<><><>
We'll be like
children...
We'll be the universe
DOLLMAN
THE MUSICAL
A MEMOIR OF AN ARTIST AS A DOLLMAKER
By Artist Valentino Zubiri
<><><>
Dollman
The
Musical
A Memoir of an Artist as a Dollmaker
Valentino Zubiri
This current digital edition is published by Valentino Zubiri at Smashwords.
Copyright © 2011 by Valentino Zubiri
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, staged, performed or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. None of the verses may be included in unauthorized, unapproved songs, poetry or any other form.
All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, the please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Please support digital authors
V.F. Zubiri
P.O. Box
409022
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 312-523-8052
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INTRODUCTION
CAST,
PLACE and TIME
MUSICAL
NUMBERS
Act 1 Scn 1 Val Sends His Light
Act 1 Scn 3 WONDERFUL POSSIBILITIES
Act 1 Scn 5 Conversation with Papa and Mama
Act 1 Scn 6 Regina and Raphael
Act 1 Scn 8 Regina Meets the Muse
Act 1 Scn 9 WE'LL BE LIKE CHILDREN
Act 1 Scn 10 Val's First Secret
Act 1 Scn 11 GO WHERE YOU ARE WELCOME
Act 1 Scn 12 Regina Kicks Raphael Out
Act 1 Scn 13 The Sick Child Makes an Origami Crane
Act 1 Scn 14 IF I CAN MAKE THE OCEAN BLUE
Act 1 Scn 17 A DREAM OF THE DOLLS
Act 1 Scn 20 Raphael Sees the Muse
Act 1 Scn 23 Val and the Sick Child's Parents
INTERMISSION
Act 2 Scn 26 Raphael's First Stupid Move
Act 2 Scn 27 Raphael's Next Stupid Move
Act 2 Scn 29 WAKE UP! WAKE UP!
Act 2 Scn 31 Conversation with Papa
Act 2 Scn 32 Val Says Goodbye to the Sick Child
Act 2 Scn 35 A Darker Confession
Act 2 Scn 36 GO WHERE YOU ARE WELCOME REPRISE
Act 2 Scn 37 THE CHILDREN'S SONG
Act 2 Scn 38 Conversation with Val
Act 2 Scn 40 A Doll is Finished
Act 2 Scn 41 TIME TO GET OLDER
Act 2 Scn 42 Meeting Mama and Papa
CURTAIN
<><><>
Dear Friend,
You are a friend, I hope. Because friends keep secrets, and this is mine.
When children are asked about bad things that happened to them, they are given dolls and props, so that they can relate it without the feeling of being directly asked, or interrogated.
I'm also a kid at heart. I like to think that I have stopped aging.
I'm afraid that the only way I can deal with my own events is to write a musical, which I do not think will ever be staged. In musicals, the good dreams can come true. I have to balance that with my undesirable experiences. I have turned my world into a fable, so that I don't have to face my reality as reality. Maybe soon I'll write a nonfiction book about this. When I'm ready. At my age, I'm not sure when that will be.
For now, you can read this. Keep it a secret, because friends keep secrets, and I hope we'll be better friends when you get to the last page.
- Valentino Zubiri
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VAL
Male. Full name is Valentino. Looks like 30 years old, has an Asian / Filipino descent, but could be any race with an accent that is foreign wherever this show is staged
THE MUSE
30-60 years old, any race
REGINA
26 years old, female, any race
RAPHAEL
24 years old, male, Regina's brother, same race as Regina
PAPA
Val's father, but looks just slightly older than Val
MAMA
Val's mother, but looks just slightly older than Val
SICK CHILD
Any young age, male or female, shorter than Val, any race
PARENTS 1 & 2
Sick child's parents. May be straight, gay or lesbian. The couples alternate during various shows. They don't have much dialogue and are prerecorded. They will only appear on the "video monitor" in only one scene. Celebrities can be used based on the cause they advocate.
LITTLE VAL
Val at 4 years old
ENSEMBLE
CHILDREN'S
CHOIR, ADULT FEMALES, ADULT MALES
They will be
children and dolls during dream sequences. Some will play parts
including a few teachers, a counselor and a nurse.
PLACE
Val's apartment which consists of one main room and an inner "secret" room which is shown later in Act 2. The entire apartment changes during dream sequences when the dolls come alive or the ensemble sings and dances.
There is a couch in Val's main room, which Raphael uses for a bed.
There will be a table and chairs.
The main room also has a small kitchen area, where the Muse is usually seen making coffee.
