Play — Joe Casey - Literary Portfolio

Callbacks - A Short Play with Music

by Joe Casey

STAGE:

3 sections; Left (AKA BUS STOP) is a bus stop, with bench and bus sign. The backdrop is of some tall buildings; Center is coffee shop with round table and two chairs, with disposable coffee cups; Right (AKA Home) is an apartment with a sofa, coat rack, guitar stand, and chair. Sets are separated by two doors. On left is a door with bells, like that of a coffee shop. On right is a door resembling that of an apartment. Both are at an angle, making it easy to hide in the doorway as a new scene begins.

Scene 1: Home

SET: Coat Hanger, guitar on stand, sofa, chair near guitar stand

SCENE: Elderly mom wearing apron w/ front pocket (w/ TV remote) and young man sharing apartment. She is folding laundry from a basket and he is strumming the guitar. Characters: Mom (M), David (D)

Song: More Like Before

*mom waltzes with a shirt she pulls out of the basket

*Silas whistles; he holds a book up called 'Phobias'

*Jen taps, as if impatiently

*David on guitar

Bum, bum, bum - bum bum bum

Used to be a dancer, ran some

Classes in New Hampshire

People came in droves to see our shows in the fall

Had a son, Davey, my little

show biz baby

He's been in a studio since he could crawl

To and from rehearsals, we’d

Rewrite old commercials

We’d laugh, we’d sing, we’d smile!

And after classes ended, Davey,

he’d extend it,

He’d turn on The Swan and we’d waltz!

Cm7 Fm7

But lately, oh, everything's been changing

Cm7 Dm7

Its humiliating, and difficult explaining, But my

Cm7

hands and my head, they don't talk well these days

Dm7

Any my words, sometimes, there's all these delays

Cm7 Fm7

All I want anymore is dignity,

Cm7 Fm7

To be treated with respect and civility

Cm7 Fm7

suffice to say, the other day, I got a call, And

Cm7 Fm7 Bsus4

Its seems they won't be needing me anymore, in the Fall.

Now I live with Davey/David

In his flat in Cambridge

With all this spare time to waltz.

D: Woah, uhh, Ma, what are you doing? Those are not clean.

M: Nonsense. I got them from--

D: Ugh..You're folding my … dirty undies…! [queasy]

M: Well if you don’t want my help…

D: I do, I do, I do. I appreciate it, but -- you're doing so much already. I'm just saying you don't need to do this.

M: David, I know how this looks. And again I really appreciate you letting me move in here with you.

D: Its no trouble.

M: I know you say that. And thank you. But I also know this is an adjustment, for both of us. I just need to be in a place where I can figure out what's going on with this old crickity body of mine. That Big Bad Wolf keeps coming for me, like these hands…

D: The who now?...

M: I don't know,its, its my hands, its my words, I just want to be somewhere I can figure this out and not have to worry about anything else.

D: You probably just need more vitamin D. Its some nutrition imbalance, we'll get you some supplements. Are you drinking enough water? [Mom with blank stare] Let's just, let's find the today show.

M: Remote's broken again. I can't get it to -- [reaches for and fumbles with remote]

D: Hmm, here let me see if I can fix it. [quickly fixed, goes back to guitar]

M: Thank you…

S: [whistling]

This use to be a playground had a

merry-go-round, Now,

it's a high rise, full of strange guys, and ex-wives

Here I was a hero, takin'

care of fellow wierdos

The bullies didn't stand a chance, as I'd arrive, they'd hide!

Its where we played baseball, All the

way till night fall, This is

where we lived our lives

Don't know where to play now, So I

Sit right here and lay low

Watchin' all these folks go by

Cm7 Fm7

Sometimes, I wish, I had place

Cm7 Dm7

to run and to play, and feel safe

Cm7

I've tried endless bus rides

Dm7

But the other stops don't feel right

Cm7 Fm7

But the one place you never go near

Cm7 Fm7

Where the dragon in his cave is ever fierce

Cm7 Fm7

He snarls breathes fire and lashes at your feet

Cm7 Fm7 Bsus4

Happens to be the same place that I go to eat and sleep.

Chorus:

M & S:

I miss everything

how it used to be

I’d do most anything

To bring the past closer to me

We had hope, when times were tough

And friends to lift up

Cm7 Fm7

How do I re-open that door

Eb Dm Cm7 Fm7

How do I get today to look and feel more like before?

Found this underneath the seat

Reading it, its teaching me all the ways to be brave and get by

[Jen looking at bus schedule]

J: Am I late or am I early? [reading the bus schedule and checking her watch] Red line, red line, red line [looking for bus] Jen, of all the days don't be late…[finds phone, drops phone, picks up phone, opens it up, and reads email] Ok, where's that email [struggles to read without glasses] Oh my god I'm falling apart. "Thank you for accepting the audition. Meet you at the coffee shop. Let's use our real names to run the lines, 9am, we'll run the scene, skip the chit chat, and go, and we will let you know later -David" Ok, this isn't my weirdest audition ever but its up there.

This must be my big break

Yes, yes, I know what's at stake

God, I can't risk being late (not today)

Used to be fun, now I rush from

this job to that one, Barely makin' it,

taking all the hits a girl can take

All to be an actor, Against the

stern advice from my mother, and

Now its do or die - time to prove its not a mistake

Here I'm one step closer, like

I get this part, I'm past the torture

Of not knowing if I'm ever meant for the stage

Cm7 Fm7

This all use to feel so easy

Cm7 Dm7

When my love for performing would fuel me

Cm7

I didn't care how all the no's would make me feel

Dm7

Or being that hamster trapped on this wheel

Cm7 Fm7

Because it was so damn delighting

Cm7 Fm7

Like a party and I'm doing the inviting

Cm7 Fm7

And then when all the roles all dried up

Cm7 Fm7 Bsus4

I thought for sure, this is it, I'm done, I've had enough.

Now I've got this last chance

To prove that I can make this path last

If only I can get to this callback

M: Wow David, that sounds great! I feel like it should be in a movie or something!

D: Ha, right. Wait you think so?

M: Yeah! Like.. Folksy but modern with an edge on it.

D: Right on. Yeah, thanks.

M: Heading out?

D: Yeah I'm actually meeting someone to run lines.

M: Lines? For…? [drawing a blank]

D: The play I've been writing. You know, the whole thing about --

M: Yes yes I know all that. I mean which lines.

D: [pause] Oh, well, I'm auditioning this up and coming actress, for the lead, we'll run that scene with the couple, doing their argument thing.

M: It’s gonna rain, you’d better bring a jacket.

D: Is it?

M: Its what they're saying

D: Alright

Got my first paid gig, they

Wanna see a screenplay

Except they want it like yesterday ; To date

All the stuff I've ever done, was

Just for me and mom and just for fun

Now I know what adulting feels like

Then there's the Mom thing, she

moved in here on Wednesday

To say things are going great

Would be a lie. She's

not who I remember, So

with it, so tender

Its, she's, can't explain if I tried

Cm7 Fm7

What the hell has happened

Cm7 Dm7

I blinked, and it’s different than it’s been

Cm7

Went from full on bachelor 30’s

Dm7

To hustling home feeling worried

Cm7 Fm7

I try to pretend like it’s not there

Cm7 Fm7

But it’s happening, and I think we’re both a little scared

Cm7 Fm7

I went from being her care-taken

Cm7 Fm7 Bsus4

To juggling a new career and being her caretaker

M & S & J & D:

I miss everything

how it used to be

I’d do most anything

To bring the past closer to me

We had hope, when times were tough

And friends to lift up

Cm7 Fm7

How do I re-open that door

Eb Dm Cm7 Fm7

How do I get today to look and feel more like before?

Eb Dm Cm7 Fm7

How do I get today to look and feel more like before?

[End]

[David packing up, notices Mom struggling with something] [Mom is fumbling in unzipping her purse, which had been sitting beside her on the couch]

D: Here, can I help?

M: I’ve got it! The stupid zipper gets stuck. [finally he helps and she submits]

D: You gonna be alright here?

M: Course sweetie, I'm not a child! [awkward pause] Have a nice time. Don't forget your jacket.

D: Ok, bye.

[David hesitatingly exits; Mom forgets what she opened the purse for and sets it back down on the couch]

Scene 2: Bus stop

SET: Kid sitting on bench at bus stop, flailing his legs around, reading a book called, 'Phobias'; Jen standing waiting for a glimpse of her bus]

Characters: Jen (J) is a 30-something frazzled disorganized woman; Silas (S) 8-10yrs, w/ backpack and a big smile

J: [Impatiently waiting for her bus to arrive] Nnnnow. Nnnnnow. C'mon….nnnnnow.

S: Did you know you can be afraid of being afraid of things?

J: [who me?] No I didn’t know that.

S: Yep it’s right here in this book. It’s called phobo-phobia.

J: Are you afraid of phobias?

S: [abrupt loud laughter] I’m not afraid of anything. Here’s another one. Sesquipedalophobia. [Reading slowly and carefully directly from book] Fear of long words, which means you’re afraid to say the thing that you’re afraid of! [Again abrupt laughter]

J: Can you be afraid of auditions?

S: Probably! I’ll look it up for you!

J: That’s ok. Just having a pity party. [Sitting on bench at this point, closes eyes and starts repeating to herself] I need this job, I need this job, I need this job…

S: Are you really scared?

J: Petrified. Ironic, seeing as how I'm a performer.

S: Well, coming from me, an expert on phobias, just do what I do.

J: [pretending to be intrigued] haha, ok, what's that?

S: Just pretend you’re not afraid of the thing you’re afraid of, and then you’re not afraid of it anymore.

J: Easier said than done? [Silas shrugging] Ok, I'll give it a shot. This is my bus. Thanks… [signaling for a name]

S: Silas

J: …Silas. [she extends hand, he flinches; she thinks that was weird and walks off]

Scene 3: Coffee Shop

Scene: David sitting patiently and anxiously at the table, with an empty seat next to him. Jen enters, makes eye contact, associates as his interviewer, takes a breath and steps into character. Walks over, sits down, digs through big bag until she finds crumpled up paper, she unfolds, begins reading script; David's character in this scene is reminiscent of Jerry Lundegaard from Fargo, denial, denial, denial]

Characters: Jen, David

D: Hello

J: Hello

D: Shall we? [gesturing to sit]

[Jen pulls out the script from her purse, un-crumples, and begins the audition]

J: What'd we watch last night?

