Posts
 |
| Made for me by Claire Hamlin (Note: Theater is a Sport is in no way affiliated with HBO or Game of Thrones) |
Hello, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Bobby Keniston, and I would like to welcome you to Theater is a Sport, a blog about all things theater.
As those of you who are regular readers know, I have many plays published for the youth and high school market. I have one play called Rainbow and the Goofball, which I wrote about three years ago, and produced for Foxcroft Academy. It is a fairytale I invented about the world's first archaeologist, and the jester who loves her. I happened to think it was a great kid's show, and it got a terrific response when it was produced by FA. Kids loved it!
So you can imagine how disappointing it is that this is pretty much the only youth play I have in my drawer that has not been able to find a publisher. It has received excellent comments from everyone I have submitted it to, but I'm told that there just isn't room for it in their catalogues. I am still waiting to hear from one company about it.
Again, it is a show I'm very poud of, so I thought I would share the first part of the play with you here in this post. It is protected by copyright, so, yeah, don't be thinking you could get away with anything...
In any case, if you enjoy reading this excerpt, drop me a line at theater.is.a.sport@gmail.com. I would be happy to work anything out to have you read the rest of it, or if you would want to produce it, we could work something out.
Note: if I hear from the last publisher in the affirmative, I will remove this post immediately.
Okay, so enjoy PART I of Rainbow and the Gooball. If you're all really good and leave nice comments, maybe I'll post the rest of it some time. Let me know what you think in the comments (and, if you don't like it, that's fine, but don't be mean about it, please... anonymous mean comments are just kind of ridiculous in a world that's too good at being unkind).
CAST OF CHARACTERS
RAINBOW, a young lady. She likes to wear overalls and dig in the dirt to find old artifacts. She is sweet, kind, and very smart. She is also the only person who laughs at the Goofball's jokes.
BENNY, the “Goofball”. He wants to be a jester, but really has only one fan. An orphan, he was practically raised by Old Lady Thorpe. Rainbow is his only true friend, and he is in love with her, and delights in making her laugh.
OLD LADY THORPE, the oldest lady in the village of Anterra. She knows everybody's business, and makes no apologies for it. She narrates the story. She has a deep fondness for the Goofball, and gives him a great deal of guidance and support.
RAYMOND, an elder, is Rainbow's dad. He is supportive of all she does, but often takes a backseat to what his wife thinks. But not always.
CLARABOW, Rainbow's mom, an elder. She loves her daughter Rainbow very much, but seems to think most of Rainbow's problems would be solved if she wore a dress once in a while and cared more about her appearance.
EDWINA, Rainbow's cousin. She is more concerned with clothes and finding a boyfriend than anything else. She can't understand why Rainbow would spend so much time digging in the dirt.
PRINCE SHALLOW, a young man, the Prince of Anterra. He pronounces his name “Shay-loo”. He is, however, like his name, very shallow, and also very dishonest. He likes to take all the credit for himself, and never shares.
ROSEMARIE, middle-aged. She is the Royal Babysitter/Guard for the Prince. It is her job to keep him in line, and she is getting very tired of his attitude. Does not appreciate having to take care of a grown man as though he were a child.
THE FASHIONISTA GODFATHER, ageless, though appears more young than old. He wears the best clothes, and speaks in a thick, comedic French accent. He appears to Rainbow to help her dress, but is also there to help her believe in herself.
4 males, 5 females.
PRODUCTION HISTORY
“Rainbow and the Goofball” had its world premiere at Center
Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, as part of Foxcroft Academy's
evening of one-act plays, in November, 2010, and subsequently
toured to SeDoMoCha Middle School and Guilford Primary School
The production was directed by the author with the following
cast:
RAINBOW Darian Holmes
BENNY John Levenseller
OLD LADY THORPE Alissa Violet Toner
EDWINA Stefanie Loring
CLARABOW Savanna Hobbs
RAYMOND Patrick Tagget
PRINCE SHALLOW Sam Phillips
ROSEMARIE Sarah Hobbs
FASHIONISTA GODFATHER Andrew Marshall
SCENE ONE
SETTING: Just outside the Town Square in the Village of Anterra. It is a nice rural village. There may be a few trees and shrubbery about to signify the rural aspect of the area. Stage Right, we see the outline of the front door leading into Old Lady Thorpe's house.
AT RISE: There is a rocking chair downstage right. OLD LADY THORPE, sporting a cane she really doesn't need, comes out of the door stage right, as if going outside to just sit down. She hums to herself. When she sits down, she rocks a moment, and then notices the audience.
OLD LADY THORPE
(noticing the audience, startled)
Oh sweet gravy! (regains composure) You startled me! Haven't you all been told it's not nice to sneak up on an old lady? Now, now, it ain't that I'm not happy to see you. I surely am. And you've got to get up pretty early in the morning to scare Old Lady Thorpe! I'm Old Lady Thorpe, that's what I'm called, 'cause I'm the oldest lady in the Village of Anterra. Have you all been to Anterra before? (waits for audience response) Didn't think you looked familiar. I'm always pleased as a plum pit to meet new folks. I've lived in Anterra my whole life, and I know you'll like it here. It's peaceful, quiet, and full of lovely people. The Prince is a bit of nitwit, but nothing's ever perfect. (beat. She looks at the audience) You folks are lucky you met me. I ain't tootin' my own bugle or anything, but I know everything there is to know about everybody in Anterra. That's my job now. My business is minding everybody's business, and if you don't like it, well, it's none of your business. There's always stories to tell, and someone's gotta tell 'em. I reckon that it's best I tell 'em, you see, because I don't lie. Any of you folks out there lie? (she waits for audience reaction... if they say “no”...) I don't believe you! Everyone lies sometimes, like, “Oh, Bertha, that hat looks good on you,” or things like that. 'Cept me. Now, I'm not saying I'm better than anyone, it's just that I can't lie. I'm allergic to it. Makes me sneeze. Watch, I'll show you. (giving an example) “I'm a beautiful young lady...” (she sneezes a really big sneeze) ACHOOOOO! See? Or how about: “I love to eat my brussel sprouts...” (sneezes again) ACHOO! (beat) Bless me! Now, when I tell the truth, I'm right as a rain cloud. Look: I'm an old lady who loves to eat candy. (beat) See? No sneezing. So you can trust me when I tell you a story, that it's a true story. And I tell you what, I love stories. My favorite story in the village of Anterra is about Rainbow and the Goofball, because I play a part in that one myself. But you've probably all heard the story of Rainbow
2.
OLD LADY THORPE (CONT’D)
and the Goofball,haven't you? (waits for audience response) No? You mean to tell me you've never heard the story of Rainbow and the Goofball? (waits for response) What, you all been living in the back end of a cave? I thought everybody knew that story! Well, now, this is a treat! It all happened here in the village
of Anterra. Now let's see... anyone know a good way to start a story? (waits for audience response...) Oh right, that's a good way: Once upon a time in the village of Anterra, there was a young lady named Rainbow. She was different from a lot of girls. She liked to wear big overalls and dig in the dirt, looking for things. But you don't need to hear all this from me...look over yonder... (she points left) Here she comes now.
(The lights fade on Old Lady Thorpe, as RAINBOW enters from stage left. She is wearing big overalls and boots. She has a shovel and a pail, and a cloth containing artifacts that she has found. She scoots down center stage, and mimes digging. EDWINA, who is dressed in a very pretty outfit, is right behind her. She looks bored and disgusted.)
EDWINA
Rainbow, this isn't what I had in mind when I said we could
hang out today.
RAINBOW
I'm sorry. You're not having fun?
EDWINA
What on earth is so fun about digging in the dirt and finding
gross old things? I thought maybe we would go to the shops in
the village. I hear there's a new place where they put color
on your fingernails... isn't that a scream?
RAINBOW
Why does anyone want color on their fingernails?
EDWINA
Because it looks pretty!
RAINBOW
Oh.
EDWINA
Some people prefer color to dirt! I don't know what to do with you sometimes. If you weren't my cousin, I doubt I would even bother.
3.
