In high school I wrote a play for my junior project and then directed, produced, managed, went crazy(er) because of it, etc. etc for my senior project. The point is, since then I haven't really looked at it again, until, that is, I got bored the other week and pulled it out, dusted it of and began the processes of adding some more of the scenes that were tumbling around in my head. So I thought it would be lovely if you, my followers and or Facebook friends, fellow stumblers (I have had people discover my blog that way....) would be so kind as to give me some of your ideas for improvement, things you'd want to see added etc, etc.
Now before anyone comments on it; I know that the spelling and grammar and all that are atrocious. Please keep in mind I wrote this the night before it was do. :p Anyway thank you so much for those of you who do take their time to read it, and help me improve this play. : )
Dreams and Things
By: Sam Cone
Act 1 Scene 1
Scene
A modern looking court room, inviting while still remaining business like and formal. A kindly looking judge presides over the proceedings.
JUDGE (Slightly bored)
Frost, Nathan?
A haggard looking family, NATHAN, & ANNA stand up. They are dressed in what was obviously their best but has now fallen from its former grace, NATHAN’s jacket is slightly too small and outdated, the same can be said for ANNA’s dress. NATHAN steps forward to answer the judges’ summons
NATHAN (Somewhat nervous)
Yes, your honor?
JUDGE
Mr. Frost, after careful review of the case of the Frost Family versus The Untied States this court rules in your favor, and finds the FBI agent charged with the accidental shooting of your daughter, guilty of man slaughter. The city has offered as a settlement for your daughter’s death the sum of $5 million to cover any expenses that this terrible event may have incurred. Do you accept these terms?
NATHAN (Stuttering)
Yes, your honor.
JUDGE
Very well. Your lawyer has informed me of your lack of financial stability and the city has agreed to pay half of the sum immediately and the other half in monthly installments until such time as you or your wife finds regular employment, at which point you will be paid the remaining balance. Do you have any objections?
NATHAN
No, your honor.
JUDGE
I would like to express my sympathy for the passing of your daughter, Susan. I know that human life is priceless, but I hope that this will at least help support your family during this time of grief. (To BAILIFF) Bailiff, please escort the Frost family out. Court is adjourned.
BAILIFF
This way please.
NATHAN stays back as ANNA starts to walk away, his unfocused eyes are staring off in the distance and he appears to be lost in some personal nightmare. ANNA glances back realizing he is no longer next to her and comes back to shake NATHAN from his thoughts. The look he gives her is one of immense pain and sorrow.
NATHAN (Quietly, dejectedly)
I could have saved her Anna, I could have DOVE in front of the bullet, or if I had gotten her to the hospital just a little bit faster. I was too weak to do anything like that.
ANNA (Concerned)
Nathan dear, you did everything you could have. Susan’s death was not your fault. You’re a hero; you caught the man the FBI agent was shooting at.
NATHAN
Yes, after he shot me, and the FBI agent shot our daughter in an act of poor judgment. I’m, not a hero Anna… I’m too (pause) weak. The man almost killed me trying to escape. How can I be expected to save my family when I can barely save myself?
ANNA (trying to cheer him up)
Oh dear, you are a hero; you did everything within your power to save Susan. The paramedics said it was hopeless the minute she was shot. Not to mention, the police would not have caught the man without your help.
NATHAN
I’m sorry Anna, but you’re wrong. If you only knew how I feel right now you would understand.
ANNA
Maybe you’re right. I think that maybe you just need to sleep for once and you’ll feel better in the morning. Come on, let’s go home.
NATHAN (near hysterics)
Sleep? How can I sleep? No parent should have to burry their child. Yet here we stand celebrating a pay off because of her death. This should never have happened.
ANNA (harshly)
Nathan
dear, pull your self together! We all feel the way you do but we manage to contain it ‘till a more appropriate time.
