A Typically Untypical Week in Bethlehem! – Christmas Musical for Kids and Teens

Perfect for:

  • Church choirs looking for fresh, fun ideas
  • School groups seeking creative outreach events
  • Community organizations wanting to bring people together

DESCRIPTION:

The location is Bethlehem. The time is Caesar's Census, circa Zero BC. Tuckered Out Carlton (or Megan Jelly), a reporter from the Jewish News Network, has just arrived in Bethlehem to search for a newsworthy story. Innkeepers Horace, Doris, Morris, and Boris are in a frenzy! Midas the Tax Man seems too happy taking everyone's money! Anne of Green Labels, the new Mayor, is making sure the town is spiffed up and ready for all the visitors. And curious students from Jerusalem are eager to explore. A strange new house has appeared in town, planted over a distinctive pair of legs, with ruby-red slippers on the feet! This is not your typical Christmas Cantata! It's an unforgettable, "typically untypical" tale of faith, hope, and redemption!

A Typically Untypical Week in Bethlehem!

This is definitely not your "typical" kids' musical! There are just too many "untypical" characters, and too many "typically untypical" humorous and witty interactions, and memorable lines to please audiences of all ages! The songs are unforgettably "untypical" and you may find yourself humming them long afterwards! Kids love to sing Rainwater songs, and learn them quickly! Songs span the range of styles including traditional, rock, vaudeville, jazz, and whimsical musings!

Bring joy, laughter, and meaningful interactions to your church choir, school group, or community organization with a unique Rainwater musical experience! Our hilarious cast of lovable misfits will delight kids and adults alike with their zany antics and witty humor. But beneath the surface lies something truly special - heartwarming biblical lessons and the message of salvation in Christ.

Embark on a fun-filled journey as we explore faith, friendship, and redemption through these "untypically" catchy songs and engaging storytelling!

The people you invite to come will enjoy the experience, and the message of God's love will be planted in their hearts as well!

Don't miss out on this unforgettable opportunity to share God's love and make a lasting impact!

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD PRODUCTS FOR THIS MUSICAL

Digital Production Kit Standard License - A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem! Digital Production Kit
Digital Production Kit Standard License - A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!

Save with this digital production kit vs. physical products!
For Example:
20 singers - $411 value
30 singers - $514 value
Or more!

  • One price, one license covers one (1) choir of any size!
  • Unlimited performances.
  • No additional performance royalties or fees are required!
  • Personal use video recordings by family members are allowed. See details below.

A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!

Details and License Info


Standard Choir License: License for one (1) choir of any size!
Purchasing this license will grant you the digital products for this musical (as described on this page).

License terms include:

  • One price, one license covers one (1) choir of any size!
  • Unlimited performances.
  • No additional performance royalties or fees are required!
  • Personal use video recordings by family members are allowed. See details below.

Terms of License Details

This digital product is a Complete Digital Production Kit for this musical. Purchasing this product grants you the license to use the downloaded digital materials for one (1) choir of any size, as well as the following: The license includes permission to download and use all of the included digital files for this product, as well as to create a physical product using the downloaded files solely for the purpose of rehearsing and performing this musical. Sharing your license with persons other than your choir and crew is prohibited - your license is for one choir, and you must purchase the correct license for your choir size - Standard (for any size choir) or our discounted Small Choir License (for 15 choir members or less).

If you have previously purchased and performed under a small license, but your choir now requires a standard license, you may purchase an upgrade license. Please call us! (916) 428-2056 (Land line, no texts)

Personal use video recordings by family members are allowed. May record and post online clips of 30 seconds or less. Any clip shared online must include credit as follows: "Used with permission from RainwaterMusicCompany.com." This helps more people find out about us! Please do not abuse this license - posting a continuous series of clips is discouraged (please use discretion), and posting entire songs or dialogue sections is prohibited. If you wish to record the entire musical, Video Recording license add-ons are available. See below.

