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'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Large Cast Christmas Musical Play for Kids to Perform

Sound Cues

Script Sample

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
CAST LIST
Running Time: About 45 minutes
Flexible Cast of 30-45 Young Performers
Large Cast Musical Christmas Play
(51 total roles listed below, easy doubling, most male/female.)

MOORE FAMILY
CLARA (f, 11 lines)
WILLY (m, 11 lines)
BO (m, 9 lines)
MOTHER (f, 21 lines)
CLEMENT (PAPA) (m, 24 lines)

CHORUS
JINGLE (m/f, 6 lines)
HOLLY (m/f, 5 lines)
JOLLY (m/f, 6 lines)
JOY (m/f, 5 lines)

IZZY the Mouse (m/f, 65 lines total, SONG)
IZZY #1 (m/f, 21 lines, SONG)
IZZY #2 (m/f, 25 lines)
IZZY #3 (m/f, 19 lines) 

COP (m/f, 3 lines)
LOUIE (m/f, 16 lines)

TRAIN
ENGINEER (m/f, 15 lines)
CHUGGA (m/f, 8 lines)
LUGGA (m/f, 8 lines)
WOO-HOO (m/f, 8 lines)

ELVES (SONG)
KNUCKLES (m/f, 7 lines)
TINSEL (m/f, 8 lines)
MISTLETOE (m/f, 8 lines)
YULE (m/f, 8 lines)
PEPPERMINT (m/f, 8 lines)

MEE-TOO:  (m/f, 3 lines)

ROSIE the Christmas Reindeer (m/f, 42 lines total, SONG)
ROSIE #1 (m/f, 16 lines, SONG)
ROSIE #2 (m/f 11 lines)
ROSIE #3 (m/f 15 lines)

SANTA'S REINDEER
DASHER (m/f 12 lines)
DANCER (m/f 12 lines)
PRANCER (m/f, 11 lines)
VIXEN (m/f, 9 lines)
(Optional: COMET, CUPID, DONNER, BLITZEN)

SANTA: (m, 25 lines)
MRS. CLAUS  (f, 3 lines)
ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN (m/f, 15 lines, SONG)

BROKEN TOYS
CHATTY Cathy (f, 3 lines)
TOY SOLDIER (m, 2 lines)
PLAY-DOH (m/f, 1 line, song)

POEM PERFORMERS
SNUG (m/f, 1 line)
FLASH (m/f, 1 line)
LIVELY (m/f, 1 line)
QUICK (m/f, 1 line)
TWINKLING (m/f, 1 line)
MERRY (m/f, 1 line)
CHERRY (m/f, 1 line)
WINKER (m/f, 1 line)
NOD (m/f, 1 line)
THISTLE (m/f, 1 line)


Easy to Adapt for Your School or Theatre!
Christmas Musical for Kids Twas the Night Before Christmas Play
Lighthouse Theatre Company,  Guntersville AL

The School Play Package gives you the rights to add characters, lines, songs.  You also have the rights to make a Video/DVD of your special performance.


'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
WHY IS THIS PLAY BEST FOR YOUR SCHOOL?

Written especially for young people to perform.
While you may find large cast plays from other publishers, most of those were originally written for adults or professional actors to perform. They often contain difficult dialogue, unfamiliar or complex language, and speeches too long for young children to memorize. They may even contain jokes, innuendos and subject matter that may not be appropriate for children.

Easy to understand and memorize.
Dialogue is simple, fresh, quick and humorous, keeping the action flowing without stops and starts between scenes. This keeps young people and young audiences engaged throughout the performance - no awkward pauses, no dead-time, no wiggles!

Everyone participates!
All children are involved throughout the performance. This builds confidence, promotes team spirit and eliminates rehearsal rowdiness. The audience is often asked to join in the fun, and action often spills into the aisles! All of our SCHOOL PLAYS give suggestions on how to divide up large parts (such as Dorothy in Wizard of Oz) among several performers so that no one child is the "star".

Familiar stories with upbeat endings.
The story line stays as close as possible to the familiar story the kids already know.  While some authors feel the need to "improve" the story, our SCHOOL PLAYS stay as close to the familiar narrative as possible, making it easier for children - and your audience - to understand.

Feel free to edit!  Go ahead and tape it!
Most publishers insist that no changes may be made to their scripts.  We know that your goal is to engage every child in the most meaningful way and that your needs are unique.  Cut, eliminate, re-assign lines, or add as much as you like!  Also, there are no restrictions on video tapes.  Parents want a tape or DVD to remember their child's big moment.   Go ahead and tape away!

