ANOTHER LIFE?

Music, book and lyrics by,
J. Todd Fernandez

2003 Copyright J. Todd Fernandez
All rights reserved.

OPENING SCENE - ANTIQUES STORE

OLD THINGS NEW (MISERIOUS, TELOR)

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING (MISERIOUS, TELOR)
 
 

SCENE 2 – APARTMENT/STREET

VISIONS (GIGI)

SLEEEPLAND (GIGI, Paul, FATHERLIE, GRACE, TELOR)

VISIONS – DUET (GIGI, Paul)
 
 

SCENE 3 - BAR

SWING SONG (instrumental)

WAIT FOR MY MAN (GRACE)
 
 

SCENE 4 – APARTMENT – LATE NIGHT

AT NIGHT I TAKE FLIGHT (Paul)

WHEN I DREAM I FLY (MISERIOUS, GRACE, TELOR)
 
 

SCENE 5 – APARTMENT MORNING

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE? (Paul, GIGI, GRACE)
 
 

SCENE 6 – STREET/ANTIQUES STORE

TIDES OF CHANGE (TELOR, MISERIOUS)

CALL HER, CALL HER, CALL MISERIOUS
 
 

SCENE 7– STRATEGY MEETINGS/STREET

THE LITTLE THINGS (TELOR, MISERIOUS, Chorus)

Strategy Meetings Simultaneously

STREET MUSIC (Dmin) (Ensemble)

SAY WHAT WE FEEL (Ensemble)

WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM (segment)
 
 

PERFECT YET IMPOSSIBLE (GIGI, Paul, STEVE, GRACE)

WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM (complete)

(Set Free A Child’s Mind)
 
 

SCENE 8 - GRACE/STEVE REUNITE

WHERE DOES LOVE GO? (GRACE, STEVE)

MEMORIZE (GRACE, chorus)

(PAUL finds out adopted)(GIGI sees father is part of opposition)
 
 

SCENE 9

VISIONS (reprise)(GIGI)

STRANGER IN MY OWN HOMETOWN (Paul)

HEAL YOUR PAIN (GIGI)

AS FAR AS I CAN SEE (GIGI, Paul)
 
 

SCENE 10 – GIGI’S PARTY

FUN DREAMS (Instrumental, dance)

JUST DON’T FIGHT ABOUT LOVE (TELOR)

YOU BETTER TAKE RESPONSIBILITY (MISERIOUS, Chorus)
 
 

SCENE 11 – FULL MOON

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE MOON (TELOR, MISERIOUS, Chorus)

(PAUL confronts FATHERLIE, who confesses all)

WHY OH WHY MY GOD (FATHERLIE)

ANOTHER LIFE (Ensemble)
 
 

SCENE 12 – POLITICAL SPEECH

AMERICA WILL RESPOND

(Candidate sides with opposing side, GIGI distraught)

MONTAGE OF LIES (Paul, GIGI, Ensemble)

(Free thought – into As Far As I Can See small reprise)

THE LITTLE THINGS (Reprise 1st verse) (Off stage chorus)

(PAUL tells GIGI)
 
 

SCENE 13 – PEACEFUL PROTEST

THE LITTLE THINGS (2nd verse – On stage chorus)

(STEVE’s Speech)

IT WAS A CHOSEN DAY (Paul, Chorus)

(fireworks)

THE LITTLE THINGS/WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM (Brief reprise)

DREAM WALTZ (GIGI)
 
 

(Old/New Antiques Shop) (TELOR, enter MISERIOUS)
 
 

MUISC: OVERTURE MUSIC
 
 

(At dusk, streaming in from the ceiling of the stage area, downwards, are several light/energy streams accompanied by sounds, relatively transparent, they convene by the hundreds into a barely-visible old wooden American Indian-like, though more ambiguous, statue in front of antiques store named "New Old Things". Lights changing, music growing until point where wooden American Indian statue comes to life (TELOR), slowly looks over the front of the store, deliberately turns and looks pensively at the church. Simultaneously, a person cloaked by a hooded cape (MISERIOUS) appears heading from far up stage where light streams have also been directed, down stage in alleyway, in dusk shadows, PA2076. The statute-person then turns and opens the store, without a key, lifts the blinds in the door and turns over an old door sign on a string that reads: "Please Join Us". Lights gradually come on and cuckoo clocks start ticking louder and louder. Second person arrives at the front of the antiques store, stopping briefly as though remarking that something is missing, looks from the ground, scanning up to the stars, then enters the store as chimes get louder, then front of store (a projection) disappears as MISERIOUS enters New Old Things.)
 
 

(gasping for air, exaggerated, serious, playfully melodramatic)

Oh Boy it’s hot outside.
 
 

That hot is it?
 
 

Yes – no – but yes - there’s a group of men playing rugby with really small shorts – all sweaty – dirty – touching and tackling each other … Boy! it’s hot in here too.
 
 

(laughing heartily – a unique signature laugh, not annoying). Well maybe it would help if you shift your thoughts away from the field. Far a field so to speak.
 
 

I just as soon be hot and think about it, if you don’t mind. I’m cool often enough, I know that for sure.
 
 

Lots of energy in the air.
 
 

(as in "most definitely") Umhum!! (long pause, drawing him into conversation) Isn’t it just something how they’re treating the church these days?
 
 

Yes. So many want to be God who still can’t be good people.
 
 

(reflective) If only they had never conceived of such an idea. (TELOR also reflects) (long pause, then more quickly) It’s the head that’s sick, not the body, according to some.

(slight pause)

A body with a sick head is very dangerous.
 
 

Un hum.
 
 

Time will tell, as it always does.
 
 

How long does it take to undo the teachings of thousands of years? (looking at the wall of cuckoo clocks, moving, dancing with arms flowing to the sway of the clock’s pendulum)
 
 

Time is not the measure. Getting it right is the measure.
 
 

(a sudden pain in her shoulder stops her) (more of a moan) Ough! Time is telling me this body is getting old. (both laugh)
 
 

(impishly) Perhaps you have been old for a long time my friend.
 
 

(playfully) Perhaps some insights are better left unspoken, my wise and wicked friend.

(they laugh)

(snagged) Oh, Perhaps indeed! (laughing)
 
 

(switching gears, she comes a sits on a stool next to the central cabinet behind which TELOR is standing repairing something, planning something) (pause)

I’ve wanted to share something with you that’s been on my mind.
 
 

(nods one yes, keeps working)
 
 

The children lately are having the strangest conversations.
 
 

(keeps working)
 
 

(moving in closer) They’re talking about their dreams. Some say they’re afraid to sleep, and others to wake. (pause, no response received) Well!?
 
 

(while working, a tad dismissive) Everyone talks about their dreams MISERIOUS.
 
 

Yes TELOR. But they’re talking about their dreams like they’re real.
 
 

(stops working, looks up at her acknowledging her point).
 
 

(satisfied that TELOR heard her she turns and stands; reflecting while looking at the cuckoos again) (changing topics) Has your message (like a package, or book) arrived?

Soon, very soon now, I expect.
 
 

Shall we have a celebration when it arrives? I love parties! It has been too long since we all danced! Dancing keeps the spirit young.
 
 

Not young – but free. Celebration is good. But not the arrival of an old book -- we will celebrate the arrival of new ideas, so rare.
 
 
 
 

SONG: OLD THINGS

(lifting something old, and something new)

OLD THINGS NEW

WHAT IS VALUE TO YOU?

OH WHAT DO THEY KNOW THAT’S TRUE?
 
 

OLD THINGS, NEW?

MESSAGES ARRIVE WHEN THEY’RE READY

OLD THINGS NOT NEW MAKE LIFE RENEW

FOR LIFE TO RENEW IT TAKES VERY FEW, IDEAS THAT ARE NEW
 
 

(music continues uninterrupted)
 
 

SONG: PEOPLE OF EARTH SING
 
 

(stage gradually darkens as sun sets, almost full moon rises)
 
 

(intro music playing)
 
 

(hums first two measures) HM-UM-UM-HUM, HM-UM-UM-HUM

(measure-5-6) There are signs again .
 
 

(m-5) I-I-IDEAS, I-I-IDEAS

(m-9) HUMAN THOUGHT IS THE GREAT LIFE FORCE
 
 

(gradually during introduction dialogue, backlighting reveals a woman (GRACE) in small neighborhood bar, with a bartender drying glasses – old style)
 
 

(m-9) The signal is getting stronger.
 
 

(m-13)

HARNESS OUR FORCE
 
 

(m-14) What differently should we do to help?
 
 

(m-15)

DIRECT IT TO LIFE ON EARTH
 
 

We will aid them as always, with the energy of truth.
 
 

(m-15)

OUR THOUGHTS CAN FILL OUR THIRST
 
 
 
 

(lights up very gradually on a young boy (Paul) and girl (GIGI) eating dinner together, in the kitchen of the apartment)

(then gradually lights up on religious man praying in the church (FATHERLIE))
 
 

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

BRING IN A NEW KING

SING WITH NEW ZING
 
 

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

VERSE WITH A TRUE RING

SO GOOD WE MUST SING
 
 

SING EMPATHY’S HARMONY

A COMPASSION MELODY
 
 

(together)

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

LET OUT A LOUD RING

KINDNESS FOR QUEEN
 
 

[assign parts]

TRUTH AND LOVINGKINDNESS ARE FREE, ALL NATURAL HIGHS

BREAK THROUGH THE DARKNESS FROM LIES

FEEL OTHER PEOPLES’ CRIES
 
 

PEOPLE OF EARTH CRY

CRY WITH A NEW PRIDE

CRY TIL THE PAIN SUBSIDES
 
 

HEAL SOMEONE’S HATE

WITH LOVE WE CREATE

WE CAN STOP ALL THE FEAR-BORN FORCES – IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
 
 

[A}

(chorus)

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

SING WITH A NEW FLING

KINDNESS FOR KING (bells sounding)
 
 

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

HAPPY THOUGHTS WILL RING

TO CHANGE WHAT LIFE BRINGS!
 
 

FOR JOY IS A THOUGHT THAT SINGS

FEEL ALL THE JOY SONG BRINGS
 
 

[coda]

(chorus – "ah")

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

SING WITH A NEW RING

RING OUT THE OLD SWING

SWING IN A NEW STRING
 
 

LOVE, TRUTH AND COMPASSION

DEMAND REACTION

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING!
 
 

BRING IN THE LOVE KING

DON’T LIVE A BAD DREAM

BRIGHT UP WITH NEW LIGHT

STOP THOUGHT THAT’S NOT RIGHT
 
 

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

PEOPLE OF EARTH SING

PEOPLE OF EARTH PLEASE SING!
 
 

(lights fade, revealing young girl and boy (20 and 21), doing post dinner dishes)
 
 

(dressed in jeans, a funky slightly futuristic looking shirt, sandals) (playfully goes to tickle GIGI in the kitchen, then splashes a small bit of water at her). Come on snap out of it.
 
 

(dressed in more modern professional attire – post long-day-at-work look) (tosses water at him, truly upset, and being serious) Stop it Paul! It’s too much I’m telling you. Not tonight.
 
 

(mocking her slightly affected speech) Oh my dear? What ever shall come of me if I don’t save the world? (switching to real voice) Lighten up for Christ’s sake Gigi. It’s not all your burden.
 
 

(angrier) Anyway, don’t you ever care if she comes home?
 
 

enh! (as in "yes and no"). (suggesting something serious) There’s more to it than that. Talk to me.
 
 

The fucking press is hungry for a feeding frenzy.
 
 

The so –called fucking press – is all we have to keep anyone honest.
 
 

Why bother talking to you – you counter everything I say!
 
 

Sorry. But really who cares – what about you - you’re exhausted. I hate seeing you like this.
 
 

Me!? When’s the last time you slept?
 
 

The nightmares …. I’d just as soon not sleep.
 
 

(sighing) I know.
 
 

(switching gears) So – you can’t be advising both Fatherlie and Mr. Poster-child black presidential candidate.
 
 

Can you skip the digs – you’re so dismissive of everything I care about.
 
 

No. You just don’t get how caught up you are in (emphasize) their bullshit. It doesn’t have to be your reality too. Carve out your own happiness. Let them fight it out for the moral high ground - amongst themselves. The truth is already obvious and they’re not part of it.
 
 

Nobody said it was supposed to be easy. If Christ died on the cross for our sins I can deal with a little suffering.
 
 

Christ didn’t die on the cross for our sins…. He suffered on the cross for our pain. The pain that comes from our ignorance. He suffered so you wouldn’t have to.
 
 

Indifference is a luxury other people fought for you to have.
 
 

That’s right. And now that it’s no longer life and death, freedom or jail, their fight doesn’t matter. It’s your life that matters.
 
 

Selfishness – indifference is pure selfishness.
 
 

No GIGI. It’s not indifference, it’s perspective. It’s how you live your life that matters. Are you adding happiness and love – or fear and dread?
 
 

What are you adding? I’m sorry. Anyway - someone has to stop the church from attacking the peace rally – someone they trust – and that sure isn’t you. One more street fight – and my poster child candidate is going to flip. We don’t need another gay-marriage debacle. If he decides to back the anti-church movement and/or he supports the elimination of the tax exempt status for religious organizations – it’ll be another all-out holy war – neighbor hating neighbor. Is that what you want!?
 
 

Think about what you’re saying. A tax law – What about the Pope issuing an edict directing American elected officials to vote a particular way on domestic legislation – an edict – GIGI – that says if they vote the wrong way it is immoral and their going to hell? Don’t you see a problem with this!?
 
 

You don’t understand. And I’m too tired to fight with you too.
 
 

I understand you’re falling apart.
 
 

Just until the rally’s over. Then I’ll slow down.
 
 

Don’t forget your birthday party.
 
 

Just what I needed – a fuckin’ birthday party. He’s going to be in the neighborhood that day too.
 
 

It’ll be a good distraction. I hear MISERIOUS and TELOR are cooking up a musical surprise. (walking into his room)
 
 

(somewhat playfully) Oh god. (switching topics, playfully maternalistic) You’re not going out are you?
 
 

(ignoring her question, yelling to her, warmly paternalistic) No sleeping pills!
 
 

(yelling back) No drug binges! (headed to her room)
 
 
 
 

MUSIC: ANOTHER LIFE (slowly, instrumental segment)

(the stage mood changes to somber, eerie, the moonlight reflects through the windows)
 
 

(takes off shirt, hot. Lights a candle, a joint , and turns on stereo and audience hears a hit of a rocked up version of "Stranger In My Own Home Town", before he puts headphones on, flops on a bed smoking) (during Gig’s song, light slowly fades to black)
 
 

(brushing her hair in mirror – looks at bottle of sleeping pills on dressing bureau, showing distress about going to sleep, turns away, pours glass of water, puts it on bed side table, goes back to brushing her hair)
 
 

SONG: VISIONS
 
 

(singing in the mirror)

VISIONS IN MY HEAD

WITH FAMILIAR FACES

VISIONS IN MY HEAD

BUT IN SCARY PLACES

WHO IS THAT IN MY SUBSCONSIOUS?

LIVING LIFE THAT IS NOT PIOUS?

WHO’S THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL IN MY DREAMS?

VISIONS IN MY HEAD, OF SOMEONE

VISIONS IN MY HEART, OF SOMEONE

VISIONS OF A LIFE… IS THAT ME?
 
 

(standing) (lights fade to black on Paul’s room)

WHEN I DREAM, DO MY EYES REVEAL ANOTHER LIFE I LIVE?

IN MY DREAMS DO I FACE THE FEARS I CANNOT LIVE?

(perplexed with doubt) WOULD NEVER LIVE.

WHEN I DREAM DOES MY HEART EXPRESS THE WAY IT WANTS TO LIVE?

(she’s in bed, turning down the lights)

ARE THESE DREAMS? (introspective, trance-like) OR ARE THOSE THINGS THAT HAUNT ME REALLY THERE?

(lays completely down to sleep)(snapping out of it)

OR AM I JUST DREAMING?

(she drifts off – the music continues for a short bit)
 
 

MUSIC : SLEEPLAND

(music abruptly changes to Sleepland, chaotic)
 
 

(having faded to black during her song)

(running through street on stage, searching for GIGI, dark, slight fog, shadows; calling out)

Gigi! Gigi? What’s wrong?! Where are you? What are you doing? I can’t keep up. Where are you going?
 
 

(appears in shadow in distance, indistinguishable to audience)

[Lyrics to music in Sleepland at A]

COME, COME THROUGH THE NIGHT

COME, COME THROUGH THE DARKNESS
 
 

Leave us alone! Leave us alone. Stop, just fuckin’ stop!

