2016 Madrigal Delights The Youngins

Toby Echeverria, Terra Baer, Mahima Silwal (edited by Stocker) Stages: Risers Royal Table Characters: ● Town Crier (Isaiah) ● Mason Yanders* ● Timothy* ● Maria ● King* ● Queen ● Jester/Wanderer/HSM guy/Trevor Bolton/Other Things* ● Quill, Trill, Shrill (Royal Children) ● Jacob (wears a hat and cane, acts older than he is)* ● ICEE ● Fresh ● Shep (has a horn/trumpet, acts younger than he is)* ● Phyllis (Timothy’s love interest)* ● Father to Phyllis (Please Kind Sir singer) ● Guard (stabs Mason) Props: Cups, books, crown, etc. for Mason to stash (Scene 1) Two wooden stools (Scene 2) Stack of Fliers Map Sword TBD

Scene 1: CC stands on risers with Mason and Jester nearby. King, Queen, and Royal Children lay luxuriously upon the royal furniture at royal table.

Lights darken, audience quiets as Town Crier enters. (trumpet fanfare) Town Crier: (rings bell) A night like no other, this one is full of adventure, of hers and of his. Like frost let it settle, upon thy mind and warm like a kettle: it will soften in time. To you I give thanks, I give thanks to you all for joining us, in our own castle hall. Our story this eve, is quite a tale, with mischief and love, perhaps bound to fail. One youngin will journey, far beyond night, to go seek his fortune, and decide what is right. Our tale like no other, as aforementioned, We hope will be able to hold your attention. Thank you again for coming this night, helping us and our story begin to take flight. (trumpet fanfare) (applause, choirs look over to Royal Table) King: (grumbles and regains composure as if caught lazing about; motions to wife and children to join him at table, they come, disgruntled) Many thanks, Town Crier Number, uh, #263? Who are you again? Queen: (nudges King) His name is Isaiah. Please excuse my husband, Mercutio, he knows not how to act when we have company. King: (agreeing) I didn’t say he was bad, in fact I liked his speech! We should call him TC #1. Queen: Hush Merkee dear. Now, as I was saying, I do look forward to--- (loud crash) Now what is that?

Mason: (packing his things along the risers) I can’t deal with this anymore, I need to get out of this kingdom, I’m done being rich, I’m done with the way things are being run here. ( Royal Children run down to meet Mason) Queen: I don’t understand, Mason! Why must you pack your things? Mason: I need to leave, Ma! I’m done with the way this kingdom’s run! King: (exasperated attitude) Mason Yanders! We did *not* raise you to leave the crown! Calm yourself and stay in your room, or I, uh, I shall summon the guards to hold you down! Mason: Stop it, dad! I said I’m done! Quill: How sad… He’s so… ugh. Trill: You’re right Quill, why are you so ignorant Mason. ! ? Shrill: Whatev. King: (trying) I command you Mason, STAY HERE. Mason: NO! (King motions Jester over to try restraining Mason, but Mason escapes and runs out past his siblings) King: (attitude like a goofy spoiled child that didn’t get his way) Whaaaa. Mason… I… uh. CURSE YOU! I will send not scouts, not guards, nor the catcher after you… I will send… ooh! The JESTER.

(Jester appears triumphantly, scene freezes, and Town Crier walks out) Town Crier: (to audience) We’ve set the stage with our royal team Of actors (King/Jester/Queen winks) carrying Mason’s dream. You Masters in this hall shall hear The birth of our brave hero dear (Mason runs in and winks) The son who helped raise the poor And cast a-down the proud!

Concert Choir: Masters In This Hall (Jester and Royal Children head back to Royal Table while Timothy and Maria get set with two stools in

center of risers)

Scene 2: Two stools. Timothy sits across from Maria, his sister, and listens closely. Royal Family is at Royal Table.

