What Happens Backstage Stays Backstage
Claudia: An outspoken freshman with a big ego and a feisty spirit, but a kind heart.
Hope: The quiet one of the group. Her feelings are hurt easily and she’s not the brightest.
Christy: A wild and energetic sophomore that never stops laughing. She’s carefree, but gets scared easily.
Tony: A tough-guy who doesn’t care about what anyone thinks. He isn’t afraid to speak the truth, but has a soft side for those he cares about.
Kyle: An out-going and well dressed freshman. He gets misunderstood often, but doesn’t let anything stand in the way of what he wants.
Shawn: A rude and obnoxious freshman. He gets made fun of so he covers his feelings with humor. Not many people understand him.
Mrs. Frank: Choir director and musician for the high school. She takes pride in the school productions and wants everyone to work together. She can be serious, but knows how to motivate others to succeed.
Setting: The play takes place in a high school auditorium from the time of post-auditions to opening night of the musical. The students are performing a 50’s style musical and there are about seventy people in the cast. The scenes are a series of conversations highlighting some of the things that happen backstage.
Act I Scene I
[On the main stage of the auditorium, surrounded by bright lights, is the cast of the musical. All the students sit in a semi-circle, facing the director. The cast have separated themselves and no one seems to mingle.]
Mrs. Frank: I know that some of you might be unhappy with how the roles have been cast, but I’m sure that in the end, everyone will do a terrific job. There have been rumors about favoritism playing a part in who was chosen for lead roles, but I assure you, the rumors are not true. The choreographer and I made our decisions based upon talent and experience. Never the less, even if you are in the chorus, I still expect you to give one hundred percent effort at all times. Just do the best you can, okay?
Claudia: (to the girl sitting next to her) I’m happy. Are you happy?
Christy: Oh yes, I’m glad I even got chosen to be in the chorus! I’m so excited!
Hope: Well, I mean, it would have been nice to be a lead.
Claudia: But you’ve never been in a production before, Hope. You don’t sing near loud enough either.
Christy: I think Hope has a nice voice
Claudia: Yes, but she can’t belt.
Hope: Oh, be quiet, Claudia. A girl can dream, can’t she?
Kyle: (leans over) Only if it’s about me.
Hope: (swats him away lightly with her hand) Get away from me. I don’t even know you.
[Mrs. Frank shouts and silences everyone for a few seconds]
Mrs. Frank: Is everyone still with me here?
All: Yes, Mrs. Frank.
Claudia: (whispers) No, Mrs. Frank.
[Mrs. Frank walks off to a corner of the group and hands out packets of paper]
Kyle: (winks) Hope, you know you want me.
[Kyle returns to his group of friends]
Claudia: (yells) Kyle, she wants you dead.
[Kyle makes a weird face at the girls while they giggle]
Claudia: He’s not too bad. Seems kinda nice.
Christy: You just told him that Hope wanted him dead and now you’re trying to set them up. You don’t make any sense.
Claudia: I just had to have a comeback. You can’t let the man win.
Christy: (giggles) The man.
Claudia: I don’t understand why that’s even funny, but whatever. Hope, you should talk to him. I mean, he came over here to get your attention. He must have noticed you.
Christy: Someone has a crush. (nudges Claudia in the side) Kyle’s really not that bad. He’s kind of weird.
Claudia: You’re one to talk, Christy. Kyle does seem odd, but it’s funny. He’s not my type, but I don’t think I’m his type either.
Hope: Oh, and I am?
Claudia: You’re both lame.
[Packets of paper are tossed at the girls and it distracts them while they scan the pages]
Hope: (looks up from the packet) Excuse me?
Claudia: What?
Hope: What did you say?
Claudia: What?
Christy: What are we talking about?
Claudia: Nothing.
[Mrs. Frank claps to get the cast’s attention again]
Mrs. Frank: Does everyone understand the rules and schedule? Any questions?
Christy: Were we supposed to be paying attention?
Hope: I think so. Maybe we should go ask. Claudia, get up and go ask Mrs. Frank about the schedule.
Claudia: You do it. You’re the one who has the question.
Hope: But I don’t want to go up there alone.
Claudia: Well, fine. Suffer in silence. I’m not asking for you.
Hope: Please?
