Please feel free to copy and use the play and songs. I
only ask that you let me know that you are and that you include the personal
information at the top of the play.
I'd love to see some
photos from your performance - so please email me a few.
Esther-May & the Shushan Hillbillies
Story & Song Lyrics by
Curtis & Carolyn
828-241-2233
with some comedic lines from the original TV Series
NARRATOR: It’s
sometimes called the Feast of Lots … often called the Feast of
Esther … but is usually called the Feast of Purim.
Esther 9:28 These days should be remembered and observed
in every generation by every family, and in every province, and
in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be
celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out
among their descendants.
The Shushan-Hillbillies
Tune: The Beverly Hillbillies Theme
Lyrics: Curtis
Come and listen to my story about a Jew named Mordechai,
Who worked really hard, barely kept his family fed,
Then one day after kicking out the Queen,
His cousin Esther-May was summoned to the King.
Well the first thing you know Esther-May was living there,
Everyone said, “Mordechai, move in with her”,
Said, “Shushan-Hills is the place you ought to be”
But Haman hated him - and all his family.
Spoken: Jews, that is! Hated them! Really Bad!
Well, Esther knew fer sure to the palace she’d been sent,
She went before the King, even knowing what it meant,
Then the next day after she spoke to the King,
Haman was hung – that’s what he gets for being mean.
NARRATOR: I’m here tonight to tell you a story – a very
old story. It’s the story of a beautiful Jewish girl. Let me
tell you a little about the characters in our story tonight.
(Esther-May
walks into to Mordechai Home) This is Esther-May
Mordechai, a beautiful Jewish girl -with a destiny - but she
doesn't know it. Without a
mother, however, she’s become a bit of a tom-boy. She can out
run, out climb, and out fight any boy for miles around.
She's never thought much about getting married - but that's
about to change.
Esther-May: My family and friends
call me Esther-May. If I was a living in Eretz Israel (the land
of Israel), I’d be called Hadassah, but in Persia-Media you have
to be careful not to let just “anyone” know that you’re
Jewish, so I’m just called Esther-May. After the death of my
parents, my uncle Jed, Jedediah Mordechai, and my Granny took me in
and raised me, along with my cousin, Jethro. Jed’s not really
my uncle, he’s really my cousin, too, but because of his age,
and my love and respect for him, I call him “Uncle Jed”.
NARRATOR: (Mordechai walks into to
Mordechai Home carrying a stuffed dog - and sits in a chair) This is Esther-May’s uncle, the Jew, Jedediah Mordechai. He was exiled from
Israel by King Nebuchadnezzar years ago. Jed is a godly man and
often sits by the gates of the city, talking with everyone he
sees about Yahweh and the Torah. He’s wise and well respected
by all.
Jedediah Mordechai: (High Pitched)Well – doggies! Hey there, folks!
(Puts dog down beside of table) Sit Duke!
(Speaking to audience)Yes, I’m Jewish. I’m
Jedediah Mordechai, of the Tribe of Benjamin. We Jews have
never asked for trouble, but HaShem, Blessed be His Name, seems
to continually bless us with an ample supply. Life can be hard
here in Persia-Media. We’re up before sunrise eatin’ breakfast
– feedin’ the critters and in the fields by sun-up – home,
supper and in bed just as soon as it turns dark. Life is harsh
– but with family – and the good Lord on our side – we always
manage.
NARRATOR:[Granny's
Theme: "Long Long Ago"] (Granny
walks into to Mordechai Home – goes up to the table and begins
stirring a pot) This is Esther-May’s Granny,
Daisy Mo’she. As you’ll see, Granny is a feisty little Jewish
grandmother – born Daisy Mo’she about 75 years ago – even able
to trace her lineage all the way back to the original Mo’she
(Moses). She’s “proud” to be a Mo’she
(Moses). She's "proud" to be a Mo'she – and for such a little
woman, she’s got an awful big heart.
[Fade
Music]
Granny: (Singing to Beverly Hillbillies tune
& stirring pot)
“I’m gonna cook me up a rabbit stew,
Soon as Jethro fetches me a few,
Then we all sit down at the table,
& we’ll eat and eat until we ain’t able.
NARRATOR: (Jethro
walks into to Mordechai Home carrying a single log for the fire
– places it on the floor under the table ) Jethro
Bodine moved in with the family at the same time as Esther-May –
helping out with chores in the field – chopping wood – whatever
is needed. He’s strong as an ox and twice as handsome.
He even graduated "5th" grade at the Yeshiva Hebrew School For
Boys.
Granny: ( Speaking to Jethro in a
stern voice)You know, Jethro, you could get that fire wood in the
cabin a lot quicker if you carried more than one log at
a time! Why don’t you try usein’ your head for thinkin’!
Jethro: Ah, shucks, Granny! I have tried! It hurts!
Jedediah Mordechai: ( Speaking to Jethro)Leave the boy alone , Granny, he gets it done – it
just takes a little longer sometimes. Do a little ciphering for
these nice folks, Jethro, so they can see how smart you are.
Jethro:
1 plus 1 is 2. (holding up 1
finger on each hand) 2 plus 2 is 4.
(holding up 2 fingers on each hand) 4 plus 4 is 8.
(holding up 4 fingers on each hand)
(PAUSE)
Jethro: If I’m gonna cipher any higher, I’m gonna have
to take off my shoes. (Starts
to take off shoes)
Jedediah Mordechai:That’s good enough, boy! We believe you. (High Pitched) Well –
doggies! It’s hard to believe he’s only had a 5th
grade education.
NARRATOR: (King Dash-u-erus walks into
the palace and sits on his throne) This is King
Dash-u-erus! You should recognize him even from afar …
movie-star good looks ... and he knows it. Notice the noble chin,
deep set eyes and the beautiful “hair”. He’s “REALLY” popular
in Shushan-Hills - especially with the girls. All the nobles love him,
too! But I’ll let
you in on a little secret…he’s not really of “royal” blood.
(Whispering)He
“bought” his position, so they say….he used to be in the theatre
– an “actor”. Can you believe it?
King Dash-u-erus has chosen
Shushan-Hills as his capital because of the Jewish craftsmen who
live there. He wants a palace modeled after that of the Jewish
King, Solomon.
King Dash-u-erus:
(King takes off his sunglasses
as he enters) (As if speaking on stage to a
large audience & lifting his hand toward the sky) “To be
or not to be – that is the question!”
