CHARACTERS

ZACK - a new student at P.S. 32. He is secretly geeky, but is prepared to change his personality to fit in.

SAMANTHA - an eccentric but confident girl who wears black clothes. She is a bit of an outcast, but seems happy.

"Gangstaz"DRE - the class bully. He is loud and intimidating and tries to always have the upper hand in every situation.

BRICK - a large, quiet gangsta who enjoys the respect he gets, even though he is secretly smarter than people think.

SHAWN - a smaller, hyper Gangsta who tries hard to not fall out of Dres favor, even by doing things he knows are wrong.

"The Mods"KELLY - The most popular girl in school. She is pretty and flaunts it. She is a control-freak and manipulates others

MEGAN - a tough-talking city girl who is not thrilled with Kelly, but sticks by her because she enjoys the popularity. CHRISTY - a very pretty girl obsessed with teen culture. She is always fussing with her hair, clothes and nails.

The Geek SquadLOUIS - The king of geeks and proud of it. He is very flamboyant and intentionally goofy for attention.

JOEY - A small, frequently picked-on boy who is inspired by Louiss antics and confidence, and is fiercely loyal to him.

"The Brainiacs"ELEANOR - An seemingly serious and studious girl who is really passionate and emotional under her controlled actions.

MADDIE - Wickedly smart and extremely talkative, Maddie speaks what is on her mind, even when it gets her in trouble.

"THE NEW KID"

1

THE NEW KIDSCENE 1

The setting is outside Public School #32. Kids enter the stage in groups. DRE coaxes SHAWN into spraying a block RED.1-a. P.S. Thirty TwoSTART CD TRACK #1

ALL KIDSSUMMER'S OVER, AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS,WE'RE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

MOD SQUADTHOUGH WE'D RATHER HANG OUT AT THE POOL

BRAINIACS AND GEEK SQUADWE'LL DO WHAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TOAND TRY TO FOLLOW EVERY RULE

GANGSTAZ AND MOD SQUADYHEAH RIGHT!!!EVERY YEAR, WE TELL THE TEACHERS, BUT THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND

BRAINIACS AND GEEK SQUADTHEY ONLY HEAR YOU, WHEN YOU RAISE YOUR HAND

GANGSTAZ AND MOD SQUADWELL THEY BETTER ALL GET READY,'CAUSE WE'VE GOT SOMETHING SPECIAL PLANNED

ALL KIDSTHIS YEAR THINGS ARE GONNA BE DIFF'RENTTHIS YEAR, GONNA TRY SOMETHING NEWGONNA BE A FEW CHANGES, HERE AT P.S. THIRTY TWO

DRENO MORE LESSONS

SHAWNAND NO MORE LECTURES

DRE & SHAWNTO FILL OUR AFTERNOONS

MOD SQUADWE'LL BE DANCING WHILE THE P.A. CRANKS OUT TUNES

GEEK SQUADAND THE TVS IN THE CLASSROOMSWILL ALL BE PLAYING COOL CARTOONS

"THE NEW KID"

2

BRAINIACS show their disapproval.

ALL KIDSNO DETENTIONS AND NO SUSPENSIONS WHEN YOU DO THINGS WRONG

MADDIELIKE FORGETTING TO PUT LIBRARY BOOKS BACK WHERE THEY BELONG

ALL look at MADDIE incredulously.

ALL KIDSWE'LL DO AWAY WITH CLASSES AND RECESS WILL BE ALL DAY LONGTHIS YEAR THINGS ARE GONNA BE DIFF'RENTTHIS YEAR, GONNA TRY SOMETHING NEWGONNA BE A BIG PARTY HERE AT P.S. THIRTY TWO

WE'LL NEVER HAVE TO WATCH ANOTHER SCIENCE FILMOR DO SIT-UPS IN A PHYS-ED CLASSTHE TEACHERS WILL BE LOCKED UP IN THE FACULTY LOUNGE

BRICKUNLESS THEY HAVE A PASS

ALL KIDSNO MORE LUNCHES OF SWEDISH MEATBALLSAND BREAD AS HARD AS STEELNO NUTRITION TO SPOIL EVERY MEALJUST CANDY CAKE AND ICE CREAM,FROM NOW ON WE'LL EAT WHAT WE FEEL.

NO MORE READING AND NO MORE WRITING, JUST SEVEN HOURS OF PLAYIN THE LUNCH ROOM, WE'LL HAVE FOOD FIGHTS EV'RY DAYIT'S A NEW SCHOOL ORDER AND KIDS ARE GONNA HAVE OUR WAY

THIS YEAR THINGS ARE GONNA BE DIFF'RENTTHIS YEAR, GONNA TRY SOMETHING NEWGONNA BE A BIG PARTY HERE AT P.S. THIRTY TWOHERE AT P.S. THIRTY TWO, HERE AT P.S. THIRTY.

BUZZER abruptly sounds. Music stops

PRINCIPAL V.O.Attention please. Will the rather noisy bunch of students in front of the school please report to your homeroom immediately - or you may all be starting this school year with detentions. Thank you so much for your cooperation.

Music continues. KIDS are dejected as they mope off stage.

"THE NEW KID"

3

ALL KIDSMAYBE NEXT YEARHERE AT P.S. THIRTY TWO, HERE AT P.S. THIRTY TWO,HERE AT P.S. THIRTY TWO

BRICK HERE AT P.S. THIRTY TWO

BRICK is the last one off stage and picks up a dictionary that MADDIE has forgotten (which he will periodically read throughout the show, each time being admonished by Dre). Song ends. ZACK runs on stage, late.

1-b. UnderscoreSTART CD TRACK #2

ZACK accidentally drops his books, quickly gathers them and exits as A BUZZER rings.

SCENE 22-a. Morning ClassesLET PLAY INTO CD TRACK #3

'DRERecess!!!

Kids "exit" class into hallway. On CUE, ZACK enters. A few heads turn look at him.

KELLYHey, it's the new kid.

JOEYLouislook, it's that new kid.

MADDIEEllie, have you seen that new kid?

ALL KIDS start whispering "The New Kid." They get louder and louder and louder as ZACK slowly and self-consciously walks to center stage. HE suddenly whirls around and everyone immediately stops whispering and goes back to what they were doing. ZACK regains his composure and faces the audience.

"THE NEW KID"

4

STOP CD

ZACKThis is the scariest day of my life. It's so unfair. I don't know anyone and they're all looking at me 'n stuff. This is worse than my last school. At least those kids talked to me. (thinking) Although a lot of what they said wasn't really very nicebut hey, at least they talked to me! I just gotta get a plan. I gotta find a way to bepopular at this school.

2-b. The New KidSTART CD TRACK #4

I'M THE NEW KIDLIKE I DON'T EVEN HAVE A NAMEBUT I THINK I KNOW THIS GAME'S FIRST RULETHEY SAY "HEY YOU, KID"AND EVEN THOUGH I'M SHY,I JUST LOOK UP AND SAY "HI." REAL COOL.

I WISH THAT I COULD FIND A WAYLIKE MAGIC WORDS THAT I COULD SAYTO MAKE THE WHOLE SCHOOL THINK THAT I'M NOT LAMEBUT MAYBE IT WON'T BE SO LONG'TILL THEY DECIDE THAT I BELONGAND EVERYONE WILL CALL ME BY MY NAMEBUT RIGHT NOW

I'M THE NEW KIDAND IT FEELS A LITTLE STRANGETHIS IS SUCH A SCARY CHANGE TO MAKEBETTER WATCH THE THINGS YOU DO, KIDIF YOU WANT TO GET ALONG,BETTER NOT DO SOMETHING WRONG, BY MISTAKE

I REMEMBER IN MY OTHER SCHOOLWHEN NEW KIDS CAME, WE'D ACT SO CRUELWE NEVER LET THEM FEEL LIKE THEY'D BELONGWE'D JOKE ABOUT THE WAY THEY WALKEDOR LAUGH ABOUT THEY WAY THEY TALKEDBUT NOW I REALIZE WHAT WE DID WAS WRONGCAUSE NOWI'M THE NEW KID!

Other kids turn and face ZACK and sing.

OTHER KIDSIT'S THE NEW KID, IT'S THE NEW KID, IT'S THE NEW KIDIT'S THE NEW KID, IT'S THE NEW KID, IT'S THE NEW KID

"THE NEW KID"

5

Kids reach out hands to point at ZACK and take small steps toward him.