There will be a zoom-in projection at the beginning: Val's exterior is used in the beginning scene. It might be a projection, beginning with the universe, passing through galaxies, and then planets with people and one with a rose (reminding the audience of The Little Prince), clouds with kingdoms and elements from Peter Pan (reminding the audience of Peter Pan), rivers, brooks and rats (reminding the audience of the Pied Piper), a cityscape and, finally, Val's building and then his window.
The reverse zoom-out may be done at the end of Act 1 to signal the Intermission. The same can be repeated for the beginning and the end of Act 2.
Brother and sister, Raphael and Regina have an apartment adjacent to Val's apartment.
Sometimes, Val would broadcast his art online. This is done with a projection of his webcam and the monitor image is either upstage center or on one side.
The Sick Child appears as an internet broadcast, so the webcam image is usually projected upstage center. If Val's own webcam is also projected upstage as he interacts with the Sick Child, Val's webcam projection is upstage right and the Sick Child's webcam projection is upstage left.
There are special
spotlights for Papa, Mama and other minor characters as they "speak"
over the phone with Val or as they interact as flashbacks with Val or
Regina.
TIME
Present, no specific season
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The Muse, Ensemble
Val, Regina, Raphael
The Muse, Val, Ensemble
Val
Val
The Muse, Ensemble
Raphael, Regina, Val, The Muse
Val
INTERMISSION
Val, The Muse, Ensemble
The Muse, Ensemble
Val, Raphael
Val, The Muse, Ensemble
GO WHERE YOU ARE WELCOME REPRISE
Val
Regina, Raphael, Ensemble
Mama, Papa
Val, The Muse, Papa, Mama
The
Cast, Ensemble
CURTAIN
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Val Sends His Light
Setting
The zoom-in projection starts the musical (please read the full description in the Place section of the Cast, Place and Time page). This is followed by VAL's exterior apartment, a see-through wall of the exterior, with windows, is downstage between VAL and the audience.
At Rise
VAL is shown seated, then he
stands to face his windows, with eyes closed, hands cupped and
touching his heart as his voiceover is heard. Midway during the
voiceover, the wall rises, VAL becomes fully visible and light
eventually envelopes the auditorium.
VAL'S VOICEOVER
When I feel alone, I would imagine a ball of light generated by my heart. It starts small, and it becomes increasingly larger, as it extends past myself and forward.
I would imagine sending the light out of my apartment, and out it floats to the sky, as if it had an intention to reach out to people.
I do this once in a while, whether I'm happy or sad, but always, when I'm alone.
That light carries with it all my dreams and good intentions.
Maybe in the past it may have touched you. Even for an instant, you may have felt it.
<><><>
The Muse Appears
Setting
VAL's apartment, main room. There is a webcam pointed at his hands as he sculpts, which is "broadcast online" on a large projection in the background.
At Rise
VAL is seated, sculpting a doll's face. As his hands sculpt, he is "broadcasting" on the web (large screen behind him).
VAL is having difficulty sculpting the face. Then he reaches for his coffee, but he couldn't reach it.
THE MUSE appears for the first time. She is frozen like a mannequin, and not moving.
THE MUSE moves and moves
the coffee closer and closer to VAL. Each time VAL turns, THE MUSE
stops moving. VAL turns again to work on his sculpture, and THE MUSE
moves again, scratching herself or looking over his shoulder, being
nosey.
VAL (irritated)
Would you just quit it?
(THE MUSE finally moves about, relieved of the pressure of having to pretend she's a doll or mannequin.)
VAL
Who are you?
THE MUSE
I'm your muse.
VAL
You're my what?
THE MUSE
I'm your muse, I'm here to inspire you.
VAL
Oh?
THE MUSE
What's troubling you?
VAL
I can't seem to sculpt today.
THE MUSE
Well, that's why I'm here.
VAL
How can you help me?
THE MUSE
I can talk you into being productive or artistic.
VAL (laughs)
Anyone ever tell you that you sound irritating?
THE MUSE
No, no, no. Let me help you. I won't be irritating. (pause) Okay, try to see a bubble in front of you. (pause) It's filled with all your dreams and good intentions. (pause) Can you see it?
VAL
A little. It's kinda blurred.
THE MUSE
You gotta see it better than a blur. Try to focus.
VAL
I can't.
THE MUSE
The way to focus is to visualize exactly what you want.
VAL
I don't know what I want.
THE MUSE
Sure you do. Do you see yourself an old man?
VAL
Of course not!
THE MUSE
Then you see yourself in there. You are young and you don't age.
VAL
Okay. Like Peter Pan.
THE MUSE
You see yourself a leader of people?
VAL
Yeah, of children and their parents, who are also children. Like the Pied Piper, but only better, with the most noble of intentions. Not like a predator.
THE MUSE
You see yourself as your mother sees you?
VAL
Yes, like the Little Prince. How did you know that?
THE MUSE
Can you see all the possible creations you can make. All the dolls and art?
VAL
Yes. Now I can. I'm a dollmaker. A dollman!
(a dazzling, magical bubble forms)
THE MUSE
Can you see the bubble now?
VAL
Yes!
THE MUSE
Now walk into it.
(VAL walks into the bubble)
THE MUSE
Do you see all the wonderful possibilities you can achieve?
VAL
Yes. (pause) As a muse, do you see everything?
THE MUSE
Only where I'm at.
VAL
I need the bathroom. Talk to you later.
(VAL leaves THE MUSE alone)
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Wonderful Possibilities
Setting
VAL's apartment, main room transforms into a larger glittering stage. The webcam projects scenes of PEOPLE from different races and countries singing the same song as the rest of the ENSEMBLE onstage.
At Rise
THE MUSE leads the song
(Song: "WONDERFUL POSSIBILITIES")
THE MUSE
SOME VOICES CAN BE HEARD
FOR MILES AND
MILES AWAY
AND EVEN LIGHTYEARS TOO
AND THAT'S THE THING WITH
YOU
SOME VOICES DON'T NEED WORDS
SOME EYES
THEY CLOSE BUT SEE US ALL
SOME HOMES THEY WELCOME ALL
SOME
HEARTS THEY BURN MUCH BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN
UNIVERSAL TRUTHS
INFINITE
REALITIES
WONDERFUL POSSIBILITIES
AND THAT'S THE THING WITH YOU
ENSEMBLE
DOLLMAN PLEASE
TAKE OUR TIME
TOGETHER
MAKE IT LAST FOREVER
OR MAKE IT LAST ALL DAY MAYBE TWO
YOUR PRESENCE AND YOUR LIFE
THEY OPEN
NEW DIMENSIONS
AND WITH THE SPEED OF LIGHT
LIFE CAN TURN
IN NEW DIRECTIONS
THE MUSE
SO WHEN THE DOLLMAN DREAMS
SOMEWHERE
THEY ALL COME TRUE
AND WHEN THE DOLLMAN SINGS
SOMEHOW WE HEAR
THE TUNE
AND WHEN THE DOLLMAN SHEDS A TEAR
OR
TWO, THROUGH THE YEARS
THEY CRY OUT TO YOU
THEY CRY OUT
TO ME AND YOU
ENSEMBLE
SO DOLLMAN LEAD THE WAY
START A
REVOLUTION
NOTHING MUCH TOO RADICAL
BUT CLEARLY SOMETHING
MAGICAL
AND EVEN WHEN YOU FALL
YOU'LL GIVE US
INSPIRATION
AND WHEN YOU SAVE THE DAY
YOU'LL GIVE US SOME
SALVATION
AND IF THERE'S A LESSON TO BE
LEARNED
WE'LL HAVE OUR EVOLUTION
WONDERFUL POSSIBILITIES
AND
THAT'S THE THING WITH YOU
DOLLMAN PLEASE
TAKE OUR TIME
TOGETHER
MAKE IT LAST FOREVER
THAT'S THE THING WITH YOU
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The Sick Child
Setting
VAL's apartment, main room. Two computer monitors are projected side by side upstage. VAL's monitor is upstage right and the SICK CHILD'S monitor is projected upstage left.
At Rise
VAL is seated, sculpting a doll's face, and his hands are projected upstage right, because he is "broadcasting" on the web.
The second monitor screen
projected upstage stage left shows the SICK CHILD just beginning to
compose herself to start talking to VAL.
VAL
(adjusts the webcam to show his face on the projection upstage right)
Hi there!
SICK CHILD
Hi.
VAL
How are you today?
SICK CHILD
I'm okay.
VAL
What are you up to?
SICK CHILD
Oh, just stuff.
VAL
Well, you can tell me stuff.
SICK CHILD
Want to look at what I just made?
(shows a crayon drawing of a rainbow, with people underneath and a pot of gold under the right end)
VAL
Yeah. Oh wow! that's a really nice rainbow. What is that at the end of the rainbow.
SICK CHILD
It's a pot of gold.
VAL
Oh, nice. And you have people under the rainbow. Who are they?
SICK CHILD
(pointing to the drawing)
This is my mom. This is my dad. This is my brother and this is my sister.
VAL
Who are the rest?
SICK CHILD
These are my doctors and nurses.
VAL
That's good! What about me?
SICK CHILD
Oh, I forgot about you.
VAL
Well, what if you just make a small computer monitor in the back of all of them, and draw me making a doll?
SICK CHILD
That would work.
VAL
How's the week been for you?
SICK CHILD
The week's been okay. I'm feeling better.
VAL
Just keep feeling better, okay.
