DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES

DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES

INDEX

ACT ONE1. Prologue: A graveyard in the woods

Page 32. Scene I: An Inn

Page 53. Scene II: Upstairs at the Inn

Page 74. Scene III: Outside the Inn, the next morning

Page 125. Scene IV: Sarahs Bedroom, that evening

Page 136. Scene V: Outside the Inn

Page 157. Scene VI: Before Count Mercurys Castle

Page 15ACT TWO

1. Scene I: Portrait Gallery

Page 172. Scene II: Alfreds bedroom: The next morning

Page 193. Scene III: The search through the castle

Page 204. Scene IV: The Crypt

Page 225. Scene V: Sarahs Room

Page 236. Scene VI: The Ballroom

Page 267. Scene VII: The Wilderness

Page 298. Finale: The sun always shines on T.V.

Page 29Prologue: A Graveyard in the Woods, one night long agoLIGHTS FADE UP on SARAH and TWO GIRLS picking mushrooms in a shadowy wood.Evening. Low mist. On the horizon, a bloodshot sunset. We are off the map of civilized EuropeParents' Voices (O.S.): Sarah! Sarah, come back! Children, come home! It's late! Children! Sarah, Sarah, come back!First Girl: Sarah, it's getting lateSecond Girl: Sarah, it's getting darkSarah: Just a little longer. We'll be safe. I'll say a prayer

Parents' Voices (O.S.): Sarah! Children! Don't go too far! Don't go too far!

First Girl: They're calling usSecond Girl: They're calling us backSarah: Ten more mushrooms, then we'll go homeSOMETHING MOVES in the mist behind them then vanishes

Sarah: Shhh! Did you hear something?First Girl: No, did you?Second Girl: What did you hear?Sarah: Every now and then in the middle of the nightI hear a voiceSecond Girl: I'm scared

Suddenly a FIGURE LEAPS in the fogTwo Girls: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The TWO GIRLS EXIT, screaming. From offstage:

Two Girls: Sarah! Sarah!

Sarah (transfixed): I'm here. I'm here

SARAH watches, fascinated, as the FIGURE dances.A SECOND FIGURE joins, then FOUR MORE, half-glimpsed in the mist. Sarah: Help me, Almighty God!

SUDDEN TOTAL DARKNESS onstage and in the theatreCount Mercury: God has left the building! (voice offstage)Mme. Von Mercury: Dont worry my dear, we are not going to hurt you by now!!

Koukol: Our master will arrive in a few seconds Surrender yourself to his power, his greatness, his immortality. Nothing will be the same for you after tonight.

Mme. Von Mercury: Come with us !!! Any resistance is futile.THE DANCE CONTINUES MR. BAD GUYLet's go chasing rainbows in the skyIt's my invitationLet's all take a trip on my ecstasy

I'm Mr Bad GuyYes I'm everybody's Mr Bad GuyCan't you see I'm Mr MercuryOh spread your wings and fly away with me

Your big daddy's got no place to stayBad communicationI feel like the president of the USA

I'm Mr Bad GuyYes I'm everybody's Mr Bad GuyCan't you see I'm Mr MercuryOh spread your wings and fly away with me

I'm Mr Bad GuyThey're all afraid of meI can ruin peoples livesMr Bad Guy they're all afraid of meIt's the only way to beThat's my destinyMr Bad Guy Mr Bad Guy bad guy

It's the only way for meIt's my destiny

I'm Mr Bad GuyYes I'm everybody's Mr Bad GuyCan't you see it is my destinyOh spread your wings and fly away with me.Count Mercury: You are perfect! How old are you, child?Sarah: I? Fifteen Count Mercury : And your name? No. Don't tell me. SarahSarah: Sarah

Count Mercury: Sarah On a cold winter night Would you offer your throat me?Sarah (transfixed, as if mesmerized): Will you offer me your mouth?Count Mercury: YesSarah: Will you offer me your teeth?Count Mercury: YesSarah: Will you offer me your jaws?

Count Mercury: YesSarah: And will you starve without me?Count Mercury: YesSarah: Then does he love me?Count Mercury: Yes. On a cold winter night, Would you offer me your throat Sarah: YesCount Mercury: I will return for you, Sarah, three winters from now, at the total eclipse of the moon.Till then, all this will seem like a dreamSarah (as if emerging from a trance): Oh, God, God

THE VAMPIRES FADE into the mist Count Mercury fades INTO DARKNESS. SARAH is left standing alone.

Blackout. Scene Change.

Scene One: An Inn.

An Inn, toward sunset, full of PEASANTS who are drinking, dancing, eating, cooking. GARLIC hangs everywhere in huge strands. A PEASANT ON A LADDER strings GARLIC up in the eaves. During the following number we meet "CHAGAL," the nervous, desperate scurrying Innkeeper, overseeing everything;MAGDA, the lusty, crass kitchen maid waiting on tables constantly clutched at by Chagal; and REBECCA, Chagal's ample wife, constantly compulsively eating.

A CRY IS HEARD and everyone freezes with fear

Voice Outside: Help! Please help us!Rebecca: Don't let anyone in! Don't open that door!

THE DOOR BANGS OPEN and ALFRED ENTERS, carrying ABRONSIUS on his back

Alfred: Help me! Help me, good people! He's freezing to death! [PEASANTS gather round] Professor! Professor, wake up!Chagal: Rebecca, get me some hot water!Rebecca: Magda! Hot water!Magda: Chagal, hot waterChagal (subservient and flirtatious): Boiling right up, my beauty!Alfred: Professor? I had to carry him halfway on my back - Professor!