NATHAN (Shouting)
How am I supposed to see that! Peter hasn’t spoken since Su died; he’s just sat at his piano playing her song over and over again. (Quietly, crying) Do you have any idea how much that hurts, knowing he wrote that song for her, but she never made it home to hear it? No, you can’t because all you’ve done since she died is drown your sorrow in whatever alcohol you can get your hands on!
ANNA (Crying too)
Stop it Nathan, of course it hurts! Do you think I got drunk just because it was fun?! There was nothing else I could do! You think you’re the only one who was hurt by Su’s death? Well your not. We all hurt! But that doesn’t mean we shout at each other. We have to stick together. I know that it will never replace Susan, but this money is the best thing that could have happened to us. We can give her a proper burial now and make sure that Peter’s musical talents flourish.
NATHAN (Composing himself)
I’m sorry Anna; I know you didn’t do it on purpose. I’m just so stressed right now; I just wish none of this had ever happened.
ANNA
So does every other parent who’s buried a child, but that is not their choice. All they get to choose is whether or not they’ll rip their family apart, or keep it whole.
NATHAN
I would die if I lost you and Peter as well.
ANNA (Soothingly)
I know dear, I know.
They both exit in the direction of the bailiff
Act 1 Scene 2
Scene
A once elegant living room, now slightly decrepit. A cold fire place dominates the main wall, with a chair, lamp and a book shelf filling the rest of the room. A haunting piano melody floats in off stage, it’s happy and yet there are underlying chords of sorrow that would have been subtle if the person playing did not play them louder than the frivolous, happy melody.
NATHAN and ANNA enter the room
ANNA
Peter darling, do come here.
The melody continues unabated
NATHAN
Something’s different.
ANNA (Worried)
What do you mean?
NATHAN
That’s Susan’s song but it’s (pause) sadder, I think.
ANNA
Can’t we stop him? He should know what happened.
NATHAN
Perhaps, but I don’t think we should interrupt him; this is his way of expressing pain.
The melody suddenly stops. NATHAN and ANNA glance upwards in shock as PETER enters the room. He is a gaunt young man, his features sunken and his eyes swollen as if he’s been crying. PETER’s clothing is somewhat stained and worn as if the brooding teenager who now wears it has had it since early childhood.
ANNA
We won; the judge said we would have our money soon.
PETER glances at her and then NATHAN. He continues to walk by, exiting the other side of the stage.
NATHAN
(Sinking into the chair)
I don’t know what to do Anna. I don’t think money is going to make him happy, only Su will, and she’s never coming back.
The melody starts. ANNA looks up, sighs and then walks out. The sound of glass clinking can be heard off stage. NATHAN puts his head in his hands and starts to cry. Several seconds later the doorbell rings. NATHAN looks up; ANNA can be heard off stage talking to who ever is at the door. She walks in, drink in hand, smiling faintly. NATHAN looks at her curiously.
ANNA (Answering his unasked question)
The interior decorator darling. He’ll be by next week to decorate the house.
NATHAN (Confounded)
We haven’t had the money more than a few hours and already you’re spending it?
ANNA (Bubbly)
Only a little bit dear. We can’t live like this for ever and I thought we should put the money to good use. Besides do you think your parents would be pleased with the way their house looks now? I thought we could shine it up good as new.
NATHAN
Anna, I just don’t know. Spending this money, it doesn’t seem right to me.
ANNA (Obliviously drunk now)
(Giggling)
Oh, don’t be silly darling, we’re going to be so much happier now, just wait and see. Besides what else would we have done with it? Let it sit in a bank vault somewhere? I should think not. (Hiccup) I even bought some new dresses; they’re so pretty you’re just going to die when you see them.
NATHAN shakes his head in defeat. ANNA bounces off stage once again, humming a happier version of the strange piano melody which stopped when the doorbell rang.
Act 1 Scene 3
Scene
The same. NATHAN is still sitting in the chair but the lights are now dim as if it is twilight.
