Ten Boom the Musical by Susan Meredith Beyer & Others
ACT 1, SCENE 1 Corrie (91) Introduction
CORRIE(91): Hello, my name is Corrie ten Boom! I was born in
Haarlem, Holland-the Netherlands. Today is my birthday. I am 91
years old!
Many years ago, I promised someone very dear to me that I would share
what you are about to see, and I am keeping that promise. I want to
tell you a story-a true story, about LOVE and HONOR-about WAR, and
what HATE can do. This is also a story about FAITH; the kind of faith
that brings freedom to the heart. FAITH sees the invisible, believes
the unbelievable, and receives the impossible. My father, Casper ten
Boom, was a watchmaker in Holland. A simple man who set the example of
faith and love for his family that would hold us like an anchor in the
storm, when the day would come for us to walk into Hell itself. It
happened!
My dear sister Betsie and I saw terrible atrocities that claimed many
innocent lives in Nazi concentration camps. But, I learned that every
experience every person that comes into our lives is the perfect
preparation for a future that only God can see. We saw people find
HOPE in the worst darkness! Betsie said, "We must tell others!"
So, now I tell YOU!
[ON HER LAST WORD PLAY MEDIA PRESENTATION 1.5 MINUTES, BEFORE
PLAY BEGINS]
ACT 1, SCENE 2 Preparing for Party
Corrie: Look, Betsie it's a beautiful day for the party!
Betsie: Imagine, Corrie, the watch shop is 100 years old!
Corrie: People will be coming all day to honor our father!
Betsie: Look, Grandfather's watch! Wouldn't he be proud!
Father's kept the watch shop ticking all these years!
Corrie: You look so grand for the party, my dear sister. I should
have your grace and style! But, surely I do something for this new
dress!? [MAKES COMICAL CURTSY]
Betsie: [AMUSED] Corrie, you could always make me laugh!
Corrie: Now where is Mr. Hashbaz? Hashbaz, where are you? Here kitty,
kitty
Betsie: I think our beloved pussycat heard this place would be full of
big feet today, and found for himself a HIDING place!
Corrie: In this little house? Where would he hide?
[ENTER NOLLIE AND TWO CHILDREN]
Nollie: Yoo-hoo! Help! [STRUGGLES WITH BASKET]
Betsie: Ooh, Nollie, what have you brought?
Corrie: I think our sister has made off with Big Ben!
Nollie: Cups, plates, we will need them! PETER is bringing a surprise
for Papa today.
Betsie: A surprise, ooh! You must be so proud of that nephew of ours!
Nollie: Jewish refugees come to my husband's school every day now,
from Poland and Germany. FLIP is trying to make room for so many of
those children. You know, Jews are not welcome in their own homelands
anymore!
Betsie: The Lord always takes care of His own, Nollie. He promised!
And, WE are together for today's celebration.
Nollie: If only Mama could be here she so loved occasions!
Corrie: Well, it's just Papa, Betsie and me in this old house now!
Betsie: Yes Papa and two old spinsters!
[BETSIE GOES TO DOOR, THEN BACKS INTO ROOM AS A LARGE SPRAY OF FLOWERS
IS CARRIED IN BY CLUTSY DELIVERY BOY, JAN CHILDREN GO UPSTAIRS]
Jan (YON): More flowers, Miss Betsie! Uh, back later for some of that
CAKE! [BACKS INTO DOOR SILL, EXITS]
Betsie Yes, later, Jan! [SUDDENLY WEAK, SITS]
Corrie: Are you alright, Betsie? You look tired.
Betsie: A little ANEMIA will not spoil this day!
Corrie: Look, they're from PICKWICK!
Nollie: Oh, Corrie, we don't call him "Pickwick"
Betsie: Papa says we must call him by his RIGHT name: Herman
Slurrrr-ring!
Corrie: But, he looks like the Dickens uh, the Dickens character,
PICKWICK! [LAUGHS]
Nollie: Well, he's NOT the handsomest man around, but a kinder man
never lived! A wonderful friend!
Corrie: [NAUSTALGIC] You know, I could never leave this place!
