Thursday, May 11, 2006
What Happened To Us : What is it?
What follows in what appears to be backward order is a short play I wrote that was originally called Out In The Blue. It was based on a poem I wrote many years ago called Out In the Blue about unrealized love. I took the idea from the poem and made a short play out of it and added more songs. I however cannot write music so this is a musical without music. I did sit in front of a keyboard for several hours one day and managed to come up with the melody of "Tea for Two" so I knew it was destined that I give up the music writing. Anyway the play is presented here in order of which I posted. I had hoped it would have been read in order but figure the natural thing to do is read what is first and then scroll down. I have posted the lyrics by themselves and that is the post which follows. I did write this poem a long time ago and it is not my best work but I realize that I have not shared this particular piece with many people at all, so enjoy.
Peace
C
Peace
C
What Happened To Us : SONG LYRICS
OUT IN THE BLUE
MIKE
As I stare out in the blue
I wonder what became of you
and ask why did we have that fight?
(Mike walks over to the couch and sits down)
SIERRA
As I gaze at the moonlit sky
I think of you and want to cry.
I can't bare a stormy night,
BOTH
Cause that's when we had that fight.
MIKE
It was me. I was wrong.
Alone now for so long.
What is there for me to do?
SIERRA
I was to blame.
Nothing is the same.
I don't think that I can go on,
BOTH
Now that you are gone.
MIKE
I remember holding hands
on the moonlit sands
on our first night together.
SIERRA
We walked along the shore
who could ask could for more
we were both in love.
BOTH
And I still am
MIKE
I know I'm still in love
SIERRA
It's all I can think of
BOTH
I need you back again
NEVER OUT OF FASHION
MIKE
Fads may come and fads may go
But I still love you so.
SIERRA
I loved you then like I love you now
though destiny didn't allow.
CHORUS - SIERRA
Every time I think of you,
on those empty sleepless nights
my heart fills with warmth and passion.
Darling, loving you will never go out of fashion.
MIKE
You said you loved me ages ago
I believed it then, but know I don't know.
SIERRA
Then I look at your photo in its silver frame
I know life will never be the same.
CHORUS - MIKE
MIKE
Memories, stained with age,
only bring pain and rage.
SIERRA
If you were here with me right now,
I'd make it work, that I vow.
BOTH
CHORUS, REPEAT 3x.
LOVE IS FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE
MIKE
When you're in love nothing else matters
People can hear your heart as it patters
SIERRA
But you're foolish, when you're young
You think all the songs have been sung
MIKE
You act like a jerk, when you come from work
Yelling and shouting, sulking and pouting
CHORUS - MIKE
Love is for a mature audience
No one under thirty admitted
without a broken heart
SIERRA
You think you know the way things go
acting like a fool, who's never been to school.
CHORUS - SIERRA
MIKE
If you've loved and lost please feel free
to join the club of misery
Young people just don't understand
what being in love demands
CHORUS - BOTH
SIERRA
Love is like a game played by fools
Once you get it right, they change the rules
Love is like a movie with a new ending every time
or like a lyric with out reason or rhyme.
CHORUS - BOTH - REPEAT
BABY CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO US?
MIKE:
Baby can you tell me what happened to us?
We used to be such a perfect pair.
Baby can you tell me what happened to us?
I cant go on knowing your not there.
SIERRA
My alarm clock screams
wakes me from dreams of you
I have no one to hold
the bed is so cold, its getting colder.
MIKE
I would lie there in bed
images in my head of both of us.
In my dreams you're there
I see your smile and smell your hair
SIERRA
BRIDGE I
Oh I can see you
I can feel you
I can touch you in my dreams
(both stand up)
CHORUS - BOTH
Baby can you tell me what happened to us?
We used to be such a perfect pair.
Baby can you tell me what happened to us?
I can't go on knowing you're not there.
MIKE
Bridge II
Oh I can see you
I can feel you
I can love you in my dreams
MIKE
But then my alarm clock screams
wakes me from my dreams of you
When I wake up,
my heart just breaks up
cause you're not there
Chorus, Bridge I, Chorus, Bridge II, Chorus,
LOVE IS SUCH A PAIN IN THE REAR
Love is such a pain in the rear.
Darling, honey, baby, dear.
Kissy poo my sweetie pie.
Gag me. I want to die.
See how their eyes meet.
Gosh isn't it sweet.
I think they may be in love,
smiled upon by angels above.
I rather sit home with a beer
Cause love is such a pain in the rear.
What's for dinner dear, I can't wait.
You should have called if you'd be late.
I'm sorry hon. I had things to do.
You'd have called if you loved me true.
Love is such a pain in the rear.
Darling, honey, baby, dear.
Kissy poo my sweetie pie
Gag me. I want to die.
I rather sit home with a beer
Cause love is such a pain in the rear.
Hey, I don't care, I won't give you any lip.
As long as you don't forget my tip!
SIERRA, OH MICHAEL
MIKE
Si - er - ra
You were the light
That shined in me.
Si - er - ra
I need you back
I've changed, you'll see.
I'm sincere,
look in my eyes
Si - er - ra
please let me apologize.
SIERRA
I can't it's not right
I'm the one who caused the fight
Michael, oh Michael
I was wrong, please forgive.
Being alone is no way to live.
Michael, oh Michael
We've wasted so many years.
I've shed so many tears.
Michael, Oh Michael
I need you to be with me.
Michael, oh Michael
Please accept my apology.
MIKE
Si - er - ra
I need you back, I can't go on.
