Act 1: The Candy Shoppe Opens for Business

Christmas is just a week away and there is excitement in the air. As the first act opens we are introduced to Mr. & Mrs. Elkin, the owners of a nostalgic candy shop. Mr. Elkin is pouring over “the books” concerned that they have not made enough money this year to pay the bills. Mrs. Elkin reassures him that God will take care of their needs, and the two have a sweet moment together before the store opens for business.

Children are eagerly waiting as Mrs. Elkin opens the door. It is immediately clear that the couple adores children and that the children feel the same way about them. They begin filling orders and sharing in moments of laughter and encouragement with the young ones.
Outside the store is a homeless man (Barnaby) who is jingling his cup, looking for some spare change. Mrs. Elkin has a kind moment with him as well, and invites him in to get warm. He thanks her, but declines her offer. Mrs. Milton also arrives to pick up her package.

With the store full of customer, Mr. S.C. Rouge pushes his way through a cluster of children who have gathered inside the door. "Children, children! Make way! Make way!" he shouts. Without any regard for the customers, he shouts at Mr. Elkin (or Mr. Arkin, as he calls him--seems Rouge has a rusty memory when it comes to names). He slaps a bill on the counter and announces he has been patient with the Elkins as long as he is willing to be. He is giving the shop keepers until closing time tonight to pay their bill or the shop will be shut down--permenantly! There is no room for negotiation, he wants his money, and he won’t wait another moment. Despite the devastating news, the Elkins remain full of grace, even after Rouge leaves.

The children have a silly moment (SONG: Make Way for S.C. Rouge) where they perform a number that pokes fun at the mean Mr. Rouge. Although the Elkin’s find the children’s reflection amusing, Mr. Elkin seizes a teaching moment to explain about God’s love for people and how we need to be salt and light to people like Mr. Rouge.

As the children exit the store, the Elkins share a moment together. "Salt & light," Mr. Elkin reminds himself. "No one said it would be easy," Mrs. Elkin lovingly embraces her husband.

Act 2: A few hours later

The act opens with the Elkins alone in the store, contemplating what may happen to them at the end of the business day. Suddenly a group of children appear at the door singing a Christmas Carol. The Elkins invite them in to get warm and have a piece of candy. It is exciting for the children.
While the adults look on, Mr. Elkin takes time to teach the children that there is something much sweeter than candy. It's the love of God. "Don't forget about Jesus this Christmas," Mrs. Elkin warmly reminds them. "We would never forget him," one of the children replies. But the children know it is easy to forget about Him among the promises of pretty clothes, new toys and...well, candy! (Song: What Could Be Sweeter)

During the song, the children get an idea to stage a nativity for the Elkins. Using items they are wearing or found in the store, they all assume the various roles--Mary, Joseph, shepherd, sheep, wisemen and angels dancing before Jesus. It's a rag-tag little nativity, but it brings great pleasure to the Elkins in the midst of their day.

When they are about to leave Mr. & Mrs. Elkin decide to retrieve a leftover sandwich and some hot coffee from the back room. They also fill a box with candy. "Do you see that man out there," Mr. Elkin asked Joey, a young boy with a very sweet tooth. "He's cold and he's hungry. Take him this box of treats." Joey tries to keep the candy for himself. "Ain't ya gonna give him that sandwich and coffee. He doesn't need the candy too, does he?" Mr. Elkin put his arm around Joey and tells him he believes he'll do the right thing. "Will you be mad if I don't?" Joey asks. Mr. Elkin simply replies, "I believe God will help you do what is right." He sends Joey and his sister Jessica outside to Mr. Barnaby.

Barnaby is grateful for the warm beverage and the sandwich Jessica gives him. She turns to leave, waiting to see what her little brother will do. Reluctantly he presents the candy to the homeless man. In a surprise turn, Mr. Barnaby reaches in and takes a piece of candy out of the box. He knows the sacrifice young Joey is making. He hands the box back to the boy and thanks him for his kindness. "Share this with your sister," Mr. Barnaby encourages. The boy is thrilled and has gone away having learned a valuable lesson about kindness.