RAINBOW
I'm sorry, Edwina. Hey, I bet if you tried digging in the
dirt next to me that you would like it! If you would just
try, you'd see how interesting it is!
EDWINA
I like to stay clean, thanks. I'm not interested in making my
hands all yucky. Who'd want to hold them if they were yucky?
RAINBOW
(indicating an artifact)
But just look at what I've discovered already! These are all
artifacts from a culture that lived long before we were even
here. These give us a clue as to what their lives might
have been like! Isn't that exciting?
EDWINA
Oh, how do I put this so I don't hurt your feelings? I don't
want to say that this is all very boring. Let's see. Oh,
I know! It's just that I don't find any of this interesting
in the least bit. Not even a little. Not even a tiny, tiny,
eency-weency…
RAINBOW
Well, I guess if that's the nicest way you can say it...
EDWINA
I knew you'd understand. Let's go to the shops!
RAINBOW
If you want to go to the shops without me...
EDWINA
Okay, see ya! (she starts off left, but then stops) Oh, no!
The Goofball is coming this way!
RAINBOW
(excited)
He is?
EDWINA
Just perfect! (beat) I hate how he always talks to you...
and the way he looks at you is absolutely disgraceful! As if
you would ever want to be seen with him!
RAINBOW
He's my friend.
4.
EDWINA
How could he be your friend? He's a Goofball!
RAINBOW
He's funny. And besides, there's more to him than that. He's
very nice.
EDWINA
Well I don't know about that, and I don't want to know. Eeew.
(At this point, BENNY comes on from stage left. He is wearing a jester's outfit, complete with a jester's hat. He carries a small bag of props that he uses for his “act.” He is very excited to see Rainbow)
BENNY
Rainbow! There you are! I wasn't looking for you, but, sweet
biscuits, am I happy to see you! (he starts to cross to her,
excited, but trips and falls.)
EDWINA
(laughing)
Good one, Goofball! Have a nice trip?
(Rainbow rushes to Benny and helps him up. He smiles at her.)
RAINBOW
Benny! Are you all right?
BENNY
Yuppers! I don't think I broke anything. Maybe a few bruises,
but mostly on my dignity...
EDWINA
I don't think you've had any dignity for a long time, Goofball.
RAINBOW
Edwina, don't be rude.
BENNY
That's okay, Rainbow, she's right... I donated my dignity to
science!
(Rainbow laughs, and Benny joins her. Edwina rolls her eyes)
EDWINA
I'm going to the shops. I've had enough dirt and silliness for one day. (starts to exit)
5.
BENNY
Have fun at the shops. I hope you find a new outfit. I think
I've seen you wear that one before.
(Edwina spins around, horrified)
EDWINA
Bite your tongue! You have not!
BENNY
I COULD bite my tongue, but I don't see how that will change the
fact that you wore the exact same outfit at the village carnival
two and a half months ago.
EDWINA
I never wear the same outfit twice in public!
RAINBOW
(playing along)
I think Benny's right. I do remember seeing you in that dress
before, and I'm pretty sure it was at the carnival.
EDWINA
Oh no! I better get home and change! I can't go to the shops
in a second-worn dress! (she rushes off left, upset)
(Benny and Rainbow wait until she is fully gone and then burst out
laughing)
RAINBOW
I suppose we shouldn't tease her like that. Did you see the
look on her face?
BENNY
I sure did. (he mimes Edwina's horrified face, and her storming
off. Rainbow laughs)
RAINBOW
Sometimes she deserves it. She can be so mean. I'm sorry she
calls you goofball.
BENNY
That's okay. Everybody does. Except you. At least they
notice me, I guess.
RAINBOW
I know, Benny, but I worry that too many people are laughing at
you and not with you. You don't deserve that.
6.
BENNY
You're right. I guess I just want to make people laugh so
much, that sometimes I even make myself the joke.
RAINBOW
Did you do your act in town today?
BENNY
Sure did!
RAINBOW
How'd it go? Did you get any money or gifts?
BENNY
Well, a few people threw rocks at me. Does that count?
RAINBOW
Oh no!
