A Screenplay
This is the true story of a Christian teen-age girl who finds herself the unlikely star of "The School Play," and her reliance on God for help.
Introduction
Before the TV series “Glee” and Disney’s “High School Musical” there was “The School Play.”
It was 1978 and disco was all the rage . Well, I was still hanging on to the singer-songwriter period of the earlier 70s. I was dragged to see "Saturday Night Fever" by a classmate and I was appalled. I got up and walked out. If that was what Disco was like, I didn't want any part of it. When you get to know me better, this will make more sense. Anyway, this was the year I found myself the unlikely star of our school play.
A few years ago, my friend Richard and I were reminiscing about this period in our lives. I asked him, "Don't you remember the drama behind the Drama?" He said he did not so I got to thinking and it all came back to me, most of the conversations verbatim. When I sent this screenplay to him, he was a little surprised. And so was our drama teacher Susan, who we still stay in contact with. Thought I would share the story with you also.
Oh, if I had known what they were going to do to me, I would have never tried out…or would I have? I will let you be the judge.
Patricia Small Simpson
Characters with descriptions:
Patricia - (Luisa in the play) an innocent, shy, wholesome looking 16 year old. Patricia comes from a poor family and has not had many of the opportunities and experiences her classmates have had. She is talented vocally. Her Christian faith greatly influences her life and decisions. Patricia begins the play with waist- length auburn hair.
Richard – (Matt in the play) Like Patricia, Richard is a late bloomer and comes from a humble background. His good looks are hiding behind his coke bottle glasses and acne. He is quiet, serious, innocent, and a bit awkward.
Mrs. Ruth Smith – A middle age music instructor, a mother figure to Patricia. She is also a pastor’s wife and not hesitant to use her Christian faith to help and encourage Patricia.
Mrs. Susan Mayhew – A young, vivacious, energetic drama instructor
Linda – (Costume designer for the play) Patricia’s best friend. Linda is from a wealthy family and mature acting for her age.
Tony – (Mortimer in the play) The school Casanova. Physically attractive. Patricia’s friend and love interest.
Deborah – (The stage director for the play) Deborah wanted Patricia’s part. Patricia’s antagonist. She is pretty but in a dark somber way.
Mandy – (also Luisa in the play) A very sweet girl. A bit of an “air head.” Mandy has an undependable singing voice.
Bobby – A popular good-looking boy who thought he should have gotten the part of Matt in the play.
Frank – (El Gallo in the play) the Senior Class president. Smooth personality. Hyper-mature. One of those people who do everything well.
Craig – (Henry in the Play) Non-speaking
Mike – (Mime in the play) Non-speaking
John – (Hucklebone in the play) Non-speaking
Sally – (Bellamy in the play) Non-speaking
Extras – Non-speaking teenagers for various scenes at high school (hallway scenes, audience for play, awards ceremony)
FADE IN
INT. SCHOOL MUSIC ROOM - DAY
RUTH SMITH, the school’s choral instructor, a middle aged, maternal type is sitting at a table expectantly looking toward the door. SUSAN MAYHEW, the school’s young and vivacious drama instructor enters the room, sits down and excitedly says:
SUSAN
Well, here it is. It just came today. This is what I’ve chosen for the school play. Ruth, are you familiar with it?
(Susan slides the play to Ruth)
It’s “The Fantasticks” the longest running off Broadway play. You may have heard the song,
(Susan sings)
“Try to remember the kind of September.”
RUTH
Oh yes, that’s a lovely song.
(Ruth flips through music score’s pages)
Looks like quite a bit of music. What will you need from the music department?
SUSAN
Well, I think for the accompaniment, we will just need a first-class pianist.
RUTH
I have several of those for you to choose from.
SUSAN
The narrator is a character named “El Gallo.” He starts the play with “Try to Remember.” He is a baritone, I believe. He will need to have a very good voice. If we don’t have that, the play will get off to a weak start.
RUTH
Well, no one comes to mind right now but with a school this size, I think we’ll be able to find someone.
SUSAN
And I will definitely need a strong soprano for Luisa, the female lead.
RUTH
I have several of those, but I don’t know anything about their acting abilities. It’s a good thing it’s the school play and we have three grades to pull from.
SUSAN
How about Patricia? Haven’t I seen her doing a solo in one of your music programs?
RUTH
Oh, you do have Patricia in Drama, don’t you? Well, yes, Patricia has an exceptional voice but she’s under pretty much strain right now because of her home situation. I hope I am not breaking any confidences but Patricia’s mother had to be sent out of state to a mental health facility and there is no idea as to when she may return. Patricia has been trying to go to school and attend to things at home. Things got pretty rough before her mother left. I don’t think Patricia has recovered from the trauma of it all. No 16-year-old girl should have had to go through what Patricia just did. Susan, I don’t know if her nerves would hold up trying to carry the female lead of the School Play.
SUSAN
Well, maybe not. But then this role might be just the thing to distract her and bring some happiness back into her life. Well, see. Who knows what kind of musical and acting talent we have in this school. That’s one of the fun things about try-outs, discovering new talent.
RUTH
I will talk to Patricia to see if she’s interested and if she is, I’ll help her pick out an audition song.
SUSAN
Sounds great! I’ll put up some posters to announce the play. Let’s give the kids a couple of weeks to prepare their audition pieces. How about our having tryouts in the auditorium two weeks from tomorrow?
RUTH
Sounds good Susan.
INT. SCHOOL STAGE -DAY
Camera shows the students one by one, as they audition on the stage singing. A pianist is accompanying them on one side of the stage:
Seconds of Mandy trying out the beginning of the song “Much More” – (sounds very good but she hits a few clunker notes)
Seconds of Bobby trying out a few lines of the song “I Can See It” (sounds excellent)
Seconds of Richard trying out a few lines of the song “Metaphor” (sounds mediocre)
Seconds of Patricia trying out the ending of the song “Much More” (impressive)
Camera shows Ruth and Susan sitting side by side in the front row in the audience. When Patricia finishes Susan looks at Ruth and wipes the goose bumps on her arms.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY OUTSIDE OF THE DRAMA CLASSROOM -DAY
(A group of students is gathered at the signboard to see the results of the auditions. After seeing their names are not there, they clear away leaving BOBBY a good looking, popular boy and DEBORAH a dark and sulky acting girl).
BOBBY
Richard? I can’t believe it. Can Richard even sing?
(Shakes his head in disbelief)
Deborah, you should have gotten Luisa. You’ve been the star in TV production class all year. Why did they make you stage manager?
DEBORAH
(Deborah disappointedly and sulkily replies)
I have no idea.
(Bobby and Deborah walk away)
(PATRICIA, a wholesome and innocent looking girl and RICHARD, another innocent, a boy with coke bottle glasses and acne approach the signboard and see their names. Patricia looks to Richard and says)
PATRICIA
Congratulations Richard.
RICHARD
May I offer my congratulations to you also?
PATRICIA
Oh, I just made understudy. Mandy got the lead.
(Susan steps out of the drama classroom and says)
SUSAN
Patricia, may I see you for a minute?
(Susan and Patricia step into a classroom and sit down)
SUSAN
Tricia, you do have the better voice, but Mandy is “Luisa” in “The Fantasticks.” She is the character. However, I have decided to make you her understudy. We will be having three performances and you will perform for our second night. Congratulations, Patricia.
INT – SCHOOL HALLWAY -DAY
TONY, the school Casanova is in the hallway making a date with a pretty girl.
TONY
I’ll pick you up at 7, Friday night.
(The girl nods okay and walks away. Tony sees Patricia in a nearby classroom with her head lowered over her desk. He walks over to her)
TONY
You okay Tricia?
(Patricia nods up and down. Tony sits down in the desk ahead of her and spins around to see better and sees her tears)
TONY
No, you’re not.
(Tony looking into her eyes and pointing at them)
What are these?
PATRICIA
Oh, it’s my fault. We were talking today, and I asked Howard Jones what I look like. For some reason, when I look in a mirror, I just can’t tell what other people are seeing. People always say I look like my mother. I don’t see a resemblance. When I look in the mirror, I don’t see anything. That’s why I asked. Howard said I am “one step above homely.”
TONY
(Angrily)
Well, look at him. He’s one to talk. Don’t take anything he says seriously, just consider the source. I know one thing; you sure do have pretty hair.
(Tricia shyly smiles)
INT. BACK STAGE DRESSING ROOM - DAY
Patricia talking to LINDA, a pretty and mature girl from a wealthy family and Patricia’s best friend. Linda is measuring Patricia for her costume.
PATRICIA
I can’t sew a stitch straight. I can’t believe you are going to design and sew all of these costumes, Linda.
LINDA
I love to sew. It will be a good challenge for me. I’ve thought about studying costume design when I go to college. Why did you leave the party so soon the other night? I thought you were going because Tony was there.
PATRICIA
I did. It was so awkward when he offered me a beer. You know I don’t drink. I guess he didn’t know. Then somebody else offered me a joint. I just wasn’t getting it. I saw Janice lying on the floor in the bathroom, Cindy was throwing up, and the party had just started. It just doesn’t make sense. I couldn’t wait to get out of there. I think they were glad when I left. Did you notice how everyone stiffened up when I walked in? You would have thought a nun had walked into the room.
