Children's Theatre: Script and Music
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...or go back to... Script and Music - Act One
Act 2
2.1
[12: INTRODUCTORY MUSIC MARKING THE
COMMENCEMENT OF ACT II]
SFX
Wave-scape to introduce Act 2. Sharkbait play the opening theme/Sol’s theme as
the house lights (LFX) dim and Sol is seen perched on the ladder and lit (LFX)
Sound-scape once again (SFX grows fainter but is still heard behind her speech.)
Sol: (‘Shell’ phone
to her ear) Squawk! What do you mean you can’t put me through? All our
oceans are busy!? I don’t believe this! (Annoyed). No, wait! Don’t
put me on hold! (To the audience) If I have to listen to another second
of whale-song while I wait for them to get back to me -
(She closes it and puts it away.) Just typical of this backstage
crew! I’ll bet they’re all still having tea and scoffing cakes and don’t
realize that: ‘INTERVAL IS OVER’ (spoken towards the Stage Manager’s
position) and the show must go on! Look here comes the Harlequin Fish with
her little friend, Sequin. They must be on their way to Octavia’s Grotto.
Puppeteers
fly brightly coloured fish across the apron, exiting SL and SR after the
crossover
Harlequin:
Don’t dawdle, Sequin (she’s again peeping round the coral flat and
retreating) there’s no time to lose. And Theresa, who usually thinks of
everything, has forgotten something VERY important!
Theresa:
(Entering through the auditorium) Forgotten, something, have? How
can this be? (To the audience as she walks past them.) A turtle NEVER
forgets!(She holds a starfish aloft) Perhaps you mean this – the magic
starfish? (SFX star-dust/magic)
Harlequin:
(Smiling, relieved) I should never have doubted you, Theresa. Of
course you remembered!
Theresa:
Without magic, the land creatures – Captain Quokka and his visitors –
will not survive the trip to Octavia’s Grotto. It’s a very dangerous journey
for us all – but especially for them.
Don
GioManta: Dey betta
watch out for da sharks!
Corlione
the Claw:
And da sting rays. Hoo boy dey can hurt ya.
Bugs
Abalone:
(Intensely, recalling the experience) Yeah! I was stung by a box
jellyfish once and it was nearly the end of me.
Al
CaPrawn:
And then there’s the Sea-Weed Forest to swim through, where anything
can happen – you’ll need to guide them all very carefully, Theresa
…
Theresa:
Guide them I will – very carefully. But we can’t do this alone, can
we Harlequin?
Harlequin:
(Shaking her head) No, indeed we can’t, Theresa!
Theresa:
(Turns to face the audience) We’ll need your help!
Corlione
the Claw:
(In utter disbelief) You want them to help you!?
Al Caprawn
et al: (Together, indicating the
audience. Also in disbelief) No chance! No way, man. Dey won’t do it!
Harlequin:
(Indignantly) Don’t be so certain. Anyway, we only really need
ONE of them.
Theresa:
That’s true, Harlequin. But the more of them who join in, the safer
it’ll be for our land creatures.
Corlione:
You don’t stand a chance. (The others mutter into their instruments,
“No way”, “Forget it”, “Not this lot”.)
Theresa:
We’ll see, then. (To the children, with Harlequin and Sequin on
either side of her, supporting her). Does anybody here believe in magic?
(Hopefully
there’ll be a positive response – it’s up to the performers to
orchestrate this next bit, and if all else fails, Sol the Seagull can be
dragooned into ‘believing’. She should, in any case, participate in the
scene, encouraging the audience to the appropriate outcome.)
Theresa:
That’s absolutely wonderful! Isn’t it Harlequin? Look how happy
Sequin is. (Sequin should now respond to the children more directly and
without fear, perhaps holding the hands of one of the smaller children.) What
this means is that the starfish can weave her magic (we couldn’t do this if
you didn’t believe in magic) –
Sol: (Squawk) That’s
right, we need children to believe in magic if the story is to continue!
Theresa:
- and all the land creatures can dive safely beneath the waves, down
through the Sea-Weed Forest, past the coral reefs, to Octavia’s grotto.
She
waves the starfish through the air and, after a freeze during the scene on the
balcony, begins a chant.
2.1.1
Sneer
and Smart appear on the balcony, telescopes to their eyes. They’re on the
‘Look Out’ for their Master and become interested observers of the events
that follow.
A
bit of business with the telescope – they see each other (enlarged); they
shriek, settle down and carry on looking at what’s going on.
Sneer:
(Peering at the stage). What have we here, then, Mr Smart?
Smart:
(Peering with equal enthusiasm). I’m not sure, Mr Sneer, but
it’s probably important. Keep a close eye on them – we might have to
report this to (Music Cue) Captain Bluebeard!
Sneer:
That we might!
Smart:
And, Mr Sneer, this information may be the undoing of that whining,
ingratiating, bag of wind, Mr Smee.
Sneer:
Indeed, Mr Smart, that Smee has wormed his way into our Master’s good
graces. (Mimicking him) “Yes, Captain Bluebeard, Sir”, “No, Captain
Bluebeard, Sir”. Arrgh. It’s quite sickening to behold (pretends to
vomit, theatrically).
Smart:
It’s enough to turn a pirate’s stomach, it is! Arrgh.
Sneer:
Quiet, Smart – let’s hear what the Turtle is saying. Something’s
up, I tell ya!
Smart:
(Subsiding) Arrgh. It certainly is!
[13: SCENE
– STARFISH, STARFISH, FROM THE SEA]
Theresa:
(Engaging the children. She holds the starfish above her head like an
offering to the gods.) Now, children, for us to make this work, and keep the
land creatures from drowning as they make their way to Octavia’s grotto, you
need to say after me – (she speaks one line at a time so that the children
can say it with her:
“Starfish,
starfish from the sea
Pour your magic over me!”
That’s
excellent, children! Thank you. Come, on, Captain Quokka, Katzenellenbogen, Jan
and Marilda; come one, come all! I’m giving you the ‘all clear’! Starfish
magic – and these children – will protect you on your journey to Octavia’s
grotto, under the sea!
SFX
Magic Dust. The band plays a theme that marks their entry.
Harlequin:
Here they come! (Sequin bolts back to hide behind Harlequin and peep
out as the Creatures descend on the apron.)
Priscilla
and Prunella Penguin enter through the auditorium SL, Captain Quokka, Dugong,
Colonel Cucumber and Miss Severity enter through the auditorium SR. They are
followed by the Dutch, including Van Dyk, whose canvas now depicts a very
rudimentary set of waves. The crabs enter ‘severally’ from SL and SR.
Everyone should now be wearing swimming gear of the sort used to bathe in during
the 19th Century. The Penguins need to reflect a more youthful
quality – perhaps in their caps? But everyone (except the Crustacean Chorus
and Theresa, Harlequin and Sequin) should look ready for a swim. Each will pass
under the Starfish and when necessary, SFX magic will sound to indicate the
power of belief that will keep the land creatures safe. Once they’re all on
stage, the next exchange begins.
Colonel
Cucumber:
Marvelous! What! Come along then. Let’s head for Octavia’s grotto and
hear what she has to tell us about seeing off these villains.
On
the balcony, Smart and Sneer react.
Smart:
Arrgh. That’s us, for sure!
Sneer:
It is, I’ll warrant ya. Arrgh!
Captain
Quokka: Lead the way, my First
Mate! Down to the depths we go.
Miss
Severity:
(Looking at the children as they all head off) Who would have
thought that young humans today still believe in magic!
Dugong:
Like you, Madam, I’m amazed. Absolutely amazed!
They
exit SL after the others.
As
the others follow and exit SL they speak the following lines:
Priscilla:
Ooh. I’m scared!
Prunella:
Me too!
Together:
(Turning to each other.) This is so-o-o- not cool!
They
waddle off SL
Calypso:
(Anxiously) I hate the Sea-Weed Forest.
Chorus:
(Together) It’s so scary!
Chloe:
Just remember to keep your claws clear.
Caprice:
And your feelers free!
Cordelia:
And watch out for sh- sh-
Chorus:
Shshshshs! Don’t mention ‘SHARKS!’
They
leave, following the others, SL
Katzenellenbogen:
I hope this “magic’works. I hate getting my fur wet.
Van
Dyk:
(Confidingly) About your painting, Mijn Heer. I’m using
watercolours, so it’s not going to be a problem, really.
Katzenellenbogen
looks at him briefly, but he’s beneath his master’s notice, so simply
ignores him.
Marilda:
Oh Jan!
Jan:
I’ll be with you, Marilda!
Katzenellenbogen:
Stop this lovey-dovey nonsense. We’re not out of trouble yet! I must
find my bullion – without it, I face ruin!
They
all follow the lead of Theresa Turtle and Harlequin off stage (SL). The Starfish
is placed DSR near the coral flat and remains there during the entire underwater
scene.
Sol:
I hope the magic works for me, too! NOTHING would keep me from following
them all to Octavia’s grotto. This is soo exciting. Squawk!!
She
climbs down the ladder and follows them off stage, with a salute to the Band.
SL.
On
the balcony, Smart and Smee react.
Smart:
Bluebeard must hear of this, Mr Sneer. Arrgh.
Sneer:
That he must, Mr Smart. Arrgh. And we’re the very ones to tell him.
We’ll show that Smee! (Mimicking Smee’s abject sucking up to Bluebeard)
“Anything you please, Sir, whatever you want, Sir”. Let’s show him!
Smart:
Arrgh. To ‘The Black Albatross’. Follow me.
They
exit excitedly and the lights on them and on the apron dim.
2.2
Musical
theme from the finale, Act 1 segues into the build up to the revelation of
Octavia’s realm. SFX eerie underwater sounds, bubbles, whale song, dolphin
clicks etc. Dry ice should pour out from beneath the blacks in the build up to
the curtain flying. LFX Coral, grotto: blues, greens creating a frightening
effect. A Mermaid is seen SC on the rostrum, combing her long golden hair
and quietly observing Octavia. She is present throughout this scene and
functions as a ‘lady in waiting’, Octavia’s servant. The Puppeteers fly
their fish across the stage, adding to the effect. The curtain flies to reveal
Octavia, CS.
Octavia:
I’ve lived my life in seclusion, here, far
from commotion.
Keeping wide berth of intrusion, here, deep in
the ocean.
It helps me to focus my vision on things still
unseen and unsaid…
Yes, sir, I’m in the position to forecast
what’s lying ahead!
I’ve lived my life in the stillness of these
silent waters,
Sheltered from gossip and illness, in my
Octavian quarters.
But lately I’ve been inundated with company,
living and dead!
Piratically escapaded is my precious, polluted
seabed… It’s
Tarnished and tainted with burnished and
painted things,
Diamonds and emeralds and pearls!
For Cod’s sake! Jewels and signet rings!
God’s hake!
Sparkly and shiny things! Frog’s legs! I
have no need for them,
Take ‘em back up to the surface and keep me
from
Tarnished and tainted and varnished and
painted things,
Diamonds and emeralds and pearls!
I’m a tentacled prophet who says, “Now
come off it!”
To
diamonds and emeralds and pearls!
Come on! Nuggets and tiaras, it’s bore-dom!
Bullion’s inferior to
Sal-mon!
I have no need for them take ‘em all out!
Rainbow
trout! And just leave me alone!
Now, am I a good witch or bad witch? Gad,
which disposition?
I might be good, might be evil. Free will,
your decision!
So I hate intruders, well shoot me! And yet
I’m out giving advice!
Tarnished and tainted and furnished and
painted things,
Diamonds
and emeralds & pearls! An 8-legged magic-gal turned tot’lly tragic, well,
Diamonds and emeralds and pearls!
Spurn her treasures and bling-blings! Return
her back to their ships,
Tuna Turner! I have no need for them,
Take ‘em back up to the surface and keep me
from
Tarnished and tainted and varnished and hated
things,
Diamonds and emeralds and pearls!
I’m
a tentacled seer who says, “Bye-bye! See ya!”
To
diamonds & emeralds & pearls!
Should a poor blue-ringed octopus put up with stones, jades and gems?
Barracuda!
I have no need for them!
Take
what you like, giant pike, and just leave me alone!
Go
on then, leave me alone!
SFX
clanking of chains, crunch of wood on sand/shell. LFX Shadow (of the boat)
across the stage.
Octavia:
What was that?! Not another ship anchoring on the coral! (She has a
moment of telepathic foresight before responding). It’s that
Buccaneer, Bluebeard, and the crew of the ‘Black Albatross’, no doubt! (To
the Mermaid) Have these fools no idea of the damage they do? There goes a
whole segment of the reef! If they’re not shattering the coral with their
metal anchors, their ships are crashing to the sea-bed. At least then (she
laughs in an evil tone) the sailors plunge to a watery grave and I have my
revenge on ALL of those ignorant land creatures.
As
she speaks she moves unpredictably, her tentacles (suggested by fabric fronds
rather than any lengths of tubular material) swirling around her. She should be
capable of rapid movement and intense stillness. The character requires physical
and vocal control to be fully effective. The Mermaid is silent, but reacts to
Octavia when she’s addressed. She provides assistance when required.
Octavia:
I’ve finally got through to that bird-brained Harlequin fish (she’d
try the patience of a salmon) so I imagine they’ll be here any moment now.
It’s seldom I have to summon my subjects to me, but enough is enough, and if
that gross pirate Bluebeard starts looking for his treasure chest around here,
my peace and quiet will be utterly destroyed. (Looks around quickly) I
know, I’ll pretend I’m not here and hide behind those rocks. I LOVE making
an entrance – (strikes a dramatic pose) – and that’s one thing I
can do down here! I’ll sur-prise them all! Now let me see, where shall
I hide? Come here, girl, don’t let them find us!
