chess - revised broadway script - thomas hartwell

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Thomas Hartwell [email protected] Music by Lyrics Benny Björn Tim Andersson Ulvaeus Rice Based on an Idea by Tim Rice Book by Richard Nelson Revised by Thomas Hartwell With revisions by David H. Bell and Wayne S. Rossi

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Chess

TRANSCRIPT

  • Thomas Hartwell

    [email protected]

    Music by Lyrics

    Benny Bjrn Tim

    Andersson Ulvaeus Rice

    Based on an Idea by

    Tim Rice

    Book by

    Richard Nelson

    Revised by

    Thomas Hartwell With revisions by

    David H. Bell and Wayne S. Rossi

  • CHARACTERS

    FLORENCE

    ANATOLY

    FREDDIE

    MOLOKOV

    WALTER

    SVETLANA

    ARBITER

    ENSEMBLE

    SETTING

    The action takes place in and around the 1988 World Chess

    Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, and two months later

    in Budapest, Hungary, near the end of the Cold War.

  • LEAD CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

    Florence: Strong belt voice (to E). Mid-thirties. Born in

    Hungary; has been brought up in America since 1956. She

    is clever, theatrical, touching, vivacious, volatile.

    Fredericks chess second.

    Anatoly: Baritone (to G sharp). Early forties. A Russian

    chess champion. Unexpectedly charming. An intelligent,

    feeling, passionate man, with a certain sarcastic wit to his

    humour.

    Freddie: Rock tenor (to C sharp). Late twenties. An

    American chess champion. A cross between Bobby Fisher

    and John McEnroe. Arrogant and temperamental, but a

    genius; his chess playing is revolutionary.

    Molokov: Bass (down to F sharp). Fifties. Anatolys chess second and a Russian spy. Not a fake, comic, stage Russian. Intellectually formidable. Also a father figure to

    Florence.

    Walter: Baritone (up to A). Thirties. A marketing agent,

    and a CIA agent. Seemingly respectable, substantial,

    trustworthy.

    Svetlana: Strong belt voice (up to E). Late thirties.

    Anatolys estranged wife. Domestic, wholesome, shy. A dramatic contrast to Florencenot a contemporary cosmopolitan woman.

    Arbiter: Rock high baritone (up to A). Thirty to early

    forties. International businessman. Easily flustered and

    temperamental, grows to be very a formidable figure.

  • ENSEMBLE BREAKDOWN

    Gregor Vassy: Forties/Fifties. Florences father, leader of student rebellion.

    Young Florence: Between five and ten. May appear as a

    Hungarian child in II 1 if desired.

    Maria: Florences nursemaid; non-speaking role. May double as Southern Reporter.

    Rebels: 1-4. 1 and 4 are male, 2 and 3 are female..

    Reporters: Australian, French, American, English,

    German, Russian, Southern, Female. In addition to the

    Female Reporter in II 8, French, German, and Southern Reporters are female. Accents are optional except for

    Southern Reporter in II 2.

    Nikolai: Twenties. Molokovs assistant.

    Assistant: May double as Rebel 2 in I Prologue.

    Ben: Twenties. Walters CIA apprentice and later Anatolys bodyguard.

    Russian Man: May also double as Russian Reporter.

    Pete: Bens assistant. May double as Rebel 1.

    Josef and Kristina: Married friends of Anatoly. May

    double as Rebels 3 and 4.

    Merchandisers, Delegates, Assistants, Hungarian Choir,

    Fans , Photographers, and other members of the

    Chorus: Ensemble singers. May double as above roles,

    except for Gregor, Reporters, Nikolai and Ben.

  • MUSICAL NUMBERS

    ACT I

    PROLOGUE.....................................................BUDAPEST, HUNGARY, 1956

    The Story of Chess.....................................................................................Gregor

    Lullaby...........................................................................................Gregor, Rebels

    BANGKOK, THAILAND, 1988

    Freddies Entrance.....................................................................................Freddie Press Conference....................................................................Florence, Reporters

    Where I Want to Be..................................................................................Anatoly

    How Many Women....................................................................Florence, Freddie

    Merchandisers....................................................................Walter, Merchandisers

    U.S. vs. U.S.S.R........................................................Molokov, Walter, Delegates

    Quartet........................................................Molokov, Florence, Arbiter, Anatoly

    American and Florence............................................Florence, Freddie, Company

    Someone Elses Story..............................................................................Florence Mountain Duet..........................................................................Florence, Anatoly

    One Night in Bangkok........................................................Freddie and Company

    Story of Chess (Reprise).Arbiter Florence Quits............................................................................Freddie, Florence

    Nobodys Side........................................................................Florence, Company Anatoly and the Press.............................................................................Reporters

    Anthem.................................................................... ..................................Anatoly

    INTERMISSION

    ACT II

    PROLOGUE............................KENNEDY AIRPORT, NY, 8 WEEKS LATER

    Arbiters Song.....................................................................Arbiter and Company

    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

    Hungarian Folk Song..............................................................................Company

    Heaven Help My Heart............................................................................Florence

    Winning........................................................................................Walter, Freddie

    You and I...................................................................Florence, Anatoly, Svetlana

    Freddie Goes Metal....................................................................................Freddie

    Arbiters Song (Reprise).Arbiter and Company Lets Work Together..................................................................Molokov, Walter I Know Him So Well................................................................Florence, Svetlana

    Reconciliation............................................Freddie, Florence, Anatoly, Company

    Pity the Child.............................................................................................Freddie

    Lullaby........................................................................................Gregor, Florence

    Endgame............................................................... ..................................Company

    You and I (Reprise)...................................................................Anatoly, Florence

    Finale.........................................................................Walter, Florence, Company

  • SCENE BREAKDOWN

    ACT I

    Prologue: Gregor Vassys Home in Budapest 1 Overture (Instrumental) 2 The Story of Chess 3 Lullaby

    Scene 1: Lobby of the Bangkok Hilton Hotel

    4 Freddies Entrance 5 Press Conference

    Scene 2: Anatolys Hotel Suite 6 Where I Want to Be

    Scene 3: Freddies Suite 7 How Many Women

    Scene 4: The Chess Arena

    8 Merchandisers 9 U.S. vs. U.S.S.R.

    Scene 5: The Arena

    10 Chess No. 1 (Instrumental) 11 Quartet

    Scene 6: Freddies Suite 12 The American and Florence 13 Someone Elses Story

    Scene 7: The Golden Mountain Cafe

    14 Mountain Duet

    Scene 8: Streets of Bangkok and the Arena

    15 One Night in Bangkok

    Scene 9: The Arena and a Bangkok Nightclub

    16 Story of Chess (Reprise) 17 Chess No. 2 (Instrumental) 18 Florence Quits 19 Nobodys Side

    Scene 10: Underground Parking Square

    20 Defection (Instrumental)

    Scene 11: Bangkok Airport

    21 Anatoly and the Press 22 Anthem

  • ACT II

    Prologue: Kennedy Airport, New York

    23 The Arbiters Song

    Scene 1: A Budapest Cathedral

    24 Hungarian Folk Song 25 Heaven Help My Heart

    Scene 2: Freddies Suite 26 Winning

    Scene 3: A picnic by the Danube

    27 You and I

    Scene 4: Molokovs hotel room

    Scene 5: Outside the Arena

    28 Freddie Goes Metal

    Scene 6: Lobby of the Arena

    29 The Arbiters Song (Reprise) 30 Lets Work Together

    Scene 7: An elegant restaurant

    31 I Know Him So Well

    Scene 8: Lobby of the hotel

    32 Reconciliation 33 Pity the Child

    Scene 9: The meadow by the Danube

    34 Budapest Streets (Instrumental) 35 Lullaby

    Scene 10: The Arena

    36 Endgame

    Scene 11: Outside the Budapest Airport

    37 You and I (Reprise) 38 Finale

  • Introduction

    After the success of Chesss engagement in London, creators Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and

    Bjrn Ulvaeus and director Trevor Nunn moved to import the musical to Broadway, revising the

    script along the way. Recognizing the flawed nature of the original production, Nunn took

    creative control over these revisions, cutting much of the score and hiring playwright Richard

    Nelson to provide a new book. Unfortunately, this new version of the show flopped massively on

    Broadway, playing only 68 performances to savage reviews before closing. To make matters

    worse, contractual obligations made it so that the only version of Chess that could be licensed to

    American productions would be the Broadway version.

    Thus began over two decades of revised productions and altered scripts, all in the name of

    creating a workable version of the troubled Broadway production. And though licenses have

    since been lifted, allowing the UK production to be performed in the states as well, I have

    endeavored to create yet another revision of the script, in the hopes of finding that workable

    version.

    As with my previous London revisions, the aim of this script is to create a functional revision of

    the show without straying too far from the base core of the original. Therefore, while there are

    many trims and altered lines and lyrics (and one additional number), the overall structure and

    form remains the Broadway script. As before, this script is in no way officialthis is merely a

    fans project created for the purposes of studying an endlessly fascinating show, and it should not

    in any way be used in a production without the express permission of Samuel French, Inc.

    Much thanks has to go out to the many talented people who have attempted this before methe

    Broadway script has invited much tinkering and revising over the years, and, as indicated in the

    credit, much was culled from the revisions of David H. Bell and Wayne S. Rossi in the

    development of this iteration of the script. And, of course, thanks and gratitude go out to Benny

    Andersson, Bjrn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice for giving us the gift that is Chess, and particular

    thanks to Richard Nelsonfor many reasons his books caught much ire and scrutiny over the

    years, but in the course of studying and revising the script Ive come to appreciate its many

    strengths, even in the face of its admitted weaknesses. I believe despite the flaws that the Nelson

    script provides a very workable foundation for the endless puzzle that is Chess, and it is my hope

    that this revision helps to bring the strengths of this one of countless variations to light.

    With regards,

    Thomas Hartwell

  • I Prologue 1

    ACT I

    PROLOGUE

    (MUSIC #1: Overture (Instrumental))

    (Budapest, Hungary, 1956. A small crowded room in the home of

    GREGOR VASSY, leader of a student rebellion; sparsely furnished except

    for a couple bunks and several chairs. Numerous rebels and refugees

    under blankets sleeping, others smoking, reading the paper or simply

    staring into space; all are waiting.

    In the center of this, FLORENCE VASSY, GREGORs four-year-old daughter, sits playing a game of chess with a young rebel, MARIA.

    Outside one hears the occasional GUNSHOT.

    GREGOR enters, accompanied by two rebels, all with guns. FLORENCE

    turns to them. GREGOR sees her.)

    GREGOR

    Florence

    (He gestures the other two to go back out, rests his gun against a wall and

    moves over to his daughter. He is clearly distressed.)

    GREGOR

    Florence, I need to tell you something

    YOUNG FLORENCE

    Storytime, papa! Storytime!

    (GREGOR chuckles slightly and decides a momentary distraction would

    be okay. He picks FLORENCE up and rests her in his lap and starts to

    pack away the chess set.)

    (MUSIC #2: The Story of Chess)

    GREGOR

    EACH GAME OF CHESS MEANS THERES ONE LESS VARIATION LEFT TO BE PLAYED.

    EACH DAY GOT THROUGH MEANS ONE OR TWO

    LESS MISTAKES REMAIN TO BE MADE.

    NOT MUCH IS KNOWN

    OF EARLY DAYS OF CHESS BEYOND A FAIRLY VAGUE REPORT

    THAT FIFTEEN HUNDRED YEARS AGO TWO PRINCES FOUGHT,

  • I Prologue 2

    TOUGH BROTHERS, FOR A HINDU THRONE.

    THEIR MOTHER CRIED,

    FOR NO-ONE REALLY LIKES THEIR OFFSPRING FIGHTING TO THE DEATH.

    SHE BEGGED THEM, STOP THE SLAUGHTER WITH HER EVERY BREATH, BUT SURE ENOUGH, ONE BROTHER DIED.

