{"product_id":"the-chicken-soup-problem-adam-hrankowski-9780994080974","title":"The Chicken Soup Problem: A Christmas Play in One Act","description":"From the preface: \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eChicken Soup Philosophy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLinus 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd that, Charlie Brown, is what Christmas is all about.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAdam Hrankowski, January 1994\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProduction Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis script works well with a cast of 5 students or a full class. Production time is about 40 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlayers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Elder\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTim\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA university student, pursuing a career in academia.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJudy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA high-school student.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJackie\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA young actress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCaretaker\/Townsfolk\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Adam Hrankowski\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 0994080972\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780994080974\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Limelight Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 11\/13\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 44\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.14lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.11d","brand":"Adam Hrankowski","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":49170928337151,"sku":"9780994080974","price":7.13,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/the-chicken-soup-problem-adam-hrankowski-9780994080974","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}