The Wonderful Journey

The Wonderful Journey" is a Marriage Enrichment Dinner Theatre script that humorously and heartwarmingly explores the evolving dynamics of a couple’s relationship through six pivotal stages of their life together. Designed for a dinner theatre setting, the play follows a man and woman (either played by one pair of actors aging through the performance or different actors at each stage) as they navigate the ups and downs of love, marriage, parenting, and growing old together.

Each scene presents real-life moments filled with humor, miscommunication, and tender reflections, illustrating how relationships mature over time:

1. Dating – A young couple experiences nervous excitement, awkward silences, and overanalyzing small gestures as they get to know each other.
2. Marriage – Newlyweds navigate expectations, quirks, and the joy of simple routines.
3. Newborn Parenting – Exhaustion and differing perspectives on raising a child create comedic and heartfelt exchanges.
4. Parenting – Their son’s hockey game reveals the clash between a father’s pride and a mother’s overprotectiveness.
5. Empty Nest – They rediscover each other as their children grow up and move out.
6. Growing Old Together – Reflecting on their shared journey, they find humor and gratitude in a lifetime of love.

The script integrates recorded inner monologues to showcase the characters' unspoken thoughts, adding depth and relatability. With a Christian faith element, the play includes moments of prayer and gratitude, reinforcing the importance of faith in marriage.

This lighthearted yet meaningful drama provides couples with laughter, reflection, and inspiration, making it a perfect choice for marriage retreats, church events, and community dinner theatres.

Download Sample Script - The Wonderful Journey

Cast:  2 - Man and woman, any age, dressed and made up to look older as program progresses.  If preferred, different actors could be used in each sequence, advancing in age

Bible Reference: 

Set:  couch for most

1. Dating - park bench
2. Marriage
3. Newborn Parenting
4. Parenting
5. Empty Nest
6. Reflections on life 2 rocking chairs

Dinner and/or dessert breaks can be set between any scenes, likely between Scenes 5 and 6.

Lighting:  spotlight to zone in on action

Sound:  wireless mics if available

Song:  none

SFX:  none

Costumes: reflect the various stages and fashions of life

Props:

Special Instructions:   Much of the speaking is recorded, ensure sound is clear and rehearsing is very well done so  actors perfectly react to the lines. We recommend actors memorize all of their lines, including taped portion in order that it be real.

Time:  60

Sample of script:

Scene 1 – Dating

Setting: A park bench. The couple is sitting together, visibly nervous.

She: Nice night, huh?
He (looking up): Uh, yeah! Nice!
She (looking up): Quite dense, really.
He (offended): What? Why I never . . .
She: The sky! It’s really quite dense with stars. Don’t you think?
He: Oh, the sky! Right, yeah. Lots of those stars.

(Short uncomfortable pause.)

She: I had a really nice time tonight. I never thought I would ever be at the stock car races six nights in a row!
He: Well, I had a two-for-one coupon that was going to expire next Tuesday. I knew you weren’t doing nothing, so I figured, why not?!
She (in love): How romantic!
He: I’m just that way, I guess.

(Another short, uncomfortable pause.)

She: What are you thinking about . . .?
He (interrupting): Do you have any gum?
She (surprised): Gum? Well, I, uh, well, just let me see.

(She checks her purse. As she does, the next section is delivered as recorded inner thoughts, while actors react silently on stage.)

Recorded Thoughts

She: Gum? What on earth does he mean by that? What kind of a cryptic message could he be sending me?
He: Man, I sure hope she has some gum!
She: Is he trying to politely tell me that my breath could use some refreshing? Should I not have had that extra piece of garlic toast at supper?
He: Man, I’m hoping she at least has a piece of Bubble Juicy!
She: Well, he did say the leftover piece of toast was mine! So if he thinks for one minute that I am sorry about a little bit of un-fresh breath, he’s mistaken!
He: Maybe she has a couple pieces and we could share. I heard chicks really go for that sharing stuff.
She: You think you know someone after six dates. Really! I feel at this point that we are complete strangers. I really don’t know him at all.
He: I know she has gum! Why, I know her so well, I know she keeps it in the outside pocket of that bag she carries. She always has gum. Dates 2 and 4 she was right ready there with that Peppermint Chewy. Good ol’ . . . what’s her name again?

(Back to live delivery.)

She: Here we are, my last stick of Bubble Juicy gum, just for you!
He: No way! You are awesome! And you sure smell good too. Reminds me of the air freshener strip I had in my old ‘62 Pontiac. Now that was some car, I gotta tell ya.
She: Well, thanks, I think.
He: No kiddin’, why, a guy could get used to being around you, always. Did I tell you how the guys raved about the home run you hit in slow-pitch? I said, “That’s my girl there!”
She (coy): You did?
He: Bet the bank I did!
She: You called me your girl? To your friends?
He: Sure did, I . . . . . I . . . . well, it’s just like when we guys say, “my car,” “my ice cream sundae,” that sorta thing.
She: I like being your girl, you know.

(He looks at his watch, suddenly nervous.)

He: Hey, will you just look at the time? I have this early morning and . . .
She: But I thought you said you were going to sleep in tomorrow morning?
He: Well, errr, well, yes, as a matter of fact, I am going to be sleeping in tomorrow morning. But I have an early morning of sleeping in. Gotta run now, bye, see ya!

(He moves off stage quickly. She leans back, big smile on her face.)

She: Mmmmmmmm. Lovely evening. I like him. Lord, I prayed that you would bring a good man into my life. Thank you, Lord. He’s all I want, and more. More because he knows You. Father, look after him, protect him. And if it’s Your will that we should marry, sustain us all through our days together. In Your care, Lord.

(Lights fade to black.)

Scene 2 – Marriage

Setting: A kitchen table. The couple, now newly married, sits together.

She: Guess what I got to do today!
He: What?
She (excited): I got to sign my name!
He: Great! Super! Good for you! Uhhmm, why am I cheering about this?
She (upset): Greg! Don’t you remember? This is exactly the 14th time I’ve been able to sign ‘Mrs. Gregory Bernett’ in public!
He (confused): Right! Gee, has it been 14 times already?
She: Isn’t this marriage thing great? I mean, I know it’s only been 27 days, but I think I really have the hang of things!
He: Of course you do, honey! You cook real nice, too!
She: Thanks, sweetheart!
He: Speaking of cooking, what’s for your big hungry man for supper tonight?
She: Your favorite – meatloaf!
He (no expression): Meatloaf, again?

(She stands to get supper. The next section is recorded thoughts.)

Recorded Thoughts

She: Oh, that guy! He has always loved my meatloaf! Why, I remember ever since our wedding, every time it’s meatloaf night, he brings an extra pitcher of water to the table because he says that more fluids help him ‘re-define’ the taste.
He: Meatloaf again. I probably shoulda called the Culligan guy to haul over another jug of water.

Download Sample Script - The Wonderful Journey

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