Act II


1. Seasons of Love 10. I'll Cover You Reprise
2. Happy New Year 11. Halloween
3. Voice Mail #3 12. Good-bye Love
4. Happy New Year B 13. What You Own
5. Take Me or Leave Me 14. Voice Mail #5
6. Seasons of Love B 15. Finale A
7. Without You 16. Your Eyes
8. Voice Mail #4 17. Finale B
9. Contact Act I

1. Seasons of Love
Company:
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee?
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife?
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes?
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love.
Seasons of love... seasons of love.

Soloist 1:
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand journeys to plan.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?

Soloist 2:
In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried?
In bridges he burned, or the way that she died?

All:
It's time now to sing out, tho' the story never ends.
Let's celebrate, remember a year in the life of friends.
Remember the love, remember the love, remember the love... measure in love!

Soloist 1:
Measure, measure your life in love.
Seasons of love... seasons of love...
 

2. Happy New Year (the street)
Mark:
Pan to the padlocked door.  New Year's Rocking Eve.  The breaking-back-into-the-building party.

Mimi:
How long 'til next year?

Roger:
Three and a half minutes.

Mimi:
I'm giving up my vices.  I'm going back, back to school!  Eviction or not, this week's been so hot that as I've got you, I know I'll be cool.  I couldn't crack the love code, dear, 'til you made the lock on my heart explode!  It's gonna be a happy new year, a happy new year.

Mark:
Coast is clear.  You're supposed to be working.
(takes champagne bottle from Mimi)
That's for midnight.  Where are they?  There isn't much time.

Mimi:
Maybe they're dressing.  After all, what does one wear that's apropos for a party that's also a crime?

Maureen:
Chips, anyone?

Mark:
You can take the girl out of Hicksville, but you can't take the Hicksville out of the girl. [note from Meg: "Jersey" is sometimes substituted for "Hicksville"]

Maureen:
My riot got you on tv.  I deserve a royalty!

Mimi:
Be nice, you two, or no God awful champagne.

Maureen:
Don't mind if I do.  No luck?

Roger:
Bolted plywood, padlocked with a chain.  A total dead end.

Maureen:
Just like my exgirlfriend.
(on cell phone)
Honey?  I know you're there.  Please pick up the phone.  Are you okay?  It's not funny.  It's not fair!  How can I atone?  Are you okay?  I lose control, but I can learn to behave.  Let me be your slave!  I'll kiss your Doc Martens, let me kiss your Doc Martens, your every wish I will obey!

Joanne:
(enters)
That might be okay.  Down girl.  Heel!  Stay.  I did a bit of research with my friends at legal aid.  Technically, you're squatters.  There's hope, but just in case...

Mark & Joanne:
Rope!

Mark:
We can hoist a line-

Joanne:
To the fire escape-

Mark:
And tie off at

Mark & Joanne:
That bench!

Maureen:
I can't take them as chums.

Joanne:
Start hoisting, wench.

Roger:
I think I should be laughing, yet I forget, forget how to begin.  I'm feeling something inside, and yet I still can't decide if I should hide or make a wide open grin.  Last week I wanted just to disappear.  My life was dust, but now it just may be a happy new year, a happy new year.

(Collins and Angel enter; Angel carries a blow torch)

Collins:
Bond, James Bond.

Angel:
And Pussy Galore, in person.

Mimi:
Pussy, you came prepared!

Angel:
I was a Boy Scout once, and a Brownie 'til some brat got scared.

Collins:
Aha!  Money Penny, my martini!

Mimi:
Will bad champagne do?

Roger:
That's shaken, not stirred!

Collins:
Pussy, the bolts.

Angel:
Just say the word!

Mimi:
Two minutes left to execute our plan.

Collins:
Where's everyone else?

Roger:
Playing Spiderman.

Mark:
Ironic close-up: tight on the phone machine's red light.  Once the boho boys are gone, the power mysteriously comes on.
 

3. Voice Mail #3
Mrs. Cohen:
Mark, it's the Wicked Witch of the West, your mother!  Happy New Year from Scarsdale.  We're all impressed that the riot footage made the nightly news.  Even your father says mazeltov.  Honey, call him.  Love Mom!