Maria: You’re just gonna go off? I don’t know Timothy… it seems all too risky. Timothy: Dearest Maria (she gives a “here we go again” look) , we’ve been working the land and saving ha-pennies since the beginning of our wee little lives. (glares at Maria for mocking him) Now it’s time to make the best of this opportunity, you’re plenty old enough to take care of our parents. (glare again) Maria: But--- Timothy: I promise, sweet sister, I’ll find a job in the city and send word as soon as I can. (she’s sad) Maria: ...all right, but be careful, brother. And I’m coming with you next time! Send word soon. Timothy: I will. Take care, Maria. (exits)

(trumpet fanfare) (attention to Royal Family) Trill: (laughs, to Shrill) Cans’t thou believe our dear brother Mason? “Striking on his own”, what sort of tomfoolery is this? He is young, immature, and just plain awful. I can hardly see how we’re related. Quill: (chiming in) Yes! Remember when he helped all the peasants working in the fields? Or (laughing) when he tried giving money to those beggars on the street? Once, he even tried to give them… food! (shock) Shrill: He’s too nice. Like the time he tried to help Quill with his shepherding homework, instead of letting him suffer through the pain of not knowing a sheep from a potato. (Quill hits Shrill) Shrill: (a la Mushu) Oooh! All right, that's it! Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Quill make a note of this: dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow, dis--- (Trill is laughing his butt off) King: (shakes his head at his sons) He’ll come running back. I hope. But! He will not have a home here until he renounces these foolish values, and kneels before me as my heir. I mean, look how cool we are! (Jester starts walking now) Trill: Yeah! We’re the ones who sing and chant! Quill: Our youth will last forever, right Father Merkles? (he glares) What, mom says that all the time... Shrill: Actually, it’s *not* long youth lasteth. So now’s the best time to indulge in dance party pleasures! Crowd: I mean shoot I don’t know? Where’s Juniper? Hey, what’s up bill? Can we get the note? Etc. etc..

Jester: (walks loudly from royal family’s dwelling space to the main floor. He carries a light and the Royal Family stands watching him, mouths wide open in confusion and awe. He walks to CC and snaps twice, notes)

Concert Choir: Sing We And Chant It (Royal Family dance parties it up, CC points, Jester/Wanderer grabs the stool and sits it in center risers, and

exits) King: Ooh, this is fun! Let’s get the salad going! Doesn’t that sound delightful, children? Quill, Trill, Shrill: No. Queen: It’s okay, Merkles. (trumpet fanfare) (salad service - take orders for mains)

Scene 4: Jacob with hat and cane sits on the stool, facing the audience. Jacob: (as if conversing with the space next to him) My name? My vocation? My widespread reputation? I live, on the outskirts of a city under a lord whose name all but brings him pity. When I’m in his company, I must speak in regal tone, for example; doth you not know what’s known? (the silent space interrupts him) (whispers to the space) Get to the point? Alas, alright. (to the audience) The jist of it is, I’ve left him this night. I decided to escape and--- (talks to the silent space) What? Stop rhyming? But that would then ruin my impeccable timing. (gives up) Ah well. What’s up? My name is Jacob Carnegie, ex-servant, future cartographer. I’m heading to the city, but I must first map out these woods. I also must visit my friend, Shep. Shep, the Shepherd. (looks at the silence) This? I simply stopped on this stool to contemplate equality as a concept within phenomenology. ...ta-ta! (puts on his hat and leaves with cane in hand, even though he is obviously young)

Concert Choir: Hey Ho, To The Greenwood (Jacob wanders around at CC risers, running into the Jester who is caught off guard and walks away)

Scene 5: Jacob stands tapping his cane. ICEE and Fresh come in on the other side. ICEE: (walking as if they’re ready to tussle, sees Jacob and walks to him) What do we have here? A poor wayfaring stranger? Fresh: Hey man, how ya doin? ICEE: What is UP bro? Jacob: ...a hot air balloon, I suppose? Fresh: … ICEE: What? What’s a hot air ball*room*? Fresh: Dude, it’s like a summer dance… ICEE: (confused) Let’s try this again. What is UP bro? Jacob: A Pixar movie with talking dogs and a floating house in the sky? Fresh: … Jacob: (sighs) Would you two happen to know of a one Sir Shep? Fresh: Why yes, he’s up the hill. You can’t miss him. The constant terliter-los are a dead giveaway. Jacob: I shouldn’t have much trouble, I’m a cartographer. ICEE: You could be map-illiterate and still reach the old man. He’s really into music. Or bothering the neighbors. I mean… there’s no flock. He just plays, early in the morning, and late in the evening… Fresh: (nudges ICEE) Jacob: Many thanks you two, I’m off to find my dear Jolly Shepherd!