While ABRONSIUS continues to thaw out, CHAGAL, MAGDA and REBECCA go into a conspiratorial huddle

Rebecca: We have to get rid of these people. We don't want to upsetChagal: Shhh! Shhh! Not a word. Not a nameMagda: They look like they've got money. I say we keep them here and squeeze them dryChagal: Ladies, ladies

(Abronsius wakes up)

Abronsius: Alfred have we arrived?Chagal: At your service, sir. Chagal. Polish innkeeper [REBECCA nudges him] my lovely wife, Rebecca, and our beautiful hostess, Magda

Abronsius: My names Abronsius and I am a famous german vampiricist and this is my Alfred, my faithful factotum

Rebecca: "Factotum" ?Chagal: If that's what I think it is, they can leave right nowAbronsius: Mr. Chagal, I am fascinated by all this garlicPeasants (GASPING collectively): Garlic?Abronsius: Is there a reason for such abundance?

Chagal (obviously covering up, making this up as they go along): GARLIC CURES A LOT OF ILLSPeasant 1: LIKE FLATULENCEPeasant 2: TOOTHACHEPeasant 3: BOILSGirl 1: OR CHILLSGirl 2: FOR SCABIESPeasant 1: HAIR LOSSPeasant 2: SWEATY FEETAbronsius (interrupting): Stop! I'm not convinced. Mr. Chagal, is there anywhere hereabouts a Castle Von Mercury?Chagal (with typical sweaty desperation): I have said too much alreadyAbronsius: You haven't said anythingChagal: Good point. A castle? In this neighborhood? Absurd!Village Idiot: Th there isssss a castle

OTHER PEASANTS grab the VILLAGE IDIOT and shuffle him awayChagal: You see, sir? No castle. But we do have a village idiotVillage Idiot (breaking away from the people holding him): No no Cas stle Von Mer cury

Again, the PEASANTS usher the VILLAGE IDIOT away

Chagal: He must be going now. He's very busy.He's not only our village idiot, he's the idiot forthe next village overAbronsius: But that man knows something!Chagal: Of course he's an idiot-savant. (He looks through a window and sees sunset coming) SUNSET!!! (yelling)

THE PEASANTS EXIT, tumbling out of the inn fearfully, at top speed

Abronsius: Is there something particularly fearful about sunset?Chagal: It's the wolves, sir. The wolves come out at sunsetAbronsius: And who was that?

SARAH'S MELODY IS HEARD FROM UPSTAIRS

Alfred: Mr. Chagal, what is that wonderful singing?Chagal: Singing? It was the wind, sirAlfred: Then the wind is more sublime than I ever dreamedAbronsius: Alfred, that could be the very virgin we've been looking for!

CHAGAL takes their bags and leads them out as THE SCENE CHANGES.SARAH is heard SINGING HER MELODY AGAIN

Scene Two: Upstairs at the Inn.

Upstairs at the inn. Split scene: two bedrooms,Sarah's at right, with a connecting door between them.SARAH's in her robe and nightgown, brushing her hair at the window.

CHAGAL leads ALFRED and ABRONSIUS into their adjoining room

Chagal: Welcome to our luxury suite. Nothing like it till Serbia. Before you leave you'll be a different person. But if you prefer to be the same person, don't go out before sunrise! CHAGAL EXITS

Abronsius: Are you taking this in, my boy? Where there is smoke I know there's a campfire where there's fear of the sunset, I know there's a vampire! I'll be in the toilet.

ABRONSIUS EXITS into bathroom. SARAH starts humming again

Alfred: That voice again

ALFRED opens the connecting door just as SARAH is dropping her robe. They see one another.MUSIC CONTINUES AS UNDERSCORING

Alfred: I'm sorry. HelloSarah: HelloAlfred: I'mSarah: Sarah. And I'mAlfred: Alfred. So what are you doing here?Sarah: My father would kill you if he saw you hereAlfred: Then I'd die happy, having seen youSarah: I'm nobody, trapped in a place where nothing ever happens. I turn 18 in two days.What could possibly happen after 18? .When something exciting does happen, you start to think you dreamt it. Tell me. The women of Heidelberg do they wear red velvet boots? Do they dance till dawn?Alfred: Come back with me and seeSarah: Come back?Alfred: It'd be safer for you thereSarah: Safer? Than here? Alfred: So you don't know there's a terrible evil that could be after youSarah: Evil? What do you mean, evil? Really?Alfred: On the night of the total eclipse of the moonBut it's fairy tales. The boogeymanSarah: Sometimes we need the boogeyman

CHAGAL ENTERS through the bedroom door, furious

Chagal: What's all this? How did you get in here? You, sir, will leave my daughter's roomAlfred (to SARAH as he's exiting): Come back with me. I adore youChagal: Out! Sarah, I'm going to make sure you stay right where you are!

ALFRED EXITS back into his side of the door

Abronsius: You're flushed, my boyAlfred: I'm not surprised. I'm in love.Abronsius: Fast work. Or at your age perhaps not.Alfred: It's true. How could it be love so fast?Abronsius: Watch her closely, Alfred. The blood of an 18-year-old virgin, if offered willingly,is more nourishing to a vampire than the blood of 500 humans

CHAGAL has returned to Sarah's room with a HAMMER and BOARDS:

Chagal: I know you don't understand. But the world Sarah you don't know this world. I'm doing this for you

During the following, CHAGAL hammers the door shut on Sarah's side

CHAGAL exits. SARAH and ALFRED, in their rooms, get into bed.