(Regular
voice) Yeah! Yeah! So
I had humble beginnings! But look at me now! With a
face like this, I ought to be king - the King of Shushan-Hills
and all of Persia Media.
NARRATOR:This is King Dash-u-erus’ wife, Miss Vashti-Jane
Hathaway Nebuchadnezzar. She’s the one with royal blood - from the family of
King Nebuchadnezzar…she’s his granddaughter. King Dash-u-erus’
only real claim to the throne stems from Vashti-Jane, and they
both know this very well.
(Whispering)
She continually reminds him of it, too.
He married her thinking she would add validity to his kingship.
(Vashti-Jane walks into the palace
and sits at her table)
Miss Vashti-Jane Hathaway:
(With a sophisticated “uppity” voice & attitude)
Having been raised in the palace, it’s unquestionable that I’m
the more educated of the two of us. The more sophisticated. I
am Vashti-Jane Hathaway Nebuchadnezzer. I could have taken the
King’s last name when we were married – but my Grandfather was
King Nebuchadnezzar – and I want people to remember that I’m the
“Queen” of Persia Media - and where I came from.
I'm a Nebuchadnezzar! And incidentally
– I’m the one with all the real power anyway.
NARRATOR:That's what she thinks!
NARRATOR: (Haman Drysdale walks into the bank
and picks up some money off of the table) Thisfellow is someone you’ll want to keep your eye
on! He’s not to be trusted. His name - Haman Drysdale!
(Pause for Boos & Hisses)
Haman runs the
Commerce Bank ofShushan-Hill - but I don’t think he’s honest. His 401K
keeps growing and growing – but everyone else seems to be losing
money. Hmmmm!
He’s from the
nation of Amalek. Maybe you remember when the Jews left Egypt
and were crossing the wilderness…they had to fight against the
people of Amalek. As long as Moses hands were raised, the
Children of Israel prevailed, so Aaron and Hur held up Moses’
arms and they defeated the people of Amalek.
Later the Prophet
Samuel told King Saul to smite Amalek and utterly destroy all
the men, women, children, and cattle…everything. (1Samuel
15:3) Well… King Saul didn’t listen! But that’s another
story.
This Haman
Drysdale is an Agagite, an Amalekite, of the descendants of Agag.
Does that tell you anything? We’d be wise if we always listened
to HaShem!! Haman Drysdale has 10 schmuck sons, just as evil
as himself!
Haman Drysdale:
Money, money, money! I just “love” money! You can never have
too much. The problem here in Persia-Media is that those stingy
Jews are so frugal and they hold on to their money. They spend
it wisely and I haven’t figured out a way of getting my hands on
it. But mind you, I will! You’re not Jewish are you? …I just
can’t stand those Jews!
NARRATOR: (Zeresh Drysdale walks into
the bank) Let’s move on…This is Haman’s wife,
Zeresh Drysdale. They say she’s much smarter than her
husband…comes from a snooty eastern tribe. She enjoys Haman’s
ill-gotten gains and insists on being spoiled and petted and
pampered!
Zeresh Drysdale: Yes, I’m
Zeresh Drysdale, the “young” wife of Haman and mother of his 10
wonderful and oh-so-handsome sons. I was “very” young when we got married – just a girl.
Haman Drysdale: (Speaking to Zeresh)
Do what?
You’re older than that, my dear!
Zeresh Drysdale: I happen to be on the sunny side of 25.
Haman Drysdale:Well, honey, move into the shade – You’re drying up
something awful!
NARRATOR: (Sonny Drysdale enters the band) This
is Sonny Drysdale - their youngest son.
Sonny Drysdale:
(In a snooty uppity voice) Oh, mum-zie!
I can't find my jacket. I've got a date and I want to look
my best. Have you seen it?
Zeresh Drysdale: Here it is, my darling. It's
on mum-zie's table (Handing
Sonny the jacket)
SonnyDrysdale: Oh, mum-zie, do you mind if I borrow
the family camel. I really want to impress my date with
the fact that we've got - MONEY!
Zeresh Drysdale: Of course you can, snook-ems!
Anything else you need, you just ask mum-zie! (Sonny leaves the bank and stands
out of sight)
NARRATOR: (Ravenswood enters
the palace carrying a tray and stands beside the king’s throne) We also have with us tonight one of the King’s
personal servants, Ravenswood, the Butler.
NARRATOR: Now, let's get on with the rest of
our story. This
is
what happened in the days of
King Dash-u-erus, who ruled over 127 provinces from India to
Ethiopia. King Dash-u-erus gave a banquet for all his
nobles and officials. The military
leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the
provinces were all present. The king gave a 7-day banquet for
all the people who lived in Shushan-Hills.
(Haman enters the palace and
stands beside the throne)
Vashti-Jane also gave a banquet for
the women in the royal palace.
King Dash-u-erus: Ravenswood, bring Queen Vashti-Jane
to the banquet wearing her royal crown, in order to display her
beauty to the people and nobles. Have her to bring one of those
books she’s so fond of have her to read some poetry to my nobles
and princes.
Ravenswood: Yes sir! (Bows slightly and walks to Vashti-Jane)
NARRATOR:
So Ravenswood went to Vashti-Jane Hathaway and said…
Ravenswood: The king desires that you
attend his banquet. He wants you to read poetry to his nobles
and princes so that they can see your great intelligence – as
well as your beauty.
Miss Vashti-Jane Hathaway: He does – does he? I’m not a common gutter-snipe that he can
command! I’m the granddaughter of the greatest King of all
times. King Dash-u-erus was a common actor – tell him to read
poetry to the nobles and princes himself. He ought to be
good for something! I'm NOT coming!
Ravenswood: Yes, ma'am, But he’ll not be happy!
Miss Vashti-Jane Hathaway: Then, tell him I’m busy. Tell
him I’ve got to wash my hair. Tell him I’m sick – that’s it!
Got the swine flu and he doesn’t want to be around me – that I’m
contagious! Who does he think he is,
anyway?
NARRATOR: So, Queen Vashti-Jane
Hathaway refused to go before the King as he had requested.
(Ravenswood returns to the
King and bows slightly)
King Dash-u-erus: She said
what? I might have been an actor – but I was anything but
COMMON! I was EXTRAORDINARY! She's got the nerver! What
will the nobles think? How will they respect me if my wife
doesn’t?
