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"The Crate Escape"
by Fred Passmore copyight 2005

Synopsis: Tempted into entering a box of forbidden delights, a foolish fellow becomes trapped in the bondage of sin. A parade of people, representing the various solutions people look to when bound, offer advice, to no avail. He finally escapes when presented with the gospel. Runs about 20-25 minutes.

Characters:
Mr. Hunter, the Satan character.
Jerry, the hapless victim.
Terry, his fair-weather friend.
The New-Ager, a female "Shirley McLain" type.
The Cult Leader, a Jim-Jones type.
The Minister, a judgemental religious type.
The Box Person, another person bound by habits and sin. (Preferably a female.)
The Firebug, a Suicide Solution type.
Arthur, the Christian that helps.
Helen, the other Christian sent by God to help.
Various extras to walk back and forth.

Costumes:
Mr. Hunter should be in a black suit. White gloves and top hat are desirable, but optional, if available.
The New-Ager should be in a colorful pantsuit or hippie-like clothes. Tie-dyed headband across forehead, and round sunglasses. Barefoot or in sandals
The Cult Leader wears dark sunglasses.
The Minister, a suit.
The Box Person, a cardboard box they can wear.
The Firebug, in a Goth-type outfit. Colored hair a plus.

Props: A large cardboard box painted to look like a wooden crate. (A stove, dryer or washing machine box would be ideal.) Painted on it is a sign reading "Hunter Curiosities Thrill Box." (You may print out a pre-designed sign here and tape it to the box.) Alternatively, you may build a crate out of paneling and 2x4's, like some have done for it.
A smaller box with holes cut in it for legs, arms and head.
Section of large black plastic chain, measured to fit around box.
Can of air freshener.
Lighter and empty can of lighter fluid.

Setting: Outside in park. Nothing special required.

NOTE: To view a video of this play being done by an excellent drama team, go here. It will help give you a good idea of what it can be like!

"The Crate Escape"

by Fred Passmore copyright 2005

(Begin Track #1: Intro music plays; "Hall of the Mountain King" is Mr. Hunter's entry theme.)

(From the left side of the stage, a man --Mr. Hunter-- enters dragging (or preferably, rolling) a large box covered with a sheet. Once he reaches the center of the stage, which should coincide with the end of the intro music, he straightens the sheet, then turns to stand beside the box facing the audience, and addresses the people walking past on the stage.)

Mr. Hunter: (Loudly, through a megaphone, in sideshow huckster style.) Ladies and gentlemen! Please, gather round, gather round! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mr. Nimrod D. Hunter, rarity collector extraordinaire, owner of the Hunter Curiosities Traveling Exhibit! I have traveled around the world to bring you visions of the strange, the exotic, and the weird, to amaze and astound you!

(Several people who have been walking by stop to see what's happening, and gather near the front, but not blocking the audience's view of Mr. Hunter or the crate.)

(Begin Track #2, "The Unveiling," which is the classical music piece "Thus Spake Zarathustra - Dawn." This builds as he continues his hyping.)

Mr. Hunter: You are about to witness the unveiling of a wonderful new kind of entertainment! I have inside this crate, the 9th wonder of the world!

(Once the people have gathered, including our two characters Jerry and Terry, Mr. Hunter grasps the edges of the sheet and pauses dramatically.)

Mr. Hunter: Hurry, hurry, step right up! See the most amazing, the most spectacular, the most stupendous sights ever seen by man!

(He whips the sheet off to reveal the box when the music reaches it's crescendo.)

Mr. Hunter: (With a florish.) Behold!

(The box has painted on it the words "Hunter Curiosities Thrill Box." The crowd looks mildly interested.)

Mr. Hunter: The ultimate in thrills and excitement await you inside the box! And it's absolutely free! Take advantage of this limited introductory offer! Who will take the challenge?

(Most of the crowd begins to walk away, but Jerry remains. Terry looks at him and jerks his head indicating "let's go," but Jerry halfway holds up a hand to him; indicating "hang on.")

Mr. Hunter: (To Jerry.) How about you, sir? What's your name?

Jerry: (Looking around to make sure he is talking to him.) Uh... Jerry?

Mr. Hunter: Jerry! I can see you have a curious mind! Why not come up and view the wonders in my crate of curiosities?

Jerry: (Reluctantly.) I don't know... Sounds interesting, but I'm a little skeptical that it's for free... What's the catch?

