Matthew 25.1-13~ Are we ready?

Two bridesmaids appear on stage. One (A) represents the five wise bridesmaids, and is sensibly dressed. The second (B) represents the five foolish bridesmaids, and it is obvious from what she is wearing that she is a very silly person. They each hold a small bouquet of flowers. Other props needed; - two lamps and one flask of oil.The narrator (N) reads the gospel account i.e.Matthew 25.1-13

N) Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.

A) I’M A BRIDESMAID

B) AND SO AM I! (titters in a silly fashion, behind her bouquet of flowers)

N) Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

A) I’M VERY WISE

B) AND SO AM I! (again (B) titters wildly into her flowers , while (A) looks at her, then at the audience and shakes her head.)

N) When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

(A) holds up her lamp and flask of oil.

(B) holds up her lamp and titters sheepishly.

N) As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept.

(A) I’M FEELING DROWSY ((A)’s head drops to one side and eyes close)

(B) AND SO AM I! ((B)’s titter this time is cut short, as her head drops to one side and eyes close)

(N) But at midnight there was a shout.

‘Look here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him’.(this sentence can be shouted by someone from the back of church for effect)

(N)Then all the bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps.

(A) I’M READY

(B) (looks shocked) OO-OH !!!

(N) The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out’. ((B) mimes a DESPERATE pleading with (A))

(N) But the wise replied,’ No there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves) ((A) shakes her head apologetically,and shrugs shoulders)

(B) (Runs off to get oil.)

(N) And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came… (short piece of wedding music is played,)

(N) …and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. ((A) follows the imaginary bridegroom down the aisle and goes out closing an imaginary door behind her)

(N) Later the other bridesmaids came also… ((B) comes running in breathless, and she pounds on the imaginary door)

(N)...And they said, ‘Lord, Lord open to us!’ But he replied, ‘I tell you, I do not know you.’

((B)Titters for a while embarrassed, then her giggles turn to sobs, and she runs out.)

(N) Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour!