The Captive Carousel Script - Act Two
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The Captive Carousel
A Play in Two Acts
By
Jenny de Reuck
Copyright Jenny de Reuck and Murdoch Print, 2008
Act 2
Scene 1: Somewhere in the Fairground.
Carnival Music FX theme as the auditorium lights dim.
Centre Stage, in front of the Black curtain, a single spot illuminates Pedrolino dressed in black cut-offs, striped T-shirt and beret. His make-up is classic Marcel Marceau white-face. Pedrolino is revealed, once again, in a dramatic pose and is about to begin a routine depicting tragedy/angst/pain which is interrupted by the sound of a tin pail and mop clanging together.
Music grinds down and halts abruptly. Lights up on the apron and on the aisle SL
The Cleaning Lady/Cara enters noisily through the auditorium, muttering to herself about the mess she has to clean up.
Cleaning Lady: I don’t know what the world’s coming to! Papers everywhere …
Pedrolino: Excuse me, Madam!
Cleaning Lady: (Ignoring him) Bottles and boxes from the last show just left where they sat eating or drinking–
Pedrolino: I say, Madam, I’m rehearsing down here –
Cleaning Lady: (Directly to one of the children) Did you drop that?
May be a bit of give and take between audience and Cleaning Lady.
Pedrolino: Do you mind? I’m trying to rehearse down here!
Cleaning Lady: (Still focused on the children) Well, I know it’s my job, but you could make it easier for me, all of you! (Observes the Mime, who has come DSL in annoyance). Oh, it’s you! (To the audience) Thinks he’s Marcel Marceau. (Sniffs)
Pedrolino: Yes, if you don’t mind, I was half-way through my rehearsal for tonight’s performance when you interrupted me!
Cleaning Lady: (Sweeping/mopping past him and around him so that he has to move out of her way.) Well, much good may it do you! Rehearsing. Ticket sales being what they are, you’ll be lucky if the show goes up at all!
Pedrolino: (Striking a tragic pose) As bad as that, eh! (Mimes sadness, tears). My heart breaks!
Cleaning Lady: And so it should! Madame Columbina is at her wits’ end.
Pedrolino: (Gesturing to the audience) Well, there’re quite a few of them in this morning –
Cleaning Lady: (Looks at them appraisingly). Mmmn. Yes. A messy bunch though. Just look at the papers I picked up as I came in! (Musing, looking them over)Not sure it’ll be enough, really.
She sweeps across the stage to the exit DSR. Pulls a poster from the Baffle.
Pedrolino: (Dubiously, looking at them) Well, it’s something … at least we have a few people, here, to enjoy all the fun of the fair. (To the audience) You’re enjoying this so far, aren’t you?
Wait for a response.
Pedrolino: What’s that? I can’t hear you properly. Are you enjoying the show so far?
Hopefully there is a response – louder and involved.
LFX of some sort at this point, a special for ‘ Carna’ and FX glitter should briefly drop around the Cleaning Lady – the Spirit of the Carnival is always ignited when the children are involved. She will note this briefly, registering surprise, but not recognize it for what it is as she now suffers from mythic amnesia (supernatural code for senile dementia) and will do so until the ‘discovery’ and resolution of the plot in the final scene.
Pedrolino: (Triumphantly. Bowing dramatically.) We have an audience after all!
Cleaning Lady: Noisy and messy! (She sweeps up the glitter from around her feet). We’ll just have to wait and see. Not sure if it’ll be enough!
Sound of movement outside the auditorium doors.
Pedrolino: Now I’ll never finish my rehearsal –
Door opens noisily at the top of the auditorium. Sosostris and Diabella (rapidly turning into a lizard) enter, frantically. They’ve lost Carna, but are hot on her trail.
Pedrolino: Another interruption! Who is it this time?
Cleaning Lady: Well, I’m certainly not waiting to find out.(Picking up her broom and pail) I’ll be off to recycle this. (Glitter drops at her feet as she goes. Pauses and sweeps it up)
Exits DSR
Sosostris: I say, young man, I say! (She hurries down the stairs towards the stage.)
Pedrolino: What is it? I am trying to rehearse, here. But it’s like Garden City at Christmas! People everywhere!
Sosostris: Never mind that now. Has anyone passed this way?
Pedrolino: I told you! It’s been as busy as a shopping centre. People everywhere. And I cannot rehearse!
Diabella will have been asking the children whether they’ve seen anyone special pass by since the Interval and hopefully she’ll have a response.
Diabella: Madame Sosostris, Madame Sosostris!
Sosostris: What is it, Diabella. We have no time to lose!
Diabella: She/he’s seen someone, she/he says.
Sosostris: Have you seen her, really? Carna, the beautiful Spirit of the Carnival? Was she here?
Diabella: She says she saw someone. (Description from audience member)
Pedrolino: That was the cleaning lady, not a goddess! She had a bucket and mop and a dustpan. Hardly a goddess!
Sosostris: (Adopting a sooth-seeing pose, hand to forehead) She’s losing her powers, you foolish boy, and will fade away altogether if we don’t find her and re-ignite the magic. It’s all these mobile phones, X-boxes and computer games, you see. They’re drowning the magic and destroying the laughter that kept her alive.
Diabella: And look at me! Look what’s happening to me!
Pedrolino: You look all right for a lizard. What’s wrong?
Diabella: (To the audience) You heard what he called me? A lizard. I’ll have you know, I’m a dragon. A baby dragon.
Pedrolino: Well, you look exactly like a lizard to me.
Sosostris: Don’t pay any attention to him, Diabella. We must find Carna or the Cleaning Lady as she is now before it’s too late. Which way did she go, children?
A bit of business as they direct her and she and Diabella misunderstand.
Audience points to SR, Sosostris and Diabella look SL. This way? Which way? Etc.
Sosostris: Oh, that way! Thank you children, you’ve been amazingly helpful.
She rushes off past Pedrolino SR
Sosostris: Diabella, follow me!
Diabella: Coming, Madame Sosostris. (To the audience) See you soon!
Pedrolino: (Watching her exit) Clearly a lizard!
Diabella: (Her head through the curtains SM side, SR) I’m NOT a lizard.
She exits.
Pedrolino: I give up. This rehearsal is hopeless. No lighting, no sound. Hopeless.
He trudges off and as he exits SL, the perfect spot comes on where he’d been together with the appropriate Music FX. The stage is bare.
Scene 2: The Fair Ground, Evening.
Music FX – the carnival in trouble - sets the tone for the later reveal which should be impressive. Most of the lights are on (reserving some for the finale; the booths are lit, as is the Striker and even the mirrors could have chaser lights running, but the Fair Ground is deserted as the Blacks fly up. The carousel top is not yet out, but the poles should be in place. Dry ice curls across the stage and over the set pieces. Columbina’s caravan should have a light in it and perhaps smoke coming out of its chimney (??) LFX can be low at first but will brighten to ensure characters are visible once the action starts.
Pierrot and Pierrette enter, slowly from SL and SR, unaware of each other’s presence but calling out “Coo-ee”, softly; Harlequin is on the Carousel podium and also unaware of their presence. Perhaps he is waiting to catch a glimpse of Columbina again?
Stage business as they weave through the stalls, calling each other. May finally ‘meet’ in a clash as they all walk backwards into each other. [workshop]
Harlequin: (Picking himself up and hastily dusting himself down) You got my message, then?
Pierrot: Yes, right in the middle of our rehearsal.
Pierrette: (Looking at a very obvious ‘letter’ made of parchment and possibly decorated with Harlequin’s diamond motif) You seem very nervous, Harlequin, what’s the matter?
Harlequin: No, I’m not nervous, just being careful. Brighella must not see me with you. Remember, if anyone asks, I was never here!
Pierrette: As if we’d ‘tell on’ to Brighella. (Shudders) He’s so mean!
Harlequin: (Looking over his shoulder, still anxiously) You have no idea!
Pierrot: We won’t tell anyone, but what is it, Harlequin?
Harlequin: Now. Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once…
Pierrot and Pierrette huddle towards him as her speaks
Brighella’s voice is heard offstage, calling Harlequin.
Harlequin: Too late, he’s coming! Meet me at the Ghost Train in one hour – don’t be late! And don’t breathe a word about this to anyone! Ssshhh.
Harlequin dashes off USL leaving Pierrette and Pierrot CS as Brighella, who is clearly very angry enters from SR.
Brighella: Hoi, you two! Have you seen that useless clown, Harlequin? (Taking out his pocket watch and looking at it) He’s supposed to have met me in Side Show Alley ten minutes ago! And he’s nowhere to be found.
Pierrette: (Determined to get him off Harlequin’s trail) Harlequin? Yes, we did see him, didn’t we Pierrot?
Pierrot nods vigorously and gets the audience on side
Brighella: (Impatiently) Well, don’t waste my time. I have a plot to hatch. I mean - which way did he go?
Pierrot: (Pointing diametrically opposite to where Harlequin exited) He went that way.
Brighella: (Suspiciously) You mean that way? (Points to the other side)
Pierrette: No, that way! (Points the other way)That way!
Brighella: Mmmn. You’d better be right. But I don’t trust you. (To the audience) Any of you! (In disgust) Children!
He exits USR as Ballerina and Cantarina, followed by Trampolino enter DSR with Punch and Judy entering USL. They head for the Mirrors and spend this exchange applying their make-up, adjusting their costumes and doing some warm-ups/stretches. Completely absorbed, they appear to miss what’s going on.
Judy: Has anyone seen Brighella?
Punch: Oh Flower of Spring, let it go!
Judy: I will not let it go Punch (Swings her slap-stick at him. He ducks just in time) It’s a crucial prop. We need it!
Punch: It’s just a box, Dearest Life. We don’t want to antagonize Brighella (shudders) – you know what he’s like when he loses his temper.
Judy: Well, I too can lose mine! And I shall, if he doesn’t return it. It’s not just a ‘box’, it’s a Jack-in-the-Box. It’s essential for our new show, you know that, Punch. It’s on, tonight, for the first time, and we need it!
Trampolino: (He’s been struggling inordinately with the hammer for the Striker, picking up a pair of dumbbells) Lost a prop in Side Show Alley, have you?
Punch: I’m sure it’s not lost – he’s probably just mislaid it somewhere.
Trampolino: (Lifting the weights, with difficulty. Drops one. He’s the classic ‘Strong Man’ of comedy and will be able to lift or haul or strike with ease when the magic is restored) Probably sold it on. Thinks of nothing but money, Brighella. Nasty piece of work!
Judy: If he’s sold my antique, Victorian Jack-in-the-Box –
Punch: He wouldn’t do that. Not even Brighella would dare to sell off one of your props. My little Autumn Leaf.
Trampolino: Don’t be too sure of that. He’s been worse than usual lately. Giving everyone in Side Show Alley a hard time, I hear. Ask Harlequin! Ask the Clowns!
Judy: I have! And I can’t get a straight answer out of any of them. There’s something very odd going on there.
Pierrette: (Impulsively) You’re right! There is something strange about them. Harlequin was here a moment ago –
Pierrot: (Warning her) Pierrette, we promised, remember! (Finger to her lips)
Pierrette: Oh! Of course. I-I- forgot. (She is a little embarrassed at the oversight.)
Judy: We can’t stay here, Punch. We’re wasting time. Which way did Brighella go?
Pierrot and Pierrette: (Indicating with perfect timing) He went that way!
Punch: (Sighing) Well, let’s see if we can find him. (Slightly bitterly) My Winter Snowstorm. (Correcting himself) Drop, I mean Snowdrop. (He casts a quick, rueful look at the Trapeze Artists preening in front of the mirror, then turns and heads reluctantly off.)
As they exit, Judy catches sight of Trampolino who has exerted himself mightily and has raised a dumbbell over his head.
Judy: (Aside, to the audience) Such a fine figure of a man!
Exits USR after Punch.
Pierrot: Come, Pierrette. Our appointment. (She touches her nose, knowingly)
Pierrette: Oh, yes! Our appointment with Harlequin at the Ghost Train! (Cantarina and Ballerina look up together briefly, but appear to take no notice.)
How quickly time flies!
Pierrot: Shsh! He asked us not to tell anyone, remember!
Pierrette: Oops! Sorry!
They run off or leap-frog off-stage SL.
Cantarina, coming DSC and clipping her make-up bag closed.
Cantarina: Ohmygosh, Ballerina. Come and look at this. (She stands near the empty Carousel.)
Ballerina: (Slightly thrown by the urgency in her voice) What is it, Cantarina? (Sees the empty Carousel) OH – MY – GOSH! They’ve gone!
She flaps around pointlessly, briefly.
Cantarina: Of course they’ve gone, duh! The whole ride is being repaired. They’re in the workshop.
Ballerina: Oh, right! So, like, what did you want to show me then?
Cantarina: (Picks up a poster from the floor). Look! It’s (pauses dramatically) Cirque du Soleil!
They punctuate the exchange with squeals of delight, flapping their hands in best Valley Girl stereotype style. [Will need to be choreographed.]
Together: (Facing out) Aaah!
Ballerina: (Reading) They’re looking for new acts!
Together: (Facing each other)Aaah!
Cantarina: (Reading) Audition Forms available –
Ballerina: (Still in the swing of things, but alone this time) Aaah!
Cantarina: - in Side Show Alley!
Together: (Facing each other) Aaah!
Ballerina: (Jumping up an down with excitement) This is so cool! Let’s go get those forms.
Cantarina: ‘Cirque du Soleil’. It’s wicked! Not like here. (Looking around the desolate scene) I mean it’s all so povvo!
They tumble out with just a quick exchange as they exit.
Ballerina: But, like, what if our wings don’t work?
Cantarina: Duh! We can still do acrobatics, Dummy!
They exit squealing at the prospect. Madame Columbina looks out of the window.
Scarramuccia appears in the doorway of the caravan.
Scarramuccia: (Looking about him in some surprise) I say Columbina! Thought I heard those young Trapeze Artists a moment ago. Awfully quiet out here, now. Not a soul in sight. Where is everyone?
Steps down, looking about him.
Columbina: (At the door of the caravan) They’re rehearsing, Scarramuccia, for the show, tonight, though I doubt whether it’ll do any good. The fun of it has gone for most of them. Not to mention our audiences. Things just aren’t the same anymore.
Scarramuccia: What’s this I hear? Columbina defeated. That’s not like you, Columbina, “Scourge” – with yours truly – “of the Caribbean”! We’ve defeated greater enemies, you and I!
Columbina: It’s different this time. I don’t know why. There’s something much more powerful about. A much greater force! Striking at the very heart of my Carnival –
Harlequin enters on the balcony SR, LFX on him and overhears this last exchange.
Scarramuccia: Well, never fear, your hero is here! Scarramuccia, best swordsman, best shot and best - juggler - in the Fairground. And he’s not afraid of anything! (Brandishes his sword, heroically). We must seek out this ‘force’ ‘ you speak of and destroy it!
Columbina: Almost, Scarramuccia, you make it seem possible. You really are a Knight in shining armour. But come, I must us check on my performers.
They link arms and exit USL as Harlequin speaks
Harlequin: (Anguished) Oh, Villain, Villain. Smiling, damned Villain! But there’s no time to waste – hold, hold, my heart! I must be off to the Ghost Train and do what I can to foil Brighella’s evil plan. Columbina’s Carnival must – WILL – be saved.
Scene 3: The Ghost Train, Platform 13. Night.
The scene takes place in front of the black curtain with the legs drawn back to reveal the Ghost Train interior. A fluorescent skeleton hangs on the back curtain with a large spider web and a few fluorescent bats completing the ‘set’. A smoke machine belches into the gap and the lighting suggests the eeriness and ‘terror’ of the space. Music FX should conjure the site too.
Brighella: (Enters furtively, looking around. Takes a large fob watch from his pocket and stares at before putting it away. He carries a ‘ghost-outfit’ over his arm.) The Ghost Train should be arriving, any minute, if it’s on time. And, if all goes according to plan – and why shouldn’t it (he rubs hands together, Fagin-like, in enjoyment) - the Carousel horses, too. The core, the centre of the Carnival, and the last of the creatures I need if I’m to have in my power, all the Fun of the Fair! (To the audience) I’ve tricked them, you see – how cunning I am! - into thinking Harlequin wants to meet them here.
Music FX Theme Carousel Horses.
Brighella: It’s them – the Carousel horses. (Annoyed)And that cursed train isn’t on time. They must not see me yet. I will don this disguise and become a mere piece of scenery in the background. (Laughs nastily).
He will cover himself quickly in a rudimentary Ghost suit – sheet with holes for the eyes, and take up a position on the set as ‘unobtrusively’ as possible.
Merry and Rosie peep nervously round the edge of the curtains either side of the opening. Treasure is invisible at first off-stage. A bit of ‘business’ with a few ghostly noises and clashes and their reactions. They are clearly anxious.
Rosie: (Calling off-stage) Come on, Treasure. Do keep up with us.
Treasure: (Nervously) I don’t like this, Rosie. Something doesn’t feel right.
Nearly bumps into Brighella who doesn’t give himself away
Merry: Well, this is where we’re supposed to meet him, that’s what the note says.
Rosie: But there’s nobody here. You’re right, Treasure. It’s creepy.
Merry: Well, of course it is! It’s the Ghost Train, Silly – be odd if it wasn’t scary!
SFX Steam Train approaching
Treasure: Listen! Do you hear that?
Rosie: It’s the train! The Ghost Train! And it’s coming this way!
(They peep off-stage SR to confirm it)
Merry: Oooh! Those awful Clowns are on it but there’s no sign of Harlequin.
Treasure: Quick, let’s hide. Before they see us!
Rosie: But what did Harlequin mean when he said (looking at the note) “all would be revealed on the platform of the Ghost Train”. Where is he?
They hide behind boxes on the ‘platform’.
The Ghost Train arrives driven by the Clowns: Grimaldi, Grock and Ruffiana (SFX steam train and whistle entering and then stopping at a station.) Clouds of smoke billow again through the scene. Skeletons, dripping water, spiders and snakes should glow ominously – and fluorescently –on the curtains in the dark.)
Grimaldi: (Leaning out of the trolley. Still has the trace of the ping-pong ball stuck in his throat, so from time to time makes a very vulgar throat noise.) Well, that was fun! Though I thought we’d never get it started.
Grock: You kept pulling the hooter cord, not the starter cord, that’s why!
Ruffiana: That was fun. (Pulls it again. SFX Hooter) The best part about the whole ride!
Grock: (Looking around anxiously) Yes, this is a really creepy place.
Grimaldi: Where’s Harlequin? He said to meet him here. Brighella has a ‘task’ for us to perform, remember. (Throat noise)
Grock: That’s disgusting. (She should be looking, with some interest at the large ‘Ghost’ in the corner.)
Ruffiana: (Noting a large neon spider perhaps) Good thing these aren’t real. (Shudders) I hate spiders.
Grimaldi: Perhaps Harlequin doesn’t know which platform we’re on.(Pulls the cord on the hooter. SFX Hooter.) All aboard the Ghost Train! The Ghost train is about to depart.
Grock: (As Brighella struggles out of his disguise. Shrieking.) The Ghost! The Ghost! It’s moving. Look!
Stage Business. She runs and cowers behind Ruffiana who in turn cowers behind her. With an almighty shriek, Grimaldi runs to cower behind both of them.
Brighella: (Emerging rather scruffily from beneath his ‘disguise’) Oh, don’t be so foolish, Clones. It is I, Brighella, your Master and Arch Villain of Side Show Alley.
Grimaldi: (Stepping forward) We expected to meet Harlequin, Master, but he’s not here yet.
Brighella: (Looking at his fob-watch) Well, we’ll just have to get on without him – before we lose our prey. (Laughs)
Grock: I don’t like the sound of that!
Ruffiana: Me neither. I hope you don’t want me to do anything horrible.
Grimaldi: (Throat noise) But Master –
Brighella: That’s disgusting!
Ruffiana: (Helpfully) It’s a ping-pong ball –
Grock: He’s got a ping-pong ball stuck in his throat!
Brighella: I’ve no time for this nonsense. You three are to do as I say – and I say (gestures to where Merry, Rosie and Treasure are still hiding): “Capture the Carousel Horses”.
Merry, Rosie and Treasure will give a shriek and duck down behind the boxes again in an effort to remain inconspicuous.
The Clowns all stare at him, shocked.
Ruffiana: (To Grimaldi) Must we – they’re not doing any harm.
Brighella: (Rounding on her) I’ll harm you if you don’t do as I say! Capture the Carousel Horses!
Grimaldi: I think one of them’s a unicorn.
Merry, Rosie and Treasure dart in three directions from behind the boxes and try to escape but the Clowns – obedient to their instructions after a bit of hesitation – bar the way. Music FX as they’re corralled and positioned in the central trolley car of the Ghost Train.
Brighella: Aha, my wicked plan is working to perfection. The Carousel is captive and the laughter is mine – all mine! (To Merry, Rosie and Treasure) You are doomed to ride forever round the tracks of the Ghost Train, never to see the light of day; never again to hear the music of your Carousel play! This is my moment of triumph! When the clock strikes 12.00, I, Brighella, will be Lord of the Midnight Fair. And Carna, the Spirit of the Carnival will live no more!
Everyone stares at him in horror (including the Clowns). SFX Ghost Train hooter. SFX Steam train as the Ghost Train sets off with its captive cargo. Exits, probably SL
Brighella: (Laughs maniacally). I am all powerful! Tonight, when the clock strikes 12.00 I shall be Lord of the Midnight Fair.
He exits in the opposite direction – probably SR. The sobs and cries of the Ghost Train’s unhappy passengers are heard fading into the distance.
Ballerina and Cantarina run on from DSR, clutching their poster.
Ballerina: That’s, like, too bad! We’ve missed the Ghost Train.
Cantarina: (Accusingly) Well, Ballerina, if you hadn’t spent so long checking your make-up, we’d have made it.
Ballerina: Now, how are we going to get to the audition? Mmmnnn? It says here we must catch the train from Platform 13 and we’ve missed it!
Harlequin runs in from DSL followed by Pierrot and Pierrette.
Harlequin: And you can both be very pleased that you did! That Ghost Train, powered by Brighella’s dark magic is doomed to ride forever round the track and, if I’m not mistaken, Merry, Rosie and Treasure are on it.
Pierrot: Oh, Harlequin, then we’re too late!
Pierrette: There must be something we can do! We can’t just leave them like that!
Ballerina: You mean there are no auditions for Cirque du Soleil? That’s so lame.
Harlequin: I’m afraid not! It’s all a fiendish plot of Brighella’s – you know, my “master”, the Arch Villain of Side Show Alley.
Cantarina: So he’s, like, trying to trick us!
Pierrot: It’s much worse than that, we think. He’s destroying the magic. And everyone and everything in it. All the fun of the fair.
They’re all appalled as this registers.
Pierrette: Well, we can’t just stand here talking. We must tell the others and see what we can do to save them.
Harlequin: Yes, we must find a way to overcome the dark magic – and free the Captive Carousel!
They all freeze on Harlequin’s last words.
The Ghost Train can be heard in the distance. SFX Ghostly cries and shrieks. LFX fade to black as the carousel music plays – discordantly – to the scene’s close.
Scene 4: Back at the Fair Ground – Later that Night.
Music FX Carnival, but discordant. The Carousel is minus its roof and its horses, only the poles a reminder of what it once was. Carna, the Cleaning Lady, is busy picking up papers, clearing posters from the sides of the stalls and generally busying herself with mop and bucket. She is barely noticed by the performers. Trampolino is struggling with the Striker, trying unsuccessfully to hit the mark. Judy, followed by Punch enters from USL.
Judy: It’s just not good enough, Punch! We can’t go on like this!
Punch: Like what? Oh Light of my Life!
Judy: You know what I mean, Punch.
Punch: Oh, no I don’t
Judy: Oh, yes, you do!
Punch: Oh, no, I don’t!
Judy: Oh, yes, you do!
Trampolino’s final attempt to hit the mark fails and he connects painfully with his toe. Trying to mask the pain, heroically.
Trampolino: Oww! I mean helloww, Punch, hello Judy!
Judy: Trampolino! I didn’t see you there.
Trampolino: (Relieved to be spared embarrassment). Good. I mean, just testing my strength, here you see. (Ruefully) Not what I was. A shadow of my former self.
Judy: Oh, Trampolino, that can’t be true. (Aside) Such physical perfection in a man is utterly to be admired.
Trampolino: A mere shadow, I’m afraid.
Punch: Nonsense my dear fellow. Nonsense(Looking about) But where are your fellow ‘artistes’, the delightful Ballerina and Cantarina?
Trampolino: Now that’s a good question. We were supposed to meet here to practice our new routine but they haven’t turned up. I was just dilly-dallying, having a go at the ‘Striker’ while I waited, but they’re nowhere to be seen.
Judy: That’s strange. I’ve just been back to Side Show Alley to find my Jack-in-the-Box – and it’s deserted. Not a Clown to be seen anywhere. Nor, for that matter, that nasty Brighella. I wonder where everyone is?
Punch: Here come Madame Columbina and Scarramuccia. (To Trampolino) I can’t understand what she sees in him. A bit of a scoundrel if you ask me
Judy: Well, we’re not asking you. And you wouldn’t understand! How romantic it would be to share in adventures with a hero like Scarramouccia – or you, dear Trampolino.
Trampolino looks anxious and retreats from her a little.
Punch: Now, now, my Brave Adventuress, don’t embarrass Trampolino - Madame Columbina, Scarramuccia, Punch – and Judy – at your service. (Bows low)
Madame Columbina and Scarramuccia enter from where they’d exited. The Cleaning Lady puts away her bucket and mop (or dustpan and broom), puts a hand on her aching back and trudges off past them in the opposite direction. She and Columbina briefly look at each other, but the moment passes. There is a trace of glitter on the ground.
Columbina: (Thoughtfully) That new Cleaning Lady reminds me of someone. I just can’t think who it is?
Scarramouccia: (Looking at the Carousel) Getting it fixed, I hope, Columbina? Not a pretty sight! A Carnival without a Carousel – it’s like ship without a sail, it’s like a boat without a rudder, it’s like a shirt without a tail –
Judy: (Admiringly) How poetic that sounds!
Columbina: How dreadful everything looks. What sort of carnival is it where nothing works and the performers have lost their … how do you call it? Oomph!
Punch: We’ve lost more than that, Madame Columbina – except for the Cleaning Lady, we’ve seen no-one all night. The place is deserted. Where is everyone?
Running in from USL, Harlequin is shadowed by Pierrette and Pierrot.
Columbina: What brings you three here like this? (Dramatically) My heart fails me, Scarramuccia.
Harlequin: (Gasping for breath) Quick, there’s not a moment to lose. We must reveal all. Speak Pierrot, Pierrette – tell them everything!
Pierrot: (Also out of breath) It’s Brighella, Madame Columbina –
Pierrette: (Panting) – yes, Brighella, Madame!
Judy: (Impatiently) Yes, yes, what about him?
Pierrette: He –
Pierrot: - and his Clowns!
Pierrette: That’s right. Brighella and the Clowns -
Pierrot: - have captured the Carousel horses! Rosie, Merry and … Treasure too.
Punch: She’s not, strictly speaking, a carousel horse you know. She’s a unicorn.
Judy: Oh, Punch! (Aims her slapstick at him) Do be quiet.
Harlequin: They’ve captured them And condemned them to ride the Ghost Train for eternity. What a foul villain! (Confidentially)Nearly got Cantarina and Ballerina in the process too!
Trampolino & Punch: What?!!
Harlequin: Nothing to worry about there – they’re safe and sound. It’s the others we fear for.
Columbina: I should have known! Brighella has been plotting this for centuries. How foolish of me to think he would be satisfied with his own domain. Side Show Alley, with all its prizes and profits, was never enough for him.
Harlequin: No, alas, Columbina, he wanted more – much more.
Columbina: That’s right, Harlequin. When the clock strikes 12.00, to be Lord of the Midnight Fair – how could I think he would settle for less!
Scarramuccia: (Slapping his thigh, delightedly) Oh, but he will! I, Scarramuccia, best swordsman, best shot and best – juggler - in the Fairground, will ensure that Brighella is defeated, Columbina.
Harlequin: Excuse me, I think that task falls to me, Scarra-mooch. It is thanks to me that we know as much as we do! (Aside) Surely Columbina must see where her True Love – her true hero - lies?
Scarramuccia: Well, it will be thanks to me that he’s discovered (waves his sword around) and given his just desserts. (Gestures with the point of his sword the envisaged demise of Brighella).
Columbina: (Aside) What’s this? Can it be that a jealous heart beats in Harlequin’s breast? (To the two of them) We will need all our might to ensure that those little creatures are rescued and Brighella is defeated. I hope it’s not too late!
Pierrot: (To Trampolino) Cantarina and Ballerina, were just changing their wings. They were covered in dust from the Ghost Train.
Trampolino: (Urgently) But they’re safe, aren’t they? Nothing’s happened to them?
Pierrette: (Reassuring him) They’ll be here any minute. Oh, look – there they are!
Music FX for the Faeries who run in followed by Madame Sosostris, Diabella and Pedrolino. USR.
Ballerina: (Rushing up to Trampolino) We’re, like, so not going to do that again!
Cantarina: (Rushing to the other side) Like it’s just so not ever happening. Auditioning for another show. Uh uh!
Trampolino: (Pleased at the attention) Glad to hear it, girls. (Heroically) We will never – no, never - desert Madame Columbina.
Scarramuccia: Desert the finest Adventuress this side of the equator! Never think of it!
Harlequin: Actions speak louder than words, Scarra mooch!
Pedrolino: (To the assembly) A Visitor, Madame – from afar. Madame Sosostris and the Lizard, Diabella!
Diabella mutters under her breath “NOT a lizard” as they move CS to greet Madame Columbina
Columbina: You are welcome, Cousin. But you have come at a sad time.
Sosostris: It’s exactly the right time, though. I see she’s been here.
Dramatically pointing to the sparkles on the stage.
Columbina: Who?
Sosostris: Carna, the Spirit of the Carnival!
Punch: She was here once, but not anymore. The Carnival is over I’m afraid.
Columbina: Brighella has captured Merry and Rosie, my Carousel horses – and Treasure, my beautiful unicorn. The music has died, Sosostris, the laughter has gone…
Harlequin: And, if the clock strikes 12.00, the Carnival as we know it will be destroyed forever, and Brighella, the Arch-Villain of Side Show Alley, will become Lord of the Midnight Fair.
Scarramuccia: Not if we find him and destroy him first!
Sosostris: All is not lost, Cousin. Your Carnival can be saved. Carna, the Spirit of the Carnival, can still be summoned but it’s been very difficult up to now to break through all the interference from mobile phones, the internet, i-pods and access the magic we need!
Diabella: But there was one spot, remember, Madame Sosostris, where we got through.
Sosostris: (Recalling) That’s right, there was. But how will we find it again? (Holds her crystal ball aloft and tries for a signal.) No, it’s no good. There’s nothing.
Diabella: But I’m sure it was here somewhere. Nexus Theatre, wasn’t it? That’s where we are aren’t we?
Everyone agrees.
Sosostris: Well, if we can summon the magic, Carna will return and then Brighella has no chance of becoming Lord of the Midnight Fair. But we haven’t much time, midnight is approaching. We must find the signal!
She looks about her, holding the crystal ball up, then out, over the audience. A few missteps (to accompanying cries of support from everyone on stage ‘whoa’ (SL and SR) but then she will stop, adjust herself, and go into the trance state, looking into the crystal ball.
Sosostris: (Begins)“Double, double, toil and trouble” – No, no, that’s not it!
Diabella: (Urgently). No, that’s not it. You must hurry, Madame!
Sosostris: One moment. (Takes up her stance again) I remember it now:
“When the first baby laughed
And the fragments all scattered,
The whole human race came to
Know just what mattered.
For the Faeries were born
From that tinkling sound.
And so where children laugh
That’s where magic is found.”
Diabella: That’s it! She’s found the stream of magic. It’s coming from you, XXX Primary!
Columbina: Oh, yes, please keep it up. We must bring Carna back and with your help, we shall. My people, all is not lost yet.
Harlequin: To the Ghost Train – Platform 13, before midnight, to free the captives.
Scarramuccia: (Dashing ahead of him) Nobody beats Scarramuccia, best swordsman, best shot and best juggler in the Fair Ground!
They all follow Harlequin and Scarramuccia off USL and R as the scene ends. Columbina, Sosostris and Diabella are left DSC.
Lights fade to black as the Curtain comes down..
Scene 5: Another Part of the Fair Ground.
Lights up on the balcony SL. The Cleaning Lady appears on the Balcony SL, dusting. And as she does, glitter falls into the auditorium. Carna theme plays as she finishes her tasks and walks off US.
Scene 6: Back on Platform 13, the Ghost Train.
LFX lightening. SFX Thunder. Brighella’s evil laugh can be heard as the lights come up on the front of the stage. A bit of residual smoke helps to re-establish the scene.
[Behind the scene the Carousel is being dressed with its top fully exposed and lit. The Carnival is being restored to its former glory for the final reveal]
Brighella: Soon it will be midnight and then I shall reign supreme!
SFX Ghost Train coming in the distance.
Brighella: (Laughs evilly) Listen to that – I’ve trapped the laughter forever, here on the Ghost Train. They’re doomed for eternity to travel those tracks. (Gleefully) I’ve won, I’ve won!
Harlequin: (Running in from behind the curtain SR). Oh, no you haven’t! You spoke too soon. Villain!
Brighella: Harlequin! Why, you little traitor! I should have known you were up to something.
Scarramuccia: (Running in from behind the curtain SL, brandishing his sword) Turn, Villain, and face an enemy worthy of you! (Flings a second sword to Harlequin).
Pierrot and Pierrette run on just behind them, also from opposite sides.
Brighella: And who might you be?
Pierrot and Pierrette: (To each other) He shouldn’t have asked!
Scarramuccia: (Ignoring the interruption) Scarramuccia, best swordsman, best shot and best - juggler - in all the Fair Ground!
SFX Ghost Train steams into the space on stage, Clowns at the helm and the Carousel horses, bound, in the central trolley car.
Harlequin: Release them, Brighella, or you’ll be sorry.
Brighella: Never! I shall never give up. It’s nearly midnight and then it will be too late! I shall be Lord of the Midnight Circus, and Carna will be banished forever!
Scarramuccia and Harlequin circle Brighella, preparing to fight, as the other members of the carnival – Punch and Judy, Trampolino, Ballerina, Cantarina and Pedrolino – arrive on the platform. They loudly support the good guys and decry the villain, encouraging the audience to ‘ hiss’ Brighella as the fight proceeds.
A choreographed fight follows and it looks as if Brighella will win because the other two keep getting in each other’s way. He has them at bay when Pierrette rushes CS.
Pierrette: Remember what Madame Sosostris told us! Brighella can’t win, because they’re (gestures to the audience) on our side. Ask them to help.
Brighella: (Momentarily distracted) This lot! You think these children can help you defeat the Lord of the Midnight Fair?
Pierrot: Of course they can. The magic stream is right here! In Nexus Theatre. All they have to do is say they’re having fun and Carna, Spirit of the Carnival, will be restored.
Brighella: I’d like to see that happen!
Pedrolino: (Stepping forward) That’s my cue. Well, Brighella. You just might. (To the audience) Are you having fun?
Hopefully there’s a response. As the volume increases, Brighella shrinks, squawking as if in pain.
Pedrolino: I could hardly hear you. (To the audience) Are you really having fun?
Audience responds. Brighella collapses. Scarramuccia triumphantly lifts his sword to the heavens as Harlequin releases Rosie, Merry and Treasure. Everyone cheers.
Pierrette: I knew we could do it. Thank you children.!
Harlequin: Tie him up Grimaldi. Grock, Ruffiana, bring him to Madame Columbina. She will decide his fate.
Grimaldi: We didn’t want to do it.
Grock: He made us, you know.
Ruffiana: Does this mean we’re free too?
Pierrot: Yes, you’re free, we’re all free – thanks to XXX Primary!
Scarramuccia coughs deprecatingly
Pierrot: And you, of course, Harlequin!
Scarramuccia coughs deprecatingly again.
Judy: And you, Scarramuccia. What would we have done without you? Such prowess, such valour.
Punch: Judy! Behave yourself.
Pedrolino: Come on, everyone, they’ll be waiting for us. To Madame Columbina’s Funfair. Roll up! Roll up!
Lights fade on the apron as the characters all exit SL and SR, leaving Pedrolini, CS in his spot – at last. He mimes joy, and then bows, taking a flower from his pocket and tossing it to a child in the front row.
Spot off and Pedrolino exits.
Scene 7: The Fair Ground, After Midnight
Music FX Carnival theme is heard, now in its full, harmonious splendour. The curtain rises on the scene with Carousel fully revealed, balloons in bunches on the stands, flags flying as appropriate and the sound of children’s voices laughing. SFX crowds. Madame Columbina, with Madame Sosostris and Diabella next to her, is on the steps of her caravan, Rosie and Merry are in position on the carousel itself and the rest of the Fair Ground crew are gathered SL and SR and all are performing as they should be.
Columbina: What a wonderful sight, Madame Sosostris. My Carnival has been restored to its former glory! Where are my heroes, Scarramuccia and Harlequin?
Harlequin: (Running in athletically from DSR) Just seeing to the prisoner, Columbina.
Scarramuccia: (Equally energetically, also from DSR) The ‘Lord of the Midnight Circus’ is about to ‘walk the plank’ – arghh - for you Columbina!
Harlequin: Send in the Clowns!
Diabella: I knew there were Clowns in this.
Sosostris: Hush, Diabella, these Clowns are different. They’ve been very helpful, really.
The Clowns, delighted with their new heroic status bring Brighella in on their trolley. He is bound, kneeling on it. Everyone ‘boos’ the villain. The audience, hopefully, too.
Scarramuccia: Now, Villain, prepare to hear your fate! It will be decided by Madame Columbina. (Piratically) Arghh! Make him walk the plank, Columbina – or feed him to the crocodiles.
Everyone agrees with his bloodthirsty suggestions. Brighella snarls at them all.
Columbina: His Fate is not mine to decide, Scarramuccia – that decision lies with someone else. (FX, glitter showers onto the stage to denote her presence) Carna, Spirit of the Carnival! You are MOST welcome. (Turns to where Carna and Treasure have entered.)
SFX and Music FX as well as a LFX will all combine to focus attention on Carna’s entry, with Treasure. They should be restored to their former glory and everyone will bow before them.
Brighella: Oh, no! She’s back! My wonderful plan – foiled.
A slight distraction as they focus on Treasure’s transformation.
Merry: Treasure, your horn!
Rosie: You’re wonderful again.
Treasure: (A little shyly) I know, I’m me again - thanks to Carna! (She bows to her).
She trots up to join them on the Carousel.
Carna: (Focusing on the Villain) Yes, Brighella! Your wicked plan has failed.
Harlequin: Good always triumphs in the end! (Aside) At least it does in pantomimes.
Carna: You’re right, Harlequin, but I must say, I wasn’t sure it would this time. Thank goodness you found the magic, Madame Sosostris.
Sosostris: (Indicating the audience) We couldn’t have done it without all of you! Thank you so much.
Carna: Brighella! I have decided that, as a punishment for your wicked ways, you will be downgraded to the Stalls -
Everyone: (Gasping, between horror and delight at his fate) The stalls!
Brighella: Not that, no, anything but that!
Carna: Banished, for all time, to a game on Side Show Alley!
Everyone cheers loudly. SFX sms.
The Clowns are delighted and wheel him to one side, placing the frill and hat of their Side Show Alley costume onto the defeated Brighella. One of them paints his cheeks red.
Ruffiana: (Holding the beach ball at the ready) Let’s see how you enjoy this, Brighella!
Grimaldi: (Coughing up a ping pong ball) Just what I need. (Takes aim, but is prevented by Grock)
Grock: That’s disgusting!
Harlequin: Here, take this – I’ve had it since Act 1!
Harlequin gives a ping-pong ball from his pocket to Grimaldi who takes aim and may or may not hit Brighella. It doesn’t matter.
Brighella: How humiliating – to have sunk so low!
Columbina: It’s just what you deserve, Brighella. (Turning away from him) But, my Carnival is as it should be! My Faeries can fly!
They show their wings, twirling around.
Together: Like it’s so cool!
Columbina: Trampolino is once again as strong as before!
Trampolino finally hits the bell on the Striker
Columbina: Punch and Judy’s show is fully booked!
Punch & Judy: (Momentarily united) That’s the way to do it!
Punch and Judy bow and curtsy respectively to the audience.
Columbina: And Pierrot and Pierrette can –
Together: Juggle/ (or stilt-walk, depending.)
Sosostris: And last, but not least, my little dragon, Diabella, is back!
Diabella: (To Pedrolino as she twirls shyly to display her golden wings) Told you!
Everyone cheers.
Pedrolino: (Amazed) I thought she was a lizard!
Harlequin, after the ping-pong ball episode, has gradually deflated, and has moved a little off centre, a picture of sorrow amid all the cheer. He yearns, patently, for the approval of his One True Love, Columbina. Diabella points this out to Sosostris who puts two and two together.
SFX, music FX suggests another ‘moment’ for Madame Sosostris’ foresight.
Sosostris: (Walking forward, as if in a trance) Wait, wait, what’s this I see? My crystal ball is glowing…!
Diabella: It’s magic – look! (She nudges anyone near her to be aware of what’s happening.)
Everyone gathers round, hushed for the moment.
Sosostris: Madame Columbina, it’s your future I see in the crystal ball. The clouds are clearing (much hand-waving etc.) I see a tall, dark stranger (struggles to describe Harlequin) – well he’s not tall and dark exactly, and he’s not a stranger! (Dropping the pretence.) Oh, Columbina, it’s Harlequin, he is your future!
Columbina: Harlequin?
Harlequin: Columbina! My One True Love.
They shyly embrace.
Everyone: Awww!
Carna: Everything is as it should be!
Everyone cheers them. SFX a very loud sms.
Scarramuccia: (Checking a blackberry). Right, that’s a text from my old mate, Harry Potter. Apparently, he needs a hero to help him fight the Forces of Darkness invading his school – Hogwarts. Going to be a Major Adventure (To Columbina) I can’t stay long, I’m afraid!
Carna: (Laughing) Then there’s no time to lose. Let the Carnival begin!
Pedrolino: (Carrying a huge bunch of balloons) Roll up! Roll up! Come and enjoy - all the fun of the fair.
Everyone: Madame Columbina’s Funfair!
Music FX carnival theme; SFX laughter, crowds. festivities, rides, shrieks of delight LFX Carousel.
FINIS
Copyright Jenny de Reuck and Murdoch Print, 2008
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This page last updated: 10th April 2008