Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Monologue Mania Day # 1747 My Friend (with video) by Janet S. Tiger (c) Nov. 28, 2018

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free* monologue a day- -and still going!
Today is Day # 1747 To look at the other 1746 titles - click here
  first   year - Feb. 13, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2015  second year -  Feb. 13, 2015 - Feb. 12, 2016  third year -  Feb. 13, 2016  fourth year Feb. 14, 2017 Feb. 13, 2018  - now in year five - Feb. 14 - today!                 
I've continued with a monologue a day until the spirit moves me to stop - if you have any ideas for a monologue you want me to write, please let me know at tigerteam1@gmail.com.
Get  more great award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
If you'd like to write your own monologues, I happen to have a book for that -   
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site on Facebook, Google - with friends.  Wishing you much success!
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Monologue Mania Day #  1747 My Friend  (with video) by Janet S. Tiger (c) Nov. 28,  2018

Something new - today's monologue was filmed by Bella Silverstein and can be seen here
Please let me know what you think of the monologue - and Bella's interpretation.  

(If you are an actor and would like to film a monologue on this blog, please let me know, and I will post it with the monologue.)


                                               My Friend 
                                           a monologue by Janet S. Tiger  (c) 2018
                                            tigerteam1@gmail.com

                 (Woman detective is holding a cigarette, smiling)

Did that hurt?  Oh, I am SO sorry,my friend.

You see, my brothers taught me a lot about pain -  I'd do some of the other stuff they did to me......(deep breath)....but I don't have the equipment, if you know what I mean.

(Remembering) Those were good lessons.  I learned a lot.  They really knew how to make sure something hurt....for a long time.  And that if you told anyone, it hurt more!  Wow!  I am so grateful to them.  To learn when you're a kid that life isn't fair, now that is a real help for the rest of your life......

(listens)

What?  What about the law?  This is not legal?  (Chuckles) Oh you are funny!

I like a good sense of humor.  That's why I prefer to interrogate folks away from the station, out here in the woods is good.  It's quiet.  People aren't bothered.....

And I got time, plenty of time.  The question is....how much time do you have, my friend?

Think about it....and yeah, maybe....I'm not your friend......

             
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315                CaregiversAnon.org
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983

Playwright-in-Residence
Swedenborg Hall 2006-8

Monday, November 26, 2018

Monologue Mania Day # 1745-1746 Birthday Twins by Janet S. Tiger (c) Nov. 26, 27, 2018

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free* monologue a day- -and still going!
Today is Day # 1745-46 To look at the other 1744 titles - click here
  first   year - Feb. 13, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2015  second year -  Feb. 13, 2015 - Feb. 12, 2016  third year -  Feb. 13, 2016  fourth year Feb. 14, 2017 Feb. 13, 2018  - now in year five - Feb. 14 - today!                 
I've continued with a monologue a day until the spirit moves me to stop - if you have any ideas for a monologue you want me to write, please let me know at tigerteam1@gmail.com.
Get  more great award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
If you'd like to write your own monologues, I happen to have a book for that -   
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site on Facebook, Google - with friends.  Wishing you much success!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Monologue Mania Day #  1745-1746  Birthday Twins by Janet S. Tiger (c) Nov. 26, 27, 2018

               Happy Birthday to my birthday twins - relative and otherwise!
Have a great day, year - and many more - with good health and all things good.  The two below relate to different varieties of birthday twins - who are those sharing the same day of birth (although not necessarily year)


                                        originally from
  
Mar. 29, 2014   Birthday Twins    Day # 45    Monologue Mania 
                     

                 Birthday Twins (c)
                   
(yet another for the Senior Channel)
                                                by 
                                        Janet S. Tiger    
                                © 2014  all rights reserved 
                                     tigerteam1@gmail.com

(A man rolls onto the stage in a wheelchair.  He is not fast, but steady.  He faces the audience and takes a party whistle blower and blows it - twice.)

Thank you for letting me come onto the Senior Channel show, Senior Moments, because, everyone, today is a special day........ today is my birthday!

            (He blows the blower again)

The big 0ne- oh.....oh!

That's right......
100 years!  

            (He blows again)

When I was younger – in my fifties! – anyone who got to be a hundred was very special - they were on TV, and it was a big deal.  Now, nothing.  We are average – in fact, there was something in the paper that said….hold on, let me find it….