Act 3: It’s Almost Closing Time

The children and some of the other usual customers have gathered in the store. “What can we do?” they exclaim. It’s almost closing time and there isn’t enough money to keep the shop open. Some of the customers suggest staging a protest and getting the entire community behind the Elkin's Candy Shop, but the Elkins don't want to cause trouble.

Several of the neighborhood children come rushing into the shop carrying a jar of coins. It's enough money to buy a case of candy, but they were hoping it would be enough to save the whole store. "Children, the debt we owe is far too great for any of us to pay," the Elkin's explain, while charging their customers to have faith--God is in control. "When Mr. Rouge comes, please be kind," Mr. Elkin implores them. Mr. & Mrs. Elkin are sad, but they have a long history that demonstrates God’s care for them. They begin handing out candy and sharing their last moments with some of their special customers and friends.

Just outside the door, Mr. Rouge appears. He is prepared to dampen the Christmas holiday by announcing the close of the candy shop. However, as he is about to enter the store, Barnaby stops him and pulls a wad of cash out of his pocket. Rouge’s eyes get huge as he counts the bills. It’s far more than the Elkin’s need to keep their store. After Rouge’s accusations that Barnaby is a thief, Barnaby explains that this money was given to him by countless passer-byers over many years. He didn’t earn it—it was given to him as a gift, a FREE gift, much like his salvation. He’s been waiting for this moment to give it away. All that he has is the Lord’s, he explains, and he’s seen the testimony of the Elkin’s and the affect of the Candy Shoppe on this community. “The debt has been paid,” he says. (Everything freezes except Barnaby and Mr. Elkin. SONG: A Debt too Great) At the end of the song Barnaby takes one last look in the candy store before walking away with all of his belongings.

Rouge abruptly enters the store. He delivers the news that the debt as been paid and the store will remain open for business. He is confused and slightly disturbed by the news he bears. "I guess it's your lucky day," he exclaims as he turns to leave. "Blessed Day, Mr. Rouge. Oh, we're very blessed indeed," retorts Mr. Elkin. The customers and the Elkins celebrate the Lord's provision. (SONG: What Could Be Sweeter-Reprise; Joy to the World)

Outside the store, Rouge sits on Barnaby's bench and considers what happened. During the celebration inside, two of the children who scoffed at him in Act 1 approach Rouge and ask for forgiveness. They invite him to come back in the store and be with everyone else. Rouge sends the boys away, but moments later decides to swallow his pride and join the others. He is welcomed back into the store with humility and gratitude from the others.

"Merry Christmas, Everyone" Mrs. Elkin rejoices!

Our Cast

Mr. Elkin.................................................................. Glenn Hughes

Mrs. Elkin................................................................ Diana Hughes

Barnaby....................................................................... Noah Lewis

Johnny................................................................... Gabriel Parmer

Betsy......................................................................... Kara Bunting

Samuel................................................................. Joseph Schwarz*

Mrs. Milton............................................................. Jenn Williams

S.C. Rouge................................................................. Paul Schwarz

Peter..................................................................... Gabriel Hughes*

Chester...................................................................... Jacob Lewis*

Mary.................................................................. Christiana Goslin*

Meg....................................................................... Eboni Freeman*

Mr. Milton..................................................................... Cliff Lewis

Mrs. Harris.......................................................... Barbara Weaver

Patty.................................................................. Kimberly Bueche*

Jessica.............................................................. Lauren D’Antonio*

Joey (Shepherd)................................................ David D’Antonio**

Tommy (Joseph)........................................................ Isaac Lewis**

Maggie (Mary)........................................................... Sara Stout**

Act 1 Candy Shop Customers & Dancers

Deanna Bitterman

Hannah Privitera

Pamela Bueche

Hope Privitera

Joseph Hughes

Catherine Stout

*Also dancing in Act 1

Act 2 Christmas Caroling Children & Nativity

Angela Bueche (Sheep)

Faith Privitera (Sheep)

Keaton Bunting (Angel Dancer)

James Stoltzfus (Wiseman)

Hope Lewis (Angel Dancer)

Braeden Weaver (Wiseman)

Alianna Ovalle (Angel Dancer)

Camden Weaver (Wiseman)

**Also in the nativity

A Huge Thanks To....

