Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart
ACT ONE
02) A Small Theatre in Montpellier
06) The House at Pau
07) A Memory of a Happy Moment
09) The House at Pau
10) The Terrace at Pau That Evening
Two Years Later
17) She'd Be Far Better Off with You
18) The Same - the Following Morning
20) The Same - Two Weeks Later
21) A Café in Venice
ACT TWO
Thirteen Years Later
01) Leading Lady
03) Other Pleasures
05) Mermaid Song
Two Years Later
07) The Terrace at Pau - Late Afternoon
08) The First Man You Remember
09) The Same - Two Hours Later
11) The Countryside around the House
13) Falling
15) Hand Me the Wine and the Dice
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
ACT ONE
Prologue 1964 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:37
FILE SIZE: 9.77 KB
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 1 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 3:12
FILE SIZE: 12.7 KB
(GEORGE DILLINGHAM's Funeral. As the Overture is played, MOURNERS enter carrying a coffin. It is raining, they are holding umbrellas. The scene has a surreal quality. A stylised impression of the Tarantella at the end of Act Two. The characters of ROSE VIBERT and JENNY DILLINGHAM are seen briefly. All exit save a man and a woman. We are later to identify the man as the thirty four year old ALEX DILLINGHAM and the woman as GIULIETTA TRAPANI)
ALEX
Love
love changes everything
hands and faces
earth and sky
Love
love changes everything
how you live and
how you die
Love
can make the summer fly
or a night seem like
a lifetime
Yes, love
love changes everything
now I tremble at your name
Nothing in the world
will ever be the same
Love
love changes everything
days are longer
words mean more
Love
love changes everything
pain is deeper
than before
Love
will turn your world around
and that world
will last forever
Yes, love
love changes everything
brings you glory
brings you shame
nothing in the world
will ever be the same
Why did I go back to see her?
GIULIETTA
Alex, it's all in the past
ALEX
Off
into the world we go
planning futures
shaping years
Love
bursts in and suddenly
all our wisdom
disappears
Love
makes fools of everyone
all the rules we make
are broken
Yes, love
love changes everything
live or perish
in its flame
Love will never, never let you
be the same
It was seventeen years ago when I first saw her in that shabby little theatre in Montpellier
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 2. - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:50
FILE SIZE: 15.1 KB
(A small provincial theatre in Montpellier, France, 1947. We have a view from backstage and hear the closing lines of a poorly attended performance of Ibsen's 'The Master Builder', the last of the season. Among the cast are MARCEL, the troupe's actor-manager and ROSE, its twenty five year old leading lady, who is playing HILDE WANGEL)
DOCTOR (from down in the garden)
The Master Builder is dead!
VOICE 1 (nearer)
His head is all smashed in...
VOICE 2
He fell right into the quarry.
HILDE (ROSE turns to RAGNAR and says quietly)
I can't see him up there now.
RAGNAR
This is terrible. So in fact he couldn't do it.
HILDE (with a quiet, bewildering triumph)
But he got right to the top
(waves the shawl upwards and shouts with wild intensity)
ROSE
My... my... Master Builder!
STAGE MANAGER
Curtain. In. Out. In.
Curtain. Limp applause. Curtain call. Curtain falls again. ACTORS and STAGE HANDS mill about, striking scenery and packing up props and costumes. ROSE rounds furiously on MARCEL.
ROSE
Look, actresses act
Producers produce!
Marcel, you'd be lost
Directing Mother Goose!
MARCEL
Darling, these things happen
ROSE
If you're a producer
my name isn't Rose
MARCEL
Rose
ROSE
Don't call me Rose
MARCEL
I thought of everything
ROSE
You thought of nothing!
MARCEL
You can't but a cheaper seat
in the whole of France
and I understood
that the word of mouth was good
ROSE
Why did I agree
to accept this bloody tour?
No handle on my door
no name in the programme!
ACTOR 1
Win some, lose some
ACTOR 2
What the hell...
ROSE
Working till I drop
for an audience of four:
Three nuns and your mother
MARCEL
It's no use complaining
ROSE
and she only bothered
because it was raining!
MARCEL
Love
ROSE
Don't call me "love"!
MARCEL
this isn't personal
ACTRESS 1
I don't care
ACTOR 4
the theatre's my life...
MARCEL
We will start the tour again
in Lyon in two weeks!
Rose, the people there
are all Ibsen mad, I swear
Come on, show me a smile!
ROSE
God, I'm not in the mood...
MARCEL
What's a fortnight or so?
ROSE
With no money or food...
MARCEL
Don't be glum...
ACTRESSES 2 and 3
Don't let's be downhearted!
ROSE
Don't waste your breath
MARCEL
Now Rose, you must meet this young man!
He's a dedicated fan
been here every evening!
ROSE
Marcel, don't run away
I can see your little plan
ALEX
It's an honour mam'selle
I could watch you for hours
you can't have forgotten
I threw you the flowers
mam'selle, seeing you on stage
has changed my life!
BOYS and GIRLS
See you in the cafe in the square
ROSE
See you
the cafe
the square
ALEX
If you'd like I'll walk you there
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 3 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 4:31
FILE SIZE: 21.0 KB
(A Café in Montpellier, later the same evening. MEMBERS OF THE TROUPE enter in small groups, take seats and are served by the WAITER. ROSE and ALEX enter and sit downstage right of the others alone at a table. A CROONER sings on a wireless playing in the background. ACTORS are occasionally heard chatting)
CROONER
Parlez-vous Francais?
Je suis sad
Parlez-vous Francais?
I feel bad
How do you say
"Ce soir vous êtes si belle?"
I only know
a word or so
like "cat" and "school"
Je suis fool
ACTOR 1
Death to him who dares mention Ibsen!
CROONER
Parlez-vous Francais?
ALEX
One day Montpellier's gonna scream
CROONER
Please say "oui"
ACTOR 1
Death to all directors!
ALEX
to get you back!
CROONER
Parlez-vous Francais?
ALEX
Shall I order an espresso?
CROONER
Speak to me
ALEX
or cappuccino?
ROSE
Armagnac
CROONER
How do you say
"Vous êtes jolie mam'selle"?
STAGE MANAGER
Why we bothered?
Heaven knows
ACTOR 2
Marcel's a dreamer
ACTOR 1
Deserves the firing squad
ALEX
Armagnac
and a glass of house white for me
ACTRESS 2
Who's she with?
CROONER
Cherie
ACTRESS 3
Two weeks before we meet again
ROSE
Two weeks before we eat again
CROONER
Where do I commencer
if you won't parler Francais with me?
WAITER
Is that all?
ACTORS and ACTRESSES
The same again?
ACTOR 3
The same again
ACTORS and ACTRESSES
Here's the man of the hour
CROONER
Parlez-vous Francais?
ROSE
Please promise me you'll answer
MARCEL
Am I allowed to join you?
CROONER
Say you do
ACTORS 2 and 3
Who's with Rose?
ROSE
truthfully
ALEX
What's the question?
CROONER
Parlez-vous Francais?
ROSE
You must promise first
ALEX
I promise
I promise!
CROONER
Tell me true
MARCEL
Rose's young fan!
ROSE
How old are you?
CROONER
How do you say
"Je suis unhappy fella"?
ALEX
In three years I'll be twenty
ACTOR 1
Is this your younger brother, Rose?
ROSE
Is that all?
ACTOR 1
Seventeen!
WAITER
Is that all?
ROSE
Another Armagnac
CROONER
Cherie
ACTORS and STAGE MANAGER
You're in with a chance there!
CROONER
Adieu to drinks and danser
if you won't parlez Francais with me?
ALEX
I have this theory:
CROONER
Unless you say "oui"
ALEX
If you think what those images mean
CROONER
Adieu to drinks and danser
ALEX
then clearly
CROONER
if you won't parler Francais with me.
ALEX
most of Ibsen's subtext is obscene
ROSE
Seventeen
ALEX
It makes one very aware...
MARCEL
Darling, it's only two weeks
ALEX
...such fearfully modern ideas...
(MARCEL throws a kiss to ROSE and departs. The CROONER's song has come to the end. We hear the voice of the RADIO ANNOUNCER.)
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Johnny Lejeune. Encore Johnny!
(The radio orchestra starts up again and we hear the opening bars of the song)
CROONER
Parlez-vous Francais?
Je suis sad
ROSE
Oh, turn that thing off!
CROONER
Parlez-vous Francais?
(The WAITER shrugs and turns off the wireless. By this time the café is more or less deserted.)
ROSE
I don't need some moron singing!
Not when Marcel's neck needs wringing
Look
if I'm not very nice to you
it's because I have things to worry me
But thanks for the flowers every night
I resting again
That's what actresses say
when they're not in a play
You're a long way from England
ALEX
Yes.
ROSE
And what brings you to Montpellier?
ALEX
I'm traveling through France until my call-up
ROSE
You mean the army?
ALEX
May I ask a stupid question?
How will you survive for two weeks?
ROSE
I'll get along somehow
ALEX
What, with no money?
May I make a bold suggestion?
ROSE
And what kind of bold suggestion?
ALEX
Come away with me, Rose
ROSE
With you? Where?
ALEX
I have a villa
don't be suspicious
You won't believe it
the view of the Pyrenees!
I leave this evening
come with me
ROSE
Are you sure you want me to accept?
Very well then
I accept
(Still no reply. ALEX is in a daze.)
ROSE
Here, have some Armagnac.
