In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 1
“In Your Dreams” A romantic comedy musical Based on A Midsummer-night’s dream by William Shakespeare.
Book by Rob Robson Music by Gary Wong Lyrics by Rob Robson Robso n & Gary Wong. 1
In your dreams
© Castabout
Act 1 Scene 1
productions 1998/1999/2000 1998/1999/2000
2
In your dreams
© Castabout
Act 1 Scene 1
productions 1998/1999/2000 1998/1999/2000
2
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 1
Summary of scenes: The place: Athens Park High School, and the river forest adjacent to the town. The time: The time: The present. (DS means played in front of the mid stage tab curtain, US means set behind, then played on the full stage.)
Act 1
Scene 1: (p4) practice at the school hall. Scene 2: (p15) later- The drama class gathers. Scene 3: (p20) forest at night. US Scene 4: (p28) Titania's bower. US Scene 5: (p30) in the forest- The lovers are lost. Scene 6: (p34) bower, later.- The rehearsal begins.
Act 2
Scene 1: (p42) later.- Puck's report & ensuing drama. Scene 2: (p54) forest, a bit later again near Titania's bower. Scene 3: (p57) at dawn.- The search continues. Scene 4: (p59) school- Only a day to go to the deb ball. Scene 5: (p61) school hall.- The big night at last! Scene 6: (p69)
Deb US The hall DS The river Queen Elsewhere US Titania's US The forest US The US The forest US Back at DS The US Finale
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In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 1
List of Musical numbers. Act 1
Page No.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
In our dreams. Debutantes 8, The course of true love. Alex and Emma 13, Ugly as a bear. Helen and debs 17, The ferals coming. Feral chorus 24, They must not meet. Puck and ferals 24, Ferals You’re Puck! 25, Oberon, Titania Dance off. (Instrumental/dance piece) & ferals 25, 8. Not for all the feral kingdom! Titania, Oberon & ferals 26, 9. Fetch me that flower. Oberon and Puck 28, 10. Did you get it? Oberon and Puck 30, 11. Lullaby. Queen's feral chorus 32, Oberon 12. Wake when something vile is near! 32, 13. Thirst for her. Puck 35, 14. Stick around. Puck 42, 15. The night is young. Bottom, Titania & her ferals 44,
Act 2 16. ferals
17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29.
Oberon, Puck & The Queen’s in love with a monster! 46, This is not the boy! Oberon and Puck 47, Lord what fools. Oberon and Puck 49, Helen, you’re the one. Darren, Alex and Helen 50, You’re a star. Helen, Emma, Alex & Darren 51, Bring on the mist. Oberon and Puck 54, Puck & ferals, Alex & Darren Chase sequence.(Instrumental) 55, Oberon and Puck One to go. 56, Jack will have Jill. Oberon and Puck 57, Nothing more than a dream. Oberon and Titania 58, Reprise - In our dreams. Debutante set & chorus 65, The Bergomask rap. The drama class 72, Finale. Full cast 72. Bows. Full cast 74.
4
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 1
ACT 1 - SCENE 1: A School Hall (Dress Curtain opens slightly, lights go down. A Voice over is heard)
Voice Principal, Mrs Thompson set.
Presenting the Athens Park High School Debutante
(Music cue, underscores the following dialogue. A piano begin a "Progressive Barn Dance" style accompaniment.) Our first debutante is Miss Rebecca Brown, partnered by Mr Frank Luvara. (A girl and her partner enter the spotlight centre opening. She curtsies unsteadily, he gazes around, holding her hand tentatively. She is dressed in a windcheater, high heels and jeans, with a long puffy petticoat pulled over them; in other words, in deb practice gear. He is wearing a footy jumper, shorts and an outrageous pair of dress shoes. They move to stand uncomfortably to one side of the curtain opening, staring straight out at the audience. A second couple, dressed in a similar way, walk stiffly through the curtain opening, into the spotlight.) Next we present Miss Juliana Fay, partnered by Mr Steven Trebilcock.
Steve Juliana
(addressing the unseen announcer) That's Trebilco, mate! Steve! Shh! She's the Principal! (As she turns to say this, Juliana stumbles in her curtsy and falls backwards. As she does so, she pulls on Steve's hand and he spins to find himself hovering over her, legs astride.)
Female voice (Miss Hippoliades) Stop! (music stops) Come on everyone! We've only got a week to get this right! (The curtain opens fully and the lights come up to reveal the whole deb set, in position for their "presentation dance". At the microphone at one side is the Principal, Mrs Thompson; it was her voice earlier. With a clip board at the other side is teacher Miss Hippoliades - Hers was the female voice. Steve and Juliana struggle to their correct position.)
Miss Hipp
Let's try the dance. Remember it's "step-step-rock-rock, out-in-out-inspin". Give it another try..., thank you Glenice. (nods to the pianist) (Music begins. Barn dance rhythm. The group now sing as they stiffly go into their dance routine. It is notable that one of the girls in the formation is dancing alone with an imaginary partner.)
5
In your dreams
Music 1
Act 1 Scene 1
"In our dreams" The debutante set.
All
Step, step, rock, rock,
Frank
(spoken sarcastically to Steve.)" Evening Mr TrebilCOCK!"
All Steve
Out, in, out and spin. (to Frank.)" Why don’t you wipe that stupid grin!"
All
Slide, slide, slide, we float and glide, Then we go around again.
Frank
"I can’t do this crap!"
Miss Hipp
(yells) " Just do it again!!"
All Juliana All Rebecca All
Miss Hipp
Step, step, rock, rock, (to Steve) "Hey, get off my frock!" Out, in, out and spin, (to Frank) "Ow! You stepped on my shin!" Side by side we turn and turn, When are we ever gonna learn? (yells) "Come on you lot!"
Girls
We’re dressing up in silk and lace,
Boys
We’re fixing up our ugly face,
Girls
We’re dressing up in white and creams,
All
Looking lovely, In our dreams tonight. (song stops.)
Frank
"Come on Glenice, let’s put a bit of life into it hey!" (The pianist responds, faster pace, driving country rock. The whole thing goes into a line dance version, ala “Achey breaky heart.”)
All
Step! Step! Rock! Rock! Out! In! Out! In! Slide! Slide! Slide! Around the floor we float and glide........, We’re dressing up in silk and lace, We’re moving round with charm and grace, We’re dressing up in white and creams, And looking lovely, 6
In your dreams
Mrs Hipp All
Act 1 Scene 1
" 5,6,7,8!" We’re gonna make the social scene, We’re gonna be like kings and queens, Looking lovely, In our dreams tonight....., We’re looking lovely, In our dreams tonight!
End of song (They all end up in assorted bedraggled poses- not exactly a crisp finish!)
..Frank
How was that Miss Hippoliades? Pretty cool eh?
Miss Hipp
Ok, settle down. Yes it was pretty cool, but not the way it's going to be done on Friday! Now take a break and we'll try it again in five minutes. (The kids break away, some stay on stage, but most leave.) Helen...., (to the girl who danced without a partner) could I see you please? (she comes over) How's your cousin's leg?
Helen
It's broken, Miss.
Miss Hipp
So he won't be able to be your deb partner now?
Helen
No Miss....., but it's ok, I've got someone else....sort of.
Miss Hipp
Sort of?
Helen
It's alright, honest. It's all arranged. I'll have a partner by Friday! (she runs off)
(comes over) It's only four days to the ball. Do you think any of Mrs Thompson them are going to be ready in time? I've invited all the other local Principals and the Mayor. I don' want them to think my school can't run a decent deb ball.
Miss Hipp
Don't panic Mrs Thompson, they'll be fine. Don't think of it as four days; think of it as four days and nights. We'll run extra practices if necessary. How are the other arrangements going?
(checks her clipboard) Well the music is under control, the Mrs Thompson caterer's booked and I've asked the drama class to see if they can organise some extra entertainment; a couple of skits or something.
Miss Hipp
Skits? Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean..... (They are interrupted as Mrs Edge enters with her daughter, Emma, held firmly by the arm. Two young men, Alex and Darren, follow.) 7
In your dreams
Mrs Edge
Act 1 Scene 1
Mrs Thompson, I'm so glad I've caught you. I have to speak to you.
Mrs Egde! And Emma.... did you miss practice Emma? What Mrs Thompson seems to be the problem? Can I help?
Mrs Edge
I hope so. It's this daughter of mine. She makes me so angry!
Mrs Thompson Mrs Edge
Oh? What's wrong?..
Wrong? Listen. (to Emma) You just stand there. Now,... step forward Darren. This is the young man Emma should be doing her deb with.
(checks her clipboard) Yes, Darren Crocker, our school captain; Mrs Thompson that's what I've got down here.
Mrs Edge
Ahh! Well.....Alex! Alex Stephanos, come here! (Alex steps forward) This boy has been hanging around Emma, filling her head with silly talk! (Alex goes to say something) No, no! Don't interrupt! I know all about your little presents, your poems.....,
Darren
Poems?!
Mrs Edge
Yes, don't say you haven't because I know all about it. (she holds up Emma's hand revealing a ring) He gave her this! Now she won't listen to her mother's advice. She won't accept my choice of a suitable boy.
Emma
You've chosen Darren?
Mrs Edge
Yes, and he's a very nice young man.
Emma
Then you be his partner and I can do my deb with Alex!
Mrs Edge
Emma! (to Mrs Thompson) You see what I mean? She's so stubborn!
Mrs Thompson Mrs Edge
Mrs Edge, how can I help you in this?
There must be something in the school rules? Couldn't you keep her in detention?
Well, not really...., but Emma, all the place-mats have been Mrs Thompson printed. You're down as being partnered by Darren. You can't suddenly have a new partner. It will look so messy!
Miss Hipp
Emma, it's only for one night. Darren's a really nice boy.
Emma
(goes and takes Alex by the arm) So is Alex!
Mrs Edge
Right! (separates them and takes her well away from Alex) That's it! If I can't get any help from the school, I've no choice. You'll either do what I tell you, or I will be pulling you out of this school altogether!
Emma
What? 8
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 1
Mrs Edge
I'll put you somewhere where you'll have a bit more discipline. I'll send you to a private boarding school!
Emma
A boarding school?
Mrs Edge
An all girls' boarding school!
That may be a bit drastic, Mrs Edge. Emma is one of our best Mrs Thompson students.
Miss Hipp
(takes Emma aside) Look Emma, why don't you listen to your mother? I mean, she's only thinking of you. She loves you, she cares about you and she'll send you off to a boarding school if you don't do as she says.
Emma
I wish she could see things from my point of view.
Miss Hipp
I don't know if you have a lot of choice.
Mrs Edge
No choice at all! (pause... Emma appears to have calmed down a little. She turns to Alex.)
Emma
Darren
I'm sorry Alex. I don't think I'm cut out for the rest of my school days to be spent locked up like a nun. Yeah.., it could be habit forming! (he laughs alone)
Emma
(rounding on him) Geez you're so gross Darren! To think, anyone would even consider a dork like you for a deb partner!
Mrs Edge
Emma!
Mrs Thompson
Think it over Emma.
Darren
Yeah, think it over Em. And think about being with me at the deb ball.
Emma
You know what? I'm thinking the boarding school's starting to sound attractive!
Darren
I reckon in a tux and bow tie I'd be a bit of a turn on!
Mrs Edge
I think Darren would be a perfect partner, Emma.
Alex
(to Darren) You obviously turn her mother on!
Darren
Huh?
Alex
It's simple Daz mate. Emma likes me, her mother likes you. I'll go with Emma and you go with her mother!
Mrs Edge
How dare you! What are you suggesting?
9
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 1
Alex
Look Mrs Edge, what's so good about Darren Crocker? What's he got that I haven't? How come he's ok to take Emma and I'm not? I've got a part-time job too, I'm as good as he is...., and besides, have you heard about him and Helen Nedda?
Darren
What?
Alex
Remember Helen Nedda? Remember the school trip? You fancied her then.
Darren
Did not!
Alex
And she's still stupid for you, and you know it.
Mrs Thompson yet? Miss Hipp
Helen Nedda? Isn't she the one who hasn't got a deb partner
Yes, that's her. I remember now. Helen and Darren on the Central Australia trip.
Alex
Sunset at Ayers Rock.
Emma
Sunrise at Coober Pedy!
Darren
Who says? That's just a rumour!
I must admit, I did hear some talk after the excursion. Mrs Edge, Mrs Thompson would you come along to my office? I think we need to discuss this in private. Miss Hippoliades, would you check the changing rooms please? Darren, Emma, Alex, we've got four days. I want this deb ball to go smoothly. There's a lot more than fundraising at stake here you know. Let's get this sorted out.., yes? (Mrs Thompson, Miss Hippoliades and Mrs Edge leave. Darren, Emma and Alex remain, standing around for a moment looking uncomfortable.)
Alex
(moves to side of stage) Hey Darren, look out! Here comes Helen now!
Darren
Geez! I'm outta here! (He hurries off the other side)
Emma
It is really?
Alex
No, not really. Pretty funny though!
Emma
You're mean to her you know.
Alex
Got rid of him though, didn't it.
Emma
I suppose so. Oh Alex.., what are we going to do?
(music cue) 10
In your dreams Music 2
Act 1 Scene 1
"The course of true love" Emma and Alex. (the following lines spoken over the intro)
Emma
"I guess we're not the first to be in a mess like this."
Alex
" And we won't be the last."