Betsie: Where else would we find such JOY!
Corrie: And BEAUTY?? [FLUFFS FLOWERS]
Nollie: I would miss the WINDMILLS
Corrie: and SKATERS on frozen canals.
Betsie: [TEASING] Oh, I know you, Miss Corrie ten Boom. YOU would even
miss the men who frequent the BARS up the street!
Corrie: Well, THEY need prayers, also!
[FX: DISTANT CATHEDRAL BELL ]
Corrie: Listen, Betsie! The great bell of St. Bavo's! And out on
Barteljorisstraat, I know EVERY face that passes by. Is that not a
wonderful thing? What a day for a celebration!
[FX: CATHEDRAL BELL PEALS LOUDER - SONG CUE "100 YEARS" - CORRIE
SAYS / SINGS]
Corrie: "One hundred years ago today, grandfather opened this shop.
For 100 years our family has made memories and watches and
clocks So-o-o-o-o"
[MUSIC SWELLS ALL CAST (EXCEPT PAPA) ENTER STREET SCENE GREETING
PEOPLE AS THEY SING]
SONG: "100 Year Celebration" (Sisters &Company)
[END SCENE]
ACT 1, SCENE 3 Papa's Riches
[ENTER PAPA/ CASPER TEN BOOM]
Corrie: Papa, you are here!
Papa: [CHEERFUL] I know that!
Betsie: Isn't this exciting!?
Papa: Corrie dear, and Betsie and my Nollie how lovely you
all look in these new styles. And the room looks so bright and gay!
Nollie: It's a day for memories, Father!
Papa: A day for memories, yes! I was born in this very room, you
know! Your Mama should be here today. [CHANGE SUBJECT] I see all the
special watches and clocks have arrived for the occasion. A fine
display!
Corrie: Yes, from antique dealers all over the city. THIS one is
nearly 150 years old!
Papa: We must be careful with these treasures, to return them with
their TICKS and TOCKS still working!
Corrie: Look, Papa, flowers and cards from everyone! And this BIG
package just came for you. Card must be signed by all of Holland!
[READS CARD] It says, "To Haarlem's Grand Old Man, Casper ten
Boom RICH in faith and RICH in friends. With love and
congratulations on your shop's 100th anniversary."
Papa: [THOUGHTFUL] RICH Yes!
Betsie: Let's open it, Papa! Maybe it's a new clock something
really special to HONOR you!
Papa: Better to honor the Lord just now! [GETS BIBLE LOOKS AT
WATCH] 8:20 a.m.! When is everyone coming? And where is
my faithful co-worker, Christoffels?
Nollie: Maybe he decided to DRESS UP for the occasion?
Cor/Betsie: [AMUSED] CHRISTOFFELS?
Corrie: Maybe he found a clock he could not mend?
Papa: No, my girl. Christoffels is one of the finest clock-men
anywhere! He'll be here!
[ENTER TOOS, SOUR-FACED SALESLADY IN WATCH SHOP. LOVES PAPA, BUT FEW
OTHERS]
Papa: [UPBEAT] Ahh, good morning, Toos. Thank you for coming on your
day off. You look so uh WELL today!
Toos: [SCOWLS] Hmmph Well, indeed! [QUICKLY THRUSTS OUT HER ARM
TO PAPA, WITH VASE OF VERY TALL TULIPS] For YOU!
[PAPA SMILES, STARTS TO TAKE VASE… TOOS GIVES AWKWARD CURTSY AS ONE
TALL TULIP FALLS OVER. THEN PERTURBED AT THE DISOBEDIENT DROOPING
TULIP, TOOS QUICKLY STANDS IT BACK UP, 2 OR 3 TIMES, WITH INCREASING
AGITATION, AS IF CALLING IT TO ATTENTIONOTHERS RESTRAIN LAUGHTER]
Papa: [FINALLY TAKES VASE, SITS IT ON TABLE] Thank you, Toos! So good
you could join us for our devotions!
Toos: [GLANCES AT OTHERS] HUMPH!!
[TOOS MOVES NEAR TABLE AS PAPA OPENS BIBLE OTHERS MOVE CLOSER TO
LISTEN. ALL ARE
STANDING FOR DEVOTIONAL READING]
Papa: [CHECKS WATCH] Well, let's begin [READING DYNAMICALLY]
"NO one can serve TWO masters. EITHER he will hate the one and love
the other OR"
[TOOS LEANS IN TO PAPA, TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF IT CONFUSED LOOK ON
HER FACE. THEN DISTRACTED BY PLATE OF FUDGE, TAKES A PIECE]
Papa: "ORhe will be loyal to the one and despise the
OTHER!"
[TOOS STOPS WHEN PAPA SAYS, "OTHER" RAISES SHOULDERS IN LONG
SHRUG. TAKES BITE OF FUDGE, CHEWS WITH VIGOR. THEN LOOKS FOR PLACE TO
WIPE CHOCOLATE FINGERS. FINDING NONE, LICKS HER FINGERS. OTHERS LOOK
ON, READY TO BURST WITH LAUGHTER. PAPA'S EYES STILL ON BOOK, TURNING
PAGES. CORRIE SLIPS TOOS A NAPKIN].
[ENTER CHRISTOFFELS HOLDING LARGE FRUIT BASKET NOTE: NOT A SNAPPY
DRESSER, BUT HE SHOULD NOT APPEAR CLOWNISH. OTHERS GASP AT HIS
UNCHARACTERISTIC APPEARANCE (SHIRT, VEST, COLORFUL SUSPENDERS, PANTS A
BIT SHORT, STRIPED KNEE SOCKS, SHINY SHOES, HAIR SLICKED). PAPA PEERS
OVER HIS SPECTACLES]
Papa: Ah, Christoffels, my dear associate. How wonderful you should
join us on this… very un-USUAL occasion! [EYES CHRIS' ATTIRE,
UP AND DOWN]
[CHRIS SITS BASKET ON TABLE, STANDS PROUDLY; TAKES PAPA'S
HAND-SHAKES IT A BIT TOO VIGOROUSLY]
Chris: Congratulations, Herr ten Boom! One hundred years… a day
for
MEM-ories!
Papa: Yes, mem-OH-ries [PAPA NODS/SMILES, GENTLY PULLS HIS HAND
FREE STRETCHES PAINED FINGERS]
[MEANWHILETOOS MOVES HER TULIP VASE CLOSER TO PAPA. TRIES AGAIN TO
STAND THE FLOPPY TULIP UP STRAIGHT. OTHERS RESTRAIN LAUGHTER. CHRIS
STANDS NEAR TOOS AND PROUDLY STRAIGHTENS HIS CLOTHES. TOOS LOOKS
SOURLY AT HIM, THEN EYES BASKET, AND REACHES FOR CLUMP OF GRAPES. SHE
PLOPS ONE THEN ANOTHER IN HER MOUTH UNTIL FULL-CHOMPS
UNCEREMONIOUSLY. CORRIE &BETSIE READY TO BURST WITH LAUGHTER]
Papa: [PRETENDS NOT TO NOTICE, CLEARS THROAT FOR ATTENTION]
May we continue our devotional? [RESUMES READING] "Therefore, I
say to you, do not WORRY about what you will EAT" [PAPA PAUSES]
[TOOS STOPS CHOMPING ABRUPTLY LOOKS AT OTHERS, MOUTH OPEN LOOKS
FOR PLACE TO DISCARD GRAPES. LEERS AT CHRIS WHO SMIRKS. ALL ACTION
SHOULD BE QUICK HERE]
Papa: [RESUMES READING] "ANDdo not worry about what you will
WEAR"
[CHRIS IS BUFFING ONE SHOE ON BACK OF OTHER PANT LEG… PAPA PAUSES,
EYES CHRIS' SOCKS. CHRIS SEES PAPA'S LOOK, QUICKLY DROPS FOOT.
