Naughty Marietta: A Musical Comedy in Two Acts Books and Lyrics by RIDA JOHNSON YOUNG Music by Victor Herbert CAST OF CHARACTERS CAPTAIN RICHARD WARRINGTON...An American known as Captain Dick LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR GRANDET ETIENNE GRANDET....................Son of the Lieutenant-Governor SIR HARRY BLAKE....................An Irish adventurer SILAS SLICK........................Captain Dick's servant RUDOLFO............................Keeper of Marionette Theatre FLORENCE...........................Secretary to Lieutenant-Governor MARIETTA D'ALTENA LIZETTE............................A Casquette girl ADAH...............................A Quadroon slave FANCHON, NANETTE, FELICE NIGHT WATCHMAN, PIRATES, INDIAN, EAST INDIAN, KNIFE GRINDER Quadroon Belles, Spanish Girls, French Girls, Captain Dick's followers, Italians, etc., etc. ---- SYNOPSIS OF SCENES ACT I: PUBLIC SQUARE in New Orleans ACT II: Scene 1: A Marionette Theatre Scene 2: Ballroom of the Jeunesse Club PLACE: NEW ORLEANS PERIOD: 1780. PROPERTY PLOT ACT I Old-fashioned lantern (NIGHT WATCHMAN) Street lamp and lamp post Small ladder Large key on ring Booths for vendors of flowers, confectionary, candies, etc. Donkey with paniers of flowers Articles for VENDORS, ad lib, such as figs, oranges, sugar cane, parroquettes, etc. Brooms for STREET SWEEPER Knife grinder's outfit and bell Pair of scissors (ADAH) Bunch of roses Knives for TWO PIRATES Guns for DICK and FOLLOWERS Bundle of letters (DICK) Bell and official document (TOWN CRIER) Casquettes (CARQUETTE GIRLS and LIZETTE) Knives and cutlass (SILAS) Papers and gold pieces in casquette (LIZETTE) Basket (RAG PICKER) Hand organ to play music of score (RUDOLFO) Tambourines Official document (SECRETARY) Convent bell (Off stage) Church organ (Off stage) ACT II Scene 1 Complete equipment of the small marionette stage with figures of Pierrette, Pierrot, Harlequin, ropes to manipulate figures, curtain, footlights, steps up to marionette platform, etc., etc., tambourine on wall -- feather duster -- stool in front of window, box or stool outside window. Scene 2 Furniture of period for ballroom Fancy gilt tables, settee, chairs, etc., etc. Packs of cards and sets of dice Castanette (SPANISH GIRLS) Dog whistle (GOVERNOR) Whistle (ETIENNE) Pistols for PIRATEs Guns for DICK'S MEN. (Flintlock Muskets) ----- ACT I PLACE: New Orleans. TIME: About 1780. SCENE: The Place d'Armes. A broad open space with the levee at back. There is a path along this levee bordered on both sides by tall trees, some of which are draped with the gray Southern moss. There is just a glimpse of the Mississippi between these trees. Along the levee from time to time as act progresses, people of various nationalities past. Mexicans, Indians, Spaniards, Negroes, etc. At extreme L. is an arcaded street in which are booths for flower sellers, cake and confectionary - sailors, etc. Over this arcade are the high latticed windows of dwellings in old Creole style. There is a door at L. into one of these houses. At right is the getaway entrance to the St. Louis Cathedral. Up stage in centre is a large fountain. The top of the fountain is in the form of a large urn. The pedestal leading from the basin to the urn must be large enough for a person to stand up in. The fountain is dry. DISCOVERED: At rise of curtain it is just dawn. The sky shows crimson and gold over the river. Some BEGGARS are asleep at base of fountain. The music is soft and low. NO. 1. OPENING CHORUS Enter NIGHT WATCHMEN with lantern. Night Watchman Five o'clock and a fine clear morning. All's well. (BEGGARS bestir themselves and sit up yawning. LAMPLIGHTER comes in and placing his little ladder against side of house, exstinguishes lantern. SACRISTAN comes shuffling across stage and with great key unlocks the door of cathedral. FLOWER GIRLS' VOICES off L. At entrance of FLOWER GIRLS the sun breaks forth and the stage becomes bright) 1st Flower Girl Jessamine. Jessamine and roses. 2nd Flower Girl Rose of May. Blushing posies. 1st Flower Girl Jessamine. Jessamine and roses. 2nd Flower Girl Fresh flowers, sweet flowers. Roses. Flowers. (CHORUS enters in twos and threes forming little groups. MAN enters with donkey L.U. baskets on donkey, filled with flowers which he sells to flower girls) Girls Come, come, come for the morning is breaking. Haste, haste, haste, for the day is awaking. Youth, life, love, everywhere, Garlands of roses rare, Fragrance upon the air shaking. Come, come, haste. Sweet, sweet, sweet. Now 'tis springtime enthralling. Peep, peep, peep, now the love birds are calling. Cull your flowers, while you may, Short ah. Too short the day. Man (Off) Paroquettes. Paroquettes. Petals will fade away falling. Men (Entering with various things for sale) Paroquettes, paroquettes. Happy fortunes telling, Fresh figs, oranges, sugar cane. Sugar cane. --- Girls Come here, I'll buy. Don't pass us by. Street Sweepers Come, clear the way, clear out I say, You foolish vendors crying We have to sweep the dust away, We have no time for buying. We have to work to clear the way, The casket girls come today, To make all fresh and fair and gay we're trying. Girls 1 Here they come the convent maids, So demure and shy Creole beauties every one, See them passing by. Downcast lashes, lips demure Stops precise and staid. Oh la la oh la la. I wouldn't be a convent maid. (Start of CONVENT GIRLS from L) Oh la la. Oh la la I wouldn't be a convent maid. 2 There's Mamselle de Frontenac, And Mamselle Rose Marie, Creole beauties everyone, High nobility. Looking never right or left, To smile they are afraid, Oh la la Oh la la. I wouldn't be a convent maid. (CONVENT GIRLS exit into cathedral) Man Paroquettes, Paroquettes. Happy fortunes telling. Sugar cane. Sugar cane. Street Sweepers Clear the way -- clear out I say. All Oh come, come, come, for the morning is breaking, Haste, haste, haste, for the day is awaking. Youth, life, love, everywhere. Garlands of roses rare Fragrance upon the air shaking. Sweet, sweet, sweet, now 'tis Springtime enthralling. Peep, peep, peep. Now the love birds are calling. Cull your flowers while you may Short, ah, too short the day. Petals will fade away, falling. (Etc., etc. until end of Chorus) (At close of chorus enter from R.1.E. ETIENNE GRANDET, the son of the Lieutenant-Governor. He is a young man of very elegant manners and dress. Full of the gallantry and extreme courtesy of a beau of the times. He is supposed to be merely a social butterfly but is in reality the pirate Bras Pique, whose band of buccaneers is the terror of the whole coast) Girls (Ad lib)Monsieur Etienne. Welcome back. Welcome home. (Girls rush forward and greet him) Etienne Ah, Felice, Nanette, Fanchon. And how goes everything in Little Paris? Felice Oh, Monsieur. New Orleans no longer deserves the name of Little Paris with you away. Nanette (Offering flower) Will Monsieur wear a rose? Felice No. No. My jessamine. Fanchon Ah no. The Fleur de Lis -- Etienne (Taking the Fleur de Lis and putting it in his buttonhole) Surely the flower of France, since I am so loyal a subject of his gracious Majesty. Come, what is the news in Little Paris? What fortunes have been lost at dice? Who won the lottery? Who has stolen whose sweetheart? Fanchon Oh, Monsieur. There is no scandal when you are away. Etienne (Laughing) Rather a back-handed compliment, my dear. Felice But such excitment -- Bras Pique, the pirate is abroad again. Etienne Indeed? Nanette He has scarcely allowed one ship to come safely in harbor since you sailed. Felice And Monsieur, the Place d'Armee is haunted. Etienne Haunted, ha, ha! (Looks about laughing) Rather an open, airy place for a ghost. Felice It is true. You shall hear --- A voice in the air - singing -- But the voice comes from nowhere --- Nanette They say it is the spirit of someone who went down in the last vessel scuttled by Bras Pique. (THEY ALL cross themselves) Etienne Ha, ha! Nonsense. Felice But 'tis true, Monsieur. Everyone has heard it. The voice, so sweet -- so mysterious. It begins a melody and then dies away. Fanchon It goes like this -- (She hums the refrain of Marietta's dream melody) La, la, la, la, etc. (Knife grinder's bell can be heard off U.C.) Etienne Someone is playing you tricks. Fanchon No. No. Even Pere Antoine has heard it. He has had prayers said. Knife Grinder Knives to grind! Knives and scissors to grind. (ADAH, Etienne's quadroon slave and mistress, opens lattice of window over arcade) Adah (To Knife Grinder)Here! My shears. (Throws scissors to man, sees Etienne) Nanette (Aside to other Girls)We had better leave or we shall have our faces scratched for talking to him. (ETIENNE takes bunch of roses from NANETTE and throws them up to Adah) Adah Oh Master, it has been so long -- I feared -- Etienne (Laughing)You feared perhaps that I had been spliced to the yard arm by Bras Pique. Adah Oh no! Not you. Will you come in? Etienne Presently. (ADAH goes in from balcony closing window) (Enter te TWO PIRATES, L.C.) Fanchon Look, Monsieur. Pirates? Etienne Nonsense! Just innocent sailors on shore leave. The Casquette girls are about to land and they are here for the fun. Fanchon, Felice, Nanette Oh we must see the Casquette Girls too. Come, au revoir, Monsieur! (ALL throw kisses to him as they run off R.U.) Etienne Au revoir! 1st Pirate (To Etienne) Master Pique! Etienne Not Pique here! 1st Pirate We cannot land our goods at Barataria. Etienne And what have I to do with you and your goods, my good fellow? (Goes toward house L) 1st Pirate But Master, Captain Richard Warrington, the American, guards the coast for mile around the storehouses. Etienne In faith, 'tis a pretty pass when a gentleman may be accosted in the streets by a pack of ruffianly buccaneers. I shall have to inform my father, the Lieutenant-Governor, of this state of affairs, I shall indeed. (He again attempts to pass them) 1st Pirate But, Master - Etienne (Turning upon him sternly) Enough. You know where you may see your master. And, Manuelo, as you value your ability to wear those pretty earrings, never let this happen again. Adieu! (Exit house R) (SAILORS look after him a moment) 2nd Pirate What did I tell you, Manuelo? 1st Pirate He is the Devil, Bras Pique! He fears nothing. (THEY go up to Knife Grinder and throw him their knives to grind) Town Crier (Entering R) Hear ye! Hear ye all. The King of France has sent a shipment of Casquette maids. All men desiring wives shall present themselves at the King's storehouse. Hear ye, hear ye. All men desiring to wed. (He exits L) (Sounds of CAPTAIN DICK'S MEN, FLOWER GIRLS, CITIZENS, etc. Enter U.L. street waving to Captain Dick's men as they enter. CAPTAIN DICK and HARRY BLAKE enter) NO. 2 SONG Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! Along the highway. Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! The road is free! Blazing trails along the byway. Courier de bois are we! Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! Now clear the roadway. Room room room the world is free We're planters and Canucks, Virginians and Kaintucks, Captain Dick's own Infantry. SONG Captain Dick We've hunted the wolf in the forest, We've raided the pirates at sea, We have no indenture, We're out for adventure, As anyone plainly can see, We've smoked the peace pipe with the Hatches We've fought with the Sioux wild and free We've laughed at all dangers, We're known as the Rangers, Harry Blake - my good comrades -- (DICK sings chorus - MEN repeat. DICK and MEN repeat 3rd chorus together end of 3rd chorus, orchestra repeats chorus -- DICK'S MEN and FLOWER GIRLS and CITIZENS all exit R. and L.) Dick (Calls) Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! Silas! Silas! (Enter SILAS SLICK R.U.E. Comes down R.C.) Go to palace at once. Present these letters to the Governor. (Hands HIM letters) And ask when he will grant an audience to Sir Harry Blake and Captain Richard Warrington. Silas And me? Dick And why you? Silas Why me, he asks! Was it not understood that I was to serve you until - until, mark you - I could find an opportunity that will place me in the environment to which I have always been accustomed? Dick (With a laugh)And what good will it do you if I include you in the audience to the governor? Silas I want to hear everything that's going on. I'm a servant - but I'm a temperamental servant. Etienne (Enters form house R) One moment, my good man. Silas I am his good man -- for the present. (ETIENNE approaches CAPTAIN DICK) Etienne If I mistake not, I am addressing Captain Richard Warrington. Dick At your service, sir. Etienne I am Etienne Grandet, the son of the Lieutenant Fovernor. You may present your letters in person. My father will receive you as soon as he has disposed of the King's casket maids. Dick Thank you, but my letters are to Governor Le Farge. Etienne Governor Le Farge sailed last month on a private mission to France. My father is in authority meanwhile. Dick Oh in that case -- of course -- Silas, the letters. (He takes letters from SILAS. To Etienne) We have permission on from your king to attempt the capture of this buccaneer, Bras Pique, who has made it a hazardous venture for English ships to bring us supplies. Silas Yes -- we will splice him with his own yard arm! (He tries to break into the conversation, each time THEY push him back) Etienne Indeed? That is good news. I trust you may be successful. But is not New Orleans a strange place for an attack on this Dick (Laughing)Oh, as to that, we are in New Orleans only for a few days. My men are looking for -- Sir Harry Trouble. Etienne Trouble -- what kind? We can perhaps oblige. Dick The worst trouble, wives. Sir Harry My friend here, is an acknowledged woman hater. Silas You see, sir, he doesn't attract the ladies -- How I love the darlings. Why? Because they love me. Dick No one addressed you, Silas. Silas Oh, very well. Dick (To Etienne) My lads have heard what fine wives the King's casket maids make, and when they learned that a fresh shipment was to be disposed of here in New Orleans, nothing would do but every one of them must run his head into the matrimonial noose. Silas And let me tell you - to get caught in that noose is not nice. Dick (Roaring) Quiet! Silas (Quickly) Here you are, sir. (He clamps his hand over his own mouth) Etienne Is it the girls or the well filled caskets which the king sends with him that attracts the men? Sir Harry Sir. That is not a very gallant remark for a Frenchman. Etienne No harm meant. You, I take it, are Irish? Sir Harry Take it or leave it, I am. Silas And I -- sir, am a rising American. Submerged at present, but looking for my opportunity. Etienne (Laughing) Indeed? (To Dick and Harry) If you will excuse me, Messieurs, I will tell my father of your arrival. Dick We shall be obliged. (ETIENNE exits with elaborate bows R.U.E.) (SILAS, taking the bows for himself, bows respectedly in imitation of him as he goes off) Sir Harry He bows too much. I don't like the French. (TOWN CRIER comes in R. as DICK and HARRY exit L) Town Crier Hear ye, hear ye, all men desiring wives -- the King has sent a vessel of Casket Maids -- to be disposed of at the King's storehouse -- Hear ye, hear ye! All men desiring wives! (He goes off R. as the music of CASKET MAIDS is heard) (SILAS going up to fountain) Silas I'd better get away -- Those poor fellows will never get wives if the girls once see me. (Exits) (CASQUETTE MAIDS and MEN dance in and sing:) No. 3 "I'M COMING HERE TO BE MARRIED." (CASQUETTE GIRLS enter R.U. with caskets followed by MEN) Men I have broad lands and a cabin too, I've a range well stocked with caribou, I've a snug little nest big enough for two. Girls REFRAIN: Taisez vous, taisez vous. That'll do. We're coming here to be married, married, married, We don't intend to be married, not by you! The king has given us caskets fair! Our small possessions are in there. You'll have to show you're fair and square, Taisez vous, taisez vous. Men Oh maiden fair, oh maiden fair, Won't you marry me? Girls Taisez vous, taisez vous, we'll see! Men I'm from arcady, the mon' ben' lan' -- I'm from Kaintuck, you know that's grand, I've a house, a cow, and a bit of land. Girls Taisez vous. That'll do. (Repeat refrain - have a little dance and exit L.U. after Dick's men) (LIZETTE enters R.U. singing, "I'm Coming Here to be Married." INDIAN enters R.U. and crosses stage to L) Lizette Not a man has noticed me yet -- but the King guaranteed us all husbands -- and I'll sue him for break of contract -- if he doesn't make good. (Sees Indian) Oh -- maybe that is mine! (To Indian) Tessy vous! Indian Ugh! Lizette Now I wonder what that means. Indian Ugh! Ugh! Lizette It must have a double meaning. (INDIAN exits as SILAS enters) Silas (Looking after INDIAN, who walks out, arms folded, head high in exaggerated dignity) Those Indians, the way they strut. You'd think they owned the country. (He sees Lizette) Hello, what's your name? Lizette Lizette - and I'm looking for a husband. Silas My name's Silas Slick - and I'm looking for a good offer. Lizette Are your intentions serious? Silas It depends - that casquette, the King gave you. Is it valuable? Lizette (Taking out casquette and dangling it before him) Here it is -- but it's not to be opened until after the wedding. Silas H-m-m - doesn't look as if there's much gold in it. Lizette (Indignantly) Is it the gold or me you're interested in? Silas A little of both - with the gold running slightly in the lead. Lizette I tell you what I'll do. I'll go to the storehouse and look over the crop of prospective husbands. If they're not any better than you - I'll come back and consider your proposal. Silas (Sputtering)But - wait - it was - I mean - that is - it wasn't a proposal - it was an investigation! (He follows HER out - both arguing ad lib) (Enter from R.U. LIETENANT-GOVERNOR and FLORENCE) Governor Dear me! Florence, fold the umbrella straight and don't stop fanning! If I had known the amount of work I'd have to do I would never have accepted the post of Lieutenant- Governor! (Enter ETIENNE hurriedly from R.1.E.) Etienne Ah, Father! Governor So you are back! Etienne As you see. Governor (Coming down and taking him aside) Did you have a - er - prosperous voyage to France? Etienne (Laughing)To France! Oh come, you need not keep up this pretense with me, old side partner! Governor Don't call me side partner. You know I don't like it. Etienne But you are, you know. I do all the work. You protect me as a loving father should and you get half the profits. (Enter DICK and BLAKE, L.U.) Governor Ssh! (Looking around apprehensively at Florence) I don't know what you are talking about. A public official may receive presents but not profits. Etienne Ssh! Diplomacy, Father, diplomacy! (Speaking to Dick and Harry) Ah, gentlemen! (DICK and HARRY come downstage) Father, allow me to present Captain Richard Warrington and Sir Henry Blake. Dick We are honored, sir. We have a warrant from your king to attempt the capture of Bras Pique! Governor Eh? Dick We shall need your signature. Etienne We must give them every assistance, Father. Governor Oh, assuredly. Assuredly! Bye and bye. At present, urgent affairs call me. (Goes off R.U. with FLORENCE) Sir Harry (Aside to Dick) In faith, Monsieur Bye and Bye will be of no great assistance to us. Etienne You must be patient with my father, Monsieur. He has much on his mind. He is on his way to dispose of the girls whom the King has sent here to wed our settlers. Sir Harry Ah! Speaking of those Casquette girls - tell me - have you any news of the pretty little devil who escaped from them? Etienne Escaped! Sir Harry Yes! From Mozambique where we saw them land -- my friend here is dying for news of her. Dick Nothing of the kind. I noticed her because she was different from the others. Sir Harry Yes, she was a fiery Italian girl and when the little devil learned that every Casquette girl was obliged to choose a husband, she said she'd take Dick. Etienne No! Harry Yes -- and when Dick politely refused her, she up and struck him across the face with her gloves. Dick Oh, it was nothing. Sir Harry And in the night, what did she do but up and vanish through the keyhold like smoke. Etienne That's strange, but, gentlemen, if you will join me at Antoine's Inn -- he has a pretty daughter who may do as well. Dick I must find ledgings for my men first -- we will see you later, if we may. (Going towards R.U.) Etienne As you will, Messieurs! (DICK and BLAKE exit R.U.) (One hears MARIETTA singing very softly the dream melody) (ETIENNE pauses. Looks about. The song dies away) Strange -- I thought I heard -- (Goes off R.) (MARIETTA draws herself up to edge of urn and with a little sigh of relief, and a roguish laugh, sits on ledge of urn and sings:) No. 4 - SONG -- "NAUGHTY MARIETTA" (The first verse and refrain sung on fountain) (End verse and refrain down stage) "NAUGHTY MARIETTA" There are two little maidens that live in my heart, And one is so good like dis! She look comme ca, and she talk la la! Like butter won't melt, I guess! But so other Marietta Dat's also me! Has a temper so warm, it's torrid, So when I am good, I am very good indeed! But when I am bad, I am horrid! REFRAIN Naughty Marietta be good, say she, Mais non! Say me! Naughty Marietta, you should, say she, Be good like me! Naughty Marietta go home, say she, Mais non! Non! Say me! That naughty Marietta, she simply will not let her Be good, as she should, oui! oui! (Leaves fountain, comes down) 2. Come a time, to the Convent they send me straight off, I'm not fond of dat, not me! I say my prayer, well, mos' everywhere And better than gold I be. But de Naughty Marietta Dat's also me. Made dat convent so warm, 'twas torrid Cause when she was good, She was very good indeed; But when she was bad, she was horrid. (At end of song) Marietta Santa Maria! I am hungry! (She xes stage to cake stand and buys some cakes from MAID, who comes from house after song -- DICK enters R.U., sees Marietta, stops in C. of stage) What now? If I pay in gold for everything -- soon there will be empty vacancy in the purse! (She starts up stage, munching cake and comes face to face with Dick) Ah! You have followed me! Dick (Indignantly) I have done nothing of the kind! Marietta Well -- why not, then? Dick Why did you run away from the camp at Mozambique? Marietta (Mischeviously)For fear you make me to marry you! Dick I make you -- whatever gave you that idea? Marietta You maybe take serious that little joke of mine at Mozambique? I only said that to gain time -- I would not choose you -- of all others. Dick Believe me, the incident is forgotten -- as for marrying, no thought is further from my mind. Marietta And me too! Dick I value my freedom. Marietta Me too! Dick I am not interested in love - it's nonsense. Marietta Me too! Dick But you must marry. You have accepted the King's casket. Marietta I throw it overboard - long time ago. The Casket! Bah! Dick What are you going to do? Marietta You must find me another dress. Dick What? Marietta Certainly -- you must get me -- what you say -- a disguise. Dick A disguise? I should say not. Marietta Can I stay forever sitting in zat fountain like a bird on ze nest? Dick But -- Marietta For hours I have nothing but fruit and cake -- it makes me sick -- yes. I must come out I must sing and dance with all these gay people! I like this Little Paris -- I shall stay! Dick But -- Marietta (Calmly) Accordingly -- you must arrange for me something! Dick I -- why should I -- Marietta Who else? You are my friend -- it is arranged -- is it not? Dick It is not -- arranged! Marietta Besides -- ze whole -- thing is your fault. Dick My fault? why? Marietta Because. Anyway it is. If you had not make me angry, oh but so angry, at Mozambique -- perhaps I don't know -- maybe I not run away. Dick Do you know, I should take you at once to the Governor. Marietta But you will not? Dick Eh? Marietta