ZACK DO THEY THINK THAT I'M A WUSSIEDO THEY THINK THAT I'M A FREAKDO THEY KNOW THAT IN MY OLD SCHOOLPEOPLE THOUGHT I WAS A GEEK!

ZACK spins around, worried, but nobody heard him and went back to their business.

GONNA MAKE IT THROUGH, KIDBUT YOU'LL NEED TO BE REAL TOUGHTHINGS COULD BE A LITTLE ROUGH, FOR A WHILENOTHING YOU CAN DO, KIDAND IT REALLY ISN'T FAIRBUT JUST ACT LIKE YOU DON'T CARE, AND SMILE

MAYBE THIS WON'T BE SO BADAFTER ALL, I STILL HAVE MOM AND DADAND THE FRIENDS I MAKE ON AOL EACH NIGHTI'LL DO JUST FINE, I'LL FIND A WAYSCHOOL ONLY LASTS SEVEN HOURS EACH DAY!I WON'T NEED ANY FRIENDS HERE

(dejected)YEAH, RIGHT.

SAMANTHAHiyou're the new kid, right?

ZACK(surprised)

Yeahuh(acts cool)

Hi.

SAMANTHAMy name's Samantha, what's yours.

ZACK(smiling)

I'm Zack.

SAMANTHANice to meet you, Zack

Samantha shakes his hand on the last note of the song. Song ends. STOP CD

"THE NEW KID"

6

ZACKIt's nice to meet you too, Samantha. You're the first person to talk to me.

SAMANTHA That doesn't surprise me one bit. This school is weird.

ZACK(nervously)

What do you mean?

SAMANTHAWell there are these four groupsand everybody's supposed to belong to one of them. There's the "Mod squad" over therethey're the popular girls and Kelly is their leader. She made up this whole thing. They have to wear something yellow every day. See Kelly's ribbon? Anyway, then there's the "Brainiacs". They, like, do homework during recessdo I have to say any more? Oh yeah, they have to wear something blue every day. Then there's the "Gangstaz" who push everybody around and stuff, and their color is redand finally, there's the purple-wearing "Geek squad"

Suddenly LOUIS and JOEY laugh loudly and fall down goofily. Everyone looks at them, disgusted. ZACK looks uncomfortable.

ZACK(changing the subject)

Whatuh squad are you on?

SAMANTHAWellI'm kinda on no squad now. I was on the Geek squad, because I really like Joey - he's so cute!but I'm really good friends with Eleanor, who's a Brainiacso Kelly accused me of being a double agent, and then the Mod Squad all voted that I can't be on any squad. (breath) That's why I wear black(dramatically) the absence of all color.

"THE NEW KID"

7

ZACK(horrified)

You mean you can't even be friends with anybodyjust becausethis Kelly says so?!?! That's stupid!

SAMANTHA(sarcastically)

Yup. Welcome to Public School Number 32.

SCENE 3

Suddenly, 'DRE, BRICK and SHAWN approach ZACK in classic "rapper style."

3-a. The Gangsta RapSTART CD TRACK #5

'DRE (AND SHAWN)YO, YO, YO, YA BETTA WATCH OUT FOR WHO YA HANG AROUND WITHGOTTA GET DOPE TA WHO TA GET DOWN WITHI'M GIVIN YOU A WARNIN', BECAUSE YOUR NEW HEREBUT WHO YA HANG WITH IS HOW YA GET THROUGH HERE

They spurn SAMANTHA, who leaves, indignantly.

PICK YA FRIENDS, DON'T MAKE MISTAKES'CUZ AFTA TODAY, YOU DON'T GET NO BREAKSI'M TELLING YA ONCE, SO YA BETTA PAY ATTENTIONTHERE'S THINGS AT THIS SCHOOL WORSE THAN DETENTION

DRE (points at fist.)

WANNA BE PHAT, GOTTA BE IN OUR GANG CUZHUH!

GANGSTAZWE'RE DA GANGSTAZ

SHAWN YO, YO, YO, WHO ARE DA GANGSTAZ, YA WANNA KNOW?WE'RE DA BADDEST KIDS, AND WE RUN THE SHOW.IF YOUR NOT WITH US, THEN YOU'RE ON YOUR OWNAND NO ONE GETS BY WHEN THEY'RE ALL ALONE

'DRE IN CASE YA DIDN'T KNOW, MY NAME IS 'DREAND I'M THE LEADER SO YA DO WHAT I SAYTHIS HERE'S SHAWN, AND HE'S MY MAIN MANYA MESS WITH HIM AND YOU'LL BE IN PAIN, MANTHEN THERE'S THIS GUY, WHO'S BIG AND THICKHIS NAME IS RICKY BUT WE CALL HIM

"THE NEW KID"

8

BRICKBRICK.

'DRE AND SHAWNSO YA WANNA SURVIVE, BETTA BE IN OUR GANG CUZHUH!

GANGSTAZWERE DA GANGSTAZ!

ZACK is nervous, but excited at the prospect of being in the "cool" group.

ZACKHiuhhI mean, whazup!

'DREYo, new kid, you gotta name?

ZACKZackI'm Zack.

'DREYo, Zack. Hey, you think you got what it takes to be a Gangsta?

ZACKI don't knowI mean yeah, I guessSure! Why not!

SHAWNEasy, broit ain't like that, you gotta pass some tests first.

ZACK(nervously)

Tests?

'DREYeah, three tests. You up for it...Zack?

ZACK (more confident)

Sure.

Da Gangstaz look at each other, and after a pause, they accept Zack and surround him. 'DRE puts his arm on Zack's shoulder with a clenched fist (like a Mafia hug) Dre looks around and then

"THE NEW KID"

9

'DRE Test one. You see those kids over there. The Brainiacsdoing homework during recesstomorrow's homework? Well, test number one - because they don't know you and you can get close - is to copy the homework and get it back to me by the end of the period. You still cool with this?

ZACKUhyeah, I just have toask them to help me or somethingbecause I'm new?

'DRE (looking pleased)

Hey, Zack here's already got a game plan. Looking good, kid. You wanna hear about test two?

ZACK (confidently)

Sure.3-b. UnderscoreSTART CD TRACK #6

Just then, the Mod Squad saunters over, Kelly in the lead, and falls in to one side of the Gangstaz. DRE glances up and smiles.

STOP CD

'DRE Test two. You gotta kiss a girl.

(thinks)Tomorrow at recess.

ZACK (very nervous again)

UhOKsureumbut who?

KELLY approaches DRE and he slips his arm around her.

'DRE Not Kellyyou go near Kelly, you'd be stupid dead.

BRICK (seriously)

Word.

"THE NEW KID"

10

MEGAN approaches SHAWN and slips her arm around him.

MEGANAnd not me.

KELLYI believe Christy is available tomorrow at recess.

Christy lets out a little squeal and a hop. MEGAN rolls her eyes. KELLY pulls out a little notebook and jots down something.

MEGANPuleeease!

KELLY (writing)

Good, than it's settled. Zack and Christy. Tommorow, at 12:30.

'DRE (to ZACK)

Ya see how easy that was?

ZACK (whispering)

Uh, but I don't evenknow her!

'DRE (dramatically)

How un-gracious of me! Zack, Christy. Christy, Zack.

CHRISTY quickly shuffles over to Zack and they shake hands. SHE lets out another squeal and a hop and then retreats giggling. MEGAN rolls her eyes again. The MOD SQUAD exits.

MEGANWhatever.

SHAWN (to girls)

Later, chicas.

Another squeal from Christy

'DRESo Zack, you ready to get started.

"THE NEW KID"

11

Points to ELEANOR and MADDIE sitting and working on homework.

ZACKYeah surebut what about the third test.

'DREGotta think about that one. It's gotta be good, and hard. I'll let ya know tomorrow, if you get past the first two. Alright Gangstaz, we're outta here. Let's let Zack get busy.

START CD TRACK #7

GANGSTAZ exit. Zack watches them leave, standing still.

DRE (to ZACK)

Later.

SCENE 4START CD TRACK #8

ZACK ponders his predicament for a moment, then approaches MADDIE and ELEANOR Music segue ends. STOP CD

ZACKUhHi. I'm Zack. I'm new at this school.

START CD TRACK #9

ZACK and ELEANOR lock eye contact.