    SAD BEYOND BELIEF,

    SHE TOLD HER WINNING SON

    YOU HAVE CAUSED SUCH GRIEF I CANT FORGIVE THIS EVIL THING YOUVE DONE!

    HE TRIED TO EXPLAIN

    HOW THINGS HAD REALLY BEEN,

    BUT HE TRIED IN VAIN.

    NO WORDS OF HIS COULD MOLLIFY THE QUEEN.

    AND SO HE ASKED

    THE WISEST MEN HE KNEW THE WAY TO LESSEN HER DISTRESS.

    THEY TOLD HIM HED BE PRETTY CERTAIN TO IMPRESS BY USING MODEL SOLDIERS ON

    A CHECQUERED BOARD TO SHOW IT WAS HIS BROTHERS FAULT: THEY THUS INVENTED CHESS.

    (The chess set packed, he slips it into FLORENCEs bag and lifts FLORENCE to carry her to one of the bunks in the room.)

    (MUSIC #3: Lullaby)

    GREGOR

    Florence, I have to leave you now. It isnt safe for you here, and I cant risk (a pause as FLORENCE stares at him. He starts to tuck her into bed.)

    Maria will take you to the airport soon, and youll be on your way to America. I have a friend there wholl take care of you. (another pause.)

    Ill come and see you again. Once this is over, well see each other again. I promise. (another pause; FLORENCE continues to stare.)

    Florence, pleaseyou must try and rest. Youve got a long journey ahead of you.

    GREGOR

    ALUDJ KICSI LNYKM,

    HUNYD BE SZEMECSKDET,

    (Slowly the others join him in the lullaby.)

  • I Prologue 3

    GREGOR & CHORUS

    LMOD DES SZRNYN

    SUHANJ KNNYEDN,

    APUKD ERS KEZN.

    (FLORENCE drifts to sleep. The others continue to sing, some

    reverentially, some longingly.)

    CHORUS

    ELALUDT A PRND,

    KIALSZIK A FNY.

    SUHANJ KICSI LNYKM

    LMOD KK EGN,

    APUKD ERS KEZ

    (They are suddenly interrupted by the sound of explosions. Some REBELS

    hurry in.)

    REBEL 2

    Tanksthe Russians are moving into Prodgsy Street.

    REBEL 1

    Lets go. Hurry!

    (As the PEOPLE in the room start to go, a small contingent of REBELS,

    MARIA and FLORENCE among them, start to move out a back entrance.

    FLORENCE sees her father and starts to pull away.)

    GREGOR

    Go with them, Florence. Please go!

    YOUNG FLORENCE

    Papa

    (GREGOR grabs her bag with the chess set and places it in FLORENCEs hands.)

    GREGOR

    Go!

    (The contingent makes their way out. The last rebel turns and salutes.)

    REBEL 1

    Good luck, Gregor Vassy.

    (And exits. GREGOR and a handful of REBELS remains.)

  • I Prologue 4

    REBEL 2

    Ferenc says that if they move across the river, we move back to the wall.

    REBEL 3

    And if they stay at the wall?

    REBEL 4

    We move to the Margaret Bridge.

    GREGOR

    (laughs slightly)

    We move, they move.

    (Serious again)

    Lets go.

    (He picks up his gun and they follow him out.)

    END OF PROLOGUE

  • I 1 5

    Scene 1

    (Bangkok, 1988. The lobby of the Bangkok Hilton Hotel. A large banner

    behind reads: THE HILTON WELCOMES THE WORLD CHESS

    CHAMPIONSHIP. As the scene begins members of the press,

    FLORENCE, now in her thirties, and the ARBITER of the match are

    waiting for an important arrival.)

    (MUSIC #4: Freddies Entrance)

    ARBITER

    (checking his watch; to the press)

    Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the 1988 World Chess Championship. Mr. Trumper appears

    to be running late, so you may address the challenger

    (Never missing a moment, FREDDIE TRUMPER comes down the

    hallway, followed by a crowd.)

    FREDDIE

    WHAT A SCENE! WHAT A JOY!

    WHAT A LOVELY SIGHT WHEN MY GAME IS THE BIG SENSATION!

    HAS THE MOBS SPORTING TASTE ALTERED OVERNIGHT?

    HAVE THEY FOUND NEW SOPHISTICATION?

    NOT YET! THEY JUST WANNA SEE

    IF THE NICE GUY BEATS THE BUM!

    IF ITS EAST-WEST AND THE MONEYS SKY-HIGH!

    FREDDIE & CHORUS

    THEY ALL COME

    (As they enter the meeting room there is pandemonium. Also at the table

    are ANATOLY and MOLOKOV.)

    ARBITER

    Well, the champion has seen fit to join us. How lovely. Now

    (but he is overrun by anxious REPORTERS)

    AUSTRALIAN REPORTER

    Mr. Trumper, do you think chess should be an Olympic sport?

  • I 1 6

    FREDDIE

    What, and do it for free?

    YOU CAN RAISE ALL YOU WANT

    IF YOU RAISE THE ROOF!

    SCREAM AND SHOUT,

    AND THE GATE INCREASES!

    BREAK THE RULES, BREAK THE BANK IM THE LIVING PROOF, THEY DONT CARE HOW I MOVE MY PIECES!

    I KNOW IM THE BEST THERE IS, BUT ALL THEY WANT IS A SHOW!

    WELL, THATS ALLRIGHT ILL BE GLAD TO OBLIGE!

    FREDDIE & CHORUS

    S.R.O., S.R.O.!

    ARBITER

    (yelling over the crowd)

    Ladies and gentlemen, please!

    (once they quiet down)

    Now, you may address your questions to Freddie Trumper, the World Chess champion, and Mr.

    Anatoly Sergievsky, the challenger.

    (No surprise who they pick)

    REPORTERS

    Freddie!!!!

    FREDDIE

    You!

    FRENCH REPORTER

    (In French: Mr. Trumper, what is your) Monsieur Trumper, quelle est votre

    FREDDIE

    Next question!

    AMERICAN REPORTER

    What are your impressions of Bangkok so far, Freddie?

    FREDDIE

    Well, geezIm staying right here at the Hilton. Right down the blocks a McDonalds and a Burger King. Seems like Cleveland to me.

  • I 1 7

    (laughter)

    ENGLISH REPORTER

    In Budapest youre scheduled at the same time as the

    FREDDIE

    If we make it to Budapest. Hey, I could win them all here. He could just give up.

    (FLORENCE gives him a look at this)

    ARBITER

    Now, some questions for Mr. Sergievsky.

    GERMAN REPORTER

    Mr. Sergievsky, this is only the second time that a match has been divided between two sites,

    Bangkok and Budapest in this case. Is there a

    MOLOKOV

    I shall speak to that. Mr. Sergievsky plays where the World Chess Federation tells him to play.

    The match sites are not under our control.

    AUSTRALIAN REPORTER

    Bangkoks got a reputation for a rather rich night life. (some laughter)

    Either of you planning to partake while?

    FREDDIE

    Hey, Im in training. Maybe next time.

    AMERICAN REPORTER

    You probably brought all you need with you, anyway.

    (laughter)

    FREDDIE

    (smiling)

    Whats that supposed to mean?

    AMERICAN REPORTER

    Well, Miss Vassys not an unattractive woman, Freddie.

    FREDDIE

    Florence is my chess secondwhat are you implying?

  • I 1 8

    AMERICAN REPORTER

    Forget it.

    FREDDIE

    No, I want to know

    FLORENCE

    (trying to stop this)

    Freddie

    FREDDIE

    (ignoring her, to REPORTER)

    Come here.

    (awkward pause)

    Cmere!

    AMERICAN REPORTER

    (as he approaches FREDDIE)

    Look, it was a joke, okay?

    (suddenly FREDDIE punches the REPORTER hard in the face and hurries

    out. There is chaos; REPORTERS yelling questions.)

    (MUSIC #5: Press Conference)

    REPORTERS

    WELL, WHAT DID I SAY?

    HE'S OUT OF HIS TREE,

    HE'S FINALLY FLIPPED AND BETWEEN YOU AND ME,

    THOUGH HE SWEARS THE AMERICAN DREAM

    IS CLEARLY THE BEST

    HES NO ADVERTISEMENT FOR LIFE AND TIMES IN THE WEST!

    (FLORENCE storms in, dominating their words with a powerful

    outburst:)

    FLORENCE

    SMILE, YOUVE GOT YOUR FIRST

    FLORENCE REPORTERS

    EXCLUSIVE WELL, WHAT DID I SAY?

    STORY! HE'S OUT OF HIS TREE,

    HE'S FINALLY FLIPPED NOW YOU AND BETWEEN YOU AND ME,

  • I 1 9

    CAN BASK IN HIS HE'S NO HOPE OF RETAINING HIS CROWN

    REFLECTED IN HIS FRAME OF MIND GLORY! IN FACT, HE SHOULDN'T HAVE COME HERE,

    HE SHOULD HAVE RESIGNED!

    IN THIS FRAME OF MIND,

    NAKED, HE SHOULDNT COME, UNPROVOKED HE SHOULD RESIGN WHEN HE IS

    YANKEE IN THIS FRAME OF MIND,

    AGRESSION! HE SHOULDNT COME, HE SHOULD RESIGN WHEN HE IS

    OH, WHAT IN THIS FRAME OF MIND,

    A CREDIT HE SHOULDNT COME, TO YOUR HE SHOULD RESIGN!

    GREAT PROFESSION!

    (FLORENCE exits. The scene changes during the REPORTERS final words)

    REPORTERS

    MUCH BETTER TO QUIT

    WHILE STILL NUMBER ONE

    THAN CRASH TO DEFEAT,

    REPUTATION UNDONE!

    THOUGH HE'S PROVED TO HIMSELF

    IT'S A COMMUNIST PLOT,

    IF YOU ASK ME, IT'S MONEY THAT DID IT

    AND STARTED THE ROT!

    IT'S SAD THAT THE BEST

    HIS COUNTRY'S PRODUCED

    IS CRUMBLING IN FRONT

    OF OUR EYES AND REDUCED

    TO A MINDLESS ABUSE AND ASSAULT

    ON ALL OF MANKIND IN FACT, HE SHOULDN'T HAVE COME HERE,

    HE SHOULD HAVE RESIGNED!

    End of Scene

  • I 2 10

    Scene 2

    (ANATOLYs hotel suite. ANATOLY SERGIEVSKY, the Russian World Chess Champion, and his second, IVAN MOLOKOV, enter the suite.

    ANATOLY sits by a chess board and starts to practice)

    ANATOLY

    Its all a performanceit has to be.

    MOLOKOV

    Even I know his reputation.

    ANATOLY

    But to see it there in front of you

    MOLOKOV

    Yes, very amusing.

    (NIKOLAI, MOLOKOVs assistant, enters with files in hand.)

    NIKOLAI

    Molokov, you have telephone messages.

    (He hands them to MOLOKOV, who looks through them. To ANATOLY.)

    Good luck, Sergievsky. The American is just a child.

    MOLOKOV

    (Handing ANATOLY a phone message)

    From your wife. She called from home.

    ANATOLY

    When will you learnwhen Im in a match I have neither a wife nor a

    MOLOKOV

    A home?

    (Beat. Continues to look through messages.)

    When you are home I understand you dont call your wife either. But this is none of my business.

    ANATOLY

    Im here to play chess.

    MOLOKOV

    And Im here to help you play chess. (to NIKOLAI)

    What else did you bring?

  • I 2 11

    NIKOLAI

    (Handing file.)

    The woman with Trumper. Florence Vassy.

    ANATOLY

    (without looking up)

    An experienced second. Shes well-known. (beat)

    You could have just asked me.

    MOLOKOV

    (reading the file)

    Hungarian refugee. Left Budapest as a child. 1956.

    (to himself)

    Theyre not going to let her (he disregards it. To NIKOLAI)

    Do they sleep together?

    NIKOLAI

    Rumor is they dont. She has her own room here. But were checking this out ourselves.