Mr. Hunter: Catch? Interesting choice of words, sir. All I want is you... (pauses, then gestures toward the crate) ...to look into the box!

Jerry: (Craning his neck to see around the box.) Well, what's in it?

Mr. Hunter: What's in it? Why, my good sir, if I told you that it would ruin the surprise! You have to see it for yourself to appreciate it! Try it, there's no obligation and it won't cost you a penny!

Terry: Something smells fishy here, Jerry. Let's go.

(Jerry hesitates, looking at Terry with indecision.)

Mr. Hunter: (Crossing his arms and tapping his chin with a finger.) Um... perhaps you should take your friend's advice. The contents of the crate are not for everyone. Only a few have the fortitude it takes to enter into the pleasures of the unknown.

Jerry: (A little defensively.) Are you implying I don't have the guts?

Mr. Hunter: Absolutely not! Courage is demonstrated by actions, not words.

Terry: He's just baiting you, man. Let it go.

(Mr. Hunter shrugs and turns to the box, pulling the sheet back over the edge to cover it up.)

Mr. Hunter: (As he covers it, he speaks sadly.) The opportunity has passed you by, my reluctant friend. (A little more lightly.) Perhaps I will be back in this part of the country some day.

Jerry: (Moving closer to Hunter.) Hold on... hold on! I never said I didn't want to check it out...

(Mr. Hunter pauses in his actions, as if considering, then resumes, shaking his head as though deciding against relenting.)

Mr. Hunter: I'm sorry, I have others waiting for me to bring the excitement of the forbidden to them. Now, if you'll excuse me...

Jerry: (Taking out some bills and waving them at Hunter.) Ok, I'll pay! Just let me take a little peek, Mr. Hunter. Just one!

Mr. Hunter: (Looking offended, he pushes the money away.) My good man, you insult me! What I offer is not for sale. I give it to those bold enough to take it. (Looking at him challengingly.) Are... you... bold enough?

Jerry: (Pulling off the sheet.) I am stone cold bold! Show me. (Pointing at Mr. Hunter.) And I better like it!

Mr. Hunter: (With a wicked smile.) Oh, you'll be hooked, believe me!

(He pulls back the door on the side of the crate, motioning with his hand invitingly for Jerry to enter.)

Jerry: All right!

(Jerry bends to go into the box, but Terry grabs his arm.)

Terry: I've got a bad feeling about this...

Jerry: I'll be just a second. Wait for me! (He crawls into the box.)

(Begin Track #3: "A Crate Experience." We hear what sounds like a rocking party, with racous music and laughing people.)

Jerry: (From inside the box.) Wow... this is incredible!

(From inside, Jerry opens a flap to a small window in the front, and sticks his face up to it to speak.)

Jerry: (To Terry, excitedly.) You have GOT to see this! It's awesome!

Mr. Hunter: Didn't I tell you?

Jerry: You are The Man! I may never come back out! (His face disappears from the window.) Woooo-hooooo!

Terry: (Concerned.) Jerry, you shouldn't overdo it. Come on out!

Jerry: (Through the small window hole.) You are such a party-pooper! Just another minute... (Pulls back from the hole again.)

Terry: You're really going to regret this, I know it!

(Jerry crawls out of the crate, the music fading as he does, and stands with a huge grin.)

Jerry: (To Terry.) See, you worried over nothing! Went in, enjoyed it, came back out, no problem!

Mr. Hunter: Just as I promised. And now, I must take my leave. (Turning to re-cover the crate.)

Jerry: (Protesting.) You're leaving? But you just got here with it!

Mr. Hunter: I'm afraid I must. Others are waiting to be trapped... er, tapped, to partake of my wonderful crate!

Jerry: But now that I've had a taste of it, I want more!

Mr. Hunter: (Reluctantly.) Well, I am on a tight touring schedule...

Jerry: Please! Just one more look...

Terry: Jerry, let's go. We're gonna miss the bus!

Jerry: Just one more time, that's all... I promise.

Mr. Hunter: (Holding the door open again.) Quickly then, please...

(Jerry ignores Terry's attempts to pull him back and enters the box again, and Mr. Hunter closes the door behind him with a wicked smile.)

(Begin Track #4: Party Music begins again, leading into "The Trap Snaps Shut.")

Jerry: (From within the box.) Whoopeeeeeee!

(Jerry continues to voice his enjoyment of what he is experiencing. Terry looks at his watch, impatiently. Meanwhile, Mr. Hunter goes behind the box and comes back out with a long, heavy black chain that he begins to wrap around the outside of the box.)