(He drinks and returns the glass to her. She too takes a sip, as if to seal their agreement. then breaks to moment with...)
ROSE
Not another night
in this hateful city!
ALEX
You'll need to pack
We'll meet at the station
ROSE I'll pick up my script and my dress
By the way
ALEX
Yes
ROSE
what's your name?
No, let me guess
Basil?
ALEX
Alex
ROSE
Alex, hello
I'm Rose
ALEX
I know
ALEX and ROSE
Let's go!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 4 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:22
FILE SIZE: 9.40 KB
The Railway Station at Montpellier later that same night. ALEX is waiting anxiously, a knapsack slung over one shoulder. Other PASSENGERS arrive to take the train.
ALEX
That girl can really act!
I could have sworn that she'd be here!
She's got a great career
She should play Salome!
Maybe I was mad
but she really seemed sincere
ROSE
Please say you're not angry
I just couldn't bear it
please say you'll forgive me
I want you to swear it
ALEX
Of course, I'm not angry
I knew that you'd make it
There's plenty of time
Here, that's heavy
I'll take it
ROSE
I feel seventeen again
ALEX
So do I
They kiss. She hands the flowers, which she has been carrying, to the STATION MASTER who has just entered. ALEX and ROSE hurry off.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 5 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 3:59
FILE SIZE: 21.7 KB
(A train compartment later the same night. ROSE and ALEX are midway through their journey. Their luggage is in a rack above their heads. ROSE is lying asleep against ALEX.)
ALEX
Seeing is believing
and in my arms I see her
she's here
really here
really mine now
She seems at home here
Seeing is believing
I dreamt that it would be her
At last
life is full
life is fine now
Whatever happens
one thing is certain:
each time I see a train go by
I'll think of this
our first July together
Seeing is believing
who knows where this is going?
Who cares?
It's enough simply knowing
I'm going with you
(Time passes. He is now asleep, his head on her lap. She awakens, surprised.)
ROSE
He's young
very young
but appealing
I feel I know him
Seeing is believing
and I like what I'm seeing
I like where I am
what I'm feeling
What are we doing?
Can you believe it?
A starving actress
and a star struck boy
Oh, well
I might as well
enjoy the moment
ALEX
Can you believe it?
ALEX and ROSE
Seeing is believing!
I never thought I'd be here!
Is this really me?
Am I dreaming?
No way of knowing
where this is leading
It's fun forgetting who we are
Who cares
when now the world is far behind us?
Seeing is believing!
My life is just beginning!
We touched
and my head won't stop spinning
from winning your love!
SEGUE
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 6 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:54
FILE SIZE: 8.77 KB
(The House at Pau. It is pitch dark. There is a glimmer of a flashlight. ALEX is trying to pen the door.)
ALEX
Wish my arms were longer
or the gap was wider
One more go and that should do it
one more try and there
that does it!
ROSE
You will rue the day
that you got me in this mess!
I've torn my one good dress!
You're really a charmer!
ALEX
Rose, I know it seems
like a scene from "Modern Times"
The house is my Uncle's
alright, I was lying
He's working in Paris
he won't come here prying
Oh, Rose
Rose, can't you see?
I would have said anything to get you here with me
Shall I make some coffee?
(She suddenly decides to give in, laughing long and loud. She lies on the couch.)
ROSE
One cup of fresh coffee buys two kisses
Shall we have dinner?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 7 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:46
FILE SIZE: 10.5 KB
A Sculpture Exhibition in Paris. An art gallery containing sculptures and paintings being examined by the GLITTERATI, GEORGE and GIULIETTA. He is angrily brandishing a telegram which he has just finished reading.
GEORGE
Damn the boy!
Damn the boy's
damn fool schoolboy anticsGIULIETTA
Calm down now George
Remember your heartGEORGE
Nephew Alex break in
stop
Stealing household supplies
stop
Living in sin
stop
Please advise
stop
My gardener, JeromeGIULIETTA
How very nice
How sweetGEORGE
How handy
My bed, my brandyGIULIETTA
He sounds like you
I think you ought to introduce usGEORGE
Giulietta
You'd better cancel supper at "Chez Max"
this week was fun
It shouldn't end like thisGIULIETTA
This interlude was heaven...GEORGE
How sad to think that it must end
when it had just begunGIULIETTA
George, you've got a painter's eye
Everything is magnified
I know you're all he's got
but I don't see why you must goGEORGE
No, I must go
Our little fling has done us good
I have my paint
You have your clay;
we both have workGIULIETTA
I know, I know
Don't look so sad, George
What times we've had, George!GEORGE
There'll be moreGIULIETTA
Ah, yes. That's true
George
There'll never be another youBut as you say you are his guardian
and sacrifices must be made
We must part,
I'm afraidSo put "Giulietta" thoughts behind you
forget about your broken heart
Back to Venice
tend my artGEORGE
A love affair is not a lifetime
It's calendars and clocks, my friend
All good things
have to endA memory of a happy moment
That's what this week will one day be
Life goes on
Love goes freeGIULIETTA
Life goes on
Love goes free
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 8 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:04
FILE SIZE: 5.41 KB
The terrace of the House at Pau. ROSE stands alone drinking the view.)
ROSE
This is what I ought to feel on stage
Soaring up like snow-capped mountains
I feel your beauty and your rage
I could be those tumbling forests
I could play those jagged hillsides
Star of mountain
Star of valley(She rehearses in mime the closing lines of 'The Master Builder'. ALEX enters)
ALEX
Would madam care for breakfast?
Will croissants and fresh coffee do?
Wonderful view!
Whenever I see these mountains
I will always think of youGeorge insists on magnificent views
ROSE
I think I should like your uncle
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 9 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:22
FILE SIZE: 9.54 KB
(ALEX and ROSE. Exploring the House sequence covering the whole day. Various locations in the House, starting with the Drawing Room. They pull dust-sheets off furniture. ROSE uncovers a portrait of a young woman in a sumptuous Edwardian ball gown.)
ROSE
Oh, Alex, she's beautiful. Who is she?ALEX
My Aunt Delia. She was an actress too.ROSE
Delia! Was she famous?ALEX
Yes. But she died very young. That's why my uncle doesn't come down here very often. Too many ghosts.(ALEX uncovers another painting, rather a famous one.)
ROSE
Is that the original?ALEX
Don't be silly. That's in the Louvre. George did that one. Some people call it forgery. He prefers to think of it as a tribute.(They open a trunk)
ALEX
En garde!ROSE
Fifteen love!ROSE and ALEX
Promise me today will never ever end!ALEX
Well played!(The Kitchen. ALEX is carrying a box full of food.)
ROSE
Caviar! Anchovies! Peaches in Brandy! We can have a banquet tonight!ALEX
When he does get down here, George doesn't believe in having to rough it.ROSE and ALEX
I could get to like it here!
Let's not ever think of leaving(The Attic. A wardrobe full of fancy-dress costumes.)
ROSE
Look at this!ALEX
Pierrot. Carmen. For the ballroom? Or the bedroom?ROSE
'Cyrano de Bergerac'. Wonderful play! Let's do it! You'll be Cyrano, I'll be Roxane. We'll need to find you a nose.ALEX
I don't know anything about the theatre.ROSE
I'll teach you. We'll do it. Tonight.ALEX
I am never away from you. Even now, I shall not leave you. In another world, I shall still be that one who loves you, loves you beyond measure, beyond the grave.ROSE
This one is gorgeous!ALEX
It was her favourite dressROSE
He must have loved her so muchROSE (ALEX)
I can just see her (Rose, leave things)
I feel I know her (as they are)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 10 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 5:15
FILE SIZE: 22.6 KB
(The terrace at Pau. It is dusk. GEORGE enters. He examines a table littered with bottles and glasses with distaste. Voices are heard from inside the house. ROSE and ALEX appear from the house in costume, rehearsing. GEORGE steps back into the shadows, unseen.)
CYRANO (Alex)
No, no, Roxane, no!ROXANE (Rose)
And I might have known, every time that I heard you speak my name!CYRANO (Alex)
No... It was not I...ROXANE (Rose)
It was... you!CYRANO (Alex)
I swear...ROXANE (Rose)
I understand everything now. The letters... that was you...CYRANO (Alex)
No!ROXANE (Rose)
And the dear, foolish words... that was you...CYRANO (Alex)
And the voice... in the dark... That was... you!(ROSE and ALEX suddenly become aware of GEORGE's presence. They spin round and pause...)
GEORGE
You must forgive this rude intrusion,
but I felt I really had to say "well done"!ALEX
Oh, Uncle George, come in, come inROSE
I heard a million things about youGEORGE
And you are?ROSE
I am Rose VibertGEORGE
I hate to spoil your fun
but I was dying for a ginBut don't let me disturb you
ROSE
Oh, it's nice to meet youGEORGE
Rose Vibert! The perfect Roxane!ALEX
Lemon? Ice?ROSE
The perfect playGEORGE
Yet overstatedROSE
Yes, that's trueGEORGE
And somehow dated now
A living fossilROSE
How concise!GEORGE
And Alex, you show promiseROSE
Well, he is my pupil!GEORGE
Ah, so this is your profession?ALEX
Rising star!GEORGE
I'm sure, I'm sureROSE
I'm playing HildeALEX
In two weeksGEORGE
"The Master Builder"?ROSE
YesGEORGE
What a courageous girl you are!ROSE
I hate to tear myself away
but I must go and change
please promise me you'll stayGEORGE
I wouldn't dream of going far(ROSE exits. GEORGE turns to ALEX, delighted.)
