Disenchanted - A My Chemical Musical

DISENCHANTED:
A My Chemical
Musical
Script by Isaac Wilson

Music by My Chemical Romance
Arrangements by Adam Zastrow and Brian Nguyen
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ACT I: The Mirror
Scene One: The Skeletons

(Pure darkness. Amidst the fog of the afterlife, a faint heartbeat echoes into the
scene—slowly at first, but slowly blaring and gaining volume. As the heartbeat
intensifies, the lights begin to flicker in conjunction with it until radiant light shines
on a dazzling figure—a skeleton, clad in a shimmering suit jacket and with
brilliant accents. His name is SIMON JOY, a ghost from the past. He takes control
of the afterlife and begins to sing.)
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#2 – The End
SIMON
Now come one, come all to this tragic affair.
Wipe off that makeup—what sin is despair?
So, throw on that black dress, mix in with the lot.
You might wake up and notice you’re someone you’re not.
(ENTER from the throbbing lights behind SIMON, an elegantly dressed skeleton
bearing grace and despair on her dead expression. Her name is ROSEMARY
HOPE, another lost soul.)
ROSEMARY
If you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see.
You can find out firsthand what it’s like to be me.
So, gather ‘round, piggies, and kiss this goodbye
SIMON
I’d encourage your smiles…
(With the beat of a drum SKELETONS hiding in the darkness are illuminated.)
SKELETONS
I’ll expect you won’t cry!
(The SKELETONS parade throughout the afterlife—a band full of the undead, all
marching and jerking their feeble frames through space.)
SKELETON FLAG-TWIRLER
Another contusion my funeral jag.
Here’s my resignation, I’ll serve it in drag.
SKELETON CONDUCTOR
You’ve got front row seats to the penitence ball
ROSEMARY
When I grow up, I want to be—
SKELETONS
Nothing at all!
I said yeah, yeah!
I said yeah, yeah!
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ROSEMARY
Come on, come on, come on, I said
SKELETONS
Save me!
ROSEMARY
Get me the hell out of here.
SKELETONS
Save me!
ROSEMARY
Too young to die and, my dear…
SKELETONS
You can’t!
ROSEMARY
If you can hear me just…
SKELETONS
Save me!
ROSEMARY
Walk away.
(At the ending blare of instrumentals and vocals, a marching drum signals for
the SKELETONS to retreat from their parade. They splinter away as the music
escalates and a ragged man enters the stage—he has long, tangled red hair,
wears dark and worn clothes, eyeshadow and the very spirit of alcoholism in his
breath. His name is CURTIS JOY. The SKELETONS surround him as he begins to
speak.)
CURTIS
Look alive…sunshine. 1-0-9 in the sky but the pigs won’t quit—you’re here
with me…Dr. Death Defy…I’ll be your surgeon. Your proctor. Your helicopter!
Pumpin’ out the slaughtermatic sounds to keep you alive. A system failure for
the masses—antimatter for the master plan. Louder…than God’s revolver…and
twice as shiny. This one’s for all you rock n’ rollers…all you crash queens and
motor babies. Listen up!
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(A flare of guitar and drums pierces the air and the SKELETONS rush CURTIS with
furious stupor—an act of partying so vicious that it blocks CURTIS from the
audience as he transforms into his present-day persona. When the music lets up
and the SKELETONS reveal CURTIS, he is wearing a slick tweed jacket and his hair
is well-kempt. He now carries a suitcase and other various parcels of luggage.
With a final beat of the drum, the music quiets and the SKELETONS wander into
idle positions onstage.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Two: The Return

(Lights shift from transcendent obscurity into the lucidity of a normal, overcast
day. CURTIS JOY, now in his mid to late twenties, struggles with his suitcases. He
has just arrived in the urban jungle of CLERK, a Midwestern city with its perks and
downfalls. In the midst of his struggle, someone enters from elsewhere—an
athletic, handsome man…though not surpassing CURTIS’ charm…meanders into
the scene. He wears a tight suit jacket, waving a cigarette in the air and
grooming his facial hair. He is DARREN CAPULA—CURTIS’ childhood friend.)
DARREN
(Miming an English accent) Dear fellow, may I lend you a hand with those
parcels?
CURTIS
(Not noticing who it is initially) Yes—yeah, I’m heading into town. You must
be new here, I don’t think I’ve heard your voice before. You got a name?
(Turning and realizing the deception) Well, I’ll be damned. Darren Capula.
DARREN
Damn right, Curtis Joy. Lucky thing I’m here, you know. I’ve got a tight
schedule nowadays. Haven’t you heard? Oh—of course you have—I do send
letters.
CURTIS
(Reaching for DARREN’s hand) Who the hell writes letters anymore?
DARREN
Who the hell doesn’t tell their best friend that they’re moving back into
town? (He slaps CURTIS’ hand down and wraps his arms around him in a warm
embrace) You old bastard—never thought to write or anything. I had to hear
from Helena, and Christ knows that her sources aren’t always…eh…valid.
CURTIS
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That’s because she listens to the “Hell Queen” too often. In fact, that’s
why I didn’t tell you—or anyone else besides Helena for that matter.
DARREN
What? Don’t want mommy to know?
CURTIS
Mother shall never know, Darren. So long as I’m in Clerk, she can’t even
hear whisperings that I came back. But—I am here—and not without good
reason. How much did my grandmother tell you?
DARREN
She said you’ve turned into a little old lady and sold your soul the devil of
retail.
CURTIS
Ah—right…so I take it that you’re not thrilled to hear about my business
then?
DARREN
Anyone who is thrilled to hear that their once kingpin of a blood brother
has returned to their old stomping grounds for the sole purpose of opening a
used bookstore needs to be lobotomized.
CURTIS
It was a rash decision, but it was one I had to make. She didn’t tell you
about that scaly monstrosity that’s cursed my life since the day I was so
unfortunate as to be born?
DARREN
Curt—Curt! I know your mother just as well as you do…well, I know the fiery
tongue of her wrath anyway.
CURTIS
Then here’s some news for you, Mr. Social Suicide. My mother has kicked
out Claire.
DARREN
Claire who?
CURTIS
Claire my sister.
DARREN
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By the almighty and everlasting power of the Lord above—are you
seriously surprised? Your sister is a radiant beam of sunshine, the literal definition
of “Miss Perfect.” Your mother is Satan. Some substances aren’t meant to
mix…oil and water, Dr. Death Defy.
CURTIS
(Snapping) Don’t call me that. And don’t remind me.
DARREN
Honestly, Curtis, I’m shocked at you. You used to be bright—brilliant—dare
I say, charming? An alpha male, the top of the pyramid. Now you’re a shriveled-
up piece of cardboard in the summer heat. Where’d you go wrong? (He begins
to wander, dismissing CURTIS.)
CURTIS
If you care to know, Claire was kicked out because she’s been having
night terrors. Trouble sleeping. She wakes up nearly every night screaming for our
father, and is greeted with a smile of daggers from our mother. I guess one thing
snowballed and—
DARREN
(Still ignoring his friend) I get it, I get it, you feel guilty—guilt is a powerful
thing, pal, but you know what’s more powerful?
CURTIS
—my dear sweet mother decided to banish the rest of her offspring
because she felt that Claire didn’t love her enough—are you even listening?
DARREN
I am listening. You are not.
CURTIS
If you wanted to know why I didn’t write—or the reason for my
ignorance—I’ve been too wrapped up in New York. I’m only back to watch
after Claire.
DARREN
Listen.
CURTIS
The bookstore is a front. Well, not a front per say, but a placeholder, a
way for me to not go under while watching after Claire. She’s staying with our
grandmother, but sooner or later…
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DARREN
For the love of Christ in hell, listen!
(CURTIS stops rambling.)
Dear God, Curtis, look at you! You’re a husk—a shell of the demigod you
once were. Do you remember the man that used to live behind those hollow
eyes?
CURTIS
I’ve been trying to forget him.
DARREN
You shouldn’t. Be proud of him. Not everyone can say they were Doctor
Death Defy, a raging and boisterous example of industry. If the two of us were in
business together again…
CURTIS
(Making for an exit) No.
DARREN
I’m just saying…
CURTIS
No. No. Darren—no. I’m happy that you’re here. I am more than willing to
work out the kinks and be friends again but, Christ, I will not go back into that
business again.
DARREN
Just because you’re a seller—a pusher—does not mean that you’re a
user, Curtis. I should think you’d have more respect than that, buckaroo. Shame.
CURTIS
Don’t you have a profession now? A career? Why do you still need to
deal?
DARREN
I never stopped. I have dependents, Curtis. Just as your wee dear sissy
must suck the life from your bank account in an act of trust, I too have children
…erm…customers—except it’s more symbiotic…
CURTIS
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Yes, you’re very generous. Not everyone could find it in their hearts to
endorse addiction.
DARREN
Very wise coming from you, Doctor.
CURTIS
That’s not me anymore. Hasn’t been since—
DARREN
You’re doing it again—that whole talking thing—stop it. You’re not
hearing what I’m saying. I have a successful practice—
CURTIS
With a doctorate in drug-dealing.
DARREN
As a lawyer. Well, well, champ, you get all hot and heavy over a tiny little
proposition yet I haven’t said a thing about your abandonment. You don’t even
remember what I do for a living!
CURTIS
It—it escaped me.
DARREN
No worries, golden boy, I’m a forgiving and merciful deity. Partner with me
and I’ll forget everything.
CURTIS
Forgive me father, for I will not.
DARREN
Remember, Curtis. You were once happy, once full of life. You must miss
that spark of exhilaration, right? You were alive back then.
CURTIS
I’d rather shoot heroin into my cornea.
#3 – Na Na Na [Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na]
DARREN
Hm…
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(The SKELETONS begin to take notice and tap their feet, beat their chests, and
hum. They underscore this monologue with “Na Na Na.”)
Allow me to paint a picture, alright pretty boy? You and I—Frankie, that
fox—whatever floozy you were groping—all of us sitting in my living room…a
doorbell ringing…and lights! Enter everyone who’s anyone, and they’re here to
see someone. But who’s that someone? Oh, right. You! Dr. Death Defy. You
shake out you once luscious hair, pop on up to the back of my couch, screech
at the top of your lungs and yell: The future is bulletproof—the aftermath is
secondary—it’s time to do it now and do it loud. Killjoys? Make some noise!
Drugs, gimme drugs

Gimme drugs, I don't need it
But I'll sell what you got
Take the cash and I'll keep it
Eight legs to the wall
SKELETONS
Hit the gas, kill em' all
DARREN
And we crawl, and we crawl, and we crawl
SKELETONS
You be my detonator
DARREN
Love, gimme love
Gimme love, I don't need it
But I'll take what I want from your heart
And I'll keep it in a bag…
SKELETONS
…in a box
DARREN
Put an "X" on the floor
SKELETONS
Gimme more, gimme more, gimme more
Shut up and sing it with me
Na, na na na, na na na
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CURTIS
From mall security
SKELETONS
CURTIS
To every enemy
SKELETONS
DARREN
We're on your property
Standing in V formation
SKELETONS
DARREN
Let's blow an artery
SKELETONS
CURTIS
Eat plastic surgery
SKELETONS
DARREN
Keep your apology
Give us more detonation
SKELETONS
More, gimme more, gimme more!
DARREN
Oh let me tell you 'bout the sad man
Shut up and let me see your jazz hands
Remember when you were a mad man
Thought you was Batman
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And hit the party with a gas can?
Kiss me, you animal!
SKELETONS
CURTIS
You run the company
SKELETONS
CURTIS
Fuck like a Kennedy
SKELETONS
DARREN
I think we'd rather be
Burning your information
SKELETONS
DARREN
Let's blow an artery
SKELETONS
CURTIS
Eat plastic surgery
SKELETONS
DARREN
Keep your apology
SKELETONS
Give us more detonation
DARREN
And right here, right now
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All the way in Battery City
The little children raise their open filthy palms
Like tiny daggers up to heaven
And all the juvie halls
And the Ritalin rats
Ask angels made from neon and fucking garbage
Scream out, "What will save us?"
And the sky opened up
CURTIS
Everybody wants to change the world
Everybody wants to change the world
But no one, no one wants to die
SKELETONS
Wanna try, wanna try, wanna try
Wanna try, wanna try now
DARREN
I'll be your detonator
SKELETONS
Na, na na na, na na na, na na na na
DARREN
Make no apology
SKELETONS
DARREN
It's death or victory
SKELETONS
DARREN
On my authority
Crash and burn, young and loaded
SKELETONS
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DARREN
Drop like a bullet shell
(Enter HELENA JOY, an older woman with a grace of elegance and maternal
confidence. Beside her is CLAIRE JOY, seventeen and rosy-cheeked…the sister
of CURTIS. Both women weave in and out of the acrobatic SKELETONS,
searching for CURTIS.)
SKELETONS
DARREN
Dress like a sleeper cell
SKELETONS
DARREN
I'd rather go to Hell than be in purgatory
CURTIS
Cut my hair, gag and bore me
DARREN
Pull this pin, let this world explode
(The SKELETONS disperse and scatter amongst the scenery once more. Left
onstage is the dynamic duo of CURTIS and DARREN, now face to face with
HELENA and CLAIRE. CURTIS radiates exhilaration and dismisses DARREN.)
CURTIS
(Mutedly to DARREN) We can discuss this later, but you know what the
answer is going to be. (Turning to his grandmother and sister) You look younger
than ever, grandma.
HELENA
Oh Curt—oh Curt, I am delighted to see you. It’s felt like an eternity since
you jumped town…oh, Curt, where do we even begin? When did you land?
CURTIS
Actually, I took the bus…eh…money’s a bit of a pinch right now. Just ask
Mr. Wesley of Main Street.
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HELENA
Don’t tell me you’re his tenant now, dearie. Mr. Wesley is abominable, not
to mention pompous and—
CURTIS
(Glancing at CLAIRE) I…didn’t have a whole lot of warning, you know.
(Louder) If I didn’t sign the lease, I would’ve gone under. My business partner
was wavering and, uh…
HELENA
(Flashing a look of understanding—glimpsing through the front that CURTIS
has been portraying) No need to explain yourself. You’re young…you’re still
developing and impressionable. Don’t burn yourself out now, alright? Claire and
I are here to support you. We’ll be your lifeline.
CLAIRE
(Deviously) Hey, Curtis.
CURTIS
(Dropping his guard) What are you, twelve now? They grow up so fast.
CLAIRE
You ass—
HELENA
Language…
CURTIS
(Hugging CLAIRE and lifting her in a monstrous grip) You little scholar—I’ve
been hearing all about you from grandma. I’m so damn proud of you,
Clairebell. Top of the class—probably the heartthrob of Clerk High—
CLAIRE
Jesus, Curt, chill out. You sound like dad.
CURTIS
Hey, you know, I don’t think we left off on a good page. You entering high
school and all, me moving away…
CLAIRE
That was a bitch of a time ago, dude.
CURTIS
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I’ve never heard you talk like this before, either. What happened to my
little goody-two-shoes of a sister?
CLAIRE
(Winking) Learned from the best…
CURTIS
You sure as hell better not mean that.
DARREN
(Piping in boisterously) Why not? Pardon me, Helena—hey there, Claire,
looking golden-trimmed as ever—great to see you again, and thank you dearly
for informing me about my elusive sidekick, here.
HELENA
Pleased to see you again, Mr. Capula.
CURTIS
Darren…let’s not get into it.
DARREN
(To HELENA and CLAIRE) Do you know who this man is?
CLAIRE
What?
DARREN
No, look at this little clean-shaven chin—these buggy, mopey eyes—does
this man look like your brother? Hmm? That hair, so slick and tied back…No! Not
at all. This Curtis Joy is not full of the unmatched, brilliant energy that we all know
and love. How can you say that this is your brother?
HELENA
We are very proud of Curtis’s maturity, Darren. He’s come a long way
since he took off to pursue upper education.
DARREN
By all means, I don’t mean to discredit my dear friend’s achievements. I
just feel…very strongly…that he is not grappling in with the brute force of his true
potential. Nothing more. From friend to friend, I am looking out for him.
CLAIRE
(Aside) Sounds like you need to grapple with your own sense of reality.
DARREN
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(Suave) What was that?
CLAIRE
(Dryly) Credit where it’s due.
CURTIS
(Checking his watch) As much as I would love to chat up a dead horse,
I’m actually quite behind on schedule. I was supposed to meet Mr. Wesley—
shit—almost fifteen minutes ago.
CLAIRE
Can I lend a hand?
CURTIS
Setting up the bookstore? Why, I don’t see why not. Tell you what—head
back to grandma’s and I’ll stop by after I finish my errands.
DARREN
I’m raw and ready for you too.
CURTIS
Jesus, Darren, we can meet for dinner or something but—get over
yourself.
DARREN
Dinner, eh? I’m impartial…but I ain’t one to pass up a prospect. Let’s
say—Planetary Bistro at eight o’clock? I’ll chauffer.
CURTIS
I’ll cave. Pick me up from “The Joyful Bookstand” on 11th and Main. But—
for now—Helena, I’ll be in touch—you two, I’ll catch you tonight. Until then, I’ll
be sitting pretty on death row.
HELENA
Lordie, best of luck to you. Try to get on Mr. Wesley’s good side, would
you?
(The spectacle separates—HELENA and CLAIRE leave together, DARREN lurks

back into the crowd of SKELETONS and CURTIS picks up his luggage.)
CURTIS
So long as I stay on this side of life…
(Lights fizzle into a dim ambiance while a musical interlude comes to life.)
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END OF SCENE
Scene Three: Resurrection

