Disenchanted: A My Chemical Musical

Script Original Music
Isaac Wilson My Chemical Romance

Arrangements
Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017) Cover Art
Brian Nguyen and Adam Zastrow Laura Konz
Dedicated to the Pius Players,
Trent Framke,
and Todd Power
Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Disenchanted:
A My Chemical Musical
Script by Isaac Wilson Original Music by My Chemical Romance

Cover Art and Logo by Laura Konz Arranged by Brian Nguyen and Adam Zastrow

CAST:
CURTIS JOY our hero
JANE KHELL the florist
CLAIRE JOY the young sister of our hero
DARREN CAPULA our heros best friend
HELENA JOY our heros grandmother
MARCUS JOY his alcoholic, veteran brother
HARRIET JOY his estranged mother
MARIE JOY his fearful aunt
MR. KILLIAN WESLEY a pompous, robust property owner
MR. KHELL father of the florist
MRS. CAPULA Darrens mother
JENNIFER/AID a Nurse
NURSE SELLINGS a Nurse
TEENAGER a teenager
DOCTOR JOHNNY ANDERTRAM Helenas doctor.
GERALD the florists ex-lover
NICOLE a ghost

Musical Numbers:
#1 (Overture) The End. Full Company
ACT I
#2 - Na Na NaFull Company
#4 - I Dont Love YouJane
#5 When I was a Young BoyCurtis
#7 CancerHelena
#9 SleepDarren, Claire
#11 MamaMarcus, Harriet, Ensemble
#15 House of WolvesCurtis, Darren, Ensemble
#16 Famous Last WordsHelena, Ensemble
INTERMISSION
ACT II
#17 TeenagersCurtis, Ensemble
#19 Helena (So Long & Goodnight) Curtis
#23 The Sharpest LivesCurtis
#24 Bulletproof HeartHelena, Ensemble
#26 DisenchantedCurtis, Claire, Darren
#27 This is How I Disappear and Im Not OkayCurtis, Nicole
#29 Welcome to the Black ParadeCurtis, Claire, Ensemble
#30 (Curtain Call) Dead! Full Company

ACT ONE

#1 (Overture) The End. Curtis (Voice Over) Look alive, sunshine!
One-oh-nine in the sky
But the pigs won't quit
(Ensemble) (Offstage) Now come one come all to You're here with me: Doctor Death-Defy
this tragic affair I'll be your surgeon, your proctor, your helicopter
Wipe off that makeup, what's in is despair Pumpin' out the slaughter-matic sounds
So throw on the black dress, mix in with the lot To keep you live
You might wake up and notice you're someone A system failure for the masses
you're not Anti-matter for the master-plan
Louder than God's revolver
(Townspeople begin to trickle onstage.) If you look in And twice as shiny
the mirror and don't like what you see This one's for all you rock and rollers
You can find out firsthand what it's like to be me All you crash queens and motor babies
So gather 'round piggies and kiss this goodbye Listen up!
I'd encourage your smiles I'll expect you won't cry
Another contusion, my funeral jag

Here's my resignation, I'll serve it in drag
Scene One
You've got front row seats to the penitence ball
When I grow up I want to be nothing at all! (Lights come up on a small strip of businesses. It is
early afternoon, and customers are bustling here
I said yeah, yeah! and there, some carrying flowers from Khell and
I said yeah, yeah! Daughters Floral Shop and others lining up outside
of a darkened bookstore.)
C'mon C'mon C'mon I said
(Enter CURTIS JOY, a suave young man in a tweed
(Save me!) Get me the hell out of here
jacket. He is carrying a box of books into the
(Save me!) Too young to die and my dear
bookstore.)
(You can't!) If you can hear me just walk away and
(Take me!)
1
Curtis Ladies and gents, The Joyful Bookstand will everywhere in this sleepy town. Every Jim, Joe, and
be opening in just a short while. I assume you saw Jerry has called on my services lately.
my ad in the paper about the earlybird discount,
Curtis Is that so?
and I assure you that deal is still in place. Just give
me a hot moment, alright? Darren You betcha, pal. If youre ever in need of
legal assistance, you know who to callI sure as hell
(From around the corner enters DARREN CAPULA,
bet youd
not quite as good-looking as his friend, but bursting
with energy.) Curtis UhhhMr. Capula, Id like to remind you
that those days are long before me. Ive had to
Darren (Covertly, to Curtis) Curtis fuckin Joy! Glad
sober up since high school. Maybe its different for
to see you around you bastard. I heard you were
you, but I have responsibility now.
back in town but you never rang me up to tell me
you were opening your own bookstore here. Darren (Laughing) Like what, your up-and-coming
business?
Curtis Why, if it isnt Darren Capula! You know, it
totally skipped my mind that you still lived in these Curtis Yesbut moreover, my family. You hear that
parts. I thought for sure by time I was back home my mothers kicked out the two other kids?
youd have left this place in the dust.
Darren Like hell she would!
Darren Yeah, ever ambitious but I struck it big
Curtis A few weeks ago, actually! Luckily Id
locally. Dont you ever get my letters?
already gotten this deal lined up but she went off
Curtis Of course, because everyone still writes her rocker again screaming and yelling about
letters these days. Ive been moving here and there Marcus and his old habits. Poor Claire got caught up
lately, didnt have a spare moment to check the in the whole mess, and shes been entrusted to my
mail. grandmothers care now.
Darren Fair enough. Ill tell you, Curtis, I have it Darren So how does that rope you into this whole
made here, thats for certain. I moseyed down to mess?
law school for a few semesters, made it out alive,
Curtis You know damn well why. Helena pretty
and now Im serving up justice here there and
much raised me after my father died. It was me and
2
Claire against the world, and Im not just going to Put an X on the floor
leave anything to chance. I dont want the kid to (Ensemble) Gimme more, gimme more, gimme
turn out like me. more
(Darren) Shut up and sing it with me
Darren Yes, Id sure hope not, opening bookstores
(Ensemble) (na, na, na...)
and spreading sin throughout the good name of this
(Curtis) From mall security
town. Still, Mr. Tweed and blazer, I think youre
To every enemy
underselling yourself here.
We're on your property
#2 Na Na Na Standing in V formation
Curtis What are you getting at?
(Curtis) Let's blow an artery
Darren You remember our more dangerous days, Eat plastic surgery
dont you? Back when we couldnt remember Keep your apology
many of those big nights, evenings out in the woods Give us more detonation
like wild men? Back when we were always saying (Ensemble) (More! Gimme more! Gimme more!)
the future is bulletproof! The aftermath is secondary. (Darren) Oh, let me tell you 'bout the sad man
Its time to do it loud and do it now and do it loud! Shut up and let me see your jazz hands
Khell-Joys, make some noise Remember when you were a madman
Thought you was Batman
(Darren) Drugs, gimme drugs, gimme drugs
And hit the party with a gas can
I don't need it, but I'll sell what you got
Kiss me you animal
Take the cash and I'll keep it
Eight legs to the wall
(Darren) You run the company
(Ensemble) Hit the gas, kill them all
Fuck like a Kennedy
(Darren) And we crawl, and we crawl, and we crawl
I think we'd rather be
(Ensemble) You be my detonator
Burning your information
(Darren) Love, gimme love, gimme love
I don't need it, but I'll take what I want from your
(Curtis) Let's blow an artery
heart
Eat plastic surgery
And I'll keep it in a bag, in a box
3
Keep your apology Crash and burn
Give us more detonation Young and loaded
(Darren) And right here (Darren) Drop like a bullet shell
Right now Dress like a sleeper cell
All the way in Battery City I'd rather go to hell
The little children (Ensemble) Than be in purgatory
Raise their open filthy palms (Curtis) Cut my hair
Like tiny daggers up to heaven (Ensemble) Gag and bore me
And all the juvee halls (Darren) Pull this pin
And the Ritalin rats (Curtis)Let this world explode
Ask angels made from neon
Helena Good to see you again, Mr. Capula. You
And fucking garbage
look well.
Scream out, "What will save us?"
And the sky opened up Claire Hi, Curtis.
(Enter HELENA, a classy seventy-five year old woman Curtis Grandma! Claire! You both swinging by for
and CLAIRE JOY, a seventeen-year-old girl with an the grand opening?
air of innocence and ambition.)
Helena You know your sister, we never could keep
her away from excitement for too long. I thought
(Curtis) Everybody wants to change the world wed come later once the line had died down but
Everybody wants to change the world she was adamant. She simply had to be there for
But no one, no one wants to die the moment.
Wanna try, wanna try, wanna try
Darren If youll all excuse me, I believe I have a
(Ensemble) Wanna try, wanna try, now
meeting that was scheduled to start just when you
(Darren) I'll be your detonator
arrived. (Tipping his hat) Ms. HelenaMiss Claire.
(na, na, na...)
(Curtis) Make no apology (Exeunt DARREN.)
It's death or victory
Curtis Youre both just in time then, I was about to
On my authority
open the doors. Its nearly half past two, right?
4
Claire Yes, I made sure of it. Curtis Yeswell I dont see how talking out here
will help us along much.
Curtis Wonderful. If youll just step inside then
Mr. Wesley (grabbing Curtis by the shoulder) Listen,
(Enter MR. KILLIAN WESLEY, a burly and pompous
punk, youre nothing but a teenager with too much
business man in a pinstripe suit. He marches through
snark for one strip mall and I sure as hell doubt youll
the crowd and faces CURTIS with a blood-red face,
find another so willing to submit to your
fuming with anger.)
circumstances. You ought to be grateful for the
Mr. Wesley Mr. Joy, a word if I may? heart wrenching generosity Ive portrayed
absolutely!
Curtis AhyesMr. Wesley, I was just about to
open the doors. See, this is my grandmother, Helena Curtis Of course, of course. I sincerely sorryI
and mean apologizefor causing any trouble. Well be
on our way nowwith your permission. Yes.
Mr. Wesley Mutual Im sure. Mr. Joy, are you quite
aware that this line forming outside of your place of Mr. Wesley Good riddance and good afternoon to
business is impeding on the livelihood and you, Mr. Joy.
commerce of the surrounding tradesman?
(Exit MR. WESLEY.)
Curtis I, well I figured that, by time
Claire What a piece of work, right Curtis?
Mr. Wesley Nothing of it, Mr. Joy. Youre skating on
Curtis Ah, pay him no mind, its that florist thatll
thin ice here and you have been since the
have my neck long before Mr. Wesley lays a hand
beginning of this whole rigmarole. Why, just ten
on my property.
minutes ago that florist was calling me up and
beseeching I run you out of business this very Helena Oh we ought to get along then like you
second. said, Curt. Respect others even if they dont respect
you.
Curtis I understand your concerns, and well, frankly
Im naturally in, uh, agreement but may Iremark? Curtis Right(to the crowd) Everybody! The Joyful
Bookstand is now open for business! First one
Mr. Wesley Only if that expedites this burdensome
riffraff.
5
hundred customers get the price of your entire Scene Two
purchase slashed right down the middle!
(Time: Immediately following. LIGHTS come up on
(The CROWD filters into the bookstore along with another business just down the strip of buildings. A
CURTIS, HELENA, and CLAIRE. LIGHTS dim on the sign reading Khell and Daughters Floral Shop is
bookstore.) clearly visible as JANE KHELL, a young woman, bright
and motivated, walks out of the front doors.)
FADE TO BLACK
Jane (To herself) Just another good-for-nothing
#3 (PLAYOFF) Na Na Na
businessman ready to run us out of business.
(Enter from the floral shop MR. JAMIE KHELL, an older

man with a limp carrying a bucket of fresh roses.)
Jane Can you believe this? Mr. Wesley must be up

in arms about that bookstore!
Khell You did call him.
Jane Yes, I sure did! Nothing frustrates me more

than people without respect for each other.
Goodness gracious.
Khell I know, Jane.
Jane Dad?
Khell Yes, Jane?
Jane Has Gerald been around at all today?
Khell I thought you said you wanted nothing to do

with him.
6
Jane I did say that, but that doesnt answer my #4 - I Dont Love You
question. Has he come to the store while Ive been
out?
Khell Does it make any difference? (Jane) Well, when you go
Don't ever think I'll make you try to stay
Jane Dad, yes it does
And maybe when you get back
Khell You know Jane, I worry about you I'll be off to find another way
sometimes. These trivial matters really shouldnt And after all this time that you still owe
trouble you when there are more important things to You're still a good-for-nothing I don't know
worry about. So take your gloves and get out
Better get out
Jane Thats my life and my future youre talking
While you can
about! Besides, there are just some things I really
When you go
dont understand about how we ended and I only
Would you even turn to say
wish I had the opportunity totalk.
"I don't love you
Khell If I recall, you were the one who broke his Like I did
heart. Yesterday"?
Sometimes I cry so hard from pleading
Jane Yes, I know that! But something is off.
So sick and tired of all the needless beating
Khell Huh, its almost like you stopped dating or But baby, when they knock you
something. Down and out
Is where you oughta stay
Jane You are seriously no help at all.
And after all the blood that you still owe
Khell How about you tell me what you want to tell Another dollar's just another blow
him. For closure. So fix your eyes and get up
Better get up
Jane For closure?
While you can
Khell Give it a try. Whoa, whoa, whoa
When you go
7
Would you even turn to say (Enter MARIE, a thirty-six-year-old woman, stylish but
"I don't love you in a hurry.)
Like I did
Marie The Joys set up around here?
Yesterday"?
Well, come on, come on Jane If by Joy you mean that sleazy bookstore
When you go clerk, hes just down a few stores.
Would you have the guts to say
Marie Oh, thank you!
"I don't love you
Like I loved you Jane What business you have with him? Trying to
Yesterday"? cause more chaos for the rest of us storeowners?
I don't love you
Marie Hes my nephewhavent seen him in
Like I loved you
nearly a year and I just got into town. Ive missed the
Yesterday
opening, havent I?
I don't love you
Like I loved you Jane Yes, but only barely. He kept his doors closed
Yesterday long enough to draw a line as long as the Mississippi
River.
Khell Well put. How do you expect him to
Marie Glad to hear it!
respond?
(MARIE hustles down to the bookstore with JANE in
Jane After that, I dont really know if I want him to
heated pursuit, trying to find sharp words where
say a thing. In fact, I doubt Ill even say anything to
there are none.)
him. I think I just needed to put that out there, let it
rattle around in space for a while. I dont need Jane You know he barely got this store started,
anyone to hear it, but the words deserved toto right?
be.
Marie (Still walking) I dont doubt that, hes a busy
Khell Good because I doubt hed a listened to kid.
you anyway.
8
Jane Oh, then you know how Mr. Wesleyour fine Stranger You just shut your yapper, ya old-timer.
property managercut him a deal like none other
Khell I sincerely apologize, I dont want to be a
(Going ignored) Like none other, I tell you!
thorn in your side. Believe it or not, I too used to find
Marie Sounds like a nice man. myself in a very similar way to you.
(They reach the Joyful Bookstand. JANE opens her Stranger Save it for the epitaph, buckaroo.
mouth to speak but MARIE turns to her.)
(As they converse, a crowd begins to draw,
Marie Listen, whatever youre about to say doesnt gravitating from the various shops.)
mean a thing to me because frankly, my dear
Khell What you doing in these parts anyway?
nephew has spent the better half of a decade
getting his life put together after his fathers tragic Stranger Lookin.
death, his mothers estrangement, and his own
Khell For?
crippling addiction. If the worst hes done is drawn a
crowd for his business ventures, then I laugh at your Stranger For Mr. None of your damn business.
concept of evil young lady. Maybe spend a
Khell This building heres my property and I have
minute talking to the man before you spiral him
every right to call the authorities on account of your
through the gates of hell.
state.
Jane Well, II never even
Stranger Go ahead then, I aint stoppin you.
Marie I know, honey.
(Enter CURTIS, CLAIRE, and HELENA.)
(MARIE exits into the bookstore and after a moment
Khell These days, theres not much to do about
of hesitation, JANE does the same. Only KHELL is left
folks like you, and if you arent going to give me
onstage as a stumbling, disheveled thirty-year-old
room to talk to here, then I sure as hell am going to
wanders onstage.)
call up the
Khell Long night, son?
Claire Marcus!
Stranger (with a slur) Aint no night to me, sir.
Curtis Holy Hell!
Khell Lord Almighty, are you intoxicated, friend?
9
(MARCUS, the drunkard, shakes off his anger and Curtis You sure are lucky I have the decency to
flashes a grimy smile towards his siblings.) mind my own business.
Marcus If it aint my two kiddos. How ya doing? Khell Now, we dont want any trouble here
Helena Marcus get yourself inside the bookstore. Jane Yes! No! We do want trouble, if it means
getting this hoodlum out of the area.
Marcus What, why? Because this nice modern
gentleman is giving me a hard time. Why, wes a just Marcus (Dazed and oblivious) Whos hoodlum?
messin around together likepalsor you know,
Curtis Grandma, get him inside. Claire, you go too.
the like?
Ill handle these folks.
(JANE enters from the bookstore, sizing up the
(Exeunt HELENA who tries to grab MARCUS before
situation from afar.)
he makes a quick escape on his own. CLAIRE follows
Helena I cant say for certain that hes pulling your her into the bookstore.)
leg, Marcus. Please, go inside.
Curtis Alright, be frank with me. Whats the deal?
Khell You know this man, Mr. Joy?
Jane The deal is since your business came to town
Curtis Yesthis is Marcus, my older brother. weve been suffering! All your construction
equipment, shipments of books and rowdy music
Marcus Im tickled.
are driving paying customers off. Thats what the
Curtis Marcus, how about we catch up a little. Im deal is!
sure theres a lot to talk about.
Curtis Mr. Wesley is quite fond of reminding me of
Marcus Sure is a nice day out here though. your situation, and Ive done my best to
accommodate. Cut me some slack, will you?
Curtis Well get you all changed and freshened up
and then we can go out for a walk alright? (Without a word, KHELL exits.)
Jane You sure are lucky we arent calling Mr. Jane Sure, thats a-okay.
Wesley on you!
Curtis Do you just not like me personally, hm? Is it
the way I dress or look or smell or something? I dont
10
ever cross five feet in front of you for fear of your Curtis Shut up a second. Before you go and
righteous wrath. declare me the spawn of Satan, perhaps you should
grant me two minutes of defense. Two minutes isnt
Jane Word spreads easily, especially after one has
too much to ask for.
been away for such a long time.
Jane Whatever your circumstances are, I can
Curtis The hell do you meanword?
promise you they dont matter to me in the slightest.
Jane Oh, you probably barely remember me, do
Curtis Our circumstances are the reason weve
you? The name is Jane Khell, if you havent caught
reached where we are. You must know of the
onto that yet, and you may recognize me from high
universal truth, right?
schoolbut then again I would be surprised if you
remember anything from high school. Jane Theres plenty to keep track of.
Curtis Didwe? Curtis But this one is the only reason for living and if
you should forget itfor one momentyou forget
Jane Ah! No no no! Nothing of the sort. I barely
the nature of your humanity.
knew you but I knew everything about you. They
called you Dr. Death Defy, remember? Youd go to Jane I dont want to hear it! And frankly, I do not
those ragers, shoot your body full of every toxic care. Keep to your own devices and steer clear of
chemical in the known universe and scream with my establishment or get out of town.
excitement over nearly killing yourself.
Curtis If youd just give me two minutes.
Curtis Hey, I was an entirely different person back
Jane Ive given you more than that already!
then. I hope you at least recognize that.
Curtis Then give me a moment.
Jane Dont even pretend to know me. I want
nothing to do with you and your debauchery. I Jane Finebut no universal truths. Just let me know
dont want you on the same planet as me, let alone who you are and where youre going.
the same strip mall as my business! Khell and
Daughters Floral Shop is a very professional,
esteemed company and
11
#5 When I was a Young Boy Jane In other words, you started as an average
Joe and went off the deep end after
Curtis Yeah.
(Curtis) When I was a young boy
My father took me into the city Jane So since your father died when you were a
To see a marching band freshman, you feel justified in your behavior? In
He said, "Son, when you grow up becoming Dr. Death Defy, a raving partygoer with
Would you be the savior of the broken ragged red hair and more alcohol in his system than
The beaten and the damned?" blood?
He said, "Will you defeat them Curtis Its not that simple.
Your demons, and all the non-believers
Jane No actually I think it is. I think you lost your
The plans that they have made?"
father, said to hell with it all and neglected your
"Because one day I'll leave you
responsibility as a human being. And now that you
A phantom to lead you in the summer
are forced with no other option but to turn your life
To join the black parade."
around, you feelvindicatedjustified in every
wrongdoing because you are a different person
now.
Jane I met a woman on my way to chew you out
who said she was your aunt. Your father dead or Curtis It is nothing like that. I know what Ive done,
something? the people Ive manipulated, the drugs Ive abused,
and the reputation Ive left. You dont think Im not
Curtis Yep. Dead. Deader than the long-dead
still making up for that to this day? It will take me
definition of death.
over hundred lifetimes to reconcile those demons.
Jane So because your father died when you
Jane Totally get it, yeah, because good people
werewhat? Ten?
who have been good, wholesome folks their whole
Curtis High schoolhorrible car crash at the start of livesthey dont have that heart wrenching
freshman year. Contrary to popular belief I wasnt backstory. They just have their bland, basic, GREAT
always Dr. Death Defy. lives to take pleasure in.
12
Curtis Harsh. Scene Three
Jane Mr. Joy. Ive worked my whole life to be the (Time: A week or so later. CURTIS and CLAIRE sit in
person I am now and I have taken zero breaks in the Joyful Bookstand together after closing. CLAIRE
between. You have been on vacation for years and is reading a book diligently while CURTIS reviews his
I will not grant you the peace of mind to be content financial reports. The lights are very dim and the
in yourself until you know what it is to be a regular, night outside is clearly visible.)
average, good man.
Claire Trepidation?
Curtis I dont doubt youre a great person, Miss
Curtis Pertains to fear.
Khell.
Claire Hm. (A Pause) I really dont like this book.
Jane You sure as hell better not.
Curtis Then why are you still reading it?
(JANE exits in a flash and CURTIS retires to the
bookstore.) Claire Because grandma says its a good book,
and shes never been wrong in her life.
BLACKOUT
Curtis No argument there.
#6 (PLAYOFF) Teenagers
(There is a short silence in which CURTIS and CLAIRE
both tend to their business. Finally, CLAIRE turns to
CURTIS.)
Claire Hey Curtis?
Curtis Yes, Claire?
Claire Grandma is really happy youre back in

