Act Two – Private Money, Public Policy

Scene One: “Hard-Hearted Country”

(Curtain rises on a cold white marble corridor outside the committee room. In the center of the rear wall is a large pair of doors above which is an oversized carved and gilded American eagle; spread eagle. Flanking the doors on either side are pairs of marble pilasters. Hanging from each are large banners draping down to the floor. These are large enough for various characters to ‘hide’ themselves behind. There are benches between the pilasters. Action begins with the Lady Interns milling about in post-lunch languor and bemoaning their chances of love in the Capitol)

 

No. 11 – Chorus of Interns

INTERNS:

Echoing through these marble halls

Waft the artless strains of our hearts.

But yielding Love within these walls

Wander like Cupid’s tender darts.

 

See blind babe how your work enthralls,

That even Love to these flint-hearts

Finds no sympathy when it calls

And sadly demurs and departs.

 

(Dame Dam-Dam enters alone)

 

No. 12 – Recitative and Song with Chorus

DDD:

Buck up, Dame Dam-Dam. I too know

The stinging nettle bite of love

That has long gone underground.

It is like a soldier who loves

A hard-hearted country that would

Mock him for it, and with disgrace

Force exile on him from duty –

And I, I too know the same love,

For beyond those doors, Burdock is.

Burdock Murphy testifies now –

Sweet; Forbidden; Tough – Fibrous –

My own Eden-apple – Burdock!

 

[Song]

Dear Eros, I beg you guide my ways

For maybe now I will beget

The fondest wishes of my days

To make him his reverse forget.

 

Upside-down eyes

Make of the sky a ground

And in-turned sighs

Bemoan louder than sound.

(The interns become quietly enthralled by DDD’s song)

 

Lion and lamb, tooth and cashmere

The bite and feel of each other,

But one to the next may cohere

Scripture-like, to rest together.

 

Inside-out lies

Turns of heaven a hell

And the soul dies

In its dark citadel.

 

INTERNS:

Inside-out lies

Turns of heaven a hell

And the soul dies

In its dark citadel.

 

INTERNS:

Echoing through these marble halls

Waft the artless strains of our hearts.

But yielding Love within these walls

Wanders like Cupid’s tender darts.

(exit Interns)

 

DDD:

See blind babe how your work enthralls,

That even Love to these flint-hearts

Find no sympathy when it calls

And sadly demurs and departs.

 

Scene Two: “Repression Breeds Obsession”

(Same as above. Committee room doors open a crack with much noise from the other side. TT squeezes his way out, holding his Emmy, and the doors close to restored silence)

[Dialogue]

TT:

(wiping his brow with a hankie)

It’s brutal in there. Burdock Murphy is reaming out each and every Senator for being too weak and addled with Progressive leanings. They’ve plastered ‘tough on crime’ smiles on their faces for the Vixen ‘News’ cameras, but they can’t help the sweat beads be-spangling their red and white brows. Burdock’s position is so far to the right of Attila The Hun, that he’s standing on Attila’s left side, calling him a pansy.

 

DDD:

He wasn’t always so Retrogressive. (she looks around furtively) I’ll tell you a little, strictly-between-allies, secret. A long time ago, I used to be a shipboard teenage girl with Greenpeace. (astounded look from TT) Well, my father was the captain, and one of the leaders…but I dare not say too much more – however back in ’74, a certain, strapping, high-minded, young Aussie came on board ready to die for Porpoises – (sadly musing) but… We were not meant to be. I know my path in life would have been different – but that’s neither here nor there. Let’s just say, there’s more to Burdock Murphy than one single cat in the bag.

(TT motions for more information)

You know how they say repressed, self-hating Gays make the most virulent homophobes; well – maybe, the most repressed, self-hating liberals make the most vituperative Retrogressives.

 

TT:

But still – with the likes of him, it’s as if their retrogressive mouths have gotten scripture. The left side doesn’t know what the right side is saying! Hypocrisy is so rife and dully mundane that you have to assume immediately the mirror image of the stated thought is what is really meant.

 

No. 13 – Duet and Dance

[Chorus Section]

TT and DDD:

No truer thing was ever said:

‘Repression breeds Obsession!’

Told by the tell-tale signs of dread.

Aha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!

