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Scene 8 The courtroom. MARY SUNSHINE: Ladies and gentlemen, the final day of the trial of Roxie Hart has come. A hush has fallen over the courtroom as Billy Flynn prepares his final summation to the Jury. The next voice you’re about to hear will be that of Mr. Flynn, Champion of the down-trodden. BILLY: (Music under. Turning to the Audience. Silently.) Ladies and gentlemen, you and I have never killed. We can’t know the agony, the hell that Roxie Hart lived through then. This drunken beast, Fred Casely, forced his way into her home, forced liquor upon her, physically abused her and threatened her life. At that moment, mother love and a deep concern for her neighbors stirred within her. She shot him. We don’t deny that. But she has prayed to God for forgiveness for what she has done. Yes, you may take her life, but it won’t bring Casely back. Look, look closely at the frail figure. My God, hasn’t she been punished enough? We can’t give her happiness but we can give her another chance. You‘ve heard my colleague call her temptress, call her adultress, call her murderess. But, despite what the Prosecution says, things are not always what they appear to be. (BILLY crosses to MARY SUNSHINE. Circus-ey music plays as MARY SUNSHINE sing a coloratura trill. BILLY removes her wig and dress to reveal her to be a him in his boxer shorts. They bow to each other.) The defense rests! (He, MARY SUNSHINE exits.) LIGHTS FADE |