More Than a Beautiful Thing

--- a country girl comes to the city to sing

June 2015

Dennis Shasha and Barbie Grizer

Main Cast:

Narrator, teenage and mid-20s B

Young B

Young Molly

Mom

Actress of One Night/Celine

Doctor/Dad/Sebastien/Pastor

Older Molly

Reference to mp3s are in italics.

Act 1 Scene 1

Narrator B is a young woman in her late teens sitting in a chair with a blanket over her knees (we donÕt know whether she can move). SheÕs on one side of the stage facing the audience. [We will have her only in these early scenes.]

Narrator B: IÕm going to tell you my story. In many ways, itÕs everyoneÕs story. In some ways, only mine.

She turns and we see what she sees as she keeps talking. The figures trace her words but silently.

Narrator B: First, you have to know that IÕm a country girl and this is what my part of the country looked like: woods and animals and kids. Lots of kids, screaming with pleasure and horsing around. Lots of animals. Lots.

She stops talking and we see kids running around.

Narrator B: But we arenÕt any country kids. We live in a community of god-fearing folks here in Blessed Lake, Ohio. I love the songs in church.

<Perform church songs like ÒAll to Jesus I surrenderÉÓ>

Narrator B: ThatÕs me. IÕm ten years old. I learned to use my compass very early. Molly and me – thatÕs Molly my best friend – we often went exploring.

Molly and young B appear. We watch Molly and young B walking using their compass.

Narrator B: Yup. We played outside more than most girls. More than most boys too. Mom spanked me once when for going too far, but I never listened.

Young B: Mom, you say Jesus loves me right?

Mom: Right.

Young B: And Jesus can do anything right?

Mom: Right.

Young B: So Jesus wonÕt let me get hurt. Even when you spanked me that didnÕt hurt.

Then she runs off.

Act 1, scene 2

Molly: B, there is a great tree for climbing. Wanna come?

B: Sure.

We watch Molly and young B go into the woods. Molly points out the tree and young B runs there. All of a sudden she falls down in great pain. Her foot is caught in a trap.

B: Molly, help, my foot is caught in a trap.

Molly sees the trap: Oh no, itÕs a fox trap.

We watch Molly run to get help. People come with a stretcher and take young B, trap and all away. Young B has fainted.

Act 1, Scene 3

Hospital.

Doctor to Mom: Sister Rachel, we have to cut off the leg. Otherwise it might get infected and kill her.

Mom to Doctor: Save the leg, brother Samson. Just save the leg. She wonÕt die. IÕll see to it. ThereÕs a prayer circle for brother James going on. WeÕll pray for B too.

Doctor: With help from Jesus, nothing is impossible.

Molly is sitting there crying.

Doctor to Molly: Go away little girl. A hospital is not a place for you.

Molly just shakes her head.

Doctor to Molly: Here IÕll call your Mom. SheÕll come to get you.

Molly: IÕm staying. Just save her leg.

Doctors work on young B.

BÕs Mom gathers the other congregants and they prayed for B all night. Molly is there too.

We see this happening as Narrator B sings on the opposite side of the stage from where doctors are.

Please listen to WhatDoesPrayerDo.mp3

Prayer

Copyright 2015, Grace and Sha

D A

The man curls up in his pew,

G A

Silent in his pain.

D D

The prayers spoken all around

G A

Shower him like rain.

G A

The congregants will sing and pray

D A

Through the entire night.

G A

The man will feel his pain give way

D G

By the early morning light.

Chorus:

D A

What does prayer do?

G A

I canÕt really say.

D A

IÕve seen the sick get well again,

G A D

The grip of illness fall away.

D A

I know the pain he feels.

G A

I once knew it well.

D A

Pain makes you feel alone,

G A

Tied up in some prison cell.

G A

Is there magic when we sing?

D A

You might say thereÕs no such thing.

G A

ItÕs more than a song, the spirit of love.

D G

Through our faith we make it strong.

Chorus:

D A

What does prayer do?

G A

I canÕt really say.

D A

IÕve seen the sick get well again,

G A D

The grip of illness fall away.

D A

The doctorsÕ words were clear.

G A

I would not walk for years.

D A

A lady told me God had said

G A

That I would fully mend.

G A

Surgeons came and worked on me.

D A

IÕm grateful for their skills.

G A

They shaped my body carefully

D G

With scalpels, bolts and drills.

Chorus:

D A

What does prayer do?

G A

I canÕt really say.

D A

IÕve seen the sick get well again,

G A D

The grip of illness fall away.

D A

While the surgeons cut away,

G A

The Congregants sang and prayed.

D A

I couldnÕt hear their prayerÕs sound,

G A

But felt its power all around.

G

Is faith illusion?

A

Is belief delusion?

G A

I believe in God, I do.

G A

But I do not speak for you.

Chorus:

D A

What does prayer do?

G A

I canÕt really say.

D A

IÕve seen the sick get well again.

G A D

I know God had some role to play.

Act 1. Scene 4.

Young B is in a whellchair. She wheels around quite expertly. Sometimes she moves and winces in pain.

Little B readsÉ

Dear God. You are my friend.

Will this pain ever end?

I want to go outside

I want to run and hide.

Jesus, I know you love me.

You want to cure me.

Jesus, I promise to be good.

Let me play in the woods

B and her Mom go to the doctors.

Young B in wheelchair to Doctor: Can I go outside?

Doctor: No.

Young B: Can I get crutches?

Doctor: NoÉ.

Young B pauses: Can you say anything else besides no?

Doctor: Ask me if you can put sparkles in your hair.

Act 1, scene 5

We see young B pulled into a knitting room full of adults. She watches the other kids play with longing but no tears. The adults sit down and begin to knit.

Adult 1: Did you know that sister NancyÕs sweater

Bless her heart

Is a bright ugly lavender?

May God love her.

Adult 2: Or that the preacherÕs son

Went on a drunken run?

He was nearly hit

By Brother Bill LynchÕs son.

B is writing in her journal and she says out loud:

They love all sinners,

For whose souls they do pray

For without those sins

TheyÕd have nothing to say.

Later, we see young B whisper something to Molly and they both giggle.

Act 1, scene 6

Narrator B: They told me to pray and I did. One day they stood around me.

Church scene where congregants stand around Narrator B and pray out loud. Then they fall silent.

At the end, she rises. After possible applause from the theatre audience, Narrator B reads from her poem:

.

When I first go out

And walk about

Each step I take,

I celebrate.

What other kids

Take as their due

Makes me sing

Thanks to you.

Act 1, scene 7

B hears a Pirates of Penzance song that a friend is playing. Later she has a conversation with her Dad.

B: Could we get that song?

Dad: No.

B: But it comes from this movie. CanÕt we get that?

Dad: No.

B: Ok, can I get the book?

Dad: No.

B: Do you ever say yes to anything?

Dad: IÕll take you hunting.

B to the audience: As a result, IÕm pretty good with a gun.

She pulls one out and points it to the audience.

B to the audience: DonÕt worry this one is not loaded.

She points it to a target on stage and a dart flies out.

B: Not with bullets that is.

B walks across the stage.

B: Anyway, my Dad always said no, but my Mom kind of liked the idea of the stage.

Older B is singing scales. Mom comes in.

Mom: B, find some nice clothes. WeÕre going out.

B: Where to?

Mom: Hush. Just donÕt tell Dad.

Audience sees mother and daughter sneak away as if they were thieves. Should be funny. They go to a theatre.

B writes a poem about the experience.

One night my Mom said ÒCome

WeÕre going out dear one.

I hear you sing every day.

ItÕs time you saw a real play.

ÒThereÕs laughter and song,

Tonight, forget itÕs wrong.Ó

Yes, Mom broke DadÕs rules

We slipped out by the pool.

Chorus:

As we drove out that night.

It was dark but felt bright.

On the stage, sang a woman

Her notes flowed from heaven.

ÒThe hills are alive.Ó

She sang of light and sky.

I floated in space

From my seat to her place.

