Esther

Esther

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Theme: Faith, Joy
Season: General
Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17Duration: 45 minScenes: 10Actors: 12Memorization: Yes
Purpose: A dramatic retelling of the story of Esther, showing how God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary plans.

ESTHER

Care Home Performance (40-45 minutes)

Director Performance Notes

Scene 1 – “Trusting in the Cold”

CAST

PROPS FOR SCENE 1

MUSIC CUES

Opening Song:
“Sixteen Tons” (first part) by Tennessee Ernie Ford

Scene Change Song:
“Sixteen Tons” (second part) by Tennessee Ernie Ford

SCENE 1

(Music begins — first part of “Sixteen Tons.” Mike may sing live; lip singing or track may play.)

Song: Mike sings “Sixteen Tons” (first part) by Tennessee Ernie Ford

(Lights up. The room is simple and cold. Uncle Mike sits at a small table covered with unpaid bills. Esther enters carrying mended pants.)

Esther:
Here, Uncle Mike. Your pants are like new again.
(She studies his face.)
What’s the matter?

Mike:
I don’t need another pair of pants. Look at you. You’re growing, and I can’t even afford to buy you something new.

(He pushes the bills away in frustration.)

Mike:
Bills. Bills. Bills. I can’t even pay the oil bill. It’s freezing in here. I’ve knocked on every door I can think of. I’ve prayed… and still nothing has changed.

(He looks over at Esther, curled up trying to stay warm. He removes his jacket and places it around her shoulders.)

Mike:
I’m so sorry, Esther. A man should be able to provide. Sometimes I feel like I’m failing you.

Esther:
You’re not failing. You’re fighting. There’s a difference.

(She pulls the jacket close.)

Spring will come. It always does. God hasn’t forgotten us.

Mike: (Honest, Vulnerability)
I know that in my head… but sometimes my heart struggles to keep up.

Esther:
You taught me that trusting God doesn’t mean everything feels easy. It means we believe He is working even when we can’t see it.

(Mike looks at her, moved.)

Mike:
You listen better than I thought. (gentle smile.)

Esther:
You taught me when Mom and Dad died that God was still good… even when life hurt.

(A pause. Let memory sit.)

Mike:
I wanted more for you. An education. Warm rooms. Opportunities. Not… this.

Esther: (Firm, loving)
You gave me what matters most. You gave me faith. You showed me how to pray when there was nothing left but prayer.

(Mike slowly returns to the table and picks up the newspaper.)

Mike: (Hope beginning to stir.)
Yes, and God opens the right doors at the right time. Listen to this!

(He reads.)

“Home available for youth. Private room, education, and lots of love. Anyone interested, meet in the courtyard at 7:00 Saturday evening. 101 Terrace Avenue.”

Esther:
Terrace Avenue? Who lives there?

Mike:
A wealthy man named David. Years ago, when your father had no work, David gave him a job. David told your father that God had blessed him so he could bless others.

(He lowers the paper slowly.)

Maybe… this is God’s answer.

Esther: (Realizing)
So, you’re thinking I should go?

Mike: (Measured, loving)
I’m thinking… loving someone sometimes means letting them step into something bigger than you can give them.

(Silence.)

Esther:
But I don’t want to leave you.

Mike: (Honest)
And I don’t want to let you go.

(He kneels beside her.)

Trusting God isn’t only believing He will provide. It’s placing what you love most into His hands.

Esther:
What if they don’t choose me?

Mike:
Then God has something better. And if they do… it won’t be because we are lucky. It will be because He is faithful.

(Esther thinks quietly.)

Esther: (Soft hope)
It would be nice… to have my own room. To go to school. Maybe even college.

Mike:
Yes. And if that door opens, we will walk through it with gratitude — not fear.

(He looks around the room for something of value. His eyes land on a watch. He picks it up.)

We’ll need a new dress for you. I know someone who will give me good money for this.

Esther: (Quickly)
Not Grandpa’s watch! It’s the only thing you have left from him.

Mike:
Exactly.

(He studies it, then closes his hand around it.)

Some things we hold onto because they are precious.
But sometimes we let go… because someone else is more precious.

(He takes Esther’s hands.)

God gave His best for us. I can give this for you.

(Esther’s eyes well with tears.)

Esther:
Then we’ll both trust Him. Together.

Mike:
Together.

(They stand. He places the watch carefully in his pocket.)

Come on. Let’s go buy you a dress — and place the rest in God’s hands.

(Mike stops before exiting. He gently takes Esther’s hands.)

Mike:
Wait, before we go… let’s pray.

(They bow their heads.)

Mike: (Simple, sincere)
Dear God…
It is cold.
We are worried.
But You are good.

(Pause.)

You have helped us before.
You will help us again.

(Pause.)

We trust You.

Esther: (Soft, childlike trust)
Dear God…
Thank You for loving us.
Thank You for staying with us.

(She squeezes his hands.)

When we are afraid…
You are with us.

When we are unsure…
You are with us.

(Slowly, clearly.)

You are with us.

Mike and Esther together (softly):
You are with us.

(Pause. Let the words sit in the room.)

Mike:
In Jesus name, Amen.

Esther:
Amen.

(They stand slowly and exit together.)

SCENE CHANGE

Song: Music resumes: “Sixteen Tons” (second part) by Tennessee Ernie Ford

Scene 2 – “The Courtyard”

CAST

Narrator
David – Wealthy, kind, steady, spiritually grounded
Sarah – Warm, discerning, compassionate
Harold – David’s vice president; polished, controlled, subtly insecure
Esther – Humble, sincere, compassionate
Uncle Mike – Loving, sacrificial

PROPS FOR SCENE 2

MUSIC CUES

Opening:

Light instrumental transition (optional soft background music as youth mingle)

Scene Change Song:

“Stay” by Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs

SCENE 2

Music begins — Light instrumental transition (optional soft background music as youth mingle)

(Lights up on the courtyard. Youth mingle. David and Sarah greet them warmly. Harold stands beside David — polished, observant, controlled. Esther and Uncle Mike enter quietly and remain off to the side.)

Narrator:
In the courtyard, David and Sarah welcome the youth who responded to their invitation. Harold, David’s trusted friend and vice president, stands nearby — carefully observing.

(David and Sarah greet several unseen “youth.” Harold stands near David — polished, watchful.)

(Esther and Uncle Mike enter quietly to one side.)

Mike:
Remember, Esther… just be yourself.

Esther:
I will.

Mike:
Whatever happens… God is still good.

Esther:
Always.

(Mike exits.)

(Esther notices a small, injured dog nearby. She kneels and gently wraps her scarf around its leg.)

Sarah: (softly to David)
Look at that.

David:
Compassion doesn’t announce itself. It simply acts.

(They approach.)

David:
Hello. I’m David. This is my wife, Sarah. And this is Harold — my vice president.

Harold: (measured smile)
Good evening.

(He extends his hand, notices the dog, pulls it back subtly, wipes it on his coat.)

You’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, I see.

Esther:
No, sir. He was hurting.

David:
Would you join us for dinner tonight?

Harold: (quickly, before Esther answers)
David, perhaps we should finish meeting the others first. There are several promising candidates this evening.

(“Promising” hangs in the air — suggesting status, polish, qualifications.)

David:
There’s time.

(He keeps his eyes on Esther.)

What is your name?

Esther:
Esther.

Harold:
And what skills do you have, Esther? Education? Experience?

(The question feels more like an evaluation than conversation.)

Esther:
I… I help at home. I sew. I cook some. I’d like to go to school.

Harold:
Ambition is admirable. Preparation is better.

(Sarah gives Harold a gentle but warning glance.)

Sarah:
Kindness is preparation of the heart, Harold.

(Harold forces a polite smile but says nothing.)

David:
Esther, where are you from?

Esther:
From here. My parents passed away when I was young.

