James.

I’LL HAVE A BLUE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU
I’LL BE SO BLUE THINKING ABOUT YOU…

(scene of James Anderson)

I’LL HAVE A BLUE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU
I’LL BE SO BLUE THINKING ABOUT YOU
DECORATIONS OF RED ON A GREEN CHRISTMAS TREE
WON’T MEAN A THING, DEAR, IF YOU’RE NOT HERE WITH ME

AND WHEN THOSE BLUE SNOWFLAKES START FALLIN’
THAT’S WHEN THOSE BLUE MEM’RIES START CALLIN’
YOU’LL BE DOIN’ ALRIGHT WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS OF WHITE
BUT I’LL HAVE A BLUE, BLUE CHRISTMAS.








SCENE 3

NARRATOR 2

News, in the late 1860’s, travels very slow. Far away events sometimes seem unreal, but close at home, they could change very suddenly.

(The Anderson kitchen. Charlie Anderson and Norma Jean are sitting at the table. The table is pretty much like scene 1, but there are two more chairs. And things on the table.)

NORMA JEAN
Mary Beth Porter was over yesterday.

CHARLIE
(takes a drink of coffee.)
How’s she doin’?

NORMA JEAN
They haven’t heard from Josh in quite a while. She’s worried sick.

CHARLIE
Well, you know. The mail didn’t run very good –
[before the war. You could call it “snail” mail, now]

NORMA JEAN
Very well.

CHARLIE
(looks dourly at Norma Jean) Humph. The mail didn’t run very well before the war. You could call it “snail” mail, now. It just takes time…

Where Robert?

NORMA JEAN
Oh. He and that boy, Gabe, are out fishin’.

CHARLIE
Gabe? Who’s that?

NORMA JEAN
That’s the family that the Porter’s took on. Since Josh left, it’s just been too much work for Furman. He’s not a spring—
[chicken anymore.]
(GABE, son of an the Porter’s hired hand and Robert Anderson’s new friend, comes running in.)

GABE

(excitedly, out of breath) Mister Anderson, Mister Anderson. They done took him. They took him, sir. They got… They got… (Stops, can’t get his breath.)

CHARLIE
Whoa. Whoa, boy. Get a hold of yourself. What’re you talking about. Who got who. Who took who?

GABE
Bobbie, suh. Bobbie

CHARLIE

Robert? Who? (stands up) Someone took Robert?

GABE

Yessir, yessir. That’s what I been tryin’ to tell you.. They took him, sir (crying)

CHARLIE

Wait a minute. Slow down. (sits him down) Who took Robert, and why?

GABE
(Norma Jean tries to interrupt)
Well, sir (Charlie hushes Norma Jean and children)

CHARLIE

Go on…
GABE

Me and Bobbie, uh, Robert. (looks up at Charlie) we were goin’ fishin’ down to the crick…

CHARLIE
Go on

GABE

I see’d somethin’ in the crick. It were
NORMA JEAN CHARLIE
(automatically, without thinking) “It was” “It was”

GABE
(looks at Norma Jean and back at Charlie) um, yeah. uh, it was.. uh, it was a hat. One of those rebel hats. I got it, but Bobbie took it away from me.

I told him it were mine – I found it – but he said he jist wanted to wear it for awhile – and he said it fit him just fine.

CHARLIE

Okay, so what happened.

GABE

Well, we was fishin’ and before we knowed it, some bluecoaters was on us! We never even heard them! But there they were (excited, stutters) They had guns. They looked mean!

CHARLIE

Slow down, Gabriel. (Turns to Norma Jean, shushes her) Get him some water, Norma Jean. (They wait for him to drink some.) Now, Gabe, just tell us what happened.

GABE

(Takes breath, slows down.) Well, one of the bluecoats says, “what you wearin’, boy? Are you a reb?”

Well, Bobbie looks at him and says, bold as day, “Yes, I am, bluecoat!”

Well, they took him, sayin he’s a rebel prisoner! (fadeout)













NARRATOR 1

Charlie Anderson, with two of his boys, head out to find out what has happened to the youngest boy, Robert. They meet up with Jacob who joins them in their search. They are gone a long time. While they are gone, they meet up with Josh Porter, who is making his way back home. He also joins in the search.

