Carl's Garden

Written by George Dutch, Adapted from a short story (Author unknown)
First performed at Dominion-Chalmers United Church, Sunday, October 28, 2001,
Ottawa, Canada. 

The "gang" thought they had found an easy mark with old Carl, but they ended up learning life"s lessons Forgiveness, understanding kindness, and knowing Christ.

Characters
Carl, a widower in his eighties
Gang Leader, a young man
Gang Members
Minister/Pastor
College Professor
Employer
Bride
Baby

PROPS
Garden Hose
Boombox
Basketball
Wallet & Watch
Paper Bag
Wedding Rings

COSTUMES
Gang Members clothes
Bride's dress and bouquet
Graduation gown & cap, and diploma
Briefcase, contract, and keys to company car 

Bible reference: Colossians

Sample of script:

(Scene opens: Carl is watering a church garden. It’s a hot day. The MINISTER enters and greets him. Carl gives a big smile and a firm handshake.)

Minister (to audience):
Carl doesn't talk much. He's been living in this neighbourhood for 50 years, but I've never met anyone who could say they know him well.
Was wounded in WWII. His wife died 20 years ago.
When I asked for volunteers to care for the garden here, Carl just signed up in his usual unassuming manner.
That was 10 years ago, and he’s well into his eighties now.

(MINISTER walks away, shaking his head. He passes three GANG MEMBERS with a loud boombox. They approach CARL.)

(GANG MEMBERS circle Carl, trying to intimidate him. Carl ignores them. They turn off the music. Carl calmly turns to them.)

Carl (simply):
Would you like a drink from the hose?

Gang Leader (malevolently):
Yeah, sure!

(Carl offers the hose. The GANG LEADER yanks it and sprays Carl. The others grab Carl, throw him to the ground, steal his wallet and watch. They turn the boombox back on and leave.)

(MINISTER runs back on stage.)

Minister:
Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?

(MINISTER helps CARL to his feet.)

Carl:
Just some ignorant kids. I hope they'll wise-up someday.

(Carl wipes his brow with a kerchief. The MINISTER picks up Carl’s hat and hands it to him. Carl puts it on, then calmly picks up the hose and resumes watering.)

Minister:
Carl, what are you doing?

Carl:
I’ve got to finish my watering.
(pause)
It’s been very dry lately.

(MINISTER exits, marveling and shaking his head.)

(GANG MEMBERS return, bouncing a basketball. They again try to intimidate Carl. He offers the hose again.)

Carl (gently):
Would you like a drink from the hose?

(GANG LEADER scoffs and throws the basketball into Carl’s chest, knocking him down. The others run off. The GANG LEADER pauses, then leans over Carl.)

Gang Leader (quietly):
Don’t worry, old man.
I’m not going to hurt you this time.

(Lights dim slowly as Carl looks up, unsure.)

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