Pilgrim Audio Sampler

Act I 

Prologue

   We hear the stately sound of a magnificent pipe organ playing the prelude to an un-familiar hymn. As the lights come up we see the streams of color pouring through the delicate pieces of stained glass gracefully arranged to depict the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The lights’ prism illuminates a solitary figure hunched over, playing the grand wind instrument whose ranks cover the entire wall behind it. Mirrored to the other side is a large choir waiting to join the organ in the refrain, John Bunyan’s, “He Who Would Valiant Be” As they do, the melodious blend of the choir and organ seem to vibrate through the chambers of this venerable old cathedral and lift it momentarily from its bearings, ending in the traditional and drawn-out, “amen”.

It is the 300th anniversary of the death of John Bunyan and he is celebrated by the Anglican Communion this year as a Lesser Festival on August 30th. This year, being a “Trecenti”, is a little more special and includes the choir and organ. A minister approaches the podium and begins the liturgy, highlighting Bunyan’s life, telling of his zealous devotion to Christ and of his subsequent incarceration, recalling that it was at this time that he wrote, “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. His voice begins to trail as the lights fade and come up on the common room of jail at Bedfordshire, where Bunyan is imprisoned.

 A man, seated at a table to the side, appears to be writing, as the sound of a religious band playing the “Valiant Theme”, is heard coming from an adjacent room. The Sisters of Mercy are conducting a service with singing, devotions and refreshments; biscuits with jelly and fruit juice. One of the sisters enters with a small child and brings her to the man. He turns as they approach him and seems to be overjoyed to see the little girl. They converse briefly and then the sister beckons the girl to leave. The man is John Bunyan and the little girl is Mary, his daughter, who visits him often at the jail. The service concludes as a group of prisoners return to the common room vigorously consuming the refreshments they have received.  The men seem surprised to see Bunyan and inquire as to why he is back in jail as they thought he was to be released. Bunyan was in prison for violations of the Conventicle Act of 1664, which prohibited the    holding of religious services outside the auspices of the established Church of England, which he admits, “honorably”, that he did.  He had served 12 years and was given a hearing to see if he would “cease and desist”. When he refused, he was thrown back in jail, where he finishes the Pilgrim’s Progress. In this scene, he convinces the prisoners to let him read to them a draft of one of his early manuscripts and explains that the idea for this story came to him as a similitude of a dream. As he reads, the lights fade and come up in the interior of a small, meager home in the City of destruction.

Scene 1: 

The City of Destruction

Bunyan, who contends that his story is also written as an allegory, which in this play, Bunyan is the narrator. The allegory's protagonist, Christian, is an everyman character, and the plot centers on his journey from his hometown, the "City of Destruction" ("this world"), to the "Celestial City" ("that which is to come": Heaven) atop Mount Zion. The first scene is sung as a narrative poem, “The City of Destruction”, with the entire company participating. Graceless, as he is called at this point, is weighed down by a great burden—the knowledge of his sin—which he believed came from his reading "the book in his hand" (the Bible). This burden, which would cause him to sink into Hell, is so unbearable that Graceless must seek deliverance. He pleads with his wife and children to leave Destruction with him, as it is doomed to be destroyed by fire and brimstone. They think he is crazy and convince to try and sleep it off and maybe he’ll feel better in the morning. To no avail, he spends a fitful night and awakes feeling worse! 

      With his family giving him no support, he rushes to the courtyard outside and begins bellowing to his neighbors about the need to evacuate the city immediately to avoid the certain calamity that is imminent, as recorded in his book. The neighbors begin to pour out into the street to see what’s the row and get into a major conflagration with Graceless over the veracity of what he contends is in the book. One neighbor tells him, “Don’t believe everything you read, Graceless”! The neighbors begin to retreat to their homes, leaving Graceless hurt and defeated. He flings his book off to the side and begins to weep! 

 The book comes to rest at the feet of Evangelista, Casiodoro de Seville, a passing Spanish Missionary. He picks up the book and walks toward Graceless inquiring why he is crying? Graceless explains to him about his burden and his abject fear of dying, but he doesn’t want any sympathy. Evangelista says that he already has his sympathy, but what he really needs is salvation and deliverance from his burden. He directs him to go to the "The Cross of Gold" which appears as a shining light in the distance.  So, Graceless leaves his home, his wife, and children to save himself: he cannot persuade them to accompany him, as they sing, “The Sweet By and By”, as the lights fade.

Scene 2: 

The road to Mt. Calvary 

He then, runs into Obstinate and Pliable, two friends from Destruction, who try to talk him into turning back, but Graceless refuses.  Pliable is almost convinced to go with Graceless, hoping to take advantage of the Paradise that Graceless claims lies at the end of his journey, as they sing, “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit”. Obstinate is disgusted and says, “cursed is the weak minded, for they’ll believe anything they read”. Pliable vacillates and his desire to join Graceless is cut short when he changes his mind    and returns to Destruction with Obstinate.      