(The warm lights climb to a brighter aura, flushing a strip mall into the audience’s
field of vision. The SR building is labeled as “The CLERK Bookstand” and the SL
building as “HOPE and Daughter’s Floral.” Outside of the flower boutique, a
buxom young woman emerges carrying a basket of flowers. Her name is
ROSEMARY HOPE, closely trailed by her father, JAMES HOPE.)
ROSEMARY
I’m finding it difficult to believe…
JAMES
You shouldn’t, kiddo. You know as well as I do that he deserves this.
ROSEMARY
But does he? Sure, sure he was misled but…I don’t think he was evil.
JAMES
Rosemary.
ROSEMARY
No, I mean it, he may have been raucous and—cruel. Unjustified…but I
fell in love with him for a reason, dad. He’s not a bad man.
JAMES
So, if you were to see this what’s his name again, you would forgive him?
ROSEMARY
Well…
JAMES
You know in your heart what he deserves, Rosemary. Whether that’s moral
or not, eh, that’s not the point but for you it should be clear.
ROSEMARY
I miss it. You’d never think that, right? But I miss it, I miss his…his awful sense
of humor, his late nights out on the town his—
JAMES
Think about what you deserve.
ROSEMARY
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I’ve never felt worthy of anything more than him.
JAMES
If that’s how you feel, you’ll need another crisis to bring you ‘round. Find
some more riffraff.
ROSEMARY
God, how low do you think I’m willing to stoop? I have self-respect, you
know. Just because he uprooted my life doesn’t mean I’m insecure or
depressed.
JAMES
Keep your purity intact. Keep your standards high. Oh, and if I see you
hanging around that Joy kid again, there will be hell to pay—for both of you.
ROSEMARY
What? Curtis Joy hasn’t done anything wrong to me.
JAMES
Have you any idea the sheer scope of reputation? Do you know what’s in
a name? People look to us with esteem, they see the Hopes as admirable,
reputable—hell, even honorable. Now, we came here to Clerk to avoid that
burdensome crowd…the kind that shunned you and labeled you as an outcast.
We were granted a second chance, a fresh page in our family tree. That is a
rarity, Rosemary. An absolute. From what I’ve heard since we set up shop here is
that at all costs, we should steer clear of the Joy family. And that’s not to
mention the total animosity people feel towards what’s his bucket—Curtis.
ROSEMARY
I think I’m capable of making my own decisions, thank you.
JAMES
Don’t you dare take that tone with me, Rosemary Hope—don’t you dare.
We have worked arduously to restore what we’ve lost. Don’t waste this chance.
(JAMES briskly leaves, giving ROSEMARY his flower bucket along the way. Once
JAMES has exited into the floral boutique, ROSEMARY puts the bucket down and
sulks. A few notes from a piano are audible.)
ROSEMARY
What’s my problem? Do I want to ruin myself?
#4 – I Don’t Love You
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Well, when you go
So never think, I'll make you try to stay
And maybe when you get back
I'll be off to find another way
Well, after all this time that you still owe

You're still a good-for-nothing I don't know
So take your gloves and get out
Better get out
While you can
When you go
Would you even turn to say,
"I don't love you
Like I did
Yesterday."
Sometimes I cry so hard from pleading

So sick and tired of all the needless beating
But baby when they knock you
Down and out
Is where you ought to stay
Well, after all the blood that you still owe

Another dollar's just another blow
So fix your eyes and get up
Better get up
While you can
Whoa, whoa
When you go
Would you even turn to say,
"I don't love you
Like I did
Yesterday."
Well, come on, come on
When you go
Would you have the guts to say
"I don't love you
Like I loved you
Yesterday."
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I don't love you
Like I loved you
Yesterday
I don't love you

Like I loved you
Yesterday
(At the end of her ballad, CURTIS JOY enters looking entirely disheveled—hair
red and scraggly, stubble out of control, t-shirt unbuttoned. He thumbs a
cigarette in one hand and a case under the other arm.)
ROSEMARY
Christ—
(ROSEMARY slams her body against the wall of her floral shop and CURTIS finds
his way to a telephone booth, punching in a few numbers and waiting for the
dial tone.)
CURTIS
Ah—yes, Mr. Capu-let…how’s it going, bitch? Yeah, sure,
whatever…who…well, naturally I don’t like that slut but hurry your ass down
here, alright? Shut up. Fine. Yes—yes—God damn it, I said yes, bring your fucking
bimbo if you can’t get away, you whipped little pussy. Hey, have you forgotten
about Thursday? Hm? That’s what I thought, Darren. We need to figure out the
arrangements still. There’s a lot to plan, and Cemetery Drive might still be—it’s
not? Well perfect, why didn’t you fucking say anything, Jesus. Now I have the
case with me—think this’ll get old Khell to look the other way, don’t you think?
It’s a precaution, why are you being such a prick, man? Don’t be careless.
We’re smart—we’re businessmen, alright? We have to pay him off somehow. It’s
his land. And I don’t want another run in with the police…especially if we end
up getting literal blood on— (he notices ROSEMARY watching him from the strip
mall) hold it, Darren, I’ve got some company. Fuck if I know, some girl I’ve never
seen before. Maye it’s Farmer Khell’s daughter. Just—just be here soon. Don’t
flake out…yep. (He slams the phone down and swaggers towards ROSEMARY)
Well? What do they call you?
ROSEMARY
(Feigning bravery) I was warned about you.
CURTIS
And I was told not to talk to strangers. Get on with it—are you here to pick
up the stash or are you here to narc?
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ROSEMARY
I haven’t the foggiest idea what you mean.
CURTIS
Then who the hell are you? Just a rando—happen to be passing by?
Honestly, kid, what’s your name?
ROSEMARY
I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything. Promise. Won’t utter a sound to anyone.
CURTIS
Now now, just a minute here. I can pick up on a clue…and you seem to
be implying that you think I’m a madman…is that it?
ROSEMARY
N-no. I just…listen, I’ve seen you around before. My dad owns this floral
shop, you see? (She points frantically towards the sign) He owns the place. I
man the register on weekends. I don’t mean any harm; don’t mean to interrupt
whatever this virile mishmash is…just leave me alone. Please?
CURTIS
You’re new, ain’t yah?
ROSEMARY
Yes…?
CURTIS
And you’ve been warned about me. By who?
ROSEMARY
My father.
CURTIS
For Christ’s sake, who the hell is your father?
ROSEMARY
Mr. James Hope. We just moved from the city.
CURTIS
Why? Fresh start—clean slate—a swift escape? (He narrows in on her) I
won’t pry. I ain’t that type, hun. I’m a firm believer in authentic human
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communication, though, and I would seriously appreciate it if you would do me
the honor of providing me with one small—tiny—bit of information.
ROSEMARY
(Thoroughly intimidated) Mhmm…
CURTIS
What’s your name? C’mon! You already know what mine is…right?
ROSEMARY
You’re Curtis Joy. That’s all I know about you.
CURTIS
And who am I? That can’t be all you’ve heard. I mean it, this little piss-off
stand in the middle of nowhere knows only one name and that’s mine. Nothing
happens here unless I wave my hand, nobody dies, nobody tries…nobody lives,
dear…unless I say so. But can you believe that a name like “Joy” strikes fear in
the hearts of men?
ROSEMARY
Uh…I suppose it’s not particularly intimidating, but…
CURTIS
Well of-fucking-course not, sweetie! When any Old Joe in Clerk finds
himself kicking the can, you bet they’ll know my name. Hell, it’s the last thing
they’ll think of. Because though the lives of men come to pass, mine will not. My
kingdom, my empire will not crumble. They call me “Dr. Death Defy” and they
mean it when they say it. There—look—you know it all! You know every inch of
me. Now please, Miss Hope. Give me something here, I’m dying. (He chuckles,
lighting up his cigarette.)
ROSEMARY
My name is Ros—Rosemary. Friends call me Rosie.
CURTIS
So, what do you say I call you then, huh?
ROSEMARY
Whatever you’d like, I guess.
CURTIS
Mm…that’s not how I fly, sweetie cheeks. Rosemary? Rosie? Which one.
Strangers or friends?
25
ROSEMARY
Forgive me, but we’ve only just met. Friendship takes time and trust.
CURTIS
Ain’t you alone here, though? I mean, you’ve got your father, but you
can’t know many folks yet, just arriving and all. You could use a friend. (He
winks.)
ROSEMARY
I have a sister. She’s enough for me. (Mustering some courage) You really
have a string of nerve, you know that, Curtis? You see a “defenseless” little belle
up against the wall, alone with her thoughts and her insecurities, and you just
swoop on in. You prey on her like some kind of fiend. Dare I say—some
predator? You want to be friends? Maybe start with a “Hello” instead of trying to
push…whatever that is…onto me.
CURTIS
(Awestruck) I’ll be tickled. She’s got edge! Hey…don’t tell anyone I told
you but… (he slips her a note) There’s an old farmhouse on Cemetery Drive.
Thursday, my associates and I are hosting a modern American ball. You aren’t
gonna want to miss it. Oh, and in case you were concerned…this’ll give you a
chance to meet plenty of other chumps just like yourself. Don’t limit yourself,
you’re young and free. Taste the world!
ROSEMARY
Why would you think I’m even remotely interested in your…party?
CURTIS
Be—
(CURTIS is interrupted by the clamorous footsteps of DARREN CAPULA who is

being dragged by FARMER KHELL.)
What the damn hell?
DARREN
Get your grubby little mittens off of me! (He fights against the farmer’s grip
but is overpowered.) I apologized already!
CURTIS
(To ROSEMARY) Excuse me for a moment… (turning to DARREN and KHELL)
What the hell is your issue?
26
(ROSEMARY turns to leave but, after brief hesitation, stations herself by the door.)
KHELL
This sorry excuse for a scam tried to swindle me out of my own land, and I
know damn well that you were a part of it…Doctor.
CURTIS
Not you, sir—Darren! What the hell is your issue, already? You tried to scam
the good farmer out of his land?
DARREN
Wh—you’re kidding.
CURTIS
Dead serious, Darren. We worked out an arrangement with this gentleman
so we could conduct a bit of business and you…you try to swindle him out of his
hard-earned livelihood? What kind of professional are you?
DARREN
I never tried to swindle him, I laid the damn facts out for him. He knew
what he was signing.
KHELL
Liar. You switched the papers.
CURTIS
Listen, Mr. Khell, is there anything I can do to make up for this…incident? I
would hate for you to get the wrong impression about the two of us. On hand, I
have every ounce of pure ecstasy that you could ever ask for. Courtesy of
Jimmy MacBurn and his “family” farm. You know…the people who put your little
daises to shame? This is evidence enough to indict him…or, blackmail enough
to get your name back in the business.
KHELL
Great—then hand it over and we can forget any of this ever happened.
DARREN
Don’t do it!
CURTIS
(Shooting daggers at his friend) Really? I’m sorry, Mr. Khell, but at our
current disposition it’s not quite that simple. How about this: I propose that you
27
allow us to operate in that old rickety farmhouse of yours for one night—just one
night. We’ll set up, host our little promotion, and be out by sunrise. We won’t buy
it out like we had agreed upon. We won’t steal your land like Darren so
tragically attempted. We get one night to cover our losses, you get those
scumbags out west shut down.
KHELL
If you think I can be so easily swayed…
DARREN
You’re kidding me, Curtis, we need that land.
CURTIS
Darren—I’m cutting us a deal right now.
DARREN
One in which we gain nothing. This is pure robbery, I can’t believe that
you’d even ima—
KHELL
Just you wait! Mr. Joy…I trust this sort of travesty will not occur again.
CURTIS
You have my word. As a gentleman.
KHELL
Count me in. But after this, I don’t ever want to see your ugly mug again.
Both of you. In and out—if a single soul is left on my property after sunrise, then
there will be reckoning for all of you. You hear me? Reckoning.
(He turns to leave. On route to his exit, KHELL swipes the case out of
CURTIS’ hands and collides with a young mistress by the name of FRANKIE
HOPE.)
Excuse me.
(He exits.)
CURTIS
I am shocked—shocked and appalled at your behavior, Mister… (he
clears his throat) Hell yeah, bitches!
(CURTIS, FRANKIE and DARREN embrace in a flurry of enthusiasm.)
28
FRANKIE
You weren’t kidding, Darry. I was sweating the whole time. (She clings to
his shirt.)
DARREN
What can I say—I’m a natural.
CURTIS
A natural goat. Thanks for taking the fall this time around, bud. Next time,
I’ll crumble and you can be the brains.
DARREN
You say that every time.
FRANKIE
Hmm…I don’t know…I kind of like this submissive Darren. I could get used
to it.
DARREN
Hey, so you’re hoppin’ along with us on Thursday, right, Frankie?
(Unable to contain her fury, ROSEMARY emerges from the shadows.)
ROSEMARY
No—no!
FRANKIE
Who’s th—Rosie! What the hell are you doing here?
ROSEMARY
I don’t know, maybe helping dad run the shop. What? Forget we own a
business?
FRANKIE
Lord almighty, Darry, why didn’t you say you were operating near my
place?
DARREN
How was I supposed to know? You didn’t say anything to me.
ROSEMARY
You’re friends with these scumbags?
29
CURTIS
Language! Darren, you left a hole. What did I say? Not even ten minutes
ago, I told you to be cautious. Rosemary, I’m sorry you had to see all of that. It’s
too dirty for a gem like you.
FRANKIE
Yeah, you heard the Doctor, get back inside and cry to daddy.
ROSEMARY
You’re insufferable.
CURTIS
Don’t let this distract you from my invitation…
FRANKIE
You invited her? She’s nothing. She is trash—she’s the reason that my life is
on the fritz. Her and her overactive little sex drive…
ROSEMARY
After all of this, you still think I’m coming to your…your…drug party? You’re
delusional. Say it all you want, but deep down, you’re nothing but a madman
and a wad of cash. And you, sister mine. I wouldn’t face it. I couldn’t bring
myself to accept that you hated me too, but…I guess I was wrong. Goodnight.
(She turns tail and slams the door to the floral shop.)
FRANKIE
I don’t get it, why would you invite her before me?
CURTIS
Hey—googly eyes—I don’t even know you.
DARREN
We’re supposed to discuss these propositions before inviting strangers.
CURTIS
Rosie ain’t a stranger anymore.
FRANKIE
On what basis?
CURTIS
On…my basis, okay? We can talk it out later, but right now there are more
pressing matters at hand. We have a revolution to plan, don’t we?
30
DARREN
Alright…
CURTIS
That’s what I thought, Darren. Come on.
(The trio turns to leave. CURTIS stops in his tracks and smiles at FRANKIE.)
Have a great night, Francine.
FRANKIE
Fine, asshole.
CURTIS
Yeah, whatever.
(LIGHTS fade as CURTIS and DARREN head into town and FRANKIE stomps her
way into the boutique.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Four: Secrets

(Interior of “The Joyful Bookstand.” CURTIS, now put together and downtrodden,
solemnly unloads boxes of books as CLAIRE assembles a bookshelf. It is late at
night—the gentle roar of passing cars and the melodious hum of crickets fill the
air.)
CURTIS
Hey, thanks again for lending a hand, Claire. I didn’t expect you to be so
willing.
CLAIRE
You didn’t? Why not? I never was one to hold a grudge, dude.
CURTIS
Sure, you’re right, but damn was I ugly. I was certifiably detestable, hell, I
still think I am yet—you’re here. Helping.
CLAIRE
Wonderful observation, captain.
31
CURTIS
What changed? Come on…don’t pretend like you just “got over it.” What
happened while I was off east?
CLAIRE
Remember our brother?
CURTIS
Overseas last I heard. Fighting the good fight.
CLAIRE
You’ve heard wrong, then. Marcus got his leg blown off by a frag.
CURTIS
You’re kidding me. Helena would’ve told me, she tells me everything.
CLAIRE
Our dear old grandmother doesn’t know.
CURTIS
Impossible. Helena dips her toes in everyone’s affairs, even the homeless
beggars on 5th street. Last time I went to brunch with her, she was telling me
about a hobo’s love affair.
CLAIRE
Well, then color this as the one thing grandma doesn’t know. Marcus got
his leg blown off and didn’t tell anyone. He hid out in the sewers when he got
back to town, covered up any loose ends, and disconnected himself from
everyone he ever knew. Ever the family man.
CURTIS
Sure, I’ll bite. But how in hell do you know he’s back then?
CLAIRE
I was down by the creek with a few of my friends and I saw him. I couldn’t
be certain, naturally, because his hair was long and it looked like a bush grew
out of his chin, but at first glance I thought it was you. I waved, thinking you’d
come back or fallen down on your luck or something and tried to save face,
and he limped off down into the tunnels like he didn’t see me. Fake leg
dragging behind him.
CURTIS
And you didn’t tell anyone?
32
CLAIRE
I mentioned it to mother. You can imagine how that went.
CURTIS
Touché.
CLAIRE
I don’t know. One thing turned into another—I kept seeing Marcus, kept
hoping it was you every time I spotted him and mother kept shutting me down. I
was fed up and I racked my brains for a way to exact my revenge.
CURTIS
Don’t be dramatic.
CLAIRE
I’m serious, man. I couldn’t look at him without seeing you and it was then
that I realized that, as much as I fought to be the opposite of you, I couldn’t
escape my fate. For the first time in my life, I understood your perspective. At
night, I couldn’t help but break down a bit, I couldn’t fathom life apart from you
anymore and—when mother would check in, I’d lie and chalk it all up to
nightmares.
CURTIS
And she banished you for being human. Typical. That she-wolf…
CLAIRE
I hate to admit it, but that’s the first step to getting over you. I need you.
Asshat.
CURTIS
I need you too, kiddo.
(They embrace, but are interrupted by a pounding on the door.)
CURTIS
Hold your horses, dirt-bag, I’m coming.
(He opens the door and finds himself face to face with a stern-looking woman.
Her blonde hair is tightly pulled into a bun, her cheeks rosy and warm, but her
eyes red and forlorn. She is MARIE JOY, aunt to CURTIS.)
MARIE
Thank you. Thank you. (She steps inside.)
33
CURTIS
Aunt Marie? What are you doing here so late? And when did you—why
are you here?
MARIE
I’m sorry, I—I don’t mean to interrupt or anything…I shouldn’t be so
abrasive but…I didn’t expect the call, when it came down the line, I was about
to turn in and…
CLAIRE
You could talk a corpse back to life. What’s the deal?
MARIE
Urgent…frantic…call…not either of you.
CURTIS
Breathe, Marie, breathe. Who called you?
MARIE
The doctor.
CLAIRE
(Disappointed) Curtis?
CURTIS
That’s not me anymore. I bet it was Darren, that piece of—
MARIE
Don’t be daft. The doctor, a medical professional…you know, the ones
with the coats and the scalpels.
CURTIS
To live in your world…
CLAIRE
(Connecting the dots) What doctor called you, Marie? And why you?
MARIE
Doctor Johnny Brightside at the county hospital…something
about…mother.
CURTIS
Then we don’t give a damn.
34
MARIE
Not your mother, goose, my mother.
CLAIRE
(A shockwave of understanding) Helena.
CURTIS
They called you? What’s wrong? Did she fall—did she…did she get in an
accident?
MARIE
(Sadly) No, Curtis. She didn’t.
CLAIRE
(Grabbing her coat) We had better head out there. Hurry.
CURTIS
Lunatic—we don’t know what the problem is or if there actually is a
reason for concern. Marie, what did the doctor say? And why can’t you get a
single sentence through to us?
CLAIRE
The sooner we get there, the sooner we’ll know.
MARIE
I…hurried. Packed up, zoomed down…I don’t know anything. Doctor said
that she…came in…
CURTIS
She came in?
CLAIRE
Curtis! Stop talking. We’re wasting time. It’s obviously urgent enough for
Marie to drive down from the city, and real enough for her to tell us this late.
She’s probably waiting for us right now.
CURTIS
(Fighting himself) Whatever you say, kid. Marie, you got a car on you?
MARIE
Not on me…outside.
CURTIS
(Dryly) Well we’re fucked then. Both of you—let’s load up and bust a
move.
35
(They exit the bookstore in a flash. As they leave, the SKELETONS emerge from
hiding and exit behind them.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Five: Decay