GEORGE
I'd like to be the first to say "she's perfect!"
A face like that I haven't seen in yearsALEX
You must forgive us
for breaking in here
I'll make it up, George,
have no fear
but please don't throw us out of here
I beg youSeeing is believing
I saw here and I loved her
you must understand what I'm saying
She's not just someoneGEORGE A love affair is not a crisis
Enjoy it like a fine champagne
Taste
but never let it cloud the brainA memory of a happy moment
that's what this time will one day be
Life goes on
Love goes freeALEX
Some girls are like that
they love you and leave you
but Rose
there's only one Rose
I'm telling you
This is not some schoolboy game
My life will never be the sameALEX (GEORGE)
I knew it from the moment that I saw her face (I look at you and I remember)
there could never be (How many times I've felt this way)
any other love for me (Ah, the tricks love can play)(ROSE appears in the doorway. She is wearing Delia's ball gown which lends her a resplendent, other-world quality. For a moment we half believe that we are seeing the portrait come to life. BOTH turn upstage and see her. The effect on GEORGE is devastating. Overcome, he stumbles to a chair.)
GEORGE
Alex, quick!
Some brandy!ROSE
You goALEX
I'll goROSE
quicklyALEX
I'm going(GEORGE recovers himself while ROSE tends to him.)
GEORGE
Do forgive me
So unlike meYou looked just like her
My wife, Delia
I thought for a momentThe dress was hers
but you look just as lovely
It should be wornI've caused such drama here
ROSE
You mustn't think thatGEORGE
It wasn't meant, my dear
I'd better leave you two aloneROSE
You're in no state to travelALEX (ROSE)
Why must he spy on us? (no, you're not going anywhere)
Why must he ruin it? (You're staying in that chair)
It was perfect till he came (Why spend the evening on your own?)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 11 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:52
FILE SIZE: 11.4 KB
(The terrace at Pau. Later the same evening. ROSE, ALEX and GEORGE are at the tail end of dinner. ALEX is slightly drunk)
GEORGE
Of course, painting always was my first love
ROSE
Oh, to be so gifted
GEORGE
When I'm dead they'll fetch a fortune
ALEX
We shall see
ROSE
I'd buy one now
ALEX You'd better tell her...
ROSE
Tell me what?ALEX
Before you sell her one
That they're just copiesGEORGE
But by me!ROSE
I'd love to hear your poems!GEORGE
I shall write one for youALEX
Byron isn't here to sue youROSE
Alex, please
don't interruptGEORGE
At least I do thingsROSE
Yes, that's trueGEORGE
I see a few things through
He won't admit
but he agreesDid Alex ever tell you?
ALEX
We'll be here till breakfast!GEORGE
Why his final year at school was rather short?ROSE
No, not a wordALEX
No, George, you couldn't...ROSE
Please go on!ALEX
No, George, you wouldn't dare...GEORGE
I think it might amuse her(He leans over and whispers in ROSE's ear. Her reaction is a long and loud guffaw. A pause)
GEORGE
I've had a splendid time
a truly splendid time
but I can see that I'm de trop
I have a little tryst
too tempting to resist
Perhaps I'll see you in your showI wish you both a charming fortnight
Enjoy your little one to one
Have your fling
have your funA memory of a happy moment
that's what these days will one day be
Life goes on
Love goes freeLife goes on
Love goes free(He leaves. ALEX looks after him)
ALEX
I think I know where he's gone
He hates to miss his Italian lessons!(A pause. Then ROSE suddenly rounds on ALEX.)
ROSE
How could you have let me wear this dress?
He must think I have no feelings!
You should have said what he was like
I must seem a thoughtless woman!
I must seem a heartless creature! Anyway, let's not have a sceneALEX
Rose!She moves off, heading for bed. ALEX follows.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 12 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:27
FILE SIZE: 7.69 KB
(Outside the Bedroom. It is pitch dark. A noise outside has awakened ROSE. She is heard speaking to ALEX from offstage)
ROSE
What was that?ALEX
What?ROSE
There
ListenIt's her ghost
I'm frightenedALEX
Don't be silly. I'll go and have a look.(He enters from upstage centre to investigate)
ROSE (offstage)
Well?ALEX
There's nothing there. I suppose it must've been a rat.ROSE (enters)
I can't sleep in a house full of rats!(She exits)
ALEX (following her)
I don't want you to sleep just yet.ROSE
Alex, not now.(ALEX enters from the bedroom)
ALEX
Rose, where are you?
Rose, please God, where are you?She's gone.
She's gone.(Rose runs on cheerfully)
ROSE
I've been out walking
And what a day so crisp and clear
and you're not spending it in hereLet's breathe some mountain air!
ALEX
I thought you'd left meROSE
Coming with me?ALEX
You mustn't scare me like that?ROSE
Good idea?ALEX
Good idea!Segue
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 13 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:47
FILE SIZE: 4:22 KB
(Various locations in and around the Pyrenees. A brief excursion taking us through the rest of the day. We see ALEX and ROSE enjoying idyllic local scenery and pleasures)
ROSE
Pas de tendresse
et pas de joie
loin d'ici
loin de toiRien de plus triste
que mes soupirs
Lorsque vient le jour
ou il me faut partirSong of my childhood
You'll call me back to these hills
What could be sweeter?
Nothing is sweeterALEX
What could be sweeter?ALEX and ROSE
Nothing is sweeterROSE and ALEX returning to the house. It is late afternoon. man - JEROME - appears and approaches ROSE.
JEROME
Mam'selle Vibert?ROSE
Jerome...JEROME
For you, a telegram.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 14 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:20
FILE SIZE: 12.4 KB
JEROME hands her the telegram and leaves. She opens it and reads.
ROSE
Marcel wants me in Lyon.
He says that I'm needed today.
ALEX
Well, it must be important.
ROSE
I can't go. I don't want to.
I'll ignore it.
(She crumples the telegram and throws it aside)
ROSE
How could I desert you?
It's all so unfair, so unfeeling!
ALEX
How can you say that?
Don't be a fool, Rose!
You can't put me before your whole career!
You can't let feelings interfere.
You must go!
(ROSE nods and moves tearfully away)
ROSE
I'll pick up my script and my dress.
(She goes and then returns for one last hug. She exits. ALEX is now alone. He moves around pensively, then notices the discarded, crumpled telegram. He picks it up.)
ALEX
A memory of a happy moment
that's what this week will one day be...
Oh, George... How wrong you are...
(Reading the telegram, a flash of realisation strikes him)
ALEX
This telegram... But how could it come from Marcel?
No one knew where she was?
Unless she asked him to send it
or sent it to herself
And there I was, telling her to go
when she was lying all along...
No, she couldn't...
Oh, God, she wouldn't...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 15 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:24
FILE SIZE: 3.10 KB
(Montpellier Railway Station. ROSE and MARCEL are standing together, their suitcases on the ground.)
ROSE
Was I wrong, Marcel,
to lie to him?MARCEL
We did the right thing
Rose, you know thatROSE
I'm so ashamed, Marcel
But what else could I do?MARCEL
Nothing
you were from two diff'rent worlds
You know that
he will learn thatROSE
I must seem a heartless woman
I must seem a thoughtless creature!MARCEL
Of course you're not a heartless woman
No one has more heart than you do
Heart is what makes you Rose Vibert!ROSE
Why does my head say
be strong, be wise
Walk away
dry your eyes?
Why does my heart say
you told a lie?
He will haunt you, RoseMARCEL picks up the suitcase and exits.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 16 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:20
FILE SIZE: 20.4 KB
A fairground in Paris. Two years later. It is early evening. ALEX in British army uniform with TWO FELLOW OFFICERS and THREE GIRLS. FAIRGROUND BARKERS and ENTERTAINERS of all kinds mill about. We focus on the rifle range.
BARKER 1
Who's feeling lucky?Twenty out of twenty
and a prize could be yours!BARKER 2
Something for the lady
if the officer scores!BARKER 1
Right this way
have a go!BARKER 2
There's a prize
to be won!BARKER 1
Try your luck
try your skill!BARKER 2
Take a risk
and grab a gun!CHORUS
If you reach
for the moon
if you aim
for the sky
then the moon
and the sky
can be yours
come on and tryIf you reach
for the moon
if you aim
for the sky
then the moon
and the sky
can be yours
come on and tryEverybody loves a hero
let's hear it for the man with the gun Everybody loves a heroBARKER 1
And you sir are now the proud owner of this magnificent donkey!BARKER 1 hands the donkey to ALEX.
CHORUS
Everybody loves a hero
let's hear it for the man with the gun Everybody loves a heroOFFICER 1
Two more daysOFFICER 2
Just two more daysOFFICER 1
and you'll be back on Civvy Street againOFFICER 2
and decent foodOFFICER 1
and your life is yours at last!OFFICER 2
You lucky devil!3 GIRLS
Your girlfriend's gonna love that donkey
You'll be her heroALEX
Two long years
I had a dream I'd see her name in lights:
Rose Vibert the shining star!
I've given up trying to find her
perhaps she's restingOFFICER 2
So who's the lucky girl tonight then?ALEX
I've told you
it's my uncleOFFICERS and GIRLS
Uncle!
Not likely!