Sarah:
And you’ve been living with…?

(Esther hesitates briefly, honoring Mike’s request.)

Esther:
Family.

Harold:
So no financial backing. No formal schooling. No connections.

(David turns slowly toward Harold.)

David:
Not everything of value is written on paper.

(Harold steps back slightly, masking irritation.)

Harold:
Of course. But we are running a household — not a charity experiment.

(That line is important. It shows fear of disorder, loss of control.)

Sarah: (calm but firm)
Compassion is never an experiment.

(A beat of silence.)

David:
Esther, would you like to stay here for a while and see how you like it?

Harold:
You’re certain, David?

David:
I am.

(He looks at Esther.)

If you are willing.

Esther:
Yes… I would love to stay.

(Sarah embraces her.)

Sarah:
We have plenty of room. And much love to give.

(Harold watches the embrace. Something shifts in his expression — not cruelty, but threat. His position beside David suddenly feels less secure.)                                         

(Lights fade. Song begins. Harold, arms crossed, remains on stage half a second longer than the others before exiting.)

Scene Change

Song: “Stay” by Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs

Scene 3 – “Living Room”

CAST

Narrator
David – Wealthy, kind, steady, spiritually grounded
Sarah – Warm, discerning, compassionate
Esther – Humble, sincere, compassionate

PROPS FOR SCENE 3

MUSIC CUES  

Scene Change Song: “At the Hop” by Danny and the Juniors

SCENE 3

(Lights up in the living room of David and Sarah’s home. The space is warm and comfortable. Esther is seated with a blanket and book, as David and Sarah enter, excited.)

Narrator:
Esther moved in with David and Sarah. Over time, love grew naturally between them — not by obligation, but by choice. What began as kindness became family.

David:
Esther, your sixteenth birthday is coming up.

Sarah:
And we would love to throw a party for you. A big one.

David:
We want our friends to meet the young woman who has brought so much joy into our home.

Sarah:
We have come to love you as our daughter. Would that be alright with you?

(Esther is visibly moved.)

Esther:
Alright? Oh… yes. More than alright.

(She gathers herself.)

You don’t know what this means to me. I feel the same way about you both. You’ve given me a home… and a future. I don’t know how to thank you.

(She hugs Sarah, then David. They return the embrace warmly.)

Sarah: (lightly, already planning)
We’ll invite Debbie… Donna… Sheila…

David:
And Harold, of course.

(They continue chatting excitedly as they slowly exit.)

(Esther remains alone on stage. She steps slightly forward, thoughtful.)

Esther: (to the audience, softly)
Uncle Mike was right.

There were nights we had nothing but prayer.
And now… look what God has done.

He didn’t just answer.
He provided more than we imagined.

(She smiles gently.)

Sometimes you don’t see the plan while you’re walking through it.
But when you look back… you realize He was guiding every step.

(Lights soften around her.)

Thank You, Lord.

Scene Change

Song: “At the Hop” by Danny and the Juniors
(Lights fade.)

Scene 4 – “The Birthday Party”

CAST

Narrator
David – Steady, gracious, spiritually grounded
Sarah – Warm, observant
Harold – Controlled, protective, pride beneath the surface
Esther – Joyful, sincere
Uncle Mike – Humble, sacrificial
Ralph – Thief
Charlie – Thief
Party Guests – As needed

PROPS FOR SCENE 4

Party Setting

Uncle Mike

Thieves

MUSIC CUES

Background: 1950s-style upbeat instrumental under party chatter.

Mid Scene Song Cue: “The Great Pretender” – The Platters

Scene Change Song: “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets

SCENE 4

(Lights up. The birthday party is underway. Laughter and music fill the room. Uncle Mike stands just outside the door, peeking in quietly, trying not to be noticed.)

Music begins (background): 1950s-style upbeat instrumental under party chatter.

Narrator:
On the night of the party, Uncle Mike comes just to make sure Esther is happy. He doesn’t intend to stay — only to see her smile.

