Overview
First and foremost, a nativity is a celebration of the birth of Jesus and a portrayal of the events that led up to it. It is a story that we all know, a story engrained in our culture, with characters and events that are familiar and comfortable. But for children putting on a nativity for the first time, there really is something very magical and exciting about it. As with many if not all pieces of drama, Boogie Woogie Nativity takes the key ingredients of the story and adds a little of its own flavouring – in this instance, a band of animals whose concert is disrupted by the arrival of Mary, Joseph and the donkey. It is a lot of fun, but the story that we know and love remains very much at the heart of things: we hope you enjoy the process of rehearsing and performing it.
Synopsis
Some of the stable animals advertise their concert in the town of Bethlehem, whilst inside the stable a practise session is in full swing. There are a few arguments about who is going to play which instrument, but then the rehearsal begins in earnest (ANIMAL BAND).
Out in the desert, three kings are making their way to Bethlehem. They have heard that there is going to be an important event there very soon - the arrival of a very special baby (WE’RE GOING TO SEE A BABY BOY).
At the same time, a group of angels is flying towards Bethlehem. They too know about the baby and want to be there to greet him when he is born. As they approach the stable, they can’t understand why there is music coming from the stable and on entering are very surprised to see some animals playing a variety of musical instruments. The animals invite the angels to their concert, but the angels have a trick up their sleeves and present the animals with a musical performance of their own. The animals are impressed and agree to add them to the programme for that evening (BOOGIE WOOGIE ANGELS).
When the angels announce that a baby is going to be born that evening in the stable, the animals are immediately worried. What about their concert? But the angels have other concerns. In all the excitement, they have forgotten to tell the shepherds about the baby, so off they rush to the hills. The shepherds are surprised and excited by the news that Jesus is going to be born and they follow the angels back into the town (THEY DIDN’T EXPECT THAT).
Back at the stable, as the animals practise for the concert, baby Jesus is born. When the animals see the baby they are filled with wonder and forget all about their concert. Also, much to their astonishment, some shepherds and three kings arrive at the stable. Together they all watch baby Jesus as he sleeps (SLEEPING IN A MANGER).
When baby Jesus wakes up, the animals are delighted as Mary suggests a performance from the Animal Band. Of course, everyone joins in as together they celebrate the birth of Jesus (WE’RE HAVING A CELEBRATION).
Script Samples
Sample Script - Boogie Woogie Nativity
Cast Information
There are 30 speaking parts in Boogie Woogie Nativity, though many of the lines are only a few words long. There are also six narrators, though this number could be increased/reduced by dividing up the lines as necessary. The lines of the narrators could be spoken by an adult/adults, or by children, whichever is preferred.
Characters | Lines | Characters | Lines | Characters | Lines |
Ox | 4 | Angel 2 | 3 | Joseph | 2 |
Sheep 1 | 4 | Angel 3 | 3 | Innkeeper | 1 |
Sheep 2 | 4 | Angel 4 | 3 | Shepherd 1 | 1 |
Horse | 4 | Angel 5 | 2 | Shepherd 2 | 1 |
Cow | 4 | Angel 6 | 2 | Shepherds | 3 joint |
Mule | 3 | Angel 7 | 2 | Melchior | 2 |
Goat 1 | 3 | Angel 8 | 2 | Balthazar | 2 |
Goat 2 | 3 | Angel 9 | 2 | Casper | 2 |
Donkey | 3 | Angel 10 | 2 | Kings | 1 joint |
Chicken | 3 | Angels | 1 joint | Attendant | 1 |
Angel 1 | 3 | Mary | 2 | Villager | 1 |
Villagers, as many as desired – Non-speaking |
