61118 Will Wordswiggle?
by Kathryn M. Graves


GENRE: Comedy
PURPOSE: To introduce the topic of the resurrection
THEME: The Resurrection
SCRIPTURE: John 19:17-20:24
CHURCH YEAR SEASON: Easter
TIME: 3-5 minutes

CAST BREAKDOWN:
William Wordswiggle—middle-aged
Peter—early 30s
Technician

SYNOPSIS: How would Peter react on a talk show when confronted with the question: Who is Jesus? Although you might think he'd deny he ever knew the man (three times), in this witty drama we actually discover that he has a hard time convincing the host that Jesus really rose form the dead. This humouous peice is great for the Easter season or a service on evangelism to remind Christians that we need to be patient when sharing the Gospel with those who haven't heard the good news.

COSTUMES: William Wordswiggle—dark slacks, white dress shirt, dark tie, ink pen in
his hand, optional lapel microphone on his tie
Peter—khaki pants, colored shirt, loud tie
Technician—jeans, polo shirt
PROPS: Two secretary's swivel-type chairs, ink pen, several sheets of typing
paper, make-up compact, large make-up brush
LIGHTING: Spotlight (optional)
SOUND: 2 cordless mics
LIGHTING: General stage; TV studio effects if possible (spotlight)
SETTING: TV Studio

DIRECTOR'S TIP: The technician in this piece can be used to great effect; he and William can exchange any number of surprised or bemused looks at Peter's comments.

 

The set of a television news show. WILLIAM and PETER enter stage left and walk to the chairs set up center stage behind the table. They sit in the chairs. The TECHNICIAN enters stage right carrying a make-up compact and large make-up brush. He stands between the chairs and powders WILLIAM's face, then PETER's. WILLIAM turns his face up to make it easier for the technician. PETER coughs and waves his hand in front of his face. The TECHNICIAN adjusts the lapel microphones on each man, then exits stage right. Both men sit facing the audience. WILLIAM picks up the ink pen and shuffles the papers on the table in front of him.

Spotlight is turned on (or house lights come up).


WILLIAM: Good evening. I'm William Wordswiggle and this is "The Question". Our guest tonight is Peter, who insists that the Jewish man crucified last Friday in Jerusalem is in fact very much alive. I know it sounds impossible, but we just pose the question and let you, the audience, decide. (He turns to face PETER.) Welcome to our show, Peter.

PETER: Thank you, William. (He tugs at his tie knot and stretches his neck nervously.)

WILLIAM: Just call me Will.

PETER: Oh, uh, Will . . . Wordswiggle.

WILLIAM: Yes. Now, our sources tell us you claim that Jesus is still alive. Do you?

PETER: Not still alive. He died all right, but he rose from the dead and he's alive again.

WILLIAM: You're kiddin' me!

PETER: Do I look like the kidding type?

WILLIAM: Well no, but I gotta tell ya, I have a problem with that. How can you make such a statement?

PETER: I've seen him myself.

WILLIAM: Are you in the habit of seeing ghosts?

PETER: He is not a ghost! (He raises his voice to shout.) I'm telling you, Jesus is alive! (He jumps up and slams his palms on the table, knocking his chair backward.)

WILLIAM: O.K., O.K.! Peter, have a seat. (PETER sits down, pulls at his tie and shrugs his shoulders.) So, assuming he is alive, how did Jesus come back from the dead?

PETER: He's God.

WILLIAM: (Looking skeptical) He's God. Oh, so that explains it. You've seen God.

PETER: Yes sir, I have.

WILLIAM: Have you seen a psychiatrist, too? Because I, for one, think you should.

PETER: I'm perfectly sane.

WILLIAM: You still haven't really answered my question about
how he did it.

PETER: Will, I'll tell you everything I know. Jesus died, we buried him in Joseph's tomb, guards were stationed there and now the tomb is empty and I've seen him walking and talking.

WILLIAM: Where were you when you saw him? Were you alone?

PETER: I was in a room with other men.

WILLIAM: Amazing. Well, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Straight from the horse's mouth. How can this be possible? We ask, you decide. Thank you for joining us this evening, Peter. (He nods to PETER, who nods back.) Be sure to join us next time on "The Question". We will talk with Thomas, who was a follower of Jesus before the crucifixion and has doubts that Jesus is alive. See you then. Good Night.

The spotlight turns off (or house lights dim). The men stand, shake hands, WILL motions the way for PETER, and they exit stage left.

Lights out.

Performance and photocopying rights:
Your purchase of this script grants your church unlimited use of these sketches within your programs and worship services. You may photocopy the script for each cast member in your church. Scripts and performance rights are not transferable between churches and cannot be resold. You may not use the sketches for any commercial or fundraising purpose, and usage rights do not extend to video, radio, television or film.

Copyright © 2002 by Kathryn M. Graves