Alexi Darling:
Mark Cohen, Alexi Darling from Buzzline!

Mark:
Oh, that show's so sleazy!

Alexi Darling:
Your footage on the riots, a-one!  Feature segment, network deal time!  I'm sending you a contract!  Ker-ching, ker-ching!  Marky, give us a call, 970-4301!  Or at home try 863-6754!  Or my cell phone at 919-763-0090!  Or you can e-mail me at Darling Alexi Newscom dot net.  Or you can page me at-
(beeeep!)
 

4. Happy New Year B
Maureen:
I think we need an agent.

Mark:
We?

Joanne:
That's selling out.

Mark:
But it's nice to dream.

Maureen:
Yeah, it's network tv and it's all thanks to me!

Mark:
Somehow I think I smell the whiff of a scheme.

Joanne:
Me too.

Maureen:
We can plan another protest.

Joanne:
We?!

Maureen:
This time you can shoot from the start (to Mark)... You'll direct (to Joanne)... starring me!

All:
5, 4, 3, Open sesame!!  Happy New Year!  Happy New Year!  Happy New...

Benny:
I see that you've beaten me to the punch.

Roger:
How did you know we'd be here?

Benny:
I had a hunch.

Mark:
You're not mad?

Benny:
I'm here to end this war.  It's a shame you went and destroyed the door.

Mimi:
Why all the sudden the big about face?

Benny:
The credit is yours.  You made a good case.

Roger:
What case?

Benny:
Mimi came to see me and she had much to say.

Mimi:
That's not how you put it at all yesterday.

Benny:
I couldn't stop thinking about the whole mess.  Mark, you want to get this on film?

Mark:
I guess.

Benny:
I regret the unlucky circumstances of the past seven days.

Roger:
Circumstance?  You padlocked our door.

Benny:
And it's with great pleasure on behalf of Cyberarts that I hand you this key.

Angel:
Golf claps.

Mark:
I have no juice in my battery.

Benny:
Reshoot.

Roger:
I see.  This is a photo opportunity.

Maureen:
The benevolent god ushers the poor artists back to their flat.  Were you planning on taking down the barbed wire from the lot, too?

Roger:
Anything but that!

Benny:
Clearing the lot was a safety concern.  We break ground this month, but you can return.

Maureen:
That's why you're here with people you hate instead of with Muffy at Muffy's estate?

Benny:
I'd honestly rather be with you tonight than in Westport-

Roger:
Spare us, old sport, the sound bite.

Benny:
Mimi, since your ways are so seductive-

Mimi:
You came on to me!

Benny:
Persuade him not to be so counterproductive.

Roger:
Liar!

Benny:
Why not tell them what you wore to my place?

Mimi:
I was on my way to work.

Benny:
Black leather and lace!  My desk was a mess, I think I'm still sore.

Mimi:
'Cause I kicked him and told him I wasn't his whore.

Benny:
Does your boyfriend know who your last boyfriend was?

Roger:
I'm not her boyfriend; I don't care what she does!

Angel:
People!  Is this any way to start a new year?  Have compassion; Benny just lost his cat.

Benny:
My dog, but I appreciate that.

Angel:
My cat had a fall and I went through hell.

Benny:
It's like losing a - how did you know that she fell?

Collins:
Champagne?

Benny:
Don't mind if I do.  To dogs!

All but Benny:
No, Benny, to you!

Angel:
Let's make a resolution.

Mimi:
I'll drink to that!

Collins:
Let's always stay friends.

Joanne:
Tho' we have our disputes

Maureen:
This family tree's got deep roots.

Mark:
Friendship is thicker than blood.

Roger:
That depends.

Mimi:
Depends on trust.

Roger:
Depends on true devotion.

Joanne:
Depends on love.

Mark:
Depends on not denying emotion.

Roger:
Perhaps.

All:
It's gonna be a happy new year.

Roger:
I guess.

All:
It's gonna be a happy new year.

Roger:
You're right!

