Did Anyone Ask Him

“Did Anyone Ask Him” is a light-hearted comedy sketch based on the Gospel story of Lazarus.

Keywords: Lazarus, resurrection, Heaven, contentment
Written by former DramaShare member Rusty Harding

Cast: 5

• 5 actors total: at least 2 males, any age (from early teens up)
• Lazarus
• Michael
• Angel #2
• Angel #3
• Angel #4

Bible Reference: John 11:1-45

Set:

• An open stage with a single chaise lounge or lawn chair.

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song:

• background music to open

Lighting: standard

SFX:

• “Ethereal” music; harp, violins, etc.

Props: none

Costumes:

• White robes recommended, but street clothes okay.

Special Instructions: none

Time: 5

Sample of script:

ETHERAL MUSIC PLAYS SOFTLY as LAZARUS reclines contentedly in a chaise lounge.  Four ANGELS suddenly approach.  The first angel, MICHAEL, waves to Lazarus jubilantly.

Michael:   Lazarus!  There you are!  Have I got news for you!

Lazarus:  (swiftly standing)  Michael!  Just the guy I wanted to see.

Michael: Lazarus, buddy, you’re never gonna believe what I’m about to tell you.

Lazarus: Hold that thought, okay, because I’ve got something I want to tell you.  Remember when I first got here, four days ago, how I was a little upset?

Michael: You mean that tantrum you threw at the Pearly Gates?  Don’t give it another thought.  Happens all the time.

Lazarus:       Even so, I want to apologize.  I didn’t want to die, you know?  I mean, I had a pretty good life on earth.  A good job, great family, terrific friends.  Oh, sure, I had to put up with the occasional Roman soldier and tax collector, but I didn’t think it was that bad.  And my two sisters are just fantastic.  Although…  (lowering his voice surreptitiously)  Just between you and me, they could be a little nagging sometimes.  In any event, it wasn’t worth the scene I caused, and I’m really sorry.  (glancing around with a look of ecstasy)  Besides, what could I have been thinking?  It’s beautiful here.  I mean, look, it’s paradise!

Michael:      Glad to hear you like it.  But that’s what I came to tell you, buddy.  You’re going back!

Lazarus:       (frowning at Michael blankly)  Say what?

Michael:      You’re going back, man, to earth.  You’re being raised from the dead!

Lazarus:       (completely stunned)  Say what?!

Michael:      Isn’t that amazing?  I gotta tell you, you should really consider yourself lucky.  This doesn’t happen all the time.

Lazarus:       But, I don’t want to go back!

Michael:      Excuse me?

Lazarus:      I don’t want to go back!  I like it here!