SICK CHILD
Okay.
VAL
What else do you plan to do today?
SICK CHILD
I don't know. I'm done drawing.
VAL
You're really artistic.
SICK CHILD
Thanks.
VAL
Here, I'll email you something, and see if you can follow the directions.
SICK CHILD
Okay. What is it?
VAL
You'll find out when you get it.
<><><>
Conversation with Papa and Mama
Setting
VAL's apartment, main room. PAPA's spot stage left.
At Rise
VAL is seated, making a
doll. The phone rings. VAL answers it. PAPA appears on a spot stage
left.
PAPA
Val!
VAL
Hi Pa!
PAPA
Mama wants to talk to you. Here she is.
(MAMA appears and takes the phone from PAPA)
MAMA
Hi Val!
VAL
Hi Ma!
MAMA
How's my little prince?
VAL
The little prince is fine. What's with the phonecall?
MAMA
You coming home?
VAL
I don't know yet.
MAMA
You know, we haven't seen you in years.
VAL (laughs)
I know, but I'm not successful yet.
MAMA
Well, why don't you start over... here?
VAL
What's over... there?
MAMA
Oh, gee, I don't know... Your aging parents. Well, that's all I want to say to my little prince for now.
VAL (laughs)
I always visualize that none of us are getting older. You have to take care of yourself, Ma. I should be successful soon. (sneers) How's the weather over there?
MAMA
Oh my God! It's so hot here, I'm always sweating. The sun just wouldn't go away.
VAL
Take some layers off!
MAMA
What? I'm on my last layer!
VAL
Where's Papa?
MAMA
Here, wait.
PAPA
Hi Val! That's all Mama wants to say.
VAL
You called just to say that? To remind me to come home?
PAPA
Yup. I'm the boss here, but Mama has the last word.
MAMA
(whispers to PAPA)
He says he's not successful yet.
PAPA
That's the trouble with you.
VAL
What?
PAPA
Your crazy plans and your wild imagination. Get back on the ground! You're always chasing rainbows!
VAL
I'm an artist!
PAPA
We need you here!
VAL
I need me here!
PAPA
Chasing rainbows!
<><><>
Regina and Raphael
Setting
VAL's apartment, main room
At Rise
VAL is seated, making a doll. He is broadcasting his hands as he sculpts. The MUSE is making coffee.
Offstage, a fight between
REGINA and RAPHAEL is heard, escalating. Then REGINA and RAPHAEL,
with his laptop, knock on VAL's door.
REGINA
Hey.
VAL
Hi Regina. What's up?
REGINA
This is my brother, Raphael.
VAL
Hi.
(VAL shakes RAPHAEL'S hand)
REGINA
Umm, can you let him stay here for a few hours? I need to fix my place.
VAL
Sure. What's going on?
REGINA
I'll tell you later.
VAL
Okay.
(facing RAPHAEL)
Come in... Raphael, right? Use that couch.
(points to couch)
REGINA
Okay. Thanks. I'll see you both later.
VAL
Fighting with your sister?
RAPHAEL
You heard?
VAL
Of course. The wall isn't thick enough.
RAPHAEL
Oh. Sorry. Can I use your wifi?
VAL
Sure.
(RAPHAEL comes in without thanking VAL. He slumps on the sofa, opens his laptop, and starts to click his mouse repeatedly.)
VAL
You playing a game?
RAPHAEL
Yup.
VAL
You want some coffee?
RAPHAEL
No thanks. Coffee stains the teeth. You know that, right?
VAL
Gee, I don't know. Every time I face the mirror and smile, it slips my mind.
(VAL faces the audience and smiles to show his discolored teeth.)
VAL
Well, coffee is a safe drug. Other than coffee, you'll have to find a drug dealer.
RAPHAEL
Yeah, right. Hey, can I use your wifi?
VAL
Sure.
RAPHAEL
What's you password?
VAL
"Dollman." (pause) How come you're fighting with your sister?
RAPHAEL
I don't wanna talk about it.
VAL
You sure?
RAPHAEL
Yeah.
VAL
When you feel like it, you can tell me what's bugging you. Stay here for now.
RAPHAEL
Where can I sleep? I don't think she'll want me for a while.
VAL
Sleep on the couch.
(RAPHAEL puts on his headphones without acknowledging VAL)
<><><>
Secrets
Setting
VAL's apartment, main room but the room moves to show REGINA's next door apartment, right before she sings her part of the song.
At Rise
Spotlight is first on VAL,
then a second spotlight goes on REGINA and a third spotlight goes on
RAPHAEL.
