The Chicken Soup Problem: A Christmas Play in One Act (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780994080974)

When I first wrote The Chicken Soup Problem in November of 1992 for a junior high school's Christmas play, I promised myself that it would not be another "true meaning of Christmas" tale. In only one sense did I keep this promise. There is no Linus standing in an empty auditorium, reciting the Gospel of Luke to a confused Charlie Brown. Instead, we have an old lady in an empty bus depot giving counsel to a disillusioned graduate student.

Many of us find ourselves trudging through the drifts of cold rationalism, attempting to understand the world. We desire not only to understand, but to conquer. What we finally achieve is not reality itself, but only a model. Yet we valiantly defend that which we doubt.

Linus tells of the birth of Christ, appearing not as the Royal Messiah, with snazzy duds and walking stick, but as the Humble Messiah, who has to beg for water from a Samaritan woman. Tim bemoans the loss of his innocence, and wonders if there is anything solid beneath all of the symbols and scientific models. His efforts, like all human striving, are bound to fall short. The Incarnation of Christ, however, is God's effort to meet humanity. We kick and scream, resisting with our arsenal of isms. But we are met with something that cannot be comprehended, only apprehended. The only option left is to take hold of the gift.

And that, Charlie Brown, is what Christmas is all about.

Adam Hrankowski, January 1994

Production Notes

This script works well with a cast of 5 students or a full class. Production time is about 40 minutes.

All of the action takes place in a bus depot where 3 travellers perform vignettes describing Christmas memories that have affected them. While one tells the story, the other two participate in the action, helping to bring the story to life.

When performed with a minimal cast, the role of the Caretaker is added. We see her at the beginning mopping the floor. She then assists in the story telling.

The play can also be produced with a larger cast. In addition to the 4 main speaking roles, additional actors can play various roles ("Townsfolk"). The Caretaker role here is optional.

The set should be very simple, consisting of a few benches, a coffee machine, a rubbish bin and a lost and found box. The lost and found box is the source of various clothing items the players can use as they "improvise" the stories. A Christmas tree sets the season.

The Elder
The Elder has all the appearance of a person living on the street -- tattered clothing. This individual spends most of the play sleeping on a bench until the end at which time he engages in dialogue with Tim. The Elder could be either male or female.

Tim
A university student, pursuing a career in academia.

Judy
A high-school student.

Jackie
A young actress.

Caretaker/Townsfolk