(CURTIS and CLAIRE kneel beside HELENA, who is laying withered in a hospital
bed. They are at the “Clerk County Hospital.” On one side of the room, DR.
JOHNNY BRIGHTSIDE, a charismatic young man, watches grimly. MARIE,
cowering in a chair, bows her head sadly. A few marching band SKELETONS
guard the door.)
CURTIS
Don’t say it again.
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
Let me finish.
CURTIS
No, because if I let you finish then we’ll hug and embrace and pretend
like this is a blessing in disguise. Well—it’s not—it’s a curse. It’s the last good thing
I have in this world ripped from my cold, dead hands.
(CLAIRE glances at him.)
I won’t let you get past that first syllable. Not even in your dreams.
HELENA
What if I’m the one to say it?
CURTIS
Grandma…please don’t…
HELENA
Do me a favor. Both of you?
#5 – Cancer
Turn away
If you could get me a drink
Of water ‘cause my lips are chapped and faded
Call your aunt Marie
Help her gather all my things
36
And bury me in all my favorite colors
My sisters and my brothers still
I will not kiss you
‘Cause the hardest part of this is leaving you
(She notices the marching SKELETONS, who lift her from her bed and begin
to dance with her.)
Now turn away

‘Cause I’m awful just to see
‘Cause all my hair’s abandoned all my body
Oh, my agony
Know that I will never hurry
Baby, I’m just soggy from the chemo
But counting down the days to go
It just ain’t living
And I just hope you know
(One of the SKELETONS…ROSEMARY’s SKELETON…stands behind CURTIS.)
That if you say
CLAIRE
If you say
HELENA
Goodbye today
CLAIRE
Goodbye today
HELENA
I’d ask you to be true
CLAIRE
Yes, I’d ask you to be true
HELENA
HELENA & SKELETONS

37
(The SKELETONS resume their guard duties and HELENA returns to bed, where
CURTIS pounds his fist desperately.)
CURTIS
How long?
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
According to our scan—
CURTIS
Not you, fruity. How long have you known?
HELENA
Curtis…
CURTIS
I saw it in your eyes. I know she saw it too. How long have you known that
you were dead in your tracks, huh?
HELENA
Now’s not the time, Curtis.
CURTIS
Nope. This is bull. I fight, and I climb, and I claw my way out of the pit I dug
for myself, ready and eager to start anew but…then you lie to me. You act like
everything’s all okay. You create some stupid enchantment, like I’m a kid again,
like I’m Dr. Death Defy, out to slit throats and set the world on fire…you’re the
one person I have left to trust and you lie to me. You break me.
(He stands.)
HELENA
I didn’t want to burden you.
CURTIS
Yeah? Well, you did.
(CURTIS storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him.)
MARIE
(After a moment of silence) I’ll go find him.
CLAIRE
Yeah, you do that.
38
(MARIE exits.)
Doctor…
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
Say no more, Miss Joy. I’ll be back in a few minutes.
(He obeys, exiting likewise.)
CLAIRE
You didn’t tell him.
HELENA
Neither did you.
CLAIRE
That’s not—I mean, you didn’t mention that I knew.
HELENA
It wouldn’t have helped. Curtis knows what Curtis needs to know right
now, dearie. He’s not invincible.
CLAIRE
He once thought he was.
HELENA
We all reach that age. You’re about his age now—when he was king of
the world. Do you feel the power? (She winks.)
CLAIRE
I don’t have much power without you. We’ve only mentioned it before,
little passing phrases like, “Oh hello, Claire, remember how I’m going to die? I
have a countdown going at home…”
HELENA
When did you get so morbid?
CLAIRE
I don’t have anything, alright? I’m seventeen—I’m in high school. It’s not
like I can support myself, and I’ll be damned before I go back to her.
HELENA
There is strength within you, Claire. You’re capable of more than your
heart may allow you.
39
CLAIRE
Maybe I should start selling meth. Cooking, at the very least. I’m not half
bad at chemistry.
HELENA
And where will that get you, Clairebell? I’ve felt this darkness before.
When…when your father passed, and long after my husband began rotting in
the ground, I felt an angry silence in my heart. I felt the overwhelming
nothingness that you seem to be tussling with right now. But I promise you, Claire.
You can save yourself. You still have your brother.
CLAIRE
He doesn’t want me. What am I to him? More responsibility. Another
stressor, something else to boil his blood and bring him closer to his breaking
point. I’m nothing.
HELENA
Then try saving him.
CLAIRE
I really think you’re sleeping on this whole drug lord idea.
HELENA
Entrap Curtis. Wrap him in a web of…let’s say…illusion. Bring him to the
light. Your brother sees himself as a pauper nowadays. He was once a king, and
perhaps—perhaps if you can sever him from his lifeline of destruction…perhaps
you can bring Curtis to a new kingdom. No rulers, no tyrants. Just peace.
CLAIRE
How do you expect me to—
(There is a knock at the door.)
Doctor, a few more minutes please.
DARREN
(Offstage) It ain’t your doctor handsome, honey cake.
CLAIRE
Darren? We’re not interested in whatever you’re selling.
DARREN
Even if it’s the cure for cancer?
40
CLAIRE
You’re an asshole, you know that?
DARREN
What? You’re all prepping for doomsday in there or something, I swear, if I
had cancer I wouldn’t mind a bit of an umbrella. This ain’t the end yet. Chin up,
motherfuckers.
(HELENA and CLAIRE fall silent.)
Hello?
CLAIRE
Are you still there?
HELENA
Let him in, dear.
CLAIRE
Why would I do that? How uncharacteristic of me.
HELENA
Oh, honey, men like to get their way. The sooner he’s inside, the sooner
he’ll get out. (She winks.)
CLAIRE
Jesus, grandma, I’ll let him in if you promise never to do that again.
(CLAIRE opens the door and lets DARREN enter, who is carrying a rose.)
What do you want?
DARREN
Where’s your brother off to in such a hurry?
CLAIRE
You saw him then?
DARREN
Our mutual acquaintance seems to have a knack for flaking. I waited at
that damn bookstore for an hour and a half before throwing in the towel. I’m
41
starting to think he’s cheating on me. Hoping to catch him in the act, I stormed
up to his hellhole just in time to see him drive off with your lovely little aunt,
leaving through the back. And, being the concerned friend that I am, I tracked
you slickers down to the hospital and checked myself in under your dearly
departed father’s name.
CLAIRE
(Irritated) Did you see him just now?
DARREN
Yes, I did, peachie.
CLAIRE
What did he say to you?
DARREN
In his words, “You’d tell me if you had cancer, right, dickhole?” To which I
responded, “I thought I was cancer.”
CLAIRE
Did he say where he was going?
DARREN
Going?
CLAIRE
Going.
DARREN
No, but I know where he went.
CLAIRE
Are you here to shoot the breeze or do you have a reason for stalking us
and annoying the hell out of me?
HELENA
Patience, Claire. Mr. Capula, we’d really appreciate your help. Could you
please give us some indication as to where my grandson may have run off to?
DARREN
Since you asked so nicely…I might agree to taking Claire along with me.
CLAIRE
With you. No. No way.
42
HELENA
Sweetie…
CLAIRE
I’ll be lucky if you don’t chop me up and bury me in the countryside. I’ll
die before Helena!
DARREN
Well, you wouldn’t be the first.
CLAIRE
The answer is no. And don’t bring that up.
DARREN
Then I suppose I’ll just leech the life out of Curtis myself…suck the blood
from his heart, turn him back into a machine…
HELENA
It’s okay, Claire. Your brother is a changed man.
CLAIRE
You know what? You’re right. I can save him. Sure, Darren, take me along
with you. Nothing would make me happier.
DARREN
Look! I’m tearing up. (He extends his hand) May I have the honor of this
dance?
CLAIRE
Go to hell.
DARREN
Gladly, and you’re coming with me. (He twitches) One moment.
(He hastily exits.)
CLAIRE
What was that about? Is he diabetic? In need of some sweet insulin?
HELENA
43
Watch out for yourself, Claire. Men like him don’t have their little fantasies
to occupy themselves. Our worlds keep us grounded, and I’m afraid Darren’s
world intersects with Curtis’s.
CLAIRE
I’ll be fine. This is what you had in mind, right? The closer I watch Darren,
the more I can be sure that Curtis remains unaffected.
HELENA
Yes, in theory, but “proceed with caution,” as they say.
CLAIRE
(Not listening) Actually…I think you’re onto something. If Darren doesn’t
have Curtis to build his world around, then maybe he can find someone else to
cling to…
HELENA
Claire…
CLAIRE
I better wait out for him. I’ll see you in the morning, alright? Send a
message down if you need anything.
(She exits, following DARREN.)
HELENA
Simon, if you’re up there…God save your children.
END OF SCENE
Scene Six: Enchantment

(Immediately following the hospital scene. A flustered MARIE pursues CURTIS
towards a rickety farmhouse. They are on the edge of town, far from the sounds
of Clerk. CURTIS continually ignores MARIE. As always, SKELETONS surround the
scene, watching and listening.)
MARIE
…please, listen to me. I—I know we can talk this out, Curt. Please…stop
walking.
CURTIS
No.
MARIE
44
Hmph. I am your aunt. I am your elder, Curtis! If you don’t stop your silly
little march, I’ll—
CURTIS
You’ll what? Lock me in my room? Call my mother? I’m twenty-five, Marie.
I’m not your little prissy ass kid anymore.
MARIE
Your father would not be happy with this behavior, young man.
CURTIS
(Stopping) Marie. I don’t know why Helena thought it would be a good
idea to call you here, but let me get one thing straight. Nobody wants you here.
Nobody wants you in the city. Nobody wants you anywhere. Are we clear? Are
we through? Because if you don’t mind, I have some thinking to do. Thinking.
Not talking.
MARIE
(Utterly hurt) I can’t believe you would say that to me. Family must mean
nothing to you, Curtis.
(CURTIS turns to leave.)
Why do you hate me so much?
CURTIS
(Howling with laughter) You’re fucking joking.
MARIE
I am not a joke. Excuse my assertion, but I am a human being.
CURTIS
Are you? Are you?
MARIE
I’m not sure if the same thing could be said for you, Doctor.
(CURTIS spins around, ready to scream.)
No—not a sound. I’m exhausted…utterly fatigued from dancing around

your self-pitying ego. You claim to be a changed man. A saint. A hero.
CURTIS
45
I am not a hero.
MARIE
Damn straight you aren’t. Do you know what you are, Curtis? You are a
ghost. You’re a skeleton. You’re skinless and cruel, and you dress yourself in
fancy robes, garments of…I don’t know…your concept of a decent human
being. You ruined yourself years ago. You burned off every chance of
redemption and then built a phony little palace around yourself. You aren’t
alive. You never were, and you never will be.
CURTIS
(Smiling) Thank you and God bless you.
MARIE
Stand out here and face me like a man.
CURTIS
I can’t—remember? I thought I was less than human.
MARIE
Cut it out and show an ounce of respect or I will tell your mother.
CURTIS
You wouldn’t.
MARIE
Oh? Wouldn’t I? Aren’t I the traitor, the one who damned this family to
hell?
CURTIS
You have no spine. There isn’t a chance in hell that you would face my
mother after you turned your back on my father. You know it. Even she resents
you.
(MARIE begins to laugh.)
What’s so funny, huh?
MARIE
For a moment, it sounded like you thought your mother ever loved your
father.
CURTIS
46
You are detestable, you know that, bitch? You killed my father—you did.
MARIE
Don’t hold me responsible for chance. I am not fate’s vessel.
CURTIS
There’s no such thing as fate.
MARIE
Say what you will, but your father got himself killed. His arrogance is what
killed him. If he had just stayed still and waited for someone to pick him up—
CURTIS
Then what? Jesus, then he wouldn’t have tried to walk home in the dead
of winter when you were supposed to drive him. Then his drunk ass wouldn’t
have stumbled into the street?
MARIE
If we’re going to go around pointing our fingers and shooting accusations
all willy-nilly, then I wouldn’t talk if I were you.
CURTIS
What…are you…implying? Speak very carefully, dear aunt.
MARIE
Dear nephew, may I remind you of a certain someone? It’s enough to say
that I killed your father, but weren’t you the one who kill—
CURTIS
Enough!
MARIE
Liar—liar! You’re delusional, you are a bubble of psychosis. Lying to
yourself every waking moment, trying to forget the one ray of hope in your life.
(CURTIS gets in her face.)
I am finished. Get out of my face.
CURTIS
Go back to your posh lesbian den and leave me to my suffering.
47
(CURTIS exits into the farmhouse, punching the doorframe on his way inside.
MARIE is left alone outside, but not for long. DARREN and CLAIRE rush into the
scene.)
CLAIRE
Marie—did you find him? Is he in there?
MARIE
Go get him, tiger. Maybe you can talk him back into sanity.
(She trots through them and pushes DARREN out of the way, exiting the scene.)
DARREN
Somebody’s lookin’ pretty hot and bothered.
CLAIRE
(Ignoring him) Why here?
DARREN
Do you know who used to own this glorious marvel of modern
architecture?
CLAIRE
Is that relevant?
DARREN
Abso-fuckin’-lutely, sugar. This castle used to belong to Farmer Harold
Khell: a pasty-white, cannabis prodder who conducted business with your
brother and I back in our glory days.
CLAIRE
First I’ve heard of it.
DARREN
Tell me, sweets…how well do you truthfully know your brother?
CLAIRE
He’s my best friend.
DARREN
Ah…you poor, mistaken doll. I am Curtis’s best friend. I am his better half.
Don’t delude yourself, gem. There’s another layer to that “brother” of yours than
you’ll ever know.
48
CLAIRE
Is that so? Then I beg—no…I plead of you, Darren…please stop being a
city slicker and pretend to be a normal person. Communicate. Face to face,
you know? Why did Curtis come here?
DARREN
This is where Curtis died.
CLAIRE
You’re sadistic.
DARREN
No—I’m honest. Your brother and I would throw the most grandiose
parties known to man in this here bunkhouse. We ruled our feeble peasants from
within those walls. After the farmer died, we even set up shop in there for a
while. Whenever Mr. Joy was upset—or stimulated—he’d lock himself up inside
and drink his sorrows away. I bet he’s doing that as we speak.
CLAIRE
Your scheme doesn’t line up.
DARREN
Oh?
CLAIRE
You’re battling for his affection like some stricken princess, yet every story
you tell about Curtis doesn’t include you. From what I do recall of you from high
school, I remember a maggot. A writhing worm, living in my brother’s shadow.
And now that he’s not as “glorious” as he once was, you’re pretending to be
him.
DARREN
Hit the nail on the head, cutie. That’s me alright. That’s me. A worm. Say—
while your brother waters himself down inside his dungeon, how about I let you
in on a trade secret. (He twitches.)
CLAIRE
What’s that? I couldn’t hear you over your seizure.
DARREN
(Pulling a bottle of pills from his coat pocket) I’ve gotta stay alert. Never
know who’s lurking in the night. (He pops a few pills into his mouth and chews
them, moaning and grunting as he does so.)
49
CLAIRE
Adorable. You can’t even function without a fix.
DARREN
A fix? Oh, you are mistaken, Claire! This isn’t a fix, this is my life blood. This is
how I operate, how I love and hate, how I mold my perception. Mm-mm-
mmm…this’ll keep me up for a few more hours, don’t you think?
CLAIRE
What? Need to stay awake for a few more hours to fulfill the duties of your
night job?
DARREN
No. Nah. That ain’t it. Would you like to hear my secret? It’s juicy, I promise
you. Juicy and tender, succulent and…moist…
CLAIRE
I’ve got it! You’re a hobgoblin. You’re a withered old shrew who dribbles
their own self-despair on everything they touch. Sorry, I was just trying to think of
what you reminded me of.
DARREN
Eh-heh. Pretty close. But that’s not my secret.
CLAIRE
Is the secret that deep down, you’re madly in love with Curtis?
DARREN
Closer…it began after he left, to be honest. The tremors. Nightmares.
CLAIRE
Spooky.
DARREN
You see, Claire, I’ve been having some trouble sleeping lately. It’s gotta
be the weather or something, but I felt a breeze move in when your brother rose
from the dead. A shift in the pressure. And suddenly, every night…I would wake
up screaming. Must be pretty familiar to a kid like you, huh?
(He lights a cigarette and begins to smoke.)
CLAIRE
Uh-huh. Tell me more. I’m enthralled.
50
#6 – Sleep
DARREN
(Underscored by hacking on the smoke) They’re…they’re these terrors.
And it feels as if somebody was gripping my throat. Like last night, they’re not
like tremors, they are worse than tremors, they are these terrors. And it’s like…it
feels like somebody was gripping my throat and squeezing…as if somebody was
gripping my throat.
Some say, now suffer all the children

