Christmas Musical Evaluations

Transcription

Christmas
Musical Evaluations
Written by
Dale VonSeggen
Contents
Aaron, the Allergic Shepherd........................................................................................................................................................................2
Angels Aware................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Back to the Manger.......................................................................................................................................................................................4
The Best Christmas Present Ever..................................................................................................................................................................5
Bows of Holly...............................................................................................................................................................................................6
The Case of the Reluctant Innkeeper............................................................................................................................................................7
Census Time in Bethlehem...........................................................................................................................................................................8
Chris-Myth Busters.......................................................................................................................................................................................9
Christmas Around the World.......................................................................................................................................................................10
Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch...................................................................................................................................................................11
The Christmas Carol Special Report...........................................................................................................................................................12
Christmas Crosstalk....................................................................................................................................................................................13
The Christmas Cupcake..............................................................................................................................................................................14
Christmas Hang-Ups...................................................................................................................................................................................15
Christmas in Black and White....................................................................................................................................................................16
The Christmas Present................................................................................................................................................................................17
The Christmas Puzzle.................................................................................................................................................................................18
The Christmas Shoe Tree............................................................................................................................................................................19
Christmas, Where, When, and Why............................................................................................................................................................20
Cookin’ Up Christmas.................................................................................................................................................................................21
Finding the Christmas Star.........................................................................................................................................................................22
Follow the Star............................................................................................................................................................................................23
For the Glory of the King ..........................................................................................................................................................................24
Great Big Story...........................................................................................................................................................................................25
The Great Christmas Giveaway..................................................................................................................................................................26
Guess Who’s Coming to Bethlehem...........................................................................................................................................................27
An Island Christmas....................................................................................................................................................................................28
It’s a Wonder-full Life.................................................................................................................................................................................29
A King is Coming to Town.........................................................................................................................................................................30
The Light Before Christmas........................................................................................................................................................................31
Mary Had a Little Lamb.............................................................................................................................................................................32
Mayhem in Bethlehem................................................................................................................................................................................33
Meet Me at the Manger...............................................................................................................................................................................34
The Mystery of the Manger........................................................................................................................................................................35
Once Upon a Christmas Light.....................................................................................................................................................................36
An Out-of-the-Box Christmas.....................................................................................................................................................................37
The Present is the Future.............................................................................................................................................................................38
A Rockin’ Royal Christmas........................................................................................................................................................................39
The Secret of Snowflake County................................................................................................................................................................40
Shepherds, Sheep, and a Savior..................................................................................................................................................................41
A Song of Joy..............................................................................................................................................................................................42
Star of Wonder............................................................................................................................................................................................43
Stranger in the Manger................................................................................................................................................................................44
Tale of the Drowsy Shepherd......................................................................................................................................................................45
Where’s Baby Jesus? (preschool)...............................................................................................................................................................46
Puppet Musicals (These musicals were written with puppets in mind, but could be adapted for use with live actors.)
Christmas Through the Years......................................................................................................................................................................47
Countdown to Christmas............................................................................................................................................................................48
Cowboy Christmas......................................................................................................................................................................................49
Super Christmas..........................................................................................................................................................................................50
Aaron, the Allergic Shepherd
Written by: Ruth Elaine Schram and Mark Cabaniss
Published by: Jubilate/Word (2010)
Length: 17 minutes
Song titles:
Overture
Once Upon a Sneeze
Perfect
Hope Has Come Tonight
Come As You Are
Once Upon a Sneeze (Reprise)
Characters:
There are eight characters minimum, including three “hosts” or narrators,
Aaron, the Allergic Shepherd, who is allergic to sheep, plus his boss Mr. I.B.
Lambchop.
Summary:
Aaron is a new shepherd, on the job in Bethlehem, and he’s allergic to sheep.
He is examined by Dr. Pepper, who diagnoses his ailment quickly (because it’s a
short musical.) It’s fun, short, and easy to stage.
Comments:
It’s fun, short, easy to produce, and best suitable for K-4 choirs. The drama lines rhyme in sections of the musical. It could be a
puppet plus choir or an all-puppet musical. The preview pack does not include the complete songbook.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a little silliness, rhyme, and fun along with the traditional Christmas message, this is a cute one.
Resource materials available:
Listening CD
Listening CD Bulk (10 Pack)
© Creative Ministry Solutions
KMC-54 CD
KMC-54 BULK
Preview Pack
KMC-54 PREVIEW
Choral Book with Accompaniment CD KMC-54 PERFOR KIT
- -
www.creativemin.com
Angels Aware
Written by: Kathie Hill and Janet McMahan
Published by: Ariose/Praise Gathering (1984)
Length: 35 minutes
Song titles:
Michael’s Called a Meeting
“I” Trouble
The Perfect Ten
Sing to the Lord
“I” Trouble Reprise
Jiswannano
What Love
If It Were Up to Me
Close to Him
Come to the Manger
Glory to God
Angels Aware
Characters:
All the characters are angels; eight in all
Characters include:
Gabriel
Michael
Sara, head of the Seraphim
Cherry, head of the Cherubim
Harold, head of the Herald angels.
Summary:
The angel Michael has called a meeting of all the angels in heaven to announce God’s plan for sending His Son to Earth, and
in what form He would go. The angels are shocked to learn that God is going to earth as a baby. The entire musical takes place in
heaven, except for the manger scene.
Comments:
Angels Aware is one of the all-time, best selling children’s Christmas musicals. The “Heaven” setting can be easy to stage and
very impressive. People or puppets can become “angels” easily with minimal costuming issues.
The songs are excellent, and the messages of songs such as “I Trouble” and “Perfect Ten” will resonate with the children for years
to come. It can be an all-choir, all-puppet, or combination of choir and puppets.
Bottom line:
There is a reason why “Angels Aware” is one of our best sellers out of 40+ Christmas musicals. It’s an excellent choice.
Songbook
Director’s Book
KMC-02 BOOK
KMC-02 DIRECTOR
Listening CD
Accompaniment CD - -
KMC-02CD
KMC-02 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Back to the Manger
Written by: Christy Semson
Published by: WORD (2010)
Length: 45 minutes
Song titles:
Back to the Manger
Can You Hear the Bells with Angels We Have Heard on High
Let Us Love
Come, Let Us Adore Him with O Come All Ye Faithful and Away in A Manger
Ring, Ring-a-ling
Song of the Sheep and the Goats
Peace on Earth with I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Ring the Bells
Back to the Manger
Characters:
There are six main characters plus eight minor parts, and non-speaking parts for the
“manger scene” diorama.
Main characters:
Betty – adult grandmother
Henry Olsen – 72 year old absent minded inventor
Two male children, plus two female children
Summary:
The setting of the musical is a Christmas Eve caroling outreach. Due to malfunctions of a “time machine,” the children are transported back in time (think “Back to the Future”) and visit the 70’s, 90’s, 80’s, 50’s, and 40’s, and eventually all the way back to the
birth of Christ. There’s a “disco” song, a “boy band,” a do-wop number, a “big band” style, and more.
Comments:
This musical is one of our most popular musicals. It’s lots of fun, with a great message, songs from each decade, plus a “compassion/outreach” message. The “Song of the Sheep and the Goats” is LOTS of fun with a strong message, and could stand alone as a
“single” or as a puppet song.
Bottom line:
This musical is an excellent choice. It is a little long (45 minutes) but there is a suggested option to cut out the “80’s” song to
shorten it, which seems to be wise advice. If you haven’t already performed this one, you’ll not go wrong with it.
Resources available:
Songbook
KMC-55 BOOK
Preview Pack
KMC-55 PREVIEW
Digital Teacher Resource Kit KMC-55 DIREC DIG
Listening CD
Accompaniment CD
- -
KMC-55 CD
KMC-55 BULK
KMC-55 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
The Best Christmas Present Ever
Written by: Celeste Clydesdale
Length: 40 minutes
Song titles:
RSVP
Good News! Great Joy!
I Heard You Knocking
Nothing is Impossible With God
Wise Guys (Walkin’ in the Light)
Let’s Go and Tell the People Today! with Go Tell it on the Mountain
Time to Begin
What Will You Do?
Happy Birthday, Jesus with Away in a Manger
Finale: Celebrate, Love the Lord, and Good News! Great Joy!
Characters:
There are 15 speaking parts: two “adult” parts; Miss Wright, the leader of the
children who is helping plan the Christmas party, and Rod Stark the sarcastic local TV
anchorman who doesn’t want to help publicize the party.
In addition, there are 10 “children” parts plus the three wise men, who sing “Walkin’
in the Light.”
Summary:
A group of children and their leader are planning a huge “Birthday Party for Jesus,” and they are using all the “electronic” ways to
invite people, but they learn that a face-to-face invitation with people works better.
The local news anchorman lets them make their announcement on the air, but puts the children and their “silly party” down.
Each song and the dialog in general points to the question “What will you do with Jesus?”
Comments:
This is an easy to produce, fun musical with an exceptionally strong, clear salvation message. The music is lively but expressive,
with good variety and opportunity to give many children short solos.
Bottom line:
You will not find a stronger, more clear message of why Jesus came to earth, and how important it is for us to celebrate Him and
allow Him to be our King.
The “Best Christmas present Ever” is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and we must always remember and emphasize that
Christmas is a celebration of His birth.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Teacher Resource Kit (loose leaf)
Accompaniment CD © Creative Ministry Solutions
KMC-46 BOOK
KMC-46 PREVIEW
KMC-46 DIRECTOR
KMC-46 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
Listening CD Bulk (10 pack)
Teacher Resource Kit (digital)
- -
KMC-46 CD
KMC-46 BULK
KMC-46 DIREC DIG
www.creativemin.com
Bows of Holly
Written by: Dennis and Nan Allen
Published by: Brentwood-Benson (2007)
Length: 30 minutes
Song titles:
Celebrate the Gift
Blessed to be a Blessing
Operation Holly
Your Very Best Friend
That’s What I’m Sayin’
Go Light Your World with Operation Holly and Blessed to be a Blessing
Celebrate the Gift (Reprise)
Characters:
There are 11 speaking roles and two non-speaking roles.
Main characters:
Holly, who has launched a Christmas toy and food drive for needy children
Savannah
Corey
Other minor characters include:
Two reporters from the local newspaper
Mayor Poindexter, a pompous politician
“The Girlfriends” - three self-indulgent girls want to be Holly’s “BFF.”
Chuck and Sophie - two poor children from the housing project
Summary:
Holly’s “help the needy” toy and food drive starts well, but after she gets major publicity, she loses focus on why she’s doing it.
She gets very upset when some of her collected items get stolen by some poor children. The “gifts for the poor” concept is likened to
God’s gift to us... salvation.
The key verse for the musical is “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Comments:
This musical has a strong message regarding giving and helping others for the right reasons and with the right attitude. The three
main characters need to be strong dramatists, and the “three girlfriends” can be an “over-the-top” clique... fair-weather friends caring
only for themselves.
The set is a garage or storage area where boxes of collected toys, food, and clothing are stacked, plus an alley with trash cans and
“no loitering” street signs and graffiti.
The musical does not contain the “traditional” manger scene.
Bottom line:
It has an excellent, strong, relevant message about giving, and will speak to your children about proper attitude for giving. You
could combine a real “food and toy” drive with this musical and have your choir kids actually deliver the gifts to those less fortunate.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
Accompaniment CD
KMC-32 BOOK
KMC-32 PREVIEW
KMC-32 BULLETINS
KMC-32 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
CD Fun Pack
Posters
- -
KMC-32 CD
KMC-32 FUN PACK
KMC-32 POSTERS
www.creativemin.com
The Case of the Reluctant Innkeeper
Written by: Ruth Elaine Schram and Mark Cabaniss
Published by: Jubilate Music/WORD Music (2011)
Length: 16 minutes
Song titles:
Overture
No Vacancy
Angels In the Sky
Change Things Around
All Because of Bethlehem
Joy to the World with Change Things Around
Note: several verses, segments, and choruses of Traditional Christmas songs
are included in these listed song titles.