 

TT:

In the Retrogressive speak of things

The opposite of the truth there sings:

Citation speaks of Fabrication

Deliberation of Flossification

Determination, Vacillation

Inspiration, Alienation

Cooperation, Obstination!

 

DDD:

In the backward leaning talk of things

The reverse rule of the truth there sings:

Refutation speaks Accusation

Activation of Mitigation

Adulation, Vilification

Innovation, Antiquation

Admiration, Recrimination!

 

TT and DDD:

(recap Chorus Section)

 

TT:

In the Retrogressive spin of things

The opposite of the truth there sings:

Causation speaks of Stagnation

Glorification of Negation

Codification, Alteration

Deliberation, Confirmation

Cooperation, Vexation!

 

DDD:

In the Backward leaning tout of things

The reverse rule of the truth there sings:

Equation speaks marginalization

Abhoration of fascination

Innovation, fossilization

Adoraration, defamation

Glomeration[1], hesitation!

 

(together from: "Causation speaks.." and "Equation speaks…" at recapitulation)

 

TT and DDD:

No truer thing was ever said:

‘Repression breeds Obsession!’

Told by the tell-tale signs of dread.

Aha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!

 

 

Scene Three: “Fortune, Rack and Ruin”

(Same as above. DDD and TT hear BR and BS approaching from stage left. TT and DDD make a ‘hush’ sign to each other and duck behind respective banners to hide. When DDD next appears, she has affected a costume change)

[Dialogue]

BR:

Branders, wait –

 

BS:

My boss is in there! (wildly gesticulates towards the doors) I have to be in there to look approving-ly and loving-ly at his every contemptible and hate-filled utterance…

 

BR:

I know, it’s your job, but just hang a minute. (he takes Branders' hand. TT and DDD peek out and signal to each other – ‘ain’t it cute!’) We need to decide. I didn’t come out of the closet to live in a waiting room. (turning tender, and caressing Branders’ face) Let’s make a deal – I’ll quit the Air Force, if you quite Vixen ‘News.’

 

No. 14 – Ballad

BR:

Though we may be stretched,

Like Alice in the rabbit hole,

The distortion wretched

Is by others and beyond control.

 

Take carpe diem

And for once seize the day today,

A hero become

And shove down their throats the hate they say.

(Benjamin kisses Branders, then adjusted BS’ bow tie before slapping his ass and running off stage left)

 

No. 15 – Cavatina and Three-Part Aria

[Cavatina]

BS:

Sweet lingering kiss,

Don’t betray me.

Nothing’s amiss,

When he is near me.

 

Though what of me he asks,

I have a hard time seeing,

Of this of me he tasks:

That in ‘us’ I start believing.

 

Sweet lingering kiss,

Don’t betray me.

Nothing’s amiss,

When he is near me.

 

[Aria]

For you, for me, I’ll be strong

For with you so brave

Nothing with me could go wrong.

You are all I crave.

 

Fortune, rack and ruin

To hell with all of them

If death comes too soon

Well, then just ‘forget ‘em.’

Rip me off the air,

If you think they’ll be shocked,

Murphy, I don’t care

If my future you’ve blocked!

As long as I have

What others only dream –

A loved one to have,

Full of hope and esteem.

 

For you, for me, I’ll be strong

For with you so brave

Nothing with me could go wrong.

You are all I crave.

 

TT and DDD:

For you, for him, he’ll be strong

For with him so brave

Nothing with you could go wrong.

He is all you crave.

(together from: "For you…" etc)

 

Scene Four: “A Better American I’m”

(Same as above. Suddenly the committee room doors fly open. The chorus come streaming out as audience members and the Lady interns. BME clears a path for BM, who follows like a king in court. TT quietly joins the crowd, but DDD retains her hiding place. During BM’s song, BME dance in ‘yes-man’ support)

 

No. 16 – Divided Chorus and Song

MC:

Don’t you question the

Sincerity

Or Purity

Longevity

Intensity

Of his Mendacity!

 

FC:

(tongue-in-cheek)

Don’t we question the

Sincerity

Or Purity

Longevity

Intensity

Of his Mendacity!!

 

MC:

Don’t you question he –

Avaricious

Or Ambitious

Uningenuous

Mendacious

Force of his Mendacity!

 

FC:

Don’t we question he –

Scurrilous

Or Contritious

Disingenuous

Man-trocious

Force of his Mendacity!!