And walk away a savior
Or a madman and polluted
From gutter institutions
Don’t you breathe for me
Undeserving of your sympathy
Cause there ain’t no way that I’m sorry
For what I did
(The SKELETONS form a circle around them.)
And through it all

How could you cry for me?
Cause I don’t feel bad about it
(DARREN puts his arm around CLAIRE and leans inward.)
So shut your eyes…

Kiss me goodbye…
And sleep
Just sleep
(CLAIRE pushes DARREN away and cowers.)
The hardest part is letting go of your dreams
(DARREN unclips a flask from his belt and offers it to CLAIRE.)
A drink
For the horror that I’m in.
(CLAIRE refuses the drink.)
For the good guys and the bad guys

For the monsters that I’ve been
51
Three cheers for tyranny
Unapologetic apathy
Cause there ain’t no way that I’m coming back again
And through it all

How could you cry for me?
Cause I don’t feel bad about it.
(DARREN makes another move on CLAIRE who is less resistant this time.)
So shut your eyes

Kiss me goodbye
And sleep
Just sleep
(CLAIRE moves towards him.)
The hardest part’s the awful things that I’ve seen.
Sometimes I see flames…and sometimes I see people that I “love” dying and it’s
always…
Just sleep
Just sleep
Just sleep
Just sleep
Just sleep
Just sleep
CLAIRE
Wake up.
(CLAIRE embraces DARREN and engages herself with a passionate kiss on his
lips. DARREN, though surprised, ropes her in and kisses her back while the music
escalates.)
DARREN
And I can’t…I can’t ever wake up. (He smiles and winks at her.) Is this for
real, then?
CLAIRE
Don’t humor yourself, asshole. I told you, my brother is my best friend.
We’re more alike than one might imagine.
52
DARREN
Oh…yikes…I don’t know how I feel about dipping into your brother.
CLAIRE
(Flashing hesitation, but regrouping herself and laughing) Shut up—I may
not be so easily swayed, Mister. You’re going to have to chase me. Promise me
something, though?
DARREN
Anything for you, my porcelain jewel.
CLAIRE
Don’t say anything to Curtis. Oh, and get the hell out of here.
DARREN
Now?
CLAIRE
Yes, now.
DARREN
When shall I have the privilege of your…company…again?
CLAIRE
As soon as I have a moment to detox. Now—get.
DARREN
Stay tight. (He glances over her) Ye-ow.
(DARREN exits the scene, fluttering on his toes.)
CLAIRE
(Wiping her mouth and spitting. She pauses for a moment and stares at
her feet before walking to the door and banging on it.) Curtis. I know you’re in
there.
CURTIS
(From inside) What are you doing here?
CLAIRE
I was concerned about you, and rightfully so. I don’t blame you for
locking out Marie…and I won’t ask about what happened between you two…
53
CURTIS
I don’t want another lecture. Especially not from you. I’m supposed to be
the adult here.
CLAIRE
We all have moments of weakness, Curtis. It’s part of being human.
CURTIS
Don’t you have school tomorrow?
CLAIRE
Aw shucks, I guess I’ll have to skip.
CURTIS
No, you won’t.
CLAIRE
Hey now, I can…yeah, you’re not wrong.
(CURTIS opens the door and comes outside. His hair is messy and his shirt
unbuttoned, but he is still sober.)
Have you been drinking?
CURTIS
I haven’t touched a bottle since I left home. Do you believe me, Claire? It
seems like nobody else in this godforsaken town does. While the signs point to
“yes, he’s still the same motherfucker he was in high school,” I promise that’s not
the case. I can’t go on like that anymore.
CLAIRE
I believe you. You know who I didn’t believe? That washed up lunatic you
pretended to be when we were kids.
CURTIS
As if we’re not still kids.
CLAIRE
I had to grow up too, Curtis.
CURTIS
That’s on me.
54
CLAIRE
Aren’t you afraid of going back? You know—reverting, regressing or
whatever.
CURTIS
That’s not what I fear.
CLAIRE
Then why are you hiding in a barn like a drunken vagabond? No wonder
Marie is treating you like a crack hemp. And Darren, he still thinks you’re—
CURTIS
Darren is sorely misled. And Marie is dead to me.
CLAIRE
You can’t keep projecting like this, Curtis. It’s not healthy. You’ll grow to
be bitter and old, wasting away in “possibilities.” Alone. Depressed.
CURTIS
Disenchanted.
CLAIRE
Sorry?
CURTIS
You asked what I fear. That’s it—the one thing that petrifies me to the
core. Disenchantment.
CLAIRE
I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with the term.
CURTIS
Don’t they still teach you kids anymore? Let me ask you something. What
makes life beautiful?
CLAIRE
That’s a loaded question.
CURTIS
Okay. Then…what makes life ugly?
CLAIRE
Men like Darren.
55
CURTIS
See, you’ve created something. A story—a book. Your life, or your
perception of life, is drenched in the magic you’ve created for yourself. Whether
it’s the beauty of love and family or the corruption in the heart of an enemy,
you’ve handcrafted an arsenal of enchantments. These visions guide you—they
keep your morals in check, prevent you from breaking character, whatever. But
most importantly…your illusions and the magic that you create…they keep your
heart alive. They keep you human.
CLAIRE
I think I’m following. So, what’s “Disenchantment” then?
CURTIS
Disenchantment...as I see it...is the point at which your story ends and
drudgery begins. It’s when your life becomes empty, when you lose meaning,
when your words carry no weight and when the world is just as bleak as your
heart. Plenty of people suffer this tragedy every year, and I’ve yet to meet a
person who’s recovered from it because if you don’t keep the magic and the
fullness of life close to your heart, it’ll be whisked away in a fleeting moment and
you’ll be left with nothing but a sad song and fallen heroes.
CLAIRE
Huh.
CURTIS
Hey, if I’m so wrong, then how can you listen to me all night long? Not that
it matters…
CLAIRE
No, I’m not saying you’re wrong. (Aside) Maybe Darren was right…I never
even glimpsed this side of Curtis. (To Curtis) You surprise me. I figured you were
just doing damage control. Fake it till you make it. But this is borderline
philosophical.
CURTIS
That’s the first genuine compliment I’ve been given in six years. (A pause)
Don’t fret too much over becoming disenchanted. Your hesitance suggests that
you’ve never even considered the concept which, in theory, means you are
tethered and far from the edge of nullity.
CLAIRE
Tell me then—what keeps you tethered. Why haven’t you gone void?
56
CURTIS
What do you think? Many moons ago, before I had the ingenious idea to
sell drugs with a charismatic junkie, I hadn’t derived anything from fantasy. I was
living happily, excelling here there and everywhere. But guess what?
CLAIRE
Dad died.
CURTIS
Ding-ding-ding. Dad was hit by a car on Christmas Eve and the very color
of reality was sucked into a vacuum. I felt alone. Darren offered me a temporary
release from the pains of mourning.
CLAIRE
That was your freshman year, wasn’t it?
CURTIS
Mhmm. You and I were closer than butter and jam. But then, like a fool, I
abandoned you. God, I was such a clown. I fooled around with practically
every girl in the school, blew off every obligation I had to build my cartel, and for
once I had control. I was living life to the fullest. I was a hero in the eyes of my
admirers.
CLAIRE
I hated you.
CURTIS
I hated myself.
CLAIRE
Reasonable, but not wholesome. Where are you now? On what line do
you fall?
CURTIS
The only thing keeping me from drowning was Helena. But if she’s about
to…bite the bullet…then I’m not so sure what means I’ll resort to.
CLAIRE
Helena, huh? Not me?
CURTIS
What? Oh, yeah—I’m sorry, honestly, I thought that was a given.
57
CLAIRE
No explanation needed, alright? I’m aware of what I am to you.
CURTIS
What do you think you mean to me? You’re everything.
CLAIRE
I’m responsibility. More than you are willing to handle.
CURTIS
I—
CLAIRE
Helena told me about her. That…that girl. You couldn’t handle
responsibility then, and you probably couldn’t handle it now. I’m not a tether.
I’m an anchor, and I’m pulling you towards Disenchantment. Admit it.
CURTIS
That’s not true at all.
CLAIRE
I’ve seen it in your eyes every time you enter a room. Helena has been
sugarcoating everything for me, but I’m not a child. I’m older than you are at
heart. Tell me the truth, Curtis.
CURTIS
The truth about what?
CLAIRE
You’re only back in Clerk because you felt trapped—suffocated—
obligated to watch over me. You didn’t want to. Hell, you probably had a
franchise up and running in the east but you threw it all away for me. You’re a
clown if you think it’s not obvious.
CURTIS
It’s not that black and white.
CLAIRE
But am I lying?
(CURTIS shakes his head.)
That’s what I thought. Before long I will be out of your hair. I’ll leave and
peruse the world like I was always meant to. But Curtis, I wish you would put your
58
fantasies aside for one day and live in the world. It’s not such a dark place.
Maybe, someday over the rainbow, we can really try our hand at this “sibling”
bullshit.
CURTIS
Claire…
CLAIRE
Goodnight, Curtis. I’ll be at Grandma’s house if you need me.
CURTIS
Alone?
CLAIRE
(Thinking hard, then sadly:) No. Not alone. I’ll call…Marie.
CURTIS
Okay.
(CLAIRE begins to exit.)
Wait—I love you.
CLAIRE
I’ll let you believe that.
(CLAIRE leaves. CURTIS slumps against the farmhouse wall and kicks the dirt. The
Lights mellow, and as they descend, a crowd of SKELETONS rush in and strip
CURTIS down, decorating him in a trench coat, slicking his hair down in front of
his eyes, and applying eyeliner. The lights suddenly darken completely.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Seven: The Illusion

(Once the lights darken completely, purple hues flash violently over the
farmhouse. We are now in the interior of the building. TEENAGERS, in place of
the SKELETONS, fill the space—drinking, smoking and wreaking havoc. CURTIS sits
on the back of a couch, holding a beer can. DARREN and FRANKIE make out in
the corner.)
SK8R BOI
Let’s give a big hand for Doctor Death Defy and Derek!
59
DARREN
(Through a sloppy kiss) It’s Darren, you jack-off!
#7 – Party Poison
CURTIS
Hey…hey everybody. LISTEN UP! HEY! Killjoys and buzzheads…
FRANKIE
(Pushing DARREN away) ALL OF YOU SLUTS AND MANWHORES LISTEN TO
CURTIS!
CURTIS
Everybody pay attention to me
I got the answer
I got the answer
We’ll rock it to ya with a capital G
So get your hands up
So get your hands up
Hide your eyes, we’re gonna shine tonight

Sub-atmoic never get the best of me
Ain’t no DJ gonna save my soul
TEENAGERS
My soul
CURTIS
I sold it long ago for rock ‘n’ roll
TEENAGERS
Whoa oh
CURTIS
Drop the needle when the tape deck blows
I got to shout this out so everybody knows
TEENAGERS
This ain’t a party
Get off the dance floor
You want the get down
Here comes the gang war
You’re doing alright
I got the answer
60
‘Cause all the good times
CURTIS
They give you cancer
TEENAGERS
If we were all like you in the end
Oh, we’d be killing ourselves by sleeping in
So, hit the lights, I’ll do it again
And keep your cars, and your dogs, and your famous friends
Well, alright
(There is a dance break, during which the door opens and ROSEMARY bashfully
enters. FRANKIE glares at her. CURTIS notices her lost expression and happily
approaches her.)
CURTIS
Rosie! Hell yeah! You’re just in time for the main event, you know that? Oh,
gracious, I was beginning to worry about you, up there in that floral shop…all
alone. We’re glad you’re here, ain’t we BITCHES!?
TEENAGERS
Oh, hell yeah!
ROSEMARY
This is…uh…some party you’ve got on your hands. You called it a ball.
CURTIS
Damn right, I did, and you better watch your wording, honeycomb. This
ain’t a motherfucking party! Darren!
DARREN
Slide up the faders when the cabinet slams
And get your hands up
Now get your hands up
Light up the stage and watch me kick out the jams
So throw your fist up
Now throw your fist up
CURTIS
Ain’t nobody going to take my life
Ain’t nobody going to get the best of me
Ain’t a preacher going to save me now
Grab a seat, I’m going to show you how
61
Everybody hit the pyro cue
We’re going to blow this off
And show you what we do
TEENAGERS
This ain’t a party
Get off the dance floor
You want the get down
Here comes the gang war
You’re doing alright
I got the answer
‘Cause all the good times
They give you cancer
If we were all like you in the end
Well, we’d be killing ourselves by sleeping in
So, hit the lights, I’ll do it again
And keep your cars, and your dogs, and your famous friends
Well, alright
Well, alright
Well, alright
We came to party
Kill the party tonight
We came to party
Kill the party tonight
Let’s go!
(FRANKIE shotguns a drink and begins to speak in Japanese.)
FRANKIE
Yuumei ni naritai no?
Maji de?
Eien to ikiai
Watashi wa bakuhatsu suru!
(The TEENAGERS continue to sing their chorus as CURTIS plops down next to
ROSEMARY, who is comprehensively embarrassed.)
CURTIS
What wild animal dragged you out of bed, eh? You possessed or
something? Never thought you were actually gonna make it.
ROSEMARY
All things considered, neither did I.
62
CURTIS
But you came around! I’m proud of you. That’s a real character arc,
Rosie-Toes. Real development. I could kiss you.
ROSEMARY
Allow me to be clear, bud. I’m not here to fuck around. I only came
because my sister is here and it looks like she’s on the verge of alcohol poisoning
at the moment.
CURTIS
Hey—that’s admirable as shit, fruitcake. Whatta good sister.
ROSEMARY
You are so drunk.
CURTIS
Which reminds me—you’re not drunk at all. Let’s fix that, shall we? (He
offers her the flask again.)
ROSEMARY
Yeah, I’ll take a hard pass on that.
CURTIS
On the rocks?
ROSEMARY
Frankly, I’m not sure you know what kind of person I am. And don’t call
me Rosie. Friends call me Rosie, str—
CURTIS
Yadda-yadda, sure, whatever, “Dingle Berry.” You should know that I am
a strikingly proficient judge of character.
ROSEMARY
The sole fact that you invited me to a party—
CURTIS
Not a party.
ROSEMARY
—tells me that you have zero judgement of character.
CURTIS
Yum, look who’s getting all judge-y now, Suzie. Oh—sorry—Suzie Anne.
63
ROSEMARY
You aren’t doing yourself any favors.
CURTIS
I’ve got a secret…but I’m not telling…
ROSEMARY
Have you ever been sober?
CURTIS
(In falsetto) I’ll tell you…for a price…
ROSEMARY
Like I give a damn about your drunken secrets. I hold myself to standards,
Mr. Joy. I’m not of your breed…your party raving shenanigans and over-hyped
ego humping. Unlike you, I have a future.
CURTIS
(Swooning) You’re wrong about something…
ROSEMARY
(Bluntly) What? If you won’t leave me alone, then out with it.
CURTIS
Are you ready-eddy-Freddie?
ROSEMARY
Entirely.
CURTIS
Have a sip. (He offers the flask again.)
ROSEMARY
I don’t drink.
CURTIS
Just a teeny sipsy.
ROSEMARY
Love, if it’ll stop you from breathing down my neck, I’ll play your pathetic
game. Pass it here.
(She drinks a swig, squinting hard. After swallowing, her eyes widen.)
64
Weak—it tastes so dilute.
CURTIS
Watery? Almost like…water?
ROSEMARY
(Sipping again) Water you doing…just…faking drunkenness?
CURTIS
(Laughing raucously) Trade secret, Rosie-toes…I don’t drink at shindigs like
this. Sharpness is second to none in this business. Plus, hydration keeps me
energized.
ROSEMARY
(Gears spinning) Interesting…
CURTIS
Yes? Care to rethink your earlier statement?
ROSEMARY
Perhaps I did underestimate you.
CURTIS
I’m used to it.
(There is a loud crash offstage.)
And I’m accustomed to thinking on my feet. The second our dear Farmer
Khell hears a pipe of sound from any of us, we are water under the fridge. I
propose we jump.
ROSEMARY
…off?
CURTIS
Hop-to. Skedaddle.
ROSEMARY
You’d just…ditch your own “ball.”
CURTIS
You betcha. Darren is my damage control fella. (Noticing that DARREN
and FRANKIE are again all over each other) On the bright side, if his ass is
chopped off by sunrise, maybe he’ll get serious about something for once.
65
ROSEMARY
Where would we go?
CURTIS
Grab your jacket and meet me upstairs in a minute or two.
(CURTIS pats her shoulder and hops to his feet, chatting up the happy couple as
they attempt to cram each other’s’ tongues down their throats again.
ROSEMARY stares at CURTIS, perplexed. Lights fade while the stage clears.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Eight: The Haunting