Claudia: There’s no way you’re going to get me to move an inch.
Hope: But I don’t want to go alone.
Claudia: You’d never do the same for me, so I’m not going to do it for you.
Hope: How do you know?
Director: Okay, we’re done for the day. Make sure to keep your scripts in a binder and remember to grab a copy of the schedule on your way out!
Claudia: Whatever you were talking about probably wasn’t important, so calm down. I’m sure we’ll figure the times out on our own. This’ll be simple.
Christy: Yeah, it’ll be easy as pie.
Hope: Why is pie easy?
Claudia: (places a hand on Hope’s shoulder) I wouldn’t expect you to know.
Act I Scene 2
[ The cast in on the stage, each girl with a boy, paired off to dance for a group number. The choreographer is standing in the front and the dancers are all staggered behind her in windows as the music plays]
Choreographer: Step left, back, right, forward, left, back, right, forward. Then pivot, then pivot, and cha-cha, then repeat. Got it?
[Choreographer goes off to a couple and starts to help them with the dance moves]
Claudia: (dances gracefully) This is easy!
Christy: (steps on someone’s foot) Yeah, totally.
Tony: Ow! God, watch what you’re doing, Christy!
Christy: Sorry, Tony! I didn’t mean to!
Tony: (steps on her foot) Sure you didn’t.
Christy: (screams) I did NOT deserve that!
Tony: I didn’t deserve to be partnered with you, but here we are.
[Claudia and her partner dance across stage to be closer to Christy and Tony]
Claudia: (leaning toward Christy) At least you didn’t get partnered with a rapist. (turns to her partner) Please stay away from me.
Shawn: But we’re partners! I’m supposed to have my hand on your waist. (grabs Claudia and pulls her close)
Claudia: That’s not my waist. That’s my butt. (removes Shawn’s hand)
Shawn: (snorts) Like there’s a difference.
Claudia: There is definitely a difference. Stop being perverted.
Shawn: I didn’t mean to offend you.
Claudia: Too late. Now let’s dance, but other than when we are rehearsing, don’t touch me.
Shawn: I’m sorry if I-
Claudia: I don’t want to hear it.
[Shawn leads Claudia away, dragging her by the hand. She gives a pitiful look to her friends]
Tony: (dancing with Christy) Shawn is such a weirdo.
Christy: You’re one to speak. (laughing while spinning around) You know, you’re not a bad dancer.
Tony: I know. You’re the bad one.
Christy: (chuckles) Okay, you just ruined the friendship moment we were having.
Tony: (stares off past Christy) I’m sorry, I just really wanted to be paired with Claudia.
Christy: Oh, I see.
[The music stops and the Choreographer returns to center stage]
Choreographer: Good work today, guys. Tomorrow I want everyone to bring a little more energy though. It seems like you’re just going through the motions. Be enthusiastic!
Christy: (mutters under her breath) It’d be easier if my partner would cooperate.
Claudia: (mutters to herself) It’d be easier if my partner wasn’t trying to grope me every ten seconds.
Hope: Sorry, my partner wasn’t here today.
Choreographer: That’s okay, Hope. Just pretend he’s there.
Claudia: (whispers) Forever alone.
Hope: I heard that.
Choreographer: That’s a wrap, ladies and gentlemen. You’re free to leave!
Tony: (to Hope) Forever alone!
Hope: Shut up! (rips off her high-heels and runs off stage)
Claudia: Rehearsal is over, Shawn. Get your hands off me. (pushes him away)
Shawn: I’m sorry, you’re just so irresistible. (licks his lips)
Claudia: I’ll murder you.
Shawn: Like you ever would.
[Tony leaves Christy and walks over to stand at Claudia’s side. Christy leaves the stage]
Tony: Don’t test her. She’d do it.
Christy: (yells from off stage) True that!
Shawn: Whatever, guys. See you tomorrow, Claudia. (winks before exiting)
Claudia: He’s just such a strange kid.
[Christy returns to the stage with a different outfit on]
Christy: He’s actually kind of nice once you get to know him.
Claudia: He’ll always be a rapist to me.
Christy: You shouldn’t be so mean. Lots of people make fun of him.
Claudia: (rolls eyes) I wonder why.
Tony: I think he’s annoying as all.
Claudia: Thank you!
Christy: Just saying. Don’t judge.
[Christy exits the stage]
Tony: What’s up with her?
Claudia: I have no idea.
Tony: Need a ride?
Claudia: Um, I guess. Yeah, why?
Tony: Because I can give you a ride home, isn’t it kind of obvious why I asked?
Claudia: Oh, be quiet. Let me get my purse. (runs off stage)
Tony: I’ll be waiting.
Act I Scene 3
[Claudia, Hope, and Christy sit on the upper level of a red painted set high off the ground with two sets of stairs on either side. The three girls sit on the right side of the set next to the stairs]
Claudia: What are we supposed to be fake talking about when we’re up here?
Christy: ( makes dramatic hand gestures) Watermelon, watermelon, like watermelon.
Hope: Wait, what? Watermelon?
Claudia: She thinks that if you say watermelon, it looks like you’re saying words when you actually aren’t.
Christy: Oh my gosh, watermelon!
Claudia: It looks like you just said the entire paragraph that the leads just said!
Christy: Really?
Claudia: No.
Christy: Dang it. Well, watermelon.
Claudia: Please never say that again.
Christy: Wat-
Claudia: Shut up.
Hope: (leans forward to look past Christy) So what’s with you and Tony?
Claudia: Well, he asked me to the movies this Friday.
Christy: (slaps her thighs) Aw, a stage romance!
Claudia: I hope it’s not!
Hope: Why?
Claudia: Well I hope it’s not just because we’re in the same musical.
Christy: I’m sure it’s not. He’s had his eyes on you every time we dance. He even told me that he wanted to be partners with you instead of me, but Frank paired him with me.
Hope: Who’s Frank?
Claudia: (rolls her eyes) The choreographer’s name is Mrs. Frank, Hope. Keep up.
Christy: But yeah, he seemed pretty bummed being stuck with me.
Claudia: (giggles) He asked me to be partners with him that same morning.
Christy: What? (slams her hands on the ground) You knew and you didn’t tell us?
Hope: This is so unfair! (pushes Christy back so she can see Claudia) What else are you not telling us?
Claudia: There’s nothing else to tell, you guys.
Hope: Are you sure?
Claudia: You’re like a shark, Hope. I know you’re forever alone, but please! Stop looking for juicy details that don’t exist.
Hope: (pouts) I’m not going to be forever alone.
Christy: Um yeah, you kinda are.
Claudia: Your pretty face is wasted, sorry.
Hope: Hmph!
[Hope turns away from the rest of the group and watches the boys sitting on the other side of the set]
Claudia: So why are you so protective of Shawn the Rapist?
Christy: (pulls at her hair) No reason.
Claudia: And for some reason, I don’t believe you.
Christy: There’s no reason, I promise.
Claudia: And I’m a fillet of fish!
Christy: You’re not a piece of fish, Claud.
Claudia: Then you get my point. I’m not a fish, and you’re lying to me about Shawn. Spill before I have to go get a stick and poke you.
Christy: He kissed me, okay? We went out a couple of times, but then he ignored me for like three months. He was really nice when we went out. I promise. He wasn’t perverted at all.
Claudia: Well, he’s perverted now.
Christy: But he’s not really like that!
Claudia: Until he proves himself otherwise, yeah, I’m not going to get anywhere near him.
Christy: Fine, but he’s actually nice.
Claudia: He ignored you.
Christy: That’s not the point.
Claudia: No, but it proves my point.
Christy: You’re supposed to be offstage right now.
[Claudia does a double take before realizing how long they have been talking. She fixes her skirt and stands up]
Claudia: (fake laughs) Bye girls!
Both: Bye!
[Claudia exits]
Christy: Do you think Shawn’s creepy?
Hope: Just a little bit.
Christy: I promise he’s not.
Hope: Yeah, let’s go.
Christy: (fake laughs and gets up) Come on, Hope. Let’s go.
Hope: (makes dramatic hand motions while walking offstage) Christy, you’re so funny!
[Both go back by the curtain, almost offstage. Claudia appears beside them]
Claudia: Have fun up there?
Hope: Of course.
Christy: Being in the chorus is lame.