You are stupid, but not cruel! Dick Stupid? Marietta Like all men, maybe a little more stupid. You will get me the little dress. What you say? Skin and fur from here down, like a boy -- mais the other part -- perhaps a little becoming wiz lace? Yes! Dick I'll do nothing of the kind. Marietta Oh, but if you could see how -- what you say -- attractive I am in zose things from here down like a boy! Come, it is arrange! I will be one of your soldiers. "Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!" and when I am tire', you can carry me! Dick It's preposterous! Marietta Of course it is pre---- that word you say. So you will hide me until the casket vessel sails away and all is over. Dick I most certainly will not hide you! (Noise off L.U.) Ssh! Someone is coming, quick! (Indicates fountain) Marietta (Laughing) Oh no! You will not hide me, my friend! (Enter LIZETTE with SILAS following from L.U.) Lizette I can't even find the storehouse. It seems I'm not wanted and not wanted badly. Silas It may be my opportunity -- I'd risk it if she'd let me have a look in that casket. Dick Silas -- Silas! Silas Yes, Captain -- Dick I want you to go and find an Italian named Rudolfo who has a Marionette Theatre on the Rue -- Rue Canondelet. Bring him here at once. Silas A Marionette Theatre. This may be my opportunity. I always thought I'd be a good actor. Dick Do you hear, sir? Silas Right away, sir. (He exits L.U.) (DICK goes up to call Marietta, when LIZETTE, who has been sitting disconsolately aside on casquette, sees him) Lizette Oh! Maybe this is my Fate. (To Dick) Ahem! Teasey vous! Teasey vous. You'll pardon me! I'm so impulsive. Are you in the market? Dick I? No! Go away! (MARIETTA laughs) Lizette Mercy! Remember I'm a nervous woman! You can at least direct me to the storehouse where they're giving out the husbands. Dick I cannot. I am strange here. Lizette My opinion is you'd be strange anywhere. I shouldn't have spoken to you at all if I had known you were a man of such an unsanitary character -- I bid you farewell forever! Dick Thanks. (She goes off R.) (CAPTAIN DICK looks off L., watches her crossing stage R., goes up to fountain, and calls) Marietta! Marietta! Marietta (Suddenly jumping up) Boo! Ha, ha, ha! Dick You - er - are very childish. (Liftiing HER from fountain) Marietta And you also, my friend. Dick I have no woman friends. (BOTH coming down stage) Marietta Well, I will take pity on you -- I will be your friend -- come now, say it -- No. 5 - SONG: "NEVER, NEVER CAN BE LOVE" Marietta Captain Dick Dick Well, here's my hand, we're friends you see. Marietta Certainlee. Certainlee! You're sure you'll never make love at me? Dick No! No! You'll see! Mareitta You'll never try just to kiss my hand? Dick I'm not that foolish kind of a man. Both Then I'm sure if you're sure And I'm sure I'm sure, That we mutually understand! ENCORE We'll call it bond platonic, Or friendship tried and true, We'll call it just good comradeship, Or simply chums will do. You may say I'm your side partner, My claim all claims above, But solemly swear! (Holding up hands) Yes, solemnly swear! It never, never can be love! (Chorus off) No! It never never can be love! (At the end of song, DICK takes MARIETTA and hides her in fountain. SILAS and RUDOLFO enter L.U.) Rudolfo Captain Dick -- I know a not a Captain Dick. Silas (To Dick) Captain, here's Rudolfo. May I go? Dick Yes, you have the day to yourself. (Exit SILAS R.U.) Ah, you are Rudolfo, the keeper of the Marionette Theatre in the Rue Canondelet. Rudolfo Si, Signor, poor Rudolfo! Who loss da leeetle son Rafaello, so biga like dat-a, so dear-a like dis-a, bed-a like hell-a. Dick Exactly -- well, I bring you word of Rafaello! Rudlofo You bring me word of my Rafaello! Oh, Signor! Heaven bless you. Permit-a me to salute. (Attempt to kiss Captain Dick on cheeks) Dick That will do! Rudolfo Where is he, my Rafaello? Dick He's safe enough at my father's plantation in Kentucky. He is my mother's page boy where he does nothing all day with infinite grace. Rudolfo Does nothing-a. Ah! That-a would please my Rafaello! He no like - pulls de Marionetta. He no like-a da organ-a. He no like-a da monk. He damn poor Italian. Oh, Signor. Safe and happy. I am your slave! I kiss your hands, your feet. (MARIETTA peeps from behind fountain. She comes down between Dick and Rudolfo) I am forever your slave. How can I serve you? Dick (Pointing to Marietta)Your boy was just so tall. Rudolfo Perhaps, yes. Dick As I remember, this young lady is not unlike Rafaello? Marietta Oh I see, I see! Dick You will take this girl. Give her proper clothing and announce that your son has returned. Marietta Oh excellente! Excellente! I kiss your hands, your cloak! But your cheek -- no, never! Rudolfo I no understand. Dick There are reasons why she must remain unknown in New Orleans for the present! She shall be your son! Marietta Father! (Attempts to embrace Rudolfo) Padre mio! Rudolfo But a girl - a my son? Dick Come, you said you would serve me! Rudolfo But -- but -- Marietta It is arrange! I am your son. Come, padre mio! Come to the theatre of the Marionette. Oh la la! You shall see -- I will -- pulla da marionette -- I will eata spaghetti -- I will even like-a da monk! Rudolfo But -- but -- Dick You shall be well repaid, Rudolfo. Marietta Yes, yes. My gold is almost gone, but my friend has plenty. You shall be well paid. Come, I must take off this dress. Dick Here! You may have my cloak. (Goes to fountain, gets cloak and puts it about MARIETTA) Marietta Oh, you are good! Come, padre mio! (Starts toward L.U., stops RUDOLFO) Oh, one moment! (She runs back to Dick) Oh, be not afraid -- I will not kiss the cheek -- listen -- closely -- now -- (She sings the dream melody) Ah, sweet mystery of life in vain I seek thee, Ah! to know at last the secret of it all, All the longing, la la la! (She pauses and looks at him expectantly) Dick (Puzzled) Well? Marietta Can you not finish my melody? Dick Finish it? Marietta You see that is a dream melody! I hear it -- so many times when I got to sleep -- and it has been foretold me, that only he shall claim my heart, who will have power to sing the answer to it! Dick Then why ask me? Marietta Oh, of course you cannot. Being only my friend you would not even try, eh? Dick I'd most assuredly will not try. Marietta No, of course, I could not expect -- You will not even try --Come, padre mio -- (She goes out humming meldoy) You will not even try? Dick No. Marietta No -- come, padre mio. ("Ah, Sweet Mystery -- etc.") (Song dies away as CAPTAIN DICK stands listening) Dick Try! I should say not -- (He starts to sing it - on exit. Goes off angrily, R.U.) (As he exits, SILAS and LIZETTE reenter R.U. She is weeping noisily) Silas Sh! What are you laughing at? Lizette I am not laughing. Silas What is it then? Lizette I'm such a nervous woman. Silas I wouldn't cry that way then if I were you. Lizette You can cry any way you like. This is my way. I can't help it if I'm historical. Silas Historical -- Are you so old as that? Lizette Old! I'm only, only -- Silas Better hurry, Madam. Every minute makes it worse. Lizette I should say it does -- Here I am verging on -- twenty, and would you believe me, I have never had a proposal. Silas I would believe you. Lizette At the boat -- where we landed, there was scores of men following each girl -- all but me. What's the matter with my face? Silas I don't know. Who did it? Lizette The King guaranteed husbands. If he hadn't I would never have come away so far from home and mother -- and lugging this heavy Casquette. Silas (Eagerly)It is heavy then. (He reaches for it) Lizette Hands off. Silas Does it jingle when you shake it? Lizette Of course, there's gold in it -- Would you marry me for my gold? Silas For what other reason --- I -- I love you. Lizette You?! Why? Silas I don't know -- it just came over me. Lizette You are nothing but a servant. Silas Ah, but my bondage will not, cannot, last forever. I but await my opportunity. In the meanwhile I am in training. Lizette In training? Silas Yes, to be a pirate. Lizette A pirate. Mercy! Remember I'm a nervous woman. Silas You see. My arm is already tabooded. Lizette Tabooded! Silas Yes. See! I have the name of Bras Pique tabooded here with indelicate ink. Lizette Are you Bras Pique? Silas Not yet. But some day -- with the help of Captain Dick -- we will scuttle his vessel. It will be my opportunity. I will take his place -- I shall buccaneer all over the seas. Bras Pique the Second! Lizette Who would have thought it, a man like you. Silas Ah! But I am not what I seem. No. 6 - SONG - "I WISH I WAS ANYBODY ELSE BUT ME" Silas I must have been changed in my cradle, By my nurse or something like, For I ain't turned out what I ought to be And nothing seems to be right! Lizette Mon Doo! Parblew! Mon chair! That is a sad affair! Silas (Takes HER by the arm, goes R.) So sometimes I get to dreamin' As a feller will you see, Of the kind of a sort of a "me" I'd be, If I wasn't the me that's me! Lizette Mon Doo! Parblew! You speak, The word, ah! Tres tragique! REFRAIN I wish I was anybody else but me - anybody else would do It's awful discouraging being me, when I ought to be you or you! I tries to smile, but what's the use? It hits me with a slam! When I get to thinking of the man I'd be, if I wasn't who I am! (Dance - SILAS and LIZETTE exit) (SILAS has twisted up his drooping moustache and he struts about with all the braggadocin of a pirate - dances with LIZETTE - following - at end of dance, exits R.) (After SILAS and LIZETTE exit, enter GOVERNOR and SECRETARY from convent) Governor Upon my word, Florence, you are very irritating, Just as I think my work is over for the day, you come to me with this tale of a missing Caasquette girl. Secretary But, your Excellency! Governor How do you know there is one missing? Secretary While your Excellency was asleep at the Convent -- Governor Sleep! I never sleep -- I'm a servant of the people. Secretary While your Excellency was as -- I mean resting, - at the Convent - there came three survivors from the Italian vessel captured by Bras Pique! (Enter ETIENNE, R.U.) Governor Survivors! Why survivors! Etienne That's what I say, why survivors? Secretary They were marooned and escaped. They bring dispatches from the King of France. Governor (To Secretary) Take off my hat when you mention the King. (Secretary takes off LIEUTENANT- GOVERNOR'S hat and replaces it) Etienne (To Florence)Of what matters are these dispatches? Secretary (Looking at papers) A command to the Lieutenant-Governor to immediately return one Marietta d'Altena to France from whence she has escaped, having bribed a casket girl to give her the place. Governor And of course it must be this important one who is missing? Etienne The Countess d'Altena! Why, that is one of the richest and most powerful families in Italy. We must find her --- Governor And of course something disagreeable is promised me if I fail to find this maid? Secretary You will fall under the King's displeasure. Governor Dear me -- dear me -- the things I shall have to answer for when the Governor returns. Etienne (Significantly) If he returns -- I do not think he will. Governor Hush! I'll not listen. Etienne You must listen, Father. You hope to benefit by my plans. You must not shirk the responsibility. Governor Well - well? Etienne My men have marooned the Governor on the Isle of Pines. When the right moment comes, we shall announce Louisiana to be a Republic - we shall throw off allegiance to France ---- Governor Hush! Hush! This is no place -- besides -- I'll not take the responsibility -- I'll have enough to answer for -- if your schemes fall through. Etienne (Laughing) You should get a whipping boy, Father. Governor What's that? Etienne A whipping boy such as they had in the old times, to take upon themselves the punishments of royalty! Ha, ha! Just the things for you. (Goes into house, L.) Governor Did I not tell you to