(Immediately following the party, CURTIS helps ROSEMARY onto a rickety
drawbridge. They had escaped from the farmhouse by clambering through the
upstairs window and running off unnoticed. CURTIS offers ROSEMARY a cigarette.
She declines. She rubs her ankle, having injured it on their jump from the house.)
CURTIS
Thanks for sparing judgement. How’s your foot?
ROSEMARY
Don’t mention it. And it’s throbbing, but that’s a problem for “Tomorrow
Rosemary.”
CURTIS
I’ll take the heat for that one. Not everyone is accustomed to jumping out
of second floor windows.
ROSEMARY
Well, there’s a first time for everything. Heh. “Taste the sweetness of life.”
(A long pause. They watch the night sky in silence.) Curtis? I need to ask you
something.
CURTIS
Go ahead—shoot me.
ROSEMARY
How can one man be such a prime cut of stubbornness?
CURTIS
How do you mean?
66
ROSEMARY
I mean, why did you have such un-relinquished faith in me? Despite every
turn off and denial, you would not call it quits. What’s wrong with you? Are you
sick?
CURTIS
We’re all a bit sick in the head, Rosemary.
ROSEMARY
I grant you my blessing. Call me Rosie. Rosemary sounds like an old
woman’s name.
CURTIS
It ain’t half as prissy as “Curtis.” What’s worse is “Curt” makes me sound
like a schoolboy.
(They laugh.)
Yeah, I don’t know. I was grasping for straws, honestly. This lifestyle ain’t for
everyone, and to be completely honest…don’t tell one soul…but I’m fucking
exhausted. I’m on the brink of liver poisoning. But I truck on. There ain’t no
escape from this course.
ROSEMARY
Then why would you choose it?
CURTIS
You were warned about me and my family, weren’t you? Now, me I
understand, but my family…what do you know about my family?
ROSEMARY
Frankie told you?
(CURTIS nods.)
My father told me that your whole bloodline is full of psychos.
CURTIS
If I may, I’d like the chance to…clarify.
ROSEMARY
Proceed.
67
CURTIS
Much appreciated. The Joy family used to be completely average. I was
a basic, plain white slice of bread. My brother was prepping for college, my
parents were…well, bickering, but together. Then he got drunk. My father, I
mean. He and his sister had a squabble at our family Christmas party and she
refused to give him a ride home. So, the bastard walked. He walked five miles in
subzero temperatures until he passed out, tumbling right into the
freeway…and…
ROSEMARY
Oh…
CURTIS
Yeah. Oh. My mother had always been a bit of a witch, but post-mortem,
the fires of hell were lit under her ass and she became medusa. My brother ran
off to join the army. And I was lost. A puppy. But that beautiful man in there—Mr.
Darren Capula, the motherfucker—he took me in and cut me a deal. And now?
I’m coping.
ROSEMARY
Wouldn’t you rather make your father proud than…spitting on his grave
like this?
CURTIS
Excuse me?
ROSEMARY
Mourning is rough. Grief is sometimes unbearable, but—
CURTIS
What would you know about grief?
ROSEMARY
For your information, Doctor, you’re not the only one with a tragic
backstory. My mother died at childbirth—my sister resents me for it, my father
chains me to the wall, and I’m still paying for it today.
CURTIS
Shit, Rosie, I’m sorry—
ROSEMARY
Don’t apologize when you don’t mean it. You’re just saving face. Curtis
Joy, there’s something about you that is magnetizing—something polarizing. As
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much as a I hate to admit it, I believe I’m repeating history with you. I can’t
shake the feeling that our paths are tightly woven together.
CURTIS
What, like fate?
ROSEMARY
Sure, if you’re into that nonsense. Curtis, I’m not naïve. I’m not your
innocent ragdoll. I’m hardened and I’m experienced, I know the darkness in
men’s hearts and the vanity in my own. I know my strengths and weaknesses.
And worst of all, I know why I’m here tonight.
CURTIS
Why?
ROSEMARY
Romance. It’s been dead for decades, but there’s this pull, this chemical
reaction bursting through my veins that will not let up. That first day I met you, I
was appalled, disgusted, but I could not shake you out of my mind. I could not
desert you. Did you know that I ruined my life once already?
CURTIS
Um…
ROSEMARY
No exaggeration at all. I fell in love with a kind, caring young man who I
thought would take care of me. Complete me. Within a month, he had taken
everything from me—my friends, what was left of my family, and my dignity. And
after realizing how encaged I was, I decided to take matters into my own
hands.
CURTIS
What did you do?
ROSEMARY
I stabbed him.
(CURTIS nearly collapses.)
You heard me right. I stabbed him. I slept with him, and as soon as his
head hit the pillow, my knife hit his skin.
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CURTIS
I’m not one for rational decisions but what could possibly make you think
that was a rational decision?
ROSEMARY
Wanna know what my philosophy is, Curtis?
CURTIS
What?
#8 – Teenagers
ROSEMARY
These people, your so-called friends…anyone who promises to “save
you.” You know what they’re really out to do?
They’re gonna clean up your looks

With all the lies in the books
To make a citizen out of you
Because they sleep with a gun
And keep an eye on you son
So they can watch all the things you do
(Teenagers begin to run past the duo, frantically raving and hooting.)
Because the drugs never work

They’re gonna give you a smirk
‘Cause they’ve got methods of keeping you clean
They’re gonna rip up your head
Your aspirations to shreds
Another cog in the murder machine
They say all
TEENAGERS
Teenagers scare
The living shit out of me
They could care less
As long as someone will bleed
So darken your clothes
Or strike a violent pose
Maybe they’ll leave you alone but not me
ROSEMARY
The boys and girls in the clique
The awful names that they stick
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You’re never gonna fit in much kid
But if you’re troubled and hurt
What you’ve got under your shirt
Will make them pay for the things that they did
They said all
TEENAGERS
Teenagers scare
As long as someone will bleed
Maybe they’ll leave you alone
But not me.
(FARMER KHELL enters in a flash, chasing the hooligans with a pitchfork.)
KHELL
OH YEAH!?
You damn ragamuffins have crossed my last nerve, and I mean it. Where
is Curtis Joy? He will have the wrath of God to pay for what he’s done to my
house. Some “businessman.” Bet he doesn’t even know the definition of
marketing.
CURTIS
Shit shit shit…
ROSEMARY
Don’t worry, he’s not going to see us. Have faith in something, Satan.
CURTIS
You’re quite ferocious, you know that?
ROSEMARY
Thank you…I take pride in it.
(There is a brief dance break, in which all of the TEENAGERS disorient and dizzy
up FARMER KHELL.)
TEENAGERS
They say all
Teenagers scare the living shit out of me
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As long as someone’ll bleed
But not me
(KHELL turns and notices the couple on the bridge. Before he can pounce,
however, ROSEMARY hops up on her uninjured foot.)
ROSEMARY
All together now!
(The TEENAGERS carry KHELL away.)
TEENAGERS
They say all teenagers scare
But not me
Teenagesr scare
But not me
(All TEENAGERS have exited.)
CURTIS
I thought I was dead as a doornail. You really covered my ass.
ROSEMARY
Not so good at reading yourself anymore, are you, sir?
CURTIS
Color me corrected…
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(They draw close.)
There is really something…beautiful about you.
ROSEMARY
Are you trying to seduce me?
CURTIS
I’m being honest.
ROSEMARY
Wow, there really is a first time for everything.
(They kiss.)
This can’t continue.
CURTIS
This?
ROSEMARY
This can’t continue unless that (she gestures towards the farm house)
ends. Are we understood? Don’t make me stab you too.
CURTIS
Empty threats.
ROSEMARY
Do I look like I’m kidding? Tomorrow morning, tell Darren that you two are
through as partners and we can get serious about this. My only stipulation is you
have to mean it. I’m not a missionary. I’m not going to fix you. Say it and mean
it.
CURTIS
That’s quite a bargain you’re offering.
ROSEMARY
You tell me. Is it worth it?
(She lets go of his hands and exits. CURTIS remains on the bridge for a few more
moments before taking off his trench coat and tossing it offstage. He quietly
removes a comb from his pocket and slicks back his hair, wiping off his
eyeshadow. Before long, a bulky, homeless man stumbles onto the bridge. This
man is MARCUS JOY, the estranged brother of CURTIS.)
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CURTIS
Late night, son?
MARCUS
‘Got a swig?
CURTIS
I don’t live by the bottle these days. Watcha doin’ out here, huh? There
ain’t a pauper anywhere near these parts.
MARCUS
Lookin’ for someone.
CURTIS
Funny. I came out here looking for someone too. I think we all know where
our hearts lie, don’t we? Or at least we pretend to. Who you lookin’ for,
stranger?
MARCUS
My brother.
CURTIS
If your brother’s out here, I’m willing to wager he’s an asshole.
(Enter ROSEMARY, but as a skeleton. She watches from afar.)
Can I trust you to keep a secret?
MARCUS
I don’t reckon why not.
CURTIS
Sometimes when I’m on this bridge, I swear I see her. She sits down there…
(He points to where ROSEMARY is standing.)
And she watches me. Like a ghost. Except ghosts are only daydreams
and this life is far from magical. Occasionally, I speak to her, and she just stares
at me. Dead. Expressionless. Kind of like you right now, eh? You know what it
feels like to me right now? It’s as if everyone else seems to know who I am,
except for me. Crazy, right? People make grand assumptions and accusations
on the double, but I’m the one left scrambling to put it together and try to
reason through who “Curtis Joy” is. Do you ever feel that way? Friend?
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MARCUS
You sure you ain’t got a drink on yah?
CURTIS
Haven’t touched a drop in years. You would know if you bothered to
show your face ever…Marcus. No, don’t get up, just sit still. I’ve missed you, bud.
How did you find me?
MARCUS
I knew you’d be lost in this memory.
CURTIS
Six years, Marcus. Six years and you’ve been living like an urchin. I was
proud to be your brother. Always looked up to you.
MARCUS
I shouldn’t’a ever left.
CURTIS
No, you were right to. What’s the time?
MARCUS
I couldn’t face any of yah. I’m crippled, gnarled and broken. Not by my
terms. Not by an enemy. By an accident.
CURTIS
A frag.
MARCUS
My own frag.
CURTIS
Ashamed?
MARCUS
Sad. There ain’t another word for it, Curt. Sad. This world it’s—it’s full a’
gloom. I figured that happiness was long dead, buried somewhere in the meat
of my lost leg. And I knew that if I dared come near you, then…
CURTIS
Then the she-beast would surface?
MARCUS
Damn. Forgot how we were so cut from the same slice.
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CURTIS
You could’ve phoned me.
MARCUS
Too embarrassing. (Beat) Can’t believe you quit.
CURTIS
You must really want that drink, huh? Go ask Darren, I’m sure he’s loaded
at the moment. Is that sunlight?
MARCUS
It’s near morning. Do you know why I finally decided to appear?
CURTIS
Christ, how long have I been out here? For the love of God, what time is
it? Almost morning already?
MARCUS
This is an apology, Curtis.
CURTIS
An apology? For what?
#9 – Mama
MARCUS
For not giving you ample warning. The time is up, Curtis. She’s on the
prowl. She can taste us in the air.
(SKELETON troopers, hidden in the woods, emerge and begin forming a war
scene.)
Mama, we all go to hell

I'm sending this warning and wishing you well
Oh well now, Mama, we're all gonna die

Mama, we're all gonna die
Stop asking me questions, I'd hate to see you cry
Mama, we're all gonna die
SKELETONS
And when we go, don't blame us, yeah
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We'll let the fires just bathe us, yeah
You made us oh, so famous, we'll never let you go
And when you go, don't return to me, my love
MARCUS
Mama, we're all full of lies
Mama, we're meant for the flies
And right now, they're building a coffin your size
Mama, we're all full of lies
SKELETON TROOPER
Well mother, what the war did to my legs and to my tongue
You should've raised a baby girl, I should've been a better son
MARCUS
If you could coddle the infection, they can amputate at once
You should've been, I could have been a better son
SKELETONS
And when we go, don't blame us, yeah
We'll let the fires just bathe us, yeah
You made us oh, so famous
We'll never let you go
She said, "You ain't no son of mine

For what you've done, they're gonna find
A place for you and just you mind your manners when you go
And when you go, don't return to me, my love"
That's right
MARCUS
It's really quite pleasant, except for the smell
(The SKELETONS break out into full war mode. They begin to shoot each other,
stab each other, bomb each other, and die—like clockwork, making the rounds
as a machine.)
Mama! Mama! Mama! Oh!

