A Tiny Miracle
A family holiday musical for soloists and chorus
Music and lyrics by Charles Gilbert
Based on the story by Richard M. Wainwright
A Tiny Miracle is a multigenerational holiday musical about faith, purpose, and the miracle of small things. A tiny Christmas tree, planted in the shadow of a great oak and unable to keep pace with the trees around her, discovers that her purpose will reveal itself — in its own time, in its own way. For the chorus and congregation that performs it, the show asks the same question the Little Tree asks throughout: what kind of miracle are we meant to be?
Incorporating musical theater, jazz, gospel, and rich choral writing, A Tiny Miracle weaves together adult chorus, children’s chorus, and featured soloists in a piece that is both sophisticated and genuinely accessible — a natural fit for communities that want to build something meaningful together at the holidays.
Format: Oratorio-style or fully staged
Running time: Approximately 65 minutes
Chorus: SATB adult chorus + small children’s chorus
Soloists: 6–8 featured roles
Non-singing role: Storyteller (ideal for a minister, teaching artist, or community figure)
Staging requirements: Minimal — has been performed successfully in sanctuary settings
The original demo recording was made in 1999 with a cast of professional Philadelphia theater artists and students from the University of the Arts. Featured performers include Joilet Harris (Barrymore Award winner, Caroline, or Change) as the Wise Oak, Jeff Murphy as Wally, and D’Arcy Webb as the Pretty Tree.
In December 2023, the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware in Lewes produced A Tiny Miracle as their holiday pageant — directed by Julie Keefer, with the congregation’s choir and community performers. The production demonstrated how naturally the show’s community choral model translates to a congregational setting.
“A Tiny Miracle was such a joyful, multigenerational production for us and so meaningful to engage in at that busy, festive, story-filled time of year. Unitarian Universalists of all beliefs and non-beliefs can find joy and meaning in the story. The storyline is fantastic, the music is delightful, and so many different people get a chance to shine. Putting on this production is a highlight of my time here with this congregation!”
— Rev. Heather Rion Starr, Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware
A full video recording of the 2023 production is available upon request.
A Tiny Miracle premiered at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington in December 1999, with an additional performance at the University of the Arts. After a 24-year hiatus, the 2023 UUSD production confirmed what the piece always promised: that it finds its fullest expression in the hands of a community that brings it to life together.
The source story was written by Richard M. Wainwright, who granted adaptation rights after corresponding with Charles Gilbert in the late 1990s. The piece reflects the themes central to Wainwright’s life and work: generosity, compassion, and the conviction that purpose reveals itself in time.
A Tiny Miracle is available for production licensing. The complete script and score are listed on the New Play Exchange.
Interested in producing A Tiny Miracle with your congregation, school, or community organization? I’d love to hear from you.