She
darts back and forth a few times then hides behind the coral flat DSR. She
places her finger on her lips, telling the Mermaid, the Band and the audience to
be still. The Mermaid hides too.
Music
theme for entry of the creatures, led by Theresa and Harlequin, who has Sequin
by her side. They call out to each other from different parts of the stage and
enter in their groups, warily looking about them. Dugong is in her element
(literally) and Ms Severity has the Crabs in tow (their anxiety keeps them in a
row – side-on – behind her), while Captain Quokka, Col. Cucumber and
Katzenellenbogen form a central group. The two land creatures may be
experimenting with their breathing and from time to time could comment on their
capacity to breathe under water. “Astounding”; “Astonishing”; “Quite
incredible”; “In – out, in – out.” “Extraordinary” etc. Prunella
and Priscilla are energetically engaged in checking out the seascape, carefully
examining objects they find on the sea bed a shell, perhaps, a rope of pearls,
sea-weed etc.) They align themselves with Theresa and Harlequin who are the
clear leaders of this expedition. Jan and Marilda keep slightly apart from the
others, but are focused on the action throughout this scene, rather than on
their reunion.
Desiree
Dugong:
(Turning from an examination of the coral.) And where, may I ask
is she? How typical of Octavia! Her manners leave a great deal to be desired, I
feel. I met her once, you know, never took to her, really. A bit of a performer
to my mind!
Ms
Severity: I am amazed, quite
frankly - after all our efforts to get here- to find that she’s nowhere to be
seen! (To the crabs) Girls, scuttle off, now and see if you can spot her.
She must be here somewhere.
The
Crustacean Chorus scurries off, and synchronise an action that has them bury
their heads beneath a claw.
Desiree
Dugong:
I say, Captain Quokka, do you think your First Mate (she gestures with
her parasol – does it match her bathing suit, perhaps?) might have got the
location wrong?
Captain
Quokka:
No chance of that, my dear. Theresa is the wisest creature I know –
Priscilla:
(Rushing up in support) And she’d never have brought us here if
there was any doubt, would she, Colonel Cucumber?
Colonel
Cucumber:
Not a chance, young Priscilla. Not a chance!
Prunella:
(Earnestly to Dugong) She was awesome! The way she guided us through
the Sea-Weed Forest –
Crustaceans:
(Shrieking, and peeping out from beneath their claws at the recollection)
Oooh! The Sea Weed Forest!
They
need to synchronise their actions, punctuating the exchange with their lines.
Ms
Severity:
(Trying valiantly to control them.) Girls!
Priscilla:
- and past that cave where the Sharks hang out!
Crustaceans:
Oooh! The cave where the SHARKS hang out! (They duck back down)
Ms
Severity:
Now girls!
Prunella:
Till we reached this (shivers in excitement) freaky place.
Priscilla:
It’s awesome!
Ms
Severity:
(Ever the pedagogue) Try for a little variety in your adjectives,
girl. I’m certain it wasn’t a religious experience! I know it wasn’t for
me!
Colonel
Cucumber: There’s no
need to be quite so harsh on ‘em, Madam. They’re helpful little things, full
of spirit, ready for any adventure. I’m sure she doesn’t mean it, m’dears.
Now back to the look out! That’s the ticket!
The
Penguins waddle off, slightly crestfallen, to where Theresa and Harlequin are
standing, looking back into the ‘depths’ of the ocean.
Katzenellenbogen:
The place does seem rather deserted, though. No sign of life! (Breathing
in and out, testing the ‘magic’) And no sign of my treasure, either.
This can’t be where the Duyfken sank! What have you to say, now, Jan
Pierawiet?!
Jan: It’s difficult to
tell from this angle, but I marked it by that bit of coral (gestures to the
backcloth). I’m sure this is precisely where the bullion landed. Though I
can’t see it anywhere!
Katzenellenbogen:
I hope you’re not wasting my time!
You’ll be sorry if you are.
Marilda:
Please Father, be patient. Look – Theresa has seen something. What is
it, Theresa?
[15: HER
INKY MAJESTY GRANTS US HER PRESENCE]
SFX,
Music Cue, LFX create a build up that precedes Octavia’s entry.
Theresa:
(Steps forward on the rostrum, CS). The Sea Witch approaches.
Harlequin:
(Anxiously but in a gradually more potent introduction) Everyone
bow down low before her – the mightiest of the Sea Creatures, whose magic
gives her the power over LIFE …. And – DEATH!
Theresa:
Her inky Majesty, the Blue-Ringed Octopus, Octavia, grants us her
presence.
Crustaceans:
(Briefly dropping their claws from their faces and peering out. In a
loud stage whisper.) Did she say ‘presents’? Are we getting
‘presents’? We love presents! Is it somebody’s birthday?
Ms
Severity:
(In annoyance – interrupting them) Silence, girls. Not another
word!
Theresa:
I give you – Octavia. (She gestures to where Octavia will enter.)
Octavia
should appear in more regalia (a crown, a dramatically furled cloak, carrying a
sea-shell scepter– anything to make her both regal and threatening).She is
followed by the Mermaid, who holds her train. Audible gasps from the assembled
creatures. Big musical moment; with orchestrated SFX and LFX to layer the scene.
More dry ice to add mystique. (Perhaps a moment of shocked recognition between
the Mermaid and the Dugong, who has always fancied herself the beauty of the
seas.)
Octavia:
(She’s on good terms with Theresa but quite contemptuous of the
others.) (Aside to the audience) I told you I liked making an entrance.
Dugong:
(Drily) Yes, I recall. (To Captain Quokka) Never could
resist a moment in the Spotlight!
Theresa:
We’ve come in answer to your summons, oh powerful one!
Captain
Quokka:
(Stepping forward, to flatter her a little.) And to seek your
help. Theresa the Turtle, my faithful First Mate, has told us of your wisdom.
Octavia:
(Melting a little, but shifting gears as she speaks – at times
pleasant, at other times nasty). Has she now? She was always the most
intelligent of my apprentices. And what are you staring at? (She swirls
around, briefly, noticing the Crustaceans who shriek and dive back down with
their faces behind their claws.)
Miss
Severity: (Jumps
protectively to their defence, her own claws spread in from of them.) Be
still, girls. Not another move from you.
Octavia:
(Ignoring them and standing CS again, addressing Captain Quokka)
Speak, then, do you know why you’ve been summoned to my Grotto?
Captain
Quokka: There is danger on the
waves –
Octavia:
There always is!
Captain
Quokka:
But in this case we know it’s close and that we have to defeat –
somehow – that most villainous of all creatures –
ALL:
(Loudly, intensely) Bluebeard
the Pie-Rat!
Theresa:
(Pointing out the obvious) And his devilish crew.