(Uncle Mike appears near the edge of the stage, watching quietly.)

(Laughter is heard. Guests mingle. Esther laughs joyfully with Sarah.)

(David notices him lingering.)

David:
Hello there! Please, come in.

Mike:
Oh — no, thank you. I was just passing by and—

David:
Nonsense. I’m David.

Mike:
Mike. Nice to meet you.

David:
Well, Mike, you must meet our daughter, Esther—

(Harold interrupts, slightly irritated.)

Harold:
David, who are all these people? Do you even know everyone here?

David:
Excuse me, Mike. Please, make yourself at home.

(David turns to Harold.)

No, I don’t know everyone. But I want them to have the chance to know Esther.

Harold:
Some of them hardly belong here!

David: (firm but calm)
Harold, we are not at the office. Relax. Tonight is about celebration.

(David exits to greet guests. Harold watches the room, disapproving.)

(Esther enters and spots Mike standing alone.)

Esther:
Uncle Mike! You came!

(She hugs him tightly.)

I’ve missed you!

Mike:
I’ve missed you too. I just wanted to see that you were alright. David invited me in.

Esther:
Maybe you could stay here with us. I’m sure Father would allow it. You were right, Uncle Mike — they are wonderful people.

Mike: (gently)
I’m happy for you, Esther. That’s all I ever wanted.

(Lowering his voice.)

But remember… no mention of me. I want you standing on your own. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.

(He forces a small smile — we sense he’s pretending.)

Esther:
At least stay and eat something.

Mike:
Alright. Just for a little while.

(Esther exits back into the party. Mike remains behind. Music shifts.)

Musical Moment

Song: “The Great Pretender” by The Platters

(Mike sings live, lip sing, or track may play.) (He sings alone, revealing the truth behind his “I’m fine.” The performance should feel vulnerable — not flashy.)

(After the song, Mike overhears two men speaking near the edge of the stage.)

Ralph:
The downstairs window is unlocked. We’ll come back later tonight.

Charlie:
You sure about the layout?

Ralph:
It’s all right here. Map and plan.

(He taps his pocket. Mike freezes. He sees the paper.)

(Mike quickly finds Esther.)

Mike:
Esther — listen carefully. Two men here are planning to break in later tonight. I heard them. They have a map of the house.

Esther:
Are you sure?

Mike:
I saw the paper myself. You need to tell David.

(Esther goes immediately to David.)

Esther:
Father — there are two men here planning to rob you tonight. They have a map in their pocket.

David:
That’s a serious accusation. Are you certain?

Esther:
Yes. They’re right over there.

(David nods calmly and walks to Harold.)

David:
Harold, you may have been right to be cautious. Would you check something for me? Two men here may be carrying a floor plan of the house.

(David exits.)

Harold:
I’ll handle it.

(Harold approaches the men confidently. He notices paper sticking out of Ralph’s pocket. He deliberately bumps into him, pulling the paper free.)

Harold:
What’s this?

(He unfolds it. It is clearly a floor plan with entry markings.)

Ralph:
Give that back!

Harold:
I don’t think so. You’re coming with me.

(He escorts them firmly stage right.)

(David and Esther enter stage left.)

(Harold returns to David.)

Harold:
You were right. It was exactly as you said, but don’t worry David, it is all taken care of!

David:
Thank you, Harold.

(Harold exits.)

(David turns to Esther.)

David:
Esther… you may have just saved us from great loss.

Esther:
It wasn’t me. A man named Mike overheard them and told me.

David:
Mike? The gentleman at the door? He has helped me, how can I help him?

Esther:
I know he’s been looking for work.

(Sarah enters to speak with David and they converse quietly.)

(Esther finds Mike preparing to slip out quietly.)

Esther:
Uncle Mike, don’t leave. Father wants to speak with you.

Mike:
About what?

(David and Sarah approach.)

David:
Mike, I understand you were the one who warned us. Thank you. You may have saved more than possessions tonight.