Claudia: Be enthusiastic, girls! (mocks the choreographer)
Hope: (giggles) Let’s go watch the guys number from out in the seating area.
Claudia: (mocks Hope) O, boys! My favorite! (sticks her tongue out) I guess we’ve got nothing better to do.
Christy: Agreed. Let’s go.
[all exit]
Act I Scene 4
[The cast sits in a semi-circle around the director, who is holding a clipboard and paces back and forth in front of the high school students. The stage is empty except for the cast.]
Mrs. Frank: Everyone needs their costumes in by Monday for our first run-through. Be prepared. That’s all I have for you guys. You’re free to go.
[Mrs. Frank leaves, a wake of students filing out behind her. Only the girls remain.]
Claudia: I don’t have my skirt or my dress yet.
Hope: I have all my stuff. I even put a poodle on my shirt.
Claudia: Oh, you’re such a try-hard.
Hope: I know!
Claudia: That wasn’t a compliment, but whatever.
Christy: (interrupts their conversation) And Daniel was all like, “You’re so pretty,” and I’m like, “Oh my god, take me home with you!”
Claudia: Wait, I thought you liked Shawn?
Christy: That was so last month. Get with it, Claud.
Hope: Yeah, Daniel is way cuter.
Claudia: I’m assuming he’s not a rapist either.
Christy: Shawn was not a rapist!
Claudia: Okay, too soon to joke about him, but not too soon to want another boy. I see the logic in this completely.
Hope: You think about these things way too much.
Claudia: At least I have a boyfriend, Miss Forever Alone.
Hope: So now it’s official? When did this happen?
Claudia: After the movies. (grabs Hope’s hands) It’s a magical place, Hope. If only you could go there.
Hope: Really?
Claudia: No. (laughs and gets up) That was a load of bullshit.
Hope: I just want something to look forward to. I want somebody to take me to the movies. I try so hard. I’m nice. I’m cute and not too obnoxious.
Claudia: I don’t even want to hear another word.
Hope: But yo-
Claudia: Tony!
[Claudia runs offstage]
Hope: She’s always with him.
Christy: I know. What’s with that?
[Kyle enters from where Claudia ran off.]
Kyle: That’s because he’s more fun than you two.
Hope: What are you even doing here?
Kyle: I’m in this musical, remember?
Hope: But why are you talking to me?
Kyle: Can I not talk to a pretty girl? What is so wrong with that?
Christy: (looks up from her phone) Daniel wants to pick me up after rehearsals tomorrow so we can go on a date! (looks at Hope and Kyle, who are engrossed in a conversation) Okay, maybe no one cares.
[Christy walks offstage]
Hope: You think I’m pretty?
Kyle: Doesn’t everyone?
Hope: Well, no one ever tells me.
Kyle: You’re a liar. I hear people compliment you all the time.
Hope: Other girls.
Kyle: Because they’re jealous.
Hope: But I just want a nice guy to notice me.
[Tony and Claudia enter holding hands]
I mean, look at them.
Kyle: Um, didn’t I just come over here?
Hope: I wish someone would invite me to a movie. I want to be like Claudia and Tony. They’re so cute together. (sighs) I just want someone to notice me.
[Hope walks offstage]
Kyle: (smacks his forehead) Impossible!
[Kyle wanders off the other direction, offstage. Claudia and Tony make their way to center stage]
Claudia: Kyle likes Hope. I can tell.
[Claudia turns to face Tony]
Tony: You’re blind.
Claudia: And you’re deaf.
Tony: I like my music loud.
Claudia: (pokes his chest) And I’d like to be able to communicate with you in the future without using sign language.
Tony: You know damn well that I can hear better than you.
Claudia: I’m oblivious. I can’t help it.
Tony: You’re cute when you don’t know what’s going on. It’s okay.
Claudia: Hmph. (pokes Tony’s stomach and giggles)
Tony: Yeah, I’m fat. Got a problem?
Claudia: You’re not fat.
Tony: Yes, I am.
[Mrs. Frank walks back onto the stage, just passing through]
Claudia: No, you’re not. (kisses his cheek)
Mrs. Frank: No PDA!
[Mrs. Frank goes offstage on the opposite side]
Tony: (whispers) Ugly witch.