town. She missed you a lot.
Curtis I missed the both of you dearly. Im sorry to

hear mom threw you and Marcus out.
13
Claire Yep. He came home drunk a few too many Claire Ill get it!
times and she took it out on both of us. Grandma
Curtis Hold up, we dont know who it is.
brought me in, you know, and she tried to convince
Marcus to stay with us until he was back on his feet Claire Seriously, Im not twelve.
but he never comes around very often.
(CURTIS goes to the door closely followed by his
Curtis I was pretty shocked that he made an sister. He peeks through the peephole and opens it
appearance the other day. Have you or grandma up to JANE.)
seen him since then?
Curtis Were closeoh, its you.
Claire Sometimes I think I catch sight of him
Jane Good evening, Mr. Joy. I hope Im not
stumbling around outside, but he always seems to
intruding on anything.
steer clear of us.
Curtis No, were just doing drugs and pillaging the
Curtis Cant say Im surprised.
town.
Claire When mom threw you out, didnt you go
Jane Well, I believe that manyour brother, I
right to grandma? (CURTIS nods.) I guess I just
thinkaccidently knocked on my door instead of
dont understand why Marcus didnt do the same.
yours and he was in too big of a rush to come by
Curtis When dad was alive, we would go over to here.
grandmas house nearly every weekend. Marcus
Curtis Marcus? What, is he drunk?
hated itshe never wanted him to join the army.
They eventually got in a fight over it one night. I was Jane No, actually, he was as sober as me. He
too young to understand why Marcus didnt like her, asked me to deliver this note to you.
and I suppose I still dont.
(She hands him the note.)
Claire I think I know how you feel.
Curtis What on earth could Marcus be so caught
Curtis Dont you make the same decisions I did, up with that he couldnt spare two seconds to walk
little lady. a few extra feet?
(There is a knock at the door.) (CURTIS begins to read the note aloud.)
14
Curtis Curt.sorry if I missed you. Yes, Scene Four
accidently Please come to the Clerk Hospital as
(Time: Immediately following. CURTIS, CLAIRE, and
soon as you can. Helena is having some health
MARCUS surround a hospital bed where the ill
issues. M.
HELENA lies.)
Claire Oh my God.
Helena Turn away
Jane I think I should probably get going, I dont
Curtis Grandma, please dont be this way.
have any place in this.
Helena No, Curt my boy, I need you to.
Curtis No, no, I get it. Thank you, Miss Khell. Im sorry
you got caught up in the riffraff over here.
Jane IGoodnight. #7 Cancer
(Exeunt JANE.) (Helena) Turn away
If you could get me a drink
Curtis Dont worry, Claire. Grandma has always
Of water 'cause my lips are chapped and faded
had some breathing issues, she probably just fell
Call your aunt Marie
faint with something and
Help her gather all my things
Claire God, Curtis, what if its not just that! I mean if And bury me in all my favorite colors
Marcus actually bothered to tell you, dont you think My sisters and my brothers
this is something serious? Still
I will not kiss you
Curtis All Im fucking saying is we should keep calm
'Cause the hardest part of this is leaving you
and keep our heads level! Ive never been in a
Now turn away
situation where freaking the hell out has solved
'Cause I'm awful just to see
anything.
'Cause all my hair's abandoned all my body
Claire Whatever, I want to go see her. Oh, my agony
Know that I will never hurry
Curtis Alright, alright, let me find my keys.
Baby, I'm just soggy from the chemo
BLACKOUT But counting down the days to go
15
It just ain't living Helena Since before you came home.
And I just hope you know
Curtis Sinceokay. And you decided to keep this
That if you say
from everyone?
(Claire) (if you say)
Helena Well
Goodbye today
Curtis Yeah, thats fine. All my life Ive been spit on
(Claire) (goodbye today)
and shoved to agree and lied to, so why shouldnt
I'd ask you to be true (cause I'd ask you to be true)
my own grandmother deceive me too?
'Cause the hardest part of this is leaving you
'Cause the hardest part of this is leaving you Helena You had a lot on your mind already,
opening your bookstore and getting everything
back in order. I didnt want to burden you with
Marcus Maries in town? anything else.
Helena Yesshe came for Curtiss opening. Curtis Then I assume you were just going to wait
until you died then? So that you never had to
Claire You would know if youd make any effort to
actually face your family?
be in our lives!
Helena I thought I would have more timeI
Curtis Claire
thought I would just know when it was right to have
Claire Rightsorry that conversation but
Marcus Ill go make the call. Curtis Now youre lying in bed half-alive and
riddled with regret.
(Exeunt MARCUS.)
Helena I made my decisions to protect you! Ive
Helena You two need to watch out for your
started chemo, Ive done everything I can to keep
brother. Ive done my best over the years but its
living but its progressing too rapidly. They never
going todepend on you soon.
expected this.
Curtis (A long pause.) How long have you known?
Curtis Just another bullshit excuse from somebody I
trusted. Excuse me.
16
(Exeunt CURTIS.) only goes so far and I wont be able to keep
shaping him forever, but once Im gone hell only
Helena You didnt tell him.
have one thing.
Claire No.
Claire What, his bookstore or his good friend,
Helena I thought you would. Darren?
Claire Curtis is sick, grandma, just as sick in the Helena You.

head as you are in the body. If he felt betrayed by
Claire I am a seventeen year old girl. Im only in
you I dont want to imagine how he would feel if he
high school and I barely know who I am at this point.
knew that I knew and that I kept it from him as well.
How am I supposed to help him?
Helena Youre wise beyond your years, Clairebell.
Helena By letting him help you.
Claire You shouldve seen him after the bookstore
Claire Great, because all he needs is more
opened. I think hes finally on the verge of turning
responsibility he cant handle.
back to the light for good.
Helena You are more a woman than most females
Helena Its been such a long time coming. I always
my age, and we all know that youre capable of
had faith that someday, somehow he would figure it
fending for yourself out there. But, your brother
out butI just hope I can see him when he gets
needs you, he needs something or someone to
there.
keep him grounded. Even if that responsibility is just
Claire (Holding back tears) You stop that! I know an illusion.
youll make it through, in fact youre probably the
Claire You know how he hates deception.
only thing thats tethering him to this world. If youre
goneoh GodI might lose him too. Helena Sometimes, we have to make ourselves
into people were not to save the ones we love.
Helena Thats entirely untrue, Claire.
Curtis loves you more than life itself, and if you feel
Claire Sure. the same way about your brother, youll have to be
the one to save him.
Helena Listen to me. Honey, your brother cares
about only a few things in this world. My influence (A knock.)
17
Claire Ill see who it is. isnt it?Well after I delivered it, and Im not saying I
read it but
(CLAIRE goes to the door and looks baffled, opening
it only slightly.) Claire Get to the point.
Claire Yes? Jane Hey! Im trying to be courteous here.
Anyway, after I gave Curtis the note I felt just terrible.
Jane Youre Curtiss little sister, correct?
Im sure hes had a rough go of it, and maybe I
Claire You betcha. shouldnt have been so harsh on him for who he was
in the past.
Jane Do you have a moment?
Claire You think so.
(CLAIRE and HELENA share a glance and CLAIRE
nods, leaving the room.) Jane And, being the inconspicuous person I am, I
sort of followed you out to the hospital.
Jane Im Jane Khell. I work down the street from
your brother. Claire Did you now?
Claire I know. Jane Seriously, what Im saying isI shouldve

given your brother a break, and I dont mind him all
Jane Then you probably know that I havent
that much. I would like to apologize. Thats all.
exactly gotten along with Curtis since he set up
shop. (She turns to leave.)
Claire Im well aware. Claire So why are you apologizing to me?
Jane Im sorry that weve all gotten off on the Jane Curtis wasnt here.
wrong foot with your family. To be honest, I just
Claire No, you specifically asked for me when you
came here to apologize for how Ive acted.
came to the door and Curtis just left. In fact, you
Claire Why? probably saw him on the way down the hall.
Jane Uh, after I got that letter from the drunkard Jane (incredulous) Why, I
about your grandmotherthats why youre here,
18
Claire Be a bigger person and stop playing games, Jane Youre Darren Capula! I do remember you,
go talk to my brother or drop it. Im not going to yes, and Im certainly not happy aboutwhatever
apologize for you. happened in high schoolbut I am a grown,
mature individual and I wish totalk.
(CLAIRE exits back into the room to be with HELENA.
JANE remains alone in the hallway.) Darren Damn.
Jane Ive done nothing wrong! Why am I Jane Umhow are you?
apologizing?
Darren Swell. What do you want from me?
(Enter DARREN carrying balloons and flowers.)
Jane Im good too, thanks for asking. I need to
Darren Howdy. You seen Curtis? know where I can find your friend right now.
Jane No! Who? Darren I have lots of friends, which one are you
looking for.
Darren Yah, you have.
Jane Please just answer me.
(He goes to enter the room, but is stopped.)
Darren If I know one thing about Curtis its that
Jane How do you know Curtis?
when hes upset, he goes on benders. You can
Darren Best friend since gradeschool. Say, youre probably find him out at the old sandlot back by
that little Khell girl aint yah? Youre Frankies sister! Clerk High School. If hes getting drunk elsewhere,
sorry, cant help you girl.
Jane How do you know Frankie?
(He turns to leave again.)
Darren Fooled around with her a couple times in
high school. Good day to you, Miss Jane! Jane Will you show me where?
Jane Wait! Darren Damn, girlie, didnt know you had such an
interest in my friend. Aint you the girl whos trying to
Darren Oh-ho, you still want to talk to me? Even
get him kicked out of his property? Well, if thats
after all Ive done to and with your sister? Talk to me,
what this is about Ill have you know that I
girl.
graduated laws school and I have every legal mean
19
and connection necessary to keep that bookstore Scene Five
standing and
(Time: Immediately following. CURTIS sits alone by
Jane No! Itsnot about that, okay? I must speak the edge of the sandlot and flicks lit matches onto
with him immediately and if hes not there, I dont the field. In front of him is a can of beer, unopened.
know where else to look. But you might know, right? JANE and DARREN enter, JANE in a rush but DARREN
unhurried.)
Darren (Hesitantly) I told yah I wouldnt help yah if
he aint there butwhat the hell, just let me deliver Jane Curtis!
these balloons quick like.
Curtis Ill be damned. What are you doing here?
(DARREN crosses into the room.) AndDarren? The hell is going on.
BLACKOUT Darren Hell if I know, buddy. This here floozy
decided she had a change of heart about you and
#8 (PLAYOFF) Cancer
your white bread business, and she asked me to
help hunt you down.
Curtis And you agreed to it? She probably just