search every law and precedent to make things easier for me? Secretary Yes, Excellency. Governor Then why have I never heard of this most convenient instituion of the whipping boy? Secretary The law is old, obsolete, I think. Governor I reinstate it. You shall find a whipping boy for me - if you don't I'll make you my whipping boy. (Governor exits R.U.) Secretary Oh dear, oh dear, where shall I get a whipping boy? (Runs up and down stage as if looking for something) (SILAS enters 1st E.R.) Silas (Entering) Have you lost something? Secretary I'm about to lose my position as Secretary to the Governor. Silas Secretary to the Governor. (Aside) This may be my opportunity. If you lose that position will you speak a word for me? Secretary What! Are you looking for something to do? Silas Yes. Secretary Then thank your lucky stars you met me. Silas It must be easy -- some sort of a sitting-down position. Secretary Providence led you to me. Silas I know. It's a great chance for you. I'm a rising American -- Secretary In the name of the Lieutenant-Governor I offer you the magnificent post of Whipping Boy. Silas I don't like the name. I refuse it. Secretary Wait! Wait! Let me read to you the prerequisites which go with the post of Whipping Boy. (Searches in book) "The Whipping Boy shall receive three suite of fine marquisette embellished with gold braid." Silas Real gold? Secretary Eighteen karat. "He shall dine at the royal table and shall first taste of each delicate viand set before his royal master." Silas Wait -- why first? Secretary In case the food be poisoned. Silas And you call that a fine position? Secretary Oh, but that will never happen. Silas I don't want the position. It sounds almost dangerous. Secretary But listen -- I have not read all. Silas You've read enough. Secretary "His wife shall sit next the Grand Marshall." Silas I don't know about that. What kind of a person is this Grand Marshall -- Maybe I couldn't trust my wife. I don't think much of this position - Let's call it off. Secretary "In addition the Whipping Boy shall receive the sum of ten thousand francs per annum." Silas (Who has been going off) Ten thousand francs. Well, maybe I could just pretend to do that tasting you spoke of. How often does this annum business come around? Secretary You may draw on the Treasury at your need. Silas Somebody's going to wake me up in a minute. Secretary Do you accept? Silas Do I accept? It is the opportunity I have been waiting for. Secretary Then present yourself at the palace --- Silas Wait! I have a sudden thought. What is it I have to do for all this? Secretary Oh, a mere detail; you accept the responsibilities of the family. Silas But suppose I have no family. I can't guarantee that. Secretary Not your family. The Governor's family. Silas Support the Governor's family on ten thousand francs per - what is it? Secretary Oh no, no! You simply -- You see, if anyone of his family should commit any crime - er, I mean little discretion - you answer for it in your person. Silas In my person! That's where the whipping comes in. Thank you for wasting my time. That's not the kind of a position I'm looking for. Secretary Oh, there'll be no whipping, I'll promise you! Silas There'll be no whipping, I promise you. Good day. (Exits R.1. followed SECRETARY: ad lib) (ETIENNE enters for a house L. followed by ADAH) Adah Etienne - Etienne, Master! Etienne Well! Adah You've been away so long --- Etienne Only a month. Adah They might know, they might suspect. Etienne Suspect what? Adah That you are Bras Pique! Etienne You say that so often, my dear, I shall begin to believe you are right. Adah You no longer care for me, you no longer love me - am I not the same? Etienne You give me too warm a welcome, try indifference for once it may attract. There, there, Adah I was only joking - forgive me - But love should be free, you make it a bondage. Au revoir, Mademoiselle. (Exits R.2.) Adah Ah 'tis true - it is as I feared! He no longer loves me - he has wearied of me. No. 7 - SONG - "SOUTHERN MOON" (After song - ADAH re-enters house) (SILAS enters from R. - he throws off his cloak and his hat - throws them on fountain rim - he struts about. As he is doing this - some GIRLS enter R. and stand looking at him fearfully) Nanette (Aside) Do you think he can be Bras Pique? Fanchon 'Twould be like his daring. See! He wears the red bonnet. (To Silas) Monsieur, have you letters on your arm? Silas Ah ha! You have been reading my letters. (He pulls up his sleeve displaying arm with tattooed letters) Girl (Shrinking from him) 'Tis he! 'Tis Bras Pique! Silas (Flourishing knives) I've killed many thousands of mosquitoes. Girls Mosquitoes! Silas Mousquetiers, I mean. Listen! Hist! I am Bras Pique! Girls (Frightened) Oh! Silas Wait! Fear me not! I am a gentle creature with the ladies. But - on the seas - I wade in blood! Girls Ugh! Silas Pull twenty fathoms deep lie dead man's bones! And in my treasure chests are gold and jewels. Jewels to adorn pretty maids like you -- and you -- and you! (GIRLS frightened, run up L.) Silas Ah ha! Take care! Beware! (He flourishes his knives) In dead of night my pirate band shall come to carry off to coral isles - all the pretty maids of New Orleans. Girls Oh help! Bras Pique! Help! (They run off L. and R.1. and U.) (Enter LIZETTE) Lizette Well, I'm ready to entertain your proposal, young man. Silas My proposal! Caramba! Sapristi! (He flourishes knives at her) Lizette Mercy! Remember I'm a nervous woman! Silas Leave me, woman, leave me! Lizette But I can't get a husband. They're all given out and -- Silas Peace, woman. I have made my choice. I see my opportunity! I shall be wedded to nothing but the sea! Lizette Mercy! The sea's so wet! Anyway somebody's got to marry me! Silas That's his problem! Leave me, woman! Leave me! Do you hear! Caramba! Sapristi. (He approaches her fiercely, showing his teeth) Lizette Mercy! Help! (She starts to run and drops casquette. It jingles) Silas Wait! I'll give you one chance, woman, the casquette. Open it. Lizette I can't. The King's commands -- Silas Open it - I say! If its contents are what I surmise, you shall be Madam Buccaneer! (LIZETTE with trembling fingers starts to open casquette) Ah ha! Gold! Gold! Lizette I wouldn't do it, only I'm dying of curiosity myself! (Opens casquette. Takes out - paper -- reads:) "A grant of land on the Mi-si-si-pi River!" Silas Tut! Tut! Get to -- the gold! The gold! Lizette (Hastily throwing other papers and things out, eagerly feels in bottom of casquette and brings up three or four gold pieces) Can this be all! Silas What a stingy king! So long. Lizette Wait! Wait! You promised.... Silas Well, you see. I forgot -- about the tobacco -- you know every man who would a Casquette girl must deposit a hundred pounds of tobacco at the storehouse. Lizette And you have none? Silas Not a pipe full. Lizette Here -- take the gold. Buy the tobacco. Hist! Not a word to anyone - I will await you at the storehouse. Silas That's right, you wait -- Don't stir until I come for you! Lizette Not a word to anyone. Hurry, buy the tobacco. I will be yours, my bethrottled! (Lizette goes off U.R.) Silas She did it herself! It's her own fault. But it's my fault if she ever sees me again. (He puts gold in pocket and starts toward R) Now, where did I put my cloak? (Goes to fountain to get it) (Sound of voices and cries off L) Ah! Doubtless the girls returning to hear my merry tales of piracy! (LIZETTE rushes in R) Lizette Oh Si, my Si! The girls have told the guards you are Bras Pique, the pirate! They are coming to arrest you! Silas Arrest me! My cloak! My hat! Where are they? Run, find my master -- Find Captain Dick. He'll tell them I'm no pirate. (Shouts off stage getting louder) (Business of rushing about to find hiding place) Lizette You can't hide here. (THEY rush up stage. LIZETTE hides SILAS in fountain) (PEOPLE run in shouting: "Bras Pique! Drown him! Hang him!") (ETIENNE coming in through crowd) Etienne Here! Here! What does all this mean! (EVERYONE stops shouting) Nanette Oh, Monsieur! Bras Pique the pirate! Fanchon He was here. We saw him! Etienne Nonsense! Let us have no more talk of pirates! Listen -- (Music) It's the Italians -- Come! Sing! Dance! Be merry! Or I shall think have landed on the shores of some Yankee town and not my gay New Orleans! (Music of organ comes nearer and FELICE runs in) Felice What do you think? Rudolfo has found his little son! (ALL rush to entrnace and great RUDOLFO as he enters with his DAUGHTERS and MARIETTA) All Vive the Italians! Vive Rudolfo! (MARIETTA comes down and sings) "SING! SING!" (At the close of song:) Etienne (Coming down to Musicians)Ah, fine song, Rudolfo, and well sung! Who is this lad, your son? Rudolfo Yes my leetle son-a, she has returned. Etienne (To Marietta) Ah, my little lad, so you have returned to your padre. Marietta (To Etienne) Oh, yes, Monsieur. Now I like-a to pull-a de Marionetta. I like de spaghetti. I even like-a de monk. (Runs over to Rudolfo) Etienne Ah ha, the lad has wit. (Bus. enter CAPTAIN DICK, L.U.) Dick Ah, Rudolfo, Rafaello. Etienne (To Dick)You know the lad? Marietta (To Etinne) Ah, Captain Dick, he is my friend. He find poor Rafaello to be make roast pig by the Indians. He save me --he bring me back to Padre mio. I kiss his hand, his cloak -- his cheek. (Attempts to kiss Captain Dick) Dick (Holding HER off) Never mind -- that will do -- (The GOVERNOR and SECRETARY enter from R.U.) (EVERYONE bows - CITIZENS take off hats to the Governor) Governor Dear me, dear me. (Coming down C.) I give it up! I give it up! How can I look the Casquette Girls over to find the missing one, if someone doesn't bring them to me! (To Secretary) Here -- call the people to order! Secretary Silence! Attention all! The King of France offers ten thousand francs -- All Ten thousand francs? Secretary The King of France offers ten thousand francs for the return of Marietta, Contessa d'Altena, - All A Contessa? Secretary Who in the disguise of a Casquette Girl escaped from France. Said Marietta d'Altena is small, dark and has a voice of rare beauty, is continually singing an unfinished melody. Here follow a lot of notes. (Attempts to sing melody in cracked voice) (The PEOPLE ALL laugh) Etienne Allow me -- (Takes paper from SECRETARY) La la la la la. (Hums Marietta's dream melody) All (Ad lib) The melody! The haunting melody. The Casquette girl must be here. The fountain - ten thousand francs! We will find her! (All rish to fountain) Lizette There goes Silas! All 'Tis Bras Pique! Bras Pique! Seize him! Catch him! (TWO MEN seize SILAS - He is struggling to get away - they force him to his knees) Bras Pique! Silas No - no! Don't! I was only playing a pirate to please the girls. I am no pirate. (Rushing over to the Governor) O, save me! Save me! I'll do anything -- I will be your Whipping Boy. O, save me, Governor, save me! Governor Let him alone, he is my Whipping Boy. All Whipping Boy? Dick (To Governor) Why, this is my man, Silas. Silas No longer. The yoke of servitude - I throw it off. This is my opportunity! Blake (Entering from R.U. coming down, seeing Marietta) Well, by all that's holy, this is the runaway Casquette girl. All What? Marietta (To Rudolfo) No - no, Padre mio -- Dick (To Rudolfo) Take her away. Rudolfo (Frightened) No. No. No Casquette. This lady is my son. Etienne (To Rudolfo)Ah -- so this lady is your son, eh! I thought the voice too sweet for a lad. Marietta, Contessa d'Altena! (ALL bow) (Music cue for:) FINALE (During this Finale DICK keeps urging Rudolfo to get away with Marietta. A sound of convent bells heard off. ETIENNE, GOVERNOR, and all the CITIZENS turn and kneel down at the convent gate, while organ is playing) (DICK urges RUDOLFO to make his escape with MARIETTA. RUDOLFO and MARIETTA exit L.U. DICK and his FOLLOWERS cover their retreat stopping ETIENNE and the PEOPLE at the point of their guns) Etienne 'Tis she, the Casket girl, Marietta No, no, no, no! I am Rudolfo's figlia! Etienne Flower of Italy's nobility To the palace, come with me! Marietta No, no, my friend! Dick Protect your son Rudolfo Come, man, speak up. Rudolfo Yes. Marietta Oh, Padre! Oh, Padre dear Rudolfo Yes, she is my son, yes yes! She is my son! Dick Protect your son - Come, speak up! She his daughter, she his son. Etienne and Chorus She says he is his son, this girl his son what fun! Marietta Padre, mio padre, Oh, padre mio padre! Governor Dear me, dear me, more trouble! That's not fair! Adah 'Tis she, the casket girl 'tis clear! Marietta Oh la! Papa! 