Si - er - ra
please accept, my apology.
THESE ELECTRIC NIGHTS
OLD SIERRA
You've got me burning, I'm on fi-re.
This night's electric, you're a live wire.
OLD MIKE
Just hold me close as our passion ignites.
We'll be dancing together through these Electric nights.
(Young Mike and Sierra enter)
YOUNG MIKE
When you touch me, I feel surreal.
Can't imagine that this is real.
YOUNG SIERRA
Take my hand and hold on tight.
And we'll dance together all these electric nights.
OLD MIKE AND SIERRA
We have the future we learned from the past.
Now that you're back in my arms at last.
Just hold me close as our passion ignites.
We'll be dancing together through these electric nights.
(Jane and Gary enter)
ALL
You've got me burning, I'm on fire.
This night's electric, you're a live wire.
When you touch me, I feel surreal.
Can't imagine that this is real.
We have the future we learned from the past.
Now that you're back in my arms at last.
Take my hand and hold on tight.
And we'll dance together all these electric nights.
Just hold me close as our passion ignites.
We'll be dancing together through these electric nights.
We'll be dancing together through these electric nights.
We'll be dancing together through these electric nights.
MIKE
As I stare out in the blue
I wonder what became of you
and ask why did we have that fight?
(Mike walks over to the couch and sits down)
SIERRA
As I gaze at the moonlit sky
I think of you and want to cry.
I can't bare a stormy night,
BOTH
Cause that's when we had that fight.
MIKE
It was me. I was wrong.
Alone now for so long.
What is there for me to do?
SIERRA
I was to blame.
Nothing is the same.
I don't think that I can go on,
BOTH
Now that you are gone.
MIKE
I remember holding hands
on the moonlit sands
on our first night together.
SIERRA
We walked along the shore
who could ask could for more
we were both in love.
BOTH
And I still am
MIKE
I know I'm still in love
SIERRA
It's all I can think of
BOTH
I need you back again
NEVER OUT OF FASHION
MIKE
Fads may come and fads may go
But I still love you so.
SIERRA
I loved you then like I love you now
though destiny didn't allow.
CHORUS - SIERRA
Every time I think of you,
on those empty sleepless nights
my heart fills with warmth and passion.
Darling, loving you will never go out of fashion.
MIKE
You said you loved me ages ago
I believed it then, but know I don't know.
SIERRA
Then I look at your photo in its silver frame
I know life will never be the same.
CHORUS - MIKE
MIKE
Memories, stained with age,
only bring pain and rage.
SIERRA
If you were here with me right now,
I'd make it work, that I vow.
BOTH
CHORUS, REPEAT 3x.
LOVE IS FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE
MIKE
When you're in love nothing else matters
People can hear your heart as it patters
SIERRA
But you're foolish, when you're young
You think all the songs have been sung
MIKE
You act like a jerk, when you come from work
Yelling and shouting, sulking and pouting
CHORUS - MIKE
Love is for a mature audience
No one under thirty admitted
without a broken heart
SIERRA
You think you know the way things go
acting like a fool, who's never been to school.
CHORUS - SIERRA
MIKE
If you've loved and lost please feel free
to join the club of misery
Young people just don't understand
what being in love demands
CHORUS - BOTH
SIERRA
Love is like a game played by fools
Once you get it right, they change the rules
Love is like a movie with a new ending every time
or like a lyric with out reason or rhyme.
CHORUS - BOTH - REPEAT
BABY CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO US?
MIKE:
Baby can you tell me what happened to us?
We used to be such a perfect pair.
Baby can you tell me what happened to us?
I cant go on knowing your not there.
SIERRA
My alarm clock screams
wakes me from dreams of you
I have no one to hold
the bed is so cold, its getting colder.
MIKE
I would lie there in bed
images in my head of both of us.
In my dreams you're there
I see your smile and smell your hair
SIERRA
BRIDGE I
Oh I can see you
I can feel you
I can touch you in my dreams
(both stand up)
CHORUS - BOTH
Baby can you tell me what happened to us?
We used to be such a perfect pair.
Baby can you tell me what happened to us?
I can't go on knowing you're not there.
MIKE
Bridge II
Oh I can see you
I can feel you
I can love you in my dreams
MIKE
But then my alarm clock screams
wakes me from my dreams of you
When I wake up,
my heart just breaks up
cause you're not there
Chorus, Bridge I, Chorus, Bridge II, Chorus,
LOVE IS SUCH A PAIN IN THE REAR
Love is such a pain in the rear.
Darling, honey, baby, dear.
Kissy poo my sweetie pie.
Gag me. I want to die.
See how their eyes meet.
Gosh isn't it sweet.
I think they may be in love,
smiled upon by angels above.
I rather sit home with a beer
Cause love is such a pain in the rear.
What's for dinner dear, I can't wait.
You should have called if you'd be late.
I'm sorry hon. I had things to do.
You'd have called if you loved me true.
Love is such a pain in the rear.
Darling, honey, baby, dear.
Kissy poo my sweetie pie
Gag me. I want to die.
I rather sit home with a beer
Cause love is such a pain in the rear.
Hey, I don't care, I won't give you any lip.
As long as you don't forget my tip!
SIERRA, OH MICHAEL
MIKE
Si - er - ra
You were the light
That shined in me.
Si - er - ra
I need you back
I've changed, you'll see.
I'm sincere,
look in my eyes
Si - er - ra
please let me apologize.
SIERRA
I can't it's not right
I'm the one who caused the fight
Michael, oh Michael
I was wrong, please forgive.