Emma
Alex
Both
Emma Both
(sings) And isn't this, just the way it goes? You get a thistle not a rose, And all the songs they say the same, The course of true love, never did run smooth. And isn't this, a familiar line? There are mountains to be climbed, Can't build a bridge to reach the moon, The course of true love, never did run smooth, Never did run smooth. And it's always been the same, Too many rules to play this star-crossed game.
Emma
You're too old,
Alex
You're too young,
Emma
Have to wait,
Alex
The timing's wrong,
Emma
Different lives,
Alex Both
The gulf's too wide, And we just can't bridge the distance....., Swift as a shadow, short as any dream, Hearts on fire, but something comes between, They're just different stories but the same old theme, Lovers divided, And a golden rule..., The course of true love, never did run smooth, Never did run..... Smooth.
End of song Emma
But it's not the way I wanted it to be like.
Alex
Me too... (he thinks for a moment) Wait a minute. I've just had a great idea!
Emma
What is it?
Alex
We can get out of this!
Emma
Serious? 11
In your dreams Alex
Act 1 Scene 1
Yeah, I should of thought of it sooner!
Emma
Well? Don't keep me in suspense!
Alex
Look, what would happen if you just disappeared for a few days?
Emma
Disappeared?
Alex
Went bush.
Emma
My mum would freak!
Alex
And...?
Emma
She'd call the police.
Alex
And...?
Emma
She'd be really worried about me. She'd get really scared and upset and.... oh, I see what you mean.
Alex
And when you eventually turn up safe...
Emma
She'd be so glad to see me...
Alex
And feel so bad about giving you such a hard time...
Emma
That she'd give in to whatever I asked for!
Alex
And if I just happened to be the daring young rescuer?
Emma Alex
She'd be really grateful and she'd see you as the terrific guy you really are. ..... and want me to be your partner on Friday night.
Emma
...and see me afterwards, and...whatever..... But how will we do it?
Alex
(shocked.., his mind was elsewhere!) Do it?
Emma
You know... Disappear into the bush for couple of days?
Alex
Oh that! Well I know a place down near the river. We could hide out there. It's an old fishing shack, hardly anyone uses it. Any chance of getting away tonight?
Emma
As soon as I get home, I could sneak out.
Alex
Well, meet me at the bridge, at the back of the footy oval, down at the edge of the state forest.
Emma
That forest scares me to death! Especially at night.
Alex
Don't worry, I'll be with you.
Emma
Oh..., alright. It's a date. 12
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 1
Alex
Don't tell anyone! Just bring a doona and some warm clothes. I'll bring some food.
Emma
(embraces him) Alex you're brilliant! (Helen enters, spots the others in an embrace and doesn't quite know what to do.)
Helen
Oh, sorry. I didn't see you there. Don't let me interrupt.
Emma
(breaks off from Alex) Oh hi Helen. No, no, you're not interrupting anything....... much. You look, er... nice. (in her deb petticoat, jeans etc..)
Helen
Nice? What's nice? No wonder Darren won't even look my way. I've seen the way he looks at you. (demonstrates) I wish he stared at me that way. Ever since that underground tunnel at Coober Pedy!
Alex
Why? What happened?
Helen
I don't want to talk about it, ok? I mean, what's wrong with me? (to Emma) I walk the way you do, I talk like you, I even try to sing like you. But Darren doesn't want to know. What do you do to him?
Emma
I don't know! I ignore him and pull faces at him, but he follows me around all the time.
Helen
I haven't tried pulling faces at him. Do you think it would work? (she pulls a particularly unattractive face at Alex. He flinches back.)
Emma
I've tried calling him rude names and insulting him, but he's still running after me.
Helen
I've tried calling him sweetie and honey chunks, but he's still running away from me!
Emma
Helen, if you'd just have a bit more confidence in yourself, maybe you could win him around. The way Darren Crocker acts towards you is not my fault. Believe me, Helen; it's as much of a problem for me!
Helen
Your only problem is you're so good looking. I wish I had your problems!
Emma
No, you wouldn't want my problems.
Helen
What do you mean? What's wrong?
Emma
Can you keep a secret?
Helen
A secret? What is it?
Alex
Emma! Shh!
Emma
It's alright, she won't tell. You see Alex and me, we're running away for a bit. 13
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 1
Helen
For a bit of what?
Emma
Not for a bit of anything!
Alex
Emma's going to hide out in the forest for a few days. Then when everyone starts feeling really guilty for trying to force her to do the deb with Darren, I'm going to be the hero and rescue her.
Helen
You're not doing your deb with Darren?
Emma
Not if I can help it.
Helen
Fantastic! Where are you gonna hide?
Emma
In the bush. Alex knows a place.
Helen
But won't your mum be worried about you?
Emma
That's the idea. After a couple of days stewing, she'll be so glad to see me she'll let me do whatever I want!
Helen
Mmmm,...(doubtful) interesting plan!
Emma
It's one of Alex's.
Helen
(to Alex, slightly sarcastic) You're a real brain aren't you Alex!
Emma
Well, I'd better get going. If I hurry, I can catch up with mum and Mr Thompson and set this up just right.
Alex
So, I'll.... er.... see you later? Down at the bridge behind the footy ground?
Emma
See you ..... later. (Alex goes to kiss her. She evades him and blows him a kiss instead)
Emma
Later!.... Honey chunks! (laughs) (to Helen) "For a bit of what!" Gee you're awful!! (Emma exits, still laughing.)
Alex
Don't worry Helen. Like Em says, you'll win Darren around. What about some of that Central Oz magic eh? (Alex exits.)
Helen
Central Oz magic! What do they know? He held my hand all the way to the top of Ayers Rock. Then I realised it was only because he was scared of falling off! One look at Emma and... (makes "falling in love" mime gesture) Blind cupid! Pah! I'm just as good looking as she is. ..... Aren't I? (takes a little make-up mirror out of her bag) Oh god, who am I kidding? 14
In your dreams
Music 3
Act 1 Scene 1
"Ugly as a bear" Helen and debutantes.
Helen
I'm as ugly as a bear God you know it’s so unfair, And my life is full of sorrow ‘cos I’ll be, Still looking like this tomorrow. I’m as ugly as a bear can be, Oh please tell me why, No-one loves an ugly girl like me. And I’m feeling so.........un-kissable, And men are all so critical. Cos when it comes to me, All they see is, Someone who’s not very much like Elle McPherson, oh, I’m as ugly as a bear can be, Why should it be that, No-one loves an ugly girl like me.
Chorus of other debsShe’s as ugly as a bear, (Small group of ugly We love to poke fun at her, sister types!! And it’s hard for her to swallow, she won’t be, ..black teeth etc) Looking beautiful like us tomorrow, She’s as ugly as a bear can be, And it’s sad but true, That no-one loves an ugly girl like you. Helen
Other debs Helen
Helen
And I’m feeling, so....... invisible. And men are so impossible. Cos when it comes to me, They look right through me, Oh, I’m as ugly as a bear can be........, No Romeo to hold me tight, You’ll never be no-body’s wife, And when they say there goes that ugly bear......, They’re looking at me!
End of song I know what I'll do. I'm going to find Darren right now, and I'm going to tell him Emma's running off with Alex. Then he'll go after them, and he'll be so cheesed off with her........, and so grateful that I was the one who warned him..., that he'll..., Alex, you're not the only one who can come up with good plans! I think I might even go into the forest with him. What have I got to lose? "Central Oz magic"? What about a bit of "midnight forest" magic instead!! (she exits.) END OF ACT 1 SCENE 1
15
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 2
ACT 1 SCENE 2: The hall a bit later. The drama class gathers. (The main curtain closes, the following scene is done downstage in front of the curtain. Enter Miss Peta Quince, the school drama teacher. She applied to get into NIDA 49 times, before landing the drama teacher job! The drama class has been invited to perform a small piece to showcase the performing arts program at the coming deb ball. She carries a clipboard and is followed by 5 students. Nick Bottom, Frankie Flute, Leon Snug, Robyn Starveling and Rosie Snout.)
Miss Quince Come on, come on everyone! Now are we all here? Nick Bottom Call the roll Miss. Miss Quince Thank you Nick! I know what to do to find out who’s present. I am drama trained you know. Now I’ve got a list here of every student in the school... Nick
(interrupting ) What..., every student?!
Miss Quince If.. you’ll let me finish!! Every student in the school who’s interested in being in the deb ball skit . (they all crowd around to see.) I know it’s a bit of a disappointing list. (there are about 5 names. Undeterred she continues.) Disappointing in length, but not in quality! Right then, let’s get on with it. Answer when I call your name. Nick
Hey Miss Quince.
Miss Quince What is it now Nick! Nick
Well I just thought it might be better if you told us what the skit was about and then called the role eh?!
Miss Quince Look! Who’s the trained teacher around here, hmm? (they all look around in different directions straining to see) Alright. Very funny! Now..., I’ve found something really suited to a deb ball. Rosie
What? Grease?
Frankie
Scream 2?
Miss Quince No! It’s a piece I read in third year. It’s called .. “the most lamentable comedy and most cru-el death of Pyramus and Thisbe.” Robyn
(laughs ) Say, what?!
Miss Quince Well..., it’s not very well known, not many people have heard of it. It’s a piece for connoisseurs! Robyn
For what?
Nick
I've heard of it! 16
In your dreams Frankie
Act 1 Scene 2
For wankers!
Miss Quince Not many people have read it. Nick
I've read it!
Others
(Groan!)
Nick
No.., it's really good, it's really effluent..., like..er.. poetic, all about a Pyramid and a frisbee.
Miss Quince If I could get back to the roll call.... Nick
Yeah! Sure! You're the trained drama teacher!
Miss Quince Thank you. Now, Nick Bottom, you're here.... Nick
Sure am! What part do you want me to do?
Miss Quince Nick, I want you to play the part of Pyramus. (She gives him a script and continues. He looks at the script but acts confused.) Frankie Flute? Frankie
Here!
Nick
(interrupts) Ah, look, I have read the play...., but it was quite a while ago. What's Pyramid? The hero?
Miss Quince (corrects him) Pyramus is the main romantic character. He kills himself for love...... Nick
Kills himself! You beauty! That'll give me a chance to do some really expeditionary acting. Talk about "Titanic!" Leonardo Di Cappuccino eat your heart out! This'll be a three hanky job.(to Miss Quince) Go on..., do the roll call.
Miss Quince Frankie Flute? Frankie
Here Miss.....,
Nick
(interrupts again) It's a pity it's not a villain but. I play a really good bad guy. You remember last Christmas? When we did the nativity play and I played the part of the Terminator? How'd it go again? (a la Arnie) "Hasta la vista baby... Jesus. Don't worry Mary, I'll be back." Gee that went down well. The audience went ape! (to Miss Quince) Go on Miss. Do the roll thing.....
Miss Quince (between gritted teeth) Thank you! Now, Frankie F....... Nick
(interrupts again!) I reckon I'm the best at being the tough guy. I'll have to work on the lover routine. (He goes into a pose as if smooching an invisible tango partner.)
Miss Quince (suddenly loses it) IF YOU LIVE!! 17
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 2
(Nick snaps out of his pose and shuts up, but you can tell behind the facade he is still going through it in his mind.)
Miss Quince Now then,......Frank. Frankie
Yes Miss.
Miss Quince Frank, I want you to extend your acting range a bit. (Nick looks up at this.) I've tried to cast you outside the parts you usually play. I want you to play Thisbe. (She hands him his script.) Frankie
Thisbe? (looking at the script for clues) Who's Thisbe? A wandering road warrior?
Miss Quince No. Thisbe is..., well, Thisbe is the woman Pyramus is in love with. Frankie
A woman? Geez, don't make me play a woman! Can't one of the girls do that part? Look, I've got a beard coming!
Miss Quince That doesn't matter. It will be covered up with the make-up...... Frankie
Make-up? You're kidding!
Miss Quince And I want you to speak in a really feminine voice. Nick
(interrupts) What about extending my range a bit? I could put on makeup. Let me play Pyramus and Thisbe. I can do a really good feminist voice. Listen.....(as Thisbe) Pyramus? Wherefore are you Pyramus? (as Pyramus) Oh, Thisbe my dear. (as Thisbe) Pyramus? (as Pyramus) Oh, Thisbe. (goes into his tango smooching routine with himself.)
Miss Quince No! (calmer) No.. you just play Pyramus, and Frankie, you play Thisbe...right? Nick
It was just a suggestion. Go on, you're the trained drama teacher!
Miss Quince Exactly. Now then, Robyn Starveling? Robyn
(steps up) Yes Miss?
Miss Quince Robyn, you can be Thisbe's mother. (gives her a script) Rosie Snout? Rosie
(steps up) Yes Miss?
Miss Quince You can be Pyramus's mother. (gives her a script) I'll be Thisbe's father and.... er, let's see, (Leon is obviously the only one still waiting anxiously for his part) ... oh yes. Leon Snug, you can be the lion. (she doesn't give him a script.) Nick
Oh..., (laughs at the joke he is about to deliver) Leon's got the "mane" part... get it? The "mane" part....., the lion's mane?!! 18
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 2
(blank faces all round)
Leon
Miss have you got my copy of the script? It's just it takes me a while to learn and the sooner I get it the sooner......