            (He searches in his lap, pulls out a newspaper, reads.)

Says right here that, ‘100…is the new….60!’

            (He laughs loudly)

Well, that’s a pile!

But not the point!  Today is special not just because it’s my birthday, but because I have a birthday twin…….and we are going to call him and tell him ‘Happy Birthday’ on television!

Here….

            (He now pulls a cell phone from his lap and pushes one button.)

They fixed it that all I have to do is push once…..and these days, that’s about all I can do…………if you know what I mean….  Hey, Lester, it’s me, Patrick, yeah, Happy Birthday!  I got everyone in TV-land here to sing to you…….

             (Holds the phone up, indicates the audience is to sing)

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to me, HappyBirthday dear Lester and Patrick, Happy Birthday to us!

Yeah, I’ll call you later, old buddy…..have a great day!

            (He closes the phone)

No, Lester is not the same age, just the same day!  That’s why we’re birthday twins –but he’s just a young pup…he’s only 98!

 Lester and I grew up on the same street – but we are blood brothers now.  I married his sister, may she rest in peace, and had four beautiful children with her, so, it may be a little backwards, but we are related by blood!

Now, my birthday used to be…. April first…that’s right April Fool’s Day.  Everyone always had fun with that- I was the ‘April Fool.’

But, yes, you heard me, it ‘used to be’ my birthday.  Betcha didn’t know you could switch, didja?

             (Takes a deep breath)

As the story goes, my father was killed in the Great War – World War I.  My mother remarried a musician – he was a little crazy, but he adopted me and was a generally decent stepfather.  He didn’t beat us, he was a nice guy overall, when he was around…..

After my mother died, he died right away, like he had to go visit her again….and I got to go through all the papers.  Now that…..as they say now on those silly TV shows…. is a fun job…(spits it out, loud)…NOT!

Especially since I found out that, not only was he not my father, which I already knew, but my mother was not my mother – she had adopted me, on April 1st…..which had become my birthday.

Let me tell you, it’s like being in a book, or a movie, where the main character wakes up and finds out that everything was a dream!

And the worst part was, I was sixty, and even if I had had the energy to go out and look for my real parents – which I didn’t – because finding this out, made 60 into the new 100.

I was stunned.  What else was a lie?

Could I trust anyone?

And then Lester came to visit and said to me – ‘doesn’t matter who your parents are, all that matters, is who YOU are.'

Lester never talked a lot, I was the one who did the talking, but when he spoke, it usually made sense.

So I stopped worrying about looking for the past.  Saved me a lot of time.

But I did do one thing – I petitioned the court to change my birthday – which I had always hated anyways.  People don’t know you can do that once – as long as there was an adoption, and there is no fraud involved.

            (Laughs, a little bitterly)

At least, no fraud on my part.

So……I switched the day legally….to March 30th……Lester’s birthday.  So we are not only blood brothers, but birthday twins.

            (He lifts his arms)

Happy Birthday to us, Lester! 

            (He turns to the side)

At 100, I know my time is up!  And I don’t need any help from you young people!  I can do this myself!

    (He turns to wheel off….looks back)

Almost forgot…not a surprise at this age, just an excuse……this morning I got an amazing phone call.  You see, we married young, Lester’s sister and I, and had our first child when we were just 20….first grandchild at 41, great grandchild at 62….great-great grandchild at 81 – and last night, a new baby was born….my first…..

            (Counts on his fingers)

Great….great…..GREAT….that’s three greats!...grandchild……

Just after midnight……so now, we have another birthday twin, Lester…..

Happy Birthday to us all!

            (He rolls off)

And many more!

            (Not the end for awhile.)

-------------------------------------------

Apr. 25, 2014 Day #72  Monologue Mania 

                                          My Favorite Present
                                                     by Janet S. Tiger 
                                         © 2014 all rights reserved 
                                                tigerteam1@gmail.com

                  (A woman skips onstage - she can be of any age, but when she skips onstage, she is five years old, and she is very happy)

(Singing)  Happy birthday to me!  Happy birthday to me!  Happy Birthday dear meeeee, Happy birthday to me!

Oooh, I just love my birthday!   It is the best day of my whole life!  It is better than Christmas, because....(not as happy) I have to share Christmas with the baby Jesus......(back to happy)  .....and I suppose the presents are nice, but on my birthday it's all about ME!

            (She continues to skip around.)

