This is only Act I and the penultimate scene from Act II. I know we didn’t have to have the entire Libretto written down, so I set up the story and the most important scene of the entire opera. I hope you enjoy!
The Metropolitan Bastion of the Heart
Debbie – soprano
Craig – bass
Michael – tenor
Damon – baritone
Civilians, Wedding Guests, Planners & Helpers
Act One:
The curtains open up on the magnificent setting of the Manhattan Palace. It is early fall, so the trees are a crisp gold, and the people milling about in its center are wearing light jackets, but still not accepted that fall is over. A lone woman walks in front of the gates of the Palace. She’s dressed in a grey puff jacket, simple skirt and mary-janes with leggings, and a poof-ball hat sits on her head precariously. She adjusts her glasses, while walking by.
No. 1: A Declaration
DEBBIE:
On the same old path I find myself
Not a risk or a chance to be seen
I live in a world of stability
But I feel that there is more out there
Tell me what can I do, where can I go
Fates, where am I heading
Where will I find my adventure?
Where will I stake my claim?
What’s my calling, my passion?
Tell me what is coming up,
On this road I go down…
A strong gust of wind blows her hat off and through the gates and into the courtyard.
My hat!
She follows, and attempts to grab at the floating garment. The people who are already inside watch her, but offer no help. In fact, someone takes out a camera and starts to film. The wind starts to die down, and we see that the hat has landed in front of a statue in the center of the courtyard. It’s of a woman, posed for battle, wearing ancient clothing. The nameplate reads “Minerva”
This is what I am talking about
This is who I should be
Why do I hide from the world outside?
In a place as magical as this…
There is nothing to be feared!
I need to make my stand
Today will be the day
Today I put myself out there
And show the world
Who I can be…
Who I will be…
She turns around, but at that instant, a man is walking past her with coffee in his hands. The two aren’t looking where they are going, They collide, and the coffee goes flying from his hands and onto her. Her glasses fall off, and they end up in a heap on the ground. He’s on top of her, and she’s squished, scalded, and embarrassed. Again the people offer no help.
No. 2: Can I Say Something Crazy…
CRAIG:
Oh I am so sorry
DEBBIE:
No, no it was my fault for not looking where I was going
The two are struggling to get up, and he’s taking his napkins and wiping up the spilt coffee that has cooled considerably since first touching her skin. She’s wiping it off as well, and sometime during the motions their hands touch. They both look up, their faces heated and eyes locked.
DEBBIE:
…You know, I’m kind of dry now
CRAIG:
Oh, right. Sorry, it’s just-
DEBBIE:
Just what?
CRAIG:
Oh, nothing.
You wouldn’t want to know…
DEBBIE:
Come on, it can’t be that bad.
We’ve already done the most awkward thing I could think of,
So you’re in the clear with me
CRAIG:
Well…
It’s just for a moment I saw your face…
And I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful you were
DEBBIE:
Oh…
(turns away)
Is he flirting with me?
(turns back)
Oh?
CRAIG:
And how my coffee must not have been as hot as you…
DEBBIE:
Oh!
(turns away, stands, moves around, light on her)
He is! He is! He is!
I cannot believe
How is this so fast?
I only just declared my wish
And the heavens dropped it into my lap!
But is it moving too fast?
Is it like one of my shows?
Is this scene playing out like some godforsaken Rom-Com
And am I being controlled by some writer who doesn’t
Know how to slow it down?
(looks to the audience)
Oh who am I kidding,
I’m just giddy.
(turns back to Craig)
*Giggles
The name’s Debbie
CRAIG:
Craig…
(turns away, stands and moves around, light on him)
Just what I needed
For this god-awful Monday
Late for work
Computer got a virus
Lunch was stolen
…But then in she strolled
Like a vision from a prophecy
A star from the Heavens
Aphrodite emerging from her giant clamshell
In all her glory
And the waves were foamy and the sun was shining
And all I have to say to her is…
Wowza.
(turns back)
Listen, this might be rushing things
But I need to see you again
DEBBIE:
I was thinking the same thing
CRAIG:
Meet me here, Friday night at 6 o’clock.