BENNY
It's okay. I've got a hard head. (he knocks on his head)
Besides, I make you laugh. At least I have one fan. (he
smiles at her)
RAINBOW
You know what I think? I think you're ahead of your time. In
years to come, people will realize how groundbreaking you were.
You can take comfort in the fact that it's never easy being
ahead of your time.
BENNY
(blushing)
Thanks. As long as I make you laugh, that's good enough for
me. (he looks at her for a moment in silence. Then, changing
the subject:) So, did you find any new arty-facts today?
RAINBOW
Yes, I did! Let me show you! (she crosses to her cloth, and
retrieves one of her artifacts and brings it over to Benny)
I found this today. (she points to something on the artifact) It looks like someone carved a little picture on here. I think this is most likely was the head of some kind of weapon
for hunting, or maybe even a farming tool... I'm not sure,
but that's my hypothesis. You know what a hypothesis is, right?
BENNY
(not sure)
Uh, I think so.
7.
RAINBOW
(telling him)
Guess.
BENNY
Part of a triangle?
RAINBOW
No, I meant that a hypothesis is a guess. Well, not just
any guess, but a guess that has facts supporting it. See,
because of the shape of this artifact, I can guess that it
was made either for hunting or farming. Get it?
BENNY
I sure do! Thanks for explaining it to me.
RAINBOW
You're welcome. I just wish I could explain more. (she
replaces her artifact in the cloth) It's so amazing to find
things from so long ago! I like to imagine what it must have
been like to live then. How they found their food, made their
clothes. How hard they must have worked to survive. Don't
you think it's fun to think like that?
BENNY
I had never really thought about it. But listening to the
way you describe it makes me wonder about it too. (beat) Do
you think people told jokes back then?
RAINBOW
I bet they did!
BENNY
I wonder what was considered funny.
RAINBOW
I bet people like you, people who have told jokes and stories
have been around since the beginning of it all! People have
always needed to laugh and be entertained. Human beings can't
work all the time. (she gets back down on the ground to do
some more digging) You want to help me dig?
(Benny hunkers down and puts his hands inside his prop bag)
BENNY
Gee, Rainbow, I would love to help you dig, but... (he pulls
his hands out of his prop bag... his hands now have two
big rubber thumbs covering his own thumbs) I'm all thumbs!
8.
(Rainbow laughs and Benny joins her. He takes the thumbs off and puts them back in the bag, and sits next to her to help her dig)
RAINBOW
That's a good one, Benny. All thumbs! That's great! (beat)
I was thinking about your act the other day, and I have an
idea... I don't want to tell you what to do or anything...
BENNY
I would love to hear any suggestions you have!
RAINBOW
Well, I was thinking that when you finish telling a joke or
doing a bit, that you could have a little catchphrase to spice
it up, really take it home.
BENNY
Like what?
RAINBOW
(shy)
Well, I was thinking something like--- ba-dum-bum-ching.
BENNY
Ba-dum-bum-ching?
RAINBOW
I know, that's probably silly...
BENNY
No, no, silly is good. That's my motto. Let's try it out.
(thinks for a second) Okay, here goes: What's the difference
between Edwina and a tailor's dummy?
RAINBOW
I don't know. What?
BENNY
A tailor's dummy doesn't just think about clothes all the time!
Ba-dum-bum-ching! (Rainbow laughs) Hey, it works!
(They laugh some more. Old Lady Thorpe comes out from stage right.)
OLD LADY THORPE
Oh, I thought I heard laughin' out here. It's good of you,
Rainbow to laugh at the poor boy's jokes. He even gets me to
laugh, if he catches me unawares.
9.
RAINBOW
Well, Miss Thorpe, I think Benny is very funny.
BENNY
But looks aren't everything!
(Old Lady Thorpe laughs, but Rainbow doesn't)
RAINBOW
I don't like it when you make fun of yourself.
BENNY
You don't?
RAINBOW
No. It's okay to laugh at yourself, but don't put yourself
down. Okay?
BENNY
Okay, I won’t. I promise.
RAINBOW
Good. (she smiles at him)
OLD LADY THORPE
When you're finished helping Rainbow, come on inside, Benny.
I need you to run some errands for me.
BENNY
Sure thing.