Have you figured out yet, that today is (shouts)  My Birthday!  

             (Throws open her arms)

And I am going to be FIVE!

            (She counts on her fingers)

One, two, three, four….FIVE!

And I get to go to real school, and that is going to be SO much fun!

I can hardly wait for this afternoon!  We’re going to have a party, and I am going to get my favorite present of all time!  Can you guess?  It’s a bicycle!

            (Holds her arms around herself and whirls around)

Oooh!  I have wanted a real bicycle since I was a baby!

(More serious)  Not one of those …(says it with disgust)…TRI-CYCLES!

I am not a baby!  I want a real bicycle!  One with training wheels that get taken off!  One with blue stripes!  

            (Looks at the audience)

Oh, Aunt Hattie, I didn’t realize you were here!  Did you come for the party?

            (Listens)

What?

What do you mean, momma had a baby?  Last night?   (Suddenly realizes)   Is Momma ok?  (Listens, relieved)  Oh, good!   (A bit deflated)  I don’t understand. 

 (Less happy) …. we already have a baby, my brother, Luke, doncha remember?

……..(Back to herself)  ….I don’t remember much about when Luke came, I was little then, I still had to ride a….Tri- cycle.

            (Listens)

(Disappointed)  So, Momma won’t be here today?  Oh, that’s too bad…….but what about the party?  (Listens, relieved)  Oh, thank you, Aunt Hattie!  My party is so important!

            (Listens, getting very upset)

What do you mean my birthday present is a new baby?  I don’t want a new baby!  All babies do is cry and I have to be quiet so I don’t wake him up, and Mommy and Daddy are too busy for me!  And anyhow, I was supposed to be getting a bicycle!    (Almost in tears)  I want a bicycle! 

            (Looks at the audience, listens, relaxes)

Okay, I won’t worry…too much.  I mean, how many babies do we need?  That will make….
            (counts on her fingers)

One, two babies……(wails) .and I don’t even have one bicycle!

            (She now changes – if the actress wants, she can remove a sweater to reveal a party dress, but the easy way is to take out a birthday hat and strap it on, it’s party time….she is listening, others are singing to her, she mouths the words, very happy)

(Quiet)  Happy Birthday to……me!

            (Jumps up and down – blows out the candles)

Let’s open the presents!  I don’t care about the cake today!

            (She rips open the packaging, throwing things to the side.)

Very nice, very nice…….

            (Looks around, isn’t there anything else?)

(Disappointed)  Is that all?  I thought……that….well…..

            (Her head slumps, then picks up)

Where are you going, Aunt Hattie?

            (She starts jumping up and down)

Is that for me?  Oooh….it’s just what I wanted!

            (She holds the bicycle, down on her knees and wraps her arms around it)

It’s the most beautiful thing in the whole wide world!  I love it!  I’m gonna keep it forever!

            (She ‘rides’ it around the stage in ecstacy.  Looks to the audience)

Can I sleep with it?

            (Sad)

But I love it so much!

(Thinking)  Will Daddy be able to teach me how to ride today – without the training wheels?
      (Looks around.)

Where is Daddy?  I mean this is a special day!

            (Listens)
Mommy’s home!  Yeah!  Maybe she can teach me how to ride this bicycle!


            (Listens, disappointed)

Oh, she’s in bed…….can she teach me later. When she gets out of bed?

(Listens)  What?  Another present?....But I have everything I want…..

            (Looks into audience.)

Oh.  My new……(surprised)……sister?

            (Holds out her arms a little reluctantly)

Okay, but then I’m gonna go out and start riding my bicycle…..

            (She holds the new sister…..gingerly at first, then less so, then she is bored)

Can I go play now?

            (Listens, she just wants to go)

Yes, she seems nice…..

            (Turns to go, is called back)

(Sincere) Thank you, God,  for Mommy being all right….(less sincere) and for my new sister, and ….can I go now?

            (As she leaves, she is joyous, taking her bike)

This is the best birthday of my whole life!

            (She takes off the party hat, and puts on a mature jacket, she is now an adult)

And it was…….. because that bicycle lasted for years!

And now, I have a slightly better bicycle….and I am looking forward to using it, this weekend for the Pedals for the Cause, because we’ve been lucky, my dear sister, you and I and our children are healthy and strong - but others haven’t been so lucky, so off we ride! Thank you Senior Channel for letting us spread the word on such a good cause.   