Angel:
It's gonna be a happy new year!

Roger & Mimi:
I'm sorry.

Roger:
Coming?

Mimi:
In a minute.  I'm fine, go.

Man:
Well, well, well, what have we here?  It's gonna be a happy new year.  There there, there there...
 

5. Take Me or Leave Me (Joanne's loft)
Mark:
Valentine's Day.  Pan across the empty lot.  Roger's down at Mimi's, where he's been for almost two months... tho' he talks about selling his guitar and getting out of here... still jealous of Benny.  God knows where Collins and Angel are... could be that new Shanty Town by the river or a suite at the Plaza.  Maureen and Joanne are rehearsing...

Joanne:
I said once more from the top!

Maureen:
I said no!

Mark:
That is if they're speaking this week.  Me?  I'm here.  Nowhere.

Joanne:
The line is, "Cyberarts and its corporate sponsor, Grey Communications, would like to mitigate the Christmas Eve riots."  What is so difficult...?

Maureen:
It just doesn't roll of my tongue.  I like my version!

Joanne:
You, dressed as a groundhog to protest a ground breaking...!

Maureen:
It's a metaphor!

Joanne:
Well, it's less than brilliant!

Maureen:
That's it, Miss Ivy League!

Joanne:
What?

Maureen:
Ever since New Year's, I haven't said boo.  I let you direct, I didn't pierce my nipples because it grossed you out!  I didn't stay and dance at the Clit Club that night 'cause you wanted to go home!

Joanne:
You were flirting with the woman in rubber!

Maureen:
That's what this is about?!  There will always be women in rubber flirting with me!  Give me a break.

Every single day I walk down the street.
I hear people say, "Baby's so sweet!"
Ever since puberty, everybody stares at me...
Boys, girls, I can't help it, baby!
So be kind, don't lose your mind.
Just remember that I'm your baby.

Take me for what I am,
Who I was meant to be,
And if you give a damn,
Take me, baby, or leave me.
Take me, baby, or leave me.

A tiger in a cage can never see the sun.
This diva needs her stage!
Baby, let's have fun!
You are the one I choose.
Folks'd kill to fill your shoes.
You love the limelight too, baby.
So be mine or don't waste my time cryin',
"Honeybear, are you still my baby?!"

Take me for what I am,
Who I was meant to be,
And if you give a damn,
Take me, baby, or leave me.

No way can I be what I'm not.
But, hey, don't you want your girl hot?!
Don't fight, don't lose your head, 'cause every night, who's in your bed?  Who's in your bed, baby?

Kiss, pookie.

Joanne:
It won't work.

I look before I leap.
I love margins and discipline.
I make lists in my sleep.
Baby, what's my sin?
Never quit, I follow through.
I hate mess, but I love you!
What to do with my impromptu, baby?
So be wise, this girl satisfies.
You've got a prize but don't compromise.
You're one lucky baby!
Take me for what I am.

Maureen:
A control freak.

Joanne:
Who I was meant to be.

Maureen:
A snob, yet over-attentive.

Joanne:
And if you give a damn,

Maureen:
A lovable, droll geek!

Joanne:
Take me, baby, or leave me.

Maureen:
And anal retentive!

Both:
That's it!

Joanne:
The straw that breaks my back!

Both:
I quit!

Joanne:
Unless you take it back!

Both:
Women!

Maureen:
What is it about them?

Both:
Can't live with them or without them!

Take me for what I am,
Who I was meant to be,
And if you give a damn,
Take me, baby, or leave me.
Take me, baby, or leave me.

Guess I'm leavin'!  I'm gone!
 

6. Seasons of Love B
Company:
In diapers, report cards, in spoke wheels, in speeding tickets.
In contracts, dollars, in funerals, in births.
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
How do you figure a last year on Earth?
Figure in love, figure in love, figure in love.
Measure in love.
Seasons of love, seasons of love.
 

7. Without You (Mimi's apartment)
Roger:
Where were you?

Mimi:
I'm sorry I'm late...

Roger:
I know.  You lost your keys.  No, you went for a walk; you had to help your mother.  And how's Benny?  I'm gonna work upstairs tonight.