'Tis a very pretty fix, comme ca, oh la! Papa! We will get away from them pa la! Stay near! My dear! In your loving arms enfold me here! Don't forsake me, stay beside me Safely hide me. Marietta Don't forsake me, padre mio dear! No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Marietta No. Don't forsake me - stay beside Adah 'Tis she 'tis she she's casket girl! 'tis she. Dick His son what fun come protect your son, pack up, my man! His son Rudolfo Si! Si! Si! Si! Yes, I swear me, come, come, come, come, Governor Dear me! Dear me! More trouble now. That's not fair! Dear me! She his son what fun!! Marietta Me. In your loving arms Adah 'Tis she 'tis she the casket girl yes 'tis she 'tis Dick What fun! Come, protect your son, come, protect your speak up, my man, Rudolfo Si! Si! mio figlia! Figlia dear, si, si, si, si, Etienne With me! Come, come, oh - come with me, to the castle Governor Dear me - more trouble that's not fair, oh, dear me dear- Chorus The casket - girl is she, yes 'tis she 'tis Adah She! 'Tis she! Dick Son! Your son! Rudolfo Si! I swear! Etienne Come! With me! Governor Me! Dear me! Cho! She! 'Tis she! Marietta, Adah, Dick, and Rudolfo Come sir, you are master here, to hold the maid you'll try. Etienne, Governor Wait a while! Chorus, Marietta, Adah, Dick, Rudolfo, Etienne, and Governor The King commands be on your head his Let me think by and by by and by. Marietta, Adah, Dick, Adah, Rudolfo, and Etienne vengeance will be dire and dread! Governor Wait a while let me think by and by Chorus, Marietta, Adah, and Dick Come, man, speak up! Protect your son - protect your Rudolfo Mio figlio mio figlio care mio, caro mio, caro Etienne his vengeance Governor wait a while, let me Chorus By and by let him think by and by! Marietta not forsake me not! Padre! Padre! Adah man be on your head! (With cho. Soprano) Dick Son, speak up, speak up! Come, man, come man. Rudolfo Mio caro, mio caro mio! Etienne Will be dire and dread! No! No! Governor Think, by and by, and by! Wait a while - wait a while! Italians She's his figlio - she's his filgio to--- Chorus No! No! Marietta Oh, Padre! Padre! Dick Speak up come man come speak up! Come man. Rudolfo Caro figlio Mio Oh no - rissimo! Etienne No, no! No, no! Come, sir you're Master here No! Governor Let me! Let me think wait awhile wait awhile Italians Take his son you will not dare, we'll fight to see fair play, she's his Chorus To the castle, to the castle away! a-way! figlio No! Marietta Padre! Oh! Stay near Rudolfo Caro figlio Caro figlio mi - O! Etienne No! No! Come sir, your master here. Governor Let me Let me think, wait a-while! Italians Take his son, you - to the castle - take her away! Chorus To the castle. Marietta, Adah, Dick, Rudolfo, Etienne, Governor, Italians, Chorus The King of France is far a-way scarely know just what to say! Marietta, Adah, Dick, Rudolfo, Etienne These ruffians here on ev'ry side Governor, Italians To take his son, you will not dare Chorus, Marietta Mio padre ah. Adah, Dick, Rudolfo, Etienne No, no, no, no, no, no! No! Governor With Rudolfo let her hide Wait awhile Italians Yes, she's his figlio She's his Chorus No! Marietta Ah Adah, Dick Come man, speak up, come man come speak up Rudolfo Caro, figlio mio oh car - rissimo! Etienne No! No! No! No! No! Come, sir, you're master here! Governor Wait awhile let me let me think wait awhile Italians figlio to take his son you will not dare. We'll fight to see fair play she's Chorus No to the castle to the castle away a-way! His Marietta, Adah man! Dick SPEAK up! Speak up! speak up! Rudolfo caro figlio caro figlio caro Etienne No! No, no, no! Come sir! Come sir! (3) figlio Governor Wait awhile let me let me let me let me Italians figlio she's his figlio! to take his son you will dare, we'll to the castle to the castle we'll fight, we'll fight Marietta Ah... Ah... Adah take her a - way. Dick Or fight for fair play fight for fair play! Rudolfo Caro figlio Ah carissi - no! Etienne Come, the King commands be your head be on your head! Governor Let me think please, let me think! Italians See fair play we'll fight we'll fight to see fair play we'll fight we'll fight -- Chorus To castle take her away take her away away - away take her away! Marietta, Adah Gone! Gone! Gone! Dick Gone! Gone! Gone! Rudolfo and Etienne Gone! Gone! Gone! Governor and Italians Free! Free! Free! Chorus Gone! Gone! Gone! CURTAIN End of Act I PROPERTY PLOT ACT I 1 old-fashioned lantern (NIGHT WATCHMAN) 1 street lamp on post Small ladder Large keys on ring Booths or tray for VENDORS OF FLOWERS, etc. (See Varratt) Candles, figs, oranges, parrakeets, sugar cane, confections, etc., cakes, pastries Donkey with panniers of flowers Brooms (for STREET SWEEPERS) Knife-grinders' outfit, knives for 2 PIRATES Pistol, holster, belt (CAPTAIN DICK) Muskets (for RANGERS) Bundle of letters 24 caskets (CASQUETTE GIRLS) Knives, cutlass (SILAS) Basket (RAGPICKER) Official document Convent bell (offstage) Church organ (offtsage) Scroll (TOWN CRIER) 1 umbrella (to hold over GOVERNOR) 1 fan Official papers 1 record book 1 tattoo Bras Pique (SILAS) ACT II Scene 1 Marionette stage, marionettes (1 Pierrot & Pierrette) Practical tamborine (on wall) 1 bench 1 stool (outside window) Box or stool (outside window) 1 feather duster ACT II Scene 2 Furniture for ballroom (period - Baratt) Pack of playing cards Dice Small platform (auction block to be pushed on) 24 castenets 1 dog whistle (GOVERNOR) 1 whistle (SILAS) 1 Bras Pique tattoo (ETIENNE) 1 whistle (offstage) Pistols for PIRATES Gambling table (dice) ACT II Scene 1 Front Scene in Marionetta Theatre. Dark room with doors Right and Left. Centre of stage the Marionette stage with the figures of Pierrot and Pierette, Harlequin, etc., upon it. There is a little curtained window at Right of Centre. DISCOVERED: At rise, RUDOLFO in front of platform instructing MARIETTA, who is on stage, how to pull the wires for the Marionettes. No. 10 SONG --Rudolfo Turn-a like dat-a Pierrette, just so, Bow to de lady Signor Pierrot, Santa Maria! No! No! No! No! Marietta How he is stupid, your friend Pierrot. (A little dance of the Marionettes done very awkwardly while RUDOLFO stands aside beating time) II Come, dat is better, Signor Pierrot Take de lady in arms like so? (Two figures in attempt to embrace, fall in a heap) Santa Maria! No! No! No! No! Marietta How! He is crazy, your friend Pierrot! (Dance again, ending in a furious jumble of legs and arms, RUDOLFO tearing his hair) Rudolfo It is alaways the same-a thing! You begin-a to learn-a de Marionettes, and you make-a it all the same joke! Marietta That's the point, padre mio! All the world's a joke! Oh, how I am happy for the first time in my life! I laugh! Rudolfo You are happy because you make-a three men miserable! (MARIETTA takes tambourine from wall and practices throwing and catching it, dancing gaily about room as he talks) First me! I say to the peoples, my son-a she has returned. Then sudden you say -- No more boy's dress. I want be myself! Then for me to crack my brain to explain my sudden daughter! Marietta A daughter is best, Padre mio! It brings the customers! Now your theatre is crowded every night. How many costumes you have rented for the Quadroon Ball? They all come to see Marietta! Rudolfo Then my good-a Capitaine Dick - and Monsieur Etienne, the son-a of His Excellency -- Now you flirt with both! Marietta (Suddenly pausing in her dancing about) Oh, Padre mio - I think I have my song -- (She sings dream song) "Oh, sweet mystery of life!" Rudolfo That song! Make-a me to go crazy! Marietta Oh, but try it. Padre mio -- Maybe you can finish him -- Then I love you, oh so desperately -- like fire! Rudolfo Santa Maria forbid! We must practice some more with the marionettes - stop this talk about a songs. Marietta I will not practice any more. I am going to rest too - like-a dez marionettes - they never do no work themselves. Always somebody have to make them move. (She exits. RUDOLFO follows) (Have PREMIER DANCERS enter dressed as Marionettes and do a dance. After dance enter) Etienne (Look about, Sees no one about and call) Oh, Marietta. Marietta (Enter)Ah, Monsieur, it is more than kind that you should so often visit the house of poor Rudolfo and his unworthy daughter. Etienne Come, Mademoiselle, have you not tired of his masquerade? Marietta Masquerade? Etienne These mean surroundings are not fitting for you! Marietta I was never so happy -- I mean, I am used to it! Etienne Come - why not announce your rank? You only postpone the inevitable day. At any moment your father will arrive from Italy and think how shall we account for your lodging here? Marietta Ha! Ha! When the illustrious, the Count d'Altena arrives, you will see your mistake. How he will rave! What, this little brown maid, this child of the people my daughter?" He will think you are crazy, yes. Etienne Oh well, I know there is no use trying to persuade you. Marietta Still you try. Etienne I give in for the present. I have come for a different purpose. I want you to come to the Quadroon Ball tonight. Marietta But I cannot - I have told you. Captain Dick he say no, it is no place for a very good girl like me. Etienne Captain Dick knows nothing of our customs. Many of the finest women in New Orleans will be there -- masked, of course. So shall you! Marietta Captain Dick, he is my friend. He say no! It is so naughty, that ball, he will not go himself! Etienne Did he say that -- Strange! Adah - my own Adah has deserted me tonight to go with him! Marietta What! Captain Dick will go with Adah? Wait, I will go also. (Going towards door L.) Yes, I laid down the law to Rudolfo -- and Captain Dick -- I will go -- Etienne With me!? Marietta Mais non -- with myself! (Exits door L.) Etienne (Follows her to door)She is a witch! What puppets we are, the strongest of us can be pulled about by a little weak woman like that. No. 11. SONG -- "YOU MARRY A MARIONETTE" Etienne (During the song he takes one of the Marionettes and setting it upon table, sings to it) 1 Now why should a man who has courage to face God, man and the devil, all three, Give in to a bundle of satin and lace? The answer is simple as simple can be! For we men are but puppets, after all As we laugh or we sigh or we sing: Yo-ho, yo-ho, yo-ho! If we creep or we crawl, if we stand or we fall, You may gamble some woman is pulling the string! REFRAIN Oh, a man is a man, do what he can, Whatever his breed or birth! And a maid is a maid and she isn't afraid Of the biggest man on earth! So if you're a fool and expect to rule The woman you're planning to get, Then by the old Harry, be sure when you marry You marry a Marionette, My boy, Yes, marry a Marionette! (At finish of song, ETIENNE goes to door R. and starts to exit. ADAH suddenly confronts him, closing door, stands with back to it, glaring at Etienne) Adah So! You are here again! Etienne (Coolly) And you also! Adah You - you love this girl -- you no longer love me -- Etienne Oh come -- come -- Love -- that's a large word. Adah (Moves to L.) You have asked her to go to the ball? Etienne (Opening door) I have! And I told her to come early that she might see the sale of those slaves who have displeased their master by boring them with jealousy!! Adah You dare not sell me! Etienne (Sarcastically)Sell you! Not while you are so gentle, so sweet, so confiding, so trustful! Ha! Ha! Adah Etienne! Etienne