Give her a kiss from us!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 17 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 4:08
FILE SIZE: 18.1 KB
The Living Room of GEORGE's Flat in Paris - later that evening. ELIZABETH, GEORGE's elderly housekeeper, is showing in ALEX who is carrying the donkey.
ELIZABETH
How you've grown!ALEX
It's been two yearsELIZABETH
You should have phoned
your uncle isn't hereALEX
I might have guessed!ELIZABETH
And such a splendid uniform!ALEX
The same old paintingsELIZABETH
Madame will be so thrilled to meet you,
I'll go and tell herALEX
Giulietta TrapaniELIZABETH
Life has changed
Since those two met
he lives life to the full!ALEX
Well, good for him!ELIZABETH
She has made him young again!ALEX
Where is he now then?ELIZABETH
He's doing up the country villa,
they plan to live there.
Now tell me, do you still like pancakes?ALEX
You are an angel!She bustles out. ALEX, alone, wanders around the room musing.
ALEX
And so he got his wicked way
with that Italian girl
he hasn't lost his touchHe relaxes into a chair. Slowly and unseen by ALEX, ROSE appears and moves gradually downstage.
ROSE
Well, helloALEX
I should have known
where you were hiding!
You like the good life,
George likes trinkets!God! What a fool
I was to love you!
What was all that searching for?
It's never hard to find a whore!ROSE
Well, if it makes you happy, think itALEX
You scheming bitchROSE
The truth is we're a perfect pairALEX
because he's richROSE Shout and scream
I don't careALEX
You could have let me knowROSE
Your uncle's shown me new horizonsALEX
Well, didn't I?ROSE
and as a lover he is perfect tooALEX
Another lie!ROSE
Takes his time,
unlike youALEX
I wasn't good enough?ROSE
Why can't you listen
and come to your senses?
It's George
I really love George
he's made me a better, fuller, stronger person
I have never been as happyALEX
Or, indeed, as wealthyROSE
Look, I don't need your uncle's money!
And I could have a thousand lovers!
Yet I've been faithful and I'm happy
more faithful than he'll ever
be it's not as if he's married meALEX
I'd better go
I'm sorry
It was a shockROSE
Try and understand
and it wouldn't hurt you so muchALEX
At least admit you loved me onceROSE
Of course I did
I may even love you nowGeorge gives me so much
but he gets so little from me
but with you I made an impression
that will last you a lifetimeALEX
So change my life for me again!Lights fade as, fatally, they fall into one another's arms, kiss passionately and exit to the bedroom.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 18 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 8:52
FILE SIZE: 46.7 KB
(The Living Room of GEORGE's Flat. It is the following morning. The cuddly donkey still sits on the desk.)
ALEX
Here we go again
Heaven knows when she'll be back
That girl has got a knack
of keeping you guessingELIZABETH
Madame will soon be here
but she says you are to leave
Your uncle is coming
you'd better get goingALEX
So why all the panic?
Why shouldn't I be here?ELIZABETH
She's scared that his heart
couldn't stand all this dramaALEX
It's hardly a shock
if my uncle finds me hereThat girl is unbelievable
Was last night the sort of thing
she can just forget?
It would be hard to find
a more capricious mindROSE
What are you doing here?ALEX
Alright, where have you been?ROSE
Would you please disappear?ALEX
What the hell do you mean?ROSE
Leave me!
Leave me!
I don't want George exposed to some unpleasant sceneCROONER
Parlez-vous Francais?
Say you do
Parlez-vous Francais?
Tell me trueALEX
If I can't have you
no one will
Killing you would be a pleasureCROONER
How do you say
"Je suis unhappy fella"?ROSE
So all you're fit for is to kill?
Go on and pull the trigger
see if I care!CROONER
CherieROSE
Come on, soldier
be a heroALEX
You never loved me?ROSE
Does it matter?
Who remembers?ALEX
You never meant it?ROSE
Go away, you little schoolboy!ALEX
And now you hate me...CROONER
Adieu to drinks and danser
if you won't parlez Francais with meEnraged, ROSE suddenly turns towards ALEX and throws some of the flowers at him. Surprised at the sudden movement, he fires the gun. Her arm is hit and she falls to the floor in a faint. A painting on an easel, stage left, falls to the floor. The needle on the gramophone is jolted back on course and the record continues to play normally and the song finishes.
Hearing the shot, ELIZABETH rushes in and knocks the gun from ALEX's hand.
No sooner than this has happened than GEORGE enters. The automatic return on the gramophone causes the record to begin playing again. GEORGE switches off the gramophone, then notices the displaced painting. He hurries over to inspect it.
GEORGE
My only genuine Matisse,
thank God, no damage done
would someone kindly tell me
what on earth has happened?ELIZABETH
Now, now, don't fuss,
she'll be just fine
She only grazed her arm
I'll need to use your scarfGEORGE
You'd better get some brandyALEX and GEORGE
Rose...ALEX
Why am I so damned destructive?
I'll bow out now it's the decent thing to do
I'm a disaster
it wouldn't last a week
She'd be far better of with youGEORGE
I'm an overweight old buffer
I've been thinking that it's high time I withdrew
The jowls are dropping
The paunch needs propping up
She'd be far better of with youALEX and GEORGE
It's very good of you to say so
but it's quite untrue
She'd be far better of withGEORGE
youALEX
You're experienced and seasoned
You could teach George Bernard Shaw a thing or twoGEORGE
I had a goALEX
You've slept with GarboGEORGE
only twiceALEX
translated "La Boheme"
She'd be far better off with youGEORGE
You have energy and passion
and it's nice to keep it in the family tooALEX
Is that a joke?GEORGE
You're perfect castingALEX
She loved youGEORGE
I see this lasting yearsGEORGE
She'd be far better off with youALEX and GEORGE
It's very good of you to say so
but it's quite untrue
She'd be far better of with youALEX
She needs somebody distinguishedGEORGE
Do you really think so?
On the other hand I'm far too old to skiALEX
That's true enough
I'm much youngerGEORGE
It's peace she hungers forALEX and GEORGE
She might me better off with me
I must admit you're most convincing
now, of course, I see
It's only Rose that matters
And after all I am reluctantly forced to agree
She'd be far better off with meGEORGE
You're too young
and too confused to understand what's best
and what's best is obvious:
The two of you belong together
There'll be less damageALEX
Have no fear
I'll do my best to turn our lives around
and brush away this memoryGEORGE
I'll phone you when I get to VeniceALEX
GiuliettaGEORGE
Now, you be good to her
I have to say these were
the sweetest days I've ever knownALEX
Well, have a pleasant journeyGEORGE
One thing before I go
just one thing you should know:
she's very scared to be aloneELIZABETH
You're a delinquent
A silly schoolboy with a gun
I hope you're satisfiedROSE
Goodbye, Alex
Goodbye forever
We've packed your tunic and your gun as well
so blow your brains out go to hell
just leave meALEX
You don't know what you're sayingROSE
I've phone Marcel to see you offMARCEL enters. With uncharacteristic decisiveness, he hurries ALEX off.
MARCEL
Come along
get marching
Double quick
look livelyALEX
Let me see
my suitcaseROSE
Will he ever forgive me?
But what can I do?
I'm in love with them both
and I only have one life
not twoMARCEL
Your life is one enormous drama!
My God, you'll be the death of me!
What a mess
Let me see
A memory that is best forgotten
that's what this ugly scene should one day be
Life goes on
so do weROSE
Marcel, we're taking a trip
I'm told that Venice is fun
We have to meet an Italian ladyDead Segue
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 19 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 5:02
FILE SIZE: 24.7 KB
(GIULIETTA's studio in Venice, some days later. Over music we see GEORGE arriving and being warmly greeted by GIULIETTA. We then find him seated centre stage and sitting for a sculpture on which GIULIETTA is working. He is giving her his version of events in the previous scene. There is a couch upstage left.)
GEORGE
And then with a swift karate chop
I removed his gun
you should have been there
Poor chap didn't know what hit himGIULIETTA
Still, George!
If you can't keep your tongue still
you will have the face of Edith Sitwell!GEORGE
Ah, well, they're happy
It's for the best anyway
Let's face it
he's the man for her
and I'm the man for you, dearGIULIETTA
Don't talk such nonsense
You'll never stop loving her
You don't fool me
you're quite besotted with her
Stop.
Wait.
Good.
Please, still GeorgeGEORGE
With my scarf I made a tourniquet
shantung silk but worth the sacrifice
It stemmed the flow
the arm was saved andGIULIETTA
Still, George
Rose would seem the kind of lady
who would live through any bloodbathGEORGE
Darling, it's over
so don't be so cynical
I don't suppose you've become
a nun since last I saw you?GIULIETTA
That would be telling
You needn't know everything!GEORGE
So, tell me have you found some young Adonis?GIULIETTA
Stop.
Wait.
Good.
Please
No, GeorgeGEORGE and GIULIETTA
Time and light are fading,
shouldn't we make the most of every precious moment?
Life is sweet and slow and still and...1st VOICE
I'm not leaving here until I get what I came for2nd VOICE
It's a scandal 3rdVOICE
Out of my way4th VOICE
Heaven help him
if we won't pay1st VOICE
Who are you pushing?GEORGE
For Heaven's sake
who's making all that mayhem?MARCEL
Quiet, please6th VOICE
I got here first1st VOICE
All I want is what's fair6th VOICE
He had better be thereGEORGE
MarcelHe rises wearily. He is confronted by MARCEL, who enters closely followed by a hysterical crowd of people. They are a HOTELIER, a HOTEL CASHIER, a DOCTOR, a PHARMACIST and a GONDOLIER. Together they burst into the room in a frenzy, all apparently demanding money from a completely bewildered GEORGE.