(Track #4 continues: The music on the track begins to grow ominous.)

(Terry notices him wrapping the chain around the box and is alarmed.)

Terry: Jerry! Come out! It's a trap! (He knocks hard on the outside of the box.)

(Jerry's face appears in the small window hole.)

Jerry: (Annoyed.) What's all the commotion? I'm getting into this in here!

Terry: I said this is a trap! Get out while you still can!

Jerry: (Angry.) You're just jealous 'cause you're too chicken to come in too! Now leave me alone! (Slams the flap.)

(Terry goes to try to stop Mr. Hunter from finishing by grabbing his arm. Mr. Hunter reacts in an unexpected way: His teeth pull back in a snarl, and he sweeps Terry's arm away visciously, then grabs Terry by the shirt collar and snarls in his face.)

Mr. Hunter: (Dangerously.) You don't try to deprive a lion of it's prey, my friend. (Recovers some from his anger and lets him go, smoothing down his shirt front.) Now leave before I actually do lose my temper.

(Terry backs away in fear and yells to Jerry.)

Terry: Jerry! He's chaining you in! Get out of there!

Jerry: (From inside.) Go away! I'm trying to enjoy this and you keep bugging me!

(Mr. Hunter has wrapped and secured the chain firmly around the box, blocking the door. He stands back with satisfaction and dusts his hands together.)

Mr. Hunter: There we go, nice and snug! (To Terry.) Move along, nothing to see here...

(Jerry tries the door from within, and it is stopped from opening by the chain.)

Jerry: (Now alarmed.) Hey, what's going on? The door is stuck!

Mr. Hunter: Oh, no... it's not stuck. It's locked... and quite securely, too. I'm happy to say I have added you to my collection.

(Soundtrack Note: The music from Track #4 should be ending about now.)

(Jerry frantically opens the flap to the window and sticks his face as far into it as he can.)

Jerry: WHAT? I thought you collected curiosities!

Mr. Hunter: (Squatting down to look at Jerry's face in the window.) I do. What is more of a curiosity than a person who will exchange their lifelong freedom for a temporary thrill?

Jerry: (Fearfully.) I've been tricked! Let me out!

Mr. Hunter: I'm sorry, but you did enter, and even re-enter of your own free will. And the fine print did give you plenty of warning.

Jerry: Fine print? Where?

Mr. Hunter: (Pointing to a small card on the front of the box under the painted sign.) Right here. Did you miss it in your haste to get in?

Jerry: (Worriedly.) What does it say??

(Terry comes forward and strains to read it. Mr. Hunter hands him a magnifying glass from his pocket, which he takes and uses.)

(Note: Print out here in small text and glue under the large sign.)

Terry: (Reading it.) "Warning: repeated use of this service may be habit-forming. May result in some side-effects and symptoms including, but not limited to, severe depression, mood swings, watery eyes, dry mouth, itchy skin, loss of appetite, high blood pressure, fainting spells, incontinence, sleeplessness, weight loss, diarrhea and halitosis. Prolonged exposure may, and more than likely will, result in physical and spiritual death."

(During the reading, Jerry's face comically shows that he is already experiencing the side-effects. For example, for "depression," he looks sad, "anger," he looks angry, "fainting spells," he almost blacks out, "incontinence," he looks downward with dismay, and "halitosis," he breathes into his hand and sniffs, making a face. etc.)

Jerry: (Crying piteously.) Let me out!!! (Sticks a hand out of the hole and reaches out.) Terry, help me, pal!

Mr. Hunter: (Shooting Terry a warning look, which makes him back up.) Crying won't help, you'll never escape! Now, I must leave for a little while, I have other traps to check. But I'll be back soon to collect you and put you in my trophy display! (Patting the box, he teases him with a laugh.) Don't go anywhere! (He leaves.)

Jerry: (Pitiously.) No, it's not fair! Let me out, please, please, pleeeeeeease!

(Terry approaches again as Mr. Hunter leaves, trying the chain and finding it strong.)

Terry: (Giving up.) I can't budge it, man. You're stuck! (Bending down to talk through the window.) I tried to tell you not to go in, but did you listen? Nooooo!

Jerry: (Sniffling.) I know, I know, I should have known better! What are we going to do?

Terry: We? What's this "we" stuff? You're the one that's bound, not me! I have a bus to catch! (He stands up.) You got yourself into this, so get yourself out of it! (Walks away.)