(Song: "SECRETS")
VAL
I HAVE SOMETHING
I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T
TELL YOU
I GUESS I HAVE TO TELL SOMEONE
BEFORE I REALIZE I'M
GONE
MAYBE I'LL FEEL BETTER
MAYBE I'LL GET
BETTER
BUT MAYBE ONCE YOU FIND OUT
YOU'LL DO YOUR BEST TO DO
WITHOUT ME
SECRETS THE THINGS YOU KEEP
SECRETS
YOU SOMETIMES REGRET
AND WANT TO KEEP TO YOURSELF
WHAT YOU WANT
TO FORGET
SOMETIMES YOU LOSE YOURSELF
YOUR
SELF-RESPECT
DO THEY DETECT THIS SMILE
THAT TAKES A WHILE
TO PERFECT
MAKE A SHOW MAKE A HAPPY SHOW
MAKE
TONIGHT SEEM BRIGHT, EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT
LET'S FORGET OUR SECRETS
FOR NOW
LET THE LIGHTS TURN ON, AND LET THE MUSIC PLAY
'COZ WE'RE ALIVE YOU SEE
AND THERE IS
EVERYONE, AND YOU AND ME
I'M ALIVE YOU SEE
AND SO ARE YOU
DOESN'T MY FATHER KNOW?
DOESN'T MY
MOTHER SEE THE GLOW IN MY EYES HAS FADED
THE TALKS I HAVE
EVADED
I'VE WOUNDS THAT TAKE FOREVER TO HEAL
MAYBE THEY THINK I'M OLDER
MAYBE THEY
THINK I'VE DONE MUCH BOLDER THINGS IN LIFE.
WHAT CAN MAKE ME
STRIVE
WHAT MAKES ME SURVIVE
IS THERE ANYWHERE THAT I CAN GO?
IS
THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO SAVE ME FROM ME?
I GUESS I HAVE TO
SOLVE MY PROBLEMS HERE,
WHERE I AM... HOME
REGINA
I HAVE SOMETHING
I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T
TELL YOU
I GUESS I HAVE TO TELL SOMEONE
BEFORE I REALIZE I'M
GONE
MAYBE I'LL FEEL BETTER
MAYBE I'LL GET
BETTER
BUT MAYBE ONCE YOU FIND OUT
YOU'LL DO YOUR BEST TO DO
WITHOUT ME
SOME SECRETS THEY BEFALL YOU
SOME
SECRETS THEY CONTROL YOU
SOME SECRETS YOU JUST CAN'T HIDE
AND
SOMEHOW YOU MUST CONFIDE
AND TELL ANOTHER SOUL
THAT NEVER ONCE
DID YOU FEEL WHOLE
THERE'S SOMETHING MISSING
THAT LACKS
UNDERSTANDING
I HEAR VOICES IN MY HEAD
THEY TELL ME
I'M BETTER OFF JUST DEAD
WHAT'S MY SOLUTION
TO THIS CONFUSION
THERE'S A PAST THAT JUST KEEPS ON
HAUNTING ME
THIS SADNESS THAT JUST WON'T LET ME BE
RAPHAEL
I HAVE SOMETHING
I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T
TELL YOU
I GUESS I HAVE TO TELL SOMEONE
BEFORE I REALIZE I'M
GONE
MAYBE I'LL FEEL BETTER
MAYBE I'LL GET
BETTER
BUT MAYBE ONCE YOU FIND OUT
YOU'LL DO YOUR BEST TO DO
WITHOUT ME
HERE'S MY STORY
JUST ANOTHER DAY
ANOTHER STUPID STORY
NOTHING TO WORRY
NOTHING TO TELL YOU
NOTHING TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THINGS
AREN'T WHAT THEY SEEM
I JUST HAVE A HABIT
OF BEING
UNWELCOME
FOOD, CLOTHING AND SHELTER,
ONE BY ONE EACH NEED JUST
KEEPS GETTING UNDONE
I COULD USE A HOME
AND NOBODY WANTS
ME
CAN'T COUNT ON MY FRIENDS
CAN'T COUNT ON A FAMILY
CAN'T
COUNT ON A FRIEND
DO I EVEN HAVE A FAMILY?
(REGINA knocks again to pick RAPHAEL up. VAL opens the door and turns around to RAPHAEL. RAPHAEL takes off his headphones, appears to finish his computer game, and closes his laptop. He comes to the door, and goes with REGINA without thanking VAL or turning around.)
<><><>
Scene 8
Regina Meets the Muse
Setting
VAL's apartment, main room
At Rise
VAL is working on his doll.
Regina knocks on his door.
REGINA
Hi can I come in?
(VAL opens the door)
REGINA
I need help. I'm depressed.
VAL
You're having some difficulty with something?
REGINA
I'm just depressed. My brother's staying with me indefinitely because our parents kicked him out.
