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Shelby The Shepherd, The Musical
A Shepherd's Special Surprise
CHARACTERS
Small in size but big in hope, Shelby can't wait until he can be an honest-to-goodness "super special shepherd"! In the mean time, his single sheep, Little One, keeps Shelby as busy as an entire flock would. Especially on this surprising day! 
There has never been a more adventurous sheep than Little One! He may be the only sheep in Shelby's little flock right now, but that doesn't mean he and Shelby have dull days. He is, after all, the reason Shelby is headed straight for his unforgettable adventure!
When you meet Shelby's mama, Anna, it takes no time at all to understand why Shelby never gives up on his dreams. She cheers Shelby on and makes sure he knows his wishes can come true.
Just spend a little time with Shelby's papa, Nathaniel, and you will see why Shelby is so patient with Little One. Shelby's papa has Shelby's love and trust, and that makes all the difference in the world to a little shepherd with big dreams. 
Shelby's uncle, Samuel, has his hands full helping Shelby's papa with the flock and keeping Shelby's cousins out of mischief. But he makes it look like the easiest job in the whole world. 
Shelby's two cousins know how to make the day eventful! Mischievous, funny, playful. You name it, and you will probably get it out of one of them, or both! But they can also be encouraging, as Shelby will learn. 
The Roman Census Taker isn't really the most favorite person in Bethlehem. He definitely will help test Shelby's courage. But maybe Shelby will teach him something in return. Some fun, perhaps?
The Census Taker Helper is the perfect sidekick to the Census Taker. Who else could get away with bringing such a comical combination of wit, intelligence, and honesty to the whole Roman census caravan?
He may be a man of few words, but you definitely know the Roman guard is, well, on guard. He sure doesn't escape Shelby's attention! And who knew he could be so talented?
Like Shelby, the Bethlehem townspeople are full of hope, and maybe a few questions, too. One thing they do know for sure, their town is special—small, but definitely one-of-a-kind. By looking through the eyes of the Innkeeper, the Rug Maker, and the Lamp Seller, it's easy to see that they may not know exactly why at first, but they do believe they will find out someday. Is someday today, perhaps?
And who knows who else you must might meet while you are witnessing this amazing day as it unfolds?
CREATIVE
Author, Playwright, and Composer Wendi Miller counts it a privilege to care for Shelby and Little One (and now Little Two!), and has done so since the day they were just an "I can do that!" idea.
She may have started out as a one-woman show when it comes to Shelby The Shepherd, The Musical - A Shepherd's Special Surprise, but she knows she is never alone and never has been. "If I set out to write something, and I try to run ahead or to the side or behind where God wants me to be, it will end up getting two thumbs down and a rewrite. But, if it takes my breath away when it's all said and done, I know I was right in the middle of a blessing, for me and for others. And that's definitely how it turned out for Shelby's sweet story."
Piano and vocal teacher Connie Walker contributed the piano arrangements to the Shelby The Shepherd, The Musical - A Shepherd's Special Surprise songs. "She is an absolute treasure," says Wendi Miller of her music arranger who enjoyed more than 30 years as a school music educator. "I gave her the melodies and lyrics, and a brief description of the feel of the music that I was aiming for, and the arrangements she provided for me were exactly what I was hearing in my head. I was often so overwhelmed with 'Yes, that's it!' that I had to pause, wipe away the happy tears, and then start listening again."
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Find out even more about Shelby the Shepherd!
-  PRODUCERS' INFORMATION  > 
Access the full musical synopsis, get to know the musical characters and creative team, and request additional production information for your theater, church, or school.
​-  AS SHE TELLS IT  >
Author and playwright, Wendi Miller, takes a moment to describe Shelby's journey as a beloved Christmas character, from his social start to his musical makeover.
-  THE ORIGINAL BOOK  > 
Do you have a few minutes? You can even read the sweet Shelby the Shepherd and His Special Surprise Christmas book that started it all, available in a FREE PDF format! If it hasn't already, it could easily become one of your favorite holiday traditions!
-  GAMES & ACTIVITIES  >
Did you know he is even more than a book & musical character? Shelby the Shepherd also has his own DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Games & Activities!
"LIKE A WHOLE BUNCH OF LOVE GOT HERE ALL AT ONCE."
-Shelby
"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts..." (Romans 5:5).
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