Jerry: (Crying.) Don't leave me, Terry, come back, come back! (Like Flick does when stuck to the light pole in "A Christmas Story.")

Terry: (As he waves him off and leaves the stage.) Sorry!

Jerry: Mommy!!!!

(Some of the passersby point at him and laugh.)

Jerry: What are you laughing at? This is not funny!

A Bypasser: I'm amused!

(Others clap and laugh.)

Kid: Look, Mommy! A funny man living in a box!

Mother: (Yanking the kid closer and walking away hurriedly.) Ignore him, honey, he's just a bum.

Jerry: I am not a bum! Somebody, anybody... help me, please!

(A colorfully dressed, but barefoot girl or woman, the New-Ager, saunters by. They respond to his calls by coming over to the box and bowing, with hands pressed together, and a beatific smile.)

Jerry: Are you going to help me?

New-Ager: I will help you help yourself, if you are open to it.(Sits down crosslegged.)

(Begin Track #5: with a sitar, middle eastern in sound.)

Jerry: I can't do anything myself, that's why I need help! Can you get me out of the box?

New-Ager: First, you must realise that there is no box. It is a byproduct of your mind, and your belief in the box.

Jerry: You gotta be kiddin' me.

New-Ager: I kid you not. Now, prepare your mind to make the leap. You must think outside the box.

Jerry: Okay, what have I got to lose? What do I do?

New-Ager: (Closes eyes and assumes lotus position.) Control your body, and the mind will follow. Breath with me. In, and out. In, and out.

(Jerry begins to breath with her, in an exaggerated fashion.)

New-Ager: Very good. Cleanse your body of the toxins, and cleanse your mind of the negative energy that holds you.

(Jerry keeps breathing in and out.)

New-Ager: (In a sing-song voice.) Release your fears and self-loathing. Imagine yourself free, and you will be free! Close your eyes and picture yourself flying away!

(Jerry closes his eyes and chants "I am free. I am not in the box," repeatedly.)

New-Ager: Keep it up! Believe in yourself and your unlimited potential. The God-force is within you. Release it!

Jerry: I think I can feel it! (Chanting.) The box is not real... I am free of all limitations!

New-Ager: (In a happy voice.) Your mind and spirit are soaring. Now...release yourself!

Jerry: (Triumphantly.) I...am...FREE!

(He tries to get out, but to no avail, as we see the box moving back and forth with his efforts.)

New-Ager: (Opening eyes to look, repeating her line a little louder.) Release yourself!

Jerry: (With effort.) I'm... trying! But the box is still there! (Frustrated.) This isn't working.

New-Ager: (Sadly.) You do not have enough faith in yourself. You fail because you subconciously wish to remain in the box.

Jerry: You're nuts! Some help you are!

New-Ager: (Getting up, somewhat peeved.) I have not failed, the failure is your own. Your mind is not strong enough.

Jerry: (Angrily.) Beat it, you freaky New Age hippie chick! Your kind of help I don't need!

New-Ager: (Leaving.) May you come back as a flea-infested camel in your next life!

(Soundtrack Note: fade the Eastern music if it has not stopped already.)

Jerry: (Calling out to another person passing by.) You! Hey, mister! Help me, please!

(Begin Track #6: Church-y Organ.)

Cult Leader: (Coming over to him and leaning down.) Yes, my son?

Jerry: I'm trapped in this crate. Can you help me get out?

Cult Leader: Yes, I can. I have secret knowledge that will enable me to free you.

Jerry: Really? Wow... that's great!

Cult Leader: I've freed many others from the things that hold them down in this life. All you have to do is devote yourself to my teaching completely.

Jerry: Okay... guess it's worth a shot!

Cult Leader: Reach forth your hand, my son.

(Jerry stretches out his hand and the man takes it.)

Cult Leader: (In a commanding voice.) You must hear my words, and only my words. I am the one true voice of God on the earth today.

Jerry: I'm fine with that, if you can help me!

Cult Leader: You must pledge all of your worldy possessions to me, to prove your loyalty. You must shed the earthly relationships and physical weights that hold you down.

Jerry: Sounds about right. What do I do?

Cult Leader: Hand over to me all that you hold dear. Beginning with your money. Turn your back on the world and enter my flock!

(Jerry hands his wallet out of the window to the man, who takes it with a grin and opens it eagerly.)