LINDA
Well, yeah, you do kind of change the atmosphere of a room when you walk in. Speaking of Tony, I noticed he got the part of Mortimer. I have to come up with a Native American costume for him.
PATRICIA
I wish he had gotten the part of Matt, except for the kissing scene. Linda, please don’t laugh but I’ve never been kissed before. I don’t even know if I know how. In the play Tony is standing at the bottom of the ladder when Richard and I kiss. He will be looking up at us. I’m scared to death he will be able to see that I don’t know how to kiss. I’ve had a crush on him since junior high. We are just friends. He only dates the really pretty girls.
LINDA
Oh, don’t worry about it. Kissing just comes naturally. You’ll see. Are you still going to the beach with me in a couple of weeks? Didn’t you tell me you’d never seen the ocean before?
PATRICIA
No, I saw it once back when I was 12. We went for one night. Daddy is always working and Mama stays sick a lot.
LINDA
And don’t forget we are going to Sadie Mays for your birthday. Don’t tell me. You’ve never eaten in a real restaurant either.
(Linda puts emphasis on the word “real restaurant” with an exaggerated Southern accent to make Patricia laugh)
PATRICIA
Does McDonald’s count?
LINDA
No
INT. SCHOOL DRAMA CLASSROOM -DAY
(Susan and Ruth seated talking)
SUSAN
Tricia’s voice was just too good not to use. The acting may take some work. She is just about as opposite of the character as she can be – serious, shy, and a little melancholy. However, Patricia is a pretty good actress. I think she can do it. And Frank is the perfect choice for El Gallo, one of those kids that was born doing everything well and what a voice. Now he was an undiscovered talent.
RUTH
And Richard?
SUSAN
Richard will have to work harder than anyone. But I see something in Richard. There’s gold in that young man. And he is as innocent as his character Matt. He is weak in his singing and I can’t imagine he has ever danced a step in his life. But I believe he can pull this part off. I really do. Ruth did you see the look of terror in both Patricia and Richard’s eyes when I said there would be no stage kiss but a real one?
RUTH
Well, maybe I can help with that. My, how things have changed? When I was their age, the reason to be embarrassed was from being too free with your kisses.
INT. MUSIC ROOM SUPPLY CLOSET-DAY
(Richard and Patricia are standing facing each other in a very small supply closet. Ruth is standing at the door and says)
RUTH
You both have nothing to be embarrassed about. Take as long as you need. This will be our little secret.
(Ruth shuts the door and Richard stands like a statue)
PATRICIA
Well, I guess I should put my arms around your neck.
(Patricia puts her arms around Richard’s neck and both take a deep breath, close their eyes, pucker and touch lips. They stand frozen in this position for a few seconds)
PATRICIA
Something’s missing
RICHARD
Don’t people kind of roll their heads around while they are kissing?
PATRICIA
Yeah, I guess. Richard, please don’t tell anyone about this.
(They kiss again and roll their heads around in an exaggerated way)
INT. SCHOOL STAGE –DAY –VARIOUS REHEARSAL SCENES
(Ruth is working with Richard and Patricia on harmony).
RICHARD
(sings)
“luhve”
RUTH
Richard, listen to how Patricia sings “love”
PATRICIA
(sings)
"love”
RICHARD
(sings)
“love”
(Patricia is having trouble harmonizing)
RUTH
Being a soprano, I know you are used to carrying the melody, so just learn your part like it is the melody. Don’t pay any attention to what Richard is singing.
(The camera shows Susan trying to teach Patricia and Richard to waltz. They are having some difficulty.)
SUSAN
Frank, come here and show them how this should look.
(Frank comes over and confidently takes Patricia in his arms and he gracefully begins waltzing with Patricia, as she follows his lead she starts doing better and looks up at him and smiles)
(The camera shows MANDY, a sweet but air head type rehearsing her big solo)
MANDY
(Singing and going off key)
“I’d like to swim in a clear blue stream where the water is icy cold, then go town in a golden gown and have my fortune told, just once, just once, just once before I’m old."
(Susan talking to Patricia in the wings)
SUSAN
Being out with the flu, Mandy has lost too many days of rehearsals. Also, I can’t trust her voice. You hear how she goes off key and how she may or may not find her way back. Tricia, I’ve decided to make you the lead and put her as understudy.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY –DAY
(It is between classes. Patricia is standing at her locker pulling out a book. Linda comes up behind her and gently taps her shoulder. Patricia turns around).