TRIES PULLING PANT LEGS DOWN OVER HIS SOCKS. TOOS LOOKS VINDICATED,
FOLDS ARMS, POINTS TO CHRIS' SOCKS]
Papa: [RESUMES READING] "AFTER ALL, Is not LIFE more than FOOD and
the BODY more than CLOTHING? [JOYFUL] But, God knows we need these
things!" Ah-men! [CLOSES THE BOOK]
Toos/Chris: [RELIEVED SIGHSCHRIS MOPS BROW WITH HANKY] Ahhhh MEN!!
[PAPA BEGINS TO LAUGH HEARTILY OTHERS JOIN IN]
Papa: Christoffels and Toos, will you please remove the workbench for
today?
Corrie: Papa, now may we open your gift, before others arrive?
Nollie: Yes, father just this one?
Papa: Alright, yes, we shall open it. [PAPA OPENS GIFT]
Corrie: Ooh, it's a new radio! Much bigger than our portable one!
Papa: I SEE that it is!
Betsie: The symphony will sound much better!
Nollie: [TEASING] It's a VERY extravagant gift! Such RICHES for a
poor family!
Papa: Again with the RICH! I have my riches right here! [HUGS
DAUGHTERS]
SONG: "These Are My Riches" (Papa sings to Daughters)
ACT 1, SCENE 4 The Celebration Party
[SOUNDS OF ARRIVING GUESTS]
Corrie: Some of our guests have arrived!
[BETSIE &CORRIE MOVE EXCITELY TOWARD DOOR, ENTER PETER (13); LITTLE
GIRL (5); JAN VOGEL AND MR. BAKKER, CONSTABLE ROLF VAN VLIET. TOOS &
CHRISTOFFELS RETURN. MORE PEOPLE ENTER INCLUDING PICKWICK AND JAN
VOGEL WHO LATER BETRAYS THEM]
Papa: Peter, my boy! Jan Vogel and Mr. Bakker, good to see you!
Constable and welcome Heir Sluring! [MORE WELCOMES FROM PAPA]
Corrie: [ASIDE TO BETSIE] Pickwick!!
Pickwick: Congratulations, Casper! It is a day for
Papa: [AVOIDS ANOTHER PAINED HANDSHAKE] MEMORIES I know, I know!
Betsie: [HUSHED] Peter, I hear you have a special GIFT for your
grandfather!
Peter: [STAGE WHISPER] Yes, it's a SONG I wrote for him, just for
today. But, it's a SURPRISE!
Corrie: Your secret is safe with us, sweet nephew! Come, see the new
radio
Pickwick: Ah, JAN VOGEL see the new radio!
Jan Vogel: Yes a very fine gift indeed!
Mr. Bakker: [TO PAPA] Best wishes, ten Boom! By the way, my wife
brought home my watch and said you would not let her pay for the
repairs!
Papa: I should pay YOU, for the privilege of working on so fine a
watch!
Little girl: [TUGS PAPA'S COAT] Opa Opa Grandfahder?
[IMPATIENT.. TUGS HARDER; LOUDER] GRAN-FAH-DER! [FINALLY GETS
PAPA'S ATTENTION] Are you really 100 years old?
Mr. Bakker: We should enjoy this gathering while we can. That man in
Germany is talking of things that could lead to WAR!
Constable: But, he promises to UNITE us bring change to Holland!
Jan Vogel: Yes, he says we will all PROSPER again there will be
ORDER!
Pickwick: He says MANY things, Jan Vogel but, Jews are now being
rounded up and taken to who knows where!
Mr. Bakker: Our Jewish neighbors are already hiding for fear of their
lives.
Curt: It's true. Everyone knows it!
Toos: [GOSSIPY] My sister in Berlin took in a Jewish orphan whose
parents simply vanished!
Curt: [VOICE RAISED] Your sister should get RID of that child or she
might ALSO vanish. She risks MUCH for the sake of one Jewish orphan.
She could lose her LIFE!
Papa: [CALMLY] To lose my life for such a child would be a great HONOR
for my family!
[PETER, DISTRESSED, STANDS CLOSE BY HIS GRANDFATHER. AWKWARDLY
INTERRUPTS, TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT]
Peter: Grandfather, I have a SURPRISE for you. I have written a
SONG for your
special day!
