Thomas Hall: A pastor of an indepen

Thomas Hall: A pastor of an independent church who took the position reluctantly a few years ago. Despair and futility are more familiar to him than faith and hope. His lifestyle reflects this. He is a nice looking man in his thirties and is kind despite his faults.
Janice Walters: She's a loyal church-goer who wants to see things run like they were under the old pastor. She's in her 60's.
Candy Leeds: Is in a relationship with Thomas at the open of the play. She is far from innocent and shows it. She is the same age as Thomas.
Sandy Miller: A little girl of ten who often goes to Thomas for support.
Johnny James: A friend of Thomas who is easy going and could care less about responsibility. He dresses like the repair man that he is. He is also Thomas' age.
Gabi Roberts: A kind and somewhat naive woman who appears at Thomas door one midnight in need. She has a tendency to talk a lot when she is nervous. She's in her late twenties.
Time and Place
Late Spring, 1991. Eastern Washington town. The living quarters of a church in a poorer neighborhood.
PROLOGUE - "PULL MY STRINGS"
THOMAS
Who am I? What am I? Tell me what to be! Tell me who I am!

I try to be what everyone wants... And what you want to, but it's never good enough... Never enough for any of you!

I am never good enough. How can I be all things to all people? I am the man of a thousand faces... Clay face... Molding myself for each and every one of you. How can I do so much and get so little? Why won't anyone mold themselves for me? Be what I want and need? Especially you... You're the worst of them all. You demand so much. How can anyone live up to that?

But you can make it all better. You have the power to do that for me. You can make all this pain inside me go away. So I give you my devotion. I will get down on my knees and beg. I will be anything you want me to be... That's what you want right? Be your puppet. Pull my strings and I will dance for you.

(Does a haunting dance like they are hanging from strings. Then falls)

Tell me what to do. I will do it. Just tell me... please.

SCENE 1
(The entire play takes place in the living quarters of a church. There is a small kitchen area with a stove, cupboards, counter, and refrigerator UL. All of these things can be implied. The door to outside is L. LC is a set of table and three chairs. Starting R, there are stairs that lead up to a small landing and a door where the bedroom is. DL is a small living room with a sofa. There is a door behind it to the bathroom. Another door, ULC, leads to a chapel) (Late morning. Lights come up on THOMAS in a casual suit standing DR looking out a window. His arms are crossed and he has a drink in one hand. He's lost in thoughts of days lost and an uncertain future. WALTERS, an old widow, who is a loyal church goers enters UR through the door to the chapel.

WALTERS

Pastor Thomas?

THOMAS

(Turns, not trying to hide his drink)
Yes, Mrs. Walters?

WALTERS

I was wondering why the service was cut short today?

THOMAS

It's hot out and we don't have air conditioning. I thought people might like getting out before they died of heat stroke.

WALTERS

You should have called me before the service. I could have brought over some fans.

THOMAS

I didn't want to bother you.

WALTERS

It's no bother, Pastor Thomas. I like to help out whenever I can.

THOMAS

I'll be sure to call next time.

(Pause)
Is there anything else?

WALTERS

I was hoping I could receive communion.

THOMAS

You know I don't like to do communion any more, Mrs. Walters.

WALTERS

You really should. Pastor Mike did communion every Sunday. It was real important to him and very special to the congregation.

THOMAS

I know how important it was to Pastor Mike but it doesn't feel right for me somehow.

WALTERS

I don't see why not?

THOMAS

Could we please not argue about this?

WALTERS

I will until you give me my communion.

THOMAS

(Giving in)
All right, Mrs. Walters. You win. I'll give it to right here, right now, in God's dining-room.

WALTERS

Thank you.

THOMAS

(Goes to kitchen)
You prefer red or white wine?

WALTERS

Don't you have any grape juice?

THOMAS

Sorry. Fresh out. It's wine or nothing. If it's good enough for Jesus, then it's good enough for me.

WALTERS

I'll only take a little sip then.

(THOMAS pours her a glass of wine. She take a kitchen chair and places it center. He gives her the wine)
What will you use for bread?
Thomas returns to kitchen.