Haman Drysdale:If
I may be so bold, your manesty … It seems to me that Queen
Vashti-Jane has made a fool of the King.
Rumors are already spreading and there is much talk in the
palace. All the women are going to hear about the queen’s
conduct, and they will soon be acting the same way with “their”
husbands. There will be no end of disrespect and discord in all
of Shushan-Hills. Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him
issue a royal decree which cannot be repealed, that Vashti-Jane
Hathaway is never again to enter the presence of King Dash-u-erus
- a decree which cannot be repealed.
Sonny Drysdale:You
should also give her royal position to someone else.
Choose someone who is smarter, younger and better looking than
she is - someone like my mum-zie!
Haman Drysdale:Someone
who knows how to listen to her husband's wishes, your majesty!
King Dash-u-erus: Well
(pause), I suppose I do need to do something. Haman, tell Queen Vashti-Jane Hathaway
Nebuchadnezzar that she’s no
longer welcome in Shushan-Hills. …and see to it that she gets
out of the palace – immediately!
King Dash-u-erus: Ravenswood…
Ravenswood: Yes sire! (Bows slightly)
King Dash-u-erus: Have all the “young and beautiful”
women brought before me!
(Haman escorts Vashti-Jane out
of the palace and drives her out of the kingdom) (Haman &
Sonny return to the bank)
Haman
Drysdale & Vashti-Jane Hathaway
Vashti's Lament
Tune: The
Beverly Hillbillies Them - Minor Key Lyrics: Curtis & Carolyn
Now Vashti should have
listened
When the King he summoned her
But now because of choices made
She's constantly in fear
Packing up her bags
And from the palace she must go
Living now in exile
For all the world to know.
(Ravenswood walks out of the
palace – facing audience - holding sign “Send Beautiful Girls”)
Ravenswood: All young, smart
and beautiful girls living in Persia-Media are to report to the
King’s harem in his Shushan-Hills palace. The girl who pleases
the king will be queen instead of Vashti-Jane Hathaway.
(Ravenswood bows slightly and
returns to the palace and his place beside the king’s throne)
NARRATOR: Now the word went forth in all of
Persia-Media about the de-throning of Queen Vashti-Jane Hathaway
– and eventually the word even reached the ears of Jed
Mordechai.
(Granny & Esther-May exit &
goes behind house - Ravenswood goes to the Mordechai home)
Jedediah
Mordechai: Well doggies! (Extending right hand to shake hands
with Ravenswood) Nice
to meet you Mr. Ravenswood!
Ravenswood:(Not accepting Jed’s handshake)
I understand that there
is a beautiful young woman living in your home.
Jedediah
Mordechai: Yep, she’s my cousin, Esther-May.
She calls me Uncle, but I suppose that's 'cause she's head
Jethro call me Uncle. What’s your interest in her?
Ravenswood:(Showing the King’s decree)She’ll need to pack her things and
report to the palace of King Dash-u-erus. (Ravenswood bows slightly – hands
Jed a golf ball and returns to the side of the King’s throne)
Granny:(Granny enters Mordechai
home & speaks to Jed)Who was that, Jed?
Jedediah
Mordechai:That was King Dash-u-erus’ butler,
Ravenswood. The king is looking for a new queen and has decreed
that all the single women in Persia-Media report to his palace
in Shushan-Hills. It seems that Esther-May’s gonna have to go,
too.
Granny: Well, she can’t go, Jed! It ain’t proper for a single
girl to go and live with him there in his palace.
Jedediah
Mordechai:Where is Esther-May?
Granny: She’s out back with her critters.
(Esther-May enters the
Mordechai house carrying an animal on her shoulders)
Jedediah
Mordechai:Esther-May, the king’s butler was
here, and he says you need to report to the palace. Seems the
King is looking for a new wife.
Esther-May:But I don't want to
live in the palace, Uncle Jed … or be the new Queen. I
enjoy my life here with you, Uncle Jed, - and Granny & Jethro.
Jedediah
Mordechai:I’m
sure you do, Esther-May … and I feel the same. But
Adonai
seems to have other plans for your life.
Esther-May:Do ‘ya think I should
really go?
Jedediah
Mordechai:How can
you even ask, Esther-May? We’re 8 miles from our nearest
neighbor – overrun with skunks, coyotes & bobcats. We use oil
lamps for lights. We cook on a woodstove summer and winter. We
drink homemade moonshine and wash with homemade lye soap. And
our bathroom is 50 ft from the house and you ask me should you
go?
Esther-May:Yeah, I reckon you’s right. (Pause) A girl would
have to be a fool to leave all of this!
Jedediah
Mordechai:No,
No! You
misunderstood me, Esther-May. I think ‘ya should go. We
don’t have a choice about ‘ya going to the palace – but I didn’t
hear anyone say you had to come by yerself. Granny and Jethro
will go with you. We’ve always knowed everybody back home -
just who to trust - but we need to be kerful in Shushan-Hills.
Jethro: (Standing Up) Are we all gonna go and live with them, Uncle Jed?
Jedediah
Mordechai:Only
Esther-May, Granny and you, Boy. I’ll have to stay here – at
least for now.
Granny: I’m not going to Shushan-Hills, Jed!
Jedediah
Mordechai:Why Not?
Granny: If the Lord
had wanted me in Shushan-Hills, He’d have put me there.
Jedediah
Mordechai:Well, maybe He’s just now getting around to it.
People say the Lord moves in mysterious ways.
Granny:
Well, if He moves me, I’ll go – but you and Jethro
ain’t a budging me.
Jedediah
Mordechai:You can run your still year round in Shushan-Hills.
Granny: I run it year round now.
Jedediah Mordechai:Yeah, but you know how miserable you are
walking all the way to the still in the snow – and how it makes
you feel so poorly.
Granny:Well, I might feel miserable walking down to the
still, but the way I feels coming back makes up for it. (a little mischievous giggle)
Jedediah
Mordechai:Shushan-Hills
sounds like a place you’d like, Granny. The King’s butler,
Ravenswood, says they’ve got golfs out there.
Granny: (Pause) Golfs? What a golf?