Characters:
Five main characters plus three or four “jury” members, who have a very
small part.
Judge Jody Justice
Attorney Sam Shepherd
Hee-Haw the Donkey
Malachi Mutton the Sheep
Innkeeper Benjamin Holiday
Summary:
Innkeeper Holiday is on trial for refusing to give a room to Mary and Joseph. Sam Shepherd is the prosecuting attorney who’s
getting to the bottom of this case by calling key animal witnesses to the stand.
We learn that God can turn a stable into a cathedral, the greatest miracle of all happened there, and that God can always turn
things around for good.
Comments:
This is a short, fun musical intended for presentation by grades K-4. It has a small cast, clever lines, plays on words, and
would be perfect to use puppets for the donkey and lamb’s parts. It is relatively inexpensive, as the Teacher Resource Kit includes
reproducible singer’s pages and the accompaniment CD.
At the end, innkeeper Holiday says he just might go out and start a chain of inns… (Holiday Inns); then reconsiders and says
maybe he’ll name the chain of inns after his wife Ramada. (Guaranteed to elicit both laughs and groans!)
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, short, fun musical for K-4 with a small number of characters, this would be an excellent
choice.
Listening CD
KMC-66 CD
KMC-66 BULK
Preview Pack*
Teacher Resource Kit CD-ROM**
KMC-66 PREVIEW
KMC-66 DIREC DIG
*CD plus basic information. Reproducible singer’s pages are included in the Teacher Resource Kit CD-ROM.
**Instrumental and split track CD
- -
www.creativemin.com
Census Time in Bethlehem
Written by: Pamela Vandewalker and Cherry Garasi
Published by: Lillenas (2011)
Length: 20 minutes
Song titles:
Census Time in Bethlehem
Jesus, Baby Boy
He Is Emmanuel
Son of God
Away In a Manger (Medley)
Christmas Time in Bethlehem
Characters
Six total characters
Mary, Joseph, B.A. Constable (Census Taker), plus three shepherds.
Summary:
This is a relatively short, easy to sing, easy to produce children’s Christmas
musical, set in Bible time, and true to scripture. The storyline consists of interaction between Mary, Joseph, and the census taker, with a visit by three shepherds
after angels appeared to them.
Comments:
The census taker is incredulous that Mary and Joseph know the baby will be a boy before it is born.
This musical could be done using puppets as the drama parts or to do one or two of the songs.
Some songs repeat choruses several times.
The census taker asks the shepherds if they are “undocumented workers.”
Bottom line:
True to scripture, short, easy to produce, a little humor, strong message.
Songbook
Director’s Digital Resource
KMC-64 BOOK
KMC-64 BULK
KMC-64 DIRECTOR
Preview Pack
Accompaniment CD - -
KMC-64 PREVIEW
KMC-64 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Chris-Myth Busters
Published by: Bentwood-Benson (2011)
Lengeth: 45 minutes
Song titles:
Christmastime with Joy to the World
We Three Kings
Imagine
Where Did Christmas Go? with O Come Let Us Adore Him
What Kind of Child? with What Child is This?
Abba
God Has Come
Christmastime (reprise)
Characters:
There are five main characters plus 12 or 13 minor parts… some could play more
than one minor part
Mrs. Edwards – an older woman – should be played by an older female adult or teen
Four children (Lily, Abby, Ethan, Michael)
Three shepherds, four wise men, plus five or six angels; all or which could be male
or females.
Summary:
The children are visiting Mrs. Edwards in her living room, helping her “put up Christmas” since her husband has passed away.
Ethan’s parents have recently adopted Michael, who is younger than Ethan. Michael is a brainy and annoying trivia buff, who shares
that some aspects of our “traditional Christmas” perhaps are only myths. At issue are whether there really were “three” wise men, the
fact that Jesus probably was NOT born on December 25, the Bible does not mention an “innkeeper,” and the Bible says nothing about
“angels singing.”
Michael learns that even though the Bible is not clear on some of the aspects of Christmas we normally celebrate, the truth
about why Jesus came is everywhere in scripture. Michael’s adoption is likened to the fact that when we join God’s “family,” we are
“adopted” into His kingdom.
Comments
This is a relatively long musical with long drama scenes and long songs. The music is very good, and the “myth-buster” angle is
interesting and resolved. The shepherds’ scene (since the birth of Jesus could have been in the summer) is depicted with the shepherds
with beach chairs, beach towels, beach toys, and sunglasses.
There are three “myth scenes,” which show how the characters imagine Christmas to be without our “traditional ideas” of how it
should look. (Wise Men, Shepherds, Angels). Mrs. Edwards sings “Where Did Christmas Go” and the angels do a rap song.
The overall length and the slow pace of some of the dialogues and songs will be a problem unless your actors and singers can
liven it up. It may not appeal to younger children. It is more for upper elementary and possibly middle school participants. The message is strong, and the questions of “what is Biblical” and “what is traditional” are worth exploring.
Bottom line:
Unless you shorten this production by trimming drama lines and deleting or shortening a song or two, your audience may have
trouble staying interested. You might add a verbal or written “quiz” for your audience regarding what aspects of Christmas are biblical
and what are not.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
Accompaniment CD
KMC-61 BOOK
KMC-61 PREVIEW
KMC-61 BULLETINS
KMC-61 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
CD Fun Pack
Posters
- -
KMC-61 CD
KMC-61 FUN PACK
KMC-61 POSTERS
www.creativemin.com
Christmas Around the World
Written by: Rhonda Frazier, Ed Kee, and Jonathon Willis
Length: 20 minutes
Song titles:
Our Promised King is Born
Joy to the World
Jesus, Born in Bethlehem
Away in a Manger
We Three Kings
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Spread a Little Love
Our Promised King is Born (reprise)
Characters:
There are no “characters” as such. There are three “speakers” (Speaker #1, Speaker
#2, and Speaker #3) who read some lines in between the songs. There is a spot for the
traditional manger scene.
Summary:
Three children find a box of ornaments left by their teacher, and they bring out
different ornaments, tell their significance, and gradually decorate the Christmas tree.
The “international” flavor points out Christmas traditions and facts from Ireland, Brazil, Mexico, the Middle East, and China.
Comments:
The musical is short, simple, and easy with very traditional music. The speakers’ parts are simple. There is nothing clever or
unusual, and it would work best for younger elementary or someone directing their first Christmas production.
Bottom line:
The “Christmas Around the World” theme could be stronger. You may want to add in more information about the various
countries, and how each country celebrates Christmas.
Songbook
Preview Pack
KCM-41 BOOK
KCM-41 PREVIEW
Listening CD
Accompaniment CD - 10 -
KCM-41 CD
KCM-41 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch
Written by: Pam Andrews
Length: 50 minutes
Song titles:
Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch
Home on the Range
Christmas Out Under the Stars with Away in a Manger
A Story of Shepherds
Bethlehem Shepherds
Baa Baa Better Believe
This is the Day of the Savior’s Birth with Angels We Have Heard on High
Gentle Shepherd with Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
We Just Met the King
Christmas at Bethlehem Gulch Finale
Characters:
There are eight main drama characters; four staff at “Bethlehem Gulch” ranch, four
children from the city, plus three shepherds, four sheep, and non-speaking appearances
by several angels and Mary and Joseph.
Summary:
A group of church kids arrive at Bethlehem Gulch, out west, for their Christmas party. The church kids soon learn that’s a sheep
ranch, not a dude ranch. They all end up having a great time, sharing stories and songs celebrating Christmas.
There’s a bit part for a dog, and the sheep talk and sing. Puppets could easily be used for these characters.
Comments:
This is a longer musical with longer-than-usual drama scenes. It definitely has a total country/western flavor, with exaggerated
western/southern accents, and music that could be described a country swing, cowboy shuffle, or “hillbilly square dance.”
The music is excellent, the drama is fun and sometimes corny, but overall with a very strong Christmas message focusing on the
birth of Jesus and His life-changing power.
Bottom line:
If you like country/western music, you’ll really enjoy this musical. Because of the overall length and longer drama scenes, you’ll
need more rehearsal time than usual, but your kids will have lots of fun with the country/western flavor.
Songbook
KMC-33 BOOK
Preview Pack
KMC-33 PREVIEW
Bulletins
KMC-33 BULLETINS
Director’s Resource (digital CD-ROM/DVD) KMC-33 DIREC DIG
Accompaniment CD Stereo
KMC-33 ACC STEREO
- 11 -
Listening CD
Director’s Resource (loose leaf)
Demonstration DVD
Accompaniment CD Split-track
KMC-33 CD
KMC-33 BULK
KMC-33 DIRECTOR
KMC-33 DVD DEMO
KMC-33 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
The Christmas Carol Special Report
Written by: Rhonda Frazier, Luke Gambill, Brian Green
Published by: Brentwood (2013)
Length: 20 minutes
Song titles:
Gloria Medley (Gloria/Angels We Have Heard on High/Angels from the Realms of
Glory)
O Holy Night
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (the the tune of “Deck the Halls,” with TrepakRussian Dance)
Away in a Manger with O Come, All Ye Faithful
Gloria Medley (reprise)
Characters:
The two main characters are Jim and Natalie, news anchors at television station
KMAS. They interact with three television reporters in three different countries. There
are three “reader” parts, plus opportunity for the tradition manger scene characters.
Summary:
Two news anchors are hosting “The Christmas Carol Special Report,” where
reporters are sent out around the world to learn how other countries celebrate Christmas.
We visit Australia, where it’s the middle of summer in December. Then we visit Russia,
where Christmas is celebrated January 7, and Italy, where the first nativity play was performed almost 800 years ago.
Comments:
This is a short “Simple Plus” musical celebrating Christmas carols around the world The music is traditional, with some
interesting twists, and the drama, costuming, and staging are simple and easy to produce.
Bottom line:
It’s pretty short and simple, as it is A creative director could add a couple scenes from places like Mexico or Germany or Hawaii
to make it longer and more culturally informative about various countries.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Accompaniment DVD Split Track
KMC-72 BOOK
KMC-72 PREVIEW
KMC-72 DVD ACC
- 12 -
Listening CD
KMC-72 CD
Accompaniment CD Split Track KMC-72 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Christmas Crosstalk
Written by: Jeff Slaughter
Published by: Lifeway/Dovetail (2006)
Length: 38 minutes
Song titles:
Christmas Crosstalk
Angel Medley (Angels We Have Hear on High; Angels From the Realms of Glory;
and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.)
Just Another Holiday
Christmas Cowboy
The Miracle with Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
Finale, with Christmas Crosstalk and Angel Medley
Characters:
Lead Characters:
Beth Layhem – a dramatic, hyper television talk show host
Shep (Christian, the Christmas Cowboy) – a lively, fun-loving country cowboy, with
the heart of a child and a huge love of Christmas
Other Characters:
Rod Kingsman – sarcastic, all business, disagreeable
Mo Tellman – workaholic, doesn’t pay attention, all business, owns hotel chain
Professor Franklin Scense – quite old, funny accent, pronounces words creatively,
leaves everyone confused
Murray – Professor Scense’s nerdy assistant
Angel – shallow, ditzy pop singer; thinks everything is “awesome”
Jojo and Mary Carpenter – a married couple from the audience who win the “Grand Prize.”