    ANATOLY

    (over chess board)

    He needs only an answer, Nikolai, not a videotape.

    MOLOKOV

    Speak for yourself!

    (He laughs. ANATOLY doesnt. To NIKOLAI) Hungarian women. I had a crush on one in Moscow. But just because I was Russian

    ANATOLY

    The sacrifices we Russian men have had to make for the cause of world peace.

    (MOLOKOV nods and NIKOLAI exits. The phone rings; MOLOKOV goes

    to answer it.)

    MOLOKOV

    (Into phone)

    Hello? Ill be right down. (hangs up. As he goes to door)

    Our ambassador has arrived.

    ANATOLY

    Our ambassador?

    (MUSIC #6: Where I Want to Be)

  • I 2 12

    MOLOKOV

    Didnt I tell you? Hes asked to play a single game against a Soviet champion.

    ANATOLY

    Tonight? No, Molokov

    MOLOKOV

    (at the door)

    He went to university with Gorbachev.

    ANATOLY

    What does that have to do with

    MOLOKOV

    You have no choice.

    (He exits. ANATOLY looks over the chess board.)

    ANATOLY

    WHO NEEDS A DREAM?

    WHO NEEDS AMBITION?

    WHOD BE THE FOOL IN MY POSITION?

    ONE, I HAD DREAMS NOW THEYRE OBSESSIONS. HOPES BECAME NEEDS,

    LOVERS POSSESSIONS.

    THEN THEY MOVE IN OH, SO DISCREETLY.

    SLOWLY AT FIRST,

    SMILING TOO SWEETLY.

    I OPENED DOORS THEY WALKED RIGHT THROUGH THEM.

    CALLED ME THEIR FRIEND I HARDLY KNEW THEM.

    NOW IM

    ANATOLY & CHORUS

    WHERE I WANT TO BE AND WHO I WANT TO BE

    AND DOING WHAT I ALWAYS SAID I WOULD,

    AND YET I FEEL I HAVENT WON AT ALL! RUNNING FOR MY LIFE AND NEVER LOOKING BACK

    IN CASE THERES SOMEONE RIGHT BEHIND TO SHOOT ME DOWN

  • I 2 13

    AND SAY HE ALWAYS KNEW ID FALL!

    ANATOLY

    WHEN THE CRAZY WHEEL SLOWS DOWN,

    WHERE WILL I BE? BACK WHERE I STARTED.

    DONT GET ME WRONG IM NOT COMPLAINING. TIMES HAVE BEEN GOOD,

    FAST, ENTERTAINING.

    BUT WHATS THE POINT IF IM CONCEALING NOT ONLY LOVE,

    ALL OTHER FEELINGS?

    NOW IM

    ANATOLY & CHORUS

    WHERE I WANT TO BE AND WHO I WANT TO BE

    AND DOING WHAT I ALWAYS SAID I WOULD,

    AND YET I FEEL I HAVENT WON AT ALL! RUNNING FOR MY LIFE AND NEVER LOOKING BACK

    IN CASE THERES SOMEONE RIGHT BEHIND TO SHOOT ME DOWN AND SAY HE ALWAYS KNEW ID FALL!

    ANATOLY

    WHEN THE CRAZY WHEEL SLOWS DOWN,

    WHERE WILL I BE? BACK WHERE I STARTED.

    (blackout)

    End of Scene

  • I 3 14

    Scene 3

    (FREDDIEs suite. FLORENCE and FREDDIE are practicing chess. WALTER ANDERSON, FREDDIEs agent, is on the phone.)

    WALTER

    (Into phone)

    Thirty thousand. He wont take a penny less. (calls)

    Will you, Freddie?

    (no response; into phone)

    Hes adamant. Its thirty or nothing. (beat)

    No, thirty.

    (beat)

    Its a deal. Twenty-five. (he hangs up and moves to FREDDIE)

    Twenty five grand and it doesnt even have to be your foot in the picture!

    FREDDIE

    It doesnt?

    WALTER

    They can use any old foot they want. They put your signature across it, see. One ad. They dont even need to photograph you.

    FLORENCE

    Freddie, please. Concentrate.

    WALTER

    (starts to leave)

    A photo session, I told them, was gonna cost real money. Excuse me, Im already latethe trade shows just beginning.

    (WALTER exits)

    FLORENCE

    (Mimicking)

    A photo session was going to cost real moneywhere did you find that guy, selling watches on Broadway?

    FREDDIE

    Ah, you just hate the idea of making money.

    FLORENCE

    I hate the idea of always talking about it.

  • I 3 15

    (beat)

    Stick to the chess, Freddiedo what youre good at.

    FREDDIE

    Cmon, Florence, get off me.

    FLORENCE

    (suddenly serious)

    Watch him. That is my advice.

    FREDDIE

    Sergievsky doesnt know what the hell to make of me after this morning.

    FLORENCE

    The Russians arent as dumb as you think. I mean, granted, Sergievsky may not have just sold his toes for twenty-five grand, but we can still have some respect for him.

    (a pause)

    And I didnt like that crack you made about Budapest.

    FREDDIE

    Whatcome on, it was a joke!

    FLORENCE

    Freddie, you know why I wanted us to do this

    FREDDIE

    I thought it was just your unbridled confidence in my talents.

    (beatshe didnt find that funny, either. Sincerely) Well get there. Okay? Well get to Budapest. I promise.

    (A pause. He takes her hand, she gives it a quick squeeze before going

    back to the board.)

    FLORENCE

    Here. A pawn down.

    (She takes off a pawn. FREDDIE stares at the board for a moment.)

    FREDDIE

    OkayBishop G-4.

    FLORENCE

    Knight C-7.

    (FREDDIE moves, then stops. He smiles, realizing defeat.)

  • I 3 16

    FREDDIE

    Okay. Very good. Whered you pick that up?

    FLORENCE

    A Sergievsky match in Volograd.

    (beat. She smiles)

    Ive been saving it.

    FREDDIE

    (laughs)

    Okay, soI wont let myself get into a position like

    FLORENCE

    Sergievsky wasnt the one who made the move, Frederick. He was the one who got out of it.

    FREDDIE.

    (stunned)

    What? No. No, thats not (pause, he studies the board intently)

    No. Thats not possible.

    FLORENCE

    (teasing)

    Sergievsky found a way out

    FREDDIE

    Well, you must have it wrong

    (MUSIC #7: How Many Women)

    FLORENCE

    He got out!

    (laughing)

    Its not gonna be as easy as you think, Mr. Trumper! (she gets up and moves around the suite, teasing FREDDIE as she goes.

    He stays relentlessly by the board.)

    HOW MANY WOMEN WOULD DRIVE THEMSELVES CRAZY

    BY ARGUING OVER A GAME OF CHESS?

    NOT VERY MANYTHE WAY THINGS ARE GOING, THERELL SOON BE ONE LESS!

    FREDDIE

    DONT BELIEVE YOU, SWEETIE-PIE!

    FLORENCE

    (mock self-seriousness)

  • I 3 17

    LISTEN, FREDDIEI TOO HAD AMBITIONS HOW DID I GET WAYLAID?

    HOW CAN SUCH A FLOWER,

    A SENSITIVE SOULA DELICATE CHILD! WIND UP AS A NURSEMAID

    RESPECTABLY SET FOR THE GLITTERING PRIZES,

    INSTEAD OF WHICH I LANDED YOU!

    FREDDIE

    YOULL GET YOUR PRIZES IM NINETY PERCENT OF THE WAY TO THE TOP OF THE HEAP!

    (FLORENCE is legitimately taken aback by this)

    FLORENCE

    Oh, thanks TEN PERCENTYOU GOT ME CHEAP!

    FREDDIE

    (realizing his mistake)

    No, no, FlorenceI meant we are ninety percent of the way

    (FLORENCE continues her teasing, but theres a real edge to the complaints now. FREDDIEs struck a nerve.)

    FLORENCE

    HOW MANY WOMENARTICULATE WOMEN, WITH SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT SPEND THEIR TIME

    PLAYING A GAME IN WHICH SILENCE IS GOLDEN

    AND SPEAKING A CRIME?

    FREDDIE

    MAYBE IF HE MOVED HIS KING

    FLORENCE

    ALL OF MY STRUGGLES FOR QUALIFICATION MY NIGHTS WITH GOETHE AND PROUST RECKLESSLY ABANDONED

    FOR YOU! WHO THINKS CHECKOV IS KING TO G3 AND JOYCE, MY COLLEGE ROOMMATE!

    BUT THEN WHEN I SHOW YOU A MOVE YOU CANT FATHOM I HAVE TO ADMIT, IT FEELS GREAT!

    FREDDIE

    GREAT NEWS FOR CHESS FANS!

  • I 3 18

    (Making a triumphant move.)

    YEAHTHATS HOW HE DID IT! YES, THATS HOW THE COMMMUNIST PLAYS!

    FLORENCE

    MAYBE I DESERVE A RAISE!

    (A brief tense moment, then they both burst out laughing. FLORENCE

    looks at the board and nods to FREDDIE.)

    FLORENCE

    Nice. Maybe you are ready for the Russians.

    FREDDIE

    Yeah, butare they ready for me?

    FLORENCE

    I think the more important question isare they ready for Walters little trade show?

    End of Scene

  • I 4 19

    Scene 4

    (The Chess arena, where a loud, garish mob of MERCHANDISERS are

    selling their wares in WALTERs gargantuan trade show. WALTER enters, cane and Styrofoam hat in hand.)

    (MUSIC #8: Merchandisers)

    WALTER

    WHETHER YOU ARE PRO OR ANTI,

    OR COULD NOT CARE LESS

    WALTER & CHORUS

    WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU

    WE ARE HERE TO SELL YOU CHESS!

    NOT A CHANCE OF YOU ESCAPING FROM OUR WILES WEVE LOCKED THE DOORS, WEVE BLOCKED THE AISLES! WEVE A FRANCHISE WORTH EXPLOITING,

    AND WE WILLYES, WE WILL! WHEN IT COMES TO MERCHANDISING, WE COULD KILL!

    WHEN YOU GET UP

    WALTER

    WHEN YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING

    TILL YOU CRASH AT NIGHT, YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF SURROUNDED

    BY OUR COPYRIGHT.

    BRUSH YOUR TEETH WITH CHECKERED TOOTHPASTE WEAR OUR VESTS

    CHORUS

    OUR KINGS AND QUEENS ON BOUNCING BREASTS!

    WALTER

    YOU COULD EVEN BUY A SET AND LEARN TO PLAY!

    WALTER & CHORUS

    WE DONT MINDWELL SELL YOU SOMETHING ANYWAY!

    WE'VE DONE ALL OUR MARKET RESEARCH,

    AND OUR FINDINGS SHOW

    THAT THIS GAME OF CHESS COULD BE AROUND

    A MONTH OR SO!

    MAYBE IT'S A BIT CONFUSING

  • I 4 20

    FOR A GAME,

    BUT RUBIK'S CUBES WERE MUCH THE SAME!

    WALTER

    IN THE END THE WHOLE WORLD BOUGHT ONE ALL WERE GONE!

    WALTER & CHORUS

    BY WHICH TIME, WE MERCHANDISERS

    HAD MOVED ON!

    BY WHICH TIME, WE HAD MOVED ON!

    (Their show finished, they recede back to the sidelines. FLORENCE

    enters, across a disapproving MOLOKOV accompanied by ANATOLY. An

    ASSISTANT rises to make announcement)

    ASSISTANT

    Ladies and gentlementhe Arbiter of this match, Mr. Constantine Stanos.

    (The ARBITERa large, burly figure, enters. Applause from spectators and delegates)

    ARBITER

    Thank youthank you very much. Respected guests, delegates, members of the pressand of course, our sponsorswelcome to this World Chess Championship. I understand many of you have come a long way to be here, so let me announce what I know youve all been waiting forthe sponsors lounge, with complimentary bar, is finally open.