B turns to the audience and says:

On my way home that night, I talked to my Mom. She didnÕt need all that much persuading. I wrote a poem about that too.

ÒMom, IÕve got to sing too.

ItÕs what I must do.

Please grant me this gift

I feel GodÕs Will in it.Ó

So Mom paid for the lessons.

Ignored DadÕs objections.

She helped my voice grow,

As I prepped for each show.

No matter what was my role,

I sang with full heart and soul.

Each day I could feel

How music could heal.

One play became several.

I whirled on a carousel.

I bowed often on stage

I turned a new page.

B walks across the stage and looks out to the audience:

I looked up at the sky

The world looked so wide.

It was time that I left.

Should I head east or go west?

Please play Fences.mp3

Fences

CHORDS A Dmaj7 A E

A

On my familyÕs farm,

Dmaj7

We raised chicken and cows.

A

We kept them fenced in

E

For their own protection.

A

We went three times a week

Dmaj7

To church, there to pray.

A

The pastor would teach us all

E

How to behave.

Music Break A Dmaj7 A E

Same as Top

Our goats seemed happy.

They grazed on lush grass.

The chickens laid eggs.

The cows grew so fat.

Same As Top

Once a cow broke away

Through a post rotted through.

We walked our long fence

Steeling each post anew.

Music Break A damj7 A E

Same as Top

Our pastor each Sunday

Spoke of in and of out.

Inside was the truth,

Where we stayed so devout.

Same as Top

The world outside was all full of evil.

ÒDonÕt read of their news.

DonÕt heed their poisoned views.Ó

Music Break A dmaj7 A E

Same as Top

We tended our animals.

We kept them contained.

If one went astray,

We brought it to bay.

Same as Top

They sent us to schools

With dress codes and rules.

I began to explore

The cracks between the doors.

Music Break A Dmaj7 A E

Same as Top

I planned out my flight,

As I sought the free light.

I pushed through white doors,

To the road and far shores.

Same as Top

My parents were shocked

Said I should come back.

They called where I live

A sinful smokestack.

Music Beak A dmaj7 A E

Same as Top (slow Down)

On my familyÕs farm

We raised chicken and cows.

We kept them fenced in

For their own protection.

Same as Top~~ Very Slow

Church calls it a line.

On the far side is sin.

Church offers protection,

But please donÕt fence me in.

Act II

Act II, scene 1

We see B leaving for New York. She gets on a bus, she arrives and is all excited to be in the big city.

B to the audience: Well, finally here. Boy, IÕm starvinÕ

She walks into a MacDonalds.

B: Could I have a Big Mac?

B eats with delight.

The phone rings.

B gets a call: Hi Mom. Yes, IÕm fine. No, IÕm not kidnapped. IÕm in New York. Yes, really New York. IÕm fine, really. ItÕs rainingÉ.

A young man approaches. He seems nice. He strikes up a conversation with B.

Young Man: Where are you from?

B: YouÕve never heard of it.

Young Man: Try me.

B: Blessed Lake.

Young Man: Blessed Lake, Ohio?

B: You know about it.

Young Man: IÕve been there sister. I know the pastor. IÕm from the moutains West Virginia. You know what we call you down there?

B: What?

Young Man: Lake Trash

B laughs: ThatÕs friendly. Anyway, IÕve left all that.

Young Man: Me too.

B smiling: WhatÕs your name?

Young Man: Steve.

B: What do you do Steve?

Steve: IÕm an electrician.

B: Oh yeah, need some help?

Steve: Well, actually yeah.

Act II, scene 2

Steve hires B and invites B to share an apartment. She pays rent. Things are going all right. Mom calls every day.

Act II, scene 3

One day Mom calls. She asks about Steve. Steve is listening from the other room.

Mom: When are you going to get married?

B: Married? WeÕre just friends.

Mom: YouÕre two young people living together. If you donÕt get married, youÕre living in sin.

B: No, really weÕre just friends. We have separate rooms. I donÕt see him as a life partner in any way.

Mom: What about ÒBe fruitful and multiplyÓ

B: I donÕt want children. Ever.