Octavia:
Buccaneer Bluebeard, eh? (She swirls around, then listens intently as
they go on, not giving away a thing)
Dugong:
I’ve made his acquaintance. A nasty piece of work!
Katzenellenbogen:
He sank my Duyfken in blood so cold
And now he seeks the gold that’s in its hold.
Marilda:
He cast my precious Jan adrift, and left him for dead!
Jan:
But, if he knows I’m alive, he’ll seek me out to finish off the job
–
Marilda:
Oh Jan!
Jan:
- because I know where the Duyfken went down!
Katzenellenbogen:
And if the Mouse is murdered, I’ll never find my bullion. And all will
be ruined! (He gestures dramatically, and is comforted by Marilda)
Van
Dyk:
Ja, ja, Mijn Heer. Hold it like that – that’s just what I’m after!
Van
Dyk will have been sketching vigorously and tearing up his sketch paper from
time to time as he tries to depict the scene for posterity. Ms Severity should
close in as an informed observer, and Sol the Seagull could peer over, too.
Octavia:
(Stunned by this turn of events!) How very odd!
Theresa:
(Trying to regain control) But, back to the matter at hand! Oh
Wise One!
Captain
Quokka:
We seek your advice in the face of a common threat! What shall we do with
Bluebeard coming this way!
Crustaceans:
It’s too dreadful!
Chloe:
We’ll be Crab Pate, I know we will!
Ms
Severity:
Now girls, don’t work yourselves up!
Cordelia:
Crab Chowder, we’ll be SOUP!
Ms
Severity:
Of course you won’t be!
Caprice:
Or a …a Crab Souffle!
Ms
Severity:
(Drily) They’re not that inventive!
Calypso:
If those Pie-Rats get here, we’ll be crusty CRAB pies!
Ms
Severity:
(Musing) Now that is a possibility!
Colonel
Cucumber:
Not if we can help it, Madam! We are here for advice. Let us hear the
Wise One’s words.
He
bows before Octavia, who is suitably impressed. She steps down, takes his hand
in her tentacle and then dramatically gestures for quiet! The Mermaid settles
her cloak/train, remaining attentive.
Octavia:
Peace, I have heard enough! Now it is my turn to speak!
Captain
Quokka:
(Aside) Yet how exciting their lives are!
Octavia:
They
pillage and they plunder –
Katzenellenbogen:
They
do! They do! They pillaged my poor Duyfken and they left it for dead! (sobs)
Octavia:
As I was saying – (she gives them a look to bring them
back to order) – they
pillage and they plunder and pollute the seabed!
Captain
Quokka:
(Aside) But how they LIVE – the passion! It was my life,
once!
Octavia:
And
they devastate the habitat of those in my dominions!
Theresa:
(With a hand on Quokka’s shoulder to steady him. She alone is aware
of the choices his weighing up) They must be stopped! This you know, Master.
Captain
Quokka:
(Pulling himself together) Of course I do, Theresa. But there are
times when it’s hard to resist the siren call on the tide.
SFX
Roistering sound of the pirates/the tavern/voices raised in song/the clash of
swords.
Theresa:
That was a long time ago, now, Master. Remember your promise!
Sol: (To the audience)
What’s this? Our hero, Captain Q being questioned on his trust?
Could
he be a marsupial with, perhaps, a murky past?
Octavia:
(Observing his conflict. Laughing in mockery!) Ah, Captain Quokka.
You
can feel his tendrils pulling at you, sucking you back
To
another time and place!
Can you resist the attack?
(She
swirls round him, taunting him, nudging him with her tentacles)
Colonel
Cucumber: I say, give the
chap a chance, your Majesty! He’s one of us now!
Octavia:
(Laughing cruelly) But only just! Well, look at him – he’s torn in two! Look at his
face – there’s ‘temptation’ written all upon it!
If I wasn’t so determined to rid myself and my underwater world of Bluebeard
and his hideous crew, I’d
ENJOY this moment! (She switches from laughter and mockery to vicious intensity)
But Bluebeard must be banished and order restored once more to my treasured
realm.
Jan: I’m afraid, your
Majesty, he’ll stop at nothing! I know what he’s capable of!
Octavia:
(Swirls round and addresses Jan) And you think I have no idea,
young Mouse? (She glares at him malevolently as Marilda clutches his arm).
Jan: No, of course not! Oh
mighty Sea Witch.
Dugong: (Taking the bull by the horns). I think it’s
established that Bluebeard is to be challenged – but our question is how?
Ms
Severity:
We’ve answered your summons and – at great risk to the land creatures
who have had to rely on magic (she acknowledges the audience) - thank
you children – to stay alive, we’ve braved the elements –
Crustaceans:
The Sea Weed forest! (They shudder)
Priscilla
and Prunella:
And the cave where the sh- sh- sh- SHARKS hang out!
Marilda:
(With youthful earnestness) Yes, we’ve come all this
way!
We’ve
been worried, and frightened, and – BRAVE!
We’d
rather do all that we can do defeat them
Than turn into nouvelle cuisine in the galley of the Black
Albatross!
Dugong:
Well spoken, Marilda! You’re a real brick!
Captain
Quokka:
Out of the mouths of kittens! Fair words, Marilda.
Jan:
(Delighted at her bravery) My soulmate!
Katzenellenbogen:
Don’t start that lovey-dovey stuff again, please! (To Octavia) I
lost everything I owned when my ship went down and now Bluebeard is coming for
my gold! I must get to it first! But how?
Octavia:
(Resigning herself to a more prosaic activity) Oh very well, if
you must know, you
have been chosen – (The Mermaid nods affirmatively)
All:
(In disbelief) Chosen?
Captain
Quokka:
Please tell us more, your Majesty.
Octavia:
(Raising her voice, and lifting her scepter) Yes, CHOSEN
to fight an elemental battle; a battle between GOOD – (She looks down at them from her full
height) – that’s you lot! And EVIL
All:
(With a flash of recognition) That’s
Bluebeard the Pie-Rat!
Octavia:
(With some irony) They’re sharp, they’re really sharp! And to
defeat the Forces of Evil, you will need to train – to train as you never
imagined you would.
Priscilla:
(Enthusiastically) Just tell me what to do –
Prunella:
- and me, too!
Captain
Quokka:
This will never work, oh Wise One! I know Bluebeard and a better
swordsman doesn’t exist in the Southern hemisphere.
Octavia:
Who mentioned swords? My plan is more cunning than that – (she turns
towards Theresa who has her back to the audience) – meet your trainer,
Theresa, the Ninja Turtle!
Theresa,
assisted by the Mermaid, places the relevant band round her head, a belt over
her tunic and steps into the spotlight. She adopts, once more, the Karate Kid Pose.
Harlequin and Sequin clap in approval. Music, SFX and LFX signal a new state.
All:
Gasp!
Col.
Cucumber:
(Chuckling) East meets West – oh this is devilishly cunning!
What!