    (much applause, spectators and reporters filter in and out. The ARBITER

    moves to FLORENCE and MOLOKOV)

    ARBITER

    AhMiss Vassy, good to see you. Have you met

    FLORENCE

    Mr. Molokov, yes.

    MOLOKOV

    Ah, youve learned my name. Im flattered. (Beat. To ARBITER)

    Mr. Arbiter, I have just a couple of minor points before we begin the matchthe twenty-four-hour time limit to a break; Im worried now that this will especially penalize my player.

    FLORENCE

    Hell be needing plenty of rest?

  • I 4 21

    ARBITER

    Yes, Im sorrybreak limits are final.

    MOLOKOV

    I see.

    (beat)

    And then theres the chairs.

    FLORENCE

    We agreed on Swedish chairsneutral chairs.

    ARBITER

    Indeed

    MOLOKOV

    We brought with us two very comfortable Finnish chairs.

    (beat)

    Finlands neutral.

    ARBITER

    Well, you see

    FLORENCE

    But are the chairs?

    MOLOKOV

    What could one do with chairs?

    FLORENCE

    Oh, Im all earstell me.

    ARBITER

    Excuse me!

    (beat, FLORENCE and MOLOKOV are quiet)

    Thank you. Im sorry, but I dont feel were making very meaningful progress here. Unless there are any serious objections? (beat, no response)

    Good. Match begins in one hour.

    (he exits. MOLOKOV moves to WALTER at the side of the stage,

    FLORENCE moves towards a nearby ANATOLY, reading a book.)

    ANATOLY

    A shame about the rest days.

  • I 4 22

    FLORENCE

    Hm?

    ANATOLY

    Being limited to a day. I was hoping to enjoy a longer break.

    FLORENCE

    You get tired, do you?

    ANATOLY

    Hay fever. I cant help it.

    FLORENCE

    (smiling)

    I should start wearing straw hats.

    (On the other side of the stage, MOLOKOV greets WALTER)

    MOLOKOV

    (extending a hand)

    Mr.Andersson, is it?

    WALTER

    (shaking it)

    Mr. Molokov.

    MOLOKOV

    Quite a show.

    WALTER

    Thank you. Makes you feel very

    MOLOKOV

    Proud to be an American?

    ANATOLY

    (to FLORENCE)

    You seem so distrustfulI hope youre not one of those right-wing conservative Americans

    FLORENCE

    Well, no. Not yet. But keep talking.

    (They laugh, and continue to talk. MOLOKOV watches them with interest.

    Delegates begin to gather around, including NIKOLAI and BEN)

    (MUSIC #9: U.S. vs. U.S.S.R.)

  • I 4 23

    WALTER

    What is it, Mr. Molokov?

    MOLOKOV

    Oha pleasure to see opposing sides getting along so well.

    BEN

    Times have moved on.

    NIKOLAI

    The world is changing.

    MOLOKOV

    NO ONE CAN DENY THESE ARE ENCOURAGING TIMES!

    CHORUS

    NO ONE CAN DENY THESE ARE ENCOURAGING TIMES!

    MOLOKOV

    ITS THE U.S. VERSUS U.S.S.R., YET WE MORE OR LESS ARE

    CHORUS

    NO ONE CAN DENY THESE ARE ENCOURAGING TIMES!

    MOLOKOV

    TO OUR CREDIT, PUTTING ALL THAT ASIDE, WE HAVE SWALLOWED OUR PRIDE!

    CHORUS

    THESE ARE OPTIMISTIC AND ENCOURAGING TIMES!

    WALTER

    IT REALLY DOESNT MATTER WHO COMES OUT ON TOP,

    WALTER & CHORUS

    WHO GETS THE CHOP

    MOLOKOV

    NO-ONES WAY OF LIFE IS THREATENED BY A FLOP!

    AMERICAN CHORUS

    BUT WERE GONNA SMASH THEIR BASTARD! MAKE HIM WANNA CHANGE HIS NAME!

  • I 4 24

    TAKE HIM TO THE CLEANERS AND DEVASTATE HIM WIPE HIM OUT, HUMILIATE HIM!

    RUSSIAN CHORUS

    WE DONT WANT THE WHOLE WORLD SAYING THEY CANT EVEN WIN A GAME! WE HAVE NEVER RECKONED ON COMING SECOND THERES NO USE IN LOSING!

    MOLOKOV

    ITS THE RED FLAG UP AGAINST STARS AND STRIPES

    WALTER

    BUT WERE PEACE-LOVING TYPES!

    CHORUS

    NO-ONE CAN DENY THESE ARE ENCOURAGING TIMES!

    BEN

    ITS A SWEET HAIL-FELLOW-WELL-MET AFFAIR

    NIKOLAI

    FOR BOTH EAGLE AND BEAR!

    CHORUS

    NO-ONE CAN DENY THESE ARE ENCOURAGING TIMES!

    MOLOKOV

    HOW GOOD TO FEEL THAT AS THIS GREAT EVENT BEGINS,

    IT UNDERPINS

    OUR QUEST FOR PEACE, THE BONDS OF COMMON INTEREST

    OF EAST AND WEST

    CHORUS

    AS LONG AS OUR MAN WINS

    ALL

    AS LONG AS OUR MAN WINS!

    End of Scene

  • I 5 25

    Scene 5

    (MUSIC #10: Chess No. 1 (Instrumental))

    (The Arena. During a brief fanfare, ANATOLY and FREDDIE approach

    the chessboard, sit, and begin to play. They play for quite a while, when

    FREDDIE looks up at ANATOLY, who is eating a cup of yogurt (he had

    eaten another cup at the start of play). FREDDIE looks at the yogurt, then

    back at ANATOLY.)

    FREDDIE

    What is that?

    ANATOLY

    (holding the spoon a few inches from his mouth)

    What?

    FREDDIE

    (points to the yogurt)

    That.

    ANATOLY

    This is yogurt.

    (beat)

    Would you like some?

    FREDDIE

    (Stands and yells.)

    Check it! I want someone checking that yogurt!

    (To ANATOLY.)

    Put it down!

    (A brief pauseno one knows what to do. The ARBITER finally moves to ANATOLY, then stops.)

    ARBITER

    Check it for what?

    FREDDIE

    Check it!

    ANATOLY

    This is crazywhy should I let you look at my yogurt?

    (The ARBITER is caught in the middle)

  • I 5 26

    FREDDIE

    Its strawberry yogurt!

    ANATOLY

    This is true.

    FREDDIE

    (pleased)

    And before that it was blueberry! And before that, it was blueberry!

    (Short pause)

    ARBITER

    So?

    FREDDIE

    What are you, stupid? Hes getting signals with the choice of yogurt. Hes cheating!

    ARBITER

    Mr. Trumper

    FREDDIE

    Dont be so damn nave!

    ANATOLY

    Is this a joke?

    FREDDIE

    Look, I demand he no longer be served yogurtand I want an apology!

    ANATOLY

    (incredulous)

    What?!

    FLORENCE

    Freddie, what are you doing?

    FREDDIE

    Florence, look, I think Im being very generous here. I could demand he be disqualified! (beat)

    Come on.

    (pause. To ARBITER)

    Well, call him on it, its your job! (No response)

    Okay, I get it. Youre working for him.

  • I 5 27

    ARBITER

    Mr. Trumper! Would you please

    FREDDIE

    Forget it. This match is historyits over!

    (FREDDIE storms out. The CROWD gasps. Then silence, as everyone

    stares at the ARBITER.)

    ARBITER

    (beat; claps his hands together)

    Break for lunch!

    (MUSIC #11: Quartet)

    (Chaos, REPORTERS run off after FREDDIE. The arena is slowly

    emptied except for ANATOLY, FLORENCE, MOLOKOV, and the

    ARBITER)

    ANATOLY

    (To FLORENCE)

    Pity, you cannot always choose who you work for.

    FLORENCE

    True. And Ive noticed you seem to have the same problem.

    MOLOKOV

    WE WISHNO, MUST MAKE OUR DISGUST FOR THIS ABUSE PERFECTLY CLEAR!

    WERE HERE FOR CHESSARE THE U.S.? IF SO, WHY FOUL THE ATMOSPHERE?

    FLORENCE MOLOKOV

    I MUST PROTEST WE WISH OUR DELEGATION NO, MUST

    HAS A HOST OF VALID MAKE OUR

    POINTS TO RAISE. DISGUST

    OUR PLAYERS SPORTING ATTITUDES AT THIS BEYOND ALL PRAISE, ABUSE

    AS ANY NEUTRAL WOULD ATTEST PERFECTLY CLEAR! (To ANATOLY)

    THOUGH WE CONCEDE WERE HERE THE FACT YOUR MASTERS FOR CHESS BEND THE RULES IS MAYBE ARE THE

    NOT YOUR FAULT! U.S.?

    IF THEY WITHDRAW THEIR HOW CAN

  • I 5 28

    PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSAULT, THEN YOU MAKE

    UNDER PROTEST HELL PROCEED! SUCH A CLAIM?

    MOLOKOV ARBITER

    IF YOUR MANS SO I CALL SWEET, THEN WHY HIS THIS TUNE,

    FIGHTING TALK? NO ONES IF HE SAYS WE IMMUNE

    CHEAT, THEN WHY ON TO MY

    EARTH DID HE GO POWER

    TAKE A WALK? IN THE HALL!

    FLORENCE MOLOKOV

    I AM NOT SURPRISED WHY LET

    HE WANTED HIM LOOSE?

    FRESHER AIR HELL SOON ONCE HE REALIZED REDUCE

    THERE WAS NO HOPE THIS GREAT

    OF YOUR GUYS EVENT

    PLAYING FAIR! TO A BRAWL!

    HOW SAD ITS VERY SAD TO SEE TO SEE THE ANCIENT

    WHAT USED AND DISTINGUISHED GAME

    TO BE THAT USED TO BE

    FLORENCE & MOLOKOV

    A MODEL OF DECORUM AND TRANQUILITY

    BECOME LIKE ANY OTHER SPORT A BATTLEGROUND FOR RIVAL IDEOLOGIES

    TO SLUG IT OUT WITH GLEE!

    ANATOLY MOLOKOV

    I WOULD SAY WE WISH, NO MUST

    WITH REGARD TO HIM, MAKE OUR DISGUST

    IT IS HARD TO AT THIS ABUSE

    REBUT PERFECTLY CLEAR!

    EVER- WERE HERE FOR CHESS GROWING SUSPICIONS ARE THE U.S.?

    MY OPPOSITIONS IF SO, WHY FOUL THE A NUT. ATMOSPHERE?

    FLORENCE ARBITER

    I WOULD HAVE SAID I MUST

    YOUD UNDERSTAND THE INSIST STRAIN AND PRESSURE GETTING THAT YOU

  • I 5 29

    WHERE HES GOT, DESIST, FOR THEN YOUD SIMPLY CALL HIM IF YOU HIGHLY STRUNG AND NOT VALUE

    IMPLY THAT HE WAS OFF HIS HEAD! YOUR LIVELIHOOD!

    ANATOLY MOLOKOV

    BUT HOW IT SEEMS TO US

    CAN YOU THERES LITTLE POINT IN WORK FOR WAITING HERE ALL NIGHT FOR

    ONE WHO HIS RETURN.

    TREATS YOU AND SINCE A PEACFUL MATCH

    LIKE DIRT? IS OUR SOLE CONCERN WE

    PAY MUST BE GOOD! WONT MAKE AN OFFICIAL FUSS.

    FLORENCE

    IM NOT GETTING RICH! IN SHORT, MY ONLY WE RISE

    INTEREST ABOVE

    IS IN SOMETHING YOUR GUYS WHICH GIVES ME A TANTRUMS,

    CHANCE OF WORKING DRAMAS,

    WITH THE BEST! DIRTY TRICKS!