wants to chew my ear!
Jane No, I dont, I promise! I spoke to your sister just
before I came and she told me that I should
apologize to you for my actions.
Curtis You talked to my sister?
Jane Did I say
Curtis How? How did you even get ahold of her?
Jane Well, uh, I
Darren Curtis, a moment please?
20
(CURTIS and DARREN pull aside.) good example for Claire. God forbid she turns out
anything like me.
Darren Mayhaps I dont always give the best
advice but I think you should give her the benefit of Darren Then she should be lucky! You have a lot
the doubt. going for you. You have an education, a business,
plus devilishly good looks.
Curtis Give her? Heck no. She wouldnt let me
speak three words in my defense earlier, why should Curtis Stop. Seriously, Darren, is now really the
I give her a chance? time? Im not going to fling myself at any woman
who comes my way just because I dont want to be
Darren Hey, hey, hey, Im good at reading people
alone. Youre right, Ive never been alone and Im
you know. You dont mean to tell me that youd be
still not alone. I have my family.
willing to give up a good prospect here over a petty
grudge, do you? Darren (Under his breath) Some family
Curtis Oh its always prospects and outlooks for Curtis Regardless, I do see your point here, but not
you, Darren, but Im past thatand you should be the way you want me to.
too!
Darren What does that mean?
Darren ShhhMr. Joy, may I remind you of who
Curtis It means Im going tobe the bigger person.
you are?
Do the right thing and all of that hunky-dory
Curtis Was. disillusionment.
Darren Whatever! Dr. Death Defy needs someone, Darren Ill pretend like I understood that. Go on,
man. Hell youve never been alone in your life, talk to her then.
Curtis, why should you be alone now? Especially
(They return to JANE.)
after all thats happened to you over the past few
years Jane Well?
Curtis That is precisely the reason why I put it all Curtis Shoot. What do you want to tell me? What
behind me. That life grew drab and I must set a are you just dying to say?
Jane Mr. Jo
21
Curtis Nuh-uh. No formalities. Curtis. Curtis I appreciate your apology as awkwardly
standard as it was. Jane, I have plenty of other
Jane Okay. Curtis. First off, Im sorry I lost the self-
things to worry about and I certainly dont have a
awareness of unobtrusiveness.
moment to spare for your fretful chaos, but
Curtis Noted on all accounts. something tells me that if I dont give in now youre
just going to keep at it one way or another until I
Jane Secondly, I realize that I may have treated
succumb.
you with a little too much malice since you moved
back. Shoehorning my way into your bookstore like Jane So bygones?
that was
Curtis Promise you wont try to run me out of town
Curtis Inconceivably rude? or stalk my family and you got yourself a deal.
Jane Sure, that. All in all, you are definitely a Jane Deal.
different person than you were in high school. For
(Suddenly, there is a clamor behind the group and
starters, your hair isnt the color of a strawberry
CLAIRE enters from over the sandlot fence.)
anymoreits also shorterand you dont smell like
alcohol. Curtis Its a family reunion.
Curtis Wowie you are off to a great start. Carry on. Claire I couldnt help myself.
Jane People change, and while Ive never been a Darren Howdy, Miss Claire.
ragamuffin myself, it is totally unfair of me to judge
Claire Hello Mr. Capula.
you as so, especially when it is explicitly clear that
you are indeed transforming into a better human Jane Nice to see you again so soon.
being. With morals and ethics opposed toto
Claire Great job mustering up a little courage, Miss
Curtis Dr. Death Defy? Khell. I must say, Im impressed.
Jane Didnt want to say it. Bottom line is, I am sorry Jane Thank you, it truly did come from my heart.
and I hope we can get on better terms from this
(CURTIS laughs.)
point forward.
22
Curtis Great, well this has become splendidly Claire God, you know, you are such a skeeze. I
awkward. Claire you oughta get home, its way havent a clue what Curtis sees in you.
late and tonight was stimulating enough without this
Darren Want to find out?
whole rigmarole. Jane, if you would walk with me,
Id love to finish up this conversation in private. (DARREN moves in.)
Darren Oh, Claire, Ill see you back. Dont worry Claire Honey you best not cross me today.
Curtis, shes with me.
Darren Relax, Im just taking a load off. I got no
Curtis Thanks Darren. obligations, no deadlines, no responsibilities for the
entirety of tomorrow and you better believe Im
(CURTIS and JANE venture down the road as
gonna savor it.
DARREN begins to walk with CLAIRE. Once the other
two are out of sight, he pulls out a cigarette and Claire Just leave me be.
lights it.)
Darren Aight, but why not chat a bit as we walk?
Claire Shall we? After all, you dont know me!
Darren Theres no rush, is there? Claire Ive practically grown up with you.
Claire I do have school tomorrowhave you Darren Yes! And whens the last time we ever had
forgotten that Im technically not an independent a chance to catch up?
yet?
Claire Never.
Darren My sincere apologies, mademoiselle, I
Darren See, Ive had some trouble sleeping lately.
shudder at the thought of you missing out on your
priceless education. Claire Thats unfortunate.
Claire Or I suppose I could just walk by myself. I did Darren I keep on waking up every nightmaybe
walk here alone. its insomnia, I dont know. Or care. But recently, I
think it might be because of all the women and
Darren But its later now, you dont know who
money and drugs I have at my beck and callbut
might be lurking in the dark.
recently, Ive snapped out of slumber in an instant.
23
Like a flash. I get these tremorsthats what theyre Just sleep.
called, right? The hardest part is letting go of your dreams.
A drink for the horror that I'm in,
For the good guys, and the bad guys,
#9 Sleep For the monsters that I've been.
Three cheers for tyranny,
Unapologetic apathy,
(Darren) ...Like last night, they are not like tremors, Cause there ain't no way that I'm coming back
they are worse than tremors, again.
they are these terrors. And it's like, it feels like as if And through it all
somebody How could you cry for me?
was gripping my throat and squeezing and... Cause I don't feel bad about it.
Some say, now suffer all the children So shut your eyes,
And walk away a savior, Kiss me goodbye,
Or a madman and polluted And sleep.
From gutter institutions. Just sleep.
Don't you breathe for me, The hardest part's the awful things that I've seen.
Undeserving of your sympathy, "...Sometimes I see flames. And sometimes
Cause there ain't no way that I'm sorry for what I did. I see people that I love dying and... it's always..."
And through it all Just sleep.
How could you cry for me? Just sleep.
Cause I don't feel bad about it. Just sleep.
Just sleep.
(CLAIRE shies away from DARREN as he approaches
Just sleep.
her again, this time with more deliberation.)
Just sleep.
(Claire) Wake up!
So shut your eyes, "And I can't... I can't ever wake up."
Kiss me goodbye,
And sleep.
24
(By the end of the number, CLAIRE and DARREN are narrow-minded when I heard you were moving in.
intimately close to each other. CLAIRE is clearly But, the thought of loss and death iswell
uncomfortable and DARREN knows it, but doesnt completely foreign to me. Ive never lost anyone, in
care.) fact, I cant even think of anyone whos died before
so naturally, I couldnt bring myself to empathize
Darren Youve grown a lot, kiddo.
with your fathers death. God, that was so cold of
Claire Yep me.
Darren Youre a real woman now. Curtis Easy there, I dont dangle grudges over
peoples heads.
(CLAIRE does not respond and stares off into space
until suddenly, like a flash of light, something clicks Jane Ever consider it?
into her head. She hurriedly kisses DARREN, smiles,
Curtis What? Being petty?
and runs off into the night.)
Jane Nosorry, not that. Life without people you
Darren (To himself) Cant say I expected that.
loveyouve experienced it before, sure, but with
(As DARREN walks off alone, JANE and CURTIS return your grandmother now, its like youre all alone.
to sight on their way back to town.)
Curtis Thanks, thats all I can ever think about.
Curtis Okay, Im curious. How did you manage to
Jane Why is it so hard to say the right thing?
talk to Claire?
Curtis You and I come from very different
Jane Promise me you wont pop a gasket?
backgrounds, Miss Khell. Even in a small town like
Curtis Eh, Ive popped enough caskets tonight. this, we have vast discrepancies that block any
proficient communication. Youve never had a hard
Jane Iuhread that letter your brother delivered
day in your lifeand I mean that honestly, and
to me before I gave it to you and I couldnt help but
theres nothing wrong with itits just the way things
succumb to my own self-doubt and guilt. Like I said,
happened. But Ive fought and struggled through
Ive fitted my life to match a certain molda
every day for the past decade, and I would never
flawless cookie-cutter scenarioand I know youve
wish that life upon my worst enemy, even for the
never been a fan of molds yourself, so I was a bit
25
sake of understanding. Stronger men than I have Curtis I can change into a better man for a day,
fallen to a life of misery. but Im always afraid that maybe thats notwho I
am, you know? Maybe in a month, or a year, or a
Jane Perspective is important, I suppose. Mind if I
day Ill wake up covered in needle-marks with no
ask you a personal question?
memory of the night before, hair red and long
Curtis Isnt this conversation already pretty back where I started.
personal?
Jane Give yourself more credit. At least youre
Jane Right. Wellwhats going to happen to your making an effort and your doubt is enough to prove
sister, if your grandmotherpasses? that you care.
Curtis Same that happened to me I bet. My Curtis Some things just wont change the universal
mother will exert her dominance over the family truth, though.
again, Claire will go off the deep end and do
Jane Back to that again, huh? Let me hear it.
everything in her power to spite the woman until she
cant bear her own daughter anymore and she Curtis Alright. Everything in this world happens for a
ends up moving in with someone she loves and reason and brings you to where you are today, the
trusts peak of your existence, no matter what your
circumstance is. But the sad, secret truth isnothing
Jane So you?
matters. The world will continue without you. The
Curtis Except unlike me, Helena was a good role only way that everything that happens means
model and positive influence. I doubt I can provide anything at all is if you change your perspective. La
the same for Claire. Vie En Rose. See it with a rose lens and carry on.
Jane You believe that people can change, dont Jane I dont quite understand
you?
Curtis I know. You have to make your own magic
Curtis Obviously. because this world will rip that spark of
enchantment from your life if you dont defend it.
Jane Youre a prime example of change, Curtis.
Find the magic, the beauty, in everything and let
Have some faith that youve changed enough to
your life be enchanted.
take care of her.
26
Jane Doesnt that get tedious? Curtis As do I. Disenchantmentas I see itis the
point at which your story ends and drudgery begins.
Curtis Only if you allow it to. You heard me say that
Its when your life becomes empty, when you lose
nothing matters much to me, but if youif Iwant
meaning, when your words carry no weight and
anything to hold any meaning or keep me
when the world is just as bleak as your heart. Plenty
anchored, the only security is the illusion and internal
of people suffer this tragedy every year, and Ive yet
world I create for myself.
to meet a person whos recovered from it because
Jane Reality has so much more to offer thana if you dont keep the magic and the fullness of life
fairytale though. close to your heart, itll be whisked away in a
fleeting moment and youll be left with nothing but
Curtis That, my dear florist, depends on where you
a sad song and fallen heroes.
come from. Ive fought long and hard to keep from
losing my spark, and sometimes I can see those Jane Hm
empires crumbling before my eyes. Like tonight, with
Curtis Hey, if Im so wrong how can you listen to
Helena. A whole castle was stormed.
me all night long?
Jane Arent you afraid of holding people on
Jane I dont think youre wrong, but Ive just never
pedestals? What if they let you down?
thought aboutdisenchantmentmuch before.
Curtis Same old, same old. What I really fear is
Curtis Good. That means youre perfectly
disenchantment.
wrapped up in the magic and beauty of your own
Jane What? life. Youre as tethered as you need to be. For
someone like me though, I have to desperately cling
Curtis You know, disenchantment.
to my hooks.
DisillusionmentI dont want to become
disenchanted. Once a man reaches that point, hes Jane So tell me, Mr. Joywhat keeps you in this
as good as dead. world?
Jane Im not trying tobe rudeI just have a Curtis First, it was my father, but after he died I only
really difficult time putting you together in my head. had Helena. Once Claire was old enough, it
27
became her. Just those two, I suppose. And I guess Scene Six
the bookstore is my own artificial tether.
(MARCUS sits in the bookstore, watching people
Jane Then hold tight, my friend. pass by. He has a notepad and a pen before him at
a table, and he appears to be hungover. Now, it is
(They reach the BOOKSTORE and FLOWER SHOP.)
clear that one of his arms is a fake arm that he lost in
Curtis Here we are. the war. He thoughtfully begins to write and CURTIS
stares at him from behind the counter.)
Jane Thank you Curtisfor hearing me out and
sparing me a second chance. Curtis Hey, Marcus, so Ive been thumbing through
your application files and I think everything should
Curtis Dont mention it. Goodnight now.
be in orderI just need to get your forms sent in for
(CURTIS exits into the shop while JANE sits alone evaluation.
outside of her store. Moments later, KHELL enters.)
Marcus Aye, thank you kid. Will the employee
Khell Did I see you walking with Mr. Joy? approval shit be a hassle?
Jane Yeshes not as rough and tumble as I Curtis Mmmthere may be a slight delay on
thought. account of yourmisdemeanorsbut at that point,
its more up to the storeowner, which lucky for you
Khell Thought so.
just happens to be me.
Jane Thought what?
Marcus I really cant begin to thank you for this,
Khell Thought youd change your mind about him Curt, youre really helpin me get back on my feet.
one day or another. Now if I could just write this goddam letter
FADE TO BLACK Curtis You dont have to be gentle. Shes nearly

damned you to hell more times than I can count.
#10 (PLAYOFF) Fake Your Death
Marcus Yeah, yeah, but I gotta be delicate, man. I
need to find the right wordsI aint ever been good
at that.
28
Curtis How abouthow about you write down the You should've raised a baby girl,
first few things that come into your mind. I should've been a better son.
If you could coddle the infection
Marcus OkDear motheruhmmommama
They can amputate at once.
You should've been,
I could have been a better son.
#11 Mama
(Ensemble) And when we go don't blame us, yeah.
We'll let the fire just bathe us, yeah.
You made us, oh, so famous.
(Marcus) Mama, we all go to hell.
We'll never let you go.
Mama, we all go to hell.
She said, "You ain't no son of mine
I'm writing this letter and wishing you well,
For what you've done. They're gonna find
A place for you
Oh, well, now,
And just you mind your manners when you go.
Mama, we're all gonna die.
And when you go, don't return to me, my love."
That's right.
Stop asking me questions, I'd hate to see you cry,
(Marcus) Mama, we all go to hell.
(Ensemble) And when we go don't blame us, yeah.
It's really quite pleasant
We'll let the fire just bathe us, yeah.
Except for the smell,
You made us, oh, so famous.
We'll never let you go.
2-34
And when you go don't return to me my love.
(The door slams open and in walks HARRIET JOY, the
(Marcus) Mama, we're all full of lies. fifty-four-year-old mother of the Joy children. She
Mama, we're meant for the flies. makes a beeline for MARCUS who is startled, and
And right now they're building a coffin your size, CURTIS sinks down behind the counter.)
Mama, we're all full of lies.
Well, Mother, what the war did to my legs and to my
(Ensemble) Mama! Mama! Mama! Oh!
tongue,
29
Mama! Mama! Mama! Ma... (CURTIS struggles to contain himself behind the
(Harriet) And if you would call me your sweetheart, counter.)
I'd maybe then sing you a song
Marcus Im sure youre the absolute last heathen
(Marcus) But there's shit that I've done with this fuck
Helena would want to see before her death. You
of a gun,
dragged her son away from her until he died and
You would cry out your eyes all along.
ruined all of her grandchildren. Hell, I wouldnt be
(Ensemble) We're damned after all.
surprised if she prevented you from attending her
Through fortune and flame we fall.
funeral in her will!
And if you can stay then I'll show you the way,
To return from the ashes you call. Harriet My little Marcus, is that any way to treat
We all carry on (We all carry on) your mother?
When our brothers in arms are gone (When our
Marcus Youre less a mother than I am a brother.
brothers in arms are gone)
So raise your glass high Harriet Speaking of brothers, where is yours? Im
For tomorrow we die, sure ole Curtis would be happy to greet his mama.
(Marcus) And return from the ashes you call.
Marcus Ever consider that everyone in this family
(MARCUS is now close to his mother, seething with hates you? Especially Curtis?
rage and bitterness. CURTIS remains out of sight, but
Harriet I have given Curtis everything! Hes been a
peeks above the countertop to watch the
thousand times more grateful than your sorry
confrontation ensue. HARRIET is sobbing at both the
sight of her son and his spiteful words.) (Now consumed by anger, CURTIS rises.)
Marcus What in Gods name are you doing here? Curtis Mother! Shut up or leave!
Harriet Ive come to visit your grandmother. Is that Harriet Why I cant believe
too much to ask? And Id sure like to have my
Curtis Is this any way to treat your children?
children with me as we keep her company in her
Popping in whenever you want and acting like you
last days.
love us unconditionally? You banished Claire and
Marcus just like you banished me a few years ago
30
Harriet I NEVER banished any child of mine! You Curtis Dont worry about it, Marie, we have this
are all welcome in OUR home, you simply CHOSE to under control. Mother, I hope you realize that unless
leave. youre here to apologize for what youve done to
this family, you arent wanted.
Curtis Really, is that it then, huh? Well my foot is
going down and you are hereby unwelcome in this Marie Now hold on
establishment and banished from my bookstore.
Harriet Unwanted? May I remind you who helped
Harriet A simple hello would suffice. you raise enough money to open this banana stand
of a bookstore? Or who covered your
Curtis Oh and one more thingdont you go near
incomprehensible debt after you graduated
Helena.
college? Or, maybe, who dealt with your
Harriet I am family and I have every right to visit my intoxicated ass day after day during your high
mother-in-law. school years?
(MARIE enters the bookstore, again flustered and Curtis Yes, I hardly qualify allotting me the
hurried.) inheritance I received from dad as help. The only
support youve given us was purely physical, and
Marie Hello boys, I saw your mother heading this
even then, we went hungry because you were
way, you might want to watch out for her.
stingy enough to keep us from eating if we were out
Marcus Thanks for the warning. too late.
Harriet Marie! Thank goodness youre here, my Harriet My, how youve changed Curtis. Ive
children are being absolutely disrespectful. missed you, you know? What kind of mother
wouldnt miss her child?
Marie Oh, youre already here. ErmHarriet I think
this week is just a really bad time to visit your Marie If I could just say one thing!
childrenthey all seem to be going through quite a
Marcus Oh, did you miss me when I fought for our
lot with Helenaand Curtis is doing finances this
country and lost an arm? Or how about now, as Im
week, from what I heardClaire iswell
homeless and can barely afford my fair share of
liquor?
31
Harriet Marcus, you havent been drinking again! maybe we should focus on whats
My my, Marcus, my my. importantmaybe, right?
Marie Please! Harriet My daughter?! Unaccounted for!
Curtis Ever consider it was your nagging and Marcus I swear to the sweet lord Jesus I will slap the
scornful words about soldiers and unwillingness to living
help him readapt himself to civilian life that drove
Curtis Knock it offMaries right and the more we
him to alcohol?
bicker the less time we have to find Claire.
Marcus I dont have an alcohol problem, it just
Marcus I dont see the big problem, when I was
helps
her age I was out past ten every night.
Marie ENOUGH! LISTEN TO ME DAMMIT!
Curtis Yes, but unlike us, Marcus, Claire has a lot
(They all fall silent.) left to live for. Mother, you go visit Helena if thatll
make you happy and get you off our asses. If Claire
Marie Th-thank you. Boys, you need to respect
shows up, let us know.
your motherHarriet, you need to treat your
children as if they are the adults that they have Harriet Thank you my dear, dear Curt.
becomebut Helena deserves to have her whole
Curtis Marcus, you stick around the bookstore a
family present as sheuhmmoves on andthat
bitare you ready for your first bit of employee
family includes Claire! Where is your sister?
training?
Curtis I dont know, shes usually here by this time. I
Marcus Ithink so
wouldve been able to worry about it a little more if
this bi Curtis Fantastic, because your job officially starts
today. Welcome to the team. You keep watch over
Marie Its nearly six oclock. Shes been staying
the register and tell one of us if she stumbles in.
with her grandmother, yes? Well I just stopped by to
Marie, you want to stay at Helenas place while I
say hello to her and shes not there. I called the
grab my friend Jane to help out?
hospitalnot there eitherand shes not here so
Marie Sounds dandy.
32
Curtis Fantastic, then Ill do a few sweeps of town Curtis Sure! I dont care! I have a crisis to deal with.
with Jane
Mr. Wesley Crisis? What crisis would be more
(As they prepare to leave, MR. WESLEY bursts in.) pressing than ensuring the well-being of your
reputable name, a name whichmay I remind
Mr. Wesley Curtis Joy!
youis drenched in slander? I should think not!
Curtis God damn, what is it now, sir?
Curtis Gee, I dont know, I care about plenty of
Mr. Wesley I couldnt help but notice that youre things far more than I do about how much money I
expanding your work force hereand I couldnt make selling books and what complete strangers
help but notice that your only other employee is also think about me. Ive told you once, Ill tell you again,
your brother, who has a history of addiction and Ill be there at seven oclock sharp but I need to
loitering that paints this establishment in a negative leaveright now.
light! What in tarnation do you think youre
Mr. Wesley You screwed-backwards phillips-flat,
lollygagging about here for? Cant you see the
good for nothing teenager
bigger picture?
(CURTIS and the present party begin to disperse as
Curtis My bigger picture is vastly different than
instructed earlier, all but MR. WESLEY)
yours, sir.
Curtis (Over his shoulder) Have a nice evening!
Mr. Wesley Oh, are you makin to go out for the
night, hm? And leave thisthisvagabond in Mr. Wesley Im going to clean up your looks, Mr.
charge in your absence? I hardly trust you runnin a Joy! By GOD I will make a citizen out of you!
business, I couldnt possibly imagine putting a
(CURTIS exits and the lights go out on MR. WESLEY.)
drunkard behind the counter! Mr. Joy, you filthy
teenager, we will have a chat tomorrow morning. FADE TO BLACK
Curtis Whatever, thats fine, Ill be to your office by #12 (PLAYOFF) The Kids from Yesterday
seven.
Mr. Wesley Great. Wait. Noyeswhat are you,
just admitting submission?
33
Scene Seven Claire Fine then, I thought you old-timers only
spoke in riddles.
(Time: Later that evening. CURTIS and JANE are seen
leaving the hospital in pursuit of CLAIRE, who Helena Only those of us who put the wagon
successfully evades their attention by ducking out of before the horse.
sight and eventually into HELENAs room, where she
Claire (Laughing) Okay, okay. So, after we left the
quietly reads from the same book CLAIRE was
hospital, I stalked Curtis down to the old sandlot and
reading in the bookstore the previous night.)
saw him talking with Darren and that florist, Jane
Helena Hello dear. Are you running away from Khell.
your bother again?
Helena By the heavens, shes on his case again?
Claire Absolutely!
Claire Not exactly. She was apologizing to him for
Helena I received your message from the nurse herharshnessand I, logically, had to follow them
earlieryou sounded urgent. around. I suppose Darren showed her the way.
Anywho, they were talking and then I made an
Claire Not super pressing, but I have dug myself
appearance and Curtis decided we all should go
into a bit of a hole.
homecrisis averted and whatnotand then IT
Helena Oh? happened.
Claire I thought long and hard about what you Helena No, really!?
told me last night and I believe Ive come up with a
Claire Your sarcasm is not appreciated, Im really
way to kill two birds with one stone.
proud of this! Darren started being his usual scummy
Helena What birds? self again and bragged about all of the women he
gets trying toI dont know, impress me? Well, you
Claire The first would be the pigeon of Curtiss
bet your buttons that I impressed him! I thought hey,
current mental state and the second flies with the
what would throw him off his rocker more than
eaglesDarren Capula.
anything else? I know! If I kiss him square on the lips!
Helena Girly, euphemisms dont suit you.
Helena Youwhat?
34
Claire Dont get all twisted up, I know hes almost watch over you kids and, passive as she is, she may
a decade older than me, but get a load of this. immerse herself one day or another.
Perchance Curtis catches wind of our
Claire Shoot, I completely forgot about Marie.
relationshipaccording to you, Curtis feels the
Wheres she staying?
need to protect me, right? If youre right about that,
then he would have something to fight for and a Helena Right now? The Clerk Hotel. Next week she
drive to protect my innocence from a man. AND moves into my house though so she can keep closer
additionally, might I add, he will have somethingor reins on you.
someoneto fight against. This someone just so
Claire No offense to Marie, but she isnt
happens to be the same person that constantly
thedisciplinarian type.
corrupts Curtiss mind at any cost. You see the big
picture now? Helena Dear, not at all, but she has it in her
somewhere, just like your father did.
Helena So by feigning a relationship with this
questionable, older man, you believe that Curtis will Claire Put in a good word with her for me, okay?
sever his friendship with Darren and have a fighting
Helena She may not see things your way, Claire,
cause? What if your plan goes haywire?
shes very much a straightforward and innocent
Claire It wont, believe me it wont. Grandma you woman. Not much older or mature than Marcus,
know how I work these things out, Ive got it all either. Youll have to do your plottin around her.
figured and calculated from the moment this
Claire (Sigh) It wouldnt hurt, anyway. I better be
conversation ends to the day I turn thirty. In fact my
on my way, I need to ease Curtiss nerves before it
reason for being here right now is to give Curtis even
gets too dark.
more the reason to worry about me.
Helena Do you have an alibi?
Helena Goodness gracious youre torturing that
boy! Claire What do you think?
Claire Saving is the term I prefer. Helena Dear this may backfire.
Helena This is all fair and well but you need to take Claire Actually, it wont. Ive arranged to talk with
in account some other variables. Marie is here to Darren for a few minutes before I go home. It
35
wouldnt be the end of the world if a certain brother Scene Eight
of mine happened upon us.
(Time: Late into the night. CURTIS waits on the front
Helena Look out for yourself, sweetie. porch of the CAPULAS, brooding over where his
sister may have gone to. After some contemplation,
Claire Dont you worry about me, Ive been able
CURTIS saunters over to the door and knocks on it.
to handle myself from the moment I popped out of
MRS. CAPULA opens the door.)
the womb and Ill keep my fightin words till the day I
pop into the ground. Mrs. Capula OH! Curtis! Imsurprised to see you
here!
Helena Youth is such a fleeting thing, Clairebell,
but you must still exercise caution. Curtis Howdy do, Mrs. Capula! Im looking for
either your son or my sisterhave you happened to
Claire Who, me? Grandma, I told you! Ive got my
see either of them recently?
life all figured out, and this is only a short chapter of
it. Mrs. Capula My son? Well, Darren hasnt been
around since last weekyou didnt check his
Helena Well then I cant say much else but may
house?
death never stop you.
Curtis Yeah, of course I checked thereand Ill
BLACKOUT
check again toobut I thought maybe he was here
#13 (PLAYOFF) Boy Division for dinner or something.
Mrs. Capula Sorry lad! I wish I could be of more

