Undercover Christmas: Arson or Accident
Just one year ago, Doc Nash’s Free Health Clinic was facing closure. With a visit from the Undercover Boss, Lou Grant from the Matthew Chapter 25 Foundation approved a grant, thus saving the Clinic. But town councilwoman Beatrice Chandler now wants the Free Clinic closed. Her son will be opening a new medical practice and she doesn’t want any competition. She pays a visit to Doc, hoping to buy him out. When Doc refuses, Mrs. Chandler storms away in anger as she is accustomed to getting what she wants. Then, the unthinkable happens – a fire! It destroys much of the Clinic and the home of Doc’s neighbor, who barely escapes with his life! Initial reports from the fire inspector suggest arson! But who would do such a thing? And why? The mystery begins to unravel when Lou Grant returns and once again goes undercover. Sometimes we rush to judgment and place blame where it doesn't belong. This play teaches us to look for the good in people and to not be so quick to find fault. In the end, we see how friends and neighbors come together in times of adversity and loss. Those we least expect to help are often the ones who are the most generous and willing.
This is the sequel to Undercover Christmas; however, the play stands on its own.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
with Hope Bunch
What inspired you to write this play?
This play is a sequel to "Undercover Christmas" which was published in 2019. In Undercover Christmas, two couples find love. This sequel will be the next chapter is these relationships.
What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
"And you won't be happy with an old country boy like me. You want a guy on a Harley...and I drive a Chevy." Bubba Packett is head over heels in love with Mary Alice. He is SO WRONG for her but he is the only available bachelor in Baynesville. This one line explains why their love is not meant to be.
Where did the characters come from? Are they based on people you know?
Doc Nash was patterned after the director of the local legal aid office where I worked for 19 years. He always put the needs of others before his own. Mary Alice was inspired by a staff member who worked with my husband and constantly grated on his nerves. Mrs. Chandler is based on a well-to-do, somewhat indignant woman who lived nearby. Bubba Packett is a conglomeration of the many deer hunting, truck driving, camo wearing country boys who live nearby.
What did you try to achieve with this play?
Sometimes we rush to judgment and place blame where it doesn't belong. This play teaches us to look for the good in people and to not be so quick to find fault. I also wanted to demonstrate how our friends and neighbors come together in times of adversity and loss. Those we least expect to help are often the ones who are the most generous and willing.