(music continues, as PAUL falls to his knees in agony – giving up, rather than running)
 
 

[MUSIC: SLEEPLAND AT B]
 
 

(lights up on bar where a woman is sitting, blue neon back lighting, smoky, she’s visible only in silhouette - bartender – buff, cleaning glasses, hot summer night)
 
 

(gets cape on, says nothing) (lifts arm to wave goodbye)

Bartender: (waves goodbye slowly, almost dreamlike)
 
 

(leaves the bar in hooded cape and crosses in front of the antiques store, thinks of going up stairs , looks up, just as man (FATHERLIE) is leaving the church (his emotions alternate between dumb-happy and heavy hearted). He exits church so as to have his back facing Grace’s direction. He heads down the steps of the church to corner looking down. GRACE is walking still looking backwards at the apartment and/or antiques store, they turn are startled yet stop just in time before running into each other)
 
 

(pauses and decides to walk aside politely thinking he doesn’t recognize her under similar cape).
 
 
 
 

MUSIC: SLEEPLAND AT B.
 
 

(playful part of music, simultaneous with scene below)

(appears in a dream state, silently laughing giggling, childlike, happy, brightly light on stage right – on roof essentially of antiques shop/bar)
 
 

(joins her laughing, playing as though in a field of grass with wildflower scrim, she’s picks them, he picks them and throws them at her playfully. They continue this through scene below)
 
 
 
 

(on street)

Hello dear, (then recognizing her under the cape) Hello Grace, (a veined jovialness, goofy) so nice to almost run into you.
 
 

(seemingly having been distracted, surprised) Oh hello Fatherlie. (upset, trying to go away). Have a nice night.
 
 

Are you all right?
 
 

(clearly disturbed, not drunk) Fine, fine thank you.
 
 

(following her a bit up stage) What’s wrong? (mocking Santa Claus) Ho Ho Oh - Tell Santa what’s wrong.
 
 

(through fought-back tears) He’s here dammit. (laughing, angry, sad) He’s finally come back. Just when it’s too late. Too late for me, too late for us, and too late for them (jesting vaguely toward apartment).

(serious) Come inside let’s talk.
 
 

No. It’s definitely too late to talk too.
 
 

(playful, nice) How about a drink then? Could use one myself.
 
 

(trying to lighten up – smiling) You’re on!
 
 

(overlapping with previous GRACE/FATHERLIE scene)
 
 

(PAUL runs toward GIGI and grabs her around the waist and pulls her to him, she follows slightly surprised but not really, just as they are about to playfully kiss, with a slight hint of it coming close to a real kiss)

(GIGI screams short but loud and high)

Ahhhhh.
 
 

(lights go out simultaneously)
 
 

(lights up)
 
 

(GIGI is sitting up in bed, sweating, disturbed, but not crying)
 
 

(PAUL, FATHERLIE and GRACE, all hear it)
 
 

(lights up more slowly on PAUL)
 
 

(PAUL awakes distraught and stressed as though he too had experienced the dream, but also heard the scream; he grabs cocaine from easily accessed hiding spot)

(starts to go around corner to PA2076 street) My goodness, was that GIGI?
 
 

(realizing FATHERLIE has taken this seriously, GRACE comes to pay attention)
 
 

Gigi are you all right? Gigi– are you OK? Fatherlie’s here, he’s concerned. Should he go up?
 
 

(visible to audience pulling herself together, stressed, acting composed, talking toward the window)
 
 

I’m fine.
 
 

(she runs to window out side street toward church, looking down at FATHERLIE, totally faking it)
 
 

I’m fine – just fine. Really. Just a bad dream. (pulling back from window, gets sleeping pills)
 
 

Are you sure?

(yelling toward the window) Yes. (takes one, and then another, then a third)
 
 

Just a dream.
 
 

(looking concerned about GRACE’s seemingly cavalier indifference)
 
 

(to FATHERLIE) Politics these days … (turns to talk to FATHERLIE, who is several steps behind, repeats more loudly) politics these days will give any one nightmares for Christ’s sake!
 
 

(eager to accept that answer, turns willingly)

(to GIGI with playful accent of some sort)

I’ll see you tomorrow! Big day – get some sleep!
 
 

(waving arm outside window, like an old child joke) Si signor holy water.
 
 

(opening bar door)
 
 

(somber) Good night mama. (door to bar slams shut)
 
 

(to GIGI, saddened) She can’t hear you sweetie.

(she doesn’t wait or hear his response)
 
 

(Heads down block toward bar following GRACE, he goes inside)

(lights down in bar, as bar noise subsides, activity continues, but light fades out)
 
 

MUSIC: VISIONS - DUET
 
 

(GIGI looking in mirror facing Paul’s room, PAUL staring into cocaine mirror, then to mirror on wall facing GIGI’s room)
 
 

VISIONS IN MY HEAD

WITH FAMILIAR FACES

VISIONS IN MY HEAD

BUT IN SCARY PLACES

WHO IS THAT IN MY SUBCONSCIOUS?
 
 

WHILE AWAKE AM I TOO PIOUS?
 
 

WHO’S THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL IN MY DREAMS?
 
 

VISIONS IN MY HEAD OF SOMEONE
 
 

VISIONS IN MY HEART OF SOMEONE
 
 

VISIONS OF A LIFE … IS THAT ME?
 
 

WHEN I DREAM, DO MY EYES REVEAL ANOTHER PLACE I LIVE?

DO MY DREAMS SHARE THE TRUTH THAT I WILL NEVER LIVE?

CAN NEVER LIVE!

WHEN I DREAM DOES MY HEART EXPRESS THE WAY IT WANTS TO LIVE?

DO MY DREAMS JUST TAUNT ME WITH THE LOVE I CANNOT DARE TO LIVE?
 
 

WHEN WILL MY DREAMS CEASE TO MAKE

ME WAKE WITH FEAR – IN BED, I SHAKE

AND ALL I WANT IS NOT TO (Paul: SLEEP) (GIGI: WAKE) AGAIN….
 
 

DO I DREAM, OR DOES MY MIND CONTAIN ANOTHER LIFE I LIVE?

ARE MY DREAMS SIMPLY THOUGHTS THAT I CANNOT FORGIVE?

CANNOT FORGIVE!

DO I DREAM? OR IS MY SLEEPING WORLD ANOTHER PLACE I LIVE?

OR DO DREAMS, JUST FREE ME FROM THE STATE OF MIND THEY MADE ME LIVE?
 
 

ARE MY DREAMS ANOTHER LIFE?

OR JUST A PLACE TO HIDE FROM STRIFE?

WILL ONE OF THESE REALITIES…REVEAL TO ME THE MYSTERIES OF MY (TRUE?) LIFE?
 
 

MUSIC: SWING SONG (instrumental background to scene)
 
 

(lights up on GRACE and FATHERLIE sitting having a drink, generic bartender barely visible to audience, feeling of an old speakeasy, a handful of people dressed in clothing from all time periods, too dark to clearly identify faces, a tamed/lazy energy, nothing boisterous, but not dead, a Tuesday feeling)
 
 

Another drink friends?
 
 

One more cobalt neat.
 
 

Always.

Rough day GRACE?

Rough 40 years darlin’.

(jovially, trying to lift spirits) But 40 years nevertheless.
 
 

(walks away wobbling head – sort of yes, sort of no. During conversation below, he goes over and tells/asks another patron something quietly, bar patron turns around and looks towards GRACE, and shakes his head – indicating he’ll do what the bartender asked)
 
 

Drinking’s not the answer.

Until you got a better one it is.
 
 

He’s coming back I can feel it.

Who GRACE?
 
 

You know.
 
 

Now now, unlikely – highly unlikely.
 
 

I fly with him in my dreams.
 
 

Bad dreams are about fears, not reality.
 
 

Then maybe I’m afraid he’s coming back…
 
 

(male bar patron, interrupting after "dreams") GRACE – Give us a song for old time sake.

(female) Yeah – come on darlin, one for me. (another male) One for the road.
 
 

Not now - Cantcha see I’m talking with FATHERLIE.
 
 

(female, cloaked) Nothing you can’t sing in church these days (more, chiming in, overlapping, but not boisterous) so come on – (male) … enough with the excuses – darlin … (more) GRACE, sing us a love song, (another) let’s hear a crooner, (another) give us a song we can hum, (bartender) sing GRACE for your tired old friends
 
 

(loud enough for patrons to hear him) Go ahead GRACE. We could all use some music.
 
 

(gets up heads to mic-stand next to up right piano, spot on her, stool, she sits, bar tender at piano)

Yeah FATHERLIE! (one raising a glass) To the coolest god-man on the planet (warmly, whistles, hoots) Here Here!!
 
 

(raising a glass to the crowd, profoundly genuine) To the kindest folks anywhere!
 
 

(responding) Oh, he’s so nice. (another) Best thing ever happen to this neighborhood. (other indistinguishable voice, sarcastically) (dubiously) Boy he’s good (i.e., at faking sincerity). (general warmth, except that lone comment).
 
 

(at mic) (to piano player) Wait for My Man – E flat.
 