Concert Choir: Jolly Shepherd (as Jacob wanders to find Shep, the Jester appears sneakily to see what’s happening. Shep appears with

Timothy and they sit together to take a meal break. Towards the end, sections exit as they finish singing lines)

Scene 6: Shep and Timothy sitting together, eating salad! Timothy: Hear hear, Shep, I have one for you. What do you do when there’s a sink standing outside your door? Shep: I do not know, young Timothy. What do I do? Timothy: You let that sink in. Shep: ...woah... Timothy: Yeah, I know, *crazy* deep. (Jacob walks in) Shep: Well, I broke my arm in two places last year. Guess what the healer said to me? Timothy: (a la previous years) I don’t know, Shep. What *did* the healer say to you? Shep: He said to stay out of those two places! (both laugh) Timothy: Last one, thinking about this amazing salad: what did the persimmons say to the rest of the salad? …Lettuce all smile! (Shep gives the “no” face. Jacob clears his throat, and Shep and Timothy turn to face him) Timothy: Good day, fellow traveler! Shep: Great Scott... Jacob? Is that you?

Jacob: Yes, Shep! I’ve been doing well, Shep, I’ve been--- Shep: Doing well? You see your beautiful, talented, funny, trumpet playing uncle after 15 years apart and you’re just “doing well”? Come and eat, my boy! Jacob: (looks at Timothy) And who is this? Shep: This is Timothy, dear Jacob, he’s Timothy. Please sit down, Timothy, it’s been so long. Look at me, I’m old! Jacob: Okay, okay. What are we feasting on? Shep: Huh. Um. Well. Ah. Here, I caught a boar yesterday. (point and look out to door where line is, then to audience) These folks out here are going to eat it later. I think.

Concert Choir: Boar’s Head Carol (Treble Chamber follows the group in but goes directly to the risers)

Shep: Thinking of food always makes me thirsty. Shall we partake in some wassail? Timothy: Wassail? What is this? Jacob: Ah, you will love it! (trumpet fanfare) (wassail service) Shep: I am so full of drink, I am starting to see random singers appear out of nowhere! Let’s have a toast. Boys?

Combined Choirs: Gloucestershire Wassail (choirs surrounding, as if in a dream; Treble Chamber making its way to the risers and CC/CS off to the

sides/surrounding the audience and stage/s)

Scene 7: Shep, Jacob, and Timothy post-meal.

(Mason enters with the Jester trailing behind secretively) Mason: Wes hail, fellow travelers! How dost thou, and thou and thou, fare on this bright and lovely afternoon? Shep: Huh? You’re not in regal range right now. You can talk normally. Mason: Oh sorry, it’s been awhile. Jacob: I’m Jacob, nice to meet you. Timothy: My name’s Timothy. Mason: Nice, y’all. My name’s Mason. (Jester sticks head out from behind riser) Shep: Mason? Were you named after the prince of the royal family? Mason: ...nawwwwww. Just coincidence I guess, I’m from the Kingdom of Vermo--- (catches it) --- Montver. Shep: Ahh, good, good, that’s good. We don’t much like the Royal Family here. They’re not that kind, they flaunt their money, and they really don’t pay attention to anyone but themselves. Mason: Are you talking about the Royal Kardashians? (pause) No, you mean the Royal Yanders, don’t you. Timothy: They leave the kingdom in shambles, they do. Jacob: A real selfish crowd, they are. Shep: They take all the food, they do.