DEBBIE:
I’ll do just that
They stand, hands almost touching. Craig looks to the side and sees the fallen glasses. He picks them up and hands them to her, and she puts them on. Craig makes a considering sound in his throat.
DEBBIE:
Is there something the matter?
CRAIG:
No, no, it’s just…
(he removes her glasses)
I like you better without your glasses.
With a final wave, Craig walks out of the gates
DEBBIE:
In just a moment
A flash and a bang
In an instant my life was over
And a new one began
How will it turn out?
What will I do?
…What will I wear?!?
There’s so much to do!
Oh the time really flew
Now I need to scoot
(she turns to leave as well, but stops to look around once more)
But I will be back…
No.3: A Grand Affair
The Manhattan Palace is crowded today, as it is a fun spot for lunch. Debbie has returned, salad in hand. But her glasses are nowhere to be seen. She is followed by another man, tall and fit. He’s dressed in a button down and slack., They sit at a table on the side. The light is on them, but you can still see some of the other people milling about.
MICHAEL:
So this is where you met your mystery hunk, huh?
I’ve gotta say, it does have a certain… “je nais se qua” about it.
DEBBIE:
(shoves him lightly)
Oh stop pulling those words out of your ass.
Do you even know what it means?
MICHAEL:
It’s French,
So it must have something to do about sex-
DEBBIE:
Michael!
MICHAEL:
Debbie!
DEBBIE:
(shoves him again)
You know I don’t like talking about…that word
MICHAEL:
(loudly)
You’re an adult Debbie,
You shouldn’t get flustered over the word sex-
DEBBIE:
SHHHH!!!
MICHAEL:
Sex, sex, sex!
DEBBIE:
(throws hands in the air)
Why do I even try to have serious discussions with you
Your mind is always down in the gutter
(pauses)
Or up a girl’s skirt
(pauses again)
Or down a man’s pants
MICHAEL:
(throws his arm around her)
But my ability to bed anyone is why you love me, Debs!
DEBBIE:
(rolls her eyes and pushes him off)
Unfortunately
MICHAEL:
But that doesn’t change the fact that sooner or later
You and this Craig guy are going to-
DEBBIE:
(puts fingers in ears)
Lalalalalalala
MICHAEL:
(takes fingers out of ears and holds hands, looks straight in the eyes)
You two are going to bump uglies
DEBBIE:
(deadpans)
How romantic
MICHAEL:
(releases hold, and gets up)
So it is my duty as your best friend with the most experience
To teach you the art of….
Seduction.
(picks her up, knocks chair over, people start to look)
See a man is easily distracted
It takes only the slightest little thing
Something shiny, something big
To turn their little head
Out from the bed!
So you need to sit and plan
Need to take him by the hand and
Do all that you can do to
Get that head turned towards you!
(people sitting get up, start to dance along with the beat, as does Michael. Debbie is pulled clumsily along)
It’s a simple art
With the easiest of strokes
But still all these things can go wrong!
(dips her)
DEBBIE:
Like building a drawer from IKEA?
MICHAEL:
Exactly
(brings her back up)
You need to do all you can do
CHORUS:
Flip the hair, bend and snap
MICHAEL:
To get him to come to you
CHORUS:
Flirt and wave, all that crap
MICHAEL:
To find yourself in bed
Gripping onto his head
Joined together in the unholiest of…
EVERYONE:
Tango!
(the chorus around them starts to tango, Michael and Debbie in the middle of it. The other couples are very intricate, yet Michael is leading around Debbie. They finish.)
MICHAEL:
But the most important thing you can do
To get him to be true…
Is just be you
DEBBIE:
Me?
MICHAEL:
You’d be surprised how often that works.
EVERYONE:
Olé!
(the couples return to their tables, and Michael and Debbie get back to their lunch).