LINDA
Patricia, I hate to tell you this but in band class Cindy Stewart just asked Richard who was the better kisser, you or Mandy. He said “Mandy” and Cindy started laughing. You know how loud she laughs. Then the whole class started laughing. I had heard she‘s jealous because she wanted the part of Luisa.
(Tricia blinding starts walking. The hallway is crowded with kids and she is walking faster and faster with them constantly getting in her way. Suddenly Richard appears. He looks at her and smiles. Patricia approaches him without saying a word. We hear a very loud SLAP as she slaps him. Richard rubs his face and looks at her as if to ask, “What was that all about?”)
PATRICIA
You told everyone that Mandy kisses better than I do. Sure, she does, she has a boyfriend. Oh, how could you tell Richard? You promised. Now the whole school will know.
RICHARD
(While still rubbing his cheek)
I’m sorry Patricia. I didn’t know what to say.
PATRICIA
(While looking down at the floor in embarrassment and realization of what she had just done)
No, Richard, I’m sorry. What else could you have said? You were just being honest.
INT. SCHOOL STAGE -DAY
(Patricia is on stage rehearsing a solo. Tony and Deborah are seated side by side in the audience Deborah is holding onto his arm. Susan is sitting on the front row with the play book to assist with lines. Patricia takes a break and starts unpinning her hair that has started to come down from the bun it was in).
TONY
(Calls out to Patricia)
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your auburn hair.
(Aside to Deborah)
She does have pretty hair, doesn’t she?
(Camera shows Karen staring at Patricia)
SUSAN
That reminds me, Patricia. I am going to have to have some of those dead ends trimmed so we can come up with a hairstyle for your character.
DEBORAH
Mrs. Mayhew, I helped out in a beauty salon last summer. I’ll be glad to trim it.
SUSAN
Oh, would you Deborah? That would be a great help.
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM -DAY
(Deborah and Patricia are alone in a dressing room. Patricia is seated and facing a wall. Deborah is behind her holding scissors. The dressing room mirror is behind Deborah).
PATRICIA
It’s a mess, isn’t it? It hasn’t been cut since Mama cut it back in 3rd grade.
DEBORAH
It is pretty ragged but I’ll do what I can.
(Karen has all the hair combed down Patricia’s back and makes her first cut across)
DEBORAH
Oh, that didn’t come out very even.
PATRICIA
Oh, that is okay. It’s been a long time since it’s been cut. It probably needs more cut off anyway. You can try and even it up.
DEBORAH
Now it’s uneven going in the other direction
PATRICIA
You can even it up.
(Deborah takes another cut several inches up, cutting the hair all the way up to Patricia’s shoulder with a hunk cut out of one side of it. Mandy passes by the door and sees what has happened.
MANDY
“Patricia, you need to turn around and look at your hair.”
(Patricia turns around to look at her hair in the dressing room mirror)
PATRICIA
(in shock and horror)
What have you done?
DEBORAH
Don’t you like it? Don’t you like my work?
(Tricia runs out of the room. After a moment’s reflection, Deborah starts hyperventilating. You hear Mandy’s voice call out to someone)
MANDY
Did you see what Deborah did to Patricia’s hair?
O S VOICE
Oh no, now Deborah is having another one of her fits.
INT. DRAMA ROOM CLASSROOM-DAY
(Susan is seated at her desk. Patricia is standing facing her).
SUSAN
I’m trying to put on a play here. My cast and crew are now divided into two camps. I know you got more of your hair cut off than you wanted. But, for the character, it really looks better short.
PATRICIA
But she left a big gap in it and I’ll have to have it cut even shorter to even it up. And she didn’t work in a beauty salon last summer. Someone told me she worked as a lifeguard at their pool.
SUSAN
(softly says)
Patricia, for the good of the play I’m asking you to go to Deborah and apologize for getting so upset. I’m sure she was just trying to help.
INT. SCHOOL STAGE - DAY
Rehearsals for “The Fantasticks” continue
(Patricia is on stage, Tony, and Deborah in the audience several rows back. Patricia looks out and sees Deborah nuzzling and kissing Tony’s neck. She shoots Patricia a triumphant “I’ve won" look. Tony looks towards Deborah in an attracted way. Susan is sitting in the audience on the front row).
PATRICIA
Mrs. Mayhew, I am not feeling well. I think I need to go home. May I go now?
SUSAN
I know you are worn out. Go ahead. Good work Patricia.
(Patricia hurriedly grabs her purse and exits)
EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT – DAY
As Patricia rapidly walks to her old car that is a totally different body style than any of the others in the parking lot, she overhears voices coming from a group of kids that say:
OS VOICE 1
And now our rising star is departing in her golden coach.
OS VOICE 2
Golden “bomb” you mean.