Please be sure that your audience is aware of these terms, either by reading them aloud, or printed in your program. We appreciate and thank you for your cooperation - it helps us to make this privilege possible for you and your families! And it can be a win/win for them and us, as it lets them share their child's performance, and it helps more people find out about our musicals! Please help us spread the word to others, and share the unique and sometimes kooky joy of a Rainwater musical!

You may duplicate and distribute the digital files to your choir members and crew as needed. Please remember to purchase the correct Digital Production Kit for your choir size. Our musicals are quite costly to produce. Your honest participation is greatly appreciated, and it helps us to continue creating!

$259.99
Digital Production Kit Small Choir License - A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!

Up to $345 value, if purchasing physical products.
Save with this digital production kit!

  • One price, one license covers one (1) choir with 15 members or less.
  • Unlimited performances.
  • No additional performance royalties or fees are required!
  • Personal use video recordings by family members are allowed. See details below.

A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!

Details and License Info


Discounted Small Choir License: License for one (1) choir with 15 members or less.
Purchasing this license will grant you the digital products for this musical (as described on this page).

License terms include:

  • One price, one license covers one (1) choir with 15 members or less.
  • Unlimited performances.
  • No additional performance royalties or fees are required!
  • Personal use video recordings by family members are allowed. See details below.

Terms of License Details

This digital product is a Complete Digital Production Kit for this musical. Purchasing this product grants you the license to use the downloaded digital materials for one (1) choir with 15 members or less, as well as the following: The license includes permission to download and use all of the included digital files for this product, as well as to create a physical product using the downloaded files solely for the purpose of rehearsing and performing this musical. Sharing your license with persons other than your choir and crew is prohibited - your license is for one choir, and you must purchase the correct license for your choir size - Standard (for any size choir) or our discounted Small Choir License (for 15 choir members or less).

If you have previously purchased and performed under a small license, but your choir now requires a standard license, you may purchase an upgrade license. Please call us! (916) 428-2056 (Land line, no texts)

Personal use video recordings by family members are allowed. May record and post online clips of 30 seconds or less. Any clip shared online must include credit as follows: "Used with permission from RainwaterMusicCompany.com." This helps more people find out about us! Please do not abuse this license - posting a continuous series of clips is discouraged (please use discretion), and posting entire songs or dialogue sections is prohibited. If you wish to record the entire musical, Video Recording license add-ons are available. See below.

Please be sure that your audience is aware of these terms, either by reading them aloud, or printed in your program. We appreciate and thank you for your cooperation - it helps us to make this privilege possible for you and your families! And it can be a win/win for them and us, as it lets them share their child's performance, and it helps more people find out about our musicals! Please help us spread the word to others, and share the unique and sometimes kooky joy of a Rainwater musical!

You may duplicate and distribute the digital files to your choir members and crew as needed. Please remember to purchase the correct Digital Production Kit for your choir size. Our musicals are quite costly to produce. Your honest participation is greatly appreciated, and it helps us to continue creating!

$169.99
Non-Commercial Video Recording License - A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem! Video Recording License Addon
Non-Commercial Video Recording License - A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!

Non-Commercial Video Recording License

This optional add-on grants you a limited license to record your performance(s) of this musical for personal use only. A great option that allows free distribution of the performance to the choir members and their families!

Video Recording Limited License Details

License Terms:

This recording license pertains specifically (and only) to the Rainwater Music Company musical entitled: A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!. This license does not grant recording rights to any other Rainwater musical for which you may have purchased the rights to perform. Each musical has its own specific add-on Video Recording Licenses, and must be purchased accordingly.

After purchase, you will be able to download a PDF document containing these license terms.

Purchasing this license will grant you the right to record and create DVDs or video in digital media format such as mp4, mov, etc. of your performance(s) of this musical production for Personal Use only.

"Personal Use" of your recording means that you may only distribute it locally (not online) to persons personally related to choir members, including their families and friends, without any price or remuneration in exchange for said video or DVD. Posting the video online, or any other form of distribution not specifically described in this license is strictly prohibited. No recording made of the performance may be sold or offered in exchange for money. No other usage, whether commercial or non-commercial, is granted and is strictly prohibited by the terms of this license.
Your cooperation is very much appreciated and helps us to make such a license possible!