D: What? [incredulous, surprised]

J: I said… what did we watch last night? I turned on a show, you sat there next to me all spacey, you didn't say a word. So what did we watch?

D: C'mon [chuckling] you know I was tired. I told you I was tired.

J: You told me you were tired. But you should remember what we watched.

[long pause]

What are these? [pulls out pill bottle and sets on table]

D: [pause] I dunno

J: David. What. The Fuck. Are. These.

D: Jen, I had the back thing.

J: In April. You're still taking these?

[extended pause, David shaking his head]

Let me ask a different question. Did you take these last night?

[no reply]

I got a random email from your work. You're slipping David. There. Here. I see it.

D: Jen, I, I dunno. Probably just a misunderstanding [pause]

J: [sarcastically] David, you… [pause] you come home, say you're tired, you plop down, you're not eating, you aren't taking care of yourself, you're… Are you driving on these? [no reply] You used to chat me up, rub my feet, whatever, and now you're so isolated. Wandering around the house like you're looking for something. That, or you're a complete piece of shit, like, a zombie, who, you, you can't remember what we watched last night?

D: Jen, I -- (innocently, denyingly)

J: Are you driving on these?

D: No [confidently]

J: Ok… Where are they coming from?

D: What do you mean?

J: How are you getting them?

D: Jen, you know I had the back thing. They're probably just left over.

J: David, if somethings going on, you know that I'm here to ---

D: I -- I think you're imagining things. Listen, if you want to create drama, we can create drama. Hell, give me the bottle, let's make some drama. But I’m telling you, you're off your rocker. You found something in the cabinet, and you're making a big deal out of nothing. I'm fine! [cheery]

J: Ok, jeez. Wow, I'm sorry. But you'd tell me right, if there was something to tell me?

D: If there's anything to say, I'd say it, but frankly, I'm a little embarrassed, and disappointed. I'm hurt, that you'd just jump to this conclusion, that I’m sneaking around, or something.

J: God, I feel awful.

D: And who cares what we watched. I was with you, that's all that matters. That's all I care about. I was tired, but I was with you, which is what I want.

J: Ok, me too. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that I raced into that. I just want you to tell me everything, ok?

D: Of course. Of course. [reassuringly] Now, what should we watch tonight?

[Scene ends; Jen hesitates, and then remembers instructions. She gets up, goes to walk out, turns, extends hand, David shakes it, she leaves]

Scene 4: Bus Stop

Scene: Silas sitting on bench with his face buried in his book, swinging his feet back and forth

[Jen enters looking down at phone]

J: "For next time: More 'dot dot dot' imaginative. And off book. Script revision coming asap." -David [perplexed, why god]

S: Ergophobia

[half jumps in surprise]

J: What?

S: Ergophobia- fear of interviews. You wanted a word for fear of auditions, it's ergophobia. How did it go?

J: Ok I guess, [chuckling] got a callback tomorrow.

S: That's cool! Here’s another one: Bibliophobia- fear of books. Can you imagine? Being afraid to look up your fear, cuz it’s in a book? HAHAHA

J: [chuckle] Yeah. What are you afraid of Silas?

S: Pshh nothin. That’s why I got this book, I keep trying to test myself. So far, can’t find one thing I’m afraid of.

J: I got one for ya. Look up being afraid of getting on a bus.

[Silas starts browsing]

It’s a joke.

S: I don’t get it.

J: Never mind.

S: You wanna hear my joke?

J: Not really. Actually, I gotta go let my cat—— [clearly making up an excuse]

S: If at first you don’t succeed, then you definitely shouldn’t try skydiving! HAHAHA

J: Shouldn’t you be at school, or at home or… somewhere?

S: [A look of nope] Nope, I'm good right here.

J: Ok, well, thanks for the advice. Oh! I did the 'not feeling afraid' thing, and it worked. So I guess .. thank .. you?

[pause] I don't know why I do a job that makes me so nervous, and anxious.

S: Cuz you're good at it?

J: Haha I dunno, maybe, I guess. Sometimes I think, I should have been a barista, or kept working at the mall. Or got one of those cosmetology certifica-- [realizes its going right over Silas head] I'm venting …. to a kid…aaat a bus stop. So that's great, well done. Well, see ya.

S: Bye…[signaling for a name]

J: Jen

S: Bye Jen!

[she exits]

Scene 5: Home

[Mom is hunched over the diswasher, unloading dishes, David enters]

D: Hey.

M: Hi honey. How was school?

D: You mean work?

M: What’d I say? [pause] It’s gonna rain.

D: Is it?

M: It’s what they’re saying.

D: Uh, it went well, I think. The script, it's coming along, need to make a few adjustments, and we have a promising actor for the leading lady… [Looks perplexed]

M: That's great! David you're so talented! They should give you a medal or something.

D: Mom aren't those dishes still dirty?

M: [chuckle] you're ridiculous

D: ok, just asking.

[goes to guitar, long pause]

M: So how’d it go?

D: What?

M: The thing. Weren’t you running lines?

D: [confused] Yeah, um, I was just saying… I think it went well. I need to change a few things, but yeah. Its really close.

