Scene 1: THE OPENING

Scene 2: HOME

Scene 3: WAR

Scene 4: THE FLESH

Scene 5: REVOLUTION

Scene 6: ENCOURAGEMENT

Scene 7: THE HEARTH

Scene 8: THE FINALE

Scene 1
THE OPENING

At the rise, the stage is filled with smoke and in total darkness except for
moving hands. The hands are illuminated by a light curtain consisting of
ungelled floodlights focused directly upwards mounted on the stage floor
which keeps the stage in virtual darkness, so that the writhing hands exist
in a strange, macabre limbo.

An orchestral vamp is accompanied by a low, crooning vocal wail.

Then, from the center of the rotating hands, the face of the LEADING PLAYER
appears and is hit by a spot light. HE crosses the light curtain and moves
downstage to the audience and sings.

As the song progresses, we can see a bare stage populated by a GROUP of
ACTORS. Their costumes are of an undetermined period. But THEY are
definitely PLAYERS:a troupe:a theatrical caravan of some kind.

One by one, THEY come through the light curtain, and are hit by spot lights;
until finally, THEY all come forward and join in the song.

LEADING PLAYER:
Pssst
JOIN US - LEAVE YOUR FIELDS TO FLOWER
JOIN US - LEAVE YOUR CHEESE TO SOUR
JOIN US - COME AND WASTE AN HOUR OR TWO
DOO-DLE-EE-DO
JOURNEY - JOURNEY TO A SPOT EX-
CITING, MYSTIC AND EXOTIC
JOURNEY - THROUGH OUR ANECDOTIC REVUE

WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO - JUST FOR YOU
WE'VE GOT MIRACLE PLAYS TO PLAY
WE'VE GOT PARTS TO PERFORM - HEARTS TO WARM
KINGS AND THINGS TO TAKE BY STORM
AS WE GO ALONG OUR WAY

FASTRADA:
INTRIGUE - PLTS TO BRING DISASTER

BERTHE:
HUMOR - HANDLED BY A MASTER

TWO GIRLS:
ROMANCE - SEX PRESENTED PASTORALLY

LEADING PLAYER:
DEE-DLE-EE-DEE

LEWIS:
ILLUSION - FANTASY TO STUDY

CHARLES:
BATTLES - BARBAROUS AND BLOODY

LEADING PLAYER:
SO JOIN US - SIT WHERE EVERYBODY CAN SEE

(The remaining PLAYERS step through the light curtain and THEY ALL sing)

ALL:
WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO - JUST FOR YOU
WE'VE GOT MIRACLE PLAYS TO PLAY
WE'VE GOT PARTS TO PERFORM - HEARTS TO WARM
KINGS AND THINGS TO TAKE BY STORM
AS WE GO ALONG OUR WAY

(The song develops into a dance of sorts. It involves all kinds of magic
tricks, etc., all the things that PLAYERS have ever done to attract and hold
an audience)

WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO - JUST FOR YOU
WE'VE GOT MIRACLE PLAYS TO PLAY
WE'VE GOT PARTS TO PERFORM - HEARTS TO WARM
KINGS AND THINGS TO TAKE BY STORM
AS WE GO ALONG OUR WAY

GROUP 1: GROUP 2:
GROUP 3:
WE GOT OUR WAY
OUR WAY
MAGIC TO DO WE GOT
MAGIC TO DO
JUST FOR YOU, WE GOT MAGIC TO DO MAGIC TO DO
MAGIC TO DO JUST FOR YOU WE GOT MA- MAGIC TO PLAY
JUST FOR YOU, WE GOT GIC TO DO WE GOT
MAGIC TO DO JUST FOR YOU WE GOT FOIBLES AND
FABLES
JUST FOR YOU MAGIC TO DO TO
PORTRAY
AS WE GO ALONG AS WE GO ALONG AS WE GO ALONG
OUR WAY OUR WAY
OUR WAY

(After the song, the music continues under)

LEADING PLAYER:
This evening, for your entertainment pleasure, we present our most
mysterious and miraculous tale. A stunning example of:
A PLAYER:
Magic!

A PLAYER:
And merriment!

LEADING PLAYER:
You will witness acts of:

A PLAYER:
Lust!

A PLAYER:
Murder!

A PLAYER:
Holy War!

LEADING PLAYER:
And a climax, ladies and gentlemen, a climax never before seen on a public
stage:

(A PLYER jumps onstage from a hidden platform on the side of the stage. HE
has a lighted torch in his hand)

Not now:later:

(The PLAYER with the torch goes. The LEADING PLAYER continues)

Our tale today concers the first-born son of Charlemagne:and is entitled:

(The PLAYERS pull out a large cloth which has been concealed in one of their
costumes. It reads: PIPPIN: HIS LIFE AND TIMES)

But, before we begin, let me assure you that what you are about to see is
the true life story of Pippin. You see there have been many misconceptions
about Pippin:one that he was:

(During the following, a few of the PLAYERS, all of whom are now hidden
behind the cloth sign, come around or from under it to deliver their lines)

A PLAYER:
A hunchback.

LEADING PLAYER:
Or that he was:

A PLAYER:
Enormously tall.

LEADING PLAYER:
That he was:

A PLAYER:
Completely bald at the age of fourteen.

(THEY ALL go back behind the sign)

LEADING PLAYER:
But I beg you, cast all previous misconceptions aside. And accept what we
enact for you today. (Pause). The life of Pippin begins:

(There is a cry and ONE of the PLAYERS is raised above the sign with a
bundle in her arms)

Pippin, as a child, showed tremendous thirst of knowledge:

(The WOMAN PLAYER is lowered, and a BOY is held up reading a small book)

Immersed in these pursuits, the years went by quickly.

(The BOY is lowered and PIPPIN is raised above the sign. HE is reading a
large book. HE looks out at the audience and smiles as HE is lowered behind
the sign)

Charlemagne sent Pippin to the University of Padua:

CHARLEMAGNE:
(Stepping to the side of the cloth)
:and the faculty of the university granted him the special title of scholar
of the house.

LEADING PLAYER:
Pippin replied to this offer in his own deeply moving words:

(The LEADING PLAYER pulls the cloth away. PIPPIN is revealed. The TROUPE
applauds, but it is a silent applause, and only ONE of the PLAYERS actually
claps. PIPPIN looks around, looks up, and frowns slightly, then addresses
the LEADING PLAYER)

PIPPIN:
Could I have some more lights, please?

(The LEADING PLAYER claps his hands and a spot light hits PIPPIN)

PIPPIN:
Thank you. Gentle tutors: respected members of the faculty:I'm very
grateful for the knowledge that you have given me. But I'm afraid what I'm
looking for can't be found in books:

LEADING PLAYER:
And Pippin made a promise:

PIPPIN:
I promise not to waste my life in commonplace, ordinary pursuits.

A PLAYER
(Sarcastically)
Terrific.

(The OTHER PLAYERS mumble praise)

PIPPIN:
You see I know there is something:

LEADING PLAYER:
Something fulfilling? Completely fulfilling:

PIPPIN:
Yes. That's it. Something completely fulfilling.

A PLAYER:
Oh, fantastic.

PIPPIN:
And I'm going to find it:

(Underscoring begins)

I'm not exactly sure what I want to do:or where I want to go:

(Sings)
EVERYTHING HAS ITS SEASON
EVERTHING HAS ITS TIME
SHOW ME A REASON AND I'LL SHOW YOU A RHYME
CATS FIT ON THE WINDOW SILL
CHILDREN FIT IN THE SNOW
WHY DO I FEEL I DON'T FIT IN ANYWHERE I GO?

RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN RAMBLE
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN FLY
I'VE GOT TO BE WHERE MY SPIRIT CAN RUN FREE
GOT TO FIND MY CORNER OF THE SKY

EVERY MAN HAS HIS DAYDREAMS
EVERY MAN HAS HIS GOAL
PEAPLE LIKE THE WAY DREAMS HAVE
OF STICKING TO THE SOULD
THUNDERCLOUDS HAVE THEIR LIGHTNING
NIGHTINGALES HAVE THEIR SONG
AND DON'T YOU SEE I WANT MY LIFE TO BE
SOMETHING MORE THAN LONG:

RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN RAMBLE
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN FLY
I'VE GOT TO BE WHERE MY SPIRIT CAN RUN FREE
GOT TO FIND MY CORNER OF THE SKY

SO MANY MEN SEEM DESTINED
TO SETTLE FOR SOMETHING SMALL
BUT I WON'T REST UNTIL I KNOW I'LL HAVE IT ALL
SO DON'T ASK WHERE I'M GOING
JUST LISTEN WHEN I'M GONE
AND FAR AWAY YOU'LL HEAR ME SINGING
SOFTLY TO THE DAWN:

RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN RAMBLE
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN FLY
I'VE GOT TO BE WHERE MY SPIRIT CAN RUN FREE
GOT TO FIND MY CORNER OF THE SKY:

