“The Legacy” Plot Description Page
written by Fred Passmore
copyright 2012 Sheep Laughs Publications
Synopsis: Written primarily for Easter, but good anytime, this easy-to-do 52-minute script with narrative soundtrack presents a powerful message about Jesus’ obedience to His Father, and His atoning sacrifice, in the form of a dream of a young man on the verge of an important decision. His believing mother’s prayers for her son result in a life-changing experience (a vision of the Crucifixion) that will touch your audience!
(Soundtrack key: NO LINES TO LEARN, the Skit Trax supply the narration, background music and sound effects.)
No lines to learn! This is like “The Christmas Family” and “Redemption In The Wings,” in that a CD supplies all the narration, music and sound effects. Note that in the script (and therefore on the soundtrack), the play is not mentioned as happening at any specific time or holiday, so it can be done anytime; but it would be perfect for Easter or even Mother’s Day. The length of the soundtrack (and therefore, the play) is 52 minutes.
Length of play: 52 minutes.
Number of cast: 15-16 (10 main parts, 6 or more in smaller supporting parts)
Category: Easter/Dramatic/No Lines To Learn
Price of script PDF & Skit Trax MP3: Instant download: $19.99: Add To Cart
Price of script PDF & Physical CD: $24.99 plus shipping: Add To Cart
YOU MAY ALSO ORDER THE SCRIPT AND SOUNDTRACK AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
Framework roles: Jason Donner, the main character, who is in his early-to-mid 20’s. His mother Sandra, who also plays the part of Mary the mother of Jesus; she is in her mid-50’s. His sister, Sharon, in her mid-twenties, who also plays the part of Mary Magdelene. Storyteller Grandpa, an elderly man, anywhere from in his 60’s on up.
Main Biblical roles: Jesus. Peter. Judas. John. Pilate. The Centurion. Smaller parts: the High Priests (there are two) and several of the Sanhedrin. Servant Girl, Temple Guard. You may also have other extras in various roles, such as other women, soldiers, elders and such. It really depends upon the amount of people you have available, and costumes.
Costumes: Casual clothes for the Donner family; Biblical robes for the people in the scriptural scenes; Roman armor for the Centurion. Jesus requires three changes of clothes: his original robe, a bloodied version with a crown of thorns and a purple robe thrown over his shoulders for the scene after his scourging, and a different robe when he appears to Mary in the garden.
Props for framework scene: A small suitcase, a laptop PC with carrying case, a bottle of water, a CD in a case; a box of books and manuscripts.
Props for Biblical scenes: a rope at least 6 feet long; a spear for the Centurion; a small cloth bag for the coins given to Judas; a metal or ceramic basin for Pilate to wash his hands in.
Settings: For the framework in modern day: A small area on one side of the stage (the one closest to a stage door) decorated as a bedroom. There should be a table, a lamp and a couple of chairs. If you can have a small bed, all the better, but if not, a comfortable chair. For the Biblical scenes, occupying the rest of the stage area: a background wall (or canvas) painted to look like an ancient and weathered stone wall, with a window. Really, the backgrounds for the Biblical sequences are not important, since the main character is seeing the events in a dream, which changes locations several times. The audience uses their imagination, and the focus is on the people in the scene, not the backgrounds. For example, the scenes happen in the outer courtyard of the High Priest’s building; inside the same building; Pilate’s Hall; Golgotha’s hill; and the Garden Tomb. It would be impractical to try and portray those locations with changing backgrounds. See why this play is easy to do? All you need are actors and costumes. They don’t even have to learn lines, only rehearse according to the script and the soundtrack.
Plot breakdown
(A general description of the script; not all details or scenes are here, but it gives you an overall picture of what it is like.)
The play begins with a voice-over by Storyteller Grandpa, as he describes the situation’s background and introduces Sandra Donner, who is preparing her adult son Jason’s old room for his imminent visit. He is in town to meet with a movie studio rep to sell the rights to his recently-deceased father’s Christian books. One of her children, Sharon, joins her in the room, and they discuss her disagreement with her brother over the sale of the books and characters to a studio that would strip them of any spiritual meaning. Her father had willed the book rights to his son, with his wishes that he continue to develop the property using his own talents. They both head out to go to the airport to meet Jason and bring him back.
When he arrives and comes into the room to unpack, his sister confronts him about his decision, and they have words. Their mother comes in moments later, and she urges her son to give his life to the Lord. She knows the once his soul is saved, his priorities will change. He resists, and she leaves with him a CD containing the dramatized story of Good Friday and Easter, making him promise to listen to it, as it was his father’s last project. When she leaves, he plays the CD, but falls asleep as he listens.
Preview a PDF page of the script that contains the scene above by clicking here. the_legacy_sample_pg_01
He comes to in a dream, and begins living out in the dream the events being described on the CD story. Confused at first, he reasons this this must be a very vivid dream; one that he can’t wake himself from. Intrigued, he tries to figure out where and when he is. He soon recognizes what is happening as he sees Peter begin to deny the Lord. Jason witnesses the whole sad affair, and Peter runs away in distress. Afterward, he talks to Peter, and asks why he did it. His answer gives Jason insight into his own life’s decisions.
Preview the section of the soundtrack that is heard during the scene above by clicking on the player below.
