Christmas Prodigal
Here is a touching comedy, a modern-day spin on the story of the Prodigal Son. After years of being over-shadowed by her pretty and over-confident older sister, Peri leaves home, taking the money from her college savings. Like the story from the New Testament, Peri, once quiet and hard-working, lives a life of excess, but finally realizes she wants to return to her family. A homeless man, who has more connection to the family than anyone initially realizes, urges Peri to call home. But will it be the same old story, or will the Stewarts have learned something from her absence? Will they—and Peri herself—seek forgiveness, become more loving to each other and better Christians all around? In addition to the beautiful message, humor is added by Uncle Marvin, the peanut-butter king; Naomi, his fact-challenged wife; and Benjamin, the obsequious boyfriend of older sister Ashley. About 80 minutes.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT DEWEY TODD TALKS ABOUT
“THE CHRISTMAS PRODIGAL”
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A: My daughter, Haley and my son, Will. While in high school we went through some rough times with both of them. God provided and now our relationships are beautiful. It was those experiences that inspired this play.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: ACT II, Scene 2 – All of it is powerful. The encounter with Abigail shows the importance of Godly friends; with Bungle, the importance of God speaking through unexpected meetings; but, my favorite by far is the conversation between Peri and Rob on the phone. What a wonderful feeling to cry out to God and have Him accept you and forgive you unconditionally. All He really wants…is to have us back.
Q: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM? ARE THEY BASED ON PEOPLE YOU KNOW?
A: They most certainly are. In fact, my family will recognize about half of the names, including the name “Stewart” which was my grandmother’s family. “Wilson” is my mother’s family name. All of the main characters were developed from members of my family and myself. Marvin was modeled after my close friend, Sam Harkness, who ended up playing him in the premiere performance – to perfection, I might add!
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: After the two performances, I had five different people come up to me with tears in their eyes and say, “I feel like you wrote that play just for me and what my family is going through right now…thank you.” THAT is what I wanted to achieve.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A: Keep laughing, keep hoping, keep loving…and never forget the importance of family!