Captain
Quokka:
(Filled with admiration) My first mate, I had no idea …
Everyone
gathers to admire their teacher’s prowess. Octavia closes the scene.
Octavia:
There is very little time – Bluebeard is already anchored above us.
Watch, listen, obey – your Master has much to teach you.
Theresa:
Follow me (She performs some of her moves, which they all attempt to
imitate her) Ours is an elemental battle!
Quokka:
(Aside) A battle I must not lose!
Octavia:
The training begins. (Her voice reaching a crescendo)
Creatures
of the land and sea – confront, defeat the enemy!
Music
cue anticipating the sounds of martial arts training/battle scene?
Van Dyk
quietly shows his ‘watercolour’ to Seagull, pointing out the fact that
it’s a ‘group’ painting and not a portrait. Seagull then heads for her
ladder as the characters all maintain their rudimentary movements The curtain
falls.
LFX to black.
2.3
LFX
on apron as the puppeteers enter. Seagulls are flown by the puppeteers across
the apron. SFX seashore: gulls, waves birdcalls etc. Music cue for the entry of
Clarissa and Nell, SR. They’re dressed as young boys in pantaloons and
poet/pirate shirts, with scarves around their heads. Nell carries a large
sailor’s sack over her shoulder.
Sol:
(From her perch)(Squawk) Look who’s here! Clarissa and Nell have
disguised themselves and signed on as cabin boys for this voyage on the ‘Black
Albatross’. Let’s hear what they’re saying.
[16: WOMEN
WE ARE, IN CLOTHES OF UTTER LOATHING]
Clarissa:
(Quoting from Twelfth Night) ‘What country, friend, is
this?’
Nell:
Oh, please don’t start that, Mistress. You know very well that this is
Rottnest Island!
Clarissa:
Ah, but Nell, remember the days when I held an audience in the palm of my
hand? Was there ever such a Viola? Such an Ophelia? Such a Lady Macbeth?
The playhouse panorama! I’m enamoured of the glamour and the drama!
Look, here we are today, in clothes of utter loathing!
It’s risky, we confess! And perilous, oh yes, but in it lies the fun!
Yea, here we are indeed, we lambs in wolfish clothing!
The cunning parts we play more underhanded, aye, of all we’ve ever
done!
Nell:
If Bluebeard finds out that his cabin boys are none other than yourself,
Mistress Clarissa, and myself, your servant, Nell –
Clarissa:
He’d have us walk the plank, I believe! Women on the ‘Black
Albatross’! What an outrage!
Nell:
He’d be angry, but he’d get over it! (A little anxiously) Wouldn’t
he?
Clarissa:
(Laughing) Afraid of a keelhauling for our deception, Nell? Never
fear. He doesn’t suspect a thing! (Earnestly) Oh, Nell! I’m at my
wits’ end with him. I just want
him to notice me! There must be something I can do to get his attention!
Her song of sadness, ditty of insanity drew tears of admiration!
Appreciation and wild ovation! But that’s all over…
Now here we are today (Nell may echo) –
we girls in young men’s outfits!
Nell:
Well, he’ll need all the help he can get to recover the gold bullion
that went down with the Duyfken. Now’s your chance to show him what you can
do!
Clarissa:
You’re right. There’s no point in moping around here. We’d better
get back to the ‘Black Albatross’ with these provisions. Bluebeard the
Pie-Rat has called a meeting to discuss his plan of action!
Nell:
We’d better not waste anymore time, then, Mistress … onward, to the
‘Black Albatross’ (Aside, to the audience) And the nastiest Captain
and Crew I’ve ever met!
Clarissa:
Don’t forget our extremely cunning disguises (They each place an
eye-patch over one eye) Bluebeard must not know who his cabin boys really
are!
They
exit, SL, giggling conspiratorially and give Sol a chip as they pass her perch.
Sol:
(Munching the chip) I really like Clarissa and Nell. (To the
audience) Don’t you? I wonder what will happen next?
The
next scene reveals the Pie-Rats on board the ‘Black Albatross’. It’s
introduced by a music cue, which plays as the black curtain is raised. We
discover Bluebeard, his henchman, Smee, Smart and Sneer busy on the deck. The
sail (which should be dramatic in the extreme) should be flown in attached to a
mast with lots of rigging. This scene will establish the Pie-Rats in full
‘flight’; at home in their ship on the sea, ready for action.
2.4
[17: TIS WHERE THAT WRETCHED WRECK SANK TO THE
FLOOR / SCENE – TIE TO THE MASTS ALL OF THEM]
Pie-Rats, Nell, Clarissa:
Ahoy
mates, all hands on deck! Tis where that wretched wreck
Duyfken,
sank to the floor!
T’was
quite a battle, they shivered and rattled and left us a-wanting more!
Avast
ye, it took a while, but we have reached the isle, West End of Rottnest, hoay!
Shiver
me timbers, no room for beginners today!
(Sol may join in, to provide irony):
Yo,
ho, ho ho! We’ll get what’s coming! Yo, we’ll get what’s coming!
Ho, picaroons! We’ll get what’s coming! All that we deserve!
As
Bluebeard and Smee walk CS looking at the map the others dash about, undertaking
various chores. The puppeteers fly the Seagulls over the stage exiting USL and
USR after the (usual) crossover. Clarissa is mending a rope; Nell is busy with
the diving helmet – polishing it? They are wearing eye-patches as a means of
‘disguise’(!)
SFX
Seagulls, water lapping. LFX Night.
Bluebeard:
Arrgh. Here we are, then, my fellow Pie-Rats, anchored at the very spot,
off the West End of Rottnest Island, where the Duyfken went to the bottom of the
ocean! Ha! Ha! Ha! (Laughs
cruelly at the memory).
Smee:
(Pointing to the ‘X’ on his map). Arrgh. That’s right,
Master Bluebeard. This is the very spot!
Bluebeard:
Arrgh. (Reminiscing) What a battle that was!
Smart:
Yes, a memorable battle, Master –
Sneer:
Except for the small matter (coughs discreetly) of the loss of the
treasure we were after!
Bluebeard:
(Rounding on him furiously, with a swipe at his head. Sneer ducks away
in time – he’s had lots of practice). And
whose fault was that I ask you!?
Sneer
and Smart: (Pointing accusingly at
Smee) It was his!
Smee:
No it wasn’t, it was theirs! (Pointing at Sneer and Smart)
Sneer
and Smart:
Oh, no it wasn’t!
Smee:
Oh, yes it was!
Sneer
and Smart: (Getting into the
rhythm of things) Oh no it wasn’t!
Smee:
Oh yes it –
Bluebeard:
(Taking another, ineffectual swipe at Smee) QUIET! That’s enough
of that! Was ever a Pie-Rat Captain more ill-used! Why am I at the mercy of the
most worthless crew that ever set sail! Arrgh!
Smart:
(Indignantly) Well I never –
Sneer:
(Outraged) After all we’ve done for you, Master Bluebeard!