            (She starts to leave, then turns back)

 (More serious)   I may have loved that bicycle.....and I sure love my new 10-speed!... But you…..(chokes up a bit)….you were and are .....the best present, and, on our birthday, I am sending you this Happy Birthday - Happy Birthday twin!

            (She exits, we hear her singing lightly - 'Happy Birthday to us....' The end - but we also need to see an end to cancer, so  please support Pedal the Cause San Diego)  

Thank you!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315                CaregiversAnon.org
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983

Playwright-in-Residence
Swedenborg Hall 2006-8

Friday, November 23, 2018

Monologue Mania Day # 1742-43-44 Bringing from It's Good to Hear Your Voice (one-act) by Janet S. Tiger (c) Nov. 23-24-25, 2018

Welcome to Monologue Mania- one new free* monologue a day- -and still going!
Today is Day # 1735 To look at the other 1734 titles - click here
  first   year - Feb. 13, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2015  second year -  Feb. 13, 2015 - Feb. 12, 2016  third year -  Feb. 13, 2016  fourth year Feb. 14, 2017 Feb. 13, 2018  - now in year five - Feb. 14 - today!                 
I've continued with a monologue a day until the spirit moves me to stop - if you have any ideas for a monologue you want me to write, please let me know at tigerteam1@gmail.com.
Get  more great award-winning monologues - MonologueZone.com
If you'd like to write your own monologues, I happen to have a book for that -   
Thank you for your comments - and for liking and sharing this site on Facebook, Google - with friends.  Wishing you much success!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Monologue Mania Day #  1742-43-44  Bringing from It's Good to Hear Your Voice (one-act) by Janet S. Tiger (c) Nov. 23-24-25,  2018

Not sure where this will fit, but tried it in one spot, see below for the original plus this piece- please let me know if you like this version - thanks! (Because it's a re-written 10 page one-act, am counting it as three days of monologues)
                                                  Bringing
                        (for It's Good to Hear Your Voice)


AMY -  I am going to visit my friend.  See this bag?

           (She holds up a big shopping bag)

AMY -  Because I can't get to visit as often as I want, so I save up all the things I think she'll like......

          (Opens the bag, takes out a blouse)

AMY -  I saw this and thought of you.....bright colors, just like you always wore!  and this...

          (Some footwear)

AMY -  I bring a new pair every time, but somehow they disappear......maybe they just walk away....

         (Takes out some food)

AMY -  You always loved cinammon rolls....these are fresh......I just got them....

         (A photo album)

AMY -  And I'm bringing you these.......this.....(sadder)....is pictures of us over the years.....so you can remember who I am....

         (Puts the things back in the bag, sighs, turns to leave, stops, looks back)

AMY -   I bring all these things....but I guess, I can never....bring you back......

           (Lights down)
     
-------------------------------------------
                                It's Good to Hear Your Voice                
                                                     a one-act by Janet S. Tiger
                                                     (c) all rights reserved (c) 2017
                                                         

Time – 2017

Characters –

        LAURA -  70s
        AMY   - 70s

Setting -  


        Opens with lights on Amy on bare stage, then a bedroom in a senior living facility 


AMY -  I am going to visit my friend.  See this bag?

           (She holds up a big shopping bag)

AMY -  I call everyday, but because I can't get to visit as often as I want, so I save up all the things I              think she'll like......

          (Opens the bag, takes out a blouse)

AMY -  I saw this and thought of you.....bright colors, just like you always wore!  and this...

          (Some footwear)

AMY -  I bring a new pair every time, but somehow they disappear......maybe they just walk away....

         (Takes out some food)

AMY -  You always loved cinammon rolls....these are fresh......I just got them....

         (Now, slowly, she brings out a photo album)

AMY -  And I'm bringing you these.......this.....(sadder)....is pictures of us over the years.....so you can remember who I am....

         (Puts the things back in the bag, sighs, turns to leave, stops, looks back)

AMY -   I bring all these things....but I guess, I can never....bring you back......


            (Lights up to show a bedroom in a senior care facility.
                Laura is sitting, reading, and she is so absorbed that she does not see Amy is watching her
  through the window, holding the bag  from the first scene)

AMY -  (Joking, but sad)  My friend.  Some friend you are now!  How inconsiderate of you to
get sick like this!  Don’t you realize other people have lives that interact with yours?  That by getting sick you have DESTROYED my orderly morning?  I mean, we used to have coffee together every day!  And go over the same things that we talked about for years!  And we would take a walk, and it was healthy, and now look at you!  I am so mad!  And the worst part is…..I can never tell you…..(sighs heavily)

            (She knocks on the door, and Laura looks up when Amy enters.)