Being alone is no way to live.
Michael, oh Michael
We've wasted so many years.
I've shed so many tears.
Michael, Oh Michael
I need you to be with me.
Michael, oh Michael
Please accept my apology.
MIKE
Si - er - ra
I need you back, I can't go on.
Si - er - ra
please accept, my apology.
THESE ELECTRIC NIGHTS
OLD SIERRA
You've got me burning, I'm on fi-re.
This night's electric, you're a live wire.
OLD MIKE
Just hold me close as our passion ignites.
We'll be dancing together through these Electric nights.
(Young Mike and Sierra enter)
YOUNG MIKE
When you touch me, I feel surreal.
Can't imagine that this is real.
YOUNG SIERRA
Take my hand and hold on tight.
And we'll dance together all these electric nights.
OLD MIKE AND SIERRA
We have the future we learned from the past.
Now that you're back in my arms at last.
Just hold me close as our passion ignites.
We'll be dancing together through these electric nights.
(Jane and Gary enter)
ALL
You've got me burning, I'm on fire.
This night's electric, you're a live wire.
When you touch me, I feel surreal.
Can't imagine that this is real.
We have the future we learned from the past.
Now that you're back in my arms at last.
Take my hand and hold on tight.
And we'll dance together all these electric nights.
Just hold me close as our passion ignites.
We'll be dancing together through these electric nights.
We'll be dancing together through these electric nights.
We'll be dancing together through these electric nights.
What Happened To Us : Scene V
SCENE V
At RISE: The OLDER MIKE and OLDER SIERRA are standing center
stage.
SIERRA
I think that Jane and Gary got the idea now.
MIKE
Really?
SIERRA
No, they probably think we made up the story.
MIKE
How can they. What we told them was exactly what happened to
us. It's the God's honest truth.
SIERRA
I know. But what I think what our friends need is a little
good old fashioned underhandedness.
(Mike smiles)
MIKE
What do you have in mind?
SIERRA
You'll see.
(She picks up the phone from the end table and dials a number)
SIERRA
Hi, Jane. It's me, Sierra. Gary just called and told us he
misses you.....Yes, yes he did. He said he want's to apologize for
being such a jerk.....No, those where his exact words.....
He said he was coming here, he asked me to call you to meet
him here......You'll be right over? Terrific. See you soon....
Bye-bye.
(Sierra hangs up the phone and hands it to Mike)
MIKE
You are a devious woman.
(He kisses her.)
MIKE
That's why I love you.
(Mike dials a number.)
MIKE
Gary, Hi. What's doing?....Guess what? Jane just called and
said she misses you...Really. She said she wants to apologize.
Yes, really....She said to meet her here.....Now. Great, see
you then.
(Mike hangs up the phone and hands it back to Sierra. Sierra puts
it back on the end table)
SIERRA
The wheels have been set in motion.
(Mike looks at his watch)
MIKE
How long do you think--
(We hear a doorbell)
SIERRA
That has to be Gary. Jane's mother lives over on MacDougal.
(We hear the doorbell again)
MIKE
I'll get it.
(Mike walks over to the door and opens it. Gary enters.)
GARY
She really said she misses me?
(Mike puts his hand on Gary's shoulder and leads him to the couch)
SIERRA
She misses you Gary.
(Gary sits on the couch. He is happy)
GARY
Oh this is so great. She's coming back, and she's going to
admit she's wrong.
(Sierra and Mike look at each other. They are worried.)
(The Doorbell rings)
SIERRA
I'll get it.
(As Sierra walks to the door, Mike sits down and talks to Gary.)
(Sierra opens the door and Jane enters.)
JANE
I want him on his hands and knees.
(Sierra takes Jane by the hand and leads her to the sofa. Mike
stands up and Jane sits.)
MIKE
I guess we'll leave you to alone.
(Sierra and Mike exit to the kitchen, where we can see them peeking
in.)
GARY
Jane, what happened to us? Before we were married we never
fought.
JANE
I know. It was like a dream.
GARY
Let's not fight again. I missed you.
JANE
I missed you too.
(They hug.)
GARY
I accept you're apology.
(Jane pulls away)
JANE
My apology?
(Mike and Sierra enter)
MIKE
Say you kids make a great couple.
SIERRA
You remind us of ourselves.
(Jane smiles.)
JANE
You two arranged this didn't you?
MIKE
What makes you say that?
(Gary and Jane stand up)
GARY
Thank's for everything guys.
(They all take turns hugging one another)
JANE
How did you two make it work after being apart so long?
SIERRA
We didn't dwell on the past, on those lost years.
MIKE
We devoted every day to the present, and tried not to repeat
the same dumb mistakes.
(Jane and Gary hug)
GARY
We have some making up to do.
(Mike and Sierra lead them to the door.)
JANE
And thanks again. You two can put your two cents in any day.
GARY
Bye.
MIKE
Good bye.
SIERRA
Take care.
(Gary and Jane exit)
(Mike and Gary look at each other. Mike leads her into the living
room)
MIKE
When I look at you my heart brims over with passion.
SIERRA
Darling, loving you will never go out of fashion
INTRO TO THESE ELECTRIC NIGHTS
(After OLDER MIKE sings his verse, Young Mike and Young Sierra
enter and walk toward certer stage.)
(After OLDER MIKE and OLDER SIERRA sing their verse together, Gary
and Jane enter and walk toward center.)
At RISE: The OLDER MIKE and OLDER SIERRA are standing center
stage.
SIERRA
I think that Jane and Gary got the idea now.
MIKE
Really?
SIERRA
No, they probably think we made up the story.
MIKE
How can they. What we told them was exactly what happened to
us. It's the God's honest truth.
SIERRA
I know. But what I think what our friends need is a little
good old fashioned underhandedness.
(Mike smiles)
MIKE
What do you have in mind?
SIERRA
You'll see.
(She picks up the phone from the end table and dials a number)
SIERRA
Hi, Jane. It's me, Sierra. Gary just called and told us he
misses you.....Yes, yes he did. He said he want's to apologize for
being such a jerk.....No, those where his exact words.....
He said he was coming here, he asked me to call you to meet
him here......You'll be right over? Terrific. See you soon....
Bye-bye.
(Sierra hangs up the phone and hands it to Mike)
MIKE
You are a devious woman.
(He kisses her.)
MIKE
That's why I love you.
(Mike dials a number.)
MIKE
Gary, Hi. What's doing?....Guess what? Jane just called and
said she misses you...Really. She said she wants to apologize.
Yes, really....She said to meet her here.....Now. Great, see
you then.
(Mike hangs up the phone and hands it back to Sierra. Sierra puts
it back on the end table)
SIERRA
The wheels have been set in motion.
(Mike looks at his watch)
MIKE
How long do you think--
(We hear a doorbell)
SIERRA
That has to be Gary. Jane's mother lives over on MacDougal.
(We hear the doorbell again)
MIKE
I'll get it.
(Mike walks over to the door and opens it. Gary enters.)
GARY
She really said she misses me?
(Mike puts his hand on Gary's shoulder and leads him to the couch)
SIERRA
She misses you Gary.
(Gary sits on the couch. He is happy)
GARY
Oh this is so great. She's coming back, and she's going to
admit she's wrong.
(Sierra and Mike look at each other. They are worried.)
(The Doorbell rings)
SIERRA
I'll get it.
(As Sierra walks to the door, Mike sits down and talks to Gary.)
(Sierra opens the door and Jane enters.)
JANE
I want him on his hands and knees.
(Sierra takes Jane by the hand and leads her to the sofa. Mike
stands up and Jane sits.)
MIKE
I guess we'll leave you to alone.
(Sierra and Mike exit to the kitchen, where we can see them peeking
in.)
GARY
Jane, what happened to us? Before we were married we never
fought.
JANE
I know. It was like a dream.
GARY
Let's not fight again. I missed you.
JANE
I missed you too.
(They hug.)
GARY
I accept you're apology.
(Jane pulls away)
JANE
My apology?
(Mike and Sierra enter)
MIKE
Say you kids make a great couple.
SIERRA
You remind us of ourselves.
(Jane smiles.)
JANE
You two arranged this didn't you?
MIKE
What makes you say that?
(Gary and Jane stand up)
GARY
Thank's for everything guys.
(They all take turns hugging one another)
JANE
How did you two make it work after being apart so long?
SIERRA
We didn't dwell on the past, on those lost years.
MIKE
We devoted every day to the present, and tried not to repeat
the same dumb mistakes.
(Jane and Gary hug)
GARY
We have some making up to do.
(Mike and Sierra lead them to the door.)
JANE
And thanks again. You two can put your two cents in any day.
GARY
Bye.
MIKE
Good bye.
SIERRA
Take care.
(Gary and Jane exit)
(Mike and Gary look at each other. Mike leads her into the living
room)
MIKE
When I look at you my heart brims over with passion.
SIERRA
Darling, loving you will never go out of fashion
INTRO TO THESE ELECTRIC NIGHTS
(After OLDER MIKE sings his verse, Young Mike and Young Sierra
enter and walk toward certer stage.)
(After OLDER MIKE and OLDER SIERRA sing their verse together, Gary
and Jane enter and walk toward center.)
What Happened To Us : Scene IV
SCENE IV
AT RISE: A waitress leads YOUNG MIKE to his seat. Mike sits
down and picks up the menu and looks through it.
(A few beats later we see the waitress leading Young Sierra to a
table. Mike looks up and is in shock. He rises.)
MIKE
Sierra, is that you?
(She looks at him and is in shock)
SIERRA
Michael?
(They stand there staring at each other. The waitress gives up and
walks away.)
MIKE
You look good.
SIERRA
You too.
MIKE
Would you mind joining me for lunch?
SIERRA
Not at all.
(He pulls her seat out for her. She sits down and then he sits).
MIKE
It's been ages.
SIERRA
Eight years this November.
MIKE
How've you been?
SIERRA
Great, never better. What about you?
MIKE
Fantastic. No complaint's here.
SIERRA
I'm glad to hear it.
MIKE
So, where have you been keeping yourself?
SIERRA
Out west mostly. I was living in Tucson for a while, then San
Diego. I just came back east last month. What about you?
MIKE
Same ole, same ole. You know me. I'm a creature of habit. I
still eat in this place every Friday. Though I did move out of
the apartment.
SIERRA
I know.
MIKE
Really?
SIERRA
Well I assumed you would move. You always said you wanted to.
MIKE
I did say that didn't I.
(The Waitress walks over to the table)
WAITRESS
Are you ready to order yet?
SIERRA
Can you give us a few more minutes?
WAITRESS
(angrily)
Anything you say.
(The Waitress storms away.)
(Mike and Sierra speak at the same time)
MIKE SIERRA
Sierra, what happened-- Michael what happened--
MIKE
Sorry, you first.
SIERRA
No, you go ahead.
MIKE
Okay. (Pause) Sierra what happened to us?
INTRO TO BABY CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO US?
(After the first Bridge they both stand.)
MIKE
I tried to call you, but you sister said you didn't want to
see me.
SIERRA
I thought you didn't want to bother with me anymore, that's
why I decided to move in with my friend Amy for a while.
You remember Amy don't you?
MIKE
Yes, How is she?
SIERRA
She got married five years ago.
MIKE
That's terrific. But why didn't you call me.
SIERRA
For the same reason it took you two months to call my sister.
MIKE
You knew I called?
SIERRA
Yes, and I was excited. So I called you, only to find that
you're number was changed, and unlisted.
MIKE
Oh, God. That's right. I forgot to give your sister my new
number.
SIERRA
I doubt that she would have given it to me anyway.
(He reaches across the table and holds her hand).
(The waitress walks toward the table).
WAITRESS
Come on how long is it going to take you two to order?
(She stops and looks at them).
(Mike and Sierra are staring at each other).
WAITRESS
I know what that look means. Give me a break!
INTRO TO LOVE IS A PAIN IN THE REAR
(After "Love is such a pain in the rear" the waitress exits)
SIERRA
I think we better order soon.
MIKE
Can I order for you? Like old times?
SIERRA
(She smiles)
Sure.
(Mike looks at the menu)
MIKE
How's the turkey divan sound?
SIERRA
Interesting.
MIKE
Well that's it then. If you see the waitress again flag her
down.
SIERRA
Sure thing.
MIKE
Sierra?
SIERRA
Yes?
MIKE
Can you remember what caused that fight?
SIERRA
No. Why, can you?
MIKE
I can't remember what that fight was about either.
SIERRA
It seemed pretty important at the time.
MIKE
It did, at the time.
(There is silence for a few beats)
MIKE
Sierra?
SIERRA
Yes?
MIKE
I have something to say.
(Mike stands up and takes her by the hand, she stands up and moves
close to him)
INTRO TO SIERRA, OH MICHAEL
MIKE AND SIERRA
I'm sorry.
(They embrace. LIGHT DIM)
AT RISE: A waitress leads YOUNG MIKE to his seat. Mike sits
down and picks up the menu and looks through it.
(A few beats later we see the waitress leading Young Sierra to a
table. Mike looks up and is in shock. He rises.)
MIKE
Sierra, is that you?
(She looks at him and is in shock)
SIERRA
Michael?
(They stand there staring at each other. The waitress gives up and
walks away.)
MIKE
You look good.
SIERRA
You too.
MIKE
Would you mind joining me for lunch?
SIERRA
Not at all.
(He pulls her seat out for her. She sits down and then he sits).
MIKE
It's been ages.
SIERRA
Eight years this November.
MIKE
How've you been?
SIERRA
Great, never better. What about you?
MIKE
Fantastic. No complaint's here.
SIERRA
I'm glad to hear it.
MIKE
So, where have you been keeping yourself?
SIERRA
Out west mostly. I was living in Tucson for a while, then San
Diego. I just came back east last month. What about you?
MIKE
Same ole, same ole. You know me. I'm a creature of habit. I
still eat in this place every Friday. Though I did move out of
the apartment.
SIERRA
I know.
MIKE
Really?
SIERRA
Well I assumed you would move. You always said you wanted to.
MIKE
I did say that didn't I.
(The Waitress walks over to the table)
WAITRESS
Are you ready to order yet?
SIERRA
Can you give us a few more minutes?
WAITRESS
(angrily)
Anything you say.
(The Waitress storms away.)
(Mike and Sierra speak at the same time)
MIKE SIERRA
Sierra, what happened-- Michael what happened--
MIKE
Sorry, you first.
SIERRA
No, you go ahead.
MIKE
Okay. (Pause) Sierra what happened to us?
INTRO TO BABY CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO US?
(After the first Bridge they both stand.)
MIKE
I tried to call you, but you sister said you didn't want to
see me.
SIERRA
I thought you didn't want to bother with me anymore, that's
why I decided to move in with my friend Amy for a while.
You remember Amy don't you?
MIKE
Yes, How is she?
SIERRA
She got married five years ago.
MIKE
That's terrific. But why didn't you call me.
SIERRA
For the same reason it took you two months to call my sister.
MIKE
You knew I called?
SIERRA
Yes, and I was excited. So I called you, only to find that
you're number was changed, and unlisted.
MIKE
Oh, God. That's right. I forgot to give your sister my new
number.
SIERRA
I doubt that she would have given it to me anyway.
(He reaches across the table and holds her hand).
(The waitress walks toward the table).
WAITRESS
Come on how long is it going to take you two to order?
(She stops and looks at them).
(Mike and Sierra are staring at each other).
WAITRESS
I know what that look means. Give me a break!
INTRO TO LOVE IS A PAIN IN THE REAR
(After "Love is such a pain in the rear" the waitress exits)
SIERRA
I think we better order soon.
MIKE
Can I order for you? Like old times?
SIERRA
(She smiles)
Sure.
(Mike looks at the menu)
MIKE
How's the turkey divan sound?
SIERRA
Interesting.
MIKE
Well that's it then. If you see the waitress again flag her
down.
SIERRA
Sure thing.
MIKE
Sierra?
SIERRA
Yes?
MIKE
Can you remember what caused that fight?
SIERRA
No. Why, can you?
MIKE
I can't remember what that fight was about either.
SIERRA
It seemed pretty important at the time.
MIKE
It did, at the time.
(There is silence for a few beats)
MIKE
Sierra?
SIERRA
Yes?
MIKE
I have something to say.
(Mike stands up and takes her by the hand, she stands up and moves
close to him)
INTRO TO SIERRA, OH MICHAEL
MIKE AND SIERRA
I'm sorry.
(They embrace. LIGHT DIM)
What Happened To Us : Scene III
SCENE III
AT RISE: The OLDER MIKE and OLDER SIERRA are on stage.
MIKE
Gary's really miserable.
SIERRA
But he's as stubborn as you were.
(The Doorbell rings)
SIERRA
I'll get it this time.
(She walks over to the door and opens it. Jane enters.)
SIERRA
Jane, how are you?
(Mike leans over and sees Jane)
MIKE
Hi Jane, come on in.
SIERRA
Yes, come inside. We heard you and Gary had a fight.
(They walk to the couch, Mike stands up kisses Jane on the cheek
and sits on the club Chair. Jane and Sierra sit on the sofa.)
JANE
I don't know what got into him. He was acting like such a
child.
MIKE
What did he do?
JANE
When we came back, he wanted to watch the fight from cable.
MIKE
That was great, I won twenty bucks on it. How did he like it?
JANE
That was the problem. I forgot to set the timer to tape it for
him. I mean we had to catch the plane and we were running late
all ready, so I forgot.
SIERRA
Gary's always been a big fight fan, how did he take it?
JANE
He started screaming and raving like a lunatic.
MIKE
You said you were going home to your mother?
JANE
Yes, and he didn't believe me. He pushed me out of the door,
so I had no choice.
SIERRA
You could have stood you're ground. You should have tried to
work things out.
JANE
But he yelled at me.
MIKE
So yell back. Boy, you two have a lot to learn.
INTRO TO LOVE IS FOR A MATURE AUDIENCES
JANE
Listen, I know heartache--
SIERRA
You know belly ache. But I will tell you this. If one of you
don't make the first step and apologize real soon, you will
know heartache.
MIKE
We speak from experience Jane. Don't make this a part of your
life where you have regrets.
SIERRA
If you said he's such a child, prove you're the adult and make
the first move.
JANE
But it was his fault.
MIKE
Who's acting childish now?
SIERRA
It doesn't matter who's fault it was. If this rift isn't fixed
the results will be both your faults.
JANE
Results, what results?
MIKE
Fate is like a card shark dealing from the bottom of the deck.
JANE
What are you talking about?
SIERRA
Remember when I told you about what happened to us?
JANE
Yes. You broke up and then--
MIKE
No, we never broke up. We had a fight and misunderstanding
heaped upon meddling relatives which caused our little rift to
widen. It reached the point where we lost touch.
SIERRA
We couldn't get in touch with one another even if we wanted
to. And we did want to.
MIKE
It was like I was just telling you. Fate is a card shark that
deals from the bottom of the deck.
SIERRA
But sometimes you're dealt an ace.
(LIGHTS DIM)
AT RISE: The OLDER MIKE and OLDER SIERRA are on stage.
MIKE
Gary's really miserable.
SIERRA
But he's as stubborn as you were.
(The Doorbell rings)
SIERRA
I'll get it this time.
(She walks over to the door and opens it. Jane enters.)
SIERRA
Jane, how are you?
(Mike leans over and sees Jane)
MIKE
Hi Jane, come on in.
SIERRA
Yes, come inside. We heard you and Gary had a fight.
(They walk to the couch, Mike stands up kisses Jane on the cheek
and sits on the club Chair. Jane and Sierra sit on the sofa.)
JANE
I don't know what got into him. He was acting like such a
child.
MIKE
What did he do?
JANE
When we came back, he wanted to watch the fight from cable.
MIKE
That was great, I won twenty bucks on it. How did he like it?
JANE
That was the problem. I forgot to set the timer to tape it for
him. I mean we had to catch the plane and we were running late
all ready, so I forgot.
SIERRA
Gary's always been a big fight fan, how did he take it?
JANE
He started screaming and raving like a lunatic.
MIKE
You said you were going home to your mother?
JANE
Yes, and he didn't believe me. He pushed me out of the door,
so I had no choice.
SIERRA
You could have stood you're ground. You should have tried to
work things out.
JANE
But he yelled at me.
MIKE
So yell back. Boy, you two have a lot to learn.
INTRO TO LOVE IS FOR A MATURE AUDIENCES
JANE
Listen, I know heartache--
SIERRA
You know belly ache. But I will tell you this. If one of you
don't make the first step and apologize real soon, you will
know heartache.
MIKE
We speak from experience Jane. Don't make this a part of your
life where you have regrets.
SIERRA
If you said he's such a child, prove you're the adult and make
the first move.
JANE
But it was his fault.
MIKE
Who's acting childish now?
SIERRA
It doesn't matter who's fault it was. If this rift isn't fixed
the results will be both your faults.
JANE
Results, what results?
MIKE
Fate is like a card shark dealing from the bottom of the deck.
JANE
What are you talking about?
SIERRA
Remember when I told you about what happened to us?
JANE
Yes. You broke up and then--
MIKE
No, we never broke up. We had a fight and misunderstanding
heaped upon meddling relatives which caused our little rift to
widen. It reached the point where we lost touch.
SIERRA
We couldn't get in touch with one another even if we wanted
to. And we did want to.
MIKE
It was like I was just telling you. Fate is a card shark that
deals from the bottom of the deck.
SIERRA
But sometimes you're dealt an ace.
(LIGHTS DIM)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
What Happened To Us : Scene II
SCENE II
AT RISE: YOUNG MIKE is standing in his apartment holding a
framed picture of Sierra. YOUNG SIERRA is standing in her apartment
holding a framed picture of Mike.
MIKE
They say that time heals all wounds. That's such a lie. I
don't think I'll ever get over you.
SIERRA
I think there's a saying that absence makes the heart grow
fonder. That must be true. Even though its been seven years, I
don't think I'll ever get over you.
(Sierra walks to the couch and sits down)
INTRO TO OUT IN THE BLUE
(After the first verse Mike sits down on the couch.)
MIKE
Memories are all I have but they are not enough.
SIERRA
This photo and aged memories are barely enough to get me
through the day.
MIKE
I've tried going out with other women, but I always compare
them to you.
SIERRA
You were the only man who ever really understood me. I'll
never find someone like you again.
MIKE
I wish I knew how you were doing.
SIERRA
I hope you have a better life than I have. If I only knew that
you were okay, maybe I could begin to over you.
MIKE
If I knew you were well and happy, maybe I could get started
living my life without you.
MIKE AND SIERRA
But I don't think I can.
INTRO TO NEVER OUT OF FASHION
AT RISE: YOUNG MIKE is standing in his apartment holding a
framed picture of Sierra. YOUNG SIERRA is standing in her apartment
holding a framed picture of Mike.
MIKE
They say that time heals all wounds. That's such a lie. I
don't think I'll ever get over you.
SIERRA
I think there's a saying that absence makes the heart grow
fonder. That must be true. Even though its been seven years, I
don't think I'll ever get over you.
(Sierra walks to the couch and sits down)
INTRO TO OUT IN THE BLUE
(After the first verse Mike sits down on the couch.)
MIKE
Memories are all I have but they are not enough.
SIERRA
This photo and aged memories are barely enough to get me
through the day.
MIKE
I've tried going out with other women, but I always compare
them to you.
SIERRA
You were the only man who ever really understood me. I'll
never find someone like you again.
MIKE
I wish I knew how you were doing.
SIERRA
I hope you have a better life than I have. If I only knew that
you were okay, maybe I could begin to over you.
MIKE
If I knew you were well and happy, maybe I could get started
living my life without you.
MIKE AND SIERRA
But I don't think I can.
INTRO TO NEVER OUT OF FASHION
Monday, May 08, 2006
What Happened To Us
I was going to give some background to this piece, but decided to just post it here. What Happened To Us it is a short musical in five scenes that I wrote some time ago.
SCENE I
AT RISE: OLDER MIKE is on the couch watching T.V., OLDER
Sierra is offstage in the kitchen.
(Mike calls to her)
MIKE
Sierra can you bring me a beer?
SIERRA
(offstage)
Are your legs broken Michael?
(Mike smiles)
MIKE
Come on, please?
(A Doorbell rings)
SIERRA
All right lazy. But you can get the door.
(Mike gets up off of the couch and walks stage left to the door and opens it. Gary enters.)
MIKE
Hey, Gary. How are you?
(They shake hands)
GARY
Not too good.
MIKE
Hey, Sierra. It's Gary!
(Sierra enters from the kitchen)
SIERRA
Gary, it's good to see you.
(She hugs Gary)
SIERRA
How's the newlyweds? Where is Jane anyway?
(Gary is upset at the mention of her name)
MIKE
You guys didn't have a fight already did you?
GARY
Yeah, Yeah we did. She's at her mothers house right now.
SIERRA
Well come in. Sit down and tell us what happened.
(Sierra leads Gary to the sofa. They sit down. Mike takes a seat on
a club chair).
MIKE
You want a beer or something?
GARY
No thanks.
SIERRA
So tell us what happened?
GARY
When we got home from Barbados we had an argument. I yelled,
she yelled back. I must have said some pretty bad things.
MIKE
Why? What happened after you argued?
GARY
She got really upset and said she was going to her
mother's until I learned how to act like a man instead
of a child.I thought she was bluffing so I grabbed some
of her things and threw them out the door .
She called my bluff and took off.
SIERRA
Did you call her?
MIKE
Did you try to apologize?
GARY
No, it wasn't my fault. She should be the one to apologize.
She was wrong.
MIKE
Gary, some things can be said in the heat of anger that one
may regret.
SIERRA
And once the damage has been done there is a little matter of
pride that stands in the way of doing what's right.
MIKE
Like apologizing, admitting that you're wrong.
GARY
But I wasn't wrong.
MIKE
Really? What did you two fight about?
(Gary thinks to himself for a moment)
GARY
I can't remember.
SIERRA
See what we mean? Words can sometimes be as hard as a fist.
Especially when they come from a loved one.
MIKE
Once you land the first blow, things change.
SIERRA
People begin to grow apart.
GARY
I understand what you're saying, but that won't happen to us.
We understand each other. She'll come around. You'll see.
SIERRA
Don't be so sure Gary.
MIKE
She's probably thinking the same thing you are. It's a
stalemate. Each of you are waiting for the other to apologize.
It's not going to work out that way.
SIERRA
Michael's right Gary. He should know. I should know. Did we
ever to tell you about what happened to us?
GARY
No, I don't think you ever did.
MIKE
Well sit back and listen good. You may learn something from
what we went through, from what happened to us.
(Lights Dim)
SCENE I
AT RISE: OLDER MIKE is on the couch watching T.V., OLDER
Sierra is offstage in the kitchen.
(Mike calls to her)
MIKE
Sierra can you bring me a beer?
SIERRA
(offstage)
Are your legs broken Michael?
(Mike smiles)
MIKE
Come on, please?
(A Doorbell rings)
SIERRA
All right lazy. But you can get the door.
(Mike gets up off of the couch and walks stage left to the door and opens it. Gary enters.)
MIKE
Hey, Gary. How are you?
(They shake hands)
GARY
Not too good.
MIKE
Hey, Sierra. It's Gary!
(Sierra enters from the kitchen)
SIERRA
Gary, it's good to see you.
(She hugs Gary)
SIERRA
How's the newlyweds? Where is Jane anyway?
(Gary is upset at the mention of her name)
MIKE
You guys didn't have a fight already did you?
GARY
Yeah, Yeah we did. She's at her mothers house right now.
SIERRA
Well come in. Sit down and tell us what happened.
(Sierra leads Gary to the sofa. They sit down. Mike takes a seat on
a club chair).
MIKE
You want a beer or something?
GARY
No thanks.
SIERRA
So tell us what happened?
GARY
When we got home from Barbados we had an argument. I yelled,
she yelled back. I must have said some pretty bad things.
MIKE
Why? What happened after you argued?
GARY
She got really upset and said she was going to her
mother's until I learned how to act like a man instead
of a child.I thought she was bluffing so I grabbed some
of her things and threw them out the door .
She called my bluff and took off.
SIERRA
Did you call her?
MIKE
Did you try to apologize?
GARY
No, it wasn't my fault. She should be the one to apologize.
She was wrong.
MIKE
Gary, some things can be said in the heat of anger that one
may regret.
SIERRA
And once the damage has been done there is a little matter of
pride that stands in the way of doing what's right.
MIKE
Like apologizing, admitting that you're wrong.
GARY
But I wasn't wrong.
MIKE
Really? What did you two fight about?
(Gary thinks to himself for a moment)
GARY
I can't remember.
SIERRA
See what we mean? Words can sometimes be as hard as a fist.
Especially when they come from a loved one.
MIKE
Once you land the first blow, things change.
SIERRA
People begin to grow apart.
GARY
I understand what you're saying, but that won't happen to us.
We understand each other. She'll come around. You'll see.
SIERRA
Don't be so sure Gary.
MIKE
She's probably thinking the same thing you are. It's a
stalemate. Each of you are waiting for the other to apologize.
It's not going to work out that way.
SIERRA
Michael's right Gary. He should know. I should know. Did we
ever to tell you about what happened to us?
GARY
No, I don't think you ever did.
MIKE
Well sit back and listen good. You may learn something from
what we went through, from what happened to us.
(Lights Dim)
100th post
While this is in fact my 100th post as according to the blogpot records I feel as though it should be my 200th, I have been quite remiss in my duty to constantly blog. While I am constantly thinking and constructing blogs in my head as I drive the 3 hours daily I lose all knowledge as I sit here and try to remember those few dying metaphors. I will try harder, its all I can say. Hope you enjoy something you read here, if not...OH WELL (shout out to Maurice)
Peace
C
Peace
C
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Come Sail Away
Damn, Mendez was 60. It was not so much a shock that he had turned 60 but that I was there in attendance. I knew him from when he was 47, and that white (silver if I wanted to be nice) hair made him look older. The trick is that he looks the same now some 13 years later. Though some of those gray/silver hairs have gone AWOL. (This fact was made clearly evident by his sporting of a Captains hat for the entire night. Even though the theme of the party was sailing and he was the captain I know his ulterior motive, because I would do the same thing too at my 60th if I make it there.
His family and friends and wife, and her family and friends were all in attendance. Some faces I hadn’t seen in a while and some familiar ones danced about to the DJ and drank voluminously from the open bar. I downed diet cokes while I waited for the food, and now I still taste the lemon chicken and wonder how it was made.
I wondered at one point why I wasn’t having as much fun as I should be and I guess it finally hit me. I was getting old. I am 36, which is not old by any stretch of the imagination, but I met Mendez and his wife 13 years prior to the event in question and I guess I would never have pictured myself at this event. I mean his 50th yeah, a no brainer, three years is nothing and it goes by in an infinitesimally brief moment. But 13 is a bit more substantial, but in this case it went by a lightening speed. And in a blink of an eye it was upon me, upon us all. And in no time, I will be the one in the Captain’s hat making a speech and enjoying the warmth of being in the company of so many friends. Happy Birthday Mendez…DAMN YOU IS OLD SON
C
His family and friends and wife, and her family and friends were all in attendance. Some faces I hadn’t seen in a while and some familiar ones danced about to the DJ and drank voluminously from the open bar. I downed diet cokes while I waited for the food, and now I still taste the lemon chicken and wonder how it was made.
I wondered at one point why I wasn’t having as much fun as I should be and I guess it finally hit me. I was getting old. I am 36, which is not old by any stretch of the imagination, but I met Mendez and his wife 13 years prior to the event in question and I guess I would never have pictured myself at this event. I mean his 50th yeah, a no brainer, three years is nothing and it goes by in an infinitesimally brief moment. But 13 is a bit more substantial, but in this case it went by a lightening speed. And in a blink of an eye it was upon me, upon us all. And in no time, I will be the one in the Captain’s hat making a speech and enjoying the warmth of being in the company of so many friends. Happy Birthday Mendez…DAMN YOU IS OLD SON
C