Mimi:
That's not...

I should tell you,
I should...

Never mind.

Roger:
Happy Spring.
(exits)

Mimi:
Without you the ground thaws, the rain falls, the grass grows.
Without you the seeds root, the flowers bloom, the children play.
The stars gleam, the poets dream, the eagles fly without you.
The Earth turns, the sun burns, but I die without you.
Without you the breeze warms, the girl smiles, the cloud moves.
Without you the tides change, the boys run, the oceans crash.
The crowds roar, the days soar, the babies cry without you.
The moon glows, the river flows, but I die without you.

Roger:
The world revives.

Mimi:
Colors renew.

Both:
But I know blue, only blue, lonely blue, within me, blue without you.

Mimi:
Without you the hand gropes, the ear hears, the pulse beats.

Roger:
Without you the eyes gaze, the legs walk, the lungs breathe.

Both:
The mind churns, the heart yearns, the tears dry without you.
Life goes on, but I'm gone 'cause I die

Roger:
Without you.

Mimi:
Without you.

Roger:
Without you.

Both:
Without you.
 

8. Voice Mail #4 (the loft)
Answering Machine:
Speak!...(beeep!)

Alexi Darling:
Mark Cohen, Alexi Darling.  Labor Day weekend in East Hampton on the beach!  Just saw Alec Baldwin!  Told him you say hi!  Just kidding!  We still need directors.  You still need money.  You know you need money!  Pick up the phone!  Don't be afraid of ker-ching, ker-ching!  Marky, sell us your soul!  Just kidding.  We're waiting!
 

9. Contact (various fantasy bed locations)
Group A:
Hot, hot, hot, sweat sweet.
Wet, wet, wet, red heat.
Hot, hot, hot, sweat sweet.
Wet, wet, wet, red heat.
Please don't stop, please, please don't stop,
Stop, stop, stop, stop don't, please, please, please, please.
Hot, hot, hot, sweat sweet.
Wet, wet, wet, red heat.
Sticky, licky, trickle, tickle.
Steamy, creamy, stroking, soaking.

Group B:
Hot, hot, hot, sweat sweet.
Wet, wet, wet, red heat.

Collins:
Touch!

Maureen:
Taste!

Mimi:
Deep!

Collins:
Dark!

Maureen:
Kiss!

Collins:
Beg!

Mimi:
Slap!

Mimi, Maureen & Collins:
Fear!

Collins:
Thick!

Mimi, Maureen & Collins:
Red, red, red, red, red, red, please!

Maureen:
Harder!

Angel:
Faster!

Maureen:
Wetter!

Mimi:
Bastard!

Collins:
You whore!

Maureen:
You cannibal!

Mimi & Angel:
More!

Maureen:
You animal!

Mimi, Maureen & Collins:
Fluid, no fluid, no contact, yes, no contact.

All:
Fire, fire, burn, burn, yes!
No latex, rubber, rubber, fire, latex, rubber, latex, bummer, lover, bummer!

Angel:
Take me, take me!
Today for you, tomorrow for me!
Today for me!
Tomorrow you, tomorrow you, love!
You!
I love you!
I love you!
Take me, take me, I love you!

Roger:
Um.

Joanne:
Wait.

Mimi:
Slipped.

Collins:
Shit.

Joanne:
Ow!

Roger:
Where'd it go?

Mimi:
Safe.

Collins:
Damn.

Maureen:
I think I missed.  Don't get pissed.

All:
It was bad for me, was it bad for you?!

Joanne:
It's over!

Maureen:
It's over!

Roger:
It's over!

Mimi:
It's over!

Collins:
It's over.
 

10. I'll Cover You Reprise (Angel's memorial)
Mimi:
Angel was one of my closest friends.  It's right that it's Halloween, because it was her favorite holiday.  I knew we'd hit it off right from the start.  That skinhead was bothering her, and she said she was more of a man than he'd ever be... and more of a woman than he'd ever get...