THOMAS

(As he searches)
I don't think I have any bread left. I haven't been to the store in awhile. But I think I have some saltine crackers.
WALTERS
They make me thirsty.

THOMAS

Then I'll pour you some more wine.

WALTERS

(Sighs again and kneels at chair)
Never mind. Bring them here.
(THOMAS gives her a cracker)
Well?

THOMAS

What?

WALTERS

Aren't you going to say something?

THOMAS

Sure. Eat, drink, and be merry.

WALTERS

I was hoping for something a little more religious, like a passage from the last supper.


THOMAS
(Frustrated)
All right. (He says the following with difficulty) "Eat and drink in remembrance of me." (She eats and drinks) Don't drink too much now. I might think you like it.

WALTERS
Thank you. I'll see you next Sunday.

THOMAS

Mrs. Walters? Why do you come to my church? You never seem happy with anything I do.

WALTERS

I've come to this church ever since I was a child. I was baptized at this church's altar and married here when I was seventeen. My husband's funeral was here and this is where I intend to have my own.

(Shrugs)
And besides, this is the only church within walking distance of my house and I haven't got a car.

THOMAS

(Laughs)
Mrs. Walters. If you were a few years younger I think I'd be in love.

WALTERS

If you were a few years younger, I'd give you a good spanking.

(Starts for door)

THOMAS

Good-bye, Mrs. Walters.

WALTERS

(Stops)
I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your sermon about the absentee landlord today. What possessed you to use that passage?

THOMAS

I just played Bible roulette and there it was. I always do that when I have trouble thinking up a new sermon.

WALTERS

Why don't you reuse old sermons?

THOMAS

I hate it when pastors do that. I think that's the reason why people never make any progress in this world. They're always preaching the same old sermon and doing the same old things. We still have war and we still have the poor. Women still aren't treated equally and people are still starving. As long as we have these things, I'll preach new sermons until I hit on something that works. Then and only then will I repeat myself. If they won't listen the first time, then won't hear me the second.

WALTERS

Well, your heart's in the right place.

(Turns to go)

THOMAS

Can I offer you a cup of coffee before you go?

WALTERS

No, thank you, Thomas. Good-bye.

She exits through chapel door and this time a child playing "chopsticks" is heard while the door is open. THOMAS goes to his Bible and flips it open. Takes a drink.
THOMAS
John 21:15. That'll do.
Turns Bible face down and drinks some more. CANDY appears at the top of the stairs in a silky robe.

CANDY

Hello, Thomas.
THOMAS
Hi, Candy. How did you sleep?

CANDY

Heavenly.

THOMAS

I suppose one would in a church.

CANDY

(Comes down)
What did old widow Walters want?

THOMAS

Her communion.

CANDY

Why didn't you tell her no?

THOMAS

I did, but she's so stubborn.

(Drinks)
Besides, it's the least I can do.

CANDY

A little early for a drink, isn't it?

(Gets coffee from the coffee maker)

THOMAS

It's left over from communion.

CANDY

You can pour it back in the bottle.

THOMAS

It seems a pity to do so.

CANDY

How was your sermon?

THOMAS

It went okay? Mrs. Walters said it was too short.

CANDY

Short, but sweet I'm sure.

(Gives him a kiss)

THOMAS

It didn't go as well as I would have like though. It isn't clicking like it was.

(Sits at table)

CANDY

(Goes to him, rubs his shoulders)
You used to be so good up there. It was like seeing a Broadway play. You up there carrying on about loving your neighbor and helping one another. I used to sit there, close my eyes, and let myself become swept up in your words. (Kisses his cheek and sits in his lap) And you used to always get so worked up after those sermons...I thought I could never bring you back down to Earth again.

THOMAS

(They get up)
Now you don't even come to my services.

CANDY

(She follows)
But you told me you don't like me to come. (She strokes his chest) You said I distract you.

THOMAS

I know. I'm sorry.

CANDY

Why don't you come upstairs? Maybe we can get a little of your creative energy flowing again.

(Kisses him)
Hmmm?
THOMAS
(Takes her hand and kisses it) Okay. I'll be up in a minute.

CANDY

(Starts to go)
And bring the wine. (Knock at chapel door) Who's that now?

THOMAS

I don't know.

(Opens door to chapel. Pleasantly)
Oh, hello, Sandy.
SANDY, a girl of 8 comes in.

SANDY

Hi, Pastor Thomas.

(Sees CANDY)
Hi, Ms. Leeds.

THOMAS

What can I do for you?

SANDY

My mom is still talking to all the people. She sure talks a long time.

THOMAS

Adults are funny that way.

SANDY

Could you read me a story again?

THOMAS

I don't know Sandy...

SANDY

(Pleads)
Please. Mommy has a big mouth. (CANDY laughs)

THOMAS

Sandy! That isn't a nice thing to say.

SANDY

That's what Daddy always says.

THOMAS

(Signs, but happy)
Okay, you win. What story do you want to hear?

SANDY

A Jesus story. I like how you read them.

CANDY

I leave you two alone then. I'll be in the shower if you need me.

(Says following for SANDY's benefit)
My shower isn't working so I came over to use Pastor Thomas'.

SANDY

(Casually skeptical)
Uh-huh. (CANDY winks at THOMAS and goes to shower

THOMAS

What story do we have for you today?

(Gets Bible. They sit at kitchen table)
Let's see.

SANDY

How about that one?
THOMAS
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.

(He looks it over and then begins)
Once there were two men who went to church to pra

ผลลัพธ์ (อังกฤษ) 2:

Thomas Hall: A pastor of an independent church who took the position reluctantly a few years ago. Despair and futility are more familiar to him than faith and hope. His lifestyle reflects this. He is a Nice Looking Man in his thirties and is Kind Despite his faults.
Janice Walters: She's a Church-goer Loyal Who wants to See Things Run like they were under the Old pastor. She's in Her 60's.
Candy Leeds: Is in a Relationship with Thomas at the open of the Play. She is far from innocent and shows it. She is the Same Age as Thomas.
Sandy Miller: A Little Girl of Ten Who Goes often to Thomas for Support.
Johnny James: A friend of Thomas Who is Easy going and could less Care About Responsibility. He dresses like the repair man that he is. He is also Thomas' Age.
Gabi Roberts: A Kind and somewhat Naive Woman Who appears at one door Thomas Midnight in Need. She has a tendency to talk a lot when she is nervous. She's in Her Late twenties.
Time and Place
Late Spring, 1991. Eastern Washington Town. The Living Quarters of a Church in a Poorer Neighborhood.
PROLOGUE - "PULL MY STRINGS"
THOMAS
Who am I? What am I? Tell me what to be! Tell Me Who I am! I TRY to be what everyone wants ... And what You Want to, but it's ... Never Enough Never Enough good for any of You! I am good Never Enough. How can I be all things to all people? I am the man of a thousand faces ... Clay face ... Molding myself for each and every one of you. How can I do so much and get so little? Why will not anyone mold themselves for me? Be what I want and need? Especially you ... You're the worst of them all. You demand so much. How Can anyone Live up to that? But You Can Make it all better. You have the power to do that for me. You can make all this pain inside me go away. So I give you my devotion. I will get down on my knees and beg. I will be anything you want me to be ... That's what you want right? Be your puppet. My Strings pull and I Will Dance for You. (Does a haunting Dance like they are Hanging from Strings. Then Falls) Tell Me what to do. I will do it. ... Please just tell Me. SCENE 1 (The entire Play Takes Place in the Living Quarters of a Church. There is a Small Area Kitchen with a Stove, cupboards, counter, refrigerator and UL. All of these Things Can be implied. The door to outside is L. LC is a set of table and three chairs. Starting R, there are stairs that lead up to a small landing and a door where the bedroom is. DL is a small living room with a sofa. There is. a door behind it to the bathroom. Another door, ULC, leads to a chapel) (Late morning. Lights come up on THOMAS in a casual suit standing DR looking out a window. His arms are crossed and he has a drink in one hand. . He's Lost in Thoughts of days Lost and an uncertain Future. WALTERS, an Old Widow, Who is a Loyal Church goers enters UR Through the door to the Chapel. WALTERS Pastor Thomas? THOMAS (Turns, not trying to hide his Drink) Yes. , Mrs. Walters? WALTERS I was wondering why the Cut Service was short today? THOMAS It's hot out and we do not have Air conditioning. I thought people Might like getting out before they died of heat stroke. WALTERS You should have Called Me. before the service. I could have brought over Some fans. THOMAS I did not bother to Want You. WALTERS It's no bother, Pastor Thomas. I like to out Whenever I Can Help. THOMAS next time I'll be sure to Call. (Pause) Is there anything Else? WALTERS I was hoping I could receive communion. THOMAS You know I do not like to do any more communion. , Mrs. Walters. WALTERS You Really should. Pastor Mike did communion every Sunday. It was important to Him Real and very special to the Congregation. THOMAS I know How important was it to Pastor Mike but somehow it does not Feel Right for Me. WALTERS I do not See why not? THOMAS Could we please not argue About. this? WALTERS until I Will You give Me My communion. THOMAS (Giving in) All Right, Mrs. Walters. You win. I'll give it to Right here, Right now, in God's dining-Room. WALTERS Thank You. THOMAS (Goes to Kitchen) Red or White Wine You prefer? WALTERS Do not You have any grape Juice? THOMAS Sorry. Fresh out. It's wine or nothing. If it's good Enough for Jesus, then it's good Enough for Me. WALTERS I'll only take a Little SIP then. (THOMAS pours Her a Glass of Wine. She take a Kitchen Chair and Places it Center. He gives Her the Wine). Will You Bread for what use? Thomas Returns to Kitchen. THOMAS (As He Searches) I Think I do not have any left Bread. I have not been to the store in awhile. But I Think I have Saltine crackers Some. WALTERS They Make Me Thirsty. THOMAS Then I'll pour You Some more Wine. WALTERS (Sighs again and kneels at Chair) Never Mind. Bring them here. (THOMAS gives Her a Cracker) Well? THOMAS What? WALTERS Are not You going to Say Something? THOMAS Sure. Eat, Drink, and be Merry. WALTERS I was hoping for a Little Something more religious, like a Passage from the last