On his way to the Cross of Gold, Graceless is diverted by the secular ethics of Mr. Worldly Wiseman from the town of Villainy, into seeking deliverance from his burden through the Law, supposedly with the help of a Mr. Legality Esq. and his daughter Civility; rather than through Christ, by way of the “Cross of Gold” which he claims is just an old rugged cross. Evangelista catches the wayward Graceless and shows him that he had sinned by turning out of the way and tells him that Mr. Legality and his daughter Civility are no more than opportunists and Mr. Worldly Wiseman is a false guide. Graceless asks him if it true that the Cross of Gold is just an old rugged cross? Evangelista explains, “yes, it’s true; all that glitters is not gold but the rugged cross is worth far more than riches yet untold”.  “It gleams in the sunlight and beacons us to seek salvation at it’s foot”. Evangelista sings “Worldly Wiseman” and assures Graceless that he will be welcomed at the cross if he should turn around and go there. But, Graceless is fearful that his faithlessness is too great and that he will be cast aside. Evangelista offers to escort him to the cross and bear witness to the fact that if he truly seeks forgiveness and salvation, he will receive it. Graceless agrees to go.

Scene 3: 

The Cross of Gold

    After the encounter with Worldly Wiseman, Graceless and Evangelista finally reach the "place of deliverance". Graceless approaches the cross and confesses his sin and pleads for his salvation, while Evangelista stands back. Graceless sings “Jesus Save Me” and as he nears the end of the song the "straps" that bound Christian's burden to him break, and it disintegrates into thin air. Graceless, joyfully sings the final lyric: “Jesus saved me”! 

   This event happens relatively early in the narrative: the immediate need of Graceless at the beginning of the story being quickly remedied.  Evangelista, who has been at the side observing Graceless’ spiritual transformation now warmly welcomes him into the family of God. Graceless thanks him and expresses his gratitude for finding him before it was too late and getting him back on the right path. He is sorrowful for doubting him and genuinely sorry for even listening to what Worldly Wiseman had to say and the other things were equally dubious. Evangelista laughs it off and says, “what else did he have to say”?  Well, you know, about being a recalcitrant and a trouble-maker, says Graceless. Evangelista explains that he was a dissenter and only wanted to reform the religious ways of the community; that the book Graceless had discovered in Destruction, he too, had been drawn and what he discovered would rock the religious establishment to its core! I was born in the Spanish Row in the City of Vanity and there as a child I was taught about the Via Dolorosa, the way of suffering. I could describe for you every gory detail of the journey our Lord took on that treacherous path to Golgatha! But, I knew nothing about the Via de la Cruz, the path we must take once we receive the gift of salvation from our Lord and Savior. Evangelista sings “Via de la Cruz” which contains his personal testimony as well as an admonition to Graceless about the journey he must now take. As the song ends, Evangelista tells Graceless his next stop will be the Chateau du Beau, a beautiful castle where a congregation of Huguenots reside. There he can seek lodging and will receive combat training for possible battles he may face along the way of his journey. The way passes through the Valley of the Shadow of Death and is known to be often frequented by Prince Apollyon to harass hapless pilgrims.

Scene 4: 

Mt. Arduous

So, Evangelista bids Graceless farewell. He tells Evangelista that he hopes they meet again someday and he begins his trek to his next destination, the Chateau du Beau. He is anxious to get there before night-fall, so his pace is somewhat hurried. After several hours he arrives at the base of a small mountain. At the top he can see the tall spires of a majestic castle. His path leads up the side of the hill and disappears into the dense foliage ahead. It appears to be a steep climb but Graceless is ready for this new challenge. He stops momentarily as the sound of a wild beast echoes across the adjoining valley. At that moment, two apparent pilgrims come clamoring out from the brush in full gait as if they were running for their lives. They stop to catch their breath, gasping and unable to speak. After a few moments Graceless gets them to explain that they are Mr. and Mrs. Hypocrisy and that they had almost been devoured by a couple of lions that were guarding the castle! Graceless, now afraid for himself asked if they were loose, to which the Hypocrisy’s indignantly replied that they were chained but if they had gotten any closer they would have been torn to pieces, so they were going to look for a shortcut around the mountain and promptly left. Graceless hears the roar of the lions, takes a look up the mountain, gulps and sings, “The Chateau du Beau” a song about making the ascent to the castle and his fear of encountering the lions. Nevertheless, his undaunting faith in his redeemer: “I can trust that he will carry me all the way to the Chateau du Beau”, compels him to move forward. 