VAL
So you're depressed because your brother is staying with you?
REGINA
No, it's not that. Other things plus that are depressing me..
VAL
I know how to make you get over that depression. Would you like some coffee or tea?
REGINA
Coffee, please.
VAL
Okay, tea it is.
REGINA
No, I said coffee. Okay, just give me tea.
VAL
Coffee it is.
REGINA
Whatever you have.
VAL
Look, I'm busy with my art here, what exactly do you want?
REGINA
Just give me tea.
VAL
Coffee?
REGINA
Okay, coffee.
VAL
Tea?
(REGINA stares at VAL, blankly. They begin a genuine staring competition, turning to the audience until one of them blinks. One of them loses, and they break out of their characters and compare notes on who has been winning the past few performances. THE MUSE hands VAL a new cup of coffee and VAL gives it to REGINA.)
VAL
I have an idea. Imagine a bubble.
REGINA
Like soap bubbles?
VAL
No, bigger than those. One big imaginary bubble. As big as you can imagine them to be.
REGINA
Okay.
VAL
Inside it, are all sorts of wonderful possibilities.
REGINA
Like what sort?
VAL
Like everything you can possibly dream of. But there's a catch.
REGINA
What?
VAL
It must be filled with all possible sorts of possibilities you wish not for yourself, but for others.
REGINA
Not for myself? Like I wish to be beautiful?
VAL
No, not that way. Like people whom you wish the best for. Your friends, people you don't know. Poor people, rich people. People who are sick.
REGINA
What about my parents?
(puts her coffee on a table where VAL's coffee also rests)
VAL
Yes, exactly. The best possibilities for your parents. Everything good that you wish for them. And your children.
REGINA
I don't have kids. I'm not even married.
VAL
I said possibilities. Wonderful possibilities.
REGINA
Okay. Yes. I can see it.
(A bubble of light forms. It gets bigger as VAL and REGINA interact)
VAL
Okay. Are the poor in the bubble?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Those who lost their homes?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Those who lost their loved ones?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Those who are sick?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Those who are dead?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Those who are dying?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Those who are healthy and alive?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Your parents?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Your brothers and sisters?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Your future kids?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Now include yourself. Do you see yourself?
REGINA
Yes.
VAL
Now think of all your wonderful possibilities. The possibilities you want for yourself.
REGINA
Okay.
VAL
Is the bubble big?
REGINA
Yes.
(the bubble begins to sparkle)
VAL
Walk into it.
REGINA
Okay.
(REGINA walks into the bubble.)
VAL
Okay, stay there.
(VAL continues to work on his sculpting.)
REGINA
Well?
VAL
Just stay there for a while.
(REGINA stays, and stares at the audience and shrugs)
REGINA
Well?
VAL
Okay, you're just fine. You feeling better?
REGINA
Yeah?
VAL
Okay, can you hand me my coffee?
REGINA
Which one is yours?
THE MUSE
That one!
(REGINA somehow manages to sip her coffee, sees THE MUSE move, suddenly spurts out her coffee from her mouth, and screams)
REGINA
Who are you?
VAL
She's my muse.
THE MUSE
Yeah, I'm Val's muse.
REGINA
What's a muse?
VAL
My source of inspiration.
THE MUSE
Ooh, finally, I can move. The script calls for me to not move too much.
REGINA
Are you here everyday?
THE MUSE
Pretty much.
REGINA
How many muses are there?
THE MUSE
What do you mean?
REGINA
Well, are you assigned to this apartment building? If you are, then you should probably come by my apartment sometimes.
VAL
Hey! Stop talking to my muse! It's very distracting. Get your own muse.
REGINA
You just made me walk into the bubble of wonderful possibilities.
VAL
So?
REGINA
Then it's possible that she's also my muse.
VAL
No no no. She's my muse.
REGINA
Okay, then I'll just have to pass by your place once in a while.
VAL
Suit yourself.
REGINA
This is weird, but I gotta go. I'm feeling better. Thanks Val.
VAL
Okay.
(REGINA leaves)
THE MUSE
You taught her what I taught you.
VAL
Yup.
THE MUSE
Without giving me proper credit.
VAL
I thought muses are supposed to be invisible. And they don't talk!
(THE MUSE waves her hand and the scene transforms)
<><><>
We'll Be Like Children
Setting
VAL's apartment will transform into an outside scenery as the ENSEMBLE sing with VAL and THE MUSE.
At Rise
VAL's apartment. THE MUSE
and VAL begin to sing as the ENSEMBLE begin to enter the stage.