Mark:
And then there was that time that he walked up to a group of tourists... and they were petrified because, a) they were obviously lost, and b) they had probably never spoken to a drag queen before in their lives.  But he... she... just offered to escort them out of Alphabet City, and then she let them take a picture with her, and then she said she'd help them find the Circle Line... [note from Meg: sometimes "Statue of Liberty" substituted for "Circle Line"]

Maureen:
...so much more original than any of us - you'd find an old tablecloth on the street and make a dress - and next year, sure enough, they'd be mass-producing them at the Gap!  You always said how lucky you were that we were all your friends, but it was us, baby, who were the lucky ones.

Collins:
Live in my house,
I'll be your shelter,
Just pay me back with one thousand kisses.
Be my lover and I'll cover you.
Open your door,
I'll be your tenant.
Don't got much baggage to lay at your feet,
But sweet kisses I've got to spare.
I'll be there, I'll cover you!
I think they meant it when they said you can't buy love.
Now I know you can rent it, a new lease you were, my love, on life.
All my life I've longed to discover something as true as this is.
 
 
Joanne & Soloist:
So with a thousand 
Sweet kisses,
I'll cover you.

With a thousand 
Sweet kisses,
I'll cover you.

With a thousand 
Sweet kisses,
I'll cover you.

With a thousand 
Sweet kisses,
I'll cover you.
 

Collins:

If you're cold and
You're lonely,
 

You've got one
Nickel only,
 

When you're worn 
Out and tired,
 
 

When your heart
Has expired!

Company:
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred - Measure a year.
Oh, lover, I'll cover you.
Oh, lover, I'll cover you.

Collins & Company:
Oh, lover, I'll cover you!  Oh, lover

Collins:
I'll cover you!

Company:
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand seasons of love.

Collins:
I'll cover you!
 

11. Halloween (outside church)
Mark:
(on pay phone)
Hi.  It's Mark Cohen.  Is Alexi there?... No, don't bother her.  Just tell her I'm running a little late for our appointment.  I'm at my friend's... yes, I'm still coming... Yes, I signed the contract... Thanks. (hangs up)

How did we get here?
How the hell... pan left - close on the steeple of the church.
How did I get here?
How the hell... Christmas.
Christmas Eve last year.
How could a night so frozen be so scalding hot?
How can a morning this mild be so raw?
Why are entire years strewn on the the cutting-room floor of memory
When single frames from one magic night forever flicker
In close-up on the 3D IMAX of my mind?
That's poetic.
That's pathetic.

Why did Mimi knock on Roger's door,
And Collins choose that phone booth back where Angel set up his drums?
Why did Maureen's equipment break down?
Why am I the witness?
And when I capture it on film, will it mean that it's the end,
And I'm alone?
 

12. Good-bye Love (outside church)
Mimi:
It's true you sold your guitar and bought a car?

Roger:
It's true.  I'm leaving no for Santa Fe.  It's true you're with this yuppie scum?

Benny:
You said you'd never speak to him again.

Mimi:
Not now.

Maureen:
Who said that you have any say in who she says things to at all?

Roger:
Yeah!

Joanne:
Who said that you should stick your nose in other people's-

Maureen:
Who said I was talking to you?

Joanne:
We used to have this fight each night

Mark:
Calm down!

Joanne:
She'd never admit

Mark:
Everyone, please!

Joanne:
That I existed!

Mimi:
He was the

Benny:
Mimi!

Mimi:
Same way.  He was always, "Run away, hit the road, don't commit."  You're full of shit!

Joanne:
She's in denial.

Mimi:
He's in denial.

Joanne:
Didn't give an inch

Mark:
Come on!

Joanne:
When I gave a mile!

Mimi:
I gave a mile!

Roger:
Gave a mile to who?

Mark & Benny:
Come on, guys, chill!

Mimi & Joanne:
I'd be happy to die for a taste of what Angel had.  Someone to live for, unafraid to say I love you!

Roger:
All your words are nice, Mimi, but love's not a three-way street.  You'll never share real love until you love yourself - I should know.

Collins:
You all said you'd be cool today, so please... for my sake... I can't believe he's gone.  I can't believe you're going.  I can't believe this family must die.  Angel helped us believe in love.  I can't believe you disagree.