Smart:
Yeah. Think of all these years we’ve pillaged and plundered and
polluted –
Sneer:
Yeah, pillaged and plundered and polluted –
Smart
and Sneer: That’s gratitude for ya!
Arrgh. (They hunch their shoulders away from him, hurt by the accusation).
Smee:
(Aside) Now they’re in for it. Bluebeard won’t stand for this!
Bluebeard: (Impatiently) Arrgh That’s
enough, all of you! Stop all this arguing! There’s no time for sulking. Just
look at the way those two new recruits are working! Arrgh. They’ve got energy
and enthusiasm and ability – more
than can be said for you lot! (He includes the three pie-rats in his gesture)
Try, if you can, to imitate them!
Smee is clearly disappointed that they aren’t getting into
trouble. The others remain a little sulky as Clarissa and Nell speak.
Clarissa:
(Holding up the rope she’s been working on. A change in her voice,
perhaps?). There, Cap’n Bluebeard. I’ve fixed this rope for you. Are we
ready
Nell:
(She brings forward the diving helmet she’s been working on with its
tube trailing behind it.) I’ve fixed the bolts onto the helmet and the
pipe’s clear! (Blows through it noisily)
Clarissa:
That’s perfect! Well done, Nell – uh, Ned, I mean.
Bluebeard:
(Aside to the audience)
Mmmn. They seem oddly familiar. And yet, I can’t recall where I’ve met these
two young sailors before. Arrgh. (To the crew)Attention all Pie-Rats! AT-TEN-TION!
They
straggle into an unwieldy line in front of him.
Smart:
(As First Mate he has his own command to give: blows a whistle)
Eyes front! Captain Bluebeard has something to say!
Bluebeard:
Crew of the ‘Black Albatross’! I need someone to undertake a
dangerous mission!
They
all look at each other sideways, apprehensively.
Bluebeard:
I need a volunteer, someone heroic –
All
(except Smee):
(Stepping back a large pace and leaving Smee out in front) Not me,
for sure!
Bluebeard:
Arrgh, Smee. You’re my man!
Smee:
But, but –
Bluebeard:
(Over-riding him) I knew I could rely on you, my faithful Smee. (slaps
his shoulder amicably, but forcefully)
Smee:
But Master!
Bluebeard:
Bring me the Diving Helmet.
Smee
continues to protest through the next set of events as the helmet is placed on
his head, the tube blown into by first Clarissa then Nell, with Sneer and Smart
in on the act.
Bluebeard:
Now over the side you go! And keep the map with you. If my calculations
are correct (arrgh) and why wouldn’t they be? the treasure is right below the
‘Black Albatross’.
Sneer
and Smart: (Dancing a jig or a
brief sailor’s hornpipe) We’ll be rich, we’ll be rich!
Clarissa:
Right, tie the rope to him! And over he goes. (She and Nell aided by
Smart and Sneer start to lever the unhappy Smee over the edge of the boat at the
back of the stage.)
Smee:
(Shrieking) HE-E-ELP!!! MU-U-U-U-M!!!
At
this point Marilda and Jan ‘surface’; that is they enter from DSR. Still in
their swimming gear, Marilda is appalled at what she sees happening to Smee and
she rushes over to the Pie-Rats with no thought for herself! Jan tries
ineffectually to stop her. He draws his sword but of course will be no match for
so MANY Pie-Rats!
Marilda:
How dare you!? (She hisses at the rats and there could be quite a nice
movement sequence with Marilda chasing the ‘rats’ before they overpower
her.) Can’t you see he’s terrified? What are you trying to do?
The
movement sequence should conclude with Marilda held tightly by Smart and Sneer,
with Smee half-fainting and Nell waving a cloth over his face as he coughs and
splutters. Clarissa looks on, weighing up her options. She does NOT approve of
what Bluebeard is doing, but maintains her disguise for the moment!
Bluebeard:
You brave, but very foolish kitten, arrgh! You’ll wish you’d never
come NEAR Bluebeard and his villainous crew when we’ve finished with you! Tie
her to the mast while I deal with this – (he recognizes Jan) YOU!
It’s you! Returned from the dead?! I’ll have to deal with you properly this
time! Draw your sword and fight like a Mouse! (He laughs cruelly again and
they sword-fight briefly before Jan is forced to the edge of the ship)
Marilda:
Jump, Jan, jump! And swim to the Grotto for help!
Sneer:
Mice don’t swim. This time he’s done for!
Smart:
(Imitating Marilda) Jump Jan – you’re doomed!
Clarissa:
(As Jan dives into the water) Stop, don’t! You won’t survive!
Nell:
(Forgetting herself) Swim, little Mouse, swim away!
Sneer
and Smart: (They spin round and
look at Clarissa and Nell)
Sneer:
(Circling them!) What have we here, Master Smart?
Smart:
A mutineer, Master Sneer.
Sneer:
What shall we do with them, Mr Smart?
Smart:
(After a brief pause) Tie them to the mast! Tie them all to the
mast!
The
two of them tie and gag Marilda, Clarissa and Nell together (under protest, but
rapidly) to the mast as Bluebeard watches malevolently. Smee is still trying to
recover from his near-death experience.
Pie
Rats:
Tie them all to the mast! Tie them all to the mast! Tie them all to the
mast!
Tie them all to the mast! Tie them all to the mast! Tie them all to the
mast!
Tie them all to the mast! Tie them all to the mast! Tie them all to the
mast!
Clarissa, Nell (simultaneously):
No, no,
no, please! Show some compassion! No! We did not mean this!
No, no, no, please! You’ll get what’s coming! All that you deserve!
All Pie-Rats:
Yo,
ho, ho ho! We’ll get what’s coming! Yo, we’ll get what’s coming!
Well, blow me down! We’ll get what’s coming! All that we deserve!
Bluebeard:
You’re my best mates after all (slapping Sneer and Smart on the
back).(To the victims, tied to the mast) We’ll deal with you shortly,
arrgh, but first we must get the treasure we’ve come for! We need to think of
a plan. (To Smee) Arrgh. Pull yourself together, Man.
Smart
(Nudging Sneer) We have an idea, Master Bluebeard.
Sneer:
We’re not sure how it works, but that starfish, over there…!
He
gestures to the magic starfish and they huddle together in a rugby scrum as
Sneer and Smart tell Bluebeard what they witnessed. The tale is taken up by Sol
who speaks over the girls’ smothered attempts to get free. Smee moans from
time to time.
Sol:
The
Pie-Rats thus told Bluebeard of the things that they had seen & heard:
The
power of the Starfish and the magic things that had occurred…
Bluebeard: Go on!
Sol:
…For Captain Quokka and his crew to dive beneath the sea
Bluebeard: They never… arrgh!
Sol:
Smart & Sneer, for the life of them, could not remember the magic
chant
(Because, I’m sure, as you’ve deduced, a clever Pie-Rat pair they
aren’t)!
But Bluebeard knew that Captain Q would soon be on his way…
Bluebeard:
Arrr! Captain Quokka will soon be on his way!
Sol:
In search of Jan and M’rilda, so –
Bluebeard:
(Laughing evilly) Ha-ha-ha! They’ll have to give me their magic
in exchange for my little hostage (Aside) She’ll never leave here
alive! So that I can descend safely to the seabed and recover the lost gold.
Sneer:
We’ll be wealthy at last! Arrgh.
Smart:
Arrgh That we shall be. We can retire to an island in the Caribbean.
Bluebeard:
And I can settle down with that fine wench, Clarissa!
Clarissa:
(Her gag has slipped and she lets out a cry.) Can this possibly be
true?
[MUSICAL
SCENE – TRAINING YOU CREATURES MY ROLE IS HERE] The
Black curtain flies in and we have a scene involving all the characters in
training. It is a movement and music sequence only. The coral flat is set, the
puppeteers signal the underwater scene by flying the balloon fish over the
apron and out through the auditorium. The characters appear on the apron, up the
steps and on the balcony. Octavia should observe things from beside the coral
flat.
2.5
Under
the sea
Theresa:
(Speaking over the soundscape/the music ‘scape’ which should set
the tone for the mystical quality of the training.)
There is no time to lose if we’re to do battle with Bluebeard. (She
has a little quirk that makes her invert her lines from time to time, Yoda-like,
remember?) Before dawn it must be!
Octavia:
There is no time to lose.
After
the training session, as the music fades, the animals adopt their Tai Chi (or
other) poses. The lights dim leaving Captain Quokka CS in a spot.
[18:
QUONFESSIONS OF A QUEERLY QUONFLICTED QUOKKA]
Captain
Quokka: It’s been so long, now - why do still I feel the call of that other
life? (Struggling with his emotions). Arrgh. I must not give in! But it
was a time of such passion! Such adventure!
I
know the thrill and joy of being a buoyant buccaneer…
We’d
lounge and leap from ship to ship to claim our right reward,
To add on to our lot, we’d plot where X’s mark the spot –
With fire and full finesse we fought – (swashbuckles
some more)
Oh, help me for I’m caught
Here fraught with thoughts of treasure sought that ought to be forgot!
We had
a trusty crew and we’d do it together –
Sail
upon the seas to increase our wealth!
My
shipmates, loud and cynical, would ride upon the pinnacle
While
I looked on the binnacle to lead our way in stealth!
We’d
creep upon our victim (and sometimes at random,
Whichever
wretched vessel would be right on our route!)
We’d
pillage, pinch and plunder and pollute as they went under
And, with them rent asunder, I’d be given the salute!
But
then I turned around, and said I’m bound to lead a life of good;
My
bandit days I threw away, I moved from dark to light…
Yet here I stand, conflicted; t’was predicted, I suppose,
That when I chose the choice I chose…
(Sneezes)
Enter
Jan, past the coral DSR. He is clearly immensely stressed.
Jan: (He gasps out his
information.) He’s here – Bluebeard and his villainous crew. They’ve
captured Marilda. There’s no time to waste. We must save her!
Katzenellenbogen:
First my bullion, now my daughter! Where is this Monster?
Jan:
Follow me!
He
turns and gestures to them all and they follow him out DSR moving quickly. Music
cue.
Sol:
(To the audience) A remarkable Mouse don’t you think? An escape
artist extraordinaire! Quite the Houdini!
Octavia:
(To Theresa) Ah, so the Battle begins.(To Captain Quokka)
It is one you must win, my friend.
She
swirls around them and exits USL past the Band, laughing her witch-like laugh.
The Mermaid follows, perhaps now having teamed up with Sequin, and Harlequin.
Spot
on Theresa and Quokka, who adopt their marshal arts position. The puppeteers fly
past with the fish, exiting SL and SR.
Music
theme to Blackout.
2.6
SFX
seascape again. The curtain flies to reveal the Pie-Rats who are waiting for the
rescue party. Marilda is still tied to the mast but Clarissa and Nell are tied
back to back on the ‘deck’, guarded by Sneer and Smart with cutlasses drawn.
Bluebeard:
(Pacing the decks with Smee, not quite so obsequiously following in
his wake. He carries a telescope and peers over the side into the waters)
What’s taking them so long! Arrgh. I was sure they’d be here by now! See
anything, Smee?
Smee:
Nothing, Master, not a thing!
Smart:
Why wait, Master Bluebeard? Let’s make these mutineers walk the plank!
Sneer:
Arrgh. Yes, let’s. I love a good plank walking! Nothing cheers me up
more!
Bluebeard:
Silence, fools! We must be on guard! We need to be prepared for battle
– BUT we must find out the magic starfish chant before we send them to their
watery graves. Ha! Ha! Ha! (laughs evilly).
Marilda:
(Defiantly) You cannot win, Bluebeard. Captain Quokka and all his
friends will defeat you! Good will always triumph over Evil!
Bluebeard:
(Spinning round) But Ah, Marilda, Captain Quokka is the weak link
in this goody-goody chain of yours! Just you wait and see.
Spotlight
on Capt Quokka at the back of the auditorium. His first lines are taken from the
back and then he moves swiftly down to the stage. He is followed onto the stage
and onto the ship by his friends, all of whom carry swords, but wear ‘Ninja”
headbands to denote their new found status as marshal arts experts. They cheer
loudly as they descend.
Captain
Quokka: Who is it that calls
Captain Quokka weak? Prepare for battle Bluebeard. Draw your sword!
Bluebeard
does so and so do Smart, Sneer and Smee. Clarissa and Nell struggle to their
feet in the meantime, untangle themselves and each grab a sword. They don’t
immediately join in the fray on the side of Bluebeard.
Smart:
(Hesitating) as the creatures swarm onto the stage. Arrgh, Master Bluebeard,
there are rather a LOT of them!
Sneer:
A SURPRISING lot of them!
Smee:
(Who’s lost it, in fact).I want my Mu-u-u-m!
Smart
and Sneer aim (and miss) a clout at him. He ducks [19:
SCENE – INGREDIENTS SERVED BEFORE A MIGHTY BATTLE]
Bluebeard:
(Dismissively) What pathetic foot soldiers you have, Quokka! Your
forces are best served up as a seafood stew – (scoffing at him) Arrgh.
Just look at these –
I
see a spread of fish-heads served in hot and spicy curry
And
I’m always in a hurry for a hot and spicy curry!
I’d
travel, arr, to near and far for just one jar of caviar
Or
calamari with that curry, crab Mornay, hooray!
Ingredients!
Ingredients! You’re nothing but ingredients!
Some
salmon roe’s delish, I know! Perhaps some turtle stew!
Ingredients!
Ingredients! As chef, I’ve had experience –
Some grilled or charbroiled quokka, yea, I’d eat you too!
Pie-Rats dance, until the scene reverts to the original, leaving them frozen stupidly in mid-motion.