Scene 5: 

The Chateau du Beau

  Climbing the massive hill proved to be undaunting and Graceless managed to arrive at his destination with the castle now laying within a few easy strides. The lions roamed aimlessly near the entrance to the chateau, growling as they sensed the approach of a new pilgrim. Graceless calls out to announce his arrival. He thought to himself, “I don’t recall Evangelista mentioning anything about any lions”! The door opens and a man beacons him to come in but tells him to stay in the center of the path; that the lions are chained and can’t reach him. He chuckles and says that they are only there to test the faith of pilgrims!  

   So, Graceless makes his first stop for the night at the Chateau du Beau, which is a place built by the Lord of the Hill for the refreshment of pilgrims and godly travelers. The man that greeted him at the door was Watchman and he and his family were commissioned by the Lord of the Hill to caretake the chateau.  They celebrate the Lords Supper and sing “For Your Glory” as they break bread together.  

Scene 6: 

The Armory

   Graceless spends three days there, giving him much needed time to study his book of instructions. He also continues to reflect on his desire that his wife and family join him so he pens a letter and in the morning he asks Honesty, one of the members of the congregation if he would deliver this letter to his wife if by chance anyone at the castle would be travelling to Destruction. Honesty tells him not to worry and that he will see that it gets delivered, one way or another. That morning, Graceless gets some valuable training in swordsmanship and tactics as he may encounter the wiles of the devil in diverse places; he recalled the words of Evangelista, that his journey would take him through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, a favorite haunt of Prince Apollyon. Graceless completes his training and is outfitted with the battle gear he will need as they sing “The Armor of God”. Graceless is then dubbed: Having now put the whole armor of God and completed by the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, you are now commissioned into the service of the Lord of this hill. Know that this day, now and forevermore your name shall be “Christian”! Christian, yes, he responds in muffled tones and is unable to move! The Huguenots pause and then scurry to remove the heavy armor and replace it with a much lighter version imported from the Far East by some Asian brothers, explaining that the heavy armor is used for ceremonial purposes and that he will find the Samurai style of battle gear much more flexible and easier in which to maneuver. With that, Christian is relieved and mimes a few dashes with his sword and prepares to make the decent back down the mountain and warily enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death which lies below.

Scene 7: 

The Valley of the Shadow of Death

      Christian enters the valley cautiously which is dark and foreboding! He spies a foul fiend winding his way toward him which he perceives is the demonic dragon-like Apollyon, the lord of the City of Destruction and the sole proprietor the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Their encounter is expressed in the song, “The Song of Apollyon” in which he declares that as a citizen of Destruction he (Christian) still belongs to him and that if he will just recant and return to the city, all will be forgiven, plus he will be given “a tidy sum” as an incentive! When Christian refuses and says he has now pledged his allegiance to the Lord of Hosts, Apollyon is enraged and prepares to douse him with a gust of his putrid fire-breath! As Christian invokes the power of the sword of the spirit summoning the Archangel Michael and his Trecenti, the impending battle ends in a stand-off with Apollyon retreating with his minions and proclaiming that he is not finished with him, “Mr. Christian”, he says with distain! And with that Apollyon spread his dragon wings and sped away. Christian fumbles through his belongings for his book and quickly thumbing through to find a passage, raises his sword triumphantly and reads, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”, to which Michael and his Trecenti respond with a hearty “B’ezrat Hashem”! (with God’s help} The lights black-out as Christian falls exhausted. (We hear “ Pilgrim’s Theme” as a transition into the nexr scene.)

Scene 8: 

The next morning

Christian awakes the next morning from a deep slumber and hears a familiar voice reciting, “Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”. Christian calls out, “who goes there”? and is greeted by silence. Again he hears, “Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the . . .” Christian again calls out, “I say, who goes there”?    Faithful enters wearing the same battle gear as Christian and says falteringly, “do you need any help”? Christian inquires, “is that you, Pliable”? Faithful replies, “Pliable no, Faithful, yes, formerly known as Pliable”! “Pliable you old skunk, what are you doing here”, Christian asks? Faithful said that when they parted outside the City of Destruction, he felt so guilty he could barely live with himself and after a few days he set out to chase him down; that he too had visited the Cross of Gold and had reached the Chateau du Beau, only to discover that Christian was maybe only a day or two ahead. He got his commission and his name was changed to Faithful. He hoped he would catch him in time before he met up with Apollyon. But, alas, he was too late! “Not to worry” said Christian, “who knows what dangers and perils lay ahead”! “Besides, I can always use a travelling companion”! “Now we can have each other’s back”, drawing their swords and looking menacing to each side. 