help to you! You mentioned your sister?
Curtis Ah-ah! Yes! Darren walked her home last

night, apparently, but I havent seen her since then.
Mrs. Capula Uhtell me, Curtis, whereve you

been staying since you got back to town?
36
Curtis I have my own little placea nice Mrs. Capula I see. Im afraid Im not of much help
townhome not far from my bookstorebut I dont then.
see how thats
Curtis No worriesIll see if I can manage to get a
Mrs. Capula Dont mean to be pryin now, but hold of Darren one way or another.
theres been some rumblings about your mother
Mrs. Capula If you happen to find him, send him
evicting your older brother and your little sister.
our way, alright? Wed love to have dinner with the
Shouldnt she be staying with you then?
two of you sometime this week, if youre not too
Curtis Well, the rumblings are true. Marcus is trying busy.
to get back on his feet and I just let him move in with
Curtis Yeah. Yep, that sounds great.
me under the condition he stays sober, but Claire
has been taking up with our grandmother. Mrs. Capula Goodnight now Curtis.
Mrs. Capula Then why dont you ask Helena? Curtis Goodnight, Mrs. Capula.
Curtis Ididbut she wouldnt have known either. Mrs. Capula Oh, and Curtis?
Mrs. Capula Oh? Why? Curtis Yeah?
Curtis Helena isout of town Mrs. Capula Dont you stay out too late, alrighty?
Mrs. Capula Wheres she gone to? Curtis You betcha.
Curtis To visitsome relatives (MRS. CAPULA closes the door and CURTIS slowly
withdraws, heading down the street alone. JANE
Mrs. Capula Thats quite interesting because I
approaches from afar.)
thought I saw your aunt Marie the other day at the
mall! Jane Helloo? Curtis, that you?
Curtis Youyou did! She is here, yes, watching Curtis Oh, hey Jane.
Claire while Helena is out. But she wasnt home
Jane Any luck with the Capulas?
when Claire got back so she wouldnt have any
way of telling whether Claire returned.
37
Curtis None at all and if I wasnt losing my shit Jane No offense, Curtis, but why do we need to
before, Im going off the deep end now. Something find Darren? I meandont get me wrong, hes
awful couldve happened to both of them. anicefellowbut if we find Claire, do we really
need to search for Darren? Hes a grown man.
Jane Okay, Im going to try to ease your
nervesdo you trust Darren? Curtis Darren and I have pledged to watch out for
each other since we were kids, and hes an
Curtis Trust him? Most definitely. Sure, hes made
extremely accessible person. Ive never
some dumb mistakes and continues to do so, but I
encountered this much trouble trying to get in
know the kind of person he really is and those old
contact with him.
habits dont define him.
Jane So youre justbeing a good friend? Is that
Jane Thats a solid start. Keep that footinghave
what friends are good for? Its like helicopter
faith that your friend delivered your sister safely
parenting.
home. At the very least you can take comfort
knowing that Darren did nothing to hurt Claire, and Curtis Maybe a tad bit, but hes saved my skin
if anything, some other travesty may have struck numerous times so I intend to repay the favorlisten,
them. Jane, are you in or not?
Curtis Christ almighty, Jane, do you have any idea Jane I never said I wasnt, I only want to speed this
how to comfort people without crossing the line? along for Claires sake.
Jane What, all I meant by that was Curtis Swell, then lets stop talking and actually
fucking do something.
Curtis Never mind, we have too much ground to
cover before we start bickering. Jane Curtis! Language!
Jane Right. Whats our next plan of action? Curtis Hell, Jane, my grandmother is dying, my
brother is a crippling drunkard and my sister is
Curtis I know this one is a long shot, but what if we
missing, Im entitled to a few fucks every now and
just do a quick sweep of downtown? Maybe one of
then.
them wound up there and they could help us find
the other.
38
Jane Please dont use that language around me, Scene Nine
okay? Ive grown up in a verydelicatefamily and
(Time: Immediately following. DARREN and CLAIRE sit
I could never stand that word.
on a bench downtown. CLAIRE is constantly
Curtis I find the fuck word to be very cathartic. checking her watch while acting flirtatious with
DARREN who is still surprised about her behavior, but
Jane Stop, Curtis.
relishes it at the same time.)
Curtis- (Laughing) Okay, okay! Andale!
Claire Oh my God, Darren, you are a font of
FADE TO BLACK wisdom, you know that?
#14 (PLAYOFF) Kill All Your Friends Darren Hey, you ask, I tell it like it is! Ive been
round the block a few times, Miss Joy, and I got
experience for days. For example(he clears his
throat) look up there, at that bell tower.
Claire Okay, what about it?
Darren That, my dear Claire, offers the most

splendid view in the entire town.
(CLAIRE scoffs.)
Darren What, dont believe me? Hows about we

check it out? Ill wager anything on it.
Claire Anything, huh? All on account of what I

personally feel about the view?
Darren Yes maam!
Claire Bet on your cigarettes.
Darren My
39
Claire Your cigarettes. No, Im not going to smoke Darren Well thats just lucky, aint it?
them, but put your money on your smoking habits.
Claire Youre telling me that youDarren freaking
Darren Are you implying that Capuladont have a way to unlock a flimsy little
door?
Claire Yes. If I dont absolutely love the view as
much as you claim I will, then you forfeit your right to Darren Before you go accusing me of any a that,
smoke cigarettes. consider the consequences that
Darren Id sooner die! Claire Consequences, huh? Do you have the
reputation of a legitimate lawyer to uphold, or do
Claire If you keep smoking at the rate you do,
you have a bet to win?
youll get your wish. (DARREN is hesitant still, and
avoids eye contact.) Come on! You want to prove Darren Bend my arm next time, will yah? FineI
to me that youre as omniscient as you claim, then can get that door open, but under the condition
make an honest bet! that you up your ante.
Darren Say, what do I gain by winning anyway? Claire Fair enough.
Claire (Flirtatiously) I dont knowyoull just have Darren Fantastic. One moment
to find out.
(DARREN inspects the lock briefly and takes a few
Darren Kid, Im a money up front sort of jokester. kicks at the door. It is wooden, and bends at the
What am I in store for? touch. Holding firmly on the door frame, he slams his
body against it until the locked knob gives in and
Claire Im a conniving son of a gun and thats not
the door swings open.)
how I play.
Darren Brute force ignorance.
Darren Shit, I like your style. Shake on itand at
least vow that my reward is bountiful. Claire If you applied yourself like that every day
maybe youd have some better prospects, huh?
Claire Aye aye.
(The pair beelines towards the bell tower where
DARREN encounters a locked door.)
40
Darren My prospects are fine and dandy, thank Claire Hm.
you very much. Im the most practiced lawyer in
Darren Sopenny for your thoughts.
these parts, and you should know
Claire You certainly arent wrong that its beautiful.
Claire Yada yada, whatever, lets go see this view.
But is it really the most beautiful view Ill ever see?
(The two disappear from view as they climb the
Darren Depends on how long youll live, kid.
ladder inside and reappear at the top of the tower.)
Claire Can I get a rain check? I havent made up
Darren If you look out past the horizonright over
my mind about it
that way, you see? Squint your eyes and youll
catch a nice, bright glimmer. Got it? Darren Cmon, you gotta stick to your word or
what good are yah?
Claire Yeah I think Ikind of a blue-ish orange?
Claire How can you prove it one way or another,
Darren Thats the one.
anyhow?
Claire Mhm. What is it?
Darren Im damn good at readin people.
Darren Only the greatest casino and bar known on
(They draw closer to each other.)
this side of paradise. Ill take yah there sometime this
week, if it aint no trouble by you. Claire And what do you read from me right now,
Mr. Capula?
Claire Now Darren, you know how Curtis might
get Darren I reckon that the view isnt the best thing
youve ever seenand hell it may not be the most
Darren Curtisll abide how I tell him, he always has.
beautiful thing Ive ever seen either.
Claire Are you so sure about that? I think he has
Claire I thought you were so convicted!
more of a backbone now.
Darren Wasbut in this light, with the neon
Darren Eh, but thatll revert. Honey you may be his
shimmering over the horizon, I think I found
sister but aint nobody out there who knows him like I
something a lil prettier
do.
41
(The bend in towards each other when suddenly #15 House of Wolves
CURTIS and JANE enter below and interrupt them.)
Curtis Darren fucking Capula, you backstabbing,

(Curtis) I know a thing about contrition
twisted maniac of a friend! Get the hell away from
Because I got enough to say
my sister!
And I'll be grantin' your permission
Darren Hey hey hey, Curtis, relax wes a just 'Cause you haven't got a prayer
spendin some time watchin over the
I said, hey hallelujah
Curtis Shut up! Shut the fuck up, Darren! I know the Well come on, sing the praise
type of scum you are and if you both dont get Let the spirit come on through ya
down here right now IllIll We got innocence today
Jane Ill personally come up there! Well I think I'm gonna burn in hell
Everybody burn the house down
Curtis Jane.
She says well, what I wanna say
Claire Curtis its okay, Im really fine, I promise! (Darren) Tell me I'm an angel
Curtis I thought better of you sis. I didnt think you Take this to my grave
lacked the explicit judgment I did at your age Tell me I'm a bad man
Kick me like a slave
Darren For real, my dear friend, your sister is a
Tell me I'm an angel
woman now and she has the right to her own,
Take this to my grave
calculated decisions! I dont see what the big fuss is.
(Ensemble) S-I-N, S-I-N, S-I-N, S-I-N
Curtis Calculated? Fuss?
S-I-N, S-I-N, S-I-N, S-I-N
(Curtis) Well a ring around the ambulance

Like I never gave a care
I said, choir boys surround you
It's a compliment, I swear
42
And I said, ashes to ashes, we all fall down Take this to my grave
I wanna hear you sing the praise Tell me I'm a bad man
I said, ashes to ashes, we all fall down Kick me like a stray
We got innocence for days Tell me I'm an angel
Well I think I'm gonna burn in hell
Everybody burn the outside Tell me I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad man
And says, ha, what I wanna say Tell me I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad man
(Darren) Tell me I'm an angel Tell me I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad man
Tell me I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad man
Tell me I'm a bad man (Curtis) So get up
Kick me like a stray So get out
Tell me I'm an angel
(Ensemble) S-I-N
S-I-N
(DARREN descends from the bell tower to confront
Darren After all Ive done for you, buddy, this is
CURTIS.)
how you return the favor.
(Curtis) You better run like the devil,
Curtis Yeahafter all youve done to help in the
'Cause they're never gonna leave you alone
past this is how I help you back. I never want to see
You better hide em in the alley your face around my sister again.
'Cause they're never gonna find you a home
Darren Alright, fine, but if you expect to keep your
And as the blood runs down the walls residency there with the bookstore you got a storm
You see me creepin' up these halls a brewin, mister, and you cant hope for much
I've been a bad motherfucker else! You know Im the only thing keepin that
(Darren) Tell your sister I'm another Wesley from kickin you out on the streets like a wet
Go, go, go dog.
(Curtis) And I say, what I wanna say Curtis See if I care!
(Darren) Tell me I'm an angel
43
(DARREN leaves.) Claire I know. Im sorry. I justsuffered a moment
of weakness, I suppose. (CURTIS glowers at her.)
Curtis Claire, get down here.
What? You think Im any different than you or
Claire No, Curtis, you come up. Youve got to see Marcus? You think that really, in this damned to hell
this. family, that theres one outlier who can avoid the
hand of corruption and sin? Well if there is, Id sure
Curtis Now is not the time.
like to meet them because I am just as human as
Jane Curtis you are and I am just as apt to make the same
mistakes.
Curtis What do you want from me?
Curtis Clairelet me tell you a story.
Jane Shes your sister. You tracked her down to
protect her, right? Not to patronize or accuse her? Claire Okay.
Curtis Look whos talking. Curtis When I was seventeen, I had a cut and dry
opportunity to spin the direction of my tragic life
Jane Dont start yapping at me too, Curtis. I mean
around. I was starting senior year,
it. Ive stuck with you through this whole gosh dang
datinguhmRegina, I believe, and couldnt keep
expedition and I am owed respect.
track of the days of the week because I was so
Claire Come on, Curtis! Please inebriated. Its a wonder I even made it to senior
year. But about halfway through the year, I went out
(CURTIS contemplates silently and ascends to
into the country with this friend of mineNicole
CLAIRE.)
Hope. My girlfriend and I were having a bit of a spat
Claire Darren wasnt wrong. This view is at the time andwell, Im sure you could imagine
spectacularIve never seen anything like it before. what my intent was with Nicole. We got drunk just
off Cemetery Drive, smoked whatever we had on
Curtis And he brought you up here to what? Try
hand on the way to the cornfields, and as we sat
and seduce you? Youre seventeen years old,
there watching the sunset togetherblazed out of
Clairebell, hes twenty-six!
our mindsit was as if every star in the sky aligned. I
saw a path laid out before me, and call me crazy,
but I saw a graveyard out there above the horizon,
44
and its like she was reading my mind. She turns to Curtis They never found out. But I think you know
me and sayswell, she says, This place is not for the answer.
you. Like somehow, she knew what I was seeing,
Claire Curtis Imso sorrysometimes this life
and knew that if I didnt do something soonand
doesnt connect with me. It doesnt feel super real.
very soonthan I was going to end up there, in that
grave. And I laughed. I didnt consider my mortality, Curtis I know the feeling, kiddo. I know it. Now, lets
or my future, but I laughed and mocked her get you back to Helenas house. Marie is waiting for
comment, stumbling a few feet back and lighting you.
up another joint. If I had only thought for a
FADE TO BLACK
momenthey, maybe this girl is right, maybe I have
a chance to avoid my inevitable demiseperhaps I
couldve come around sooner. And then again,
maybe we were going to do what we did that night
regardless, and she would never forgive me for
pressuring her intowell, you see, Claire, there are
moments like these when you look out into the
horizon and see a fated, secure future, and
sometimes we arent ready to face that future, just
as I was unwilling to believe in mine. But I can tell
you that the choices you make now
aretremendously crucial. And what you do
todayor tomorrowcould save your life, or
someone elses.
Claire Nicolewasnt she the girl who
Curtis Yepthe girl who disappeared
Claire Did she?
45
Scene Ten Aid My name?
(Time: Concurrently. HELENA wanders the hall of the Helena Sure, girl, whats your name? Ive been
hospital weakly, scanning the expanse of the calling you nurse for far too long.
darkened corridor with fear but determination. An
Aid My name is Jennifer.
AID finds her and offers her a hand.)
Helena And you shall hereby call me Helena. Our
Aid Mrs. Joy, you dont seem to be doing so well.
family isnt too committed to the formalities, if you
Are you lost? Its nearly one in the morning!
havent noticed yet.
Helena Iwanted to go look out at the stars.
Jennifer OkayermHelena, I would love to chat
Aid I bet you can see them perfectly from your with you more tomorrow night during my next shift,
room. but Im afraid you really must return to bed now.
Helena No, not well enough. The stars arent the Helena Jennifer, I cant handle it anymore.
same whenever you look at them. Thisfrail, old body of mine cant possibly endure
another day of those godforsaken chemicals. I opt
Aid Sure, stars are born and die pretty constantly
out of therapy.
and we never see the stars as they are
Jennifer Mrs. JoyI meanHelena! What about
Helena Sh-shhthe stars are always as we see
your family?
them because we live our own truths, and those
truths are born and die with the cycle of each star Helena My family will manage just fineIm a
out there. seventy-five-year-old woman and Ive lived a full life
up unto this point. I cant continue to live my familys
Aid IMrs. Joy, is now really the time to have a
lives for them. I cannot and will not.
conversation like this? You have a round of
chemotherapy in the morning and your mind and (Several other patients and hospital staff members,
body should be well rested before you head in. You upon hearing the noise, clamber into the hallway to
need your strength. observe.)
Helena Whats your name? Jennifer Youre fatigued and exhausted, I know, I
know how it is with cancer patients, but you may be
46
even more drained on account of the time. Maybe A life that's so demanding
you should think this through over a steady night of I get so weak
rest? A love that's so demanding
I can't speak
Helena I have thought it over, and Ive been
(Ensemble) I am not afraid to keep on living
contemplating on it since I started the damn thing.
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Please, honor an old widows request and dont
Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven
force me to go tomorrow. Please.
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
Jennifer Are you afraid? (Helena) Can you see
My eyes are shining bright
'Cause I'm out here
#16 Famous Last Words On the other side
Of a jet black hotel mirror
And I'm so weak
(Helena) Now I know Is it hard understanding
That I can't make you stay I'm incomplete
But where's your heart? A love that's so demanding
But where's your heart? I get weak
But where's your... (Ensemble) I am not afraid to keep on living
And I know I am not afraid to walk this world alone
There's nothing I can say Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven
To change that part Nothing you can say can stop me going home
To change that part I am not afraid to keep on living
To change... I am not afraid to walk this world alone
So many Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven
Bright lights, they cast a shadow Nothing you can say can stop me going home
But can I speak?
Well is it hard understanding (Patients) These bright lights have always blinded me
I'm incomplete These bright lights have always blinded me
47
I say (Or dead)
(Helena) I see you lying next to me I am not afraid to keep on living
With words I thought I'd never speak I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Awake and unafraid (Or dead)
Asleep or dead Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven
(Ensemble)(How can I see, I see you lying) (Or dead)
I am not afraid to keep on living
(Helena) 'Cause I see you lying next to me
I am not afraid to walk this world alone
(Ensemble) (How can I see, I see you lying)
(Or dead)
(Helena) With words I thought I'd never speak Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven
(Ensemble) (How can I see, I see you lying) Nothing you can say can stop me going home
(Helena) Awake and unafraid (HELENA collapses, writhing in pain and moans.)
(Ensemble) (How can I see, I see you lying)
Jennifer Oh God, okay, honey, stick with me here,
(Helena) Asleep or dead were going to get you a doctor. Ahsomebody,
(Ensemble) 'Cause I see you lying next to me anybody(She catches sight of a young nurse) Mr.
With words I thought I'd never speak Sellings! Page Doctor Andertram!
Awake and unafraid
Sellings Yes maam. Whats the problem?
Asleep or dead
'Cause I see you lying next to me Jennifer Rapid progression is my best guess.
With words I thought I'd never speak Andertram will be able to pick it out better.
Awake and unafraid
Sellings How much time does she have?
Asleep or dead
I am not afraid to keep on living Jennifer With cases like this? God, nobody can say,
I am not afraid to walk this world alone but they rarely last longer than a week! To think she
(Or dead) was worried about stopping chemo
Honey if you stay, I'll be forgiven
Sellings Damn
48
Jennifer Well? What are you doing, shooting the Jennifer Sure, honey, anything at all.
breeze with me? Go find the doctor!
(MR. SELLINGS complies and exits.)
BLACKOUT
Jennifer Dont worry, Helena, keep holding on.
END OF ACT ONE
Youve got some life left in there, I know it! (She
notices the window near them.) Helena! Looklook
at the stars. Theyre different now, yes? Remember
them from only the last time you looked out there?
Totally different sky now.
Helena Thank youdearieJennifer?
Jennifer Yes? What is it?
Helena Ihave a request of yousomething to tell