Sell you? My sweet, never jealous companion. Never think it. (Going out door R.) Good-bye! Good-bye! Adah (Running to window)Etienne! Etienne! (Buries her head on windowsill) (CAPTAIN DICK enters from curtains, goes over to door R., look out, turns to Adah - touches her on shoulder) Dick Adah! Adah Etienne! (She turns, grabbing DICK, thinking it is Etienne) (MARIETTA enters from L.) Marietta Oh - I - don't let me disturb you. Adah I thought -- Oh -- let me go. (ADAH runs out door R. DICK embarrassed) Dick She thought I was Monsieur Grandet! Marietta And I think you are Monsieur Liar! Dick Don't be angry. Marietta Angry! Me! I! You may embrace anyone you please. What is it to me? I am in a beautiful mood. I have much to do before I prepare myself for the ball! Dick You promised me you would not go! Marietta (Sarcastically)Me! I disremember! I am so forgetful. I disremember that promise. Dick But I'm going to hold you to it. Marietta (Taking feather duster, pushes it into CAPTAIN DICK's face) Now look you, Captain Dick, consider, I have never had one - what you say - a good time in all my life. (She sits on steps) Dick It is your own fault. Marietta My fault? Santa Maria! In Italy I was banished and sent away to a convent to learn to be a lady -- Dick Where you should have stayed. Marietta Oh, my friend. Then you would never have seen me. Dick I could have survived. Your parents did exactly right. And I shall feel relieved when they come for you. Marietta Oh, very well, they will marry me to the old man so old, so ugly, with a long beard --- Dick We shall make it a condition of your safe return to France that they shall not compel you to marry. Marietta Your condition! Pooh! That's what they think of conditions. And you - how will you feel when poor Marietta is married to the old one with a beard? And no one will find her dream song. Have you tried it lately, Captain Dick? Dick I have not given it a single thought! Marietta (Goes to stool R.) He has given it no thought! And this is my friend, my sworn friend! Monsieur Etienne he try like the mischief - and he is no friend! (Enter RUDOLFO door L) Dick Ah, Rudolfo! Rudolfo Ah, Signor, you come in time. She drive-a me crazy. Dick She'd drive anyone crazy. Rudolfo How soon-a you think-a they come to take-a her away? Dick It will not be long, Rudolfo. Marietta (Jumps up)What you think? Not long - and they smile. Barbara! Oh -- (Sits down and pretends to cry) Dick (Goes to Marietta) Oh come! Come! I didn't mean to hurt you. Rudolfo Figlio mio, do not-a weep-a. Marietta No one love me. My padre, he does not love me! Rudolfo Oh yes, like-a my soul -- better than my daughters. Yes -- when you are good -- Marietta I am always good. I like pulla de marionette-a! I like de spaghetti, I even like da monk. Not like Rafaelo damn poor Italiano. Still you do not love me. Rudolfo Ah, but yes, I love you! Marietta Capitaine Dick, he does not love me. -- Or do you? Dick I certainly do not! Marietta Oh terrible - miserable - my friend will not love me! (Pretending to cry) Dick I like you -- I like you very much. Marietta (Jumping up suddenly)Like - ah, miserable -- you like potatoes! (Xes up to L) Dick (Following Marietta)Come, come, Marietta, don't cry, I'll try to - to more than like you! Marietta He will try! Oh, poor Marietta, he cannot love me, but he will try -- (Peeping to see affect) Dick If you'll stop crying, I'll do anything. Marieta Oh! He won't give me one friendly little kiss. Oh - oh -- Dick I will if I must. (Puts arms about her to kiss her) Marietta (Jumping away and laughing in his face) Ha! Ha! Ha! Not tonight, my friend. Oh, you big stupid! Save your kisses for Adah! (Exits door L) Dick (Watching after her. Turns angrily) It's your fault, you spoil her. Rudolfo But -- but -- Dick She should have been put in the care of the nuns. I have made a mistake allowing her freedom. Rudolfo I told you! Dick (Very angry) You did not, no one told me. Besides how can one cage fire or quicksilver! She - is -- oh, how glad I will be when her parents come for her. Rudolfo (Sadly) I cannot be glad, if they take her away - I -- Dick Take her away! Oh well, it must be! And look you, Rudolfo, we are responsible for her. She must not go to the ball tonight. Rudolfo But certainly, I lock her up tight. (MARIETTA seen listening from curtains) Dick Lock her up? Poor child - but this is her own fault -- yes, it must be -- (Goes towards door R) Rudolfo My daughter shall take away everything -- all her clothes. We will keep her safe. Dick You will be well rewarded, Rudolfo, you shall see! (Goes out door R., followed by RUDOLFO) Marietta (Enters from behind curtains) Lock me up! Oh, the miserable! No, no, if he have spoke nice, maybe then I not go. But lock me up! Right away -- quick I go! (Goes to Marionette platform) Come, Pierrot! You shall aid me. La - la - la! (She draws curtains) Rudolfo (Coming in) Never fear, Captain Dick, I'll keep her safe for you. Dick (Outside) Not for me, stupid! Rudolfo Oh no, for her father! (Xes to door L., calls) Marietta! Marietta! (No answer) (Begins to hum dream melody) "La! la! la! la!" Oh, the old fool, me! (Sees drawn curtain) Ah, she hides to tease-a her old padre. (Goes over to curtains. Pulls them aside, looks in) Not here! Ah, the window - perhaps! (Turns to door L) My cloak! My hat! (CRAZIELLA brings them) I lock all the doors. I go out and search for Marietta at once. (He exits hurriedly out of door R. locks door after him) Marietta (Drawing curtains, laughing) Oh ho! Signor Pierrot! I shall go to the ball! No! But he will go with Adah! (MARIETTA comes down steps, dances to door L., finds it locked -- dances to door R., finds that also locked -- sees window -- goes to window, takes domino from stool in front of window, throws kisses to marionette on small stage and exits window) CURTAIN No. 12 INTERMELLO End of Act II Scene 1 ACT II Scene 2 SCENE: The ballroom before the opening of the ball. A large room with pillars at L. into larger dancing room. Stairs centre. Balcony at back upstairs with large windows opening onto a veranda. Doors into room upstairs at R. Entrance from street in centre under balcony. AT RISE: MEN are seated at tables dicing and playing cards. All elegant swaggering GENTLEMEN, full of life and excitement. Creole high society. SONG Gambling, gambling, racing, dicing, Life's a sort of gamble if you look at it that way We have no time for melancholy We're votaries of mirth and folly. New Orleans' Jeunesse dores. Man I'll take you. Man I'll double! Man I'm with you! (Throws dice) Man It's yours! All: Look up! Buck up! Pay! Pay! Pay! Pay! II Gambling, gambling, racing, dicing, Life's a sort of gamble if you look at it that way We have no time for melancholy We're votaries of mirth and folly. New Orleans' Jeunesse dores. Man My cotton! Man My mistress! Man I'll take you! (Throws dice) Man You've won! All: Look up! Buck up! Pay! Pay! Pay! (End of Men's Chorus - enter ETIENNE U.R. He is very gorgeously dressed - as are all the OTHERS. MEN spring up and salute him) Men Ah! Monsieur Etienne! Men Vive, Monsieur Etienne! Etienne Thanks, Messieurs! Come! Off with the tables! Clear the room! The ladies are arriving. -- I'll bet you'd play dice on the tombs of your grandsires. Man I'll take you! Tonight, after the ball, in the churchyard! Etienne I'll go you -- (Pause for clap hands from MEN) If someone will carry you there. For it's my will, as Master of Ceremonies, that no man shall leave here tonight who can attend on his feet! Servant (From C. on landing) His Excellency, the Lieutanant-Governor. (The LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR enters, followed by SECRETARY and SILAS, as Whipping Boy. SILAS is completely transformed -- is magnificently dressed, wears a sword with which he is constantly becoming entangled) (MEN bow to the Governor) Men Vive, the Lieutenant-Governor! (LADIES enter from R. and L. through centre door top and take position on stairs) (LADIES and GENTLEMEN are talking low - a little laughter here and there) Lieutenant-Governor When does the entertainment begin? Secretary At once, Excellency. (ALL laugh and continous talking, paying no attention to Silas) (MUSIC CUE for - No. 14 SONG -- "THE LOVES OF NEW ORLEANS" I We are the loves of New Orleans, Its languour, its glow, its fire, We wear the badge of the red, red rose With its fragrance of desire. We are the loves of New Orleans, Sweet, slumbrous flowers of night, We drive the cares of the day away In our gardens of delight. MEN Angelique! Felice! Veronique! Annice! You drive the cares of day away in your gardens of delight. (ALL repeat) (MUSIC for SPANISH GIRLS - enter from C. door) Spanish Girls (Sing) Oh hola, we dance La Cachuca! Castanets sounding so gay! The bright eyes of each senorita Shall drive every trouble away! Oh hola, we dance La Cachuca! (Orchestra repeats - THEY do a Spanish dance) (SAN DOMINGO GIRLS take position on stairs. AS SPANISH GIRLS dance -- enter door from above) Men (Sing as they come slowly downstairs) Belles from San Domingo! Island far away! Lovely San Domingo! Island far away! (Orchestra repeats) (SAN DOMINGO GIRLS do slow posture dance) (Music for FRENCH GIRLS -- enter from C, door) French Girls (Sing) You'll plainly see, we're from Paris, We have ze air, we have ze smile, Regardes vous, we have ze style! We know a thing or two we do! La Belle Marie, Annette, Frou Frou! (THEY do a very gay dance, and then the entire CHORUS goes into refrain of the first song. Repeat once:) "WE ARE THE LOVES OF NEW ORLEANS" (At conclusion of ensemble, GIRLS do cakewalk, dance, exit in twos into ballroom) (MEN exit R. and L. upstairs) (On encore, repeat cakewalk for Girls only -- MEN remain off) (Meanwhile, the GOVERNOR and SECRETARY have been seated on settee) (After encore, LIZETTE appears on landing in Centre door) Lizette (Coming down, to Silas) Is it possible -- do my eyes deceive me? Silas They do! I am not what you are looking for! Lizette Ah, that voice - my rising American! I knew I would find you at last! (She throws her arms around his neck) Silas Your Excellency - I demand protection from this woman. Governor (Waking with a start) Bye and bye. Silas Bye and bye -- it's now I need it! Lizette I waited for you, Si -- I waited at the storehouse. You never came. Governor Who is this female? Lizette I am a casquette maid, sir -- Silas She's home-made-- Governor If you are a casquette maid, why are you not wed and out of New Orleans? Lizette Ask him! Silas You see, your Excellency, what she wants is to be sent back to France. Lizette I don't. I want a husband. And I want him quick. Husbands were guaranteed. Silas Did the King see you when he gave that guarantee? Lizette His envoy did, and he said there'd be a perfect rush in my direction. (The GOVERNOR gets ups and starts to L) Wait, Your Excellency, this man took my gold. Silas You gave it to me! Governor What's this? Lizette He made me open the casquette. He took my gold to buy tobacco. Where is it now? Silas Gone up in smoke. Governor This is serious! Well! Well! This must be looked into -- but not now, bye-and-bye-- (He goes off L) Lizette Bye-and-bye --- That's always the way it is with me. I am always waiting, but such is the beauty of my nature that I never give up hope. No. 14 SONG -- "IN THE SWEET BYE AND BYE" Lizette & Silas I I am a maid, a pretty maid, A dainty touch-me-not, No man can say that he from me The slightest favor got! Though hosts of suitors, mad with love, Pursue me day and night, I calmly say, "Stay, villain stay!" I wait for Mr. Right! Refrain Bye-and-bye, Bye-and-bye, Don't meet your troubles coming, And perhaps they'll pass you by. No kiss has flushed this brow of snow, No touch profaned my treasures' flow, But that's all right, because I know That someone's going to love me in the Sweet Bye-and-Bye! II I don't deny, I burn to be The pet, the joy, the life, Of some brave man who would make me His lawful wedded wife; But