"No one child is the star."
Twas the Niight Before Christmas Play Great roles for kids in playscript Abominable Snowman
Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott KS


'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
A NOTE FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT

In the past few years we've seen a tremendous increase of confidence in the teachers we hear from.  Most are finding it easier to let the process flow and worry less about the final product.  I firmly believe that the experience will be best for all when you keep a few things in mind:

Free yourself from worry about whether or not it's "good".  No one is paying big ticket prices; no one expects a Broadway success.  The key to making this project meaningful is to put the emphasis on process; realize that rehearsal and practice are as much a part of the experience as the actual performance.  Encourage fun and you will free the children from embarrassment and stress.  If the kids can't learn the lines let them carry a script or use their own words to convey the character's message.  If they seem to wander the stage, let them explore where they want to go - they might surprise you with a wonderful idea.  In every aspect of the process give them the wings to create and think.  Give them a comfortable, supportive place to go and their confidence and self-expression will soar!

Above all else, make sure you are having fun.  If you've never directed a play before, don't worry.  It's all just pretend -- you can't do it wrong!  The quality of your experience is every bit as important as that of the children.  You need the joy of self-expression too, that doesn't go away when we grow up.  So give yourself a break.  And when all else fails, laugh!

Thank you so much for choosing 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  I hope you and your young friends have as much fun performing this play as I did writing it.

- KSM

"Encourage fun and you will free the children."
Twas the night Before Christmas Play
Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott KS



'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
CD SOUNDTRACK CUES
Piano accompaniment to Christmas songs,
sound effects, background music.

The CD Soundtrack contains special sound effects and background music (public domain traditional Christmas songs) that may be used to greatly enhance the performance. It also contains simple music to accompany the performers and audience as they sing the Christmas songs in the play (song cues shown below in red). Cues have 10 seconds of silence at the end - times shown below include silence.
[ Click on [sample] to hear a short sample of the indicated cues ]

 1. MAGICAL SOUND  (0:18) [sample]

 2. DECK THE HALLS  (1:52) [sample]

 3. SAD VIOLIN  (1:01)

 4. SAD VIOLIN, IZZY'S LAMENT  (2:05) [sample]

 5. TRAIN SOUNDS (0:46)

 6. TRAIN, EXCITING MUSIC  (0:44) [sample]

 7. SANTA'S BAG-A-ROO  (1:27) [sample]

 8. OH LITTLE REINDEER THAT I AM  (1:13) [sample]

 9. TRAIN SOUNDS  (0:46)

 10. LOUSY CHRISTMAS  (0:56) [sample]

 11. TRANSITION, WINDY, SNOWY (0:53)

 12. JUST A BLOB  (0:59) [sample]

 13. WHIRLING, EXCITING MUSIC  (0:23)

 14. NOISY, CRAZY CHASE  (1:41) [sample]

 15. CHRISTMAS MORNING  (0:53)

 16. POEM BACKGROUND MUSIC  (5:02)
"A Visit from Saint Nicholas"

 17. POIGNANT, GENTLE MUSIC  (1:00)

 18. CURTAIN CALL (DECK THE HALLS)  (2:49) [sample]

 19. TRAIN EXIT (END SHOW)  (0:36)


Note: Some teachers choose familiar songs, obtain sheet music and insert these songs into the play.  We recognize that each school has a wide variety of educational needs to fulfill and we invite you to be creative in your use of our scripts; including changes or additions that are appropriate for your students. As author/publisher of our own creative works, we do ask that you obtain proper copyright permission for any additions you might make - that responsibility is up to you.

Music & Sound Resources Available on the Internet
( Sheet Music, Song Books, CDs, DVDs, Sing-along, Karaoke, Sound Effects )

Internet Music Resources: Karaoke CDs & Sheet Music
Christmas Musical Resources! Internet Resources for Christmas Music! Internet Resources for Christmas Songs! Christmas Music Resources! Christmas Music on the Internet!
Click to search Internet for karaoke cds or sheet music


'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
EASY SONGS
 USING FAMILIAR CHRISTMAS TUNES

DECK THE HALLS  (Performers and audience)

IZZY'S LAMENT  (IZZY)
To the tune of "Hark the Herald Angles Sing".

SANTA'S BAG-A-ROO  (ELVES)
To the tune of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".

OH, LITTLE REINDEER THAT I AM  (ROSIE)
To the tune of "O, Little Town".

LOUSY CHRISTMAS  (ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN)
To the tune of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".

JUST A BLOB  (PLAY-DOH)
To the tune of "O, Christmas Tree".