Mom clearly upset: No children. But itÕs a commandment from God.

B: God never told me.

Mom: Blasphemy. You had better take that back.

B: Mom, donÕt you get it. IÕm not part of the church any more.

Mom: Sinner! Listen carefully. We donÕt want to hear from you until you repent your sinful ways. Do you hear?

B: But, Mom?

Mom hangs up. B is upset.

Steve: What happened?

B: IÕve just been disowned.

Steve hugs her: To heck with them. WeÕre here. WeÕre free. LetÕs enjoy life.

He tries to kiss her.

B pushes him away: No. IÕm not interested.

Steve comes back and grabs her: Sure you are. YouÕre just being coy.

B: No IÕm not.

B slaps him and gives him a black eye.

Steve: Get out of here, you Lake trash. YouÕve got 15 minutes. See what itÕs like to be out on the street. No family, no friends. Go find a shelter. See what itÕs like to be with other trash.

B: IÕve just been disowned by my parents. Because I resist your ÒadvancesÓ, youÕre going to kick me out now? ItÕs how people treat you when youÕre down that shows their true colors. Sure. IÕm gone.

B leaves the apartment, guitar and a small bag, slamming the door as she goes. It starts to rain.

We watch people going back and forth with umbrellas. B starts to cry. Then she starts to sing. B looks at us and jumps up and sings as she walks.

Please play UmbrellaSamba.mp3

In the key of C starts on F

Into 2 times

Summer rain, have no umbrella

Heavy rain, must find another

CDE 4

C I see a spry man, clothes dry as the sun

E A friendly air, so I ask him to share

C "Certo" he says, a voice so inviting

D E D C

C I enjoy his protection till the next intersection

E When I go left he exits right

C Saying "Ciao" he slips out of sight

E D C

Into 2 times

F Summer rain, have no umbrella

Joyful rain, must find another F4

C Under a canopy, through the rain I see

E A golden umbrella, a woman inviting me

E Flash her a smile, can we walk for a mile?

D E D

C ÒWith pleasure" she lilts, For you my heart melts

C Though we've just met, we hold hands and get wet

C As the rain flies by, we laugh at the sky.

D E D

Into 2 times

F Summer rain, Have no umbrella

Rhythmic rain, I play my Samba game F4

C Next is a business man dressed in all blue

E His step is long walking rapidly through

C I run to him, He's tall and thin

D E D

C His umbrella is wide and black, we stand close back to back

E in the rain walk and splash, companions in the evening dash

D C D

C At last I arrive, in my building I dive

E Not entirely dry, but dancingly alive!!

F G

Into 4 Times/ slow down

F Summer rain, have no umbrella

Heavy rain, please come again

C4

< Molly is the woman. SheÕs dressed in simple black clothes, fashionable. Hair is a wild purple. B doesnÕt recognize her because of her wild hair, but Molly recognizes B and leaves her card in her pocket.>

B arrives at her destination and starts waitressing. Somebody asks for change. She looks in her pocket and sees a card.

B to the audience: WhatÕs this? Molly Sharp, architect. That was Molly!? Wait. There is an address and a note.

Molly speaks from off stage: B, I need a roommate. Would you like to come over and share?

B calls her: Molly, is that really you?

Molly: Who else? I have short hair and I wear pants. So what?

B: But I couldnÕt imagine that IÕd find you here of all places.

Molly: Where else would I be?

She moves in with Molly.

Act II, scene 4

B pours out her heart to Molly.

B: Mom said I blasphemed God.

Molly: They define God the way they want to. They just want to control you. Here you can be free.

B: SteveÕs idea of free was to keep me as his prisoner.

Molly: Forget Steve. He wonÕt be the last jerk you meet in New York.

B: And what about what my Mom said?

Molly: Do you really believe youÕve sinned just because youÕre not yet married with four kids?

B: No. Absolutely not.

Molly: Prove you donÕt believe it.

B: All right, I will.

Please play Damned.mp3

D

WeÕre born to explore.

C

We push through doors.