Claudia: (giggles) Shh, she’ll hear you.
[Claudia runs away, offstage]
Tony: Get back here, you little chipmunk!
{Tony exits and Hope returns with Kyle in tow.]
Hope: I just want someone to listen to me without making snide comments and making me feel stupid.
Kyle: I’m here.
Hope: I don’t even really know you! How am I supposed to talk to you about these things?
Kyle: For one, you can’t just become instant friends with someone without putting some emotional effort into it. Two, you already are talking about these things, so might as well just spill everything while I’m here.
Hope: Well, I just want someone to really listen when I speak. No one else does that.
Kyle: I’ll listen to you.
[Kyle moves closer to Hope and puts a hand on her shoulder. Hope turns to face him.]
Hope: You will?
Kyle: I’m still standing here, in an empty auditorium, talking to you. I’ll listen. I’d also be willing to take you to the movies if you wanted.
Hope: The movies?
Kyle: Yeah, you mentioned that earlier.
Hope: You would actually take me to the movies? (she pauses and brushes some of her hair behind her ear) Like, on a date?
Kyle: I guess. Would you care to join me?
Hope: What movie would we see?
Kyle: It’s lady’s choice. Any one you want.
Hope: Okay then. I’ll give you a chance. Promise you won’t give up on me after ten minutes?
Kyle: I can’t guarantee anything. (winks) But I’ll certainly try.
Hope: I’ll see you, what time?
Kyle: Eight. Tomorrow.
[Kyle heads offstage.]
See you later, Hope!
[Kyle exits.]
Hope: That did not just happen. (gives a small shriek) Wait until Claudia hears this! Ha!
[Hope exits]
Act I Scene 5
[Back behind the curtains, a scene is still being performed on the stage, but Claudia and Hope are backstage.]
Claudia: Hope, get back here!
Hope: I’m coming, I’m coming. I can’t see in the dark.
Claudia: I don’t know how we’re going to get changed in the dark like this.
Hope: Let’s hope nobody comes past.
Claudia: Yeah. (pulls off her shoes) This dress is so annoying. I had to pull it up like fifty times!
Hope: Mine fits pretty well.
Claudia: Shut up, Hope. (tugs at her dress) Hope, I’ve got a problem.
Hope: What? I’m in the middle of putting my tights on!
Claudia: My bra is safety-pinned to my dress. I’m going to have to take everything off if I want to make this change for the next scene.
Hope: Well, um, I don’t know what to tell you.
Claudia: No time to think. Look away!
Hope: What are you doing?
Claudia: I’m going by these picnic tables so I can change!
[Claudia takes her clothes and runs to hide behind two upright picnic tables, away from the view of the audience]
Hope: You’re not going to wear a bra?
Claudia: Is there any other option? I’ve gotta go commando on this one.
Hope: I can’t believe you. (pulls on a white shirt)
Claudia: What else was I supposed to do? (pulls a tank top on) I just hope no one saw.
[Kyle enters from the side with picnic tables]
Kyle: Lookin’ good, Claudia.
Claudia: What the hell are you doing back here?
Kyle: Oh, nothing. Just getting ready to push the staircase on for the next scene. (giggles) I didn’t know there was an impromptu stripper contest backstage.
Claudia: There’s not.
Kyle: (snickers) Well, I don’t know what that was then.
[Kyle runs off, offstage]
Hope: Yeah, I don’t want him taking me out anymore.
Claudia: It’s not really his fault. He just kind of walked in on that.
Hope: Still.
Claudia: Whatever. Get the headpieces and I’ll get the capes.
Hope: Okay!
[Hope runs offstage and Christy enters from the opposite side of the curtains]
Christy: Hope! Claudia! Where are you?
Claudia: Back here!
[Claudia walks out from behind the picnic tables in all white with a cape. Hope returns to the curtains with two tall headpieces in her arms and one on her head.]
Hope: Here’s your crazy hat.
Claudia: And your cape. Go get dressed. We’ve got two minutes until our scene.
Christy: I would have been here sooner, but I had to help Tony switch the sets backstage. Nobody helps him, so I have to do it.
Claudia: It’s okay, just go get dressed.
Christy: Alright! Be right back!
[Christy runs offstage with her costume]
Claudia: How’s Kyle?