VELVETHer skin is like velvetHer face cut from stone

Her eyes when she's smilingWill never reach homeBut hear how she sings

Her touch would be tenderHer lips would be warmBut when we're togetherI'm always aloneBut hear how she singsBut hear how she sings

ABRONSIUS hears a noise.Abronsius: Did you hear that, boy?Alfred: What?Abronsius: Someone's on the stairs! I'll investigate and you stay hereAlfred: Fine

MUSIC CHANGES TO A SPOOKY UNDERSCORE. DARKNESS THICKENS around SARAH's room, isolating her. A sense of excited dread.

Sarah (sitting up in bed): What's happening? Unseen Chorus of Voices:What's happening, what is happening to me. What's happening, what is happening to me

Sarah: What is that? Who's there?

Unseen Chorus of Voices: What is that, who's there, what is that, who's there

Sarah: Oh my God!

Unseen Chorus of Voices: God has left the building, God has left the building, God has left the, God has left the buildingVampire 1: You are the oneVampire 2: Our master has been longing for so many yearsVampire 3: Fresh blood for our decrepit fleshVampire 4: Isnt she beautiful, young and innocent?Vampire 5: She is perfect for our master.Mme. Von Mercury: My beloved Master, please leave some blood for me I am so thirsty.

Koukol: Back off!!!! She is only for him MERCURY APPEARS, Count Mercury: GOOD EVENING SARAH. PLEASE DON'T BE AFRAID. I AM YOUR LORD. A VOICE FROM THE PAST. CONGRATULATIONS IT'S MY PLEASURE TO TELL YOU, MY DEARYOU ARE INVITED TO THE BALL OF THE YEAR

With rapturous reverence:

YOU'LL BE A GODDESS

With sudden impatient scorn:

I'VE GOT NO TIME FOR FEAR

Sarah: So you weren't a dream!

Count Mercury: I'm a dream all right. I am your deepest dream. And we have a rendezvous, remember? The woods

Sarah: Yes

Count Mercury: And the ball at my castle, tomorrow night. Would you like to come? There'll be dancing till dawn

Sarah: Dancing till dawn

Count Mercury: Then we sleep till sunrise and live all over again. So would you like to come to my ball?

Sarah: I I don't know

An abrupt change a different voice suddenly sneering

Count Mercury: You pathetic little peasant! Do you think I've got time for a miserable nothing like you?

[Abruptly changing tone again]I'm sorry. I've got nothing but time for you. There's an evil that's after you, Sarah

Sarah: Evil, what evil?

Count Mercury: The worst of evils. Normality. Boredom. Heidelberg. (changing his face now) Can you hear my blood? Boo! You look scared

Sarah: I I am scared

Count Mercury: Feels good, doesn't it Love and fear the perfect combinationMUSIC EXPLODES

PLAY THE GAMEOpen up your mind and let me step insideRest your weary head and let your heart decideIt's so easy when you know the rulesIt's so easy all you have to doIs fall in lovePlay the gameEv'rybody play the game of love

My game of love has just begunLove runs from my head down to my toesMy love is pumping through my veins (play the game)Driving me insane (come, come, come)play the game play the game playthe game play the game

Play the game everybody play the game of love

This is your life - don't play hard to getIt's a free free world all you have to do is fall in lovePlay the game yeah play the game of loveYour life - don't play hard to getIt's a free free world all you have to do is fall in lovePlay the game - ev'rybody play the game of love...

COUNT MERCURY moves toward her neck.ALFRED now peeps through the keyholeAlfred: Professor! Professor, somebody's in there!Abronsius: Don't go in there, my boy!Alfred: Don't go IN???Abronsius: No, no, no, no, no

ABRONSIUS looks through the keyhole

Alfred: Is it a?Abronsius: Ja. It's a vampire, all right. The purple-caped Austro-Hungarian vampire.Alfred: What do we do?Abronsius: We are scientists. We do not interfere. We observeAlfred: Observe?!

Count Mercury: Observe

Sarah: I do not force you

Abronsius: Do nothingAlfred: Nothing?!

Count Mercury: I do nothing

Abronsius: Don't you see? She has to go to him!

Count Mercury (smoothly sinister, almost like Vincent Price): You have to come to me. Tomorrow night when the church bells ring midnight or never

Abronsius: Do you really think any girl will say yes to an obvious vampire?

Count Mercury: Just say yes

Abronsius: She's a clever girl

Count Mercury: You're a clever girl

Tempted again, he moves his teeth toward her neck again

Alfred (moving toward the door): I can't stand it anymore!Abronsius: No! No!

Count Mercury (pulls back): No. Tomorrow

Abronsius: She's not in danger until tomorrow night. The total eclipse of the moon.

Count Mercury: You might be frightened tomorrow, Sarah

Alfred (looking through the keyhole): Sarah! Sarah!Abronsius: Do nothing, boy!

Sarah: Tomorrow when the church bells ring midnight - or never

COUNT MERCURY DISAPPEARS Alfred: He's gone! Abronsius: Be strong, Alfred. We have nothing to fear yetAlfred: I'm standing guard right here. To the end of time if I have to!Abronsius:In this case that might be necessary. Good night, my boy. Be strong.

