Behind the News: Report From Bethlehem

This innovative play follows a news show's attempt to broadcast the Sorrow of Ramah. Studio hosts, Paula and Jack, try to put the pieces together as investigative reporters, Madeline (in Bethlehem) and Frank (in Jerusalem), talk to various citizens. They interview a scribe from the royal palace, one of the killer soldiers, other-worldly Magi, an earnest innkeeper and his wife, two shepherds, a couple from Mary and Joseph's home town of Nazareth, and an old prophetess at the temple in Jerusalem. As the fascinating interviews unfold, a much bigger story is brought to light, the birth of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion, the reporters (along with the viewers) have to decide if this story will affect their lives. Actually videotaping and televising some of the "interviews" adds an interesting option. About 40 minutes.