Mike:
I’m just glad I heard them in time. That’s all.

(He begins to step away again.)

David:
I also hear you’ve been searching for work.

(Mike hesitates.)

I can offer you a position with my company. It’s janitorial work — honest work — with benefits and vacation. Would you be interested?

(Mike is stunned.)

Mike:
I… I don’t know what to say.

Esther:
Say yes.

(Mike smiles at her.)

Mike:
Yes. I would be honored. When should I begin?

David:
Tomorrow.

(They shake hands firmly.) (Sarah smiles warmly.)

Scene Change

Song: “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets


(Lights fade as celebration resumes — this time with deeper joy. Cast may use this time to dance with each other or toss balloons back and forth with residents.)

Scene 5 – “The Office”

CAST

David – Calm authority, discerning leader
Harold – Vice president; prideful, controlled, threatened
Mike – Humble, steady, principled
Donna – Office assistant; efficient, observant

PROPS FOR SCENE 5

MUSIC CUES:

Scene Change Song: “Yakety Yak” – The Coasters

SCENE 5

(Office setting. Harold sits at his desk with his feet up. The moment he hears footsteps, he quickly drops them and straightens as David enters.)

David:
Harold, I hired a new janitor this morning. His name is Mike.

Harold:
What? I thought I was in charge of hiring.

David:
You are — usually. This was different.

Harold:
And what if I don’t approve of him?

David:
You will. He’s an honest man. He’s the one who warned us about the thieves last night. Make him feel welcome.

(David exits. Almost immediately, Mike enters quietly, sweeping the floor.)

Harold: (under his breath)
Welcome? Oh, I’ll make him feel welcome.

(He notices Donna working at her desk and snaps his fingers sharply.)

Coffee.

Donna:
Yes, sir.

(She quickly brings it.)

Harold:
You see how things work here, Mike? When I speak, people move.

(Mike continues sweeping calmly, not engaging.)

Harold:
Where is my breakfast? I ordered it fifteen minutes ago.

(Donna enters with a tray.)

Donna:
I’m sorry, sir. I was finishing the reports you requested.

(Harold takes the tray without gratitude.)

Harold:
From now on, Mike will bring my breakfast.

Mike: (stops sweeping, looks up calmly)
I was hired to clean the office. Nothing was said about serving meals.

(Donna looks stunned that someone dared answer back.)

Harold:
David isn’t here. I am in charge. You will do whatever I say.

(A pause. Mike holds his ground.)

Mike:
I will do my job well, Sir.  But I won’t do “whatever” without gratitude.

(He resumes sweeping and then quietly exits with dignity.)

(Harold fumes. He snaps his fingers for Donna again.)

What do you know about this Mike?

Donna:
Only that he’s honest. I heard him praying this morning before work.

Harold:
Praying, is he? He respects God — but not me.

(He leans forward, eyes narrowing.)

I’ll teach him who deserves respect.

(Donna lowers her eyes, uncomfortable.)

Scene Change

Song: “Yakety Yak” by The Coasters (Music plays briefly as the stage transitions)

(The music should feel ironic — upbeat while tension underneath continues to grow.)

Scene 6 – “The Checker Game”

CAST

David – Confident, trusting, slightly blind to tension
Esther – Thoughtful, courageous, discerning
Harold – Strategic, prideful, calculating

PROPS FOR SCENE 6

MUSIC CUES:

Scene Change Song: “Get a Job” – The Silhouettes

SCENE 6

(Living room at David and Sarah’s home. David and Esther sit playing checkers. The mood is relaxed.)

(Esther moves a piece carefully.) (Harold enters briskly, tense.)

Harold: (entering, pacing)
I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, but this cannot wait.

David: (focused on the game)
Of course, Harold. What is it?

Harold:
David, you are like a brother to me. I would never keep something from you. There is a man in your company who does not respect you — or your authority.

(Esther glances up.)

David:
That’s concerning.

