Christmas at the Library
T’was the night before Christmas and all through the library it was quiet, until Tom and Huck wander from their book seeking a new adventure! Opening the cover of “Alice in Wonderland,” the boys are shocked by a rabbit hopping out, quickly followed by Alice. Trying to catch the rabbit leads to more books being knocked open, and they are soon joined by Dorothy Gale from “The Wizard of Oz,” St. Nicholas from “’T’was the Night Before Christmas,” Mrs. March from “Little Women” and old Scrooge with Marley from “A Christmas Carol.” The confused characters try to make sense of where they are, what they are missing, and the meaning of Christmas. Unfortunately, no one can agree. Finally, the Angel Gabriel joins the group and teaches them all the true meaning of Christmas and how the holiday is based on God’s love and His story of redemption. Enlightened and transformed, the characters return to their books. An optional Nativity scene creates a blessed ending.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
With Playwright Karen Jones
What inspired you to write this play?
Truth be told, I think the seed was planted when I watched “Night at the Museum” where the museum displays came to life. I liked the concept and starting thinking about how to use it to tell the Christmas Story. This is the result.
What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
My favorite part is where Gabriel reveals the real Christmas story and somehow finds the thread that ties all the other stories to God’s love and plan of redemption.
Why did you choose these characters or books?
The characters I chose were ones that already have a known personality. Who else but Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn could cause all the chaos in the library that evening?
I chose the three Christmas books, T’was the Night Before Christmas, A Christmas Carol, and Little Women because of their varied storylines concerning Christmas. What could hauntings by ghosts, a little old elf breaking and entering people’s houses, and a more sedate family helping their neighbors, have in common?
What did you try to achieve with this play?
I just wanted to try and tie some of the various Christmas stories back to the original story of Christmas and the birth of the Christ Child.
Do you have anything else you'd like to add?
Just enjoy the story and as you watch all the Christmas shows, (and face it there are so many) look for the thread that leads back to God.