MARCEL
Thank God you're here
we've got trouble with Rose
Running up bills
wherever she goes!HOTELIER
Is he the one footing the bill?
Is this the man?MARCEL
This is the man I was looking for, this is your manDOCTOR
This is the man?
Is this the right man?CASHIER
This is the man who will pay for the eighty-one phone calls!
I beg of you pay
My poor mother is dying!
If I lose my job then...HOTELIER
She loses her job if these bills don't get settled!PHARMACIST
This is the man who will pay for the codeine and dressings!
We'll call the police if...DOCTOR
I've called the police
there are eight in the lobbyGONDOLIER
You are the man I understand who can clear my expenses
Here they areCASHIER
The Doge's suiteHOTELIER
Beluga caviarDOCTOR and PHARMACIST
Twenty thousand lireGONDOLIER
Thirty thousand lire(All of them present GEORGE with their bills. He and GIULIETTA attempt between them to assemble enough cash to settle the various accounts)
CASHIER
Forty thousand!HOTELIER
Fifty thousand!DOCTOR and PHARMACIST
Twenty thousand lireGEORGE
NineteenGIULIETTA
Twenty threeGONDOLIER
Thirty thousand lireCASHIER
Forty thousand!GEORGE and GIULIETTA
Forty eight Forty nineHOTELIER
Fifty thousand!(GEORGE settles the last bill. MARCEL turns to him apologetically)
(The crowd now parts to admit ROSE, the cause of all the confusion. She is supported by a NUN. She is ailing and delirious. Her arm is in a sling.)
MARCEL
George, I'm sorry... She's been very illROSE
George
George
My life is draining away(She collapses melodramatically onto the couch and promptly passes out. The crowd quickly withdraws with MARCEL following.)
MARCEL
We'd best be on our way.
We'll leave you three aloneGIULIETTA
So this is Rose Vibert
the famous Rose VibertGEORGE (looks at the unconscious ROSE)
I have to talk to her
Sit down and talk to her
This can't go on another dayRose, what can I do with you?
Wreaking havoc left and right
It's absurd!
She must change her ways
She must pass this passing phase
Problem child...
running wildRose, I ought to strangle you!
But there's a style about the girl
that stops me in my tracks
Heaven knows why she
wants to waste her life with me...
And yet if she went off
if she set herself free
as I've told her she should...
where on earth would I be?GIULIETTA (looks away with a sad smile)
You'd be lost, my friend and so would she...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 20 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:38
FILE SIZE: 12.8 KB
(The same, two weeks later. It is late afternoon. ROSE is propped up on the couch. GIULIETTA is sketching her)
GIULIETTA
George is a remarkable man
He was there when I thought I had no one
He saw me through my darkest moments
He made me talk about my husband
We had been married five days...
He drove like the wind...
Not anymore...But George was always there no
matter when or where
he stopped me feeling so alone...ROSE
When did you meet him?GIULIETTA
One evening in Harry's bar
He wore a silver tie-pin
and a smile that was even brighter...ROSE
I know that tie-pin
it catches on everything!GIULIETTA
And as for all those paint-rags...ROSE
Heaven help us!GIULIETTA and ROSE
We deserve a medal!ROSE
Nice to see that George has settled in
Fifteen novels on the go, as always!
Used to drive me to distraction...GIULIETTA
Please, Rose!
Last year, he forgot my birthday
so I rearranged his bookmarks(They laugh again. GEORGE who has entered surreptitiously, overhears them)
GEORGE
Don't let me stop you!
I don't expect sympathy!
When you're old as I am
you will thank the Lord you're uprightGIULIETTA and ROSE
Same old sad story!
You shameless old Romeo!GEORGE
We can't converse like this so why not come on in?
The water's lovely...(He leans down over the couch and embraces both of them. All three smile warmly. Innuendo of a menage a trois)
ALL THREE
Time and light are fading. Shouldn't we
make the most of ev'ry precious moment?
Life is sweet and slow and still and perfect!
All the more, now our man George has brought the
three of us together!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 21 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:46
FILE SIZE: 7.78 KB
(A Cafe in Venice. Daytime. GEORGE and ROSE - her arm still in a sling, but clearly much improved - are alone at a table in the open air)
(midway through a discussion)
ROSE
I never imagined she'd be like that
Your lady friend comes as a sweet surprise
a wonderfully sweet surprise...GEORGE
Take a deep breath and prepare yourself
The ways of the world are cruel
Those wretched investments I have made have gone down the drain
After today there'll be no more champagne
I've been such a trusting foolROSE
If I ask you a question
will you promise
you must promise
that your answer
to my question is yesGEORGE
Yes, I'll say yesROSE
Take a deep breath and prepare yourself
My mind is in such a mess
But really, George, all that I wanted to ask was this
Would you be willing to marry me?GEORGE
I've already told you
Yes
Segue
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 22 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:00
FILE SIZE: 6.84 KB
(A Registry Office in Venice. It is afternoon. The wedding of George and Rose. GIULIETTA as Best Man, MARCEL, the REGISTRAR, the ASSISTANT REGISTRAR, a PHOTOGRAPHER and various GUESTS. It is the very end of the ceremony.)
REGISTRAR
I now pronounce you man and wife(General merriment. MARCEL steps forward and kisses both of them)
MARCEL
My dears, congratulations!ASSISTANT REGISTRAR
Here's to the happy couple!MARCEL
Here's to happy days!
And even better nights!GUEST 2
You lucky man!GEORGE
Well, now we've done it!ROSE
And, oh, what fun it was...GIULIETTA
And now I claim my best man's rights!(She kisses ROSE fully, passionately on the lips. All look on. Reactions vary, but GEORGE is clearly highly delighted. He claps his hands.)
GEORGE
Bravo! Bravo!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 23 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:11
FILE SIZE: 5.84 KB
(A military encampment in the jungle. Some months later. It is evening. ALEX is composing a letter.)
ALEX
News takes time to reach us here
So, you're married.
How time flies
And George will be a father soon.
That was more of a surprise
When my little cousin's born
Perhaps you'll let me meet him...Live or perish in its flame
Love will never, never let you be the same
Love will never, never let you be theEND OF ACT ONE
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
ACT TWO
Entr'acte - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 0.51
FILE SIZE: 6.10 KB
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 1 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 4:41
FILE SIZE: 24.8 KB
(A Grand Theatre in Paris, thirteen years later. View from backstage of a performance of Turgenev's 'A Month in the Country'. It is the triumphant last night and ROSE, now thirty-nine, is alone on stage, starring as NATALIA PETROVNA)
NATALIA
Natalia Petrovna... Unhappy woman, for the first time in your life... you are in love.(Cut to the end of the Play. Tumultuous applause ringing in her ears, ROSE comes offstage to be greeted by MARCEL. He embraces her. We are now in ROSE's dressing room)
MARCEL
The toast of the town!
The hit of the year!
The role of your life!
The jewel of your career!ROSE
What a night to end withMARCEL
Rose, you were incredible!ROSE
They seemed to like itMARCEL
I never heard a crowd make a noise like thatVISITOR 1
It's your best productionMARCEL
Are we in the mood
for debauchery and food?ROSE
Marcel, you are a dear
but a most forgetful man!
I've told you that I plan
to drive the countryVISITOR 2
Well done, darling...VISITOR 3
Well done you...ROSE
Have a lovely night!
Come and see me when you can.
Now, come along, HugoHUGO
I'm ready, don't worry.
I've done all the packing,
there's no need to hurryVISITOR 1
Tonight was a wonder!VISITOR 2
A soaring sensation!ROSE
The best thing is having
my friends' admiration.MARCEL
The perfect leading lady
unique and true and towering!
Magnetic, overpowering!
The star the crowds adore!
If they could only know you:
Your humour and humility,
your strength and your fragility
they'd love you even moreTonight was a wonder
All the dreams we've worked for have come true!
My shining leading lady!
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! I owe so much to youHe beckons ALEX forward
MARCEL
Now to top it all, you'll never guess
who's turned up, you'll never recognize him!
Twelve years on and still as handsome!ROSE
Later!
Don't I ever get a minute to myself?
I'll see him later(She turns and sees ALEX)
ROSE
Alex!
It's Alex!
How long have you been standing there?
You are a fool!
You should have told me!
Come on, let me see you!ALEX
You were amazing!
Now, that's more like an audience
This time I must have been the only one
who didn't throw you roses!ROSE
Now, Hugo, be a dear
and get our guest an Armagnac
It's on the bottom shelf...
Why not have one yourself?ROSE
Where to start?ALEX
It's been so long...ROSE
Come, have a seat and tell me all your news!ALEX
Let me seeROSE
George will love to hear it allALEX
How is my uncle?ROSE
He's in the country with young Jenny.
We're very happyI can't wait
to leave all this and
be with them again
No more stuffy dressing rooms!(to HUGO)
ROSE
Tell Jean Michel to bring my car round
We leave this eveningHUGO exits. She turns back to ALEX
ROSE
It's such a long and lonely journey.
Why not come with me?ALEX
Are you sure you want me to accept?ROSE (no reply)
ALEX
Very well then, I accept.
Here. Have some Armagnac.ROSE
Hugo, I'm afraid that your trip is cancelled.ALEX
Let me just make a very quick phone call.HUGO I know how it is with old friends...