NATHAN (Talking to himself)
Perhaps Anna is right. Maybe lamenting about Su’s death and forgetting to live myself isn’t right. But if that is true, than why does spending the money seem so wrong to me. (pause) Unless we spent it on something that would have made Su happy. Not frivolous things like clothing or household decorations, something that would have brought a smile to her face…
PETER walks in NATHAN looks at him in surprise.
PETER
Dad?
NATHAN
Yes?
PETER
I miss Susan
NATHAN
Me to. (pause) You know we won the case right? (PETER nods) Well, I was thinking, Su always liked your music. What if we bought you a new piano with some of the money? I think she would have liked that, don’t you?
PETER (Smiling)
Yeah,
she would have.
she would have.
NATHAN
And you?
PETER
I would to.
They embrace
NATHAN
Welcome back kid.
PETER
Thanks dad.
The stage goes dark
Act 1 Scene 4
Scene
The apron a.k.a. “Imagination Land
ANNA (Surprised)
Susan darling, why aren’t you ready yet? We’re going to leave soon.
SUSAN
Mother, you know very well that I can’t go with you to this.
ANNA
Don’t be silly dear. Why wouldn’t you be able to go?
SUSAN
You know Mother, you just won’t admit it.
ANNA
Susan I’ve no idea what you’re talking...
PETER
(walking on stage) Mom? Are you ready, who were you talking to?
ANNA (looking back over her shoulder to were SUSAN had been)
I was talking to Su (surprise) were did she go?
PETER
Were did who go? Mom, you’re worrying me. Come on mom we have to go to Susan’s funeral. Dad’s ready, he’s waiting for us.
ANNA (whispering)
I can’t go.
PETER
(Sighs) Why not?
ANNA
Because Susan’s not dead! I was just talking to her! She was right there. (quietly) Right there.
PETER
What are you trying to be funny mom? ‘Cause that’s just wrong! I miss Susan just as much as you and you think it’s funny to play a sick game?!
ANNA
I swear darling she was right there.
PETER
So how come you can see her but I can’t? How is that fair?
ANNA
I don’t know dear.
PETER
Just stop mom. Ok it’s not funny!
PETER exits
ANNA (calling after him)
I wasn’t trying to be funny. I really wasn’t…
ANNA exits stage goes dark
Act 2 Scene 1
Scene
The living room, now reinstated to its former glory. A fire burns happily in the fire place, ANNA is standing by the newly installed mini-bar looking magnificent in her party dress.
NATHAN
stands by the chair looking slightly uncomfortable in a new outfit.
NATHAN
stands by the chair looking slightly uncomfortable in a new outfit.
ANNA (Bubbly)
Peter darling, where are you?
NATHAN (sarcastically)
I believe he’s out with his new “friends”.
ANNA
Ohh, darling you’re not still upset about giving him half the money are you?
NATHAN (Angry)
As I’ve said before, I don’t think it was in his best interest. (ANNA shakes her head as if to tell him he’s wrong) Have you been paying the least bit of attention? That is not Peter anymore Anna, he’s changed. Did you see the new car he bought? (ANNA shakes her head again) I thought you told him to use the money on important things not blow it all on silly stupid things like fast cars, and “friends” of questionable character.
ANNA
Darling, this was the best thing for him. After all it got him out of the house. Besides I think his friends are lovely people.
ANNA walks away to the mini bar to refill her empty glass.
NATHAN (Under his breath)
You wouldn’t think they were so lovely if you had met them.
ANNA
What was that dear?
NATHAN
(Sighing) Nothing.
ANNA walks back, now with a full glass.
ANNA
You’re far too tense darling. (pause) I know what will make you feel better! Come with me to Joan’s party. She’s simply dying to meet you!
NATHAN
I don’t know Anna, I don’t really feel like socializing right now…
ANNA
Oh please, for me? It would be ever so droll with out you.
