The Scene: Late fall, a park bench in New York City. Night is falling and the street lamps are turning on. It is cold, but not unbearably so. An older man enters, wearing a trench coat and a fedora style hat. He is muttering to himself.
Man: How do I put this nicely he says. I hear there is a vibrant theater scene in Tampa Bay, he says. Maybe you should take your talents there. Find an audience that would appreciate your “experience” more fully. (getting more and more agitated) Punk kids. They think that a 4 year degree from some snotty theater school makes them an expert director. Pause Life makes a good director. Makes a good actor. You don’t have to be old, but you better have lived a little. Hah. When I told him that he threw a fit. Told me I was too old for this business. That I was a washed up has been with little talent in the first place. That I needed to move on with my life, what was left of it.
Man sits down on the bench. He becomes quieter, taking on a reflective nature. phrasing is slow. His body is slumped over with weariness, both physically and spiritually
Man: Move on with my life… what if I should… what if he’s right… but what would I do… who would I be? This is the only thing I’ve ever known, ever loved…
Man trails off into a reflective silence, head hanging down staring at the ground… He begins to sing softly, slowly as if given over to reflective introspection.
What would my life be, without the music?
What else can keep my spirits high?
Who would I be, without a song to sing?
It’s the music, what gets me by.
The simple joy of singing begins to raise his spirits. His head comes up and his body language begins to change. He slowly stands, his body gaining strength and grace from the song.
There’s music for laughter, music for love.
Music for dancing, neath the stars above.
Man begins to dance gracefully to his own song as the music moves his soul.
There’s music in all of God’s living things.
There’s music in me and that’s why I sing.
Chorus is faster this time, losing the reflective tone and becoming more joyful.
What would my life be, without the music?
What else can keep my spirits high?
Who would I be, without a song to sing?
It’s the music, what gets me by.
There’s music that’s happy, music that’s sad
Music lamenting loves I once had
There’s music for every occasion and day
The music defines me, that’s why I say
by the last chorus, the man is dancing with wild abandon, caught up in the pure joy of his music, his one true love.
What would my life be, without the music?
What else can keep my spirits high?
Who would I be, without a song to sing?
It’s the music, what gets me by.
Man dances his way back to the park bench, slowly winding down. The last stanza of the song is reflective again, soft and low…
What would my life be…
The man shakes himself, as if coming awake, then picks up his newspaper from the park bench, and flips to a page in the back.
Man: Open auditions for Fiddler on the Roof. Saturday, 6pm, 553 W. 51st Street. Checks his watch. If the 7 is on time, I can just make it. grabs his coat and hat and hurries off stage.
Scene
Additional notes: Choreography to be determined when show is cast to best fit the dancer’s abilities. Choreography by Antwon Duncan, professional dancer and dance instructor. Chad Komocki has agreed to help create sheet music for the melody of the song when/if the show is chosen.
The quality of this piece depends on music and choreography, doesn't it?
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