Miss Quince It's ok Leon, there's no lines to learn. The lion's part is only roaring. You can improvise. Nick
Can I be the lion as well? I can do a great roar. You want to hear it? It's really fellatious! Listen..... (He lets loose a huge roar that scares the tripe out of Leon.)
Miss Quince Nick!.... Leon, settle! Nick, if you do that at the deb ball, there'll be a stampede! Robyn Frankie Nick Frankie Nick
Yeah, we'll get dropped. Kicked out! You're probably right. It'll scare the pants off the ladies. (excited at the concept) Do you reckon? Yeah.. but look, I could extravagate my voice a bit. I could roar like a sparrow. (he demonstrates.)
Miss Quince (loses it again) LOOK! You're not roaring; not like a sparrow, not like anything! YOU'RE PYRAMUS! (Nick responds by going off all sulky. The others go over to Miss Quince and try to get her to do a bit of smoothing over.)
Miss Quince (she relents) I mean, Pyramus is handsome...., and strong, ...and virile, and that's why I want you to play Pyramus. (pause)
Nick
Well, if you put it like that, I'll do it! (sighs of relief all round. Then out of nowhere) What colour beard should I do it in?
Miss Quince What? Nick
I could do it in a long black beard,.... or a red one...., or how about a BLUE one?
Miss Quince Nick! You don't need a beard. Nick
Virile?
Miss Quince NO beards! (turns to the others) Now you've all got your scripts? (All nod excitedly . Leon shakes his head, still looking for his.) 19
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 2
Miss Quince Improvise Leon. First rehearsal is tomorrow night. We can't get near the school hall, so I've booked the space in the outdoor amphitheatre, down near the river. You all make sure you learn your lines and I'll organise some props and bits and pieces of costume. Nick
Ok everyone.... down by the river and learn your bits and pieces. This is going to be a truly "obscene" play!
Miss Quince We'll meet at 7.30, before it gets dark..... Nick
Before dark everyone........
Miss Quince Nick! Who's in charge here? Nick
Well you're the trained drama teacher Miss! Don't you know? Let's go! (All exit leaving Miss Quince, who follows.)
END OF ACT 1 SCENE 2
20
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 3
ACT 1 SCENE 3: The Riverland bush, near Athens Park. (The main curtain opens to reveal a moonlit bushland scene. In the undergrowth, signs of human contamination: cans, bottles, rubbish etc. It is summer, but rain and cold deny the season. Music begins to set the eerie mood. Out of the shadows emerge a group of Queen Titania's "ferals". They are cleaning up the rubbish.)
Music 4
"Ferals coming" Titania's ferals.
Ferals
Over muddy hills, over broken fences, Through the tangled bush, through the tearing wire, Dogs are barking....(owwwwww... ie wolf howl) No-one senses the Ferals coming, Spirit tenses through the foaming flood, Through the roaring fire. But out of summer, Spills winter’s chilling dances....... Here we serve, the Feral Queen. Work to keep the forest green. Faster than the shadowed moon, Morning’s coming all too soon.............. Morning’s coming all too soon.............. Morning’s coming all too soon..............
Song segues into next. (Puck enters as they finish.)
Music 5
"They must not meet" Puck and ferals.
Puck
Ferals! (they all go to hide) Freeze! (by his gesture, he holds them in a freeze.) What's your mission? (he releases them)
Queens Ferals
We’re clearing a space, Fixing this place, We’re mending where men have been. We’re preparing the way for the Feral Queen.
Puck
Queen Titania?
Ferals
She’s the one, She’ll be here at the set of the sun.
Puck
Well if that’s the case, There’s sure gonna be some fun! ‘Cos the Feral King, Lord Oberon, he comes tonight, So lookout Queen Titania. And if she dares to show her face, She won’t be pleased to see 21
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 3
My Lord and master. Puck
At moonrise he’ll be here tonight. He’s come to claim her native child, And if the Queen won’t give him up, There’s gonna be a big disaster!
Ferals
She mustn’t see him, There’s been no healing, All the spirits are in disarray, Now all the seasons, They have no reason, While the King and the Queen feel this way.
Puck
Well, that’s the truth, So my advice is tell your precious Queen, To stay away!!
(The ferals recoil, but recover as some begin to recognise him)
Song segues into next.
Music 6
"You're Puck!" Puck and ferals.
Ferals
You work for Oberon, you say?
Puck
I work for no-one but myself!
Ferals
He must be Oberon’s slave!
Puck
Who’s says?
Ferals
It’s true, and we know what you do! You’re the one who rots your teeth inside! And the one who makes the cows run dry! You’re Puck! Mad Puck! The one who’s plain bad luck!
End of song. Puck
Well alright! Yes, I am that merry wanderer of the night But you don’t know the half of it!! (goes to continue but heavy guitar cuts across.)
Music 7
"Dance off!" Puck, Titania, Oberon & ferals. (Crash guitar chord 1.)
Mustardseed What was that? (Crash guitar chord 2.)
Puck
Make room ferals, here comes Oberon!
22
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 3
(Crash guitar chord 3 with chimes.)
Appleblossom
(goes and looks) Bad timing, it’s Titania!
(Thunder clap!) Heads down!!!
All
(All exit hurriedly.)
(Rock eisteddfod type dance piece) (The music begins to change as they all scuttle off, then a group of Ferals who attend the Queen enter, sort of like an advance party for Titania. Her Ferals are dainty, environmental friendly/greenies if you like. They dance elegantly, establishing their style and presence, before heavy drums begin, followed by guitar, as Puck and a couple of his cohorts take over the stage to briefly establish their presence. Puck and Oberon’s Ferals are punkish, “Mad Max” types. There is a short confrontational dance - sort of a competition between them and the queen’s Ferals Just as it looks like Puck and co. will dominate..., Titania herself arrives, perhaps with a few more of her Ferals attending. It’s a big pr ocessional entrance, and her presence makes Puck draw back. Just as it looks like Titania has won, there is a sense of foreboding and then a huge burst of light/smoke/thunderclap. A horde of Oberon’s Ferals rush to the middle, and Puck and his small band fall in with them joining in the tribal chant, as Oberon himself finally arrives! Now the final dance-off between the two opposing sides begins. They finish breathless facing each other defiantly!)
End of dance (After applause crest, next piece begins.)
Music 8
"Not for all the feral kingdom!" Titania, Oberon & ferals.
Oberon
Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania!
Titania
What’s wrong Lord Oberon, Jealous? You look tired dear, ..what’s the matter? Not up to it any more? Or just worn out? Huh!! Come on ferals, I’ve given up on his company, Not to mention his bed!
Oberon
Hey! Not so fast..., you come back here and answer me, Am I not your lord and your master?
Titania
My lord and master? Oh that’s good, if you are, Then I must be your lady and mistress...., And your only mistress!!
Her ferals
Oooo.....! 23
In your dreams Oberon
Titania Titania
Oberon
Act 1 Scene 3
Meaning?
Meaning, My ferals saw you singing, some stupid love poems, To that strumpet foreign spirit, Who makes people fall in love with town gardens full of roses...., And flowering shrubberies! Me? In love with cottage gardens?
Her ferals
And flowering shrubberies!
Oberon
Come on! And anyway wench, you should talk! How can you accuse me of messing around, When I’ve seen you brushing cheeks, With that spirit who encourages people to clear our land....., And plant wheat and lucerne!
Titania
That’s a lie!
Oberon
Is it?
Titania
You know it is!
His ferals
Wheat and lucerne!
Oberon
This can’t go on you know.
Titania
I know! Can’t you see that,
Both
Everything is out of season, because we fight. There’s midwinter droughts and midsummer floods, The seasons change their clothes. And diseases are all around us, The animals starve in their holes, And all this evil, is in our name, And everybody knows that you’re to blame!
Oberon
So tell me, precious Queen, what will you do? The solution it lies with you,
Titania
With me? How?
Oberon
That native child, the one you keep in your bower, Just give him up to me and all will be fixed.
Titania
Fixed?! Huh!! To be your servant? Don’t you know who he is? Come on ferals, give your King an education!
Her ferals
His mother was the Queen’s special servant, His father an Arabian night, But she being mortal, died giving birth, Now the Queen is all he has and she will never ever part with him....!
Titania
Not for all the Feral Kingdom!!
Oberon
But Titania, it’s so little to ask.., 24
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 3
Her ferals
Not for all the Feral Kingdom!
Titania
He will never be your slave!
Her ferals
Not for all the Feral Kingdom!
Oberon
But please Titania, be reasonable!
Her ferals
Not for all the Feral Kingdom!
Titania
Come ferals let’s get away, for if I stay I may remember.....,
(Song stops, she speaks.) That I once found this....., ageing hippy vaguely attractive!
End of song (She exits with her entourage, while Oberon is too shocked by her insult to react.) (After applause crest, next piece begins.)
Music 9
"Fetch me that flower" Oberon and Puck.
Oberon
She will not get away with that! She will suffer for her insults, she will not get far from this river bank, Before I...., get my revenge...., and her precious native child. Come Puck....., my obedient servant....., I have a small job for you!
(The following spoken under drum beat and riff. He grabs Puck by the ear drawing him closer.) Do you remember how we sat and watched the sky, And heard the splash of leaping Perch along this bank?
Puck Oberon
Which bank?
) gentle Puck! Take care..... (grabs him harder
Puck
Aagh! I remember.....,
Oberon
I knew you would Then you will also remember I saw a spray of shooting stars that split the night, falling like a crash of crystal in the trees.
Puck
You did? Were you smoking something at the time?
Oberon
Just listen fool!
(Oberon sings from here on, Puck speaks.) Where those stars struck the earth, A little flower grew, Pure white, with a purple heart, Glittering with morning dew. Puck
I know the one! 25
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 3
Oberon
Well, fetch me that flower.
Puck
What do you want it for?
Oberon
It has a special power! It’s juice dropped into the eyes of one asleep, Will make them awake and fall head over heels in love......, With the first live creature that they see!
Puck
It’s as good as yours my lord. Come on ferals, help me find it! (exits)
Oberon
And when I’ve got this flower’s juice, I’ll watch the Queen and when she sleeps, Then I’ll drop the liquor in her eyes....., And when she wakes, the next thing she sees, Be it a bull or a bear or a bandicoot, she will chase it with the soul of love! And before I take the charm off, as I can with other flowers, I’ll make her surrender up her precious little child to me......., Ah, she’ll regret the day she dared cross me!
(hears a noise off stage, speaks the rest over chords.) But who comes here? (he goes to hide) What am I doing? I’m invisible to them. I’ll just see what they’re up to. (He goes to one side to observe.)
End of song (Darren and Helen enter. The scene moves downstage.)
Darren
Would you stop following me! Why don't you leave me alone? Where's Alex? Where's Emma? You told me they'd come along this path. (She snuggles up to him.)
Helen
They will, ......eventually.
Darren
No... get away. Stop coming so close!
Helen
Can't you see I'm drawn to you?
Darren
Huh?
Helen
(Pulls out a "Mills & Boon" novel and quotes from it.) “You are my magnet and I'm drawn to you because I am ...... (checks the book) because I am as true as steel!"
Darren
You sound more like a rusty gate! Look ... do I give you any encouragement? Do I say these things just to tease you? I'm not playing hard to get! (he prises her fingers off his arm) No! in plain, simple words ... I don't love you! I don't even like you.
Helen
That's not what you said in Coober Pedy!
Darren
(shouts) It is what I said in Coober Pedy! 26
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 3
Helen
Oh .... you're so powerful when you shout! Shout at me again. It's such a turn on!
Darren
(whispers) Go away!
Helen
Let me be your puppy! Let me be like your little dog. Just let me hang around you.
Darren
Dog?
Helen
I won't mind if you push me around..., if you neglect me, lose me..., forget to feed me. Honest Darren, let me be your little puppy wuppy.
Darren
Helen you're making my stomach turn.
Helen
And you give me butterflies in mine. It must be love! (attaches herself to him again..... he shrugs her off.)
Darren
(a new tack) Aren't you taking a big risk here with me? You come here to this dark, empty, lonely place. Alone...with me. Don't you know what could happen?
Helen
(throws herself spread-eagled on her back on the ground) No..., (feigns innocence) what could happen?
Darren
Well..., er.. lots of stuff.
Helen
(sits up, back to the "Mills & Boon") "When I look into your eyes, it isn't dark or night. When I'm with you, I'm not alone. (drags herself towards him as she reads) When I feel your manhood I'm....."
Darren
Oh struth...., I'm outta here! (he leaves)
Helen
(tosses the book away) Bum! That didn't work. (shouts off) Don't you recognise romance when you hear it? (to herself as she stands) Go on, run and hide. I'll find you. My mum always told me it was men who chased women. Oh well.......who cares. (she goes off) Darren..... oh Darren. (harshly) DARREN! Here I come....I'll find you.... (she exits) (Music begins as Oberon, who has been watching all this, comes forward.)
Music 10
"Did you get it?" Oberon and Puck.
Oberon
Don't you worry fair maiden, before you leave this wood, That scornful youth, well he’ll be chasing you! (Puck enters) Once I have the love juice, I will use it on him too, Now tell me faithful spirit, did you do what I told you? 27
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 3
Oberon
Now did you get it?
Puck
"That lover’s juice?"
Oberon
Did you get it?
Puck
"I searched high and low!"
Oberon
Did you get it?
Puck
"Is this the one?"
Oberon
That’s it! Now give it to me!
Puck
My lord, there’s something else I saw, While I was on my quest, I wonder if it’s something you can guess?
Oberon
"Don’t play games!"
Puck
Overgrown with violets near an ancient tree, Making up her bower bed, I saw the feral queen!
Oberon
You know that’s perfect! Puck
Oberon
So perfect!
Oberon
That’s just so perfect!
Puck
Oberon
Puck
"And her ferals too!" "All sleeping soon,"
By the lighted moon, They’re all preparing there, The queen’s ready for slumber, She dances there, All wrapped up in a rainbow skin, with flowers in her hair. Then I’ll streak her eyes, and when she wakes, She’ll live out her nightmares in full! But I have another job for you, This time go looking for a poor mortal girl........., A sad girl who’s been rejected in love! She’s been rejected in love, Like me she’s been rejected! A sad girl she’s been rejected in love, Then seek out the boy, Who has scorned her for her love! Now somewhere in this wood you’ll find this hateful youth, You’ll recognise him by the clothes he wears, Wait for him to sleep then pour some juice into his eyes, But make sure she’s the first one that he sees when he awakes,
Oberon
Now can you do it?
Puck
"Are you kidding me?"
Oberon
Can you do it?
Puck
"My lord, it’s me!"
Oberon
Now can you do it?
Puck
"Too easy!"!
Oberon
Then go, be on your way! (Oberon exits.)
Puck
Don’t you worry my master, The job’s as good as done, ‘Cos I’m not some ordinary spirit you’re asking....., Hey, I’m Puck! Devilish Puck! 28
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 3
For I am that merry wanderer....., "And I can do anything!" ‘Cos I’m Puck! (Puck exits)
End of song END OF ACT 1 SCENE 3
29
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 4
ACT 1 SCENE 4: Titania's bower. (Music begins as Titania enters surrounded by 8-10 of her ferals. Could add bush "night sounds" - FX. She is ready for sleep. Her bower is upstage and during the course of the song her ferals prepare her and eventually lead her to it. She speaks over the music intro.) (Note: Philomel is the poetic word for "nightingale".)
Music 11
"Lullaby" Titania and her ferals.
Titania
(spoken over intro) "Come! Sing a round of feral song and let me sleep. Then off you creep to your midnight tasks."
Ferals
(they sing) Spotted snakes with double tongue, Thorny dragons don’t be seen, Bats and blindworms do no wrong, Don’t come near our feral Queen. Philomel, with melody, sing in our sweet lullaby, No spell or charm can ever harm our lady, Philomel, with melody, sing in our sweet lullaby, Lulla, lullaby, So goodnight with lulla, lullaby. Lulla lullaby, (Aahhh..........) Weaving spiders don’t come here, Make your webs away far from this glen, Beetles black, please come not near, Worms and snails do not offend. Philomel, with melody, sing in our sweet lullaby, No spell or charm can ever harm our lady, Philomel, with melody, sing in our sweet lullaby, Lulla, lullaby, So goodnight with lulla, lullaby. Lulla, lullaby, So goodnight with lulla, lullaby. (Go to sleep, off to sleep,) Good night with lullaby. (Go to sleep, off to sleep,) Good night with lullaby. (Go to sleep, off to sleep,) Good night with lullaby. So good night with lullaby.
End of song (All her ferals exit, save one who stands sentry. Oberon enters as the intro to the next piece begins, and magically puts the guard to sleep. He then crouches over the sleeping Queen with the enchanted flower.)
30
In your dreams Music 12
Act 1 Scene 4
"Wake when something vile is near." Oberon.
Oberon
Oberon
What you see when you awake, For your one true love do take, (crushes the "love juice" into Titania's her eyes) Be it a cat, or a fox, or a frog, or a bear, Or a pig with bristled hair! But in your eyes when you wake, It will be the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen, Oh wake when something truly vile is near.
End of song (Oberon exits and as he does so, he closes the "leaves" around the sleeping feral and Titania, concealing the bower and allowing the action to shift downstage for the next scene.)
END OF ACT 1 SCENE 4
31
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 5
ACT 1 SCENE 5: Elsewhere in the forest - The lovers are lost. (This scene is played downstage and away from Titania’s bower, as the setting is meant to be another part of the forest. Enter Alex and Emma - Emma leads the way.)
Alex
Emma, stop! Please...... stop. (she turns to him)
Emma
Yes?
Alex
You must be feeling very tired.
Emma
No..., not really. Why?
Alex
Aren't you feeling a bit worn out?
Emma
No.., what are you driving at?
Alex
Well..., you see, I'm not sure we're on the right track after all. And.....,
Emma
Yes?
Alex
And..., I thought we might lie down for a bit.
Emma
What?
Alex
For a while....., just to rest! Until daylight.
Emma
Rest? (he nods) Lie down? (he nods) For a .....
Alex
....for a while.
Emma
Right - just as you say. I'm going to lie down here. And you ..(she tosses him the blanket) ...... you can lie down over there. (she points)
Alex
But you'll get cold... and someone should take care of you. After all, we can both use this little mound for a pillow! We could share this blanket. You know.., one heart, one blanket....one bed, two bosoms.
Emma
Alex! Get a grip, please! Look..., for me? Just for my sake.., lie a bit away from me.
Alex
Oh.., don't get me wrong! My comments about bosoms were strictly...er.....poetic!
Emma
Poetic?
Alex Emma
Yeah.....poetic. Like Banjo Patterson! Alex.... you're pathetic not poetic. 32
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 5
(pause) But I like you. (she gives him a little kiss on the cheek) You have a nice way with words, Alex. Not many words, but you do have a nice way of putting them!
Alex
Do I? (not sure if it's a compliment but he seems to be making progress)
Emma
Yes, you do..., and I'd like you to put them down just over there. (points) Just a little way off. We both know that sleeping apart is the right thing.
Alex
We do?
Emma
We do! So.....?
Alex
Alright...., you don't need to paint a picture. (gives her back the blanket and steps a few paces away) Here's my bed. (throws his coat down) Away from your bed. Your mother would be pleased.
Emma
She would?
Alex
I know she would. Well..., goodnight.
Emma
Goodnight. (They both fall asleep on opposite sides of the downstage apron.) (Puck enters on the run.)
Music 13
"Thirst for her." Puck.
Puck
Well I've gone through all this forest, But I haven’t found the boy from the town, And I’ve looked everywhere, And this flower’s juice is staining all my fingers, Is my search in vain? but wait a minute.., (spots Alex then Emma, thinking it's Darren & Helen) Ah! There he is! This must be the one. Yeah - there’s the girl the one who her he hates, Tossed out and away like a worn out dog! Don’t worry girl I’ll fix him, I’ll put this in his eyes, Then he won’t be happy with anyone he sees, But you! He’s gonna love you, Helen it’s you, He’s gonna love you.. (he crouches over the sleeping Alex, applying the "love juice")
Puck
Your eyes I will charm with this fire, You’ll wake with a burning desire, You’ll love her an angel you’ll see, And you’ll thirst for her...... ever after! 33
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 5
Now I must be away! (Puck exits)
End of song (Enter Darren running. He puts his coat over his head and tries to pretend to be a tree down stage centre, his back to the audience) (Enter Helen. It's obviously dark here by the way she feels her way.)
Helen
Darren! Darren? Where are you? (she bumps into him) Ah..., what's this? (feels) A tree? (feels further) with branches... (feels further) and a little twiggy bit....?
Darren
Struth! (jumps away) Helen, will you leave me alone!
Helen
Oh, hold me Darren. I'm scared of the dark! Don't leave me alone. Take me with you!
Darren
No...stay! (like a dog she stops) Sit! (she almost does so) Look! (he points off) (She looks..... he disappears - exits)
Helen
What? ....Oh...., oh bum! I can't go on like this. I'm out of breath anyway. I wonder if I'm being a bit too pushy? Am I being a bit obvious about the way I feel? Oh... I wish I was Emma! She's so ..., so ...attractive. Not like me...., big bear head! I'm so ugly, the animals run away! (She trips over Alex's foot.)
Helen
What's this? (looks closer) God! It's Alex! Is he dead? Or asleep? I can't see any blood. Alex...(shakes Alex... (shakes him)...Alex, him)... Alex, are you alright? (Alex stirs)
Alex
Oh...., oh.. (He wakes & sees Helen. The charm takes effect - with magic sound FX)
Alex
Oh! Helen! Sweet, gorgeous, spunky Helen.
Helen
Eh?
Alex
Helen! Where have you been all my life?
Helen
Sitting in the desk in front of you...., why?
Alex
Why? Because I want you!
Helen
What? 34
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 5
Alex
I'd run through fire for you! I'd... fight a wild animal for you. I love you!
Helen
No you don't.....you love Emma!
Alex
Emma!? No...., I wasted my time with her. It's you I wanted all along. I know it now. What an idiot I was. Who wouldn't swap a crow for a dove!
Helen
A crow for a.......(she a....... (she twigs) Oh... now I see what you're doing! You're sending me up! What did I ever do to deserve this? Don't you think my life is tough enough without having to put up with your.....
Alex
No...look...you're wrong!
Helen
Am I? Isn't it bad enough that I don't get so much as a sweet smile from Darren, but now you have to send me up too? God...you've got some nerve. You know - I thought you were more of a gentleman. (he moves toward her)
Helen
NO! Get back! To find a girl rejected by one boy, then to harass her like l ike this! (she storms out)
Alex
(he follows a bit) Helen! (turns back to Emma and whispers.) Emma? (no response) Good...., she's still asleep. (to Emma) And stay asleep, don't come near me again. I thought I loved your sweet sugary girlie good looks...but now I've found a real woman! (he goes off calling) Helen! Helen? (As Alex exits, Emma stirs and wakes. Bad dreams..., she sits up suddenly.)
Emma
Alex? Oh Alex..., I've had an awful dream. I dreamt a great big serpent was eating my heart away....and it seemed to have your face ...what a dream! I wonder what it meant? Alex?..... (she realises he's not there) Alex.... say something. Are you over there behind that tree? (she stands) Alex? (no response) I think I'm going to faint! (wobbles a bit, looking for a reaction) No? (she steadies) Right......then I'll find you. (she goes to leave)......I leave)...... I hope...... (She exits calling him)
END OF ACT 1 SCENE 5
35
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 6
ACT 1 SCENE 6: Near Titania's Titania's bower, later - The The rehearsal rehearsal begins. (Titania still lies asleep upstage, but hidden.) (Enter Miss Quince and the drama class. They are somewhat equipped for an outdoor "night excursion". Miss Quince might have a campers backpack on with a scout hat for example, Leon might have a torch, and others in rugged outdoor gear...whatever. Robyn is leading a small dog (or stuffed animal if impractical!!). They all have their scripts.)
Miss Quince Come on.. come on everyone, this way. Now is everyone here? Nick
Call the roll Miss.
Miss Quince Don't start that again! (spots Robyn's dog) Robyn, what's this? Robyn
It's a dog miss!
Miss Quince I know it's a dog, but what's it doing here? Robyn
This is Bobo miss. (Nick & Leon crouch in front of the dog and start to pet it.) I brought him for protection. ..... He's really savage!! (Nick & Leon jump up and step back!)
Miss Quince Alright! Well now, let's get started. This looks as good a place as any to rehearse. That flat bit can be the stage, and those bits of bush can be the wings...it's great! Now lets go through it just as we're going to do it at the deb... Nick
Miss Quince...
Miss Quince What is it now Nick? Nick
Miss Quince, I've read this through and I reckon there's some bits of this Pyramid and Frisbee thing that are a bit off.
Miss Quince ...off? Nick
Yeah..., like there's this bit where Pyramid Pyram id has to pull a sword and stab himself.
Miss Quince But it's classical. It's traditional. Nick Rosie
Robyn
It's gruesome! Yeah - it's going to upset the debs and their mums if we go doing a play that's really bloody! Can't we leave the death scenes out?
Miss Quince Well...not really....you see.... Nick
Wait on! I've got an idea. We'll do a prologue! 36
In your dreams
Rosie & Robyn Nick
Act 1 Scene 6
A prologue? (overlapping) (What's a prologue?)
You know - a bit to say before we start, to let them know we won't be doing any real damage with the swords and that Pyramid isn't really dead, and that all the blood will only be pig's blood.....
Miss Quince WHAT? Nick
It's ok - I've teed it up with my cousin....he's a butcher!
Miss Quince No! No blood. We'll mime the blood! And I'll write a prologue of about six or ten lines to say...... Nick
Eight!
Miss Quince What? Nick
I've written it - it takes eight lines. (he shows her)
Rosie
Miss Quince
Miss Quince Yes Rosie? Rosie
I'm a bit worried about the lion.
Miss Quince The lion? Rosie
Yeah, Leon - won't he be a bit scary for the debs too?
Robyn
Scares me!
Leon
Not half as much as it scares me!
Nick
A lion's a pretty wild beast just to chuck into the middle of a deb set! We'll have to work something out.
Rosie
How about writing another....what's it.
Robyn
Prologue?
Rosie
Yeah, one of them, to say it's not a real lion - just Leon dressed up.
Nick
No..., I've got a better idea. We'll make his costume so's Leon's face sticks out and.... we'll give him a couple of lines.
Leon
Oh no, not lines to learn.
Nick
No, it's easy. Just say: "Ladies and gentlemen".
Leon
"Ladies and gentlemen".
Nick
Or..."Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen".
