A Musical
Book, Music, and Lyrics
by
George Willson
Without knowing the music, one can easily get lost in a libretto for a musical that is almost 100% sung.
The names of the characters are indented, to make them easier to spot.
Sung lines are CAPITALIZED while spoken lines are written normal.
When sung line overlap, they are written side by side to help coincide with where they fall musically. The names of the character singing is written above their sung part. Can it get confusing? Yes. Especially during the song "I Will Win" at the end of Act I, where 5 characters sing simultaneously, overlapping each other.
The entire show occurs inside the city of Bluffs, Colorado. The
time is today.
ACT I
Scene 1 — A factory on the North side of Bluffs
(Enter the workforce.)
Song: “Drudge Life”
WORKERS 1
PUSH, PULL, GRIND, HEAVE
SHOVE, SWEAT, GROAN, LEAVE
WORKERS 2 WORKERS 1
START THE DAY PUSH,
WITH A SPARK IN YOUR HEART PULL,
LEAVE THE DAY WITH YOUR GRIND,
HEART ALL APART HEAVE.
LIVE A LIFE WITH NO SHOVE,
WORRIES TODAY SWEAT,
LEAVE THE LIFE WITH A GROAN,
HOPE OF TOMORROW LEAVE
WORKERS
DRUDGE LIFE
DRUDGE LIFE
DRUDGE LIFE
WORKERS 3
TOMORROW
IS TODAY
NO MORE THEN
THAN IS NOW
PATHETIC’S
WHAT THIS IS
OUR TIME HERE
IS WASTED
WORKERS
PUSH, PULL, GRIND, HEAVE
SHOVE SWEAT GROAN, LEAVE
DRUDGE LIFE
DRUDGE LIFE
(ALFRED GOLDSEN is walking amongst the workers followed by
his nerdy-looking secretary, MS. CARTER, who is scribbling on a
notepad.)
GOLDSEN
I AM SUCCESSFUL
MORE THAN ANY MAN HERE
THOUGHTS OF MY FUTURE
NEVER WERE UNCLEAR
THERE WERE NO OTHER DREAMS WORTH PURSUING
ALL OF THEM CHILDISH DREAMS NO WORTH DOING
NO ONE CAN TOP ME
NOT IN THIS TOWN
NO ONE CAN STOP ME
OR KILL MY CASH COW
I AM THE RICHEST MAN WHO LIVES AROUND HERE
MONEY’S WHAT MATTERS HERE; I’VE MADE MYSELF CLEAR
GOLDSEN WORKERS
THEY’RE ALL BELOW ME PUSH, PULL,
I CONTROL THEM GRIND, HEAVE
I HOLD THEIR LIVES IN SHOVE, SWEAT,
THE PALMS OF MY HANDS GROAN, LEAVE
(Goldsen glances at Ms. Carter’s notepad and approaches ALLAN
CONNELL.)
GOLDSEN
Allan Connell, Supervisor.
ALLAN
Yes, Mr. Goldsen?
GOLDSEN
How long have you been with us?
ALLAN
13 years, sir.
GOLDSEN
Mr. Connell, we need to talk.
ALLAN
Talk?
GOLDSEN
Mr. Connell, I’m afraid with all the downsizing in our fair country
today, I have been forced to make some very difficult business
decisions for the good of our great company.
ALLAN
(sung over GOLDSEN)
THIS CAN’T BE GOOD.
GOLDSEN
Now, you understand I’m a business man, and the financial security
and upheaval of our company is paramount to my personal interest
and decisions, and anything that may cause detriment to that
security must be eradicated.
ALLAN
(sung over GOLDSEN)
WHAT’S HE SAYING?
GOLDSEN
I’m sorry, Mr. Connell...
(THE MUSIC STOPS)
...we’re going to have to let you go.
ALLAN
PLEASE, MR. GOLDSEN
I HAVE NOTHING
THIS HAS BEEN MY LIFE SINCE
I’VE BEEN EIGHTEEN
MY PARENTS ARE GONE
MY GIRLFRIEND’S SHAKY
SHE’S GOOD AS GONE, SIR
YOU’RE MY FAMILY
PLEASE
GOLDSEN
I’M SORRY.
THE COMPANY TAKE PRECEDENT OVER OUR SELFISH LIVES.
Ms. Carter will see you out.
ALLAN
But—
GOLDSEN
You may pick up your check from the payroll on your way.
ALLAN
But—
GOLDSEN
Good day, Mr. Connell.
(Goldsen continues his walk as Ms. Carter leads Allan away.)
WORKERS
PUSH, PULL, GRIND, HEAVE
SHOVE, SWEAT, GROAN, LEAVE
PUSH, PULL, GRIND, HEAVE
SHOVE, SWEAT, GROAN, LEAVE
DRUDGE LIFE
DRUDGE LIFE
Scene 2 — Allan’s Apartment
(ALLAN walks to the door of his apartment, quietly unlocks it
and enters. After entering, he very audibly shuts the door.
Voices are heard from the other room. ALLAN simply rolls his
eyes, folds his arms, and waits.)
Song: “In Bed Again?”
RACHEL (OS)
Quick! He’s home! Get your clothes on... Get out of here, he’ll
get suspicious! No, not that way! Out the window.
(The door opens and Allan’s girlfriend RACHEL appears in a
long T-shirt.)
ALLAN
IN BED AGAIN?
RACHEL
WELL, I HAD A LONG DAY.
ALLAN
WELL, IT CAN’T BE WORSE THAN MINE
I’M LAID OFF
RACHEL
What?
ALLAN
NOW I HAVE NO JOB
AND I HAVE NO INCOME
I’LL HAVE NOTHING IN A MATTER OF WEEKS
YOU’LL HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
MAYBE YOU’RE ALREADY PREPARED
HEY, IF YOU’RE LUCKY
MAYBE YOU COULD ASK WHAT’S HIS NAME
IF YOU COULD COME AND MOVE IN WITH HIM...
RACHEL
MmHm.
(She returns to the bedroom and slams the door.)
Song: “Closed Doors”
ALLAN
BABY, WE’VE BEEN TOGETHER FOR SO LONG,
AND NOW I FEEL LIKE WE’RE GOING WRONG.
WE’RE GETTING COLD
AND I’M FEELIN’ OLD.
AND DARLING, IT’S BEEN SO LONG SINCE WE’VE BEEN THERE
I’D LOVE TO TOUCH YOU, BUT I WON’T DARE
AND YOU CAN’T DENY
YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHY
WELL I NEVER CHEATED ON YOU
AND YOU KNOW THAT I’VE NEVER HURT YOU
SO LET ME KNOW WHY YOU’D DO THIS TO ME BABY
WHY’D YOU END IT LIKE THIS?
HOW’D WE GET LIKE THIS?
I’VE LET YOU GO
AND NOW YOU SHOULD KNOW
I’LL NEVER DIE FOR YOU
YOU’LL NEVER TOUCH ME AGAIN
I’LL NEVER WHILE AWAY THE NIGHT AGAIN
UNTIL YOU HAVE GONE...
THEN I’LL HAVE MY TEARS
RIGHT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
IT TAKES ALL I HAVE JUST TO TELL YOU GOOD-BYE
I’VE SUMMONED ALL MY STRENGTH JUST TO STAY HERE ALONE
I NEVER WANTED YOU TO GO, NOW I’LL SEND YOU AWAY
WILL I REGRET THAT?
NO, I WON’T REGRET THAT
I’LL NEVER WANT YOU BACK IN MY ARMS
SO, IT’S TIME TO ADMIT IT
IT’S OVER; FORGET IT
YOU’LL NEVER HEAR THOSE WORDS FROM ME
YOU’LL NEVER HEAR ME TELL YOU, “I LOVE YOU,” AGAIN!
NOW HONEY, REMEMBER ALL OF THE GOOD TIMES.
AND THINK OF ALL THE YEARS WE COULD HAVE HAD
IF YOU HAD STOPPED
WHAT YOU BEGAN
AND BABY, I WORKED THE HOURS TO SUPPORT YOU
IS THAT A REASON TO FORGET ME
FOR YOUR SIDE AFFAIRS
WHEN I’M UNAWARES
AND I THOUGHT I’D NEVER LET YOU GO
AND I THOUGHT THAT YOU HAD TAKEN MY SOUL
I’LL NEVER KNOW WHY YOU DID THIS TO ME, BABY
WHY’D YOU END IT LIKE THIS
HOW’D WE GET LIKE THIS
I’VE LET YOU GO
AND NOW YOU SHOULD KNOW
I’LL NEVER DIE FOR YOU
YOU’LL NEVER TOUCH ME AGAIN
I’LL NEVER WHILE AWAY THE NIGHT AGAIN
UNTIL YOU HAVE GONE...
THEN I’LL HAVE MY TEARS,
RIGHT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
(She returns with a couple bags)
RACHEL
I’m sorry, were you talking?
(Allan scoffs and turns away.)
RACHEL
Whatever. Have a nice life, loser.
ALLAN
Get out.
RACHEL
You’ll want me back.
ALLAN
GET OUT OF HERE!!
(Rachel scoffs, then exits.)
ALLAN
I’LL NEVER DIE FOR YOU
YOU’LL NEVER TOUCH ME AGAIN
I’LL NEVER WHILE AWAY THE NIGHT AGAIN
UNTIL YOU HAVE GONE...
THEN I’LL HAVE MY TEARS
RIGHT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.
Scene 3 — The street outside the apartment
(As Allan is leaving his apartment, there are a couple of
THUGS waiting.)
Song: “Thugs”
THUG1
EXCUSE ME, MR. CONNELL
OUR BOSS, HE HAS A PROBLEM WITH
YOU NOT PAYING DEBTS THAT YOU OWE
THUG2
OUR BOSS, HE DOESN’T LIKE IT WHEN
MONEY IS WITHHELD FROM HIM
YOU KNOW HIS IMPATIENCE CAN GROW
THUG1
PLAYING WITH HIM, SIR, IS A
STUPID THING TO
DO; IT LEADS US TO SOME HARSH
THINGS TO DO TO
YOU, SIR, IF YOU DON’T PAY
MY PARTNER AND COMPADRE
WILL SHOW HIS DISCORD WITH EVERY BLOW
THUG2
And don’t try anything, this time.
ALLAN
GENTLEMEN, I HAVE PAID
THE MONEY I OWE IN FULL
WHAT DO YOU THINK I HAVE LEFT TO PAY?
YOU’RE DOWN TO TAKING PAYCHECKS
I KNOW I’VE LONG SINCE PAID YOU
SO, ALL THESE ORDERS I WON’T OBEY
I DON’T THINK THIS IS FAIR
YOU ROUGHING ME UP
WEEK AFTER WEEK, CONSTANTLY
ASKING FOR THE
MONEY I HAVE PAID HIM; WHY
DON’T YOU CHECK YOUR
BOOKS, AND LEAVE ME PLEASE THIS IS
GETTING ON MY
NERVES, NOW IF YOU PLEASE, I WISH
TO BE FREE OF YOU GUYS
SO WOULD YOU PLEASE STEP OUT OF MY WAY.
THUG2
Not ‘till you pay.
YOU’RE FORGETTING WHAT YOU PAY FOR, MY FRIEND
PROTECTION IS WORTH ALL YOU CAN SPEND
IF YOU PAY, WE WON’T BEAT YOU UP
NOW DON’T YOU THINK THAT THAT IS ENOUGH
ALLAN
You want me to pay you so you won’t beat me?
THUG2
You finally understand...
ALLAN
Give me a break...
THUG1
I’ve been waiting for this.
(The Thugs beat on Allan for a bit until Allan discovers a
beauty down the street. It’s actually Rachel attempting to
hail a cab.)
ALLAN
WAIT A MINUTE, GENTLEMEN
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
A GODDESS, OR A GIRL IN DISTRESS
SHE MAY NEED A STRONG HAND
I THINK YOU GUYS COULD HELP HER
SHE REALLY SEEMS TO BE IN A MESS.
THUG1
DAMSELS IN DISTRESS ARE MY
SPECIALTY
THUG2
I THINK THAT I COULD TREAT HER LIKE
ROYALTY
ALLAN
WELL, GO THEN DEAR SWEET GENTLEMEN
SHE’LL THINK YOU’RE SO GALLANT
(aside)
RIGHT BEFORE SHE BITES OFF YOUR HEADS
(The Thugs race to where she is, and try to help her out of
her clothing and off the street. Rachel is unappreciative of
this gesture and fights back, while Allan escapes.)
Scene 4 — The Bridge over the River Deep
(Allan runs onto The Bridge.)
ALLAN
THOSE GUYS, THEY MAY BE STRONG
BUT IN BRAINS, I’D SAY THEY’RE LACKING
BY THINKING WITH THE WRONG SET OF HEADS
AND BONUS, IT WAS RACHEL
BUT THAT’S NO CONSOLATION
CAUSE MONEY FOR THEM I’LL NEVER HAVE
I HAD PRAYED
FOR SOME WAY OUT
BUT GOD IGNORED
SO MY LIFE IS GONE
(He walks to the center of The Bridge and looks out over the
water.)
Song: “Looking”
LOOKING OUT
I SEE A WORLD FORBIDDEN
FAR AWAY
I SEE SO MANY THINGS HIDDEN
I CANNOT DENY MY LIFE
I CANNOT DENY MY FAILURES
SO MY TIME IS PAST AND NOW I MUST MOVE ON
LOOKING OUT
I SEE A LIFE UNTASTED
LOOKING IN
I FEEL A CHILDHOOD WASTED
I CAN WISH FOR SOMETHING MORE
BUT I HAVE NO HOPE FOR SOMETHING
I CAN ONLY WISH I’D DONE MORE WITH MY TIME
WITHOUT HOPE, I STARE INTO THE DISTANCE
FAKING SMILES, I CLING TO MY THREAD OF LIFE
ONE MORE STEP, AND THE FATES WILL HAVE THEIR WAY WITH ME
FOR I DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE
BUT I DON’T DESERVE TO DIE
BUT I DON’T DESERVE TO GO ON WITH THIS PAIN
LOOKING ON
I SEE THE DARKNESS LURKING
LOOKING BACK
I FEEL THE HELL UNSHIRKING
NOW I GIVE MY LIFE TO YOU
IT IS ALL THAT I CAN DO
THERE IS NOTHING MORE THAT WAITS FOR ME ‘ROUND HERE
(He stares at the water for a moment, pondering, then backs
away from the rail.)
I WOULD GIVE MY LIFE TO YOU
WERE IT SOMETHING I COULD DO
BUT THERE’S ONE MORE NIGHT I NEED TO LIVE ‘ROUND HERE.
(Allan exits.)
Scene 5 — Antonio’s Beat, Bluffs’ Red Light District
(In this part of town, the streets are controlled by pimps
and protitution. If you’re in this part of town, you only
have one thing on your mind.)
Song: “Piece of the Action”
ANTONIO
RIGHT HERE IN NORHERN BLUFFS, MAN
WE GOT A SMORGASBORD HERE
YOU’LL LEARN THINGS THAT SHOULD BE BANNED
YOU’LL CROSS THE FINAL FRONTIER
THEY’LL GIVE YOU ANY FANCY
OR ANY BOLD DESIRE
NOW IF YOU’RE FEELING ANTSY
COME DOWN, THEY’LL LIGHT YOUR FIRE
GIRL 1
I’VE GOT MOVES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN
AND SOME YOU’VE NEVER DREAMED
GIRL 2
I COULD GIVE YOU FANTASIES
TO BRING YOU TO YOUR KNEES
GIRLS 1&2
IF YOU DON’T LIKE ONE, THEN TRY TWO
WE’LL BOTH BE HERE FOR YOU
ANTONIO
THEY’LL BOTH TAKE YOU ON A HELLUVA RIDE
WHERE NO PLEASURE IS DENIED
GIRLS
WHAT YOU WANT?
YOU WANT A PIECE OF THE ACTION
WHAT YOU NEED?
YOU NEED A PIECE OF ME, BABY
WHAT YOU GET:
YOU GET A PIECE OF MY ACTION
GET A PIECE OF ME,
PIECE OF ME,
PIECE OF ME,
PIECE OF ME, BOY.
ANTONIO
TRY APRIL
APRIL
FEEL THE SPRINGTIME
ANTONIO
TRY MAY
MAY
COME SMELL THE FLOWERS
ANTONIO
TRY JUNE
JUNE
AND TASTE THE OLD TIME
ANTONIO
TRY THREE MONTHS IN THE SHOWER
TRY RITA, SHE’S A DANCER
RITA
I’LL WRAP MY LEGS AROUND YOU
ANTONIO
HERE’S GLIMMER, QUITE THE SCHOOLGIRL
GLIMMER
TRY ANTON
ANTONIO
NOT WHAT I DO
THE MONEY IS GOOD AND THE WORK IS EASY
BECAUSE OF MY WORKFORCE
FOR WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR FLOW OF INCOME
I’M THEIR ONLY SOURCE
THEY’RE JUST A BUNCH OF HOMELESS WOMEN
I FOUND LIVING ON THE STREETS
AND EVERY ONE OF THEM IS UNDER MY CONTROL
‘CAUSE THEY’RE INDEBTED TO ME
(The Girls dance around ‘hooking’ passersby onto their
wares. One by one, they all find someone and leave the
stage. Meanwhile, off the street, Deirdre is getting ready.)
DEIRDRE
I DON’T THINK THAT I CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THIS
I’VE GOT TO BREATHE SOME AIR
A LITTLE LIPSTICK AND A LOT OF ROUGE
IS WHAT I’VE HEARD TO WEAR
I CAN DO THIS, I AM INDEBTED
BUT IS IT WORTH THE PRICE?
IT AIN’T LOVE; IT’S JUST MY BODY
THEY’RE GUYS, THEY REALLY DON’T CARE
IT SEEMS EXCITING, BUT IT’S STILL SCARY
SOME MEN CAN BE A NIGHTMARE
(Glimmer enters.)
GLIMMER
ARE YOU COMING HONEY?
DO YOU STILL FEEL AFRAID?
JUST RELAX AND KEEP YOUR HEAD UP
AND IT WILL BE OK.
IT’S EASY MONEY; YOU CAN LIE THERE
THEY DON’T WANT YOU FOR YOUR FACE.
JUST SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND OPEN WIDE
AND IT WILL FALL INTO PLACE.
NOW WHAT’S WRONG SWEETIE; IT’S NOT SO BAD
RELAX AND LISTEN TO ME...
(Glimmer sits next to Deirdre.)
LONG AGO, I WAS LIKE YOU
I WAS LOST ON THE STREET
I, TOO, WAS FOUND BY ANTONIO
FIRST, I WAS SAVED, THEN SOLD AS MEAT
HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING TO
AND I BELIEVED UNTIL I HAD MY FIRST
I’VE ALWAYS CRIED
EVERY TIME
NEVER BETTER AND NEVER WORSE
It’s all right to cry. I’ve even found some who like it….
NOW I KNOW THERE IS NO HOPE
TO EVER LEAVE THIS LIFE
ONE DAY IS LIKE ANOTHER
WE HAVE NO WORLD BEYOND THIS STRIFE
NOW OUR BODIES BELONG TO ANTONIO
OUR PRIDE NOW GOES FOR A PRICE
WHAT WE ONCE HELD DEAR
NOW KEEPS US ALIVE
TO SURVIVE WE SACRIFICE
THIS IS OUR LIFE; IT’S TIME TO LIVE IT
WHETHER WE WANT TO OR NOT
(Glimmer leads Deirdre out, and she almost runs into a MAN
DRESSED IN BLACK. She excuses herself past him, and his
heads turns toward her as he passes.)
GLIMMER
He goes through Antonio for his choices. We need someone else….
(The Man in Black crosses to Antonio, and he points over to
Deirdre, to which Antonio nods knowingly. He leads the Man in
Black offstage. Deirdre, meanwhile, has run into Allan.)
DEIRDRE
HEY, MISTER, NEED SOME ACTION
I THINK I GOT WHAT YOU WANT
I’LL GIVE YOU SATISFACTION
GLIMMER
GIRL, HUSH, LESS TALK, MORE FLAUNT
ALLAN
YOU DON’T NEED LINES TO WIN ME
NO FANCY WORDS OR BIG SHOW
I AM NOT HERE TO SIGHT-SEE
I’M BUYING, SO SHALL WE GO?
DEIRDRE
OH, MY GOD, I GOT ONE GLIMMER
WHAT DO I DO NOW?
WHERE DO WE GO, WHAT DO I DO?
I THINK I WILL BE SICK.
GLIMMER
DON’T YOU WORRY, SWEETHEART
ALL THESE GUYS ARE ALL THE SAME
ALL THEY WANT IS WHAT YOU GOT
AND IT AIN’T HARD TO SELL
DEIRDRE
WHAT YOU WANT?
YOU WANT A PIECE OF THE ACTION
WHAT YOU NEED?
YOU NEED A PIECE OF ME BABY?
WHAT YOU GET:
YOU GET A PIECE OF MY ACTION
WANT A PIECE OF ME,
PIECE OF ME,
PIECE OF ME,
PIECE OF-
ALLAN
ALL NIGHT.
DEIRDRE
GLIMMER, WHAT NOW? HE HAS ASKED ME
TO STAY WITH HIM ALL NIGHT
GLIMMER
LISTEN, MISTER, WHAT DO YOU WANT?
WE DON’T PLAY STUPID TRICKS
ALLAN
I WILL PAY HER; I WILL NOT HURT HER
I JUST WANT COMPANY
GLIMMER
IT CAN’T HURT NONE, BE CAREFUL DEIRDRE
YOU BETTER GET PAID A LOT
DON’T TRUST MEN, ESPECIALLY GUYS
DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?
(Deirdre nods her understanding. Allan puts out his arm and
she takes it. They remain to the side of the scene. Glimmer
joins the main entourage of Girls.)
GIRLS
WHAT YOU WANT?
YOU WANT A PIECE OF THE ACTION.
WHAT YOU NEED?
YOU NEED A PIECE OF ME BABY.
WHAT YOU GET:
YOU GET A PIECE OF MY ACTION
GET A PIECE OF ME
GIRLS ANTONIO ALLAN DEIRDRE
PIECE OF ME BETTER ACT
PIECE OF ME NOW ‘CAUSE THEY’RE
PIECE OF ME GOING REAL DO YOU HAVE
PIECE OF ME FAST AND IF REGULAR
PIECE OF ME YOU DON’T MOVE CLOTHES? — —AT MY
PIECE OF ME THEY WILL BE PLACE
BOYS. GONE.
Scene 6 — Deirdre’s Apartment, Northern Bluffs
(They enter, and Deirdre motions to Allan to wait where he is
while she goes behind a screen to change.)
Song: “Do I Know What I’m Doing?”
ALLAN
DO I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING?
SPENDING MY LAST NIGHT WITH ONLY THIS GIRL
WHICH IS UNFULFILLING
BUT, AT LEAST, I AM WITH SOMEBODY
IF THOSE GUYS KNEW, THEY’D KILL ME
BECAUSE I’M GIVING ALL MY MONEY TO HER
BUT I’M GOING TO DIE ANYWAY
I HAVE NOTHING LEFT BEYOND TONIGHT
‘SCUSE ME, MISS, ARE YOU FINISHED YET?
(Deirdre, already changed, emerges from behind the screen,
unseen to Allan.)
DEIRDRE
OH NO, NOT YET, I’M STILL CHANGING
PLEASE BE PATIENT THIS WILL TAKE SOME TIME
I’M HALF-WAY DRESSED AND DECIDING...
DO I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING?
SPENDING MY FIRST NIGHT WITH ONLY ONE MAN
HOW VERY STRANGE HIS REQUEST IS
WANTING MORE THAN JUST THE NORMAL DEMAND
STILL SOMETHING DOESN’T SCARE ME OFF
AND SOMETHING DEEP WANTS TO KNOW HIM
MAYBE CURIOSITY’S AT PLAY
MAYBE IT’S GOOD FOR MY FIRST NIGHT OUT
ALLAN
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS?
DEIRDRE
IT’S MY FIRST NIGHT,
YOU’RE MY FIRST TRICK
ALLAN
WELL, I SUPPOSE THAT MAKES ME SPECIAL,
DOESN’T IT?
DEIRDRE
I SUPPOSE IT DOES I’M ALMOST DONE
DO I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING?
PUT MY BODY AT HIS MERCY TONIGHT
AND WILL I SEE TOMORROW
SOMETHING ABOUT HIM DOESN’T SEEM JUST RIGHT
(Deirdre takes a few deep, visible breathes, then steps out
to Allan.)
DEIRDRE
OK, I’M READY TO GO WITH YOU
DO I LOOK ALL RIGHT FOR WHAT’S IN STORE
ALLAN
YOU LOOK GREAT, SHALL WE GO NOW?
THERE’S ONLY ONE NIGHT LEFT FOR ME TO ENJOY
DO LET’S GO ENJOY IT
IT’S TIME, NOW, FOR YOUR NIGHT TO START.
(They exit.)
Scene 7 - A fine restaurant in Southern Bluffs
(Allan and Deirdre are seated. He begins speaking to the
waiter, then to Deirdre.)
Song: “My Once Upon A Time”
ALLAN
WE’LL TAKE THE HOUSE SPECIAL
THE BEST THAT YOU HAVE
AND TWO GLASSES OF CHARDONNAY TO TOP OFF OUR MEAL
I WANT TO MAKE TONIGHT OUR BEST NIGHT
BECAUSE YOU ONLY GET TO LIVE ONCE
I’LL MAKE TONIGHT HEAVEN
ONE YOU WON’T REGRET
I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH TO GET WHERE YOU ARE
REMEMBER HERE, FORGET YOUR PAST NOW
BECAUSE WE ONLY GET TO LIVE ONCE
DEIRDRE
I WANNA KNOW ABOUT YOUR LIFE
I WANNA KNOW JUST WHO YOU ARE
AND I WANNA KNOW HOW YOU CAME TO BE
WITH SOMEONE LIKE ME
ALLAN
MY FAM’LY CAME TO BLUFFS A LONG TIME AGO
BUT MY STORY REALLY STARTS WHEN I WAS EIGHTEEN
BEFORE THEN, I WAS JUST A KID WITH NOTHING TO DO
A LONER AND A REBEL AND RATHER CLUELESS
NOTHING MUCH TO TALK ABOUT THERE
YOU KNOW THE FIGHTS; THE NORTH SIDE OF TOWN
ALL MY LIFE I WANTED TO LEAVE
AT LEAST GO SOUTH WHERE PEOPLE ARE COOL AND RESPECTFUL
I’VE BEEN AT MY JOB SINCE I LEFT HIGH SCHOOL
I NEVER WENT TO COLLEGE OR ANY TRADE SCHOOL
I DIDN’T HAVE A REASON TO LEAVE WHAT I HAD
OR ANY OTHER DREAMS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
LOOKING OVER BOX AFTER BOX
SWEATING DAYS AND NIGHTS IN THAT PLACE
THIRTEEN YEARS AND THEY LAY ME OFF
NO REASONS AND NO WARNINGS BEFORE THEY KICKED ME OUT
THAT’S MY ONCE UPON A TIME
THAT’S MY FAIRY TALE
THAT’S WHERE MY STORY BEGAN
THIS IS WHAT GAVE ME MY END
NOW YOU KNOW WHERE I’M COMING FROM
AND WHAT BROUGHT ME HERE
JUST ANOTHER PAGE IN A BOOK OF LIFE
MOVING ALONG WITHOUT A TEAR
Your turn.
DEIRDRE
No, that’s ok. I have nothing to tell.
ALLAN
So bore me.
DEIRDRE
It’s the same story every other girl on the Northside has.
ALLAN
I’ve never heard it. This is my last night; perhaps you could
indulge me just once.
(Deirdre breathes deeply, doubting the stranger at first,
but deciding to go ahead and indulge his curiosity.)
DEIRDRE
Well, I guess I don’t have anything left to hide from anyone
anymore anyway...
I NEVER KNEW THE FATHER THAT I NEVER HAD
I’VE BEEN WITHOUT MY MOTHER SINCE I WAS FOURTEEN
TILL I COULD WORK I WENT AROUND JUST LIVING WITH GUYS
THOUGHT THEY LOVED ME TILL THEY SCREWED ME, THEN I’M KICKED OUT
DROPPING OUT I TRIED ALL THE JOBS
BURGER JOINTS AND FINE RESTAURANTS
THEY DIDN’T WANT A GIRL FROM THE NORTH
A LOSER WHO HAD PROVEN SHE COULDN’T SUCCEED HERE
SO I BECAME HOMELESS OUT ON THE STREET
UNTIL ANTONIO FOUND ME AND TOOK ME IN
BUT WHAT I DIDN’T KNOW WAS WHAT WAS IN STORE FOR ME
HE MAKES ME SACRIFICE MY PRIDE TO PAY HIM
MY MOTHER STARTED OUT ON THE STREETS
SHE MET MY FATHER OUT ON THE BEAT
DON’T EVEN THINK THAT SHE KNEW HIS NAME
I HOPED THAT I WOULD NEVER BE ENDING UP LIKE HER
BUT LOOK AT ME NOW!
NO BETTER THAN HER!
SHE ENDED UP DEAD TO MAKE ENDS MEET SO THAT I WOULD SURVIVE
A BULLET THROUGH HER HEAD AND A BULLET THROUGH HER HEART IS WHAT
KEPT ME ALIVE
YOU THINK YOU HAD IT ROUGH; I THINK I HAD IT ROUGH
I’M SORRY
THESE MEMORIES...
ALLAN
That’s ok, I understand
(Deirdre smiles noticeably.)
DEIRDRE
THAT’S MY ONCE UPON A TIME
THAT’S MY FAIRY TALE
THAT’S WHERE MY STORY BEGAN
THIS IS WHAT GAVE ME MY END
THAT’S MY ONCE UPON A TIME
THAT’S MY FAIRY TALE
THAT’S MY TWENTY YEARS
THIS IS WHERE MY LIFE HAS LED
NOW YOU KNOW WHERE I’M COMING FROM
AND WHAT BROUGHT ME HERE
JUST ANOTHER PAGE IN A BOOK OF LIFE
MOVING ALONG WITHOUT A TEAR
(Allan and Deirdre continue to mime a conversation over
their drinks.)
ALLAN DEIRDRE
THAT’S MY ONCE UPON A TIME THAT WAS MY LIFE
THAT’S MY FAIRY TALE THIS’LL BE MY END
THAT’S WHERE MY STORY BEGAN THIS IS WHERE I’M LIVING
THIS IS WHAT GIVES ME MY END HOW COULD IT HAPPEN TO ME
BOTH
THAT’S MY ONCE UPON A TIME
THAT’S MY FAIRY TALE
THAT’S WHERE MY STORY BEGAN
THAT IS WHAT GAVE ME MY END
ALLAN
I’LL HAVE THE CHECK NOW
THIS WILL BE ENOUGH
OH, IT’S BEEN SUCH A VERY LONG TIME SINCE I’VE EATEN LIKE THIS
I HOPE YOU DID ENJOY YOUR DINNER
THIS IS HE TIME WE’LL ONLY LIVE ONCE
DEIRDRE
Allan, why do you keep saying this is your last night?
(Allan looks at her sadly for a moment. Before he can answer,
the Thugs enter and survey the scene. Allan quickly turns away
from them to conceal his face. They proceed to speak with the
Mairtre’D)
ALLAN
Oh no, the Thugs!
DEIRDRE
The who?
ALLAN
I can’t be seen by those two or they’ll kill me.
DEIRDRE
There are stairs over there.
ALLAN
Let’s go.
(Allan leaves some cash on the table, and they exit as the
Thugs are led to a table followed by Antonio and the Man in
Black. Antonio and the Man sit and the Thugs stand behind
the Man in Black. He removes his disguise and it is
Goldsen.)
Song: “I Got a Girl”
ANTONIO
MR. GOLDSEN, I THANK YOU FOR COMING
I HAVE ONE TO FIT YOUR BILL
YOU’LL FIND SHE’S A STUNNING BEAUTY
AND ALL YOU SAID YOU WANTED FOR YOUR NEXT THRILL
GOLDSEN
I ADVISE YOU TO SPEAK SOMEWHAT SOFTER
I TAKE A CHANCE BY MEETING YOU
YOU KNOW I’M A PUBLIC FIGURE
ONE WHO WOULD NOT BE SEEN WITH YOU
ANTONIO
I UNDERSTAND YOUR HESITATION, GOOD SIR
OUR REPUTATION FOLLOWS US WHEREVER WE GO
WE’LL MAKE THIS QUICK SO YOU WILL NOT BE SHAMED
GOLDSEN
YOU’LL SHOW ME WHAT I WANT TO SEE OR I’LL BE ON MY WAY
ANTONIO
MR. GOLDSEN I KNOW OF YOUR PALETTE
AND I FOUND ONE TO FIT YOUR TASTE
IT’S TRUE, I’VE DONE WRONG IN THE PAST TO YOU
BUT THIS TIME I THINK YOU’LL TAKE MY BAIT
GOLDSEN
YOUR WORDS DO NOT GIVE ME COMFORT
THE ONES YOU CALLED BEAUTS WERE BLAND
I DON’T WANT EMPTY WORDS OR PROMISES
I WANT THE ONE I POINTED OUT ON YOUR STAND
ANTONIO
WITH GREAT ASSURANCE, SIR
I TELL YOU YOU’LL BE PLEASED
THE GIRL THAT I HAVE NOW
IS NOWHERE NEAR FREE
GOLDSEN
FORGET ALL YOUR WARES, BOY
YOU KNOW THE ONE I’M NEEDING
ANTONIO
I KNOW VERY WELL SIR
I’M SIMPLY CONFIRMING
(Sliding her picture across the table to Goldsen, Goldsen’s
face lights up brighter than a spotlight on a car lot.)
GOLDSEN
WELL, WELL, WELL, WELL
WELL, WELL, WELL, WELL
(The Thugs look over his shoulder at the photo.)
GOLDSEN AND THUGS
WELL, WELL, WELL, WELL
WELL, WELL, WELL, WELL
ANTONIO
I GOT A GIRL?
GOLDSEN
YOU GOT A GIRL!
I REMEMBER HER FROM YOUR BEAT ON THE STREET
GET HER TO ME, BOY, AND YOUR PAST IS FORGIVEN
ANTONIO
YOU’LL GET YOUR GIRL!
GOLDSEN
I GOT MY GIRL!
I’LL GIVE YOUR PRICE, YOU JUST NAME WHAT SHE’S WORTH
WITH LOOKS LIKE HERS, IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT SHE’S GIVING
ANTONIO
WHEN DO YOU WANT HER?
GOLDSEN
BEFORE THE NIGHT’S OUT
ANTONIO
I CAN DO THAT
GOLDSEN
YOU CAN DO THAT?
ANTONIO
I PROMISE YOU RIGHT NOW
IN JUST A SCANT FEW HOURS
THAT THE GIRL WILL BE
ON YOUR DOORSTEP
WAITING FOR YOUR LOVE
(They shake, then Goldsen pulls Antonio threateningly close
to him.)
GOLDSEN
FAILURE IS NOT IN MY AGENDA, BOY
I EXPECT YOUR PROMISE FULFILLED
TO DECIDE TO FAIL ME AGAIN IS ILL-ADVISED
YOUR PROFITS WILL BE MINE, AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED
WELL?
THUG1
WELL?
THUG2
WELL?
GOLDSEN
WELL?
THUG1
WELL?
THUG2
WELL?
ALL 3
WELL?
ANTONIO
YOU’LL GET YOUR GIRL
GOLDSEN
I’LL GET MY GIRL
I’D BETTER OR YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF IN A BAG
POSSIBLY FALLING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE RIVER DEEP
(He pushes Antonio to his chair and leaves the restaurant
with the Thugs who look at Antonio with that super-macho
“We’re better than you ever thought of being” look.)
ANTONIO
HE’LL GET HIS GIRL
HE WILL OR MY LIFE IS BOUND TO BE GONE
I’D BETTER OR THIS NIGHT COULD BE MY LAST...
(He tosses a couple bucks on the table and exits.)
Scene 8 - The roof of the restaurant
(Allan and Deirdre enter. Allan steals a glance behind them
to insure they weren’t followed. Deirdre stands in awe of
the city.)
DEIRDRE
Wow. It’s so cold on the ground... How can it all look so amazing
from up here.
ALLAN
Dunno. I guess it all depends your point of view.
Song: “Alone Atop A Building on a Saturday Night”
DEIRDRE
HOW SHOULD I FEEL WITH A PASSING GUY
A ONE NIGHT STAND
A FLING FOR A NIGHT?
AND ANY FEELINGS SHOULD BE PUT TO REST
BECAUSE EMOTIONS
SIMPLY SHOULD NOT BE EXPRESSED
HOW COULD I EVER THINK I WOULD EVER GET OUT OF HERE
STANDING BY IN A LIFE WHERE STANDING BY IS A WAY OF LIFE
ONCE I THOUGHT AS A CHILD I’D BE FREE OF THE LIFE I LIVED IN THEN
BUT I THOUGHT IT CAN’T BE TRUE
TILL I WAS STANDING HERE WITH YOU
ALONE ATOP A BUILDING ON A SATURDAY NIGHT
WHEN IT ALL FEELS SO WEIRD
AND I DON’T UNDERSTAND IT
GAZING AT THE SKYLINE AND THE CITY LIGHTS
WOULD I WANT TO BE HOME WITH YOU
TONIGHT?
ALLAN
HOW COULD I EVER THINK THAT THIS MIDNIGHT TOUR
COULD HAVE CONCEPT OF
AN EMOTION THAT ENDURES
AND THOUGH I ONLY REALLY GET HER FOR ONE NIGHT
I SEEM TO WANT MORE
THAN A MOMENT OF DELIGHT
HOW COULD I EVER THINK I WOULD EVER GET OUT OF HERE
LOOKING ON IN A LIFE WHERE MORNING SUN BRINGS AN END TO LIFE
ONCE I THOUGHT AS A CHILD I’D BE FREE OF THE LIFE I’D LIVED IN THEN
STILL I KNOW IT CAN’T BE TRUE
BUT WHEN I’M STANDING HERE WITH YOU
ALONE ATOP A BUILDING ON A SATURDAY NIGHT
WHEN EVERYTHING’S WRONG
AND I WANT IT TO MAKE SENSE
GAZING AT THE SKYLINE AND THE CITY LIGHTS
DO I WANT TO GO HOME WITH YOU
TONIGHT
I WAS BEGINNING TO THINK THAT WOMEN WOULD ONLY TREAT ME WRONG
DEIRDRE
I WAS BEGINNING TO THINK THAT MEN MEN WOULD NEVER LOVE ME AT ALL
BOTH
BUT AFTER AN EVENING WITH YOU; I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NIGHT
YES, AFTER AN EVENING WITH YOU; I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NIGHT
ALLAN
I’D LIKE TO THINK THAT WHEN I’M LOOKING AT YOU
YOU THINK I LOOK BETTER
THAN WHAT I APPEAR TO
DEIRDRE
I’D LIKE TO THINK THAT WHEN I’M LOOKING AT YOU
I LOOK BETTER THAN ONE
WHO’D CONDUCT THIS IMPROMPTU
BOTH
I’D LIKE TO THINK I’M FEELING SOME STRANGE FEELINGS I CAN’T EXPLAIN
I HOPE YOU THINK THAT I’M A LITTLE BETTER THAN THIS STORY
PORTRAYS
I FEEL I WANT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING THAT OUR SITUATION FORBIDS
BUT I’LL FORGET ALL THAT; WILL YOU?
WHEN I AM STANDING HERE WITH YOU
ALONE ATOP A BUILDING ON A SATURDAY NIGHT
WHEN EVERYTHING’S RIGHT
LET’S NOT DESTROY IT
STANDING WITH THE SKYLINE AND THE CITY LIGHTS
I WOULD LIKE TO GO HOME WITH YOU
TONIGHT
I’M NOT ADMITTING THAT I FEEL FOR YOU
TONIGHT
BUT I’D LIKE TO GO HOME WITH YOU
TONIGHT
I DIDN’T THINK I’D TURN MY THOUGHTS TO YOU
TONIGHT
DEIRDRE
Allan, who were those guys we ran from?
ALLAN
Sharks trying to kill me...
DEIRDRE
Are they the reason you say this is your last night?
Song: “I Will Win”
ALLAN
YOU ASK WHY THIS IS MY LAST NIGHT
I WOULD SAY I’D BE SURPRISED
IF YOU HAD FAILED TO USE INSIGHT
TO REMAIN SO MYSTIFIED
MY LIFE AND MY SITUATION
HAVE GONE FROM BAD TO WORSE
THIS IS MY MOTIVATION
TO GIVE IN AND END THIS CURSE
MY PLAN WAS TO TAKE YOU FOR MY COMPANY
THEN TO GIVE YOU MY CASH
IT’S A PLAN TO GET RID OF THIS LAST PAYCHECK
AND TO HAVE THE FINAL LAUGH
AND THEN, TO FINISH MY LAST NIGHT
TO THE BRIDGE I TAKE MY SOUL
I FALL WHILE GIVING MY LAST RITES
TO THE WATER’S UNDERTOW
DEIRDRE
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU
TO MAKE YOU THINK
THIS IS YOUR LAST RECOURSE?
WHAT HAS MADE YOU THINK
THIS IS THE ONLY
END FOR YOUR REMORSE?
(Allan turns to her sadly, then looks out over the city.)
ALLAN
I TOLD YOU THAT I HAD A JOB I ENJOYED
AND ALL THE BENEFITS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
RETIREMENTS AND BONUS PLANS, BUT ALL THAT IS GONE
WITHOUT A “BY YOUR LEAVE,” THE BOSS LET ME GO
COMING HOME I FOUND MY GIRLFRIEND
ONCE AGAIN IN BED WITH A MAN
SHE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT I’D NEVER KNOW
AND SO I KICKED HER OUT JUST LIKE I’D BEEN LET GO
AND NOW I’M GETTING TO JUST WHY I AM WITH YOU
I HAVE BORROWED MONEY LIKE ALL OF US HAVE
AND THEN I PAID IT BACK; I THOUGHT I WAS CLEAR
BUT IT HAD GAINED MORE INTEREST THAN A POOR MAN COULD PAY
AND THEN THE COST OF CREDIT BECAME SEVERE
I’VE PAID BACK MUCH MORE THAN I OWE
BUT DAY BY DAY THEY KEEP HOUNDING MORE
NOW THEY’RE TAKING ALL MY PAYCHECKS
WITH EVERYTHING ELSE GONE, I’M NEEDING A WAY OUT
SO I HIRED YOU
TO GET BACK AT THEM
I DECIDED IF I GIVE MY MONEY TO YOU, THEN THEY CAN’T HAVE IT
WHEN I KILL MYSELF THEY WON’T FIND A THING FOR THEM LEFT TO CLAIM
THEY’LL NEVER FIND A THING LEFT IN MY NAME
THEY’LL ONLY FIND A BODY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BRIDGE
THEY’LL WALK AWAY EMPTY-HANDED
THAT’S HOW I’LL BEAT THEM
AT THE END OF TONIGHT
I WILL WIN
DEIRDRE ALLAN
WHY DON’T YOU CALL THE COPS
AND PUT THEM AWAY I’VE TRIED
IT COULD BE A WAY TO GET BACK AT
THEM OH,
SURE THE COPS WILL CARE,
THEY LOVE THE NORTHSIDE
WHY NOT? THE COPS DON’T GIVE A DAMN
IF WE LIVE OR DIE
BUT...
ALLAN
AT THE END OF TONIGHT
I WILL WIN
DEIRDRE
HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT DYING WILL HELP YOU BEAT THEM
I’VE ALWAYS FELT THAT DYING WAS NEVER A WIN
ALLAN
I WILL WIN
DEIRDRE
THROUGHOUT MY LIFE I ALWAYS CONSIDERED THAT THOUGHT
THROUGHOUT MY HELL I’VE ALWAYS CONSIDERED THAT CHOICE
BUT I’D NEVER KILL MYSELF BECAUSE THAT’S A LOSS
ALLAN DEIRDRE
UNDERSTAND... DON’T UNDERSTAND...
UNDERSTAND... DON’T UNDERSTAND...
ALLAN
THAT’S THE ONLY WAY I HAVE
THE ONLY WAY I’LL BEAT THEM
AT THE END OF TONIGHT
I WILL WIN
THEY’LL NEVER BEAT ME
I WILL WIN
ANTONIO
ALL I HAVE TO DO IS FIND HER DEIRDRE
AND MY MONTH IS MADE IF YOU DIE, HOW CAN YOU WIN?
BUT IF I DO NOT DELIVER
THEN MY LIFE WILL FADE
ALLAN
I’VE NOTHING LEFT
GOLDSEN ANTONIO DEIRDRE
JUST FORGET OUR
CONNELL FRIEND HE WILL BE IMPRESSED
WITH ME HOW CAN YOU
TONIGHT TONIGHT SAY YOU HAVE NOTHING?
GOLDSEN ALLAN
I THINK WE NEED TO WATCH OUR
PIMP FRIEND I KNOW
I DON’T TRUST HIM MY LIFE
ANTONIO
IT’S EASY MONEY
NOT AN INCH DON’T HAVE TO DO A
SINGLE THING
DEIRDRE
YOU CAN’T ASSUME YOU DON’T HAVE A THING
YOU CAN’T ASSUME THAT I DON’T CARE
DEIRDRE GOLDSEN ALLAN
IF YOU LIVE OR DIE KEEP AN EYE ON HIM IT’S SO PERFECT
THUGS ANTONIO
IT’S TRUE I YES, SIR ALL I HAVE TO DO
SHOULD CARE LESS IS FIND HER
GOLDSEN ALLAN
HOW CAN I IN BRING HIM TO ME THEY BE SO ANGRY
GOOD CONSCIENCE BUT THEY WON’T
FIND ME
ANTONIO
LET YOU FALL TO IF HE CAN’T DELIVER I NEVER WOULD
YOUR DEATH HAVE THOUGHT
ALLAN SHE’D BE THE ONE
A PERFECT PLAN
THUGS
YES SIR!
(Thugs exit.)
ALLAN GOLDSEN ANTONIO
I WILL WIN I’LL HAVE SOME
I’LL LIVE HIGH AFTER
TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT
DEIRDRE
IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE
GOLDSEN
IT’S A SCORE
ANTONIO & ALLAN
IT’S A WIN
ALLAN
I WILL BEAT THEM
THREE MEN
TONIGHT
DEIRDRE
I DON’T LIKE IT
THREE MEN
I WILL WIN
DEIRDRE
I DON’T WANT YOU TO DIE
ALL FOUR
TONIGHT.
(Blackout — Curtain)
End of Act I
Act II
Scene 1 - Red Light District: Northern Bluffs
(Glimmer is sitting on the street where Deirdre went off with
Allan earlier. Some of the other girls are milling around.
Antonio enters.)
Song: Piece of the Action (Reprise)
ANTONIO
HEY GLIMMER, WHERE IS DEIRDRE?
GLIMMER
SHE WENT AWAY WITH SOME GUY
I WAS A LITTLE DUMBSTRUCK
HE PAID TO HAVE THE WHOLE NIGHT
ANTONIO
WHAT DO YOU MEAN “WITH SOME GUY”?
NO ONE CAN DO THIS TO ME
THAT GIRL HAS CAUGHT A JOHN’S EYE
AND HE IS PAYING PLENTY
GLIMMER
COME ON, ANTONIO, SHE’S EARNING HER KEEP
SHE’S GOT A WILL OF HER OWN
YOU KNOW WHAT SHE SOWS YOU WILL REAP
WHAT’S WITH YOU UP ON YOUR THRONE?
ANTONIO
YOU DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND
THE POW’R I HOLD ON YOU
GLIMMER
I KNOW THE POWER THAT’S IN YOUR HAND
BUT YOU PULL THIS CRAP ON ME AND I’M THROUGH!
(She begins to walk away, but Antonio grabs her by the arm,
spins her to him and holds her.)
ANTONIO
WHAT ARE YOU?
YOU ARE A PIECE OF MY PROFITS
WHAT ARE THEY?
THEY ARE THE GREEN IN MY WALLET
WHAT YOU ARE!
YOU ARE A PIECE OF MY ACTION
YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE
I OWN YOU
YOU ARE TRAPPED
IN YOUR LIFE
(Glimmer breaks free from his grasp.)
ANTONIO GLIMMER
IF YOU LEAVE YOU CAN’T EN-
YOU WILL DIE SLAVE PEOPLE
I HOLD YOUR I WILL BE
LIFE IN MY HANDS FREE FROM YOUR HANDS
(Antonio reels back and slaps Glimmer, hard, across the face.
She spins around and falls onto the ground unconscious.)
Song: Interlude
ANTONIO
YOU WANT TO RUN
YOU WANT TO EVEN TRY TO GET AWAY FROM ME
WHERE WERE YOU GOING TO GO
WHAT WERE YOU GOING TO DO
WERE YOU FORGETTING I OWN YOUR LIFE
WERE YOU FORGETTING THAT WITHOUT ME
YOUR LIFE IS NOTHING
(The other prostitutes begin to move toward Glimmer’s battered
form. Antonio turns on them, pulling his weapon.)
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING
SHE DOESN’T NEED YOUR HELP
DOES ANYONE ELSE KNOW WHERE DEIRDRE IS
DOES ANYONE ELSE WANT TO GIVE ME A HINT
(The veteran, Rita, steps forward, unafraid of him.)
Song: Antonio
RITA
DEAR ANTONIO
FROM A GREEN IN YOUR WALLET:
IT TAKES GUTS TO HIT A GIRL
AMONG WOMEN SO CLOSE-KNIT
RITA & JENNI
MY DEAR ANTONIO
WEEL, YOU KNOW WE ADORE YOU
BUT PLEASE DON’T PUT US DOWN
AND DON’T THINK WE DON’T HAVE A CLUE
APRIL, MAY, & JUNE
ANTONIO
YOU’RE JUST THE MAN OF THE HOUR
TESTOSTERONE
IS OOZING FROM YOU
YOU’RE SUCH A MAN
TO HURT SOMEONE HARMLESS
YOU’RE SUCH A MAN
TO THREATEN WITH GUNS
(They all dance around Antonio, mocking him. Antonio attempts
to put a stop to their mockery.)
ANTONIO
YOU CHICKS SHOULD STOP
A LESSON HAS JUST BEEN TAUGHT HERE
THIS TRITE DISPLAY
MEANS NOTHING TO ME
I’D KILL YOU ALL
IF I COULD AFFORD TO
I OWN YOU ALL
STOP BOTHERING ME
RITA
DEAR ANTONIO
PLEASE DON’T THINK THAT YOU ARE SHUNNED
IF YOU PUT YOUR WEAPON DOWN
WE MIGHT PLAY WITH YOUR GUN
GIRLS
DEAR ANTONIO
REST ASSURED THAT WE LOVE YOU
FOR IF THAT WASN’T SO
WE’RE SURE YOU WOULD BE DEAD-
RITA
BY NOW.
SO GO HAVE YOUR AFFAIR
WITH YOUR WEAPON, ENJOY!
(The last note of the song is halted by Antonio’s pistol aimed
at Rita’s head. Rita stands frozen with fear. The other
prostitutes cower away, and as Antonio cocks the pistol,
several gasps of fear are heard.)
Song: I own You (Pre-Reprise)
ANTONIO
THE LINE OF YOUR LIFE IS DRAWING NEAR
I DON’T REALLY HAVE TIME TO DEAL WITH THIS
IF I NEED AN EXAMPLE, YOU’LL DO SO VERY WELL...
(Antonio looks to one side, uncocks the pistol, then walks
away. Though gone, there is only a half-hearted sigh of
relief from the girls.)
Scene 2 - Bluffs Cafe
(CLIFF TUBKAS and the BLUFFS CAFE BAND are on stage while
Allan, Deirdre, and the crowd dance to their tune.)
Song - One Night To Live
CLIFF
WHEN EVERYTHING HAS COME CRASHING OWN AROUND YOU
AND YOU THINK YOUR LIFE IS GOING TO END
THERE’S NOTHING LEFT FOR YOU ON THIS OLD ROCK
AND YOU THINK THAT THERE’S NOBODY WHO CARES
WHEN EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE IS FOLDING IN
AND YOU FEEL THERE IS NO WAY TO ESCAPE
YOU SEE YOUR SHELTERED LIFE IS TURNING TO DUST
AND BLOWING OFF ON THE WINGS OF THE WIND
BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY RIGHT NOW
AND YOU SHOULDN’T CONCERN YOURSELF WITH TROUBLES
YOU MIGHT AS WELL TAKE YOUR TIME
AND COM AND SPEND IT WITH ME
‘CAUSE TONIGHT I’LL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING
EVERYTHING YOU EVER DREAMED OF
I’LL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING TONIGHT
WHEN EVERYTHING HAS COME SQUEEZING IN AROUND YOU
AND YOU’RE FEELING LIKE YOU CAN’T EVEN SCREAM
THE SWEAT IS DRIPPING VERY THICK OFF YOUR BROW
AND YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING, SO IT SEEMS
WHEN EVERYTHING SENDS THE HORRID SOUNDS OF RINGING
RIGHT THROUGH YOUR EARS AND STRAIGHT TO YOUR HEAD
YOU FIND THAT NO AMOUNT OF PILLS WILL HELP
AND YOU THINK THAT YOU’D BE BETTER OFF DEAD.
I’M SURE YOU DREAMT OF A TIME WHEN IT’S OVER
AND YOU’RE SPENDING EVERY DAY IN THE SUN
THAT WAS ONLY A DREAM, BUT THIS TIME IT’S FOR REAL
SO COME INTO MY SCENE, AND SO MUCH BETTER YOU’LL FEEL
THEY’LL BE OVER TONIGHT; ALL YOUR NIGHTMARES ARE GONE
IF YOU KNEW YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT, WOULD YOU LIVE BETTER TONIGHT?
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE
BACKUPS
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE?
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO GIVE?
CLIFF
WOULD THE PARTIES BEGIN
WOULD YOU NEVER GET STARTED
IF YOU WERE AT THE BOTTOM AND COULD NEVER BE RISEN
WOULD DESTRUCTION BEGIN
WOUDL YOU HIDE IN THE DARKNESS
IF LIFE FROM YOU WAS TAKEN AND COULD NEVER BE GIVEN
JUST WHEN YOU THINK THAT IT’S OVER
YOU TAKE OUT A SHORT LEASE ON LIFE
WOULD YOU BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU DO
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE
BACKUPS
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE
CLIFF
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH ONE NIGHT?
BACKUPS
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE
CLIFF
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH ONE NIGHT?
(The song fades as it is being played, and Deirdre comments to
herself.)
Song: Do I Know What I’m Doing (Reprise)
DEIRDRE
IF I ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE...
WOULD I CHOOSE HIS PATH?
WOULD I GO THAT WAY?
No...
DO I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING?
SPENDING ALL NIGHT WITH THIS SUICIDE CASE
IT’S NOT MY PLACE TO SAVE HIM
BUT I NEVER WILL FORGET HIS FACE
IS THIS THE LIFE I’M MEANT TO LEAD
SLEEP EVERY DAY, AND CRY EVERY NIGHT
I WISH HE’D BE THE ONE TO SAVE MY LIFE
IT’S NOT FAIR FOR TO WATCH SOMEONE DIE
(The band fades back in.)
BACKUPS
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE
CLIFF
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH ONE NIGHT?
BACKUPS
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE
CLIFF
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH ONE NIGHT?
BACKUPS
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE
CLIFF
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH ONE NIGHT?
BACKUPS
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT TO LIVE
CLIFF
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH ONE NIGHT?
(The crowd applauds and Cliff dismisses the band.)
CLIFF
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We’ll be taking five, now, but
we’ll be back.
DEIRDRE
Allan, this is the best night I’ve ever had. I never would have
expected this when you walked up to me. What kind of woman would
drop you so easily?
(Rachel has noticed them, and Allan noticed Rachel noticing
them.)
ALLAN
See for yourself. This is Rachel. Don’t take anything she says
seriously, ‘cause she’ll try to cut you down.
(Rachel reaches the table and looks condescendingly down upon
Deirdre and Allan.)
Song: Fanning Old Flames
RACHEL
WHAT HAVE WE HERE
A LITTLE BOY AND A BROAD
NOW WAIT A SEC, I THINK I’VE SEEN YOU BEFORE
NOW I REMEMBER
I THINK YOU’RE THE GUY
WHO DECIDED TO KICK ME OUT THE DOOR
I THOUGHT I FELT GUILTY
OH, I THOUGHT I HAD WRONGED YOU
BUT NOW I SEE THAT YOU HAD WRONGED ME
WHO IS SHE, ALLAN
IS SHE WHY I LEFT
IS SHE THE REASON THAT YOU LET ME GO FREE
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU PUT ME THROUGH
AND NOW I SEE FROM MY POINT OF VIEW
YOU NEVER CARED
ABOUT THE TIMES WE HAD SHARED
AND YET I FIND MYSELF STILL LONGING FOR YOU
PATRONS
LEAVING THE PAST
MOVING ON NOW CANNOT BE DONE
RACHEL
ALL THE NIGHTS I CRIED FOR YOU
PATRONS
WE ARE HERE NOW
WE’RE TOGETHER, LET US BE ONE
RACHEL
THOUGH YOU HAD NO CLUE
NOW I STAND RIGHT HERE BEFORE YOU
HOPING YOU’LL CHANGE YOUR MIND
TO CONSIDER US TOGETHER
ONCE AGAIN
JUST LIKE BEFORE
BUT NOW FOR GOOD
ALLAN
LET ME REMEMBER
THE REASON YOU LEFT
OH, COULD IT BE A LITTLE BIT ON THE SIDE
YOU MAKE EXCUSES
IN ORDER TO BLAME ME
AND EVEN TRY TO TELL ME YOU CRIED
IT WILL NOT WORK, RACHEL,
DON’T EVEN TRY IT
YOUR LEAVING WAS A THING YOU CONTROLLED
THIS GIRL BESIDE ME
WELL, I NEVER KNEW HER
BEFORE YOU LEFT OUR LOVE IN THE COLD
YOU TALK OF LOVE AND FOREVERMORE
MY ANSWER’S LESS THAN YOU HAD HOPED FOR
YOU’LL NEVER COME BACK
SO DON’T TRY TO HIJACK
MY EVENING AS YOU HAVE DONE BEFORE
PATRONS
LEAVING THE PAST
MOVING ON, IT NOW WILL BE DONE
ALLAN
NO MORE WILL I WORK FOR YOU
PATRONS
WE ARE HERE BUT
NOT TOGETHER, YOUR TIME IS DONE
ALLAN
WE’LL NO MORE START NEW
WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR YOU TO LEAVE ME
HOW WILL YOU UNDERSTAND
IT’S OVER, WE ARE FINISHED
THOSE FEELINGS ARE
NOW DEAD AND GONE
THEY WON’T COME BACK
RACHEL ALLAN DEIRDRE
DO YOU REMEMBER WE
WERE AT THE ZOO
WHEN THE CAMEL HAD
SNEEZED AND COVERED
YOU IN GOO I REMEMBER THAT
DO YOU REMEMBER THAT THESE ARE
ONE TIME WE DANCED GOOD THINGS
I TRIED TO BUST A TO REMEMBER
MOVE AND I SPLIT MY THEY MAKE ME
PANTS SMILE
DO YOU REMEMBER AT THEY SHINE A SO WHAT HAPPENS
THE BRIDGE WE MET LIGHT IN MY IS HE TO LEAVE
WHEN YOU WERE ROMEO DARK WORLD ME
AND I WAS JULIET WE WERE SO
BACK THEN, OUR DAYS CLOSE THEN I THOUGHT I
WERE DEFINED HAD A
WE SPENT OUR NIGHTS BUT THEN WHAT PRAYER FOR
INTERTWINED HAPPENED SALVATION
DON’T YOU WANT THAT
AGAIN
I KNOW YOU WANT ME I REMAINED IS HE TO RETURN
SO LET’S TAKE THIS FAITHFUL TO THE ONE
CHANCE TO TILL THE WHO MADE HIM
ONCE MORE BEGIN. END, DID YOU? WANT TO DIE
RACHEL
SO LET’S GO HOME NOW
IT’S GETTING SO LATE, AND
WE’LL FEEL BETTER WHEN WE HAVE A NEW DAY
ALL OF THE MEMORIES
OF THIS HIDEOUS NIGHT
WILL JUST BE HISTORY WHEN THEY’RE OUT OF THE WAY
ALLAN
YOU’RE SOUNDING SINCERE
AND YOU SOUND LIKE YOU DO CARE
ABOUT US WHEN YOU’RE TALKING LIKE THIS
BUT COULD IT BE TRUE
I REALLY DON’T THINK SO
WHEN YOU HAD RUINED OUR PREVIOUS BLISS
RACHEL
SO YOU’RE TELLING ME THIS IS IT
NOW I’M JUST SOMEONE TO FORGET
YOU CAN’T DENY
YOU WERE PREOCCUPIED
WITH THIS FLOOZY BEFORE WE CALLED IT QUITS
PATRONS
LEAVING THE PAST
MOVING ON NOW WILL NOT BE DONE
ALLAN
DON’T EVEN BRING HER INTO THIS
PATRONS
FANNING OLD FLAMES
IS THE TOPIC THEY HAVE BEGUN
RACHEL
I WILL NOT DISMISS
THINKING THAT YOU WERE UNFAITHFUL
THEN TRIED TO SHIFT THE BLAME
YOU NEVER WILL CONVINCE ME
YOU LEFT ME FIRST
IT WASN’T ME
ADMIT YOU’RE WRONG
ALLAN
Stop!
COME ON
GET REAL
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU’RE REALLY FOOLING?
PATRONS
THERE’S A FIGHT NOW,
WHO WILL WIN IT, WE WANT TO KNOW
RACHEL
SHE’S JUST A STUPID CHICK
I’M BETTER THAN HER
PATRONS
TENSION BUILDING, WORDS ARE FLYING
WATCH THE FLAMES GROW
ALLAN
DON’T YOU DARE ATTACK HER
PATRONS
WE WILL WAIT AND WE WILL WATCH
FOR THE DEATH BLOW
RACHEL
BUT LOOK AT HER,
SHE BELONGS ON THE STREET
PATRONS
SEE OLD LOVERS, FIGHTING MADLY
GIRL VERSUS BEAU!
ALLAN
I’VE HAD ENOUGH
YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN’T COMPETE
PATRONS
FANNING OLD FLAMES, FANNING OLD FLAMES
WHAT A GREAT SHOW!
BOTH
I’M SICK AND TIRED OF YOU
ALLAN
I’M SICK
RACHEL
I’M TIRED
I’M SICK
ALLAN
I’M TIRED
I’M SICK
RACHEL
I’M TIRED
BOTH
I’M SICK AND TIRED
I’M SICK AND TIRED
I’M SICK AND TIRED OF YOU!
PATRONS
FANNING OLD FLAMES!
FANNING OLD FLAMES!
FANNING OLD FLAMES!
BOTH
I’M SICK AND TIRED OF YOU!
PATRONS
FANNING OLD FLAMES!
FANNING OLD FLAMES!
FANNING OLD FLAMES!
BOTH
I’M SICK AND TIRED OF YOU!
(Rachel turns from him and breaks down crying at a nearby
table. Allan turns away from her to return to Deirdre.)
Song: Closed Doors (Reprise)
RACHEL
I’LL NEVER DIE FOR YOU
YOU’LL NEVER TOUCH ME AGAIN
I’LL NEVER WHILE AWAY THE NIGHT AGAIN
UNTIL YOU HAVE GONE
THEN I’LL HAVE MY TEARS
RIGHT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS...
ALLAN
THIS DOESN’T CHANGE THINGS
THIS DOESN’T CHANGE YOU
I HAVE ALREADY ASKED YOU TO LEAVE
(Rachel indicates blowing him off, but is noticeably hurt by
the rejection. Allan, meanwhile, returns to Deirdre, only
slightly irritated by the whole ordeal.)
DEIRDRE
Why didn’t you go with her?
ALLAN
Because I’m with you.
(The leader of the band gets on the microphone to kick off the
next set.)
CLIFF
Well, after that display of primal savagery, we’ll kick the next
set off with a slow one to make the rest of us feel really special.
(The crowd gets up to slow dance, and Allan and Deirdre are no
exception.)
sONG: Hope For Tomorrow
CLIFF & DEIRDRE
YOU CAME INTO MY LIFE
JUST LIKE A DREAM
I DON’T HAVE TO WAKE FROM
YOU TOOK ALL MY LIFE
AND MADE ME FEEL
LIKE I WAS SOMEONE
THIS NIGHT HAS A MEANING FOR ME
IT’S MORE THAN I THOUGHT IT COULD EVER BE
SINCE I FOUND YOU
IT’S BEEN A DREAM COME TRUE
AND I THINK IT’S TIME YOU KNEW
YOU GIVE ME HOPE FOR TOMORROW
YOU GIVE ME LIFE FOR TODAY
YOU GIVE ME EVERYTHING I’VE EVER DREAMED OF
IN THIS TIME, YOU GIVE ME LIFE;
IN THIS LIFE, YOU GIVE ME HOPE.
CLIFF & ALLAN
I FELT I WAS DONE
NOTHING FOR ME
LEFT ON THIS OLD EARTH
THEN YOU CAME LIKE THE ONE
GIVING TO ME
A BRAND NEW REBIRTH
I STOOD THERE READY TO FALL
THEN, SOMEHOW, YOU GAVE ME YOUR ALL
YOU RESCUED ME
AND MADE ME SO FREE
AND I THINK YOU FINALLY SEE
YOU GIVE ME HOPE FOR TOMORROW
YOU GIVE ME LIFE FOR TODAY
YOU GIVE ME EVERYTHING I’VE EVER DREAMED OF
IN THIS TIME, YOU GIVE ME LIFE;
IN THIS LIFE, YOU GIVE ME HOPE.
ALL THREE
YOU GIVE ME HOPE FOR TOMORROW
YOU GIVE ME LIFE FOR TODAY
YOU GIVE ME EVERYTHING I’VE EVER DREAMED OF
IN THIS TIME, YOU GIVE ME LIFE;
IN THIS LIFE, YOU GIVE ME HOPE.
(When the song finishes, Deirdre kisses Allan. Not a peck
either, she kisses him.)
Scene 3 - The street outside Deirdre and Glimmer’s apartment
(Antonio pounds on the door.)
ANTONIO
Deirdre! Are you in there?!? …Damn!
Song: I Own You
THE LINE OF MY LIFE IS DRAWING NEAR
IT ISN’T MY JOB TO SEARCH FOR YOU
YOU KNOW I’D CARE FOR YOU AS ANY MAN WOULD
WHEN YOUR LIFE WAS DEAD, I MADE IT NEW
IT’S NOT BEYOND ME TO PUNISH YOU
SHE WHO DISOBEYS WILL FEEL MY WRATH
FOR JUST AS A FARMER HAS BRANDED HIS HERD
IT’S I WHO WILL CHOOSE YOUR LIFE’S PATH
DON’T YOU SEE WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME?
YOU’RE ONLY LIVESTOCK I CAN SELL AT A WHIM
YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT YOU CAN’T RUN AWAY SO EASILY
YOU SHOULD KNOW, LIKE A SERVANT, YOU ARE STUCK IN THE LIFE I GIVE
I OWN YOU
YOU CAN’T RUN
YOU’RE WITH ME
TILL YOU DIE
YOU ONLY THINK YOU’RE BETTER
YOU THINK YOU MAY GET SOMEWHERE
YOU THINK FOR A MOMENT
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR PLACE
YOU’RE WRONG
I OWN YOU
THINKING IS NOT SOMETHING I ALLOW
OPINIONS ARE WAY OUT OF LINE
AND NO ONE CAN CHAGNE WHO YOU ARE RIGHT NOW
YOU’RE MINE
DON’T YOU SEE WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME?
RIGHT NOW, DON’T YOU KNOW I’LL DIE WITHOUT YOU
IF YOU ARE ANYWHERE WHERE YOU EVEN HEAR MY PLEA
I’M A DEAD MAN IF YOU DON’T COME TO ME, MY LIFE IS THROUGH
BUT I STILL OWN YOU
YOU CAN’T RUN
YOU’RE WITH ME
TILL YOU DIE
YOU ONLY THING YOU’RE BETTER
YOU THINK YOU AMY GET SOMEWHERE
YOU THINK FOR A MOMENT
YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR PLACE
YOU THINK FOR A MOMENT
YOUR LIFE IS A WASTE
YOU THINK FOR A MOMENT
YOU CAN RUN AWAY
YOU’R WRONG
I OWN YOU
RIGHT NOW THOUGH
I NEED YOU
I BEG YOU
I NEED YOU
(The Thugs enter. Antonio stands very erect at their
entrance.)
THUG1
You Antonio?
ANTONIO
Who wants to know?
Song: You Think That You’re Tough...
(Thug1 nods to Thug2 who punches Antonio in the stomach,
downing him.)
THUG1
YOU THINK THAT YOU’RE TOUGH
BUT YOU’RE NOT
YOU’RE AN INSECT, SIR
THUG2
OUR BOSS DOESN’T PLAY GAMES
WHEN HE
WANTS HIS SEXY CUR
THUG1 & 2
HE HAS ASKED TO SEE YOU
THUG2
THAT’S NOT WHAT I’D WANT TO HEAR
THUG1
SO NOW COME WITH US
FOR WE WILL HAVE
TO LEAD YOU AWAY!
ANTONIO
WHAT’S HE WANT WITH ME?
THUG2
I THINK YOU KNOW...
(The Thugs and Antonio exit. Allan and Deirdre enter opposite
their exit and walk to her door.)
Song: Interlude of Hope
ALLAN
I’M SORRY ABOUT RACHEL
AND THE SCENE CAUSED
IT WAS UNCALLED FOR
DEIRDRE
PLEASE DON’T WORRY
YOU STOOD UP FOR ME
I’LL NEVER FORGET IT
(They arrive at her doorstep. He begins to give her money.)
DEIRDRE
YOU AREN’T COMING IN?
ALLAN
I DON’T WISH TO DISRESPECT YOU
AS SO MANY OTHERS WILL
I ONLY WANTED A SINGLE NIGHT
WORTH OF COMPANY
YOU PROVIDED THAT SERVICE FOR ME
DEIRDRE
I REALLY DON’T
YOU ARE PAYING FOR ME
YOU MIGHT AS WELL GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
ALLAN
Yes, but—
DEIRDRE
Come in here.
(Deirdre pulls him through the door into the emerging
bedroom.)
Song :To Finish an Evening
ALLAN
TO FINISH AN EVENING
YOU DON’T HAVE TO
DEIRDRE
TO FINISH AN EVENING
I WANT TO
BOTH
TO FINISH AN EVENING
AFTER A NIGHT SUCH AS THIS
ALLAN DEIRDRE
TO FINISH AN EVENING TO FINISH AN EVENING
SOMETHING I WANT SOMETHING I WANT
BOTH
TO FINISH AN EVENING
WITH NO ONE BUT YOU
DEIRDRE
I’ll never forget tonight.
ALLAN
Don’t speak.
(The lights go down as they kiss and he lays her on the bed.
The scene morphs into a surreal depiction of their evening as
a sort of dreamy dance.)
Song: You Must Be My Home
DEIRDRE
I’VE NEVER BELONGED ANYWHERE
I’M MORE LIKE A ROLLING STONE
THOGH I WAS COMFORTABLE ON MY OWN
YOU HAVE SHOWN ME WORLDS MORE FAIR
AND YOU’VE MADE ME FEEL SCARED
IF HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
SINCE YOU HAVE MY HEART
YOU MUST BE MY HOME.
ALLAN
I ALWAYS THOUGHT HOME WAS FAMILY
BEING WITH PEOPLE OF KIN
WITH YOU I’M BETTER OF THAN I HAVE BEEN
LIVING IT OUT ON MY OWN
AND YOU MADE ME KNOW
IF HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
AND YOU’RE THE ONE WITH MY HEART
YOU MUST BE MY HOME
BOTH
YOU STOLE MY HEART LIKE A THEIF IN THE NIGHT
YOU ARE WHERE I WANT TO BE
YOU’VE OPENED MY EYES TO WHAT’S WRONG AND WHAT’S RIGHT
AND I KNOW YOUR HEART BELONGS TO ME
DEIRDRE
YOU MADE MY LIFE WORTH LIVING
TAKEN ALL MY SADNESS AWAY
GIVEN ME SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
THOUGH THERE STILL IS SPACE BETWEEN
I’LL CONTINUE WAITING
CAUSE HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
AND SINCE YOU HAVE MY HEART
YOU MUST BE MY HOME
BOTH
YOU STOLE MY HEART LIKE A THEIF IN THE NIGHT
YOU ARE WHERE I WANT TO BE
YOU OPENED MY EYES TO WHAT’S WRONG AND WHAT’S RIGHT
AND I KNOW YOUR HEART BELONGS TO ME
I’VE NEVER BELONGED ANYWHERE
I WAS LIKE A ROLLING STONE
I NEVER WAS ANY GOOD ON MY OWN
ALLAN
TILL I SAW YOUR FACE SO FAIR
DEIRDRE
NOW I’LL NEVER FEEL SCARED
BOTH
FOR HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
AND YOU’VE ALWAYS HAD MY HEART
YOU MUST BE MY HOME
Scene 4 - Deirdre’s Bedroom
(Allan stands beside the bed, dressed, looking over Deirdre,
as if not wanting to leave.)
Song: Looking (Reprise)
ALLAN
LOOKING OUT
I SEE A LIFE I COULD HAVE
COULD HAVE BEEN
IF ONLY IT WERE SOONER
I WOULD GIVE MY LIFE TO HER
IF MY LIFE WERE ONLY SURE
SHE’D BE ALL I HAVE TO MAKE ME STAY ‘ROUND HERE
Good-bye, Deirdre. I only hope your life takes a better course
than mine.
(Allan leaves and Deirdre rolls over as he shuts the door. It
seems, she’s been awake for some time and heard everything he
said.)
Song: I Will Win (Reprise)
DEIRDRE
WOULD HE HAVE SAID ALL OF THOSE THINGS
IF HE KNEW I WAS AWAKE
SO WHY DID I NOT STOP HIM
FROM GOING TO HIS WAKE?
Song: My Dream
MEMORIES
ARE ALL HE LEFT WITH ME
THEY ARE ALL I HAVE
OF WHAT I THOUGHT COULD BE
HOW I WISH
I DIDN’T HAVE TO MISS
SEEING HIM WAKING UP
OR A GOODBYE KISS
IN MY DREAMS
HE’S STILL HERE WITH ME
I CAN FEEL HIM STILL
DANCING HERE WITH ME
(She begins a dreamy waltz.)
WITH A WHIP AND A WHIRL
HE’S GIVING ME A TWIRL
AND HE TELLS ME I’M HIS ONLY GIRL
IN THIS WALTZ IN MY DREAMS
WHERE ALL IS AS IT SEEMS
(Allan appears in time with her waltz to join her center
stage.)
WE TURNS AND HE LEANS IN SO CLOSE TO KISS ME
(They dance together until he leaves her turning in circles at
the end, and she returns to reality falling onto the bed.)
STILL, MY DREAM
IS HAVING HIM WITH ME
BUT I’LL NEVER SAVE
THIS FLEETING MEMORY
CAN I HOPE
HE’D LISTEN TO MY PLEA
IF I SAVE HIM
HE COULD SAVE ME
(She sings with a new realization. Meanwhile Allan is off to
one side of the stage, walking back toward the bridge.)
DEIRDRE ALLAN
I WILL GO DEIRDRE
SO I CAN TRULY SHOW I HATE TO LEAVE YOU LIKE THIS
WE’LL BE HAPPY HERE BUT I KNOW YOUR LIFE
WITHOUT A DOUBT HE’LL KNOW CONTINUES ON
I AM HIS BUT MINE IS GONE
OUR SOULS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ALL THAT’S LEFT FOR ME
FOR EACH OTHER MADE IS THE BRIDGE
WE COULD NEVER LIVE IN SIN OVER THE SEA
DEIRDRE
WAIT FOR ME
DARLING, WAIT FOR ME
PLEASE DON’T GIVE YOURSELF
TO THAT AWFUL SEA
DEIRDRE ALLAN
PLEASE DON’T GO I MUST GO
I’LL BE THERE LIFE’S NOT FAIR
DARLING, I I MUST DIE
WILL SAVE YOU
MY DREAM
(Deirdre exits.)
Scene 5 - The Bridge
(Allan stands at the railing.)
Song :Come to Me
ALLAN
I STAND AT THE BRINK OF DESTRUCTION
LOOKING OUT OVER THE SUNRISE
I WAIT FOR THE END TO OVERTAKE ME
AS I LOOK UPON MY LIFE
IT’S NOTHING BUT A MESS OF PATHETIC FAILURES
AND NOTHING BUT TRIALS UNWON
I FEEL SO LOW, I CAN NEVER BE RISEN
TO BE CHILD AGAIN
TO EVER TRY AGAIN
TO EVER HAVE THE DREAMS AND HOPEFUL FUTURE
I HAD WHEN I WAS YOUNG
BUT I THANK THE LORD FOR MY FINAL MEMORY
THE THOUGHTS I’LL THINK OF LAST
WHEN THE MOVIE OF MY LIFE IS SHOWN BEFORE ME
I’LL SMILE BEFORE I DIE
COME TO ME, SWEET DEATH
COME TO ME, AND I’LL ACCEPT YOU
WE CAN BE TOGETHER
AND NEVER PART
UNTIL THE END OF TIME
I’LL BE SO HAPPY WITH YOU
HEN I’VE LEFT THIS LIFE BEHIND
SO PLEASE, COME TO ME
(Deirdre enters.)
DEIRDRE
Allan!
ALLAN
Deirdre, please leave.
DEIRDRE
So you think this will make them feel beaten? You think this will
make you win? Allan, if you go down, they win. They’ll laugh
because they got to you. You can’t do this….
ALLAN
And what would you have me do?
DEIRDRE
I STAND BEFORE YOU A BEGGAR
A GIRL WHO WANTS YOU TO STAY
IF YOU SHOULD JUMP, I WILL JUMP TOO
I DON’T WANT FOR YOU TO DIE
MY LIFE HAS BEEN A MESS OF PATHETIC FAILURES
AND NOTHING BUT TRIALS UNWON
WHEN I MET YOU, I WAS AT THE BOTTOM
TO NEVER RISE AGAIN
I’D NEVER TRY AGAIN
I HAD NO DREAMS OR ANY FUTURE
I NEVER HAVE BEEN YOUNG
BUT YOU GAVE ME A HOPE THAT I COULD BELIEVE IN
A THOUGHT I THOUGHT WOULD LAST
WHEN I THINK OF MY LIFE WITHOUT YOUR LOVE
I FEEL I WANT TO DIE
COME TO ME, MY LOVE
COME TO ME, AND I WILL LOVE YOU
WE CAN BE TOGETHER
AND NEVER PART
UNTIL THE END OF TIME
YOU’LL BE SO HAPPY WITH ME
WHEN YOU’VE LEFT THIS WISH BEHIND
SO PLEASE, COME TO ME
(Antonio enters, brandishing his gun.)
ANTONIO
Deirdre, step away from him. She’s coming with me, loser.
ALLAN
I don’t know who you are, but she’ll go where she pleases.
ANTONIO
Hey, hero. Do you want to live?
I STAND BEFORE YOU DISGUSTED
A LOSER AND A WHORE
YOU WILL DIE BEFORE YOU WILL TAKE HER
YOUR LIVES ARE IN MY HANDS
MY NIGHT HAS BEEN A BIG, PATHETIC FAILURE
I’M LOSING CASH ON YOU
MY CLIENTS DON’T TAKE A LOSS THIS EASY
YOUR PUNISHMENT’S SEVERE
YOU’LL NEVER RUN AGAIN
YOUR LIFE IS MINE, YOUR FRIEND LEARNED QUICKLY
THE PRICE TO RUN AWAY
YOU CAN BE SO HAPPY WITH THE LIFE I GIVE YOU
YOU’LL MAKE ME CASH ON CUE
WITH ADDICTIVE NIGHTS OF ECSTACY
IT’S EVERY SCHOOL GIRL’S DREAM
COME TO ME, MY PAWN
COME TO ME, AND I’LL FORGIVE YOU
YOU CAN BE MY PARTNER
AND NEVER LEAVE
UNTIL YOUR TIME HAS COME
YOU’LLBE SO HAPPY WITH ME
WHEN YOU LEFT THIS GUY BEHIND
YOU WILL COME TO ME.
ALLAN
SHE’S NOT GOING WITH YOU
AS LONG AS SHE HAS ME
ANTONIO
YOU’RE ONLY A JOHN
HOW LONG WILL YOU LAST
ALLAN
I WOULD PROTECT HER FROM YOU
FOREVER
(Deirdre darts a shocked glance towards Allan, but is in no
way argumentative of his words.)
ANTONIO
I don’t think so.
(He fires, hitting Allan, and knocking him to the ground away
from Antonio. Deirdre starts to run to Allan)
ANTONIO
Hold it! You’re coming with me.
DEIRDRE
YOU THINK YOU CONTROL ME?
YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A MINDLESS THUG
YOU THINK YOU CAN TAKE ME
TO MAKE AN EASY BUCK
I’VE SPENT TOO LONG AS A SLUT ON A BLOCK
WHERE MEN CAN BEAT THEIR WIVES
I’LL NEVER RETURN TO THE BEAT ON THE STREET
WHERE MEN CAN BUY MY PRIDE
YOU’LL NEVER TAKE ME BACK TO YOUR NEST
SO KILL ME IF YOU MUST
I’M READY,ANTON
GO AHEAD, WIMP
SHOOT ME IF YOU WANT
ANTONIO
ARE YOU FORGETTING WHO YOU ARE
ARE YOU FORGETTING WHO SAVED YOU
YOU WERE BORDERING DEATH ON THE STREET WHEN I FOUND YOU
YOU’RE MINE AND ALWAYS WILL BE
DEIRDRE
I’D RATHER DIE
ANTONIO
I’M NOT GOING TO KILL YOU
YOU’LL BE SLAVE TO MY CLIENT
AND ANY CLIENT WHO WANTS
YOU WILL BE UNDER MY STRICT CONTROL
YOU’LL BE USED TILL YOU CAN’T BE USED
YOU WILL BEG FOR ME TO KILL YOU
(Allan has pulled together enough strength to rise.)
ALLAN
Like hell she will.
Song: Thugs (Reprise)
(Antonio raises his weapon. A gunshot is heard, but it is
Antonio who falls wounded. Allan quickly smears some blood
from his shoulder on Deirdre and pulls her to the ground and
holds her there. The Thugs enter.)
THUG1
EXCUSE ME, ANTONIO
OUR BOSS HAS A PROBLEM
WITH YOU NOT GIVING HIM WHAT HE WANTS
THUG2
IF YOU TRY TO RUN SIR
WE MAY JUST HAVE TO SHOOT YOU
BUT MERCIFUL TO WHAT YOU MAY GET
THUG1
YOU HAVE PLAYED HIM OVER AND
HE’S NOT HAPPY
NO ONE SCREWS HIM OVER, SIR
DON’T GO SAPPY
THUG2
YOU MAY ONLY LOSE YOUR HEAD
THUG1
THAT IS, IF YOU’RE LUCKY
BOTH
BUT WHO ARE WE TO DECIDE YOUR FATE
ANTONIO
THERE SHE IS!
I FOUND HER!
(Thug2 looks at Thug1 for a moment. Thug1 half-smirks, but
shakes his head. Thug2 nods. They get in real close to
Antonio.)
THUG1
YOU DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND
WHAT IT IS YOU’VE PUT US THROUGH
EVERY TIME YOU PROMISE A GIRL
THUG2
WE WOULD BE MUCH HAPPIER
IF WE JUST COULD KILL YOU
AND WE WATCHED OUR ONE CHANCE UNFURL
ANTONIO
(scared)
What?
THUG2
AND TO MAKE THINGS BETTER
I SEE THAT CONNELL
WE’VE BEEN FORCED TO CHASE AROUND
THUG1
IT HAS BEEN HELL
I THINK WE’LL TELL GOLDSEN
THAT WE HAVE SEEN THEM BOTH DEAD
BOTH
AND BOTH OF THEM WERE KILLED WITH YOUR GUN.
ANTONIO
No! You can’t do this! Noooooo!
(Antonio is dragged away screaming by the thugs. Deirdre
rises to see if Allan’s all right. He looks up at her. She
hugs him, but he winces in pain.)
Song: Finale
DEIRDRE
OH MY GOD, ALLAN
I THOUGHT I LOST YOU
ALLAN
NOT YET
I REGRET TO SAY
DEIRDRE
COME WITH ME MY LOVE
COME WITH ME AND I WILL LOVE YOU
WE WILL BE TOGETHER
AND NEVER PART
UNTIL THE END OF TIME
YOU’LL BE SO HAPPY WITH ME
WHEN WE’VE LEFT THIS LIFE BEHIND
SO PLEASE COME WITH ME
PLEASE?
ALLAN
ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT ME TO
DEIRDRE
I’VE NEVER BEEN MORE SURE
ALLAN
THEN YES, I WILL
DEIRDRE
WE’LL MAKE IT
I PROMISE YOU
ALLAN
WILL WE?
DEIRDRE
I WANT TO
ALLAN
SO DO I
BOTH
IF HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
SINCE YOU HAVE MY HEART
YOU WILL BE MY HOME
CHORUS
BE MY HOME!
(Deirdre and Allan embrace.)
THE END