Christian tells Faithful about Evangelista’s words, that their testimony could be sealed by blood and to be especially careful while going through the City of Vanity. “Did you have an occasion to meet Evangelista”? “Oh, yes”, said Faithful. “He witnessed my conversion at the foot of the cross at Mt. Calvary. He told me he was on his way to Vanity to deliver a book to the guard at the gate to the city”. “He said the guards’ name was Esperanzo and was his friend and he could trust him to get the book to the Spanish Row where they could make copies. It’s a translation into Spanish of the book you were waving around when you were leaving Destruction and you ran into Obstinate and me”, said Faithful. Christian said that book was the life-blood of his journey. Without it he didn’t think he could stay on the right path. Faithful agreed and said it was so compelling he got himself a copy and when he began reading it he knew he needed to chase you down and join you on your trip to Paradise.  So, the two friends begin the next part of their journey, uncertain of what might befall them at their next stop, the City of Vanity,  home to the world famous Vanity Faire.

Scene 9: 

The road to Vanity Faire

   Their desire was to arrive in Vanity before mid-day so they could deliver the book for Evangelista, acquire a few refreshments, rest a bit and then be on their way so they wouldn’t have to seek lodging for the night. But as they approached a small rise in the road ahead they hear the sound of a small brass band and the aroma of fresh bread, other pastries and an array of pleasant smells. When they arrive at the top of the hill, they spot several tents with women and men busy about setting up something like a makeshift canteen. One of the men, seeing them motions to them to come over and join them. Christian and Faithful stride over briskly and introduce themselves as one of the women who seems to be in charge explains that they are the Ladies Parish Home Mission Bread and Soup Kitchen and that they are there to provide rest and refreshments for weary travelers. All they ask in return is that the travelers share a quip of their pilgrimage or a short homily from the Holy Scriptures. Christian is reluctant but Faithful is anxious to comply as he spots a tray of fresh strawberry tarts. They sing, “Talk About the Good News”, accompanied by the band, as everyone participates so they can take advantage of the generous offer of the Ladies. When they finish, Christian is eager to leave as Faithful grabs a lone tart and quickly consumes it. Christian concludes that the group was rather shallow; all talk and very little substance! Faithful agrees and takes his point, but admonishes him not to be an old fuddy duddy! He reminds him that the strawberry tarts were delicious as he removes another tart from his jacket and hands it Christian. The laugh and continue on their journey, as lights fade. 

They descend now to the floor of the valley and can see Vanity in the distance as it glimmers from the rays of the afternoon sun. Christian remembers what Evangelista said, “all that glitters is not gold” and reminds Faithful that they need to be vigilant and says, “semper fi”! Faithful responds, “what”? Christian repeats, “semper fi”! “Yes, semper fi, semper fi”, says Faithful, not comprehending that statement will be put to the test in Vanity. As they approach the city they notice a stumbling figure approaching. It is Evangelista, who appears to have been severely beaten. They rush to assist him as he explains he was trying to get his book to his agent, Esperanzo, when one of the guards recognized him and reminded him that he had been banished from Vanity and to never return. “They pummeled me so I wouldn’t be foolish enough to try it again”, he said. Christian and Faithful said they would try to get the book to Esperanzo over Evangelista’s objections, saying no one would be suspecting them. Grieved, Evangelista reluctantly agrees and says he’ll be waiting for them on the other side. He warns them to keep moving, smile and keep moving. “Be polite but do not engage anyone; maybe buy a pear or an apple, but just keep moving”, he says. Faithful leaves him a biscuit and some water and he and    Christian get on their way as he puts the book safely away in his satchel.

Scene 10: 

The City of Vanity

Vanity is not a fortified city but the way to the Celestial City passes straight through it. You could go around, but that way is treacherous so pilgrims either choose or are forced to go through it’s middle. When they arrive at the entrance to the city a guard asks them to remove their battle gear and check their weapons. They can retrieve their belongings at the Constable’s office when they leave, which is at the rear of the city. Christian inquires about Esperanzo and the guard motions to a soldier standing a few yards away. His uniform is decorated and he appears to be of a higher rank than the other guards nearby. You’re lucky, the Queen is coming to the faire today and he is part of her advanced security team and is often stationed here. They’re always on the lookout for troublemakers, disrupters and disturbers of the peace; capital offence in Vanity, you know! “Why’s that”, asks Faithful? “Sounds a bit severe”! “Well, you know, this is Vanity, home to the world famous Vanity Faire; no faire, no Vanity, you understand”, says the guard. He says that if they want to see Esperanzo, they better move along because the Queen is due to arrive momentarily and he will be unavailable. So, Christian and Faithful thank the guard and venture over to Esperanzo. 