Supper. THOMAS (frustrated) All Right. (He says the following with difficulty) "Eat and drink in remembrance of me.". (She eats and drinks) Do not drink too much now. I Think You Might like it. WALTERS Thank You. I'll See You next Sunday. THOMAS Mrs. Walters? Why do you come to my church? Happy with You Never seem anything I do. WALTERS I've Come to this Church Ever since I was a Child. I was baptized at this church's altar and married here when I was seventeen. My Husband's Funeral was here and this is where I intend to have My own. (Shrugs) And besides, this is the only Church Within Walking Distance of My House and I have not got a Car. THOMAS (Laughs) Mrs. Walters. If You Think I were a few years younger I'd be in Love. WALTERS If You were a few years younger, I'd give You a good Spanking. (Starts for door) THOMAS Good-Bye, Mrs. Walters. WALTERS (. Stops) I Wanted to tell You that I enjoyed your Sermon About the absentee Landlord today. You use that to what possessed Passage? THOMAS I just Roulette Played Bible and there it was. I always do that when I have Trouble thinking up a New Sermon. WALTERS Why do not You Reuse Old Sermons? THOMAS Hate it when I do that Pastors. I think that's the reason why people never make any progress in this world. They're always preaching the same old sermon and doing the same old things. We still have war and we still have the poor. Women still are not treated equally and people are still starving. As long as we have these things, I'll preach new sermons until I hit on something that works. Then and only then will I repeat myself. If they listen Will not the First time, then Will not Hear Me the Second. WALTERS Well, your Heart's in the Right Place. (Turns to Go) THOMAS Can I Offer You a Cup of Coffee before You Go? WALTERS No,. thank you, Thomas. Good-Bye. She exits Through a Child Playing Chapel door and this time "chopsticks" while the door is open is Heard. THOMAS goes to his Bible and flips it open. Takes a Drink. THOMAS John fifteen past nine p.m.. That'll do. Turns Face down and Drinks Some Bible more. CANDY appears at the top of the Stairs in a Silky Robe. CANDY Hello, Thomas. THOMAS Hi, Candy. How did You Sleep? CANDY Heavenly. THOMAS I suppose one would in a Church. CANDY (Comes down) What did Old Widow Walters Want? THOMAS Her communion. CANDY Why did not You tell Her no? THOMAS I did, but She's so. stubborn. (Drinks) Besides, it's the Least I Can do. CANDY A Little Early for a Drink, is not it? (Gets Coffee from the Coffee Maker) THOMAS It's left over from communion. CANDY You Can pour it Back in the. Bottle. THOMAS seems a Pity to do so. CANDY How was your Sermon? THOMAS It went okay? Mrs. Walters said it was Too short. CANDY Short, but Sweet I'm sure. (Gives Him a Kiss) THOMAS It did not Go as well as I would have like though. It is not like it was clicking. (Sits at Table) CANDY (Goes to Him, rubs his shoulders) You used to be so good up there. It was like seeing a Broadway play. You up there carrying on about loving your neighbor and helping one another. I used to sit there, close my eyes, and let myself become swept up in your words. (Kisses his cheek and sits in his lap) And You Get used to always so worked up ... I thought I could after those Sermons You Never Back down to Earth again bring. THOMAS (They Get up) Now You do not even. Come to My Services. CANDY (She follows) But You told Me You do not like Me to Come. (She Strokes his Chest) You said I Distract You. THOMAS I know. I'm sorry. CANDY Why do not You Come upstairs? Maybe we Can Get a Little of your Creative Energy flowing again. (Kisses Him) Hmmm? THOMAS (Takes Her Hand and Kisses it) Okay. I'll be up in a minute. CANDY (Starts to Go) And bring the Wine. (Knock at Chapel door) Who's that now? THOMAS I do not know. (Opens door to Chapel. Pleasantly) Oh, Hello, Sandy. SANDY, a Girl of 8 comes in. SANDY Hi, Pastor Thomas. (Sees CANDY). Hi, Ms. Leeds. THOMAS What Can I do for You? SANDY My MOM is still talking to all the people. She sure talks a long time. THOMAS Adults are funny that Way. SANDY Me a Story Could You read again? THOMAS I do not know ... Sandy SANDY (Pleads) Please. Mommy has a big mouth. (Laughs CANDY) THOMAS Sandy! That is not a Nice Thing to Say. SANDY That's what Daddy always says. THOMAS (Signs, but Happy) Okay, You Win. What do You Want to Hear Story? SANDY A Story Jesus. I like How You read them. CANDY I Leave You Two alone then. I'll be in the Shower if You Need Me. (Says following for SANDY's Benefit) My Shower is not working so I Came over to use Pastor Thomas'. SANDY (casually Skeptical) Uh-huh. (CANDY Winks at THOMAS and Goes to Shower THOMAS What Story do we have for You today? (Gets Bible. They SIT at Kitchen Table) Let's See. SANDY How About that one? THOMAS The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. (. He looks it over and then Begins) Once there were Two Men Who went to Church to Pra.