AMY -  Laura?  It's me, Amy.

         (Amy puts down the bag and Laura  puts down the book. Laura looks at Amy, not recognizing             her)

LAURA -  Hello.  Are you the new nurse?  
Are those my new medications?

AMY -  It's Amy, and I have a new idea for this week.......

LAURA -  Is it lunchtime?  I think I'm hungry.

AMY -  I believe lunch is over for today.  We speak every day, Laura, and on the phone, you
seem to remember my voice.....so that's why I brought you this....

          (She hands Laura a phone, Laura looks at it, shakes her head)

LAURA -  I can't use one of these, they call it a smart phone, but I'm not so smart anymore....

AMY -  That's OK, if you hold it and turn this way.....

            (She puts the phone to Laura's ear, and turns her away from Amy, as they speak, Amy
stays away from Laura's field of vision)

AMY-  Ring, ring…..

LAURA -  Hello?

AMY -  Hi, Laura, it's me, Amy....

LAURA -  Hi, Amy, good to hear your voice!

AMY -  Good to hear your voice, how are you today?

LAURA -  Not too bad, I'm reading a good book.

AMY  - Do you remember the name?

LAURA - Rebecca  - I think I might have read it before, but it doesn't matter, I don't remember
the end.  Actually, I don't remember most of it.  Did you ever read it?

AMY -  Yes, I did.  It's good.

LAURA -  How are you doing?  How're the kids?

AMY -  Jesse's fine and the new grand baby's getting through the night...

LAURA -  That's a blessing!  My kids are around here somewhere.....but now that they're
teenagers, I just worry about them coming home at night!

AMY -  (Sighs)  That can be a problem.....

LAURA -  Hey, I got a letter the other day, from that girl we knew back in 6th grade, you know
the bully?

AMY -  Geraldine?

LAURA -  That was it!  Oh, was she mean!

AMY -  Remember how she used to torment you?

LAURA -  You had to go home early, and she would wait until you left, and then she would get
her friends and they would surround me..... and they would stamp their feet and sometimes even pull my hair!  And then one day....

AMY -  You couldn't take it any more.....

LAURA -  And I started punching her, hard!

AMY -  Right in the stomach...

LAURA -  Right in the stomach!  And she just fell over and the other girls got scared and called
for a teacher, and Geraldine had to go to the hospital!  It was one of the best days of my life!

AMY -  And then....

LAURA -  Then she wanted to be friends!  And you didn't want to be friends, but after awhile,
you saw she wasn't so bad, and we stayed friends until now.....except, she doesn't call me anymore, like you call, every day.....

AMY -  She doesn't call because she died three years ago, Laura....a massive heart attack on her
75th birthday.  What a present!

LAURA -  Oh, I forgot that part.  I like to forget the unpleasant things....

AMY -  That's the best way.....

       (Laura suddenly turns to see Amy and is surprised)

LAURA -  Oops, I can't talk anymore, there's someone here.  Someone is always coming in to
check on me, it drives me crazy!  We can talk more tomorrow, bye!

        (Laura looks at the phone, puts it down, looks at Amy)

LAURA -  Who are you?  Is it time for lunch?

AMY -  Lunch is over, but I thought maybe you'd like to take a walk.

LAURA -  That sounds like a good idea.

       (Amy takes Laura's elbow and they head out)

LAURA -  Are you new here?

AMY -  Yes, I am.  Every time......

LAURA -  You'll like it, the people are nice, and the food is very good.  It's almost time for
lunch you know....

AMY -  What would you like?

LAURA -  A new book, I think I've read this one before......

       (Laura turns to exit, but Amy runs back to get the phone)

LAURA -  Oh, don't forget that!  My friend will be calling any minute now.  She calls me every
day, we went to school together, her name is.....what is her name?

AMY -  Amy, her name is Amy.

LAURA -  You're right!  How did you know?

AMY  -  Because my name is Amy.

LAURA -  What a coincidence!  Her name is Amy, too.  We went to school together when we
were younger.....

AMY -  Laura, what if I told you that....I was Amy.....