ABRONSIUS gets back into bed as ALFRED stands watch

Sarah: Tomorrow or never. Tomorrow or never

Chorus of Unseen Voices (fading): Tomorrow or never, tomorrow or never, tomorrow or neverAlfred: Dear God look down on us tonight

Scene Change.

Scene Three: Outside the Inn, the next morningOutside the inn. Morning. CHAGAL, REBECCA and MAGDA are cheerfully at work, doing tasks.

KOUKOL, the local hunchback, ENTERS

Koukol: Chagal! Chagal! Where are you? (shouting while he enters the room)Chagal (fawning): Good morning, Mr. Koukol. You're looking well todayKoukol: Dont bother me with your hot airChagal: Well as well as could be expected

ABRONSIUS is spying from the stairsKoukol: Lets not waste time. The day is very short and my master needs me.Chagal: Yes. Very well put. How may I be of service?Koukol: I have to get some candles for the ball tonight.Chagal: Candles. Well, that's a problem. We're short of candles ourselves.Koukol: Then give them all to me. My master needs them!Chagal: That's easy for you to sayKoukol: Maybe the count should come down tonight so you can tell him yourself!Chagal: All right, Mr. Koukol! Calm down! I'll see what's left. Rebecca candles!Rebecca: Magda candles!Magda: Would you get me some candles, sweetie?Chagal: I'm burning already, my flame

CHAGAL, REBECCA and MAGDA EXIT into the house. SARAH comes in and KOUKOL motions to her

Koukol: Are you coming to the castle at midnight, precious? You will be the guest of honour Ding, dong, ding, dong!

CHAGAL, REBECCA and MAGDA ENTER with CANDLES

Chagal: Here you are! Two dozen dripless. Please give my regards to his excellency, and you might remind him about those outstanding billsKoukol: Do you want Mme. Von Mercury to come tonight to pay you for the bills in the flesh?Chagal: I erase them this moment!Girls & Peasants: Chagal you are a fool!!!Girl 1: You could have gotten us killed by the vampiresGirl 2: How can you insult the Counts servant like that?Girl 1: I have children for Gods sake.

Girl 2: Remember the last time that Koukol got angry. We lost two of our youngsters that nightPeasant 3: Your age is serving you badly. Maybe we should find another one to communicate with those creatures.Peasant 4: The risk is too high Chagal. And if that wasnt enough, we have those two newcomers prying in the town.

Peasant 5: Speaking about the devil.ABRONSIUS ENTERS from the house, accompanied by ALFRED

Abronsius: Just one moment, Mr. Chagal.A most interesting visitor you have hereChagal: Professor Abronsius Mr. Koukol Von Count MercuryAbronsius: Come from the castle, are you, Mr. Count Mercury?Chagal: Castle?Abronsius: And looking for candles. Is there some festivity in the offing? Perhaps a ball?Koukol: Perhaps, you should talk to my master!. We all be delighted to have you on the table, I mean at the tableAbronsius: You can count on us!Koukol (bowing deeply in awe):Then Ill see you tonight midnight at the ball! (he leaves the scene)Abronsius: You see, you just have to know how to talk to these people. Trust me, gentle friends, I can see what's happening here

Scene Change. Scene Four: Sarahs Bedroom, that eveningEvening. Sarah's bedroom.

Sarah: When the churchbells ring midnightWhen the churchbells ring midnight

That sibilant, fugal whispering of before, surrounding her:

Unseen Chorus of Voices: Sarah SarahSarah: Now or neverUnseen Chorus of Voices: Now or never, now or neverSarah: Sooner or laterUnseen Chorus of Voices: Now or neverSarah: I'm not ready, no one's ready, don't leave Daddy, don't leave DaddyUnseen Chorus of Voices: Come come comeSarah: Sooner or later's never going to comeUnseen Chorus of Voices: Come come comeSarah: Come when the churchbells ring Heidelberg No, not Heidelberg yes, yes, Heidelberg. Alfred. Wonderful beautiful Alfred who adores me - who'll protect meUnseen Chorus of Voices: Come come come

HOLDING OUT FOR A HEROWhere have all the good men gone and where are all the gods?Where's the great white Hercules to fight the rising odds?Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need

I need a heroI'm holding out for a hero till the end of the nighthe's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fastand hes gotta be fresh from the fightI need a heroI'm holding out for a hero till the morning lightHe's gotta be sure and he's gotta be soonAnd he's gotta be larger than lifeI need a heroI'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night

Above the mountains neath the heavens aboveOut where the lightning strikes the seaI can swear that there's someone somewhere watching meThrough the wind and the chill and the rainand the storm and the floodI can feel his approach like a fire in my blood

I need a heroI'm holding out for a hero till the end of the nighthe's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fastand hes gotta be fresh from the fightI need a heroI'm holding out for a hero till the morning lightHe's gotta be sure and he's gotta be soonAnd he's gotta be larger than life

I need a heroI'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night

Sarah: But sometimes we need the boogeymanUnseen Chorus of Voices: Sometimes we need the boogeyman, the boogeymanCome, come, come, come

Sarah: Let me out! Father! Let me out!

The LOCKED DOOR OPENS OF ITSELF and SARAH RUNS OUT

Alfred (looking through the keyhole): She's gone, Professor!

He rushes to the door of his own room but it won't open, as if it's locked.

Alfred: Damn it. Damn it.

He wrestles with it and kicks the door open, then runs out after her

SARAH!