Mama! Mama! Mama! Ma...
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(By the end of the dance sequence, all of the SKELETONS have converged in a
pile. From the ashes of their bodies, a woman rises. She is tiny, but reeks of death.
Her hair is bound in spider-like strands, her eyes pale and ominous, and her lips
red as blood. She is the mistress of Satan…MAMA JOY…mother.)
MAMA
And if you would call me a sweetheart
I'd maybe then sing you a song
CURTIS
But there's shit that I've done
MARCUS
With this fuck of a gun
You would cry out your eyes, all along
SKELETONS
We're damned, after all
Through fortune and fame, we fall
And if you can stay, then I'll show you the way
To return from the ashes you call
(The SKELETONS’ combat escalates.)
We all carry on
When our brothers in arms are gone
So raise your glass high, for tomorrow, we die
MARCUS
And return from the ashes you call
(The SKELETONS have all perished, and fade back into the ground. MAMA JOY
now faces her estranged children.)
CURTIS
You led her to me?
MARCUS
I had no choice, bud, she took the reigns.
MAMA
Curtis—Oh, my Curtis! How late…or how early it is in the day! And how
long ago has the sun set since last we met? Oh, Curtis…tsk tsk, my boy. You
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make your mother weep her miseries away. Alone—destitute—forgotten. I have
missed you so dearly, my sweet child. Hush. Do not cry. Mother is here.
CURTIS
I would rather die than cry. Can’t you take a hint? Was moving across the
world not obvious enough for you, or do I have to do it again?
MAMA
Why, Curtis, I am shocked at you! This language, this utter poverty of the
heart. It crushes me. Oh, my fragile bones shiver at the thought of being
separated from you once more. Give mother a hug.
CURTIS
N-no! Marcus, why would you do this?
MARCUS
Fumes, Curt, fumes. I had nowhere left to turn. One way or another…
MAMA
And he turned towards the light. As shall you, Curtis.
CURTIS
There’s always a catch to your so-called “love.” What do you want me for
this time, mother?
MAMA
Your little sister has run off! Run off with no trace!
CURTIS
You kicked her out.
MAMA
I gave her an ultimatum, and she chose the…unfortunate…course of
action. Please, would you help me look for her?
CURTIS
Have you been living under a rock? She’s with Marie at Helena’s place.
And Marcus saw her three hours ago.
MAMA
Not so! I called merely an hour ago and Claire has not returned.
CURTIS
She—she what?
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MAMA
You see the full picture now, Curtis. Your sister has tumbled headfirst into a
spout of troubles.
CURTIS
Yeah, fraught by you.
MAMA
Now now, Curtis, now now. Would your grandmother approve of that
language? Your withering, sickly grandmother?
(CURTIS tries to leave, but MARCUS and MAMA prevent him.)
Not so fast now, dear, we have to assemble a search party.
CURTIS
You’re looking at him. I can find Claire in a heartbeat, alright? I know all of
her little mind games.
MARCUS
You don’t know half of Claire like the rest of us do, Curt. She adores you,
yet you spit on her grave.
CURTIS
Slander! I don’t know what game you’re both playing right now, but this is
not the woman that I know as my sister. She’s right where she promised to be.
MAMA
(Laughing) On what planet would that be true?
CURTIS
For the last time, get out of my way.
MAMA
Or what? You’ll jump?
(CURTIS allows this to sink in.)
CURTIS
Fuck you.
MAMA
Young man!
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CURTIS
And go to hell!
(CURTIS shoves his way past them, finally, and storms offstage.)
MAMA
Quite a temper on that one. He certainly didn’t inherit it from me.
MARCUS
You pinched my ear and dragged me along. Now you better follow
through with our agreement.
MAMA
Ah—yes—four months’ rent while you get back on your feet and
employment assurance. You will have it…as soon as I have Curtis.
MARCUS
(Aside) If I had any nerve, I’d bury you right here and now.
MAMA
Come along now, dear, come along. There’s much work to be done.
(The lights fade as all characters exit.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Nine
(Early in the morning, shortly after MAMA and MARCUS’s return. A sleepless
CLAIRE rests her head on the newly awoken DARREN. They sit atop a bell-tower,
resting against the guard rails.)
DARREN
(Yawning) Really, I’m flattered, but ain’t this a tad early for romance? I
typically work by night…if you catch my drift.
CLAIRE
Early bird gets the worm.
DARREN
Looks like you haven’t slept a wink. Mind occupied? Hormones on the
frits? I could potentially remedy one of those concerns…
CLAIRE
Sorry, Darren. There’s a lot that’s happened over the past few hours?
81
DARREN
(Massaging her shoulders) Sh-shh-shhh…the world’s a fireball of
happenstance. There’s no point searching for depth and meaning in trivial
bullshit. If you were to ask me, and yeah, you’re not exactly on the prowl for
advice, but…well, if you asked me, know what I’d tell you? I’d tell you to not
take yourself so seriously. You’re beautiful—handcrafted and refined by the
gods themselves—yet you whittle away every chance you get.
CLAIRE
I care a lot about my family.
DARREN
Family. Congruent to Curtis?
CLAIRE
How do you see yourself…uh…handsome?
DARREN
Are you asking if I’m handsome or calling me handsome?
CLAIRE
Jesus, I’m trying to flirt. That’s cutesy, right? You like…battened eyes or
whatever. You’re a prime specimen of the male species.
DARREN
Quit tryin’ to read me, girlie. You wanna know what gets my heart
fluttering? I’ll clue you in.
CLAIRE
Provide the honest truth and you may find yourself greatly rewarded.
DARREN
Rewarded?
CLAIRE
Guess you’ll just have to find out.
DARREN
Golly-gee, I would never pass up on a healthy injection of mystery. How
honest are you reckoning for?
CLAIRE
Your darkest dreams…brightest nightmares…
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DARREN
Puppeteer.
CLAIRE
You’re turned on by ventriloquists?
DARREN
Impartial. No, no, I like to pull the strings. I’m a whore for control. Genuine
communication and connection—well sure, they ain’t null—but what really pulls
me towards the steam is manipulation. Nothing dirty…just…experimentation.
CLAIRE
(Clearly uncomfortable) How would you manipulate me?
DARREN
Mind games. Puzzles. I shouldn’t be the one talking—look at you—you’re
adept.
CLAIRE
I don’t play mind games.
DARREN
There’s a bit of larceny in all of us, my succulent plum. An edge. You’ve
got it—hell, you’re Curtis’s sister.
CLAIRE
Am I?
DARREN
What? Well, you said—
CLAIRE
I’m only controlled by my own terms…my own device. Why do you think I
fell in love with you?
DARREN
In love?
CLAIRE
That’s what kids call it these days, isn’t it? I’m here because I’m seeking
control. You exude power. (Straining to force her point) I’m smitten, totally and
completely. Addicted to the persona you’ve projected. I want more than
anything to become entwined with that true heart of yours.
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DARREN
(Surprised) Nobody has spoken so bluntly with me before. I’m a pillar of
honesty, Claire, so I’m obligated to touch on…shit…
CLAIRE
Whatever you’re comfortable with.
DARREN
I’m an emulator at heart. This façade is derived entirely from the men I’ve
chosen to herald throughout my life. In a way, I’ve raised myself onto a
pedestal. So, that being out there in the open…I would like to drop it for a hot
second.
CLAIRE
You’re going to break character?
DARREN
For the sake of honesty. It appears we both have a common threat.
CLAIRE
Threat?
DARREN
Absolutely.
CLAIRE
You’ll have to…excuse me…but I’m a little unclear on your intention.
DARREN
Why, Curtis, of course.
CLAIRE
Curtis isn’t our enemy.
DARREN
I didn’t mean that he’s our enemy, I meant that he’s a threat. A blip. An
incongruence meant to plague us both to the core.
CLAIRE
You worship him.
DARREN
And you don’t?
84
CLAIRE
I lied to him in order to meet you here.
DARREN
Yet you would go running back to him if it meant you were worthy of his
undying approval.
CLAIRE
(Resisting the urge to argue) Can we change the subject, please? I want
to enjoy tonight…I mean, this morning…as much as possible.
DARREN
News flash for you—any idea who built this bell tower?
CLAIRE
I don’t know.
DARREN
A Mr. Delaware Capula. The man not only built one of the greatest
architectural wonders in all of Clerk, but he also produced the most successful
lawyer in fifty years. This guy.
CLAIRE
Your father is an architect?
DARREN
Yes ma’am. Built this here spire, built the bridge off Cemetery Drive, and
he built the cathedral in town square. Fascinating, ain’t it?
CLAIRE
Clerk is a small town.
DARREN
Small enough to know the most beautiful woman around.
CLAIRE
Who, me?
DARREN
No, my mother. Fuck, of course you, dolly.
CLAIRE
You shouldn’t think too highly of me.
85
DARREN
If I were you, I’d think better of myself too. This funk has got you all rewired.
CLAIRE
I like to believe that there’s a future out there for me. Like someday,
people will actually pay attention to me. I won’t be a device, you know? I’ll stop
being a side character and take the spotlight. Maybe…maybe I’ll become a
lawyer like you or open a business like my brother. Either way, this town is dying.
To me, anyway. Or…is it me who’s dying? I’ve been pushed around, shoved to
agree, and treated like a kid for years. Granted, I’m only seventeen, but I like to
convince myself that I’ve aged beyond what I should have. I feel old, Darren.
Do you ever feel that way?
DARREN
Twenty-six don’t look bad on me.
CLAIRE
Well, seventeen is toxic to me. Again, I’m sorry—but thank you for listening.
(Aside) Honestly. (To Darren) I appreciate it more than you could know.
DARREN
What kinda lover would I be without a bit of empathy, eh? Now…about
that “surprise” you had for me…?
CLAIRE
(Thinking on her feet) Oh…uhm, well, I…er…
(A shout is heard offstage.)
Did you hear that?
DARREN
What’s a matter? Stalling or something? I gave you the attention that your
feeble brain wanted, now give me a little sugar. Pretty please?
CLAIRE
No, zip it—listen.
(Another shout is heard.)
There, I heard it again.
DARREN
Is someone hollering?
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CLAIRE
(Pressing up against DARREN.) Doesn’t concern us.
DARREN
Now…where were we?
CURTIS
(Offstage) Traitor!
DARREN
Huh?
CLAIRE
Save us both—it’s Curtis.
DARREN
This is what I was talking about—exactly this!
CURTIS
Darren Capula…Darren fucking Capula! (He enters the scene, standing
just below the bell tower.) And Claire—Claire what is this? What are you
doing…intentionally trying to give me an aneurism?
CLAIRE
Curtis, go away! This is none of your concern.
CURTIS
None of my concern…did you hear that, Darren? None of my concern
that my seventeen-year-old sister is off canoodling with a twenty-six-year-old
drug addict! Young lady, you march down here this second.
CLAIRE
You’re not my dad, asshole.
CURTIS
What’s consumed you, Claire? What happened to my spotless little sister?
CLAIRE
You deluded yourself into believing in her. She’s never existed. She’s
always been just like you…and you couldn’t bring yourself to admit it.
CURTIS
I won’t stand by and let this madness unfold.
87
DARREN
Curtis Joy, you have some real nerve. This is intimate—this is true. For once,
somebody connects with me and you want to squander my trust and love?
After all I’ve done for you…
CURTIS
(Laughing madly) Everything—all that you’ve ever done for me? To ruin
my life? To uproot my future and destroy my family? Oh, Darren, you had better
watch your ass because I’m going to obliterate any inkling of form it ever had.
DARREN
I’d like to see you try, Nurse.
CURTIS
That’s Doctor to you, motherfucker.
# 9 – House of Wolves
(CURTIS and DARREN square off—CURTIS down below, surrounded by a crowd of

acrobatic SKELETONS and DARREN up in the tower, guarding CLAIRE.)
Well, I know a thing about contrition

Because I got enough to spare
And I'll be granting your permission
'Cause you haven't got a prayer
Well, I said hey, hallelujah

I'm gonna come on, sing the praise
And let the spirit come on, through you
We got innocence, for days
DARREN
Well, I think I'm gonna burn in Hell
Everybody burn the house right down
CURTIS
And say what I wanna say
DARREN
Tell me I'm an angel, take this to my grave
Tell me I'm a bad man, kick me like a stray
88
SKELETONS
S-I-N, I S-I-N
S-I-N, I S-I-N
S-I-N, I S-I-N
S-I-N, I S-I-N
CURTIS
You play ring around the ambulance
Well, like you never gave a care
So get the choir boys around you
It's a compliment, I swear
And I said ashes to ashes, we all fall down

I want to hear you sing the praise
I said ashes to ashes, we all fall down
We got innocence for days
DARREN
Well, I think I'm gonna burn in Hell
Everybody burn the house right down
CURTIS
And say what I wanna say
DARREN
CURTIS
You better run like the devil
'Cause they're never gonna leave you alone
You better hide up in the alley
'Cause they're never gonna find you a home
DARREN
And as the blood runs down the walls
You see me creeping up these halls
CURTIS
I've been a bad motherfucker
DARREN
Tell your sister I'm another
89
CURTIS
Go! Go! Go!
And say, say what I wanna say
DARREN
Tell me I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad man
SKELETONS
(CURTIS leaves the stage and ascends to the top of the tower, baring his fists.)
CURTIS
So, get up! So, get out!
SKELETONS
I S-I-N, I S-I-N!
(The SKELETONS freeze in position as CURTIS confronts his friend and sister.)
CURTIS
Are you deaf? I said…get out.
DARREN
Deaf or dead? Sorry, Curtis, but I don’t take my orders from you anymore.
CURTIS
Speak to me with respect.
DARREN
Not since you shriveled up.
CURTIS
Do you know who I am? Have you forgotten what I’m capable of, you
pathetic weasel? Bow.
DARREN
You’re insane if you think I’ll worship you anymore.
90
CURTIS
Then don’t bow. Kneel.
CLAIRE
Curtis… (She grabs his hand.)
(CURTIS pulls from her grip and knees DARREN in the gut.)
CURTIS
Kneel.
(DARREN falls to his knees and looks up at CURTIS.)
DARREN
Nurse.
CURTIS
(Squatting next to him) Try it again.
DARREN
(Spitting) Nurse.
(CURTIS punches him.)
CURTIS
One last chance, maggot.
DARREN
(Closing his eyes, DARREN sighs and turns his chin to CURTIS. He begins to
laugh…a chuckle at first, but his outburst crescendos into a laugh nearing
hysteria and screeching. With one breath, he beams a bright, sharp smile, and
says:)
Doctor.
(Blackout. Marching drums.)
END OF SCENE
END OF ACT
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Act II: The Ghost
92
Scene One
(Lights fade to life on a much younger CLAIRE, sitting alone on her porch, writing
in a notebook. CURTIS, wearing his “doctor’s trench coat” again, enters in a
hurry. He is immensely intoxicated.)
CLAIRE
Curtis, where are you going?
CURTIS
(Stumbling over) Jee—Jesus chrissake, Clurr. The hell yer doin’s’ this late?
CLAIRE
I wouldn’t go inside if I were you. Mama’s been hunting for you. Where
have you been?
CURTIS
You’s been waitin’ up? Where you think I been…
CLAIRE
What’s wrong with you?
CURTIS
Ain’t nothing’s wrong, sweetheart.
CLAIRE
Sh…keep your voice low, she’s still awake.
CURTIS
Oh come on, I’s celebratin’.
CLAIRE
That’s fine and well, but you still need to be cautious. Maybe crawl in
through your window…tell her you snuck in earlier and she must not have heard
you.
CURTIS
Can’t. Got company a’comin’.
CLAIRE
Company? It’s past midnight!
CURTIS
Shorrey—ah looksies.
93
CLAIRE
Why can’t you just…behave yourself, Curtis? You’ve changed so much.
CURTIS
S’good.
CLAIRE
No, it’s not. I barely get to see you anymore, and when I do, you’re either
drunk or you’re with Darren.
CURTIS
Awh, my bruther.
CLAIRE
He’s not your brother.
CURTIS
Take that back.
CLAIRE
All I’m asking for is that you give me just a day, Curtis. A day when you’re
not buckled over with…beer or jerks like Darren…and when we can go down to
the city. You know? Remember how dad used to take us to the city?
CURTIS
S’dead.
CLAIRE
Gone. Yes, he’s gone. But you’re not gone yet. You’re still here—I’m still
here—we can still enjoy the time we have together. He would want us to get
along like we used to when he was alive, right? He’d be rolling over in his grave
if he saw you right now.
CURTIS
Pfft.
CLAIRE
Helena told me the marching band is coming to the city next Saturday. I
was thinking that…well, you can say no, but we could buy tickets and stand out
on the sidelines. The parade will march through. We can even pretend that he’s
with us. Like we’re kids again, Curtis.
94
CURTIS
Nothin’ would make me happier. Except…ya’know…not going. (He
laughs and leans on CLAIRE.) Allow me to…Claire-ify…Claire…Claire...you’re a
fuckin’ baby, alright? A baby. Dad’s dead, mom’s a slut, and we ain’t friends.
CLAIRE
We’re…we’re family…
CURTIS
We ain’t even that. You’re so naïve. You’ll be drinkin’ away and miserable
in a few short years too, kiddooooo.
CLAIRE
I would never.
CURTIS
It’s in your blood.
#10 – Blood
Well, they encourage your complete cooperation

Send you roses when they think you need to smile
I can't control myself because I don't know how
And they love me for it, honestly, I'll be here for a while
So give them blood, blood, gallons of the stuff!

Give them all that they can drink and it will never be enough
So give them blood, blood, blood
Grab a glass because there's going to be a flood
A celebrated man amongst the gurneys

They can fix me proper with a bit of luck
The doctors and the nurses they adore me so
But it's really quite alarming cause I'm such an awful fuck
I gave you blood, blood, gallons of the stuff