MADDIE (rambles without pause)

Oh, hi Zack! So nice to meet you. I'm Maddie. You know I was just talking to Eleanor about you. I saw you with those Gangsters and I was just saying it's a shame that you had to get mixed up with them right away. I told her "He looks like such a nice kid, it's really too bad he had to get all mixed up with

ELEANOR (edging in)

UhMaddieMaddie

"THE NEW KID"

12

MADDIE .whatoh, sorry. This is Eleanor.

ZACKNice to meet you.

ELEANORNice to meet you, too.

ZACK (after a pause)

Uhya knowI was thinkingI mean, I was just wonderingumdo you guys get the homework.

MADDIE (rambling again)

Get it? We're done! We're doing extra credit now. I mean I finished tonight's homework last period during Art class. Don't tell Mrs. Hayes. She always gets so mad when we do homework in her class, but I can't help itI mean Art is soooo easy

ZACK seems to be staring at ELEANOR. SHE is nervously glancing at him and smiling. MADDIE doesn't notice.

ELEANOR (interjecting)

MaddieuhMaddie!

MADDIE What?Oh, sorry.

MADDIE exits.

ELEANOR (to Zack)

Would youumlike help with the homework, Zack?

ZACKWowyeah, I meanthanks a lot!

4-a. HomeworkSTART CD TRACK #10

ZACK sits down with ELEANOR. There is a strong chemistry between ZACK and ELEANOR.

"THE NEW KID"

13

They take long looks at each other as they work. Music finishes. STOP CD

ELEANOR closes book and hands Zack a couple of pages.

ELEANORThere. That wasn't too bad, was it? And we still have 10 minutes left for recess.

ZACK is a little uncomfortable.

ZACKThanks EleanorI mean that was really nice of you helping me and stuff. Umthere's something I need to telluhit's about this homeworkyou seeI was supposed towell its weird, I mean you know I'm new at this schoolwell there are these kids that said I couldum

START CD TRACK #11

ZACK is distracted by DRE, who is behind the girls making gestures as to whether of not ZACK completed his task.

ZACK (contd)uh.did you say there's only 10 minutes left to recess.

ELEANOR (smiling broadly)

Call me Ellie. And there's 9 minutes and 40 seconds now. (more shy) If you want, I could help you again sometime

ZACK Uhthanks, That'd be really coolbut I kinda have to go nowthanks again. It was really nice meeting you. Bye.

ELEANORBye.

ZACK exits with DRE.

START CD TRACK #12

"THE NEW KID"

14

MADDIE peeks out from behind set and gleefully approaches ELEANOR.

MADDIEOhmygod!!! He is so cute!And he totally likes you! Ohmygod! You are like SO lucky.

ELEANOR (blushing)

Stop it! He does not. I was just being nice.

MADDIE Yeah, whatever! You just won't admit it. Do you really think he needed help with his homework? Come on! Fractions! Simple vocab words? Come on, admit it (dancing around ELEANOR) Love is in the airLoveLove

ELEANOR (smiling)

OK, stop it already. He is really cute. But come on. Why would he like me?

4-b. Girl Like MeSTART CD TRACK #13

MADDIE Why? Why? Gee, let's seewell you're smart and you're pretty

ELEANORaverage looking

MADDIE and you're pretty! And you're nice and you're smart

ELEANORyou said "smart" already.

MADDIEWell it's true.

ELEANORDO YOU THINK A GUY LIKE THATCOULD EVER LIKE A GIRL LIKE MEAND EVEN IF HE DID, WHAT WOULD I DO?SHOW HIM HOW I'M GOOD AT MATHOR HELP HIM WITH HIS HISTORY

"THE NEW KID"

15

IT'S PRETTY CLEAR I WOULDN'T HAVE A CLUE

BUT MAYBE HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT LOOKSAND HE'S INTO GIRLS WHO ARE INTO BOOKSLIKE ME

Who knows?

ELEANOR (contd)WELL JUST SUPPOSE A GIRL LIKE MECOULD SOMEHOW GET A GUY LIKE HIMHOW COULD I MAKE SURE THAT HE WOULD STAYWOULD I HAVE TO TRY REAL HARDTO MAKE HIM HAPPY CONSTANTLYAND WORRY 'BOUT HIM LEAVING EV'RY DAY

THIS SHOULD BE SO EASYWHY AM I SO WEIRDSUDDENLY I'M FRIGHTENED OF THINGS I'VE NEVER FEAREDTHIS SHOULD BE SO NATURALI'M THINKING WAY TOO HARDMAYBE JUST THIS ONCE IF I COULD JUST GIVE UP MY GUARD

SO WHATS THE HARM IF A GUY LIKE THATSHOULD SOMEHOW LIKE A GIRL LIKE METHERE ARE MUCH WORSE GIRLFRIENDS HE COULD CHOOSEI WOULD TREAT HIM REALLY NICEAND BE THE BEST FRIEND I COULD BEI'D TRY MY BEST, WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO LOOSE?

AND IF IT'S REALLY TRUE, WHO KNOWS?BUT IF IT IS, HE'LL BE GLAD HE CHOSE A GIRL LIKE ME

START CD TRACK #14

KELLY, MEGAN and CHRISTY enter.

MEGANOh, how touching! I hope you're not talking about the new kid?

ELEANOR (stiffening)

His name is Zack.

MADDIEYou can say that, right, Megan? ZackZaaaaccccckkk.

CHRISTYWhatever.

"THE NEW KID"

16

KELLYActually, we were coming over here to warn youhe's spoken for, so don't get your hopes up too high. He's with Christy.

CHRISTY lets out a little squeal. ELEANOR is visibly upset.

ELEANORYou are such a liar! This is his first day of schoolhow could he BE with anybody? He just got here.

MEGANHe moves fast.

(makes lewd gesture)

ELANORI don't believe you. And besides, he came over hereto me. Not Christy.

The MOD SQUAD girls giggle meanly.

MEGANFeeling used much lately?

KELLYOh, yeahin case you were feeling all special and stuff, Zack is being initiated into the Gangstaz and 'Dre put him up to copying homework from you. Sort of a test. That's why he was over here.

ELEANORThat's a LIE!!! I offered to help him.

CHRISTYWhatever.

MADDIEIs that all she can say?

(to Eleanor)Don't worry, they're totally full of it. Why would ZACK even want to be with a ditz like Christy, anyway

"THE NEW KID"

17

KELLYUmDuh!In case you haven't noticedshe's something you two Brainiacs will never, ever be

MADDIEWhat, the dumbest person in the state?

KELLYNo, she's popular.

MADDIESo what. So everybody knows youit's only because you're mean and bossy.

KELLY (laughs)

Oh, Maddieso smart, yet so hopelessly cluelessF-Y-I: Popularity is much more than "being liked". Popularity is a state of mind.

4-c. PopularSTART CD TRACK #15

KELLY (contd)

SOME PEOPLE HAVE LOTS OF MONEY

MEGAN

SOME PEOPLE HAVE LOTS OF FRIENDS

CHRISTY

SOME PEOPLE HAVE LOTS OF COOL THINGS TO WEAR

KELLY & MEGANBUT FOR SOME PEOPLE THAT'S WHERE IT ENDS

CHRISTY SOME PEOPLE ARE SO GOOD LOOKING

MEGANSOME ARE JUST SKINNY AND TALL

KELLYBUT SOME ARE SO LUCKY BECAUSE THEY'RE LIKE USWHO, AS YOU CAN SO PLAINLY SEE, HAVE IT ALL! THAT'S WHY WE'RE

"THE NEW KID"

18

KELLY, MEGAN & CHRISTYPOPULAR, OH, SO POPULAROOO, WHAT YOU WOULDN'T DOTO BE ONE OF US INSTEAD OF ONE OF YOUAND BE POPULAR, OH, SO POPULARIT'S THE GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD

KELLY SOME PEOPLE DON'T KNOW 'BOUT FASHION

MEGANSOME PEOPLE MISS ALL THE TRENDS

CHRISTYSOME PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THE COOL THINGS TO SAY

KELLY & MEGANBUT SADLY, THAT'S NOT WHERE IT ENDS

CHRISTY SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE GOOD HAIR STYLES

MEGANOR KNOW THE BEST STORES AT THE MALL

KELLYSOME PEOPLE HAVE ONE OR TWO OF THESE PROBLEMSBUT LOSERS LIKE YOU I BELIEVE HAVE THEM ALL! SO YOU'RE NOT

KELLY, MEGAN & CHRISTYPOPULAR, YOU'RE NOT POPULAROOO, WOULDN'T IT BE FINEJUST TO GET A LIFE HALF AS COOL AS MINEAND BE POPULAR, OH, SO POPULARIT'S THE GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD

KELLYIN CASE YOUR NOT SURE IF YOU QUALIFY,WELL JUST TAKE THIS SHORT LITTLE TEST

CRISTYDO YOU KNOW HOW TO DO YOUR OWN MAKE-UP?