Scene Changes.Scene Five: Outside the InnNight. Outside the inn. SARAH runs out and stands panting, crazed with shock.

Alfred: Sarah! No!

CHAGAL comes out of the inn

Chagal: What is going on here!Alfred: Sarah's gone!Chagal: Gone? Gone where?

ALFRED, ABRONSIUS, MAGDA and REBECCA run out

Chagal: Her shoes! They've got her. Don't worry, Sarah! Papa's coming!

CHAGAL runs off

Rebecca: Yoine! It's after sunset! Don't go!

She runs off after CHAGAL

Magda: Chagal! You can't leave me like this!

MAGDA now runs off after CHAGAL

Alfred: Professor Abronsius: This is excellent! She'll lead us right to him! Come, boy!

ALFRED and ABRONSIUS EXIT. Scene Six: Before Count Mercurys castle.

At the gate before Count Mercury's castle. SARAH runs in, breathless. Seeing it, she stops, frightened not noticing that she's being watched by VAMPIRES

VAMPIRES APPEAR now in the audience, surrounding it, and THE THEATRE BEGINS TO TRANSFORM INTO THE CASTLE as ALFRED and ABRONSIUS ENTER

Alfred: Too late! No! Professor, we're too late!

COUNT MERCURY APPEARS

Count Mercury: Not at all, gentlemen. Visitors! What a delicious treat. WelcomeAbronsius: How very kind, sir. Do I note the emblem of the Count Mercury family?Count Mercury: Indeed, sir I am the fifteenth of that line, and first in your service. With whom do I have the pleasure?Abronsius: Abronsius of HeidelbergCount Mercury: Not the Abronsius?Abronsius: You've heard of me?Count Mercury: Of course! I've read your book on bats. It's brilliant. Alfred (erupting in anger): If you touch Sarah, I'll kill you. I swear, I'll kill you if you can be killed

Count Mercury: Bravo! And who is this impetuous young gallant?

Abronsius: Alfred, my factotum.

Count Mercury: Alfred, you must meet my daughter, Susan. She could use a good factotum. (Breezily, with a smile) And we'll both have someone to kill the time. Koukol! (Koukol comes) You've met my valet? He will show you to your chambers. Gentlemen ALFRED, with a look of hatred at COUNT MERCURY, accompanies ABRONSIUS as KOUKOL [A DOUBLE] leads them inside. Koukol: We dont get many visitors here. In fact, we get no visitors at all. Our service is so good that whoever dares to come in, never leaves

Alfred: I dont trust him.

Abronsius: Me neither!!!!

Koukol: Mmm (turning to Alfred) Delicious scent!!!! (smelling him)Alfred: Thanks (taking one step back) Its rose & vanilla.Koukol: (looking to the audience) I am sure that the rest of the tenants in the castle will also enjoy the scent of your youth. We have not had such a handsome and young guest for centuries I am sure that Susan will be very glad to meet you. Please, lets not waste time I have many things to get ready for tomorrows ball.(They disappear among the public)

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWOScene One: Portrait Gallery, then a Topiary Garden. Night.

Curtain up on SARAH in the castle's portrait gallery. It's the middle of the night

Vampires:ISN'T SHE PRETTY? ISN'T SHE DEAR?SEE HER SKIN IS LIKE VELVETHER LIPS ARE SO REDSHE'S SO ALIVE NOWBUT SOON SHE WILL BE DEADBLOODLESS!

The ANCESTRAL PORTRAITS on the wall call out to SARAH:

Total Eclipse of the Heart

(Turn around) every now and the I get a little bit lonely and you're never coming round

(Turn around) every now and the I get a little bit tired of listening to the sound of my tears

(Turn around) every now and the I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by

(Turn around) every now and then I get a little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes

(Turn around, bright eyes)

Every now and then I fall apart

(Turn around, bright eyes)

Every now and then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight

And I need you more than ever

And if you only hold me tight

We'll be holding on forever And we'll only be making it right

Cause we'll never be wrong

Together we can take it to the end of the line

Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time

I don't know what to do, I'm always in the dark

We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks

I really need you tonight

Forever's gonna start tonight

Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love

But now I'm only falling apart

Nothing I can do

A total eclipse of the heart

Once upon a time there was light in my life

Now theres only love in the dark

Nothing I can say

A total eclipse of the heart

A total eclipse of the heartSARAH falls into the Counts arms. Spoken:

Count Mercury:Once upon a time long ago An innocent boy of fifteen took a walk in the woods And he came upon a graveyard where he met a wolf with red roses(He seems almost amazed at how moved he is)That innocent boy vanished and was never heard from again. And now, once-upon-a-time will never, ever end

COUNT MERCURY moves his teeth toward her neck, but gently pushes her back. They both leave the stageScene Two: Alfred's Bedroom. The next morning.

Alfred's bedroom. In a huge four-poster bed, ALFRED tosses in his sleep.

Alfred:No! Sarah! No! (The VAMPIRES go) They're gone. It's over. Just a dream I hope

ABRONSIUS ENTERS

Abronsius:Up, Alfred, up! You've slept right through the day!Alfred(gets out of bed and starts to dress):Have you found Sarah?Abronsius:Sarah? No! I've been combing the castle for coffins and have uncovered not so much as a headstone. The Count must be casketed somewhere

Checks his POCKET WATCH

And we only have two hours to sunset!