Hope: What do you want to know?
Claudia: Well, you said you didn’t want him taking you out anymore.
Hope: I can’t decide if I like him or not.
Claudia: Beggars can’t be choosers.
Hope: Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do with my love life.
Claudia: Someone has an attitude.
Hope: I’m sick of you putting me down all the time. I have to make my own decisions. Can you stop trying to be my mother?
Claudia: Just because I’m smarter than you doesn’t mean I’m your mother.
Hope: I never said you were smart.
Claudia: You don’t have to say it for it to be true. You know I’m smarter than you. You should take my advice.
Hope: I probably would, if it was from anyone else.
Claudia: You just don’t want to admit that I’m right. You know I am.
Hope: I’m not going to boost your ego.
Claudia: That’s the only reason you’re holding onto this argument.
Hope: Don’t talk to me anymore. We’re going to be on in a couple seconds.
[Hope climbs onto the rolling staircase and watches the action onstage, purposely ignoring Claudia. Christy returns.]
Christy: Hey guys, are you ready?
Claudia: I am, but I think Hope has something on her mind that is hindering her brain from functioning properly. Been drinking again, Hope?
Hope: Don’t bring that up.
Christy: Yes, please. We don’t need any rumors spreading around.
Claudia: Those weren’t rumors. Hope is a compulsive drinker. I bet she has a couple shots each night before bed, don’t you, Hope?
Hope: Shut up, Claudia!
Christy: Is that true?
Hope: It’s none of your business, Christy.
Claudia: Sure. It’s none of our business, yet somehow I know.
Christy: Okay, let’s forget about this disagreement before we go onstage. Smile everyone! What were you talking about before this happened?
[Christy climbs onto the staircase and stands between Hope and Claudia.]
Claudia: Going commando.
[Claudia gets ready to push the staircase onto the stage.]
Christy: What?
Claudia: (sticks her tongue out) You heard me.
Act II Scene 1
[A performance is going on and the cast is on stage. The girls are onstage, sitting in the same place as before when they were on the red set with two sets of stairs.]
Claudia: (sniffs the air) It smells weird.
Christy: (sniffs) Smells like gas.
Hope: Probably that stupid car.
Claudia: Yeah, but it’s not exhaust fume this time.
Christy: I can’t tell the difference between nasty fumes coming from that vehicle.
Hope: I like exhaust fumes. This is not a good smell.
Claudia: Just another thing going wrong today.
Hope: I’m sure it’s fine.
Claudia: Let’s go check it out. We have to leave anyway.
[girls walk from the set to the curtains. Kyle and Tony are hanging out by the curtains]
Claudia: (bends down) Guys, look underneath! There’s a puddle of gas!
Hope: What?
Christy: Gas?
Claudia: (points to the ground) Yeah, look at that! ( taps Kyle on the shoulder) Kyle, look at that!
Kyle: I know. I told Jason about it. He’s going to fix it.
Claudia: He better! That stupid stage manager should be good for something besides being rude to everyone.
Tony: The fumes are going to make me high.
Claudia: That’s...weird.
Tony: Reminds me of the good ole days.
Claudia: (laughs) That doesn’t worry me at all.
Tony: (pokes Claudia’s nose) It was only once.
Christy: It’s making me dizzy.
[Christy sits down on a stool near the rest of the group]
Kyle: It makes me want to light a match.
Hope: (screams) Do not do that!
Christy: (giggles) We’d all blow up.
Claudia: No duh, Chris. (hugs Tony in mock fear)
Jason: (storms up to the car) Can’t this thing just give me a break? Everyone get out of the way.
[all move away from the car]
Claudia: (shouts to the others backstage) Get back, there’s a gas leak!
[The group moves back to be around Christy who is still on the stool]
Kyle: Jason has no idea what he’s doing. He didn’t even know where the oil was coming from when THAT leaked.
Claudia: Shut up, Kyle.
Kyle: You tell people to shut up a lot.
Claudia: That’s because nobody ever says anything important. (kisses Tony) Let’s go, cutie.
[Tony and Claudia leave]
Kyle: Claudia is mean sometimes.
Hope: Yeah, we know.
Christy: But she’s funny, so we put up with her.
Kyle: Yeah, I guess.