NATHAN
Well, I suppose we could go, for a little while. But please Anna I don’t want to spend hours there, alright?
ANNA
Of course darling! In and out I promise. Oh but this dress will never do for a party. I must put on something different.
ANNA walks of stage mumbling about dresses, NATHAN, slightly dejected, follows her after a short time.
Act 2 Scene 2
Scene
The living room, once again dark. ANNA enters making a bee line for the mini bar. Once she reaches the mini bar she finds it empty. In anger she throws her empty glass accidentally hitting the picture of SUSAN on the mantel. She runs over to the picture and begins to cry upon seeing it broken.
ANNA
Oh, God what have I done. (she sinks to the floor) Susan I’m so sorry please forgive me. (NATHAN enters staying at the corner of the stage unnoticed by ANNA) I, I never meant for this to happen, you know, the drunkenness. But what could I do? Your father was right about me, I haven’t been paying attention. Oh God I would do anything to have you back Susan. For your father. And brother. (pause) For me. But I can’t bring you back. And the pain’s too much for me to handle. I wish I could. I really do. But I can’t. So this is my only option. My relief in its own sad simple way. I hope one day you can forgive me. Oh God, Nathan was right! I’ve been so horrible. (She continues to cry)
The door slams and in walks PETER, ANN quickly dries her tears.
ANNA
Peter darling, your home. Did you have a good time?
PETER
Sure, why not.
ANNA
Oh, will that’s good.
PETER
Yeah, whatever.
ANNA walks off stage. Clinking glass can soon be heard. NATHAN confronts PETER.
NATHAN
That’s no way to treat your mother.
PETER
Why do you care?
NATHAN
Because I love you both, and hate to see you act like that towards her.
PETER
And you’re a shining example, watching “mother” break down like that? Yeah wait to be the hero dad.
NATHAN
What was I supposed to do Peter? Tell her it wasn’t her fault, it was mine. Tell her I don’t mind that she’s always drunk now? Tell her that I’ve forgiven her! I can’t do that Peter!
PETER
Yeah, and so you think getting mad at me makes it better?
NATHAN
No Peter I don’t! But you have given me any other option.
PETER
Well if that’s the case why don’t you yell a little more, just to see if it eventually makes everything better! (PETER exits, the front door slams)
NATHAN
What’s happening to us?
ANNA
Oh dear! I could have sworn I left Peter here just a second ago.
NATHAN
He’s gone out.
ANNA
Oh…
NATHAN
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do Anna (Pause) Peter’s just been so frustrating lately.
ANNA
I don’t…
NATHAN
It’s as if he doesn’t care how hard I’ve worked to keep this family together (pause) How much, I love him.
ANNA
I’m sure he knows you have his best interests in mind.
NATHAN
Of course I do!
ANNA
Will maybe if you tried to show it a little more?
NATHAN
I’ve tried Anna! I bought him a new piano1 I didn’t try to pull him out of his depression I let him be. You know, I don’t think he’s even touched the piano since I bought it.
ANNA
Maybe buying his love isn’t the best idea…
NATHAN
And what would you call what you’ve done Anna?!
ANNA
I don’t know. I thought I could make him happy again, like he used to be…
NATHAN
Well, in case you haven’t noticed it hasn’t! So what’s your little plan to make it better now?
ANNA
I… I don’t know Nathan.
NATHAN
Of course you don’t! You can’t possibly know! You’ve been to drunk to see anything! (pause) I’m sorry Anna, I know it’s not your fault.
ANNA
It’s not your fault darling…
NATHAN
Yes it is, I should never have gotten angry at you. Don’t make me out to be a hero Anna, I’m not.
ANNA
Of course you are Nathan, you….
NATHAN
No, Anna. I’m not (Anna tries to cut in) I don’t want to talk about it anymore Anna. I’m going for a walk I’ll be back in a while.