(together at recapitulation)

 

[Song – Verse One]

BM:

As Burdock Murphy, We must deride,

And all attempts must chide

That which moves to the future,

That just do not feature,

A longing backwards to

A perfect past that never was true.

 

While others live on hope, I on Pride,

That Progressives decide

They have no will to fight me,

And cannot afford me,

To make them a target keen

Of my slicing Media Machine.

 

[Chorus Section]

A better American I’m

Than most of your Native-born

And to prove it, I’ve got your dime,

But to spend it, I’m foresworn

‘Cept to make your future pine –

‘Cept to make your politics mine!

 

MC and FC:

A better American He

Than most of our Native-born

And to prove it, he’s got our dime,

But to spend it, he’s foresworn

‘Cept to make our future pine –

‘Cept to make our politics crime!

 

[Verse Two]

BM:

Though Australian-born I fancy We,

As American as Tea –

Or at least, when I’m done here,

All your tastes will be clear,

And you’ll decide I was right,

When my cash put-up shuts up the fight.

 

Private money, public policy

Is easy, don’t you see?

Though the Devil eats his own

None of them I’ll disown –

Not till I’m good and ready

And make of my friend an enemy.

 

[Chorus Section]

A better American I’m

Than most of your Native-born

And to prove it, I’ve got your dime,

But to spend it, I’m foresworn

‘Cept to make your future pine –

‘Cept to make your politics mine!

 

MC and FC:

A better American He

Than most of our Native-born

And to prove it, he’s got our dime,

But to spend it, he’s foresworn

‘Cept to make our future pine –

‘Cept to make our politics crime!

 

[Verse Three]

BM:

Though I’m citizen now and free,

(I bought the test handily)

And when I swore my new oath

My fingers crossed did loaf

Behind my back and kept the faith

(with tender love)

To my sovereign Queen Elizabeth!

 

And now you know all of what can be,

When backward fronts see

Easy pickings from the lot

Who with money besot

As I by degree, degree

Boil the frog for all of you too see.

 

[Chorus Section]

A better American I’m

Than most of your Native-born

And to prove it, I’ve got your dime,

But to spend it, I’m foresworn

‘Cept to make your future pine –

‘Cept to make your politics mine!

 

MC and FC:

A better American He

Than most of our Native-born

And to prove it, he’s got our dime,

But to spend it, he’s foresworn

‘Cept to make our future pine –

‘Cept to make our politics crime!

 

[Chorus Recap - together]

MC:

Don’t you question he –

Avaricious

Or Ambitious

Uningenuous

Mendacious

Force of his Mendacity!

 

FC:

Don’t we question he –

Scurrilous

Or Contritious

Disingenuous

Man-Tocious

Force of his Mendacity!!

(exit chorus and TT reassumes his hiding place)

 

Scene Five: “My Boss’ A Jerk”

(Same as above. Checking if the coast is clear, out sneaks Toady from the committee room. He wipes his brow)

[Dialogue]

(TM is not sure if BM knows he is there, and demurs to touch him. Without looking at him, BM startles him by addressing his. BM disdains looking at his patsies in general. Throughout the next scene, BME is there to harangue TM and the others)

BM:

Are the Senators in line?

 

TM:

Yes. They all got your fruit baskets.

 

BM:

(clearing his throat disapprovingly)

Don’t say ‘fruit’ so loud. People will take the wrong notion.

 

TM:

(looking around)

Well, your ‘gift’ within the ‘gift’ was well received by all. Also reassuring is your promise of continued favorable ‘editorial’ policy to us and our own. Don’t worry about us. (catches himself about to slap his boss’ back) We know the drill.

 

No. 17 – Song

TM:

The way it works today

In our Retrogressive USA –

Stall, Stymie, Delay,

If only for a Day

That’s the only ‘Right’ way

To keep things ‘moving’ we say.

 

Stall, Stymie, Delay,

If only for a Day!

 

The way it works today

In our Retrogressive USA –

That’s the only ‘Right’ way

To keep things ‘moving’ we say.

 

Stall, Stymie, Delay,

If only for a Day!

 

[Dialogue]

(BS enters followed unobserved by BR. BR makes to hide behind a banner and is startled to run into DDD. He is waved off by TT from his banner and finds a third unoccupied)

BS:

(to BM)

Have you been watching the coverage?

 

BM:

(not amused)

Yes, but I’m still not convinced you really were the proper choice for this assignment. (eyeing him hostilely) I’ve got a stable-full of mouth-frothing, homo-hating zealots back at the Network – why my Philippina, Melissa Malcontent, is preparing a scoop on how (loathing to say the word) ‘Latinos’ have infiltrated janitorial positions all the way up to the top of government – (looking around) including the Capitol.

 

TM:

(eagerly interjecting)

OH – Should I organize a Committee Hearing, Sir?

 

BM:

Ah – well. Let’s wait on that…But as for you, (side nod to BS) now that you are providing Network coverage on Puffs swooning about in the military, you keep to the talking points. Keep it clear…we wouldn’t want any ‘misinformation’ about you – and yours – to get out, (to Senator) would we? And remind your distinguished colleagues, what I’m sure you keep in the foremost of your own mind, that the mirror of bad press can shine on them an any given moment.

 

No. 18 – Ensemble

BS and TM[2]:

*I hate my work

*My boss’ a Jerk

*He treats us all

*With foreign gall

Though why he hates

All free debate

I’ll never know,

His nose should grow

*To show his lies

*Affect real lives

Though it’s for him

Simply a whim.

Grudged of Abel

So he attacked

*With hateful label

*And murders the fact.

 

TT, DDD and BR:

It seems no light

Brightens our sight

Down the tunnel

Our hopes funnel

Fear by the hand

Grips truth’s demand

And leads her on

Into his con:

Deeper truly

In privately

Funded darkness

And cowardness

Personal gain

Informs the man

Like Adam’s son Cain

Who from his faults ran.

 

BM and TM:

I am so bad

I can’t be had

To bend the truth

And wrench it loose

*Is my calling

*So appalling

*But fraidy cats

*on drop of hats

run far and wide

and torn inside

*’For a another

*Blame each other.

 

*For in this game

*I/He made the rules –

Friend and foe the same,

All must act like fools.

(together at recapitulation)

 

TUTTI:

Do Ask, Do Tell is what we/they want to achieve

Though now that day seems too far distant to conceive

All we/they have our/their faint power to believe

That my/his guile looses all its power to deceive.

 

(exit all but DDD, BM and BME)

 

Scene Six: “Like Anakin to Darth”

(Same as above. Soon DDE enter, looking relieved to have found their mistress. Instantly there is hostility from BME to DDE, but DDE acts unconcerned and ready to poke fun at their seriousness)

[Dialogue]

DDD:

(coming forward)

Well, Burdock Murphy. It’s been a long time.

(BME surprised to see DDD, then more surprised that BM knows her)

 

BM:

(trying to remain nonchalant, but failing)

I’m surprised you still remember me. What was it? ’73…

 

DDD:

’74.

 

BM:

I’ve been following your career. I’m so glad to see you back on top. Your ‘break out come back’ hit is so catchy…How does it go?

(sings a bit – BME appalled; DDE rocking out)

‘Damn Dame Dam-Dam,

Damn, Damn, Damn…’

 

DDD:

Yes. But, it’s all do to my Gays. (DDE gives BME the nose-finger salute) That’s why I’m here. I want you, for old time’s sake – for the sake of a budding romance clipped short by my over-protective Captain father – to ease up on The Gays. I know you have your reputation to look after, but just let your heart thaw a little, and maybe there’s still a chance for a… delayed…romance.

(DDE start swooning with each other)

 

BM:

Impossible. I’m not the same man you knew. I’ve changed, irrevocably…

(BME go akimbo and stick their tongues out at DDE)

 

DDD:

(moving slowly to his side)

Like Anakin to Darth?

 

BM:

Yes. Like Anakin to Darth – my Retrogressive credentials are solid gold. My heart is solid coal. (aside to the audience) Yes, that Coax Brothers brand coal; guaranteed dusty and chak-full of choking carbon, for you and your kids!

 

DDD:

(making a slow arm gesture to DDE, each of whom raises a small pile of papers in the air above their heads)

Then you wouldn’t want anybody to see these charity tax filings…in the name of one 'B.M.'

 

BM:

(BME pretending to be out on a stroll over to DDE)

What are those…?