(Song: "WE'LL BE LIKE CHILDREN")
THE MUSE
IN YOUR LITTLE ROOM
WHEN YOU CLOSE
YOUR EYES YOU'LL FIND
AS FAR AS ANYONE CAN SEE
A WONDROUS
WORLD OF MUSIC AND
IT MAY ALL JUST BE IN YOUR MIND
WHERE
NOTHING'S LEFT BEHIND
THIS GREAT IMAGINATION
IT CAN SAVE EACH
AND EVERY NATION
THE MUSE and ENSEMBLE
TAKE MY HAND, MY LOVE,
TAKE MY HEART,
IT'S YOURS
WHEREVER YOU MAY BE
OUR HEARTS AND SOULS ARE THERE
AND...
WE'LL BE LIKE CHILDREN
WE'LL BE LIKE
BIRDS AND FISH AND
MAYBE EVEN LIONS ROARING LOUD
WE'LL BE LIKE
EARTH AND FIRE
AND WATER AND THE AIR
WE'LL BE THE UNIVERSE
WE'LL GO BETWEEN
THE HEAVENS AND THIS EARTH
WE'LL BE THIS SILENT, CREATIVE, COSMIC
WORLD OF PERFECTION
A SUDDEN BURST OF GRAND CREATION THAT
SURPASSES ALL THEIR EXPECTATIONS
VAL
THIS CALLS FOR A SIMPLE CELEBRATION
THIS
WORLD, THIS IMAGINATION
WE CAN MAKE THINGS BE
WE CAN FLY AWAY
AND BE FREE
THE MUSE
AND STILL BE HERE
AND SING WITH MUSIC
THAT WE ALL CAN HEAR
AND WE GET THE CHANCE TO LAUGH, AND PLAY
AND
SPEND A LAZY DAY, AND...
ALL THAT WILL REMAIN IN OUR MEMORIES
ARE
THE BEST, WELL-SUNG, GREATEST MELODIES
THE BEST STORIES THAT WE'VE
HEARD
WE'LL REMEMBER EACH AND EVERY WORD
ALL
WE'LL BE LIKE CHILDREN
WE'LL BE LIKE
BIRDS AND FISH AND
MAYBE EVEN LIONS ROARING LOUD
WE'LL BE LIKE
EARTH AND FIRE
AND WATER AND THE AIR
WE'LL BE THE UNIVERSE
WE'LL BE THIS
COSMIC WORLD OF PERFECTION
WE'LL BE THE BEST STORIES THAT WE'VE
HEARD
AND STILL BE HERE
AND STILL BE HERE
<><><>
Val's First Secret
Setting
VAL's apartment
At Rise
VAL, REGINA and RAPHAEL are
seated separately on chairs, with REGINA and RAPHAEL seated on stage
right, facing VAL who is located midway between the center and stage
left and facing the audience. There will be a flashback with a
COUNSELOR and MAMA. The COUNSELOR will appear near the center facing
VAL, and MAMA will appear stage left.
VAL
Regina and Raphael, I'll tell you something about me.
I was born a year after my brother. We were both born in February. I'm a middle child.
REGINA
Yeah...
VAL
For some reason, my brother did not go to school first. We went to the same preschool at the same time. However, his "level" was supposedly higher than mine. He was placed in a level called "Prep" and I went to a level called "Kindergarten." I don't know if I have a good memory, but I even remember my coloring book being thinner than my brother's and my box of crayons was thinner, with only 8 colors. His box had 16 colors. Even now I can still remember the smell of crayons, even my attitude towards that first box.
(MAMA appears to a spotlight stage left, followed by a COUNSELOR)
VAL
After that year, my mother took my brother to the next school, where we both would end up going to all the way to high school. We had maids, household help, during those years, but at one point, my mother did not have any maids, so there was no one at home to babysit me. One day, my mom had to bring me with her and my brother to that next school, where my brother had an appointment with the counselor who administered the entrance test. So my brother took the test and I waited with Mom outside the office.
(VAL goes to a seat near where MAMA is standing. VAL acts like a clueless child.)
COUNSELOR
(looking at VAL)
How old is he?
(VAL acts startled)
MAMA
He's a year younger than his brother. Five. I'm planning to bring him here next year. That way he can use his brother's books. I was thinking that we would save money that way.
COUNSELOR
Where do you plan to take him if he's not going to school here?
MAMA
To the other school, where he would be Prep.
COUNSELOR
But his brother is also going to Prep here. You'd be taking two kids to two different schools. Wouldn't that be harder on you?
MAMA
That's what I was planning to do.
COUNSELOR
Why don't we evaluate him as well? Let's have him take the entrance test? Maybe he's ready.
MAMA
You think so? Okay. But are you saying he would be in the same level as his brother? Is that advisable?