MEGANDOES YOUR MOTHER STILL HELP YOU GET DRESSED?

CHRISTYDO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT A PARTY IS?- AND I DON'T MEAN WITH CAKES AND BALLOONS

MEGANIS WORKING REAL HARD ON YOUR BOOK REPORTHOW YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR AFTERNOONS

"THE NEW KID"

19

KELLYWAIT, THERE'S ONE QUESTION WE MISSEDAND TO ANSWER IT "YES" WOULD BE SADIS THE ONLY BOY YOU'VE EVER KISSEDIN YOUR WHOLE ENTIRE MISERABLE LIFEWELL, YOUR DAD?MAYBE THAT'S WHY YOU'RE NOT

KELLY, MEGAN & CHRISTYPOPULAR, YOU'RE NOT POPULAROOO, WHAT YOU WOULDN'T TRADETO BE ONE OF US AND REALLY HAVE IT MADEAND BE POPULAR, OH, SO POPULAR

KELLY, MEGAN & CHRISTY (contd)

IT'S THE GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD

TO BE POPULAR, OH SO POPULAROOO, WHAT YOU WOULDN'T PAYTO BE ONE OF US - EVEN FOR A DAYAND BE POPULAR, OH, SO POPULAR

WELL EVERYONE LIKES US, AND NOW YOU KNOW WHYIT'S NOT LIKE WE EVEN TRYTO BE POPULARIT'S THE GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD

STOP CD

KELLYDon't cry, Eleanor, you'll ruin your mascaraOh, I forgot you don't know what that is. I think our work here is done, girls. Goodbye.

Mod Squad turns to leave.

4-d. Recess Is OverSTART CD TRACK #16

A bell rings and ALL head "in" for classes. ELEANOR is silently steaming.

MADDIEDon't worrytheir totally lying. There's no way anybody would want to be with Christy. Ask Zack tomorrowyou could help him with his homework at recess again!

ELEANORYeahI think that's exactly what I'm going to do. Thanks, Maddie.

"THE NEW KID"

20

SCENE 5

Kids go back to class.

5-a. I Just Met A GirlSTART CD TRACK #17

Zack turn to audience and sings.

ZACKI can't concentrate.

I JUST MET A GIRLAND I THINK SHE KINDA LIKES MEAND I THINK THAT I LIKE HER TOO,CUZ I CAN'T GET HER OFF OF MY MINDSHE HAS PRETTY EYESAND SHE TALKS REALLY SOFTLYAND SHE NICE AND SHE SMART ANDI JUST CAN'T GET HER OFF OF MY MINDAND I'M HAPPY AND SCARED AND NERVOUS AT THE SAME TIME

SHE'S SITTING OVER THEREAND SHE'S LOOKING AT THE TEACHERAND I GUESS THAT I SHOULD BE TOO BUT ICAN'T LET HER OUT OF MY SIGHTI CAN SEE HER HAIRAND THAT BRACELET SHE'S WEARINGAND MAYBE SHE'LL JUST TURN ANDSMILE IF I WISH WITH ALL OF MY MIGHTAND IT'S CRAZY AND COOL AND PERFECT AT THE SAME TIME

TURN AROUND, OH PLEASE JUST TURN AROUNDOH WON'T YOU GIVE ME JUST ONE QUICK LOOKTURN AROUND OH PLEASE OH TURN AROUNDCAUSE IF YOU DON'T, I'M GONNA DROP THIS BOOK

(waits) Well, I warned you.

ZACK waits a few seconds and then drops his BOOK noisily. Everyone turns their heads around and faces ZACK giggling except ELEANOR. They then turn their heads backstage again and ELEANOR takes a slow turn which fades into a smile. She quickly turns her head back as ZACK notices her. The song continues.

ZACK (contd)SHE JUST TURNED AROUNDSO THAT MUST MEAN SHE LIKES ME

"THE NEW KID"

21

AND I'M SURE I LIKE HER TOOCAUSE I FEEL LIKE JUMPING OUT OF MY CHAIR

SHE JUST MADE MY DAYAND SHE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW ITWELL I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M SITTING'CAUSE IT FEELS LIKE I'M FLOATING UP IN THE AIRAND IT'S CRAZY AND COOL, EXCITING AND NEWAND I'M FEELING A FEELING THAT I NEVER KNEWAND I'M HAPPY AND SCARED AND NERVOUS AT THE SAME TIMEBUT I THINK I KINDA LIKE IT, BUT I THINK I KINDA LIKE IT,BUT I THINK I KINDA LIKE IT.

STOP CD.

5-b. Going HomeSTART CD TRACK #18

A BUZZER sounds and ALL kids clear the stage.

'DREWe're outta here!

START CD TRACK #19

Zack comes out of the school looking exhausted. The end of the previous music cue fades out. As KIDS leave stage, DRE coaxes SHAWN into spraying a block BLUE.

STOP CD

SCENE 6

ZACK(smiling silly)

This should be interesting. Hi Ma(in "Mother voice")

Hi ZackHow was your first day at school?

(sarcastic)Oh great ma, I've got recruited by the school Mafia and I fell in love, what's for snack?Whew. I wonder what's going to happen tomorrowearthquakes and meteor showers!

(thinks)No, worseI've got to kiss some girl I don't even like. (pause) I'd rather do homework again with EleanorI mean Ellie(drifts off)

6-a. Frogger

"THE NEW KID"

22

START CD TRACK #20

Zack notices a frog hopping across the stage.

ZACK (contd)Hey, little guywhere do ya think you're goin? Waitnow hold on there(catches frog) Gotcha! Hey little guy, what's a frog like you doing at a school like this? What squad are you in?

LOUIS moves purposefully onstage. He is frantically searching the ground for something.

LOUISOwwwowwwI can't believe I lost himI'm so stupid! I'm so(sees ZACK)Hey, kidhave you seen my pet frog?

ZACKIs this him?

LOUISOhmygod! You found Frogger! I owe you big time, kid! Where was he? Is he OK? (takes frog)

ZACKHe looks fine. He was just hopping along. I figured he just trying to escape P.S. 32like me, kinda.

LOUISOoooh, you're that new kid, right?

ZACKUhyeah, but my real name is Zack. (smiles) What's your name?

LOUISI'm Louis. Hey, you're pretty good with frogsFrogger won't let most people even touch him. And most people wouldn't even want to.

ZACKAre you kidding! Frogs are amazing.

"THE NEW KID"

23

(MORE)

(pause) I heard that if humans could jump like frogs, we would be able to jump over telephone poles!

LOUISYeah? Wow. I never thought of that. (suddenly nervous) Hey, I just realized somethingaren't you on the Gangsta Squad or something?

ZACK (depressed)

Yeahwell not yet, I mean, I have to pass these stupid tests and stuff first.

(notices Louis's purple sweatshirt.)Ohyou must be on uh

LOUIS (proudly)

You can say it, the Geek Squad. I'm the king of the geek squad. Only problem is, I don't really like purple. My favorite color is green.

6-b. So Do ISTART CD TRACK #21

ZACK Really? Me too! We have a lot in common

I LIKE FROGS, AND TURTLES, TOOAND DINOSAURS

LOUISSO DO IHOW 'BOUT SNAKES?

ZACKONLY IF THEY'RE SMALL!

LOUISRIGHT! I LIKE DOGS - ESPECIALLY MUTTS AND LABRADORS

ZACKSO DO I!

(grimacing)HOW 'BOUT CATS?

LOUISI DON'T LIKE CATS AT ALL

ZACK (relieved)

COOL! ME NEITHER.

"THE NEW KID"

24

ZACK (cont'd)

ZACK & LOUISISN'T IT PECULIAR HOW WE NEVER MET BEFOREBUT WE HAVE SO MANY THINGS IN COMMON

ZACK WAIT, LET'S FIND SOME MORE

LOUISHmmmm. (makes "thinking" gesture)

ZACKHmmmm. (makes same gesture)

ZACK and LOUIS look at each other and laugh.

