A Modern Day Prodigal Son
by
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SCENE SYNOPSIS
SCENE 1: Charlieus, the prodigal son, wants to leave home and tells his father, Daddyus, that he is ready to spread his wings. Charlieus sings "Hey, Dad! I'm Outta Here!" and picks up his things and leaves. The chorus joins in this up-beat tune.
SCENE 2: Charlieus runs in to the Cool Kids that take him under their tutelage and show him how to have a good time -- at his expense, of course. They impress Charlieus by singing a jazzy selection, "We're Cool". With an admiring attitude the chorus joins in.
SCENE 3: When all of Charlieus' money runs out the Cool Kids, to no surprise, dump him. They tell him so by singing "See Ya". Now, with a jeering attitude, the chorus agrees.
SCENE 4: Charlieus gets a case of home sickness and sings, with the chorus, "It Wasn't All That Bad" in a country-western style.
SCENE5: As Charlieus tries to find a job he ends up doing a square dance with the pigs as they sing to him "You're in the Pits!" Charlieus sings the reprise of "Hey Dad! I'm Outta Here!" to the words of "Reality Check", as it finally dawns on him he has really messed up. The chorus is in both numbers.
SCENE 6: As Charlieus makes his way home, Daddyus sees him coming and engages the servants to throw s party. Daddyus has the solo while the servants and/or chorus come in on the refrain of "We're Having a Party" that is set in a calypso style.
SCENE 7: Of course when the older brother, Freddyus, sees what is going on he asks a servant, Snitchious, what all the commotiois about. Snitchious does a solo in a tango rendition of "Your Brother is Back".
SCENE 8: Freddyus confronts Daddyus and complains throughout the song in "Whad About Me?" while the chorus whines along with him.
SCENE 9: Daddys sets the oldest son right by answering him (in the style of Elvis) with "You Have a Real Attitude". The chorus joins in and there are a few spoken lines at the end right before the music tag #10.
SCENE 10: The entrie cast comes together at the end with a ballad entitled "There's a Little Bit of Prodigal Son in All We Do".
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Book Details
About the Book
This children's Christian musical is based on the Bible passage of Luke 15: 11-32. It contains ten short scenes with a song in every scene. The main characters are the narrators, which may be cast for the entire show or divided up to use different people with each scene, the prodigal son, Charlieus, his father, Daddyus, the older miffed brother, Freddyus, the servant who "sides" with the older brother, Snitchious, and then a chorus of any size. The Piggies and servants may be pulled from the chorus. Piano music is provided to accompany the songs or an instrumental CD,that has the singers or just the orchestrated accompaniment, may be purchased. Modern day clothes are used for the performance and the set is left to your imagination. Permission is given to reproduce the lines and lyrics. This 30 to 45 minute up-beat as well as touching parable is a wonderful way to teach the lesson that Jesus gave us, entertain your audience and above all touch the hearts of all who hear and/or participate in it. God Bless you and yours as you witness to your audience.
About the Author
Lana Turner Richard began piano studies at the age of 4. She holds college degrees in music education and piano performance. In the St. Louis area she is active as a private piano teacher, a full time music director at a church, as well as a musical director for a community theater company. When not composing, Lana performs as an accompanist and soloist regularly. She lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, Bob, and puppy MickeyJoe.