Description

Mother and daughter are having compatibility issues in the midst of the death of Edgar James Peterson, (their Husband and Father). A lawyer friend of Edgar’s assisted in creating his will shortly before his passing. The conditions of the will were extraordinary, requiring mother and daughter to reconcile and forgive each other, failing this, they will lose all rights to inherit Edgar’s estate. Useful not just for Good Friday/Easter but at all times of the year.

 Cast: 3

• Deb (daughter) likely mid to late teen
• Donna (mother of Deb) middle age
• Maxwell (lawyer) middle age or older

  Bible Reference: Luke 12:58
  Set: bare
Sound: wireless mics if possible
  Song: none
Props: well dressed in leisure clothing, Maxwell dressed for business
Costumes: standard

Special Instructions:
Maxwell exhibits a no-nonsense character, somewhat overbearing, Donna is a somewhat composed new widow, Deb has a chip-on-her-shoulder attitude when talking with others, this beginning to morph into a grieving and vulnerable teen as plot develops, make this happen slowly to create a real touch.

  Time: 12

Sample of script:

Maxwell:         My apology for being . . (looks at watch) . .  14 minutes, 8 seconds . . late for our appointment.  . . Fear not, you won’t be billed until starting . . (clicks on watch), . . now.
My name is, Mr. Maxwell, I was selected by Mr. Edgar James Peterson, now deceased, to oversee the distribution of remaining effects of said Mr. Edgar James Peterson.
I can report that all accounts of the late Mr. Edgar James Peterson, deceased, have been satisfied, leaving only cash to be distributed to beneficiaries, as laid out in this, the Last Will and Testament of Mr. Edgar James Peterson, now deceased.
I assume you, (looks at Donna, who nods), would be Donna Deborah Peterson, wife of the deceased, and that you, (looks at Deb), would be Deborah Donna Peterson, only child and daughter of . . (pauses, re-reads) . . I hadn’t noticed the  name similarities there. . . Amazing how close you two are!
May I call you Donna and Deb?

Ladies nod consent

Maxwell:         Regardless, the estate of Mr. Edgar James Peterson, now deceased, will be split equally between the two of you, subject to the sole provision which I shall now discuss with you.

Deb:                What may we call you?

Maxwell:         Mr. Maxwell will be fine.  Now then . .

Donna:            I don’t recall my husband discussing any . . provisions.

Maxwell:         If you will just give me a second, I will now lay out the terms of . .

Deb:                Likely Dad knew you would be too difficult with your daughter . . .!

Donna:            Deb, really . . .

Deb:                Well, we both know . . .

Maxwell:         Ladies, please, Mr. Peterson’s intentions are quite specific and . .

Deb:                Yes, Mom and . .

Maxwell:         Ladies, if you will . .

Donna:            Please let’s honor your father by . .

Maxwell, firm:   Ladies, as per the precise instructions of Mr. Peterson, I demand that . .

Deb:                This is all so stupid . . .

Maxwell:         Fine, let me get down to brass tacks here . . . Mr. Peterson was fully aware of the strong and negative feelings between the two of you. For this reason he gave me great and unusual latitude in negotiating, perhaps I should say informing you, of the terms of this disbursement.

Deb and Donna begin to speak, Maxwell stands with both hands up as warning

Maxwell:         I shall speak and both of you will listen in total silence!

Deb & Donna start to speak, Maxwell interrupts

Maxwell:         You shall listen, and I will remind you this is a legal document.
(reads)
The Last Will and Testament of Mr. Edgar James Peterson requires that there be an alternate beneficiary, to be named by myself, if an amicable agreement between Donna Deborah Peterson and Deborah Donna Peterson can not be reached.

Deb:                Fine, lets go for the additional beneficiary.

Maxwell:         Not additional, but alternative! That means both of you would receive nothing. In that event I have been authorized to select a major organization which will distribute all monies to people in need.

Donna:            I have never heard of such a clause in a will. . . In fact, I doubt that is even legal.

Maxwell:         Mrs. Peterson, your opinion on whether this is, or is not, a legal document is of no interest at this moment. As an authorized legal attorney for this district I am convinced this will is valid. If it is your wish to challenge your husband’s will the process is there whereby you may do so, that being to take this matter to court.

Donna:            That we shall do.

Maxwell, to Deb:   
That is your prerogative. However, if I may suggest, your chances for success will be slight unless the two of you are able to convince a very busy judge. To do so you must show you are serious, and united, in seeking judicial means to overturn a duly sworn document.

At this point, Deb’s attitude gradually is more friendly with Donna who becomes more grieving

Deb, moves to Donna, embarrasses:
You can count on it, Buster, my Mom and me will make you wish you never suggested this silliness. . .  . What do you say to that Mister High and Mighty Maxwell?

Maxwell:         I say go for it. Just realize a matter such as this will be in the busy court system for a year or more. And all the time, (taps phone), the meter will be running and my costs will take up a very major portion of your inheritance.

Donna:            This is silly, this is money my husband and I worked hard to earn. Now that Eddie is gone that money belongs to the family.

Deb:                Mom is right, and listen to me, I am and always will be part of the family!