LOUIS (challengingly)

I LIKE JAPANESE CARTOONS CALLED "ANIME"

ZACK (amazed)

SO DO IHOW 'BOUT SCARY MOVIES?

LOUIS YUP.

ZACKME TOO!

LOUISCOOL!

ZACKI LIKE PLAYING VIDEO GAMES ALL SATURDAY

LOUISSO DO I! WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE GAME?

ZACK (confused)

I LIKE A FEW

LOUIS Yeah, I know what you mean.

ZACK & LOUISISN'T IT AMAZING HOW WE NEVER, EVER METBUT WE HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON

LOUIS WAIT, LET'S NOT STOP YET!

"THE NEW KID"

25

ZACKAlright, ready?

LOUISYup.

With each answer, the two boys give each other a look to show approval.

ZACKRollerblades or skateboard?

LOUISBlades! Pizza or spaghetti?

ZACKPizza! Gummi Bears or Worms?

LOUISWorms! Pro Wrestlingreal or fake?

LOUIS & ZACKFake!!!!

The two boys do a mock-wrestling scene to the music. They shout out various wrestling moves and pretend to execute them.

"Stone Cold Stunner", "DDT", "Irish Whip", "Reversal", "Clothesline", "Hoe Train", "Double Clothesline". They finish laughing.

ZACK & LOUISISN'T IT INCREDIBLE HOW WE ONLY MET TODAYBUT IT SEEMS LIKE WE'VE BEEN FRIENDS FOR OUR WHOLE LIVES

ZACKI GOTTA SAY

ZACK & LOUIS(speaking together)

I think it's cool

They look at each other amused at the coincidence.

AND SO DO ISTOP CD

"THE NEW KID"

26

SCENE 77-a. Day Two

START CD TRACK #22

DRE coaxes SHAWN to spray YELLOW.

Nothing We Can DoSTART CD TRACK #23

All KIDS move back on the stage as if going into the school, and then turn abruptly to audience and sing.

ALLWELL IT'S REALLY PRETTY SAD, WHAT GOES ON HERE EVERY DAYGOTTA WATCH THE THINGS YOU DO, GOTTA WATCH WHAT YOU SAYIF YOU WANNA FIT IN, THAT'S THE PRICE YOU GOTTA PAY.WE KNOW IT STINKS, BUT THERE'S NO OTHER WAY!

MOD SQUADGOTTA WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES, GOTTA WEAR 'EM WITH STYLE

MEGANGOTTA KNOW WHEN TO SMIRK,

KELLYGOTTA KNOW WHEN TO SMILE

GANGSTAZ'CAUSE YOU'RE EITHER AT TO BOTTOM OR THE TOP OF THE PILE

ALLPREPARE TO BE JUDGED - ITS LIKE YOU'RE ON TRIAL!

MEGANBEING ONE OF THE COOL KIDS, ISN'T ALL ITS CUT OUT TO BEKID ALL ACT LIKE THEY LIKE YOUBUT DOES ANYONE KNOW THE REAL ME?

JOEYWELL, I'M GETTING REALLY SICK OF GETTING BEAT UP EVERY DAYI'VE GOT BRUISES ON BRUISES, AND THEY DON'T GO AWAYAND IT SEEMS LIKE I'M STUCK IN THIS ROLE I'VE GOT TO PLAY

ALLWE KNOW IT STINKS, BUT THERE'S NO OTHER WAY!

The GANGSTAZ move in on JOEY and LOUIS. SHAWN positions himself behind JOEY.

"THE NEW KID"

27

DREHey, geekI've got something to show youthe ground.

DRE pushes LOUIS down. BRICK pushes LOUIS on top of JOEY and the GANGSTAZ leave the GEEKS in a pile.

ALLIF YOU WANNA SURVIVE, THEN YOU GOTTA GET STRONG,SO YOU PUT PEOPLE DOWN, EVEN IF IT FEELS WRONG

BRICKBUT WHY CAN WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

DRE I'D EXPLAIN IT TO YOU, BUT IT MIGHT TAKE TO LONG!

SHAWNBEING LABELED A COOL KID ISN'T ALL ITS CRACKED UP TO BEI'M NOT REALLY A CRUEL KID, BUT I DON'T WANT THEM TURNING ON ME!

MADDIEWELL ITS REALLY QUITE PATHETIC HOW THESE ANTICS SEEM TO KILLTHE VERY FUNDAMENTAL NEED THAT EDUCATION SHOULD FULFILL'CAUSE ITS NOT ABOUT THE LEARNING, ITS ABOUT OUR SOCIAL SKILLSOMEONE GET ME A BOOK, I'M ABOUT TO BE ILL.

KELLYOh my god!...Did you see Maddie's hair today? It's like"Yeah, I wash my hair once a week, whether I need to or not!"

MEGANWell, who's going to care when she spends every free minute in the library?

CHRISTYIn the what?

ALL (except MOD SQUAD)

WELL ITS REALLY PRETTY SAD - WHAT GOES ON HERE EVERY DAYGOTTA WATCH THE THINGS YOU DO, GOTTA WATCH WHAT YOU SAYI YOU WANNA FIT IN, THAT'S THE PRICE YOU GOTTA PAY.WE KNOW IT STINKS, BUT THERE'S NO OTHER WAY!

"THE NEW KID"

28

MOD SQUAD (counterpoint over last verse)

NOTHING WE CAN DO. NOTHING WE CAN DO. NOTHING WE CAN DOWE KNOW IT STINKS BUT THERE'S NO OTHER WAY!

ALL IT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD, SO ITS REALLY NOTHING NEWYOU LOOK OUT FOR NUMBER ONE, OR YOU STEP IN NUMBER TWOAND IT MIGHT BE KINDA NICE IF WE COULD CHANGE OUR POINT OF VIEWBUT WE'RE ONLY KIDS - AND THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO.

KIDS move offstage as they "enter" the building. On the last note of the song, they turn to the audience and yell:

ALL (contd)NOTHING WE CAN DO!

7-b. Ellie ArrivesSTART CD TRACK #24

ELEANOR enters after all have exited and is dressed in a very pretty dress with ribbons in her hair. During a brief musical reprise of "Girl Like Me," she makes sure that no one can see her, then fixes a hair ribbon. As the BUZZER sounds, she rushes off to class.

As the BUZZER sounds again, they break up and take their places for recess. Most of the stage is clear but kids linger near the edges in small groups with their backs to center stage. ZACK sits dejectedly on a bench and waits for his "date." SAMANTHA approaches him. STOP CD

SAMANTHAAll psyched for your big date?

ZACKHow did you know about that?

SAMANTHAI'm a "spy"remember. Ha! Actually, I just talked to Eleanor last period and she told me about your little study session todayand she looks so pretty!

"THE NEW KID"

29

ZACKEleanorOhmygod, Today!!! She wants to do homework together today!?!? Why today? Any day but today. I'm dead. What am I going to do?

SAMANTHAUhmaybe Math or possibly the Spelling contract

ZACKNo, you don't understand! I really like Eleanor, but the Gangsta Squad and the Mod Squad set me up on a date with Christy today! And I'm supposed to kiss her!!!

SAMANTHAOoo, this is bad. I gotta find Elliefast.

ZACKPlease, Samantha, help me! Just tell hersomethingoh, I don't knowjust make sure she doesn't come over here.

SAMANTHAThis is badthis is real bad.

START CD TRACK #25

SAMANTHA exits just as CHRISTY enters from the other side of the stage. CHRISTY sits next to ZACK who doesn't notice her at first because HE is looking after SAMANTHA.

CHRISTY blows a bubble and pops it loudly, startling ZACK.

ZACKAgggh! OhuhHi, Christy.

CHRISTYHi. (blows another bubble)

ZACK (after a pause)

It's anice day today.

"THE NEW KID"

30

CHRISTY (looking up)

I guess.

CHRISTY blows another bubble.

ZACK (really trying)

Sosoumthat's a real nice sweater you haveI mean it's cool the way it matches your nailsor actually, your nails probably match your sweater because you can't really change the color of a sweater, but you can probably change the color of you nails

CHRISTY(interrupting)

Are you gonna do it, or what?

ZACK (nervously)

Uhdo what?