Alfred:Yes, but what about Sarah? And the total eclipse of the moon?.Abronsius:Tonight at 10:47Alfred:Oh, God!Abronsius:Don't worry, my boy.

ALFRED and ABRONSIUS are in near darkness throughout this sequence, ALFRED leading the way carrying a bizarre, lighted candelabrum.MUSICAL UNDERSCORING maintains the mood of ghostliness and dread and black humor

Abronsius:This way, Alfred! Quickly!

MME. VON COUNT MERCURY suddenly appears before them

Mme. Von Mercury: Good day, gentlemen! Or is it night already? Lost your way to your rooms? I'm not amazed. Alfred:Stop, stop!Mme. Von Mercury: If you hear someone weeping tonight, don't be surprised. Not in this world(Alfred & Abronsius leave among the public)

(Koukol enters)

Koukol: Have you seen them?Mme. Von Mercury: Who?

Koukol: The professor and his factotum i think they are up to something!. We have to find them.Mme. Von Mercury: They have just gone that way (pointing out). Dont worry they are just a couple of mortals. We have nothing to fear.Koukol: I dont trust them. What if they are looking for the others while they are sleeping?.

Mme. Von Mercury: Thats the least of my problems right now, Koukol. Now that our master wants to replace me for a younger one, everything has no sense for me any longer. Ive lived for far too long!!! and I dont want to spend the rest of eternity being ignored.

Koukol: Thats not up to you. I have to help my master.

Mme. von mercury: Go!! you fool!! He will replace you one day too. who knows!! even that old professor could take your place any time. The count seems to enjoy his presence.Koukol: After all i have done for my master, i know for certain he would never send me away!!! he would never find someone as loyal as meMme. Von Mercury: Leave me!!!! go, look for them or do whatever you please but do not forget my words. you might remember them one day when the time comes

Koukol: Ok, Stay here if you wish!!!! (goes out running)

No more I love yous I used to be lunatic from the gracious days

I used to be woebegone and so restless nights

My aching heart would bleed for you to see

Oh but now...

(I don't find myself bouncing home whistling buttonhole tunes to make me cry)

No more "I love you's"

The language is leaving me

No more "I love you's"

Changes are shifting outside the word

(The lover speaks about the monsters)

I used to have demons in my room at night

Desire, despair, desire... SOOO MANY MONSTERS!

Oh but now...

(I don't find myself bouncing home whistling buttonhole tunes to make me cry)

No more "I love you's"

The language is leaving me

No more "I love you's"

The language is leaving

No more "I love you's"

Changes are shifting outside the word

Outside the wordScene Three: The Search Through the Castle.

Abronsius:Faster, Alfred, we haven't got much time!Alfred:Professor, was she a vampire?Abronsius:She couldn't be. It's not sunset yet

Suddenly ABRONSIUS is lost from sight

Alfred:Professor? Professor? Where are you?

SUSAN VON MERCURY, the Count's young daughter, now steps into view

Susan:Hello thereAlfred: Who are you?Susan:I think you met my father The Count? Well I'm Susan, the sequel. Wait a minute. Are you this very sweet, very young Heidelberger I've been hearing about?Alfred: I'm Alfred. Factotum to Professor AbronsiusSusan:Don't you hate this castle? You never know where you are. You want to see my room?.Alfred(trying to go around SUSAN):Actually, I was looking for a friendSusan(blocking his way):I'll be your friend.Alfred:A different friend.Susan:I'm different. Let's be different together.Alfred: Excuse me

ALFRED starts out, but SUSAN steps in his way

Susan:You and I are like two petals on the same funeral wreath. Needy. Lonely. Acne. We both hate our name.Alfred: How did you know?Susan:Try "Susan". It's been uncool for 300 years. You can sit down if you want?. (Alfred sits down)Susan: (Grabbing a book) Here's what I'm reading. (she hands it to ALFRED)Alfred:"Everlasting Love". Look. I'm Catholic. I'm alive. But I do find you strangely attractiveSusan:Read a page. See if it doesn't move you. Thanks spirit of the night from bringing me such a young fresh handsome guy (looking up). It is so boring here without someone like you you see, I like being what I am.Song: Everlasting LoveYou are my everlastingYou are my everlasting love

Look in my eyesSee my love burning strongNo more goodbyesIn your arms I belongOur time has comeAll my dreams have come trueTwo hearts as oneLoving me loving you.

Open up your eyesThen you realizeHere I stand with myEverlasting loveNeed you by my sideThere's no need to hideNever be deniedEverlasting loveFrom the very startOpen up your heartBe a lasting part ofEverlasting loveSUSAN bends to bite ALFRED'S NECK, and ALFRED inserts the BOOK between Susan's open jaws, temporarily stopping her. They wrestle on the floor and ALFRED gets away

Alfred(EXITING):Sarah.!

SUSAN EXITS. SCENE CHANGE.Scene Four: The Crypt.

The castle's crypt. A RAISED, ORNATE COFFIN at center. Alfred watches the whole scene from the stairs. Chagal is in the middle of the stage lying with all the peasants & girls around him too.Rebecca & Magda(O.S.):Yoine! Chagal! Yoine, where are you?

REBECCA and MAGDA ENTER, below

Rebecca:Oy, oy! Yoine, where are you?Magda(seeing CHAGAL'S BODY):Oh, no! No!Rebecca:Magda! Hot water!Magda:Hot water won't help him. He's deadRebecca:Oh, Yoine! Dead! Dead! He was always so afraid

CHAGAL opens his eyes, sits up. Scream:

Chagal: AAAAAAAAAH!