CD Soundtrack:  The CD contains simple piano music to accompany the singers for each of the songs.  If you wish to use a live band or piano to play the songs, you can skip the CD song music (cues 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, also possibly 18).  All of the songs use familiar Christmas tunes, so sheet  music or song books are readily available (some music teachers can even play these songs by heart).  You could also use the easy piano sheet music printed in the Teachers Guide.

Elves, Santa and Reindeer!
Children's Christmas Musical Play - Twas the Night Before Christmas Children's Christmas Musical Play - Twas the Night Before Christmas Children's Christmas Musical Play - Twas the Night Before Christmas
Hunua Elementary School, Papakura NZ

"We have just performed 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and everyone said it was our best show yet!  It was certainly the biggest cast I have had and it was a great success!"
Karen Dixon, Hunua Elementary School, Papakura NZ



'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
SCRIPT SAMPLE

Izzy has hitched a train ride to the North Pole.  But trouble is brewing in Santa's Workshop!
(Script pages 17-19)

TRAIN & IZZY:  Whoo-a-hoo!   Whoo-a-hoo!

IZZY:  Look out Santa!  Here I come!

TRAIN & IZZY:  Whoo-a-hoo!   Whoo-a-hoo!  (Repeat during exit.)

(TRAIN: ENGINEER, CHUGGA, LUGGA, and WOO-HOO chug out of sight, exiting behind audience.  ELVES enter, set up shop and begin to work, using hammers and other tools.

SOUND CUE #7:  "Santa's Bag-a-Roo" to the tune of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", intro and song.) 

ELVES: (Singing.)

Now here's a doll and there's a train
And little soldiers too
Paint them nice and cute and bright
And stick 'em all with glue
And turn the knob and oil the hinge
Like Santa's helpers do...

Oh, and put them all in Santa's bag-a-roo
Batteries too!
Oh, and put them all in Santa's bag-a-roo.

(ELVES work feverishly as PERFORMERS sing.)

PERFORMERS:  (Singing.)

They've got a plan, they've got a course
They've got a job to do.
Fix 'em up and make 'em work
And make 'em shine like new
Create the toys for everyone
For worthy kids like you...

(SOUND CUE BREAK: Has 2 seconds of silence for following line.)

MEE-TOO: And me!

(SOUND CUE RESUMES.)

PERFORMERS:  (Singing.)

Oh, and put them all in Santa's bag-a-roo
Hurry up too!
Oh, and put them all in Santa's bag-a-roo.

(SOUND CUE ENDS.)

KNUCKLES: Listen up, elves.  Christmas is almost here and production is down, way down.  I got orders from the very top, the big guy himself.  

ELVES:  (Breathless awe.)  Santa!

KNUCKLES:  We need more, more, more!  What will Billy Wilson say when his toy train isn't under the tree?

(ELVES gasp!)

TINSEL:   And what about  Gary's Gameboy?

MISTLETOE:  Nathan's Nintendo!

YULE:  Madison's Megazoids!

PEPPERMINT:  Or Shawanna's Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia Elina Doll with removable fairy wings and other accessories?

KNUCKLES:  Shawanna's what?  (Slaps his forehead.)  This job gets harder every year.   (To TINSEL.)  What do you call this?

TINSEL:  My Little Pony.

KNUCKLES: (To MISTLETOE.)  And this?

MISTLETOE:  My Little Potato Head.

(KNUCKLES pulls the nose off Potato Head.)

KNUCKLES:  These toys are defective!  They're scratch and dents. 

YULE:  But sir, Mr. Knuckles, sir.  We made them to your specifications.  I've got the blueprints right here!

KNUCKLES:  (Takes blueprints and wads them up.)  You read them wrong, then!  These toys are simply no good!  The only thing we can do...

(KNUCKLES holds toy as if to throw it.  ELVES draw their breath and recoil in horror!)

PEPPERMINT:  No!

TINSEL:  Not out the window!

MISTLETOE:  Not that!  Anything but that!

YULE:  Please, Knuckles, I beg you!

(KNUCKLES throws.  PERFORMERS use slide or siren whistle to accompany the toy's trip through the air.   ROSIE suddenly appears and catches them.   She is outside the window and cannot be seen by the ELVES.   ELVES are devastated.)

PEPPERMINT:  (Throwing herself across the bench.)  Oh, the humanity!

Twas the Night Before Christmas - Christmas Play for Kids to Perform! Twas the Night Before Christmas - Children's Christmas Musical Play! Large Cast Christmas Musical for Kids - Twas the Night Before Christmas
Flagship Theatre, Dothan, AL


Note: This is a sample from the actual script.  To review the entire play, order the PERUSAL SCRIPT (online instant download). Or to save 20% on the full production kit and royalty for one performance, order the SCHOOL PLAY PACKAGE (below) and start rehearsals today!

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