Arrest These Merry Gentlemen

Introduction

Think of this Christmas title as “Bethlehem meets Dragnet.” It is a “caper” featuring Bethlehem Peace Officer Joe Sabbath investigating an alleged gang of joyfully-rowdy shepherds “disturbing the peace” with a crazy story about angels and a mysterious baby.

Summary

Sergeant Joe Sabbath is charged with keeping the peace in the sleepy little town of Bethlehem, and he likes things QUIET! When word reaches him that a band of rowdy shepherds is inbound from the fields outside of town, boisterously celebrating with wild tales of angels and such, he is determined to get to the bottom of this case! Of course, what he discovers is no simple “disturbing the peace” beef. It seems he’s stumbled upon the caper that changed the world!

Approximate Performance Time

46 minutes

Cast List/Character Descriptions

There are 20 speaking roles (4 non-speaking roles) available for casting in Arrest These Merry Gentlemen. Any of the roles may be played by a boy or a girl with only slight name modifications in the script. The indications below show how we recorded them on the demonstration recording. Many roles could be played by older youth or adults.

Rotate your device horizontally to view the entire table.

NameCharacterGenderWhat They’re Like ...No. of Scenes
Sergeant Joe SabbathPolice detective in BethlehemBoySerious, but not mean. He takes his job seriously. A major role with many lines in each scene.7
Patrolman RookieA rookie peace officer. Younger.BoyOver-eager and zealous, he wants to arrest everyone! Major role, in most scenes.6
Scoop“Go-getter” newspaper reporter.GirlQuick, bright, and ambitious. Major role, in several scenes.5
CubRookies “sidekick” reporter.GirlInquisitive and energetic. Major role, in several scenes.5
FrankShepherdBoyA happy (“merry”) band. Joe thinks they are troublemakers, but they are simply excited about the events they have witnessed.3
VinceShepherdBoy3
MervShepherdGirl3
HerbShepherdGirl3
ShepShepherdGirl3
CD (Camel Driver)Stereotypical “big-rig” truck driver type.BoySpeaks with “trucker-drawl.” Major role in a single scene.1
SeamstressGentle ladyGirlBritish accent preferred. A few lines in one scene.1
Source 1Citizen of BethlehemGirlWears a nose and glasses disguise.1
Source 2Citizen of BethlehemGirlOne short line in one scene.1
Source 3Citizen of BethlehemGirlOne short line in one scene.1
TravelerTraveling through BethlehemBoyA few lines in one scene.1
Goat NapperCitizen of BethlehemBoyHas a goat caught napping during song. Has one line.1
Person 1Citizen of BethlehemGirlOne short line in one scene.1
Person 2Citizen of BethlehemGirlOne short line in one scene.1
Person 3Citizen of BethlehemGirlOne short line in one scene.1
GabrielAngelBoyBright angel costume. Speaks one word.1
Click here to view the Cast List/Character Descriptions PDF

Questions or Special Requests?

Are you hoping to record your performance on video and make DVDs or put it up on the web? Please don't hesitate to contact us for this license or any other special requests or questions and we will be happy to help! Visit the Contact Page for more information.

Listen to the Musical

Directors and Choir Workers Only!
No Choir Members Allowed!

Note to Directors

SoundFX

For those who are performing with "live" accompaniment, we provide a free download of the Sound Effects on the SoundFX Page, or by clicking the download link below!

Graphics Files

Free graphics files for promotion and signage. Download by clicking the "Download Graphics (.zip)" link below.

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