DEBBIE:
I’m not sure it’ll get that far on the first date…
MICHAEL:
Even so,
It never hurts to be prepared
DEBBIE:
(smiles)
Thanks Michael
DEBBIE:
Anytime
(the pair continues eating as the light dims)
No. 4: Date Night
(The lights have been dimmed to signify that it is nighttime. Debbie is standing outside the gates, as she nervously looks around for Craig. Her hair and make-up are simple, as she doesn’t like to dress flashy. Her dress is simple grey, and her shoes are sensible.)
DEBBIE:
(worries her lip)
Oh what if he doesn’t show
What if I am left standing here
Like some common… you know
I don’t like to wait
Cause I sit and I wonder
And my thoughts aren’t great
Oh I hope he’s just late
For our date
(She’s so worried looking around she doesn’t see him come out from behind, and he grabs her from behind and spooks her)
CRAIG:
Calm down, Debs, it’s only me!
DEBBIE:
(turns around)
Oh don’t do that!
I thought you were running late!
CRAIG:
You worry too much
Come on, I’ve got a nice spread set up
It’s only going to get cold
If you keep dragging your feet
(Craig leaves her, her smile falters a bit, but she follows. Inside the gates a nice dinner has been set up on one of the tables, with a tablecloth and candles and fancy foods)
DEBBIE:
Oh my… this is wonderful!
Where ever did you find such lovely food?
CRAIG:
I know some people
But never mind that
Let’s get to the date!
(Craig sits, and Debbie falters for a bit before joining him as well, expectations of seats being pulled out for her now gone)
CRAIG:
So you will not believe what’s happened since we last met…
(Craig starts to babble, and the light focuses on Debbie)
DEBBIE:
I can’t help but feel
That something’s not right
This pit in my stomach
That won’t just sit tight?
Are these butterflies?
Or is it something more?
What can it be?
Is it something… I see?
He looks dashing and handsome
Great smile, Bright eyes
He’s a great conversationalist…
Well, when he’s not eating at the same time
So he’s rough around the edges
Come on Debbie you can’t be that picky
Isn’t this what you wanted
Some fun, adventure
Isn’t this fate’s grand design?
It must be the nerves then-
Let’s just see where this goes…
CRAIG:
And so the penguin goes: “He’s not an eggplant, he’s retarted!”
(Debbie does not find this joke to be funny, but after a couple seconds of awkward silence fills the void with laughter)
So what have you been up to?
DEBBIE:
Oh, you know, work
Catching up on television
I have been very invested in the new season of Scandal-
CRAIG:
Scandal? You like that show?
The writing is so poor
I feel like it was made for horny teenagers
In a high school
(Debbie is again put off by the language, yet continues to eat; light focuses on Debbie again)
DEBBIE:
Oh his language is crude
He’s being awfully rude
And… he’s chewing with his mouth open?
Alright Debbie, call it quits
This just isn’t it
Tell him to hit the road
You’ve got people to see
Places to go
And your hair could really use a wash-
CRAIG:
(light back on Craig for a moment)
You know, your eyes really sparkle,
Without those thick frames in the way
DEBBIE:
(stops, then giggles)
What am I saying?
I will be staying!
(Craig and Debbie enjoy the dinner, and time seems to fly, and soon enough, they are done; they both get up)
CRAIG:
Tonight was fun
DEBBIE:
It sure was!
CRAIG:
I can’t wait for the next date.
DEBBIE:
(hopeful) The next one…?
CRAIG:
Of course,
I would be stupid
To let such a pretty little thing
Out of my sight.
Although next time,
Wear something a bit more…
Colorful
(Craig leaves Debbie all alone)
DEBBIE:
Another date!
Another chance!
(looks down at her outfit)
Another dress!
(rushes off in the opposite direction)
No. 5: A Whirlwind
(Debbie steps back onto the scene, this time in a bright pink dress; the entire stage is blacked out, and only a single spot light on her)
DEBBIE:
Is this what it feels
To be truly in love?
Am I just like those girls,
In the stories I read?
To be taken on so many wonderful dates
And treated just like a princess!
(Craig joins her on stage and it appears they are waiting on line for something)
CRAIG:
You know something Debbie?
