Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and the BFF
A one-act comedy based on Daniel, Chapter 3 in the Bible. The story involves three young Hebrews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego living in Babylon. The Babylonian king, the notoriously proud Nebuchadnezzar, builds a golden image and decrees that all people in his kingdom must bow to it in worship. The three Hebrews stand for what they know is right and refuse to participate in the idolatry. The king condemns them and orders them thrown into the burning fiery furnace (the BFF). When the sentence is carried out, however, the three Hebrews are not burned up— and there is a mysterious fourth man in the furnace with them. In the end, the Hebrews are promoted to high office in the kingdom, and the king learns a lesson in humility. A subplot involves the preparations of the very non-musical Babylonian orchestra. Three scenes feature a "poetic interlude" as the three Hebrews perform an original sonnet, limericks, and a ballad. The king later tries his own hand at poetry and fails.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
With Playwright Kevin Stone
What inspired you to write this play?
My inspiration to write this play was the need for a fun, large-cast script! Also, in rereading the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I was struck by the firm resolve of those three characters and the intensity of their dramatic confrontations with the king. It's a story begging to be put on the stage.
What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
My favorite part of this play has to be the moment in the last scene when the characters in the BFF pull out marshmallows on sticks. It's a wordless bit of comedy that worked extremely well. A year after our production, whenever people spoke to me about the play, they always mentioned that part. I also like the poetic interludes.
Can you tell us more about the characters?
The main characters are from the real-life story recorded in Daniel 3. Since Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are not distinctly described in the biblical narrative, I grouped their lines in the script to basically have them speak as one. They show us what true integrity looks like. King Nebuchadnezzar was a fun character to play with; I tried to emphasize the unhinged aspect of his character to show the effects of unlimited power combined with overweening pride. The force of his character influences everyone around him, except for our three heroes. Having the Musicians do something more than play music was a dramatic choice to provide them with some personality and to better divide the action of the play.
What did you try to achieve with this play?
My goal was to retell the story of Daniel 3 in an entertaining way. I wanted to strike a light, comedic tone and at the same time put forward a serious challenge to take a stand for what is right and godly in the midst of an oppositional culture.
Do you have anything else you'd like to add?
This play offers parts for every acting level and is flexible enough to accommodate casts of many different sizes. The cast of the original production had great fun, and I hope your cast will similarly enjoy the show!