if a wretch should dare to breathe A word that wasn't right! I'd give a whack! Say, "Villain, back! I wait for Mister Right!" Refrain Bye-and-bye, Bye-and-bye, Don't meet your troubles coming, And perhaps they'll pass you by. My prospects now seem rather spare, No one seems wild my fate to share, Oh very well, I don't despair, For someone's going to love me in the sweet Bye-and-Bye! (After a song) Silas Somebody loves you now. Lizette Oh Si -- at last! Silas Listen! It's a dark secret! Lizette A dark secret? -- Silas It's the Governor himself. Lizette What! Silas Yes. He is consumed with an undying passion for you! Lizette But he's been asleep every time I met him. Silas Dreaming of you, little one, dreaming of you! Lizette It is not possible! Silas I know it, but it is! From the first moment he saw you, your face has haunted him! Lizette My face! Silas Yours, pretty one, yours! That is why no man in New Orleans has dared to propose to you! That is why I - the Whipping Boy, must step back -- erase your image from the tablets of my memory! I see my duty and I do it! (He stalks off tragically L., with LIZETTE following; awed by his manner) (MARIETTA comes through centre door at bottom. She is in domino and masked. Appears timid and frightened -- MEN enter from ballroom. They are excited and hilarious) Man (Sees Marietta and stops) Ah! A masque! (Rushing up, grabbing MARIETTA by the arm) Come! Come! (Brings MEN down C) This is not allowed at the Quadroon Ball. (THEY surround Marietta) Marietta Oh, Messieurs! I beg -- Man (Taking her masque off) No covered faces here! (MARIETTA struggles to retain the mask, which THEY take from her) Marietta Oh Sire! Have pity -- Oh! Men Ah! The beautiful daughter of Rudolfo! Man Charming! Entrancing! Marietta! Vive Marietta! Marietta This is unkind, Monsieur. I do not know you. (ETIENNE enters from ballroom) Man (Taking hold of MARIETTA) Oh, but you shall! Come -- dance, sing, laugh! (Taking hold of HER, pulling her towards ballroom) Marietta (Struggling in the embrace of a MAN) No! No! (ETIENNE stops them) Etienne What's this? Marietta (Running to him) Oh sir, these men -- Etienne (To Men) Leave us! Man Oh no! 'Tis a privilege of the ball -- Etienne I beg as a favor, leave us -- Man Oh, but certainly - later, Mam'selle, later! (MEN exit into ballroom) Marietta Oh, will you, can you have someone take me back home! I shouldn't have come -- I didn't know -- (Enter DICK and BLAKE through C. doors) Etienne Nonsense, those good fellows meant no harm. 'Tis but the license of the ball. Come now, you're under my protection! (He offers his arm to MARIETTA. They start for the ballroom) Dick (Coming down) Please Marietta, let me take you home. Marietta Ah ha! My friend, I have caught you. You said you were not coming to the ball! Dick I have just heard from Rudolfo that you were here. (ADAH enters C., stands on landing) Marietta Oh well! Then I shall stay. As long as my dear friend, my sworn friend is here, all is arranged. Monsieur, your arm. I would dance. (She takes ETIENNE'S arm and they exit into ballroom. MARIETTA laughing over her shoulder at Dick) (ADAH goes to R., looking into ballroom) Blake Well, now we are here, I propose to enjoy myself. NO. 15 (MUSIC -- Orchestra plays a waltz) (Goes to Adah) Madam, if you will dance, I shall be walking the floor of Heaven with the evening star on my arm. Adah (Gloomily) I do not dance tonight. Blake Faith -- I'll see another then. (Exits ballroom) Dick (Going up to Adah) You are not going to dance? Adah (Looking off)He dances first with her. Always before, he opened the ball with me. Dick Will you favor me? Adah You are kind, but I don't feel like it now. Dick Come! You should have more spirit! You are beautiful. Adah Thank you, Monsieur! (ETIENNE and MARIETTA enter from ballroom) But you do not understand the heart of a woman! Marietta Oh! We disturb -- (MUSIC stops) Adah Mam'selle, this is no place for you. You are too young. Go away with your good friend. Marietta Oh! I leave that to you! Etienne Well answered! Why should she be robbed of the joy of life? Marietta Yes, why? I am free. I belong to no one. I shall enjoy everything to the full! No. 18a "LIVE FOR TODAY" MARIETTA - CAPTAIN DICK - ETIENNE - ADAH Marietta Would you say to the rose When it blooms to life Take care you must joyless be Close your heart, close your lips To the sunshine bright, And the breezes wild and free. Ah! Youth must be youth In a flower or maid, Though at evening the petals fall Ah let me be young while I may today I may never know joy at all! Refrain Ah, life is sweet When love is young, A thrill in the blood like wine, Then burning glances, The soul entrances With rapture almost divine! Ah! Love is sweet, Ah! Joy complete And care is an age away, Ah! Come then surrender To love warm and tender And live for today, just today! Ah! Ah! Ah! -- II I would say to the rose When it buds to life, Be guarded, be sweet, be shy, Yield not your sweets To each suitor bold That careless passes by! Youth is so fleet Though its day is sweet, But joy's not the end of all You dance in the sun so gay all day But at night the petals fall. (This is a big waltz song and at second refrain entire CHORUS slide in - line F.S. End line, C. - 3rd line, LADIES all dance off at conclusion of song into ballroom) (After ensemble, all exit into ballroom) (GOVERNOR enters, followed by SILAS) Governor 'Tis my duty to see that the King's commands are obeyed. If this woman has shown you the contents of the casquette -- If you have taken her gold - You must wed her. Silas But your Excellency does not know all. Governor All? What? Silas (With mock humility) You wish me to wed the Contessa d'Altena? Governor The Countessa d'Altena! What do you mean? Silas Have they kept it from you, Governor? Governor Kept what from me? Silas I can say no more. I have private information! I can say no more! Governor I command you! Silas Hist! She comes. Do not let her know that I have betrayed her secret. Her secret confided in me in a moment of weakness. (Enter LIZETTE, SILAS bows low) Silas (Cont'd) Ah Madam! Contessa! Madam! Lizette You have abused me enough, young man. Don't call me names. Silas (Aside to her)Ssh! The Governor! See how his glances gloat on you! (He exits L) Lizette Mercy! Governor Come hither, little one. Lizette Oh! Your Excellency! (She goes over timidly) Governor Fear me not. I know your life's secret! Lizette Oh Excellency! Don't tell anyone. Governor It shall rest, between us! (Governor, looking around, sees SILAS peering in at door) Silas! Here! You! Silas Did you call? Governor I wish to have some conversation with this lady! Silas (To Lizette) What did I tell you! Governor Take this whistle. Silas What for? Do you want soft music for your conversation? Governor Sit you yonder. Silas Where is yonder? Lizette Never mind, you go sit on it. Silas Oh, very well -- (Aside to Governor) Wouldn't you know she was a Countess, Governor -- the way she commands! Governor If anyone approaches, whistle. Silas Oh, I see -- I'm the whistling boy! Looking out for trouble. (Goes to landing) Governor (Motions to Lizette) Sit. (LIZETTE is embarrassed, sits on his lap) (SILAS gives loud whistle -- BOTH jump) Silas Pardon! Pardon! I was just trying it! (GOVERNOR and LIZETTE sit again -- SILAS whistles) It slipped. Governor Turn your back! Silas I will! I will! Can I hear to look? No! Governor (To Lizette) I understand you are not what you seem. Lizette No woman is what she seems, Governor. Governor Have you proofs of your parentage? Lizette Proofs? Of course! Governor Your illustrious father is a very rich man, I understand. Lizette Well, he has a lot of money back of him. I don't know whether it will ever catch up. Governor Under the circumstances, of course you cannot marry my Whipping Boy. Lizette Not if it pains you, Governor. Governor It would pain me very much. Lizette Oh governor. (She throws her arms around the GOVERNOR's neck) Governor Wait! Perhaps when your father comes, he will not consent. Think of the life I have led. Lizette Well, Governor, you've got nothing on me! (SILAS has come down from landing and is listening eagerly) Governor Eh? Lizette Besides, why should my father come to America? (SILAS shows that he is getting anxious) Governor But we have sent for him. He has offered ten thousand francs for your return. Lizette Ten thousand francs for my return. That can't be my father! (SILAS whistles furiously to prevent LIZETTE saying anything more. THEY turn in astonishment. SIR HARRY enters and going up to SILAS, slaps him heavily on the back. SILAS chokes) Sir Harry Well, Sir Whipping Boy, how are you? Silas I - er -- (Whistles) I - I --- Lizette Mercy! He's swallowed the whistle. Governor Give it up - that whistle was solid gold! Silas Give it up! (Whistles -- whistles) I wish I could! Lizette Take him out! Get a pump! He'll choke! (She and SIR HARRY hustle SILAS off R., whistling furiously) (Enter ETIENNE) Etienne Ah! Father! How does Louisiana's prospective ruler find himself? Governor I find myself very uncomfortable. I don't approve of your schemes, and the deeper they go the less I like them. Etienne Oh nonsense! Affairs are progressing finely. You see my popularity -- 'Twill not be long before 'twill be quite safe to declare Louisiana a republic -- we shall rule here. Governor But the Governor -- he may bribe your man. Etienne I'll swear to the loyalty of my men. The Governor is safe on the Isle of Pines. My men but await my word to send him where men tell no tales! Governor Ssh! I'll not listen to it! If it comes out all right, I'm with you -- but -- remember, I don't commit myself. Etienne Oh, my worthy parent -- (He laughs as GOVERNOR exits R.) (Enter MARIETTA from ballroom) Marietta Oh Monsieur! I am glad you persuaded me to come. How I have laughed and enjoyed myself! Etienne I have observed you, Mademoiselle, and I apologize for having disbelieved your statement that you were not the Countessa d'Altera! Marietta (Surprised) Eh? Etienne I have seen you tonight - the spirit of the people. No lady highly born could have entered as you have into our rustic festivity. Marietta (Puzzled) I don't know that I like that. Etienne Oh, believe me, it has rejoiced me, because if you had really been the Countessa, you would have been far from the reach of Etienne Grandet, but even I may aspire to the daughter of Rudolfo! Marietta Indeed! And how about Adah! Etienne I will sell her tonight, if you will accept my hand and my name. Marietta Sell her! No! No! (Enter DICK from ballroom) Dick Marietta, may I have a word with you please? Etienne (To Marietta)You will excuse me -- but -- you will not forget my offer. (Etienne exits. DICK to Marietta Marietta You find it gay this ball, my friend? Dick Very gay, my friend. Marietta You find Adah charming, no? Dick I find her charming, yes! Marietta Me, I am tired of everything -- Dick Tired? Marietta You are changed tonight - you -- I don't like you any more! Dick You have never seemed to like me to any extent, Mademoisselle! Marietta Oh yes. I thought you were a very high character, but you are a coquette! Dick I -- a coquette? Marietta Yes, I can't have a friend who is a coquette. You are all the same gay, like these Creoles. Yes, drink glass after glass - I saw you -- Dick It's just the spirit of the place, and yet, there's something the matter with me -- for all I seem gay, I can't feel happy. Marietta Me too! Dick Shall I tell you about it? No. 16 SONG -- DICK "I'M FALLING IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE." Dick I've a very strange feeling I ne'er felt before 'Tis a kind of a grind Or depression; My heart's acting strangely Feels rather sore, Or at least it gives me That impression. My pulses leap madly Without any cause, Believe me I'm telling you I'm gay without pause Then and without cause, My spirits are truly, unruly. Refrain For -- I'm falling in love with someone, Some one girl - I'm