(HUGO kisses her once, and then again with obviously reciprocated passion. ROSE's attention then switches to ALEX on the telephone, as HUGO exits)
ALEX
Janet?
Janet, it's me here.
Look, I don't think I can make it.
It's not that I don't love you but...(The phone on the other end has been put down. ROSE catches his eye and smiles)
ALEX
So, who exactly is this Hugo?ROSE
So, who exactly is this Janet?
(Both laugh)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 2 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 0:59
FILE SIZE: 6.02 KB
Rose's dressing room. It is a short time later.
ROSE
Have I changed?ALEX
No, not at allROSE
You're too polite
this face has seen its dayALEX
Don't be silly!ROSE
Is it General Alex yet?ALEX
I hardly think soROSE
Two weeks without a script or camera!
I can't believe it!
And then another madcap movie
with Monsieur Cocteau...ALEX
What a life!ROSE
You're telling me!ALEX
What does Jenny make of all this fame?ROSE
Ask her yourselfALEX
Do you think I ought to come?ROSE
My darling, you've become so bourgeois
We'll have to change that!
What was it I was going to do now?
Oh yes, my showerShe has meanwhile started to undress to take a shower. ALEX moves suddenly towards her and attempts to kiss her.
ROSE
Same old Alex
I should be flattered
you're never one to let a chance slip byALEX
I'll never understand you till the day I dieALEX and ROSE
I'm sorry
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 3 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 6:04
FILE SIZE: 20.3 KB
(The Terrace at Pau. GEORGE, now in his seventies, is getting his twelve year old daughter ready for bed.)
JENNY
I think by now I'm old enough
to put myself to bed
why don't you go
and forge another masterpiece instead?GEORGE
Oh, Jenny! You're a monster
I should have had a son!
It seems, alas, a father's lotGEORGE and JENNY
is not a happy oneJENNY
You know I need my donkeyHe hands her the donkey-- the same one that ALEX left behind in GEORGE's flat in Act One.
GEORGE
Why can't you just count sheep?
Alright, you've got your donkey.
Now will you go to sleep?JENNY
I'm really thrilled for Mummy!
Weren't they wonderful reviews?
She'll be the toast of Paris!
Mummy's always in the news!GEORGE
You're right, it is amazing
how the work keeps flooding in,
with appearances in London
and movies in BerlinJENNY
Now off you go to bed
I'll wake you when I hear the carGEORGE
Look, Jenny, go to bed God!
What a chatterbox you are!Jenny, you're a miracle!
Is there nothing you conceal?
Jenny, you astonish me!
Never hiding what you feelOther pleasures
and I've known many
Afternoons in warm Venetian squares Brief encounters
long siestas
pleasures old and new
can't compare with youYou amaze me!
Where did you come from?
You do things champagne could never do
Crystal winters
crimson summers
other pleasures
I would trade them all for youPleasures old and new
can't compare with youWild mimosa
the scent of evening
shuttered rooms with sunlight breaking through
Crazy soirees
lazy Sundays
Other pleasures
I would trade them all for youSailing off in the night on a silver lake taking more from this life than I ought to take
Other pleasures
I would trade them all for youcar noise
JENNY
Quickly!
She's here now!
Don't be an old lazy-bones!GEORGE
Good Lord, the time! for once
she's managed to arrive ahead of schedule!ROSE enters carrying a gift-wrapped parcel. JENNY rushes over to her. ROSE embraces her.
ROSE
Wait till you see what I've got for you, darling
and wait till you see what I've got for youALEX
I don't believe thisROSE
I don't believe thisGEORGE
Good God, I wondered what had happened to you!
Rose, you really should have let me know!
Dear boy, you must meet Jenny!ALEX
Hello, cousin, nice to meet you.JENNY
So, you're the soldierROSE
This is Alex you remember?JENNY
Yes, of courseROSE
He saw my last performanceALEX
She really was phenomenalJENNY
"A truly blazing star!"ALEX and GEORGE
Rose, you're a wonder!GEORGE
All the dreams we worked for have come true!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 4 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 3:33
FILE SIZE: 12.2 KB
(A cafe in Venice, GIULIETTA is alone at a table, writing a letter.)
GIULIETTA
Big surprise:
I can't be with you this weekend.
But don't be cross,
you should thank me.
You wouldn't find me much fun.
Believe me men like George are hard to come by.
What a blessing I have you two to turn to
I'll call you when I'm me again.
C'est la vie
C'est l'amourThere is more to love
so much more
than simply making
love that's easy
Gazing into eyes
pretty eyes
which could be any eyes
that's crazyHands are just hands
a face is just a face
They come and go
They're easy to replaceThere is more to love
so much more
than moon-struck escapades
that's nothing
there is peace of mind
so much peace
in quiet company
that's somethingEveryone but him
seems wrong for me
every time I feel
there has to be moreIf I could hear
the music I heard then
I'd never let
it fade away againNow each time
love reaches out to me
I can only feel
there has to be
so much more to loveThere is more to love
so much more
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 5 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 4:14
FILE SIZE: 14.5 KB
(The terrace at Pau. A few days later. ROSE, GEORGE, JENNY and ALEX are at the tail end of lunch.)
GEORGE
I trust you're staying for the vintage?JENNY
Oh! He mustn't miss it!ROSE
Alex, promise me you won't run off just yet!JENNY
There's lots of room!ALEX
I'm in no hurry
If it won't worry you
This could be something you'll regretROSE
Oh, by the way
I didn't tell youGEORGE
Didn't tell me what, Rose?ROSE
Giulietta won't be with us this weekendGEORGE
What's happened now?ROSE
Same situationGEORGE
That girl's relationships
are too involved to comprehend!ALEX
Looks like I'll never meet your friendGEORGE
One day you will, old chap
It's time I took my nap
Good Lord! The time has really flownROSE
I'd better run along
You'll have to manage on your ownShe exits arm in arm with GEORGE. ALEX and JENNY are left alone. He walks into the sunlight, JENNY watching him.
ALEX
Part of me was always in these hills
This was where my eyes were opened
When life was young and we had time
I wonder why she brought me back here
Why invite me?
Why entice me?
Why rekindle old emotions?JENNY
I am a mermaid with golden hairALEX
I've never seen one like you!JENNY
Not all us mermaids have silver tails
I have no tail at allALEX
Well, I've never seen any mermaids with knobbly knees!
I'd say this tale was a touch too tall
Maybe a touch too tallJENNY
Sailors would smash on my jagged rock,
lured by my siren's song.ALEX
It isn't the song of the siren that tortures men;
that's where your theory goes sadly wrong
that's where it all goes wrongJENNY
I thought you'd know better
you know nothing about mermaidsALEX
You know nothing about sailorsJENNY
I do!
Much more than you!If you were a sailor and heard my song
would you be lured by me?ALEX
I wouldn't be foolish enough to go near your rock
I'd steer my galleon out to seaALEX and JENNY
Lonely and lost at seaGEORGE
Has somebody stolen my copy of "Brave New World"?
Why can't that woman leave things alone?
My patience is wearing thin
Sorry for barging inHe leaves. JENNY and ALEX exchange looks.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 6 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:54
FILE SIZE: 8.34 KB
The Countryside around the House at Pau. The estate, farms, vineyards, countryside and village. Various locations unfolding cinematically.
A sequence of idyllic summer days, focusing on JENNY and ALEX. They are evidently spending a lot of time together and becoming friends. He is evidently embracing the pastoral life and becoming increasingly rustic in dress.
During the course of the scene, we are aware of the passing of time. ALEX has become a frequent visitor to the House at Pau.
The scene culminates at the end of a period of almost three years. JENNY has suddenly blossomed at fourteen into an obviously attractive young woman.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 7 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:52
FILE SIZE: 11.7 KB
The terrace at Pau. ALEX and JENNY are relaxing after a long day of walking and talking. Bored with her reading, she sneaks up on him, mischievously pins him down in a wrestling hold, escape from which is clearly no easy matter.
JENNY
Say the word!
Say it now
Nice and loud!ALEX
What the hell then
uncle!Jenny, you're a monster!
You ought to be locked upJENNY
Before I am
I think I'll dress for dinner
you mix the drinksShe exits.
ALEX
She needs a Paris education
I've told you time and time againROSE
And wouldn't be that be cosy?
You could then have your own ParisienneAlex, how can you even think of moving her away from this place?
I mean, Alex, you of all people, have found that leaving here is hard to faceALEX
Yes, I love it here and always willbut Rose, it's not the views
or the vines that keep me here
I stay year after year
for something far deeper
Being in this house
makes the past seem very nearALEX and ROSE
When the world was a playground
all train rides and laughter
and love in the morningROSE
and Armagnac afterALEX
Since leaving the army
and being around you
I know I'm reliving
the night that I found youROSE
But George
I couldn't hurt George
Oh, Alex
you know by now
how much I love himALEX
So what is it you feel for Hugo?ROSE
Please understand
I'm not in love with him
he's a friend
he makes me laugh
that's all it is
Alex, can't you see
that you mean much more to me?
Alex, that's why I won't play the lover with you.
What I did to you once wasn't easy to do
But I only have one life
not two
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 8 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 6:24
FILE SIZE: 22.5 KB
The terrace at Pau. It is evening. GEORGE, alone is enjoying the evening air and drinking a glass of champagne.
GEORGE (murmurs to himself)
What could be sweeter?