Leon
"Extinguished guests, ladies and...." 37
In your dreams
Nick
"I would wish to...."
Leon
"I would wish....."
Nick
(interrupts) No!.... "I would request you to....."
Leon
"I would request you....."
Nick
Wait....., better still, "I implore you......."
Leon
"I explore you...."
Nick Leon
"Not to fear or tremble." "...fear or tremble." (he goes aside to practice)
Nick
"If you think I came her to frighten you,"
Leon
(he returns) "I came here to frighten you".
Nick
No! You don't come here to frighten them.
Leon
"I don't come here to frighten....."
Nick
"I am not the lion."
Leon
(confused) No..., I am the lion........, aren't I?
Nick
Act 1 Scene 6
Yes, you are. That's why you have to say you aren't!
Leon
I don't get it.
Robyn
I must admit, I'm a bit confused.
Nick
Look. Just say, "Ladies and gentlemen,...etcetera, etcetera......, not a lion...., etcetera, etcetera. I'm Leon snug, year 11B."
Leon
...."I'm Leon Snug, year 11B."
Nick
Right?
Leon
Right! ......(thinks) .... Nick?
Nick Leon
Yeah? Who's etcetera? (All sigh!)
Miss Quince Can we leave it there. There are more serious, dramatic problems we have to solve. Rosie
What're they?
38
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 6
Miss Quince Well the script calls for the two lovers to meet by moonlight. Now any ideas how we can get a nice moonlight effect? (Pause..., they all think.) Rosie
Will the moon be shining that night?
Nick
Who's got a diary?
Miss Quince What difference does it make? Rosie
Well, we could leave the curtains open on the windows backstage and let the moonlight just sort of shine in naturally like.
Robyn
Oh...that would be a lovely effect!
Miss Quince Look..., we could do it with the lighting; that's not the point. I was looking for a more.... dramatic way of doing the moonlight. Something more.... poetic..... more symbolic. Rosie
Like what?
Miss Quince Like..... getting someone (grabs Robyn) to play the part of the moonlight. To represent it dramatically. With a lantern, and a bit of tree branch....., Robyn
....and a DOG!
Miss Quince What? Robyn
Can't Bobo be in it?
Miss Quince .... and with…a dog..!!??, ... she could represent the moon! (Everyone applauds the idea except Nick of course)
Rosie
What are the other problems?
Miss Quince Well, there's a small problem of sets. Leon
Sex?
Frankie
(who has been in the background so far) Sex!? No way! I'm not doing that stuff for anyone. Not with him! (indicates Nick)
Miss Quince Not sex, Frankie...sets...scenery! We have to have a wall on stage. In the story there's a wall between the two lovers and they whisper to each other through a hole in it. Leon
We could build a wall. I know a bloke who's got some bricks in his back garden.
Nick
(mocking) Yeah Leon, and how do we get in on stage?
Leon
(gestures) We push it on. 39
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 6
Nick
Duhh!! (points to his forehead...what a brain!)
Leon Leon
Well you couldn't ...(gestures) pull a wall on! Duhhh! (points to his forehead back at Nick. They both "mime" morons back and forth at each other.)
Miss Quince No....but we could have someone dress up as a wall. (grabs Rosie and demonstrates on her) We could make a bit of a costume and chuck a bit of plaster and dust over her. Frankie
(looking at his script) What about this hole they whisper through? How would we do that? (They all look at Rosie.)
Rosie
Nobody's whispering through my........
Miss Quince (quickly cuts off her line of thought) Rosie!! The wall holds her fingers like this..(shows)...to represent the hole in the wall. (they all look from either side through the "hole") Robyn
Beauty! That's really clever!
Miss Quince Ok....if that's all sorted out, we can get down to practice. Come on from over there and when you're done, go off behind that bush. Miss Quince Nick, as Pyramus you start. (They move about upstage getting ready in mime as Puck enters downstage. He freezes them with a magic gesture (FX) and speaks his lines over the following short piece of music.)
Music 14
"Stick around." Puck.
Puck (spoken)
"What bunch of fools do we have here? So near the Feral Queen! I can’t be seen, so I’ll stick around, And join in too, if I see a chance!" (Puck unfreezes them (FX) and stays to watch.)
End of music Miss Quince Right ....action! Pyramus, your lines are on page six. Thisbe you get ready. Nick
(performing) "Thisbe, O Thisbe, No flower is so flagrant...."
Miss Quince That's fragrant!! Nick
".... and so fragrant as your sweet breath! But hark! I hear a voice! I go to see who it is. Stay a while. I will return!" (he goes and sits behind a bush) 40
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 6
(Puck follows Nick)
Frankie
Is it me now?
Miss Quince Yes....your lines please. Pyramus has just gone off to see whose voice it was and he'll be back, as you speak. Frankie
Right. (Frankie runs all these next words together without pause or punctuation, reading the stage directions and all.) "Most radiant Pyramus most lily white of hue and colour like the red rose on the triumphant briar most briskly juvenile and most true as true as truest horse that yet would never tire Pyramus enters... I'll meet you at Ninny's tomb."
Miss Quince Not Ninny's tomb! That's Ninus tomb. And why do you read it like that? You speak all your lines at once, cues and all! (shouts off) Pyramus! Enter on the cue "never tire." (to Frankie) Now.... again! Frankie
Nick
Frankie
"...as truest horse that yet would never tire." (Puck and Nick re-enter. Puck has transformed Nick's head into that of a great, ugly ass.) "If I were fair, O Thisbe, if only I were thine! (he grabs Frankie in an embrace) Aahh!! A monster! (he runs/breaks away)
Miss Quince (she screams and follows Frankie) (Rosie and Robyn enter from behind a bush to see what the fuss is.)
Rosie & Robyn
What's happening? (they see Nick) Aahh!!
Rosie
That face!
Robyn
That head!
Both
It's so ugly!! (they run off too)
Nick
(shouting after them) Who are you calling ugly? Have you seen your own head lately? Now where have they all gone? (he trips over Leon, who is now quivering, hiding at the foot of one of the bushes) (Leon slowly looks up, level with the back of Nick's knees.)
Leon
Bottom? (he comes up a little further, to bum height) Is that you Nick Bottom? (stands and comes face to face with Nick) (BOTH SCREAM!) 41
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 6
(Leon exits leaving Bottom alone)
Nick
I know! They're trying to scare me! It's a little game..... they're trying to make a donkey out of me! Well, they're in for a rude shock, because I don't scare that easily. They're probably watching me right now to see what I'll do. Well I'll show them! I'll show them I don't care. I'll sing! That'll show them! (He starts to sing unaccompanied, as he goes from bush to bush trying to discover their hiding places.)
Nick
(sings) "There are little birds with little beaks....., (searches)..." "..they're orange black and...blue!" (jumps behind a bush.... no-one there) (continues singing and searching....) "And bigger birds, with bigger beaks......" (comes to another bush) "...when little ones...would do!” (jumps into the bush) Hello...oo!! (again, no-one there) Well...., maybe if I sing a bit louder...... (music cue)
Music 15
"The night is young." Bottom, Titania and her ferals.
Bottom
Bottom
There are little birds with little beaks, They’re orange, black and blue. And bigger birds, with bigger beaks, When little ones would do! The finch, the sparrow and lark, The cuckoo and the crow. They don’t go flying in the park, Or skiing in the snow, ‘cos they know, When it comes to fun, The night is young. And all these birds get wrinkles out of the shade...., The sun makes you older but, The night is young! (Bottom's singing causes the Queen to stir in her bower. She wakes and sees
him. The charm takes effect - “magic” chord FX. She speaks.) Titania
"Oh gentle mortal!" (He sees her, the music stops.)
Bottom
"Pardon?"
Titania
"Sing again..." (she’s smitten!) "Sing....., please.... for me!!"
Bottom
“Err.. sure baby, why not?!!" (Bottom doesn't need much encouragement! The song resumes )
Bottom
There are little birds with little beaks, 42
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 6
They’re orange black and blue. (She rises and sings, moving towards him seductively.) Titania
I’m in love with your voice, I’m in love with your shape! I have to admit that it’s love at first sight......... baby!!! (Song stops again.)
Bottom
"Oh.... really??....Erm,...do I know you?"
Titania
"No.. but you will. Are you wise as well as beautiful?"
Bottom
"Erm... I don't know if I'd say that." (getting spooked) "If I was a bit smarter, I'd know how to get out of this forest!" (backs
away) (She beckons and magically brings him under her power, FX.) Titania
"Out of this forest do not desire to go! I am no common spirit..... I have ferals to tend on me. And they will tend to you too." (calls) "Cobweb! Moth! Mustardseed!" (A group of her ferals enter.)
Titania
"Be kind to this beautiful creature. Bring him singing to my bed!" (The song resumes, led by Titania, with other Ferals joining in.)
Titania & ferals
Titania & ferals
Feed him apricots and dewberries, Purple grapes and juicy figs. And honey bags from humble bees, Let the glow worms light the trees. Wings of painted butterflies, Moonbeams in his sleepy eyes, Tie up his tongue, and bring him silently, Then lead him to my/her bower, For the night is young. All of love’s sweet pleasures, Lay in the shade, So lead him to my/her bower, For the night is young!
(Guitar solo:/dance break : Titania dances seductively with Bottom. He is obviously becoming more and more entranced.) Titania & ferals
All of love’s sweet pleasures, Lay in the shade, So tie up his tongue, the time for singing’s done, Lead him along, while the night is still young, Lead him into my/her bower, The night is young!
(Ferals start escorting Bottom and the Queen towards her bower as they sing) Ferals Titania Ferals
Lead him into her bower................ The night is young! Lead him into her bower................ 43
In your dreams
Act 1 Scene 6
Titania Ferals Titania Ferals
The night is young! Lead him into her bower................ The night is young! Lead him into her bower................ (they stop and turn)
All
The night is......... Young!! (Titania forcefully pushes Bottom onto her bed.)
End of song END OF ACT 1 SCENE 6
End of Act 1
44
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 1
ACT 2 SCENE 1: In the forest later - Puck's report. (Enter Oberon surrounded by his ferals.)
Music 16
"The queen's in love with a monster." Oberon, Puck and ferals.
Oberon
Well....., I wonder if the queen has woken yet? And if she has, has she seen a vile thing to love? Is it a bug-eyed mole or a bull frog toad, Or something insidious? (Puck enters.) Well, mad feral spirit, What’s the state of affairs? Tell me with all due speed, have you done the deed? Does the Queen love something hideous?
Ferals
You won’t believe, You won’t believe what I say! (Repeated 3 times, under Puck’s following dialogue.)
Puck
"My master! Have I got news for you! You’re not gonna believe this baby but...," (Sings) The Queen’s in love with a monster creature, A half man, half beast,
Puck & ferals
The Queen’s in love with an ass! The Queen’s in love with a monster, The Queen’s in love with a beast, She’s gonna come undone the devil deed is done, She’s fallen head over heels for a monster....., The Queen’s in love with an ass!
Oberon
(laughs) Now the Queen’s humiliation is complete! Now give all the details of how this came to be.
Puck
"My lord, you’re in for a real treat!" Where she slept, some silly youths rehearsed some dumb old play. Then one of them the dimmest of the lot, He had the sad misfortune to walk behind this bush, And there it was I changed his head into an ass!
Ferals
He was a human, but now he’s such an ass!
Puck
When he walked back on the stage, His company freaked out and one cried “monster!”
Ferals
"A monster!!"
Puck
Then he runs away. As for all the others, Well I led them all about until they lost their way, 45
In your dreams With ferals Puck
Act 2 Scene 1
Hey, hey hey hey...!! It was one hell of a game!
Oberon
And their dim-witted friend, tell me what did he say?
Puck
What could he say except for,
With ferals
"HEE HAW!!" "HEE HAW!!" "HEE HAW!!"
Oberon
"This is way too delicious, but please tell me more!!"
Puck
Well I left him there alone, singing silly tunes, Suddenly the Queen she woke, And by the light of the moon, She saw his nose and his ears,Ferals And it was perfectly clear, That she loved that creature! One helluva creature!
With ferals
(His silly nose and his ears,) (It was so perfectly clear,) (She loved that creature,) (A monster creature,)
A half man, half beast, She fell in love with an ass! The Queen’s in love with a monster, The Queen’s in love with a beast, She’s gonna come undone the devil deed is done, She’s fallen head over heels for a monster....., The Queen’s in love with a monster, The Queen’s in love with a beast, She’s gonna come undone the devil deed is done, She’s fallen head over heels for a monster....., The Queen’s in love with an ass! (all fall about laughing!)
End of song (As applause crests the ferals exit, leaving Oberon and Puck to move downstage as the next piece begins.)
Music 17
"This is not the boy!" Oberon and Puck.
Oberon
This has worked out better than even I could have hoped, But wait, what about that youth? The one who turned his back on that fair maiden. Have you streaked his eyes with this love-sick potion too?
Puck
Well I caught him sleeping, that’s finished as well! That girl was by his side as he lay sleeping, She had to be the first thing that he saw when he woke, Now I swear he’ll love her more than life itself! (Emma & Darren begin to enter )
Oberon
Then come here and watch, for here he comes now, 46
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 1
This is the youth I meant. Puck
Well I swear my lord, this is the girl, But this is not the boy!!
Oberon
(spoken) "What?!!!"
End of song (Before they can speak further, Darren and Emma take over the stage. Oberon and Puck move to one side further upstage and hover in the background, witnessing the ensuing scene.)