$39.99
Commercial Use Video Recording License - A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!

Commercial Use Video Recording License

This optional add-on grants you a limited license to record your performance(s) of this musical and sell copies of the recording(s) to choir members and their families and audience members physically present at the performance.

A great way to monetize your production of this musical, to offset costs!

Video Recording Limited License Details

License Terms

This recording license pertains only to the Rainwater Music Company musical entitled: A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!. This license does not grant recording rights to any other Rainwater musical for which you may have purchased the rights to perform. Each musical has its own specific add-on Video Recording Licenses, and must be purchased accordingly.

After purchase, you will be able to download a PDF document containing these license terms.

Purchasing this license will grant you the right to record and create DVDs or video in digital media format such as mp4, mov, etc. of your performance(s) of this musical production for Limited Commercial Use.

"Limited Commercial Use" of your recording means that you may only distribute it locally (not online) to persons personally related to choir members, including their families, friends, and local audience members. You may charge a fee or price (or donation) in exchange for the DVD or video file. Online sales or other forms of marketing are prohibited. Posting the video online, or any other form of distribution not specifically described in this license is strictly prohibited. Any recording made of the performance may only be sold under the terms specified in this license. No other usage, whether commercial or non-commercial, is granted and is strictly prohibited by the terms of this license. This video recording license does not expire, and may be used anytime the musical is performed. Your cooperation is very much appreciated and helps us to make such a license possible!

$79.99

SHORT REELS

VIDEO PREVIEW

Product Details

A comprehensive choral book featuring:
Full script with dialogue
Singer's sheet music for all songs (lyrics included)
Songs written in kid-friendly ranges to prevent vocal strain
Suitable for children aged 6-19
Engaging themes & relatable language for both kids & adults
Easy-to-read notation & clear lyrics for young singers

Director benefits:
Options for unison singing & simple harmonies and parts to suit choirs of different skill levels
Shaded dialogue and songs marked as optional may be omitted to reduce performance time
Track number cues for CD split tracks and CD stereo tracks.

Digital Product Includes:
Downloadable PDF file. Can be printed, or viewed on any device capable of displaying PFD files: Computer, smartphone, tablet.

CHECK OUT THE FULL BOOK PREVIEW!

The Invaluable Script for A Typically Untypical Week In Bethlehem!

The Invaluable Script. A scene rehearsal aid like no other!

  • Contains all character dialogue
  • CD and Sound Effect cues!
  • Optional dialogue which may be omitted for a shorter performance is shaded
  • Character names are color-shaded to easily locate lines!
  • Props and character action cues are color outlined or shaded
  • Every line is numbered for quick and easy start/stop points!
  • Includes a scene rehearsal chart which groups scenes according to casting, so you can split your cast and rehearse more than one scene at a time!

 

Digital Product Includes:
Downloadable PDF file. Can be printed, or viewed on any device capable of displaying PFD files: Computer, smartphone, tablet.

CHECK OUT THE PREVIEW PAGES!

Listening CD for A Typically Untypical Week in Bethlehem!

A listening CD of the entire musical performance, with all songs and all dialogue clearly presented.

Digital Product Includes:

  • Audio CD image file. Use this to create a physical Audio CD disc. (Large Download Option)
  • Separate MP3 files for each track - play them using a media player on any device. (Small Download Option)
  • Printable CD label image in JPG format, medium resolution

Listening CD Benefits for the Choir Director

  • Save time and improve your rehearsals!
  • A clear and consistent reference, so you can focus your limited time on teaching, and introducing musical concepts and styles, rather than explaining melodies and lyrics and dialogue.
  • Choir members can practice at home, leading to more productive rehearsal time focused on refining performance rather than learning parts.