Jerry: What now?

Cult Leader: (Pocketing the wallet.) The first thing that happens when you join the flock is that you get fleeced.

(Jerry sticks his hand back out to reach for him.)

Jerry: Now will you release me? I'm getting a cramp in here.

Cult Leader: (Sternly.) You are not ready to be released. You must spend some time in the crate to learn obedience and humility. When I decree you are ready, I will let you out, and not before.

Jerry: (Indignantly.) Hey, pal, you took my money, now let me out!

Cult Leader: This is your first lesson as my disciple. (Pocketing the wallet and walking off, chuckling to himself.) So long, sucker!

Jerry: I don't believe it! Now I'm in bondage and broke! What an idiot I am to fall for all this stuff. (Calling to a woman passing.) Help me out, please!

Woman: (Handing him some change.) Here you go, buy yourself a sandwich.

Jerry: (Looking at the change somewhat indignantly and calling after her.) Uh... thanks, but I don't need a sandwich! I need freedom!

Woman: (Tossing her head.) Hmph! Ingrate. Some people you just can't help!

(Another man walks past, head held high, and carrying a Bible. Jerry calls out to him.)

Jerry: Sir! Sir! Over here! I need some help!

(Begin Track #7: Somber, draggy version of "Amazing Grace.")

Minister: (Squinting at the box.) Who are you?

Jerry: My name is Jerry, and I'm trapped inside this box. Can you help me?

Minister: I am a minister of the Lord, of course I can help you.

Jerry: A minister? Oh, thank God! Just the man I need.

Minister: How did you get into the box in the first place?

Jerry: A Mr. Hunter tricked me into getting into this crate. He tempted me into trying it, and now I can't get out!

Minister: (Alarmed.) Mr. Hunter? If you gave in to temptation, you must expect to be bound. Bondage comes with temptation and sin. It's your own fault that you're in there!

Jerry: I know, I realise that now. I need to find a way out! Can you lend me a hand?

Minister: I can't help you while you are in your sin, lest I be judged along with you! I must avoid the very appearance of evil. (He moves away.) This crate is the judgement of God upon you for loving your sinful lifestyle.

Jerry: Okay, I accept that! But won't you help me now?

Minister: Help you? I will not share in your condemnation by condoning your condition! You defiled sinner! (He begins to kick the box.)

Jerry: Ow! Hey, cut it out! What are you doing?

Minister: (Continuing to kick and abuse him.) God hates your kind! You deserve God's righteous wrath for your rebellion against His divine plan! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! (Smacks the box with his hand and kicks it, then looks up to Heaven with a pious expression.) I thank you Lord, that I am not like this sinner! (Goes off stage.)

(Soundtrack Note: fade the last track of music if it has not stopped already.)

Jerry: Good grief! Now I'm bound, broke and bruised! I'm beginning to think there's no hope for me to ever get out of this.

(A person comes on wearing a box, with their legs sticking out underneath! Their face is sticking out of a hole in the top of the box. Their arms are sticking out of holes in the side. They are free to walk around, but still in bondage.)

(Begin Track #8: Comical music.)

Jerry: Look at that! Somebody else in a box! Hey! Hey, over here!

(The Box Person looks around, unable to see well because of the box. They finally spot him and trundle over to him, standing beside his box and bending over as much as possible to look at him.)

Box Person: Well, hey there! What's up?

Jerry: What's up!? Look at me... I'm trapped here!

Box Person: (Shrugging the box up and down.) Well... better get used to it!

(They start to walk away but stop when Jerry protests.)

Jerry: (Frantic.) No, wait! Do you know any way to get out of one of these things?

Box Person: Duh! Do you think that if I knew how to get out, that I'd be wearing this thing around? It weighs a ton! And hot...! Whew!

Jerry: But you get around pretty good in it!

Box Person: Well, you get used to it after awhile, and you learn to adapt to it. I was able to cut these holes in it, but that's it.

Jerry: (Despairingly.) So it's hopeless then...?

Box Person: Pretty much. But you want some advice?

Jerry: Please!

Box Person: Don't fight it so much. Since there's no way out, just make the best of it! Love the box, 'cause the box is all there is now. You were born to be in the box, you'll live in it, and when you die, they'll bury you in it.

Jerry: That's the most depressing thing I've ever heard.

Box Person: That's just the way it is. The sooner you accept it, the happier you'll be.

Jerry: (Sniffing the air with a wrinkled nose.) What... is that horrible smell?