(Old Lady Thorpe goes back inside stage right)
RAINBOW
It's very kind of you to help out Miss Thorpe so much.
BENNY
She practically raised me. She's the closest thing to a mom
I've got, even if I do have to call her Old Lady Thorpe like
everyone else. She took me in, gave me shelter, let me eat all
the brussel sprouts she didn't want. If it hadn't been for her,
I would have grown up without any kind of a home.
RAINBOW
I wish my folks were supportive of what I do. You see, I
have this dream of taking all these artifacts I've found, and
displaying them all in a big building, so that people can come
10.
RAINBOW (CON'T)
in a get a good idea of what life must have been like in the
past! It would be like having my very own museum! And I would
show people around and explain what everything was for!
BENNY
That's a great idea!
RAINBOW
I'm glad you think so. When I told my parents about it, my
dad didn't say anything, and my mom told me I would have to
wear a pretty dress if I wanted people to listen to me about
my artifacts.
BENNY
I think you look pretty enough already. (realizes what he
has said) I mean... well, it's just that I think you don't
need to worry about what you're wearing to be pretty. (again)
I mean, the thing is...
RAINBOW
Thank you, Benny. (she takes his hand) You're a really good
friend.
BENNY
And you're my favorite Rainbow. I always find a pot of gold
whenever I see you.
(They look at each other, both a little bashful. The voice of CLARABOW from offstage startles them, and they release hands.)
CLARABOW
(offstage left)
Rainbow! Where are you, girl?
(CLARABOW and RAYMOND enter from stage left. They are Rainbow's parents. Clarabow is a very determined woman, and sometimes a little pushy, but she does love her daughter very much and wants what she believes is best for her. Raymond is very quiet. He doesn't talk much, but he is kind and strong.)
CLARABOW (CON'T)
Oh, there you are. Digging in the dirt again, I see. (notices
Benny) Hello, Goofball.
RAINBOW
His name is Benny, mom.
11.
BENNY
(to Rainbow)
That's all right. (to Clarabow) It's a pleasure to see you
today, ma'am. (to Raymond) Sir, I hope that you are feeling
well.
RAYMOND
(nods to Benny)
You don't have to call me, sir, Benny. That's what they called
my father. Call me Ray.
BENNY
Thank you.
RAYMOND
And how is Old Lady Thorpe doing?
BENNY
She's doing well. I'll tell her you were asking.
RAYMOND
Do that. Ain't never met someone couldn't tell a lie before.
(chuckles) Leads to some of the craziest truths I ever heard.
BENNY
Sure does. (laughs) Speaking of which, there's some things
she needed my help with. If you'll excuse me. Thanks for
showing me your artifacts, Rainbow.
RAINBOW
You're welcome.
(Benny exits stage right into the outline of Thorpe's house.)
CLARABOW
Do you have to come this far out of the village to dig, my
dear? I have been looking all over for you.
RAINBOW
I'm sorry. What is it?
CLARABOW
You're father and I have been talking...
RAYMOND
Don't make this out like it was my idea.
12.
CLARABOW
Raymond! We agreed this was best.
RAYMOND
You agreed, Clara. I just shrugged my shoulders.
CLARABOW
Then why don't you stay silent now, and let me handle this,
dear? (Raymond shrugs and gives his daughter a look of apology)
Rainbow, I have decided that it's high time to for you to stop
playing in the dirt.
RAYMOND
Clara...
RAINBOW
I'm not playing in the dirt, mom. I'm working. I'm discovering
things that explain how people were living their lives centuries ago.
CLARABOW
Yes, dear, and I'm not putting down your interests. But what
exactly do you intend to achieve from all of it? It would be
one thing if you could somehow use any of this for any
good purpose...
RAINBOW
It does have a good purpose! By learning how societies have
grown and progressed over the years, we can continue to grow
and progress ourselves.
CLARABOW
Listen, my little cabbage, I'm not trying to hurt your feelings.
I am happy you have interests, and I'm very proud of you for
being so smart. Just like me. (RAYMOND snorts, Clara moves on)
But there comes a time when we have to put away some of our
goals and ambitions. Don't you think, sweetie, that it might
be time for you to admit that this is a hobby?