Back home the three Anderson women are keeping things going as best as they can.

(Anne Anderson, Becca and Norma Jean are sitting at the kitchen table. Anne is talking with Becky. It is late.)

ANNE ANDERSON
Okay, Becky, time to go to bed., now.

BECKY
Will you read me the Christmas story?

ANNE ANDERSON
I’ve got to finish up these dishes. And then, I’ve got to go take care of the horses, and make sure they’re okay for the night.

BECKY
Can Aunt Becca read it?

BECCA
I’ll be glad to.

NORMA JEAN

You’all go ahead. I’ll take care of these dishes.

Annie, the stock is more important than these few dishes. And (looking at Becca) Becky needs to hear the Christmas story.

ANNE ANDERSON
Okay. (laughs) Come on. (they go off stage left)







(Norma Jean is left alone in the kitchen, gets up from the table and puts a glass in the cupboard. She sees the dishes and takes one down, then places it back in the cupboard)

NORMA JEAN

Well, Martha Louise, I always said Mama favored you over Becca and me. You got the best dishes.. and silverware. That Charlie.. Sometimes I wonder what you saw in that man..


UP IN THE ATTIC, DOWN ON MY KNEES
LIFETIMES OF BOXES, TIMELESS TO ME
LETTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHS, YELLOWED WITH YEARS,
SOME BRINGING LAUGHTER, SOME BRINGING TEARS.

TIME NEVER CHANGES THE MEMORIES, THE FACES
OF LOVED ONES WHO BRING TO ME
ALL THAT I COME FROM AND ALL THAT I LIVE FOR
AND ALL THAT I’M GOING TO BE
MY PRECIOUS FAMILY IS MORE
THAN AN HEIRLOOM TO ME.

WISEMEN AND SHEPHERDS,
DOWN ON THEIR KNEES,
BRINGING THEIR TREASURES
TO LAY AT HIS FEET.
WHO WAS THIS WONDER,
BABY, YET KING?
LIVING AND DYING;
HE GAVE LIFE TO ME.

TIME NEVER CHANGES THE MEMORY, THE MOMENT
HIS LOVE FIRST PIERCED THROUGH ME,
TELLING ALL THAT I CAME FROM,
AND ALL THAT I LIVE FOR,
AND ALL THAT I’M GOING TO BE.
MY PRECIOUS SAVIOUS IS MORE
THAN AN HEIRLOOM TO ME.

MY PRECIOUS SAVIOUS IS MORE
THAN AN HEIRLOOM TO ME.



SCENE 4


(Becky in bed with Becca tucking her in)

BECKY
Aunt Becca?

BECCA
Yes, Becky.

BECKY
When is Papa coming back home?

BECCA
I’m sure it’ll be real soon, honey.

BECKY
I miss him. And Grandpa Anderson. And Uncle Jake and Uncle Jimmy..

BECCA
I know, honey. We all miss him.

BECKY
Aunt Becca?

BECCA
Yes, Becky.

BECKY
They’re not dead, are they?

BECCA
Why Becky! Of course not. What made you say such a thing.

BECKY
It’s just that sometimes you don’t tell me.. (voice drifts off)

BECCA
No, Becky. No. They’re fine. They’re just looking for your Uncle Robert.

BECKY
I know. The bad bluecoats took him, didn’t they? (beat) Does that mean Uncle Jacob and Uncle Jimmy are bad, too?


BECCA
No, No. There was just a big confusion. They’ll get him back. I know they will.. (Becca stands up.) Now say your prayers and get some sleep.(Becca walks out left)





I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
JUST LIKE THE ONES I USED TO KNOW

MAY YOUR DAYS BE MERRY AND BRIGHT…


I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
YOU CAN COUNT ON ME
WE’LL HAVE SNOW AND MISTLETOE
AND PRESENTS ‘ROUND THE TREE

CHRISTMAS EVE WILL FIND ME
WHERE THE LOVELIGHT BEAMS
I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS…























NARRATOR 1

Charlie Anderson does come back home. Without Robert. However, Jacob Anderson and Josh Porter come home, too

The great war ends May 1865 with the surrender of Jefferson Davis in Georgia.