(She hears sounds of snickers and low laughter as she gets into her car and pulls away).
EXT. RURAL ROAD – INTERIOR OF CAR -DAY
The camera is on Patricia as she braces her body, tightens her hands to a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel. She mashes the accelerator to the floor. You hear the WHINE of the 8-cylinder engine as it winds out and the load ROAR of the motor. The camera watches the odometer rapidly start to rise and we hear Patricia’s voice as she is thinking:
PATRICIA
“What if I don’t die? What if I become one more person Daddy has to take care of? He can’t take anymore. I won’t do this to him.
(The camera watches the speedometer comes back down)
INT. MUSIC ROOM CLASS-DAY
The next day Ruth and Patricia are sitting side by side, turned in toward each other.
PATRICIA
Mrs. Smith, I can’t apologize to Deborah. She was the one who hurt me. I think it was because she wanted the part of Luisa. I can’t help it I was picked. It seems like every girl in the school wanted this part and they keep doing mean things to me, like to punish me.
RUTH
Maybe Deborah did do it on purpose. You may even have some evidence that she did but there is no way we can be sure. We are not to judge what is in someone’s heart. Only God can do that. But if she did, and mind you I am saying “if” she did, isn’t that just more the reason to show mercy and pity for someone that is capable of being so underhanded and mean spirited at such an early age. Someone like that is headed for some very hard and dark days. And what did the Lord say about us praying for our enemies? I think this is what He meant. If she did do this on purpose, pity her Patricia and rise above all of this. Do what Mrs. Mayhew says and help bring peace back to the play.
PATRICIA
But my hair. It was the one thing people complimented me on. Now she’s taken that away from me. Now I don’t have anything. Even when I told my Daddy about what happened to my hair, he told me not to get so upset, that it was only hair and that it would grow back. Mama would have understood. But Mama isn’t here.
(She breaks down and sobs)
RUTH
(After letting her cry a moment, Ruth speaks softly and tenderly)
Patricia, if you could only see what others see. There is an inner light and beauty in you, especially when you smile. I believe I can see the Lord’s Spirit in you, and no one can take that away. And Patricia, like everyone is saying, it is hair and it will grow back, probably faster than you think. Look.
(Ruth rises and goes to her desk for an index card as she continues to speak)
RUTH
I ran across this scripture the other day and thought about you and all the pressure you are under. If you will believe this and trust in the Lord, I know it will help you.
(Ruth shows her an index card. The camera shows the words,
“I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me.”)
(Patricia looks at the card and softly reads to herself )
PATRICIA
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Thanks Mrs. Smith.
RUTH
You see God’s spirit is already inside of you and there you will find all the strength you will ever need. His strength, Patricia.
INT. PATRICIA’S BEDROOM – TWILIGHT
The camera shows a darkened room and a silhouetted Patricia as she is kneeling and leaning against her bed. There is an open Bible on the bed, the index card is lying next to it and we hear Patricia crying.
INT. BACK STAGE DRESSING ROOM-DAY
(Susan stops by the doorway and asks Patricia)
SUSAN
Is everything okay between you and Deborah?
PATRICIA
(Patricia smiles and we can see a relief and peace in her face)
Yes, I apologized this morning.
(Susan nods approval and leaves)
(Linda is fitting Patricia in her costume. Patricia asks while looking down)
PATRICIA
Did you see Deborah and Tony at rehearsal yesterday?
LINDA
Yeah, and I saw you leave pretty quickly. Are you okay?
PATRICIA
Yes, and I should know by now that he is never going to date me. I’d rather see him date you than Deborah. At least I know you would treat him well. (Pause) Would you be interested in him, Linda?
LINDA
Are you serious?
PATRICIA
Yes
LINDA
I heard Russell Smith likes you and he’s the most popular guy in school.
PATRICIA
Oh, that’s ridiculous. If it weren’t for this play, he wouldn’t know I was alive. And you know who showed up at my house the other day? Brad Rush. I was so embarrassed. You know what my house looks like. Star struck, that’s what they are. It’s just because I am up on stage for my 15 minutes of fame. You just wait, when all of this is over, they will forget all about me.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
(Tony and Patricia standing beside a locker. Tony who is sniffling with a cold says to her)
TONY
Hi Tricia, can I borrow your notes from class yesterday?
PATRICIA
Where did you get that cold? You sound awful.
TONY
My cousin Randy was in town this weekend. We drove up to the mountains and went camping. It started raining on us. We had a lot of time to talk. I told him about my friend Patricia. He thinks I should date you. He’s always given me good advice.