Harold:
He refuses to follow my direction. He answers back. He acts as though someone else outranks me. I request permission to dismiss him.

David: (David studies the board calmly.)
Harold, I’ve trusted you with hiring and firing for years. You’ve never failed me. If you believe it’s necessary, do what you think is right.

(He moves a checker piece.)

King me again.

(Harold allows himself a small smile — quiet victory.)

Harold:
Don’t worry, David. I’ll handle it.

(As he exits, his tone hardens.)

We’ll see who he prays to when his job is on the line. I’ll teach Mike to respect me!

(Esther stiffens. She knows.)

Esther:
Father… are you really going to let Harold fire him without asking questions?

David:
Esther, Harold manages the office well. I cannot oversee everything.

Esther:
But shouldn’t you know if a man is honest? If he works hard? Doesn’t that matter?

(David pauses briefly — but shrugs it off.)

David:
Harold has earned my trust.

(He moves another piece.)

Your turn.

(Esther slowly stands.)

Esther:
Sometimes trusting someone means making sure they’re still worthy of it.

(She exits quietly.)

(David watches her go, slightly unsettled. Then he exhales and dismisses the thought.)

Scene Change

Song Cue: “Get a Job” – The Silhouettes (Short transition.)

Scene 7 – “The Kitchen”

CAST


Esther – Thoughtful, courageous, discerning
Sarah – Wise, calm, spiritually grounded

PROPS FOR SCENE 7

MUSIC CUES:

Scene Change Song: “It’s My Party” – Lesley Gore

SCENE 7

(Lights up in David and Sarah’s kitchen. Sarah is preparing dinner at the table. The atmosphere is calm and warm. Esther enters slowly, thoughtful.)

Esther:
Mother… may I speak with you?

Sarah: (looking up gently)
Of course. What’s troubling you?

Esther:
There’s a man at the office. His name is Mike. He doesn’t bow to Harold the way everyone else does. Harold is furious with him. He wants Father to fire him.

(She swallows.)

And Father told Harold to do whatever he thinks is right.

Sarah: (concerned)
That worries me.

Esther:
Harold doesn’t think about what is right. He thinks about what benefits him.

Sarah:
Pride can disguise itself as leadership.

Esther:
How can I help Father see the truth? He trusts Harold completely. If I speak against him… I could lose Father’s trust. I could lose everything here.

(Her voice softens.)

But if I stay silent, Harold will keep mistreating people.

(Sarah steps closer, placing a steady hand on Esther’s shoulder.)

Sarah:
Doing what is right often feels risky. But silence carries a cost too.

(Pause.)

What are you thinking?

Esther:
Invite them both to dinner. Harold and Mike. If they’re in the same room, Father will see how Harold treats him.

(Sarah considers it carefully.)

Sarah:
That is wise — not confrontational, but revealing.

(She nods.)

Yes. Let’s invite them.

And before anything else… we pray.

Esther:
I’m afraid.

Sarah:
Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s choosing what is right despite it.

(They take hands.)

Esther:
If I lose everything… then I lose everything. I will trust God.

(She embraces Sarah.)

Sarah:
You won’t lose what God has given you by honoring Him.

(They hold hands quietly for a moment.)

Scene Change

Song: “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore

Scene 8 – “Harold’s House”

CAST

Harold – Proud, ambitious, insecure beneath arrogance
Katrina – Flattering, manipulative, enjoys power dynamics

PROPS FOR SCENE 8

MUSIC CUES:

Scene Change Song: “Splish Splash” – Bobby Darin

SCENE 8

(Harold’s house. Harold paces confidently, speaking aloud. Katrina sits nearby, listening and egging him on.)

Harold:
David trusts me with his entire business! You should see how everyone in the office respects me.

(He straightens his jacket and gestures proudly around the room.)

He’s handed over everything — even this house!

(Looking at his reflection if a mirror is available.)

Look at me! Look how great I am!

Katrina:
He should trust you! You’re smart… and very handsome.

(Harold smiles soaking it all in.)