 

MUSIC: WAIT FOR MY MAN
 
 

(GRACE’s emotions vary from impish sexy entertainer, to more serious and reflective moments somewhat sporadically and suddenly at times (consistent with lyrics), as the feelings of sadness seeps through the characters’ strength which is ultimately really a performance persona.)
 
 

(standing, getting into position on stool)

MY GRANDMA ALWAYS SAID:

'GOOD COMES TO THOSE WHO WAIT'

AND ONE SHOULD ALWAYS LISTEN

TO WHAT A GRANDMA STATES.

BUT I HAVE ALWAYS STRAYED, PREFERING TO TEMPT FATE

HENCE HOW I SPEND MY LIFE BEHI-I-IND THE 'BALL OF EIGHT'.
 
 
 
 

(Verse 1)

(seated)

I HAD TO WAIT FOR MY MAN

LIKE THE UGLY DUCKLING

WAIT FOR MY MAN

SNOW WHITE DID IT TOO

WAIT FOR MY MAN

UNTIL THAT FATEFUL DAY WHEN

I FOUND MY OWN PRINCE CHARMING

WHO FIT LIKE A SHOE
 
 

YIP-P-TY, YIP-P-ITY

YEA YEA YEA,

I FOUND A WARM DATE

WIP-P-ITY WIP-P-ITY

WOO, WOO, WOO

I SWALLOWED THE BAIT

YAK A DEE YAK A DEE

YEAH YEAH YEAH,

SO HE WAS SOMEBODY’S MATE
 
 

IT’S DESTINY’S FATE

IT’S NEVER THAT GREAT

IT’S ALL I COULD RATE
 
 

(standing up, proud) I WAS TWICE AS TALL

AB-RA-CA-DAB-RA ZIPPITY DO

IN A CRYSTAL BALL

I HAD A NEW GIG: CINDERELLA

WITH A PRIVATE MALL

SO O-O- DEEP IN DENIAL

WHO KNEW AFTER THE BALL WAS OVER, I’D BE SO REVILED!?
 
 

(optional dialogue)

(reminiscing) I thought he loved me!
 
 

ISSUES TEAR LOVE APART

FASTER THAN A BAD FART

TEAR LOVE APART

THE HEEL FROM THE SHOE

TEAR LOVE APART

LIKE SMOKE GOES UP A CLEAN FLEW!

THEN LOW AND BEHOLD SWEET HEART

THERE IS SOMETHING BRAND NEW

(touches stomach, rub like more of a ache, than a baby, but meaning both)
 
 

(fast, sarcastic)

YIP-P-TY, YIP-P-ITY

YEA YEA YEA,

YOUR STOMACH NOW ACHES

BIP-P-ITY BIP-P-ITY

BOO, HOO, HOO

GIRL THOSE ARE THE BREAKS

WAK A DEE, WAK A DEE

WAH WAH WAH,

LIFE GIVES AND LIFE TAKES
 
 

DON’T MEASURE THE STAKES

DON’T PULL OUT THE BRAKES

LOVE IS FULL OF MISTAKES
 
 

I WAS TWICE AS SAD

AB-RA-CA-DAB-RA, (gesturing the "finger") FLIPPITY DO

AND TWICE AS MAD

(serious)

I HAD A NEW GIG: SINGLE MOTHER

FAKING GLAD

SO O-O- DEEP IN DENIAL

AND AFTER THE BIRTH WAS OVER, IT WAS HIM I REVILED.
 
 

So I waited for his ass to return…
 
 

(fast, funny again)

I HAD TO WAIT FOR MY MAN

LIKE THE UGLY DUCKLING

(music stops)

What was – (catching herself, and serious) what am – I thinking?

WAIT FOR MY MAN

SNOW WHITE DID IT TOO

(music stops)

(full out comedy now, big smiles)

Though "technically," she was asleep!

WAIT FOR MY MAN

AND WAIT FOR THE FATEFUL DAY WHEN

I FIND THATOLD SHIT PRINCE CHARMING –

AND GIVE HIM (kick on "both") BOTH OF MY (other foot, kick on "shoes") SHOES!
 
 

(crowd applause)
 
 

(tag ending-music from the intro)

SO LISTEN TO YOUR GRANDMA ALWAYS

BUT USE YOUR HEADS AND CONDOMS IN BED
 
 

(crowd pretty rousing positive response, but not too long, appreciation mixed with anxiety and sadness about the nature of the story)
 
 

(with crowd sound fading in first two measures of music below, GRACE returns to sit with FATHERLIE, who stands up to greet her after the song, they sit talking inaudibly, and body language quickly shows that she’s upset. FATHERLIE tries to comfort, she pulls away, indicates she’s all right – but would rather be alone. He understands and he reaches out his hand for her to take it, which she does, they clasp hands, a step apart, yet warmly. FATHERLIE leaves and returns to church. GRACE stays in bar late night.)
 
 

(who had been partially visible during that scene hanging in room, candle light, listening to headphones, now goes into look in on GIGI, who’s sleeping, closes her door, and begins song)
 
 

MUSIC: IT’S IN THE NIGHT I TAKE FLIGHT
 
 

(gradually building)

IT’S IN THE NIGHT I TAKE FLIGHT

FROM THE IDEAS THAT BLUR SIGHT

WRONG IDEAS ARE NOT MY PLIGHT

AND I WILL TRANSCEND THEM WITH ALL MY MIGHT
 
 

IT’S IN THE NIGHT I TAKE FLIGHT

FROM HUMAN ANGER SLEEPING TIGHT

LEAVING CLEAN AIR – JUST RIGHT

SO I CAN FEEL MYSELF WITHOUT THEIR FIGHT
 
 

(looking out his bedroom window at alley, sees cloaked figure approaching from darkness)

IT’S IN THE NIGHT I TAKE FLIGHT

FROM ALL THE POWER OF THE BLIGHT

OF HUMAN THOUGHT CONFUSED WITH FRIGHT

ASKEW AND ALL AH TOO SELDOM CONTRITE

(preparing to leave house, figure getting closer)

IT’S IN THE NIGHT I TAKE FLIGHT

TO REEMBRACE WHAT IS RIGHT

NOT TO FIGHT, BUT BE CONTRITE WITH ALL MY MIGHT

FOR EACH SLIGHT THAT WAS INVISIBLE TO MY SIGHT

(climbing out kitchen window in rear, conceptually as though flying, actually on to a fire-escape idea)

TAKE FLIGHT WITH ALL MIGHT TO BE CONTRITE

FOR EACH SLIGHT INVISIBLE TO YOUR SIGHT

(he’s exited as figure enters apartment)

TAKE FLIGHT FROM DARK TO (turns on kitchen light, dawn breaks) LIGHT
 
 

(enters kitchen door, takes off robe revealing her identity, music continues, as she looks in on GIGI. Quick glance, then shuts door. She looks in Paul’s room. She’s disapproving that he’s not there, but not surprised. She takes a shot, goes to couch, puts on eye light-guards and lies down to sleep).
 
 

(lights become blurry, foggy, as cloaked figure appears in kitchen (TELOR unrecognizable).
 
 

MUSIC: WHEN I DREAM I FLY
 
 

(standing drunk/asleep, feet together, eye closed. She sings and moves her entire body without moving feet position, as though flying and weaving in and out of the clouds. During first few lines, MISERIOUS, also recognizable, appears in the bar lit in neon, looking up toward GRACE)
 
 

WHEN I DREAM I FLY AND I DON’T KNOW WHY

BUT THE EARTH JUST SEEMS TO SAY: BYE

I KNOW I LOVE HOW IT FEELS TO HAVE THE WIND ON MY HEELS

AND I WOULD GLADLY KEEP FLYING WHERE THERE’S NO FEAR,

(see comes out of trance, barely)

UNTIL I WAKE UP I’M BACK HERE….

(getting ready for bed, drunkenly, yet sort of aware she’s feeling new thoughts)
 
 

WHEN YOU DREAM YOU FLY AND YOU DON’T KNOW WHY

MOTHER EARTH JUST LET’S YOU SOAR HIGH

SO LET YOUR MIND IN THE SKY FEEL RELIEF – BREATH A SIGH

ENJOY THE TIME WHEN YOU LIVE WITHOUT FALSE FEAR

AND BRING THAT HOPE HOME WHEN YOU’RE BACK HERE
 
 

OH BABY YOU JOURNEY OFF WITHOUT THROTTLE

LIKE A TINY SHIP IN A BOTTLE

YET THE CARGO YOU CARRY

IS NOT HALF AS SCARY

AS A LIFE FORCE THAT LONGS TO BURY
 
 

WHEN I (YOU) DREAM I (YOU) FLY,

(Grace fading off)

YOU DON’T NEED A REASON WHY

COME ON, STACK THE DECK IT’S YOUR DEAL

WHY SPEND AWAKE TIME ON EARTH BEING SAD AND SO REAL

WHILE YOU HOPE FOR A NEW LIFE IN HEAVEN?…. (pause, lingering question)

CAUSE THOSE THAT DREAM FLY – CAN ALWAYS WIN
 
 

(lights out)
 
 

(lights up immediately, on GIGI in kitchen on a bright hot summer morning)
 
 

(dressed neatly in business pant-suit, sharp, fixing breakfast, she attempts to be peppy, but is disturbed and stressed already, her hair has come undone from a pony tail and is annoying her; her hands full, she drops a frying pan, picks it up and slams it on the stove)

(upset, but not yelled) Shit.
 