Box Person: (Looking around nervously.) Smell? What smell?

Jerry: (Holding his nose.) That sickening stench! It's terrible! Where is it coming from, an open sewer somewhere?

Box Person: Well, you don't have to get so graphic about it. I'm afraid it's coming from me.

Jerry: You? Sorry to insult you, but how is that possible?

Box Person: Well, when you're in the box there's no way to clean yourself up, or to make a way for sanitation. It just kind of builds up after awhile. This will help a little...

(He brings out a can of air freshener and sprays it around himself.)

Box Person: You get used to it over time. But it's kind of tough on other people around you. That's why I don't have many friends.

Jerry: That, I can understand. Phew!

Box Person: Say, since we're in the same boat, or should I say box, why don't we stick together? (Sticks out a hand toward Jerry.) Pals?

Jerry: No, just get away from me! I'm not gonna be in here forever.

Box Person: (Hurt.) Oh, yeah? I've never seen anyone escape. Just give in and enjoy it!

Jerry: I refuse to accept that! Now beat it! I don't want people thinking that stink is coming from me!

Box Person: Fine, have it your way! It's gonna get reeeeeal lonely in there!

(They walk off, bumping into things on their way out. Others passing by shy away, smelling the stench.)

(While Jerry is moaning in the window over his fate, a shifty fellow dressed all in black walks over to the box on the side, out of Jerry's range of vision. He inspects it from side to side, and looks around to see if anyone is looking. He kneels beside the window and begins to reach into his coat pocket when Jerry spots him.)

(Begin Track #9: Burning rock theme for the Firebug.)

Jerry: Hey! What are you doing?

(The guy is startled at Jerry's sudden appearance in the window and stuffs the items back in his coat.)

Firebug: Oh, hey, didn't know you were in there, dude...

Jerry: Yeah, I'm in here alright, for the rest of my life I guess...

Firebug: So, you're looking for a way out, huh?

Jerry: Yeah, but I've just about given up on it. I don't guess you know a way...?

Firebug: I just might... I just might at that....

Jerry: Really? I might regret asking, but... how?

Firebug: There's only one way out... and it's the ultimate solution to your pain and problems.

Jerry: Sounds kind of final...

Firebug: Oh, it is, that's the beauty of it. Now, how badly do you want out?

Jerry: Bad... real bad.

Firebug: Bad enough to do anything to escape it?

Jerry: Just about. What did you have in mind?

Firebug: I'll get you out. Yeah, I'll get you out. (He takes out a can of lighter fluid and a lighter.) Gimme just a second....

Jerry: (Suspicious.) What are you up to?

Firebug: (With a crazed laugh.) I'm gonna burn up the box so you can be free! (He mimes squirting the lighter fluid from the can all over the box.) Burn, baby, burn! Heeehaaaaaheeeeeoooooo!

Jerry: (Frantically.) NO, you idiot! I'm in here, I'll get burned up too!

Firebug: Sure, but you'll be free! It's the only sure way of escape!

(He holds the lighter up to the window of the box and begins flicking it! Jerry is desperately trying to blow it out in between his protests.)

Jerry: (Inbetween puffs.) Get away... from me... you... you maniac! Help! Somebody.... help!!!

(The firebug is laughing maniacally and breathing heavily as he flicks the lighter, obviously enjoying the terror it is bring to Jerry, who is screaming by now.)

(A passerby, Arthur, sees what is happening and runs to help.)

Arthur: Hey, knock it off, buddy! Get away from him!

(The Firebug reacts with fear and runs away as Arthur chases him offstage.)

(Sound note: fade last track if not stopped already.)

Arthur: (Stopping at the edge and yelling after him as he flees.) And don't come back!

(Arthur hurries back to check on Jerry.)

Jerry: (Holding out his hands and then clasping them together as he cries with relief.) Oh, thank you! Thank you! (Sobbing.) That all I would have needed; bound, broke, bruised and burned!

Arthur: (Taking Jerry's hand and shaking it.) Hey, my name is Arthur.

Jerry: I'm Jerry. But you can call me Big Stupid Idiot!

Arthur: That's pretty harsh. (Squatting down by the window.) Why are you in here?

Jerry: Through my own desire to experience something I had no right to. I have no-one to blame by myself.

Arthur: I know what you mean, I've been in the same situation. Let me guess: Mr. Hunter, right?

Jerry: Hey, you know him? And you got out of one of his traps?