M: I’m sure it’s going to be so great. And you do this to yourself. You get worried right at the end of a project. I don't know, maybe you like the process more than the result, or you're afraid of what people will think? But you're so talented, and your whole life you've been making really great stuff. [Inspecting dishes which are still dirty]

D: Yeah? [Looking for reassurance]

M: Yeah! Remember, in first grade, I don't know if I've ever told you this, but you were the letter "i" in the alphabet musical. You wouldn’t let the show start, because some of the letters were out of order. We heard your voice from behind the curtain shouting, “Hey, M, [David murmurs along] get your butt over here!” They delayed the start of the show, because you became Mr. Director all the sudden!

D: Yeah. I like that story.

M: My perfectionist. [beaming with affection] Just promise me you won’t be too hard on yourself. You're hired to do a job because people know you can do it. And no matter what happens, you know that you'll have at least one person in the audience, because your number one fan would never miss a debut. My David, so great.

D: [fiddling with the guitar] Ok ,thanks Mom.

M: Ooh that sounds nice. You gonna play me something?

D: [chuckle] Sure.

M: Yeah, that's nice. Ooh, you know what? This is like the improv troupe, back at Summerstock. We had a thing, Friday nights, we'd put on some blues, get up to the mic and just rip into whatever we felt like. How fun. [David not paying any attention] Yeah, we'd get up there and just air it all out, whatever's got us in a tiff. It was so therapeutic, really. Shoot, I know what I'd say into that mic right now. Something about that Big Bad Wolf, for sure. Trying to bring down a sweet lady in the her prime of her retirement! He's making me work for everything I built, all over again! Took my job, my hands, my house. He's trying to take it all. Yup, I'd give that old wolf a piece of my mind, give him something like…

Song: Big Bad Wolf

A E7

Hey there where you going

Whaddya know

Careful which way you blow A G7? A

Hey there, whatcha doing

Its better that I know

You got some else place you can go?

Hey there whatcha thinkin 'bout

Whadya take me for

Don't mess with that choo don't know

Why don't you go on get lost

Hadn't you been told

This here is my house, and its made of stone

Chorus

D7 C7

Hey Big Bad Wolf

I got some news for you

You'd be wise w/ your breath 'n

Careful whatchoo choose

Your huffin' n puffin'

You know not whatchoo do

A7 E

You picked the wrong house to fuck with,

Now I'm coming for you.

Hey whatchoo doing there

Watch where you blow

This one is mine why don't you find one of your own

Hey little puppy dog

Lookin for a home

Try to take mine but I'd suggest thatchoo don't

Hey Mr. Wolf

Little piggy won't go

Take yourself on a hike n'

Just leave me alone.

You're used to sticks 'n straw

Well whatchoo don't know

This ones stays put

Cuz its built of stone.

Chorus

Hey Big Bad Wolf

I got some news for you

You'd be wise w/ your breath 'n

Careful whatchoo choose

Your huffin' n puffin'

You know not whatchoo do

You picked the wrong house to fuck with,

Now I'm coming for you.

Interlude

I'm coming for you

Hey there where you going

Whaddya know

Careful which way you blow

Why don't you go on get lost

Hadn't you been told

This here is my house, and its made of stone.

End

M: How was that?

D: Huh? Oh, sounds good, mom. Sorry, I'm really focused on my work right now. But yes, I agree, there could be some iron deficiency going on. I'll order some supplements to try and we'll do some clean living for a bit, see how that goes.

M: Whatever you thinks best.

Scene 6: Bus Stop

[Silas sitting on bench reading; Jen enters, mumbling lines]

J: [Grumbling] I barely had a chance to eat today, and he thinks I have time to memorize new lines?

You again. [fumbling through her bag] God where's that script?

S: Spectrophobia - fear of your reflection. Can you imagine, being afraid of how you look in the mirror every morning?

J: Yes actually, I can. 'N fact, I can't remember the last time I checked a mirror. God knows what's going on here… Silas, when does your bus come? And where do you go?

S: I looked up fear of busses. Trochophobia. Definitely don’t have that! But I miiight have this one, Anthophobia – Fear of flowers, cuz they smell gross, and they’re for girls. Yuck!

J: So you're just perfect then. No fears? The only person I know who's not afraid of anything. Yeah?

S: [shrugs, like 'pretty much']

J: Right. And the rest of us, we'll just do all the worrying, so you don't have to. That it?

S: [Again, Silas shrugging, looking perplexed as to what she's getting at]

J: Must be nice, being a kid. Not a worry in the world? [antagonizingly] I get to be afraid of literally everything. Hell, I'm afraid of my own job, like if I don't get this part, I'm gonna miss a car payment, rent, I'm gonna eat ramen for another month.

S: So?

J: So?

S: It sounds like you're afraid of nothin'.

J: Nothing?! I just told you I'm afraid of everything!

S: Nothin that matters… Ok, can any of those things bite you?

J: No, ---

S: Sting you?

J: No but I think you're missing the ---

S: Swallow you whole?

J: Of course not! [that's a bit excessive] Well, I don't think so… Maybe?

S: Panphobia! [Loudly, pointing his finger at her]

J: Excuse me? [like got an insult]

S: You've got panphobia, fear of everything. You're afraid of all this stuff that can't hurt you.