you.
Jennifer Save your energy.
Helena Energydoesnt mattermy clock has run

out. I must tell you something before the bell tolls.
49
ACT TWO
50
Scene One everyone, I would beg you in my final moments to
never let our sorry excuse for a mother find out. You
(Time: Morning of the next day, 7:30 AM to be exact.
couldI dont know, hire an actor or
CURTIS looks rugged, exhausted, and defeated as
somethingnot that shed know the difference
he sets up shop for the day and converses in hushed
anyway.
tones with MARCUS who is poorly organizing the
book displays.) Curtis Hah, as if actors were so easoh. Oh no.
Curtis Shit, man, I cant believe she kept this from Marcus Oh no what, cant make a livin out of the
us too! Stopping chemo? Thats inconceivable! And grand theatre like you always dreamed of, little
anyway, how far along is she? Doctor Andertram brother?
said she collapsed last night and hasnt been totally
Curtis Zip it and nick it, I have majorly fucked up.
conscious since.
Majorly.
Marcus Aye, but Grans always been this way,
Marcus Say what?
Curt. You know shes nearly as secretive as you are,
but she always as her reasons. Curtis What time is it?
Curtis Untrue. Besides, I would always tell my family Marcus Time, well we open in about
about things likewell, cancer for fucks sake. Id
Curtis No you lazy ass-loafer, what the fuck time is
even let mom know as soon as I could.
it?
Marcus Really? You mean that?
Marcus Geez, its seven thirty-three.
Curtis ProbablyI mean, she lost her husband and
Curtis I have to run. Hold down the fort.
if she was going to lose her son toowhat, shes still
a human being. She still has intellect and emotion (CURTIS beelines for the door.)
andwellmaybe not so much on the emotion
Marcus Curtis, you cant run off whenever youre
part
losin an argument yah petty
Marcus Curtis if that raging, pompous, cold sore of
Curtis Later, Marcus, I am thirty-three minutes late
a property owner came walking in those doors this
for a meeting that could seal my fate!
second and shot me down in front of God and
51
Marcus A meeting? With who? Mr. Wesley Fire him. Fire him this instant while I
watch your miserable, forlorn hide weep over the
Curtis That cold sore of a property owner you
whole ordeal, or you are evicted.
mentioned, except in this scenario, Im the one
getting mowed down. Curtis I
Marcus Ahany last words? (CURTIS looks frantically from MR. WESLEY to the
bookstore. During his panic attack, he catches the
Curtis I dont even like to read and I dont know
eye of a rebellious looking teenager, heading in
why I opened a bookstore.
their direction. Suddenly, it is clear to him.)
(CURTIS dashes from the building and collides
Curtis Hey, you! Yeahson, come over here. You
headfirst into MR. WESLEY who was on his way in to
see this man here?
the bookstore.)
Teenager Sure.
Curtis Sir! Good morning! I was wrapped up in a bit
of my personal, family mattersnothing pertaining Curtis Do you know what people like him are going
to my employee, I assure youbut my to do to you?
grandmother, shes very ill and
Teenager What?
Mr. Wesley Excuses, excuses, excuses, you slimy
teenager. All I have ever heard uttered from those
crusty lips of yours are excuses. Im going to have to #17 Teenagers
teach you a lesson if you arent willing to take
matters into your own hands. You ave one
chanceONEto prove to me that this bookstore (Curtis) (To the teenager) They're gonna clean up
means anything to you and that our business dealio your looks
can remain in place.
With all the lies in the books
Curtis Yes, yes Mr. Wesley, anything.
To make a citizen out of you
Because they sleep with a gun
52
And keep an eye on you, son (Approaching MR. WESLEY and pretending to reach
for a concealed weapon.) What you got under your
So they can watch all the things you do
shirt
(To MR. WESLEY, who is livid.) Because the drugs
Will make them pay for the things that they did
never work
(Ensemble) They said "all teenagers scare the living
They're gonna give you a smirk
shit out of me
Cause they got methods of keeping you clean
They could care less as long as someone'll bleed"
They're gonna rip up your heads
So darken your clothes or strike a violent pose
Your aspirations to
Maybe they'll leave you alone, but not me
shreds
Oh, yeah!
Another cog in the murder machine
Mr. Wesley By God, Curtis Joy, you get your
(Ensemble) They said "all teenagers scare the living personal artifacts out of my building this instant or
shit out of me Ill
They could care less as long as someone'll bleed" Curtis Or youll what, unleash your wrath on me?
Please, if you think the rage under your skin is
anything compared to mine, then you are in for a
Maybe they'll leave you alone, but not me treat.
(Curtis) (To another teenager) The boys and girls in Mr. Wesley And what is that supposed to mean?
the clique
Curtis You said it yourselfstreet rats like me
The awful names that they stick shouldnt be out in force. Lucky for you, Im retired,
but Im willing to come out of retirementjust for
You're never gonna fit in much, kid
you, sweetie!
But if you're troubled and hurt
Mr. Wesley CURTIS!
53
Curtis Ah ah ah! Nope! Take it away, friends! So darken your clothes or strike a violent pose
(Ensemble) They said "all teenagers scare the living Jane Uhm, what do you think youre doing?
shit out of me
Curtis Having a backbone and asserting myself for
They could care less as long as someone'll bleed" once.
So darken your clothes or strike a violent pose Jane Are you aware that you may have just
thrown away the greatest opportunity of your life?
This bookstore is your livelihood! How can you
(Curtis) All together now! justscrap it like nothing!
(Ensemble) "Teenagers scare the living shit out of me Curtis Same reason I ever do anything, my friend,
because if I spend another god damn day in that
bookstore I would become disenchanted in a flash.
Jane Life is not aboutfantasies, Curtis. I know we
Maybe they'll leave you alone, but not me had this conversation already and you
mightbelieve whatever this ideology is butCurtis!
Come on! Think with your head.
(MR. WESLEY, red as an apple, storms into the
Curtis Opposed to what? My heart? My soul? Hell
bookstore and knocks over arrangements of
no! If the world is going to batter and defeat me, its
literature as JANE enters from the side. Her mouth is
only under my terms, my decree, and there is
agape over what she just watched unfold.)
nobodynobodywho can take that control away
from me.
(Ensemble) They said "all teenagers scare the living Jane How are you planning on making money,
shit out of me then, hm? Or raising your sister, tending to your
grandmother and brother? You cant all live with
your aunt!
54
Curtis Jane, please take all of your preconceived Jane My father is just down the block, I could
notions and throw them away for two minutes. scream and hed come running and whoop you to
the heavens and back.
Jane You and your two minutes.
Curtis Quiet down, give the magic a chance to
Curtis YesIm alone now. I have no future, no
work. What fantasy do you desire, Miss Khell? Do you
plan, no footing, butJaneit feels so damn good.
want to be powerful, rich, and comfortable? Is your
Try it out every now and then.
dream life based around the lasting impact you can
Jane Focus, Curtis fo make? Are you thirsty for love? Whatever it islet it
soak inlet it sit with you. Find your enchantment,
(CURTIS springs a surprise, passionate kiss on JANE
Jane. Dont succumb to the illusion of reality.
who is more shocked than affectionate towards it.)
(JANE becomes enthralled in his rambling, quieting
Curtis Try it out!
her temper to a light annoyance. An edge of
Jane What the hell admiration creeps into her voice.)
Curtis Jane if you dont live a little bit and take risks Jane You sound like a madman.
how do you expect to get anywhere?
Curtis Is it so wrong if I am?
Jane Not by kissing random strangers, thats for
Jane I dont know, is it?
sure.
Curtis Im a madman with a cause, Jane, so
Curtis I wasnt aware that we were just strangers.
doesnt that make me just as lucid as you or anyone
Jane Webarely know each otherare you else in this town?
attempting to reconcile with me bykissing me?
Jane The lives of these people are all stable and
Curtis No. Wait. Actually, yes I am. Did it work? securetheyre happy livesyou havent had a
chance to know their stories so you cant judge
Jane Did it work? I am appalled that
them either.
(CURTIS kisses her again, but this time she pulls away
Curtis Then what right do they have to judge me?
quicker.)
Jane N-none at all
55
(This time, they both lean in for the kiss. It is long and Curtis Jane?
sincere, but nervous on JANEs behalf. Once they
Jane - ehsure, why not?
retreat, MARCUS is storming after MR. WESLEY who
has finished wreaking havoc on the bookstore.) Curtis Fantastic, its settled then. Hey, lets stop by
your store and pick up flowers for her. Maybe shell
Marcus And stay out, you chub-ridden man child!
even be awake when we arrive.
Wesley Ill be back before you are, thats for sure
(As they exit, DARREN sneaks around the corner.)
you peg-legged protein freak!
Darren Heh, lookee here. Didnt I tell him? I told
(Exit MR. WESLEY.)
him just that, didnt I, and look what happenednot
Marcus Curtis, he justoh, Im sorry, am I even a whole day later!
interrupting some tender love scene?
(CLAIRE turns the corner, following him subtly.)
Curtis Yes sir, but thats a-okay. Im assuming he just
Claire Hey! Darren! Its not the best idea to just
delivered the news to you?
meander all willy-nilly, Curtis isnt far.
Marcus If by deliver you mean by swingin his fists
Darren Huh? Whats he gonna do, ground you?
at every bookstand in the building, yessirree.
Claire Or tell Marie.
Curtis I wonder if he realizes that by trashing the
place itll only make it harder on us to pack up and Darren Oh boy, what a predicament. And how
leave. would you suggest we remedy this turmoil?
Marcus Men like that dont realize much at all. Claire By going elsewhere.
Curtis Sayboth of youhowd you like to go visit Darren Right as usual, my friend! Hows the Clerk
Helena? We may not have much time left with her Bistro sound to you on this fine, sunny afternoon?
and I was planning on visiting her after we closed
Claire Delightful, actually!
today butif shes deteriorating so quickly we
shouldmove on past her dishonesty. (They turn to leave. DARREN exits as CLAIRE glances
over her shoulder to the hurricane of a bookstore.)
Marcus Im in if you are, kid.
56
Claire God, Im sorry Curtis. I shouldve known. Marie Whatever floats hiwait a minute, I have a
bone to pick with you, Claire. I almost forgot that
(Enter MARIE who catches CLAIRE before she can
was the reason I came here in the first place.
exit. They share an awkward moment while DARREN
remains offstage.) Claire Why, what, with me?
Marie It looks like a tornado hit the place. (DARREN creeps back onto stage, watching but
staying out of view.)
Claire Mr. Wesley evicted Curtis.
Marie Affirmative, Clairebell, we looked upways
Marie Gracious, no! Are you kidding?
and sideways for you around town yesterday and
Claire Unfortunately. I overheard them talking came up empty-handed! Do you have any idea the
Curtis was supposed to meet with him this morning amount of stress and pressure that puts on your
but he forgot about the meeting because of meI family?
meanbecause of Helena.
Claire I(Noticing DARREN) I have my
Marie And he didnt loosen up on the kid at all? reasonsand its not to encumber yo
Claire Nope, he told him to either fire Marcus or Marie Okay okay okay! Im not great at
get to steppin. confrontation, but um, Claire, Im your aunt and
technically your guardian soIm going to ask that
Marie Shucks, well where is Curt headed now?
you head home for the rest of today.
Claire He went to the Khell shop to buy some
Claire Marie!
flowers for Helena. Marcus and Jane were with him.
Marie No buts or Maries about it.
Marie So those two are getting along now? Its like
every time I take a moment to myself the whole Claire But II(swallowing her pride) I love him!
story changes!
Marie You lovewho?
Claire More than getting along, from the looks of it.
Claire Darren Capula! (She runs to him) Darren
Capula is the love of my life!
57
Marie Darren Capula? You mean the same Darren Marie Claire, leave this man at once and go
Capula who drove his car into the quarry just home.
because he felt like it?
Claire OkNo!
Darren That was Curtis.
Marie What was that, young woman?
Marie Oh, sorry. Nevermind! I dont care who it
Claire I said no!
was, you probably told him to do it!
Claire I am old enough and mature enough to
Darren Sure, go ahead and blame me, Im not
make my own decisions. What is with everyone
Doctor Death Defy, if you want to screech and cry
telling me Im too nave to call the shots? Im my
at anyun you better chase after your nephew. Hes
own person.
havin a bit of a temperament episode.
Marie Yes you are, honeyy-your own person, not
Marie Is he okay?
naveuh, but Im in charge of you!
Darren I dunno, maam, maybe you should go
Claire Prove it, then. Take chargetake the reins,
check!
woman! Stop hiding behind yourself. You cant
Marie Okay! (She turns to leave, then catches expect me to obey if you cower over your own
herself.) Hah! You thought youd played me well, commands.
didnt you? Unlucky for you, Ive learned quite a bit
Marie Enough! Since my brother died, Ive had to
and I canhandle myself now. I think.
constantly mend and assist this family while
Darren Christ, leave it alone. Wes a just enjoying everyone else only wants to chip away at it. No
ourselves, alright auntie Marie? Curtis doesnt mind. offenseNo! Offense to everyone! I cant take this
disrespect and disregard anymore! Claire, if you
Marie He does and he told me! He told me to look
dont listen to me, can you think of what the
out for you in particular.
alternative might be? Your mother! Would you like
Darren Did he now? Looks like big brother has me to call her, huh? Not that I would. But show me
become big brother. some respect, and show your brother some respect
too! He is worried sick, and when you apply that sort
oftensionto him, he cracks.
58
Claire You think so? Because Im fairly confident Darren Why, sure. And Marie, if you take this
that hell come around if he has more reason to. wonderful lady away from me, youre killin me
figuratively.
Marie Are you voluntarily putting him through hell?
Marie Sorry, but I dont think itll kill her to part from
Claire (Quickly) No of course not. Come on
you.
Darren.
Darren Maybe it will. I am good at reading people.
Marie Yeah, come on Darren, well see you some
other day. Claire, youre coming homeright now! Claire Marieits fine. Lets go home now.
Darren May I voice my own opinion, mlady? Darren Come on! Claire! Fight back, I know yah
got the nerve! Dont let our spark of passion die!
Marie (Sighing) Ehhh.fine, I dont want to be
rude. Claire Im sorryI think Ive gone too far.
Darren This may come as a shocker to the both a Darren Not at allohI getcha, I getcha. Well, I
yah, but Im not generally a happy person. spose this is goodbye, my dearie. I hope I dont
see you again.
Claire Darren
(He exits.)
Darren Sh, its fine, Claire. Ive struggled to mend
the pieces of shattered dreams all my life. Even with Marie Is it just me, or is there something else going
this great gig I got goin for me now, it still aint on here?
nothin compared toa real, genuine life. Claire, I
Claire I have no clue what hes talking about.
didnt think it possible, but youre beginning to put
those pieces back together. I didnt think a woman Marie UhmI thought you hated Darren? Ive
could do such a thing. never heard you speak well of himever
Claire Iam? Claire I do hate him. I hate him more than anyone
on this good green earth.
Darren Yep. Youre more a force a change to me
than anythin else Ive ever turned to. Marie Whabut you just said that you loved him.
Claire Thats good, right?
59
Claire I did, and thats what Curtis needs to God forbid! Claires going to end up just like the rest
believe, and Darren needs to believe. of the Joy children! Shes going to get pregnant,
turn lesbian, and start drinking. I dont have friends
Marie Honey, what are you doing?
and I barely have a family, Marie. This is the life I live!
Claire Im giving Curtis a reason to stay on the So give this poor little orphan girl a fighting chance.
bright side. You think I enjoy putting my dear brother Give her a cause. Let me save the only person in this
through hell? No! I want him to never go back to hell world who actually loves me.
again, but he has to go through the rest of it first.
Marie Sweetiewe all love you.
Marie I cant vouch for this plan. Playing a mans
Claire This? This isnt love. What Darren feelsthat
heartespecially someone like Darrenis
isnt love, thats use. What Im doing for Curtis is love.
dangerous.
Love is sacrifice, not convenience. Maybe if you
Claire Forgive me for not knowing any better, but learned that a little earlier youd have a family of
Ive never dated anyone in my life. Im just doing your own by now.
what I assume real people do.
Marie How dare you!
Marie You are a real person.
Claire How dare I!? How grand! You know what,
Claire Are you so sure? Ive never felt like I am. Marie? Im not coming home and I probably never
will. Im going to go hunt down my make-believe
Marie Why?
boyfriend and destroy his heart. After that, maybe Ill
Claire (She laughs like a maniac) Why? Why? Why, join the circus and get out of this town once and for
because of this fucking family, thats why, Marie! all.
Because if nobody babysits Marcus, hell run away
Marie Wait! Claire!
and get drunk and probably end up dead in a
ditch! If nobody supports and helps Curtis, then hell (CLAIRE is gone.)
fall off the deep end. Because Im an orphan, and
Marie Nonono, not good. Id better tell Curtis
because everyone in this god damn family is insane
before its too late.
besides me, and when I should matter, I
dontunless Im making poor life choices, then
60
BLACKOUT Scene Two
#18 (PLAYOFF) Planetary GO! (CURTIS, JANE, MARCUS, and HARRIET surround
HELENA who is rapidly fading in the hospital.
DOCTOR JOHNNY ANDERTRAM enters the room with
JENNIFER and NURSE SELLINGS.)
Andertram Are you the Joy family?
Harriet Oh, doctor, of course we are, of course! My

poor, poor mother-in-lawoh my heart.
Andertram Uhyes. Okay, well, Helena has been

in and out of consciousness since she fainted last
night. I know this is hard to hear, but you need to
start accounting for what happens next.
Curtis Seriously, just say it. Shes on her way out,

isnt she?
Andertram Its a delicate situation. This could pull

either way, Mr. Joy, and we cant call it early. Are
you all religious?
Marcus Fuck, no.
Andertram Ahemrightwell, are you planning to