(Tricia gets an elated face and smiles)
INT. PATRICIA’S BEDROOM - DAY
PATRICIA
Thanks for helping me with my hair Mandy. Yours always looks so pretty. I wanted to look nice for Tony when we go to the restaurant tonight for the cast party. I know he likes Linda Ronstadt so I found a dress at the mall like the one on this album.
(Patricia picks up the cover and shows Mandy)
It’s the most I’ve ever spent on a dress. I thought I could fix my hair like hers too. Please don’t tell anyone but Tony just told me that he is going to start dating me.
MANDY
Oh, this is exciting. Let me know how it turns out. I think to get you hair up like this you will need to bend over….)
(Mandy starts working on Patricia’s hair)
EXT. RESTAURANT PARKING LOT - TWILIGHT
Patricia getting out of the car as Tony and Linda drive up and pass right by her. She stands there staring in stunned sadness and disbelief. Tony and Linda get out of the car and go into the restaurant. Linda is carrying a single rose. Mandy comes up beside her, takes her arm and walks beside her into the restaurant.
INT. PATRICIA’S BEDROOM-DAY
(Patricia on the phone)
PATRICIA
Linda, I cannot go to the beach with you.
LINDA
What’s wrong? You’re not sick are you?
PATRICIA
No. I just can’t…
LINDA
Oh, please Patricia. I do not want to go to the beach by myself with just my parents. That’s no fun.
(After a moment of silence then Linda continues)
Is it because of Tony? I thought you wanted us to date.
PATRICIA
But that was before I …
LINDA
Before what Patricia
PATRICIA
Oh, nothing.
(Patricia looks down at the index card)
What time should I be at your house tomorrow?
EXT. LINDA'S HOUSE - DAY
(The camera shows Patricia and Linda in the back seat of a car. Linda is holding the rose that Tony gave her the night before. She kisses it. The car starts moving and we see the back of Patricia and Linda’s head as the car drives away).
INT. TONY’S BEDROOM-DAY
(Two weeks later, Patricia is giving Tony a guitar lesson)
TONY
I guess you heard Linda broke up with me?
PATRICIA
Yeah, she told me
TONY
You didn’t look too good when you came into the restaurant. Everything okay with you and Linda?
PATRICIA
Yeah, she told me that you had broken up. She didn’t know what you said, that you had started thinking about dating me. But she did apologize. She said she had wanted the part of Luisa too and that is why she dated you. What is it about this play?
(After a moment of reflection and looking down at her shirt)
You see this shirt I’m wearing? Linda designed and made this for me. She’s the best friend I have.
(After a little uncomfortable moment of silence, Patricia continues)
I’ve written a new song. Want to hear it?
(Tony smiles and acts relieved the subject has been changed)
TONY
Sure.
PATRICIA
(With her head down and embarrassed, Patricia sings)
“It’s like a clear sky on a winter’s night, when you think you could almost touch the stars or when you watch a moonrise over the sea, with its shimmering, moving shaft of light, or the first warm spring breeze as it blows against your face, or the sunlight through the trees on a golden, light fall day.
It is how you make me feel when I close my eyes and think of you. It’s the joy that’s in my heart when I’m sitting close to you. I couldn’t say the words, so I’ll sing this song for you. I had to tell you how you make me feel.
It’s like a purple sky when the sun has set or the kiss of a child with its little arms around your neck. Or when you hear the laughter of someone that you love or the silence of a winter’s first snowfall. It’s like the sound of rain as you’re drifting off to sleep or the cool wind from summer storm that from the heat has brought relief.
It’s how you make me feel when I close my eyes and think of you. It’s the joy that’s in my heart, when I’m sitting close to you. I couldn’t say the words, so I’ll sing this song for you. I had to tell you how you make me feel.
(After an awkward silence, Tony gently and quietly says in an almost awed tone)
TONY
Patricia, you’re not the kind of girl you date. You’re the kind of girl you marry, and I have to go to college before I think about anything like that.”
(With her head still down Patricia gently smiles)
EXT. TONY’S HOUSE - DAY
Immediately after the conversation in Tony’s bedroom, they exit the house. They walk outside and Tony bends down and picks a purple iris for her. She takes it, and sniffs for any fragrance. She gets in her car and drives away.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL BUILDING – DAY
Richard and Patricia are sitting on steps outside of the school resting and cooling off after a grueling rehearsal. Richard is resting on his elbows looking up at the sky. Patricia is leaning forward rubbing her eyes.
PATRICIA
Finally, we got through the whole play without having to stop.
RICHARD
Well, that’s a good thing since Dress Rehearsal is tomorrow night. Patricia, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mrs. Mayhew so mad as when you broke character and started laughing.
PATRICIA
Well, I turned upstage.