    ANATOLY ARBITER

    I CAN ONLY GET THIS

    SAY, I HOPE YOUR STRAIGHTI DREAM COMES TRUE, WILL NOT

    TILL THAT FAR-OFF DAY, STAND BY

    I HOPE YOU COPE WHILE YOU

    WITH HELPING PLAY AT

    NUMBER TWO! POLITICS!

    FLORENCE & ANATOLY MOLOKOV & ARBITER

    HOW ITS VERY SAD SAD TO SEE THE ANCIENT

    TO AND DISTINGUISHED GAME

    SEE THAT USED TO BE

    ALL

    A MODEL OF DECORUM AND TRANQUILITY

    BECOME LIKE ANY OTHER SPORT A BATTLEGROUND FOR RIVAL IDEOLOGIES

    TO SLUG IT OUT WITH GLEE!

    FLORENCE ARBITER ANATOLY MOLOKOV

    IT IS VERY ITS SO SAD TO SAD HOW SAD

  • I 5 30

    SAD TO

    SEE SEE A GAME IT IS VERY TO SEE

    THAT SAD TO

    SAD TO SEE A REALLY SEE A DIS-

    SHOULD

    GAME THAT BE THIS DIS- TINGUISHED

    ONCE USED TINGUISHED

    TO AND

    BE A MODEL LIKE A MODEL OLD GAME GAME THAT

    OF DE- THAT

    OF CALM AND CORUM USED TO, ALWAYS

    TRAN- THAT

    QUILITY BECOME USED TO BE USED TO BE

    TRAN-

    SAD WHEN IT JUST LIKE ANY QUILITY LIKE A

    BE- OTHER

    COMES LIKE SPORT A HAS BECOME MODEL

    ANY BATTLE-

    GROUND

    FOR

    OTHER SPORT RIVAL IDE- BATTLE- OF DE-

    GROUND

    JUST A OLOGIES TO SLUG IT OUT CORUM

    BATTLE- SLUG WITH GLEE

    GROUND, A SLUG IT OUT ANY OTHER AND OF

    BATTLE- SPORT

    GROUND FOR SLUG IT OUT LIKE A PURE TRAN-

    IDE- BATTLE-

    GROUND

    OLOGIES IT IS VERY SAD TO SEE QUILITY

    ITS VERY SAD SAD SO SAD SO IT IS VERY TO SEE THE TO SEE SAD SAD TO SEE

    ANCIENT THE

    AND DISTIN- ITS A TO OLD DISTIN- GUISHED GUISHED

    GAME GAME

    THAT THAT

    USED TO BE A BATTLE- SEE A USED TO BE

    GROUND

    FOR

    MODEL OF RIVAL IDE- MODEL OF MODEL OF

    DECORUM DECORUM TRAN-

    AND OLOGIES AND QUILITY

    TRANQUILITY TRANQUILITY

  • I 5 31

    BE-

    COME LIKE IT BECOMES JUST LIKE WHEN IT BE-

    ANY ANY

    OTHER OTHER

    SPORT A BATTLE- SPORT HOW COMES A

    GROUD SAD BATTLE-

    FOR

    LIKE A IDEOLOGIES TO SEE GROUND THEN IT

    BATTLE- A BATTLE- HOW THE IS VERY

    GROUND GROUND GAME

    FOR RIVAL THAT

    IDEOLOGIES ITS VERY SAD USED TO BE SAD, ITS VERY SAD

    ITS VERY SAD TO SEE A TRANQUILITY WHEN THIS GAME ANCIENT

    GAME BE-

    SO SAD TO SEE A BATTLE- A BATTLE- COMES A

    GROUND GROUND BATTLE-

    GROUND

    ALL

    A PLACE TO SLUG IT OUT WITH GLEE!

    ARBITER

    (wearily)

    Mr. Sergievsky, you wouldnt by any chance consider abstaining from yogurt

    MOLOKOV

    Are you suggesting?

    ARBITER

    Im not suggesting anythingexcept that we continue on with this match.

    ANATOLY

    I will be in my roompacking. (Turns to FLORENCE, shakes his head)

    Such a waste.

    (He leaves. The ARBITER turns to MOLOKOV)

    ARBITER

    People have invested millions of dollars in us, Mr. Molokov. In chess.

    MOLOKOV

    This is not my problem

  • I 5 32

    ARBITER

    It bloody well is!

    (to the both of them)

    So what do you suggest we do? Let it all collapse in just one day? Let selfishness dictate to us?

    Not while Im the Arbiter of this match! (beat)

    This is the message I want you to get across. Tomorrow morning, I expect to see two smiling

    players at the table.

    (he starts to leave, then stops.)

    Ill amend that. I dont give a shit if theyre smiling. (yells)

    I dont care if theyre bleedingtwo warm bodies are whats required! Thats all!

    (He exits. MOLOKOV and FLORENCE alone. Pause)

    MOLOKOV

    (Shakes his head, laughs slightly)

    Yogurtit would be funny if it werent so serious. (beat)

    It is serious?

    FLORENCE

    I cant imagine Freddie playing without an apology.

    MOLOKOV

    But if Trumper leaves, what does that get him? He wont get a second chance.

    FLORENCE

    Freddie walks now, he says he caught the commie cheating. Who wont believe him? Hell be a herohe could probably run for office.

    MOLOKOV

    But youyou would be unable to attend the match site in Budapest. (beat)

    I am correct in presuming thats why youve joined the tournament?

    FLORENCE

    Thats my own business, Mr. Molokov, thank you.

    MOLOKOV

    And as I understand it, they are already electing to bar you from the site, so surely Trumpers behavior

    FLORENCE

    Excuse metheyre barring me from Budapest? (beat)

  • I 5 33

    What did you do?

    MOLOKOV

    Me? Im a chess second.

    FLORENCE

    Bullshit. Dont you think we know who you work for, Mr. Molokov? The State Department briefed us before we came here.

    MOLOKOV

    My purpose here is the game of chess.

    FLORENCE

    Ill bet you love all kinds of games.

    MOLOKOV

    Florence Vassy. Left Hungary 1956. Mother dead, Father lost, presumed dead. Brought up by a

    Lawrence Osborne, professor of ancient history, Yale University. We have been briefed about

    you as well.

    (pause)

    Miss Vassy, you must believe I had nothing to do with this. When I learned of your involvement

    I made a few calls and discovered the Federation was looking to halt your entry to Budapest. I

    was told it was someone in your delegation who elected the change.

    FLORENCE

    (to herself)

    Walter

    MOLOKOV

    Im sorry?

    FLORENCE

    Nothing.

    (beat, she gets up)

    Well, Mr. Molokov, it seems we have work to do.

    MOLOKOV

    So this business with Mr. Trumper?

    FLORENCE

    A meeting. Between the two players.

    (beat)

    Tonight?

    MOLOKOV

    Must this meeting be in public?

  • I 5 34

    (FLORENCE considers this)

    FLORENCE

    I see no need for more publicity.

    MOLOKOV

    (Quickly)

    Well, then I suggest our hotel room.

    FLORENCE

    (laughing)

    Oh, very funny!

    MOLOKOV

    I know a private place. A restaurant.

    FLORENCE

    Yeah, I know restaurants as well.

    MOLOKOV

    Let us choose at random, then. I have a Bangkok food guide.

    (He takes it out of his pocket)

    FLORENCE

    I have the very same one (She takes hers out of her purse)

    Well use mine.

    MOLOKOV

    Theyre the same.

    FLORENCE

    So theres no problem with using mine.

    (beat)

    MOLOKOV

    I open, you point.

    FLORENCE

    Agreed.

    (He opens. She points, but before they look:)

  • I 5 35

    MOLOKOV

    Lets make it the third below the one youve touched.

    FLORENCE

    The fourth

    BOTH

    The second!

    (beat)

    FLORENCE MOLOKOV

    Okay. Agreed.

    MOLOKOV

    (Reads)

    The Golden Mountain Cafe.

    FLORENCE

    There are mountains in Bangkok?

    MOLOKOV

    It would appear they found one.

    FLORENCE

    Sounds ideal.

    (She gets up and gathers her things.)

    Ill see you tonight.

    MOLOKOV

    Yes. And Miss Vassy (she turns)

    1956 was a long time ago.

    FLORENCE

    Not to me.

    (she exits)

    End of Scene

  • I 6 36

    Scene 6

    (FREDDIEs suite. WALTER is on the phone)

    WALTER

    (into phone)

    A lot of nerve those guys have; yogurt, think of it! Nothings sacred. I tell you, they cant play without cheating. Its their nature. (beat)

    Freddies completely disillusionedhe came here to play chess!

    FLORENCE

    (entering from the hall)

    Wheres Freddie?

    WALTER

    Shh!

    (into phone)

    Right. I think thats the point. (FLORENCE searches the room)

    Thats what Im sayingif you cant trust the Russians over chess, how the hell are you gonna trust them with, say, an arms control deal? I mean, thats basic common sense right there. But then what do I know?

    FLORENCE

    (very frustrated)

    Where is he?

    WALTER

    (covering the speaker)

    Shut up.

    (FLORENCE backs off, but as WALTER returns to the phone she moves to

    the telephone and innocently leans down on the buttons, disconnecting the

    call)

    WALTER

    (into the phone)

    I mean it, what do I know. I used to be a liberal myself, but that was back in the Sixties (the call is disconnected. yells)

    What the hell are you doingthat was the L.A. Times!

    FLORENCE

    Where did he go?

  • I 6 37

    WALTER

    (starting to dial again)

    It took me twenty minutes to make that connection!

    FLORENCE

    God dammit, Walter, just tell me!

    (short pause. WALTER hangs up the phone and moves away)

    WALTER

    How the hell should I know where Freddie is? Youre the nursemaid, I thought. Maybe he got tired of being treated like he didnt know anything

    FLORENCE

    Who are you?

    WALTER

    (taken aback)

    What?

    FLORENCE

    Who are you? What do you want with Freddie?

    WALTER

    I want him to be rich. To recognize his potential.

    (putting on an air)

    Chess games come and chess games go, but money

    FLORENCE

    Why do I not believe this?

    (beat)

    Whatever, I dont have to put up with this. If Freddie shows up, tell him Ill be at the Arbiters quarters

    WALTER

    What the hell will you (realization)

    Oh, the Budapest thing.

    FLORENCE

    (sharply)

    Right. The Budapest thing.

    WALTER

    Hey, dont look at me like thatI think its a shame youre not going.

  • I 6 38

    FLORENCE

    Spare me the niceties.

    WALTER

    Whatyou dont think I had anything to do with this?

    FLORENCE

    You follow the slime, you find the slug.

    (FREDDIE coughs. He is standing at the door, holding up brochures)

    FREDDIE

    (dryly)

    Wouldnt want to go home without seeing some of the sights. (reads)

    Sugar Shack. Girls Girls Girls. Ever been there, Walter?

    WALTER

    Well, thats not something you confess in front of a lady.

    FREDDIE.

    True. Get out of here.

    WALTER

    (to FLORENCE as he leaves)

    See. Hes the boss. Ill be in my room.

    (He exits. A brief, tense pause.)

    FREDDIE

    What if I told youtoday was all my idea?

    FLORENCE

    Then Id say it was the first time you pulled something like that without talking it over with me.

    FREDDIE

    What if I said I did it spontaneously?

    FLORENCE

    Only bad chess players move spontaneously, Freddie, and thats one thing youre not.

    FREDDIE

    I think making the point about Russians cheating is worthwhile in itself.

    FLORENCE

    Since when?

  • I 6 39

    (pause. She hands him a piece of paper)

    Here, were meeting Sergievsky at this restaurant at ten oclock.

    FREDDIE

    And hell apologize?

    FLORENCE

    Hell meet us. Thats enough.

    FREDDIE

    Not for me!

    FLORENCE

    What are you doing? This isnt the Freddie Trumper who lived just to play chess!

    FREDDIE

    (turns on her, speaking over part of her line)

    Who was happy in ten-dollar shirts and playing chess games for the thrill of it? Youre right.