DEBBIE:
What?
CRAIG:
(turns to her)
I think you would look much nicer
If you pulled your hair back?
So you don’t hide
Your pretty little face.
(Craig leaves suddenly, and Debbie stumbles back)
DEBBIE:
So maybe he makes a few suggestions
But he only does them because he cares
(Starts to tie hair back into a bun)
I mean look at me
I must look better
And I’m sure he’ll agree
(Craig appears again with another table, and it’s set up much fancier than the first table; they are in the middle of a meal. He’s staring at her)
DEBBIE:
(blushing)
Is there something on my face?
CRAIG:
No, no, there’s nothing there
Which… is king of what I’m getting at.
Don’t you think it would be a little nicer
If you maybe put on some make-up, once in a while
To enhance your natural beauty?
(Craig leaves again, pulling the table away; crew pulls seat away from Debbie and she falls on the floor; she gets up shakily and turns to find a dresser-drawer and mirror in front of her, starts to put on make-up)
DEBBIE:
I’m sure he must be right
He’s been right all along
If I need a few little touch-ups
Who am I to disagree?
Because if I don’t…
(she stops)
He might not see me…
(The props are pulled away from her and Craig appears once again; they are walking hand in hand, the light following them)
CRAIG:
You know
I’m really glad I got to know you
These past three months have been really swell
DEBBIE:
I was thinking the same thing
Because my whole life has changed
Since the minute you walked in-
(they stop)
CRAIG:
For the better?
DEBBIE:
(smiles, seems forced)
Yes.
(They go to kiss, he’s leaning down, but stops midway)
Something wrong?
CRAIG:
It’s nothing…
Although now that you ask
I just have to know:
Do you think you can wear, I don’t know,
Heels?
DEBBIE:
Heels?
CRAIG:
Yeah,
It hurts my back to keep bending like this
(Craig leaves again, Debbie looks down at her feet, and kicks off her flats)
DEBBIE:
(slipping into high heels left on stage)
So I seem a bit different
Wasn’t that what I wanted?
To live life all anew
To have an adventure
Learn more about myself
And follow my heart
I can say that right now
That I’ve never been happier
Knowing there is someone out there
Who cares for me
As much as I do for them
And I can honestly say
With all my heart
When I see him next
(Craig reappears)
I love you.
CRAIG:
That’s nice.
(Craig holds out his hand, and she takes it, and they walk off, him in the front, sort of leading her)
No. 6: A Grand Scene
(The Manhattan Palace is once again the focal point of this scene; Michael is sitting at a table, while he waits for Debbie. He’s so wrapped up in his phone that he doesn’t see her enter in, which is a good thing as she looks nothing like she did before. Her hair is up, her face is caked in make-up, she’s wobbling on heels, and her dress is flowery, poofy, and pink)
DEBBIE:
Michael!
MICHAEL:
Debbie! (puts phone down)
It has been forever since I’ve seen you-
(takes a good long look at what she is wearing)
And maybe there was a reason.
What happened?
DEBBIE:
What?
Can’t I change my look up a little.
MICHAEL:
You can,
But not if you want to look
Like a Toddlers & Tiaras reject
DEBBIE:
(sits down)
Oh hush up, Michael
If you would like to know
Craig loves my new look
MICHAEL:
Craig?
You’re still with him?
DEBBIE:
Yes, Michael
Unlike you, I’ve been able to keep
A relationship longer than two weeks
MICHAEL:
(bristles)
Well, it’s not like I don’t try
But… isn’t this a bit too much
For one guy?
DEBBIE:
Oh Michael, you don’t know what you are talking about!
I haven’t changed much-
(phones ringing)
Oh! It’s him! Excuse me, I have to take this.
(gets up to move away)
Hello? Yes, yes Craig, I’m wearing the dress you picked out. No, I’m not doing anything right now…
MICHAEL:
(watches from afar)
Who is this woman
Who sat across from me
She looks like Debbie
…Well, sort of.