All:
I can't believe this is good-bye!

Maureen:
Pookie!

Joanne:
Honeybear!

Maureen:
I missed you so much!

Joanne:
I missed you.

Maureen:
I missed your smell.

Joanne:
I missed your mouth. (Joanne kisses Maureen)

Maureen:
Ow.

Joanne:
What?

Maureen:
Nothing, pookie.

Joanne:
No, baby, you said "ow".  What?

Maureen:
You bit my tongue.

Joanne:
No, I didn't.

Maureen:
You did.  I'm bleeding.

Joanne:
No, it isn't.

Maureen:
I think I should know!

Joanne:
Let me see.

Maureen:
She doesn't believe me!

Joanne:
I was only trying to... (they hug and exit.  Pastor emerges from church)

Pastor:
Thomas B. Collins?

Collins:
Coming. (They exit.  Mimi exits with Benny.)

Mark:
I hear there are great restaurants out west.

Roger:
Some of the best.  How could she?

Mark:
How could you let her go?

Roger:
You just don't know.  How could we lose Angel?

Mark:
Maybe you'll see why when you stop escaping your pain.  At least now if you try, Angel's death won't be in vain.

Roger:
His death is in vain! (Mimi reappears, overhearing their conversation)

Mark:
Are you insane?  There's so much to care about.  There's me, there's Mimi!

Roger:
Mimi's got her baggage too.

Mark:
So do you.

Roger:
Who are you to tell me what I know, what to do?

Mark:
A friend.

Roger:
But who, Mark, are you?  "Mark has got his work."  They say, "Mark lives for his work."  And, "Mark's in love with his work."  Mark hides in his work.

Mark:
From what?

Roger:
Facing your failure, facing your loneliness, facing the fact you live a lie.  Yes, you live a lie - tell you why.  You're always preaching not to be numb when that's how you thrive.  You pretend to create and observe when really you detach from feeling alive.

Mark:
Perhaps it's because I'm the one of us to survive.

Roger:
Poor baby!

Mark:
Mimi still lover Roger.  Is Roger really jealous, or afraid that Mimi's weak?

Roger:
Mimi did look pale.

Mark:
Mimi's gotten thin; Mimi's running out of time.  Roger's running out the door.

Roger:
No more!  Oh no!  I've gotta go.

Mark:
Hey, for somebody who's always been let down, who's heading out of town?

Roger:
For someone who longs for a community of his own, who's with his camera, alone?

I'll call.  I hate the fall. (sees Mimi)

You heard?

Mimi:
Every word.  You don't want baggage without lifetime guarantees.  You don't want to watch me die?  I just came to say good-bye, love.  Good-bye, love.  Came to say good-bye, love, good-bye.

Just came to say

Roger:
Glory

Mimi:
Good-bye, love

Roger:
One blaze of

Mimi:
Good-bye, love

Roger:
Glory

Mimi:
Good-bye, love

Roger:
I have to find

Mimi:
Good-bye. (Roger exits; Benny enters)

Please don't touch me, understand.  I'm scared.  I need to get away.

Mark:
I know a place, a clinic.

Benny:
A rehab?

Mimi:
Maybe... could you?

Benny:
I'll pay.

Mimi:
Good-bye, love.  Good-bye, love.  Came to say good-bye, love, good-bye.  Just came to say good-bye, love.  Good-bye, love.  Good-bye, love.  Hello... disease.  (Mimi runs off; Collins quickly enters followed by Pastor)
 

13. What You Own
Pastor:
Off the premises, now!  We don't give handouts here!

Mark:
What happened to "Rest in Peace"?

Pastor:
Off the premises, queer!

Collins:
That's no way to send a boy to meet his maker.  They had to know we couldn't pay the undertaker.

Benny:
Don't you worry 'bout him.  Hey, I'll take care of it. (Pastor exits)

Mark:
Must be nice to have money.

All Three:
No shit.

Collins:
I think it only fair to tell you you just paid for the funeral of the person who killed your dog.