I gave you all that you can drink and it has never been enough
I gave you blood, blood, blood
I'm the kind of human wreckage that you love
CLAIRE
Do you love me?
95
CURTIS
(Nearly in tears with laughter) Look at you—awh…why of course not!
CLAIRE
I…I…I can’t…goodnight, Curtis…
(She runs inside, dropping a notebook on her way out.)
CURTIS
Sleep-tighty…
(ROSEMARY enters from the street.)
Sh—shit. (Acting sober, but being loud and obnoxious) HEY THERE, ROSIE
TOSIE.
ROSEMARY
Have you given it any thought, Curtis?
CURTIS
Oh…I…erm…considered it…
ROSEMARY
And? Did you come to a consensus?
CURTIS
It’s a pretty weighted decision, Rosie. I can’t put my life on hold like
that…on a beat…uh…can I have another few days?
ROSEMARY
Curtis, we don’t have much time. We need to get away. My family…you
don’t know them well enough, but if they find out anything about us
then…well…then…are you drunk?
CURTIS
Drunk? Psssh…not at all, I swore it off.
ROSEMARY
I can smell it on you. You always act like I’m so stupid, so airy and dumb.
You promised, Curtis. Please don’t lie to me. I won’t be angry if you tell me the
truth.
CURTIS
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Lies.
ROSEMARY
No part of me could stay too bitter at you…
CURTIS
Not that. You. Yoooouuu…are a liar…a flaming, whore-ish liar.
ROSEMARY
Wh…I’m sorry, what do you mean to say?
CURTIS
Mhm. Sure. Play innocent. We can role-play cat and dog all you
want…bitchy nitchy…but I know your game. I know just what you intend to do
to me. Witch. Demon. Heathen.
ROSEMARY
You don’t mean that. You think I lied to you? Why would I lie about
something like this…what kind of person do you think I am?
CURTIS
One I never wanted in my life to begin with. You’re my mother.
ROSEMARY
I should leave, shouldn’t I?
CURTIS
You tell me.
ROSEMARY
You were so happy an hour ago. You were…almost…celebrating. What
changed?
CURTIS
Take a wild guess, gumpy. Out of left-field—you’ll never guess. I had an
epiphany and I have transcended. You’re a…a…an anchor! And you want to
suppress me.
ROSEMARY
Don’t do this. Please, Curtis. The only hope for me is you.
CURTIS
Shut up about your last name already. Fuckin’ skeeze. Liar.
97
ROSEMARY
Curtis…if this is truly what you feel—what you mean to your bone, your
core…then I will leave you. I can’t face a life without you. So, I will go.
(ROSEMARY begins to leave.)
CURTIS
What’re you gonna do…stab me too?
ROSEMARY
(Stopping) Not you.
(ROSEMARY exits. CURTIS is left alone – until his company arrives. DARREN comes
in with FRANKIE.)
FRANKIE
Was that my sister?
CURTIS
I ain’t ever heard of that whore.
FRANKIE
I thought you was going steady?
DARREN
A bit too steady, don’t you think.
(They laugh. CURTIS does not.)
CURTIS
Fuck off.
DARREN
Drunk-ass. We’re supposed to start marketing tonight, remember? Or do
you even know who I am?
CURTIS
I spoke loud and clear, didn’t I? Fuck off, Darry.
FRANKIE
No wonder you’re friendless and miserable. Surrounded by people yet so
alone.
98
DARREN
Buddy? You alright?
CURTIS
Peachy. I need some time to myself tonight…I’m too…inebriated.
DARREN
Ah—I see. Catch you in the morning, Holmes.
FRANKIE
Piss yourself into sweet dreams…heh…
(DARREN and FRANKIE exit, groping each other. CURTIS sits alone on his porch.
He rolls up his sleeves and stares up at the sky. CURTIS stands to leave and steps
on the notebook dropped by CLAIRE. He picks it up, reads it, and begins to cry.
Lights darken.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Two
(Lights shower the sickly HELENA in a transcendent aura. She is in a drowsy state,
in and out of sleep, when a knock hits the door. CLAIRE enters, looking unkempt
and exhausted.)
CLAIRE
Morning.
HELENA
Claire—my good lord in heaven, you look like you were caught under a
train spoke and ground to smithereens. What on earth attacked you?
CLAIRE
Seasonal depression. How are you feeling?
HELENA
I’ve just been waiting for my doctor to return from some testing. He said
there was a slight misread in the scans and they had to take a few more
samples…nothing serious or—oh, Claire—that doesn’t pertain to you. Would you
do your dying grandmother a favor and explain yourself?
CLAIRE
99
I’d rather not, if that’s okay. I’m here to avoid my problems and hopefully
never wake up.
HELENA
Honey, that’s my job. You’re looking older than me.
CLAIRE
I feel it.
HELENA
You’re worrying me, and if you feel any filial obligation to me at all, you
would spare me another heart attack and cut to the state of your condition. As
my dying wish?
CLAIRE
Wish. Hm. You won’t want to reconcile with the answer.
HELENA
Nearly eighty years since I plopped into existence, and there’s never been
a truth I can’t handle. Tell me or you’re grounded.
CLAIRE
And who’ll enforce that?
HELENA
Well, my ghost if it has to.
CLAIRE
Twist my arm, gag and bore me. I’ve met someone.
HELENA
“Met” as in “encountered” or as in…
CLAIRE
Confronted.
HELENA
Were you attacked?
CLAIRE
Captured. Enslaved. I’m still in their icy grip.
HELENA
Do we need to call the authorities?
100
CLAIRE
I’m beyond help.
HELENA
You’re safe right now.
CLAIRE
No. I’m never safe. In fact, I’ve made things worse—not just for myself, but
for everyone I know. I’m a monster; a hideous, ugly monster.
HELENA
(A pause) What did you do?
CLAIRE
She locked herself deep in my being until no longer could she remain
bound. The shackles have burst. She is unleashed…I…am unleashed. I took your
advice, grandma. I tried to rescue my brother from the darkness in himself, and I
discovered the death in my soul. And now she’s baring her sharpened teeth—
her, the me I was afraid to feed, the one I tortured and drained for years on
end. She’s watching. She’s listening. She’s taken over.
HELENA
How did you try to “save” Curtis?
CLAIRE
You want the blunt force ignorance of it all? I ruined him! He had turned
away from his intricacies, he had squelched the ember of silent immorality in his
being…but I gave it new life. He’s out somewhere now—out alone. Plotting
revenge, plotting murder. And it’s my doing, my irrational calculations. I’m
smarter than this, aren’t I?
HELENA
You sound like a psych patient.
CLAIRE
Lock me up! Throw me away, hidden from the dastardly tongues of men.
We’d all be better off. (A pause) I entered the devil’s chamber. Hatred—I had
only ever felt it once before, but it pulled the strings this time. It manifested itself
through every silly action I chose.
HELENA
Dear…
CLAIRE
101
I told him I loved him. Darren, I mean. I kissed him, pursued
him…manipulated him. At first, I thought it would serve to destroy any bond
between him and Curtis. That Curtis would protect me, look after me…
HELENA
That was foolish of you. I never meant for you to endanger yourself.
CLAIRE
The past is written in stone. There’s no such thing as “unwritten”
redemption. Worst of all, I succeeded. I molded Darren into the perfect lap dog.
He’s in love with me…
HELENA
How are you planning to fix this?
CLAIRE
She won’t let me. The darkness…I feel it, physically, plaguing my very
conscience. Grandma, I am in love with making Darren suffer. I want him to feel
the pain of heartbreak and despair every waking moment of his life until Curtis
puts a bullet in his head. I’m drawn to the pain he feels. I am intoxicated by it.
HELENA
You are breaking my heart.
CLAIRE
(She opens her mouth to speak, but only tears fall out) I can’t lose you,
Helena. Curtis is off on the edge of sanity, Marie is…well, wherever she is…my
mother is psychotic, Marcus is a crippled alcoholic—
HELENA
Marcus?
CLAIRE
I should’ve told you. He’s been living on the streets for years, grandma. He
lost his leg, came home, and drank his limbs back to life. He lives in the sewer. I
kept it from everyone.
HELENA
I thought cancer would be the death of me. If I’m not dead by the end of
this conversation, I’ll kill you for being so stupid. (CLAIRE sobs) Shhh…come here,
darling.
CLAIRE
(Hugging HELENA) Am I the biggest failure of a human being to ever live?
102
HELENA
None of us are totally human, Clairebell, we’re all just trying our best to
pretend.
(Someone knocks lightly on the door. JOHNNY BRIGHTSIDE enters.)
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
Ms. Joy. I was not aware that you had company.
HELENA
Don’t fret, all is well. Claire, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.
CLAIRE
No, I should be here for this. You’d do the same for me.
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
So—I really must apologize, Helena. This sort of…discrepancy…doesn’t
happen very often. If at all.
HELENA
What’s the damage, doc?
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
Our initial scans from when you started treatment were corrupted. The files
got mixed up and…well, truth be told, it’s rather embarrassing…but the initial
round of chemo was conclusive. Corrective. Successful.
HELENA
Successful?
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
There is no need for you to continue chemotherapy, and frankly, no
reason for you to be here besides basic check-up and a few parting scans.
HELENA
Are you saying that—
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
You live to fight another day, Ms. Joy. We’re looking into the printing
errors, checking cameras and so on. We’d appreciate it if you would sign some
papers barring us from any legal—
(There is a pause in the action—all characters freeze in time and space. The
skeleton of SIMON JOY enters the room and sits beside HELENA. She comes back
103
to life and stares at the ghost of her son. They reach for each other, and as they
touch, HELENA speaks.)
HELENA
No more. I am ready to live.
(HELENA and SIMON are left alone. HELENA stands, hand-in-hand with her son,
as other SKELETONS enter the room. SIMON begins to dance with his mother.)
#11 – Famous Last Words
(To SIMON) Now, I know that I can't make you stay

But where's your heart?
But where's your heart?
But where's your...
And I know there's nothing I can say

To change that part
To change that part
To change...
SIMON
So many bright lights, they cast a shadow
But can I speak?
Well, is it hard understanding I'm incomplete?
A life that's so demanding, I get so weak
A love that's so demanding, I can't speak
(The SKELETONS spectate as a choir, chanting and singing behind the dancing
mother and son.)
SKELETONS
I am not afraid to keep on living
I am not afraid to walk this world, alone
Honey, if you stay, I'll be forgiven
Nothing you can say can stop me going home
SIMON
Can you see, my eyes are shining bright
'Cause I'm out here, on the other side
Of a jet black hotel mirror, and I'm so weak
Is it hard understanding I'm incomplete?
A love that's so demanding, I get weak
104
SKELETONS

HELENA
These bright lights have always blinded me
(SIMON releases HELENA and points towards CLAIRE. HELENA glares at the
hospital lights.)
These bright lights have always blinded me

I say
(HELENA turns to CLAIRE who sits along the side of the bed)
I see you lying next to me

With words I thought I'd never speak
Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead
SKELETONS
How can I see, I see you lying
HELENA
'Cause I see you lying next to me
SKELETONS
HELENA
SKELETONS
HELENA
105
Awake and unafraid
SKELETONS
HELENA
Asleep or dead
HELENA & SIMON

Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead

Awake and unafraid
Asleep or dead
SKELETONS
(The SKELETONS begin their march out of the room. SIMON joins them.)

(All of the SKELETONS have exited. HELENA walks back towards her bed, gently
rubbing CLAIRE’s shoulders.)
HELENA
(The scene returns to reality—DR. BRIGHTSIDE and CLAIRE wake up.)
106
CLAIRE
Oh my god!
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
I’ve sent notice to your immediate family members…a daughter, Marie
Joy, and a daughter-in-law, Harriet Joy stating that you’ve concluded
chemotherapy. Your daughter has not been responsive to our calls, but Mrs. Joy
has been in contact.
CLAIRE
My mother?
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
She assured us that she’s on route to inform Ms. Joy’s grandson, Curtis Joy.
CLAIRE
Bad news.
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
Won’t he be…pleased…with the results?
CLAIRE
He will…she may not be. Keep trying to get through to Marie.
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
Her line has been vacant all day. We’ll continue to page for her.
CLAIRE
Good.
HELENA
Put yourself in a state of rest, Claire. You’ve done all that you can.
Doctor—thank you again, but we need a moment of privacy before we discuss
future action.
DR. BRIGHTSIDE
Absolutely, it’s my pleasure, Helena. You’ve been an excellent patient.
HELENA
You’re a charming young man. Stay on the bright side…won’t you? (She
winks.)
(Exeunt DR. BRIGHTSIDE.)
107
You have to confess to Darren.
CLAIRE
I’m afraid of what I might do.
HELENA
Conversations like these are never easy, dearie, never. Confrontation is
punishing, but take solace in that you’re being the bigger person.
CLAIRE
Can I stay here today?
HELENA
Goodness gracious, yes. Rest up—here, pull up that recliner. Rest your
head. When you wake, go home, clean yourself up, and then do what needs to
be done.
CLAIRE
Helena?
HELENA
Yes?
CLAIRE
I love you.
HELENA
I know you do, dear.
(CLAIRE lays down on the recliner. She closes her eyes and smiles. After a beat,
she stirs, readjusting. Her eyes flutter open. Her smile drops. The lights blackout.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Three
(Dark lights rise on ROSEMARY, who is huddled on the bridge. She holds a
switchblade—the one she had used to stab her ex-lover. The air is cold and
foggy, and she is on the cusp of disturbance.)
ROSEMARY
They’ve all left me. I know that…I, well, frankly I knew they would, but I
didn’t think it would be so soon. You get me? Yeah? Well, you can’t leave, and I
108
can’t leave you, so we’re in this together. You and me. The two of us. Together.
Such a sweet concept, yet so daunting. (She flicks her knife in the air) Do you
think he’ll come back? God, would I love to see him on his knees begging.
(Footsteps are heard offstage.)
Maybe that’s him right now. Don’t give me that look, a girl can dream, can’t
she? Especially when this harrowing state of despair. The very fruits of natural
destruction. Hello?
(A slick and stocky teenager enters the bridge. He is GERALD, the man who
ROSEMARY stabbed.)
You’re here? You’re not who I called for. What kind of God are you, anyway,
sending me this trash panda?
GERALD
I see you haven’t parted with your friend since we last spoke. How’s the
little man doing?
ROSEMARY
She is a woman. Excuse you. Personally, I feel as though every knife is a
woman. That precision and beauty that comes with blades…so feminine and
refined. Man couldn’t ever hope to compare. Especially not you, Gerald. How’s
your side?
GERALD
Stitched and sewn.
ROSEMARY
Why are you here? Ready to take a stab at friendship. (She laughs.)
GERALD
Do you honestly think you’re funny?
ROSEMARY
I think I’ve finally accepted true sanity…or…in that there is none, just
different forms of enchantment. And when you find yourself disenchanted, well,
that’s a whole other story. Want me to slice you up?
GERALD
No thank you. I came to speak about our engagement.
ROSEMARY
You’re proposing! How sweet. I’d accept if I wasn’t thirsty for blood.
109
GERALD
Not marriage. Engagement—our encounter—the melding of our flesh as
one.
ROSEMARY
I don’t know. Sounds like marriage to me.
GERALD
When your blade entered the bounds of my skin, energy coursed through
me like never before. We became an amalgamation. A whole. You completed
me.
ROSEMARY
Yes, and you went hollering to the authorities that your psychotic girlfriend
wanted to bury you. Not very gentlemanly. You could’ve sent flowers.
GERALD
You packed and left. There’s no escaping the past, Rosie, there’s no
escaping any of this. Not the present either. And the future? Well. You know
what’s in store for your future.
ROSEMARY
Ah, of course, I should’ve figured. You made the journey out of the city so
you could chat up the town prostitute. The laughing stock who fucked a drug
lord and, mistakingly, thought he was a human being.
GERALD
I brought company.
(CURTIS enters from the other side of the bridge. He is dressed in his coat, hair
covering his eyes.)
ROSEMARY
You look like a million bucks, lovely. I would kiss you if I had any self-
respect. Are you both here to rebuke me? Two lovers, pitted against one
another. Breakfast of gladiators. Or was it champions…
CURTIS
Rosie. (He coughs and moans her name) Rosie…you look beautiful in the
moonlight tonight.
110
ROSEMARY
Besides the fog, it’s truly an ideal evening. We could be on a date right
now. Or eloping. Or this—you know, sitting on a bridge in spite of our romance.
CURTIS
The way the light falls on your hair…the gentle stroke of each waft of
mist…it turns you into a goddess. I would tell you I love you.
ROSEMARY
But then you’d be the liar. Not me? Liar, liar, liar, liar, liar, liar…oh gosh, I’m
getting out of breath here, Curtis. Liar. Slut.
CURTIS
Beautiful. Perfect, enchanting.
ROSEMARY
(Laughing) Easy—weak—silly—loose. Those were the words…well,
vaguely…that you used.
CURTIS
Aye, but did I mean them? For, know, Rosie, that you are the very color to
my pages.
ROSEMARY
The bile to your acid.
CURTIS
Shall we run away together?
GERALD
May the three of us join together in communion?
CURTIS
Become one.
ROSEMARY
Goodness, you’re both being so kind to me. It’s every woman’s darkest
fantasy…two men on a bridge and a knife between us all! Is it getting warmer?
(The bridge creaks once more. Another body has entered the scene—a tall,
beautiful woman. Her name is SUE HOPE. She is a ghost.)
Chilling. I’m frozen to the core. Where have you been—I mean…not that I’ve
been waiting for you, but it has been so long. How many years now? Seventeen,
almost eighteen?
111
SUE
Liberation.
ROSEMARY
I’ve heard that one before. Right Curtis?
SUE
Pay no attention to these men. They are mirrors of your doubt.
ROSEMARY
They are vessels for my escape, mother. Perchance I want to leave? Curtis
told me to…last time we met…and Gerald, well, Gerald here was the most
honest of all. He reminded me that there is not true way to turn the page. No
new chapter. Just a curtain.
SUE
Rosemary…turn away from that curtain.
ROSEMARY
You didn’t.
SUE
My curtain fell so yours could rise. The lights are yours now, Rosie. The lights
are shining bright.
ROSEMARY
I’ve dreamt of your arms. Did you know that I used to keep track of the
number of times dad hugged me or told me that I was loved? It was very easy,
surprisingly, because the last time he said, “I love you” was when I stabbed
Gerald here, and that was the first time in about five years, so…
SUE
Blame is intrinsic. Do not succumb to it.
ROSEMARY
I’m not blaming anyone. I’m just…elated…this whole thing is hilarious,
mother. Hilarious! Hysterical. Do you love me?
SUE
I do.
ROSEMARY
You may now kiss the bride.
112
SUE
Choice is illusionary.
ROSEMARY
Choice is all I have left. To be…or not to be…that is the question.
SUE
What has brought you to this fray?
ROSEMARY
Years and years of piled disappointment and disenchantment. I’ll think I’ll
carve it on my tombstone. Nobody is real. Everyone is
just…ghosts…skeletons…yeah, that’s a good analogy. Nobody has any meat
anymore, it’s all flesh and skin. No substance. And I’m here, trying to…sprinkle
flecks of vigor back into life…but everyone is such a sad song. It don’t mean
nothing to yah. You made a blunder, mom.
SUE
You were not a mistake.
ROSEMARY
Sure, sure, but sacrifice? What’s the point anymore? There are no more
martyrs. You died so that I may live, yet I’m here, ready to…
SUE
You may take my hand.
ROSEMARY
Will you lead me away?
SUE
Away from here. From this bridge. Back to your family. I never left, Rosie,
I’ve been here, nurturing, coddling, watching. I am your guiding light.
ROSEMARY
Aren’t you listening? There is no more light. There are no parades left to
watch, no songs left to write. (She closes her eyes) And I know you’re just a
figment of my hopeful wishing.
SUE
I am here.
ROSEMARY
113
You are here, but you were never there. Ado, mother. The morning air is
thin—the sun is baring its smile over the horizon—the chemicals are all seeping
out of these dreadful apparitions. Leave me be, all of you. I need to say my
goodbye.
SUE
Make the same choice I did.
ROSEMARY
I’m not as strong as you. I am…
SUE
Don’t say it.
ROSEMARY
Disenchanted.
(A gust of wind blows over, the lights go out, and the GHOSTS disappear.
ROSEMARY is left in a small pool of light. A heartbeat flickers.)
Together.
(The heartbeat thickens. The lights darken. ROSEMARY is gone.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Four
(The disruptive sound of a banging fist brings the scene to life. MARIE is lit to the
side, banging on the door to the JOYFUL BOOKSTAND, which, ironically, has
taken the place of the CLERK BOOKSTAND. Two doors down, the HOPE AND
DAUGHTER’s FLORAL SHOP has been covered up. The sign now reads: JAMES
HOPE FLORAL.)
MARIE
This is detestably immature. (She continues knocking.)
CURTIS
(Inside) Be gone, fiend.
MARIE
If you come outside, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised…
CURTIS
I’m not into that.
114
MARIE
Don’t be crude. Curtis!
(CURTIS opens the door.)
CURTIS
Mome. What do you want? Freeloading again?
MARIE
Since our debacle last night, I have been…uh…hm…stung—yeah, stung
by the pangs of regret. I feel guilty.
CURTIS
I’m tickled. (He tries to close the door. MARIE shoves her foot inside.)
MARIE
Slow down, Jethro! Seeing how distraught you were over Helena…it
was…moving. I have never seen you moved before, not in any circumstance,
I’m proud to call you my niece. I mean aunt. I mean—
CURTIS
(Opening up) Do you mean a word of this?
MARIE
What’s with you and doubting people?
CURTIS
Trust issues or daddy issues. You decide. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry too,
Marie. I’ve been having an identity crisis and you were hitting every god damn
nerve last night.
MARIE
It was intentional.
CURTIS
Thank you dearly. I noticed.
MARIE
Have you been locked up here all day?
CURTIS
No, actually, I got back an hour ago. My mother decided to pay a visit
after you left. It must’ve been a full moon. She was all monstrous and hairy…
115
MARIE
And she left you alone? How odd…
CURTIS
Not exactly. She challenged me to a duel. Whoever finds my missing sister
first wins custody of the other’s soul for all of eternity. Either way, I’m glued to
mother until the end of time.
MARIE
Claire? Did she run off?
CURTIS
You haven’t seen her, have you? That would be tremendous.
MARIE
No... n-no…I just, yeah, well…sorry Curtis, I woke up and dreamt that I
should come apologize. It’s fate.
CURTIS
Fate. How quaint.
MARIE
I didn’t stay at home long enough to even get dressed properly.
CURTIS
Now that you mention it…
MARIE
Impolite, Curtis. Do you know where Claire is?
CURTIS
I have a pretty damn good idea, and I’m slap happy about it.
MARIE
Then…if I may beg your pardon…what are we waiting for?
CURTIS
I was in the middle of loading my gun.
MARIE
Are you plotting to kill someone? That’s…drastic…
CURTIS
116
Oh? I hear a kill joy. Get happy Marie, it’s a bright shining day and I’m out
for blood.
MARIE
Let me go. I can talk some sense into her.
CURTIS
Be my guest…if you really want to force an attempt. Shoehorn yourself
into the plot. Cram your creaky frame into the furious gaze of Darren Capula.
That’s right. They’re probably fornicating as we speak.
MARIE
He’s a decade older than her! Th-that’s … nearly … completely …
scandalous!
CURTIS
Pornography, dear aunt, pornography.
MARIE
What’s his address? I’ll…give him a piece of my mind.
CURTIS
Tide yourself over until I’m ready.
MARIE
We can’t murder him.
CURTIS
Too late! I’ve killed him ten times over already.
MARIE
But to actually take a life? I’ve known you to turn to many different
vents…but never to kill. And over this? Within a few days, the whole thing might
blow over.
CURTIS
I’m not your Hamlet, I am a pillar of absolutes and action. We’re going to
cease all fruitless discussion, load our guns…full of words…and lend Darren a
bullet to the heart. You take everything at face value, Marie, ever thought of
thorough analysis for once? Or…wit? Things aren’t as blatant as they appear.
Come inside, we’ll figure out our warfare tactics…
(Before they can enter, MAMA JOY enters.)
117
MAMA
Curtis! Oh, darling Curtis!
CURTIS
Now? For Christ’s undying affections…now? What the hell do you want?
No, don’t give me that pout, mother, why are you barging in like a snake when
there are stakes at hand?
MAMA
Good morning, dear sister.
MARIE
In law.
MAMA
Sisterhood is an undervalued, irrevocable bond—one which, mind you,
shall prevail against the test of time and the forage of despair. Keep those
glimmering eyes dry, and your lips curved to a joyful…
CURTIS
Are you going to keep lecturing us, or do you have something useful to
say? Let’s clarify. You’re a tool. Look it up, there are multiple definitions. In this
case, you are my tool, and I’m using you to find my sister.
MAMA
My daughter—
CURTIS
Not your daughter. She’s less of your daughter than I am your son. Now
tell me, mother, are you going to apply yourself or creep around like the KGB?
MAMA
Spare me a moment of patience, Curtis, for the blow was too
burdensome to tussle with. I bring tidings…whether they are glad or arduous, we
shall soon discover, but—
CURTIS
Tidings of what? Comfort and joy?
MAMA
(Clearing her throat) The Clerk County Hospital called our home this
morning to inform our family that Helena Joy has ceased chemotherapy
treatments.
118
CURTIS
What?
MAMA
Instantly, I thought of you, Curtis, and how this would affect you.
CURTIS
Is that all they said? That she’s done being treated?
MAMA
(A pause, with the flick of a smile) It is all that I can recall. Now, I realize the
depravity you may feel about this…situation…and to make matters worse, your
sister has been elusive and undetected since daybreak, but we are faced with
the honorable course of restoration. I bid you to search out your ward, your
sister, and to bring us all together, for we will visit Helena as soon as Claire has
been found. With the Joy family in its whole, we may be able to come to
an…understanding…as to why your grandmother gave up her life.
CURTIS
I don’t believe this. There has to have been more…right?
MAMA
I’m afraid not, Curtis. Your brother will be around shortly to pay his dues.
MARIE
Marcus? He’s home?
CURTIS
Catch up, slow-boat.
MARIE
How am I supposed to stay in the loop when everything changes on a
dime? And—how am I supposed to care when my mother is on the brink of
death? (She hyperventilates) Curtis—I don’t know if I can continue like this. I
think…I must…be with her…for my own sake.
CURTIS
(Pulling MARIE aside) Hey—never repeat a word of this to anyone, but for
the first time in my life, I’m beginning to feel that my mother is right about
something. We need to be at full strength. There’s no way I can march on
without your help, Marie, not on a day like today. What do you say?
MARIE
119
I…I will never trust a word your mother speaks…but I can find room to rely
on your intuition, I suppose.
CURTIS
(To MAMA) Alright, where’s Marcus?
MAMA
Marcus? He is in full detective mode…he is turning over every leaf and
stone in Clerk to rescue Claire.
CURTIS
Neat. Well, peace you later.
MAMA
But…what about—?
CURTIS
I agree to your terms and conditions, but there is no chance in hell that
you’re joining our party. Marie and I will look into…unconfirmed leads…you and
Marcus can search elsewhere. That’s the deal.
MAMA
Hmph. Cross me once more, son of mine, and you will discover there are
limits to familial compassion.
(She exits.)
CURTIS
Go, have a sit down. Cool off—take some deep breaths. Hop inside of the
bookstore, Marie. I’ll be here when you’re ready.
MARIE
Thank you, Curtis.
(She begins to leave.)
I stand corrected. There is goodness in change, and I mistook that for