have a funeral?
Harriet A funeral? Such a dirty word! But yes, we

will be having a ceremony for her, I assure. I promise
you boys. Your mother has this covered, all you
need to do is be present. Your presence is her
present.
61
Curtis (Under his breath) I hate you so fucking Harriet What did she say? What?
much.
Sellings She said to findClaire? Yeah,
Andertram I sense theres some tension here. We Clairethat Claire would know what she wanted for
have some news pertaining to your grandmothers your family.
final wishes, but if youd like some time to yourselves,
Curtis Claireanything else?
we can give you space.
Sellings She also wanted us to tell you that if she
Curtis No, enlighten us, please.
never got a chance to say itshe wanted to say
Andertram Miss Jennifer?
Andertram So long. And goodnight.
Jennifer Right. Last night, around one in the
(The electrocardiogram begins to beep rapidly.)
morning, I caught your grandmother sneaking down
the hallway. Curtis So longand goodnight(to HELENA)
Theres nothing I can say. Im sure you can hear
Curtis What? Why would she be out that late?
meyou always have.
Jennifer She wanted to look at the stars.
Harriet Curtis, let her rest.
Curtis The starsHelena loves the night sky
Curtis (Ignoring his mother) Helena, youve taught
Jennifer Thats when she asked us to pull her from me everything Ive ever known. Youve taught me
chemotherapy and cease all treatments. She told how to love and how to be loved. Generosity
me she couldnt live your lives for you anymore. andoh my Godoh
Marcus Shit, thats heavy.
Jennifer Once she fell, Nurse Sellings and I carried #19 Helena (So Long and Goodnight)
her back to her room. It was very clear that even
with continued chemo, the cancer had been
progressing too quickly for anysolidrecovery. (Curtis) Long ago
But, before long, she woke up and started talking to Just like the hearse, you die to get in again
us. We are so far from you
62
Burning on just like a match you strike to incinerate We'll meet again
The lives of everyone you know When both our cars collide.
And what's the worst you take What's the worst that I can say?
From every heart you break Things are better if I stay
And like the blade you stain So long and goodnight
Well, I've been holding on tonight So long and goodnight
What's the worst that I can say? And if you carry on this way
Things are better if I stay Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight So long and goodnight
So long and goodnight So long and goodnight
Came a time
When every star fall brought you to tears again
We are the very hurt you sold (The electrocardiogram beeps steadily until it returns
And what's the worst you take to a slower pace.)
From every heart you break
Curtis (Through gritted teeth.) Goodnight,
And like the blade you stain grandmother. Were right here with you.
Well, I've been holding on tonight
Jane Are you okay, Curtis?
What's the worst that I can say?
Things are better if I stay Curtis The fuck do you think? Im not okay.
So long and goodnight
(JANE withdraws slowly.)
And if you carry on this way Marcus Mother, I think we should give Curtis some
Things are better if I stay time alone with her.
Harriet I(sobs) You have my approval, Curtis,
okay. You say goodnight to your dear granny. She
Can you hear me?
loves you and shes proud of you, but I know we
Are you near me?
can move on. Well get through this together. We
Can we pretend
are family.
To leave and then
63
(HARRIET, JANE, and MARCUS exit with the rest of the Helena You need to find Claire. You care about
hospital staff.) her, right?
Curtis HelenaI will carry on. (She begins to stir.) I Curtis Yes, more than life itself.
cant say that Imhappy? Happy that you told
Helena Good. She cares about you, toomaybe
Claire she was the hope for this family and not me?
a little more than she should. She has a unique,
But I understandheyI get it. (Pause)
special type of self-sacrificial love for you, Curtis, and
ActuallyIm glad you chose ClaireThis life is not a
shes putting herself on the line. If you love her like
dress rehearsal; this moment will be gone soonand
she believes you do, you need to go find herright
as much as Im not prepared to admit it, you will be
now.
too. But I must carry on, even when youre dead
and gone. Im still here, and I have to keep living. Its Curtis But I thought the nurse said that you told
time to be alive. Claire she was the hope for this family?
Helena Itsabout time. Helena Goodness, I would never put that amount
of pressure on anyone! I told the Nurse to have you
Curtis Helena, go back to sleep.
speak with Claire because shes in heaps of trouble
Helena Why, you want me dead so soon? right now. Gracious, that got lost in translation.
Curtis No, but you shouldnt waste your time with Curtis In trouble? What do you mean?
me. Dont overexert. Just rest.
Helena That, Im afraid, is for Claire to tell you. But
Helena I aint never rested before, and Im never you sure need to hurry or she may give up on you!
plannin on it. All these doctors actin like Im on my
Curtis Thanks, grandma. Rest up, okay? We still
way out, and the rest a you too.
need you alive.
Curtis Im sorry, thats what they told us!
Helena Id enjoy not dying as well.
Helena I know, sweetie. Its surreal to hear it,
(CURTIS kisses HELENA on the forehead and exits the
especially when theyre referring to me. Curtis, listen
room, where only JANE remains.)
close okay?
Curtis Im ready to leave.
Curtis What?
64
Jane Oh, are you? Jane Curtis
Curtis Dont be cross. Dont you fucking dare. Curtis Helenas still breathing butGod, it wont be
Helena is my entire life. long and Ill only have you and Claire. I need you to
keep me intact. Im weak on my own.
Jane Dont throw a tantrum.
Jane Need is such a powerful wordCurtis, lets
Curtis Oh, yeah, okay, dont cry over the woman
find Claire. You are a strong man and only the
who raised me. No, dont judge me. Dont even try.
feeble refuse to ask for help. If we talk to Claire, that
You have no place.
will help you, right?
Jane I dont need this.
Curtis Ithink socan you do me a favor?
Curtis Yeah? Neither do I! I thought you were
Jane Anything.
differentI thought that out of all those people who
pretend to be human beings, maybe you would Curtis If we come across my motheror my
come around to living. But youre just as scrupulously brotherplease justdont even look in their
two-faced as the rest of the world. direction. Pretend they doesnt exist. On other days,
I could put on a mask and be the support they need
Jane If thats how you feel, Ill go.
but, I cant let them see me like this. Never again.
Curtis Then what are you waiting for? Youre not
Jane Thats toookay. As you wish.
helping your case. I shouldve known things would
end up this way. Curtis Youd understandmaybeif you grew up
with them. Theyre going to try and control me and
Jane Whats your problem, Curtis? One minute
Claire again, I know it. My mother, sheshe just puts
youre kissing me, the next youre rebuking me like
herself at the center of attention, shakes threats at
some backwater preacher!
us and ruins our lives and Marcuswell...Im sure you
Curtis I preach the truth then! Jane, Im sorry if Ive can imagine what Marcus does.
been harsh, but youre really pissing meI(he
Jane Alright, Curtis. Ill do whatever you need.
breaks down) God damn. God damn, Jane, I need
Easyjust, take it easy.
someone to help me. I need you.
65
BLACKOUT Scene Three
#20 (PLAYOFF) Im Not Okay (I Promise) (Time: Immediately following. CURTIS and JANE hurry
down the street in pursuit of MARIE who they crash
into not far from the hospital.)
Marie Ooh, hello, Curtis! I didnt expect to see

you so soon. But, please, wait a minute, I was just
about to go check if you were at the hospital. Ive
been looking for you.
Curtis Shit, MarieErmhI have something to tell

you.
Marie As do I.
Curtis Oh no, so youve heard, then?
Marie About Claire?
Curtis Claire? No, what happened to Claire? I was

talking about Helena.
Marie Helwhat about my mother?
Curtis Damn. WellMarie, she stopped chemo

andGod Im glad you werent there. The place
felt like an oven. My mother was grilling us andthe
doctor had no tact at allnonebut, Helena is
awake right nowlast I saw her anyway. I dont
think anyone expects her to have much longer, and
Im sure shed love to see you one last time.
66
Marie Are you implying that(Sobbing) My God, Jane Fine, neither do I. I was just hoping maybe it
please no! Why does no one tell me anything? This is would distract you.
so soonthey promised she had at least another
Curtis Jane, what I need right now is not
month! They promised.
distractions. If you cant tell, Im a very focused,
Curtis Marie, nobody can predict these things straightforward type of chap and when people
shove theirfabricationsdown my throat, I shrivel
Marie This is too soon. Im not ready, I dont think Ill
like a vampire in sunlight.
ever be readyI need to go see her, Im sorry Curtis!
Well catch up later. Jane Live like that and youll have a stroke by forty.
(MARIE exits into the hospital.) Curtis Pfft, thats if liver disease doesnt kill me first.
Curtis (Calling after her.) Marie, wait! What Jane Should we really be talking
happened to Claire? aboutdeathright now?
Jane Hey, Im sure it was nothing. Maybe Marie Curtis Why not? Is there ever a better time? (She is
caught her and Darren together. speechless.) Distractions ruin people. I delved into
distractions to cope with my fathers death and look
Curtis Thats not nothing.
where it got me. Obviously my grandmother doesnt
Jane Better than anything else, Curtis. Lean back, think much of me either because she trusts Claires
relaxwell, that cant be easy for you right now but, decisions more than she trusts mine.
uhm, take your mind off the whole hassle and worry
Jane Shes not
about yourself.
Curtis Yes, certainly not wrong in the slightest.
Curtis Who cares about me? I sure never have.
Claire is more of an adult than I am, and Im a
Jane I care about you, and you asked me to help twenty-six-year-old man straight out a business
you so this is mehelpingyou. As your self- school.
appointed mentor, I advise you to meditate on the
Jane What about her whole thing with Darren?
person you are right now.
Curtis Please, even when Claire is being stupid
Curtis No. I dont tussle with that yoga nonsense.
shes more cautious than I am. Its probably all
67
calculated in her mind already. Kid has brains and Gerald You!
guts.
Curtis Me!
Jane You sell yourself too short, Curtis. In this brief
Jane Gerald?!
time that weve been friends, Ive already come to
super appreciate your courageousness. Curtis Pleased to meet you, stranger. You come to
witness my existential crisis?
Curtis Call it whatever you like, but Im never going
to amount to anything. Gerald Ive come to reclaim whats rightfully mine.
Jane Youre making my job extremely difficult, you Curtis What, did I dig up your buried treasure or
know that? something? Ive never seen you before in my life.
Curtis Some people arent meant to rise to the Jane Curtis, this is Geraldmy ex-boyfriend.
occasion. Some people arent supposed to be
Gerald So quick to call me an ex, huh? Weve only
remembered. Ive come too far and made too
be separated for a few days, Jane. Are a few days
many mistakes already, and I would hang in shame
enough for you to forget about me?
if anyone ever thought of me as anything more than
what I am. Jane No, I havent forgotten about you, Gerald, I
only wish I couldve
Jane And, in yourmay I noteever-so slightly
flawed opinion of yourself, who do you think you Gerald Moved on faster? Left me sooner? You
are? hussy, you adulterous heathen! I loved you and
youve already found a new fling.
Curtis Darrens right. Im the one and only Doctor
Death Defy. That will never change. Jane Curtis is not just a fling, and if you dont mind,
hes on the verge of losing his grandmother. Take a
Jane Curtis.
page from my book and learn a lesson about being
Curtis Come on, lets go find my sister. inconsiderate, yah prick.
(Before they can exit, enter GERALD who is briskly Gerald (To Curtis) Buddy. (He snaps his fingers
walking in their direction.) aggressively) You believe this woman? Do you?
68
Curtis Im not sure youre shining yourself in the Curtis Good golly am I nervous. Jane, wed better
best light right now, pal. watch out.
Gerald Dont trust her. Shes got an exterior of gold Gerald To hell with you both!
but once you get to that core, you see whats really
(He turns, but stops.)
down there. Dont be fooled by words of
affirmation, Mr. Brightside, because this bitchll Gerald Did you sayseventeen-year-old girl?
destroy your world if you let her.
Curtis What, you want a piece of my sister too?
Jane Stop it Gerald, just stop it! What did I ever do You didnt strike me as a man whos into underage
to wrong you, huh? I was as dutiful as any girlfriend girls.
ever could be. I even gave you a discount on
Gerald Be that way and I wont tell you what I saw.
flowers!
Curtis You saw something? In this brief passing, on
Gerald Which I only bought for you!
the way to stalk your ex-girlfriend, you happened to
Jane Oh. witness something relevant to my personal woes?
Bull.
Curtis LookGerry
Gerald No, I swear! I swear by my spite for Jane
Gerald Its Gerald.
Khell!
Curtis Josephat, whatever, Im currently in hot
Curtis Thats quite a burdensome deity to swear
pursuit of a seventeen-year-old girl who is trying to
by, champ. What did you see?
date an older man at her own expense, so I dont
have time to chat about flowers. As much as Id Gerald I saw my lawyer hangin around some
love to. lassie in the Clerk park. I wouldve thought she was
his daughter if they hadnt been canoodling.
Gerald Fine! But dont say I didnt warn you. She
gets in your skin, man, and she digs around in Curtis Thewhat!?
therefinds what you believe inand then reminds
Gerald Catch you on the peace side, friends.
you that shes the one whos right, and that youre
Watch out for her sting, bud.
an ass for thinking anything different.
69
(He leaves.) Scene Four
FADE TO BLACK (Time: Concurrent. DARREN and CLAIRE sit in the
Clerk park together. His arm is around her, and she is
#21 (PLAYOFF) I Dont Love you
close up against his sidehowever, her face
expresses extreme discomfort during the intervals
when hes not looking at her.)
Darren Comfy?
Claire (Smiling lightly) Never felt better.
Darren You got anythin else goin on this evenin?
Claire Nothing at allmy time is yours.
Darren Spectacular, Claire, spectacular! You in the

mood for some gamblin?
Claire You still want to take me to that Casino over

the horizon?
Darren Sure I do! And, if youre serious in sayin that

our dearly departed Curtis is out of the picture, I
shouldnt see why not!
Claire Dont you have to be of a certain age to go

into places like that?
Darren Not when yah got connections, kid, and

Im the best connection in this half of the county. But
well wait till the sun goes down. Real players dont
go out until at least nine.
70
Claire Darrenbefore we go, I need to ask you Darren Before we go head-to-head in a pissin
about something. match at each other, allow me to prove it.
Darren Im an open book for you. Claire Prove what?
Claire Did youmean what you said earlier Darren Let me show you that I mean itthat I love
around Marie? you.
Darren Dont believe me, huh? Spose I carry a bit Claire Uhm.okay, that sounds(trying to
of a reputation wherever I go. You aint like the conceal her discomfort) Go ahead!
other bimbos Ive been with, Claire, youre special.
Darren In case you were nervous, I aint after you
Claire How can I be so sure you dont say that to for revenge against Cutis. Hell, the fact that youre
the rest of them? For all I know, after I go home his sister dont mean squat to me. Like I said, Ive
tonight, youll probably end up with another had some trouble sleeping lately, and I think you
woman. might be the cure. I can be the remedy for your
anxiousness too.
Darren Those are slanderin words, missy. Ill admit,
Ive never been a firm, accountable mister but one Claire Im perfectly fine, Darren, this week has
thing remains true no matter what for me. beendifficult. But I swear, Im not typically this
Claire What would that be? Darren Vulnerable? I getcha. Is it Curtis, your
grandma, or erythin else?
Darren I dont lie to my girls.
Claire Itsme.
Claire Heh. Sure you dont.
Darren For real now?
Darren Still cant bring yourself to trust me? I see.
Well, whatever garbage Curtis is feedin you is Claire No, I wont bother you with the details. My
merely a device to pin us against each other. Hm. family really enjoys subjecting me to their collective
Say, I got an idea. expectations and Im afraid Ill crack.
Claire (Falsely optimistic.) I like the sound of that Darren Sweets, I got the cure for that.
71
Claire You can solve all of my lifelong familial youre asking me to cut it out? What kind of
problems? bimbo are yah, huh? (She pushes him away.)
Darren Nada, but I know of a solution for how Claire I think were finished here, Mr. Capula.
youre feelin about the ordeal.
Darren Not if I have anythin to say about the
Claire Im not touching any liquor. matter, Miss Joy. (He pulls her down) Cmon, stop
being such a stuck up prudeyoure as dry as your
Darren Shit no, kid. Alcohol is fun but I aint about
brother.
to drown you in my own habits. I offer somethin
bettera sweet release(He tightens his grip on her Claire Leave me be! (She draws away, but he
and begins to kiss her neck.) yanks her down into his embrace while she
struggles.)
Claire Darren Im not entirely comfortable wi
Darren Tsk tsk tsk, Clairebell, show me a little sugar,
Darren (Continuing through kisses) Shits fine,
aight? You wouldnt want to prove your family right,
Claire, I aint gonna make you do anythin yah
would yah?
dont want. Just close your eyes. Dont take it all too
seriously. Claire IIcant say(She squirms before finally
giving in to his arms.)
Claire Please stop, I dont want this.
Darren (Coddling her) Aint nothin but a nice
Darren (Pausing) What? Thought you loved me.
evening, Claire, aint nothin more.
Claire I do butif you love me, youd respect my
Claire Mhm
boundaries.
Darren Lets just watch that nice gumdrop of a sun
Darren (Continuing) Boundarieseh? Dont know
dive down beneath the hills, Claire. Look out for the
much about thosenever was a fan.
neon. (He continues kissing her, but she stares
Claire No! Cut it out, honestly. blankly into space.)
Darren Isnt this what you want? You told me to Claire Im watching.
prove that my feelings were genuine, and now
(DARREN makes more advances on CLAIRE.)
72
FADE TO BLACK Scene Five
#22 (PLAYOFF) Welcome to the Black Parade (Time: Late into that nightJANEs apartment. JANE
(Drumming) lays asleep on the couch, curled up with a novel,
when a knock comes at the door. She slowly wakes
up and clambers to the door groggily. CURTIS
stumbles in and collapses on the couch. He is
completely intoxicated.)
Jane Curtis? Wh-what are you doing hereits

three oclock in the morningWere you out all night
looking for Claire?
Curtis Ieas jus cooooouldnta real find

mehway hoamenaaaah Claiirehs
nowhereshesh jus gone.
Jane Whats a matter with you? Are you sick?
Curtis Naaaahs, Im bettern ever!
Jane You dont appear toCurtis! Are you drunk?
Curtis Nuh-uh, only ad a few drinks.
Jane Yes you are, Ive never seen anyone so

smashed. (CURTIS tries to climb up the arm of the
couch) CurtCurtis, get down. Whats gotten into
you? You promised you swore off alcohol for good.
Curtis Yeeahs, but zsheas justa couldnt stay