    FLORENCE

    Freddie, if you dont go to this meeting, I might not get to go to Budapest. Look

    FREDDIE

    Enough about Budapest! What about now?

    FLORENCE

    This meeting is important to me!

    FREDDIE

    (raising his voice)

    Well, this game is important to me! I want to fulfill my potential!

    FLORENCE

    Oh, grow up!

    FREDDIE

    (yells)

    You work for me!

    (MUSIC #12: The American and Florence)

    FLORENCE

    (screams at him in anger)

    YOU WANT TO LOSE YOUR ONLY FRIEND?

    WELL, KEEP IT UPYOURE DOING FINE! WHY THIS HUMILIATION?

  • I 6 40

    WHY TREAT ME LIKE A FOOL?

    IVE TAKEN SHIT FOR SEVEN YEARS, AND I WONT TAKE IT ANY MORE!

    FREDDIE

    IM ONLY TEASING SOVIETS WITH GENTLE BONHOMIE AND YOUVE A BETTER REASON TO BE ANTI-THEM

    THAN ME!

    FLORENCE

    THERES A TIME AND THERES A PLACE!

    FREDDIE

    Well, how about here and now? Are you for me or for them?

    FLORENCE

    THERES A TIME AND THERES A PLACE!

    (FLORENCE breaks away and moves to the bed, clearly very shaken by

    the argument. FREDDIE moves to her slowly, and the CHORUS echoes

    his words from the wings.)

    FREDDIE & CHORUS

    1956: BUDAPEST IS RISING.

    1956: BUDAPEST IS RISING.

    (FLORENCE is transfixed by the words, almost paralyzed. She sits still on

    the bed as FREDDIE approaches her)

    FREDDIE

    ID HAVE THOUGHT YOUD SUPPORT ANY ATTACK ON THESE PEOPLE!

    CHORUS

    1956: BUDAPEST IS RISING.

    FREDDIE

    ON THE PEOPLE WHO RAN

    MINDLESSLY OVER YOUR CHILDHOOD!

    DONT LET THEM FOOL YOUFOR THIRTY YEARS ON THEYRE THE SAME!

    FLORENCE & CHORUS

    1956: BUDAPEST IS FIGHTING.

    1956: BUDAPEST IS FALLING

  • I 6 41

    FREDDIE

    THEY SEE CHESS AS A WAR PLAYING WITH PAWNS JUST LIKE POLAND!

    FLORENCE

    1956BUDAPEST IS DYING

    FREDDIE

    IF YOU WALK OUT ON ME,

    THEY WILL HAVE WON THE FIRST BATTLE!

    WOULDNT YOUR FATHER HAVE BEGGED YOU TO STAY IN THE GAME?

    (This snaps her out of it. She rises and advances on FREDDIE)

    FLORENCE

    HE WOULDBUT HE DIDNT KNOW YOU! HED LOATHE YOUR BEHAVIOR, AND SO DO I! WHYD YOU HAVE TO DO THIS TO ME?

    (She pushes FREDDIE out of the apartment and slams the door. Alone,

    she slumps to the floor and cries.)

    (MUSIC #13: Someone Elses Story)

    FLORENCE

    LONG AGO,

    IN SOMEONE ELSES LIFETIME, SOMEONE WITH MY NAME,

    WHO LOOKED A LOT LIKE ME,

    CAME TO KNOW

    A MAN AND MADE A PROMISE HE ONLY HAD TO SAY,

    AND THATS WHERE SHE WOULD BE. LATELY,

    ALTHOUGH THE FEELINGS RUN JUST AS DEEP,

    THE PROMISE SHE MADE HAS GROWN IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP,

    AND YET, I WISH IT WASNT SO. WILL HE MISS ME IF I GO?

    (she gets up and moves through the suite)

    IN A WAY,

    ITS SOMEONE ELSES STORY. I DONT SEE MYSELF

  • I 6 42

    AS TAKING PART AT ALL.

    YESTERDAY,

    A GIRL THAT I WAS FOND OF

    FINALLY COULD SEE THE WRITING ON THE WALL.

    SADLY,

    THE WORDS DESCRIBED AN EMPTY AFFAIR,

    AND SADDER THAN THAT, SHE KNEW HE WOULDNT EVEN CARE. AND THOUGH THERES NOTHING LEFT TO SAY, WOULD HE LISTEN IF I STAY?

    ITS ALL VERY WELL TO SAY YOU FOOLITS NOW OR NEVER! I COULD BE CHOOSING

    NO CHOICES WHATSOEVER

    I COULD BE

    IN SOMEONE ELSES STORY IN SOMEONE ELSES LIFE AND HE COULD BE IN MINE!

    I DONT SEE A REASON TO BE LONELY I COULD TAKE MY CHANCES

    FURTHER DOWN THE LINE.

    AND IF THAT GIRL I KNEW SHOULD ASK MY ADVICE,

    OH, I WOULDNT HESISTATE, SHE NEEDNT ASK ME TWICE GO NOW! ID TELL HER THAT FOR FREE. TROUBLE IS, THE GIRL IS ME.

    THE STORY IS, THE GIRL IS ME.

    End of Scene

  • I 7 43

    Scene 7

    (The Golden Mountain Cafe. MOLOKOV is seated at a table while

    ANATOLY paces the restaurant impatiently. He walks to another table,

    and sees a RUSSIAN MAN seated, eating inconspicuously. ANATOLY

    smiles and moves back to MOLOKOV. Finally:)

    MOLOKOV

    Golden temples and artificial mountains Im relieved this chess match has not been the boring assignment I had feared.

    ANATOLY

    This is ridiculoushow long must we wait for this apology?

    MOLOKOV

    Be patient, Anatolythey will come, and then we can get on with

    ANATOLY

    With what? You have yet another petty bureaucrat for me to play against this evening?

    MOLOKOV

    Those petty bureaucrats give you the chance to play!

    ANATOLY

    They give me nothing.

    MOLOKOV

    Careful what you say, Anatolyespecially in a public place like this. (FLORENCE enters. MOLOKOV sees her)

    Here they areMiss Vassy!

    (FLORENCE sees them and moves to the table, pretending to be

    surprised.)

    FLORENCE

    Oh, hello! What a surprisewe must have the same Good Food Guide.

    MOLOKOV

    Of course you know

    FLORENCE

    Yes, hello.

    MOLOKOV

    (to ANATOLY)

    Do you mind if she joins us?

  • I 7 44

    FLORENCE

    Oh, I wouldnt want to intrude

    ANATOLY

    Wheres Trumper? (beat)

    Molokov told me why were here.

    FLORENCE

    Idont know where he is.

    MOLOKOV

    Why not?

    FLORENCE

    Hes probably out with his agent.

    MOLOKOV

    Anderson. Yes, yes, I know him.

    FLORENCE

    How do you know him?

    MOLOKOV

    Our paths keep crossing.

    ANATOLY

    (to FLORENCE)

    I told Molokov he wouldnt apologize.

    MOLOKOV

    Maybe I can trace him. I shall need to make a call or twoif you would excuse me.

    (He gets up and leaves. FLORENCE seats herself at the table)

    FLORENCE

    (as MOLOKOV exits)

    How can you? (beat. To ANATOLY)

    Do you have someone following Freddie?

    ANATOLY

    I dont. (beat)

    Dont you have someone who follows me?

  • I 7 45

    FLORENCE

    (shocked)

    Whatno, of course not! You dont think Im

    ANATOLY

    No, of course not.

    (awkward pause)

    Are you going to order something?

    FLORENCE

    II dont know whats good.

    ANATOLY

    Let me ask.

    (to the RUSSIAN MAN at the other table, in Russian: Hows the fish?) Cock REE-bah?

    RUSSIAN MAN

    (in Russian: Excellent) Ot-LEECH-nai-yah.

    FLORENCE

    Hes with you?

    ANATOLY

    (shrugs)

    I guess so.

    FLORENCE

    Then why is he sitting? (she stops herself)

    ANATOLY

    You cannot always choose

    BOTH

    Who you work for.

    FLORENCE

    Yeah, well, I can.

    (she grabs the bottle of wine)

    Do you mind if I?

    ANATOLY

    Ohlet me.

  • I 7 46

    (pours her a small glass of wine.)

    So, youre leaving Trumper?

    FLORENCE

    (grabs the bottle herself and keeps pouring)

    I didnt say that. I shouldnt have said anything.

    ANATOLY

    Well, you know, someone like youYou could do better.

    FLORENCE

    Someonelike me? How do you know what Im like? (beat)

    Im sorry. Im a little on edge tonight. Lets not argue.

    ANATOLY

    Allright.

    (awkward pause)

    Soare you enjoying the mountain?

    FLORENCE

    (distracted)

    Such as it is, yes.

    ANATOLY

    I cant help but notice your attention seems to be focusedelsewhere. (beat)

    Miss Vassy, I dont mean to pry

    FLORENCE

    Oh, noyoure fine (beat)

    You know whatFlorence. Call me Florence. (beat)

    This whole match has been Miss Vassy this and Miss Vassy that. Itd be nice for someone to call me by my actual name for once.

    ANATOLY

    As you wish, MiFlorence. (indicating himself)

    Anatoly.

    FLORENCE

    Anatoly.

  • I 7 47

    ANATOLY

    So, Florence, if I might askabout what has put you on edge this evening?

    FLORENCE

    (pause. She debates whether to tell him)

    II was born in Budapest, Anatoly.

    ANATOLY

    Oh.

    FLORENCE

    I lived there when I was very young. Then the uprising happened, and my father smuggled me

    out to America. I havent seen him or my home since then.

    ANATOLY

    ImIm very sorry.

    FLORENCE

    No, itsits been thirty years. Ive had some time to process it. (they laugh slightly)

    But, when I found out the sites for the tournament would be split, and one of the sites was

    Budapest, II had to go. And I found out today theyre not going to let me in.

    ANATOLY

    Whatwhy?

    FLORENCE

    Something to do with the Summit. Apparently the American delegation is trying to appease the

    Russian delegation, andIm not allowed to go.

    ANATOLY

    I see.

    (beat)

    Terrible, when politics interferes with chess.

    FLORENCE

    And people.

    ANATOLY

    Yes.

    (beat)

    And if the Russian delegation had no reason to be involved with the match, no doubt you would

    be allowed to go.

    FLORENCE

    What?

  • I 7 48

    ANATOLY

    Nothing. Nothing at all.

    (beat)

    So your desire to go to Budapest

    FLORENCE

    ImIm sorry, can we talk about something else?

    ANATOLY

    Ohby all means. If you like.

    FLORENCE

    Its justits been a very stressful day, and

    ANATOLY

    No, noI understandits perfectly allright

    FLORENCE

    My gosh, were arguing again, arent we? (she laughs)

    I dont want that.

    ANATOLY

    (quickly)

    Oh, neither do I.

    (another awkward pause)

    FLORENCE

    Soare you married?

    ANATOLY

    Uh, in a manner of speaking.

    FLORENCE

    Oh, I see.

    ANATOLY

    I doubt that you do

    FLORENCE

    (quickly)

    Oh, noI didnt mean to suggest

  • I 7 49

    ANATOLY

    (teasing)

    I thought you said we werent going to argue.

    FLORENCE

    Thats true. (laughs)

    Sowe wont argue.

    (the MAN from the other table calls to ANATOLY)

    RUSSIAN MAN

    (in Russian: Do you have any salt) Ooh vas YEST soil?

    FLORENCE

    Whatwhat did he say?

    ANATOLY

    (quickly)

    He said you have very lovely eyes.

    FLORENCE

    He said that?

    (blushes)

    Hehe cant even see my eyes.

    RUSSIAN MAN

    (repeats, in Russian: Do you have any salt) Ooh vas YEST soil?

    ANATOLY

    Hes very insistent about it.

    (frustrated, the MAN storms to the table, grabs the salt, and heads back.