Benefits for the Choir Member

  • Increased Confidence: Listening to the CD helps choir members become familiar with the music, boosting their confidence in their ability to perform.
  • Better Retention of Material: Regularly listening to the songs aids memory retention, allowing members to recall melodies and lyrics more easily during practice and performances.
  • Encourages Active Engagement: The CD promotes active listening and engagement with the music, which can enhance overall musicality and performance skills.
  • Supports Diverse Learning Styles: Members who may struggle with reading music can benefit from auditory learning, making it easier for them to grasp their parts.
  • Fosters a Sense of Community: Practicing together with a common resource can strengthen bonds among choir members, as they share the experience of learning the same material.

Accompaniment Stereo and Split Track CD for A Typically Untypical Week in Bethlehem!

This Stereo and Split Tracks CD has everything on one disc! Split Tracks for rehearsals, and music-only Stereo Tracks for performances.

Digital Product Includes:

  • Audio CD image files in a ZIP archive. Use this to create a physical Audio CD disc. (Large Download Option)
  • Separate MP3 files for each track, in a ZIP archive - play them using a media player on any device. (Small Download Option)
  • Printable CD label image in JPG format, medium resolution

Split Tracks (tracks 1 thru 78) have choir performance vocals on the left channel, and a mono mix of the music on the right channel. For convenience during rehearsals, songs can be cued at multiple rehearsal marker points. The Split Tracks can be used in performances also - the vocal channel can be played through stage monitors as an aid to help guide your choir if necessary.

Stereo Tracks (tracks 79 thru 98) have stereo tracks of the music, with no vocals. This is the best option for performances, in most cases.

List of Tracks

Track numbers not listed are rehearsal points within songs, which can be easily queued or skipped, enabling quick access to rehearse specific parts of a song.

Split Tracks (tracks 1 thru 78) have choir performance vocals on the left channel, and a mono mix of the music on the right channel.

01 JNN News Flash
02 Its a Typical Day Intro
11 The Five Days of Taxes
12 Its the Biggest No Brainer
13 Christ is Coming
17 For Unto Us
24 JNN News Flash
25 JNN News Flash Skid
26 Dimitri Fanfare
27 An Edict
28 Rome is Taking A Census
45 Chug-a-Lug Bus Ride (sound effect)
46 No Matter How You Slice It
51 Confess It
52 JNN News Flash
53 Wheres the Action
60 Whada We Think of Herod
67 A Stable Was Found
72 JNN Short News Flash
73 Such a Wondrous Night

Stereo Tracks (tracks 79 thru 98) have stereo tracks of the music, with no vocals.

79 JNN News
80 Its a Typical Day
81 The Five Days of Taxes
82 Its the Biggest No-Brainer
83 Christ is Coming
84 For Unto Us
85 JNN News Flash
86 JNN News Flash Skid
87 Dimitri Fanfare
88 An Edict
89 Rome is Taking a Census
90 Chug-a-Lug Bus Ride (sound effect)
91 No Matter How You Slice It
92 Confess It
93 JNN News Flash
94 Wheres The Action
95 Whada We Think of Herod
96 A Stable was Found
97 JNN Short News Flash
98 Such a Wondrous Night

Optional sound effects, to make your production even more fun!

Digital Product Includes separate MP3 files for each track, in a ZIP archive – play them using a media player on any device. (Small Download Option)

TRACK LIST

01 Crickets Crickets chirping when the reporter says "there is absolutely nothing happening here."
02 Coins When Midas appears with money bags, during the intro to song "A Typical Day in Bethlehem"
03 Star After: "How about that brand new star" (A crisp "ding" sound when someone talks about the new star!)
04 Star After: "what about that new star? " (The star sound can be accompanied by a spotlight effect, too!)
05 Star After: "that shiny new star" (Ding!)
06 Trombone Slide Comical sound when describing Horace's Inn. "His Inn is soooo ugly..."
07 Horn Laugh "It's pathetic!"
08 Collapse "Especially that horrible, dilapidated old stable."
09 Cash Register After Midas says: "Did someone say... (pause) ...money? " (ka-chinggg!)
10 Drum Shot After the punchline: "Irritable Innkeeper Syndrome!"
11 Star that new star - (Ding!)
12 Star a magnificent new star - (Ding!)
13 Brighter Star brighter than any star, ever - (Ding Ding Ding! ....)
14 Money Bags Cue right before Midas says: "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"
15 Tornado Miss Periwinkle whisks away Ashley, like a whirlwind.
16 Drum Roll After the Mayor says: "Alright everyone," and it finishes with a drum hit after she says "Hit it!"
17 Wa Wa Wa Wahh After Prudence says: "Parting is such sweet sorrow!" while Ashley is being dragged away.
18 Money When Midas says: "Pay your taxes."
19 Coins After Mary says: "Barely enough for a room."
20 Money As Midas bursts onto the stage: "Stop, everyone!"