Just then he is met by an old man dressed like a farmer, who is revealed to be Storyteller Grandpa (whom we heard at the beginning and also as the voice on his father’s CD). Although a fictional character from his father’s books, he is in Jason’s dream as a guide and commentator. Jason then encounters a man who is soon revealed to be Judas after he has betrayed the Lord. His excuses for the betrayal echo some of the reasons Jason gave to his sister earlier for selling out his father’s dream. He then witnesses Judas trying to return the gold coins to the High Priests, and their rejection of it. He leaves, and through a powerful scene highlighted by ominous music, goes away to hang himself. Jason and the Storyteller discuss what they just saw and Jason realizes how close he has come to committing a similar betrayal.
Preview a PDF page of the script that contains the scene above by clicking here: the_legacy_sample_pg_02
They next encounter Mary, the mother of Jesus, along with Mary Magdalene and the disciple John. Jason talks with Mary about what they are doing, (the part of Mary is played by the same actress that played his own mother at the beginning) and in her words of love and concern for her Son, Jason sees the love of his own mother in praying for him.
The next scene they witness is in Pilate’s hall, as Jesus is brought before him to be judged. Finding him innocent of the charges, he nevertheless has him flogged in an attempt to appease the Council. When Jesus is led away, we see the reactions of Jason, the Storyteller, Jesus’ mother and his friends as he is scourged. We do not see it, only hear it, and are watching the reactions and conversation among those watching.
Jesus is brought back before Pilate and presented to the crowd, who, incited to a frenzy by the Priests, cry out for his death. Pilate finally turns Jesus over to them to be crucified. As he is led away again, we see Jason and the Storyteller talk over what they just saw. Again, Jason recognizes in his own actions the very thing he condemns so strongly in Pilate.
They, along with the others, as well as the Centurion in charge, witness the crucifixion of Jesus, as the audience hears it happening. Again, the scene is described in narration and the Scripture reading, with sound effects and music. Jason speaks with the Centurion, who tells of the things he has observed about Jesus, and we see the impact it all has on him. After various sayings are heard from the Cross, Jesus dies, and when the earthquake ceases, the Centurion confesses him to be the Son of God.
Preview the section of the soundtrack that is heard during the scene above by clicking on the player below.
After the scene of the Crucifixion is over, Jason is led by Grandpa to the location of the Tomb of Jesus. They witness the arrival of Peter and John, who look in and leave, then they see Mary as she comes back to the tomb. She encounters the risen Lord in a powerful scene, and she leaves joyously. Jason and the Storyteller talk over what they have seen one last time, and then Grandpa says his goodbyes, in a heartfelt scene. Jason realizes that the character was really the voice of his own father, putting into words what he had believed and held dear. He wakes up, and immediately kneels to accept the Lord into his heart.
Preview a PDF page of the script that contains the scene above by clicking here: the_legacy_sample_pg_03
As he gets up from praying, his sister Sharon comes in with a box of their father’s books, in a last attempt to change his mind about selling off the rights to the secular company. He tells her he has decided to retain the rights and develop the property like his father wanted, and this is a great relief to her.
Just then their mother comes back into the room, and we see –without hearing the actual words, as the dramatic music plays– him telling her about his dream, his salvation, and decision. With joyful tears, she embraces both of them as she rejoices and thanks the Lord. As they leave to go eat and make plans on running the family business together, the voice of Grandpa comes back on and concludes the play. END
Preview the section of the soundtrack that is heard during the scene above by clicking on the player below.
Read some of the testimonials about the script from just a few of the many users:
Frederick,
We did your play “The Legacy” this past Easter. I absolutely loved it and so did our whole congregation. I wish you had more plays like this where we don’t have to say lines. It was powerful and many tears were shed during the play. But more importantly a husband and dad of two of my actors came back to the Lord and had an emotional time with Jesus just because of the play. He is now serving the Lord just because he came to watch his family in the family. So praise the Lord for the work that you do.
-Gail Miller Bethany Pentecostal Church Manchester, Ky
Hello, Fred,
Your play “The Legacy” was very well received! Our elderly especially appreciated it because they could hear every word. Also, a retired minister, who is going blind, called to tell me how much he appreciated the drama. I know there were unsaved people in attendance, so I know seeds were planted. I was able to get people to act who were really out of their comfort zone. It was such a great time with people coming together to present God’s salvation story. I didn’t know at the beginning how this was all going to come together, but I trusted God that he would make it happen. The “no lines” format worked beautifully! Fred, if you have time, go to our church website, http://www.bunkertownchurch.org. Click on the photo gallery, and you will be able to see a slide show.
The soundtrack was fantastic! God sure did bless you with “The Voice”. I hope we can work with you again in the future. My friend at church will be in charge of the Christmas program, so I will show her The Christmas Play to see if she would be interested. Thanks again for a wonderful, wonderful drama!
-Blessings to you,
Hannah
Dear Fred,
The Full Gospel Tabernacle in Eureka, CA will be performing “The Legacy” on March 31.
Thank you for such a wonderful drama! The quality of the soundtrack is super! I am believing that Jesus is going to use this drama to touch the hearts of many of our Easter Sunday visitors.
-Vicki Barry
Okay, if you liked the story breakdown, and liked the script and soundtrack samples, and were encouraged by the user testimonials. Buy the complete script and soundtrack here!
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