Jedediah
Mordechai:I’m not
sure. He said practically everybody in Shushan-Hills shoots
golf. But as near as I can figure it, they must be some kind of
small chicken. Here’s one of their eggs. (Holding up golf ball)
Granny: (taking golf ball from Jed
and banging it on the table)Why, land’s sake, this shell’s as hard as a rock!
(puts golf ball back in
basket)
Jethro: Do you reckon
they’ll have grits and rabbit stew at the palace? …maybe some
mustard greens, salted-down goat belly, and pickled eggs?
Granny: You got the
biggest appetite, boy! All you ever think about is food!
Jethro: I can’t help
it, Granny! I’m hungry!
Granny: You’re always hungry. (Grabbing Jethro by the elbow)
…and those pants! Land-sakes, boy, you’ve
almost outgrown ‘em!
Jedediah Mordechai:Mr. Ravenswood told me that Jethro could go to the
Potts School when he's out there.
Granny: Potts
School? Well, He'll be learning a good trade.
Everyone can always use another good pot.
Jedediah Mordechai:I don't think it's that king of school. (Pause) Granny, Elly
needs you there.
Granny:OK – I’ll go. I'll just take this with
me! (Picking up the Moonshine
Jar) Esther-May might need it.
Jedediah Mordechai:I heard that those city-folk behave a bit different
than we do, Jethro. I’ll need you to keep an eye out for
Esther-May and your Granny.
Granny:Jed, Ester-May does a great job with churnin’, lye-makin’ & corn
huskin’, but she's never been too good at cookin’.
Jedediah Mordechai:I don't think that King Dash-u-erus is gonna be
interested in her cookin’ anyway.
Esther-May:They say they don’t have no winter in Shushan-Hills –
no snow and ice. Remember last winter when Granny slipped on
the ice and broke her hip?
Jedediah Mordechai:Yeah, she was limpin’ around for 2 days.
Granny:Jethro, How come there’s no ice in Shushan-Hills?
Jethro: (Whining) I don’t know,
Granny! I didn’t take it!
Jethro: Do you think
King Dash-u-erus with have "flaming desire" for Esther-May when he
sees her?
Esther-May:What’s flaming desire, Uncle Jed?
Jedediah Mordechai:Ah-h-h!
(Pause)Granny
will explain that to you when you get out there.
Granny: You’re sure expectin’ a lot from my memory! (slight chuckle; puts on hat and
grabs jug)
Jethro: Granny,
Can your rheumatiz medicine cure rheumatiz?
Granny: I can't say it would cure it, but it sure does make
having it a pure pleasure!
Jedediah Mordechai:Esther-May, go pack yer best courtin’ clothes.
You’re headin’ for Shushan-Hills!
(Esther-May hugs Jed & grabs
suitcase. She, Jethro & Granny get in car and Jethro drives to
palace)
Moving To Shushan-Hills
Tune:
The Beverly Hillbillies Them - 1 Verse Lyrics: Curtis
So they loaded up the truck
And they moved to Shushan-Hills
The city and the palace
Were full of fancy frills
But Esther had a secret
That the palace didn't know
Her heart belonged to Adonai
In His presence she'd often go.
NARRATOR:
After the king’s edict had
been proclaimed, many girls were brought to Shushan, including
Esther-May. Esther-May had not revealed her nationality and
family background, because Jed Mordechai had forbidden her to do
so. (Jethro
parks truck)
(Esther-May, Granny & Jethro
to Esther’s Room - Jethro takes off coat, Granny takes off
her hat)
Before a girl’s
turn came to go in to King Dash-u-erus, she had to complete 12
months of beauty treatments, and then she would be invited to
the King’s chambers. In the evening she would go there and in
the morning return to another part of the King’s harem for the
concubines. She would not return to the king unless he was
pleased with her and summoned her by name. (Esther puts on alternate
"fancy" clothing over jeans & shirt)
King Dash-u-erus:(Looking around the
corner at Esther-May and speaking to Ravenswood) WOW, Ravenswood! Who is that Babe?
Ravenswood: Oh! Very
good choice, Sir! That’s Esther-May Mordechai. We
don’t know very much about her, but she is pleasant to the eyes,
isn’t she, sire?
King Dash-u-erus:
Pleasant indeed! Very pleasant! She’s as good looking as I am!
NARRATOR: (Esther goes to the throne
room and stands beside of the throne) The King was attracted to Esther-May
more than to any of the other women, and so she won his favor.
He set a royal crown on her head, making her queen instead of
Vashti-Jane.
(King Dash-u-erus places throne on Esther-May)
Jethro: (Still in Esther-May’s room but
looking at her in the throne room)
Granny, Esther-May is turning into quite a city-lady
and I think she’s really fallen for that city-fella!
Granny:Yep!They’ve hit it off like two barn owls on a branch.
I’m happier for her than a gopher in soft dirt. Let
me add a little prayer - just to make sure it works out. "Darkin',
Dalin', Esther-s trud love, Keep a swoopin' like a dove. Amen!"
(Granny sits in rocker)
NARRATOR:
One day while Jedediah Mordechai was browsing at the
Persia-Media Shouk, he overheard two of the king’s cooks who
were conspiring to assassinate King Dash-u-erus. When Jedediah
Mordechai found out about the plot, he told Queen Esther-May,
who reported it to the king, giving credit to Jed Mordechai. When
the report was investigated and found to be true, the two
officials were hanged on a gallows.
NARRATOR:
It was sometime after that
when King Dash-u-erus decided to honor Haman Drysdale, elevating
him and giving him a seat of honor higher than all the other
nobles and princes. He even made him President of the Commerce
Bank of Shushan Hills
Sonny Drysdale:
Oh, Mum-zie! Guess who has been elevated to the number one seat
of power in all the entire kingdom – just under the king, of course?
Haman Drysdale:
I can speak for myself, boy. Don't go and spoil all my
surprises.
Zeresh
Drysdale: Really? You
finally did it! You convinced that fool of a king to make you
his number one nobleman - and bank president! How wonderful! Oh, I see the good
life just around the corner for me – I mean “us”. There’s
nothing we can’t have! There’s nothing we can’t do! You just
wait till I see my mother! She said you’d never amount to
anything! … and now you can get your hands on “all” of his money!
Haman Drysdale:
Yes, my sweets, it’s time we got the respect and honor we
deserve. Let me go. I’m heading back to the palace – and I’ll
bask in my new-found power on the way! This is gonna be great!
