What if a family placed a red wooden box marked ‘Prayer Box’ next to their mailbox and gathered the neighborhood up for a Christmas desert and announced its intent and purpose for the Christmas season? And what if the curmudgeon-like neighbor next door (Jack) shows up to blow the whole idea out of the water with his attitude and peppered language? It’s a great set-up for something to happen that could bring about a change in a neighborhood. This family of four includes a savvy teen girl and a bright pre-adolescent boy. Nothing is going to stop their sincere desire to care for their neighbors, but Jack will challenge this family’s idea of God answering prayers at Christmas time. Most of the RT Actors double-up on character parts making for great fun in the storytelling. There is a group of 15 or more Tableau Actors providing all the relationships to be found in the neighborhood from Single to Married to Children and Infants—all ages. Tableau Actors are silent actors for the most part, providing emotional content for two scenes, including the movement of props and scenery. There are a few Tableau Actors with spoken lines related to the storytelling. This play can provide a great opportunity for church members to get involved, especially those who say, “I can’t sing, and I can’t act, but I sure would like to be in one of those Christmas shows someday.” The storyline will tug on the hearts of those gathered, whether church family members or guests, sounding familiar in its humor and true-to-life relationships within the context of a neighborhood. The author’s Playwright Notes are available in the script.

Melea’s plays are royalty-based and determined by number of performances. Her permissions and guidelines are simple, straight-forward, and are in-line with production opportunities and restrictions that one would follow to produce musicals, theater pieces, and plays. When possible, she can be available to the directors and producers to consult about the work. Her background in theater, as a director, producer and actor have all given her a wealth of knowledge, experience, and desire to help others accomplish excellent theater and dramatic works within churches, schools, and Christian organizations. Contact Melea J. Brock directly for perusal copies of any of these plays. Email (most immediate) is [email protected], or phone— 626-365-1955/800-369-9230