Nothing is sweeterALEX appears in the shadows. GEORGE half turns towards him.
GEORGE
When the time comes
the hour of darkness
when the light
is fading from the sky
when that time comes
I'll be ready
Death can hold no fear
I've done my living hereEarthly pleasures
and I've known many
In my life
I've always lived for now
Who needs heaven?
This is heaven
When the time comes
it isn't hard if you know how.ROSE and HUGO wander in. GEORGE smiles at them.
GEORGE
Glass of champagne
and endless sunset!
These are the times
that life was made for!ALEX
Hard to believe
that I'd forgotten
just how perfect life can be
this magic place has rescued me!HUGO
The only one not here is Jenny
I might have known that she'd be lateGEORGE
She'll be here
we can waitALEX
She said she had to "dress for dinner"
She's talked about it half the week!
What a girlHUGO
quite unique!JENNY now makes her grand entrance, radiant in Delia's ball gown which we saw in Act One. She takes a sip of champagne from one of the glasses on the table.
JENNY
Veuve Cliquot
How divineROSE and ALEX panic, remembering GEORGE's shock at seeing ROSE in the same dress. They fear that this time the shock may be too much for him. But it is too late. He turns and stares blankly at JENNY. There is a long dramatic pause. Finally, he smiles, expressing delight at this vision.
GEORGE
I want to be the first man you remember
I want to be the last man you forget
I want to be the one you always turn to
I want to be the one you won't regretMay I be first to say you look delightful?
May I be first to dance you round the floor
The very first to see your face by moonlight
the very first to walk you to your door?JENNY
Well, young man, I'd be delighted!
There is nothing I would rather do!
What could be a sweeter memory
Than sharing my first dance with you?GEORGE
I want to be the first man you rememberJENNY
The very first to sweep me off my feetGEORGE
I want to be the one you always turn toJENNY
The very first to make my young heart miss a beatDANCE SEQUENCE
JENNY
Seems the stars are far below usGEORGE
The moon has never felt so close beforeGEORGE and JENNY
Our first dance will be foreverGEORGE
And may it lead to many more!Once again they take to the floor, this time in a fuller, more formal dance sequence. The atmosphere is dreamlike and beguiling. It becomes too much for George who is helped back to his chair by JENNY and ROSE, who finish the dance together.
GEORGE
I want to be the one you always turn to
I want to be the one you won't regretGEORGE and JENNY
The very first
The very first
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 9 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 5:08
FILE SIZE: 17.3 KB
The Terrace at Pau. Two hours later. JENNY and ALEX are alone. She is puzzled by the earlier panic which greeted her entrance.
JENNY
Now what on earth
was all that shaking heads for?
Grown-ups are strange
they're not grown-up at allALEX
That dress belonged to George's first wife
someone should have said before tonight
Years ago your mother wore it
your father fainted at the sightJENNY
Will you be last
to dance with me this evening?
One final dance
before you run away?ALEX
It's very late
but since it's you who's asking,
one final dance
would crown the perfect day!They dance, JENNY holding ALEX very closely. Midway through ROSE enters and sees them.
ROSE
You shameless pair
so this is what you're up to!ALEX
Our game is up
we might as well come clean!He shrugs to JENNY, kisses both of them good night and then leaves. JENNY looks after him intently, then turns to ROSE.
JENNY
He is the first
to make me feel a woman
the very first
to make me fall in love
the very first
the very firstJENNY exits and then ALEX re-enters. ROSE frowns as she ponders JENNY's words.
ROSE
Alex, this has gone on long enough
What I mean is you and Jenny
Since you came she truly blossomed
But, my friend, a flower's fragile
heaven help you if you hurt herALEX
Why this great concern?
God! You're hardly ever here!
Your whole life is your career
and nothing else matters.ROSE
My career?
We wouldn't eat if I had no career
you know that George lost everything
I do it all for George and Jenny,
I thought you knew thatALEX
Alright, I'm sorryROSE
Can't you see
what we have is something very rare!
In a word, it's happiness
Nothing in the world will ever
tear apart this sweet existence
we have spent a lifetime buildingALEX
Rose,
let me explain to you
Yes, I can't deny the feelings I have
But what's wrong with that?
Rose
I'd never harm the girlROSE
You were once prepared to do
a lot of harm to meALEX
You can't compare
this with our insane affair
What I wanted from you
was both body and soulROSE
Aren't you trying to play
an identical role?ALEX
This is one thing that I will control.He exits.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 10 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:47
FILE SIZE: 5.15 KB
(A room inside the house. George is discovered typing, pausing occasionally for thought.)
GEORGE
This is the place that I choose
Among my beautiful vines
to have my ashes strewn at sunset
There must be music and dance
There must be rivers of wine
But first a speech by Giulietta TrapaniROSE enters, knows immediately what he is doing and interrupts.
ROSE
Oh do stop planning your wake!
You're bound to outlive us all!
Why don't you tell me what's the matter?GEORGE
It's Jenny
Jenny and Alex
the whole thing is unnatural for a girl of her ageROSE
You needn't be anxious:
He's explained it all
and she's no longer a child
It's just that he's younger
and you're getting jealous.
Am I right?
Anyway I'm filming in Paris
and it's her birthday,
we promised we would take her to the circus
George, you know that I'm right.GEORGE
Maybe you're rightLook, you're free to keep your lover
and your noisy Paris clique
a man who's pushing eighty
is not exactly chicBut Jenny's far too precious
don't let him take her from meROSE
My darling George, I love you.
How dramatic can you beGEORGE
You think that I'm dramatic?
Wait
If we don't take some action
we'll be too late
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 11 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:30
FILE SIZE: 4.87 KB
The countryside around the House. A hot afternoon, ALEX and JENNY are walking. She is singing dreamily to herself.
JENNY
Pas de tendresse
et pas de joie
loin d'ici
loin de toi
rien de plus triste
que mes soupirs,
lors que vient le jour
ou il me faut partirALEX
How did you know that?JENNY
Mummy used to sing it to me.
That was her love song
Her very first love songAnother pause. Only now does she turn and look at him.
JENNY
Love,
love changes everything:
How you feel and
what you do...
What...
what would you say to me,
if I told you
I loved youALEX
Then
I'd have to say to you:
you are bright and sweet and foolish... Yes, love
love changes everything
but not always for the best
Love can sometimes be a most unwelcome guestJENNY
You don't believe that
You know you're fooling yourself.
Why not be honest?JENNY moving closer
JENNY
Alex, be honestShe kisses him. GEORGE, entering, sees them and freezes. JENNY runs off in horror. GEORGE and ALEX look at one another. There is a long tense pause.
Dissolve to...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 12. A Circus in Paris - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 2:28
FILE SIZE: 19.3 KB
ROSE, GEORGE, ALEX and JENNY are watching a circus performance. They are standing stage left. The performance is a mass of colour and movement, with clowns, jugglers and trapeze artists.
CIRCUS PERFORMERS
Take a journey of a lifetime
It's only just a drum roll away
On the journey of a lifetime
every day's a high wire dayIf you reach for the moon
If you aim for the sky
then the moon and the sky
can be yours,
Come on and try!There's a prize to be won
take a risk
take a ride
right this way
have a go
try your luck
and step insideTake a journey of a lifetime
It's only just a drum roll away
On the journey of a lifetime
every day's a high wire dayIf you got what it takes
the stars and streamers are yours
Take a risk in the ring
and feel the thrill of applause!If you reach for the moon
If you aim for the sky
then the moon and the sky
can be yours
Come on and tryJENNY
Take the journey of a lifetimeGEORGE I came to watch a circus, not an overgrown child
ROSE, JENNY and PERFORMERS
It's only just a drum roll awayGEORGE
Stop acting like a lunatic and leave her alone!The action stops, even the circus. All attention focuses on GEORGE.
ROSE
George, what is it?
What's the matter?ALEX (starts to leave)
I'm the matterJENNY
But you can't go. What about tonight? You promised?GEORGE
You promised what?ALEX
Of course, I'll see you laterGEORGE
No, you will notALEX leaves. GEORGE glares after him
ROSE
George, calm down now
Don't get upsetJENNY
For heaven's sake
I am fifteenCIRCUS PERFORMERS
If you reach for the moon
If you aim for the sky
Then the moon and the sky
can be yours
come on and try
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 13 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:43
FILE SIZE: 5.54 KB
Outside the Circus. A bare stage. ALEX, JENNY, ROSE and GEORGE are singled out in the darkness. Sometimes during the quartet they sing together, and sometimes separately. Throughout, however, they do not acknowledge each other's presence
ALEX
Love and your world can become a madhouse
Love and your world can become a circusJENNY
Love has turned my world around
and my world now turns round AlexALEX
Love turns around Jenny
your love is a drug that I dare not take
a drug to make me madROSE
Love should not be used
used as a weaponALEX
Rose, I'd never harm the girlROSE
Why, Alex? Why can't you see it's George you'reROSE, JENNY and ALEX
Breaking and burning
Breaking and bleeding
in the name of loveGEORGE
Love is a knife
It's a curse, a cancer
to love is to hate letting go
Jenny, I can never share your loveALL FOUR
And I'm falling
I am suddenly falling
and my story is older than the stars
Suddenly falling
I can feel myself fallingROSE, JENNY, ALEX (and GEORGE)
down into this madhouse of love (in this madhouse of love)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 14 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 3:37
FILE SIZE: 10.8 KB
(JENNY's bedroom in GEORGE's Paris flat. Later the same night. ALEX is lying on the bed reading a bedtime story to JENNY who is beside him)
ALEX
Come on, Jenny.
