Harald The Angel

There's a new angel in training.

Harald, the angel recruit, works with Gabriel and the hosts of angels to tell the old story in spite of exuberance and ineptitude. With carols mixed into the program this make a very delightful drama.

Written by DramaShare friend Carol Warren

Cast: 12+

• Harald  boy angel 8 - 12
• Gabriel: The archangel Harold friend and mentor. Man probably 20-30.
• Choir Director: The heavenly choir director. Older man.
• Jesus: Silhouette - and Voice.
• Messenger: Any age male or female, to make heavenly announcements.
• God: Depicted by glowing light behind screen. Booming deep voice.
• Host of Heaven: As many and various as needed.
• Choir: As many and various as needed.
• Shepherds: As many as needed
• Mary: Young woman
• Joseph: Young man
• Baby Jesus: A wrapped doll will do.
• use children for Shepherds, angels, and choir

Bible Reference: Luke 2
Set: Bare with table
Sound: wireless mic
Song:

• Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Away in the Manger, While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks By Night, and Emanuel

Lighting: as available
SFX: none
Props:

• Risers for Choir, Panel or curtain for Silhouettes, Bright light for God, Sword for Gabriel, Scroll for messenger, trumpet or horn, Medallion, Cardboard sheep, manger scene.

Costumes: likely traditional

Time: 55

Scene 1

(Heavenly effect with smoke or angel hair on the floor. Harold is lying on his stomach, head hanging off the edge of the stage, gazing intently. Enter Gabriel, wearing a robe with a glittering vest denoting rank/authority, carrying a sword. Gabriel moves to Harold.)

Gabriel: [sighs] Not again.

Harold [grins]: Why, Gabbie, what do you mean?

Gabriel: [tries not to grin] You spend all of your time watching people on Earth.

Harold: Yes, but just look at them. What a mess. All they do is destroy one another. Look at the sickness, the pain, sorrowful, slow... the sin. There is no one to help them. Why doesn't God do something?

Gabriel: God will do something.

Harold: But when? They need help now.

Gabriel: No one loves man more than God himself. You must be patient. He has a plan, and He knows what He's doing.
(pauses, then remembers) Which reminds me, aren't you supposed to be at choir practice about now?

Harold: But Gabbie, choir practice is for sissies. I'm bored with it. I want to do something for mankind.

Gabriel: Just like God has a plan to rescue mankind, He has a plan for choir too—and a reason for you to be in it. You may not see it now, but if you don't apply yourself, you may miss what God has in store for you.

Harold: [reluctantly] OK, I guess.

Gabriel: Now off with you. (Harold heads in the wrong direction.)
Uh, I think choir practice is the other way.

Harold: [bummed] Oh yeah... OK.

Gabriel: As a matter of fact, I was heading that way myself.

(Scene transitions to choir practice. The Choir Director stands in front, arms crossed as Harold arrives.)

Choir Director: [sarcastic] Well, Harold, we're so glad you could finally join us. (pauses) Late as usual. I don't know why you have been commissioned to the choir when you're nothing but trouble. You hear me? Trouble. I have complained again and again, and they still haven't removed you. I should...

Harold: (shifts uncomfortably)

Gabriel: (steps in) Mr. Director, Harold was with me, and we just sort of lost track of time. I'm sure you can find it in your heart to forgive him.

Choir Director: [sarcastic] Again? Gabriel, I don't know what you see in this boy. An angel of your stature shouldn't be bothered with this lazy boy when there are so many others far more deserving of your attention.

Gabriel: [smiles] Thank you, Mr. Director. I knew you would see it my way. Mark my words—Harold is going to be part of something very important one day, and you'll be the one that trained him. (Gabriel exits.)

Choir Director: [grumbles] Part of something big indeed. I can't even get him to show up for choir.
OK, choir, where were we before everything in heaven had to stop for Mr. Harold? Oh yes—our theme song. From the top!

(The choir begins to sing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Harold fidgets, distracted by something offstage. He sneaks off to take a peek, pretends to return, but instead gets closer until he’s lying on his stomach, gazing at the world again.)

Choir Director: (notices Harold is gone, looks around, motions for the choir to keep singing, then sneaks up behind Harold, sarcastically)
Fascinating, isn't it?

Harold: Oh yes, it is fascinating. (totally engrossed) You see, these people over here on this side are fighting with these people over on that side. They're saying the people on this side won, but so many have been hurt and killed that I haven't determined how they can tell which side actually wins.

Choir Director: (tapping his foot) What a pity.

Harold: Yes, imagine all that pain and bloodshed just so they can say they won. They are in desperate need of help.

Choir Director: (yelling) HAROLD!

Harold: (gulps) Uh-oh.

Choir Director: Uh-oh is right, young man. What do you think you’re doing? (Harold starts to answer.) Don’t answer that. (storms back to the main group) Since you’re too busy to practice with the rest of us, I assume you know your part.

Harold: (fidgets) Yes, of course, Mr. Director.

Choir Director: Good. Then you won’t mind showing the rest of the group how it’s done. (angrily) Will you?

Harold: Yes, Mr. Director. I mean, no, Mr. Director. I mean... sure.

Choir Director: Well then—from the top. (raises arms to start the choir.)

Harold: [realizing] You mean... you want me to sing it by myself? In front of everyone?

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