Em

We giggle, we hide.

G

In our minds, we soar.

Dm

But sometimes we wonÕt.

Am Dm

Sometimes we donÕt.

D

They said ÒPray for your soul

C

And God will make you wholeÓ

Em

I wanted to believe

G

The stories that they weaved.

D

But God does not constrain.

C

I sought God to free my pain,

G

But the school just gave us rules

Em Dm

Never leave, stay.

Am Dm

Always obey.

Chorus:

Dm

They tell me IÕm damned.

Am

They ought to know.

E Am

Hell is often on their lips.

Dm

They say IÕm impure

Am

And one thing is sure

E Em7 Am

I choose color over the white driven snow.

D

Then one day I found my voice.

C

One day I made a choice.

Em

I stopped feeling shame.

G

I wanted no more pain.

D

So I left my little school,

C

My little town of little rules.

G

I left without permission,

Am Dm

Just a woman on a mission.

Chorus:

Dm

They tell me IÕm damned.

Am

They ought to know.

E Am

Hell is often on their lips.

Dm

They say I am damned

Am

And maybe thatÕs so.

E Em7 Am

My life is a dance on quicksand.

Chorus:

Dm

They tell me IÕm damned.

Am

They claim to know.

E Am

Hell is often on their lips.

Dm

They say that IÕm damned

Am

And maybe thatÕs so.

E Em7 Am

No one can ever truly know.

Act II, scene 5

MollyÕs apartment.

B: Molly, you have a great job. IÕm just making ends meet. What if it doesnÕt work?

Molly: B, listen to me. You are a great artist. Staying in Blessed Lake would get you nowhere

B: Yes, but I have no money. Should I get a bartender job? If I wear a tight tee-shirtÉ

Molly: No. You have to be true to yourself. Take this chance but take it without compromise. Think about what youÕve gone through – you nearly lost your leg to a trap and we both have escaped the trapped life of Blessed Lake. You can face any obstacle. When you go to work at the caberet restaurant tomorrow, smile like the winner you are.

Act II, scene 4

In the restaurant/caberet where B is a server.

We see: B walking around, smiling everywhere. She walks with a great step. As she walks everyone greets her. The bakers, the shopkeepers, everyone smiles when she passes. She is a much more successful waitress. Lots more tips.

Please play WhenISmile.mp3

When I Smile

Kapo 4

A E

They think they know me when I smile.

D A

My eyes flash blue and bright.

E

My face is all made up in style,

D A

Teeth glistening in the light.

CHORUS

D A E A

The cheerful image I project is what they all expect.

D A

They think a pretty girl is always happy.

D A

They see a happy woman.

E D

They think I always glow.

A E

They say I move so gracefully,

E D A

A swan gliding by the frozen snow

A E

I see so many sad and thin,

D A

Who feel no comfort in their skin.

A E

But when I twinkle by like wind,

D A

They all light up in delighted grins

CHORUS

D A E A

The cheerful image I project is what they all expect.

D A

They think a pretty girl is always happy.

D A

They say to a happy woman

E D

"We often feel so blue.

A E

We want to know your secret

E D A

To live our lives the way you do."

A E

At times I feel so estranged,

D A

As if banished to some other plane

A E

And then you ask what is my smile?

D A

A mask I wear on a far-off isle.

CHORUS

D A E A

The cheerful image I project is what they all expect

D A

They think a pretty girl is always happy.

D A

Am I a happy woman?

E D

Sometimes I don't even know.

A E D

Are my smiles genuine?

E D A

That depends on how my spirit Flows.

A E D

Are my smiles genuine?

E D A

That depends on how my spirit Flows.

A well dressed, middle aged man named Sebastien leaves her a particularly big tip.

B looks confused: IÕll get you change sir.

Sebastien: No need Mademoiselle É

B: B. My name is B.

Sebastien: No need, Mademoiselle B. ItÕs all yours. What do you do when youÕre not a waitress?

B: Well thank you, sirÉ IÕm a singer.

