Not Your Average Joe

Introduction

The classic Old Testament story of Joseph is retold in the exuberant times and music of the 50’s. It’s surfer beats, leather jackets, and surfboards, but the gospel truth remains the same … trust the Lord with all your heart.

Summary

That Joe—he’s so dreamy! The year is 1959, and at the family drive-in, Papa Jake’s Fries ’n’ Shakes, Things are hoppin’! But favored-son Joe always seems to have his nose in a Good Book. When the patriarch of the family, Papa Jake, gives Joe his prized leather jacket and turns the business over to him for the summer, things get gnarly. With some “help” from his jealous siblings, Joe finds himself unexpectedly aboard a woody wagon headed to a faraway land of sand, strange customs, and a Pharaoh … er, Great Kahuna … the beach! The ups and downs of the journey remind Joe that God is with Him, and the hurricane force of a food crisis teaches Joe and his reunited family the power of forgiveness.

Approximate Performance Time

41 minutes

Cast List/Character Descriptions

There are 19 speaking roles available for casting in Not Your Average Joe. 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.

NameCharacterGender*What They’re Like ...
SpinnerA D.J. (disc jockey) at a local radio stationgirlFast-talking and quick-witted, Spinner is also insightful and wise; serves as the story-teller for the musical (major role)
JoeThe younger brother of the family that owns Papa Jake’sboyA dreamer and a natural leader, Joe is initially proud but comes to depend solely on the strength and wisdom of God; this role corresponds to the Biblical character of Joseph (major role)
CocoAn independent refreshment stand vendor at the beachgirlPlucky, spunky, and very brave, Coco shares Joe’s adventures and often provides Godly advice (major role)
J.D.The older brother of the family that own Papa Jake’sboyJ.D. is hard-working and loyal, but also jealous of Joe’s perceived favored position in the family; J.D. is the ring leader of the plot to send Joe away; this role corresponds to the Biblical character of Judah (major role)
AnnetteOne of the siblings of the Papa Jake familygirlProne to worry; easily persuaded to follow J.D.’s plot (minor role)
SharonAnother sibling of the Papa Jake familygirlProne to be sunny and optimistic; also easily persuaded to follow J.D.’s plot (minor role)
CubbyAnother sibling of the Papa Jake familyboyProne to do whatever his brothers and sisters tell him to do – especially to follow J.D.’s plot (minor role)
KahunaThe self-proclaimed leader of the beach communityboyInitially comically pompous and dictatorial, Kahuna is positively affected by Joe’s character and witness; this role corresponds to the Biblical character of Pharaoh (major role)
Coleen & SunshineOne of Joe’s admirersgirlGiggly and silly; this part can be played by the same girl or by two different girls (minor role)
Darlene & LelaniOne of Joe’s admirersgirlGiggly and silly; this part can be played by the same girl or by two different girls (minor role)
Doreen & GidgetOne of Joe’s admirersgirlGiggly and silly; this part can be played by the same girl or by two different girls (minor role)
ShubieKahuna’s deputy on the beachboyEnergetically eager-to-please; this role corresponds to the Biblical character of Potiphar (minor role)
Hot DogA surfer who transports Joe to the beach in his woody wagonboyClassically hip and friendly and perpetually feeling- groovy (minor role)
MaxieA delivery persongirlWeary and eager to get her job completed (minor role)
Mr. PostmanA bike-riding postal workerboyEf cient and punctual (minor role)
BakerA vendor on the beach who sells hot dogsboyHe willingly accepts his fate (minor role)
Papa JakeOwner of Papa Jake’s Fries & Shakes and the patriarch of the familyboyWise, loving and protective of his family; this role corresponds to the Biblical character of Jacob (important role, although he only appears in the nal scene)
OrchidKahuna’s assistantgirlLoyal and helpful (minor role)
HibiscusKahuna’s assistantgirlAlso loyal and helpful (minor role)
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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