William R. Sturtz, '48, JD'51
"Froggy and the Christmas Pageant," 1998.
The play : "Froggy and the Christmas Pageant" highlights Samantha, a young girl who is excited to tryout for her school's Christmas pageant, but is afflicted with a congenitally hoarse, "froggy" voice. As a result, she is cast as a donkey and comes home disheartened. That night, Samantha is visited by an elf that has been sent on a mission by Santa to grant the wishes of 10 special children. Samantha quickly wishes for a new voice and can't wait for the pageant to arrive so that she can surprise everyone who has teased her and receive apologies from them all. But when the opportunity arises, Samantha remains mute, but she is presented at the end of the play with an award for her true Christmas spirit. That night, Samantha decides to surrender her wish so that it can be passed on to another deserving child. Through her experience, she learns her froggy voice is what makes her special and unique.
The playwright : William R. Sturtz was a practicing lawyer for 18 years and a judge for 21 before retiring in 1990. He has been active in all facets of community theater for 30 years—acting, directing and stage managing. Not particularly fond of children's plays being performed at Christmas, Sturtz decided to write one; "Froggy and the Christmas Pageant" was written and copyrighted in 1998. If interested in reading or producing the play, contact Sturtz at Box 307, Albert Lea, MN 56007, bill@sturtz.org or 507.373.2690.
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