way frahm me
73
Jane Oh-ho, so youre trying to tell me that the Jane Snap out of it. Im Jane, not Nicole.
liquor just happened to find its way into your mouth.
Curtis Jaaayhnnn? Hooooowd-y! Heeeey!
Lie down!
Jane I cant believe this.
Curtis Aohoahkay, Neeeekahl.
Curtis Jaayn! Hows you feehl abouts crashin
Jane Whatd you just call me?
here tonight, okay?
Curtis Whazh? Yehs naaaam, Nieeecole!
Jane No you cant stay hereabsolutely not.
Jane Curtis, look at me. Look me in the eye! Who
do you think I am?
#23 The Sharpest Lives
Curtis Niiiicole, sweets. Niiiiiicole, youze notta
seein the sch-emetary this time!
Jane Cemetery? God above, how drunk are you? (Curtis) (Slurring his words) Well it rains and it pours
When you're out on your own
Curtis Jus a leel bit.
If I crash on the couch
Jane I dont know who this Nicole is or what on Can I sleep in my clothes?
earth youre talking about, but this doesnt fly. This 'Cause I've spent the night dancing
simply does not fly! You cant crash into my home I'm drunk, I suppose
like thisits a slippery path to hell, Curtis! If it looks like I'm laughing
I'm really just asking to leave
Curtis Weeeell, I can!
This alone, you're in time for the show
Jane Says who? You're the one that I need
I'm the one that you loathe
Curtis Niiiiicole, I gots tah ashk yah shomethin!
You can watch me corrode like a beast in repose
Jane No, Curtis, no! 'Cause I love all the poison
Away with the boys in the band
Curtis Whered yah go for shoooo loooong,
I've really been on a bender and it shows
Nicole? Whyda yahr not tell me?
74
(He leans in to JANE who pushes him away.) A light to burn all the empires
So why don't you blow me a kiss before she goes? So bright the sun is ashamed to rise and be
Give me a shot to remember In love with all of these vampires
And you can take all the pain away from me So you can leave like the sane abandoned me
A kiss and I will surrender
The sharpest lives are the deadliest to lead
A light to burn all the empires Jane Were over, Curtis, we are over!
So bright the sun is ashamed to rise and be
Curtis Youll be back, yah shlimy shtallion
In love with all of these vampires
So you can leave like the sane abandoned me Jane Do you think that this is how life works? Well,
There's a place in the dark where the animals go its not! You and your fantasies and
You can take off your skin in the cannibal glow yourdisenchantment and love and family...I see
Juliet loves the beat and the lust it commands now what youre all about, Mr. Joy, and I want
Drop the dagger and lather the blood on your nothing to do with it. Youre a mess I cant handle,
hands, Romeo and frankly, nobody else can either. Go find your
I've really been on a bender and it shows sister, if you even still care about her.
So why don't you blow me a kiss before she goes?
(CURTIS trips and falls on his way to the door.)
Give me a shot to remember
And you can take all the pain away from me Curtis Youre a bully!
Jane Im a human, Doctor Death Defy, and the
same cant be said for you. (She shoves him out the
A light to burn all the empires
door and slams it.) Damn(She begins to cry.) What
So bright the sun is ashamed to rise and be
the fuck have I done?
In love with all of these vampires
So you can leave like the sane abandoned me (She cries alone for some time before a knock
Give me a shot to remember comes at her window.)
And you can take all the pain away from me
Jane My window? Curtis! Go away!
75
Claire (Offstage) Miss Khell? Its not Curtis, itsits Jane Is this about Darren?
Claire.
Claire Kind of butnot entirely.
Jane Jesus, Claire? Where have you been? (She
Jane Your grandmother?
rushes and opens up the window.)
Claire Same answer.
Claire Thank you, Jane. May I come in?
Jane Out with it!
Jane I couldnt turn you away if I wanted to, could
I? Claire I dont know, Jane, I dont know! I have
messed up, okay? I screwed the pooch big time!
Claire You got that right.
Jane You? Clairebell Joy, the savior of the Joy
(CLAIRE climbs inside.)
dynasty, has made a mistake?
Claire Have you been crying?
Claire Everyone is just as likely to fuck up as the
Jane A wee bit. next person, buuut in my case, I think Ive crossed
the point of no return.
Claire I thought I heard some commotion on my
way upwhat happened? Jane Stop being so secretive. If you dont tell me
what you want from me, Id like to get back to
Jane I shouldnt say. Its not important.
sleep, thank you very much.
Claire Geez, its obviously important to you. (No
Claire Hunker down, Miss Khell. As you witnessed
response.) Okay, so you wont talk about it. Thats
firsthand with my brother, Darren Capula and I have
fine.
been
Jane Why are you here? Not to be rude butits
Jane Yes, engaging yourselves together.
not even the crack of dawn yet and youre the
second person to barge into my apartment. Claire Its not that black and white. Ill let you in on
my big secretI hate Darren Capula.
Claire Why am I here? Great question. Can you tell
me why? Jane What?
76
Claire I hate him. I hate him so much that Im Claire No kidding. But after he realized that I
pretending to love him just so I can ruin his life by wasnt exactly enjoying my time, he took me out
breaking his heart. past the place to stargaze. Honestly, it was pretty
sweetif it hadnt been him, I mightve even fallen
Jane So all this time weve been searching for
for the guybut something connected inside of me
you
while we silently watched the night sky. Janehe
Claire YeahAt first, I was trying to give Curtis a got violent with me earlier. He kept pulling, and
reason to hate himand I couldve stopped once tugging, and slandering me but I kept stringing him
he caught us in the bell towerbut now? Now I like along. When I go tocut off ties with himIm
playing his heart. I thoroughly enjoy crushing his afraid hes going to
dreams, and I am going to take such pleasure in the
Jane I have to stop you right there. I wont let
defeated look on his face once I break up with him.
anything happen to you. Even if your brother is a pig
Jane Holywell, Darren isnt the most ethically like every other man I know, Im not going to allow
sound person butthis is extreme. you to get caught up in this whirlwind of self-
destruction. Stay hereDarren wont come looking
Claire Thanks, Im well aware that what Im doing
here.
isin every sense of the wordevil. But Ive done
myself in tonight, Jane, Ive dug myself into a Claire Thats asking too much
bottomless pit.
Jane I figured thats why you came in the first
Jane (Slowly) Did you have se place. You never had to tell me any of this.
Claire No! God no, never! He tried, and he tried to Claire Thanks, Jane. Im sorry I intruded.
make it my idea, but I shot him down until he
Jane Its for your own safety. Here, you can have
agreed to just take me out to the Casino. Would you
the couchmake yourself comfortable. Well chat
believe it? The Casino! He even had a fake ID
more in the morning.
readymade for me.
Claire I owe you for this.
Jane Credit where its due, that man is well
supplied. Jane Oh, big time.
77
FADE TO BLACK Scene Six
(Time: A few days later. HELENA leans upright in her
bed, awake and bursting with nervousness. DOCTOR
ANDERTRAM enters with JENNIFER.)
Andertram Ms. Joy, good morning! Youre up early.
Helena How are you today, Johnny?
Andertram Im well, thank you for asking. How are

you? Nervous, Im sure.
Helena Frightfully so, and your recent comments

havent helped to ease my nerves at all.
Andertram Weerapologize for that. Sometimes

we get caught up in the numbers and facts so
much that we forget our patients are living,
breathing humans too.
Helena (Winking) Most of the time.
Andertram We have the results of your tests from

last night. Would you like to hear them?
Helena Ive been spendin all morning preparin

myself for this moment. Tell me, spirits, what is my
fate?
Andertram (Awkwardly) Heh..haha
Jennifer For crying out loud, Ill read them. Ahem.

Ms. Joy, were pleased to deliver the news that your
cancer has gone into remission.
78
Helena (Distraught) Oh I knew it, I knew I was as #24 Bulletproof Heart
dead as a doornail!
Andertram Maam, youre not
(Helena) Gravity
Helena Sweetie, sweetie, dont worry, I Don't mean too much to me
understand! You cant tell any old woman that shes I'm who I've got to be
going to die, but Im ready, yes, Ive been ready. These pigs are after me, after you
Maybe my family will all get along at my ceremony. Run away, like it was yesterday
And we could run away, if we could run away
Jennifer Remission, Helena, remission!
Helena Yes, yes, theyll all probably fall back to

(Enter ENSEMBLE of patients and doctors.)
their arguments Im sure
Run away from here
Andertram Youre cancer-free, Ms. Joy!
(HELENA springs from her bed, full of youth and
Helena Imsay that again.
energy.)
Jennifer You live to fight another day.
Helena Oh, holy smokes! I got a bulletproof heart
You got a hollow-point smile
(She springs from her bed and embraces JENNIFER.)
Me and your runaway scars
Got a photograph dream on the getaway mile
Let's blow a hole in this town
And do our talking with a laser beam
Gunning out of this place in a bullet's embrace
Then we'll do it again
(Ensemble) How can they say?
79
(Helena) (Dancing with JENNIFER) "Jenny could you (Ensemble) The papers say
come back home?"
Cause everybody knows you don't
(Helena) (Dancing with ANDERTRAM.) "Johnny won't
Ever wanna come back
you come back home?"
Let me be the one to save you
Cause everybody knows you don't
Want to give yourself up then tell the truth
(Ensemble) Gravity And God will save you
Don't mean too much to me
I'm who I've got to be
(Ensemble) Gravity
These pigs are after me, after you
Run away, like it was yesterday
I'm who I've got to be
When we could run away, when we could run away
These pigs are after me, after you
Run away from here
(Dance break.) And we could run away, if we could run away
Run away from here
(Helena) I'm shooting out of this room

Because I sure don't like the company (Helena) And though I know how much you hate
Stop your preaching right there this
Cause I really don't care (Andertram)Are you gonna be the one to save us
And I'll do it again (Helena)From the black and hopeless feeling?
So get me out of my head (Jennifer) Will you mean it when the end comes
Cause it's getting kind of cramped you know reeling?
Coming ready or not
When the motor gets hot (Andertram)Hold your heart into this darkness
We can do it again (Helena) Will it ever be the light to shine you out
(Jennifer) Or fail and leave you stranded?
(Helena) I ain't gonna be the one left standing
80
(Andertram) You ain't gonna be the one left Scene Seven
standing
(Time: That evening. CURTIS sits alone by the creek,
(Ensemble) We ain't gonna be the ones left standing
while on the other side of the stage, CLAIRE leans up
Gravity
against a wall. JANE enters on CURTISs side while
DARREN creeps in near CLAIRE.)
Is this our destiny?
This world is after me, after you Curtis Hello, Jane.
Jane Its been a few days. Finally ready to talk,
And we could run away,
huh?
Run away, run away
Run away from here Curtis Ready as Ill ever be. But before we
Yeah starthows Claire?
(Dance break) Jane She was home when I left. I think shes
betterand she told me that I could explain what
happened now.
(Helena) Away from here
Away from here (Cut to the other side.)
(HELENA regains her age and falls into ANDERTRAMs Claire Good evening, Mr. Capula. Thank you for
arms. She is helped from the room in a wheelchair agreeing to meet with me.
by ANDERTRAM and JENNIFER.)
Darren Smatter with you, huh? Dodge me for a
FADE TO BLACK few days then show up like its nothin?
#25 (PLAYOFF) Bulletproof Heart Claire Forgive me, Darren, but I had a lot to think
about. You of all people should understand that.
Darren Well it aint nothin, dearie, it aint nothin.

Yah think Im some kinda fool, huh? Ready to be at
your command? Whell, I aim to prove you wrong.
81
Claire Please dont make this hard on me. Its time Curtis How could that possibly be justified?
I told you the truth.
Jane She wanted to give you something to fight
(Cut to the other side.) for, Curtis. She was trying to save you. She thought
that when you saw her with Darren, you would
Curtis Now thats what Im not ready to hear.
come to the lightyou would kill Doctor Death Defy
Jane All I can say is you deserve it. Claires been once and for all.
lying to you.
Curtis She did, did she?
Curtis Claire? Lying to me? She would never.
Jane But she was wrong. She got in too deep. She
Jane Remember what your grandmother said, discovered her dark side, and Darrens been trying
CurtisClaire knows what she wants for the family. to find her everywherehes madly in love with her,
hell he was even violent with her. And where were
Curtis Mhm, well my grandmother also thought she
you? Drunk in my apartment.
was going to die but now shes been relieved of her
death sentence. Curtis Dont pin this on me
Jane Life is unpredictable, Curtis, but you wouldnt Jane Cant you see, Curtis? This is your fault! All of
know that. You spend every day cooped up in your this is your faultyou take your notions, your
little bubble of enchantment. You dont believe in insecurities and youryour problemsand you
the real world, and you dont believe in people. project them, for Christs sake! You project them
onto Helenas cancer, your mothers
Curtis You try when you dont even see yourself as
negligenceyou even lashed them out onto Claire.
a functioning member of society.
Do you have any idea what couldve happened to
Jane Bottom line is, Curtis, Claire risked her purity her? What could still happen to her?
and her innocence to date Darren for your sake.
Curtis How could she be so stupid?
Curtis My sake? I forbade her from seeing him
(Cut to the other side.)
again, and she directly disobeyed me!
Darren How the fuck could you be so heartless?
Jane Did she? Stop to consider that maybe what
she did was justified.
82
Claire (Crying) I only did it because I love him, (Cut to the other side. DARREN is manhandling
Darren, I love my brother and I was afraid for him. I CLAIRE, trying to force her into submission.)
couldnt lose him like I have so many other times. Im
Claire STOP! LET ME GO! DARREN, IM SORRY, IM
sorryI truly am.
SO SORRY!
Darren Sorry? You dont know sorry, Claire, youve
Darren Yeah? Well see how sorry you are when
never known sorry in your life, you bitch! YOU BITCH!
Im done with you!
(He strikes her.)
(They struggle for a bit longer as DARREN attempts
Claire Darren, stop! I apologized, okay, I made a
to tug at her clothes. CLAIRE cries for help, and
bad decision. I did the wrong thingits so hard to
finally manages to push him off her. She runs.)
know right from wrong, Darren, its so hard!
(Cut to the other side.)
Darren You weaselyou know better. You damn
well know better! Ive known you my whole life and Curtis (Wistfully) Of courseit matters to me
never, NEVER, would I have imagined you were
capable of suchvilerepulsiveEVIL actions. You
bitch. I fucking hate you. #26 Disenchanted
Claire Thats okayI deserve it.
(DARREN glares at her, then, slowly, looks away.) (Curtis) (To Jane) Well, I was there on the day
They sold the cause for the queen,
Darren And youre going to get what you deserve.
And when the lights all went out
(Cut to the other side.) We watched our lives on the screen.
I hate the ending myself,
Jane You deserve every bit of her betrayal
But it started with an alright scene.
because she never turned her back on you! She
always thought of you, twenty-four-seven, and you (Cut to the other side. CLAIRE is frantically running,
were off chasing butterflies in your make-believe looking for somewhere to hide, but DARREN is not far
world. You have crushed her soul, Curtis. But does from her. CURTISs voice rings over the scene.)
that even matter to you?
It was the roar of the crowd
83
(CLAIRE is desperately searching for a place to take So I could watch all my heroes sell a car on TV
cover.) Bring out the old guillotine
We'll show 'em what we all mean
Yeah, yeah, oh
That gave me heartache to sing.
(To CURTIS) If I'm so wrong, so wrong, so wrong.
It was a lie when they smiled
How can you listen all night long, night long, night
And said, "You won't feel a thing."
long?
And as we ran from the cops
Now will it matter long after I'm gone?
We laughed so hard it would sting
Because you never learn a goddamned thing.
Yeah, yeah, oh (CLAIRE finds the bell tower, but unfortunately,
DARREN has found her as well.)
(Cut back to CURTIS.)
(Claire) You're just a sad song with nothin' to say
(Angrily, at JANE.) If I'm so wrong, so wrong, so
About a life long wait for a hospital stay
wrong.
And if you think that I'm wrong,
How can you listen all night long, night long, night
This never meant nothin' to ya
long?
Now will it matter after I'm gone? (CLAIRE is now cornered at the top of the bell-tower.
Because you never learn a goddamned thing. DARREN is nearly upon her.)
You're just a sad song with nothin' to say
Darren I have got you now, and youre going to
About a life-long wait for a hospital stay
be grateful for it! I promise! But promises dont
Well, if you think that I'm wrong,
mean nothin to ya, do they?
This never meant nothing to ya
Claire Nono(she backs upclose against the
(JANE gives up on CURTIS and leaves the stage.
railing. DARREN moves coolly in her direction, and
CURTIS is almost watching CLAIRE from beyond the
CLAIRE contorts her body against the railing.)
invisible boundary between them. CLAIRE has found
a place to temporarily hide from DARREN.) (Without warning, the railing breaks. CLAIRE
plummets.)
(Claire) I spent my high school career
Spit on and shoved to agree
84
(DARREN stares, mouth agape, at where CLAIRE (Curtis) At all
had stood.) (Darren) At all
(Curtis) At all
(Curtis) So go
Go away (As the music plays off, DARREN breaks the barrier
Just go, run away. between the two spaces and sadly, solemnly
But where did you run to? And where did you hide? approaches CURTIS. CURTIS is warry of him at first,
Go find another way but once he sees the tears in DARRENs eyes, he
Price you pay moves in. DARREN puts his arm around CURTIS.)
(DARREN collapses, stunned and emotionless.) FADE TO BLACK
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa

(Claires voice with Curtis) You're just a sad song with
nothin' to say
(DARREN descends from the bell tower.)
(HARRIET, MARCUS and MARIE pass the stage

as memories in CURTISs mind, resonating as
he sings to them.)

But if you think that I'm wrong,
This never meant nothin' to ya, come on
You're just a sad song with nothin' to say
And if you think that I'm wrong,
This never meant nothin' to ya
85
Scene Eight Marcus Right, but he doesnt think that Capulad
be capable of murdereven on his worst day.
(Time: Sometime later. HARRIET and MARCUS sit
alone at a coffee shop.) Harriet Well personally, I think Curtis is too trusting of
people.
Marcus No chance, huh?
Marcus Makes a man wonder why he never
Harriet (Sniffling) None at all, Marcus. They said she
trusted you.
fractured her vertebrae in six different placessix! To
think that she should be graduating high school next Harriet Dont back-sass me, mister. In this tragic
year and now shesshesshe took Helenas time, we must come together, not break apart.
place. Come come, Marcus. Come come.
Marcus I know she did, ma. This life aint fair. Ive Marcus He wasnt there.
known it since I stepped aboard that chopper to
Harriet Honey I know he wasnt.
the afghansthis lifell eat you up, ma.
Marcus What kind a bastard doesnt come to his
Harriet How could I have been so inconsiderate all
own sisters funeral?
these years, Marcus? Can you ever find it in your
heart to forgive me? Harriet Perhaps he didnt come for the same
reason that he refused to press charges on Mr.
Marcus What else am I sposed to do? We lost the
Capula.
one hope for our family. Fuck, thats a hard fact to
swallow, but we gotta. We gotta march on. Marcus Huh?
Harriet Theyd better get that Darren Harriet Dearie, I know your brother better than
characterour little girl deserves justice. hed care to admitI understand him, like a mother
should.
Marcus Maeven Curtis vouches that he didnt
do nothin. Marcus I don care what the reason may appen
to be, Curtis is dead to me.
Harriet Curtis detests Darren. He said so himself.
Harriet Hes your brother.
86
Marcus Marie should be here soon. Marie Yeah, not to be blunt butwhats the
purpose of an intervention if the intervened doesnt
Harriet Any word from that nice florist? She was just
attend?
a peach!
Harriet I was very clear to Curtis not to be late
Marcus Yeh. She aint comin. She wont associate
explicit, at the very least! I said to him, I said that if
herself with us anymore, she says, and she dont
hes not at the Clerk Caf by four then all of usall
ever wanna see Curtis again.
of us would disown him.
Harriet What about Helena?
Marie Cant be more straightforward than that.
Marcus She wouldna answered er door. I got
(The door chimes and JANE surprisingly, enters.)
inside, and she wasnt in their either.
Marcus What happened to not showin?
Harriet How curious
Jane Afternoon, Joy family. I have something to
(MARIE enters.)
deliver from Curtis.
Marie Am I late? Im always late.
(She holds out a note.)
Harriet Oh golly, Marie, oh golly. What would we
Harriet Let me see that! (She swipes it.) How did he
have done without you? What wouldwhat would
track you down? Marcus said you were through.
Claire have done without you?
Jane Actually, he didnt search me outI had to
Marie I
see him one last time.
Harriet Dont apologize! No apologies necessary,
Harriet What a harlot. (Reading the note.) What?
Marie, nothing is your fault dearshnothing is your
What does this even mean?
fault.
Marcus Whats it read, ma?
Marcus Rightits all Curtiss faultand speakin of
him again, the fuck is he? Whens he sposed to be Harriet It just says Disenchanted. Only one word!
comin? What does that even mean?
87
Jane More than you could ever imagine, Mrs. Joy. Jane Nobut I know what you did to her. All of
Ill see you all some other time. But before I leaveI you are responsible for her deathnot just Curtis
have a little advice for you. and Darrenyou tried to tie her up into this perfect
model child, you strapped the burden of your entire
Marie Okay, hun.
family on her back, and then you whipped her into
Jane Give Curtis one more chance. People submission. You killed Claire Joy. I killedI killed
change Claire Joy.
Marie Curtis has had plenty of chances to change. Harriet How can you rightfully say that to a
mourning family?
Jane People do changeI think what Curtis failed
to realize was that the only way for him to change Jane It hurts to hear what matters the most. But, I
was to allow himself to becomedisenchanted. We see that Im not welcome here, so I bid you adieu
only fear what can save us. once and for all.
Marcus So youre askin us to forgive him? How Marie Good riddance, Jane Khell.
could we after he damn near killed our sister?
Jane Goodbye everyone.
Jane Sure, you could go on despising himbut if
(She exits.)
you knew him like I didin the time that I did
maybe youd know a little better what he needed. Marcus So Curtis isnt comin is what I take away
This was the only way. from this.
Harriet How incredibly morbid of you, Miss Khell! Marie What could possibly demand his attention
right now?
Jane See what you want, but if you ask me, I think
Curtis is better off than any of you are. Claire is
goneyesbut you have a chance now to turn the
FADE TO BLACK
lip of your mistakes into a rescue party for the
prodigal son.
Harriet You never knew Claire, my sweetheart.
88
Scene Nine Helena (Offstage) Curtisplease open up.
(Time: Concurrently. CURTIS is sitting alone in his Curtis Did she succeed though? How am I any
townhouse, reviewing heaps of billssome marked better off now than I was when she started? Is it
for utility and rent, others marked for funeral poetic, in a sense, to let her death be in vain? Every
charges. He holds a paper in front of himanother death has destroyed me. Its only a matter of time,
bill outlining the cost of bell tower repairs due to the too, until the cancer comes backyes, I suppose
damage CLAIRE and DARREN have caused to it. thats right. The cancer. Then what?
Oddly, the words DISENCHANTED and I KILLED
Helena (Knocking harder) Curtis, pleaseI need
CLAIRE JOY are written all over it. CURTIS is vividly
you to let me in.
defeatedhis hair is scraggly, hes unshaven,
wearing black dress clothes which barely hang on Curtis (Still, to himself, gazing expressionless at the
his body. Before him is a tray of cigarettes, many of papers on the table.) Im not okay, thanks for asking
which are only butts. No alcohol, however, is though. This world doesnt make sensethis jumble
present.) of cosmic proportions does not connect. Im swirling
aroundout amidst a million dead starstrying to
Curtis I killed her. Simple as thatnodont be so
find one to swing on but whenever I see a lightno
stupid. It was Darren. But who decided not to press
matter how faintit disappears. Vanished.
charges? Whose idea was it to let Darren walk her
Vanquished. Like a phantom in the summer. Like my
home? Why did you trust him so much, you idiot?
fatherlike Clairelike you.
God what a prissy motherfucker I am.
Helena (Ceasing to knock) You cant give up. Not
(Theres a knock on the door. CURTIS does not hear
like this.
ithes too wrapped up in his own world.)
Curtis And like Helena, Im sure too. Are you still
Curtis If I had onlyif it had been as simple as love.
there?
Love is hard, isnt it? Damn, she made it look so
easy. So easy, so carefree. While I was off playing (From around the corner enters NICOLE, a pretty
cat and mouse, Claire was trying to rescue me from young woman clad in a black dress and ghastly
myself. Nobody does that. Nobody like that is real makeup.)
anymore anyhow.
Nicole Where else would I go?
89
Curtis Sometimes I stop and think that youre gone. Nicole Winter never ends, love.
That youre not with me.
Curtis Say, can I ask you a risky question?
Nicole Doctor Death Defy is never alone.
Nicole If youre ready for a risky answer.
Curtis Right, hes not, but I am. Ive been too many
Curtis When youdisappeareddid you
different people, theyre all bursting at the seams
arguing with each other, bickering, tearing away at Nicole What do you think?
the fabric of who I am.
Curtis Right. Where, though? And how?
Nicole I know who you are.
Nicole Im sure you can guess that too.
Curtis (Angrier than ever) Well I dont! I never have
Curtis Where was it, the place that we
and everyone else on this dead planet appears to
know who I amwho I wasand who I should be. Nicole You know the answer.
But why dont I, huh? Why do I cast myself into the
Curtis Cemetery Drive. HmFitting. Fitting. But
pits of hell, torture myself over thesedecadent
how?
people who want to ruin me? Why do I care,
Nicole? Why do I care at all!? Nicole Do you really need to know that?
Nicole You dont. Curtis Finewhy? Was it because of me?
Curtis Maybe thats the problem then! Maybe if I Nicole Its not about you, Curtisnothing is about
cared just an ounce moremaybe youd still be you. Thisthis mess of a life, this horrible tragedy
alive. has nothing to do with you. Surely you cant be
dense enough to believe you are important enough
Nicole And Claire?
to have that ripple effect.right?
Curtis (A long pause) Im cold.
Curtis (Bursting with anger again) But did you kill
Nicole Tell me about it. yourself because I got you pregnant?!
Curtis I dont remember warmth. Its been a hell of (Silence. They stare at each otherlonginglya
a long winter, Nicole. love story that couldve been. A family that could
90
have lived. A chancea cut and dry opportunity. out the second floor?
One prospect. Gone. Gone forever, cold and (Nicole) And without you is how I disappear,
empty, a promise unfulfilled. Twonothree lives And live my life alone forever now.
lost.)
(Curtis) Im not okay, Im not okay.
Nicole I think its time I disappear again. (Nicole) And without you is how I disappear,
Curtis WaitNicolebefore you gocan you tell And live my life alone forever now.
me how? (Curtis) Im not okay, you wear me out.
Nicole The way doesnt matter. (Nicole) Who walks among the famous living dead,
Curtis Nofuck, not how you killed yourself, how Drowns all the boys and girls inside your bed.
you could bring yourself to it. And if you could talk to me,
Tell me if its so,
That all the good girls go to heaven.
#27 This is How I Disappear and Im Not Okay Well, heaven knows
(Curtis) What will it take to show you that its not the
(Nicole) To un-explain the unforgivable, life it seems?
Drain all the blood and give the kids a show. Ive told you time and time again you sing the words
By streetlight this dark night, but dont know what it means
A sance down below. To be a joke and look, another line without a hook
Therere things that I have done, I held you close as we both shook for the last time
You never should ever know! take a good hard look!
(Curtis) Well if you wanted honesty, thats all you (Nicole) That without you is how I disappear,
had to say. And live my life alone forever now.
I never want to let you down or have you go, its
better off this way. (Curtis) Im not okay
For all the dirty looks, the photographs your Im not okay
boyfriend took,
Remember when you broke your foot from jumping
91
(Nicole) And without you is how I disappear, (Curtis) But you really need to listen to me
And live my life alone forever now. Because Im telling you the truth
I mean this, Im okay!
(Curtis) Im not okay.
Trust Me
You wear me out.
(Nicole) And without you is how I disappear,
(Nicole) Can you hear me cry out to you? And without you is how I disappear,
Words I thought Id choke on figure out. Whoa whoa...
Im really not so with you anymore. Whoa whoa... Forever, forever now!
Im just a ghost,
(Curtis) (Im not okay
So I cant hurt you anymore,
Im not okay
So I cant hurt you anymore.
Well, Im not okay
(Curtis) Forget about the dirty looks Im not o-fucking-kay
The photographs your boyfriend took Im not okay
You said you read me like a book, but the pages all Im not okay
are torn and frayed Okay)
(Curtis) Im okay (CURTIS beholds NICOLE as the number ends, staring