Act 3 Scene 1
Lights up on ANNA and PETER. ANNA is preparing a drink at the mini bar, PETER is seated in the chair.
ANNA
Peter darling your father loves you; he didn’t mean what he said to you. He just a little stressed right now.
PETER (sarcastically)
Super observant mom.
ANNA
Oh well, I suppose he might not always act like he has our best interest in mind (pause) but he really does…..
PETER
Oh so watching you completely break down and doing nothing is looking out for our best interests, huh?
ANNA drops her cup and hastily stoops to pick it up
ANNA (hesitating)
Oh you.. you so that huh….
PETER (sarcastically)
Don’t tell me you didn’t see dear, old dad and me sitting there.
ANNA
Well um you see (ad lib various other similar things)
Door slams off stage
NATHAN (From off stage)
Hello? Is anybody home?
PETER
Oh look, now my day is complete.
(PETER leaves just as NATHAN walks in)
NATHAN
Was that Peter you were talking to?
(Door closes, quietly)
ANNA
Oh umm I don’t think... maybe?
NATHAN
Well what is it?
ANNA
I don’t… no …
NATHAN
Anna what’s happening to us? This money, this supposedly “good thing” is tearing our family apart. Did you know Peter hasn’t even touched the piano we bought for him? I thought he would play it all the time but no, you know something I don’t even know what he does now.
ANNA
Well I’m sure he has a perfectly good reason…..
NATHAN
How can you make excuses for him Anna? What’s happened to him… to us it’s not good Anna (he sinks into the chair), how could it possibly be good? (He puts his head in his hands)
ANNA says nothing, the two of them sit lost in there own thoughts separated as far as possible in their own sections of the stage for several seconds, possible diming of lights to represent the passage of more time)
Door bell rings, NATHAN looks up but does nothing ANNA just stares off into space.
Door bell rings again.
NATHAN (Getting up)
I’ll get it.
NATHAN exits, indistinguishable talk can be heard off stage
ANNA (To audience & herself)
He really is a good boy, a really good boy, right? He must be, I think…. And Nathan he has our best interest in mind. At least, he said he did…..
Door closes off stage, NATHAN void of all emotion walks over to the mini bar pours a drink and then sits in the chair.
ANNA (quietly)
Was it the post man?
NATHAN
No.
ANNA
Oh….
NATHAN says nothing, ANNA looks anywhere but where NATHAN is sitting, finally she speaks up
ANNA
Well was it…..
NATHAN (Interrupting her)
(angry)
No Anna! It wasn’t the milkman or Joan or any one of the other stupid shallow people you’ve mad friends with!
ANNA (Breaking in)
Will who was it?
NATHAN
You want to know who it was? Do you!
ANNA (afraid)
Will yes of course…
NATHAN
It was the police Anna… (to himself) the police…
ANNA
The police? Why?
NATHAN
Peter killed himself Anna
ANNA
NO I was just talking to him… (pointing at chair) he was right there he can’t be dead. He just can’t be….
NATHAN
He crashed his car Anna on the road up to were Susan is buried. I completely totaled the car. The couldn’t even Identify him tell one of his “friends” recognized him when his body was brought in.
ANNA (horrified)
No….
NATHAN
Why would a lie Anna? Tell me why.
ANNA
I don’t know but he can’t. I just spoke to him. Why would he do that?
NATHAN
No, Anna, you didn’t.
ANNA (Angry)
Yes I did! He was right there! (Pointing at stage apron)
NATHAN
Stop it Anna! The police officer said he’s been dead for several hours you couldn’t have spoken with him!
ANNA (shouting)
But why Nathan. Why would he do that?
NATHAN
I DON’T KNOW ANNA! (Quietly) I don’t know.
Neither move for several seconds. Then ANNA gets up and walks off stage and a door is slammed. NATHAN does nothing. The Stage goes dark except for a single spotlight shining on the family portrait above the mantel, before fading to darkness.