REBECCA faints to the floor

Magda(holding up a CRUCIFIX):Stay away. Stay away. Jesus, protect me!ChagalOy, have you got the wrong vampire!

He bites her, then howls wildly. MAGDA falls lifeless from his arms. He prods her. She doesn't move. He looks around like a little boy who's done something bad. REBECCA wakes up immediately

Rebecca:Yoine! I don't want to die.

CHAGAL moves toward her - she moves back

Chagal:You're not ready I'm not ready No one's ready

HE LUNGES toward her and bites her

CHAGAL continues to suck hungrily as MAGDA wakes. When he's finished, CHAGAL falls back, dazed, not quite knowing what he's done. Peasants & girls stand up.peasant 1: Look what hes done. he has organised his own party and he invited no one.Peasant 2: You could have left something for us. and now we are hungry. the master dont allow us to feed on sarahPeasant 3: he has always been so miser. remember when we were alive and he put water in the wine.girl 1: What are we going to do now?. its nice to be young and beautiful for eternity but it does not help a thing if i have to be among these walls until the day i finally leave for good.girl 2: You are so ungrateful. I embrace this gift of immortality. the master will provide us with fresh blood. he is so handsome, clever and magnificent. he is almighty. now, quiet. the other one is waking up.

Magda:(STANDING UP) Are you all right?Rebecca:Yes. That was amazing.Magda:Yes it was.

Chagal: I need a nice coffin. Rebecca, find me a coffin.Rebecca: Magda! Coffin!Magda:Sweetie, would you find a nice coffin?Chagal: AHHH (SIGHING) Together again!Love Kills Love don't give no compensation

Love don't pay no bills

Love don't give no indication

Love just won't stand still

Love kills, drills you through your heart

Love kills, scars you from the start

It's just a living past time ruining your heart line

Stays for a lifetime, won't let you go

'Cause love, love, love won't leave you alone

Hey, love can play with your emotions

Open invitation to your heart

Hey, love kills, play with your emotions

Open invitation to your heart

Love kills, hey hey, love kills, love kills

Love can play with your emotions

Open invitation

Love kills, drills you through your heart

Love kills, scars you from the start

It's just a living past time ruining your heart line

Won't let you go

Love kills, drills you through your heart

Love kills, tears you right apart

Won't let you go, won't let you go

Love kills, yeah

BLACKOUT.

Scene Five: Sarah's Room

Sarah's room: a parody of a teenage princess' dream room. Strange toys. Weird stuffed animals.

Sarah:[SHE SINGS HER MELODY]Alfred:Sarah! (ALFRED ENTERS) Sarah! Thank God! You're alive!Sarah(calmly):Hello, Alfred. What are you doing here? Did you come for the ball?Alfred:The ball? I'm here to save you.Sarah:From whom?

Alfred:You'd better dress quickly before it's too late. We've got to leave for HeidelbergSarah:Heidelberg? I did dream about Heidelberg, once.Alfred:Or Berlin. Paris. America. Anywhere, but we have to escape!Sarah:Escape? I'm not a prisoner. Do you know who I'm going to dance with? The Count himself.Alfred:Oh, God, you don't understand.Sarah:Don't you see, Alfred? I've been chosen for something.Alfred:Yes. To be their victim.Sarah:To be really alive.Alfred:Sarah, that man killed your father. Or if not him, one of his pack did.Sarah:Papa's safe at thome, selling his garlic.Alfred:No, he's not! I saw his body! Drained of blood.Sarah:I don't believe you.Alfred:I've risked my life for you. I've challenged death itself.Sarah:But the Count Alfred: The Count will use you and throw you away. Sarah, didn't you love me once? Sarah:Yes. Yes. I did feel itAlfred: I've got nothing to offer you. No family, no castle. I don't even have a home. Or was it just Heidelberg you wanted out of me?Sarah:No no it was you. You and your beautiful heart. (She leaves without Alfred noticing it)Alfred: All right, then, Sarah, here's what you have to do.

He sees she's not there

Sarah? Sarah? Where are you?

He goes off in search of her again.

SCENE CHANGE

Scene Six: The Ballroom.

The ballroom. We see ALFRED and ABRONSIUS lying in wait as the VAMPIRES ENTER two by two as if to a diplomatic gala, in ancient costume and high wigs. ALFRED and ABRONSIUS grab two of them, and reappear moments later in their costumes

SARAH ENTERS. ABRONSIUS has to hold ALFRED back. VAMPIRES approach too, but COUNT MERCURY stops them short

Count Mercury:DON'T YOU TOUCH HER SHE'S ALL MINE. NEVER MIND, YOU TOO WILL HAVE A GOOD FEED. YOU'LL GET ALL THE BLOOD YOU NEED. TWO MORE MORTALS WHO WILL SATISFY YOUR LUST AND YOUR GREED

The music climaxes. SARAH does offer herself to COUNT MERCURY and he takes her in his arms and bites her

Alfred(as ABRONSIUS holds him back):NO! NO! NO!

When COUNT MERCURY has fed, he throws SARAH aside, triumphant and the other VAMPIRES paw and grab at her. SARAH is in shock, horrified

Song: Only the youngLook back in silence; the cradle of your whole life.

There in the distance, loosing its greatest pride.

Nothing is easy, nothing is sacred. Why?

Where did the bow break?