Tech – stage manager of the television show
Non-speaking parts:
Make-up girl
Cue card person
Summary:
This is not your “normal children’s choir” musical. It is a much more complicated “television show,” of the “Oprah” style, with
celebrity guests, giving their opposing views regarding Christmas. It’s a fun, lively storyline, with the dramatic characters requiring a
more advanced level of acting than most children’s/youth musicals. The character voices are excellent; the characters are well developed, and there is a strong salvation message.
The set would be a “television” set, with couches, a desk, and television cameras.
Comments:
It’s an excellent, well-written musical, best performed by experienced, above-average actors and actresses, with a “drama-minded” director. Older children could perhaps perform it successfully if they were talented and experienced.
Bottom line:
This musical might better be performed by middle school, high school, or adult groups. The excellent character voices could
make it a puppet-plus-choir production. It’s not for younger children, or for the “drama-challenged.”
Resources Materials Available:
Songbook
Preview Pack
Posters
DVD
KMC-30 BOOK
KMC-30 PREVIEW
KMC-30 POSTERS
KMC-30 DVD DEMO
Listening CD
Bulletins
Dovetailor Director’s Kit
Accompaniment CD
- 13 -
KMC-30 CD
KMC-30 BULLETINS
KMC-30 DIRECTOR
KMC-30 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
The Christmas Cupcake
Written by: Nancy Gordon, Luke Gambill, & Brian Green
Published by: Brentwood/Benson (2012)
Length: 33 minutes
Song titles:
Carol Medley (Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard on High, The First Noel)
Bakin’ Up Cupcakes
Happy Birthday, Jesus
Christmas is Jesus with O Come, Let Us Adore Him
The Sweetest Story with Go, Tell It on the Mountain
Characters:
There are four main children parts (two boys and two girls), Maegan (the children’s
choir director), plus two very minor roles, a Living Nativity scene, and three baking
contest judges who each have two or three lines in the final scene.
Summary:
At the children’s choir dress rehearsal, they receive the exciting news that their church
and four of the children have been selected by the Yum Yum Foodie Network to compete
for prizes in the Cutest Christmas Cupcake Contest. Conflicts arise among the contestants,
a recipe is “stolen,” and the real meaning of Christmas gets lost. They finally get straightened out, and present the Living Nativity, bake cupcakes, and share gifts with those in need.
Comments:
The church kitchen becomes the set for the Foodie Network television show. The costumes and set are all cooking and baking
related, plus the traditional nativity scene. The storyline appears to be more female-friendly, but there are two strong parts for boys. I
like the “Sweetest Story Ever Told” catchphrase.
Bottom line:
For fans of cooking shows, this would be right down their alley. And who doesn’t like cupcakes? You could combine the musical
with a cupcake-baking contest, a bake sale, a cupcake-eating contest, or a post-musical cupcake dessert social, and have some fun!
Songbook
Preview Pack
Listening CD
Accompaniment CD Accompaniment DVD KMC-69 BOOK
KMC-69 PREVIEW
KMC-69 CD
- 14 -
KMC-69 ACC SPLIT
KMC-69 DVD ACC
www.creativemin.com
Christmas Hang-ups
Length: 41 minutes
Song titles:
Hurry Christmas
On the First Day of Christmas
Mele Kalikimaka
Bundle Up!
All Alone at Christmas
March of the Souvenirs
The Nativity Story
He Came
Isn’t He? with Fairest Lord Jesus
Finale (On the First Day of Christmas, with O Come All Ye Faithful)
Characters:
There are six main speaking parts:
Frosty - a snowman ornament
Beth - a Star of Bethlehmen ornament
Angela - an angel ornament
Hula Girl - a hula girl ornament
Tex - a cowboy ornament
Joseph - a figure from the traditional nativity scene
There are additional “souvenir ornaments” with one line each, plus Mary (non-speaking) and a child’s prayer near the end.
Summary:
Three traditional ornaments come out of their storage box to prepare to be put on the tree, when they meet a hula girl from
Hawaii. They don’t understand what the hula girl has to do with Christmas. Joseph straightens out the hula girl and the other “souvenir
ornaments” by telling them the real “original Christmas story.” The ornaments learn their significance in the Christmas story, and they
learn how Jesus grew to be a man and has changed lives throughout history.
Comments:
This is a new twist and a fun way to use Christmas ornaments to tell the “Greatest Story Ever Told.” The music is mellow and
mostly traditional, with some storyline conflict among the ornaments and with a strong biblical message overall. The tradition of
collecting ornaments, and the significance of a family’s choice of ornaments, can relate to all families.
Bottom line:
This is an excellent, quality production, with mostly mellow music with interesting dramatic sketches. You’ll need to be creative
in costuming the characters to be ornaments, but ther are really no challenging aspects to the drama or staging.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
KMC-47 BOOK
KMC-47 PREVIEW
KMC-47 BULLETINS
KMC-47 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
CD Fun Pack
Posters
- 15 -
KMC-47 CD
KMC-47 FUN PACK
KMC-47 POSTERS
www.creativemin.com
Christmas in Black and White
Length: 45 minutes
Song titles:
Christmas in Black and White
Silent Night Medley
Tru Dat!
Even a Penguin
Thank You for Coming with O Come, All Ye Faithful
The Manger Medley
Black and White Reprise
Characters:
Miss LaToe: Overly zealous, high-spirited, over-the-top middle school teacher
Paula: A fun-loving, energetic pre-teen
Abby: A worry-wart germophobe student who originally knows nothing about Jesus
Ernie: A “brain” student with a dry sense of humor
Matt: Student who likes to joke and irritate the girls
Paw Paw: Manager of Polar Pet Park, loud, funny, appears to be a country bumpkin but really is quite wise
Four Penguins:
Pinky: Outspoken southern belle
Paco: An overly dramatic, geographically challenged character from South America
Cody: A “normal” sincere penguin
Puffy: Constantly thinking of food and snacking
Summary:
Miss LaToe, intending to circumvent “Christian Christmas” at a public school, takes her class on a field trip to the Polar Pet Park.
There they meet four penguins, who decide to help the children learn about the “real” Christmas story. The “Christmas in Black and
White” title comes from the involvement of the penguins, who are black and white, plus the fact that the biblical Christmas story is so
obvious and clear in the “black and white” print of the Bible.
Comments:
The penguins interact mostly nonverbally with the students, but they talk amongst themselves when the students are not present.
The “Tru Dat!” rap song can be really fun! The “Thank You for Coming” song is really pretty and meaningful. Paw Paw reads the
Christmas story, and Abby begins to understand what it means to have a relationship with Jesus.
Bottom line:
It’s a little long, with some challenging dramatic parts. There are two versions of the listening CD, one with mostly children
participants, and one with more teen and adult dramatists. The penguins could be really fun... but you’ll need some kind of penguin
costumes to make it “fly.” Puppets could be used for the penguin parts. It has a strong, biblical message, and with creative direction,
can be a real winner!
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
KMC-71 BOOK
KMC-71 PREVIEW
KMC-71 BULLETINS
KMC-71 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
Demonstration DVD
Posters
- 16 -
KMC-71 CD
KMC-71 DVD DEMO
KMC-71 POSTERS
www.creativemin.com
The Christmas Present
Written by: Pam Andrews
Length: 18 minutes
Song titles:
The Christmas Present (Jesus)
A Holy Silent Night with Silent Night, Holy Night
It’s Jesus with Angels We Have Heard on High
Away in a Manger
Joy with Joy to the World
The Best Present of All
Characters:
There are no “characters” as such. There are 10 “cast members” or readers, who
each have one line in between each pair of songs.
Summary:
This is a short, simple musical, suitable for a small church, younger elementary
children, and situations where you just want a short, easy-to-produce musical with traditional Christmas music. There is no “drama,” just ten lines of poetry that can be read or
memorized by the children.
Comments:
It’s short, easy, traditional, and will take minimal costuming and set. The music is very good, and better suitable for younger
children.
Bottom line:
If short, easy, and traditional is what you’re looking for, this is a good choice.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
KMC-34 BOOK
KMC-34 PREVIEW
KMC-34 BULLETINS
Listening CD
Listening CD (10 pack)
KMC-34 CD
KMC-34 BULK
KMC-34 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
The Christmas Puzzle
Written by: Carter Robinson
Length: 23 minutes
Song titles:
Picture Perfect Plan
Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus
Angels We Have Heard on High
The Manger Throne
Here We Are, Been Following a Star
The Whole Story Medley
Characters:
Five total; a sweet and wise grandmother, and four upper elementary age children;
two boys and two girls. More children can be included in the Nativity scene.
Summary:
Four cousins are snowed in at Grandma’s house with no electricity for television
or video games. Grandma gives the children a large puzzle, a Bible, and a bag of clues.
As the children assemble the puzzle, music plays, and one by one the nativity scene assembles as the puzzle is solved.
Comments:
The setting is a living room, the cast is small, the musical is shorter than most, and the message is clear and strong. The music is
fairly traditional and mellow.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a shorter musical with a limited cast that is easy to produce, this one may be for you.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
KMC-60 BOOK
KMC-60 PREVIEW
DKMC-60 BULLETINS
Listening CD
Accompaniment CD
- 18 -
KMC-60 CD
KMC-60 BULK
KMC-60 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
The Christmas Shoe Tree
Length: 47 minutes
Song titles:
Overture - Joy to the World
Can’t Stop These Shoes (with Go Tell It on the Mountain)
Heaven and Nature Medley (Joy, Joy, Joy to the World/Joy to the World/There’s a
Song in the Air)
I’ll Have a Bluegrass Christmas without Shoes
Christmas wRappin’
Walk of Love
O Come All Ye Faithful
Reprise (Christmas wRappin’/Go Tell It on the Mountain/Can’t Stop These Shoes)
Characters:
Principal Poinsettia, the middle school principal
Three siblings whose family owns a Christmas tree farm (two male and one female)
Local television news anchor Sylvia Bells
Rudy, Sylvia’s assistant
Three school group students with speaking parts (two girls and a boy)
Three rappers who sing a really cool song, “Christmas wRappers”
Summary:
Yule, Todd and Carol are the three siblings of the Loggins family, who operate a Christmas tree farm. They sell Christmas trees,
and also collect pairs of shoes to donate to needy people. They are visited by a middle school field trip group and a television crew,
and they share their passion for Jesus Christ, their love of Christmas, and their desire to help less fortunate people.
Comments:
This musical is meant to be paired with a “Soles4Souls Shoe Drive” in which the choir and church would collect pairs of shoes
and connect with a national organization to do the distribution. The songbook has all the “Soles4Souls” organizational and logistical
information.
It’s a fun musical; a bit long, but with a good variety of traditional, humorous, spiritually deep, and fun music. Some of the drama
segments are a bit long, and will require experienced drama kids and/or adequate rehearsal and memorization time.
Bottom line:
It’s 47 minutes long, with lots of fun characters and excellent, varied music. The message is strong, and your choir will have fun
producing it. You may want to have an actual “Christmas Shoe Tree,” a tree with shoes as ornaments, to emphasize the shoe drive and
to promote the musical.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Listening CD
Demonstration DVD
KMC-70 BOOK
KMC-70 PREVIEW
KMC-70 CD
KMC-70 DVD DEMO
Accompaniment CD
Accompaniment DVD Bulletins
Posters
- 19 -
KMC-70 ACC SPLIT
KMC-70 DVD ACC
KMC-70 BULLETINS
KMC-70 POSTERS
www.creativemin.com
Christmas: Where, When, and Why
Published by: Lifeway (2005)
Length: 42 minutes
Song titles:
Christmas Tree Medley
Visions of Christmas
The Thought-that-counts Blues
The Story
Christmas Carol Medley
Finale
Characters:
There are eleven speaking characters, many of which are very
fun and well-defined. Among the fun characters we have:
Tan N Baum – owner of a Christmas Tree Farm
Hot Appul Ci-Der – college student working to make money
during the holidays
Pay-Per – the “Christmas Rapper” who runs the gift wrap stand.