J: Ok, so you gave it a name. So what.

S: So all that stuff, it's in your head. And if you just told yourself that it didn't bother you, then it might go away. Just like your audition thing.

J: [laughing] You think if I just tell myself I'm not afraid, then I won't be? That simple, huh?

S: No, you don't ask yourself to be not afraid. You tell yourself, "I'm not afraid of nothin' at all"

J: You realize that's a double-negative, right?

S: See, you're doing it again!

Song: Ain't Afraid of You Today

S: Now pay attention, I want you to try something

J: At this point, I'll try literally anything.

S: Ok, I'll say something you're afraid of, I want you to picture it, and then I want you to say to that thing, "I ain't afraid." Try it.

J: [hesitantlyl] I ain't afraid

S: A little louder

J: I ain't afraid

S: Alright you've got it.

J: Oh boy. Ok, should I at least tell you a few things first, that I'm afraid of, so that you know what to--

S: Spider

J: [shreaks] Where?!

S: Say it!

J: [tentatively] I ain't afraid

S: Wasps [grimaces]

J: [hesitantly] I ain't afraid

S: Scorpions

J: [more confidently] I ain't afraid

S: Lizards

J: well some lizards are kinda cute. Have you seen any of those commercials, where the ---

S: The slimy kind

J: I just threw up in my mouth

S: [urgingly]

J: I ain't afraid

S: Now let's assess, how did that go, you feel any better?

J: I mean, surprisingly, yeah, a little.

S: Now, I'll teach you another trick. When something scary gets stuck in my head, I say to it:

[Chorus]

Listen all you fears

Creepy crawling creatures

All you scary thoughts

Worries and nightmares

I got you where I want you

I got you by the ears

I'm not bothered by you anymore

There's no room for you in here

Find another place to hide

This body's occupied

Without you I feel great

Go somewhere else ta populate

So git on up, git outta here, cuz,

I ain't afraid a you today

S: You wanna sing it with me?

[Chorus]

Listen all you fears

Creepy crawling creatures

All you scary thoughts

Worries and nightmares

I got you where I want you

I got you by the ears

I'm not bothered by you anymore

There's no room for you in here

Find another place to hide

This body's occupied

Without you I feel great

Go somewhere else ta populate

Git on up, git outta here, cuz,

I ain't afraid a you today

S: Now, how do you feel?

J: I feel good!

S: Ok, let's try going another round, this one's gonna be a little harder.

J: Bring it on!

S: And you'll say…

J: I ain't afraid

S: That's right!

S: Freddy Krueger

J: I ain't afraid

S: Saving for retirement

J: How old do you think I am?....I ain't afraid

S: That pimple on your chin.

J: I have a … where?

S: [laughing] Say it….

J: I ain't afraid

S: Your bus is late

J: Were you serious about the pimple? I ain't afraid.

S: Alright, let's do it.

[Chorus]

Listen all you fears

Creepy crawling creatures

All you scary thoughts

Worries and nightmares

I got you where I want you

I got you by the ears

I'm not bothered by you anymore

There's no room for you in here

Find another place to hide

This body's occupied

Without you I feel great

Go somewhere else ta populate

So git on up, git outta here, cuz,

I ain't afraid a you today

[Interlude, tap]

[Maybe accidently stepping on a bug introduces the tap scene]

[Bridge]

[Jen nearly touches a bug, shreaks, Silas picks it up, sits on bench, rolls it around on his hand, and then they watch it fly away]

A7 B

S: And sometimes you gotta look at something

Ab C#m

And see it a different way

B C#m

Forget about it. It's gone.

E (high) Db7

Now its gotta hear you say

A7 B E

I ain't afraid of you today

[Silas has a little victory tap spin move]

[Jen looks at Silas in awe, like there's a connection happening]

[Tap]

S: Alright, are you ready for the final challenge?

J: Phew, I'm ready. Give it all you've got.

S: That rents thats due…

J: I ain't afraid

S: Didn't get that bill for your car yet

J: I ain't afraid

S: The sweet taste of ramen for a whole month straight.

J: I ain't afraid

S: Someone else's fart in an elevator [giggling]

J: Ain't afraid

S: What about bats who give you the flu?

J: [belting] I ain't afraid

S: Your audition …. I said, your audition

J: I ain't afraid

S: Huh?

J: I ain't afraid

S: You sure about that?

J: I ain't afraid!

[Chorus]

Listen all you fears

Creepy crawling creatures

All you scary thoughts

Worries and nightmares

I got you where I want you

Got you by the ears

I'm not bothered by you anymore

There's no room for you in here

Find another place to hide

This body's occupied

Without you I feel great

Go somewhere else ta populate

Git on up, git outta here, cuz,

I ain't afraid a you today

S: [Steps out towards audience like he's talking to someone]

You hear me?!

A7 B

I said, I ain't, I ain't afraid of you today

[Jen joins]

A7 B E

I ain't, I ain't afraid of you today

End

S: How was that?

J: Man, better! I feel ready for that callback, tell you that much. Thank you, Silas!

[she goes to give him a high five and as she does, Silas violently flinches back with his hand over his head like he’s expecting to be hit or something]

[awkward pause]

J: I - I was just going to…, Silas, what the… sorry.