Katzenellenbogen:
(Catching sight of his daughter, tied to the mast) My daughter! She must
be freed at once!
Jan: Drawing his sword.
We’re here to rescue you, Marilda. Never fear!
Marilda:
Oh Jan!
Blue
beard:
Silence!
Bluebeard
places his sword against Marilda’s throat as the others look on in horror.
Smart:
That’ll teach ‘em Master!
Sneer:
You don’t mess with Bluebeard the Pie-Rat!
Bluebeard:
Tell me the magic starfish charm! I must get to the ocean floor –
Smee:
Where the treasure lies!
Katzenellenbogen:
My treasure, you mean!
Col
Cucumber: (Taking
a step forward) You confounded villain! Release that girl!
Dugong:
(To anyone who will listen) I told you he was a nasty piece of
work! You won’t get a thing out of me, you dreadful man!
Ms
Severity:
That poor child! We must
rescue her immediately. Crustaceans, positions, please! Penguins! Remember
your moves!
The
animals take up their positions. Captain Quokka addresses him!
Captain
Quokka: (Sneering slightly)
The coward’s way, Bluebeard? I thought better of you! I claim the right, as a
former Pie-Rat, to a duel with you – to the end! Beat me in a fair fight and
you’ll have your charm – and the treasure.
Katzenellenbogen:
(Shocked) MY treasure, you mean!
Bluebeard:
En garde. (He takes up the sword fighter’s stance) It’s like
old times, Quokka!
They
sword-fight traditionally as everyone looks on. The battle goes first one way
then another, but it looks as if Quokka will be defeated when Theresa calls out
from the back of the auditorium.
Theresa:
Time it is for ‘Good’ to triumph! Remember your training!
Ms
Severity:
(Rallying them to the cause) “Crouching penguin, hidden
dugong”
Music
cue, SFX indicate the shift as the animals engage. They start their moves much
to the astonishment of the Pie-Rats, who can’t get them to lock swords.
Meanwhile, Jan, Clarissa and Nell release Marilda.
Quokka:
Crustaceans! Advance!
The
crabs position themselves with their claws up, raise their legs in unison and
move off stage – completely –sideways.
Crustaceans:
(Struggling to remember their moves) Pincer movement, pincer
movement – to the left!
Ms
Severity:
Advance, Crustaceans, advance!
Crustaceans:
(Returning) Pincer movement, pincer movement – to the right!
They
exit SR followed by Ms Severity.
Ms
Severity:
Advance, I say, girls, ADVANCE!
Dugong:
How very odd of them!
She
adopts a rather excessive pose, matched by Col. Cucumber’s mirror image of it
and the two of them twirl off to the side, rapt in their own movement.
Priscilla
and Prunella get caught up in their movement too and, mirroring each other’s
moves, befuddle Smart and Sneer who, semi-hypnotised, start to mimic them. Smee,
too tries to produce a Tai Chi movement, but fails. They all freeze.
[All
this will be music cued so will need to be synchronized]
Katzenellenbogen
and Van Dyk join Marilda and the others USC
When
the ‘battle’ finishes (despite the loss of most of his troops) we find the
tables turned with Bluebeard overpowered by the ‘crouching tiger, hidden
dragon’ moves of Captain Quokka. Quokka will have adopted the Karate Kid pose
over him.
Bluebeard:
Enough! Enough! Arrgh. I cannot bear any more! (He places an arm over
his eyes)
Captain
Quokka: And so the Dark Side
retreats! Thanks to my First Mate, Theresa, who taught us all so well.
Enter
the Crustaceans, sideways, led by Ms Severity and followed by Desiree and Col
Cucumber. The Pie-Rats Sneer, Smee
and Smart link up with the Penguins as Clarissa and Nell step forward.
Clarissa:
(To Bluebeard) My disguise is no longer needed.
Bluebeard:
(Surprised, as she helps him up.) Clarissa, is it you?
Clarissa:
Indeed it is, Bluebeard, and I’m here to continue the process begun by
Captain Quokka this very day –
Nell:
(To the assembled crew, confidentially) She plans to reform him!
Quokka:
(To Bluebeard) It’s a quieter life, but a good one!
Sneer:
No more pillaging and plundering!
Smart:
No more polluting!
Smee:
No more walking the plank!
Bluebeard:
No more keelhauling, Arrgh. (Slightly regretfully)
Clarissa:
But we’ll be happy, Bluebeard, now that you’ve seen the error of your
ways.
Katzenellenbogen:
Aren’t you forgetting something? There’s the little matter, I must
remind you, of my lost treasure! Without it, I am ruined.
[20:
FINALE – TOGETHER: JUST BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE]
Priscilla:
Oooh look! There’s Octavia!
Prunella:
Whatever is she carrying – it looks very heavy.
Octavia
enters SR carrying a chest filled with gold coins. She is assisted, as always,
by the Mermaid who is now accompanied by both Sequin and Harlequin.
Octavia:
(To Katzenellenbogen) Here it is, then. The treasure you’ve all
been searching for! Much good may it do you! Now I hope you’ll leave me in
peace?!
Theresa:
Your realm is safe, again, Madam. We thank you for your help.
During
this speech the animals gather in their groupings to perform the finale.
Sol:
Well,
now we’ve reached the ending – as all the best ones do,
Our story closes happily, with the Captain and his crew!
The creatures lived in harmony upon the Rottnest shore –
And Mijn Heer embraced Jan Pierawiet to be his son-in-law!
Bluebeard and Clarissa have a tavern in Batavia,
The Pie-Rats are on holiday in sunny ol’ Caribbea’…
The Dugong moved to Geordie Bay, as it was quite her style,
The artist gave up portraits to remain on Rottnest Isle!
And that’s the story that my mother told me,
and her mother before that, and her mother before that.
Severity:
Just before we say our fond farewell,
We are thankful for your faith in our spell.
Magic makes anything possible!
Magic makes everything possible!
All:
Three cheers for the children! Three cheers for the children!
Half
company:
The other half:
Just before we say our last goodbye
And just before we say goodbye
We request that you always bear in mind
We do request you always bear in mind
When you face stormy weather
When you face stormy weather
Always stand together
Always stand together
We belong together
We belong together
We are strong together!
We are strong together!
All:
We belong together!
We belong together!
FINIS
Back to... Week Thirteen
...or go back to... Script and Music - Act One
View other 'Quokka' production extras... Draft Music - Act One Music - Act Two
Script and Music - Act One Script and Music - Act Two Photo Gallery Production Wrap-up Cast and Crew Party
View other Notice Board entries... Week One - Week Two Week Three - Week Four
Week Five - Week Six Week Seven - Study Break: Week One Study Break: Week Two - Week Eight
Week Nine - Week Ten Week Eleven - Week Twelve Week Thirteen Week Fourteen
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Contact Andrew @ thechaseison@optusnet.com.au
This page last updated: 16th January 2006