Performance DVD for A Typically Untypical Week in Bethlehem!

A full-length performance video of this musical:

  • A great resource to aid learning the program
  • Learn all song choreography
  • See examples of scene blocking
  • See example stage layout and set pieces
  • See many props in use, as examples to follow or to help spur your own creativity!

Approximate Running Time: 44 Minutes

Digital Product Includes:
Perpetual streaming access to the video production, with a shareable link so all cast and crew members can view it. Note: There is no download option for this product.

CHECK OUT THE PREVIEW IMAGES!

Note: Audio files for the CDs are in ZIP archive folders. PC users can use the built-in Windows functionality or third-party software like 7-Zip to unzip the archives. Mac users can simply double-click the zip file to extract its contents using the native Archive Utility. Step-by-step instructions are included in these ZIP folders to help you install and use the CD burning software needed to create physical CDs from the downloaded files. As an alternative, there are also individual MP3 files for each track.

Note: If you have previously purchased and performed under a small license, but your choir now requires a standard license, you may purchase an upgrade license.
Please call us! (916) 428-2056 (Land line, no texts)

Most downloads in your Digital Production Kit are ZIP archives containing PDF documents, MP3 audio files, or CD image files (BIN/CUE). Extract the ZIP file before using the contents.

  • Windows: Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All, or use 7-Zip.
  • Mac: Double-click the ZIP file to extract it using the built-in Archive Utility.

PDF files can be opened with any PDF viewer, and MP3 files can be played with any media player.

Gapless Playback (Split Tracks)

For seamless playback without gaps between tracks, we recommend players that support true gapless playback.

Windows

  • Windows Media Player
  • foobar2000
  • MusicBee

Mac

  • Apple Music
  • VOX

Not recommended: VLC Media Player (Windows) and QuickTime Player (Mac), as they may insert brief gaps between tracks.

Download Formats

The Listening CD and Stereo/Split Tracks CD each include separate ZIP downloads.

Listening CD

  • CD Image Files (BIN/CUE) – Create a physical audio CD (large download).
  • Stereo MP3 – Individual MP3 tracks.

Stereo/Split Tracks CD

  • CD Image Files (BIN/CUE) – Create a physical audio CD (large download).
  • Stereo Tracks MP3 – Music only (no vocals), for performance.
  • Split Tracks MP3 – Vocals on the left channel, accompaniment on the right.

Tip: If you have trouble downloading the larger BIN/CUE archive or do not need to create a physical CD, simply use the MP3 version instead.

Rehearsal Markers

Only the physical CD includes rehearsal marker points (on most split-track songs). The MP3 versions do not include rehearsal markers, but you can pause and manually change the playback position as needed.

Creating a Physical Audio CD (BIN/CUE Files)

Use the BIN/CUE files included with your download to create a standard audio CD.

Please note: We are unable to provide technical support for CD burning. If you have trouble, the AI help links below can guide you through the process step-by-step, or someone in your church or organization may be able to assist.

  1. Install a CD burning program.
    • Windows: Download ImgBurn from the official website.
    • Mac: Download Burn from the official website.
  2. Extract the ZIP archive containing the BIN and CUE files.
  3. Open the burning program and choose the option to burn a CD image.
    • Windows (ImgBurn): Select Write image file to disc.
    • Mac (Burn): Select the Audio tab.
  4. Load the CD image.
    • Windows: Select the .CUE file (ImgBurn will automatically use the matching BIN file).
    • Mac: Add the BIN/CUE image to the project.
  5. Insert a blank CD-R.
  6. Start the burn.
    • The default settings are suitable for most users.
    • Click Write (Windows) or Burn (Mac).
  7. Wait for the burn to finish, then eject the CD. Your disc is now ready to use in any standard audio CD player.