into the face of what couldve been had he
(Nicole) (And now, you wanna see how far down I
changed for her.)
can sink?)
(Curtis) Im okay! Curtis Are you okay?
(Nicole) (Let me go, fuck! Nicole Im not.

So, you can, well now so, you can)
Curtis I think its high time I disappear too
(Curtis) Im okay, now
(They share a kissa strangely dangerous one.)
(Nicole) (Im so far away from you.)
(Curtis) Im okay, now Nicole Its purely chemical.
(Nicole) (Well now so, you can.) Curtis I say its romance.
92
Nicole Well, then its our chemical romance, love. Curtis Imokay. How did youdid you wheel
yourself all the way down here?
Curtis Ill be seeing you soon.
Helena Oh heavens no. A good friend of mine
Nicole Are you positive? (They kiss again.)
dropped me off.
(NICOLE exits and the knocking from HELENA
Curtis Who?
resumes. CURTIS is suddenly conscious of it.)
Helena Jenniferoh, you probably wouldnt
Curtis Grandma?
remember her anywho.
Helena (Frantic) Curtisthank God, I was so
Curtis Swell. Doyou want something?
worried. Can you come here?
Helena I want to bring you somewhere. Is that
Curtis Yeah Ijust a moment. Uhuhtwo
quite alright?
minutes.
Curtis Im actuallyuhin the middle of
(CURTIS goes to the kitchen and rummages through
something right now.
a cabinet, finding a capsule full of pills. He carefully
reads the labels and pockets them.) Helena Can you spare to hold off on that for an
hour or so? (Aside) Or a lifetime.
Curtis Ill need you later.
Curtis Eh (Slowly) Ill give it a try. Where am I
(CURTIS returns to the door and opens it to HELENA in
taking you?
a wheelchair.)
Helena That my dear, is for me to know and you to
Helena Helloholy smokes, Curtis, you look like
find out. Wheel me up towards Main Streetthen
youve been hit by a train! Is thatare those
turn right on Cemetery Drive.
cigarettes that I smell?
Curtis (Distraught) All the way out there?
Curtis (Shaking) Dont worry about it.
Helena Past there. Lets go, kiddo.
Helena You had better take care of yourself,
youre falling apart before my eyesand Im the (CURTIS turns HELENA around in her chair and they
one who has the right to fall apart! slowly make their way down the road.)
93
FADE TO BLACK Scene Ten
#28 (PLAYOFF) Im Not Okay (Piano) (Time: Immediately following. CURTIS pushes HELENA
in her wheelchair through a cemetery. They go in
silence at first, until finally HELENA has the courage
to speak.)
Helena My boy.
Curtis Hm?
Helena Turn left up ahead.
Curtis But Clshes not in that direction.
Helena We need to visit someone else first.
(They turn left and come upon a grave labelled

SIMON JOY.)
Curtis Ive been here plenty times before.
Helena He misses you. He told me so.
Curtis Sure he did, grandma.
Helena Do you remember when you were eight

years old? Your father brought you into the big city
because you were so insistent on seeing that
parade. He had a work function that day but he
ditched it just to make you happy.
Curtis I do remember that day. It was the best

moment of my lifethe only time I can truly recall
being happy.
94
Helena Can you think of what he told you as you Helena Its no way out, Curtis, and dont you think
watched the marching band? about it for a moment. Claire wouldna wanted that
for you.
Curtis How could I forget?
Curtis I have nothing left, grandma. I cant even
Helena You sure arent doing a good job of
afford rent for the end of the month. No prospects,
fulfilling his wishes, yaknow.
no friendsno family
Curtis Its my fault, gran. This whole mess of a family
Helena Dont be silly, Im still here and Im not
is my fault
dead yet!
Helena And wheres that attitude going to get
(They walk towards CLAIREs grave.)
you, hm?
Curtis I wont mooch off you, grandma, Ive been
Curtis Ill end up here someday, just like the rest of
a burden all my life.
the world.
Helena Yes you have.
Helena This place is not for you.
Curtis Now (he stops)did you just agree with me?
(Her words resonate with CURTIS.)
Helena Im agreeing because its true to you! Your
Helena Youve been considering it, havent you?
truth matters more than mine right now. But whatre
Curtis I dont know what youre talking about. you doing to change that, hm? Why are you worse
off than your mother, or Marcus?
Helena Yes you do. Youre thinking of doing the
same thing that Nicole girl did. Curtis BecauseIm me. Ive never been anyone.
Never done anything. Ive simply floated around in
Curtis Im no coward.
space like a virus and ruined peoples livesor
Helena Would you consider her a coward? ended them.
Curtis No Helena I hope you know that my conscious isnt

clean either.
Curtis You were on your deathbedhow?
95
Helena Right after I collapsed the first nightwhen We told her what to do, and she sealed her own
Darren and Claire ran off togethershe snuck into death. You killed her, I killed her, Darren killed
my hospital room. herwhatever. But, believe it or not, Claire willingly
chose her fate. She knew what she was in for. When
Curtis Are you saying what I think youre saying?
she hunkered down at Janes apartment that
Helena I warned herI told her to be careful with couldve been the end of this disaster, but there
that conniving lawyerbut your sister is no less were too many loose ends. She sacrificed herself.
stubborn than you. I try to avoid thinking about it. I
Curtis What, did she tell you that too? The whole
couldve stopped it there, I couldve called you and
world is conspiring against me.
told you the whole scheme she concocted, but I
trusted her too. I believed that my beautiful Helena Not conspiring, dear, helping you. Claire
granddaughter could save the world (A pause) was saving herself just as much as she was trying to
We cant help but blame ourselves, Curtis. Thats save you.
what humans doput blame wherever they can
Curtis What part of falling from a bell tower was
andand it has to be tangible, it cant hide behind
supposed to rescue her?
some obscure mask. We need the security of
control. I know that you know how big of a lie that Helena She was going to collapse. With me
power is, but it keeps us from bedridden, you losing your mind, and Marcus barely
lucid, she felt her world crumbling down on top of
Curtis Disenchantment.
her. She needed someone, and she thought she
Helena Thats a word I havent heard used since only had you.
your dad was around. Think of it this way. I put more
Curtis She put her confidence in the wrong person.
pressure on Claire than anyone. I told her that she
was capable of saving you. Because of my Helena I dont think she did. I think you trusted
influence, and my convictions, Claire subjected Darren too much, and yourself not enough. Claire
herself to turmoil. She began to believe the little tried to make up for that where you lacked.
faade she built around Darren because both you
Curtis And shes dead! Shes deadnot you, not
and I were wrapped up in our own realities and we
me, but Claire! How does something like this
didnt show her that she mattered anything to us.
happen? How?!
96
Helena Claire was innocent. She was loving,
caring, and innocent. You wanted to preserve that,
(Curtis) When I was a young boy,
but you never couldve. Even if she lived longer, she
My father took me into the city
wouldve lost it eventually. This world is dark and
To see a marching band.
dangerous, and it destroys. It corrupts. She chose to
let Darren rob her of her purity, she wanted to suffer
for something that really matterednot some (SKELETONS arise from their tombs, clad in band
fabrication of society or some petty standard. Claire uniforms. They circle around CLAIREs tomb. A few of
saved herself in the end them start drumming.)
Curtis Will I ever understand?
Helena Maybe not today, Curtis. Maybe not ever. He said, "Son when you grow up,
But its important that you carry on. Youre not the Would you be the savior of the broken,
hope for this familyyoure not the hope for this The beaten and the damned?"
world, or for innocent girls anywhereyoure the He said "Will you defeat them,
only hope for yourself. Your demons, and all the non-believers,
The plans that they have made?"
"Because one day I'll leave you,
#29- Welcome to the Black Parade A phantom to lead you in the summer,
To join The Black Parade."
(The SKELETONS begin to parade.)
Curtis Nothing is keeping me here anymore
Helena Nothing but what you want to hold onto.
(Skeletons) When I was a young boy,
Curtis All I have isismemories. Claires memory.
My father took me into the city
Helena Then her memory will carry on. To see a marching band.
He said, "Son when you grow up,
(They arrive at a tiny plot of dirt, unlabeled still
Would you be the saviour of the broken,
besides a tiny plaque reading JOY, CLAIRE.)
97
The beaten and the damned?" We'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone believe me
Your memory will carry on
(The SKELETONS begin to dance)
We'll carry on
And though you're broken and defeated
(Helena) Your weary widow marches
(One more skeleton emerges, a smaller one
(Curtis) (Fronting the SKELETONS) Sometimes I get the
CLAIREs SKELETONand begins to dance with
feeling she's watching over me.
CURTIS.)
And other times I feel like I should go.
(Skeletons) On and on we carry through the fears
And through it all, the rise and fall, the bodies in the
(Curtis and Claire) Ooh oh ohhhh
streets.
(Skeletons) Disappointed faces of your peers
And when you're gone we want you all to know.
(Curtis and Claire) Ooh oh ohhhh
(Skeletons) Take a look at me cause I could not
(Skeletons) We'll carry on,
care at all
We'll carry on
(Claires skeleton) Do or die, you'll never make me
And though you're dead and gone believe me
Because the world will never take my heart
Go and try, you'll never break me
We'll carry on
We want it all, we wanna play this part
And in my heart I can't contain it
I won't explain or say I'm sorry
The anthem won't explain it.
I'm unashamed, I'm gonna show my scar
Give a cheer for all the broken
(Helena) A world that sends you reeling from
Listen here, because it's who we are
decimated dreams
(Curtis and the other Skeletons) I'm just a man, I'm
Your misery and hate will kill us all.
not a hero
(Curtis) So paint it black and take it back
Just a boy, who had to sing this song
Let's shout it loud and clear
I'm just a man, I'm not a hero
Defiant to the end we hear the call
(Skeletons) I
Don't
(Skeletons) To carry on
98
Care! CURTIS remains, and with the last beat, the lights go
We'll carry on out on him.)
We'll carry on
(Curtis) And though you're dead and gone believe
me
(Skeletons) We'll carry on
(Curtis) And though you're broken and defeated
(Helena) Your weary widow marches on
(Skeletons) Do or die, you'll never make me

Because the world will never take my heart
Go and try, you'll never break me
(Curtis and Claire) (We'll carry on)
(Skeletons) Do or die, you'll never make me

(Skeletons) Because the world will never take my
heart

(Skeletons) Go and try, you'll never break me
(Curtis and Claire) (We'll carry on!)
(As the drum beats, CURTIS holds CLAIREs hand as

she sinks back into her grave. The stage is dark. Only
99
#30 (CURTAIN CALL) Dead! squeamish
You never fell in love
Did you get what you deserve?
(A low beeping is heard, which suddenly flatlines.) The ending of your life
And if you get to heaven
I'll be here waiting, babe
(Gerald) Yeah! Did you get what you deserve?
The end, and if your life won't wait
(Ensemble) And if your heart stops beating Then your heart can't take this
I'll be here wondering
Did you get what you deserve? (Jane and Darren ) (Enter, bow) Have you heard the
The ending of your life news that you're dead?
And if you get to heaven (Join the crowd) No one ever had much nice to say
I'll be here waiting, babe I think they never liked you anyway
Did you get what you deserve? Oh, take me from the hospital bed
The end, and if your life won't wait Wouldn't it be grand to take a pistol by the hand?
Then your heart can't take this And wouldn't it be great if we were dead?
(Helena) (Enter, bow) And in my honest observation
(Marie, Harriet, and Marcus) (Enter, bow) Have you During this operation
heard the news that you're dead? Found a complication in your heart
(Join the crowd) No one ever had much nice to say So long,
I think they never liked you anyway (Join the crowd) 'Cause now you've got
Oh, take me from the hospital bed
(Ensemble)(now you've got)
Wouldn't it be grand? It ain't exactly what you
(Helena) Maybe just two weeks to live
planned.
Is that the most the both of you can give?
And wouldn't it be great if we were dead?
(CURTIS and CLAIRE slowly enter.)
Oh, dead.
(Curtis and Claire) One, two, one, two, three, four!
(Ensemble) (Dancing) Tongue-tied and, oh, so
(Ensemble) La, la, la, la, la! (Dancing)
100
La, la, la, la, la, la! (Ensemble) (la, la, la, la, la, la, la!)
La, la, la, la, la, la, la! (Darren)Then why are we laughing? (Bow)
Well come on, (Jane) If life ain't just a joke (Bow)
La, la, la, la, la!
(Ensemble) (la, la, la, la, la!)
La, la, la, la, la, la!
(Helena) Then why are we laughing? (Bow)
La, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Oh, motherfucker, (Ensemble) (la, la, la, la, la, la!)
(Curtis) If life ain't just a joke (Bow)
(Marie) If life ain't just a joke (Bow)
(Ensemble) (la, la, la, la, la, la, la!)
(Ensemble) (la, la, la, la, la!) (Claire) Then why am I dead? (Bow)
(Harriet) Then why are we laughing? (Bow) (Everyone) Dead! (Bow)
(Ensemble) (la, la, la, la, la, la!) BLACKOUT
(Marcus) If life ain't just a joke (Bow)
SHOWS OVER
101
102

Disenchanted: A My Chemical Musical

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Script Original Music

Isaac Wilson My Chemical Romance

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Script by Isaac Wilson Original Music by My Chemical Romance

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Another contusion, my funeral jag

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

(Enter from the floral shop MR. JAMIE KHELL, an older

Jane Can you believe this? Mr. Wesley must be up

Jane Yes, I sure did! Nothing frustrates me more

Khell I thought you said you wanted nothing to do

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Claire Grandma is really happy youre back in

Curtis I missed the both of you dearly. Im sorry to

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Claire Curtis is sick, grandma, just as sick in the Helena You.

Claire I know. Jane Seriously, what Im saying isI shouldve

Claire Im well aware. Claire So why are you apologizing to me?

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Curtis And you agreed to it? She probably just

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

FADE TO BLACK Curtis You dont have to be gentle. Shes nearly

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Mrs. Capula Sorry lad! I wish I could be of more

Curtis Ah-ah! Yes! Darren walked her home last

Mrs. Capula Uhtell me, Curtis, whereve you

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Darren That, my dear Claire, offers the most

Darren What, dont believe me? Hows about we

Claire Anything, huh? All on account of what I

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Curtis Darren fucking Capula, you backstabbing,

(Curtis) Well a ring around the ambulance

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Helena Ihave a request of yousomething to tell

Helena Energydoesnt mattermy clock has run

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)

Copyright Isaac Wilson and My Chemical Romance (2004-2017)