Harold:
Exactly. That’s why I’m the only one invited to Esther’s dinner tomorrow night.

Katrina:
I hear Mike is invited too.

Harold: (snaps)
What?! That Mike? I can’t stand him! He refuses to show me the respect I deserve!

(He clenches his jaw, then slowly relaxes.)

Wait until tomorrow morning. David has given me permission to fire him. (Rubbing hands together.) That will be… satisfying.

Katrina: (Leaning forward, intrigued.)
Even better — wait until dinner. Let him sit in the same room as you, then fire him.

(A pause.)

Let him feel secure first.

(Harold considers this. His eyes light up.)

Harold:
Yes… yes!

(Snaps fingers.)

Brilliant! I’m glad I thought of it myself.

(Katrina hides a knowing smile.)

Harold:
I’ll make it clear to David. Everyone will see what a low-life fool Mike really is.

(He spreads his arms wide in triumph.)

By the time dinner is over, David will remember exactly who runs his company.

(Katrina rises and lightly applauds.)

Katrina:
That’s the Harold I admire.

(Harold laughs — self-satisfied, unaware of his own pride.) (Harold picks up his watch and checks the time.)

Harold:
Tomorrow night… everything changes.

(He smiles coldly.)

Scene Change

Song: “Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin

Scene 9 – Split Stage: Harold’s House & David’s House

CAST

David – Wealthy, kind, thoughtful
Harold – Arrogant, prideful, insecure
Katrina – Subtle, manipulative, admiring of Harold
Servant – Obedient, respectful

PROPS FOR SCENE 9

David’s House:

Harold’s House:

MUSIC CUES:

Scene Change Song: “Tossin’ and Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis

SCENE 9

(Split stage: Harold’s house on one side, David’s house on the other.)

David’s House

(Evening. David tosses and turns in bed. He calls for a servant.)

David:
Servant!

Servant:
Yes, Sir? What troubles you at this hour?

David:
I can’t sleep. Could you bring me some books to read, please?

Servant:
Of course, David.

(Servant brings books. David opens one, and a piece of paper falls out.)

David: (examining it)
What’s this? A floor plan… showing the weapons the thieves intended to use the night of Esther’s party.

(Pauses, thoughtful.)

And what recognition has Mike received for alerting me?

Servant:
He was hired… to clean the office floors and bathrooms. Other than that, I don’t know.

David:
Call Harold for me, please.

Harold’s House

(Harold is lounging, phone rings. He picks up.)

Harold:
Hello?

David: (voice through phone)
Harold, this is David. I need your advice on something.

Harold: (holding phone away, to Katrina)
David wants my advice? Sure… what is it this time?

David:
What should I do to honor someone who acted bravely but received little recognition?

Harold: (holding phone away, muttering)
Brave? He wants me to be honored for bravery? Uh… well, David, for this person you wish to honor, I’d make a gold plaque… with his name on it. Display it for everyone to see. Let them know what a wonderful man… he is.

David:
Perfect. Make sure the plaque is exactly as you described.

(He hangs up.)

Katrina:
Wait… what does he want you to do? Make a gold plaque… with your name on it?

Harold: (blank stare)
Yes! Now I know why I was invited to dinner. He wants to honor me for catching those thieves the night of Esther’s party.

Katrina:
Now David will see what a low-life fool Mike really is, and how brave and wise you are!

Harold:
Perfect! (Dark laugh, rubbing hands together.) 

Scene Change

Song: “Tossin’ and Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis

Scene 10 – “The Dinner Showdown”

CAST

PROPS FOR SCENE 10

MUSIC CUES:

Mid Scene: Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam

Closing Song: “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker

SCENE 10

(David and Sarah’s dining room. The table is beautifully set. Esther sits near the center. Harold sits arrogantly at one side, Mike at the other. David and Sarah stand at the head of the table, welcoming guests. The mood is polite but tense.)

Narrator:
The night of dinner had arrived. Esther had invited Harold and Mike together, hoping that David would see the truth — and that humility, courage, and honesty would be honored.