Need More Help?

A TYPICALLY UNTYPICAL WEEK IN BETHLEHEM!

Performance time: Approx. 40-55 minutes
For Ages: 6-18
Speaking Parts: 19 (can be reduced to 13)
Soloists: Mary, Dimitri, Boris, Horace, Midas. Plus several other short solos or shout outs can be assigned to any choir member.
Costumes: Bible characters, Roman, News Reporters, Teacher, Students, Dorothy from Oz with ruby red slippers (Ashley).
Necessary Props: 2 microphones (for reporters), 4-6 money bags, money, a curtain, a tax booth, green stick-on labels, stomacher (for Mary), Scroll (for Dimitri), A school bus, a manger, baby doll wrapped in swaddling clothes. (For the optional beginning, a Shakespeare scroll or book, and the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence)

A TYPICALLY UNTYPICAL WEEK IN BETHLEHEM!

Set: Bethlehem town, and there is a house with feet sticking out from under it, wearing ruby red slippers. A stable with a manger.

Example stage setup: This sample image shows one possible way to stage the musical. Use it as a visual reference and adapt it to fit your available space, cast size, and production needs.

Example Stage Setup - A Typically Untypical Week in Bethlehem

A TYPICALLY UNTYPICAL WEEK IN BETHLEHEM!

Flexible casting! All characters except Dimitri can be recast as females if necessary.

Megan Jelly [or Tuckered-out Carlton]
Ace Reporter for the JNN (Jewish News Network)

Alice Wonderly
Ace Reporter for the JNN (Jewish News Network)

Horace
Bethlehem Innkeeper (poor & grumpy)

Doris
Bethlehem Innkeeper (firm & bossy)

Morris
Bethlehem Innkeeper (moody & whiny)

Boris
Bethlehem Innkeeper (rich & confident)

Anne of Green Labels
Bethlehem's new full-of-energy Mayor

Midas
Bethlehem's Tax Collector (Sinister and Conniving)

Mary
Jesus' Mom (Sweet & Charming)

Miss Periwinkle
Elementary School Teacher (Typical Stereo-typical School Teacher)

Ashley
Student (Smitten by Ruby Red Slippers!)

Prudence
Student (Smarter than the average teacher)

Bernard
Student (Basic forgetful kid)

Missy
Student (Sweet & innocent)

Dimitri
Roman Soldier (Patient & Inquisitive)

Lillian, Jillian, William, & Philadelphia
Herod's Scribes

A TYPICALLY UNTYPICAL WEEK IN BETHLEHEM!

SONG PREVIEWS

Now Playing
—
  1. A Typical Day In Bethlehem
  2. The Five Days of Taxes
  3. It's the Biggest No-Brainer…
  4. Christ Is Coming
  5. For Unto Us a Child Is Born
  6. An Edict!
  7. Rome Is Taking a Census
  8. No Matter How You Slice It
  9. Confess It!
  10. Where's the Action?
  11. Whada We Think of Herod?
  12. A Stable Was Found
  13. Such a Wondrous Night

A TYPICALLY UNTYPICAL WEEK IN BETHLEHEM!

For more info or to purchase physical products for this musical, Call Us! (916) 428-2056 (land line, no texts)

Listening CD — $16.50
Performance DVD — $30.00
Accompaniment Stereo and Split Track CD — $110.00
CD Promo Pack-Singer’s Book and CD $15.00
Combo Pack-Singer’s Book, DVD and CD $40.00

Please note: Physical copies of the Singer’s Book are not yet available in quantity.

A TYPICALLY UNTYPICAL WEEK IN BETHLEHEM!

CREDITS
By Eric Rainwater
Edited by Fred Judkins
Arranged by Phil Shackleton
Cover Art by Ken Spengler