artificiality in you. Stay the path, Curtis.
(She exits into the bookstore. CURTIS remains onstage. The bookstore darkens.
JAMES HOPE enters, carrying paint buckets. Upon noticing CURTIS, he drops one
and scrambles to pick it up. He is obviously distraught.)
120
CURTIS
Need a hand?
JAMES
Haven’t you done enough, Mr. Joy? You’ve already claimed
responsibility.
CURTIS
Please. I want to help, okay? It’s all I’ve got.
JAMES
Sure, and then you’ll vandalize all the hard work I’ve put into this new sign.
I can’t even bring myself to look at you, let alone watch you work for me. It
would be better if you left and never came back, you hear me? You’re ruining
this town. You’ve ruined my life.
CURTIS
I know.
JAMES
(Cleaning up his paint materials) I’m going inside to wash this paint off of
me, and when I come out, you better be gone for good…or I…I’ll call the
authorities!
CURTIS
There’s no need. I won’t trouble you.
JAMES
(JAMES stares at CURTIS, pondering what could have been. After a pause,
he speaks.) She loved you.
(JAMES exits into the floral shop. As he exits, HELENA enters.)
HELENA
Curt.
CURTIS
Grandma. Do you have the ticket?
HELENA
You’re not bound to stay, Curtis, but there is plenty left to cling to in Clerk.
Claire and I will sorely miss you.
121
CURTIS
Condolences…I mean, who gives a shit about condolences anymore.
They don’t make things better. “Sorry” just means “I fucked up, forget about it,
alright?” I can’t be sorry. All I can be is…utterly…all I can do is stop existing. Get
out of this pitiful little town, put it behind me for a few years. Or an eternity.
HELENA
(Handing him a ticket) Your train leaves in a few hours. Promise me you’ll
visit every now and then?
CURTIS
Only for you, Helena.
HELENA
Stop by the house before you’re off to New York. Claire wants to say
goodbye, too. (She hugs him) Curtis…you are loved beyond your worth. And
you are worth more than you deserve. But you’re my grandson, so you’re worthy
of the very stars in the sky. Goodbye, dear.
CURTIS
So long, grandma.
(HELENA sadly exits. CURTIS, alone again, pulls out a note from his pocket.)
Why would she leave me this? “Disenchanted.” The hell does that even
mean? She’s haunting me. Already a ghost and barely dead. Still alive, if you
ask me. I…
(He breaks down into tears. JAMES opens the door, ready to flush him out, but
seeing his affection causes JAMES to bow his head and go back into the store.)
#12 – Helena (So Long and Goodnight)

CURTIS
Long ago
Just like the hearse you die to get in again
We are so far from you
Burning on
Just like the match you strike to incinerate
The lives of everyone you know
And what's the worst you take
From every heart you break
And like the blade you stain
Well I've been holding on tonight
122
(ROSEMARY’s skeleton enters, standing behind CURTIS.)
What's the worst that I can say?

Things are better if I stay
So long and goodnight
So long not goodnight
Came a time
When every star fall
Brought you to tears again
We are the very hurt you sold
And what's the worst you take
From every heart you break
And like the blade you stain
Well I've been holding on tonight

And if you carry on this way
ROSEMARY
Can you hear me?
Are you near me?
Can we pretend to leave and then
We'll meet again
When both our cars collide
CURTIS
And if you carry on this way
(The lights fade as a train whistle is heard over the horizon.)
END OF SCENE
123
Scene Five
(Lights rise on CLAIRE and DARREN, sitting in his home. It’s dimly lit, setting a
mood of ambience for their “date.” They are on a couch together, DARREN
cuddling close to CLAIRE and laying the brunt of his affections onto her, while
CLAIRE looks away with discomfort whenever DARREN isn’t glued onto her.)
DARREN
Comfy?
CLAIRE
Never felt better.
DARREN
So, you managed to wiggle away, did you? Left the old grandma in a
hospital bed to rot?
CLAIRE
Here’s a bit of news. They misread the scans earlier, and Helena is actually
on a path to recovery. She’s going to come home and she’s going to be alive.
DARREN
What does your brother think about this?
CLAIRE
Doctor Death Defy doesn’t know…well, at least as much as I’m aware. He
hasn’t answered his landline, and Marie’s been unreachable as well. Not that it
matters. My undivided attention is at your service.
DARREN
True Christmas Spirit!
CLAIRE
Darren, did you mean anything you said to Curtis last night?
DARREN
Oh, all of that gibberish about finding meaning? Well, I’ll admit, it was a
tad…embarrassing, especially around a dainty lass like yourself, but it was—in a
sense—genuine.
CLAIRE
Genuine? Honest? Or manipulative?
124
DARREN
Now, Clairebell, my sweet lilac blossom of the goddesses…why would you
resort to manipulation, hm? Have I not proven to be trustworthy? Real? Am I not
enough of a rock for you…a…shelter?
CLAIRE
No, it’s just that you told me that you like to manipulate people. I wasn’t
wild in guessing that your motives stayed the same. In case you were
wondering, I didn’t lie, either. Surprisingly, I came out headfirst. I feel suffocated.
Do you ever get the sense that you’re not important to anyone?
DARREN
You’re important to me, girl.
CLAIRE
People just assume things about me. They see my face, they see who I am
and who I’m related to and they give me set actions. “Oh, go into law like your
father did…” or “Hey, Claire, how about you chalk your dreams up to garbage
and burn them with the memory of your brother?” It’s all…bullshit. It’s all fake.
Phony.
DARREN
We all forge our own paths.
CLAIRE
My best friend doesn’t love me, Darren. My grandmother is dying, and
even then, she’s only concerned for me because of my father. My aunt is aloof,
the rest of my family won’t speak to me. When we get to talking about purpose
and paths, the only path I want to choose is into the grave.
DARREN
Claire, that’s pretty dark, even for me.
CLAIRE
Humanity is dark. For years, I’ve been raised and catered to believe that
life works as a magnificent puzzle, each little slice trying to nudge its way into
meaning. That someday, I would—against all odds, these odds which we all
face—find my nook. But it’s pure aberration. It’s all chance, and fortune and
fate, none of which align with me. I’m left alone. Floating. Trying to scrap my
way to a better beginning when my life is only full of endings, and each new
“start” only withers and proves to be another branch of that ending. The biggest
125
lie I’ve ever been told is that we all forge our own paths. That’s not
manipulation. That’s perspective. The perspective of someone who has found
their way. So, Darren, the reason I’m here today with you is because all paths
lead to death, and I’ll be damned before I go out with fireworks and flames.
Save it for my epitaph.
DARREN
Maybe I could ease your nerves a bit, girlie.
(He scoots closer to her.)
I know a few…eh…methods.
CLAIRE
I don’t drink, Darren. I won’t resort to it, not after all the good it’s done my
family.
DARREN
Oh, honey, you thought I was implying drinking now, did you? Well, I can’t
blame you, the sweet release of Neptune’s nectar is quite captivating, but I
propose different means. The ends. You know.
(He places his hand on her leg.)
CLAIRE
What are you—Darren, get your palm off of my knee.
DARREN
To be committed, you must prove that commitment, no? I’m exemplifying
how…committed…or shall I say, loyal I am to you.
(He begins kissing her neck. She closes her eyes, breathing hard, and pulls away
sharply.)
CLAIRE
No, no, no. This is too far, this is the line, Darren. I still have an inkling of
respect for myself, you know. And…that’s not to say that I’m disrespecting
myself by…what I’m trying to say is…no, I’m not ready for this.
DARREN
What? You prick-ass prude, you’re worse than your goody ol’ fucker of a
brother. I thought you wanted this.
(He pulls her back in, this time tightening his grip.)
126
CLAIRE
Stop. Please—manipulate all you want, but don’t…please, stop.
(DARREN tugs on her shirt.)
NO!
(CLAIRE pushes him off of the couch.)
DARREN
What’s your problem, you back-watered virgin of a bimbo? Prostitute in
the making. Never pass up on a prospect, Claire, never. You’ve got a chance
at a life here—with me—now don’t make a fool of yourself like silly little girls do.
Like your brother would.
(He reaches. She kicks and stands.)
CLAIRE
We had an agreement. A bond of trust. You’re…breaking it. You’re
breaking me.
DARREN
What? Because I want a little sugar from you, Missy? After all the insight,
and advice and care I’ve nurtured in you, this is how you’re going to treat our
relationship. With abandonment. So much like your wretched brother. So much.
CLAIRE
I believe we’re done here.
(CLAIRE exits.)
DARREN
(As she’s leaving) We’re not through until our bargain is remedied, and
mark me, we will conclude this business in this life or the next. I’ll see to it!
(BLACKOUT.)
END OF SCENE
Scene Six
(MARCUS sits in the parlor of her home. MAMA enters and pours a spot of tea
into MARCUS’s cup, which rattles in his hand. MAMA parades around the room,
wearing a tight-fitting, ankle-length dress. MARCUS taps the arm of his chair.)
127
MARCUS
Thank you.
MAMA
This tea is imported from India. Your godfather—my Uncle Danford—you
remember him? He brought me this after a business trip. Brought me bundles
and bundles of tea. It’s truly delightful. Truly! Don’t you think?
MARCUS
Yes, quite delightful.
MAMA
Dear, please don’t jitter so much, you’re making me anxious. I do get so
fretful, especially with Claire and my mother-in-law.
MARCUS
Does tea take the edge off for yah?
MAMA
It does, to an extent, but I do my best thinking under the impression of a
cup. The leaves are perfect when aged enough…
MARCUS
Okay. What are you thinking, then?
MAMA
Thinking what?
MARCUS
What? About what? About this whole…this backwards ordeal you started.
MAMA
There’s not a thing backwards about it, and I should hope you’d know
your place in this family. Marcus.
MARCUS
I don’t want to be a part of this family.
MAMA
128
129

Disenchanted - A My Chemical Musical

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DISENCHANTED:

Script by Isaac Wilson

Scene One: The Skeletons

Scene Two: The Return

(CURTIS stops rambling.)

Drugs, gimme drugs

(The spectacle separates—HELENA and CLAIRE leave together, DARREN lurks

Scene Three: Resurrection

#4 – I Don’t Love You

Well, after all this time that you still owe

Sometimes I cry so hard from pleading

Well, after all the blood that you still owe

Well, come on, come on

I don't love you

(CURTIS is interrupted by the clamorous footsteps of DARREN CAPULA who is

What the damn hell?

(CURTIS, FRANKIE and DARREN embrace in a flurry of enthusiasm.)

(Unable to contain her fury, ROSEMARY emerges from the shadows.)

Have a great night, Francine.

Scene Four: Secrets

(They embrace, but are interrupted by a pounding on the door.)

Scene Five: Decay

(CLAIRE glances at him.)

Now turn away

(One of the SKELETONS…ROSEMARY’s SKELETON…stands behind CURTIS.)

That if you say

HELENA & SKELETONS

(He obeys, exiting likewise.)

(There is a knock at the door.)

Doctor, a few more minutes please.

(HELENA and CLAIRE fall silent.)

What do you want?

(He hastily exits.)

(She exits, following DARREN.)

Scene Six: Enchantment

(CURTIS turns to leave.)

Why do you hate me so much?

(CURTIS spins around, ready to scream.)

No—not a sound. I’m exhausted…utterly fatigued from dancing around

(MARIE begins to laugh.)

What’s so funny, huh?

(CURTIS gets in her face.)

I am finished. Get out of my face.

(He lights a cigarette and begins to smoke.)

Some say, now suffer all the children

(The SKELETONS form a circle around them.)

And through it all

(DARREN puts his arm around CLAIRE and leans inward.)

So shut your eyes…

(CLAIRE pushes DARREN away and cowers.)

The hardest part is letting go of your dreams

(DARREN unclips a flask from his belt and offers it to CLAIRE.)

(CLAIRE refuses the drink.)

For the good guys and the bad guys

And through it all

So shut your eyes

(CLAIRE moves towards him.)

The hardest part’s the awful things that I’ve seen.

(DARREN exits the scene, fluttering on his toes.)

Have you been drinking?

(CURTIS shakes his head.)

(CLAIRE begins to exit.)

Wait—I love you.

Scene Seven: The Illusion