Lost Boy, The (Young Jesus In The Temple

Commissioned by Helen Kemp for the Kemp Endowment for Church Music Symposium at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, "The Lost Boy" tells the story of Luke 2:39-52. Mary and Joseph lose track of twelve-year-old Jesus forthree days, and when they finally find him, he is sitting in his "Father's house"--demonstrating with his questions a great understanding of God. Within the musical is a reassuringly human message: even parents chosen by God can lose a child; even a perfect child can give his parents anxiety. The message is sure to comfort anyone who has ever been a parent, a child, or even those who have misplaced Jesus for a while. The musical can be produced with a minimum of costumes, props, and scenery. At under 25 minutes, it is short enough to fit into a worship service but is solid enough to stand alone. Stagedirections, production notes, and simple prop, costume, and scenery ideas are included, but feel free to adapt any of the suggestions to your situation.