[another long pause]

J: [Indicates bus is approaching] My bus. So long, Silas. Maybe, go… do something. Oh, and, the ain't this, git up that, remind me, we gotta work on that grammar. [smiles, winks]

[Silas half smiles, goes back to reading his book]

[At some point during a future scene, Silas lays across the bench and closes his eyes]

Scene 7: Home

Scene: David on the phone, mom sitting on couch, watching TV, fiddling with the remote

D: It's close but……. Yes but you're not listening. Its, Its good, but I - I - I'm not sure its good enough. No no no, its good, you'll like it. I'm just not…I mean, you're gonna make me say it. Ok. There's a part of me that never wants this show to see the light of day because it'll never be right. It pains me to make a living releasing content that five minutes later I could have made adjustments to, made it …better. It's my curse, OCD, whatever. Can you let me just have one more go at it? Ok, alright, ok I'll see you then. Thanks. [hangs up] I gotta go. [prepping to leave]

M: Go where, honey?

D: Working those lines again.

M: Ah, yes. That’s great! You’re working so hard, I’m sure it'll be great. 'Sposed to rain, you'll need a coat.

D: Oh yeah? Where'd you hear that? [a little condescendingly]

M: I dunno, the weather people.

D: Mom, it’s like 84 and sunny.

M: Well I don’t know, Davy, I’m just telling you what I heard!

D: [under his breath] uh huh

M: You think I’m crazy.

D: Mom [chuckling] you haven’t called me Davy since I was like 10. Are we bringing this back?

M: Ooh, Will you bring me back some of those macaroons I like?

D: Yeah…sure. K, bye Mom.

M: Bye Davy.

[causes him to pause before exiting, decides to leave his jacket this time]

Scene 8: Coffee Shop

[David sits waiting at table. Jen immediately finds him, hustles over, sits]

[In this run-through, Jen has about 90% of the lines memorized, but does look at them once or twice for verification towards the end]

J: Hey

D: Hi

[Jen helps herself to a seat and begins the audition]

J: What'd we watch last night?

D: What? [incredulous, surprised]

J: I said… what did we watch last night? I turned on a show, you sat there next to me all spacey, you didn't say a word. So what did we watch?

D: C'mon [chuckling] you know I was tired. I told you I was tired.

J: You told me you were tired. But you should remember what we watched.

[long pause]

What are these? [pulls out pill bottle and sets on table]

D: [pause] I dunno

J: David. What. The Fuck. Are. These.

D: Jen, I had the back thing.

J: In April. You're still taking these?

[extended pause, David shaking his head]

Let me ask a different question. Did you take these last night?

[no reply]

I got a random email from your work. You're slipping David. There. Here. I see it.

D: Jen, I, I dunno. Probably just a misunderstanding [pause]

D: Jen, I -- (innocently, denyingly)

J: Are you driving on these?

D: Fuck no [confidently]

J: Ok… Where are they coming from?

D: What do you mean?

J: How are you getting them?

D: Jen, you know I had the back thing. They're probably just left over.

J: David, if somethings going on, you know that I'm here to ---

D: I -- I think you're imagining things. Listen, if you want to create drama, we can create drama. Hell, give me the bottle, I'll pop some right now, let's make some drama. But I’m telling you, you're off your rocker. You found something in the cabinet, and you're making a big deal out of nothing. I'm fine! [cheery]

J: Ok, jeez. Wow, defensive much?

D: Well, frankly, you're putting me on the spot, and I'm a little embarrassed, and disappointed. I'm hurt, that you'd just jump to this conclusion, that I’m sneaking around, or something.

J: David, then why's the date say last month?

D: Who care's what it says, or what it means. Probably a printing error. I’m telling you, and you're supposed to trust me, that this is a misunderstanding, and you're blowing way out of proportion. And who cares what we watched. I was with you, that's all that matters. That's all I care about. I was tired, but I was with you, which is all that I want.

J: Ok, ok, I believe you. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I raced into that. I just want you to tell me everything, ok?

D: Of course. Of course. [reassuringly] Now, what should we watch tonight?

[Scene ends; Jen extends her hand over the table, David shakes it, she leaves. David takes extra time collecting himself, pensively, as he slowly exits, like he's formulating something]

Scene 9: Home

D: Hey. [walks in excitedly, holding bag w ribbon, presumably Macaroons]

M: Oh hey honey.

D: I’m so close on this show now, I can feel it. [smirking] Here ya go.

M: That's great!

D: Yeah, I gotta tweak just a few things, add some credibility, but its there, Mom.

M: Oh, honey, that's awesome. Ooh what’s this?

D: Macaroons.

M: Macaroons?

D: Yeah, you asked for macaroons.

M: Did I? Ooh![giddily shrugs it off, accepts the bag]

D: We found an actress to play the lead, she's incredible. The attitude, the charisma, she could use a little self confidence boost but -- Mom, where’s my-- where's my jacket?

M: Probably in the laundry.

D: By laundry do you mean washing machine? Mom that jacket's leather. [she is fumbling and can’t seem to open bag] Did you wash my leather jacket?

M: Davy--

D: Dav-id!