Mason: Are we really not talking about the Royal Kardashians? (pause, thinks about his family) Things aren’t like that in Vermo--- in Montver. You know what? (contemplates) Perhaps I shall stay here and help take a stand against the ruling kingdom! (the three look at each other worriedly) Jacob: Well, we weren’t trying to fight it, we were just mentioning… Timothy: Yeah, the royal court kind of has a lot of knights. Shep: ...I’m old. Mason: (declaration) But... what if we tried? Let us raise our hands and try our best To start, to begin a peaceful protest I may not know much, being from far away But if we all push for a better day? It seems far-fetched and an impossible solution, But the unexpected’s what we need to clear up this pollution. I beg of you now, put your trust in me, And your hopes, thoughts, dreams will come true, with ease. I urge you dare because it is worth It to take this ship ready at its berth. Before the storm let us all prepare And travel forth from here to there! Timothy: (inspired) If we fight for reform, and something magical occurs Then perhaps lives will change, both mine and yours I can take care of my family, once and for all… (lost in thought) Jacob: Oh! And then I could get that hot air ball… room. Ballroom. I’ll come along! Shep: (doesn’t want to) ...I’m old. Mason: Then it has been decided. Let us be off!

Shep: ...I’ll get my cane. And sing your praises. Lirum, lirum. I’m a shepherd, after all. Lirum, lirum. Mason: Why are you saying--- Shep: ...shhh.

Treble Chamber: Lirum Lirum (Jester leaves and walks over to the Royal Table)

(trumpet fanfare)

Scene 8: Jester is speaking to Royal Family at the dining table. Jester: Why yes, my King, I’ve seen ’em; Mason plans a huge rebellion He’s started to recruit, they say they’ll follow suit They want to come this way, to personally demand you change! How atrocious! King: Change? What could I change? I’ve been so generous with these lands! Queen: Actually, Mercutio, you destroyed most of the crops. King: You mean the gigantic rager with the bonfire we… oh. Right. Well, we’ve got plenty of music! Queen: You banished most of the musicians because they didn’t play your favorite songs. King: Well I can’t help it, they always play that silly brass quartet music, and I just don’t, I don’t, don’t know what it is, but you’ve got that one thing! (Queen is not amused) Um, well, the Jester’s still making us all laugh! Queen: No, he’s been away on your silly mission, Merkee dear. King: ... right. Wait, silly? Well! Everything seems pretty perfect to me. Now, Jester, stay vigilant. Jester: Eye. Eye. Sir. (bows and leaves)

King: What a dishonor, to us, to our family… Shrill: ---to our cows--- King: The sadness Mason brings to this family… why must it all die?

Treble Chamber: Sweet Day (King listens, entranced)

King: Hey, am I a sweet and virtuous soul? Queen: ...no. King: Right. Well then, shall we have some dinner? (trumpet fanfare) (dinner service) (trumpet fanfare)

Scene 9: The three youngins and Shep stand in a group together looking out into the distance Shep: (wants to leave) The city is beyond these gates. I would accompany you, but...uh... I must get baaaaaaack to my sheep. Jacob: Uncle, I will come to visit soon! (Jacob goes to hug Shep and the other two bid him farewell. Mason plays Jacob’s map) Mason: Well, it’s just us. We’re all in this together, right? (starts dance moves and sings under breath) Jacob: ...I never said I was committed… (Mason keeps dancing)