Arthur: I sure did.

Jerry: Would you mind telling me how? Everyone else seems to think it's hopeless.

Arthur: (Laughs.) No, it's not hopeless. Not with the Lord.

Jerry: Wait, I've already heard from a minister. God hates me!

Arthur: No, He doesn't. Some mis-guided Christians forget that we're to show and share God's love with those in bondage, that's all. (He takes out a tract and hands it to Jerry through the window.) Here, this will help you see what I mean. It holds the key to your freedom.

(Jerry holds the tract in his hand in the window was he looks at it.)

Arthur: Read that first paragraph there.

(Begin Track #10: soft piano music for "Bible Reading.")

Jerry: (Reading from the tract.) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised..."

Arthur: That's Jesus speaking. Read some more... there are other scriptures that will help you.

Jerry: (Reading.) "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." Say, I like that!

Arthur: See? Jesus came to free men from the bondage to sin. We can't escape on our own, but if we accept Him as Savior, nothing on Earth can hold us down or keep us bound!

Jerry: So you're telling me I can just say a few words and the door will pop open like magic?

Arthur: No, it's not a magic spell to repeat. It's a life-changing relationship. See, it's like this: you're bound to the box by your human nature, which is sinful. By accepting Christ, you get a new nature. You die to self, and recieve a new life. Then the box no longer has a hold on you!

Jerry: (Thoughtfully.) That makes more sense that anything I've heard so far. I wasn't really sure I could leave the box if the door was opened for me. Was the temptation to get in the box the same for you as it was for me?

Arthur: I can't really say, but listen: it doesn't matter what bait was used to tempt you in; yours was probably different from mine. But the bondage of the box is the same.

Jerry: Okay, I'm convinced. Tell me what to do and I'm outta here!

Arthur: Great! See the next page? Read those scriptures and you'll find the key.

Jerry: (Reading.) "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotton Son..."

(Suddenly Mr. Hunter re-enters as he is reading and walks to the box.)

(Soundtrack Note: Fade the last track, soft piano music, if it has not stopped already.)

Mr. Hunter: (Suspiciously.) What's going on here?

Jerry: Oh, no, he's back! He's going to claim me!

Arthur: (Standing up.) Keep reading, you can still escape!

Mr. Hunter: What's this? (He snatches the tract out of Jerry's hand and looks at it.) A Gospel tract? Oh, no, you don't... (Outraged, he tears the tract into little pieces and tosses it in the air.) You aren't going to get away that easy!

(He turns to Arthur and advances threateningly toward him.)

Mr. Hunter: And you... trying to help my prey escape, are you? There's hell to pay for interfering with my well-laid plans... (He shoves him back, causing Arthur to fall.) Now stay out of my way, you meddling do-gooder!

(He turns back to the box and begins to drag or roll it offstage.)

Jerry: (Screaming.) Help me, Arthur!!!

(Arthur jumps back up and takes out another tract, and rushes up to try to place it in Jerry's outstretched hands.

Arthur: Here, take it!

Mr. Hunter spins around to face Arthur, and blocks his way repeatedly, like a basketball player trying to stop another from scoring.)

Mr. Hunter: No way, you interfering fool! Back off!

Arthur: Never!

(Begin Track #11: Dramatic "Fight for Freedom/Escape" sequence music...)

(Mr. Hunter sees his determination and tackles him, taking him down. As Arthur holds up the tract and tries to get up, Mr. Hunter repeatedly pins him as they wrestle.)

Mr. Hunter: Just because you escaped from me once is no advantage! You're not wrestling against simple flesh and blood. I'm much stronger than you, you puny mortal!

Arthur: (Straining against him.) But you're not stronger than Jesus! And I can do all things through Christ, you monster!

(Mr. Hunter is knocked off of Arthur as he gains strength, and begins to crawl toward Jerry. Mr. Hunter rolls back onto his knees and grabs Arthur by the waist, holding him back in a terrific struggle.)

Arthur: (Looking toward Heaven.) Lord, help Jerry to get your word!

(As they continue to wrestle, inching toward the box, another person, Helen, comes onto the stage and walks toward the box, unseen to either Mr. Hunter or Arthur.)

(Soundtrack Note: the above entry of Helen coincides with the brief "harp music" sequence that begins on the playing soundtrack.)

Helen: (Bending to look at Jerry with sympathy.) Excuse me, young man, may I give you some Good News?