M: … you shouldn’t leave things lying around. If it’s on the floor, then I just presume you want it washed.

D: It was hanging on a hook!

M: Dammit David, stop yelling at me [throwing unopened bag to the ground] You treat me like I'm a child! [begins sobbing] I don't know sometimes, my hands, I've tried to tell you, they're not working, and I can't say everything right all the time. I don't know what's happening, but-- [sobbing]

D: Mom, I didn’t mean to— Mom I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just dealing with a lot. This show has me all tense. And somethings up with you. I can’t keep… [picks up macaroon bag, opens it, sets it beside her on the couch] I don’t know… I’m doing too much stuff, my job is stressing me out, and then….

[Song: Blindfold]

Lady Lady who raised me

Gave me such sweet memories

Lady lady why you been changing

Wheres your mind been at lately

Need me to be all the things

Bsus2 B Bsus2

What do I get in exchange

F# B

I’m peeking through a blindfold

No tellin what I'm lookin for

Theres a story untold there

Too bad it’s outta my control

Not like it’s hit any threshold

Guess I’ll do what I do best

F# B F# B

Do what’s best for me … 'n ignore

Maybe it’s not what I think and I’m crazy

Or maybe it is and I’m just that lazy

But she got a way of keepin me busy

Get in the way a the life that I’m chasing

Lady you got new needs

Can they wait till tomorrow please

I’m peekin’ through a blindfold

No tellin what I'm lookin for

Naïve, eyes closed

Maybe its time to take a step back

Slow down rewind show some respect

Perhaps there’s enough room for more

taking care of this woman I adore

F# B F# B

right now gotta let this go

Forget this shit …..walk it out that door

F# B

I know I’m hidin hind a blindfold

F# B

Wondering what it is I am waitin for

F# B

Every time I come back home

I pray life’s like it was before

Ooh through my Blind-fold

[As song is ending, Mom is trying to light a candle. When matches don't see to work, she uses a piece of paper, but the fire is getting out of control]

Every time I see her again

Only hope my nightmare ENDs

Every time I see her again

My only hope this nightmare ——-

D: Oh my god, Mom! [stomps out paper]

[Mom looks at him, falls to the couch and sobs]

Scene 10: Bus Stop

[While in a sleeping position across the bench, Silas was able to take some dark makeup hidden in his book and apply it across one side of his face, looking like a bruise across his face, Silas rising from sleep position as Jen enters]

J: " Notes: Next time more sincere. Updated lines attached. -David" [WTF]

S: Did you win your audition?

J: I dunno, going back for one more. [face still buried in phone] I can't tell if this is going well, or if I'm just being strung along, like a novelty or something. You got anything in that book of yours for that? Fear of being used like an object? [notices bruising on Silas’s face] Woah. What… Silas what happened… to your…

S: I got in the way.

J: In the way of---

S: It was my fault, I shouldn’t have been in there. [changing subject] Chorophobia - fear of dancing, can you believe tha—-

J: Someone did this to you?

S:[snaps back] I got in the way, It was my fault! [reassuring tone] [long pause] Besides, it’s better than being grounded. I HATE being grounded. [goes back to book, unphased]

J: Oh, Silas…[feeling helpless] You're not waiting for a bus at all, are you? [no reply] If you need help, you know you need talk to someone right? Did this happen at home? [no reply] Is there someone at school you can talk to? I don't know anything about this stuff, but I do know that its never ok to --

S: [with escalating anger] Just shut up about it. You don’t know me. You don’t know anything about me. If I get hit, I get hit cuz I got in the way. It's as simple as that. And you don’t know anything. You’re just some lady at a bus stop--

J: But it’s never ok for someone to hit you. Not even your own—

S: Just STOP! It's none 'a your business.

[Long awkward silence]

J: Silas, my bus. [indicating her bus is approaching] Silas- don’t- don’t go anywhere.

[Song: What am I to you]

Well, one thing's for sure,

I'm lying to myself

There's a boy dealing with…

He clearly needs my help

Yet I’ll turn a blind eye

[pshh] As if I could help someone else

Look at me

Absorbed in my work

Way too busy

To be disturbed

I mean, even if I did

Drop everything for him,

Still could I be the help he deserves

Who are you to me

And what am I to you

What am I supposed to be

If you ask me to

Who are you to me

And what am I to you

Would I be enough to be

What you need me to

He's got all the signs

But who would I accuse

he won't discuss them

God, I don't know what to do.

again, its not like I don't have issues.

I've got my shit, too.

I'm just, I'm so confused

I'm no one to him

Just someone to bemuse

But oh, that boy

That poor sweet boy

And oh, that bruise

Were I to pretend to be brave

Still, I’d need to know what makes him afraid

What am I to do with more questions than answers

Who am I to him but a stranger

Who are you to me

And what am I to you

What am I supposed to be

If you ask me to

Who are you to me

And what am I to you

Would I be enough to be

What you need me to

[Jen exits]

Scene 11: Coffee Shop

[Jen enters slowly, still visibly shaken up from her last encounter. She sits in her chair]

J: What'd we watch last night?

D: What? [incredulous, surprised]

J: I said… what did we watch last night? I turned on a show, you sat there next to me all spacey, you didn't say a word. So what did we watch?