But she does not sound like her
Not at all
(gets up, people gather around)
She’s lost her voice
To this wicked man
She’s wrapped herself up
In a big pretty bow
To be some present
To someone who wants to change her
And not get to know
The real her
Those stilts she calls heels
Will get herself killed
The flowers on her dress
For the coffin of course
The make-up’s been done
It’s all ready
For the funeral of Debbie
(speaks to the mass)
She was a simple girl
Who liked simple things
But that all changed the day she met-
Craig.
Oh how I wish I could see
My darling little Debbie one last time
Before she signed her life away to
That poor, poor fool
(starts to sing again)
We’ve laid her to rest
She was the best
Out of any of us
And now she is with
That big old guy in the sky
Oh why, Debbie why?
CROWD:
Why, Debbie, why?
MICHAEL:
Did you have to go make
A deal with that devil
Oh why, Debbie, why?
CROWD:
Why, Debbie, why?
MICHAEL:
Can I not tell you
How I feel
(mood gets quiet)
I know he might make you happy
But you deserve better
There is someone out there
Who can make you feel good
Without having to change you
But I can’t say this
Because I value our friendship
Too much
(music starts to build )
CROWD:
aaaaaaAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!
MICHAEL:
I’ll just have to
Hope and pray and hope
That she ends it herself
And not to hang
On that rope
Called:
Commitment!
(The crowd disperses, and he retakes his seat as Debbie returns, flushed)
So what was that about?
DEBBIE:
He wants to meet me tonight
He says he has something special for me
I think he might want to-
Propose!
(She seems happy, and even though this was not what he wanted, Michael fakes glee for his friend)
MICHAEL:
Yay!
Good for you!
Just remember to make me your Maid of Honor-Man of Honor!
(light goes out)
No. 7: A Prior Engagement
(Debbie and Craig are enjoying a nice night out, and have walked back to the Manhattan Palace)
CRAIG:
Follow me here
DEBBIE:
(Feigns innocence)
Oh Craig?
Whatever do you have planned here?
CRAIG:
Well…
You see from the moment I met you
Something had just clicked
And I knew I could not spend
Another moment from your side
DEBBIE:
Oh I feel the same way!
CRAIG:
And through all our time together,
I’ve seen you grow
They say love is always helping
Your partner to be
The best selves they can be
And I think I’ve helped you as far as I can
DEBBIE:
I… was not thinking that, exactly.
CRAIG:
There is only one more thing
That can make this whole scene
Just perfect
(gets on one knee, takes out a ring box, and opens it; the ring has a very tiny diamond in it, barely noticeable)
Is if you become my wife
Forever!
DEBBIE:
You mean it?
CRAIG:
How could I not?
You are perfect for me!
I’ll admit at the beginning you were,
Rough around the edges
But now you are smooth
As a circle my dear
A ring, almost, like the one I will
Slip on your finger!
DEBBIE:
(smile falters, and her stomach starts getting upset; something isn’t right)
I-I don’t know what to say!
CRAIG:
Say yes!
Say yes!
DEBBIE:
(against better judgement)
Okay!
(Craig gets up and hugs her tight, before slipping the ring on her finger)
CRAIG:
Oh this is so perfect
I’m so glad you said yes
Now I can’t wait
For my perfect day!
DEBBIE:
I think you mean our-
CRAIG:
The affair will be classy
White all around
On my suit, in your gown
And when we say our vows,
The assembled guests will be looking at
Me!
(he holds his arms out, and blocks out her face, she’s a little annoyed, but won’t say anything)
And I know just the spot
For my wedded bliss,
The place we first met
The Manhattan Palace!
END ACT I
No. 8: Realization
(Debbie has snuck out of her apartment, and is walking the street in a simple shirt and jeans, something she had from before she met Craig. She’s depressed, and finds she has walked to the Manhattan Palace. The scene is set up for a grand affair, and she cannot help but chuckle darkly).
DEBBIE:
Tomorrow’s the day
Where all my dreams are to come true
But why am I not happy?
Like they say in the books?
Like they show in the movies?
Like they sing in the operas?