(She hands Jerry a tract, which he grabs and yanks back into the crate with him!)

Jerry: Thanks, lady! You're an answer to prayer.

(Helen, observing the conflict, drops to her knees and clasps her hands in silent prayer.)

(Suddenly, there is a rumbling sound as the box begins rocking, slowly at first, then more rapidly and harder. Mr. Hunter looks up at the sound in consternation.)

(This is heard on the soundtrack, as a tympani drum is heard, picking up speed and intensity. Wind and rumbling is heard as it builds...)

Mr. Hunter: (Groans.) Oh, no!!! Somebody else got to him!

Arthur: (Pumping a fist into the air from his prone position.) YES!!

(Mr. Hunter pushes himself to his feet, leaving Arthur in his haste to stop the process.)

Mr. Hunter: Not again!!

(With the swelling music, and louder rumblings, the box is violently shaking! Mr. Hunter runs to it and wraps his arms around it, trying to stop it's motion, when there is an EXPLOSION! Mr. Hunter is knocked backward to the ground as Jerry breaks out of the top of the box, flexing his muscles as if full of power!)

Jerry: I'm FREE!!!

(Triumphant music is heard on the soundtrack cut, which then ends.)

(Arthur leaps up in joy, and is joined by Helen as they clap and cheer. Mr. Hunter, lying in a prone position, drops his head down into his hands in defeat.)

Arthur and Helen: (Shouting.) Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

(Jerry steps out of the remains of the box and rushes to join them in a hug as they pound him on the back in joy.)

Jerry: (With tears, to Arthur.) Thank you for not giving up! (To Helen.) And thank you for bringing me the key!

Arthur: Some sow and others reap, but we all share the joy!

(Mr. Hunter climbs to his feet with a roar of renewed hatred, brushing off his clothes.)

Mr. Hunter: (Snarling.) Don't think you've escaped my trap for good, you slimeball! I can tempt you back in as easily as I did before!

(The three stand together to face him. Jerry looks frightened at the threat.)

Arthur: (Looking at Mr. Hunter but speaking to Jerry.) Don't be intimidated, Jerry. Here's the key to staying free from his traps! (He takes out a card and hands it to Jerry, who reads it out loud.)

Jerry: (Reading.) "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."

(Mr. Hunter grabs his head in anger and frustration at hearing this and spins away as if in pain.)

Mr. Hunter: (Shouting.) I am no mere man to be trifled with. I am Nimrod, Hunter of Souls! (He points savagely at Jerry.) Mark my words, I will be back... with a vengence! (He stalks off angrily.)

(Jerry, Arthur and Helen all clap and jeer him as he leaves.)

All together, various: Get outta town! Yeah, get lost! You big loser! And stay out! (Ect.)

Arthur: He will be back. (To Jerry.) But you can be ready.

Helen: And remember, Jerry, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." See, unless you allow him, the tempter has no power over you!

Arthur: (Takes out another card and reads.) Here's another one: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (He hands it to Jerry.) God will help you!

Jerry: Hey, I like this one: (Reads from the card.) "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Arthur: That's the secret!

Jerry: I'm so excited, I want to tell everyone what the Lord did for me!

Helen: And there'll be plenty of opportunities to do it. He's brought you out of a miry pit, so that you can help others still stuck there.

Jerry: (Fervently.) I hope so. I pray that He will!

(The earlier Box Person returns to the stage, stumbling aimlessly.)

Jerry: (Sniffing the air.) Wait... that smell...

Arthur: Wasn't me!

(Helen makes a face and shakes her head that it wasn't her.)

Jerry: (Grinning.) I know that rank odor! I never thought I'd be so happy to smell a stink like that... (Looking around and seeing the Box Person lingering on the edge of the stage, he calls to them.) Hey, it's you again! Come here, I'm glad to see you!

Box Person: (Afraid at first, they recoil.) What do you want...? (With dawning recognition.) Wait... it's you! (Amazed as they look at him.) But...you're free! How did you manage to get away?

Jerry: I am so glad you asked. Would you like to hear the story of how I was set free?

Box Person: I'd love to... please!

(Begin Track #12, on the soundtrack CD, the Triumphant Finale music.)

(Jerry and Helen watch with pleasure as Jerry puts a hand on the Box Person's arm and leads them off stage, reading to them from the tract he was given. Arthur offers his arm to Helen, which she takes, and they follow them happily offstage.)

(The music on the soundtrack swells to a big finale!)

END

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