Timothy: ...stop. Mason: (stops dancing, stands seriously) Can you commit, both of you? (they look confused as Mason takes his crown from his backpack) I’m actually Prince Mason Yanders of the Yanders Kingdom. But wait ! Before you object, I ran away because I was ashamed of my family and the family rule. But now, I am ready to stand for change. I can get us in the castle. Will you join in our crusade? (singing) Who will be strong and--- Timothy: ...stop. Mason: Right. I have ideas to make our lands just, peaceful, and fair. Jacob: Do you have a plan? Mason: We’ve got to break up the group of nobles who control all of the money. Jacob: And how will we do that? Mason: (a la SNL) Well, we’re just gonna go in there… and we’re gonna break em up! Jacob: (suspicious beat followed by approval) I like that, let’s do it! Timothy: Sounds good to me. I shall write my sister of our plan. (awkward pause, smile) So, we’re all in this together? Mason: Yeah! Jester: (joins the youngins, who are really confused as to why he’s there suddenly) We’re all in this together, and it shows, when we stand hand in hand--- (all youngins do choreography) Momma Bolton: (interrupts Jester) Trevor Bolton! What did I tell you about singing past five o’clock!? Jester: Uh. Sorry Mom! (footsteps heard) Jacob: Shame, I was so ready. Well, let’s hit the tavern!

(trumpet fanfare)

Scene 10: Risers fill with TC/CC students ad-libbing tipsy, murmuring, in a tavern. Senior ladies on risers.

Crowd: Let’s raise a glass! (murmurs of Gloucestershire Wassail. Timothy is with youngins and sees Phyllis, while the tavern goers egg him on to try speaking with her) Timothy: Ah, I could, but I don’t know where to start. I just know that her smile brightens my world, and she beguiles my heart. Her smile makes me love her more!

Treble Chamber: My Bonnie Lass She Smileth (Phyllis steps out in front)

Timothy: (assumes casual position) How much does a polar bear weigh? Phyllis: I don’t know. How much *does* a polar bear weigh? Timothy: Enough to break the ice! And what might be your name, fair maiden? Phyllis: Dear Timothy, you took me by surprise! My name is Phyllis. Timothy: Say, Phyllis, did it hurt when you fell from heaven? Phyllis: … (rolls eyes and begins to walk away) Timothy: No, no, Phyllis. I am done! Please give me a chance.

Timothy: How did she know my na... Phyllis: Sorry Timothy, not interested. Please get lost. Ladies?

Seniors Ladies: No, I Will Not Date You Sir (Phyllis leaves the scene)

Timothy: (dejected) I ruined it. Tavern: (assorted calls and cheers) Aww c’mon! Get back in there! Go get em, champ! Etc. Timothy: No. She’s mean. I just need to… pretend she sucks. That thing about her smile, and feeling beguiled? No. Hm… Treble Chamber, help a fellow out?

Treble Chamber: My Bonnie Lass She Smelleth (Timothy smiles, but at the end is still sad and looks upset at the result)

Townsperson: Listen, child, here’s what to do Go to the house of this maiden true. Ask her father if you can marry her And if he says yes, she’s yours for sure. Timothy: Really? Is that how it works? Townsperson: Good system, right? It worked wonders in my day. She lives in the house with the big apple tree. Godspeed! Timothy: Thank you sir, I will forever be indebted to you! Mason, Jacob, let’s off to find Fair Phyllis!

Chamber Singers: Fair Phyllis I Saw (CS sings from offstage and moves to stage while TC exits. The youngins leave and search for Phyllis. Mason and Jacob stay aside while Timothy approaches Phyllis’s home, spying on her)

Scene 11: Three youngins are at the door of Phyllis’ house. Jacob: Go for it! Mason: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Timothy: All right. Here goes nothing. (walks into room and finds Phyllis’ father knitting, back turned towards Timothy and door) (clears throat) Excuse me sir. Can I marry that young lady whose picture I see on your wall? Father: Can you sing? Timothy: I can try?

Duet: Please Kind Sir (Phyllis enters and the general chaos from this song. Father leaves)

Phyllis: No. This is my choice. Timothy: The tavern folk said--- Phyllis: (interrupts) ---it doesn’t matter. Dear Timothy, what do you know in your heart? Timothy: Well, I--- Phyllis: Does it make any sense at all, that I, Another human being, shouldn’t have to sigh? I’m capable of all that you are, for certain So shouldn’t I decide when to pull the curtain? I do not need to make others frown But I do want to be on equal ground! We are all human beings with just as equal rights No matter where we’re from or how well we fight. We should stand up for each other, there is no superiority, Instead be an example of exemplary equality.