Darren
Emma
(following her about) Ah Emma...... Emma! Don't talk to me that way. Don't you know how much I like you? Don't use words like that. You haven't heard me when I really get started! (she knees him in the groin) I could curse to make your hair curl. (He fall to his knees.)
Emma
Now if you've done anything to hurt Alex, I'll really make you sorry. (she pushes him over) He was right there when I went to sleep. When I woke he was gone. Then you walked in.... looking very guilty. Look at you! (He is a mess on the ground - somewhat dishevelled and dirty from running around in the dark avoiding Helen.)
Emma
What have you done to him? Tell me before I really hurt you!
Darren
No! Please... I haven't done anything to him.... or to you. I haven't even seen him. You're the one I've been chasing all night.
Emma
Darren Emma
That's what you say! Come on, out with it. What have you done with him? Show me where he is. What will you give me if I find him for you? You do know where he is!
Darren
No! I said I'd look for him for you. But if I do that, what will you do for me?
Emma
For you?
Darren
Yeah!
Emma
(pause..) I'll give you something special.
Darren
Oh...... what?
Emma
I'll stop doing this to you! (she boots him in the bottom.... he sprawls forward) 47
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 1
I'll going to find him for myself! (She exits)
Darren
(gets up to his knees again) It's no use. I'm not getting anywhere with her. I'm sick of this...... and tired. All this running about. I' think I'll just catch a bit of sleep and go home when it gets light.....just a quick nap...... (he crawls to one side and dozes off) (Oberon and Puck come forward. Music cue.)
Music 18
"Lord what fools!" Oberon and Puck.
Oberon
(spoken) "What have you done?"
Puck
"Whaddya mean?"
Oberon
"Look!" (sings) You’ve laid the juice on another lover’s sight!
Puck Oberon
"So?" So one true love is now false! A million fail, but you better not, Now go, and find the others. Lead the one called Helen here, And I’ll smear this boys eyes ready. So when he wakes and sees her face, All will be right again......, now go!! (Puck exits, as Oberon crouches over Darren with the enchanted flower, and "charms" his eyes.)
Oberon
Flower of this purple dye, Hit with cupid’s arrow fly, When you see your love by your side, You will beg of her for remedy. (Puck re-enters.)
Puck
Captain of our feral band, Helen is close at hand!
Oberon
"That’s good - now watch!"
Puck
But Captain she is with the youth I mistook for this one! Now she’s pleading for her truest love...., Oh Lord, what fools these mortals prove to be!
Oberon
Stand aside, the noise that they make, Will cause this Darren to awake.
Puck
But won’t the two of them both think, That Helen is their one true love? Oh Lord, what fools these mortals prove....., 48
In your dreams Oberon
Oh Lord, what fools do work for me,
Both
Oh Lord, what fools they all do prove......to be!!
Act 2 Scene 1
End of song (Helen enters pursued by Alex.) (Oberon and Puck retreat into the background again, continuing to observe the drama.)
Alex
Helen...why do you think I'm joking when I say I love you? Look......see here? Tears! You're breaking my heart!
Helen
Oh..... good acting Alex! How can I believe anything you say, after all those promises I've heard you make to Emma?
Alex
I didn't know what I was doing then!
Helen
No! And you still don't know what you're doing! (Helen trips over Darren. He wakes and sees her: the charm takes effect.. (FX). Music cue.)
Music 19
"Helen, you're the one." Darren, Alex and Helen.
Darren
(spoken over the piano chords intro) "Oh...... Helen! Perfect!... Goddess!.....Divine!!" (sings) Helen, you’re the one Helen, my golden sun I was blind to all your charms, But now I need you in my arms.
Alex
Helen, you’re a star, Helen, my shining star, No-one else will do, The only one for me is you.
Helen
How can you both say you’re more than friends? How can you invent another story? Why do I deserve such hateful scenes, I can’t believe you both could be so mean.
Boys
It’s just not true.
Helen
Don’t tell me what to think, Your mocking is so cruel.
Alex
Please believe I feel this way, Don’t turn and walk away,
Darren
How can you deny my love,
Both
When we both know, 49
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 1
I’m your one true love..........., Your one true love................., Your one true love................., True love...........,
Darren
Believe me, Helen,
Alex
(Helen, Helen,)
Both
You’re the one, Helen..... my golden sun. And I don’t know what I have to do To make you realise....... That I’m your love.
End of song Darren
(to Alex ) Anyway....here's the one for you. (Emma enters)
Emma
(sees Alex) Oh Alex.....it was your voice I heard I was so worried. Why did you leave me alone like that?
Alex
Why shouldn't I? When........ (turns to Helen) ......love makes me go all... ooooh! (groans)
Emma
Makes you go all....ooooh? What do you mean?.... What love makes you go all.....ooooh?
Alex
My love for Helen. Helen.....bright star, shining angel!
Emma
Shining angel? (spins him round to face her) Alex!..... that's what you call me - your little shining angel!
Alex
You? No..... I hate you! That's why I left you!
Emma
(worried) Alex....what's going on? What are you saying?
Helen
Oh..... now I get it. You're all in this together! You've all got together to play this joke on me. Emma, how could you? After all the secrets we've shared. We were like sisters. And now you do this to me! (Darren and Alex are moved by Helen's speech and take her side.)
Emma
Do what? I don't know what you're talking about.
Helen
Didn't you send Alex after me? Didn't you tell him to pretend he loves me? Haven't you told Darren to chase after me? God! Only an hour ago he was pushing me away with his foot. Now it's "Goddess, Perfect, Divine!!" Why else would he be saying this stuff?...and Alex too!?
Darren & Alex
Because we love you! (music cue)
50
In your dreams Music 20
Act 2 Scene 1
"You're a star." Helen, Emma, Alex and Darren.
Helen
Helen
(to Emma) You put them up to it! You led them on! You told them what to say and you wrote their song. They praise my eyes, my nose my face, But everything’s wrong...... And they say I’m like a star, and like an angel,
Darren & Alex (They both sway and "groove", clicking their fingers to the "beat".) A shining star, you’re like an angel. Helen
But everyone knows I’m not....! (glares at them - they stop) (to the boys) You talk and laugh at me, behind my back, Make faces and point out the graces I lack. I’ve had it now and I’m not joking..... For I’m no star, and I’m no angel....... And everyone knows I’m not.....
Darren & Alex
To me you’re everything.
Helen
I don’t have lovers, hanging all over me. I don’t have people saying they care. I don’t have graces dripping from every part, Those social graces, I missed somehow. I missed them somehow.
Emma
You don’t have lovers, hanging all over you. But you have me who honestly cares. You may lack graces but they don’t make a heart. Your social graces, don’t matter anyhow.
Helen
But you make faces, And it breaks my heart,
All
Others
(We don’t make faces) (Don’t break my heart)
You should feel sorry for me not set me apart. (Helen goes to leave..... the boys pull her back.)
Darren & Alex
No Helen don’t go, listen my love my life!
Helen
"Oh excellent!"
Emma
(to the boys) Don’t make those faces you’re gonna break her heart.
Darren & Alex & Helen (together )
But you’re a star, you’re like an angel. But I’m no star, and I’m no angel.
(They all turn and face the front - each singing their separate pain.) All
You should be sorry for me. Not breaking my heart. 51
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 1
End of song Darren
Helen, believe me...... I love you! I'm never going to be happy without you!
Alex
Helen, I love you more than he does.
Darren
Do you want to try proving that?
Alex
Yeah? Come on then! (They are about to fight. Emma steps between them and grabs Alex's arm.)
Emma
Alex..... what are you doing?
Alex
Get out of here.....will you let go of me? You're like some sort of mollusc! Let go! Or do I have to shake you off?
Emma
(truly shaken now) Alex, what's come over you? (sterner)...Have you been drinking!?
Alex
Drinking? Why? Because I see you for what you really are, you think I'm drunk?
Emma
(distraught) You are all joking..... aren't you?
Alex
Well Darren?.......are you ready to back your tough words?
Darren
Yeah! What's holding you back? (Emma still has Alex's arm) Surely she's not protecting you?
Alex
What? No.... (shakes free)....who cares about her!
Emma
I thought you did! Alex.....it's me, Emma. Remember? Remember why we came here?
Alex
Yes..... I remember. But things have changed. (gentler) Listen, you're a good friend....., but I don't love you. I love Helen now. (Emma now turn's on Helen)
Emma
Ooooh...., oooh!.... You cat! You thief! Liar! You come out here in the middle of the night and flash your...., your eyes and your teeth and...(spots her torn clothes)... your legs and you steal my boyfriend!
Helen
(change of attitude now) Oh that's good! That's really good! You call me a cat and a liar and then blame me because you can't keep your boyfriend! You're the one who's so fake!.....so plastic! You're like a little Barbie doll!
Emma
Little Barbie doll? Oh so that's how it is..... doing the short jokes now are we? 52
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 1
(turns to Alex) Just 'cos she's taller than me, you both fancy her do you? Her long skinny legs better than my short fat ones?.... All feel better now do we, because you call me little? (back to Helen) Well.... "Beanpole!" How low can you go? Not so low that I can't scratch out your eyes! (she jumps at Helen) (Alex and Darren jump in to keep them apart.)
Alex
Emma!... back off!
Helen
Don't let her hurt me! Hasn't she got a terrible temper?!! Never seen that side of her before! Probably thinks because she's smaller than me, that I won't hit her back!
Emma
Aagh! More short jokes! Let me at her!
Helen
Emma, don't be bitter! I've always been your friend. I've kept your secrets, .....most of them.... except when I told Darren about your plans to run away with Alex.
Emma
(She reacts.) Ooooh...!!
Helen
So he followed you.... and I followed him....but he called me names and pushed me away. But now.......
Emma
Well - what about now?
Helen
Oh, I just don't know what to think. Suddenly I've got two men chasing after me.
Alex
Don't worry Helen, we won't let her hurt you.
Darren
No Helen - you've got nothing to worry about when I'm here.
Helen Emma
Yeah, well hold on to her. She may be little, but she's pretty wild ! Little! There she goes again! Let me at her! (Alex lets her go. Emma chases Helen who hides behind Darren.)
Darren
Hand's free now Alex? Come on, what's stopping you?
Alex
Not a thing!
Darren
Go on then- try me now! We'll see who Helen's going out with. Bring it on! (Alex goes for Darren. Darren runs off, Alex in hot pursuit.)
Helen
(to Emma) You might be quick in a fight, but I've got longer legs to run away! (Helen runs off pursued by Emma.) 53
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 1
(Oberon and Puck come forward. Music cue.)
Music 21
"Bring on the mist." Oberon and Puck.
Oberon
This is all your doing!
Puck
"Believe me King of shadows, I made an innocent mistake!"
Oberon
Well if that’s the case, then you’re the one to mend it!
Oberon
I’ll bring on the mist, Of fire and ice! Now you go and find them, And run their madness out of them! Up and down, around and around, You will make them chase you, round and around, You will lead them on, Following your sound..........., But don’t you.., Let them come together ‘til they’re, All ready to drop!
End of song Oberon
Now you better....,
Puck
I’m gone! I’m outta here! (Puck exits hurriedly. Music cue)
Music 22
"Mist & Chase sequence." Oberon and Puck, Darren and Alex.
(Oberon gestures the mist -smoke/lighting change/music and wind FX) (Oberon exits.) (Puck enters through the "mist". He sees Alex enter.) (Chase music begins. - underscores the ensuing dialogue.) Puck
"Here comes one!"
Alex
"Where are you? Darren! Say something!"
Puck
(Simulating Darren’s voice.) "Here I am - where are you?" (Puck exits - Alex follows; running towards “Darren’s” voice.) (Enter Darren.)
Darren
"Coward! Run away have you? Where are you hiding?" (Puck re-enters) 54
In your dreams Puck
Act 2 Scene 1
(In Alex’s voice.) "You’re the coward! Yelling at trees? Come on, why don’t you?!" (Darren exits in pursuit of "Alex".)
Puck
"Follow my voice Run this way!" (Shadowy figures run on and off until...., Oberon returns and hovers in the background.....,) (The music slows and holds a sustained chord, which decays slowly.) (Alex re-enters puffing and panting.) "He’s somewhere just ahead of me. I heard him. But it’s too dark...... Oh, I’m done in." (sits Downstage Left) "I’ll just take a rest - then I’ll find him."
Alex
(Oberon steps up and magically puts Alex to sleep.- wind chimes FX.) (Chase music resumes. Enter Puck on the run leading Darren.) Puck
(In Alex’s voice.) "Yo ho! Come on weakie - what are you? (exits)
Darren
"Wait there..., I dare you! .... I know why you’re running. You’re too weak to stand and fight." (he’s getting weary.) "Too weak ya coward!!" (Music starts to decellerando, he moves
downstage) "Well, you won’t fool me by running." (sits exhausted, sustained chord.) "I’m gonna....., sit here and wait for you...... I’ll just... catch my breath first."
End of music (Oberon steps up and puts him to sleep. FX.) (Enter Helen.)
Helen
Oh! What a night! I wish it was over. (sits.) They all hate me.... don’t they? (Oberon puts her to sleep. FX.)
Music 23
"One to go." Oberon and Puck.
(Enter Puck. Eerie chord sustained under the following dialogue.) Puck
(points at the sleeping mortals) "One, two, three. One to go?"