D: C'mon [chuckling] you know I was tired. I told you I was tired.

J: You told me you were tired. But you should remember what we watched.

[long pause]

What are these? [pulls out pill bottle and sets on table]

D: Fuuuuck [under breath, long pause]

J: David. What. The Fuck. Are. These.

D: Jen, I had the back thing.

J: In April. You're still taking these?

[extended pause]

Let me ask a different question. Did you take these last night?

[no reply]

I got a random email from someone at your work. You're slipping David. There. Here. I see it.

D: Jen, I…[pause]

J: [sarcastically] David, you… [pause] you come home, say you're tired, you plop down, you're not eating, you aren't taking care of yourself, you're… Are you driving on these? [no reply] You used to chat me up, rub my feet, whatever, and now you're so isolated. Wandering around the house like you're looking for something. Or you're a complete piece of shit, like, a zombie, who, you, you can't remember what we watched last night?

D: Jen, I --

J: Are you driving on these?

D: [defeated] No.

J: Ok.

[David breaks down a little]

Where are they coming from?

D: What do you mean.

J: How are you getting them?

D: I don't love this. I … I don't want this.

J: What happened?

D: I mean, nothing. I just… didn't stop.

[pause]

J: Why

D: It was just… easier. [long pause] I… I don't have a… there's not some long story. Its just… easier than not taking them.

[sternly]

J: Where do they come from?

D: The internet [ashamed]

J: [pause, sort of gasp] Ok, so you're a smart person. You know that's not only dangerous, but super illegal. Like go to fucking jail illegal. [pause] Can you stop?

D: I have! [Abruptly, loudly] Believe me, I have! And either I sweat through my shirt, or can't sleep, or both. I tried! I tried to wrap this up a half dozen times. But then, life needs to keep happening, and, its just easier not to.

J: Will you stop? [Long Pause] Will you stop?

D: Jen, I told you, I tried. Its hard.

J: David, this is so fucked [turns away, cries quietly] I love you. But… I don't love this.

D: Jen. Jen, please look at me

[she stays put]

This is obviously a thing. And I know I need to shake it. I want to, I just… don't know how. I can't see the path back. [pause] What I know is that I want you more. [pause] If I ask for your help [chokes up]

[she turns and faces]

[her expression is one of shock and revelation, like she just paralleled this script and her Silas situation]

[unexpected character from audience starts clapping, stands, and walks onto the stage]

Unknown: Yes! Yes! Terrific. Brilliant!

[Jen keeps eye contact with David as they continue to share a moment, then snaps out of it as she realizes someone is talking to them]

Unknown: David, she's perfect. You really nailed it this time. The script, the content, the acting, superb! Hi, Jerry Buszchek, manager, producer, you were thrilling. David, call me, we've got work to do. Nice meeting you. [exits awkwardly, without her acknowledgement]

[Jen turns eyes back to David, David extends his hand, Jen's lip quivers, and she lunges forward and hugs him. David hesitatingly puts his arms around her, then she collects herself and exits.

Scene 12: Bus Stop & Home, Simultaneously

[Both Jen & David pass through respective doorways; David quietly enters, Mom doesn't notice, takes off his jacket, goes directly to his guitar with Mom sitting on the couch not hearing him come in]

[Song: Call Back (Duet)]

[at some point, David waltzes with Mom]

E F#m7

Can we

do this again

This time you talk

I’ll listen

D w/J harmony:

That me

You know from before

That’s not me

Anymore

It’s not fair

What You’re going through

From now on,

I’m with you

J w/ D harmony:

Let’s make a pact

Don’t think twice

Call on me,

I’ll call you back

Bridge:

Courage to Serve

Comes from seeing you well

Muster the energy

Too important to fail

So let’s get started

You and me,

Your imperfect partner

Will get you the help

That you deserve

Call on me

I’ll call you back

Just call on me

I’ll call back

Call on me

I’ll call you back

Just call on me

I’ll call back

Key change:

Call on me

Bbm7

I’ll call you back

Just call on me

I’ll call back

D: I’m takin off my blindfold

See this woman I adore

My own agenda

Doesn’t matter anymore

J: Who are you to me

what am I to you

Only one thing matters now

That's what I gotta do

Ending:

Call on me

I’ll call you back

Just call on me

I’ll call back

[all in unintelligible whisper]

[Jen slowly approaches Silas, who once again has a huge smile on his face; she kneels down in front of him and begins to explain that what she observes is not normal and that she can get him the help he needs, so he’s not afraid of whomever is doing this to him; his face changes to a somber look of helplessness, and when she’s done talking, she sits next to him on the bench, gets her phone out and calls someone, presumably help. He reaches out and places his hand in hers, and looks straight to audience with look of somber fear]

[immediately following, perhaps after some waltzing]

[all in unintelligible whisper]

David puts his guitar down, sits next to Mom, who is watching TV, he clicks it off, and gently leans into her, taking her hand. You can see his head bobbing, like he's saying something, but its unintelligible, make out the words "we need to get us some help, but I'm not going anywhere." She wipes a tear from her eye, she nods in agreement, he gets out his phone to dial somebody, she looks up at him, she smiles a proud smile, then she looks out at audience with that same continued smile]

The End

Curtain call - play The Swan Waltz