The Chimney Sweep's Christmas

by Laurie Sheperd

Musical in 4 scenes for 7 men, 7 women, chorus of villagers. Setting: a small English village in the 18th century. One hour, family audiences. $ 6.50

According to tradition, a chimney sweep brings luck. But to Jenny, the Chimney Sweep's daughter, her father's cheery greeting seems to bring good luck to everyone but his own family. As they go about their rounds on Christmas Eve, greeting the people of their village, hoping for the few extra pence that will bring holiday cheer and perhaps medicine to help her sick brother, Jenny gets so exhausted that she falls and is knocked unconscious inside a chimney.

Ultimately, of course, the family's own resilience and the good will of their neighbors brings about an ending of good luck and good cheer.

A colorful costume musical is fun to do at Christmas, and this one is within reach of high school and community theatres. The eight songs, tuneful and easy to sing, offer a nice variety of group and solo numbers. The Chimney Sweep's Christmas provides you opportunities for creative staging, and a vehicle for giving your audiences satisfying holiday entertainment.