Fanfare erupts as the Queen enters. She strides around the square as community members bow and curtsey and she acknowledges the gentlemen and ladies in the crowd. Christian and Faithful mime the book delivery to Esperanzo and then the crush of the crowd forces them to move to the center of the square where they are greeted by a smiling Queen. They all sing the rousing, “Vanity Faire” but as the song ends it is clear that Christian and Faithful are not interested in anything the faire offers. They are caught un-wittingly in a clash of ideals and social mores. Their new found faith seems to be at odds with the expectations of the Queen and the merchants of the city; causing a general conflagration that divides the city into those that support the “vagrants” and those that don’t, the Queen siding with the latter. The advice of Evangelista to “keep moving” seems to have rung hollow on Christian’s and Faithful’s ears as they are arrested and stand before the Queen as Judge and Jury. A make-shift court is set up in the square. They are found guilty of disturbing the peace and sedition as their ideas were found to be in-compatible with the established laws of the city. They are sentenced to die by burning at the stake! Their sentences, however were to be carried out separately, Faithful being first, is left chained, standing alone while the crowds move up stage to the location where the executions will take place. Christian is standing at the side, chained. The family of Huguenots from the Chateau du Beau enter and surround Faithful and perform a soliloquy with him. They sing, “Psalm 46”, (It Is Well). As the song ends, guards come and un-chain Faithful and escort him to the stake as Esperanzo enters from the side, dismisses the guard and un-chains Christian and they run off as “Pilgrim’s Theme” plays under; lights fade!

 Act II

Scene 1: Some distance from Vanity

   They are all gathered a safe distance from Vanity; Christian, Evangelista and Christian’s new travelling companion, Esperanzo, who was so moved by Faithful’s testimony and his steadfastness, that even with the knowledge that he was to be executed, stood tall and walked those last few steps to his death. Esperanzo, was one of Evangelista’s early converts, but he preferred to hide in the shadows of Vanity and maintain his image as a loyal servant of the Queen. He was, however, able to get the book to the few members of the congregation of believers in the Spanish Row. They would in turn be able to make copies and distribute them to other members of the community. He felt that he had no choice now, but to free Christian and join him on the road to the Celestial City. These notions are all expressed in the song, “The Song of Vanity” sung by John Bunyan, as narrator, Evangelista, Christian and Esperanzo, which translated means Hopeful One. 

They are now ready to go their separate ways; Evangelista, to save more souls from the pit of death and destruction, and Christian and Esperanzo completing their journey to the promised land. Evangelista tells them that way from here on out is very plain and to be careful not to stray; that their next stop should be the Montserrat Navu, a beautiful mountain range where a community of shepherds reside in a quaint mountain retreat with their families. They are a fervent group and not ashamed to demonstrate their love for our Lord and Savior. They celebrate Christmas in a unique way, every day! “What do you mean”, asks Christian? “You’ll see”, says Evangelista, grinning. “Ask Esperanzo, he’s been there on more than one occasion”. Esperanzo, grinning, says that it’s better if you wait and see for yourself! “Well then lets go, I can’t wait”, says Christian.

With that, they go their separate ways, Christian trying to get Esperanzo to tell him what is so unique about the shepherds and Esperanzo trying to change the subject and insisting that it’s more important for them to heed the words of Evangelista and concentrate on staying on the right road. Christian notices that Esperanzo frequently removes a spyglass from his satchel and is glancing back at the City of Vanity. “Why do you keep doing that”, Christian asks? Esperanzo responds, “Ah yes, the Queen is not likely to take our sudden departure lightly! I am almost certain that she will have the Huntsman sent out to retrieve us. Best to be on our guard”! “See anything”, asks Christian? “Nothing”, Esperanzo replies but then says, "wait, I see a man and a horse, but it's not the Huntsman". Christian says, "here, let me take a look; well; whaddya know, It's Worldly Wiseman". He explains to Esperanzo that he had run into him early on his journey and the Wiseman had tried to talk him out of seeking salvation. Fortunately, Evangelista showed up and was able to dissuade him from making a bad decision and got him to return to the right road.  Wiseman soon catches up with them and explains he is on a quest to disprove the existance of Celestial City altogether and that they are wasting their time trying to find it. They part ways; Wiseman continuing on and Christian and Esperanzo more resolute than ever to continue their journey. They hear some rolling thunder in the distance and Esperanzo takes the spyglass and points in the direction Wiseman has gone and says he can see the Montserrat in the distance, but there seems to be some foreboding clouds forming over the foothills at its base. They wonder if Wiseman will find shelter but by the time they reach the point of ascent the clouds now are an ominous dark gray and it is beginning to sprinkle. Their thoughts of Wiseman quickly fade.

    Realizing that a storm could soon be upon them, they are desperate to find shelter. Christian notices a sign pointing to a small bridge that leads to a road that parallels the path they are on. The sign reads: Chateau du Chagrin. Christian tells Esperanzo about the Chateau du Beau and how a congregation of believers had welcomed him there and had given him much needed rest and refreshment; perhaps the Chateau du Chagrin was the same? Esperanzo was reluctant and said he had never seen this place before. He reminded Christian he had been by this way several times before. Just then a rousing clap of thunder heralded a violent thunderstorm and it began to rain fiercely. 