Timothy: I had not thought about that. Maybe we can change this, too... Phyllis: Making equality a reality? Yes! (calls out) Goodbye, Father! Father: You should marry this guy. Phyllis: ...did he hear any of that… Father: Let’s celebrate the wedding with dessert! And leftovers. (trumpet fanfare) (dessert service, extra food service as well) (trumpet fanfare)

Scene 12: Chamber Singers sets the stage with El Grillo; the four youngins are talking in the center.

Chamber Singers: El Grillo Mason: Phyllis is right! Another issue to bring to light! We are fortunate to have you joining our fight! Timothy: ...stop. Jacob: We’re glad you are joining us! Phyllis: We’re definitely all in this together! (dance moves) Mason: Yes! My heart wants to sing our delight and pleasure The sun shining is a welcome pleasure If we are blinded or hurt throughout our quest Then may our faith in each other guide the rest!

Chamber Singers: In Dulci Jubilo Fresh: We love music too you know. (Jacob grins and gives a fistbump) Mason: Who are you though? Fresh: It’s me, Fresh! ICEE: And me, ICEE. And we’re in a Show Choir! *ahem that’s not for Stocker or anything ahem* Fresh: Come on out, boys!

Senior Guys: Men In Tights ICEE: (Breathing heavily) We’re looking for new members…! Jacob: What are the requirements? ICEE: You gotta sing. Jacob: Oh, we’ll cease not daily in our warbling gaily. We really just don’t shut up. See?

Chamber Singers: All Ye Who Music Love

Timothy: ...stop. Mason: We would love to help, ICEE, but we’re so off track! We’re on a journey, maybe when we get back? ICEE: Sounds like a plan, now go get that man! …king. Man king. Or just king. You know. (trumpet fanfare, attention to Royal Table where Royal Family is)

Scene 13: Royal Family with Jester at the Royal Table, minus the Queen, who is with Phyllis to the side. Jester: I have watched them dutifully my king, they should be at the doors momentarily. King: This is *so* exciting! (the four youngins rush in) (happily) Hi Mason! Mason: Father! I demand change in the way that we do things as a kingdom! King: (taken aback, beat, go) Err… There there Mason, slow down and recollect! What foolish thinking has influenced your intellect? Are you ashamed? Frankly it’s absurd to have a member of the royal family on the street singing to the herd. I mean really dear, listen to him, rousing the rabble on his every last whim. (begins to pace) My children! My queen, oh what shall I do? Traitor to the crown, our son! Who knew? Alas, I cannot condemn thee to imprisonment… I must banish you to the kingdom of Aria, in dissonance. Do work for their government; once done bring me to see this new way that you speak of, and if it works then let it be. Queen: (walks over to King away from Phyllis) Murkles dear, Phyllis has spoken to me about a number of problems, and I need to speak to you presently. Come? King: Fine! Guards, make sure no one leaves. Mason’s going to love Aria! (Guards/Jester try to stop Mason from following the King, someone has a sword. Mason requests to leave, but they shake their heads vigorously. He is then stabbed by a random guard for still trying to leave.) (King turns and sees Mason on the floor. He goes over and nudges him; Mason affirms he’s dead, in a light but serious way. The King cries out; the youngins and the King come together and shake hands.)

Town Crier: (rings bell and walks on with paper rolled up in hand) We observe today but not tomorrow, Perhaps take some sort of action, or borrow that which we need to lend a hand--- be it knowledge or strength, rise up if you can. By rise up I mean, not against nor with hate, but with compassion and love and that which negates things once created, that still pull at our faith. Our faith in what is good and our faith in what is right, whose honesty this eve, was shown in dimmest light. Help to teach, to show not tell as if leading by example, would deem you well. All should have opportunity, each human being thus, whether from home or place, to find courage and stand with us. And this applies to everyone, with jobs big and small, I leave with you this message, equality for all.

Combined Choirs: My Friends, We Now Must Leave Thee Combined Choirs: Silent Night