 

DDD:

(BME tries to grab the papers, DDE easily elude them and form a semi-circle around DDD. One places some paper into DDD’s waiting hand. DDD looks at it a moment and returns it)

Let’s see. Ah. Yes. There’s one donation to ‘Sea Shepard’ – Very generous – save those whales from being made into Japanese Bacon – Very commendable.

(repeat of BME trying to take the papers. Return of DDE to her side)

 

BM:

(glancing nervously around)

Wait…not so loud…

 

DDD:

(open hand; looking at another paper and returning it)

Here’s one – to – (accusingly) Ronald McDonald House! (BM looks stricken)

Tisk, Tisk, helping sick kids – how Very UN-retrogressive…I believe your Network advocates a boot-strap approach to childhood illness?

 

BM:

And pray tell, Where did you get those?

 

DDD:

I have my sources. See, Gays work for you too, don’t they? (BME stop, and standing still, with hands at their sides, look one to another, then with bent knees, look straight out, raise a finger to their lips and bring the audience into their confidence. DDE gestures laughter)

But here’s one (taking another paper and holding it high) that would sink the Unsinkable Titanic of Arch-Backwardness – a Gift – substantial Gift to President Obama’s campaign!!

 

BM:

NO! (lunging for the paper, grabbing it, but falling into DDD and resting his head wearily on her chest. She slowly begins to caress his troubled brow)

I’d be ruined…

(BME successfully grabs all the other papers)

 

DDD:

Those are just copies, like the ones the Lady Interns are ready to distribute to the Press and Senators, at my signal.

 

BM:

(biting his bent index finger, then looking up at DDD with profound admiration and growing attraction. Standing straight, but taking her hand)

Black Mail…? The world's finest aphrodisiac. Damn, Dame Dam-Dam, where have I been all your life?

 

No. 19 – Dance Duet

[Verse One]

DDD:

(circling him. DDE circling BME)

Aesop said the Hare outran the Tortoise slow

And the gentleman Skunk the Cat outwitted

So the lessons that they’re teaching

Congregate the hearer preaching

That the Hunter by the Quarry is accosted.

 

BM:

(circling her. BME circling DDE)

Yes, there is something that attracts

When the outwitted boob attacks

When the Stalker by the Victim is accosted!

 

DDD:

(circling him. DDE circling BME – they help her make a costume change)

A Hummingbird may be taken with a Sloth

As she flits around his upside hanging face

But how can they see eye-to-eye

If he makes of the ground a sky

And his slow moving ways can’t keep her apace.

 

BM:

(circling her. BME circling DDE)

Yes, that’s the ringing in his ears

As he swings when she flies too near

If her fast-moving ways can’t keep him apace.

 

[Chorus Section]

DDD and BM:

(they dance together as do BME and DDE)

So, right hand, left hand

Don’t tell the other one

And spoil all the fun

Of what it’s doing!

Together we’ll stand

Independent as one,

Walking before we can run,

Progress pursuing!

 

[Verse Two]

BM:

(circling her. BME circling DDE)

I’ve heard it circumstance can have it somewhat rare

A Chicken for a Fox can be all put out

An Ibex with a Lynx taken

And Gazelle by A Lion shaken

But that only lasts until the teeth come out.

 

DDD:

(circling him. DDE circling BME)

Yet if those darling Deers were smart

They’d dodge the Prom from the start,

But that’s just till they had the teeth pulled out!

 

BM:

(circling her. BME circling DDE)

Take the Dung Beetle rolling back with his feet

Only seeing where’s he’s been after, so too

Despite the Vixen’s mournful cry

The past can’t return with a sigh

For only hard work makes Past’s preamble do.

 

DDD:

(circling him. DDE circling BME – she spreads her arms as if ready for a costume change, but so does BM. DDE and BME go over to him a affect to remove his business suit. Under it he wears a bight Hawaiian shirt and Bermuda shorts. DDD looks with loving approval)

But manure has a limited reach

And the Past has but this to teach,

Only the poop is cleared, only the Now will do!

 

[Chorus Section]

DDD and BM:

(they dance together as do BME and DDE)

So, right hand, left hand

Don’t tell the other one

And spoil all the fun

Of what it’s doing!

Together we’ll stand

Independent as one,

Walking before we can run,

Progress pursuing!