LAURA -  (Laughs)  You're so funny!  I know I get confused, but you're not Amy!  

AMY - How do you know?

LAURA -  It's simple - Amy is much younger!

AMY -  And how old is that?

LAURA -  Oh, that's tough, 26, 27?  Same as me! It's so wonderful to have a friend you've
known since you were little......

AMY -  Yes, I know.......it is a gift......

         (Lights dim as they exit.)


Scene Two                                                      

 (A table with two chairs.  Amy, in her 50s, is reading a book, making some notes as Laura rushes in, with shopping bags.  They hug)

LAURA -  I'm so sorry!  Everything took so much time!  Can you forgive me?

AMY -  Never!

LAURA -  Good!  Then I won't have to ask again!

AMY -  It's so good to see you!

LAURA -  Are we really doing this?  I mean, how long did it take for us to get together this
time?


AMY -  Only two years, I think.....thank God for the telephone!

LAURA -  And I just got this newfangled thing....take a look!

          (She brings out an original cellphone, very large and Amy looks in awe)

AMY -  Don't those cost, like, a million dollars?

LAURA -  Two million- but it's worth every penny.....this way, the nurse who's with my Mom
can call me anytime...

AMY -  That sounds like a good thing, but is it?

LAURA -  You'll see..... in a few years everyone will have one!

AMY -  Didn't they say that about the Edsel?

            (They laugh and Laura looks at Amy)

LAURA -  You look wonderful......it's so good to see you!

AMY -  You look great, too....

LAURA -  That proves it.....

AMY -  Proves what?

LAURA -  That you're either a liar....

            (Amy shakes her head, laughing)

LAURA -  Or you need glasses!

AMY -  (Less convincing) You do look good!           

          (Laura gives her a look)

AMY -  Okay, maybe a little tired.....

LAURA -  A little?  I think my Mom's losing it....

AMY -  What do you mean?

LAURA -  You know what I mean......there's been a few clues along the way....

AMY -  Everyone starts forgetting things as they get older....

LAURA -  Like wearing a blouse?   In public?   Like a movie you saw...last week?  No, this is
not going to end well, my friend...

AMY -  I'm sorry, I always liked your Mom...

LAURA -  Me, too, but, it's like....I dunno, like a Polaroid, in reverse...... rather than fading in,
more like, fading out.....

AMY -  Whoa....that's tough.

LAURA -  And my brothers are out of town, I mean they send money to help, which is nice,
but...

AMY -  It's all on your shoulders....

LAURA -  Yup......and I guess, well, I can tell you.....a lot of things bother me about this, the
being tired, the worry if she's gonnna wonder off, like a child, but not as cute.....but the worst thing is......what if it's contagious?  I mean, what if....I get it?

AMY -  I don't think this is contagious, but here's a promise, if you ever start wandering off......or
going out in public without pants.......even if you're not by a phone!......I'll still call every day....

LAURA -  Thanks, Amy, I needed that....

AMY -  What it really looks like is that you need a drink, where is a waiter, anyhow?  I told him
you'd be here soon!

           (Looking around)

LAURA -  We'll have to send up a flare, don't you know?  He didn't even see me come in and sit
down!  Because, in the last couple of years, I'm sorry to say it, but.....we've become invisible!

AMY -  You're crazy!

LAURA -  No, not really.  And it gets worse, but.....what holds me together is another odd
thought from Gerry....Geraldine...you remember her?

AMY/LAURA (Together)-  Geraldine......the bully!


AMY -  So did she have a revelation?

LAURA -  She told about talking with an older friend.... about getting older of course, and the
friend said....don't complain....in fifteen years, you'll be begging to get this face back!

          (The two laugh)

AMY -  Terrible!  

LAURA -  But true, which of course is why it's so terrible......

AMY -  Wait, there's the waiter.....

          (As she waves futilely at the waiter, a beeping noise comes out of the cell phone.  Laura
answers)


LAURA -  Yes, yes, it's me, Laura, Mrs. Danforth.....I can hear you just fine.  Yes, aren't these
modern contraptions just wonderful.  ....yes...yes......(sighs heavily)...okay, I'll be there in 15 minutes.....if you think you have to, call 911.......

           (Amy watches, then hugs her friend)

LAURA -  I'm sorry!  If I hadn't been late, at least we might've had a drink together....

AMY -  Don't even think about it.....

           (As Laura gets up and collects the bags, Amy helps)

AMY -  I'll walk you to your car....