CHRISTY Kiss me.

ZACKI guess.

CHRISTYShould I take my gum out?

ZACKSssSure.

START CD TRACK #26

CHRISTY removes gum and puts it on her hand. SHE and ZACK just sit there awkwardly for a long beat, and then CHRISTY suddenly grabs and kisses ZACK long and hard. "Whooos" can be heard offstage. Right in the middle of the kiss, ELEANOR walks onstage from the opposite side that SAMANTHA exited.

ELEANOROh, hi Christy, have you seen(sees Zack)Zack

"THE NEW KID"

31

ELEANOR immediately drops her book, covers her face and runs offstage. ZACK breaks free of CHRISTY and is startled and irate. He wipes his mouth.

ZACK (to Christy)

What did you do that for?

CHRISTYMy gum was getting hard. (puts gum back in her mouth)

7-c. The Last TestSTART CD TRACK #27

Da Gangstas and the Mod Squad enter and surround Zack. Christy takes her place back with her squad.

'DREYO, YO, YO, ZACK'S THE MAN, THAT MOVE WAS FLYAND YA DID IT RIGHT ON YOUR VERY FIRST TRYI GUESS HE'S A NATURAL AT SUCKING FACES

SHAWNBUT YA JUS' HADDA KISS 'ER, NOT CLEAN HER BRACES!

ALL laugh and "whoooo" except ZACK, who is stone-faced.

DRE'YA PASSED THE FIRST TWO TESTS NO SWEATBUT YA AIN'T A STRAIGHT UP GANGSTA YETYOU'RE SNEAKY AND A PLAYER, BUT YA MIGHT BE WEAKSO FOR YA THIRD TEST, YA GOTTA BEAT UP A GEEKTOMORROWAT RECESS

BRICKWord.

When music ends, STOP CD

ZACKYou mean I have to fight?!?

DRE'Yo, Zackdon't go wussin' out on me nowI got high hopes fa you.

"THE NEW KID"

32

(MORE)

Tell ya whatyou can even pick who you're gonna put downbut let me know who the lucky Geek is, so if he tries to, uh escape, we can help him find his way back to you.

ZACKWwwWhat if I can't find someone touhto beat up.

'DREYo, you're funny, kidthere's always someone to beat uptake it from me. Later.

7-d. UnderscoreSTART CD TRACK #28

ALL exit except ZACK.

SCENE 88-a. Out Of My MindLET CD PLAY INTO TRACK #29

ZACK picks up ELEANOR's book and races off stage. Just as he leaves, ELEANOR enters and starts to take the ribbons from her hair.

ELEANORWHY DID I BELIEVE THAT HE COULD LIKE A GIRL LIKE MEIT'S LIKE I WAS IN A STUPID TRANCEPRETTY BOWS AND FANCY DRESS, I NEVER SHOULD HAVE TRIED'CAUSE ALL ALONG, I DIDN'T STAND A CHANCEWHY WAS I NOT THINKING, WHERE DID I GO WRONGI CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING ALL ALONGWHY WAS I SO CLUELESS, WHY WAS I SO BLINDI MUST HAVE BEEN OUT OF MY MIND

ELEANOR moves to Stage Left. ZACK appears at and remains at Stage Right.

ZACKWAY TO GO KID, YEAH THEY'LL LOVE YOU IN THIS SCHOOLJUST KEEP ACTING REALLY CRUEL AND DUMBTHAT WAS PRETTY LOW KID, BUT IT'S LIKE IT WASN'T MELIKE A FORCE I JUST CAN'T SEE MADE ME NUMB.WHY WAS I NOT THINKING, WHERE DID I GO WRONGI CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING ALL ALONGWHY WAS I SO CLUELESS, WHY WAS I SO BLINDI MUST HAVE BEEN OUT OF MY MIND

ZACK (contd)JUST ANOTHER CHANCE

"THE NEW KID"

33

DRE' (cont'd)

ELEANORJUST ANOTHER CHANCE

ZACKTHAT'S WHAT WOULD BE FAIR

BOTHI WOULD DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY, I SWEAR

ZACK and ELEANOR each sing their verses again simultaneously overlapping and join together for the Chorus.

ELEANORWHY DID I BELIEVE THAT HE COULD LIKE A GIRL LIKE MEIT'S LIKE I WAS IN A STUPID TRANCEPRETTY BOWS AND FANCY DRESS, I NEVER SHOULD HAVE TRIED'CAUSE ALL ALONG, I DIDN'T STAND A CHANCE

ZACK (overlapping Eleanor's verse)

WAY TO GO KID, YEAH THEY'LL LOVE YOU IN THIS SCHOOLJUST KEEP ACTING REALLY CRUEL AND DUMBTHAT WAS PRETTY LOW KID, BUT IT'S LIKE IT WASN'T MELIKE A FORCE I JUST CAN'T SEE MADE ME NUMB.

As they sing, they each move closer to center stage. On the last note of the song, they see each other and stop moving.

ZACK & ELEANORWHY WAS I NOT THINKING, WHERE DID I GO WRONGI CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING ALL ALONGWHY WAS I SO CLUELESS, WHY WAS I SO BLINDI MUST HAVE BEEN OUT OF MY MINDWHY WAS I SO CLUELESS, WHY WAS I SO BLINDI MUST HAVE BEEN OUT OF MY MIND

STOP CD

ZACK HiEllie. You, umdropped your book.

ELEANOR takes book silently.

ZACK (contd)I'm really sorry. You must think I'm like the worst person in the worldbut I'm notor at least I don't think I am. I actually don't know who I am anymore.

"THE NEW KID"

34(MORE)

The Gangsta Squad gave me these stupid tests to do, and then I can be in their group. I know it's dumb, but in my last school, I would have done anything to be in the cool group, and now all of a sudden I have this chance

ELEANORSo it's true about the homework yesterday? You used me?

ZACK (takes a big breath)

Well, technicallyyes. But that was before I got to know you. Once we started, I justreally liked being with you, and even though I wanted to stop, I didn't want to leaveif you know what I mean. You have no idea how sorry I am. (pause) And today, that was another testwith Christy. And I didn't kiss hershe kissed me. I wasn't going to do it, I swear.

(slowly)I would have much rather been doing homework with you today.

ELEANOR (quietly)

Well, I don't think I'll be doing homework with anyone anymore. I don't know who to trust. (pause) Bye.

ELEANOR leaves.

ZACK You can trustme

8-b. UnderscoreCD - START TRACK #30

A BUZZER sounds. Class goes to lockers. ZACK waits dejectedly walks back to class, with all the other KIDS.

SCENE 99-a. Turn AroundCD - Start TRACK #31

ZACK stands and faces audience.

"THE NEW KID"

35

ZACK (contd)

ZACKI can't concentrate.

(looking at Eleanor)TURN AROUND, I'M SORRY,TURN AROUNDI DIDN'T MEAN TO HURT YOUTURN AROUND, JUST ONE TIME, TURN AROUND

Oh, never mind.

Another BUZZER sounds.

DREWe're outta here!

ALL kids run across and off stage with their bookbags on their way "home." START CD TRACK #32

MADDIE appears, carrying a large stack of books. The top one falls off, but she cant reach it. MEGAN appears behind her, checks to see if anyone is watching, and then quickly picks up book for MADDIE and exits.

MADDIE(stunned)

Thanks.

MADDIE exits opposite MEGAN. ZACK appears, followed by LOUIS and JOEY.

LOUISNice score today.

JOEYYeah

JOEY simulates a couple kissing by turning around and wrapping his arms around his own back. He makes sloppy sounds.

ZACKPlease! I don't even like her. I like Eleanor, but she totally hates meand she should. I'm such a complete loser.

"THE NEW KID"

36

JOEYHey, you can hang with us.

(simulates a "hanging")

ZACK (sarcastically)

Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding meAccording to King 'Dre, tomorrow, I have to beat one of you guys up.

LOUISTomorrow, did you say? What a strange coincidence. I think I feel a case of thethe measles, no!the mumps coming on.

(muffled)sho you'll haff to beat up shomone elsh, I'm shtaying home.

JOEYYou can beat up meI'm used to it by now.

JOEY beats himself.

ZACKStop it! I'm not going to beat up anybody. This has gone on far enough! I don't care if this is my final test, I don't need to be in the stupid Gangsta Squad. I don't even like anyone there.