(Haman walks by the Kings
palace and Ravenswood bows down then returns to the side of the
throne. Haman continues walking to Mordechai’s home and pauses
there)
NARRATOR: All the royal officials at the king’s
gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman Drysdale, as the king
had commanded. But Jedediah Mordechai would not kneel down or
pay him honor. When Haman saw that Mordechai would not kneel
down or pay him honor, he was enraged.
Haman Drysdale:(Speaking to
Mordechai) Why aren’t
you bowing to me? Don’t you know who I am?
Jedediah Mordechai:Yep! I know who you are.
Your reputation and greed are well known in these here parts.
Haman Drysdale:
Then stop being insolent and bow down before me!
Haman Drysdale:(Getting
Louder) King Dash-u-erus has commanded it! I’m the President of the
Commerce Bank of Shushan Hills.
Jedediah
Mordechai:I do not want to be
disrespectful to the King, but I won’t bow before anyone except
Adonai. God should strike me dead first, should I EVER bow to
you! Yes, I know who you are, but I’m Jedediah Mordechai, the
Jew, and I bow before no one but Adonai.
(Enraged Haman stomps off and returns to the palace)
NARRATOR: Haman Drysdale was furious! He looked
for a way to destroy Jedediah Mordechai and all of his people,
the Jews.
Haman Drysdale:King Dash-u-erus.
There is a group of people scattered among the peoples in your
kingdom whose customs are different from those of our people and
who do not obey the king’s laws. These “hill” folk are vermin –
many of them are “Jews” – and the very cause of every woe that
has come upon us all! They're stingy and won't use the
Royal Bank either. If it pleases the king, let a decree be
issued to destroy them. They’re worthless people … and they have
UGLY daughters!
King Dash-u-erus:
Ugly daughters? Really? But that doesn’t sound like enough of
a reason to destroy them all. …even if they do have ugly
daughters. Not everyone can be as handsome as me!
Haman Drysdale:
Trust me – if you don’t put an end to this group of people,
they’re gonna put a strain on the bank – and the kingdom – and
you’ll regret it in the long run.
King Dash-u-erus:OK! I’ll go along
with your plan, Haman. I’ll give you the
signet ring from my finger. Do with these people as you
please…especially the UGLY ones. (King
hands Haman the signet ring)
Haman Drysdale:
We will send out dispatches with the order to destroy, kill and
annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and little
children—on a single day. I’ve just cast the “pur”, and the 13th
day of the 12th month, the month of Adar, is the
chosen day to kill the Jews and to plunder their goods. I should
have thought of this sooner. (Haman
returns to the Bank)
(Ravenswood carries sign
around audience, “Kill the
Jews” )
Mordechai's Lament
Tune:
The Beverly Hillbillies Them - Minor Key Lyrics: Curtis
& Carolyn
Mordechai had saved the King
Yet several months had past,
Now sending word to Esther-May
The time had come to fast,
If she would heed the voice of God
Her people could be saved,
Keeping all Jews living there
From going to the grave.
NARRATOR:
When Jedediah Mordechai learned of
what Haman had done, he sat down – started thinking and
whittling. (Jethro goes
back to Jed Mordechai’s house) Esther-May heard what Jedediah
Mordechai was doing, and she sent Jethro to find out why.
Jedediah
Mordechai:Jethro, that evil Haman
Drysdale has made plans to have all the Jews killed on the 13th
day of Adar. I been studying on it and think I’ve got it
figured out. Tell Esther-May that she
must go into the King’s presence to beg for mercy.
She must plead for
her people.
Jethro: Won’t that be dangerous for her,
Uncle Jed, – to
approach King Dash-u-erus without his requesting her to come
into his presence? She could be put to death if he doesn't
extend his scepter to her.
Jedediah Mordechai:It might be dangerous, boy, – but
there’s no doubt that Adonai has placed her in the palace
for a reason.
Jethro: I’ll tell her, Uncle Jed.
I'll be sure she receives your message.
(Jethro goes back to
Esther-May’s room)
Jethro:
Esther-May, Haman Drysdale is plannin’ to have all the Jews
killed and Uncle Jed says that ya’ gotta go into the King’s
presence to beg for mercy and plead for our people.
Granny:(Speaking to Jethro)
Pid-e-ful, Pid-e-ful! I’ve seen Haman at the
Shouk. He’s got a temper that goes off like that (Snaps fingers) and
turns real nasty. Haman is as orn'ry as a mud-wasp in a dry
gourd. The first time he looks down on me, I’m gonna chuck him
into the cement pond!
I knows a little bit about Haman’s wife,
too. When it comes to society, Zeresh was the first hog at the
trough. That’s not the way she was raised, though. Her family
was too poor to paint and to proud to white-wash.
Esther May:
You know that any man or woman who approaches the king in the
inner court without being summoned will be put to death, Granny.
The only exception is for the king to extend the gold scepter to
him, or her, and spare their life. Thirty days have
passed since I was last called to go to King Dash-u-erus.
I don't know what to do, Granny. What if Ha-Shem doesn't
speak to me about how to approach the King?
Granny:(Granny sits in her
rocker, Esther-May and Jethro stand beside her)
Adonai always speaks,
child. The question is, are you listenin'? Do not think,
Esther-May, that because we’re in the king’s house that we will
escape. We’s about as helpless as a lamb in an alligator
filled swamp. If you remain silent
at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from
another place, but our family will perish. And who knows but
that the good Lord put ya here in this royal position for this
here time?
Jethro:
Can’t we just tell Haman that we’s Jewish and ask him not to do
this evil thing he’s got planned?
Granny:
Boy, you’re like a big ole skyscraper - with an
unfinished penthouse. It appears to me that you’re 2 bricks shy
of a full load.
Esther May:
We shorely need a heap-big miracle, Granny! Gather together all the
Jews who are in Shushan-Hills, and fast for me. When this is
done, I will go to the king - even though it is against the law.
And if I perish, I perish. May Ha'Shem give me favor.
Granny:
God’s greatest pleasure is making miracles from the dust of our
despair; I will pray for a miracle, child.
(Esther-May
gets on her knees and put s hands together as if praying -
Granny & Jethro stand beside her)
Esther-May
Mordechai
The
Shushan Hillbillies, Pt. 2 Tune: Beverly Hillbillies Theme - 1 Verse Lyrics: Myrl
Peeler
Here' more of the story
About the Jewess Esther-May
When Haman sought to kill the Jews
She really saved the day.
