Overview
Songwriter and one man bander, Honky Tonky Donkey can’t find inspiration for his next song. When he discovers that everyone is leaving Nazareth to go to Bethlehem for a census, he decides to go too. Maybe he will find his inspiration there? Then who should hitch a ride but a very special couple called Mary and Joseph. When they get to Bethlehem and a baby is born, things suddenly become obvious to Honky Tonky Donkey. As the world celebrates the birth of a wonderful child, a new song is written. And of course, it is all about the baby Jesus.
Synopsis
Enter, Honky Tonky Donkey, the most famous donkey in Nazareth, and Nazareth’s one and only one man band (HONKY TONKY DONKEY).
When the villagers ask Honky Tonky Donkey to play a new song, he explains that he has writer’s block.
He thinks that he should travel to find inspiration, and as everyone is travelling to Bethlehem for a census, it seems like a good plan to go along too. When Mary asks if he could take her and Joseph with him, little does he realise the wonders in store once they reach Bethlehem (WE’RE ALL GOING TO BETHLEHEM).
As they travel through the hills, Mary is very tired and asks if they can stop for a rest. They take refuge with a group of friendly shepherds where everyone joins in with some campfire cheer and a good sing song, led by Honky Tonky Donkey (KEEP THE FIRE GOING).
When they reach Bethlehem the next evening, Honky Tonky Donkey is keen to start on his new song, however, Mary and Joseph can’t find anywhere to stay. Honky Tonky Donkey has a kind heart and decides to change a grumpy innkeeper‘s mood by performing his one man band act, with the help of the villagers, so that the innkeeper will give Mary and Joseph a room (IT’S WHAT A DONKEY’S FOR).
Though there are no rooms available, Mary and Joseph are grateful for the stable provided by the innkeeper and his wife. Mary and Joseph need to rest, whilst Honky Tonky Donkey persuades everyone else to join in with a stable knees-up (THE DONKEY DANCE).
Everyone is finally asleep. On awakening, something amazing has happened: a very special baby has been born in the stable. Honkey Tonky Donkey and the animals are overcome with happiness and wonder, as everybody sings (WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CHILD).
Then the same shepherds they had met on the hills enter the stable, followed by three kings who carry wonderful gifts for the baby Jesus. At the birth of Jesus, joy spreads through the stable, and finally Honky Tonky Donkey knows what his song will be about (AMAZING).
Script Samples
Honky Tonky Donkey - Sample Script
Characters/Speaking Parts
There are twenty nine speaking parts and six narrators. Many of the lines are only a few words long.
Other animals in the stable – Have as many as you like. There is one line that they all say together with everyone.
Characters | Number of Lines | Characters | Number of Lines | Characters | Number of Lines |
Honkey Tonky Donkey | 8 | Shepherd 6 | 1 | Villager 9 | 1 |
Joseph | 3 | Shepherd 7 | 1 | Soldier 1 | 1 |
Mary | 2 | Villager 1 | 1 | Soldier 2 | 1 |
Innkeeper | 3 | Villager 2 | 1 | Coda the Cow | 1 |
Innkeeper’s Wife | 2 | Villager 3 | 1 | Gary the Goat | 1 |
Shepherd 1 | 2 | Villager 4 | 1 | Shirley the Sheep | 1 |
Shepherd 2 | 2 | Villager 5 | 1 | Balthazar | 1 |
Shepherd 3 | 2 | Villager 6 | 1 | Melchior | 1 |
Shepherd 4 | 1 | Villager 7 | 1 | Casper | 1 |
Shepherd 5 | 1 | Villager 8 | 1 | Other Stable Animals | 1 |