RICHARD
Yeah, but you were laughing so hard we could see your body shaking.
PATRICIA
I’m not used to people laughing at my jokes. It kind of shocked me. Richard, are we going to be able to do this? I’m scared to death.
RICHARD
Me too.
PATRICIA
(Speaking as though not to expect an answer)
Why are we doing this to ourselves?
RICHARD
(In a meditative type way, Richard taking the question seriously asks)
Why are you doing this Patricia?
PATRICIA
Well, I don’t care so much about the acting part. To be honest with you, I’m having trouble understanding the play. It’s a bit over my head. It’s the singing. Richard, when I sing something just feels right. It’s like I am doing what I was born to do. I get this feeling that God is looking down at me and smiling. And it’s like He’s given me this jewel that I keep deep inside of me. And when I get a chance to bring it out and let it shine, it says to everyone around me, I may not have the things you have or be as pretty as you are but I am just as good. How about you Richard?
RICHARD
I don't know, I guess it is just one more thing to try to get my parent’s attention, to make them proud of me. I think that is behind about everything I do these days. I always have this feeling that no matter what I do, it isn’t enough, that I can’t please them. Sometimes I wonder if they even love me. You know that scene in Tom Sawyer where he and Huckleberry Finn are sitting in the church balcony at their funeral, when everybody thought they were dead, and they were listening to people say nice things about them. I think about that a lot. I wonder if something did happen to me if…
PATRICIA
Oh Richard, I am sure they love you and that they are proud of you. How could they not be? Some people just aren’t good at expressing their feelings. Maybe they just don’t know how to or maybe they are trying to show you and you just aren’t recognizing it.
RICHARD
Well, maybe so. I haven’t thought about it that way.
(After a pause, with a slight and embarrassed smile on his face)
And you know, I wouldn’t mind being popular.
PATRICIA
Not me, not if being popular means having to sleep around, get drunk and smoke pot.
RICHARD
No, not any of those things.
(Richard uses a finger and slides his heavy glasses back up on his nose)
RICHARD
I would just like to fit in a little better, for people to notice me and appreciate who I am.
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT
Opening night of the play, Patricia is getting ready. Mandy is curling her hair and being sweet. Deborah as the stage manager passes by the door, leans in and says:
DEBORAH
15 minutes to curtain
(Patricia hands are clearly shaking as she starts taking curlers out, one gets stuck. She throws it when it finally releases. Susan comes in and says to Mandy)
SUSAN
Come on Mandy. Let’s give Patricia a few minutes alone.
(They exit. Patricia leans over until her head touches the dressing table. She softly and pleadingly prays:
PATRICIA
Lord, I can’t even breathe unless you give me my next breath. I can’t do this. You know how scared I am. Please help me. Please.
(She reaches for the crumbled index card and smooths it out and looks at the words. She softly lays it down).
INT. SCHOOL STAGE - NIGHT
Ruth and Susan are standing in the wings looking at the audience. The camera shows a man sitting alone on the front row.
RUTH
Well, Patricia’s mom couldn’t be here, but there is her father.
(The overture of the play begins. A transformed, confident, and radiant Patricia comes on stage. Richard has his glasses off and already looks better. He is visually trembling and there is perspiration on his upper lip. Patricia looks at him and smiles as if to say, “We are going to do this thing").
Various clips from the play to illustrate Patricia and Richard’s victory in executing their roles since a tension should have been created by the many rehearsal scenes for the audience to wonder about how they might do.
Clips also to illustrate certain parallels between the play and real life happenings.
* Patricia and Richard’s naiveté’s and innocence, just as Matt and Luisa were
* Patricia being captivated by worldly wise Tony as Luisa is momentarily seduced by the same in El Gallo, both having their hearts broken.
* Luisa smacks Matt in a fit of anger just as Patricia did to Richard.
* Matt and Luisa finding each other in the end as the audience is lightly swayed to believe that Patricia and Richard end up together also.
There is also a good lesson in the play when Matt becomes a prodigal and goes into the world where he gets hurt. He was warned not to by an excellent song called “I Can See It.” Matt comes back repentant to find a repentant Luisa. In his absence she had gotten involved with and hurt by El Gallo.
PATRICIA AS THE CHARACTER "LUISA"
(sings)
” Take away the golden moon beams; take away the tinseled sky”
BOBBY
(Speaking to an unnamed female seated beside of him in the audience)
“That’s Patricia?”
(The camera shows Patricia’s dad with a slight smile on this face and tears in his eyes)
BOBBY
(Speaking to female person beside of him in the audience)
And look at Richard. I think the old boy is going to pull this off.