(the dance ends in celebration as DDE ‘dips’ BME, and DDD and BM tenderly kiss)

 

Scene Seven: “Permit Me Some Truthery”

(The noise of the Committee Room pours out as the Corridor set lifts. Their respective entourage pulls DDD and BM stage left and right. TT is missing, otherwise, all characters are in the same position as at the end of Act One. It seems the Senators are conferring with one another)

 

No. 20 – Act Two Finale

[Part One]

INTERNS:

All this fuss for a forgone conclusion –

The back and forth seesaw action,

But the law stays – we’re under no illusion

As only one side gets traction.

 

QB:

The decision’s done,

So let’s have it.

And to kingdom come

They must bear it.

Just uphold the law

Nothing’s simpler.

No need to thaw

Or line to blur.

 

DDD and BM:

(aside)

Let’s tally the sum –

Count every bit

Down to the last crumb

For the right fit.

 

Cue in the guffaw

Like the clincher

And we’ll be in awe

Like a stippler.

 

QE:

At ad nauseum

Brass asses sit –

As Enlisted thumb

Hard fought merit.

 

At honor they gnaw

Like a crippler

As they hem and haw

As card dealer.

(together at recapitulation)

 

INTERNS, MC and FC:

All this fuss for a forgone conclusion –

The back and forth seesaw action,

But the law stays – we’re under no illusion

As only one side gets traction.

 

[Part Two]

TM:

(banging gavel)

Order Now! Cease all your derision.

We Senators have made our Decision…

 

(The lights dim from Senator and come up on BS and BR who are on opposite sides of the stage. The music fades from the crescendo of the Senator’s recitative into the quiet and rhythmic madrigal that follows. All characters are frozen in mid-action)

 

BS:

I’m sorry I couldn’t be

Your hero today.

Give me a tomorrow

And I promise you will see.

Though we can’t always agree

What it is we should say,

A guide-star I follow -

Your expectations of me.

 

BR:

I just want us to be free

Want it to start today.

But we have tomorrow

And many years yet to see.

Though we can’t always agree

What is it we should say,

A guide-star I follow –

Your perfect love of me.

(lights fades from them and slows back to Senators)

 

TM:

(banging his gavel)

Order Now! Cease all your derision.

We Senators have made our Decision…

 

[Part Three]

(DDD suddenly motions to TM and steps forward. She motions to BM to reluctantly step to her side. This startles the Senators)

BM:

(sheepishly and with a quiet stammer)

If you’ll please pardon me,

And permit me some (agony?)

In a moment you’ll see

My utter goal is (clarity?).

 

INTERNS and QE:

(agitated)

Murphy says all should wait

And when this TV potentate

Stammers in hesitate

Big ‘News’ should be the culminate.

 

Senators and QB:

(agitated, and pulling out iPhones and Blackberries)

Murphy stands to his feet.

Where’s my Twitter and where’s my Tweet,

Facebook update sweet

To record his every bleat.

(together at recapitulation)

 

BM:

(prodded by DDD, DDE and BME – still stammering)

If you’ll please pardon me,

And permit me some (truthery?)

Released all you should be,

To do what’s right – and set them – (free?)

(all strain to hear BM’s softer and softer piano)

 

(suddenly TT bursts in loudly. In his hand he holds an iPad)

 

TT:

Stop! Halt! Wait! Let’s take it Adagio.

(holding up his iPad)

You will all want to see this video.

(gesturing to BM as if TT were a TV lawyer)

Within his lofty state

This highly potent potentate

Has a past that can’t wait

Until the end of this debate.

 

INTERNS and SENATORS:

Within his lofty state

This highly potent potentate

Has a past that can’t wait

Until the end of this debate.

 

TT:

In this new YouTube video,

(Released by ‘Dame 1-7-0’)

Burdock, Greenpeace was to join –

‘Save the Whales’ he himself did coin!

 

INTERNS and SENATORS:

In this new YouTube video,

(Released by ‘Dame 1-7-0’)

Burdock, Greenpeace was to join –

‘Save the Whales’ he himself did coin!

(BM looks aghast at DDD who only smiles and shrugs)

 

BM and DDD:

(starting piano, but growing confident)

My/His credentials are ruined,

My/His Retrogressive causes (dashed!)

