60990 THANKSGIVING

By Scott W. Kirk

GENRE: Drama
TIME: 5 minutes
CAST BREAKDOWN: 1F,2M
THEME: Favoritism; Communication; Family; Thanksgiving
SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:11-32
CHURCH YEAR SEASON: Pentecost; Lent
PURPOSE: To open a discussion on favoritism and learning the importance of communication
SYNOPSIS:
It's Thanksgiving, and the family's all together to celebrate. But Brian is out on the deck, sulking. His brother, Jonathan, is getting on his nerves. This drama takes a realistic look at siblings — each of whom think the other is the "favorite son."
CHARACTERS:
Brian ~ The prodigal's brother
Susan ~ Brian's wife
Jonathan ~ The prodigal
PROPS:
1) A slice of pie on a plate
2) A sweater for Susan (optional)
COSTUMES: Contemporary clothing, appropriate to character
SOUND: Three wireless mikes
LIGHTING: General stage
SETTING: The backyard or deck of Brian and Jonathan's childhood home
DIRECTORS NOTES:
These brothers are taking the beginning steps toward learning to communicate with each other. Don't make the sketch end with everything between them resolved — that doesn't happen in real families. They have agreed to put their differences aside for tonight and to open lines of communication to discuss issues later. It's important that the audience get that sense from the actors' mood, body language and tone. If the brothers are all chummy as they exit, the audience will get the impression that their differences are all resolved and dismiss the sketch as unrealistic. If, on the other hand, there is still some palpable awkwardness between the two, the audience will get the point that differences can be overcome, but it takes time and effort.

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BRIAN ENTERS and lets out a deep sigh. The noise from a party is heard in the distance. SFX: PARTY NOISE. After a beat, SUSAN ENTERS.

SUSAN

What are you doing out here?

BRAIN

I needed a breath of fresh air.

SUSAN

Your brother just told the story about when you two threw a firecracker into your dad's truck and caught the seat on fire.

BRAIN

That was all Jonathan. I was inside watching TV.

SUSAN

It's really funny the way he tells it. You two must have been grounded for a month.

BRIAN

I was because it was my firecracker. As for my brother, as usual, he was given the extra helping of grace.

SUSAN

(Pause) Why don't you come inside? Your mom's getting ready to slice the pie.

BRAIN

I lost my appetite.

SUSAN

What's bugging you?

BRAIN

Not a thing.

SUSAN

You want to tell me or do I have to stand out here in the cold and watch you pout? (Pause) This isn't fair to your mom. She'll notice you left and start worrying.

BRAIN

I doubt she'll notice with Jonathan in the room.

SUSAN

Brian, I don't know what happened between you two but this can't go on. We only see your family once or twice a year. Whenever the two of you get together, one of you is always mad at the other. Whatever it is, get over it. (Pause) Coming?

BRIAN looks at her without responding and then turns away.

SUSAN

I'm going back in.

SUSAN EXITS. After a beat, JONATHAN ENTERS, carrying a slice of pie on a plate.

JONATHAN

Hey, big brother. You're missing the party and mom's pie.

BRIAN

So I've heard.

JONATHAN

Mom sent me out here with this. (Offers him the plate)

BRAIN

(Answers without looking) No thanks.

JONATHAN

Okay, what did I do this time to tick you off?

BRIAN

(Pause) Everybody was here on time except you. Dad kept looking out the window, too distracted to even watch the game. Mom was worried that Jonathan's favorite dish would burn. Heaven help us if Jonathan's baked pineapple got too brown. Then right on cue, you breeze in, two hours late and all is forgiven. You haven't changed a bit.

JONATHAN

I forgot how bad traffic would be.

BRAIN

No, what you forgot, as usual, is other people's feelings. Everything revolves around you. It always has. And I'm sick and tired of it. I wish you would grow up.

JOHATHAN

(Pause) Why should I? There's only enough room in the world for one favorite son. My big brother Brian … with the perfect grades, the perfect career, the perfect 401k plan …

BRAIN

Your point?

JONATHAN

You never make mistakes, do you? 'Cause you're the "perfect son." I blow it every day while you — you never trip.

BRIAN

If you only knew.

JONATHAN

Whenever I call mom and dad, I can expect to spend the first 20 minutes hearing about my big brother's latest accomplishment. You, they've always been proud of. Me, well, I'm expected to goof up. You, they love and respect. Me, they forgive and forgive and …

BRIAN

And serve baked pineapple. (Half joking) Mom never made that for me.

JONATHAN

(Soto voce) Nah … for you she makes special pie. She says the holidays would not be complete without Brian's special pie. (Hands him the pie plate)

BRAIN

(Laughs) Cranberry apple. I thought she forgot.

JONATHAN

You kidding? You're her number-one son.

BRIAN

(Pause) Sorry for being a jerk.

JONATHAN

No, man, I'm sorry. Listen, next time tell me how you feel instead of running off. I'm a big guy. I can take it. We'll get it out in the open, deal with it and then move on. I don't want to spend whatever years we have left carrying around old grudges. Life's too short. And I need my big brother to be my friend. Deal?

BRIAN

It's not that easy, Jonathan. (Pause) Look, I will make you this deal: Tonight, we eat pie. And we'll work on the other stuff.

JONATHAN

Deal. All this manly talk is making me hungry. Come on, I'll fix you a big plate of turkey and gravy.

BRIAN

(They start to EXIT) Any stuffing left?

JONATHAN

I can't believe how tall your daughter is. What grade is she in now?

BRIAN

You ate all the stuffing didn't you?

JONATHAN

Mom said I could because I'm special and she loves me the most.

BRIAN

She didn't let you lick the spoon did she?

JONATHAN

Oh yeah.

They exit.

Lights out.

Copyright © 2001 by Scott W. Kirk