David:
Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining us tonight. This dinner is very special to me.

(He gestures to Esther.)

And especially to those who have shown extraordinary courage and character.

Esther:
(quietly, to David)
Father… just watch.

Harold: (to Katrina, scoffing)
Just wait. Mike will see who the real hero is.

Katrina:
Yes… make him squirm.

(David lifts a glass.)

David:
There is one person here who acted with bravery, honesty, and selflessness. Mike, would you stand?

(Mike looks surprised. Harold stiffens, jaw tightening.)

David:
Last week, he overheard thieves planning to break into my home. He didn’t hesitate. He came to warn us, putting himself at risk.

(Everyone murmurs.)

David:
Because of Mike, our family and home were safe.

(He turns to Harold.)

And this is why I want to honor him properly. Harold… please present the plaque.

(Harold freezes. The audience sees the comedic irony.)

Harold:
Wait… for Mike?

David:
Yes. A gold plaque, just as we discussed. Let everyone see the character and courage we value.

(Harold slowly, reluctantly holds the plaque and hands it to Mike. Mike accepts humbly, barely smiling. Harold fumes silently. Esther beams.)

Esther:
(to Harold, gently but firmly)
You see, Harold… respect isn’t earned by fear or power. It’s earned by honesty, courage, and doing the right thing.

(Harold fidgets. Guests shift uncomfortably.)

David:
Let this be a reminder… leadership is not about control, but about guiding with integrity.

Sarah:
And sometimes the quietest, humblest person shows the greatest courage.

(Mike, holding the plaque, smiles and nods to David and Esther.)

Mike:
I… I don’t know what to say. Thank you.

David:
You don’t need to say anything. You’ve already done enough.

(Harold glares, realizing he has been publicly humbled. Katrina sighs.)

Harold:
Wait! Do you know this man refuses to do as I say? He has time to pray — but not time to bring me my breakfast! Explain that!

David: (rising anger, deeply disappointed)
This time, Harold… you have gone too far.

(David exits briefly, visibly upset.)

A tense silence fills the room.

Harold: (panic replacing arrogance; turns to Esther)
Esther, please… talk to your father. Tell him you misunderstood. Don’t let him remove me. I was only trying to maintain order!

Sarah: (firm, protective)
That is enough, Harold.

(David reenters, decisive and composed.)

David:
Now I hear you are pressuring my daughter as well?

That settles it.

Harold — you are dismissed from this company.

Effective immediately.

(Pause. Let the words land.)

David:
You may leave.

Song Cue (Audience Participation):
Chorus of “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam
(“Na na na na… hey hey hey… goodbye.” Repeat twice.)

This moment can be playful and celebratory — especially effective in care facility performances.

(Harold and Katrina exit humbly. Energy settles. Tone shifts from justice to restoration.)

Esther (leans toward David and Sarah, softly conversing.)
Father… there’s more you should know.

David: (turning toward Mike)
Mike, Esther has told us everything you’ve done — not just tonight, but all along.

You warned us of danger.
You have worked faithfully.
You have shown integrity when others have not.

I would like to offer you Harold’s position. And the home he was living in belongs to me.
If you will accept it, it is now yours.

You are welcome in this house anytime — as family.

Mike: (overwhelmed, humble)
Sir… I don’t know what to say. Thank you. (Pause) I will serve you faithfully.

Esther:
(to the audience, softly)
God works through the humble. When we trust Him, the truth always shines.

David: (final moral statement — calm authority)
Character matters.
Integrity matters.
And no one is overlooked by God.

Closing Prompt for Narrator

Pause before speaking.

“Thank you for sharing this story with us. May we remember that humility, integrity, and faith always rise above pride.”

Introduce cast clearly and warmly.

Introducing the song.

Final Song Cue:
“Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker

Music is a great way to connect. Play the song and let the kids mingle and dance with the residents.

Benefits of mingle/dance connecting: