Nutcracker Prince/Hans Drosselmeyer

Applause from the Tin Soldiers.

PRINCE: My goodness… Please…Please. What a wonderfully
spontaneous reaction! Your applause truly warms my heart, and
makes me glad to be back… Now, who has seen my heroine, Clara? I
say, have you seen the fair maiden? Yes? Well then, you are
fortunate. Some moons have passed since I’ve seen her, but I am
more determined than ever that Clara shall become my wife. CLARA
ENTERS. It’s her! I will set myself here, by this cannon. Relaxed.
Leisurely. And nonchalant! HE IS ANYTHING BUT. Clara. What a
surprise! Goodness, is it just me, or is hot round here? (Takes off
jacket)
CLARA: But it’s winter!
PRINCE: Clara, do you remember the battles we used to play in the
castle? It must be quite a surprise seeing me like this, somewhat
more developed. I believe it’s one’s duty to look after one-self, you
know. Gym before Seven, run by Eleven. Then there’s the hunting,
fishing, rock-climbing, mountaineering... And after that there’s
research for my new manual for soldiers, just out in time for
Christmas- Mission To Survive.
CLARA: Wow, sounds like you’re quite the star.
PRINCE: If I had a star for every time you I thought of you, Clara, I’d
have a galaxy in my mind!
CLARA: Oh dear!
PRINCE: Oh Clara, say yes and make me the happiest man alive. I
always thought that ‘Happiness’ started with the letter ‘H’, but now I
know it starts with ‘U’.
CLARA: Oh please do stop. You and I could never be happy. You like
physical pursuits. Fighting the French. I like literature, music, culture.
PRINCE: But you could change…