ผลลัพธ์ (อังกฤษ) 3:

Thomas Hall: A pastor of an independent Church who took the position reluctantly a few years ago. Despair and futility. Are more familiar to him than faith and hope. His lifestyle reflects this. He is a nice looking man in his thirties and. Is kind despite his faults.
Janice Walters: She 's a loyal church-goer who wants to see things run like they were under. The old pastor. She 's in her 60' s.
.Candy Leeds: Is in a relationship with Thomas at the open of the play. She is far from innocent and shows it. She is the. Same age as Thomas.
Sandy Miller: A little girl of ten who often goes to Thomas for support.
Johnny James: A friend of. Thomas who is easy going and could care less about responsibility. He dresses like the repair man that he is. He is also. Thomas' age.
Gabi Roberts:A kind and somewhat naive woman who appears at Thomas door one midnight in need. She has a tendency to talk a lot when. She is nervous. She 's in her late twenties.

Late, Time and Place Spring 1991. Eastern Washington town. The living quarters. Of a church in a poorer neighborhood.
PROLOGUE - "PULL MY STRINGS"

Who THOMAS am I? What am I? Tell me what to be! Tell. Me who I am!

.I try to be what everyone wants... And what you, want to but it 's never good enough... Never enough for any of you!

I. Am never good enough. How can I be all things to all people? I am the man of a thousand faces... Clay face... Molding myself. For each and every one of you. How can I do so much and get so little? Why won 't anyone mold themselves for me? Be what. I want and need? Especially you...You 're the worst of them all. You demand so much. How can anyone live up to that?

But you can make it all better. You. Have the power to do that for me. You can make all this pain inside me go away. So I give you my devotion. I will get down. On my knees and beg. I will be anything you want me to be... That 's what you want right? Be your puppet. Pull my strings. And I will dance for you.

.(Does a haunting dance like they are hanging from strings. Then falls)

Tell me what to do. I will do it. Just tell me...). Please.

SCENE 1
(The entire play takes place in the living quarters of a church. There is a small kitchen area with, a stove. ,, cupboards counter and refrigerator UL. All of these things can be implied. The door to outside is L. LC is a set of table. And three chairs.Starting R there are, stairs that lead up to a small landing and a door where the bedroom is. DL is a small living room. With a sofa. There is a door behind it to the bathroom. Another, door ULC leads to, a chapel) (Late morning. Lights come. Up on THOMAS in a casual suit standing DR looking out a window. His arms are crossed and he has a drink in one hand.He 's lost in thoughts of days lost and an uncertain future. WALTERS an old, widow who is, a loyal church goers enters UR. Through the door to the chapel.



Pastor WALTERS Thomas?



, THOMAS (Turns not trying to hide his drink)
Yes Mrs. Walters, WALTERS?



I. Was wondering why the service was cut short today?



It THOMAS' s hot out and we don 't have air conditioning.I thought people might like getting out before they died of heat stroke.



You WALTERS should have called me before the. Service. I could have brought over some fans.



I THOMAS didn 't want to bother you.



It WALTERS' s, no bother Pastor Thomas.? I like to help out whenever I can.



I THOMAS' ll be sure to call next time.

(Pause)
Is there anything else WALTERS?



.I was hoping I could receive communion.



You THOMAS know I don 't like to do communion, any more Mrs. Walters.



, WALTERS You Really should. Pastor Mike did communion every Sunday. It was real important to him and very special to the congregation.



, THOMAS I Know how important it was to Pastor Mike but it doesn 't feel right for me somehow.



I WALTERS don' t see why not THOMAS?



.Could we please not argue about this?



I WALTERS will until you give me my communion.



(THOMAS Giving in)
All, right. Mrs. Walters. You win. I 'll give it to right here right, God, now in' s dining-room.



Thank WALTERS you.



(THOMAS Goes. To kitchen)
You prefer red or white wine?



Don WALTERS' t you have any grape juice?



Sorry THOMAS. Fresh out. It s wine. ' Or nothing.If it 's good enough, for Jesus then it' s good enough for me.



I WALTERS' ll only take a little SIP then.

(THOMAS pours. Her a glass of wine. She take a kitchen chair and places it center. He gives her the wine)
What will you use for bread?? Thomas returns to kitchen
.



(THOMAS As he searches)
I don 't think I have any bread left. I haven' t been to the store. In awhile.But I think I have some saltine crackers.

They WALTERS make me thirsty.



Then THOMAS I 'll pour you some more wine WALTERS.



(Sighs. Again and kneels at chair)
Never mind. Bring them here.
(THOMAS gives her a cracker)
Well?



What THOMAS?



Aren WALTERS t. ' You going to say something?



, THOMAS Sure. Eat drink and be, merry.



I WALTERS was hoping for something a little more. Religious.