Script

SIDE 1

MRS. PAROO

Well, Winthrop, Amaryllis asked you to her party. Are you goin’ or aren’t you?

WINTHROP

No, thank you.

MRS. PAROO

You know the little girl’s name.

WINTHROP

No thank you, Amaryllith.

(AMARYLLIS giggles. WINTHROP bolts out of the room.)

AMARYLLIS

Why does he get so mad at people – just because he lisps.

MARIAN

It’s just that he never talks very much.

AMARYLLIS

Not even to you and your mother?

MARIAN

No dear. We all have to be a little patient.

AMARYLLIS

I’m patient. Even though he doesn’t ever talk to me – but I do to him – every night – I say goodnight to him on the evening star. You have to do it the very second you see it, too, or it doesn’t count. “Goodnight, my Winthrop, goodnight. Sleep tight.”

MARIAN

There, darling, you have lots of time. If not Winthrop, there’ll be someone else.

AMARYLLIS

Never! I’ll end up an old maid like you.

(AMARYLLIS puts her hands over her mouth, catching herself too late.)

MARIAN

For the time being just say goodnight my – someone. You can put the name in when the right someone comes along.

AMARYLLIS

All right. It’s better than nothing. 

SIDE 2

HAROLD

Gary, Indiana. In fact, Gary Conservatory was my alma mater. Gold Medal Class of ’05. Hello, Miss Paroo.

MARIAN

(entering the stage)

Mr. Hill. Do you burst in on everyone’s home like this?

MRS. PAROO

Marian!

MARIAN

We’re not interested.

MRS. PAROO

Professor, I do hope you’ll excuse Marian. She’s not really—

HAROLD

Please. I’m sure that at heart she’s as lovely as yourself. Good day to you, Mrs. Paroo.

(HAROLD exits.)

MRS. PAROO

Good day to you, Professor.

(After HAROLD exits, MRS. PAROO turns to MARIAN.)

Marian Paroo! Darlin’, don’t you ever think of your future? Gary Indiana Conservatory Class of ’05 – now darlin’—

MARIAN

Now mama, the fact that he claims his commodity is music does not impress me. Winthrop!

(WINTHROP enters.)

Please go to the library and ask Miss Grub to give you the book I set aside. It is the Indiana State Educational Journal 1890 – 1910.

WINTHROP

Do I hafta?

MARIAN

You won’t have to talk to anyone. I’ve written it all down.

(MARIAN hands him a note. WINTHROP exits. MARIAN turns to her mother.)

I have a feeling the Indiana Journal may help me poke some large holes in the Professor’s claims. 

SIDE 3

CHARLIE

Are you the piano teacher in town?

MARIAN

Why yes.

CHARLIE

Then you must know about this fellow, Hill, formin’ a boys band here.

MARIAN

Yes. Who are you?

CHARLIE

I’m Charlie Cowell. I’m just passing through. Train only makes a fifteen minute water stop. But I gotta protect the good name of the travelin’ fraternity from this swindler.

MARIAN

Mr. Cowell, you’re making a big mistake.