LOUISShhhwatch what you say! They could have spies about.

LOUIS makes a comical gesture, but ZACK is not amused.

LOUIS (contd)All right, seriously, Zack. I know it seems like a stupid little clique, but you have no idea how much better you life would be as one of them, as opposed to one of us. You say this is your last test? If I were in your place, I would take up Joey on his offer (starts to smile)No, OK seriously. Think about it. If you're still friends with us, but in their

"THE NEW KID"

37

(MORE)

squad, you'll kinda like be a "double agent" and maybe we can avoid some of the nasty tricks they play on us. You could help us.

9-b. Our Friend ZackCD - START TRACK #33

LOUIS (contd)JUST THINK ABOUT THE VERY POSSIBILITIESOF ENDING ALL THE GANGSTA SQUAD'S HOSTILITIESFOR ALL US IN THE GEEK SQUAD WHO'VE BEEN ILL AT EASE -OUR TROUBLES SOON WILL END

IT'S QUITE A TASK BUT I'M SURE ZACK CAN BEAR IT, HECAN SAVE US WITH HIS GANGSTA POPULARITYJUST THINK OF IT AS SORT OF LIKE A CHARITYTO HELP YOUR DEAR OLD FRIEND

LOUIS & JOEYOUR FRIEND ZACK WILL LEAD THEIR PACKAND PRETTY SOON THEY'LL ALL DO WHAT WE SAYOUR FRIEND ZACK WILL NEVER CRACKAND PRETTY SOON HE'LL DO AWAY WITH 'DRE

JOEYJUST LOOK AT HOW THIS SITUATION WORKS FOR USTHE GANGSTAZ HAVE BEEN NOTHING MORE THAN JERKS TO USAND JUST IMAGINE ALL THE LITTLE PERKS FOR USIF YOU GET ON THEIR SIDE

OUR INJURIES WILL HEAL - THOSE THAT ARE CURABLEYOU'LL MAKE OUR STAY HERE AT THIS SCHOOL ENDURABLECOME ON ZACK, YOU'RE A RAGING STALLION, YOU'RE A BULLAND YOU CAN SAVE OUR HIDE

LOUIS & JOEYOUR FRIEND ZACK HAS GOT THE KNACKAND EVERYBODY THINKS THAT HE'S SO COOLOUR FRIEND ZACK'S A MANIACAND PRETTY SOON HE'LL OVERTHROW THE SCHOOL!AND DID WE FAIL TO MENTION, THE BEST ADVANTAGE YETIF YOU FREE US FROM THE GANGSTAZ, WE'LL BE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT

ZACK (slightly swayed)

Yeah? But I still would have to beat up one of you firsttomorrow, remember?

LOUIS (cleverly)

Maybeor maybe not.

"THE NEW KID"

38

LOUIS (contd)

"Wrestling music" begins.

LOUIS simulates the "pro wrestling" moves from before. ZACK catches on.

ZACK You mean fake it?!! Ohmygodit could workit would have to work!!! Louis, you're brilliant!!!

LOUISYes, thank you thank youbut we all already know that.

ZACK, LOUIS & JOEYIF WE WORK TOGETHER, THIS ALL COULD TURN OUT RIGHTAND ALL WE'VE GOT TO DO NOW IS FAKE A REAL GOOD FIGHT

LOUIS I THINK WE CAN!

ZACK, LOUIS & JOEYAND SO DO I

ZACK, LOUIS and JOEY all exit laughing and "play fighting." Music continues into next number.

SCENE 1010-a. Day ThreeSTART CD TRACK #34

SHAWN sprays PURPLE on Block.START CD TRACK #35

All KIDS move onstage with their bookbags as if they are going to school. They start to whisper lowly at first and then louder so the audience can hear "There's going to be a fight at recess", "Did you hear" "Zack and Louis" etc. It gets louder and louder as the music fades, until all that's heard is loud whispering. ZACK is standing center stage facing the audience stiffly. The BUZZER sounds and everyone goes silent. THEY look at Zack gravely as they file offstage for "classes". SAMANTHA is last and lingers. She approaches Zack, who remains silent.

"THE NEW KID"

39

STOP CD

SAMANTHAUmthat was a buzzerIt usually means we have to go to class. (pause) Hello?!?!

ZACKI'm not going.

SAMANTHAThis wouldn't by any chance have to do with that fight, would it?

ZACKOf course it does. I mean it's not about the fightit's not like I'm really going towaitdidn't you say you were a spy?

SAMANTHAPulleease! I already know Louis is going to fake it. Joey told me...but I promised on my life, I wouldn't tell anyone else. So don't worry.

ZACKOKanyway, it's not only about the fight so much, but everything. I really like Eleanor, but there's no way she's ever going to like me again. Then there's those stupid "Gangsta tests," copying homework, kissing somebody I don't even like, beating someone up - even if it is fake. It's only my third day in this school and I feel like I'm a completely different person. I don't even know who I'm pretending to be. But whoever he isI don't like him very much.

ZACK sits on the ground and covers his face crying. SAMANTHA moves to comfort him but remains standing.

10-b. Just Be YourselfCD - START TRACK #36

"THE NEW KID"

40

SAMANTHA (gently)

Oh, come onyou'll be OK. I warned you this school was weird.

ZACK How do you do it? You're not in any of these stupid squads and you seem pretty happy.

SAMANTHAJUST BE YOURSELFNO ONE ELSE CAN DECIDE WHO YOU AREJUST BE YOURSELF AND YOU'LL GO FARJUST BE YOURSELFNO ONE ELSE CAN KNOW HOW YOU FEELJUST BE YOURSELF AND KEEP IT REAL

EVERYONE'S TRYING SO HARD TO BE LIKED,THEY DO THINGS THAT SET THEM APARTBUT BEING UNIQUE ISN'T SOMETHING YOU WORK ATALL IT REQUIRES IS YOU FOLLOW YOUR OWN HEART

JUST SEE YOURSELFFIND THE PERSON YOU ARE INSIDEJUST BE YOURSELF, NO NEED TO HIDEJUST FREE YOURSELFAND LET THE BEST THINGS ABOUT YOU SHINEJUST BE YOURSELF AND YOU'LL BE FINE

SAMANTHA (contd)EVERYONE'S TRYING SO HARD TO FIT IN,THEY DO THINGS THAT AREN'T VERY SMARTBUT ALL THAT'S IMPORTANT IS LIKING YOURSELFAND THE BEST WAY TO DO THAT IS FOLLOW YOUR OWN HEART

AND IF YOU JUST BE YOURSELFI'M SURE THAT YOU'LL LIKE WHAT YOU SEE

STOP CD

ZACK gets up and faces SAMANTHA.

ZACKThanks.

SAMANTHANo problemo. Now what do ya say we get to class?

ZACK and SAMANTHA exit.

SCENE 1111-a. The Fight

"THE NEW KID"

41

CD - START TRACK #37

Clock ticks are simulated by music and the stage is bare. When the BUZZER sounds, the KIDS do an elaborate dance scene.

ALL (except Zack and Louis)

GONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAYGONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAY

Chorus is repeated with a slower male counterpoint melody.

LOW MALESGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAY, GONNA BE A FIGHT.

ALL IT WON'T BE PRETTY, IT WON'T BE CLEAN'CAUSE PLAYGROUND FIGHTING CAN GET A LITTLE MEANBUT IT'S JUST VIOLENCE, LIKE ON A TV SCREENAND WITH TV THESE DAYS,IT WON'T BE THE WORST WE'VE SEEN!

GONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAYGONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAY

BONES MAY BREAK AND BLOOD MAY SPRAYBUT IT'S THE MOST EXCITING THING THAT'S HAPPENED HERE ALL DAYWE KNOW IT'S SICK, BUT WHAT ELSE CAN WE SAYIT'S HUMAN NATURE, WE JUST CAN'T TURN AWAY

The class parts and ZACK and LOUIS suddenly have a moment alone. JOEY stands nearby.

ZACKLouis, I've been trying to talk to you all day. Listen, I know what we decided, but I've changed my mind. I don't want to go through with it.

LOUISNot go through with itafter all our practice? Are you crazy?!? This is our moment of triumph!

"THE NEW KID"

42

ZACKI'm really sorry, it's justthis isn't me.

LOUISIt's too late. We're both going to look incredibly stupid if this doesn't happen, and 'Dre will probably beat us both up! Besides, I bet 10 bucks on you! Joey, hold my frog!