 

(asleep on the couch still, starts to stir in response to noise)
 
 

(kind but annoyed) Wake up GRACE it’s a beautiful day!
 
 

(moans, playing hung-over drama diva – light hearted) Ugh that moon is bright.
 
 

(going over) Yes Vera – but It’s payday.
 
 

(opens eyes and starts getting composed, yet already annoyed) Pay day for poor people, is like candy day for a diabetic.
 
 

(over reacting) Yes GRACE, the whole world is conspiring to keep you addicted to work.
 
 

(PAUL walks in, GRACE reacts relieved, GRACE doesn’t change anything)
 
 

And children are the tool they use to do it – sacrificing three quarters of my waking life to work in their factory, so I can pay their rent to live on their land to raise new people to work in their factory, so on and so forth
 
 

(clearly high on cocaine) Right, that’s exactly exactly right.
 
 

(sarcastically, annoyed) I love when we do things together.
 
 

That’s the nut I was cracking all night.
 
 

(Both sigh and role eyes, GIGI annoyed, GRACE sarcastic surprise)
 
 

(angry-clearly high) And it’s set up so they can pay their churches to continue to brainwash everyone into accepting this reality. And until every member of government is an atheist the basic premise of our lives: work for them to buy the consumer shit they tell you you need, (in rhythm) over and over again – will never change. Nature, not god, has to retake its rightful place in the hearts and minds of humans.
 
 

(being exotic, a hint of dream-like charm) I’d like to be a member of an ancient tribe, work to eat, cloth and house myself on open land no fences.
 
 

(over reacting) You both live in a fantasy world. The church doesn’t know how to be proactive and neither do you. You complain about a world you left long ago – so it doesn’t really matter what you think – (look to Paul) either of you.
 
 

What people think – is all that matters.
 
 

Well actions can make other people think the right things.
 
 

Or the wrong things! But that’s exactly right – making – people think things is the problem.
 
 

You both are nuts.
 
 
 
 

MUSIC: WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?
 
 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIVES?

YOU’RE JUST LIKE BUZZING BEES IN DEAD BEHIVES?
 
 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?

YOU’RE RAVING MAD JUST LIKE AN OLD FISHWIFE!
 
 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIVES?

YOU RUN AND HIDE IN DARKNESS LIKE OLD LIES!
 
 

WHY DO YOU LIVE? TO MAKE MORE STRIFE?
 
 

YOUR JUDGEMENT CUTS JUST LIKE A BLOODY KNIFE

ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK
 
 

WHO KNEW?

WE LEARNED TO FIGHT WHEN WE WERE BARELY TWO?
 
 

(GIGI at GRACE, GRACE at PAUL PAUL at GIGI)

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW TO MAKE A NEW,

CHANGE THE VIEW, SAVE A FEW,

FREE ANEW, REVEAL NEW, TEACH THE TRUE LIFE?
 
 

CHILDREN ARE BRAINWASHED TO BELIEVE IN GOD

WITH FEAR OF A DEMON THEY RULE WITH HIS ROD
 
 

PROTECTING LIFE ON EARTH FROM DESPAIR

WHILE FORGING WAR IN THE AIR
 
 

IDEAS DON’T NEED FEAR TO BE RIGHT
 
 

IDEAS DON’T NEED TO MAKE WAR AND FIGHT
 
 

(headed to her room and small little alter, on knees, in tears, can’t take it)

OUR GOD WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HA-AL-LOWED BE THY NAME

FORGIVE ME FOR PLACING BLAME AND HELP ME LIVE FREE FROM SHAME,

CONSOLE, DON’T BLAME
 
 

(to GIGI)

WHY MUST WE WASTE MORE PRECIOUS TIMES?

WITH TORTURED MINDS UNTWISTING FALSE OLD RHYMES
 
 

(to GIGI)

WHY WORK TO FEED THE DOLLAR WAY

ITS SAD TO SEE YOU BOW TO BUY THE DAY
 
 

WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO VIEW YOUR LIFE?

A HOUSE, TWO CARS, TWO KIDS, A MAN AND WIFE?
 
 

(GRACE) CAREER, (Paul) CAREER, (GIGI) CAREER (GRACE/Paul) MORE STRIFE!

TO DIE FROM DEBT JUST LIKE A BLODDY KNIFE
 
 

WHY DON’T YOU DO SOMETHING TO MAKE A NEW

CHANGE THE VIEW, SAVE A FEW, FREE ANEW, REVEAL NEW,

FORGE A NEW LIFE?
 
 

ADULTS WERE CHILDREN TOUGHT MAN’S HISTORY

MAN AND GOD’S KINGDOM WERE ONE VICTORY
 
 

POWER AND GREED ON EARTH CAUSE DESPAIR.

LESS CAN MEAN MORE TIME TO CARE
 
 

IDEAS NEED ACTION TO MAKE RIGHT

IDEAS ALONE CAN NOT END THE PLIGHT

(GIGI sings same verse as if in prayer, while PAUL tries to comfort her and GRACE stands aside singing in their direction)

BELIEVE , BUT THINK WITH FREE WILL

MAN’S GOD CAN BE LIKE A PILL

TO TAKE WHEN MAN’S IDEAS INSTILL

THE FALSE TRUTHS THAT MAKE PEOPLE KILL

FALSE TRUTH IS ILL

THINK WITH FREE WILL
 
 

(to themselves)

WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE!
 
 

(decisively resolved) Fine. You say pro-action is the only valid response – I’m in. But on their side. I know the arguments cold – and know why you’re wrong. (in her face) Do you know why I’m wrong?
 
 

The church today – and belief in God today – helps people through life – it helps me through life. Why would you want to take that away?
 
 

Did it ever occur to you that the suffering you feel comes from living the life they tell you you’re supposed to live – which of course makes you "need" their "help" which they dole out for a price?
 
 

Give me a break! What you say has no practical use – you can’t change the entire construct of modern life. You can’t roll back time.
 
 

Before modern man set out to save the world – it didn’t need saving! Now it sure as hell does. But your approach hasn’t worked – people understand now – and childhood fables will not carry the day!
 
 

(pushing him aside) Just get away from me. What’s one more druggy in the anti-god movement.
 
 

(heading toward his room) Your world created this reality – not mine. (door shuts, he locks it)
 
 

(responding, but not too aggressively) Everyone’s a victim.
 
 

(yelling back) You’re a victim too. At least my mind is free.
 
 

(standing in front of the church looking up at it, pensively, cleaning up ripped signs and scrubbing graffiti off the church sign: "Divest Now, The Gig is Up" etc…)
 
 

(sees him from down the street)
 
 

MUSIC: TIDES OF CHANGE
 
 

THE TIDES OF LIFE ARE CHANGING, JUST FEEL THE AIR

HOW DO WE RIDE THE WAVES AND, STILL TRY TO CARE
 
 

TODAY IS NOT TOMORROW, DON’T HOLD ON, LET GO

OR LIVE WITH REGRET AND SORROW

(he continues sweeping in front of the church)
 
 

CHANGE IS TRUTH, BE GLAD, DON’T FEEL DESPAIR

WHAT WE NOW HOLD ON TO, WAS NOT ALWAYS THERE

LOOK FOR THE BRIGHT LIGHT, NOT THE FIGHT, AND BE SURE TO

COMPARE…

SHARE ALL POWER, DAMN THE TOWER

(M) SALVAGE WHAT YOU CAN

(T) RISE FROM EMBERS (M) YET REMEMBER RULES ARE MADE BY MAN

(M/T) REMEMBER WHAT YOU KNOW OF MAN
 
 

A SHIFT IN EVOLUTION IS NOW AT HAND

THE CHOICE TO STAND FOR LOVE IS OUR COMMAND
 
 

SENDING OUR LOVE IN WORSHIP TO ANOTHER LAND?
 