In late November, 1865, Charlie Anderson and family are in church.

(door opens behinds congregation and Robert stands in doorway. Walks, rather limps down the isle toward family. The men gather about. The women hug him and cry.)

PASTOR
Thank you, Lord, for protecting and watching over this family. Help their wounds to heal, and help the wounds of this community, and nation, to heal. Give us the courage and strength to go forward.

(All go to the kitchen for the family dinner)

COME AND GATHER AROUND AT THE TABLE
IN THE SPIRIT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS
AND WE’LL ALL JOIN HANDS
AND REMEMBER THIS MOMENT
‘TIL THE SEASON COMES ROUND AGAIN

LET’S ALL TRY TO SMILE FOR THE PICTURE
AND WE’LL HOLD IT AS LONG AS WE CAN
MAY IT CARRY US THROUGH
SHOULD WE EVER GET LONELY
‘TIL THE SEASON COMES ROUND AGAIN

ONE NIGHT HOLY AND BRIGHT
SHINING WITH LOVE FROM OUR HEARTS
BY A WARM FIRE,
LET’S LIFT OUT HEADS HIGH
AND BE THANKFUL WE’RE HERE
‘TIL THIS TIME NEXT YEAR.

MAY THE NEW YEAR BE BLESSED
WITH GOOD TIDINGS
‘TIL THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU AGAIN
IF WE MUST SAY GOODBYE
LET THE SPIRIT GO WITH YOU
‘TIL THE SEASON COMES ROUND AGAIN



ONE NIGHT HOLY AND BRIGHT
SHINING WITH LOVE FROM OUR HEARTS
BY A WARM FIRE,
LET’S LIFT OUT HEADS HIGH
AND BE THANKFUL WE’RE HERE
‘TIL THIS TIME NEXT YEAR.

MAY THE NEW YEAR BE BLESSED
WITH GOOD TIDINGS
‘TIL THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU AGAIN
IF WE MUST SAY GOODBYE
LET THE SPIRIT GO WITH YOU
AND WE’LL LOVE AND WE’LL LAUGH
IN THE TIME THAT WE HAVE
‘TIL THE SEASON COMES ROUND AGAIN




























NARRATOR 1

Time, as it always does, starts to heal many wounds. Jennie and Josh Porter DO get married. With all the family home, fences and outbuildings, neglected during the conflict, get repaired.

Charlie is wearing down, but still talks with Martha.

(scene most of the family in the kitchen)


(Charlie sitting and talking with Martha looking at the new cross…)

CHARLIE
Well, Martha, the “war” is over. For what ever good it did. So many gone. Josh, he ain’t never gonna be the same. Well, if anyone can make him smile again, it’ll be Jennie. But we’re all home now.

Mrs. Anderson, you take good care of yourself, now. (beat) I should have been here. I wasn’t…

Sometimes it’s just so hard to know…

I’m so tired… Maybe I’ll rest (puts his chin on his chest.. light lowers)

(back in the house everyone is getting ready for Christmas dinner)

NORMA JEAN
(stops Anne) Where you goin’ with that plate?

ANNE
I thought I’d take it to Father Anderson. (she points out toward)

NORMA JEAN
(looks out toward the cemetery) Just put it at his place.









YOUNG MARTHA (off stage)

Charlie! Charlie!

(young Charlie stands up behind seated Charlie)

YOUNG CHARLIE
What? (looks around, confused, down at Charlie, seated) What? (looks across stage to see young Martha standing there)

MARTHA
Charlie, come on. It’s time to go! (holds out her hand toward Charlie)

(fadeout)




O SHENANDOAH, I LONG TO SEE YOU
OH, YOU ROLLING RIVER
O SHENANDOAH, I LONG TO SEE YOU
AWAY, MY HEART’S AWAY
CROSS THE WIDE MISSOURI


(END)