Evan “The Sneezer” Crews – the musical’s “Ebenezer Scrooge”
who hates Christmas
Summary:
A group of children are researching a report for school, interviewing people about their favorite Christmas memories. They are
trying to find out where, when, and why people remember memories of their favorite Christmas.
They collect people’s memories of warm childhood traditions, finding joy in hard times, and getting presents where “it’s the
thought that counts.” They also hear the Biblical Christmas story and memories of asking Jesus into young hearts at Christmas.
Comments:
This is a really fun musical, with strong, well-defined dramatic characters, fun songs, excellent musical variety, the traditional
Christmas story, and strong spiritual message. What more could you ask for? The storyteller, “Grace,” is an adult handicapped
person, which could be a great way to include someone who is normally not included in musical productions.
Bottom line:
The concept of being on a mission to collect people’s favorite Christmas memories and favorite traditions could be expanded to
make this musical production part of a larger event where congregation members share their favorite memories as well.
This is an excellent Christmas musical… one of the best! Jeff Slaughter is a great writer. Listen to it online and you’ll agree!!
Songbook
Preview Pack
Accompaniment CD
KMC-40 BOOK
KMC-40 PREVIEW
KMC-40 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
DVD
- 20 -
KMC-40 CD
KMC-40 DVD DEMO
www.creativemin.com
Cookin’ Up Christmas
Written by: Nancy Gordon, Kellie Armstrong, and Luke Gambill
Length: 30 minutes
Song titles:
Christmas, Merry Christmas with Joy to the World
Cookin’ Up Christmas
Are You Missing Christmas?
Offering
Gloria
Characters:
There are eight distinct and unique characters:
Miss Paula Queen – a dramatic southern belle, fun-loving and loves Christmas
Emerald Lasagna – famous guest chef
Betty Rocker – the queen of the church kitchen
Rachel Day – sweet, friendly lady
Bobby Grey – new kid in town… has never heard the Christmas story
Martha Stewart – a busybody who has forgotten the real meaning of Christmas
Alfred Brown – an intellectual “nerd” who knows an awful lot
Uncle Earl Humdinger – a “country bumpkin” with no lines who brings possum pie
to the party
Summary:
The kids choir has decided to do some serious cooking this year rather than just having a party. They have collected recipes from
the congregation to cook up goodies to share with the community. While the children cook and wrap gifts, they learn about the real
“recipe” of Christmas: God’s love.
There are five easy songs, some fun dialog, and two choices for a lengthy or shorter “Southern Belle” narrative of the Biblical
Christmas story.
The music is lively, traditional, and will be fairly easy and for sure enjoyable. You could cook up cookies or other goodies to
“party” with the audience after the musical.
Comments:
The musical takes place in the church kitchen and/or fellowship hall; with kitchen props, aprons, mixing bowls, cookies, and other
goodies. There are detailed “movement suggestions” in the songbook for each song.
Bottom line:
This could be a fun experience for the choir children, if you actually did some real cooking projects to take to nursing homes,
children’s homes, or other outreach situations.
Songbook
Preview Pack
KMC-35 BOOK
KMC-35 PREVIEW
Listening CD
KMC-35 CD
KMC-35 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Finding the Christmas Star
Published by: Lifeway (2007)
Length: 48 minutes
Song titles:
Finding the Christmas Star
Go, Tell It
I Got Bit by the Bah Hum Bug
The Hustle Bustle
Part of Your Story
Star Medley
Finale
Characters:
There are nine speaking parts, many with clever names and all with well-defined
roles. For example, characters include:
Miss LaToe, a middle school English teacher (adult recommended)
Artie Fisheltree, choir director of Douglas Fir Middle School
Spice-T, a fun-loving Christian rap artist
Goldie La May, a 20-something movie star, sweet, shallow, and emotional
Coach Chris Masader, the athletic coach with lots of anti-Christmas emotional
baggage
There are four “Valley Girl” cheerleaders, and the Tan N Baum family from the “Christmas Where, When, and Why” musical are
back.
The musical’s writer recommends the use of a multigenerational cast using children, youth, and adults.
Summary:
Miss La Toe and the middle school choir are preparing for the annual “Christmas Star” competition. Coach Chris Masader
threatens to halt the competition because he thinks he has reserved the auditorium. Through songs and narration, Coach’s attitude
changes, and he rediscovers the excitement he once had about Jesus and Christmas.
Comments:
This musical is filled with message and fun, plus some humor, some wackiness, and some corny humor. The characters are clever
and fun, and require actors and actresses that can do more than deliver memorized lines. It’s longer than it needs to be, but there’s
enough variety and “fun factor” to keep the audience engaged. The recorded version of this musical references the year 2007. This
musical is now only recommended for live performances.
Bottom line:
It’s a bit long, but lots of fun with clever characters and a solid message. Some of the drama scenes are a bit lengthy, so experienced and perhaps some teen and adult dramatists might be advisable.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Posters
DVD
KMC-37 BOOK
KMC-37 PREVIEW
KMC-37 POSTERS
KMC-37 DVD DEMO
Listening CD
Bulletins
Dovetailor Director’s Kit
Accompaniment CD
- 22 -
KMC-37 CD
KMC-37 BULLETINS
KMC-37 DIRECTOR
KMC-37 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Follow the Star
Written by: Susie Williams, Luke Gambill, and David Ebensberger
Length: 23 minutes
Song titles:
Follow the Star
We Three Kings
Out of the Bethlehem Sky
Adore Him
Carol Medley (Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Angels We Have
Heard on High)
Characters:
There are nine speaking parts, plus optional servants, shepherds, and angels.
The speaking parts are:
A Page (announcer for the King)
King Herod
Three wise men
Two chief priests
Joseph and Mary
Summary:
King Herod gets really upset when he learns that wise men have arrived in Jerusalem looking for a “new king” of Israel. The storyline centers on the three wise men, and their journey of obedience, faith, and worship. The wise men interact with Mary and Joseph,
and give the Christ child their gifts and their worship.
Comments:
I like the drama sections of this musical better than some. The musical is short, easy to produce. Although the drama is not complex, the writers give a second performance option of using four narrators/speakers in between the songs as a simpler option.
Bottom line:
It’s well written, with mostly traditional music, and with focus on the role of the wise men. It’s short, easy to produce, and has a
very good message true to the Bible.
Songbook
Preview Pack
KCM-56 BOOK
KCM-56 PREVIEW
Listening CD
Accompaniment CD
- 23 -
KCM-56 CD
KCM-56 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
For the Glory of the King
Written by: Susie Williams, Luke Gambill, and David Ebensberger
Length: 26 minutes
Song titles:
Welcome the Newborn King
O Lamb of God with Away in a Manger
Emmanuel
For the Glory of the King
Characters:
Mrs. Parks, the adult director of the children’s choir, has three lines in the beginning
of the musical and four lines at the end. The main speaking parts, all also serving as
“reader’s theatre” style narrators throughout the play, are four children, who need to be
confident, expressive readers/speakers.
In addition, there are small non-speaking dramatic roles for shepherds, angels, and
wise men. During scene two, Joseph and Mary and baby Jesus portray the traditional
manger scene.
Summary:
This is a “musical within a musical,” in that the performance takes place during
what is supposed to be the final rehearsal. Therefore the whole production should be more casual and unfinished than a normal final
performance would be.
After the opening choir song, Mrs. Parks discovers that one key drama person is late, so she leaves to get a coffee. While she is
gone, the drama person arrives and the children decide to “go ahead” with the rehearsal without the director. The director returns in
time for the final scene and final song. Bradley talks about gifts he will receive for Christmas, and the other kids remind him of the
real meaning of Christmas and why we worship the Christ-child today.
Comments:
It seems unlikely and unrealistic that the director would “leave for a coffee” for almost 20 minutes during a final rehearsal. I
would have her “peek in” several times and show satisfaction with how the children are proceeding without her.
The music is fresh, lively, “driving” at times and worshipful at times. There are places where the shepherds, angels, magi, and
holy family dramatize the action during the songs.
The final song is strong and worshipful.
Bottom line:
This musical requires very little in the way of set and props, and because it is supposed to be a rehearsal, you can be
“underwhelming” if you wish to. The four main dramatists must be strong and well-rehearsed.
There is an accompaniment DVD which has song words and colorful visuals for each song. This is recommended, as it can be
used in rehearsal as the songs are learned and in performance to help the songs impact the audience.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Accompaniment DVD
KMC-62 BOOK
KMC-62 PREVIEW
KMC-62 DVD ACC
Listening CD
KMC-62 CD
KMC-62 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Great Big Story
Written by: Allie Lapointe and Dave Clark
Length: 22 minutes
Song titles:
Great Big Story
The Best Gift of All
Great News
Who, What, When?
He Included Me
Great Big Story (reprise)
Characters:
There are six speaking parts: a Sunday school teacher, three girls, and two boys.
Also, if you desire you could add six non-speaking parts for Mary, Joseph, an angel,
and three wise men.
Summary:
A Sunday school class becomes a “tell-a-thon” when class members draw slips
of paper and take turns telling the parts of the biblical Christmas story.
Comments:
This is a short, fun, easy-to-produce musical for elementary children. The music is original, lively, and very singable. The props,
costumes, and staging (a Sunday school classroom) are simple and easy, but with a traditional Christmas message.
Bottom line:
It’s easy to sing, easy to stage, singable, relatively short (22 minutes), with limited cast and easy-to-put-together details. It’s solid
but not flashy... traditional but with realistic, simple dramatic scenes. It would probably be better for lower or middle elementary
children than for upper grades.
Songbook
KMC-74 BOOK
Preview Pack
KMC-74 PREVIEW
Teacher’s Digital Resource Kit KMC-74 DIREC DIG
Listening CD
KMC-74 CD
KMC-74 BULK
Accompaniment CD (Stereo & Split Track) KMC-74 ACC SPLIT
- 25 -
www.creativemin.com
The Great Christmas Giveaway
Length: 39 minutes
Song titles:
Shop ‘til You Drop
It’s Better to Give
The Gift Goes On/The Gift and the Giver
The Perfect Present
Gold, Incense and Myrrh
I Give You Me
Where’s the Line to See Jesus?
Manger Song/Greatest Gift of All/Away in a Manger
The Gift of Joy
Characters:
Eleven total, plus three “speakers” with very limited lines. Three main child characters, six minor child characters (one of these is a mall policeman, who could be an older
teen or an adult), plus “Tiff,” the owner of the mall gift shop, and “Mr. Lancaster,” the
children’s teacher, who appears only in the last scene. “Tiff” and “Mr. Lancaster” emerge
as husband and wife in the storyline, so they would be best portrayed by an adult man and
wife, if possible.
Summary:
The musical takes place in a shopping mall, where three children who are class officers are shopping for a gift for their teacher.
After discussion, they visit Tiff’s Gift Shop, where Tiff teaches them that it’s better to give than receive, that love is the perfect gift we
can give all year, and that God gave us His best through His only son.
The song “Where’s the Line to see Jesus” is a beautiful, haunting question that will impact the choir children and the audience.