That's enough now.
Jenny, even mermaids have to sleep.JENNY
I am a mermaid with golden hair...ALEX
Come on, Jenny.
Be a good girl.JENNY
Alex, let me hold you
there's so much I want to say...(She moves towards him inviting him to take her in his arms. ALEX hesitates then tentatively puts his arms around her)
JENNY
I want you here forever,
in my arms and in my life,
to belong to you entirely...
You know we're not just cousins...ALEX
We are just cousins, Jenny,
and you're fifteen years old.JENNY
It's not as if I don't know passion
from living in our house...
I've learnt that feelings can run deep...ALEX
We'll talk tomorrow.
Go to sleep.(She snuggles down and closes her eyes. ALEX leans towards her and is about to kiss her when he realises what he is doing and stops)
ALEX
Taking more than I ought to take...What am I doing?
Don't even think it...
I have no right to feel this way, and yet... I love her and I must not love her
I wish to God we never met...She ought to be the last one I should think of...
(We become aware of the figure of GEORGE in another part of the house)
GEORGE
I know he's up there with her now...ALEX
She ought to be the last one I should loveGEORGE
If he is
my God, I'll kill himALEX
She ought to be the last one I should care for,GEORGE
I should have stopped this long agoALEX
The very last...(In emotional turmoil, ALEX breaks off. GEORGE, meanwhile, begins to make his way towards JENNY's bedroom. He becomes increasingly agitated as he climbs the stairs)
GEORGE
Selfish little cradle snatcher...
Twisted, rotten, heartless monster...
Filthy, filthy callous bastard...(He reaches the bedroom door, breathless and beside himself)
GEORGE
I was right,
he's in there...
There he is,
he's in there...
Jenny, my Jenny,
I can't let him take you.
I...(Surprised by his weakness, he staggers, attempts to regain his balance, then suddenly collapses on the floor.)
(ALEX is startled by the noise and opens the bedroom door. He sees George's body and drops to his knees and attempts to revive him. In vain.)
ALEX
George!
George!
This is my fault
all of this is my fault.(ROSE and HUGO, both in bathrobes, appear from ROSE's bedroom. Stunned, they survey the scene. JENNY appears. The others turn to look at her, but no one can find the words to say)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 15 - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 7:06
FILE SIZE: 61.6 KB
(The vineyards at Pau. It is early evening. A crowd is gathered for GEORGE's wake. GIULIETTA, standing on a table centre stage, addresses the assembled company which includes ALEX, JENNY, ROSE and MARCEL)
GIULIETTA
George was an original man.
He did not want to change human life.
He rejoiced in the way we are made.
He did not look forward to heaven
He was happy with the earth.
He loved and understood the flesh, food, wine, love...
He lived for today
and firmly believed,
If death were given a voice,
That voice would scream through the sky:
Live while you may for I am coming
So...Hand me the wine and the dice,
I want my carnival now,
While I have thirst and lust for living!
So gather all you can reap
before you're under the plough
The hand of death is unforgiving!Hand me the wine and the dice
while there are grapes on the vine
Life is a round of endless pleasures!
The end is always in sight,
but it tastes better with wine
Why pour your life in tiny measures?Hand me the wine and the dice
the time is racing away
There's not a taste that's not worth trying!
And if tomorrow it ends
I won't have wasted today
I will have lived when I am dying!(ROSE now addresses the assembled company, clasping in her hands the urn containing GEORGE's ashes)
ROSE
Dear friends and neighbors
If what I am doing seems strange to you, I must remind you that I am carrying out the wishes of my husband. He made me promise to strew his ashes among the vines he loved. He asked that everyone should drink his wine that there should be music and dancing!(ROSE raising the urn above her head)
ROSE
George!CHORUS
George!(ROSE exits. The crowd moves into the background as our attention focuses on ALEX and JENNY)
ALEX
Why don't you dance with me?JENNY (turning away)
How can you think of dancing?ALEX
George used to say you can have more than one emotion at the same time. So dance!(ALEX and JENNY move together and dance for a brief moment. She, with reluctance. They become lost in the crowd which moves downstage)
GIULIETTA and CHORUS
Hand me the wine and the dice
while there are grapes on the vine
Life is a round of endless pleasures!
The end is always in sight
but it tastes better with wine.
Why pour your life in tiny measures?Hand me the wine and the dice
I want my carnival now
while I have thirst and lust for living!
So gather all you can reap
before you're under the plough
The hand of death is unforgiving!(The crowd once again moves into the background. This time our attention is drawn to ALEX and GIULIETTA)
GIULIETTA
You must be the famous Alex!ALEX
You must be Giulietta!GIULIETTA
Tell me, are you still shooting women?CHORUS
Hand me the wine and the dice!ALEX
Rose never could keep a secret.GIULIETTA
Rose and I hide nothing.ALEX
I hear you get on well togetherGIULIETTA
Death says, "live while you may for I am coming." Do you dance with women of your own age?CHORUS
Hand me the wine and the dice
the time is racing away
There's not a taste that's not worth trying!
And if tomorrow it ends,
I won't have wasted today
I will have lived when I am dying!Hand me the wine and the dice
I want my carnival now
while I have thirst and lust for living!
So gather all you can reap
before you're under the plough
Life is a round of flesh, food, wine, love
flesh, food, wine, love(as the scene ends we see ALEX and GIULIETTA moving away together)
ROSE
He will haunt you, Rose
until the day you...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 16. The Vineyards at Pau - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:48
FILE SIZE: 4.62 KB
It is later that evening. ROSE is moving slowly downstage. Quietly she begins to cry. HUGO enters and moves towards her
ROSE
Hugo, go away
leave me alone
I mean itAt a loss, he shrugs and wanders off. A moment later MARCEL enters.
MARCEL
George would have been so proud of you!
The bravest thing you've done!
Tonight was a wonder!
You're a wonderROSE
I thought he'd live foreverMARCEL
Rose, you mustn't cry like this
George would not have wanted thatROSE
Oh God, I miss him soMARCEL
Come on show me a smile
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scene 17. - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 8:13
FILE SIZE: 28.4 KB
(The garden at Pau. It is dawn. There is a trestle table strewn with bottles, glasses and other party debris. JENNY is alone, crying. ALEX enters.)
ALEX
Jenny this is just as hard for me
What we feel is wrong, unnatural
Our bodies must not rule our minds,
you're much too young to understand your feelings
can't you see this has to finishJENNY
Alright I heard youALEX
When you're older you will thank meJENNY
now please be quietALEX
come on Jenny, little mermaidJENNY
this needs some thinkingYou say that it's unnatural
what exactly does that mean?
When you first met my mother
you were only seventeen.The thing that is unnatural
is to keep your feelings in.
And lying to yourself must be
by far the greatest sin.Oh yes it's all too easy
to pretend I don't existALEX
Jenny can't you see
that there are things we must resistJENNY
Look, I think I know the reason
you're so keen for this to end
I saw what you were doing
with your new Italian "friend"You're the one who seems to let
your body rule your mind
If that's what being grown-up means,then please leave me behind.
ALEX
If my body really ruled me
then we both know all too well
You'd end up with a lover
locked inside a prison cellJENNY
Will you go away with her?
GiuliettaALEX
We shall seeJENNY
Are you going to live with her?
Do you love her more than me?
Why,
why can't you wait for me?
Three years is not a lifetimeShe cannot continue. ROSE appears in the doorway of the house and moves slowly downstage.
ROSE
Darling I just need a moment
I must have a word with AlexJENNY nods miserably and slowly leaves. ROSE turns to ALEX with an unconvincingly brave face.
ROSE
I hear you're leaving us
our lives are changing yet again
I came to say goodbye, good luck
and see us now and thenAnything but lonely
anything but empty nights
There's so much in life to share
What's the sense when no one else is there?Anything but lonely
anything but only me
Quiet years in too much space.
That's the thing that's hard to face andyou have the right to go
but you should also know
that I won't be alone for long.
Long days with nothing said
are not what lie ahead
I'm sorry but I'm not that strong.Anything but lonely
Anything but passing time.
Lonely's what I'll never be
While there's still some life in me andI'm still young, don't forget
It isn't over yet
so many hearts for me to thrill.
If you're not here to say
how good I look each day,
I'll have to find someone who willAnything but lonely
anything but empty nights
There's so much in life to share
What's the sense when no one else is there?What's the sense when no one else is there?
She turns away, overcome. Then turns back and looks at ALEX with tear filled eyes.
ROSE
Just promise one thingALEX
Alright, what is it?ROSE
Don't ask me questions,
you must promise firstALEX
I can't,
I must know what it isROSE
Don't leave meHe turns and walks off. ROSE is momentarily alone. JENNY, in tears, rushes in. They embrace and exit together. For a moment the stage is empty. Then GIULIETTA appears and ALEX re-enters. They look at one another.
GIULIETTA
It won't be long before Jenny's a woman.
What then?Hand me the wine and the dice
ALEX and GIULIETTA
Love will never, never let you be the sameALEX
Love will never, never let you be the sameThey embrace. BLACKOUT.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Bows - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 1:20
FILE SIZE: 9.70 KB
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Playout - [ MIDI ]
DURATION: 3:26
FILE SIZE: 18.6 LB
_______________________________________________________________________________________________