Benny:
I know.  I always hated that dog.  Let's pay him off, and then get drunk.

Mark:
I can't.  I have a meeting.

Collins & Benny:
Punk!  Let's go. (they exit)

Mark:
"Hi.  Mark Cohen here for Buzzline... Back to you, Alexi.  Coming up next, vampire welfare queens who are compulsive bowlers."  Oh my God, what am I doing?

Don't breathe too deep.
Don't think all day.
Dive into work.
Drive the other way.
That drip of hurt; that pint of shame goes away, just play the game.

You're living in America,
Leave your conscience at the tone.
And when you're living in America
At the end of the millennium,
You're what you own.

Roger:
The filmmaker cannot see.

Mark:
And the songwriter cannot hear.

Roger:
Yet I see Mimi everywhere.

Mark:
Angel's voice is in my ear.

Roger:
Just tighten those shoulders.

Mark:
Just clench your jaw 'til you frown.

Roger:
Just don't let go

Both:
Or you may drown.
You're living in America
At the end of the millennium.
You're living in America
Where it's like the Twilight Zone.
And when you're living in America
At the end of the millennium,
You're what you own.
So I own not a notion.
I escape and ape content.
I don't own emotion - I rent.
 
Mark:
What was it about
That night?
Roger:

What was it about
That night?

Both:
Connection in an isolating age.
 
Mark:
For once the shadows
Gave way to light.
Roger:

For once the shadows
Gave way to light.

Both:
For once I didn't disengage!

Mark:
(dials pay phone)
Angel, I hear you.
I hear it, I see it, I see it - my film!

Roger:
Mimi, I see you.
I see it, I hear it, I hear it - my song!
 
Mark:
Alexi - Mark.
Call me a 
Hypocrite.
I need to finish
My own film.
I quit!
Roger:

One song - Glory
Mimi
Your eyes!

 

Both:
Dying in America
At the end of the millennium.
We're dying in America
To come into our own!
But when you're dying in America
At the end of the millennium,
You're not alone.
I'm not alone.
I'm not alone!
 

14. Voice Mail #5
Roger & Mark: (on answering machine)
Speak!...

Roger's Mother:
Roger, this is your mother.  Roger, honey, I don't get these postcards.  "Moving to Santa Fe."  "Back in New York."  "Starting a rock band."
(the following sung simultaneously)
Roger, where are you?  Please call.

Mimi's Mother:
Mimi, chica, donde estas?  Tu mama esta llamando.  Donde estas, Mimi, call?

Mr. Jefferson:
Kitten, wherever are you?  Call

Mrs. Cohen:
Mark, are there, are there?  I don't know if he's there.  We're all here wishing you were, too.  Where are you, Mark, are you there, are you, where are you?  Mark, are you there, are you there?  I don't know if - please call your mother!>
 

15. Finale A (the lot and the loft)
Homeless People:
Christmas bells are ringing.
Christmas bells are ringing.
Christmas bells are ringing.
How time flies when compassion dies.
No stocking, no candy canes, no gingerbread, no safety net, no loose change, no change, no

One Homeless Man:
Santy Claus is coming

All:
'Cause Santy Claus ain't coming.  No room at the Holiday Inn again.  Well, maybe next year or when.

(back to the loft)
Mark:
December 24th, 10pm, Eastern Standard Time.  I can't believe a year went by so fast.  Time to see what we have time to see. Turn the projector on.

First shot Roger with the Fender guitar he just got out of hock, when he sold the car that took him away and back.

Roger:
I found my song.

Mark:
He found his song, if he could just find Mimi.

Roger:
I tried.  You know I tried.

Mark:
Fade in on Mark, who's still in the dark.

Roger:
But he's got great footage.

Mark:
Which he's cut together

Roger:
To screen tonight

Mark:
In honor of Benny's wife

Roger:
Muffy

Mark:
Alison pulling Benny out of the East Village location.
(projector blows a fuse.  Blackout)

Roger:
Then again, maybe we won't screen it tonight.

Mark:
I wonder how Alison found out about Mimi.

Roger:
Maybe a little bird told her.