Scene 2: 

The dungeon

   Christian and Esperanzo looked at each other and scrambled across the bridge and headed up the road to the Chateau. The rain increased its intensity and soon a flash flood sealed off their way back over the bridge. They managed to reach the chateau but were only able to crawl into an abandoned basement that protruded from the back of the castle. They dropped exhausted into a pile of putrid straw. Christian asked Esperanzo if he knew what Chagrin meant? Hopeful said he thought it mean safety! “How do you know that”, Christian asked? “Common knowledge”, he answered. Christian didn’t question him because he had been a resident of Vanity which was known to be a hub of international culture and language. Content now to focus on the fact that they would have to figure out a way to cross back over a bridge that probably was washed away in the storm, they sing, “Which Bridge to Cross”, and then fall back into s deep slumber.

Scene 3: 

The next day 

They are awakened by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching the enclosure to where they had crawled. Suddenly the door was thrust open and a giant hulk of a man stood there silhouetted by the streaming sun light pouring through to door. He held a Crabtree cudgel and began to beat them fearfully each within an inch of their lives. Christian and Esperanzo began to beg him to let them go and apologize profusely for trespassing on his property. Chagrin, for that was the Giant’s name, begins to laugh to the point of choking and falls faint to the dungeon floor. Christian and Esperanzo, now realizing that “Chagrin” does not mean safety, try to sneak past the reposed Giant, but because of their beating are not able to move posthaste. Chagrin awakens and catches them before they are able to make it past the door and throws them back to the dungeon floor. Chagrin, tells them that they are as good dead or alive to him and the only reason he hasn’t killed them is because he can make more money off them if they are alive. Christian and Esperanzo inquire, “what do you mean”? Chagrin, mimicking them, “what do you mean, what do you mean”. He tells them that them that the Huntsman from Vanity stops by once a week and pays him nicely for skips like you. “We’re not skips”, explains Esperanzo; “we’re just a couple of pilgrims on our way to Mt. Zion; we crawled up here last night to seek refuge from the storm. A clock chimes somewhere off and Chagrin turns and sighs, “oh, time for me breakfast; the misses doesn’t like me to be late, so cheerio and don’t leave before I get back! Amused by his own humor, he begins to laugh and then cough again. This time he manages to contain himself without passing out, as he staggers out the door, slamming it shut behind him. 

Christian and Esperanzo begin to wallow in the dis-belief that this could be happening and realize that they should have stayed the course, but now they must put their full trust in the Lord. They sing, “He is Lord”, which posits that if Christ was willing to endure all the suffering he did and the horrendous crucifixion on the cross, then so should they, even if it meant that they would die! As the song finishes a sudden gust of winds blows through the dank chamber and causes the dungeon door to creak. Christian rushes to the door and finds that Chagrin in his coughing fit, has forgotten to bolt the dungeon door as Christian proclaims, “let’s get out of here”! The men made their way back down the path to the bridge they had crossed so foolishly and on to the right road once again. They are famished from their ordeal with the giant so they stop and pluck some ripe apples from a nearby orchard and fill their water pouches from an adjacent stream and pause for a brief repast before continuing on to the Montserrat Navu.

Scene 4: 

The Montserrat Navu

Esperanzo removes his spyglass and spots some lush pastures above the bluff up ahead. He remembers that this was the place that he met the shepherds some years ago. He tells Christian that they do not have far to go. He is glad, because he is limping from the pummeling he received when Chagrin attacked them back at the dungeon. His face is bruised and his back is sore and the both of them are looking forward to getting some much needed rest and some time to recover from their injuries; as well as seeing some friendly faces. And seeing some friendly faces they do, as they stride up to a small meadow lined with clusters of shady trees. A group of shepherds see them and begin to quickly stroll down the hillside. 

   Christian is apprehensive, but Esperanzo reminds him not to worry, that this community embraces the credo: “Do not forget to entertain strangers”. Continuing he says,"They are in the lineage of the Temple Shepherds in Jerusalem and were charged with the responsibility of producing spotless lambs for the Passover. Don’t you think it’s ironic that they witnessed the birth the spotless Lamb of God. They are a generous lot and were among the first believers as the ancient prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah, King." As I say, "this community is enthusiastic about their faith and are fiercely loyal to our Lord and Savior. It is their custom, each time visitors or pilgrims pass this way, to reenact the announcement of the angels to herald the birth of the Christ child," explains Esperanzo. 