Papa: A song for me, Peter?
[ENTER WILLEM AND SON KIK. PETER FOLLOWS PAPA TO GREET UNCLE WILLEM]
Willem: [CALLS FROM DOOR] Father!
Papa: Willem, my son! and Kik, how are you, my boy?
Kik: I am well, Grandfather!
Peter: [IMPATIENT, INTERRUPTS] NOW are you ready for my song,
Grandfather?
Papa: One moment, Peter!
Willem: Father, I wanted to bring a new friend to meet you. His name
is HERR GUTLIEBER he just arrived this morning.
Papa: Where is he?
Willem: He was embarrassed to come, Father. Some young men in Munich
stopped him on the street and set FIRE to his beard, because he is a
Jew!
Papa: The Bible says, "The WICKED will perish and ALSO vanish away
into smoke!" [QUOTES FROM PSALM 37:20]
Curt: Who are those young men? Hoodlums, hooligans, I say!
Mr. Bakker: The police will catch up with them, you'll see!
Pickwick: [PEACEMAKER] Yes, Germany's a civilized country!
Kik: But many young men are now wearing the emblem of this new
idealism-a SWASTIKA!
Papa: Young people are always curious about a new philosophy!
Kik: My friend Hans has joined them, Grandfather. He says there will
soon be a law making it a crime to sing our National Anthem,
Pickwick: Surely, this will not last! Now, let us just enjoy this
celebration
Peter: [FEISTY] I would NEVER let them forbid me to sing our Anthem
I would FIGHT them!
[MILD LAUGHTER FROM GUESTS. WILLEM RUFFLES PETER'S HAIR. PETER
FROWNS]
Papa: [AFFECTIONATE] No, no, my boy, we must not be too quick to draw
the sword. The best weapon is prayer!
Curt: Even a CHILD knows we must take action against such enemies in
our midst! Will we just close our eyes to what's happening around
us?
Papa: The Bible says, "When a man's ways please the Lord, even his
enemies will be at peace with him."
Mr. Bakker: [AGITATED] How much "PEACE" will we have if this new
order takes away our freedom?
[CONVERSATION STOPS MR. BAKKER SEES CONCERN ON PAPA'S AND
OTHERS' FACES]
Mr. Bakker: Please forgive me, my dear friend. This is YOUR day!
Pickwick: Yes, friends are we here to battle among ourselves or to
celebrate? This is to be a JOYOUS occasion.
[PICKWICK DIPS CUP IN PUNCH BOWL, HOLDS IT HIGHENCOURAGES OTHERS TO
LIFT CUPS]
This is a day to honor our friend, Casper ten Boom, and this watch
business that has served our city for 100 years!
[GRADUALLY, MORE GUESTS HOLD CUPS UPPOSITIVE LOOKS MIXED WITH
CONCERN]
A toast to our friend, Casper ten Boom! [TOASTS] To one who makes the
finest watches and repairs in all Holland.
Mr. Bakker: One who is also known to "forget" the bill!
[GUESTS LAUGH PAPA, STILL SEATED CHILD IN HIS LAPALL LIGHTEN
UP]
Willem: To a father, loved by his children who never let anyone go
in want
Chris: [TOASTS BLURTS OUT] who treats EVERY person with honor!
[THEN SURPRISED AT HIS OWN BOLDNESS]
Pickwick: [HOLDS PUNCH CUP HIGHER] To a man as kind and generous
as MYSELF! [ALL LAUGH] To Haarlem's Grand Old Man! May you have
one hundred more years of prosperity and life, my friend!
Small child: [ON PAPA'S KNEE, EAR TO PAPA'S VEST, LISTENING TO
WATCHES TICK, EXCITED] Opa Opa Grandfather I can hear you
TICK! [GUESTS LAUGH]
Peter: That reminds me, Grandfather are you ready for my song
now?
Papa: Yes, Peter I am ready!
SONG: "Papa Ticks" (Peter and Company)
[END SCENE]
[End of Extract]