falling in love with someone, Head awhirl - I'm falling in love with someone, Plain to see, I'm sure I could love someone madly If someone would only love me. II I don't mind confessing that I used to scoff At this sort of sport of flirtation, I used to believe that I'd never be caught In this foolish but fond complication; I'm losing all relish for things that were dear, I'm looking for trouble and know it, When someone is near, I'm feeling quite queer, But I heartily hope I don't show it. (After first encore, the cries of "Etienne! Vive Etienne! Vive Master of Ceremonies") (ETIENNE enters from ballroom, ADAH follows) (LADIES and GENTLEMEN enter, following ETIENNE) Etienne Listen! Hear you all! Hear you all! Silence! According to the long established custom of the Quadroon Ball, any man who wishes to buy, sell or exchange his favorite slave may take advantage of the Cordon Bleu auction! Ladies No! No! (Hisses) Men Auction! Auction! Etienne Any woman who has offended by jealousy or loss of charm or any other cause may be put up and sold to the highest bidder. Dick Blake No! No! Shame! Shame! Men Yes! Yes! Auction! Auction! Etienne Come! Who will buy, sell or exchange! Is no one here brave enough? Well then, I will open the sale with the most beautiful slave in New Orleans! (Pointing to Adah) Adah! Adah Etienne! Etienne! (Running up to Etienne) Men Adah! Auction! Auction! Etienne (Grabbing ADAH by the wrist) A bid! A bid! East Indian Five hundred francs! My friends, I am bid five hundred francs for the most beautiful slave in New Orleans! Man A thousand francs! Etienne A thousand francs! Come, that is better -- a thousand francs. East Indian Twelve hundred! Adah (Turning and pleading to Dick) Do not let him sell me to that man. Dick Fifteen hundred francs! All Vive the American. Etienne Fifteen hundred francs! Marietta (Furious at Dick) You bid for her! East Indian Eighteen hundred francs! Dick Two thousand. All Ah! Etienne Come, the game improves! Two thousand bid for La Belle Adah! Marietta (To Dick) If you bid again, I will never speak to you! Dick I can't let him sell her to that man. East Indian Twenty-two hundred! Etienne Twenty-two hundred. I am bid twenty-two hundred! Going! Going! (DICK hesitates -- ADAH stretches imploring arms to him) Dick Three thousand! All Ah! East Indian Take her! I'm through! Etienne Three thousand francs. Adah, the most beautiful slave in New Orleans goes to Captain Dick Warrington for three thousand francs! Captain Warrington does not believe in slaves -- (ALL laugh) Three thousand I am bid. Gentlemen, are you done? Men Done! Etienne Going, going, gone -- sold to Captain Richard Warrington for three thousand francs. (Steps down C) (ADAH sinks with her face in her hands) Marietta (Xing to Etienne) Ah, beautiful! Beautiful! Captian Dick, my friend, who does not believe in slaves! He makes the highest bid of all! After this sale, the free gift. Behold, I confess I am Marietta d'Altena, sir - you asked me for my hand when you thought I was only Marietta, the daughter of Rudolfo. Now I bestow it upon you! Dick No! No! All Yes! Yes! Etienne Mademoiselle, you shall never regret. Dick I forbid it! Marietta You forbid? And who are you, sir? Etienne Come, Marietta. I'll not trust you to keep this promise till tomorrow - we shall be wed tonight. All A wedding! A wedding! Etienne We shall end this, the most notable ball with a wedding. Marietta But these clothes! No! No! I cannot tonight. Etienne Tonight, tonight! Friends, ladies! I leave it to you to find a suitable garments for my bride. Nannette, Felice, and Fanchon Yes, yes, we will! Come! Come! (They surround Marietta) Marietta But - but -- Nanette You shall have my dress! Felice And my veil! Fanchon And the orange trees are in blossom! (THEY hustle MARIETTA off Centre door) Blake Dick, Dick! Be reasonable! What can you do among so many? Etienne I wouldn't attempt anything rash, Monsieur. (Exits to ballroom, the CROWD following) (ADAH, DICK and BLAKE left on stage) Adah (Coming down and throwing herself at Dick's feet) My master! Dick I am not your master. I bought you to set you free. Adah Free! I -- you will set me free? Dick Yes, I will make your papers out tomorrow. Adah I - a free woman? (Draws a deep breath) Then I will act like one -- (To Dick) Listen, Monsieur, you would prevent this wedding? Dick It must be prevented, the girl is mad! She doesn't realize.... Adah On Etienne Grandet's right arm you will find his name! Dick His name! Adah Bras Pique! Dick Blake Bras Pique! Adah I have told you -- make what use of it you will. (Exits to ballroom) Dick (To Blake) Quick, assemble our men! Blake I will - it will be a beautiful fight. (Blake exits door C.) (DICK exits door L.) (SILAS enters from door R., singing -- "I'm Falling in Love with Someone") Silas I always fall in love with someone, but nobody falls in love with me. It's pretty soft for Silas here, anyway. (Blows whistle) O, see who is coming! No. 17 - SONG -- "IT'S PRETTY SOFT FOR YOU SILAS" Silas 1 King Solomon the Bible says had wives a hundred score, And still he wasn't satisfied and looked around for more! He wore a nobby purple suit and an eighteen-karat hat, And the sweet young things they couldn't resist so swell a guy as that. So he used to take a wedding trip most every day or so, And then he couldn't handle all the brides that tried to go; And he used to get ten trading stamps for every bale he got. He kept the bakers baking and the bakings they could bake To keep filled the royal pantry with the royal wedding cake; Of course a king's the sort of thing 'most everyone wants to be. But I don't know that Solomon had very much on me. Refrain For-- It's pretty soft for Silas - that is right, A regular cinch for Silas, lucky boy! My winning ways and sunny smile Has Mr. Solomon skilled a mile. And it's pretty soft for Silas - Oi Oi -- The Queen of Sheba came to see What kind of a sort of King was he. But look at the Queen that fall for me -- It's pretty soft for Silas, lucky boy! 2 Folks say that old Adonis was the most best looking man, Of all the lady killer fellows since the world began! When Venus gave a swell affair, why, this woman didn't care If the other men they never showed up, if "Ad" was only there So he went to all the luncheons and the dinners and the teas, And everybody said he was the smoothest thing in Greece. He jollied Mrs. Mercury and Frau Denostheses And danced a dozen waltzes with Frau Hercules. The fat girls all took anti-fat, the slim ones anti-slim, They did the best they all could do to make a hit with him, Of course that social lion thing most everyone wants to be, But I don't think Adonis he, had very much on me! (Encore) (MAN enters door R.) (At end of song, ALL exit to ballroom) (SILAS re-enters) (Enter ETIENNE and GOVERNOR from ballroom) Governor Dear me! Dear me! Of course I'll send for the priest if you say so, but this haste! Dear me! Dear me! You have only her word that she is the Contessa. There is another who claims --- Etienne Nonsense! She is the Contessa d'Altena - Le Grand has seen her often in Italy. Rest easy. I made sure of that before committing myself. (DICK enters door R.) Dick (Going up to Etienne) That's a very fine coat you wear, sir. Etienne Sir! Dick But I don't like the sleeve! (Seizes ETIENNE'S right sleeve by the cuff and rips it open, disclosing the tattooed arm) Etienne You know what this means, sir? Dick (To Lieutenant-Governor)Your Excellency! This man is Bras Pique!! You have seen his name upon his arm. I demand his arrest! Governor Dear me! Dear me! Etienne In whose name, sir! Dick In the name of the King of France from whom I bear warrant! Etienne A bas! The King of France -- I rule here! Governor One moment, wait -- we'll settle this thing when the Governor returns. I have no authority, alas. But in the meanwhile you may not know, sir, that for just such emergencies as this -- I have re-established the old order of the whipping boy! Silas That's me!! Etienne Ha! Ha! Governor He shall take upon himself my son's punishment! Silas What? Etienne (Pointing to Silas) Besides, this man bears too, on his arm the name Bras Pique! Silas (To Governor)I was only joking. I just had it tattooed to frighten the girls. You told me you had such a well behaved family -- (GUARDS up C.) Etienne Ah ho, guards! (GUARDS enter C., indicating Silas) Don't let this man escape -- He is Bras Pique! Take him to the calaboose. (To Dick) As for you sir, I will meet you where you please, after the wedding. (Exits) Dick We will meet, but it will not be after the wedding. (Exits) (SILAS runs up C. after DICK. GUARDS push him back) Silas (To Governor) Oh Governor, Governor, now don't fall asleep. I think something is going to happen to me. Oh, Governor, save me, what are they going to do with me? Governor I don't know, I am sure -- the penalty for piracy is hanging. Maybe I can get you out of that! Silas You will? Governor Yes, -- I'll get them to shoot you, it's quicker. (TWO GAURDS come down and seize SILAS, pulling him up C.) Silas Mercy --- Governor Mercy! Did you have mercy when you tried to foist that chromo off on me as the Contessa d'Altena? Away with him! (Exits R) (LIZETTE enters) Lizette Si! Si -- where are you going? Silas I'm not going, I'm being took. Lizette Where are you being tooken to? Silas To the Calaboose. Lizette Then I'll go with you. I don't care for that fat Governor! Silas All right Lizette, come ahead. I don't care what becomes of me now! Lizette Call me Lizzie. (GUARDS exit through C. door with SILAS followd by LIZETTE) (Enter DICK'S MEN) Dick I suppose I shall have to take the law into my own hands - as long as you refuse - Forward March. (THEY exit followed by GOVERNOR pleading) (Enter MARIETTA and GIRLS in bridal clothes) Girls Oh, how charming! How sweet! Marietta I beg of you - give me a few moments alone! Girls Assuredly! Come -- the bride must have a few moments - come. (THEY exit into ballroom) Blake (Enters from C. door, coming down to Marietta) Mademoiselle! Mademoiselle! You are making a great mistake! Marietta What do you mean? Blake Captain Dick has set Adah free! Marietta Set her free? Blake Yes - and this man you are going to marry is Bras Pique. Marietta Etienne? Blake Yes, Etienne Grandet. Our men are on the way. In a matter of minutes, we'll have him and his crew. (Exits) Marietta He set Adah free? Oh what a fool I've been. (Goes to door. GUARDS appear) Let me pass. Guards Our orders are that no one is to leave until after the wedding. Marietta But there will be no wedding, stupid! Guard We have our orders. (Exits) Marietta (Tearfully) I am so unhappy - so unhappy. No. 18 - (MUSIC CUE --DREAM MELODY) (CAPTAIN DICK is heard outside singing) Dick Oh sweet mystery of life, at last I've found thee Ah! I know at last the secret of it all! All the longing, seeking, striving, waiting, yearning, The fond hopes, the joy and foolish tears that fall -- (MARIETTA has risen and is listening intently) (CAPTAIN DICK is seen cautiously entering at window from balcony) For 'tis love and love alone the world is seeking, And 'tis love and love alone can satisfy; This the answer, this the end and all of living! For it is love alone that rules for aye. (He comes downstairs signing, his arms outstretched to MARIETTA. She joins in the song and THEY sing it through together) (At the close she is in his arms) (Enter ETIENNE in wedding clothes followed by GUESTS) Etienne (Seeing MARIETTA in DICK'S arms) What's this? My bride? Marietta No No Monsieur he has sang my song, the prophecy has come true. (SILAS and LIZETTE enter followed by BLAKE and HIS MEN) Silas They have reloosed me! The have reloosed me! (BLAKE pointing to Etienne) Etienne (Runs upstairs but is stopped by OTHERS of BLAKE'S MEN) The game's well played, Monsieur, you win. Dick Let him go! I have won, all I want in this world. (Takes MARIETTA in his arms as ALL sing DREAM MELODY, possible "ZING ZING" for curtain) CURTAIN END OF PLAY