She approached the King
Though it could have meant her death
She perhaps became a queen
For such a time as this.
(SPOKEN)
Mordechai said so ...
And he wouldn't steer her wrong.
NARRATOR:
So Jedediah Mordechai, Granny & Jethro carried out all of
Esther-May’s instructions. All the Jews in Shushan-Hills fasted
and prayed for her.
(Esther-May puts on best
clothes and goes into the
palace)
On the third day,
Esther-May put on her finest royal robes and stood in the inner
court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. When the king
saw Queen Esther-May standing in the court, he was pleased with
her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand.
So Esther-May approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
(Esther-May bows - then stands
up straight)
King Dash-u-erus:
Esther-May, why are you here? What do you want? I’ll give you
anything - up to half of the kingdom!
Esther May:
Your Majesty, my husband, if you’re pleased with me, if
you truly love me, come today to a banquet I have
prepared for you … and bring Haman Drysdale, too.
King Dash-u-erus:
A banquet, really? I’d love to come. I’ll contact Haman at the
bank – I know he’ll want to come, too.
(Esther-May, King Dash-u-erus &
Haman go to Esther’s room.)
NARRATOR:
So the king and Haman Drysdale went to the banquet Esther-May
had prepared.
Granny:(Speaking to herself &
Looking at Haman as he walks past her)
Pid-e-ful, Pid-e-ful!
(Granny & Jethro move to the
back part of Esther-May's room) (Granny sits in her rocker)
King Dash-u-erus:
OK, Esther-May, we’re here. Now, how can I please
you? I will
give you anything you desire. What do you want? Even up to half
the kingdom. Just name it and it’s yours.
Esther May:
That's not what I want. If you
really love me … if I have your favor, come again tomorrow,
along with Haman, to another banquet I will prepare for you. Then I will
answer your question.
(Haman goes to the bank – the
King returns to the palace)
NARRATOR:Haman Drysdale went
out that day happy and in high spirits. He returned to the bank
where Zeresh was waiting for him – along with a number of his
friends and his 10 sons. Haman boasted to them about his vast
wealth, his many sons -- he had 10 of them -- and all the ways
the king had honored him & how he had elevated him above the
other nobles and princes in Persia-Media. Finally, he turned to
Zeresh and said…
Haman Drysdale:
OK, my little lamb-chop, it you’re gonna keep up with me as I
move further and further into the King’s good graces, you’re
gonna have to spruce up a little bit. You’re getting a little
old, my dear.
Zeresh Drysdale: Old? I told you I'm on the sunny side of 25!
Sonny Drysdale:I think you look beautiful, mum-xie!
Zeresh Drysdale: I happen to think I still look pretty good, too. I’ve
got the figure of a young girl.
Haman Drysdale:
Well, you’d better give it back before you stretch it out
any more.
Zeresh Drysdale: Haman, You
took me for better or worse when we got married!
Haman Drysdale:Yeah, I keep reminding myself about that. (Speaking to himself)
I just didn’t know that “worse” could get this bad!
Zeresh Drysdale: So, tell me exactly what happened today, Haman!
Haman Drysdale:I’m not sure what’s
up with that servant of Queen Esther-May’s.
Zeresh Drysdale: Which one?
Haman Drysdale:
That feisty old woman – you know the one named Daisy Mo’she.
Eveyone calls her Granny.
Zeresh Drysdale: Why do you say
that?
Haman Drysdale:
Well, Granny shot at me as I was leaving the banquet.
Look at this hole in my hat!
(Haman
takes off hat and shows her the hole in it)
Sonny
Drysdale:No,
She shot at your hat. I know which one she is. If she’s shot at
you, there’d be a who in "you" instead of the hat.
Zeresh
Drysdale:Forget
about Granny. I don’t want to hear about her. I want to hear
about King Dash-u-erus and Queen Esther-May. Was it a
fancy party? Was the food really good?
Haman Drysdale:
It was wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! The food was magnificent.
And the wine was to die for! I was the only
person Queen Esther-May invited to accompany the king to the
banquet she gave, and she has invited me along with the king
again tomorrow. (Annoyed voice)
All this gives me no satisfaction, however, as
long as I see that Jew, Jedediah Mordechai, refusing to bow to
me.
Zeresh
Drysdale: Then
just get rid of him! Have a gallows built and in the morning
ask the king to have Jedediah Mordechai hanged on it. Then go
with the king to the dinner at Queen Esther-May's - and be happy.
NARRATOR:
This suggestion delighted Haman Drysdale, and he had the gallows
built…right outside of his own house.
NARRATOR:
Some people never learn!
(Gallows is constructed)
NARRATOR:
That night the king could
not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles of his reign
to be brought to him. (King
is sitting on his throne)
Ravenswood:
(Ravenswood gets the book
off of the table then bows slightly to the king)
Here it is sir.
(Hands King the Book of the Chronicles)
NARRATOR: The King found recorded how Jedediah
Mordechai had exposed the two cooks who had conspired to
assassinate him.
King Dash-u-erus: I forgot all about that,
Ravenswood. What honor and recognition has Jedediah Mordechai
received for saving my life and bringing this matter to my
attention?
Ravenswood:Nothing has been done for
him, sire.
NARRATOR:
Shortly after that Haman Drysdale entered the room.
(Haman enters
palace)
King Dash-u-erus:
Haman, What should be done
for the man the king delights to honor?
Haman Drysdale:(Speaking to himself)
Surely he must be
talking about me. Who else could it be?
(Speaking
to the King) Oh,
King, if there is someone you desire to honor, then you should
bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has
ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let
Ravenswood robe the man that you desire to honor, and lead him
on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming what this man
has done and how the king delights to honor him.
King Dash-u-erus:Great idea, Haman!
But not on a horse. We need to use the truck that Queen
Esther-May rode in when she came to Shushan-Hills. What an
honor that will be. Go at
once, Haman, get the truck and do just as you have
suggested … for Jedediah Mordechai. And here, - take
this robe. (Removed
robe and hands it to Haman)
(Mordechai goes to palace. Haman robes Mordechai and
drives him in the truck through the streets)
NARRATOR:
So Haman Drysdale robed Jedediah Mordechai, and drove him on
horseback through the city streets, proclaiming …
Haman Drysdale:
This is what is done for the man the king desires to honor!