RICHARD AS THE CHARACTER "MATT"
(sings)
Beyond that road lies a shining world
FRANK AS THE CHARACTER "EL GALLO"
(sings)
Beyond that road lies despair
MATT
(sings)
Beyond that road lies a world that’s gleaming
EL GALLO
(sings)
People who are scheming
MATT
(sings)
Beauty
EL GALLO
(sings)
Hunger
MATT
(sings)
Glory
EL GALLO
(sings)
Sorrow
MATT
(sings)
Never a pain or care
EL GALLO
(sings)
He’s liable to find a couple of surprises there
(One of the closing songs of the play that would be nice to be performed in its entirety).
MATT
(sings)
When the moon was young, when the month was May
When the stage was hung for my holiday
I saw shining lights but I never knew
They were you
They were you
They were you
LUISA
(sings)
When the dance was done, when I went my way
When I tried to find rainbows far away
All the lovely lights seemed to fade from view
They were you
They were you
They were you
MATT AND LUISA
(sing together)
Without you near me, I can’t see
When you’re near me
Wonderful things come to be
MATT
(sings)
Every secret prayer
LUISA
(sings)
Every fancy free
MATT
(sings)
Everything I dared
MATT AND LUISA
(sings)
For both you and me
All my wildest dreams multiplied by two
MATT
(sings)
They were you
LUISA
(sings)
They were you
MATT AND LUISA
(sing)
They were you
LUISA
(sings)
They were you
MATT
(sings)
They were you
MATT AND LUISA
(sings)
They were you
INT. SCHOOL STAGE - NIGHT
Curtain call – Mortimer and Henry come out to warm applause. The two parents come out to a little more applause intensity. The Mime comes out to still more applause. El Gallo comes out to loud applause. When Matt and Luisa come out, cheers, whistles start, and the audience rises to its feet. After a few seconds, Matt steps to the side, looks at Patricia and starts applauding. She stands there smiling and laughing in astonishment. The scene abruptly ends and the next scene fades in.
EXT. OUTSIDE ON THE LAWN AT SUSAN’S HOUSE - DAY
(All the cast and extras are in attendance).
FRANK
“And the winner of the first annual Suzy Awards for Most Improved Actress is …Patricia Small”
(All the kids cheer and whistle as Patricia comes up to get the award)
(The scene changes to Patricia talking to Linda. Patricia holding the award, acting kind of embarrassed)
LINDA
Congratulations, my friend.
PATRICIA
Thanks. Linda. And congratulations to you for your excellent job on our costumes. This reward should go to you for all of your hard work. Linda, have you decided for sure about studying costume design at college next year?
LINDA
Yes, I have. I think this is what I want to do. And Tony has decided to major in drama. I think the school play has made some pretty big changes in our lives.
(The camera shows Tony talking intimately to a pretty girl).
PATRICIA
(Patricia shakes her head, smiles and says)
I see some things haven’t changed. I need to be getting home. I’ll see you later Linda.
(Patricia as she passes Deborah, tugs at her hair and says)
PATRICIA
It really does look better like this.
(Deborah warmly smiles)
(Richard runs up to Patricia)
RICHARD
“Wait up Tricia. Congratulations on your award. Listen, I’ve been asked to sing the special at church next week. You wouldn’t want to make it a duet, would you?
PATRICIA
“I’d love to Richard.”
(They turn and start walking away from the camera toward the sun. You can see they are continuing a lively conversation.)
FADE OUT
P. S. When you write stories whether they are true or not, at the end there is a temptation to tie up everything neatly and present an "and they lived happily ever after" ending. It's easier that way but it isn't real life. Well, not until we enter our final "happily ever after" life with Jesus.
It took me years to forgive "Deborah" (not her real name) for cutting off my hair. I knew it was intentional and in malice and it hurt that no one took it as seriously as I did. You know what the Bible says about a woman's hair being her "glory." It is close to her heart and part of who she is. Whether it looked better short or not, or that it would eventually grow back wasn't the issue. It was my hair and she had no right to violate me like that.
But we are commanded to forgive. Forgiveness sometimes is a process. It is a continual setting of one's will to do what God has commanded us to do and praying for His strength and help to do it. It is a willingness to allow God's love to pour through us for the person who has hurt us. That may mean love in action by doing something nice for them if the opportunity arises. Also, not to repeat their offenses to others as to hurt their reputation. There is a Proverb that says, "Love covers ALL transgressions."
If the emotions of anger come back and we are tempted to become bitter, then we go through the process again, setting our will to do the right thing. That is all we can do. I think that is all we are required to do. Because of our obedience to do this, the good emotions will eventually come and we will be free of the painful memories.
God bless you, dear Reader.