 

LIKE WORMS TURNING EARTH INTO SAND
 
 

(T) CHANGE IS TRUTH (M) FEEL JOY (T) AND BE AWARE

(T) NO ONE ELSE BUT YOU, CAN GUIDE YOU TO PREPARE

(M) TRUST IN YOUR OWN IDEA OF RIGHT, (T) SHARE YOUR SIGHT, (M/T) LOVE WITH CARE
 
 

(M) THOUGHT’S THE POWER, (T) TOUGHT IS POWER,

(T/M) THINK ALL GOOD YOU CAN

(M) SAVE RIGHT IDEAS (T) BUT REMEMBER LOVE IS THE GRAND PLAN

(M) REMEMBER HEAL WITH LOVE ALL YOU CAN

(M/T/F) THE TIDES OF LIFE ARE CHANGING IT’S IN THE AIR
 
 

(MISERIOUS and TELOR, now alone in shop)
 
 

If you had to pick one supremely bad lie – it would be that change is bad.
 
 

Much suffering results from this wrong idea.
 
 

Change spurs the mind to grow. It keeps life fascinating. It’s natural.
 
 

Evolution itself is a result of new thought.
 
 

The source of fear is power founded on wrong ideas. Ideas that have kept some groups mightiful over others. (impishly) Ideas like divinity – the essence of man-made hierarchy.
 
 

Are you confident enough to stand behind the possible outcome of that call?
 
 

We know we need all the love we can muster channeled right here. Sending it to the stars….(incredulous) huh?!
 
 

Perhaps human love sustains life elsewhere too. Perhaps that is why they believe – it is part of their evolutionary purpose to sustain life from where it began.
 
 

(curious at that idea) Perhaps. It is a divinely fascinating power – human brain activity. The power of prayer – so clear so strong. (empishly) Even when misdirected or motivated by false impetus.
 
 

(playfully antagonistic) I’m beginning to think you’re maneuvering for a debate.
 
 

No my old friend, I never maneuver. Besides, a debate would require two sides – and we both know the brightest bulbs all call me…
 
 

MUSIC: CALL HER CALL HER, CALL MISERIOUS

ALL THE WISE FOLK, WISE FOLK CALL HER, CALL MISERIOUS

EINSTEIN AND DA VINCI, MOZART TOO,

DARWIN AND BEN FRANKLIN, REMBRANDT TOO

THEY NEVER HESITATE TO CALL,

WHEN THEY ARE UP AGAINST A WALL

CALL HER, CALL HER, THE QUEEN BEE

CALL HER, CALL HER, FOR COFFEE OR TEA

CALL HER, CALL- LET’S HEAR THE VIBES RING

FOR GOOD ADVICE JUST RING A DING DING
 
 

I’VE TALKED TO JESUS, BUDDHA, (T) ISAAC NEWTON TOO

OH MY BILL CLINTON DEAR, AND DORTHY PARKER (T) BLUE

AND LEONARD BERNSTEIN DARLING, OH I SWEAR IT’S TRUE

THE WISE ONES CALL WHEN IDEAS ARE NEW

THE TONGUES FLOW FREELY WHEN THEY WOO HOO
 
 

WISE FOLKS DON’T TELL TALES OUT OF SCHOOL
 
 

BUT I LOVE TO CHAT SO I DO

BUT WE’LL HAVE TO SPEAK SOFTLY

(leaning in as if a big secret were coming)

WHAT GOES AROUND DOES COME AROUND

SO MIND YOUR GOISSIP,

YOUR DEEDS MAKE THE TRIP,

LIVE HIGH OFF THE GROUND

(disappointing everyone)

I guess that was maneuvering – Ha!
 
 

MARTIN LUTHER KING, (T) BARBRA STREISAND CALLED

TALKY ONES LIKE OPRAH (M/T) OH WHAT A DOLL

AND ALL MY SISTERS AT STONEWALL

WHEN THEY HAD TO BE STANDIN’ TALL
 
 

(MISERIOUS and TELOR dancing)

CALL HER, CALLED HER MISERIOUS

CALLED HER, CALL HER WHEN THERE’S A FUSS

CALL HER, CALL FOR COFFEE OR TEA

FOR GREAT ADVICE THAT’S TOTALLY FREE
 
 

THAT IS WHY THE WISE FOLKS CALL HER

(TELOR joins) CALL MISS SERIOUS

(song ends)
 
 

(laughing and teasing) Such a thin line between self-confidence and egotism.
 
 

It’s all about drawing lines. But make NO mistake – that was pure ego.

(they laugh together)
 
 

You take some serious things quite lightly it seems.
 
 

(Looking at the church through the window) The church would make a lovely antiques store don’t you think. (smiling to herself, TELOR laughs, knows she’s poking fun).
 
 

Perhaps we could spend our time together more constructively.
 
 

Let’s channel our thoughts together. Common ground is just below the surface.
 
 

Let us pray.
 
 

Prayer is such a beautiful way to harness human thought. I still do not understand why - if they believe that prayer is powerful - why they do not acknowledge that individual thought is itself a force?
 
 

I know. But, bit by bit Miserious. Let us pray.
 
 

MUSIC: THE LITTLE THINGS

(standing with her arms and hands spread as though conveying energy through them to the world)

ON THE LITTLE THINGS THAT WE DO EACH DAY THAT ARE RIGHT YES JUST RIGHT,

HAVE THE POWER TO BRING FORTH THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT
 
 

(meeting with FATHERLIE, GRACE, and a darkly lit group of citizens all back to audience and cloaked as if generic)

(larger reaction from crowd that MISERIOUS and TELOR sense just as though they can hear it from where they are)

(random comments, all excited) That’s right. We have to compromise! You don’t compromise on god!
 
 

AND THE BIGGER THINGS THAT YOU CHOOSE TO DO, THAT ARE RIGHT YES JUST RIGHT, HAVE THE POWER, HAVE THE POWER

TO CHANGE OUR LIVES

(challenging him) But Fatherlie, fear of hell, fear generally - as a motivator – that’s still a huge problem – fear instead of love.
 
 

AND THE BIGGEST THINGS YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO, YOU DO RIGHT YES JUST RIGHT,

(beaten down) I’ll explain this to them again – maybe we can get some movement.
 
 

CAN CHANGE THE LIGHT IN YOUR EYES
 
 

Great. We have to keep pushing.
 
 

ON THE SUNSHINE, THE MOON LIGHT, THE LIGHT SHINING BRIGHT,

SHINING RIGHT, OH THE LIGHT

What about self-proclaimed moral authority – that’s not sitting too well either!
 
 

(chorus slowly joins)

OH THE CLEAR LIGHT, THE WHITE LIGHT, THE LIGHT SHINING BRIGHT,

SHINING RIGHT, OH SO RIGHT
 
 

STEVE’S MEETING

(lights up on separate simultaneous meeting with PAUL, STEVE - unknown at this point))
 
 

Fatherlie has to go! He’s too well liked.
 
 

RIGHTEOUSNESS KNOWS YOU, YOU KNOW IT TOO
 
 

(leading meeting). Good people believe in wrong ideas. We don’t make things personal.
 
 

(add chorus members from Steve’s Group)

RIGHTEOUSNESS KNOWS YOU, IT’S TRUE, YOU KNOW IT’S TRUE
 
 

OH THE LITTLE THINGS THAT YOU THINK EACH DAY

THAT ARE RIGHT YES JUST RIGHT

They’re brainwashing children!
 
 

HAVE THE POWER TO BRING FORTH THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT

That’s right. We must stay on point.
 
 

AND THE BIGGER THINGS THAT WE CHOOSE TO DO,

THAT ARE RIGHT YES JUST RIGHT

HAVE THE POWER – HAVE THE POWER
 
 

(over "HAVE THE POWER, HAVE THE POWER") We must appeal to consciousness and not laws. The legislature is not our target audience.
 
 

TO CHANGE OUR LIVES
 
 

Religious moral authority is entirely inconsistent with freedom of religion, individual rights and democracy!
 
 

AND THE BIGGEST THINGS, YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO, YOU DO RIGHT, YES JUST RIGHT
 
 

GIGI’s GROUP

Confronting them with anger at their rally is a strategic mistake and makes us look afraid.
 
 

WILL CHANGE THE PATH OF OUR LIVES.
 
 

Stick to your strengths!
 