Oh, the pain, the pain!
Sonny Drysdale:(Speaking
to Zeresh) Oh, Mum-zie, I don't think that's what
Dad had in mind!
Well, Haman thought the time had come
He'd waited for since birth, The world and all of Shushan-Hills Would finally see his worth.
Invited to a party Fort the King and Esther-May,
What Haman didn't realize It was his judgment day!
(The King, Esther & Haman go
to palace. Esther & King sit on the throne. Haman stands
beside her)
(Mordechai gives the robe back
to King Dash-u-erus and returns to his
home)
NARRATOR:
The next day the King and Haman went to dine with Queen
Esther-May - this time in the King's chambers.
King Dash-u-erus:We're here, Esther-May.
I so value and appreciate you - your kindness - and your gentle
nature. Now, what is your petition? I will give you
anything. What is your request?
Esther-May:
If I have found favor with you, my husband, and if it pleases your
majesty, spare my life and the lives of my people — this is my
request.
King Dash-u-erus: Spare your life,
Esther-May? Why?
There’s not a man in all of Persia-Media that would harm you.
Who would be so foolish? Give me the name of any man that would dare to do such a thing?
Who is he?
Esther-May:
I’m JEWISH, my king, and the adversary - and villain - is this vile man, Haman
Drysdale …
(Haman’s mouth drops open)
NARRATOR:
Haman was terrified. He began to tremble and fell to his knees.
The king was so angry, that he left the room in a rage. (King goes to Esther’s room - Haman falls to his knees and grabs
Esther by the shoe) Haman, realizing that the king had
already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther-May
for his life. (King
returns) Just as the
king returned to the banquet hall, he saw Haman with his hand on
Esther’s foot, attempting to persuade her to change her mind
concerning him.
King Dash-u-erus: Will you even molest the
queen in my house? What am I to do with
you, Haman?
Ravenswood:(Ravenswood bows
slightly) Sir,
Coincidentally there is a gallows by Haman’s house. He had it
built for Jedediah Mordechai, who spoke up and saved the King’s
life.
King Dash-u-erus: Then, Hang him on it!
…and good riddance!
(Ravenswood takes Haman out
to the gallows. Haman is hanged. Ravenswood takes
ring and returns it to the King)
NARRATOR:
So they hanged Haman Drysdale on the gallows he had prepared for
Jedediah Mordechai.
Haman's Lament # 2
Tune: Beverly Hillibillies Theme - Minor
Key - Autoharp Music Lyrics: Curtis
Well, Haman's time had finally come,
Twas time to pay the bill,
He never should have cast the "Pur",
With plans the Jews to kill.
Now going to the gallows,
All the world will know his name,
If you come against the ones God loves,
You just might get the same.
NARRATOR: It had been a difficult
time for the Jews living in Persia Media during the Babylonia
captivity, but God never left them or forgot about them. They
had always been, and will always be the Apple of His Eye.
Monarchs will come and go, empires will rise and fall, but
Ha-Shem, Blessed be He, will always be in everlasting covenant
with the seed of Israel.
NARRATOR:That same day King Dash-u-erus gave Queen Esther-May the
estate of Haman Drysdale. He found out that Jedediah Mordechai
was Esther-May’s guardian, and had him brought into the palace –
as well as Granny & Jethro.
(Mordechai, Granny & Jethro
come to the palace)
King Dash-u-erus:Mordechai, here is my signet ring. You shall be
second in rank only to the King.
NARRATOR: The king took off his signet ring, which he
had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordechai.
(Esther-May stands to her feet
then falls on her knees
before King Dash-u-erus, who is till on his throne)
NARRATOR:
Esther-May again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and
weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman
Drysdale, which he had devised against the Jews.
Esther-May: Isn’t
there something that you can do, my King and husband?
King Dash-u-erus:You know a law cannot be
revoked once it has been written. (Pause)
But, you may write another law
in my name - on behalf of the Jews - and seal it with my signet
ring.
Esther-May:
(Taking
“Defend Yourselves”
from the table)Then
this is the law I give to the Jews!
(Esther-May hands it to
Ravensbrook; Ravensbrook carries decree:
“Defend Yourselves”
and displays it to the audience)
NARRATOR:
The king’s new law granted the Jews the right to assemble and
protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate any armed
force of any nationality that might attack them and their women
and children; and to plunder the property of their enemies.
King Dash-u-erus: Jedediah Mordechai! I’d
like to personally reward you for saving my life. I’d also like
to honor you – just for being Esther-May’s guardian, and raising
her to be the woman of integrity that she is. With the death of
Haman, I’ll need someone else to oversee the Commerce Bank of
Shushan Hills – and also be my royal advisor. Would those two
positions be agreeable with you?
Granny: Speak up, Jed!Go ahead and tell him what
ya thinkin’!
Jedediah Mordechai: Yes,
King Dash-u-erus. Thank you for the honor.
Granny:You know, honorable King –
I am Esther-May’s Granny! I’ve looked after that girl ever
since she was a wee babe.
King Dash-u-erus: Yes, so I just found out!
And I almost forgot that I had a favor to ask of you. Will you
be Queen Esther-May’s confidant and advisor – continuing to live
with her here in the palace?
Granny:(sheepishly)
Well, I’m kind of busy,
King Dash-u-erus, – but, if it means that much to you – I
guess I can find the time to do it.
King Dash-u-erus: How about you, Jethro? Is
there something I can do for you?
Jethro: Well,
I always wanted to be a Double-Naught Spy – you know – like
Double-O-7 (007). But I think with my ciphering skills, I’d be
of a great help to Uncle Jed in the bank.
Granny:Go ahead and cipher some
for him, Jethro.
Jethro: I just learned my
twelve-times. Esther-May, hold up two fingers. (Jethro walks over beside of
Esther-May and holds up all 10 fingers & Esther-May holds up 2
fingers) Let me see,
12 times 1 is 12 …
NARRATOR:
So, the Jew, Jedediah Mordechai was given royal
garments of blue & white (talit)
made from the finest of fine linen.
NARRATOR:
On the 13th day of Adar the Jews struck down their
enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them. They
killed 500 men in an attempt to protect their families and
property, but they refused to plunder those who intended them
harm.
King Dash-u-erus:
Now,
Queen Esther-May, what is your petition? It will be given you.