The affair has all been set
I should not cause a scene
It’s best if I just stick my chin up
And go with the flow
(gets angry)
But that’s what bothered me in the first place
I was stuck in a rut
I was trapped in my old life
And wanted out
I wanted freedom
I wanted adventure
I wanted fun in the sun
Laughter and love
Wasn’t that what was promised to me?
(looks up at sky)
Tell me fate, tell me destiny
Is this what you planned
For me to be unhappy
No matter the path?
No matter the choice
Do I not have a voice?
Do I not have a say
In how I want to live
To be happy and healthy and loved!
Craig was all that you promised me!
And here now I lay
Tears down my face
Confused and upset
At the way life turned out
A wedding day is supposed to be
The happiest day for a bride
Then why do I just feel
Like I want to die…
No more signs, no more jokes
Nothing up to discussion
I need answers, a lesson
A clear definition
Of what I need to do
To finally be happy?!?
(she collapses on the ground, and starts to weep. The wind picks up, and her hair is once again blown in her face. She wipes her face, and looks to where the wind was blowing: the statue of Minerva)
Oh look it’s you
Tell me what do I do
You were there when I made that vow
What should I do now?
Before I make another vow
With a frown
I want to be happy
But look where that’s got me
I was fine before
When this wasn’t a chore
I want my old life back
But I can’t have that now
No one can have what they want in the past
And now I am lost
Adrift in the sea
Of confusion and pain
Just awaiting the next
Tidal Wave
(bitter)
I got no help from you
So I won’t bother
I’ll just have to look to me!
(realization)
I’ll… just have to look to me.
Is that all I need to do
Not trust fate, not the signs
There is no grand design
Only me, my actions, my choices
My life
Was it there all along?
Did I neglect,
Disrespect
Myself?
Well… not anymore
Take a look at this bore
For she no longer exists
Once more!
I said it before
I’ll say it again
But this time I know
What life has in store
Because it’s all up to me
You just have to see
What you want and take it
To make you happy
As long as you choose it
You cannot lose it
And you will be…
Free!
(she finally smiles for the first time in a long time, and it is then that Craig finds her)
CRAIG:
Debbie?
What are you doing out here?
The wedding is tomorrow
You’ll spoil everything
DEBBIE:
Craig, it’s good I found you
I need to tell you something-
CRAIG:
Save it for the honeymoon,
We’ll have all the time in the world to talk then
But now you need to get your rest-
DEBBIE:
No!
CRAIG:
No?
DEBBIE:
No.
Listen, Craig, I think we should postpone the wedding.
CRAIG:
You what?
DEBBIE:
Listen, we can maybe push it back just a little bit
I know it’s been set up
But I just don’t feel right
Maybe we rushed into this
And we need more time
CRAIG:
The cake has been made
The guests all invited
The food has been laid out
And the flowers arranged
And all of the checks have been cleared!
DEBBIE:
But what does it matter if we have each other?
CRAIG:
And with no money, what do we do?
This will not go to waste, tomorrow we marry
And that is it.
(grabs her wrist and starts to drag her)
DEBBIE:
Let go!
(wrenches arm free)
Doesn’t it matter what I have to say?
CRAIG:
Not when it is something stupid.
(softer)
C’mon Debbie, it’s just nerves.
You know what to do
In your heart
DEBBIE:
(looks down)
You’re right,
I know what to do
(takes the ring off her finger and gives it back to him)
I can’t marry you.
CRAIG:
What!?!
DEBBIE:
You don’t love me Craig
You only love the idea of me
The idea that you turned me into.
I didn’t like wearing heels or the color pink
And that was too much make-up then I was comfortable with
That was all you.
And I can’t marry you if you aren’t marry me.
The real me.
CRAIG:
(angry)
Yeah, well I hope you enjoy the real you
Because that’s all you’re gonna get
No one will love you like that
I was your only shot
I hope you’re okay with throwing away
Your only shot at happiness!
(storms off)
DEBBIE:
(looks at statue of Minerva)
I think I am.
Because if I am the only one who can love me
Then I’m a very lucky woman.