Sebastien: Great. So am I. Would you mind if we went out to dinner. ThereÕs a nice restaurant in the East Village named Bowery Cuisine.

B pauses, looks at Sebastien, decides heÕs ok, and says: Ok, sure.

Act II, Scene 5

We see them at the restaurant. He walks her home. They hug.

Act II, Scene 6

MollyÕs apartment.

B to Molly: Yes, he was really nice. HeÕs a singer and his wife is a singer at the opera. He didnÕt want to tell me her name.

Molly: So, did you like him? Do you want to see him again?

B: I donÕt know. Maybe heÕll be like Steve.

Molly laughs: You should free yourself a bit.

B smiles and starts putting away dishes: There you go with that word again. IÕm free enough.

Molly: Do you ever say yes?

B laughs: ThatÕs the question I usually ask.

Molly: What are you afraid of?

B: Why donÕt you have any fear?

Molly: But I do.

B: Really, you?

Molly: All the time.

<Molly starts singing Dear Fear but B joins at the end (on the verses with Òmy voice is what I giveÓ).>

DearFear.mp3

Dear Fear

Bm7 F#m

Dear Fear, I see youÕre here.

Down1

You have my ear.

E

Tell me your story.

Bm7 F#m

Oh Fear, why are you here?

Down1

You say to protect me

E

From danger and misery.

Chorus

E Am

You have led me to deny

E Am

Those dreams I should never try,

Bm7

Year after year

Down1 E

From Love I held dear

Bm7 F#m

Fear, you long had my ear.

Down1

You stopped me often

E

And made me run

Bm7 F#m

Dear Fear, youÕre still not out.

Down1

You make me doubt

E

What my lifeÕs about.

E Am

I will always stand and fight

E Am

When I know IÕm in the right.

E Am

My love and voice are what I give

E Am

For dreams and truth, I choose to live.

Bm7

Sly Fear,

F#m

YouÕve been too near.

Bm7

Fly far from here.

B and Molly embrace.

B: YouÕre right. I have nothing to be afraid of.

Act II scene 7

In a theatre.

We see B going to auditions.

Director: Ok, you sing beautifully. What is your bikini size?

B: Bikini?

Director: Yes, this is a beach scene. So you have to be in a bikini.

B: Look if I wanted to do burlesque, I could get paid a lot more than this.

Director: But this is art.

B: YouÕre about my DadÕs age. Do you have a daughter?

Director: Yes.

B: What if someone told your daughter she had to sing light opera in a bikini?

Director: IÕd kill him.

B: Exactly.

She walks off the stage.

Act II scene 7

Agent: You can shoot and ride horses. Sure we can play you as the lead girl in the TV serial ÒAnnie, the cowgirl detectiveÓ

B: But I want to do opera.

Agent: Sure. Later, later. Could you practice your lassoing skills? Also weÕll have to think of a screen name. How about Classy Annie?

B: Let me think about itÉ.

Please listen to BeautifulThing.mp3 (as in the video)

Beautiful Thing

A~~lift 3rd then 2nd Fingers

In my little town

I used to walk all around.

Everybody knew my name.

Here in New York

Within two blocks, I'm just a random dame.

D A

I came to the city to sing with the best.

D A

I came to work hard, put talent to the test.

D

I do many things,

A

Play a witch who sings,

E

Dance all through the night,

A

Decked out in sequins and rings.

A~~lift 3rd then 2nd Fingers

In my little town

I used to walk around.

Everybody knew too much.

Here in New York

They couldn't care less.

They run with their blinders in a rush.

D

In the big city,

A

I have no identity,

Dm Am

A piece in a vast money game.

Dm Am

When I fit their plan, they ask without shame

Em Am

ÒDo you mind if we change your name?Ó

Am~~lift 1st and 3rd Fingers

In my little town

I used to walk all around.

Everybody knew my name.

Here in New York

They look at me up and down,

A package all wrapped for their gain.

Dm

To some I'm a fantasy,

Am

To others a luxury.

Em Am

Few view me as a whole human being.

Dm

I've come to this city.

Am

I've come here to sing,

Em Am

But to some, I'm just a beautiful thing.