It happened before your time.

There were people there, lovely as you've ever cared.

Tonight.

Baby you can start again.

Laughing in the open air; have yourself another dream.

Tonight.

Maybe we can start again.

Only the young can break away, break away.

Lost when the wind blow; on your own, ohh..

Only the young can break away, break away.

Lost when the wind blow; on your own, ohh...

And the sun will shine again.

And the sun will shine again.

Are you looking for a sign?

Or are you caught up in the light?

Only the young can break away, break away.

Lost when the wind blow; on your own, ohh...

Only the young can break away, break away.

Lost when the wind blow; on your own, ohh...

Only the young can...

Lost when the wind blow...

Only the young can...

Lost when the wind blow...

ALL DANCE A MINUET, featuring groups of VAMPIRES except CHAGAL, REBECCA and MAGDA. ABRONSIUS and ALFRED join in

Abronsius(aside, to ALFRED): We can still save her, Alfred. If within three days, Sarah gets a transfusion with the blood of an 18-year-old virgin, all will be well.Alfred:Well I'm a twenty-year-old virgin.Abronsius:Even better! Congratulations, my boy. Good work!

ALFRED gets closer to SARAH

Alfred:Sarah. Sarah, it's me.Sarah(numb):Who are you.?Alfred:It's Alfred. Don't be afraid.Sarah:Alfred, what's happening to me? Something terrible has happened to me.Alfred: We can still save you.Sarah: I want to go away, Alfred. I want to go home

They are separated

Abronsius:At the count of three: One. TwoCount Mercury:Boo!Abronsius, Alfred, Sarah:Three!Count Mercury:Sharpen your teeth! Let the sucking begin!Abronsius:Alfred, grab that candelabrum! I'll take this one!Alfred:What for?Abronsius:Raise them high and make a cross.

ALFRED holds out a CANDELABRUM and ABRONSIUS holds out another so that they form a cross. That stops the VAMPIRES

In nomine argento Christi: vesperate!

Aside to ALFRED:

Good thing I remembered this. Join in, if you like.

Alfred & Abronsius In nomine argento Christi: vesperate! In the silver name of Christ, go down like the sun in burning fire!

He and ALFRED continue to chant this, and the CASTLE BEGINS TO SELF-DESTRUCT. FIRE ERUPTS, WALLS CRUMBLE, and a RIVER OF BLOOD pours down the middle of the ballroom. The VAMPIRES SCREAM IN AGONY and EXIT

Count MercuryYou idiots! You fools! We have lived here for hundreds of years, isolated and alone! I say that the plague you came to study will multiply among you! Yes! Come destroy our world and we have no choice but to come live in yours and conquer it!THE MOON HAS NOW FULLY ECLIPSED TO A BLOOD RED DISK as COUNT MERCURY IS TRANSFORMED in a burst of flame into AN ENORMOUS TERRIFYING SERPENT-LIKE CREATURE like th reature in "Alien," except that its face is a fanged, grinning rictus of death. It erupts out of the floor like a jack-in-the-box and towers over the stage and our heroes. ABRONSIUS takes notes furiously. ALFRED drags ABRONSIUS and the numbed SARAH out, as the CASTLE IS TOTALLY CONSUMED

Scene Eight: The Wilderness.

The wilderness again. Middle of the night. Full white moon. WOLVES HOWL. The MUSIC CHANGES to a romantic mood as ABRONSIUS, ALFRED and SARAH ENTER. ABRONSIUS is still scribbling in his notebook

Alfred:WE'VE SURVIVED THE DREAD. NOW I'LL KEEP YOU IN MY ARMSTILL THE MORNING SUNSHINE MELTS OUR FEARS AWAY

Sarah: I'LL BE YOURS AND YOU'LL BE MINE NEVER OUT OF LOVEAlfred:WHAT A WAY TO ENDSarah:WE WILL NEVER PART

We realize that SARAH has VAMPIRE TEETH

NOW WE CAN BE SO MUCH BRAVER THAN WE EVER ARE NOW WE CAN FLY

SARAH BITES ALFRED as the MUSIC SOARS

Alfred(looking at something on his hand):What is that?Sarah:Blood, darling. Lick it up.

ALFRED licks the blood

Alfred:It's not bad!FINALE: ALL THE OVERS Dance

It's all I wanna do

So won't you

Dance

I'm standing here with you

Why won't you move

I'll get inside your groove

Cuz I'm on fire fire fire fire

It hurts

When you get too close

But baby it hurts

If love is really good

You just want more

Even if it throws you to the fire fire fire fire

All the lovers

That have gone before

They don't compare to you

Don't be running

Just give me a little bit more

They don't compare

All the lovers

Dance

It's all I wanna do

So won't you

Dance

I'm standing here with you

Why won't you move

I'll get inside your groove

Cuz I'm on fire fire fire fire

It hurts

When you get too close

But baby it hurts

If love is really good

You just want more

Even if it throws you to the fire fire fire fire

All the lovers

That have gone before

They don't compare to you

Don't be running

Just give me a little bit more

They don't compare All the lovers

END OF PLAY

ROLESCount Mercury

Sarah

Alfred

Professor Abronsius

Chagal

Magda

Rebecca

Susan

Koukol

Mme. von Mercury

Chorus Of Voices / Vampires

1st Girl

2nd Girl

Voice outside stage (ACT 1/Scene 1)

Village Idiot

Peasants

DANCE

OF THE VAMPIRES