JOEY takes LOUIS's frog and puts it in his backpack. The crowd moves in around them.

ALL (except Zack and Louis)

GONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAYGONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAY

chorus is repeated with a slower male counterpoint melody

LOW MALESGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAY, GONNA BE A FIGHT.

ALLPUNCHING, KICKING, BITING, THERE'S NOTHING WE DON'T ALLOWTHE LOSER EATS DIRT AND THE WINNER TAKES A BOWMAKE IT EXCITING, WE REALLY DON'T CARE HOWJUST PUT ON A REAL GOOD SHOW, THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS NOW

ZACK and LOUIS are escorted to opposite sides of the stage and adorned with robes like a pro boxer (colored red and purple). THEY are then brought to the center by their respective "trainers" 'DRE and JOEY while SHAWN stands at the center and cups his hands around his mouth to sound like a PA system.

SHAWNLadies and Gentlemen: In this corner, weighing in at 85 pounds, the challenger, Zack!

Various responses.

"THE NEW KID"

43

SHAWN (contd)and in this corner, weighing in at 80 pounds, the victim, Louis. We want a good fight so when the bell rings, come out swingin'.

The music does a "Rocky" like anthem and the fighters are given a last run around the rink. LOUIS plays it to the hilt, while ZACK goes along with the scene but looks uncomfortable. The last "half-chorus" should have everybody slowly moving into a "V" simulating a boxing rink with one fighter at each "corner"

ALLGONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAYGONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHT TODAY GONNA BE A FIGHT, GONNA BE A FIGHTGONNA BE A FIGHTTODAY

The BELL rings and LOUIS and ZACK do their staged, but very believable fight. LOUIS gets a few good shots in, but then ZACK starts to "get into it" and takes control. The last "blast-like" chords of the music should coincide with ZACKs five final blows. On the last blow, LOUIS falls motionless center stage. The crowd cheers. STOP CD DRE approaches ZACK with a red garment (vest?).

'DREThe winner and newly appointed GangsataZack!

Cheers. LOUIS picks his head up comically and then quickly lowers it when DRE looks down. DRE hands the red garment to ZACK who puts it on. ZACK has forgotten himself in the excitement and looks very pleased with himself.

DRECongrats, bro, your one of us now. Take your place.

"THE NEW KID"

44

ZACK moves to stand next to BRICK and SHAWN. LOUIS raises and lowers his head again comically, but this time DRE sees him.

DRE (contd)Hmmmwhat's this? It looks like the geek'still got some life in him.

LOUISNo, thank youI'm pretty dead.

(lowers head quickly)

DREOh, that's good to hearbut just in case

DRE brutally kick LOUIS, who yelps and cringes. ZACK suddenly looks really upset.

DRE (contd)(to ZACK)

Just finishing the job.

DRE goes to kick LOUIS again, but JOEY charges him. DRE catches JOEY's head and holds him at arm's length while JOEY swings wildly.

DRE (contd)Hey Brick, you got a minute?

BRICK move behind DRE, who suddenly lets JOEY go. Joey crashes into BRICK and dizzily falls to the ground face-first. As he does, the croaking of a FROG is heard.

11-b. Frogger's FlightCD - START TRACK #38

DRE (contd)What's this? You got a frog in your throat?

DRE reaches down and takes FROGGER out of JOEY's backpack. LOUIS reaches.

LOUISGive him herehe's mine.

"THE NEW KID"

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DRE taunts LOUIS by holding the frog above his reach. ZACK is twitching, but doesn't know what to do.

DREAwww, the geek wants his little froggyjump geekjump like a frog.

LOUIS painfully jumps to get FROGGER, but to no avail, DRE keeps the frog out of LOUIS' reach.

DRE (contd)That's not high enough geek. You wanna see how high a frog can jump? Huh, do ya, geek? (ad lib)

A look of terror appears on LOUIS and ZACK's faces as they realize what DRE is about to do. DRE takes a step back and throws FROGGER into the air. LOUIS and ZACK both try to catch him, but they both miss and FROGGER hits the ground with a deathly thud. LOUIS crouches over him crying and ZACK just stands over him in shock.LET PLAY INTO CD TRACK #39

LOUIS(crying)

He's not moving! Frogger, don't be dead, please. Please. (ad lib)

DRE(with increasing intensity)Awww, is the geek crying? Are you crying like a little baby? Answer me, geek. Are you crying? He is. Poor little geek is crying over his dead frog. Its just a frog. Boo hoo hoo. Lets all cry over the frog. Boo hoo hoo. All right. Enough crying. Stop crying geek. Did you hear me. I said stop crying. Stop crying geek. Stop...

DRE continues to taunt LOUIS while the "Just Be Yourself " music swells. SAMANTHA takes a step forward and ZACK sees her.

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Suddenly, he snaps out of his trance and grabs DRE. DRE stares for a moment is disbelief and then ZACK throws DRE across the stage. ZACK takes off his red garment and tosses it. DRE is laying on the ground and tries to pick himself up but is dazed. His voice is not quite as confident. STOP CD

DRE (contd)What are you doin Zack!?!?! We're in the same squad!

ZACK(yelling)

No we're not! Just because I did your stupid tests doesn't mean I'm your friend. You don't even know me. I'm not a Gangsta, or a Geek, or any other dumb label you can give me. People are people, and everyone is different. Louis is my friend, and if that means Ican't be "popular" then fine!!!

(gentler)I'm sorry, Louis. I'm really sorry.

CD - START TRACK #40

LOUIS does not look up at him.

(to all)I'm sorry to everyone, but most of all,

11-c. Finale

ZACK (contd)SOMETIMES IT'S SO EASY TO JUST TURN AND HIDEFROM THE THINGS YOU FEEL DEEP DOWN INSIDESOMETIMES IT'S SO HARD TO DO WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHTAND TO NOT BE AFRAID WHAT OTHERS MIGHT THINK OF YOUBUT IT'S REALLY THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO

BEING LIKED BY EVERYONE MIGHT SEEM REAL GOODBUT IT'S BETTER STILL TO BE UNDERSTOODMAYBE YOU WON'T LIKE ME, IT'S A CHANCE I'LL TAKEBUT I WON'T BE A FAKE AND TRY TO BE SOMEONE ELSEAND I WON'T BE AFRAID TO BE MYSELF

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ZACK takes 4 spray paint cans out of Joey's backpack and scribbles each of 4 colors on his white shirt: Red, Blue, Yellow and Purple (like the logo) during the next bridge.

ZACK (contd)I'M GOING TO FORM A NEW SQUAD,WHOEVER WANTS CAN BELONGAS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW YOUR OWN RULESYOU WON'T BE DOING ANYTHING WRONGBUT NO ONE'S ALLOWED TO BE MEAN OR UNKINDOR TELL OTHERS HOW THEY SHOULD BEI'M GOING TO CALL IT THE "EVERYONE SQUAD"AND TO JOIN IT, JUST STAND HERE WITH ME

During the next musical section (a musical reprise of "So Do I", LOUIS picks up FROGGER and stands next to ZACK. SAMANTHA follows with JOEY. During the next musical break, SHAWN suddenly joins them too.

DRE (still on ground)

Shawn!!! What are you doin'!

SHAWNI'm tired of bein' a bully. I quit.

BRICK joins groups as well and smartly recites.

BRICKI concur. Quite frankly, I find this repressive social system...deplorable.

MEGAN joins group.

KELLYMegan, what are you doing?

CHRISTY Yeah, get over here right now!

MEGANWhatever.

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ELEANOR has been standing looking down at the ground, but when her music sounds, she looks up at ZACK, smiles and suddenly moves to him and hugs him. The music soars and everyone joins the formation.

ALL

BEING LIKED BY EVERYONE MIGHT SEEM REAL GOODBUT IT'S BETTER STILL TO BE UNDERSTOODMAYBE THEY WON'T LIKE YOU, IT'S A CHANCE YOU TAKEBUT IT'S SUCH A MISTAKE TO TRY TO BE SOMEONE ELSESO IN ALL THAT YOU DO, BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

LOUIS hold Frogger aloft.

LOUISOh my godFrogger movedhe's alive!!!!

EVERYONESO JUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND BE TRUE TO YOURSELF!

Begin 12. BowsCD - START TRACK #41

THE END

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