COUNSELOR
We have a few brothers in the school who are in the same year level. I would not worry about that.
VAL
(faces audience, talks as an adult, present time)
I took the same test my brother did. I remember they were about matching oranges, apples and bananas. I remember finishing a few mazes. I remember matching sets. Then we went home. A few days later...
(the COUNSELOR exits)
MAMA
Good news! Both of you have been accepted to the new school.
VAL
Is my brother going to Grade 1 and I'm going to Prep?
MAMA
No, you're both Prep.
VAL
When I was in kindergarten, just a year earlier, for the first month, I cried loudly in class whenever my mom went out of sight. My classroom was an open type, so the moms can be seen sitting on nearby benches while waiting for the classes to finish at lunchtime. I and some other students cried each time our moms disappeared from sight.
That next school was different. The building was huge! The school had Prep, then first grade, which we called "Grade 1," all the way to seventh grade, "Grade 7." Not only that. Each grade had so many students, so that each level had six sections, Section A to Section F. They classified students according to how smart they were. The smartest people were in Section A. Guess what? I was placed in Section A! My classroom was air-conditioned. Section B to Section F were not. My classroom had a piano! The rest did not. My brother was placed in Section B. On the first day...
(faces MAMA)
Ma, you should go.
MAMA (laughs)
You don't want me around?
VAL
No, it's embarrassing. I'm older now.
(MAMA leaves)
VAL
I told my mom to go. I did not want her around. I was older, I thought, and more independent.
REGINA
You were smarter than your brother?
VAL
I think I was.
RAPHAEL
You think?
VAL
You know what I did? I stepped back in a wrong way.
REGINA
How?
VAL
I don't remember my brother complaining, but I heard some adults, and I swear, my mom also said it, not to me, but to my brother, but I overheard it.
(MAMA reappears)
MAMA
The counselor made a mistake. Val was supposed to be in Section B, his older brother was supposed to be in Section A. But let's just accept the mistake for now.
(MAMA leaves)
VAL
I felt sorry for my brother. But you know what happened to me? Whatever they gave us to study, or take home, or homework, or quiz. I somehow got affected by what she said. I either studied less, or my mind blanked out, and I daydreamed a lot. I wanted my brother to get better grades. He did. For some reason, he caught up. When we got to Grade 1, which was after Prep, my brother went to Section A. He became the smart one.
RAPHAEL
Where did you go?
VAL
Section B.
RAPHAEL
You still remember that?
VAL
Yup. Well, for some reason, it became a habit, myself feeling less, feeling inadequate and inferior to my brother.
REGINA
You still holding a grudge?
VAL
My story's not finished yet.
REGINA
What happened next?
VAL
Grade 1. My mom, as usual, picked us up. We were walking home. We stopped at an intersection, a block and a half away from school. My mom was holding my brother and I by each one of her hands. Tightly. I was not aware. I stared at the other side of the street. I was not aware then, that she was waiting for us to cross safely, because the light was red for pedestrians. Guess what? I forced myself out of Mama's grasp, I thought it would be fun to be on the other side of the street first, before Mama and my brother. I ran, and I fell out of balance because my mom tried to restrain me. I fell onto oncoming traffic, and there was a car that was going to hit me, but its bumper stopped about 3 inches from my face.
REGINA
Oh my God!
VAL
I was still on the ground. I looked up and then looked at the other side of the road where I wanted to get to. I saw a classmate laughing at me. He was held by his own mom. I remember the driver's door opened, followed by the rear passenger door on the right. The driver picked me up, very quickly, he took me to that passenger door. The lady in the back moved in, followed by my mom, and then my mom took me on her lap, then my brother followed. The driver closed the door, went back to his seat and then drove very, very fast. He and the lady were apologizing to my mom, as my mom gave directions to a nearby hospital. All the while, my brother was shouting at me, telling me I was stupid.
When I was small, whenever I got embarrassed or felt shy, I would smile. So, all the while, I was smiling. From the time I pried away from my mom's grip, all the way to when they placed me on the examination table. I was telling my mom, shyly, while smiling, that I wasn't hurt at all. At the hospital, the doctor asked me if I was hurt anywhere, touching me all over the place.
RAPHAEL
Were you hurt?
VAL
Only my ego was hurt. That's why I continued to smile. I slowly realized that what I did was very, very wrong. All of us went back to the car and the lady and her driver took us home. Mom told them to stop at the corner, because she didn't want to lie about who took us home that day.
(MAMA reappears)
VAL
Guess what my mom told me, when we were still in the car with those strangers.
MAMA
Val, listen to me. What you did was stupid.
VAL
I know.
MAMA
What do you say to me?
VAL
I'm sorry. It won't happen again. Then she said, to me and my brother,