LAURA -  (starts laughing)

AMY -  What's so funny about that?

LAURA -  If I can remember where I parked!

          (They exit laughing.  Lights dim)


Scene 3

(Amy and Laura are now in their 30s - one on either side of the stage, they will be talking
to each other on land lines, as it is in the 1960s, and that's how primitive life was like then. At curtain, Amy is calling Laura, who stops what she is doing to run for the phone.  While they talk, they will be mostly sitting, but interspersed with chores that can be done on the phone within a few feet)

AMY -  Come on, Laura, I think they start charging when the phone rings, or do they?  I guess
I'll have to check, that's three, four....

          (Laura picks up, a little breathless.)

LAURA -  Amy?  Is that you?

AMY -  Seeing as we agreed to call at exactly 7pm your time, I would say, 'yes, it's me' and how
come it takes you so long to pick up the phone?  This is costing like $100 a minute!

LAURA -   Or maybe more!  Oh, it's so good to hear your voice! 

AMY -  It's good to hear your voice, too!  How are you?  Can you hear me?

LAURA -  Loud and clear!  I think they put in good phone lines for all us Navy wives....

AMY -  Well, at least that's one advantage, at least if something happens to Danny  you can hear
clearly...

LAURA - (Horrified) What did you say?  You do know they send a special person to tell you,
right?  And Danny volunteered for another two years in Nam, right?  Or is it that you have to make snarky comments on this VERY expensive call to get your money's worth, right?

AMY -  I'm sorry...that came out wrong, you know how I feel about the war....

LAURA -  Well, I'm not so crazy about it myself, my hey, my whole family has been Democrat
since FDR, we trust the Democratic Party.....wait a minute, are we wasting precious time talking about politics?

AMY -  How does that happen?  Election coming up, people coming home wounded, is Danny
OK?  I am worried about him.

LAURA -   He's fine, how's your gang?

AMY -  Tammy is good, and Sophia is going on a date next week, can you believe it?  
Remember our first dates?

LAURA -  With those two Army guys from Nebraska!  How could I forget!  The tall one's car
broke down, what was his name?

AMY -  It was your date, how am I supposed to remember?  Peter?  Jack?

LAURA -  Something like that!  We had to help them push it to get started - and it went downhill
from there!

AMY -  I think it was uphill, but that's just a technicality!

LAURA -  Oh, I've missed you, Amy, how's everyone in your house?

AMY -  Clark just got a promotion, and the kids are great, everyone's well, I mean, my folks are
getting older, but that's probably gonna happen to us, too, right?

LAURA -  Us get old?  Are you crazy?  We're in our prime......

AMY -  Prime rib maybe.... speaking of ribs, remember that girl who used to tease you?

LAURA -  Gerry?

AMY -  That's the one, she wanted your number, I think she wants to get in touch, she just got
back from the Peace Corps!  

LAURA -  Holy Moly!  I'll bet she has stories - and new ways to torment me!

         (They laugh)

LAURA -  I miss you, Amy, I mean I have friends here, but there's something about people
who've known you since you were little.....

AMY -  And still like you!

         (There is a crash offstage - both sides)

LAURA /AMY -  What was that?

LAURA/AMY -  Gotta go!

AMY -  Good talking to you!

LAURA -  I'll call next time, this probably cost you your first-born...and I'll be coming in two
months- we can celebrate your birthday together!

AMY -  Sounds like a plan....

LAURA -  Be well, love ya!

AMY - Love you too - see you soon!

LAURA -  Not if I see you first.....

(The lights change and they step forward, back to the first scene.  They are now in the senior home, and Amy is holding Laura’s arm as they start to exit)

AMY -  And it’s always nice to hear yours….

            (Laura is listening,  stops and looks at Amy)

LAURA – (Herself for just a moment)  And it’s good to see you, too….you’re my
most……(searching for the word)…my most…..consistent friend…..

            (They exit and we hear Laura)

LAURA -  Isn’t this a nice hotel?  The people are friendly…..I met a new friend today, she brought                me a big bag of goodies!..... her name is Amy……just like a friend I’ve had since I was a                     little girl…..

                        (Lights down.  The end for now)

           
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Janet S. Tiger    858-736-6315                CaregiversAnon.org
Member Dramatists Guild since 1983

Playwright-in-Residence
Swedenborg Hall 2006-8