Script
Doug Plank, Julie Garner

Music
Doug Plank, Keith Bunting

Drama Directors
Dan & Julie Garner

Music Director
Keith Bunting

Assistant to Directors
Kristin Bunting

Stage Manager
Lisa Evans

Choreographers
Lori Randolph (Make Way for S.C. Rouge)
Julianna Goslin (Angel Dancers)

Stage Crew
Laura Carroll,
Janelle Witmer
Danae Bitterman

Set Designer
Dan Garner

Cabinetry & Shelving
Geoff Sensenig
Lyndon Sentz

Artwork
Chrissy Ovalle,
Cortney Palmatier

Costuming Coordinators
Lashonda Alderfer
Kim Randolph

Costume Assistants
Joanne Bitterman,
Jacqui D’Antonio
The Musser Family

Head Sound Technician
Jeremy Stoltzfus

Projection Technician
Krista Herr

Greeters
Guy & Janet Borghi
Richard & Lois Sensenig

Program Attendant
Katherine & Elisabeth Millen
Karla & Margaret Sensenig

Usher Coordinator
Charlie Witmer

Refreshment Coordinator
Tracy Guyer

Orchestra

John Hamilton, Violin

Alicia Hess, Clarinet

Becca Smith, Violin

Teresa Baker, Flute

Kristin Bunting, Violin

Ben Palmatier, Alto Sax

Angela Borghi, Viola

Keith Bunting, Keyboard

Set & Prop Assistants

Joanne Bitterman, Chrissy Ovalle, Deanna Bitterman, Cortney Palmatier, Danae Bitterman, Patrick Parmer, Guy Borghi, Jared Randolph, Keith Bunting, Ray Randolph, Tony Freeman, Maria Schwarz, Matthew Haughery, Paul Schwarz, Christopher Haughery, Joy Sensenig, David Hegedus, Patti Smith, Brad Hess, Melissa Stoltzfus, Elaine Jaenke, Vernon Stoltzfus, Mike Keener, John Teeter, Bill Lechner, Chris Strayer, Dawn Mellinger, Janelle Witmer, Edwin Miranda, Lucy Witmer

*plus, many who pitched in at the last minute and helped*

Special Thanks To...

Special thanks also to…

Our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, who paid a debt that was far too great for any of us to pay.

The entire cast and all of the parents, who sacrificially gave of your time and talents to serve this production!

The pastoral staff of CrossWay Church, particularly Doug Plank, for your leadership in this production.

Kay Lechner & Teresa Baker for staying on top of so many details for us.

Geoff Sensenig and Sensenig Woodworking for the use of your shop to build and paint all of the sets! What a blessing!

Chris Strayer, Stray Lights, and Purple Door Festival for the use of equipment and the walls for the set.

Mariann Weaver for the use of so many beautiful things from your shop.

All the families who donated cookies for refreshments and props for the show.

The CrossWay Church tech team who assisted with the performance.

Mark Dennis and his lighting team from Penn Manor High School.

The entire team who helped to set up and tear down for this production.

To anyone who served and was accidentally omitted from the program (and this blog site!)…

a sincere thank you!

A Night To Remember

December 23, 2007

To all who were involved in the cast and crew of What Could Be Sweeter...

Thank you! I know our lives were changed because of this production. Thank you for serving the local church and, most importantly, the Lord Jesus Christ with your time and talents. We will never forget this experience!