The musical starts strong, ends strong, and has variety and a strong message to all ages. Preschoolers could be included in the manger
scene. The storyline ends with the children being excited to give to others less fortunate through a “giving tree” lesson.
Comments:
Our church children’s department presented this musical for Christmas 2011, so my very positive review of “The Great Christmas
Giveaway” may be influenced by that. It went over extremely well, with a young couple who work with the children playing the parts
of “Tiff” and “Mr. Lancaster.”
The music is great, with many styles included without tiresome repetitions many musical have. It mentions “an unemployed
dad,” and has many short solos to involve more children. The setting scenery would be easy to create.
Bottom line:
An excellent choice for medium/large churches. Using an adult couple or at least an adult female and male will be more believable and effective for the “Tiff” and “Mr. Lancaster” parts. It’s a full-length (39 minutes) musical, so be sure to schedule adequate
rehearsal time, and you’ll have a strong, powerful production.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Teacher Resource Kit (digital)
Accompaniment CD
KMC-65 BOOK
KMC-65 PREVIEW
KMC-65 DIREC DIG
KMC-65 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
Instructional DVD
- 26 -
KMC-65 CD
KMC-65 BULK
KMC-65 DVD DEMO
www.creativemin.com
Guess Who’s Coming to Bethlehem?
Written by: Michael and Jill Gallina
Published by: Glorysound/Hal Leonard (2009)
Length: 13 minutes
Song titles:
A Musical Manger Mystery
Hoo, Hoo, Hoo Can It Be?
What Shall We Bring?
Baby’s Lullaby
Sing Glory to the King
Characters:
The cast is flexible, as the live drama can be combined or
edited to fit the size of your choir. There are narrators, angels, and
up to nine animal characters.
Summary:
The animals around the Bethlehem stable have heard the Messiah is coming, but they aren’t sure who it will be. Hearing that the
baby is the “Lamb of God,” the lambs expect the baby to be like
them. The doves hear He is the “Prince of Peace,” so they expect
a dove. The other animals think the baby will be like them. The
angels guide the animals to the manger, where they learn the baby will be the “King of Kings,” bringing peace and love to creatures
big and small.
Comments:
This is an extremely short musical, appropriate for preschool or grades 1-2 choirs. The “animals” can be portrayed by children
wearing masks and animal features. It would be very easy to produce. Note: the preview pack does not contain the complete musical.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a very short, easy musical for very young children, this one will work well for you.
Listening CD
KMC-49 CD
KMC-49 BULK
Preview Pack
KMC-49 PREVIEW
Performance Kit with StudioTrax CD KMC-49 PERFOR KIT
- 27 -
www.creativemin.com
An Island Christmas
Written by: Wayne and Shelby Haun with Joel Lindsey
Length: 30 minutes
Song titles:
Caribbean Christmas with Angels We Have Heard on High
The Best Christmas Ever
Dig (Underscore)
Give a Little Love
Jonkanoo
Christmas is Christmas (Wherever You Go)
An Island Christmas
Characters:
There are 12 total characters. This includes five main “children” parts, three very
small “adult” parts, plus four small parts for children with two or three lines each.
Summary:
On a Caribbean island, a group of children find a treasure map, and decide to dig
for treasure. They find some gold, and decide to give it to a missionary family who
just moved to their island, following the Bible “Freely you have received, freely give”
scripture. They also are trying to befriend Emily, the missionary’s daughter, who is lonely being away from “home” at Christmas for
the first time. They are celebrating “Jonkanoo,” their island celebration of Christmas.
Comments:
This musical has a quite different setting than most kids’ musicals, so it could be a welcome change from the traditional ones with
manger scenes, angels, and shepherds.
It won’t be hard to do a better job of being dramatic and delivering lines and accents than the “demo kids” on the demo CD, but
overall with the island decorations, island music, and pirate/beach scene flavor, this could be a really fun musical for your kids.
Bottom line:
It’s an easy one to produce, with fun visual action. You could make it an interesting educational experience by delving into the
Christmas customs and activities of Caribbean people at Christmas time.
Resource Materials available:
Songbook
Preview Pack
Director’s Resource (loose leaf)
Demonstration DVD
Accompaniment CD Split-track
KMC-39 BOOK
KMC-39 PREVIEW
KMC-39 DIRECTOR
KMC-39 DVD DEMO
KMC-39 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
Bulletins
Director’s Digital Resource Accompaniment CD Stereo
- 28 -
KMC-39 CD
KMC-39 BULLETINS
KMC-39 DIREC DIG
KMC-39 ACC STEREO
www.creativemin.com
It’s a Wonder-full Life
Written by: Pam Andrews and Luke Gambill
Length: 46 minutes
Song titles:
We Want Christmas with Jesus is the Reason
It’s a Wonder-Full Life
Jesus is the Reason with Joy to the World
I Want Presents
Jesus Means Christmas to Me
We Want Christmas!
Let Your Light Shine Out
Ring Out the News of Jesus
He is the Present
It’s a Wonder-Full Life Reprise with For Unto us a Child is Born plus the Hallelujah Chorus
Characters:
Mrs. Tune – the children’s choir director. She is only in the first two scenes.
Foster – a young boy with a greedy attitude about Christmas
Terrance – appears to be a janitor, but actually is an angel
Mr. T – the “real” janitor, who appears only in the last scene
Madison, Laura, Zach, Joey and Nick – five choir children
Three “costume” characters:
Christmas tree – has no lights
Jingle Bell – doesn’t ring
Present – an empty box
Additional minor parts include four parents and a narrator.
Summary:
The musical begins with the conclusion of the children’s choir Christmas concert, but the children keep singing, and Mrs. Tune, the director, gets
an emergency phone call and has to leave the children unsupervised.
Foster, the choir member with a bad attitude towards Christmas, wants to “do away” with Christmas. Terrance, the “angel” character, orchestrates a smoke-filled changeover that results in “no Christmas,” plus a tree with no lights, a bell that won’t ring, and an empty present.
The children finally learn that Jesus is the real “Reason for the Season,” and Foster learns that Jesus is the “gift’ that we all need to receive.
Comments:
The storyline is not as close to the original “It’s a Wonderful Life” as you might expect. The music in general is good, but quite mellow with
not much variety in style. Several of the songs are complicated with two to four different choruses being sung by different sections of the choir at the
same time.
The angel character “Terrance” and the three “costume” characters (the tree, bell, and present), could make this musical sparkle if they could
carry their key parts well.
It has a strong “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” message, some fun songs, and encourages the children to get beyond focusing on what they
get, to the real “Present”… Jesus.
Bottom line:
It’s a bit long, the story line has some holes in it, but the popularity of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and strong actors could make this production a
real success. The angel, tree, bell, and present characters will make or break this production.
You’ll want a fog machine, revolving platform, or other special effects to make the two “changeover” scenes believable.
Resource material available:
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
Accompaniment CD
KMC-45 BOOK
KMC-45 PREVIEW
KMC-45 BULLETINS
KMC-45 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
CD Fun Pack
Posters
- 29 -
KMC-45 CD
KMC-45 FUN PACK
KMC-45 POSTERS
www.creativemin.com
A King is Coming to Town
Written by: Geron Davis, Sue C. Smith, and Craig Adams
Length: 40 minutes
Song titles:
Extra Extra with Deck the Halls and Jingle Bells
Someone Special is Coming
The King of Rock and Roll
Egyptian King
A King is Coming to Town with the Hallelujah Chorus
Characters:
Seven speaking roles:
Greta Van Popcorn - television reporter
Mayor Big Wheel - promotes himself
Sheriff Badge - tries to keep order
Chip - Mayor’s press assistant
Barbara Booster - President of the local Chamber of Commerce
Drew and Ellie - young citizens who admit responsibility for the sign that upset
everyone
There is also a camera person always on stage, but with no speaking parts.
Summary:
Someone has posted a large sign in the village of Rumor’s Mill stating that “A King is Coming to Town.” No one seems to know
who put up the sign, and rumors abound. It is Elvis... or the King of the Jungle... or King Tut... or who?
The mayor makes an Elvis impersonation, Barbara Booster announces that King Tut is coming,and everyone is afraid that the
king of the jungle is prowling their town.
Drew and Ellie share the “real story,” about the “real King,” and admit they were responsible for the sign that upset everyone.
Comments:
Out of the 40+ Christmas musicals we’ve sold in the past several years, this one is #2 in sales. It’s a fun, biblical production, with
good possibilities for puppets to be involved if desired. Musical styles include 50’s rock, Middle East/Egyptian, African jungle, Black
gospel, plus soft and sensitive with a good place for a “salvation invitation” should you desire to do so.
The gospel message is strong and clear, stating that when “the King” really comes, sin doesn’t rule any more.
Bottom line:
If you have quality actors and actresses that can carry the drama, you and your audience will LOVE this musical. The songbook
includes extensive movements and choreography for each song.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
KMC-03 BOOK
KMC-03 PREVIEW
KMC-03 BULLETINS
KMC-03 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
CD Fun Pack
Posters
- 30 -
KMC-03 CD
KMC-03 FUN PACK
KMC-03 POSTERS
www.creativemin.com
The Light Before Christmas
Written by: Dave Clark and Jayme Thompson
Length: 27.5 minutes
Song titles:
Decking the Walls
The Light Before Christmas
Let There Be Light
Did the Shepherds Need Shades?
Walk Like a Wise Man
I Can See the Light
The Light Before Christmas with Joy to the World and Go Tell It on the Mountain
Characters:
(Seven total) Six young elementary children, including “Beaker,” a studious, nerdy
“science expert” male, plus Mr. Cutler, the science teacher.
Summary:
It all happens in the science classroom at school, where Beaker is trying to make
fake snow and the children are wanting to decorate the room for Christmas. The storyline goes back to the time of creation, when Jesus from the very beginning was God’s
overall plan for the redemption of man.
The conversations cover the light of creation, the light the shepherds saw, the light (star) the wise men followed, and that Jesus
truly was and is the “light” of Christmas.
Comments:
Several of the songs and the overall “light” messages are the strongest part of this musical. The dialog lines and “depth” of the
characters could be improved by strengthening the script. The characters are all fairly “flat,” but stronger “Beaker” and “Mr. Cutler”
characters could be developed by a creative director.
The “Did the Shepherds Need Shades” song could include sunglasses for all the choir members, and the “Walk Like a Wise Man”
song (Louis, Louis style) could be fun for the children and the audience.
Bottom line:
It’s a relatively short, easy to learn musical, with seven characters and no challenging solos. The “Light” message is timely and
strong, but the script could use improvement. The science classroom set would be easy to create. A lighted Christmas tree would be
needed.
Songbook
Bulletins
Digital Teacher’s Resource Kit (with CD-ROM)
KMC-63 BOOK
KMC-63 BULK
KMC-63 BULLETINS KMC-63 DIREC DIG
- 31 -
Listening CD
Preview Pack
Demonstration DVD
Accompaniment CD
KMC-63 CD
KMC-63 PREVIEW
KMC-63 DVD DEMO
KMC-63 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Written by: Dan Barker
Published by: Manna/Creative Ministry Solutions (1977)
Length: 30 minutes
Song titles:
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Messiah is Coming
He is Born in Bethlehem
Good News
God’s Little Lamb
Seeking
God is King
Characters:
Two narrators; one male, one female.
Ten animals: four lambs, three camels, a pig, a cow, and a
donkey. (The pig is a symbol of the Gentile world.)
Summary:
This is the traditional Christmas story told from the viewpoint
of the animals that could have been present. Scenes include sheep on the hillside when the angels appeared, the stable/manger scene,
and wise men. God’s plan of replacing the sacrifice of an unblemished lamb with the Messiah, who would eventually die for man’s
sin, is presented in such a way that children and adults can all understand at their own level.