A~~lift 3rd then 2nd Fingers

In my little town

I used to walk all around,

Hearing such familiar sounds.

Here in New York

To the pulses I dance

E A

It's here that IÕm taking my chance.

Act II Scene 8

B is in New York with Molly. B has just come back from an opera.

Molly: You should have seen her. What a voice! What clothes! Molly waves a magazine.

B giggling: Show me. Show me.

Molly: Her name is Celine de Po. SheÕs an aristocrat.

B: Great name. Let me see.

Molly and B look at the magazine.

Molly: Her singing is so true, but in the magazine, it says she lives a superficial, glamorous life. Here she is with her husbandÉ

B: ThatÕs Sebastien!

Molly: You mean the guy who has been half-courting you.

B: ThatÕs the one. Why would he want me over Celine?

Act II Scene 10

Sebastien: You should see my wife Celine. Clothes, jewelry, wine and cheese. She was so, how you say, authentic, when I met her, but now she cares only about things. You on the other hand are the real thing.

He reaches for her hand.

B holds his hand, pauses, then says: I canÕt. YouÕre wonderful and I love you but I donÕt love you that way.

Sebastian: Love me as you can.

Please listen to HoneyAndLime.mp3

Honey and Lime

Capo 3

Am

You offer me cheer.

E

You offer me food.

Dm

You offer me beer.

Am

You offer to sooth.

Bm7

All is so sweet

Am

Whenever we meet.

E

We have a good time

Am

With honey and lime.

Am

But is it too much?

E

Though I purr at your touch,

Dm

Find it hard to respond

Am

To your offers so fond.

Bm7

I know that you've told me

Am

You know I can't love thee

E

You tell me so sweetly

Am

I just make you happy

Dm

But If I can't love you

Am

How can I permit you

E

To do so much for me —

Am

Should l feel guilty?

Dm

Please have no guilt you say

Am

Love comes in many ways.

E

Warm smiles and thoughts

Am

In wit and things taught.

Dm

We laugh in all weather,

Am

Play music together.

E

Although I can't love thee

Em7 Am

I love thy love for me.

Guitar Am E Dm Am Bm7 Am E Em7 Am

Dm

You tell me so sweetly.

Am

I just make you happy.

E

Although I can't love thee,

Em7 Am

I love thy love for me.

Sebastien: Thank you for that. I understand. How are you doing by the way?

B: Money problems as always. Worse than ever. My parents have disowned me.

Sebastien: Would you like to babysit for our twins?

B: How old?

Sebastien: Three.

B: Sure. I need the work.

Act II Scene 11

Sebastien and CelineÕs apartment. Beautiful and fancy. A chandelier. Twins in very designer clothes.

Celine: Now girls, this is B. Please be nice to your babysitter.

Celine leaves.

Twin one: Does she play dolls?

Twin two to twin one: If she doesnÕt play dolls, letÕs take out her lipstick and smear it all over.

Twin one: Yeah!

B hears all this and smiles: Ok, girls. No lipstick and no dolls. WeÕre going outside.

Twins one and two: What?

B takes them by the hands.

Please listen to SweetTwins.mp3

Sweet Twins

C

Come little girls

A

Leave your boxed up world.

C

It's beautiful outdoors,

A

Leave those hard polished floors.

musical break CAFG

F

Come sweet twins

G

LetÕs run with the wind.

C

Like birds in the sky,

A

We'll dive and we'll fly

musical break CAFG

C

Come little girls

A

LetÕs skip to the rainbow.

C

We'll greet the sun's rays

A

As they warm the meadow

musical break CAFG

F

We'll walk through the grass,

G

Collecting flowers as we pass.

C

When the day turns to night,

A

We'll dance in the starlight.

musical break CAFG

C

The night has no moon.

A

The stars think itÕs noon.

C

Their glow spreads everywhere,

A

Even on your golden hair

musical break CAFG

F

Your sparkling blue eyes

G

Wander through the night's sky.