(to Senators)

Revote the votes I’ve/He’s (cashed!)

(to each other)

As a pop star producer I’m/He’s recast!

 

INTERNS and QE:

(agitated)

Murphy says all should wait

And when this TV potentate

Stammers in hesitate

Big ‘News’ should be the culminate.

 

SENATORS and QB:

(agitated, and pulling out iPhones and Blackberries)

Murphy stands to his feet.

Where’s my Twitter and where’s my Tweet,

Facebook update sweet

To record his every bleat.

(together at recapitulation)

 

(The enlisted jubilantly hug and high five, then Branders moves to the center of the stage as the other three quietly exit. He raises his hand toward Benjamin who comes to him and takes it. The cameras follow him as he goes)

[Part Four]

BS:

I’m sorry I couldn’t be

Your hero today.

Give me a tomorrow

And I promise you will see.

 

BR:

I just want us to be free

Want it to start today.

But we have tomorrow

And many years yet to be.

 

BS and BR:

(quietly slow-dancing)

Though we can’t always agree

What is it we should say,

A guide-star I follow –

Your perfect love of me.

(they kiss)

 

INTERNS, TT, BM and DDD:

(BM and DDD taking hands)

A guide-star they follow –

Love’s expectations of we.

 

TM:

(standing and pointing at BR)

Well, if that young man is Gay-ee,

(to fellow Senators)

We’ll all agree, that Gay’s OK-ee.

As for that Branders fey,

(limp-wrist)

We always knew he was that way.

 

SENATORS and QB:

Well, if that young man is Gay-ee,

(to fellow Senators)

We’ll all agree, that Gay’s OK-ee.

As for that Branders fey,

(limp-wrist)

We always knew he was that way.

 

TM:

No vote necessary.

Armed Service is not contrary

For Gays who love their country

To open serve Their Military!

 

INTERNS, SENATORS and QB:

For Gays who love their country

To open serve Their Military!

 

(TM bangs his gavel decisively)

[Part Five - a capella recap]

BR, BS, TT, DDD and BM:

I close my eyes and can imagine a time,

Perhaps not far from today,

When no one equal has to trail behind,

For what long dead people say.

I can glimpse from here time’s bright horizon,

Where dawn breaks on everyone,

Irregardless of others’ perception,

In a time unbarred to anyone.

 

INTERNS, MC, FC and QB:

We can glimpse from here time’s bright horizon,

Where dawn breaks on everyone,

Irregardless of others’ perception,

In a time unbarred to anyone.

 

(suddenly QE bursts in loudly and rushes forward)

QE:

Stop! Halt! Wait! Let’s take it Sostenuto –

A committee convenes right next door, Oh,

For the Defenseless Marriage Act debate, you know.

 

[Part Six – tutti – concluding dance and vaudeville]

BR and BS

(dancing together)

Let us celebrate while we may –

One battle at a time they say

Will slowly win both heart and mind

And leave all prejudice behind.

(they kiss)

 

TUTTI:

To slowly win both heart and mind

And leave all prejudice behind.

 

DDD and BM:

(dancing together)

Let’s go and make a life for us –

One that leans forward without fuss

A pop star and her producer –

(BM tosses BS a set of keys)

Branders can have Vixen ‘Newsters.’

(they kiss)

 

TUTTI:

To slowly win both heart and mind

And leave all prejudice behind.

 

TM and TT:

(awkwardly dancing together)

Let us hold a Press Conference –

Buncombe has something to confess

Though try to act not too surprised –

I’ve/He have/has something just realized.

(TT mockingly puckers, but TM demurs)

 

TUTTI:

To slowly win both heart and mind

And leave all prejudice behind.

 

BR and BS

(dancing together)

Let us celebrate while we may –

One battle at a time they say

Will slowly win both heart and mind

And leave all prejudice behind.

(they high-five, then Branders jumps into his man's arms and they kiss and spin)

 

TUTTI:

(all dance jubilantly)

Let’s celebrate,

Joy unburdened,

And contemplate

Hope unbounded –

(the couples kiss – one at a time, left to right, first BR an BS, then DDD and BM and lastly, TM shrugs and sweeps TT off his feet with a dip and tremendous, un-pent-up smooch)

A world to come free from fear,

Where Love is greeted with a Cheer!

 

 

(Darkness – End of Operetta)