Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions* About "One Mad Christmas"

(* And a few we're pretty sure you'll get around to asking...)

Q: Is there an accompaniment CD or Soundtrack to use for performing the musical?
A: Nope. The musical is designed to be performed with live musicians. There is no accompaniment soundtrack available. Don't let this be a barrier to you, however. For churches that have produced musicals of this sort, using live musicians is a great next step and will add a whole new level of energy and excitement to your production.  And although not ideal, it can even be performed with only piano accompaniment. If you could add drums or percussion, you'd really be set. :)  

Q: Is there a demonstration CD, audio samples or Video for us to preview?
A: There is a video that was made for the original performance, but it was plagued with technical difficulties and is kind of embarrassing to us. The performance was awesome, but the video...not so much. If you really want to see it or the church's performance in the promo video, drop a line to JohnnyLeckie@gmail.com. There are also two video trailers provided on this site that give a small preview of the music and feel of the production:

Video Preview 1 (90 Second Version)    Video Preview 2 (Longer Version)

Q:  Do you restrict editing dialogue or modifying characters? (Such as changing a man’s role to a woman’s in order to accommodate casting)
A: Substitutions that may be made without additional permission are described in the file One Mad Christmas - The Cast. But if there are any questions or changes you'd like to make, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help you work it out. :)

Q: How many times can we perform the musical?
A: As many times as you want in a calendar year.

Q: How long is the performance time of the musical?
A: The musical run time is approximately 65 to 70 minutes or so, but we have suggestions for making it shorter. If you are concerned about the length, we'd be happy to share how to trim 10 to 15 minutes from the production.

Q: Do we need elaborate sets and a lot of musicians to perform the musical?
A: No. "One Mad Christmas" has been performed by groups large and small - from very minimal set and musicians to more elaborate sets and more musicians. We're available to help make it work for your situation!

Q: We love the script but would prefer to use different music. Can we do this?
A:  No. "One Mad Christmas" is to be performed as written - music and script together. (But see the next question for possibilities.)

Q: Can we add songs, dance numbers or other special elements to the production?
A: Yes, there are sections in the musical that allow for this possibility, including an intermission. Ask us about what you have in mind, and if approved, we'll help customize it for your situation, even providing additional dialog for you at no extra cost.

Q: Do you have a list of the cast requirements for the musical?
A: Yes. They are described in the file One Mad Christmas - The Cast.

Q: What instrumental orchestration is provided? Can parts be substituted?
A: The orchestration is designed to be performed by an instrumental ensemble (The "house band" in the musical) and the parts provided are the following:

- Conductor Score
- Individual Parts (Scores):
- Clarinets I and II
- Alto Saxophone
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Piano/Vocals

Much of the music is to be played in "swing" time, and improvisation, though not necessary, is encouraged. :)

You are free to make parts substitutions with the scores provided.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Before we determined the fee structure, Leona and I did a little research. Here's an example we discovered recently for a similar type of dramatic musical from a choral music publishing company:

For 30 choral books, a Director's Guide, a Production Manual, a Demonstration Video and an Accompaniment CD the cost came to $438.35. Replace the Accompaniment CD with Orchestration, and the cost jumps to $698.35 Add another $7.95 for every additional book you'll need. This is all before you begin to consider set construction costs, possible lighting rentals, any promotional expenses, ticket and media royalties, etc. There's also all of the $15.00 "preview packs" that you need to purchase before you decide on the musical that works for you. (Although in fairness, many companies do provide audio clips of many of their musicals on their websites.)

Bleah. Here's what's different about doing "One Mad Christmas:"

It's fully downloadable. There's one reasonable license fee structure. Print all of the books you need. Charge for admission. Make Videos. Post clips on the web. Perform the musical as many times as you want in a calendar year. Our video demonstration is pretty bad, but you can see it for free if you ask really nicely. The production manual is included. All of the preparation "production materials" you need to perform the musical are included. The "preview pack," such as it is, is free.

For more information about costs, etc, see the following links:

* One Mad Christmas - Start Here
* How To License and Perform"One Mad Christmas"
* Other free preview files, including the full script  

Bottom Line: License/Royalty Fee - $249 **Through July, 2018, Use the Discount Code: AYTREE2018 for $50 off the Licensing Fee! --> $199 (One time for the calendar year) plus 5% of tickets (if sold) and media sales (If sold). 

Q: What's the fastest way to get started?
A: Scan or use your mobile device to take a legible photo of the signed “Performance License” and email it to Johnny at JohnnyLeckie@gmail.com. Send your payment to the same email address using your bank’s “send money to anyone with an email address” feature. Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Chase Banks all offer this service.

Q: Can we pay with a check?
A: Yes! If you're not in as big of a hurry, simply send the signed "Performance License and Production Contract" to the address listed in the form.

Q: Where is the Performance License and Production Contract?
A: Right here:
Performance License and Production Contract

Q: If we don't charge for tickets or sell media, is there any additional cost to us?
A: Nope. Just the one time license fee for the year and nothing else.

Q: I have a question that is not on this list. How can I contact you?
A: Contact us by sending an email to JohnnyLeckie@Gmail.com and we'll get back with you as soon as possible!