 

MAY THE LIGHT
 
 

Compassion
 
 

OF THE RIGHT THINGS
 
 

Empathy
 
 

YOU DO
 
 

Tolerance
 
 

CHANGE YOUR LIFE, OH THE LIGHT
 
 

Kindness (mill around through end of song, shaking hands, like a revival)
 
 

OF THE RIGHT

MAY THE LIGHT, OF THE RIGHT THINGS YOU DO

CHANGE YOUR LIFE, OH THE LIGHT, OF THE RIGHT
 
 
 
 

MUSIC: STREET MUSIC

(sudden music shift, tilts emotional tide back the other way)
 
 

STEVE’S GROUP

WHO ARE THEY ANYWAY TO JUDGE

WE ARE THE ONE’S THAT SHOULD BE JUDGING

WE COUNTER EVERY MOVE WITH LOVE

WE MUST REPLACE JUDGING WITH LOVING
 
 

(dissidents) WE MUST RESPOND WITH ALL OUR MIGHT

WE CAN NOT TURN OUR BACKS AND RUN IN FRIGHT
 
 

(peaceful side)

RIGHTEOUSNESS KNOWS YOU, YOU KNOW IT TOO

(lay under: OH THE LITTLE THINGS)
 
 

THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT CHANGES PLANS

THIS IS THE TURNING POINT FOR ALL HUMANS
 
 

(together)

THE TIME HAS COME WHEN TRUTH WILL FREE THE LANDS
 
 

(music spiraling out at B; groups disbursing, scurrying around streets)

(pleading with the group) We agreed, no counter rally!

You agreed!

Remember: peace is the message AND the method!

Peace is not a method, love is a method. There is no peace without freedom!
 
 

Peacefully is a method - non-violently! And peace never means: acquiescent!
 
 

(everyone)

WHAT’S THE POINT OF IT ALL

WHAT’S THE POINT OF IT ALL

(GIGI is standing in one spot, handing out flyers, a few staying with her, PAUL arrives and stands across stage handing out flyers, singing)

(FATHERLIE – when cacophony begins)

WHAT’S THE POINT OF IT, POINT OF IT, POINT OF IT

WHAT’S THE POINT OF IT, POINT OF IT, POINT OF IT
 
 

(GRACE, and random chorus people)(GRACE thinks she recognizes STEVE)

WE ARE TIRED, CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE

WE ARE TIRED, CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
 
 

(Paul, and random chorus people)

WHO NEEDS A GOD TO LIVE ON EARTH

WHO SAYS WE NEED GOD TO HAVE PEACE ON EARTH
 
 

(cacophony of the above three verses)
 
 

(modulates to)

MUSIC: SAY WHAT WE FEEL
 
 

(to GIGI)

(and Group 1)

WHY CAN’T WE SAY WHAT WE FEEL
 
 

(and Group 2)

CAUSE WHAT YOU SAY IS NOT REAL
 
 

(seeing mom) Oh Mother

(walking through crowd, other crowd members sing and push through) I’M JUST PASSING THROUGH, EXCUSE ME! (GRACE sees STEVE on the street)
 
 

WE MUST BELIEVE WHAT WE FEEL!

WHEN WHAT YOU FEEL IS NOT REAL?

(walking through crowd, other crowd members sing and push through) (very upset, about seeing STEVE now) I’M JUST PASSING THROUGH, EXCUSE ME!
 
 

(to GIGI, FATHERLIE, PAUL and STEVE)

WE’RE SO HAPPY TO BE HERE
 
 

RUNNING AWAY FROM MY RUNNING AWAY, FROM MY RUNNING AWAY
 
 

(directed to STEVE, but not actually near him)

WHY CAN’T WE SAY WHAT WE FEEL

CAUSE OLD FEELINGS ARE NOT REAL
 
 

(a few of them)

I WISH I KNEW WHICH WAY TO GO, I WISH I KNEW WHICH WAY TO GO
 
 

WE’RE SO HAPPY TO BE HERE
 
 

(repeat, layering, them over each other, increasingly frenetic, as the sound blurs and fades to a synthetic sound blur wave)

(very softly under this blur, the harmonic structure of next song emerges)
 
 
 
 

MUSIC: PERFECT YET IMPOSSIBLE
 
 

(breaking from group dynamic, which continues physically, but muted, GIGI singing about PAUL and vice versa; GRACE about STEVE)

PERFECT

YET IMPOSSIBLE.
 
 

(very soft)

WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM (in Fm)
 
 

NO MORE THAN WE KNEW IT WOULD

FROM THE BEGINNING
 
 

(Paul) LOOKING FOR A (GIGI joins) TRUE LOVE
 
 

(STEVE joins) THROUGH THE WINDS (GRACE joins) OF TIME

(together) THINKING THAT THE TRUE LOVE WAS YOU
 
 

RELIGION HAS MADE A MOCKERY OF LIFE

COMMITMENT TO GOD HAS BORN (G2: MORE HATE AND STRIFE) (G1: MORE MAN AND WIFE), THAN ANY OTHER (LAW) CRIME IN THE WORLD
 
 

NEVER KNOWING WHAT WAS REAL

HOLDING YOU NEAR

TRYING TO MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE

HOW WAS I TO KNOW, SINCE I LOVED YOU SO

HOW WAS I TO KNOW, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE
 
 

(music interlude to Perfect Yet Impossible music, crowd moves around, arguing, repositions on stage, more juxtaposed in couples)
 
 

The time is not right.
 
 

The time is never perfect.
 
 

We have to save God.
 
 

From what!?
 
 

LOOKING FOR A TRUE LOVE, THROUGH THE WINDS OF TIME
 
 

THINKING THAT THE TRUE LOVE WAS YOU
 
 

NEVER KNOWING WHAT WAS REAL, HOLDING YOU NEAR

TRYING TO MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE
 
 

HOW WAS I TO KNOW, SINCE I LOVED YOU SO..

HOW WAS I TO KNOW,
 
 

WAS I TO KNOW
 
 

IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE…..
 
 

(two beat rest after applause)

MUSIC: WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM (in E flat)
 
 

WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM

AND WHY BELIEVE IN JUST ONE?

WHERE MIGHT ALL THOUGHT COME FROM?

AND WHO SAID WE ARE THE ONE?
 
 

WHERE’D THE BRAIN WAVE COME FROM

THAT CHANGED AN APE INTO ONE

WHO COULD MAKE THE LEAP FROM

HUMAN TO GOD – AND JUST ONE
 
 

RELIGION HAS MADE A MOCKERY OF TRUTH

WITH THOUSANDS OF WARS AND SODOMIZING YOUTH

IT’S WORSE THAN ANY CRIME IN THE WORLD

(than every fucking crime in the history of time in this world)
 
 

WHERE DO LIARS COME FROM?

AND WHY ALLOW EVEN ONE…

WHERE CHILDREN THINK THOUGHTS ARE FROM

NOT ONE WHO SAYS THERE’S JUST ONE!
 
 

RELIGION HAS MADE A MOCKERY OF LOVE

LOVE FOUNDED ON FEAR WORKS LIKE A BOXING GLOVE

IT’S WORSE THAN ANY HATE IN THE WORLD

(WORSE THAN ANY HATE IN THE HISTORY OF HATE, IN THE WORD)
 
 

WHERE’D THE DEVIL COME FROM

AND WHY WOULD SOMEONE TEACH ONE

TO LIVE IN FEAR AND RUN FROM

THE DEVIL MAN IS THE ONE
 
 

SET FREE A CHILD’S MIND

GIVE FLIGHT TO FREE THE PEOPLE

SET FREE A YOUNG CHILD’S MIND

IT JUMPS TO JOIN THE PEOPLE
 
 

SET FREE A CHILD’S MIND

GIVE FLIGHT TO FREE THE PEOPLE

SET FREE A YOUNG CHILD’S MIND

IT JUMPS TO JOIN THE PEOPLE
 
 

FILL IT WITH IDEAS, YES, FILL IN THE REASON

FILL IT WITH OPTIONS TO PICK FROM IN SEASON
 
 

GIVE ONLY TRUTH AND TRUTH WILL BE THE REACTION

GIVE ONLY TRUTH AND HAVE JUST SATISFACTION
 
 

FILL IT WITH IDEAS, YES FILL IN THE REASON

GIVE ONLY TRUTH AND TRUTH WILL BE THE REACTION
 
 

FILL IT WITH OPTIONS TO PICK FROM IN SEASON

GIVE ONLY TRUTH AND HAVE JUST SATISFACTION
 
 

(all parts together, the order of building, repetition etc… is optional, it should have an improvisational element to it)
 
 

SET FREE A CHILD’S MIND

GIVE FLIGHT TO FREE THE PEOPLE

FILL IT WITH IDEAS, YES, FILL IN THE REASON
 
 
 
 

SET FREE A YOUNG CHILD’S MIND

IT JUMPS TO JOIN THE PEOPLE

FILL IT WITH OPTIONS TO PICK FROM IN SEASON
 
 

(now first two together)
 
 

(add third)
 
 

(all join on this)

GIVE ONLY TRUTH AND TRUTH WILL BE THE REACTION

GIVE ONLY TRUTH AND HAVE JUST SATISFACTION
 
 

GIVE ONLY TRUTH AND TRUTH WILL BE THE REACTION

GIVE ONLY TRUTH AND HAVE JUST SATISFACTION
 
 

ANY IDEA

EVERY IDEA

INCLUDING YOU

ANY IDEA

EVERY IDEA

INCLUDING YOU

ANY IDEA

EVERY IDEA

INCLUDING YOU
 
 

LET GO OF THE YOU!