    FLORENCE looks at ANATOLY with a knowing expression)

    FLORENCE

    Sohe asked for the salt?

    (A sheepish grin escapes from ANATOLYs face, and they both burst out laughing. They stare at each other for some time, then FLORENCE stands

    up hurriedly)

    (MUSIC #14: Mountain Duet)

  • I 7 50

    FLORENCE

    Maybe Freddies on the terrace. Ill go check.

    (She goes out onto the terrace. ANATOLY takes his drink and moves to a

    higher level of the terrace. On opposite sides of the stage, they are lost in

    their own worlds)

    FLORENCE

    THIS IS THE ONE SITUATION

    I WANTED MOST TO AVOID NOTHING I SAY WILL CONVINCE HIM THIS ISNT A TRICK!

    ANATOLY

    A DRINK ON A CLEAR MOONLIT NIGHT I RELAX, SHE SMILES THERES SOMETHING PECULIAR GOING ON

    FLORENCE

    SO, WITH IMMACULATE TIMING,

    IM LEFT TO CARRY THE CAN EMBARRASSED, DESERTED, MAROONED.

    ANATOLY

    NOW SHE CANT BE WORKING FOR THEM I MEAN, US.

    SHE SEEMS SO VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD BUT WHERE IS HE?

    FLORENCE

    HE HAS TO SHOW UP IT CANT COME TO NOTHING PERHAPS IT CAN

    ANATOLY

    MAYBE HES SCARED JUST AS SCARED AS HE WAS IN THE GAME!

    FLORENCE

    OH, I JUST COULDNT CARE LESS! HE CAN GO RIGHT AHEAD,

    GO AND WRECK HIS CAREER I KNOW IVE DONE MY BEST!

    ANATOLY

    WELL, AT LEAST SHES A GOOD-LOOKING SPY

  • I 7 51

    FLORENCE

    WHAT IF MY RUSSIAN FRIEND THINKS

    THAT MY PLANS ARE MORE OF AN INTIMATE KIND IF I DONT SAY SOMETHING ELSE SOON, HELL GOMAYBE IM ON NOBODYS SIDE!

    ANATOLY

    (for the first time addressing FLORENCE)

    LISTEN, I HATE TO BREAK UP THE MOOD GET TO THE POINT, BEGIN THE BEGUINE!

    HAVENT YOU NOTICED WERE A PROTAGONIST SHORT IN THIS IDYLLIC, WELL-PRODUCED SCENE?

    FLORENCE

    HOW COULD I NOT, MISS VASSY REGRETS ANYTHING GOES WITH YOUR OPPONENT.

    ANATOLY

    NEVER MIND HIMI HAVENT MISSED HIM SO FAR!

    BOTH

    MAYBE IT WONT DO ANY HARM TO STRUGGLE ON WITHOUT HIS CHARM!

    FUNNY HOW ALL AT ONCE I FEEL

    THAT HE CAN GO JUMP OFF THE MOUNTAINI WONT CARE!

    (impulsively, FLORENCE grabs ANATOLY and kisses him. They remain

    embraced for a while, then FLORENCE pulls herself away)

    FLORENCE

    THIS IS THE ONE SITUATION

    I WANTED MOST TO AVOID

    ANATOLY

    MY DEAR OPPONENT I REALLY CANT IMAGINE WHY.

    FLORENCE

    YOULL THINK IM THE DANGEROUS KIND WELL, I AM!

    ANATOLY

    NO, YOURE NOT DANGEROUS WHO COULD THINK THAT OF YOU?

  • I 7 52

    BOTH

    YOUYOU ARE SO STRANGE WHY CANT YOU BE WHAT YOU OUGHT TO BE? YOU SHOULD BE SCHEMING, INTRIGUING, TOO CLEVER BY HALF!

    ANATOLY

    I HAVE TO HAND IT TO YOU FOR YOUVE MANAGED TO MAKE ME FORGET WHY I EVER AGREED TO THIS FARCE.

    BOTH

    I DONT KNOW WHY I CANT THINK OF ANYTHING I WOULD RATHER DO, THAN BE WASTING MY TIME ON MOUNTAINS WITH YOU!

    (they kiss again. FREDDIE enters and sees them)

    FREDDIE

    WHOD EVER THINK IT? SUCH A VERY PRETTY SETTING TELL ME, WHATS THE BETTING, VERY PRETTY PLOTTING, TOO?

    NO MATTERIVE DONE ALL YOUR WORK FOR YOU! (to FLORENCE)

    I asked you beforeare you for me or for them? (FLORENCE starts to reply)

    No, nodont answer. I think I know. WHOD EVER GUESS IT? DAUGHTER IN COLLABORATION

    WITH THE VERY NATION

    GAVE HER FATHER THIRD DEGREE!

    WHERES DADDY? DEAD OR IN THE K.G.B.!

    (Furious, FLORENCE slaps FREDDIE and moves away. Taken aback,

    FREDDIE starts to move towards her but is stopped by ANATOLY)

    ANATOLY

    Leave her alone, Trumper.

    (WALTER and MOLOKOV have by now entered the scene. MOLOKOV

    moves to ANATOLY.)

    MOLOKOV

    I will handle this.

  • I 7 53

    ANATOLY

    (pushing him away)

    NoTrumper, I understand you came here to accept my apology.

    MOLOKOV

    Your apology?

    ANATOLY

    In only a few minutes, Miss Vassy has made me realize how wrong I have been. What mistakes I

    have made. What I must change.

    FREDDIE

    Forget it, comrade. I dont need anything from you now. Walter was just telling me a group of fans phoned up and offered me another hundred grand to keep playing.

    WALTER

    People love his style.

    FREDDIE

    Tell them I accept. For a hundred grand, I guess I can sit there and hold my nose.

    MOLOKOV

    (dryly)

    Wonderful, weve made up. (aside, to ANATOLY)

    You should get some sleep.

    WALTER

    (moves to FREDDIE)

    Cmon, Freddie, we won this round. You wanted groveling, you got groveling.

    MOLOKOV

    (quietly to ANATOLY)

    You can explain this when we get back.

    ANATOLY

    I have nothing to explain.

    FREDDIE

    (to FLORENCE)

    Heyyou coming?

    ANATOLY

    We could take you

  • I 7 54

    FLORENCE

    (moving away from the two of them)

    Noboth of you, go. You need your rest.

    End of Scene

  • I 8 55

    Scene 8

    (The streets of Bangkok, and the chess arena. At the back of the stage,

    ANATOLY sits at the chessboard, but FREDDIE is nowhere to be seen.

    FLORENCE and MOLOKOV watch from a distance. The ARBITER stands

    at the board and makes an announcement)

    (MUSIC #15: One Night in Bangkok)

    ARBITER

    It seems the players have resolved their differences, so we resume play to the score of one point

    to zero in the favor of the champion, Mr. Freddie Trumper.

    (at the front of the stage, the Bangkok nightlife sparks to life: dancers,

    entertainers, and citizens crowd the stage, and soon FREDDIE pops out

    among them, drink in hand, enjoying the sights of the town.)

    FREDDIE

    BANGKOK! ORIENTAL SETTING,

    AND THE CITY DONT KNOW WHAT THE CITY IS GETTING THE CRME DE LA CRME OF THE CHESS WORLD IN A

    SHOW WITH EVERYTHING BUT YUL BRYNNER.

    BANGKOKJUST ANOTHER STOP IN THE CHESS WORLD CIRCUSMASTERS DROP IN, PLAY, CHECKMATE, CHECK OUT AND THEN YOU

    MOVE ON TO ANOTHER VENUE.

    LIKE ICELANDOR THE PHILIPPINESOR HASTINGSOR OR THIS PLACE!

    CHORUS

    ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK, AND THE WORLDS YOUR OYSTER! THE BARS ARE TEMPLES, BUT THE PEARLS AINT FREE! YOULL FIND A GOD IN EVERY GOLDEN CLOISTER AND IF YOURE LUCKY, THEN THE GODS A SHE! I CAN FEEL AN ANGEL SLIDING UP TO ME!

    FREDDIE

    ONE TOWNS VERY LIKE ANOTHER WHEN YOUR HEADS DOWN OVER YOUR PIECES, BROTHER!

    CHORUS

    ITS A DRAG, ITS A BORE, ITS REALLY SUCH A PITY TO BE LOOKING AT THE BOARD, NOT LOOKING AT THE CITY!

  • I 8 56

    FREDDIE

    WHADDYA MEAN? YOUVE SEEN ONE CROWDED, POLLUTED, STINKING TOWN

    CHORUS

    TEA, GIRLSWARM AND SWEET (WARM, SWEET) SOME ARE SET UP IN THE SOMERSET MAUGHAN SUITE!

    FREDDIE

    GET THAID! YOURE TALKING TO A TOURIST WHOSE EVERY MOVES AMONG THE PUREST!

    I GET MY KICKS ABOVE THE WAISTLINE, SUNSHINE!

    CHORUS

    ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK MAKES A HARD MAN HUMBLE!

    NOT MUCH BETWEEN DESPAIR AND ECSTASY.

    ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK AND THE TOUGH GUYS TUMBLE!

    CANT BE TOO CAREFUL WITH YOUR COMPANY. I CAN FEEL THE DEVIL WALKING NEXT TO ME

    (back in the arena, the ARBITER makes an announcement)

    ARBITER

    Freddie Trumper resigns the gameMr. Sergievsky ties the tournament one point to one.

    (FREDDIE continues to enjoy himself in the Bangkok nightlife)

    FREDDIE

    SIAMS GONNA BE THE WITNESS TO THE ULTIMATE TEST OF CEREBRAL FITNESS!

    THIS GRIPS ME MORE THAN WOULD A

    MUDDY OLD RIVER OR RECLINING BUDDAH!

    I DONT SEE YOU GUYS RATING THE KIND OF MATE IM CONTEMPLATING ID LET YOU WATCH, I WOULD INVITE YOU, BUT THE QUEENS WE USE WOULD NOT EXCITE YOU!

    SO YOU BETTER GO BACK TO YOUR BARS, YOUR TEMPLES YOUR MASSAGE PARLOURS

    CHORUS

    ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK MAKES A HARD MAN HUMBLE!

    NOT MUCH BETWEEN DESPAIR AND ECSTASY.

  • I 8 57

    (at the arena, ANATOLY leaves the board in frustration. The ARBITER

    makes another announcement.)

    ARBITER

    Freddie Trumper fails to show up for a scheduled match, so the third game is forfeited. Mr.

    Sergievsky now leads two points to one.

    (He exits as well. FREDDIE and the dancers continue in full swing)

    FREDDIE AND CHORUS

    ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK, AND THE WORLDS YOUR OYSTER! THE BARS ARE TEMPLES, BUT THE PEARLS AINT FREE! YOULL FIND A GOD IN EVERY GOLDEN CLOISTER AND IF YOURE LUCKY, THEN THE GODS A SHE! I CAN FEEL AN ANGEL SLIDING UP TO ME!

    (in the midst of things, FREDDIE stumbles away and almost passes out.

    WALTER enters and sees him, then hurries to help him up.)

    CHORUS

    ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK MAKES A HARD MAN HUMBLE!

    NOT MUCH BETWEEN DESPAIR AND ECSTASY.

    ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK AND THE TOUGH GUYS TUMBLE!

    CANT BE TOO CAREFUL WITH YOUR COMPANY. I CAN FEEL THE DEVIL WALKING NEXT TO ME!

    (WALTER exits with FREDDIE in tow)

    End of Scene

  • I 9 58

    Scene 9

    (The arena, and later a Bangkok nightclub. The ARBITER enters the

    empty arena and makes an announcement)

    (MUSIC #16: Story of Chess (Reprise))

    ARBITER

    EACH GAME OF CHESS MEANS THERES ONE LESS VARIATION LEFT TO BE PLAYED.

    EACH DAY GOT THROUGH MEANS ONE OR TWO

    LESS MISTAKES REMAIN TO BE MADE.

