The Captive Carousel Script - Act One
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The Captive Carousel
A Play in Two Acts
By
Jenny de Reuck
Copyright Jenny de Reuck and Murdoch Print, 2008
List of Characters
The Mythic Characters
Carna, Goddess of the Carnival/Cleaning Lady
Madame Sosostris, an Egyptian Clairvoyant
Diabella, her Familiar, a Baby Dragon
Creatures of the Carousel
Merry, a Carousel Horse
Rosie, a Carousel Horse
Treasure, a Unicorn
Pantomime Characters
Madame Columbina, the Fair Ground Owner
Scarramuccia, a Swashbuckling Hero
Pedrolino, a Mime
Punch, a performer of limited skills
Judy, his ambitious partner
Ballerina, a Faerie Trapeze Artist
Cantarina, a Faerie Trapeze Artist
Trampolino, a Faerie Trapeze Artist
Pierrot, a skilled young performer
Pierrette, her innocent, and equally skilled, partner
Side-Show Alley Characters
Brighella, Villainous Proprietor of Side-Show Alley
Harlequin, his Subversive Side-Kick
Grimaldi, a Clown
Grock, a Clown
Ruffiana, a Clown
Act 1
Scene 1: Prelude
Music SFX suggests the presence of Carna, Goddess of Carnival. SFX Children Laughing, sounds of festivities, rides, shrieks of delight etc. Fade out as scene begins. Lights on the apron dim to black and as they come up, slowly, we see her CS, beautifully dressed, as the ‘Fairy Godmother’ character from traditional pantomimes. Her gown should be splendid, her wings exquisite, and she should glisten in the lights – probably a ‘special’ LFX for her CS. As the music fades into the background, she speaks, directly to the audience. A shower of silver glitter descends as she starts speaking.
Carna: I wonder what’s taking her so long? She’s never very punctual, but I expected her here ages ago. There’s so little time and… and I don’t feel quite well. I’ve so much to ask her. I’m waiting for the Fortune Teller, Madame Sosostris, you see. She is very wise even if she is always late! We have an appointment, here, in Nexus Theatre, you see and I’m hoping she will be able to help me solve an enormous problem I’m facing. (Sounds off-stage) Oh, that sounds like her now– (looking offstage R) – and Diabella, her ‘familiar’ – that’s her special creature. Diabella’s adorable, the sweetest little thing – and you’ll never guess what she is - but (peeping out again) clearly she doesn’t want to come out.
Diabella, off-stage, is heard protesting, SR. Mme Sosostris is heard unsuccessfully coaxing her.
Madame Sosostris, her scarves and shawls trailing behind her, enters extremely flustered. She is a gypsy Sorceress with her forebears running back to Ancient Egypt and has wonderful powers of perception. Only she and her Familiar, Diabella, know what is happening in the Fair Ground, because they can foresee everything. She is larger than life, a ‘Drama Queen’ but scatter-brained and is known to be forgetful at times, which has serious consequences for the plot!
Sosostris: My dear Carna, Spirit of the Carnival, I’m so sorry I’m late (Air kisses) But that naughty little thing – (she breaks off and tries to call her on stage) Diabella, come here, now, come to Madame – (turning back to Carna) the disobedient creature, will not listen to me! Diabella!
Carna: I know what it is – she’s shy. Look at all the people here this morning.
Sosostris: (Registering the audience for the first time) Good gracious me! There are a lot of them, aren’t there? You might be right!
During her speech Diabella will peep around the flat at the SM’s entrance, then rapidly withdraw. Dragon Peek-a-Boo.
Carna: Of course, that’s it! She’s just shy. Perhaps if we asked these lovely people to call her out she might feel better.
Sosostris: If she knows they won’t harm her? Mmmnn. It’s worth a try. Diabella – (Diabella peeps anxiously around the flat again and moves as if to retreat) – now don’t go away –
Carna: (To the audience) Would you do that? Call Diabella, for us?
Hopefully the audience will respond positively to this. Diabella peeps out once more.
Sosostris: Look, Diabella, they won’t harm you.
Carna: Everyone, together, let’s call Diabella. One, two, three – Dia – bella!
Diabella enters, a little sheepishly because of the fuss, but rapidly establishes her credentials.
Diabella: All right all right. Here I am. If I’d known it was XXX Primary in this morning I’d have been fine. Just scared we might have come across some of those nasty Clowns, that’s all! (To the audience) They pull my wings and my tail, you see, and snatch my toys away. Don’t like clowns.
Sosostris: Well, there aren’t any clowns here, Diabella, and we’ve kept her Majesty, the Spirit of the Carnival, waiting for far too long. Terribly sorry, your Majesty.
Diabella settles down next to her mistress who absently pats her.
Carna: That’s fine, Madame Sosostris, but we haven’t a moment to lose. Have you discovered what’s happening? Do you know why I appear to be losing my magic power? Why I’m feeling so unwell?
Sosostris: That was quite a mission you sent me on, Oh Mighty One! Now where did we go, Diabella? Remind me -
Diabella: (Mentally ticking them off) ‘Lunar Park’, in Sydney, ‘Lunar Park’ in Melbourne; ‘Movie World’, ‘Sea World’, ‘Wet ‘n Wild’, ‘Dream World’ on the Gold Coast; and ‘Adventure World’ in Perth –
Carna: (Eagerly) All still fun to be at, I hope ! Children enjoying the rides?
Sosostris: (Frankly) Well, no, not really –
Diabella: Not fun at all! Most of them -
Carna: So it’s true – the Spirit of the Carnival is fading – no wonder I feel like this. (She sways, her hand to her forehead) But why? Why now?
Sosostris: The problem’s global, Oh Mighty One, not local –
Diabella: Yes, we went to Disneyland and Disney world, and Euro Disney and –
Sosostris: DON’T interrupt me, Diabella, that’s very rude! We’re absolutely determined to get to the bottom of it. Can’t lose the fun in life without making some attempt to stop it.
Diabella: (To the audience) I’ll bet those Clowns have something to do with it. I don’t trust them.
Carna: Surely not, Diabella, the Clowns are all part of the fun. Oh, but I do feel dreadful. (She appears to be about to fall) I’m so weak and lethargic these days – no energy at all. And I so wanted these lovely children to enjoy the Carnival today.
Sosostris: Not a chance of that if we don’t find out what’s going on. Now just let me set my things up. Terrible reception in here. (She looks around her, and holds her crystal ball up, a bit like a mobile, trying to get a response.) The network must be down again. (Distractedly) If only I could get connected I’d be able to work all this out.
Diabella: (To the audience) She’s really amazing. Doesn’t even need Google. You’ll see.
Sosostris: (Giving up) No, it’s useless. No reception at all. Not a blip! It’s more and more difficult these days – with all the interference from mobile phones ‘magic’ just doesn’t stand a chance. Come, your Majesty (notices her visibly wilting). I say, you do look strange. (Starts towards her)
Carna: I feel strange. And I wish I knew why!
Diabella: (Anxiously) I know those Clowns have something to do with this!
Sosostris: Well, we won’t find out anything here! Take my arm, Carna. We must find a spot where the magic still flows if we’re to get to the bottom of this. Follow me!
They exit SL, with Sosostris supporting Carna who leaves a tiny trail of glitter behind her.
Diabella: (To the audience, conspiratorially) We dragons know more than we let on and something tells me that the Clowns are involved in this. I hope there’s nothing seriously wrong with Carna, though. That would be dreadful! If something happened to her, the Spirit of the Carnival would be lost forever.
Sosostris: (Off-stage) Dia- bella!
Diabella: Coming, Madame Sosostris!
Exits after them, waving to the children.
Scene 2: Outside the Fair Ground
Brighella, the villain of the piece, but a classic coward nevertheless, appears on the balcony, SL. Laughs triumphantly.
Brighella: Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! My plan is clearly working brilliantly. Carna, the so-called ‘Spirit of the Carnival’, won’t last much longer if I have my way. (Arrogantly) And I always do. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! She’s doomed, how delightful! And soon I’ll have all the fun of the fair under my control, and I shall be Lord and Master of the Midnight Fair. (Laughs maniacally) Oh, how thrilling this is! But wait, who comes here?
Harlequin enters on the apron DSR, whistling or humming cheerfully, juggling or playing the Diablo. Apparently he hasn’t a care in the world. A bit of stage business which is interrupted by Brighella, who is furious.
Brighella: Harlequin!
Harlequin, disassociated, cannot at once locate him and does a bit of physical ‘business’, turning round as Brighella calls his name. [workshop]
Harlequin: Oh, there you are, Monster – I mean, Master! How on earth did you get up there? (Spots the ladder and starts ascending, talking as he goes) Oh, I see, like this!
Brighella: (They will be face to face at this point, though Harlequin will be slightly lower, Fox and Crow cartoon style) What do you think you’re doing?
Harlequin: Well, I was playing, Master. Playing the Diablo which is great fun!
Brighella: ‘FUN’?! Did you say ‘fun’?
Harlequin: (Retreating a few steps) Well, yes, I did. What’s wrong with that?
Brighella: (Looking over his shoulder) Have you learned nothing from me these last weeks, Harlequin?
Harlequin: (Innocently) No, not really … Pierrot taught me, actually. She’s really good at it. The Diablo.
Brighella: Don’t change the subject, Harlequin. You know what I mean. The ‘fun’ in this Fair Ground is mine to control, remember, and we have a ‘Secret Plan’.
Harlequin: (Retreating down the ladder.) Oh, yes, that’s right. A ‘Secret Plan’. Of course I haven’t forgotten, Master. (Aside to the audience) He thinks I’m on his side, but I’m not, really. I’m watching him. (Winks at them).
Brighella: Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! A Secret Plan of extraordinary cunning! Soon I’ll have it all – all the fun of the fair. I love it.(Leaning over the balcony.) I hope you’ve set everything up in Side Show Alley as I told you to, Harlequin. That’s where it all begins, my boy… that’s where it all begins!
Harlequin: (Startled) Oh, that reminds me! I’d completely forgotten about him. I knew there was something I had to do! I hope he’s all right. Just on my way, now, Master.
He exits SR in a hurry. Brighella freezes in his position looking down. Lights down on balcony. Lights down on the apron.
Scene 3: Side Show Alley
A stall, with striped overhanging awning set CS. Brighella, roguish, sophisticated, a cowardly villain who will do anything for money, is in charge. Harlequin (acrobatic, witty and child-like by turns) is only a little bit intimidated by him and does (mostly) what he’s told.
[This scene will take place with the black legs creating an inner space. Possibly lit with ‘neon’ LFX on the awning to create a carnivalesque atmosphere. Minimalist.]
The curtain opens to reveal one of the booths set up for the Side Shows. ‘Hook a Duck’, possibly, and the Coconut Shy or the Hoopla. Balloons might signal this first of the Fun Fair spaces. The cyclorama is in, screening the rest of the Fair which will be ‘revealed’ in Scene 4. A colourful box is DSC and the three clowns, Grimaldi, Grock and Ruffiana are having fun with it, sitting on the lid as the Mime, Pedrolino, bangs on it furiously to be let out. They should all be laughing uproariously.
Grimaldi: Can you hear something?(Loud tapping on the lid. Ironically) I think I can hear something – can you, Grock?
Pedrolino: Let me out!
Ruffiana: (She’s a little slow in catching on to things)It’s coming from this box we’re sitting on, isn’t it Grimaldi?
Pedrolino: It’s not funny! Let me out!
Grock: We think it’s funny! We think it’s very funny.
Harlequin dashes on from SR and the Clowns all jump up and stand in a line. They’re somewhat in awe of Harlequin who has a direct line to Brighella. It’s a hierarchy of ‘villains’ with Brighella at the pinnacle.
Harlequin: What’s going on here, then? What are you all up to?
Pedrolino: (Banging on the wall of the box) Let me out!
Harlequin: You locked him inside?! How could you?
Grock: Well he is a –
As the lid is lifted by Harlequin, Pedrolino, the Mime artist springs up, gasping for air. Pedrolino dressed in black cut-offs, striped T-shirt and beret. His make-up is classic Marcel Marceau white-face
Grimaldi:
Ruffiana: (Together) Jack-in- the Box!
Pedrolino: (Indignantly, clutching his beret with one hand, his neck with the other)I most certainly am not, I’ll have you know. I am Pedrolino, a Mime Artist. And I hate confined spaces.
Grock: Well, you looked JUST like a Jack-in-the Box then!
Grimaldi: Except that they usually come out smiling like this (gives a mock impression of one) – not like this (mimics his earlier anxiety.)
Ruffiana: Whoever heard of a Jack-in-the Box afraid of confined spaces?!
Pedrolino: I am not a Jack-in-the Box! How dare you insult me! I am an Artiste, a Mime Artiste! (He does a few movements to capture this).
Harlequin: (Soothingly) Of course you are. They’re just having a go at you, Pedrolino. Take no notice of them. (Turning to them). Hoi, you three, that’s enough – Brighella’s not far behind me and if you don’t want to be squashed in that box yourselves, you’d better get yourselves into position. There’s work to be done!
They all register anxiety at this.
Grimaldi: Come along, then, girls - we’d better get going –
Grock: Not the box, anything but the box!
Pedrolino: Not that funny, now is it?
Ruffiana: Of course, not! Only ever funny when it’s you, Pedrolino!
All Three: (Doubling over, laughing, and pointing at him) ‘Jack in the Box.’
Harlequin: To your positions, Clowns, before Brighella gets here! You don’t want the Coconuts in Side Show Alley to attract all the attention, do you?
Grimaldi: There’s no chance of that – the Hoopla’s more exciting than that old game. How humiliating this all is. What a fall in status – once we were Clowns of Note, bringing laughter to the masses, but now …
Grock: I hate our work! It’s just so repetitive
Ruffiana: Well, we haven’t much choice, Grock. Brighella is our Master -
Harlequin: (Under his breath, aside) Monster, more like it!
Ruffiana: - and if Harlequin’s right, he’ll soon be here. (Looks around anxiously)
Harlequin: And, what’s more, he’ll be furious if you aren’t ready, so off you go, all of you!
Harlequin rounds them up and chases them off. They leap-frog over each other or tumble out SR. Music FX Theme for Clowns.
Pedrolino mimes sadness and wipes an imaginary tear from his eye.
Harlequin: (An arm round his shoulder, confidentially) You do that very well, these days, my friend. Almost as good at it as young Pierrot and Pierrette. They have the gesture down pat. (He mimics them, and pretends to hand Pedrolino a flower. They could move into a brief mime routine here possibly the mirror imaging[workshop])
Pedrolino: Ah, but it requires practice, Harlequin, and I never get enough! I’ve been trying to rehearse all morning!
Harlequin: (Admiringly) Such a professional! Love your work!
Loud voices can be heard arguing off-stage.
Harlequin dashes SR to see who it is. All his movements are in character, with gestures that establish his mental state – happiness, anger, anxiety etc.
Harlequin: There’s someone coming - sounds like Judy having a go at Punch again!
Pedrolino: I’ll never get to my rehearsal at this rate. I wonder what’s wrong now.
Harlequin: That, my friend, I think we are about to discover. (He bows with a sweeping gesture to indicate the arrival of Punch and Judy.)
Scene 4: Side Show Alley
Harlequin and Mime ‘walk backwards against the wind’ of Judy’s verbal barrage (reversing) as they enter SL of the apron. She has Punch’s slap stick and is bashing him as they enter. Stage business as he bumps into Mime and Harlequin and they tumble in a heap. Harlequin uses the opportunity to escape, sneaking off very obviously SR.
Judy: (Tapping her foot in annoyance, still wielding the slap stick). Every time, it happens. Every time!
Punch: My love …
Judy: Don’t try your lovey-dovey tricks on me, Punch! I know you too well!
Punch: (Getting up warily) But, it’s not my fault! I keep telling you. That’s not the way to do it!
Judy: We’ve been doing it the same way for centuries –
Pedrolino: What?
Judy: (Rounding on him with the slap stick) Our show, you nincompoop!
Punch: Careful, my dearest heart! You don’t want to injure him!
Pedrolino: You most certainly don’t! Sorry I asked.
Judy: (Dramatically) I can’t WORK with these people! Oh, why is it all going so wrong?
Punch: We just need a little more practice, love of my life, that’s all!
Judy: Are you serious? We’ve performed the show for centuries without a single mistake. Only a few adjustments to keep up with the times. And now, for some unknown reason, nothing goes right!
Punch: We just need to practise a little harder, oh fair one.
Judy: You forget your lines!
Punch: (Nervously) You forget your props!
Judy: You forget your entrances!
Punch: Oh no I don’t
Judy: Oh yes you do!
Punch: Oh no I don’t!
Judy: Oh yes you do!
Punch: Oh no I don’t!
Pedrolino: Stop! Stop that. You know where that leads you!
Judy: (Subsiding, but still indignant) Well, even if I do forget a prop or two - occasionally - you throw the baby out of the window when I’ve told you umpteen times, that’s not at all funny!
Punch: (Defensively) It’s in the script!
Judy: Not anymore. Times have changed you’ll have Child Welfare on to us! (Emphatically) Oh how times have changed! No-one laughs at us anymore. It’s too depressing for words!
Pedrolino: Well, it’s no good standing around here and arguing. I was in the middle of my rehearsal when first those dreadful Clowns and now you two interrupted me. If you don’t mind, I would like to proceed. Pardonnez moi …. (He bows ironically towards them LFX dim slightly and spot up on Pedrolino: as he takes up his position.).
There is a music FX and Cantarina and Ballerina, the faery trapeze artists, appear on the balconies SR with Trampolino opposite SL. They will descend onto the apron by means of a ladder and a rope respectively as their powers of flight are diminished by whatever forces are abroad in the Fair Ground.
Cantarina: Yoo- hoo! Up here!
Ballerina: Here we are!
Pedrolino: I don’t believe it! This is hopeless!
Punch: (Smitten, darting across to the base of the ladder) Ah, it’s Cantarina and Ballerina, the trapeze artists. What beauty, what ability!
Judy: Punch! Behave yourself.
Punch: (Subsiding) Of course, dear. Just being polite, oh light of my life.
Judy: (Noticing Trampolino for the first time) Trampolino! What a marvelous image you make up there! (Aside) What a fine specimen of a man he is! (To him as he descends the rope.) What strength, what power –
Punch: Judy! Behave yourself.
Judy: (Ignoring him) Such a noble forehead.
Trampolino is the ‘Strong Man’ equivalent of the trapeze artists and sports a handle-bar moustache. He finds Judy overwhelming and even a little frightening and is probably at a loss to know how to handle the Faeries. He is as vain as the girls in his own way, flexing his muscles, looking in mirrors etc. Oblivious of everyone else.
Trampolino: If you’ll just steady the rope, I’ll be there in a flash. (To the Faeries) Ready, girls? Down we go!
Judy hastens to hold the rope as Punch trundles over to the ladder.
The Faeries, in tights, spangly skirts, and colour-coded wings, begin their descent, awkwardly. They will be obsessed with their looks, the latest fashions and entirely superficial in most of what they do, but their hearts, ultimately, are in the right place.
Cantarina: Like, we’ve got so much to tell you.
Ballerina: Yes. Things are so not cool!
Cantarina: Like, what’s with everything in this place.
Ballerina: I can’t get anything right anymore.
Cantarina: Nor can I – we’re just so not ever going to be able to fly through the air like we used to.
Judy: (To Trampolino) Typical. As usual, it’s all about them!
Punch: (Contradicting her – at his peril) Now, now, my lovely one, you know that isn’t true!
Judy: Punch! Don’t contradict me!(Waves her slap stick warningly at him. He subsides).
Pedrolino: (Striking an attitude) Never ever to fly through the air again – (beats his chest as if lamenting).
Ballerina: That’s so not funny, Pedrolino!
Trampolino: We do appear to have a problem – it’s true. Our trapeze act just isn’t working. (Flexes his muscles) No matter what I do, I can’t get the timing right and I’m afraid I’ll drop one of them.
Ballerina: If we can’t fly, our whole act is ruined.
Cantarina: It’s, like, all about flying, see.
Trampolino: (Dramatically) “Trampolino and the Flying Faeries”! Not “Trampolino and the Falling Faeries”! Which is what our act may have to be called in future.
Judy: With you in the act, Trampolino, it could only succeed!
Pedrolino: (Weighing this up, pragmatically) “Flying Faeries”, “Falling Faeries”? I see what you mean, Trampolino. Tragic.
Punch: (Still bewitched by them) Flying or falling, your act is beyond compare!
Judy: (Waving her slapstick at him). Punch!
Cantarina: Just watch out, I’m coming down.
Ballerina: Me too!
Cantarina: (Watching as her partner starts the descent). How would you like it if you couldn’t move like you do, Pedrolino? Mmmnnn?
They will both be on the apron by the end of the next exchange. Earth-bound, unable to fly.
Pedrolino: Well, as my rehearsals are constantly interrupted, that’s a risk I seem to be running!
Ballerina: But it hasn’t happened to you yet, has it?
Cantarina: Like, I’m really losing it – watch this.
Trampolino: It’s not a pretty sight!
She turns, adjusts her wings, and (SFX drum roll) tries to fly, ending in a (fairly impressive, athletic) jump.
Ballerina: See? And it’s the same with me.
Repeats the same routine with the same outcome.
They turn to each other, clasp hands and burst into tears. Trampolino, lost in his own thoughts, strikes a body-builder’s pose. Judy is fixated.
Judy: Not much wrong with you, dear Trampolino.
Punch: (To the Faeries)There, there, don’t cry, my dears. I’m sure it’s not serious.
Cantarina: (Sobbing). But it must be, like, serious! It’s getting worse all the time. It’s like we’re grounded. Literally!
Ballerina: (Sobbing too) Oooh! What if we never fly again. What’s happening to us? I’m really scared.
Trampolino: (Breaking his pose) They’re right. We can’t go on like this. Our act is a disaster. If we don’t improve we’ll have to audition for a human circus like … Circus Oz or Cirque du Soleil and leave the magic Carnival forever.
Punch and Judy: (United in opposition) Oh, don’t say that!
Punch: You can’t leave Madame Columbina’s Carnival!
Cantarina: (Through her tears) If we can’t fly, we’ll, like, have to!
Ballerina: She won’t want us here, anyway, if our magic’s gone.
Judy: (Moved by Trampolino’s words) Pull yourselves together girls. Crying won’t help. I think we need to discuss what’s happening and the person we should see about it is Madame Columbina, owner of the Carnival! She needs to know about this.
Punch: Do we really need to tell her! (Aside to the audience) She’s got quite a temper: reminds me of someone else around here (Indicates Judy surreptitiously).You know she hates being bothered by any of us. She’s working on the Program for the show tonight, she told us and, anyway, I’m sure she’s aware of everything that’s happening.
Pedrolino: Well, she has no idea how bad things are now. We should speak to her anyway –
Trampolino: (Flexing his muscles) We all know she hates being disturbed, but the way things are going, she’ll be angrier if we don’t tell her.
Cantarina: (Doubtfully) You think?
Ballerina: Yeah, that’s true. We’d like be in more trouble if we don’t tell her.
Judy: Come along, then! To Madame Columbina’s caravan, everyone. Lead on, Trampolino. (Aside) What a fine specimen he is! Punch, follow me! I said follow me.
Punch: Coming, my sweet life…
Pedrolino: To Madame Columbina’s Caravan -
They exit DSR (in character) with the Faeries trying unsuccessfully to fly, but turning the movement into a tumble or a cart-wheel.
Scene 5: Somewhere, hidden from view.
Brighella appears on the balcony SL, laughing nastily as the characters exit. FX Villain’s theme.
Brighella: (Laughing) Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha! My plan is working perfectly! Little do they know that it is I, Brighella of Side Show Alley, who is draining the magic from the Carnival. Soon all the fun will be mine – all mine - and that pathetic Goddess, Carna, will reign no more! But there’s work to be done and my Clowns must capture the Carousel if I’m to be victorious! Now, where’s that foolish servant of mine, Harlequin? He’s never here when I want him. (Starts to exit, calling) Harlequin! Harlequin – you useless minion. Where are you?
Exits down the balcony SL. LFX down on balcony SL
LFX up on balcony SR. Harlequin bobs up like a Jack-in-the-Box.
Harlequin: Did you hear that? Called me ‘foolish’ and a ‘minion’. Well, I may be silly at times and I am his servant, but I’ve had enough of him. You heard what he said, didn’t you? He’s up to no good. But I’m on to him! And for Madame Columbina’s sake - (sighs) She’s my One True Love! – I will not let him succeed in his wicked plan. He wants to capture the Carousel! (Points to the stage as the blacks fly to reveal the Carnival) there it is now, in Madame Columbina’s Carnival
Lights down on the Balcony as the scene on stage comes up.
Scene 7: The Fair Ground, daytime
Backcloth and side panels revealed. Music and SFX establish the setting. Several stalls, a Punch and Judy puppet theatre, brightly coloured balloons on poles, indicate the context. USC, and slightly raised is the Carousel itself. Merry, Rosie and Treasure will create an initial tableau as the curtain flies and the ‘reveal’ is established. The carousel should have its true beauty masked at this stage and the general air of the mise-en-scene should be that of impending decay.
SFX Children Laughing, sounds of festivities, rides, shrieks of delight etc. The music FX should be carnivalesque and melodic at first but then become slightly discordant and slow indicating the shift in mood that the characters are all experiencing.
Pierrot and Pierrette will be in position, DSL and DSR practising one of their routines which will involve circus skills (juggling – possibly, for continuity, playing the Diablo, having taught Harlequin– plate-twirling or ribbon-twirling.) They are – with the Carousel Creatures and Diabella – the youthful ‘centre’ of the play and provide the insights that the adults miss. With Harlequin, they interact most directly with the audience.
The routine will last for a little as the Music FX plays and dissolve as the Music FX slows to discord. Merry, Rosie and Treasure, on their platform, will break from their ‘swirl’, into the action, Merry and Rosie possibly picking up a hoop each as they come down CS. Treasure remains US after picking up a hoop, her back turned to the audience. They’re all astonished at what’s happened.
Pierrot: That’s strange! I don’t usually drop my ribbon in that routine!
Pierrette: (Giggling) Oh, yes, you do! You might have to stick to scarf juggling – so easy peasy – and leave the ribbon stick to me! Look! (She waves her ribbon but drops it.)
Pierrot: Now who should stick to juggling scarves! It’s really odd. I just don’t feel quite right, Pierrette.
Merry: (Running forward) Nor do we. Did you see us just then?
Rosie: We’ve lost our rhythm or something. Can’t put a hoof right anymore.
Merry: It’s our music, our music is strange –
Rosie: And we don’t move as freely as we once did! See what happens if you lead us.
Pierrette and Pierrot each take one by their ribbon-rein and the Horses paw the ground, then start trotting before slowly and sadly subsiding. (SFX ‘sticks’ clip-clop to accompany).
Merry: See?
Pierrot: Yes, I do. It’s never happened before.
Rosie: I feel really awful. What’s happening to us?
Pierrette: Look at Treasure. She’s hiding from us. (Tries to coax her with a sugar lump.) Here, Treasure – it’s a sugar lump. Your favourite!
Treasure: (Hunching away from her) No thanks, I don’t want any.
(Peeps over her shoulder, briefly tempted, but turns away again)
Pierrette: (Coaxing her) Of course you do. A sugar lump. You know you love them.
(Treasure peeps again, more attracted still, but turns away).
Pierrot: (Pragmatically, fishing in her own pocket) She probably wants M&Ms – they’re her absolute favourite!
Treasure: (Turning to them) M&Ms! Do you have some? (Shrieks, clutching her forehead, as she realizes that she’s in full view of everyone.) Don’t look at me! Don’t look at me, please. (Hunches away)
Merry and Rosie look at each other meaningfully and then trot over to Treasure, gently turning her round and bringing her forward.
Merry: Oh, Treasure! (Gasping). It’s gone … well almost!
Rosie: (Explaining it to them) It started a little while ago but we didn’t think anything of it. Look! Her beautiful, magical horn. It’s shrinking.
Merry: Shrunk. Almost gone.
Treasure: (Mortified) Don’t say that! What’s happening to me?
Pierrette: A unicorn without a horn – it’s unheard of!
Pierrot: (Inspecting her, gently) There’s just a faint bump, here, where your horn was!
Treasure: What do you mean a “bump”? Like a pimple? Or a carbuncle? This is horrible! I must see for myself.
She runs to one of the mirrors set up for the Hall of Mirrors and peers in.
Treasure: Oh, no! It’s worse than I thought. I look like I have a boil on my forehead(Bursts into tears as they all try to comfort her.)
Pierrette: (Soothingly) That’s a trick mirror, Treasure. Don’t believe what you see in it.
Rosie: You know they make everything look worse.
Merry: (Carefully looking at her friend’s forehead). But it’s definitely gone, Treasure. Just a little bump where your beautiful horn once glowed.
Treasure: Ooh! This is awful.
Pierrot: Here, Treasure, have one of my M&Ms – it’ll make you feel better.
Merry: Chocolate, though. Might give you more pimples!
Pierrot: Of course they won’t.
Treasure: (Horrified, looking in the mirror again) But you said it wasn’t a pimple!
Rosie: And it isn’t. (She looks disapprovingly at Merry) Don’t listen to Merry, she just wants your share!
Pierrot: I think we’d better tell Madame Columbina about this. She needs to know there’s something very strange going on.
Pierrette: Yes, if the Carousel isn’t working –
Rosie: - and it isn’t!
Pierrette: - then there’s something really wrong.
Pierrot: Not to mention my ribbon skills –
Pierrette: True. But the Carousel! And Treasure’s horn – that’s so much worse!
SFX bells as the gypsy caravan is heard off stage.
Merry: That sounds like her now! I think that’s her caravan arriving.
Pierrot: Come along everyone, she’ll be setting up on the far side of the grounds.
Music FX takes them off USR as the blacks come in. The Fair Ground is deserted.
The Caravan will be positioned during this scene DSL for final scene, Act1.
Scene 7: Back at Side Show Alley.
Brighella: (In a booming voice, calling to the as yet unseen actors in this scene) Harlequin, send in the Clowns!
(We may sink to a few bars from the song on the sound-track here.)
Harlequin: (Off-stage) That’s easier said than done, Brighella! But here they come –
Grimaldi, Grock and Ruffiana, wearing identical hats and ruffs, their mouths open, as for side-show alley are rolled in, sitting on a trolley, their heads moving from side to side in sync. To the relevant music FX they repeat the action a few times and then stop.
Brighella: Ah, excellent. They’re working perfectly. Now if we can ensure that our customers buy only these balls (shows Harlequin a pile of large beach balls) and not these (shows him the ping-pong balls that would fit in their mouths) we’ll keep all the prizes and make a small fortune!
Harlequin: (Doing some measuring of beach balls and clown mouths) I don’t think our clients will fall for this! Not that stupid.
The Clowns nod in agreement.
Brighella: (Rounding on him). Who are you calling ‘stupid’?
Harlequin: (Ducking for cover) Not you, Brighella. Our clients. You’ll never fool them.
The Clowns shake their heads in agreement
Brighella: That remains to be seen. Observe, a maestro.
He picks up a large beach ball, swings his arm back and throws it at one of the Clowns. They duck in unison and the ball sails over their heads. They look at each other, relieved, and assume their poses again.
Brighella: Wiping his hands together triumphantly. There, you see! Not a chance of that ball being swallowed and so the prizes remain mine. All mine!
Harlequin: Not if they insist on one of these, though. (Picks up a ping-pong ball and – sleight of hand – throws it so that one of the Clowns ‘swallows’ it. SFX cash register and crowds cheering.) See?
Brighella: (Almost shrieks in horror) Aah! We must hide those at once, then! My prizes, my precious prizes.
He scoops up the ping- pong balls and exits SL.
Harlequin: (Aside, to the audience) They’re not that great, anyway. And I’m keeping a few of these. (Puts them in his pocket, winks at the audience, and follows Brighella off stage.)
The three Clowns relax their poses and revert to their original characters, removing their identical hats and ruffs.
Grimaldi: (Making a rasping, choking noise which will be repeated as a running gag from time to time.) Something’s stuck in my throat.
Grock: A ping-pong ball. A ping-pong ball’s stuck in your throat.
Grimaldi: (Rasping). A ping-pong ball? Usually they go straight down. Why’s this one stuck, then, what’s going on? (Losing it a little).
Ruffiana: Lucky you didn’t get that huge one stuck, then, aren’t you?
The other two turn their heads slowly to look at him – they’re astounded.
Grimaldi: I don’t believe what you just said.
Grock: Just how wide do you think your mouth is, then?
Ruffiana: Wide enough.
Grock: To swallow that beach ball – have you seen the size of it?
Grimaldi: (Rasping) It’s still there – I can feel it! A ping-pong ball.
Ruffiana: Lucky it’s not the big one, then.
Grock: You’re unbelievable.
Grimaldi: Quick. Hats on again – they’re coming back.
Grock: Nothing but work, work, work.
Grimaldi: (Rasping) It’s still there. The ping-pong ball.
Ruffiana: Quiet. Together now – one, two, three!
They start up the movement for which they’re renowned, heads swiveling, mouths open.
Brighella, perhaps clutching a box with his ‘treasured’ prizes in it and with Harlequin following, enters again, casts a quick eye over his clowns, straightens their hats and tweaks their ruffs.
Brighella: Must be the resources boom! All the best Clowns are up north, working on the mines. And I have to make do with this useless trio. Simply can’t get decent staff these days.
The clowns will react indignantly to this when Brighella turns away from them but resume their movements as Harlequin admonishes them to be careful.
Harlequin: They seem all right to me, Master. They’ve got the movement right. (Mimics them. Bit of business as they slightly miss-time things). Well, almost!
Brighella: Mmmn. They’ll just have to do, I suppose. As long as they succeed tonight.
Harlequin: You have a task for them, Master? Something for them to do? They’d like that.
Brighella: (Rubbing his hands together, like Fagin in Oliver Twist) Yes, to complete my fiendish plan I do have a task for them to perform tonight. (Rounding on the Clowns.) Think you’re up to it?
Clowns: (Dead-pan, but in sync.) Yes, of course. Of course we’re up to it.
Brighella: (Gleefully) Just what I love to see. Mindless agreement. Oh, yes – (Laughs menacingly) these fools are precisely what I need for my fiendish plan!
The Clowns break character and look furiously at him and each other. Appalled.
Harlequin: (Quickly signaling to them that they should comply) They will do just what you wish, Monster, Master I mean.
Brighella gives him a look, not sure exactly whether Harlequin is intentionally ‘slipping up’.
Harlequin: As will, I, of course, (bowing obsequiously.) Whatever you wish.
Brighella: Of course you will my boy. Because, if you don’t, you know what Fate awaits you?
Harlequin: I get demoted to the Stalls again?
Brighella: Yes. And you become once again like these – Clones, not Clowns. A shadow of your former self. As they are! (Laughs fiendishly).
Harlequin: Not something I’d like, Master. You spoke of a task?
Brighella: Yes, Harlequin. Tonight you will lead these Clones –
Grimaldi: (Can’t help himself, coughs deprecatingly) Clowns, we’re clowns, Sir.
Brighella: (Turning on him.)Don’t interrupt me!
Grock: (To Ruffiana, indignantly) Calling us ‘Clones’. That’s so rude!
Brighella: Silence!
Harlequin: (Gestures to the Clowns to be still and tries to mollify Brighella) Ignore them, sir. Let’s focus on the task to be performed.
Ruffiana: (Always a little slow on the uptake) What’s a Clone?
Brighella: Not another word from any of you, do you hear! Or I’ll demote you to hand-puppets in Punch and Judy’s show. That will teach you to question Brighella, Arch Villain of Side Show Alley.
The Clowns all look horrified at this and subside into their positions again.
Harlequin: (He knows how to manipulate his Master’s temperament) How very villainous you are, Master. We tremble before you.
Brighella: So you should. (To the Clowns) CLONES. (They look intimidated) Now that we have that sorted it is time for you to hear my Secret Plan! Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once …
Sound of voices offstage (SR)
Harlequin: (Peering in that direction) There’s someone coming!
Brighella: Well, my Secret Plan must wait. But tonight, meet me at the Ghost Train – all three of you. And you, Harlequin. Together we will capture the last of the laughter in this Carnival and then I – and I alone - shall rule over the Fair Ground. I shall be Lord of the Midnight Fair – if it’s the last thing I do!
Harlequin: Not quite sure how that’ll work, Sir, with Madame Columbina so respected (sighs, lover-like, as he thinks of her) so loved by us all!
Brighella: (Laughing) All part of my Cunning Plan, Harlequin. You’ll see! But first I must capture the last of the laughter. Tonight, at the Ghost Train. Be there all of you! Or else. (He sweeps offstage, clutching his treasure chest, muttering: “Mine, all mine!” as he exits through Side Show Alley SR)
Harlequin: (To the Clowns) We’ll play along for the moment. Until we know exactly what he’s up to.
The lights fade on stage as the Blacks come in. Lights up on Sosostris, Carna and Diabella who enter through the auditorium.
Scene 8. Somewhere Outside the Fair Ground
SFX/ Music picking up Sosostris/Carna theme. Madame Sosostris and Carna enter, trailed by Diabella. Carna is weaker, her wings shrunken; and her beautiful gown is becoming ragged and worn as the laughter dies.
Sosostris: (Still trying to establish ‘contact’ with the stream of magic. Holding her crystal ball aloft in the attempt.) We’ve been going round in circles for hours. Still no luck with this crystal ball.
Diabella will playfully interact with the children – trying not to upstage the others – and will be metamorphosing into her ‘lizard’ state as the magic diminishes.
Carna: I feel really awful, Madame Sosostris. Everything’s going dark.
Diabella: (Looking around) I recognize these children! They were the ones we met earlier. Remember me? I’m Diabella, the Baby Dragon. Hello! Can’t hear you properly: hello, boys and girls!
She will engage with them and get them to say ‘hello’ really loudly. Their enjoyment/fun will allow the magic stream to be channeled briefly so that Carna will revive a little.
Sosostris: (Dramatically) Wait a minute! I’ve got a signal. Don’t move anyone! It’s over here. (She dashes down the stairs to SL holding her crystal ball aloft) Oh no, I’ve lost it!
(Carna sways down the stairs, with Diabella’s assistance to join her on stage.)
Sosostris: (Focused on getting the signal back – urgently) It was here a minute ago! Diabella, say ‘hello’ to the audience again. That was it!
Diabella: Hello, everyone!
Audience: Hello, Diabella!
Sosostris: (Overjoyed at her success) That’s it! We’ve found it. We’ve pierced through all the mobile phone interference. Just look, my crystal ball is glowing – I’ve accessed the stream of magic, at last, and I can see what’s in it again!
LFX here doesn’t have to capture the ball glowing but a ‘special’l would work for Sosostris holding it.
Carna: (Reviving) Oh, I feel so much better. Thank you, Children, I needed that! But, Madame Sosostris, can you see what’s happening. What does your crystal ball reveal?
LFX change here and Music FX to establish the somber mood as they see (briefly) into the future.
Diabella: Oooh, we must be very quiet now. She’s going into her trance! I wonder what she’ll see.
Sosostris: (In an apparent trance, her hands on either side of the crystal ball as she looks down into its depths) I don’t like this, Carna, I don’t like it at all!
Diabella: You see clowns, don’t you? You see clowns!
Carna: Tell me, Madame, don’t hide the truth from me – whatever it is!
Sosostris: (In a trance-like voice, really into it now, her voice a single, sonorous note) The vapours that hide the truth are thinning; the Future is revealed. I see a dark shape blocking out the light! I sense danger, terrible danger – I feel the fear of everyone at the Fair!
Diabella: Even the Clowns?
Sosostris: (On the same note) Even the Clowns. They seek the light; they’re afraid of the dark –
Carna: What is it? What is the dark shape you see?
Diabella: Clowns. I’ll bet it’s Clowns
Sosostris: (She holds the crystal ball to the light) Oh, Wondrous Magic, reveal your secret to me, here!
They all look urgently up at the crystal ball.
SFX Mobile phone rings.
Sosostris is jolted out of her trance, Diabella looks around annoyed. And Carna wilts as the magic dies.
Sosostris: I don’t believe it! Just when I thought I had it!
Diabella: Look, Madame, her Majesty really doesn’t look at all well.
Carna: (Distractedly looking around her) Who am I? Where am I?
Sosostris: Oh dear, she’s definitely losing it. (Carna could be sitting on the edge of the stage at this point, her head in her hands?) We’d better get her to the Carnival itself. That may revive her a little – IF they’re having fun! But mark this spot Diabella, Nexus Theatre – and this audience! This is the best magic coverage we’ve found and it just may be useful to us later. This is not good, though. (Helping her up) Come along, your Majesty. Let’s get you to your Carnival.
Diabella: (Anxiously) This is very worrying. Don’t go away. See you all later. Bye.
They exit SR. Carna leaves a few traces of glitter behind her as she goes. Evidence of her fading magical powers.
Scene 9: The Fair Ground: Madame Columbina’s Caravan.
Madame Columbina is a feisty character, with auburn hair and a gypsy heritage. She is unpredictable at times, larger than life, but as vulnerable as her performers. She knows more than she reveals (a woman in a man’s world) and has experienced the carnival from every side. She has traveled around the world for various companies (including Barnum and Bailey’s and Cirque du Soleil) and once performed great feats on the trapeze, but has risen through the ranks of the circus and carnival to reach the powerful position she now holds as the Fair Ground owner, responsible for all the acts, rides and stalls of her Funfair. She is not at all happy with what’s happening in her world, but is determined to resolve the problems she faces. She has a fiery temper and the performers are a little afraid of her. But she is loved and respected by them despite this.
LFX should indicate a change of state. It is later in the day so the light might slant in. A few wisps of mist float across the stage – it’s cold and wintry, reflecting the loss of jubilation that is part of the summer cycle.
Music FX should be the carnival theme associated with Columbina or, if possible, a sub-theme that is hers alone.
She will emerge from the Caravan SL to confront her anxious performers – Pierrot and Pierrette lead Rosie and Merry in on their ribbon reins from SR. Treasure enters, more hesitantly DSR.
Columbina: (Does she have an Italian accent?) What is it that you want of me, my little ones. It had better be important! I am in the middle of planning the program for tonight’s performance and with so many things going wrong, there are quite few changes I have to make.
Pierrot: Well, that’s why we’re here, actually. There may have to be more changes than you realize.
Columbina: Are you, young scallywag, trying to give me advice? Are you suggesting that Madame Columbina, Fairground Owner Extraordinaire, does not know her own performers? Her Funhouse games? Her Side Show Alley stalls? Why, I have every SINGLE one at my finger-tips – behold:
She heads towards the hammer for the Striker, gathers it up, seamlessly, and pauses before hitting the mechanism. It should strike first time.
Columbina: I never miss anything! Remember that.
Pierrette: No, Madame Columbina. Of course you don’t. But that’s not what we mean.
Columbina: (A little impatiently) Well what do you mean, then, Pierrot –
Pierrette: (Nervously correcting her) Pierrette, Madame, I’m Pierrette.
Columbina: (Slightly dismissively) Pierrot, Pierrette. There is little difference between you that I can see. Now where did I put that program? (Rummages in her pocket for it).
Pierrot and Pierrette look meaning fully at each other.
Merry: (Aside to Rosie) She’s in a bad mood. Perhaps we should come back later.
Rosie: But we must tell her.
Columbina: Tell me what, Rosie. What brings you all here to interrupt my afternoon. And why, in heaven’s name, is Treasure lurking over there like that? Come here, little one. Unicorns never lurk.
Pierrot: That’s part of the problem, you see –
Merry: We’re all terribly worried –
They all nod in agreement
Pierrette: Pierrot’s lost her ribbon and juggling skills –
Pierrot tries to juggle, but drops a ball
Rosie: And Merry and I can barely trot, let alone canter or gallop!
She demonstrates
Pierrot: But it’s Treasure, really –
Pierrette: Just look at her!
They all turn to look at Treasure
Columbina: (Moving quickly DS to Treasure) What is this? You’ve lost your beautiful horn? (Aside) Ah, it is happening again.
Treasure bursts into tears. Merry and Rosie try to comfort her as Pierrette gathers their reins.
Treasure: You all said it was hardly noticeable at all.
Pierrot: I know, Treasure, but we were only trying to protect you until we knew more. You see, we’ve been ‘noticing’ things for a little while, now, Madame –
Pierrette: And though I can still twirl a plate (she does so), we’re none of as good as we used to be!
Pedrolino enters and becomes the Ticket Salesman, occupying the Booth, briefly
Voices are heard from offstage, gathering in intensity. Music FX could build here as they establish the ‘would-be’ festive potential that has gone missing.
Pedrolino: Roll up! Roll up! All the fun of the fair. Come one, come all – to Madame Columbina’s Fun Fair.
The rest of the Carnival Crew enter from various areas of the stage – Punch and Judy from USR and The Trapeze Set from USL. They tumble in or enter in character. At the end of the Music FX Cue they will be grouped around Madame Columbina in their various characters – diminished or otherwise. Punch and Judy should remain at odds with each other.
Columbina: Ah, my wonderful performers! What brings you here when you should all be rehearsing?
Pedrolino: (Emerging from the booth and moving CS) That, Madame Columbina, is easier said, than done in this establishment!
Trampolino: (Jostling Pedrolino aside as he tears himself away from his flexed image in the mirror) Speak for yourself, Pedrolino. (Flexing his biceps as he speaks) We, Madame, have been rehearsing all morning, but our prowess is not what it once was!
Judy: (Admiringly) Oh, nonsense, Trampolino. I can see you’ve been working out.
Trampolino: (Stage Business with Striker – he can’t get it to hit the bell) But, I’m not what I was.
Ballerina: Like, nor are we!(Chewing gum) Like, no matter what we do, we can’t fly like we used to. Isn’t that so, Cantarina?
Trampolino: (Confidentially, to Columbina) Very nearly dropped her – she was like lead in my arms!
Punch: Like ‘lead’? This slip of a girl, like ‘lead’ did you say?
Judy: (Warningly) Punch!
Cantarina: Yes, it’s SO not cool! (Twirling her hair) I mean I said to Ballerina, like, don’t be so “human” get some magic.
Ballerina: I know, I know and I tried. BUT our wings seem to have shrunk in the wash! (She turns to show them) Look!
Cantarina: We should have bought them at the ‘Pickled Fairy’ and NOT ordered them online.
Ballerina: Like, you’re so right!
Judy: (She’s had enough of them) Madame Columbina, we are here to report that there’s something drastically amiss with all our performances – and rehearsing is no help at all!
Punch: (To Judy) Now, my Heart’s Delight, let’s not exaggerate. I’m sure Madame Columbina doesn’t want the truth embellished.
Columbina: No, you’re right, Punch, Pulcinello. You know me from the old days, don’t you?
Punch: We go back centuries, Columbina, bella. (He bows before her.)
Judy: Embellished or not, there’s something wrong here!
Columbina: (Sighing) No wonder I can’t finalize the program for tonight. This only confirms what I have suspected for some time. You’re right, something is very wrong – just look at what’s happening to Treasure. (They all look at Treasure except for the Faeries who will be absorbed in their outfits, or accessories and, so, oblivious)
Pedrolino: What does this mean, Columbina? (He mimes anxiety but subsides as he catches Judy’s stern eye upon him.)
Columbina: What it means is that the magic is being drained from the world. Our world. You notice that the laughter has almost gone from the Carnival (they all nod, looking at each other in alarm) the music is dying (they all nod again in unison) … and the Carousel turns more slowly every day.
Merry: That’s true! Look at us, we can barely move properly. (She demonstrates this as she speaks.)
Rosie: What’s happening to us, Madame? I’m frightened.
Treasure: Me, too! This is horrible. (The others try to comfort her)
Pedrolino: Ticket sales are right down. Hardly any visitors again today.
Columbina: (To Punch) Pulcinella, Punch. It has happened before. Remember? Another time when the laughter vanished from the world –
Pierrette: (Nodding agreement to Pierrot, who nods too) And the music died-
Punch: (Light dawning on his face) I do, Columbina, I remember it well. During the time of the Great Queen it was. We thought our goddess had gone forever –
Pedrolino: Who?
Pierrot: Of course, you mean Carna, the ‘Spirit of the Carnival’. The Goddess we all worship. Without her, there can be no fun, no laughter.
Columbina: That’s right. And for some reason she’s retreating from us, again, now. We need to know why.
Pierrette: Look! (Looking off stage USL) There’s someone coming!
Pierrot: (Over her shoulder) I wonder who he is. He’s not from around these parts.
Scarramuccia (the Robin Hood of the Commedia characters) appears on the balcony SL, dressed in a long black cloak, swashbuckling attire and carrying a glittering sword.
Scarramuccia: Columbina, Queen of the Fair! Your Knight in Shining Armour has arrived.
Columbina: (Arms wide open, salutes him) Scarramuccia, my old friend is it really you?
Scarramuccia: (Embracing her heartily) It is indeed, lovely Columbina. Scarramuccia, best swordsman, best shot and best – (pauses to think of the third term of the sequence of accolades) - juggler in the Fairground. (Looking around him) What country, friend, is this?
Columbina: A desolate one, at the moment. Ah, but we’re a long way from the Old Country, aren’t we?
Scarramuccia: (He needs to be swashbuckling in his attitude, energetic and full of resolution.) What adventures we shared, Columbina, so many roles. What good times we had! On safari in Africa (roars like a lion) – fighting Pirates in the Caribbean (growls like a pirate.) Arghh.
Columbina: (Reminiscently) Ah, what a time that was …
Scarramuccia: Your hand on the helm of a ship off Jamaica –
Columbina: (Reminiscently) What fun it was making those villains walk the plank!( Mimics him too.) Arghh.
Scarramuccia: (Jumps up on the carousel, holding his sword aloft) “To your watery deaths, you fiends, to Davey Jones’s Locker - unless you free the Sultan’s daughter”.
Columbina: Which those pirates did, didn’t they? Ah, those were the days, Scarramuccia. We never failed, did we?
Scarramuccia: Still the same Columbina, hey! Striving for success, whether treading the boards in London –
Columbina: - performing for Master Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre!
Scarramuccia: My Juliet!
Columbina: My Romeo! (Shaking off the memories) How could I ever forget? But you’ve come at an interesting time, Scarramuccia. I may yet need your help, my Knight in Shining Armour. You see, things are not quite right, here, in my Fair Ground.
Scarramuccia: (Robustly) That’s hard to believe, my fair one – those young trapeze artists look very attractive and the carousel horses look splendid! All three of them!
Pierrot: (Coughing, surreptitiously) Ahem. One’s a – unicorn …
Scarramuccia: (Astounded) You don’t say!
Treasure bursts into tears. Merry and Rosie try to comfort her as Pierrette gathers their reins.
Treasure: It’s so obvious to everyone! Whatever will I do?
Rosie: No it’s not. You can hardly notice it! Really.
Merry: Well, only a little bit.
Treasure: I’m not wonderful anymore. (Sobs)
Harlequin enters DSL and observes the following exchange. He languishes with unrequited love for Columbina and the sight of Scarramuccia, so high in Columbina’s favour, fills him with despair.
Columbina: Well, that was a tad tactless of you, but you weren’t to know, Scarramuccia. We’re in dire straights, here, I believe, and will need a hero if we’re to emerge from it all!
Scarramuccia: Well, if it’s a hero you need, I’m your man, Columbina! Scarramuccia, best swordsman, best shot and best – juggler - in the Fairground at your service. What can I do for you? (He bows low before her, sweeping off his hat.)
They all freeze. LFX Dim Lights up on Harlequin.
Harlequin: (Aside, to the audience.) Oh, hold, my heart! It’s Columbina, my One True Love! She must never know the truth – for I am unworthy of her.
Columbina: (Breaking the freeze) My hero! (To Scarramuccia) Step into my caravan a moment. We can share a latte while I tell you all that’s happening here and you can advise me what to do.
Scarramuccia: Delighted, I’m sure. Your caravan, hey? (Looks admiringly at it as they move to step inside.) An impressive piece of carpentry? Bunnings?
Harlequin: (Aside) Her words are like daggers in my breast.
Columbina: (From the top step of the caravan.) Everyone take a break, while I consult with dear Scarramuccia about this dreadful business. We’ll be back soon.
Harlequin: Oh, if only I could be her hero! Columbina, my one true love. “But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue”.
Pierrot and Pierrette run over to him as the others start to disperse. The Blacks fly in isolating Pierrot, Pierrette and Harlequin on the apron. Music FX plays under the scene as we approach Interval.
Pierrette: Harlequin, it’s you!
Pierrot: But we must stop now. You heard Madame Columbina? She told us to break, which means it’s –
Harlequin: (Pulling himself, with difficulty, together) INTERVAL!
Pierrette: (To the audience) Don’t go anywhere –
All three together: We’ll be back.
Copyright Jenny de Reuck and Murdoch Print, 2008
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Contact Andrew @ thechaseison@optusnet.com.au
This page last updated: 15th April 2008