Oberon
"That’s right." (Emma enters.... groaning and comes forward DSR.)
Puck
"Here she comes - cursed and sad!"
Both
"Oh, to make poor females mad!" 55
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 1
(Oberon gestures on the quick music chromatic run, to put Emma asleep.)
End of music
(Now all four are asleep on the stage.) (Alex & Emma DSR and Darren & Helen DSL.) (Oberon beckons to Puck who moves forward towards Alex with the "antidote" herb as the intro begins almost immediately for the next piece Music#24.)
Music 24
"Jack will have Jill." Oberon and Puck.
(Crouching over Alex, Puck applies the magic "antidote" herb.) Puck
On the ground, Sleeping sound, To each eye I’ll apply love's remedy, So when you wake, You’ll delight, In your former true lover’s sight. Now everyman, Should take his own, Now that honest true love is shown. And all will be, As it should be, In their waking it shall be seen.....,
Oberon & Puck
Oberon:
That Jack will have Jill, And nought should go ill, A man and his mate, All back in their place, And all will be well..........!
(spoken, over sustained chord.) "Almost all. There’s just one more “true love” to set right. Come on!" (they exit.)
End of song END OF ACT 2 SCENE 1
56
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 2
ACT 2 SCENE 2: The forest later again, near Titania's bower. (Emma, Helen, Alex and Darren are sleeping off to each side downstage. A change of scenery/lighting can be used to hide them.) (Enter Titania, Nick Bottom and Moth, Mustardseed, Appleblossom. Titania is obviously very happy with whatever has been happening in her bower.)
Titania
Come, sit down here on this flowery bed. Let me stroke your soft furry cheeks and twine sweet musk roses in your hair. Let me kiss your fair.... large...... ears!
Nick
Oooh....that tickles! Where's Moth?
Moth
Here! What can I do?
Nick
Not much - just help Mustardseed and Appleblossom here with the scratching! (Moth helps)
Nick
Geez, I'll have to go and get a haircut, ......and a shave! (realises what he said) A shave! Mum told me about puberty! I didn't expect it to come all at once though!
Titania
Sweet love........
Nick
Oh lady.....not again, please!
Titania
No, sweet love, you must eat first! What do you desire?
Nick
To be honest, I've got a terrible craving for some good dry oats! And.... I could really go a nice big plate of.......hay!
Titania
I've got a venturesome feral that knows where the native mouse has made her hoard. She could fetch you some new nuts! (she advances on him)
Nick
(backing away) I'd rather have a handful of dried peas! (yawns) ...... and a good long sleep! I'm fair worn out!
Titania
Well sleep, and I will wind you all up in my arms. This is how the clematis vine twists around the hairy trunk of the stringy bark tree. Oh how I love you.... how I dote on you. Ferals be gone! (All ferals now exit, leaving Titania and Bottom to sleep.) (Enter Puck and Oberon. Music cue.)
Music 25
"Nothing more than a dream." Oberon and Titania.
(Oberon sees Titania asleep with Bottom.) 57
In your dreams Oberon Oberon
Act 2 Scene 2
This is the strangest sight, It's true a monster is her one desire. You know I pity her now, And while she slept I’ve learned to care for the child. And now we’ll share him when she wakes. Come gentle Puck, Take this transformed head off this wayward hapless youth. Come gentle Puck, I can’t bear to see my Queen this way any more. Now I’ll take this charm from my lover’s eyes, The moon it weeps, with shameful eyes, This game is not a game any more.........., True love must be restored. (Oberon is now beside his sleeping Queen. He holds the "antidote" flower.)
Oberon
Now be , what you want to be, Now see, just what you want to see, With this lotion from Cupid’s flower, Foolish notions loose their power. Then you’ll be, just what you want to be, And you’ll see, just who you want to see, It’s your Oberon, Now sweet Titania,...... Awake....... (He gestures....wind chimes FX, she awakes.)
Titania
Oberon, my Oberon, What strange dreams I have dreamed, I thought I was in love with.....an ass!
Oberon
"Like this one,"
Titania
Oh yes..., oh no! How did this come to be? How ugly he seems to me now.
Oberon
Be at peace fair lady Queen, For it’s all been nothing more than a dream. (Oberon takes Titania's hand and leads her center stage, as Puck leads Bottom off, under his power, in a "sleep-walking" trance. They exit.) (Optional to have the feral chorus of both Oberon and Titania start to come on now, as the King and Queen sing, to further symbolise the spirit world now reconciling. The chorus can join In singing from here to add vocal power to the song/reconciliation If desired.)
Oberon & Titania Before this night is over now, (With Chorus, optional) Let our powers join and rock the ground. We’ll restore this land and all of its seasons, For with our love All will be empowered. Titania (Solo)
Come my lord and in our flight, Tell me how this night, 58
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 2
That sleeping I was found, With these mortals on the ground. Oberon (Solo)
It’s a different story, but the same old theme,
Oberon & Titania
Lovers find their way,
(Now with chorus optional) Re-united......... Swift as a shadow, short as any dream, Hearts on fire, and nothing comes between, Like a million stories with the same old theme....... (gently) Lovers united, And a golden rule, The course of true love never did run smooth, It never did run..... Smooth.
End of song (Blackout, Oberon and Titania exit.)
END OF ACT 2 SCENE 2
59
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 3
ACT 2 SCENE 3: The forest at dawn: The search continues. (The lighting/scenery has changed to once again show the four young lovers asleep on the stage. It's dawn and a search party is out looking for them.) (Enter Mr Thompson, Mrs Edge, Mrs Hippoliades and a few students.)
Mr ThompsonDon't worry Mrs Edge. I'm sure the police will find Emma soon. The search and rescue teams are doing a fine job I'm sure. Miss Hipp
Mr Thompson! Over here....... look! It's Darren..... and Helen!
Mr Thomson And here's Alex and Emma. Mrs Edge Miss Hipp
Together? No doubt they all came out here to look after each other.
Mr Thompson They're such good friends! Mrs Edge
Are they awake? (she prods Alex with her foot) (The four begin to wake.)
Alex
Mr Thompson....sir! What are you doing here?
Mr ThompsonI could ask the same. Stand up please. (Alex helps Emma to her feet and then goes over to help Darren. There's a "moment" as they both realise they might actually be friends.)
Mr ThompsonI thought you two were brawling over Emma? Alex
We are......that is, we were...... I think. (Darren turns and helps Helen to her feet. He holds her very gently, then produces a pair of spectacles and "ceremoniously" puts them on. He lifts his gaze to look at Helen. They embrace.)
Alex
But.... it looks like Darren's found his true friends now.
Miss Hipp
How did you get here? What did you think you were doing, wandering around in the forest in the dark?
Alex
(puts his arm around Emma) I'm not sure. It's all a bit hazy. I think I came here with Emma. I think we were running away.......
Mrs Edge
See! That's all I needed to hear. That's kidnapping at least! I'll have the police onto this.
Darren
Mrs Edge...wait. It's true, Helen told me that Alex and Emma were going to hide in the forest. And I followed them..... and Helen followed me.... but nothing happened! Except that any interest I had in Emma seems to 60
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 3
have melted away with the sunrise. And now, I look at Helen.....I remember that other sunrise....and I know who I should be with at the deb ball! (Helen can't believe her ears and hugs Darren.)
Emma
Mum, I know you must be really upset..... and worried. I'm sorry. I was a bit stupid not talking to you about how I felt. It was really childish of me. But now... well, I think I really know now who I'd rather be with and I think I can explain it to you properly.
Mr ThompsonWell this all seems very fortunate! Everyone's safe - people are talking seriously to each other.... and the deb ball's tomorrow night! What do you think Miss Hippoliades? A good result? Miss Hipp
Very good Mr Thompson.
Mr ThompsonMrs Edge? Mrs Edge
Hmmmm...... I'm not totally convinced!
Mr Thompson Then call off the search, and let's all go over to my place for breakfast. We can talk about it over toast and jam! (They all exit, leaving Darren, Helen, Alex and Emma.)
Darren
I'm not sure I'm awake. I'm seeing double. Is this still a dream?
Helen
It feels like a dream. (she hugs his arm)
Emma
Did you just see my mother?
Alex
And Mr Thompson....!
Darren
He invited us to breakfast!
Helen
And you told them you'd be with me at the deb ball!
Darren
I did.... didn't I. Then this isn't a dream. We are awake!
Emma
Come on, let's get out of here before it all gets muddled again. (They exit.)
END OF ACT 2 SCENE 3
61
In your dreams
Act 2 Scene 4
ACT 2 SCENE 4: Back in the school hall, early morning. (Change of lighting. The main curtain closes.) (Nick pokes his head out from under the curtain, centre. His "donkey head" is gone and he sleepily rubs his eyes.)
Nick
Shout out when it's my line! I come in on "Most fair Pyramid". Miss Quince? Frankie? Leon? (comes out fully and gets to his feet) Damn, they've sneaked off and left me, while I was having a doze. Ooh... I've just remembered the strangest dream. I don't remember the details..... geez, I'm a donkey! (He stops abruptly.)
Nick
A donkey.....!? I dreamed I was ..... (he feels for his ears) I thought I had.......... (he feels for his "beard") ..... and I thought I had...... (he looks down "below"....measures!) I don't know what I thought! I don't think I could put it into words. But I bet Miss Quince could! She's a trained drama teacher...., she could write the script. And I know.... I'll call it "Bottom's dream." I'd better scribble some of the details down while I still remember. Where's my script? (he goes off looking for it) (As Bottom exits, Miss Quince and the other drama students come on as a search party from the other side.)
Miss Quince (calling) Nick? Nick? Leon
Nick Bottom!?
Robyn
Oh, where is he? Coming back here was our last chance!
Rosie
Did anyone check his house?
Robyn
Yes, I went there. No-one's seen him all night.
Frankie
You know what that means don't you!
Leon
No...... what?
Rosie
He's dead?
Frankie
No, it means the play for the deb ball is wrecked!
Robyn
You're right you know. I mean, who else could play Pyramid? (They all start feeling bad and sobbing.) (Nick enters.)
Nick
There you all are! (notices them all upset, comes over behind them) Who's dead? 62
In your dreams Rosie
Nick Bottom.....
All
Nick Bottom!!
Act 2 Scene 4
Miss Quince There you are! What happened? (They all fall on him asking questions.)
Nick
Don't ask.... I'll tell you all about it later. Come on. We've got some rehearsing to do if we're going to be ready for the deb ball. (he sniffs...then to Leon) Have you been eating garlic again? (to Frankie) I hope you've got some clean undies on Frisbee! (They all laugh and exit with Miss Quince giving orders.)
END OF ACT 2 SCENE 4
63
In your dreams
Props list
ACT 2 SCENE 5: The deb ball - the big night at last! ( ** NOTE: The previous scene is very short and there is NOT a lot of time for Alex, Emma, Helen & Darren to get changed into their deb outfits. If they can make it in time , start the scene as follows.) (The main curtain opens to reveal the full debutante set chorus, resplendent in their outfits, including Helen and Darren & Emma and Alex.) (voice over PA off stage) Ladies and gentlemen, please put your Mrs Thompson hands together for the Athen's Park High School debutantes and their partners! (Music 26 starts as applause crests. Their dance is now very polished.) ( ** NOTE: If the four lovers are NOT ready in time, a suggestion is to have Mrs Thompson as MC off stage introduce the debs collectively as above, then have the chorus come on in pairs or small groups with separate introductions perhaps (eg. as in the first scene of the show) to eat up some time, finally introducing the four lovers last. The drum intro of Music 26 can be looped/repeated under all this perhaps, and when they are all introduced and in position, the song proper "In our Dreams - reprise" can start.)
Music 26
"Reprise - In our dreams." Debutante set.
All debs
Step, step, rock, rock! We’re knocking on the door. Out, and spin, Our world is gonna begin. Slide, slide, slide, Watch us float and glide, This is all we have to learn......! We’re dressing up in silk and lace, We’re moving round with charm and grace, We’re dressing up in white and creams, Looking lovely, We’re gonna make the social scene, We’re gonna be like kings and queens, Looking lovely, In our dreams tonight..., We’re looking lovely, In our dreams tonight! Solo/dance. We’re gonna make the social scene, We’re gonna be like kings and queens, Looking lovely, In our dreams tonight..., We’re looking lovely, In our dreams tonight!
End of song 64
In your dreams
Props list
(Mr Thompson enters and steps to a downstage microphone.)
Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together one Mrs Thompson more time for the Athen's Park High School debutantes and their partners! (The debs exit.)
Mr ThompsonAnd now..... a special treat. Showcasing the wonderful performing arts program we have at Athen's Park, our senior drama class, under the direction of their teacher, Miss Peta Quince, has put together....er... (looks at his notes) um.. er.... a classical entertainment entitled..... "The comical tragedy of Pyramus and Thisbe." (Miss Hippoliades enters.) Mr Thompson! They're ready.... Miss Hipp Mr ThompsonI hope so... I've just announced them! (They go to one side and sit as part of the "audience" as Miss Quince enters. She's dressed for the big night.... very thespian.)
Miss Hipp
(to Miss Quince) What's first?
Miss Quince The Prologue. (She turns to the audience.) The Prologue! If we offend, it is with good will, We come not to offend, but with our skill, To show our true beginning in the end. Our true intent is all for your delight. We are not here! (pauses....checks script) We are not here to offend, but to delight. The actors are at hand. (she turns and gestures...... they are not at hand.) The actors.... are at hand!! (They shuffle on in a line, each dressed ready.)
Mr ThompsonI didn't understand a word she said! Miss Hipp
I think it's classical.
Mr ThompsonI didn't think it was English. Shh.... what's next? Miss Quince Ladies and gentlemen, Perhaps you wonder at this show. This man is Pyramus (Bottom steps forward) if you would know. And this beauteous lady Thisbe is...... (pause...... Frankie is pushed forward) The one young Pyramus longs to kiss. 65
In your dreams
Props list
(Frankie goes to leave, but is restrained by Rosie) (Nick and Frankie return back in line.)
Miss Quince This person, thick and small, (Rosie steps forward) Rosie
"Thick and small?!!"
Miss Quince Does represent a wall. (Rosie has a sheet painted like bricks over her. Her head sticks out and when she extends her arms sideways, she looks like a wall!)
Miss Quince A wall that kept these two apart, And through who's chink...... (Rosie does the "chink" - two fingers held out and apart) They spoke their heart. (Pyramus and Thisbe come forward and whisper at the fingers etc.. Rosie wipes her fingers as they stop. The three of them go back in line. Robyn steps up, carrying a lantern, a bit of shrubbery and a dog leash & collar.)
Miss Quince This person with her lantern shine, (Robyn holds it up) Does represent the moon divine. And underneath her watery beams, These two lovers shared their dreams. (Robyn returns to the line.)
Mr ThompsonIt's improving.... I actually understood that bit! Miss Hipp
Don't speak too soon.....look what's next. (Leon Snug steps forward...... very nervous.)
Miss Quince This grisly beast a lion call, A wild and vicious animal, But do not fear his bloody teeth, It's just an actor underneath. (Leon opens up the neck of the costume and grins out, then hurriedly gets back in line.)
Mr ThompsonI wonder if the lion talks too? Miss Quince End of Prologue. Scene one: "The lovers meet." (Miss Quince goes to one side as Rosie, "the wall", steps up.)
Rosie
In this play it does befall, That Rosie Snout will play the wall. (bows) And in this wall, I'd have you think, There is a hole - a crannied chink, 66
In your dreams
Props list
Through which the lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe, Do whisper often very secretly. (she holds up "the fingers")
Mr ThompsonA talking wall... very original.
Miss Hipp
They say walls have ears, so why not mouths? Look out..... here comes Pyramus I think. (Nick comes forward.)
Nick
O grim looked night. O night so black. O night, which is night, whenever......day is not! (pause) I fear my Frisbee's promise is forgot! O wall, O wall, O sweet and lovely wall, That stands between her father's house and mine. O wall..... O wall, (trying to get Rosie's attention) Show me your hole! (Rosie snaps to attention and glares at Nick)
Nick
Show me your chink! (Rosie does so reluctantly, with her fingers held out.)
Nick
Thanks..... friendly wall. (looks through the "chink"...... pause) But what do I see? No Frisbee there. O wicked wall.... cursed are your stones for deceiving me! (Nick hits the wall with his sword....... sweet revenge!)
Mr ThompsonIf the wall had any sense, it would fall on him. (Nick drops out of character and walks up to Mr Thompson.)
Nick
No.... you see "deceiving me" is supposed to be Frisbee's cue. God it's like working with amateurs! Don't worry, you'll see how it turns out. Here she comes. (Nick resumes his position beside "wall.)" (Frankie comes forward.)
Frankie
(high "feminine" voice to begin with) O wall....., Often have you heard my moans For parting my Pyramus and me. My cherry lips have often kissed your stones, These stones with.....(gets tangled in her hair [wig]) ...lime and hair I see.
Nick
(hand to ear) I see a voice! Now I'll go to the chink to try and hear my Frisbee's face! (goes to Rosie's outstretched fingers) Frisbee! Frisbee my love!
Frankie
Pyramus....., O Pyramus..... is that you? 67
In your dreams
Nick
'Tis I my love......oh yes it's true! O kiss me through the hole of this vile wall. (he mimes a kiss, some centimetres from the chink)
Frankie
I kiss the wall's hole, not yours at all. (also mimes a kiss)
Props list
(Rosie withdraws her fingers at the critical moment making Nick and Frankie meet lips! They withdraw in absolute disgust.)
Nick
(very butch!) Will you meet me at Ninny's tomb, straightaway?
Frankie
(loses the feminine voice momentarily - now deep and masculine)
Frankie
Come life or death, without delay. (coughs and spits!) (Both step back to in line with the others.)
Rosie
And being done the wall does go. (curtsies and steps back)
Mr ThompsonI'm beginning to have serious doubts about this. Miss Hipp
It's not too bad if you use your imagination.
Mr ThompsonI'm trying to imagine it's over. No..... it's not. Here comes the lion again. (Leon steps forward. He holds up his hand in a dramatic gesture.)
Leon
Ladies and gentlemen, and those who fear, (pulls up his cuff a little) The smallest mouse that creeps on floor, (pulls up his cuff a little more..... yes, he's reading his lines off his arm) You may perhaps now quake in fear When this wild lion makes its roar. (He roars fiercely. The drama class applaud wildly..."Go Leon!! etc.. He bows.)
Leon
(still reading from his arm) But put aside the terror that you feel, And know this lion is not real. (he shows his face again and grins.) (Leon steps back again as Robyn Starveling comes forward.)
Robyn
This lantern does the moon present.....umm.... (forgets her lines)
Miss Quince (prompts) "The man in the moon I represent..." Robyn
(faltering) .....the moon I represent..... (runs out of lines again, starts to retreat.) (Miss Quince steps up to try to get her to continue.)
Mr Thompson This was a mistake you know. 68
In your dreams Miss Hipp
Props list
I hope you're not saying it was my mistake! (Miss Quince pushes Robyn forward.)
Robyn
All I have to say is that this lantern is the moon, I am the man in the moon, this is my thorn bush and this dog is my...... (she notices that she is carrying a dog lead and collar, but no dog. Panics!) ......where's my Bobo gone? (Robyn turns to run off but Miss Quince makes it clear she has to stay where she is. She pushes Frankie "on-stage", beside "the moon".)
Frankie
(lines said without conviction - normal, not feminine voice) I guess this is Ninny's tomb. Where is my love?
Leon
(steps forward and roars) ROAR!!
Frankie
(back to feminine voice) OH! ("Thisbe" drops her "veil" in fright as she runs "off" - back in line.) (Leon picks the veil up and stuffs it in his teeth, and begins to shake it about. Pyramus marches on, and as he does so, the lion spits out the veil and "exits", back in line.)
Nick
(sees the "moonlit" rendezvous place) Ah HA! (Nick goes to cross in front of "moonshine" as Robyn bends to see if she can locate her lost puppy. In the process she hits Nick in the head with the lantern.)
Nick
Ohh.....(holds his head) Thanks for that! (then remembers the play) Er...thanks sweet moon for being so bright! (Nick goes right up to Robyn's ear and belts her with the following alliteration.)
Nick
By your Gracious, Glittering, Golden Gleam, I hope to Get a Glimpse!! (Robyn cowers and steps back a bit, but Nick is on a roll. His next line a la Daffy Duck.)
Nick
I Trust To Taste of Truest Thisbe's Sight! (Robyn has had enough. She starts to leave. He grabs her.)
Nick
But stay! (spots Thisbe's "bloodied" veil on the floor) What is this? (bends to pick it up) O spite! Look knight! Eyes can you see? How can this be? Her headscarf good, All stained with..... (making it rhyme)..BLOOD! O dainty duck.......(pause) All out of luck. 69
In your dreams
Props list
How can this be? (laughs at his little pun....... and repeats it in case it was missed) How can.....THISBE?!!!! (laughs even more)
Miss Quince NICK!! Nick
(brought back to task) Come, tears no sound, Out, sword and......wound.. (draws his sword) The breast of Pyramus! Thus...! (stabs himself) And thus! And thus and thus and thus!! (stabbing each time) (He falls to his knees, making a meal of his big scene.)
Nick
Now I am dead, Now I am sped, My soul is in the sky. Tongue lose your light, Moon take your flight. (Robyn gladly exits to the rear.)
Nick
Now DIE!.......DIE.....DIE!! (hurling himself into it. Finishes with a spin and fall)
Mr ThompsonIs he....? Don't encourage him. He might recover! Miss Hipp Mr ThompsonHere comes Thisbe. I hope this means it's nearly over. ("Thisbe" comes forward and spots the "dead" Pyramus. Frankie has given up on the feminine voice after the kiss with Nick earlier! He uses the fact that Nick is lying there to inflict a bit of revenge of his own.)
Frankie
Asleep my love? (kneels, slap, slap at Nick's face) What? Dead my dove? These lily lips.....(grabs) This cherry nose...(tweaks) These rosy cheeks...(etc..) Are gone, gone. (He stands.)
Frankie
Tongue, not a word. Come trusty sword. (He tries to draw the sword from Pyramus's chest, but Nick won't let it go that easily. Frankie prevails after using his foot on Nick's chest for extra leverage.)
Frankie
Come blade.... this Thisbe... (change of voice, deep masculine) "the heroic and terrible road warrior".... does end his life! (stabs himself) 70
In your dreams
Props list
Aagh..... Aagh.....AAGH!! (Thisbe drops dead on top of Pyramus.)
Mr Thompson(stands and applauding) Ah...is that the end?...Wasn't that er...wonderful ladies and gentlemen. (Nick and Frankie get up. Nick sneaks a few bows in.)
Miss Quince Mr Thompson it's not over. There's the epilogue. Mr ThompsonNo, no - not the epilogue! That was wonderful, please no more. Miss Quince Well then, would you like to see our dance? Miss Hipp
Dance?
Miss Quince (doesn't wait for an answer) Quick everyone.....one, two, three, four,.... (The rap beat begins as the all the drama class come forward. Mr Thompson and Miss Hippoliades have no choice but to resume their seats.)
Music 27
"The Bergomask Rap." The drama class.
(Everyone reinforces the underlined words.) Robyn
So that's the story of these two lovers, They didn’t do much under the covers,
All
Pyramus, and Thisbe!
Rosie
They spent their lives divided by a wall, They couldn’t do nothin’ ‘cos they weren’t too tall!
All
Pyramus, and Thisbe!
Leon
He thought his frisbee got eaten by a lion, So he stabbed himself, And on the ground he lay dyin’.
All
Poor Pyramus, poor Thisbe!
Frankie
Then she took her own life, She was so upset,
Nick
Yeah, they ended up like Romeo an’ Juliet!
All
Like Ro-me-o an- Ju-li-et! Poor Pyramus, poor Thisbe!
End of song (Mr Thompson is quickly on his feet this time.) (applauding) Good! Wonderful! .....Finally! Mrs Thompson Please help our drama class get OFF the stage! 71
In your dreams
Props list
(In the applause, the drama class take their bows and exit.)
ACT 2 SCENE 6: Finale We now come to a very important part of the evening. Mrs Thompson Yes.... the thank you speeches. Now I believe one of the debs is going to come up and say a few words..... (looks around, as someone enters) Ah good! (The lights change as Mrs Thompson and Miss Hippoliades exit leaving an empty stage as the figure in a deb outfit takes center stage. Music begins then the figure suddenly tears off her outfit..(velcro!!)...it's Puck !)
Music 28
"Finale." Full cast.
Puck
Now the hungry lion roars, And the wolf he behowls the moon. While the heavy farmer snores, All from wearisome mortal chores. Now the fading embers all glow, While the screech owl is screeching so, Puts the wretch that’s lying low, In remembrance of tales of woe. For now it’s the night, The timing is right, The moon will give in, To spirits within, The graves open wide...., Come feral spirits arise........., (All the ferals enter taking over the stage)
Ferals & Puck
We are the spirits, that rule the night-time, We are the weavers and makers of dreams, Now with elation, We join the celebration, You’ll be a king and a queen in your dreams, 72
In your dreams
Props list
In your dreams. Puck
I am sent to clear the way, The King and Queen are on their way! (Oberon and Titania enter with the native child.)
Oberon
Through the hall give glimmering light, Rouse the dim and drowsy fire - light., Then every spirit and every sprite, Dance a dream of pure delight, Now good fortune will appear, For all these mortals gathered here.
Titania
Now this child is ours to share, We bring you all a gift so precious and rare,
All
Now united we will bring, To all around us everything, Hand in hand we’re all one race, We’ll sing and dance and bless this place......, We are the spirits, that rule the night-time, We are the weavers and makers of dreams, Now with elation, We join the celebration, You’ll be a king and a queen in your dreams, In your dreams.
Oberon
Now trip away, make no stay, Dream away ‘til break of day!
Ferals
Trip away, make no stay, Dream away ‘til break of day. (repeat twice as all Ferals exit.) (Mr Thomson, Miss Hippoliades, Alex & Emma, Darren & Helen, and the other Deb chorus members all enter.)
All mortals All mortals
From this moment, here we stand, Our dreams we’re holding in our hands, And the future that we hope to see, Forever may it come to be. (tempo faster now.) Now we’re dressing up in silk and lace, Moving round with charm and grace, We can all be Kings and Queens, In our dreams. (All Ferals start to enter and join in quietly at first.)
Full cast
So trip away, make no stay, ‘til we meet at the break of day, You can be whatever you want........, In your dreams! 73