Comments:
Even though this musical is 30+ years old, it is still one of our best sellers, and still one of my “top three” favorites. The music is
great, the character voices are excellent, and there’s humor and great spiritual depth, yet it is very understandable for children.
It is a “natural” if you’d like to use puppets for the drama and have a children’s choir sing the songs. It also works well to do the
drama with puppets and show powerpoint pictures and/or song words on a screen without using a choir.
Bottom line:
You will not find a musical with a stronger explanation of God’s plan of salvation, and why Jesus’ coming to Earth was such a
monumental event. It’s excellent for combining puppets with live children’s choir.
Songbook
Mono Instrumental Accompaniment CD
KMC-01 BOOK
KMC-01 BULK
KMC-01 ACC MONO
- 32 -
Listening CD
Split-Track Accompaniment CD
KMC-01 CD
KMC-01 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Mayhem in Bethlehem
Written by: Dave Noel and Jay Rouse
Published by: Praise Gathering/WORD (2005)
Length: 42 minutes
Song titles:
Mayhem in Bethlehem
Pray Tell Me
Six Short Miles
Who is This Christ Child, Messiah?
Star of Wonder
Sure Look Like an Angel
Mayhem in Bethlehem Reprise
Lovely Baby
This is the Christ Child, Messiah
Praise Him in Bethlehem
Characters:
Speaking characters are:
Noah Lott – the anchorman of the “30 Minute Special Report”
television show
Vesta Gates – Nosy News Network female reporter
Freddie Factoid – a studio NNN research reporter
Lorna Limelight – a spoiled, flashily dressed NNN reporter
Randy Looney – an older, eccentric, cranky commentator
Bobby Joe Debonair – a country boy spokesman in the “Hair Repair by Debonair” hair growth commercials
King Herod – full of himself, pretentious, animated and cartoonish. He has a significant solo, and should be played by an adult.
Michael the Angel – an angel in disguise – dressed as a Bible character
Other possible non-speaking characters include: Joseph, Mary, Wise Men, shepherds, camera operators, and cue card holders.
Summary:
This musical is patterned after “60 Minutes,” with an anchorman, news reporters, commercials, and theme jingles. It’s a 30minute special report on all the “mayhem” surrounding that magical night in Bethlehem 2000 years ago.
Comments:
Let’s imagine the first century television team, like CNN or Fox News. In this musical, the Nosy News Network (NNN) looks
into the major events surrounding Christ’s birth.
Though long on imagination, the heart of this musical is the wonderful, true story of Christ’s earthly birth. As the skeptical NNN
reporters close in on the story, they are convinced of the authenticity of Christ, as well as their need of the Savior.
The “Hair Repair by Debonair” hair growth commercials are corny but funny… you can delete them if you think they’re “too
much.”
Bottom line:
It’s a good premise, a well-written script, excellent music and a final scene where everyone kneels at the manger. It’s a bit long,
but you could cut it somewhat to streamline it.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Instructional DVD
KMC-42 BOOK
KMC-42 PREVIEW
KMC-42 DVD DEMO
Listening CD
Director’s Resource Kit
Accompaniment CD
- 33 -
KMC-42 CD
KMC-42 DIRECTOR
KMC-42 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Meet Me at the Manger
Length: 37 minutes
Song titles:
Born to Shop
Celebrate the King of Kings
Christmas Without Christ
Wise Guys (Walking in the Light)
J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, You)
In Your Presence
Heart of Gold
Dying to Live
Wise Men Still Follow You Today with Angels We Have Heard
on High
Celebrate the King of Kings
Characters:
There are four “lead” parts. They are:
Mr. Herod - money hungry store owner
Miss O’Riley - a sweet store clerk at Herod’s Department Store
Miss Ellie - runs the Lighthouse Missionary
Emerald - the outgoing cook at Lighthouse Missionary
Other characters include: Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, and three wise men, and some short lines by various kids.
Summary:
This musical teaches about the gifts of the wise men. The church children’s choir is singing in Herod’s Department Store, but Mr.
Herod claims they are distracting his customers and he kicks them out. The children then go to Lighthouse Mission, and learn what
God really wants from us, and that “wise men” still follow Him today.
Comments:
This is another very strong musical, and the musical styles range from swing, ragtime, 50’s rock, salsa, and blues to make it a very
fun musical for the children to sing. There’s a good message of forgiveness.
The three gifts of the wise men are skillfully written into the dialog.
Gold - God wants us to have a pure heart... a heart of gold
Frankincense - our prayers are like incense to God
Myrrh - we must die to ourselves and live for God
Greedy Mr. Herod has a change of heart, and confesses that wise men still need to follow Him today.
Bottom line:
It’s another excellent musical by Celeste Clydesdale. The music is great, it’s easy to stage, and the message of following Christ is
strong.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Accompaniment CD
KMC-20 BOOK
KMC-20 PREVIEW
KMC-20 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
Listening CD (10 Pack)
- 34 -
KMC-20 CD
KMC-20 BULK
www.creativemin.com
The Mystery of the Manger
Length: 37 minutes
Song titles:
It’s the Day Before with The Mystery of the Manger
Like the Wise Men
The Gospel Truth
John Three Sixteen
Facts Are Facts
Hallelujah, It Came True
Manger Song including Away In A Manger, What Child Is This, and O Come Let Us
Adore Him
Your Very First Christmas with Like the Wise Men
Characters:
Mrs. Evans (adult or older female) – choir director at church
Jane Blonde (older female) – an investigative reporter for The Morning Star
newspaper. (Her name is a take-off on “James Bond”)
Five children – three female, two male
The “cleaning crew” – three older middle schoolers or teens; two female, one male
In one song there are six short scripture reading parts.
Summary:
It’s December 23, and the children are rehearsing for the Christmas Eve pageant, when Jane Blonde, an investigative reporter for
The Morning Star newspaper interrupts the rehearsal searching for the “truth,” and for “evidence,” that all this “Christmas story” is
really true.
The kids sing “The Gospel Truth,” which tells the Biblical accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John of the gospel story. Then
they sing “John 3:16,” which summarizes in one verse the “Christmas Story.”
Three new characters, older children or teens called “the cleaning crew,” use their mops and brooms as “air guitars” and sing
Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Facts Are Facts.”
Jane Blonde is quite impressed with the children’s answers and the songs, and writes an article for her paper title “The Mystery of
the Manger Has Been Solved.”
Comments:
This is an excellent musical, with fun characters, great music, great variety of musical styles, and a very strong salvation message.
The storyline is solid, with lots of scripture and Biblical truths. There is involvement options for involving a preschool choir, and
there are helpful production notes included in the songbook. There is even a spot where you could have a short intermission. (Bottom
p. 82).
Bottom line:
This is one of the very best “content” Christmas musicals available. You’ll need a strong actress for Jane Blonde, and plenty of
rehearsal time, but you’ll be very pleased with the impact and message of this musical.
Songbook
KMC-38 BOOK
Preview Pack
KMC-38 PREVIEW
Teacher Resource Kit (digital) KMC-38 DIREC DIG
Listening CD
Listening CD Bulk (10 Pack) Accompaniment CD
- 35 -
KMC-38 CD
KMC-38 BULK
KMC-38 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Once Upon a Christmas Light
Published by: Glory Sound/Shawnee Press (2008)
Length: 23 minutes
Song titles:
Overture
Once Upon a Christmas Light
Our Time to Shine
Don’t Blame Us
Calling All Stars
Bright Shining Star
This Little Light of Mine
Characters:
There are one to three narrators, eight “star” characters, and
three “cloud” characters.
The stars are: Stellar, Roaring Boring Alice, Glitterotti, Solar
Plexus, Mega Starus, Super Nova, Grandioso, and Space
Cadet.
The clouds are: Nimbus, Stratus, and Cumulus.
Summary:
It’s the very first Christmas Eve ever, and the stars have a “star search” to determine which star is most worthy of lighting the sky
above the manger on this, the greatest night of all. The clouds sing “Don’t Blame Us,” and Stellar, the smallest star, is chosen to be
the “star” to shine on the manger.
Comments:
The storyline ignores the fact that the Wise Men “followed” the star for months, perhaps years... the star did not just “appear” the
night Jesus was born.
Other than that, it’s a fun, clever musical; fun to sing, easy to stage, with a very flexible cast size.
Bottom line:
Best for lower elementary, it has some fun puns and plays on words for the adults, and a visual “cuteness” factor as all the
characters are costumed as stars or clouds.
Listening CD
Performance Kit with StudioTrax CD
KMC-51 CD
KMC-51 PERFOR KIT
Preview Pack*
KMC-51 PREVIEW
*Be aware that the “Preview Pack” does not include the full songbook.
- 36 -
www.creativemin.com
An Out-of-the-Box Christmas
Length: 35 minutes
Song titles:
Places Everyone!
This is Bizarre! This is Berserk!
Giddy Up!
A Super-Duper Hero of the Faith
Are You Ready for Some Good News?
Yo Ho Ho! And Away We Go!
A Christmas Love Song
A Night to Remember with Are You Ready for Some Good News?
Characters:
There are 12 characters in all, plus minor parts for narrators and manger scene
participants. Mrs. Strickland is a female adult or older teen who is the choir director.
There are eight part for choir children, plus two male pirates and another adult or older
teen who owns the costume shop.
Summary:
It’s the day before the Christmas musical, and the shipment of costumes has
just arrived. But... when they open the boxes, the costumes are all wrong! So, the children (and the director) get creative and adapt,
improvise, and devise comical but heartfelt ways to tell the traditional Christmas story in very “out-of-the-box,” nontraditional ways.
Comments:
This musical is truly a “breath of fresh air” compared to so many children’s musicals with tired storylines. Picture the angel
Gabriel as a super hero, the wise men as cowboys, the shepherds as pirates and the angels as cheerleaders! The message of Christmas
is still very clear, and the “Night to Remember” song parallels the birth of Christ 2000+ years ago with the “night to remember” when
we accept Jesus as our Savior.
Bottom line:
This is a very fun, very singable “out-of-the-box” musical your kids will LOVE singing. It’s a toe-tapper through and through, but
yet the traditional message of the birth of Christ is still very strong.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Digital Resource Kit
Accompaniment CD (Split-Track)
KMC-73 BOOK
KMC-73 PREVIEW
KMC-73 DIREC DIG
KMC-73 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
Production DVD
Accompaniment CD (Stereo)
- 37 -
KMC-73 CD
KMC-73 BULK
KMC-73 DVD DEMO
KMC-73 ACC STEREO
www.creativemin.com
The Present is the Future
Written by: Katie Combs
Length: 43 minutes
Song titles:
Big Night in a Small Town
Mysterious Mystery
Let’s Talk About Joy with Joy to the World
What a Friend’s Supposed to Be
The Light of Christmas
Hope for the Future
The Present is the Future with What Child is This
Characters:
The core drama cast consists of one adult male, who plays a “comedic butler” part,
plus 12 children. The children all are very different, showing various common personalities; the show-off, the cheerleader, the loner, the quiet and insecure, the “fraidy-cat,”
the “know-it-all,” and the brainy, studious one.
Other characters include one or more shepherds, one or more angels, a stable boy,
one or more kings, and a Roman soldier.
Summary:
The musical’s title, “The Present is the Future” means that God’s gift of salvation, when accepted by us, give us a “present” of a
bright “future” as we give our lives, talents, and future to Him.
