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PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999
MAIN POINT
The turn of the millennium has raised uneasyness for people in all walks of life.
The portent of end-times predictions and spiritualistic doomsayers has been overshadowed
by a very tangible, real problem that threatens to undermine everything from the world
economic system to national defense. The Y2K computer bug has brought sometimes fierce
competitors and individualists into alliance against one common enemy. In much the same
way, followers of Christ need to remember that unity and connectedness always provide a
stronger front than individualism. In this sketch, four friends learn it is better to face
the challenges and uncertainty of the new millennium (and life) united than separated.
CHARACTERIZATION
Rick, Cassie, Denny and Ben
are long-time friends who have endured much together. They are free and relaxed with one
another, to the point of freely challenging each other.
Rick is a computer programmer who has been working feverishly on the Y2K
problem. He is friendly, but unable to separate his professional anxiety from his private
life. Play him less as a cyber-geek and more as an in-touch guy.
Cassie is "one of the guys," quick-witted, but sensitive and
intuitive. She cares a lot about these guys, but can also go toe-to-toe with them when
need be.
Denny is the comedic element, lighthearted and playful, but capable of
interacting on a heart level. Play him easy-going and tenderhearted, without a hint of
sarcasm or edginess. Resist the temptation to make him cartoonish.
Ben is the wise, stable, "big brother." He's willing to play
along and have a good time, but he is clear-thinking, reasonable and adept at guiding the
others.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) The lampshades are key props. They serve distinct roles from
the beginning of the sketch - when they are humorous tools for comic relief - to the end,
when they are physical representations of the endearment the characters share. Make the
one Denny wears small, sitting on his head without blocking his expressions. He should
wear it the entire time. Ben's shade should be big enough to cover him head to shoulders.
In the closing scene, the characters should handle the shades almost as if they are
vehicles of the deep connection of their friendship.
2) Physical contact can be a potent unspoken element. Touches on the
shoulder or back, embraces or other physical contact can express warmth as the various
characters communicate with one another. The handclasp scene should be more a family
expression than the rally of a sports team.
3) Sound effects can be a nice addition. Party noises heard offstage will
add to the feel.
4) Though a mixed set of genders is preferable, any of the characters
could be played by either sex.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
The unity of love among followers of Christ is a key theme of the New Testament.
For Jesus' prayer for a unified body, see John 17:11, 20-23. In terms of his call for
Christians to love one another, see John 13:34-35 and 15:9-17. Strong sections on unity
include Romans 15:1-7, Ephesians 4:1-16, and Philippians 2:1-4. For the penultimate anthem
on the power of a unified front, see Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
RELATED THEMES
The unknown future events undertone makes the script applicable to end-times and
latter days themes. It also can work quite nicely as an illustration of true friendship,
camaraderie and teamwork. The strongest impact will most likely be found around themes of
the strength of unity and community among believers.
