Jonah’s Druthers

Introduction

Hold onto yer horses and get ready for a true tale from the Good Book like you’ve never heard it before!

Summary

Jonah, the prophet of Israel sends and receives telegraphs to and from the Living God on behalf of the people, and all is fine, until the Lord tells him to go to that “dirty, rotten, flea-bitten foreign city called Ninevah” and preach against it! So, wouldn’t ya’ know it, instead of boardin’ the east-bound train to Ninevah, Jonah hops a west-bound stage to Tarshish!

When a big storm comes up on the prairie, threatening to blow the stage over, the driver rolls the dice and up comes Jonah’s number as the one who must be angering “the gods.” Jonah confesses that he is running the opposite direction from what Jehovah instructed him, and he is thrown off the stage and lands in a … well (say it with yer best cowboy twang!). No, not a whale … an old, abandoned well, where he languishes for 3 days and 3 nights. And … you know what happens from there! Once again, like in all Little Big Stuff musicals, it all points to Jesus, and the Good News of the gospel.

Approximate Performance Time

45 minutes

Cast List/Character Descriptions

There are 19 speaking roles and 4-8 non-speaking roles available for casting in Jonah’s Druthers. 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
Cowboy 1NarratorGirlFriendly gal who sets up the story in a fun way!2
Cowboy 2NarratorBoyFriendly fellow who sets up the story in a fun way!2
JonahProphet of God (Lead)BoyDedicated prophet who takes his job very seriously. Pious at times, yet humble. Quite opinionated, he lets that stand in the way of good judgment in some of his choices in life.7
MabelProprietor of the Gully Washers (Lead)GirlBossy, but likeable leader of the Gully Washers. Very businesslike and matter of fact in her dealings with people. Takes good care of her workers.4
Mary JoWasher woman of NinevahGirlHardworking Gully Washer who enjoys visiting with her co-workers and having her free time. Loyal to her job and never misses work.4
NellieWasher woman of NinevahGirlFunloving part of the Gully Washer team. Loves to visit and catch up on all the news in town. Grateful for the opportunity to work with Mabel.4
LauraleeWasher woman of NinevahGirlDitzy, kindhearted Gully Washer, ready and willing to talk about anything and is always ready to take on work.4
SwiftyTelegraph operator for Ninevah (Lead)GirlTomboy ready for adventure. Considers herself to be Jonah’s assistant, but not in any official capacity. Persistent in carrying out all of her so called duties.4
Betty SueOwner of the local boarding houseGirlFriendly Boardinghouse owner. Motherly type who wants to keep everyone fed and happy.1
BrotherJonah’s brotherBoysMan of few words.1
MarshallMarshall of Way Out WestBoyHonest and respected law enforcement official. Speaks with the voice of authority.1
SarahPassenger in stage coachGirlA “Mother hen” who is committed to protecting her children. Nervous about the storm.1
CarolineYoung daughter of SarahGirlSarah’s quiet young child, frightened by storm, and sticking close to Mom.1
DriverStagecoach driverBoyRough and tumble stagecoach driver to Tarshish. Doing his job with “no nonsense.”1
Carnival BarkerCarnival worker in NinevahGirlOut to make a buck. Has no problem cheating others out of their hard-earned money.1
Shady CitizenStreet vendor in NinevahBoySeller of false idols in Ninevah. Opportunistic, greedy, willing to trade on the hopes and fears of others, and can’t see why that would bother anyone.1
SheriffSheriff of NinevahBoyUnlike the Marshall of “Way Out West,” the Sheriff in Ninevah, a town full of criminals, is somewhat “shady”1
MayorMayor of NinevahBoyPolitician who likes the limelight, but who heeds Jonah’s warning, and leads the people to public repentance.1
Mrs. MayorWife of the Mayor of NinevahGirlPretty, polished, with “every hair in place.” Stands by her man, the Mayor.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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