Filled with outlandish characters, clever wordplays, campy satire, and fun songs, this musical helps kids learn that their fears, desires, and insecurities are similar to those from Biblical times. The story is based on the board game “Clue.” A butler presents the children of this mystery mansion with a question: what is the gift that Christmas brings? Each child has been given a token as a clue, and
they are to find more clues in each room of the house. Each room’s clue tells a part of the Christmas story and highlights a struggle
of an individual’s character. For example, a hook tells about the shepherds and their commonness; a rope shows the loneliness of the
stable boy. The clues explain how the birth, death, resurrection of Christ can give us identity, joy, serenity, forgiveness, knowledge and
hope for our future.
Comments:
The musical is a little long (43 minutes) but the storyline is fun, the characters are strong, the Butler is hilarious, and overall it is a
real winner. Probably it is best for middle and upper elementary choirs. The music is outstanding, the messages will “speak” to your
choir kids, and they will really enjoy singing the songs.
The staging might be a little tricky, as it calls for five different “rooms” or “areas,” which could be the same area changed differently for each scene.
Bottom line:
It’s different, unique and fun with a strong message. You’ll really like the music; it is more contemporary and enjoyable to sing
than most Christmas musicals. The drama parts will require some real “acting,” not just memorizing and saying lines.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Digital Resource Kit
Bulletins
KMC-58 BOOK
KMC-58 PREVIEW
KMC-58 DIREC DIG
KMC-58 BULLETINS
Listening CD
Demonstration DVD
Accompaniment CD
- 38 -
KMC-58 CD
KMC-58 BULK
KMC-58 DVD DEMO
KMC-58 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
A Rockin’ Royal Christmas
Length: 37 minutes
Song titles:
A Rockin’ Royal Christmas with the King!
Bring Them to Me
Take a Look Inside
Unforgettable, Incredible, Not so Silent Night with Angels We Have Heard on High
When the Little Baby Boy Was Born
A Wise Man’s Life for Me
If I Knew Then
A Higher Calling to a Higher King with I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
A Rockin’ Royal Christmas with the King with Glory Be To God
Characters:
There are four main characters, plus three shepherds, three angels, three wise men,
and the Innkeeper and his wife; 15 in all. There can also be four “readers” with minor
reading parts.
The four main characters are:
Storyteller – leads the cast and the audience on this journey back in time.
Herod – should be an adult male… he’s mad, fearful, angry, and vindictive. He
wants this “baby” found!
Sherlock Watson – an eager, young investigator hired by Herod to find out why the Wise Men never returned and where this
“King Jesus” was.
Librarian – a proper, uptight librarian who tries to keep order in the Bethlehem Public Library.
Summary:
Herod is angry and upset, and hires an “F.B.I. agent” to find out where the Wise Men went and who and where this “baby king”
is. We go back in time 2000 years, and Sherlock Holmes finds the answers he needs in the Bethlehem Public Library. Sherlock decides he will serve Jesus, the King of Kings instead of Herod, his earthly king.
Comments:
This is a strong, excellent musical, with a great message for the choir and for the audience. You’ll need four strong actors and
actresses for the main parts, and 11 of the 15 characters have singing parts.
Although the storyline goes “back in time,” the script mentions many modern terms, such as “email,” “fax,” “google,” and “Dr.
Phil.”
Bottom line:
Take a clue from the title of the musical: it’s a “rockin” musical. The musical is high-energy, driving rock in many of the songs.
Although the musical includes angels, shepherds, and wise men, it is not a “traditional” manger scene scenario. It is clever, fun, hot,
and challenging. It’s probably not a good choice for a really young or really new choir.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
Digital Resource
KCM-68 BOOK
KCM-68 PREVIEW
KCM-68 BULLETINS
KCM-68 DIREC DIG
Listening CD
Production DVD
KCM-68 CD
KCM-68 BULK
KCM-68 DVD DEMO
KCM-68 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
The Secret of Snowflake County
Written by: Christy Semsen
Length: 35 minutes
Song titles:
Christmas in Snowflake County
Our Extravaganza
This is the Time
Glory to God
I Wanna Be Wise
The Crazy Christmas Medley
Silent Night, Holy Night
Hope Has Come
Christmas in Snowflake County (reprise) with Glory to God
Characters:
Mayor Hallmark, the scatterbrained female judge of the “Snowflake County
Christmas Extravaganza”
Joey, the Mayor’s intern, who helps her with all her electronic gadgets
Suzy Hallmark, the Mayor’s daughter, who is trying to get her mother’s attention to
share a secret
Max, a non-speaking comic role, with one shy, long line near the musical’s end
Also, there are three competitors in the finals of the ‘Christmas Extravaganza” competition:
Holly Berry, Mitch Mistletoe, Candie Appleton
In addition, there are three one-line parts for three children, plus three tap-dancing “wise men” (girls in a comic role).
Summary:
The premise of their “Snowflake County Christmas Extravaganza” is that it’s a competition of “0ver-the-top” Christmas excess.
The “rules” of the “Extravaganza” include:
Always use lights, bigger is always better, and don’t do anything you’ve done before
In Snowflake County, Christmas performances have become so extravagant, professional, and overblown that the real message of
Christmas has been totally lost.
After we have line-dancing angels, dancing snowflakes, and tap-dancing wise men, plus a CRAZY Christmas medley, the real
“secret,” the message of God coming to earth as a baby, finally comes out.
They all realize that their emphasis on bigger and better extravagant productions is really not what Christmas should be about, and
that the “Incarnation”… God becoming a man… doesn’t need to be overblown the way they’ve been doing it.
Comments:
This is a new “angle” for a Christmas musical, and the message is loud and clear in the end. It’s a little crazy at times, overblown
at times, and lots of fun overall. An experienced choir and creative director could pull this off very creatively.
Bottom line:
This could be presented as an extravagant, overblown production, or minimalized according to your dramatists and choir. Your
children will have a great time presenting it. Mayor Hallmark probably should be an adult female or older teen girl.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Teacher Resource Kit
KMC-67 BOOK
KMC-67 PREVIEW
KMC-67 DIRECTOR
KMC-67 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
Instructional DVD
- 40 -
KMC-67 CD
KMC-67 BULK
KMC-67 DVD DEMO
www.creativemin.com
Shepherds, Sheep, and a Savior
Written by: Ed Kee
Length: 23 minutes
Song titles:
No Ordinary Night
Shaggy, Smelly Sheep
Glory to God in the Highest with Angels We Have Heard on High
Headin’ Down to Bethlehem
This is Jesus with Away In A Manger
Go and Tell with Joy to the World
Characters:
The main characters are five shepherds. The only other speaking parts are Mary and
Joseph.
Summary:
The shepherds are watching their “shaggy, smelly, sheep” near Bethlehem, feeling
very sorry for themselves. Travelers pass by, holding their noses, looking down on the
shepherds, who have the lowest, most demeaning job in their society. An angel (or lots
of angels) appear and announce the birth of a Savior, and the shepherds “Head Down to
Bethlehem” to worship the newborn King.
Comments:
It’s the traditional story, with a small drama cast and fun singable songs and carols. There’s some humor and the drama scenes are
well written. The voices on the demo CD are very good... this could be a total puppet musical (23 minutes) or one using puppets to do
the drama and children to sing the songs.
Bottom line:
It’s a good choice for a relatively easy, small-cast production. It has the traditional manger scene, and the set is simple to design.
Songbook
Preview Pack
KMC-53 BOOK
KMC-53 PREVIEW
Listening CD
Accompaniment CD
- 41 -
KMC-53 CD
KMC-53 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
A Song of Joy
Written by: Kimberly Meiste
Length: 22 minutes
Song titles:
Gloria
I will Sing Songs of Joy
Go, Tell It on the Mountain
Rejoice!
Away in a Manger with Silent Night, Holy Night
Joyful, Joyful Medley
Characters:
There are five upper elementary children, plus the adult “Mr. Bell,” who is the
children’s Sunday School teacher and musical director.
Summary:
It’s the Sunday after the children’s Christmas musical, and the children are having
a party reminiscing about the musical, and singing some of their favorite songs from the
musical.
Laura, Kristi’s friend, has just moved in from Florida, where they were forced to
leave their house because of a hurricane. The lesson the children learn is that they can rejoice in the Lord through trials, as God is our
ultimate Savior from every storm.
The children also gather groceries for the local homeless shelter, and experience joy through their giving.
Comments:
This is a short, simplistic musical with mostly traditional music and beginner level drama requirements.
It has a strong message of compassion, friendship, and the importance of living and sharing joy.
Bottom line:
This is a short musical that has a warm message, unsophisticated characters, and an emphasis on the “Joy of Christmas.” The
setting is a church classroom or children’s church area, the costuming and props are minimal, and there is a place for a traditional
nativity scene if desired.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
KMC-44 BOOK
KMC-44 PREVIEW
KMC-44 BULLETINS
Listening CD
Accompaniment CD
- 42 -
KMC-44 CD
KMC-44 BULK
KMC-44 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Star of Wonder
Written by: Dave Clark and Jayme Thompson
Length: 30 minutes
Song titles:
Look Up with This Little Light of Mine
Hangin’ Around the Heavens
God Chooses Who He Uses
Big Band of Shepherds
Wee Three Kings
Shine On Us
Constellation Celebration
Look Up with This Little Light of Mine
Characters:
All the drama scenes consist of six “star” characters who have speaking parts.
“Superstar” – a movie star diva type
“Falling Star” – falls a lot; clumsy
“Shooting Star” – cowboy character; leads other stars “on a mission from God.”
“Lucky Star” – carries four-leaf clover
“Rock Star” – carrier rock guitar
“North Star” older grouchy character.
Additional non-speaking parts include a “moon” character and nativity scene characters. Also there are “Three Wee Kings” (perhaps played with actors on their knees) and a “Big Band of Shepherds,” which could be a section of the choir.
Summary:
The star characters are all excited because “the biggest news this side of the Milky Way” is about to happen. Since the stars are
always “hanging around in the heavens,” they have a great view of what God is doing. “Shooting Star” leads the others to the “Big
Event,” the birth of the Christ child. The shepherds have a song, and the “wee kings” have a song.
As the stars gather to see the nativity scene, Michael W. Smith’s excellent song “Shine on Us’ is sung. The musical ends with a
lively song “Constellation Celebration” and “Look Up,” followed by “This Little Light of Mine.”
Comments:
Songs are very strong, with good variety and a minimum of repetition. The drama scenes are short, so memorizing lines should
be easy. You’ll need to costume the children (or the puppets) as “stars,” which shouldn’t be difficult. Overall, this musical should be
easy to produce and enjoyable for participants and audiences.
Bottom line:
This musical fits grades 1-4 well; for 5th and 6th graders it may seem “below” them. The drama sections are simple and at times a
little silly, but the songs help make the musical a winner. The six “star” characters could be played by “star” puppets, or with Funzle
puppets coming through star-shaped foamcore shapes, or with “regular” rod-arm people puppets with large star shapes on their fronts.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Posters
Demonstration DVD
KMC-59 BOOK
KMC-59 PREVIEW
KMC-59 POSTERS
KMC-59 DVD DEMO
Listening CD
Fun Pack
Bulletins
KMC-59 CD
KMC-59 FUN PACK
KMC-59 BULLETINS
KMC-59 ACC SPLIT
www.creativemin.com
Stranger in the Manger
Written by: Sue C. Smith and Jonathan Crumpton
Length: 30 minutes
Song titles:
Tell Me the Story of Christmas
The Answer is “Yes”
Stranger in the Manger
Walkin’ Like a Wise Man
A Strange Way to Save the World
When I Think of Christmas
Stranger in the Manger with Joy to the World
Characters:
This musical does not have “characters” or “drama scenes’. It
has eight very mellow songs, with six “readers’ theatre” speakers
who speak in rhyme, telling the Christmas story.