 The shepherds now walk up and welcome the strangers to their community. The first is a burly man who introduces himself as Simon; the others are his wife, Naomi and  Andrew, Zachariah and Ester; each name having a particular meaning: Simon, meaning "one who hears". Tradition has it that his predecessor was the first to hear the angels "proclaim Messiah's birth". Other traditions are that his name was changed to "one who hears" after that glorious night in Bethlehem. Nonetheless, Naomi means "gentle spirit"; Andrew  means "courageous"; Zachariah means "God remembers" and Esther means "trustworthy" ;all very popular names in this community of loyalists. Christian is reminded of his wife, Gracious and his thoughts go back to Chateau du Beau and the time that the gentleman, Honetete, at the Chateau du Beau was able to deliver his letter to his wife back at the City of Destruction. He sighs deeply because he is wary but hopes in recesses of his heart that he will hear something, anything just to put his mind at ease that she and the children are alright!

      Now they begin to prepare for the celebration as townspeople pour into the meadow with foodstuffs brought from the nearby town for a community picnic to follow the re-enactment of what took place on that first Christmas morning. Christian asks, “what are they going to do”? Esperanzo says smiling, “wait and see, wait and see”! Suddenly a rams horn bellows out a call to worship. The people immediately begin to form up into orderly rows for what is about to be a musical extravaganza as a trumpet fanfare blasts across the meadow. They sing, “Sing Hallelujah”, a glorious tribute to what the angels did on that first Christmas, mirroring what Luke says in his Gospel, Chapter 2. Hopeful shows Christian in his book, what he is talking about as Christian nods and smiles broadly! As the song ends, the townspeople begin to serve up the food they had brought to bookend the celebration which Christian and Esperanzo eagerly begin to partake. They are also given much needed medical attention and are invited to spend the night because the final leg of their journey is at least several days travel. Christian and Esperanzol welcome the suggestion and settle in for well-deserved nights rest.

Scene 5: In the morning 

 In the morning, they are once again on their way, but not before Simon warns them to beware of the Huntsman from Vanity. "He is a sly devil and often uses disguises to trick pilgrims into thinking he is a man of good will. He is paid well for pilgrims who lose their way and are returned to their cities of origin", says Simon. Esperanzo thanks him, but says that they are well aware of the Huntsman and have been keeping an eye out for him, as he take out the spyglass and scans the valley below. He spots the Chateau du Chagrin and flinches momentarily. “What is it”, asks Christian? “Just an old castle”, replies Esperanzo. Simon interrupts, “oh, yes, the Chateau du Chagrin! Stay away from that place. Many a feeble minded traveler wanders in there thinking it’s a sanctuary and they fall into the dungeon; the owner, Chagrin then sells them to the Huntsman for a tidy sum, dead or alive”! Simon begins to laugh, as if to say, who would be that foolish? The others join him in a hearty round of laughter as Christian and Esperanzo glance at each other and grimace and then join the others, laughing too! The shepherds admonish them to stay on the right road and they will be safe!

Scene 6: 

Off the Glory Road

As they say their good-bye’s, one of the zealots, Zachariah, asks Christian, how did you say you sprained your ankle again? “I didn’t”, said Christian smiling, as he nods to Esperanzo to go quickly as they proceed to follow the path back down the mountain. As they reach the foothills they come to a fork; it is not clear which way leads back to the way they came or which leads them toward the Celestial City. In their delirium yesterday they were not attentive to which way they were to go, only to get to the shepherds in the Montserrat. Christian remembers that one of the brothers had given him a rolled up map to use if they needed it. As he reaches into his pocket to retrieve it, a man calls to them from behind and asks them if they know the way to the Celestial City? Christian looks at Esperanzo as if to say, is that the Huntsman? Esperanzo shakes his head, no and they allow the man to approach them. The man begins to praise them for being so kind, he suddenly lunges at them and throws a net over Esperanzo. Christian manages to escape and runs off into the dense underbrush. Esperanzo, though, caught in the tangled web of the net, calls out to Christian for help. 

   Enter the Huntsman, who strides over to Esperanzo and says, “well, well, if it isn’t Esperanzo, the Queen’s” loyal servant. I’ll get a sweet bonus for you, won’t I”! He nods to the man as they remove the net from Esperanzo and secure his hands tightly; then throwing the rope over a branch of a nearby tree, he attaches it tightly to the base of the tree. The Huntsman tells the man to hurry up as they need to capture the other weasel before he can pay him! Esperanzo is helpless because if he moves to the trunk to try and un-fasten the rope it only tightens the knot around his wrists. Esperanzo sits and begins to sing, “Center of My World”, musing that if Christ is the center of your world, He will keep you from straying from the center of the road. As he finishes the second stanza, he hears a familiar voice, “Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet”! Hopeful whispers, “Christian, is that you”? Christian appears and says, “shh” inside this rolled up map the shepherds gave us was this”. He holds up a small knife and continues lamenting, “oh, I wish we had paid more attention to the Shepherds warning.” “Stop lamenting get me out of here” says Esperanzol. “Right, right, of course”! says Christian. He takes the knife and cuts the rope around Esperanzo’s wrists and unties him as they run off as the lights fade and the“Pilgrim Theme” transitions to the next.