Hope: Aw, did the midget hurt your feelings, Kylie?
Kyle: No.
Hope: Do you need a hug?
Kyle: Yes!
Hope: Too bad.
[Hope and Christy run off]
Kyle: (pulls at his tie) Everybody leaves me by myself.
[Kyle walks over to be next to Jason]
Need help with the car?
Jason: No.
Kyle:Okay then. I’ll just watch.
Act II Scene 2
[Kyle and Claudia are back by the dressing room hallway with a few other people mingling around them.]
Kyle: Someone stole Paul’s money.
Claudia: What the hell? When does this even happen?
Kyle: Just now. Don’t tell Frank.
Claudia: Oh, I won’t. (looks around to make sure no one else heard) Don’t worry. She doesn’t need to know about this during the middle of the show.
[First Girl enters]
First Girl:(cuts into their conversation) It wasn’t the guy I brought backstage. I know everyone would blame him, but I know he didn’t do it.
Claudia: I don’t see why anyone would accuse him.
[First Girl exits]
(rolls eyes at Kyle and whispers) It was probably him.
Kyle: I wouldn’t put it past a random guy that no one knows.
Claudia: Why do people feel the need to steal anyway?
Kyle: I have no clue, but I’m going to tell everyone to keep it quiet.
[Kyle walks offstage and Christy enters]
Christy: What’s going on?
Claudia: Someone stole money. Again.
Christy: But I thought we were past this whole thief thing?
Claudia: I don’t know, but I think it would be funny if Paul had just misplaced it. I’d feel like an idiot if I screamed about someone stealing my money, just to find it in my pocket a day later.
Christy: That would be really funny.
[Kyle enters]
Kyle: Rob had money stolen too.
Claudia: That kind of throws my scenario out the window.
Christy: Well I’m going to check my stuff.
[Hope enters]
Hope: What’s going on?
Claudia: There’s a thief backstage.
Hope: My iPod!
Claudia: (shrugs) Of course that’s the only thing you care about.
Hope: It’s all I have!
[Hope runs offstage]
Claudia: I know. I know.
[Tony enters]
Tony: This whole production sucks.
Claudia: Don’t say that. I think it’s fun!
Tony: Says the girl who was fighting with her friend backstage. Nothing has gone right. I’m about to just give up and go home. It’s not like I matter. I’m just a chorus member. I move sets and props backstage.
Claudia: Every part is important, no matter how small. And you’re not leaving. You can’t leave me here with these crazy people. We have to get along and make it through this together.
Tony: It’s just not the same as last year.
Claudia: Well, it’s a different production. There are different people. We all just have to work together. Having a thief on the lose backstage doesn’t help, but whatever. I’m about done with all the craziness. I just want everything to come together and run smoothly.
Tony: Does it ever? It’s a live performance.
Claudia: True.
Tony: I guess we’re just going to have to try our best.
Claudia: Ready?
Tony: Not really.
Claudia: We don’t have a choice.
Tony: Then give me a kiss.
[Claudia leans forward and gives him a kiss before they part into their separate dressing rooms.]
Act II Scene 4
Mrs. Frank: Everybody keep your energy up. It’s our first performance for the general public. You’ve all done an amazing job preparing for this. We’ve all worked really hard and there’s over a thousand people out there. Grab the hand of the person next to you. Now I want you to take a deep breath.
(Claudia and Tony exchange glances)
Close your eyes and just breathe. On the count of three, I want everyone to turn out. Ready?
Claudia: I love you.
Tony: I love you too.
Hope: Good luck, Kyle.
Kyle: No no, you’re supposed to say, “Break a leg.”
Director: Three.
Hope: Well, break a leg then.
Christy: Daniel’s out there.
Director: Two.
Hope: You’ll be fine.
Claudia: It’s time.
Director: One.
(Mrs. Frank turns out and everyone follows)
Director: Places!
Hope: Are you ready for the show? I’m excited.
Claudia: I’m ready. I’m ready to forget all the stuff that happened long enough to perform.
Hope: You’ll be granted a moment of forgiveness.
Claudia: And it never lasts long enough.
[The whole cast files through the doors and onto the stage.]
Claudia: Showtime!
No comments:
Post a Comment