C

You'll one day learn

A

What makes the star fires burn.

musical break CAFG

Act II Scene 12

Tension between Sebastien and Celine. Sebastien decides to leave.

Celine is shocked. Cries to B. Then says ÒIÕm strong. I can take this.Ó Calls for a very expensive spa treatment.

Act II Scene 13

Celine resumes her life of luxury and attention. She is a diva after all. Walks in the park full of distractions and luxury. Almost gets hit. Newspapers write about how she barely escaped death.

Act II Scene 14

B sees the article and composes a song that she sings to the kids.

Please listen to CrossingAngels.mp3

Crossing Angels

Am

You took a walk through Central Park.

Am2

Small children played, others made art.

Dm

Lovers strolled and embraced,

Am

Basking in the warm sun rays.

E

You walked in the shade,

Drinking iced lemonade.

Am

As you walked, you had dreams

Of soaps and fine creams.

Am

On the road through the park

Am2

People ran, biked, and walked.

Dm

You crossed by the pines.

You made plans to dine.

Am

You thought about some fine red wine.

E

You walked through the park

But you were not there.

Am

The sweet summer air

Just blew through your hair.

Chorus:

C F

Life is more than mere passage.

C F

This day is more than an image.

Dm Am

Who are you, where are you going?

C F

Is there a reason youÕre living?

Am

Then you heard a biker shout

Am2

A very loud "Watch out!"

Dm

You heard a great crash.

And turned to see

Am

A woman lying flat on the concrete

Em

"Ma'am,Ó you asked Òare you ok?"

Am

No response as blood flowed away.

Am

The medics came and wrapped her tight.

Am2

Her eyes stayed closed, denied the light.

Dm

Why did he hit her and not you?

Am

You have no claim to virtue.

Em

You walked through that park

But you were not there.

Am

The sweet summer air

Just ruffled your hair

Chorus:

C F

Angels have sent you a message.

C F

Life can stop on sharp edges.

Dm Am

Who are you, where are you going?

C F

Is there a reason youÕre living?

Am

You waste precious moments

On thoughts of convenience.

Am2

ItÕs time to understand

What is your plan.

Dm

Look up and feel the warmth of the sunshine,

Am

While you still have time.

E

When you walk through the park

Be sure that you're there.

Am

Breathe the sweet air,

LifeÕs a gift that we share.

Chorus:

C F

Angels have sent you a message.

C F

Life can stop on sharp edges.

Dm Am

Who are you, where are you going?

C F

Is there a reason youÕre living?

Is there a reason youÕre living?

Celine hears it and stops short. ÒYou speak to me in that song. I want you to play opposite me in my next musical. Your name will be on the billboard.Ó

B is very excited: Great! What is it about? When do we rehearse?

Celine: A woman who doesnÕt know what she wants until she finds her love.

B: What role do I play?

Celine: YouÕll see. YouÕll get the words when youÕre on the stage. The music will make it clear how to sing.

B: No rehearsal?

Celine: YouÕll do fine.

Act II. Scene 15

The play starts. Celine invites her to the stage.

Please listen to ImpossibleLove.mp3

Impossible Love

ItÕs an impossible love.

I love you anyway.

Enormous differences —

you, a spring rose

Me a sad owl.

C'est un amour impossible

Pourtant je t'aime

J'adore tes mouvements

Tu ris souvent

Tu souris a tout moment

Say it simply, say I love you

De cela je reve tant

Say i love you, say it simply

Nothing is impossible, if one day you say yes.

Do you like me?

Could you love me?

Would you stay, I dare not ask

Pas comme les autres filles,

Tu fetes la vie

Tout plein d'esprit

Meme au soleil, tes yeux brillent

Say it simply, say I love you

De cela je reve tant.

Say I love you, just say it simply.

Nothing is impossible, if one day you love me.

< They sing the English verses together. They hold hands with an implicit understanding that this is real. They come home and the twins rush to B, so happy to see her. >

BÕs cellphone rings.

Mom: You were brilliant tonight.

B: What?

Mom: Of course I was there. Celine let me know. DonÕt you worry. IÕll make Dad come round.