(Collins enters in the dark with money in each hand)

Collins:
Or an angel. (lights up)  I had a little hunch that you could use a little flow.

Roger:
Tutoring again?

Collins:
Negative.

Mark:
Back at NYU?

Collins:
No, no, no.  I rewired the ATM at the Food Emporium to provide an honorarium to anyone with the code.

Roger & Mark:
The code.  Well?

Collins:
A-N-G-E-L.  Yet Robin Hooding isn't the solution.  The powers that be must be undermined where the dwell: in a smell, exclusive gourmet institution where we overcharge the wealthy clientele.

All Three:
Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe with a private corner banquette in the back.  We'll make it yet, we'll somehow get to Santa Fe.

Roger:
But you're miss New York before you could unpack.

All Three:
Ohhh...

Maureen:
Mark!  Roger!  Anyone!  Help!

Mark:
Maureen?

Maureen:
It's Mimi!  I can't get her up the stairs!

Roger:
No!

Maureen:
She was huddled in the park in the dark, and she was freezing and begged to come here.

Roger:
Over here?  Oh, God!

Mimi:
Got a light?  I know you.  You're shivering...

Joanne:
She's been living on the street.

Roger:
We need some heat.

Mimi:
I'm shivering.

Mark:
We can buy some wood and something to eat.

Collins:
I'm afraid she needs more than heat.

Mimi:
I hear that.

Maureen:
Collins will call for a doctor, honey.

Mimi:
Don't waste your money on Mimi, me, me...

Collins:
Hello, 911?  I'm on hold!

Mimi:
Cold, cold!  Would you light my candle?

Roger:
Yes, we'll... oh, God, find a candle!

Mimi:
I should tell you,
I should tell you

Roger:
I should tell you,
I should tell you.

Mimi:
I should tell you,
Benny wasn't any-

Roger:
Shhhh, I know.  I should tell you why I left.  It wasn't 'cause I didn't-

Mimi:
I know.
I should tell you

Roger:
I should tell you

Mimi:
I should tell you
I love you.

Roger:
Who do you think you are?  Leaving me alone with my guitar.  Hold on, there's something you hear.  It isn't much, but it took all year.
 

16. Your Eyes
Roger:
Your eyes as we said our good-bye,
Can't get them out of my mind,
And I find I can't hide from your eyes.
The ones that took me by surprise the night you came into my life.
Where there's moonlight, I see your eyes.
How'd I let you slip away when I'm longing so to hold you?
Now I'd die for one more day
'Cause there's something I should have told you.
Yes, there's something I should have told you
When I looked into your eyes.
Why does distance make us wise?
You were the song all along,
And before the song dies,
I should tell you,
I should tell you,
I have always loved you.
You can see it in my eyes.

(Mimi's head falls to the side and her arm drops off the table)

Mimi!!
 

17. Finale B
Mimi:
I jumped over the moon!

Roger:
What?

Mimi:
A leap of mooooooooooooooo

Joanne:
She's back!

Mimi:
I was in a tunnel heading for this warm, white light...

Maureen:
Oh, my God!

Mimi:
And I swear Angel was there!  And she looked good!  And she said, "Turn around, girlfriend, and listen to that boy's song."

Collins:
She's drenched.

Maureen:
Her fever's breaking.

Mark:
There is no future, there is no past.

 Roger:
Thank God this moment's not the last.

Mimi & Roger:
There's only us.  There's only this.  Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.

All:
No other road, no other way.  No day but today.
(Company enters)
 
Women:
I can't control
My destiny.
I trust my soul.
My only goal
Is just to be.
Without you
The hand gropes,
The ear hears,
The pulse beats.
Life goes on,
But I'm gone.
'Cause I die
Without you.
I die without you.
I die without you.
I die without you.
I die without you.
I die without you.
No day but today!
Men:
Will I lose my dignity?
Will someone care?
Will I wake tomorrow
From this nightmare?

There's only now,
There's only here.
Give in to love,
Or live in fear.
No other path,
No other way.

No day but today.
No day but today.
No day but today.
No day but today.
No day but today.

 

The End
 
 

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