What is your request? It will also be granted.
Esther-May:
If
it pleases the king, give the Jews in Shushan permission to
carry out this same edict again tomorrow, and let Haman’s ten
sons be hanged on gallows.
NARRATOR:
The king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in
Shushan-Hills, that the ten sons of Haman Drysdale be hanged.
Sonny Drysdale:
Oh, Mum-zie! I think we'd better skedaddle before they
catch us with us, too. (Zeresh
& Sonny leave the bank)
NARRATOR:
And so Zeresh & Sonny Drysdale left Shushan-Hills as quickly as
they could - never to be heard from again.
(King on his throne, Esther on her
throne; Granny, Jed & Jethro stand behind them)
NARRATOR:The Jews in Shushan-Hills came together on the 14th day
of the month of Adar, and they put to death 300 men in Shushan,
but they did not take the plunder. Meanwhile, the
remainder of the Jews who were in the king's provinces also
assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their
enemies. They killed 75,000 of them but did not take the
plunder.
NARRATOR:
The city of Shushan-Hills held a joyous celebration. For the
Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.
Many people of other nationalities became Jews because of the
favor they had found with King Dash-u-erus and Queen Esther-May.
All the nobles of the provinces helped the Jews. Jedediah
Mordechai was prominent in the bank and the palace and his
reputation spread throughout the provinces, and he became more
and more powerful.
NARRATOR:
Haman Drysdale had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and
had cast the “pur” (that is, the lot) for their
destruction. But when the king found out, he issued written
orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews
should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons
should be hanged on the gallows. Therefore these days were
called Purim, from the word “pur”.
NARRATOR:
The Jews established the
custom that they and their descendants and all who join them
should observe these 2 days every year, in the way and time
prescribed by Mordechai. The 14th and 15th of Adar
should be remembered and observed in every generation by every
family, and in every province and in every city. And these days
of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews.
Mordechai the Jew
was second in rank to King Dash-u-erus, and was held in high
esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good
of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all his people.
NARRATOR:Esther 9:28 These days should be remembered
and observed in every generation by every family, and in every
province, and in every city. And these days of Purim should
never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory
of them die out among their descendants.
The Shushan-Hillbillies
Tune: The Beverly Hillbillies Theme
Lyrics: Curtis & Carolyn
i
Come and listen to my story about a Jew named Mordechai,
Who worked really hard, but barely kept his family fed,
His cousin Esther-May was summoned to the King,
A couple of days after he kicked out the Queen.
Well the first thing you know Esther-May was living there,
Everyone said, “Mordechai, move in with her”,
Said, “Shushan-Hills is the place you ought to be”,
But Haman hated him - and all his family.
Spoken: Jews, that is! Hated them! Really Bad!
Well, Esther knew fer sure to the palace she’d been sent,
She went before the King, even knowing what it meant,
Then the next day after she spoke to the King,
Haman was hung – that’s what he gets for being mean.
(King, Esther-May, Jedediah
Mordechai, Granny & Jethro wave to audience through last chorus)
Well now it’s time to say good-bye to Esther & her kin,
And we would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin in,
You’re all invited back next year to this locality,
To hear a brand new tellin’ of this Purim history.
Want to take a look
at our impromptu performance of "The Shushan Hillbillies'
Check out the Video Links below:
Introduction of Characters:
Haman Drysdale, Zeresh Drysdale, Sonny Drysdale,
Ravenswood the Butler [Vashti Jane refuses the King's invitation; Vashti
exiled]
[Esther-May's first banquet; Haman tells Zeresh & Sonny;
Book of the Chronicles of the King; King wants to honor
someone]
Many of the costumes for this particular
play were acquired at the local Good-Will store - but can be
provided by actors with pre-planning.
Esther-May: Blue Jeans (rolled up), barefoot, hair in
pig-tails, appropriate shirt, rope belt, crown
Jed Mordechai: White T-shirt, Old hat, Old Jacket, work
boots, Jeans (over-alls can be used)
Granny: Long skirt, long-sleeved shirt, apron, work boots,
hair in "bun" (I made a hair "bun" out of braided gray yarn &
hot glue), shawl
Jethro (Joel): Jeans (rolled), barefoot, white t-shirt,
old coat (a little too small), old hat
King Dash-u-erus: Fancy clothes cause he used to be a "Movie
Star", sunglasses, robe, scepter, signet rings
Vashti-Jane Hathaway: Jumper & long-sleeved white shirt or
turtle neck shirt, book-work style glassed, book, crown
Haman: Black pants, black shirt, black jacket, black
shoes, black Derby-style hat (from Party City)
Zeresh: Fancy dress and BIG hat
Sonny Drysdale:
Khaki pants or shorts, plaid shirt, dark jacket, a "beanie-hat"
Ravenswood the Butler: Dress pants & shoes, white shirt &
bow-tie, coat, serving tray
Stage Layout Scenes & Props
(4 Scenes)
Mordechai Country Home
Food Table with Bench & 1 wooden chair
Large Family Truck painted on card-board & cut out
Toy or stuffed-animal type Dog
Stuffed-animal critter for Esther-May to carry (I found a racoon)
Log,
Pot & Spoon
Pocket knife & whittling stick
Oil Lamp,
Rocking Chair,
Baskets
Checkered Table cloth for table
Palace Room
2 nice chairs as thrones
Table
Table & Lamb
Chronicles of the King - Book
Area rug
Light-weight painting for wall
Vashti/Esther's Room
Nice chair (Wicker if possible)
Table & Lamp
Commerce Bank
Sign for wall "Commerce Bank of Beverly Hills"
Table,
Play Money
2 Chairs behind table
Cash Register if possible
Purim Play Notes
Our congregation is fairly small. Since the group is small, parts are not memorized beforehand,
but instead are frequently assigned on the evening of the play
as the Narrator reads his/her part. Everyone is always
willing to take a part and it's always interesting to see who
will be portraying the character each year. With this
particular play, parts were assigned confidentially before the
night of the play, but actors still didn't see the play until
the evening of the Purim Celebration. Actors were costumed
just before the play began in order to save time.
Purim Songs
The music for all of the songs I used in the
Purim play can be found on the internet, usually in midi form,
sometimes in MP3 form. The following MP3s can be
downloaded if you Right-Click with your mouse, then click "Save
Target As"