    Mr. Sergievsky and Mr. Trumper will resume the match this afternoon in the Grand Ballroom of

    the Bangkok Hilton.

    I CALL THIS TUNE: NO ONES IMMUNE TO MY POWER ONCE IN THAT HALL!

    (MUSIC #17: Chess No. 2 (Instrumental))

    (FREDDIE and ANATOLY, seated at the chessboard, resume play. Play is

    heated and tense, and finally FREDDIE concedes defeat. ANATOLY

    stands as the spectators applaud.)

    ARBITER

    Mr. Sergievsky now leads three points to one. We adjourn until 10 oclock tomorrow morning, when we will resume with the final game of the Bangkok portion of the World Chess

    Championship.

    (Various friends congratulate ANATOLY in Russian, pat his back, etc.

    FREDDIE remains seated at the board dejected. The crowd in the arena

    filters out, leaving only FLORENCE. She slowly moves to FREDDIE.)

    (MUSIC #18: Florence Quits)

    FLORENCE

    (Trying to be friendly.)

    That was a pretty foolish move you made, Mr. Trumper.

    (beat)

    But we can all make foolish movesat times?

    FREDDIE

    SO YOU GOT WHAT YOU WANT WHAT A NASTY AMBITION!

    SET ME UP, PULL ME DOWN,

    THEN EXPLOIT MY CONDITION!

  • I 9 59

    I SHOULD HAVE GUESSED, WOMAN,

    THAT IF PRESSED, WOMAN,

    YOURE ON NOBODYS SIDE BUT YOUR OWN, AND YOURE BEHAVING LIKE A MERE WOMAN!

    ITS SO CLEAR, WOMAN ITS YOUR SEX! ONCE THEY START GETTING OLD

    AND GETTING WORRIED THEY LET FLY, TAKE IT OUT

    ON THE ONE WHO SUPPORTS THEM THATS YOU IM TALKING ABOUT!

    FLORENCE & FREDDIE

    WHOD EVER THINK IT? SUCH A SQUALID LITTLE ENDING:

    WATCHING YOU DESCENDING

    JUST AS FAR AS YOU CAN GO IM LEARNING THINGS I DIDNT WANT TO KNOW!

    WHOD EVER GUESS IT? THIS WOULD BE THE SITUATION ONE MORE OBSERVATION HOWD WE EVER GET THIS FAR BEFORE YOU SHOWED ME WHAT YOU REALLY ARE?

    FLORENCE

    YOULL BE LOST WITHOUT ME TO ABUSE LIKE YOURE USED TO!

    (she exits the arena, moving downstage)

    FREDDIE

    GO AWAY! JUST GET OUT!

    BE SOMEONE ELSES PARASITE!

    (but FLORENCE has already gone. Alone, FREDDIE reflects bitterly)

    FREDDIE

    IM NOT THE KIND TO BE VINDICTIVE HOLDING SOME CHILDISH GRUDGE.

    HOW COULD I BE? IM IN THE SPOTLIGHT, HALF OF THE WORLD MY JUDGE.

    ALL I DEMAND IS THOSE I WORK FOR THOSE I GIVE ALL MY SKILLS, ALL MY TIME AND PAIN,

    THOSE THAT I ENTERTAIN,

  • I 9 60

    GIVE ME THE SAME COMPASSION IN RETURN.

    BUT THE FOOLS NEVER LEARN!

    (He exits. Scene transitions to a Bangkok nightclub under the song)

    (MUSIC #19: Nobodys Side)

    FLORENCE

    WHATS GOING ON AROUND ME IS BARELY MAKING SENSE I NEED SOME EXPLANATIONS FAST.

    I SEE MY PRESENT PARTNER

    IN THE IMPERFECT TENSE AND I DONT SEE HOW WE CAN LAST. I FEEL I NEED A CHANGE OF CAST MAYBE IM ON NOBODYS SIDE!

    AND WHEN HE GIVES ME REASONS

    TO JUSTIFY EACH MOVE THEYRE GETTING HARDER TO BELIEVE. I KNOW THIS CANT CONTINUE, IVE STILL A LOT TO PROVE. THERE MUST BE MORE I COULD ACHIEVE BUT I DONT HAVE THE NERVE TO LEAVE!

    FLORENCE & CHORUS

    EVERYBODYS PLAYING THE GAME, BUT NOBODYS RULES ARE THE SAME! NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE! BETTER LEARN TO GO IT ALONE RECOGNIZE YOURE OUT ON YOUR OWN! NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE!

    (She arrives at the Bangkok barfull of citizens and dancers. She moves to the bar and orders a drink.)

    FLORENCE

    THE ONE I SHOULD NOT THINK OF

    KEEPS ROLLING THROUGH MY MIND.

    AND I DONT WANT TO LET THAT GO. NO LOVERS EVER FAITHFUL, NO CONTRACT TRULY SIGNED.

    THERES NOTHING CERTAIN LEFT TO KNOW AND HOW THE CRACKS BEGIN TO SHOW!

  • I 9 61

    (She moves out to the floor and begins to join the dancers in celebration.

    Exuberantly, she flits about the bar, dancing and flirting amongst the

    patrons)

    FLORENCE & CHORUS

    NEVER MAKE A PROMISE OR PLAN TAKE A LITTLE LOVE WHERE YOU CAN!

    NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE! NEVER STAY TOO LONG IN YOUR BED,

    NEVER LOSE YOUR HEART, USE YOUR HEAD!

    NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE!

    (FLORENCE leads the dancers now in her celebration)

    FLORENCE

    NEVER TAKE A STRANGERS ADVICE! NEVER LET A FRIEND FOOL YOU TWICE!

    FLORENCE & CHORUS

    NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE! EVERYBODYS PLAYING THE GAME, BUT NOBODYS RULES ARE THE SAME!

    NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE!

    NEVER LEAVE A MOMENT TOO SOON!

    NEVER WASTE A HOT AFTERNOON!

    NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE! NEVER STAY A MINUTE TOO LONG DONT FORGET THE BEST WILL GO WRONG! NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE!

    NEVER BE THE FIRST TO BELIEVE,

    NEVER BE THE LAST TO DECEIVE!

    NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE! BETTER LEARN TO GO IT ALONE,

    RECOGNIZE YOURE OUT ON YOUR OWN NOBODYS ON NOBODYS SIDE!

    End of Scene

  • I 10 62

    Scene 10

    (MUSIC #20: Defection (Instrumental))

    (Underground parking square below the arena. Sound of a car, lights

    sweep across the stage; sound of car doors. In the darkness, BEN steps

    out into the garage and scouts the area. He whistles for someone else to

    follow. Echoed footsteps and then another man, PETE, carrying a

    suitcase, enters with FLORENCE. PETE starts to leave with the luggage.)

    FLORENCE

    You going to take my luggage with you? My whole lifes in there. (sudden realization)

    God, that says something about me, doesnt it. (PETE sets the suitcase down and exits. To BEN)

    What is this all about?

    (WALTER enters hurriedly, with an opened letter in hand)

    WALTER

    (To BEN)

    Took you long enough.

    BEN

    Pete just

    WALTER

    I ran into him on the stairs. Ill handle it.

    (BEN exits)

    FLORENCE

    I might have known youd have something to do with this.

    WALTER

    Lucky for us your plane was delayed. You could have been on your way home.

    FLORENCE

    Who are you, Mr. Anderson? What do you want with me?

    WALTER

    You just missed the Bangkok closing ceremonies.

    (Hands her the letter)

    Read this. It was addressed to you.

    FLORENCE

  • I 10 63

    And you opened it.

    WALTER

    Your friend should be happy I did.

    (she reads)

    He played a beautiful game today. Seemedinspired. Poor Freddieits four to one now. (beat)

    Surprised?

    (She is stunned. In the background, there is the sound of another car,

    lights, etc. WALTER looks in that direction.)

    FLORENCE

    I guess I am.

    WALTER

    You had no idea?

    FLORENCE

    No. Of course not.

    (beat)

    I want to be with him.

    WALTER

    That can be arranged.

    FLORENCE

    When?

    WALTER

    Tonight. We need you to go

    (A couple REPORTERS enter. WALTER stops talking and steps out of

    sight. One REPORTER passes them by and exits, but the other notices

    FLORENCE and hangs back.)

    AMERICAN REPORTER

    Excuse me, arent you with Mr. Trumper?

    FLORENCE

    Ive been his second.

    AMERICAN REPORTER

    (walks to her, takes out pad and pencil)

    Couple of questions?

  • I 10 64

    WALTER

    (protecting her)

    What do you want?

    AMERICAN REPORTER

    (showing press pass)

    Associated Press. I just came from the airport, and theres a rumour there that Anatoly Sergievskys about to defect

    (in an instant WALTER pushes him against a wall)

    WALTER

    Listen dont you say that to anyone! You understand? Do you understand?! (REPORTER nods)

    Were talking about a mans life here.

    (A car light sweeps the stage. WALTER moves to push FLORENCE away)

    WALTER

    Get out of the lightget out of the light!

    (A few AMERICANS, including BEN, hurry in and rush across the garage.

    Sound of cars being started, squeal of brakes, sweep of lights.)

    BEN

    (as lights sweep across)

    What the hells going on here?

    WALTER

    (speaking over him)

    Its usits us!

    (Suddenly ANATOLY, surrounded by AMERICANS who are protecting

    him, is rushed across the garage.)

    FLORENCE

    Anatoly!

    ANATOLY

    Florence!

    (they embrace. WALTER moves to them quickly)

    WALTER

    Come on. I said, come on!

  • I 10 65

    (In a frenzy they all exit. REPORTER runs off in other direction. Squeal of

    brakes. Suddenly NIKOLAI and other RUSSIANS, followed by

    MOLOKOV, run in, hearing the sound of a car.)

    NIKOLAI

    Stop! StopSergievsky!

    (The car squeals away as RUSSIANS run after it, to no avail)

    NIKOLAI

    Theyre gone.

    MOLOKOV

    Walter, you bastard

    (blackout)

    End of Scene

  • I 11 66

    Scene 11

    (A small supply closet at the airport and later an airport terminal.

    ANATOLY and FLORENCE sit on separate trunks. They are watched by

    BEN)

    ANATOLY

    Whats the delay?

    BEN

    Five minuteswere trying to avoid the press. Relax. Walters having some food brought in.

    (pause)

    FLORENCE

    (to ANATOLY)

    You dont have any children, do you?

    ANATOLY

    Just a wife.

    FLORENCE

    Oh, just a wife

    ANATOLY

    No, noshe and I

    FLORENCE

    Dont tell me.

    ANATOLY

    No, pleasethis, it affects nothing. (beat)

    It had gone wrong between us a long time ago.

    FLORENCE

    So at least Im not a homewrecker tooI mean, as well as being a traitor to the man Ive been working with for seven years.

    ANATOLY

    Just working with?

    FLORENCE

    (imitating him)

    This, it affects nothing.

  • I 11 67

    (PETE enters with a pile of junk food from the vending machines)

    PETE

    (eating a Twinkie)

    Mr. Anderson said you were hungry.

    FLORENCE

    Thank you.

    PETE

    (to ANATOLY)

    Been to America before?

    ANATOLY

    No, no I havent.

    PETE

    I think youll like it. Most people do. (beat)

    Though if it were up to me, Id say choose the East, not the West. (ANATOLY looks at him, astonished. FLORENCE glares)

    OhEast Coast, East Coast! Im from New York myself.

    (BEN looks at his watch.)

    BEN

    Pete.

    (They start to go)

    PETE

    Good luck!

    BEN

    Relax!

    (The two of them leave. ANATOLY and FLORENCE are left alone. A

    pause)

    FLORENCE

    Anatoly (beat)

    Youyou didnt defectfor me, did you? (beat)

    Because of my situation with Budapest. Diddid you leave so I could get in?

  • I 11 68

    ANATOLY

    (Beat. Searching for the right answer)

    WellIYou seeI (finally)

    I had many reasons