Summary:
This is a very simple musical, best for lower elementary
children and for smaller churches with fewer children. The readers
should be able to “master” the rhyming lines with minimal rehearsal time.
Comments:
If you’re short on rehearsal time, drama-challenged, or in a church culture that favors “very mellow” and traditional music, this
musical is for you. It can be easily staged, includes the traditional manger scene, plus the songbook suggests extensive movements by
the choir members that could be very expressive and impressive if done well.
Bottom line:
It’s mellow, simple, to the point, and if the extensive choreography and hand/arm movements are learned by the choir, it could be
a winner.
Songbook
Preview Pack
Bulletins
Accompaniment CD
KMC-21 BOOK
KMC-21 PREVIEW
KMC-21 BULLETINS
KMC-21 ACC SPLIT
Listening CD
CD Fun Pack
Posters
- 44 -
KMC-21 CD
KMC-21 FUN PACK
KMC-21 POSTERS
www.creativemin.com
The Tale of the Drowsy Shepherd
Published by: Glory Sound (2007)
Length: 30 minutes
Song titles:
The Drowsy Shepherd
There’s No Business Like Sheep Business
Star of Hope
For Unto You, Hallelu!
On a Starlit Night
All Things are Possible
Who is This Child?
All Things Are Possible (Reprise)
Characters:
There are five main characters
Aaron - the drowsy shepherd, who can’t stay awake on the job
Shem - Owner of Shem’s Sheep Shop
Reuben - Shepherd supervisor
Rachel - Shepherdess Supervisor
I.B. Eweing - President and CEO of Wee R. Sheep, Inc.
In addition, there are several sheep, several angels, and numerous non-speaking “back-up band” and nativity parts.
Summary:
There’s trouble in Bethlehem! Aaron, a shepherd at Shem’s Sheep Shop, is sleeping on the job and the sheep are disappearing
rapidly. The President of Wee R Sheep, Inc. is coming for his annual inspection and if Aaron can’t stay awake and shape up, he’s going to have to “sheep” out! Nothing short of a miracle can change things for this drowsy shepherd... and word has it from a band of
angels that one has just happened in a small stable down the street.
Comments:
This is a fun, clever musical. The script/drama lines rhyme “Dr. Seuss” style, with lots of “sheep” plays on words. The drama
voices and music are top quality, with an excellent message.
Bottom line:
This musical is very cleverly written, with many puns, plays on words, and rhyming dialog. It can be presented by as few as 10
children by combining parts and lines, or 50+ children if you have a larger group.
Resource material available:
Reproducible Singers Edition*
Preview Pack**
Director’s Manual
KMC-36 BOOK
KMC-36 PREVIEW
KMC-36 DIRECTOR
Listening CD
StudioTrax CD KMC-36 CD
KMC-36 BULK
KMC-36 ACC SPLIT
*Instead of normal songbooks, the publisher offers a reproducible format songbook so you can make your own copies.
**The Preview Pack has the complete CD but not the complete songbook.
- 45 -
www.creativemin.com
Where’s Baby Jesus? (Preschool)
Written by: Cherry Garasi
Length: 15 minutes
Song titles:
Jump for Joy, It’s Christmas
Oh Dear, Where Can the Baby Be?
Where Will I Find Jesus?
He is Immanuel
Jesus Loves Me
He is Immanuel (reprise)
Characters:
There are three main parts, plus several solos and five or six one-line speaking
parts. The three main parts are the “main adult” character, plus two child parts which
have only four or five lines each.
Summary:
The children are preparing for Christmas by assembling the Nativity scene, and
are very upset when Baby Jesus is missing. They search for Baby Jesus, and parallel
that search with our spiritual search to find Jesus and ask Him to live in our heart.
Comments:
This is a fantastic musical for preschoolers. The songs are easy but delightful, with good opportunity for actions and movements.
The drama lines are very limited, spread among many children, and are easy to learn. The message is that God is with us and loves us
no matter what.
Bottom line:
Your preschoolers will be jumping, singing, and learning about the REAL meaning of Christmas.
Songbook with CD
KMC-75 PREVIEW
KMC-75 BULK
Performance Pack
KMC-75 PERFOR KIT
Accompaniment CD (Split Track and Stereo) KMC-75 ACC SPLIT
- 46 -
www.creativemin.com
Christmas Through the Years
Written by: Todd Liebenow
Published by: Creative Ministry Solutions (2011)
Length: 26 minutes
Song titles:
The First Noel (“The King”)
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (‘60s)
Joy to the World (disco)
We Three Kings (rap)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (hair band)
Characters:
Johnny Moonbeam, your Christmas Eve DJ
Helicopter Helen, KRAZ’s traffic reporter, anxious to finish her Christmas shopping
Tim Bucktoo, sports reporter covering the annual Christmas Eve snowball fight
Slush Sloviak, captain of the Northside team (can be offstage voice)
Caller One, Four and Six, elderly woman (can be offstage voice)
Caller Two, adult male (can be offstage voice)
Caller Three, little boy (can be offstage voice)
Caller Five, young woman (can be offstage voice)
Summary:
Get ready to join everyone’s favorite DJ, Johnny Moonbeam, for his big Christmas Eve broadcast. He’s spinning some of the
greatest Christmas classics from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s! He’s joined by Helicopter Helen, bringing the Christmas traffic
report, and sports reporter Tim Bucktoo. Plus, he’s got a special message for everyone about the true meaning of Christmas. This trip
through the decades features five classic Christmas carols, done in classic rock n’ roll styles. This program was created with puppets in mind. Soundtracks for the songs are not available.
Comments:
This program has a strong message, but is also very funny. The songs are all familiar Christmas carols, but done in musical styles
that cover many eras. With songs that reflect the style of Elvis, Motown, and even rap, there’s something here for everybody.
Bottom line:
With its simple format and limited number of characters, this is a very simple program to produce. It also has room for a lot of
creativity. The humor is a big plus that will help keep your audience’s attention.
CD/Script Book
Bulletins Posters
DSC-05
DSC-05X
DSC-05P BULLETINS
DSC-05P POSTERS
- 47 -
www.creativemin.com
Countdown to Christmas
Written by: Dale VonSeggen
Length: 27 minutes
Song titles:
We Three Camels
We’ve Got News for You
What Can I Give to the King?
Little Packages
Wise Men Still Adore Him
My Gift is Me
Characters:
Cameron Camel, a fun-looking camel music DJ, the host of the show
Cairo Carl, a fast-talking salesman who sells camels like cars
Big Bob Goodman, an overly-friendly Bible salesman
Kathleen Stone, representative for Providential Life Insurance
Announcer, TV voice of CMTV, Camel Music TV
Summary:
This fun Christmas musical stars Cameron, a crazy camel DJ coming to you on CMTV in the Middle East. His witty newscasts,
weather report, and sports highlights are interspersed with his presentation of the top five Christmas songs. You’ll also hear humorous
commercials that you’ll enjoy staging. Soundtracks are included for songs. This program was written with puppets in mind but
could be adapted for children’s choir.
Comments:
The songs in this program are great, but there is also a lot of fun humor in the commercial segments. With its limited number of
characters (many of whom only have one scene), this is a very easy program to produce. It also has a sequel, “Countdown to Easter,”
you can perform a few months later.
Bottom line:
This program’s simple format makes it popular one with groups who are short on time or have a limited number of performers to
work with.
CD/Script Book
Bulletins Posters
DSC-03
DSC-03X
DSC-03P BULLETINS
DSC-03P POSTERS
- 48 -
www.creativemin.com
Cowboy Christmas
Written by: Tawnya Albright
Length: 25 minutes
Song titles:
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Jingle, Jingle, Jingle
Born in a Barn
Come On, Ring Those Bells
Characters:
Sal, the ranch cook, who provides good-natured support and terrific food to the
ranchhands
Jeb, a ranchhand who shares God’s love with his friends
Flint, a ranchhand who doesn’t understand the meaning of Christmas
Wesley & Cow Patty, neighboring ranchhands who celebrate by playing cards and
drinking
Narrator, he helps to explain the story
Ranchhands, additional characters who will be needed for singers and nonspeaking parts
Animals, optional stable animals who can add atmosphere and sing backup parts
Summary:
This musical has plenty of country flavor with a strong Christmas message for all ages. Main characters include ranch hand
Jeb, who gives a new lasso as a Christmas gift and uses it to tell about God’s love, Sal, the good-natured mess hall cook, and Flint, a
cowpoke who figures he knows how to run his own life without God. Soundtracks are included for songs. This program was written
with puppets in mind but could be adapted for children’s choir.
Comments:
The western setting of this program opens up great possibilities for scenery, props and costumes. It also features a strong message
about how Jesus tries to “get his lasso around us,” just like the cowboy out looking for that lost cow.
Bottom line:
This program features a message that will speak to kids and adults alike. Plus, the fun western songs will have the clappin’
along… y’all!
CD/Script Book
Bulletins Posters
DSC-01
DSC-01X
DSC-01P BULLETINS
DSC-01P POSTERS
- 49 -
www.creativemin.com
Super Christmas
Written by: Todd Liebenow
Length: 27 minutes
Song titles:
Super Duper Christmas
Deck the Halls
Joy to the World
The Night Before Christmas
C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S
A New Heart for Christmas
Super Duper Christmas Reprise
Characters:
Jacob, a young boy who takes his work seriously at the Christmas command
center
Missy, a young, happy girl working at the Christmas command center
Haley, an enthusiastic woman at the Christmas command center
Jackson, a busy man easily disturbed by the Christmas rush
Christmas Crusader, a super hero whose mission is to share the true meaning of
Christmas
Dude, a ‘50s style guy who thinks Santa is the center of Christmas
Kringle Krew, three ‘50s style guys who sing with Dude
Children, additional characters needed for backup singers and non-speaking parts
Summary:
This musical is set in a Christmas Command Center. The main character is Christmas Crusader (a super hero) who knows exactly
what makes Christmas super. There are several kids who help keep the control center going and a “cool dude” who thinks Santa is the
center of Christmas. This musical is perfect for using lots of props, lights, and decorations. Soundtracks are included for songs. This
program was written with puppets in mind but could be adapted for children’s choir.
Comments:
This program has great songs, all of which could work as stand-alone puppet performances. The program addresses some of our
secular Christmas traditions, but brings them to a spiritual focus. The song “A New Heart for Christmas” especially makes this a great
program for an outreach event. The ‘50s style version of “The Night Before Christmas “ is also a lot of fun.
Bottom line:
Superheroes are very popular, so this program will have a big appeal for many of the kids in your church. The upbeat songs also
give many opportunities for creativity in your presentation.
CD/Script Book
Bulletins Posters
DSC-02
DSC-02X
DSC-02P BULLETINS
DSC-02P POSTERS
- 50 -
www.creativemin.com
Which Christmas musical is right for you?
Dale VonSeggen has carefully reviewed each
Christmas musical sold by Creative Ministry
Solutions, and provided a quick reference guide to
help you select the musical best suited for your
ministry.
You can listen to each musical online
at www.creativemin.com!
Includes the following information about each
musical:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Author
Publisher
Performance Time (length)
Song Titles
Characters
Plot Summary
Comments
Bottom Line
Resources Available
© 2012 Creative Ministry Solutions
PO Box 3487
Englewood, CO 80155
www.creativemin.com
BRE-35
ISBN 1-58302-012-8
8 03897 20300 0

Christmas Musical Evaluations

Transcription

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