RAINBOW
But...
CLARABOW
An important hobby, yes, and a hobby that gives you a great
amount of pleasure, but still a hobby. I'm not asking you
to give it up completely. But just limit your time in the dirt.
Put on a dress. Meet a man. You're getting to be at the
marrying age...
13.
RAYMOND
She's in no rush to be married, Clarabow.
CLARABOW
Of course you would say that, dear. (to Rainbow) Let someone
see you outside of the dirt. Then, once you're married, maybe you can still find time to look for your little doo-dads from history, if your husband doesn't mind you doing it.
RAINBOW
Mother, I'm not looking to get married or give up what I love.
RAYMOND
I told you she wasn't looking to get married.
CLARABOW
Rainbow, right now you can't seem to understand, but one day you will. One day you'll think to yourself, “where have my dreams gotten me?” You'll look at the other women your age who are married and have children, and you'll think, “what do I have?” And you'll just see all of dirt you've been digging through.
RAYMOND
Now Clarabow, you just stop it. There isn't one thing wrong
with our little girl following her interests and having dreams.
She's got plenty of time.
CLARABOW
I'm just trying to help her.
RAINBOW
It's okay. I understand, mom.
CLARABOW
So why don't you call it a day, and head on into the village
with us?
RAYMOND
Remember, pumpkin, you don't have to if you don't want to.
RAINBOW
You two go on ahead. I'll meet you there in a few minutes.
CLARABOW
Good girl.
(Clarabow exits stage left. Raymond hesitates, looking at his daughter, wanting to say something.)
14.
RAYMOND
Rainbow, I...
CLARABOW
(offstage)
Come along, Raymond.
(Raymond sighs. He looks at his daughter a moment, not knowing what to say. He pats her head to try to comfort her, then exits. Rainbow is alone. She looks sadly at the artifacts she has discovered. She tries not to cry. Benny enters from out of the house.)
BENNY
Oh, did your parents leave?
RAINBOW
Yes. They went into the village. I'm supposed to meet them
there.
BENNY
Hey, that's where I'm headed! I can escort... (notices how
sad Rainbow looks) What happened? Are you all right?
RAINBOW
I'm okay. I'm sorry, I have to go. (she starts to leave)
BENNY
Rainbow, wait! What about your artifacts?
RAINBOW
You can keep them.
(Benny jogs up to her)
BENNY
Whoa, whoa, whoa. (Rainbow stops and looks at him) What have
you done with my friend Rainbow? (she doesn't laugh) Seriously, what's going on? You found some really great stuff
today. Why aren't you taking it?
RAINBOW
Because it doesn't matter.
BENNY
Sure it does. You're the best artifact-er-er I know!
RAINBOW
Please, Benny. You keep them. So they'll at least mean
15.
RAINBOW (CONT’D)
something to someone.
BENNY
I don't like seeing you so sad. (beat) Okay. How 'bout this?
I'll hold on to them until you want them, because I know when
you feel better you're definitely going to want them. Deal?
RAINBOW
(with a slight smile)
Okay.
BENNY
Well, that's better. There's a little smile at least.
RAINBOW
Thanks.
BENNY
Hey, if you need to talk or anything, I'm here, all right? I
don't always have to be a goofball. I can be a good listener
too.
RAINBOW
I know Benny. I know. (she exits stage left)
(Benny watches her go, sad that his friend is so sad. He goes to where she left her shovel and the cloth she had wrapped her artifacts in. He picks them up gently and puts them into his bag of props. He walks off.)
END OF SCENE ONE
OKAY, THANKS FOLKS. If you enjoyed this, let me know, drop me a line or leave a comment. If you didn't, that's fine, but don't bother bring me down. If you're interested in reading more, go ahead and ask me at theater.is.a.sport@gmail.com. If you would like to read more of my stuff, check out www.brookpub.com, www.histage.com, www.playscripts.com, and www.hitplays.com, and search for my name, Bobby Keniston.
Until next time, please remember--- Theater is a Sport. Bye bye for now.
No comments:
Post a Comment