Scene 7 : 

Back on the Glory Road 

As Christian and Esperanzo resume their journey a familiar face to Christian approaches them. It is Worldly Wiseman, but his demeanor is different and his countenance is not so self-assuring. He seems a bit angry and bitter. He is coming from Beulah Land, not going toward it. As he gets closer he informs the men that if they continue to seek the Celestial City, they are in for a big disappointment. Christian says, “as I live and breathe, if it isn’t Mr. Worldly Wiseman.  “Don’t call me that; my name is Samuel Secular now”, the man says. Christian asks him, “how did you get here and back so quickly”? “Like I told you before, there are other ways to get here; I took a short-cut”! “Besides when I got to the river, there’s no way across; no boat, no bridge. I daresay, even if you could swim across, there’s nothing there”. “It’s all a bunch of nonsense! I’ve come to imagine that there is only sky above us, no hell below.” “I’m sorry I misled you before but cancel the thought that you need any religion. Religion is just the Opiate of the people”. “There are many more like me, so why don’t you quit this foolishness and turn around and come with me, eh, what do you think”? Christian and Esperanzo are dumbfounded as they sing, “Can You Imagine”, which poses what would it really be like if there were no heaven, no hell, no pain; absolute freedom to do whatever you wanted. Secular laughs at their retort and leaves saying he going to go now and refresh himself with the things he cast away before he began this fruitless quest. Christian and Esperanzo, undaunted, are determined now, more than ever to complete their journey. 

Scene 8:  

Beulah Land 

   The pilgrims now arrive at Beulah Land, a land that is a wonder to see, dazzling in un- dimed splendor and truly a land that flows with milk and honey; their final destination before they have to cross the river to the Celestial City which lay at the foot of Mount Zion. Contrary to what Mr. Secular said, the City is plainly visible from where they were standing. His mind wanders back to when he first showed Faithful the passage in his book about the blessings bestowed on all believers; the one coming to mind now was, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”. He shares that thought with Hopeful, who replies, “probably was looking but his eyes were shut! Christian nods. They call to a man who is pulling a cluster of grapes off a nearby vine. “I say, whose goodly vineyard and gardens are these”? says Christian. “They are the Kings, planted here for the delight and solace of His pilgrims”, says the man turning toward them. “Evangelista! It is our good friend Evangelista, Esperanzo. How goes it with you”, says Christian. Evangelista replies that is going well and that he wanted to see them before they crossed the river to the Celestial City and give them a bit of advice. They seemed genuinely pleased to see the itinerant preacher and asked him what the name of this place was? “This place”, Evangelista says, “is Beulah Land”! They sing, “Beulah Land”, as John breaks the fourth wall and joins them on the chorus.

   As they finish the song, Evangelista hands Christian a letter and says it is from his wife. He takes the letter, and turning away begins to read it.  Gracious sings the reprise to “Sweet By and By” as a soliloquy, Christian joining her on the chorus. As the chorus ends, Gracious’    image fades leaving Christian standing there holding the letter, which explains that after she received his first letter, she became so grieved and the children began crying out that they should go after you, she was still reticent. But when Evangelista presented her with the summons from the King, she could no longer resist and they left immediately to follow after you. Christian wants to wait for her, but Evangelista says the King is expecting him, so he must go now. “She will see him on the other side”, says Evangelista. Reluctantly, Christian steps into the water with Esperanzo and they begin the precarious excursion across the watery expanse. Both men are fearful, but Christian reminds Esperanzo of the promise, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with thee; through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee”! Suddenly they are in the still waters of the adjacent bank and can hear the Heavenly Host inviting them to “enter the gates with singing”! They sing, “The Pearly Gates”, which is a reprise of “He Who Would Valiant Be”. The pilgrims make the final ascent to the Pearly Gates which stand magnificently before them. The lights blackout!

Epilogue: 

The common room at Bedfordshire Jail

The lights come up and show Bunyan finishing up his reading as prisoners begin to question the ending and whatever happened to Christian's wife.  Bunyan calmly pulls out a second set of papers and begins reading; "meanwhile Christian's wife and children departed on their quest to find salvation whilst Evangelista accompanies them to the Cross at Mt. Calvary as the lights fade and his voice trails; the lights come back up 

 on the close of the service at St. James Cathedral with the

 chior singing the final refrain from  "He Who Would Valiant Be".

Attention: We are planning to produce this show in the near future in the greater Nashville area. If you are interested in becoming part of this upcoming production either as cast or crew for  "Pilgrim a new musical", including the actors, singers, dancers, directors, choreographers, and designers who bring the show to life, please leave your name and contact information at:

trevorbest@att.net 

or text to:

661-753-7153