YOU"RE JUST AN IDEA TOO!
 
 

(Lights shift) (reprise music to Perfect Yet Impossible)

(crowd mills about, see GRACE and STEVE looking for someone in the crowd, crowd diminishes, but people cross periodically, including GIGI and PAUL who separately move off and back on stage once before the second time when they individually see GRACE and STEVE talking)
 
 

[SECTIONS CUT OUT – FOR PLOT TWIST CONFIDENTIALITY]
 
 

[PEACEFUL PROTEST]

(chorus arrives now on second verse of LITTLE THINGS, from off stage, candle lit vigil, holding signs: "Accept Change", "Truth is Good", "Let Go of Power", "Let Go of Ego", "Jesus Would Not Approve")

OH THE LITTLE THINGS

THAT WE DO EACH DAY

THAT ARE RIGHT YES JUST RIGHT

HAVE THE POWER TO BRING FORTH THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT
 
 

AND THE BIGGER THINGS

THAT WE CHOSE TO DO

THAT ARE RIGHT, YES, JUST RIGHT

HAVE THE POWER, HAVE THE POWER, TO CHANGE OUR EYES
 
 

AND THE BIGGEST THINGS

YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO

YOU DO RIGHT YES, JUST RIGHT

WILL CHANGE THE PATH OF OUR LIVES
 
 

MAY THE LIGHT OF THE RIGHT THINGS YOU DO CHANGE YOUR LIFE,

OH THE LIGHT OF THE RIGHT

MAY THE LIGHT OF THE RIGHT THINGS WE DO

CHANGE YOUR LIFE

CHANGE YOUR LIFE,

OH THE RIGHT
 
 

(clearly visible, townspeople now visible too)

Righting a wrong is as important as realizing the truth. Organizations in the name of God and government have controlled the message too long. They are responsible for many good deeds and espouse beautiful ideals we all share. However, doing good deeds does not excuse doing wrong! Man-made institutions and organizations – including governments and religions -- with histories of corruption, war, extortion, murder, child abuse, discrimination and hatemongering - must always be exposed and reevaluated in the light of today. Experts in human control, skillful masters of deceit and mental manipulation and perpetrators of the most ingenious story in history: "God is in control, and we are his representatives on earth! Obey!" – and their governments -- must be held accountable. We must protect the naturally fearless and free minds of our children. Hate is man-made and so are God and the Devil. Jesus himself confronted the temple and so must we!

(PAUL arrives)

The great day of reckoning long prophesized has come. Religions for decades have fought each other over their righteous supremacy. Today, we the people answer the timeless debate. We are the God you imagined. Unconditional love is the truth we bring. Now is the time to stand down in the eyes of humanity. The time has come to forgive yourself of ignorance. Today is the day of enlightenment. Put down their storybooks. Set free your mind, and embrace the love the people of earth have delivered. This is heaven.

(nods to PAUL to start)
 
 

SONG: A CHOSEN DAY

(with guitar, sings to assembled group)

(emotional, but holding it together, tearful)

THE TREES ALL BLOOMED TODAY

SIMULTANEOUSLY THIS YEAR

THE BIRDS SANG IN SYNC

WHILE THE WIND BLEW IN HARMONY
 
 

IT WAS A CHO-O-O-SEN DAY

IT WAS A CHO-O-O-O-SEN DAY

IT WAS A CHO-0-0-0-SEN DAY

AND EVERYONE WAS ON THE BRINK OF ENLIGHTENMENT
 
 

(tempo picks up)

THE TREES ALL BLOOMED TODAY

SAME COLOR GREEN THIS YEAR

THE CHEFS ALL COOKED IN SYNC

WHILE THE DAY’S LUNCH – BURGERS AND BEER FELT LIKE HARMONY
 
 

(MISERIOUS appears on stage, standing aside, observing with pleasure. TELOR similarly in antiques shop, very aware of the energy, but self-contained, preoccupied with his new book)

COME TAKE A TRIP, LEARN THE NOBLE TRUTHS

EMPTY YOUR MIND OF FALSE ROOTS

THAT IT IS TRUE YOU’LL SEE

WHEN YOU ARE IN THE FREE (your mind is set free)
 
 

(chorus joins) (see GIGI waking up – drugged)

ALL THE TREES BLOOMED TODAY

EXPLOSION OF LIFE THIS YEAR

EVERYONE SAID GOODBYE IN SYNC

WHILE ALL, ALL LIVING LIFE SELF-REFORMED IN HARMONY
 
 

(firework sounds, with explosion)

IT WAS A CHOSEN DAY, IT WAS A CHOSEN DAY

IT WAS A CHOSEN, CHOSEN, CHOSEN DAY
 
 

(GIGI pushes her way through crowd, unseen by Paul, seen by STEVE, she enters Church)
 
 
 
 

FLASHING THROUGH SPACE AND TIME

FREEDOM FROM PAIN, LIFE IN RHYME

ANSWERS ARE FLOWING FREE,

WHEN YOU PUT LIFE AT EASE

WHEN YOU FOLLOW THE BREEZE,

AND TRAVEL BEYOND ALL THOUGHTS OF ME! ME! ME!

(echo) LET GO YOUR THOUGHTS OF ME, ME, ME!
 
 
 
 

(calmly)

THE TREES ALL BLOOMED TODAY

SIMULTANEOUSLY THIS YEAR

THE BIRDS SANG IN SYNC

WHILE THE WIND BLEW IN HARMONY
 
 

IT WAS A CHO-O-O-SEN DAY

IT WAS A CHO-O-O-O-SEN DAY

IT WAS A CHO-0-0-0-SEN DAY

AND EVERYONE WAS ON THE BRINK OF ENLIGHTENMENT
 
 

(goes over and gives PAUL big hug, smiling, ecstatic)
 
 

(applause from crowd, random comments) "Today’s the Day" "Follow the Truth"

"Embrace Ignorance, Look for the Truth", "Let Ego Go", " "God" Really is Love"
 
 

(a few arrive from side, chanting) "No More Lies" "Leave Our Neighborhood" (holding signs "Leave Our Neighborhood" "Free Your Child’s Mind" "Today’s the Day" "Let Power Go" "Let Ego Go" "Let the church go")
 
 

(to counter crowd) Today is end of anger. Join us in peace.
 
 

MUSIC: LET ANGER GO (reprise of refrain); WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM, CHOSEN DAY
 
 

(crowd singing at each other)
 
 

LET ANGER GO

WHERE TO IDEAS COME FROM

IT WAS A CHOSEN DAY

LET ANGER GO

AND WHO SAYS YOUR GOD’S THE ONE

IT WAS A CHOSEN DAY

LET ANGER GO

WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM

IT WAS A CHOSEN DAY

LET ANGER GO

AND WHO SAYS YOUR GOD’S THE ONE?
 
 

[SECTIONS CUT OUT – DO TO PLOT TWISTS]
 
 

(MISERIOUS puts on cloak and exits Antiques store. TELOR is closing shop during music.)
 
 

(appears dimly lit, waltzing by herself in the kitchen with arms up as though she was dancing with someone)
 
 

(assuming position of statue in front of store, as light images seem to fly from the statue, last one ends with light going off)
 
 

(waltzing, smiling, singing)

WHEN I DREAM OF MY LOVE I SLEEP TIGHT

THEN I WAKE AND HE’S NOT THERE

(she enters Paul’s room he’s crying, doesn’t see her, she climbs slowly into bed)

HOW I LONG TO BE ASLEEP WITH ME WRAPPED TIGHTLY IN HIS ARMS

(GRACE arrives and lies down on the couch)

HOW I LONG TO BE ASLEEP WITH ME WRAPPED TIGHTLY IN HIS ARMS
 
 

(goes over to Paul’s door - just as song ends, touches but doesn’t open the door, turns and goes to GIGI’s room, enters, goes to bed, puts on sleep mask, lies down and turns out last light on stage).
 
 

The End.
 
 

(CURTAIN CALL MUSIC: REPRISE OF "PEOPLE OF EARTH")