(After the song, EVERYONE applauds. THEY go to PIPPIN and slap him on the
back and congratulate him, ad libbing 'Well said': 'Bravo': 'Good luck',
etc. When the music begins, THEY bow and begin to move off, taking PIPPIN
with them)

(The LEADING PLAYER sings)

LEADING PLAYER:
JOURNEY - JOURNEY TO A SPOT EX-
CITING, MYSTIC AND EXOTIC
JOURNEY - THROUGH OUR ANECDOTIC REVUE

(The music continues. As it does the LEADING PLAYER performs a trick where
HE makes a red scarf disappear in his hand. HE then points to down to the
center of the stage; as HE does, a spot light hits the center of the stage,
and the LEADING PLAYER crosses to the light and begins to pull what seems to
be the same red scarf out of the floor. As it gets larger and larger on
sees it is attached to the palace portal which now rises entirely out of the
floor, magically and majestically. It is the full length of the stage. The
PLAYERS enter with step units completing the magic change. When THEY are
finished, THEY bow to the audience and go. The LEADING PLAYER indicates the
new set to the audience and to PIPPIN who has entered and is excitedly
watching the transformation)

LEADING PLAYER:
The royal court of Charles the Great:
(He bows to the audience and squeezes out his own spotlight. PIPPIN
addresses the audience.)

Scene 2
HOME

PIPPIN:
The first day I was home from Padua my father sent me a horse. The second
day he sent me a falcon. The third day I went hunting. And on the fourth
day, my father finally came himself.

(There is a flash of fire, and CHARLEMAGNE appears)

LEADING PLAYER:
Enter:Charlemagne

CHARLES:
This part is to be portrayed by an actor of enormous power.

LEADING PLAYER:
A giant on the battlefield and in the bedroom.

CHARLES:
Oh, thank you so much.

LEADING PLAYER:
You're welcome.
(HE goes)

CHARLES:
(Moving to PIPPIN)
Good morning.

PIPPIN:
(Kneeling)
Good morning, sir.

(CHARLES opens his arms to PIPPIN and THEY embrace)
CHARLES:
Well, welcome home, son:well:

(Father and son look at each other in embarrassment. Then CHARLES sings)

CHARLES:
HELLO, SON.

PIPPIN:
HELLO.

CHARLES:
YOU LOOK THINNER.

PIPPIN:
I KNOW.

CHARLES:
SO, SON

PIPPIN:
SO:

CHARLES:
LAST NIGHT DID'NT YOU MISS DINNER

PIPPIN:
NO.

CHARLES:
Oh. Well, how did things go in Padua?

PIPPIN:
Very well, sir, some of my tutors:

CHARLES:
(Interrupting PIPPIN)
Good:good. I'm a great believer in education.

PIPPIN:
And yet you have become the most powerful man in the world without it.

CHARLES:
The most powerful man in the world? Oh, Pippin, don't exaggerate. What
about the Pope?

PIPPIN:
I rank you ahead of the Pope, sir.

CHARLES:
I happen to agree with you. But the world I grew up in was simpler. The
sword solved every problem. Tomorrow is for you.

PIPPIN:
But it's still today.

CHARLES:
But for how long? Pippin, sunrise and sunset are similar, but not
identical.

(Acton freezes on CHARLES and PIPPIN. The LEADING PLAYER appears)

LEADING PLAYER:
Enter Lewis:

(LEWIS jumps up from the side. As the LEADING PLAYER introduces him, HE
strikes a series of characteristically masculine poses to show off his
muscles)

Pippin's half-brother:and after Pippin, heir to the throne. Addicted to the
physical, Lewis loves weight lifting:Lewis loves wrestling:but most of
all:Lewis loves Lewis.

(LEWIS winks at the audience and then crosses the stage swinging his sword,
as if HE were attacking something. CHARLES and PIPPIN are again in the
scene)

LEWIS:
Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah!

PIPPIN:
Well done, brother.

LEWIS:
Well done? Ha! That was magnificent! Did you know this arm slew twenty
Frisians last year? And it's going to slay even more Visigoths.

PIPPIN:
You mean you're going to war against the Visigoths?

LEWIS:
Uh hu. That's the next one. It's going to be a glorious campaign. And oh
- those Visigoth women. I don't mean to shock your bookish sensibilities.

PIPPIN:
I'm only shocked that you're interested in women now.
(The action freezes and once more the LEADING PLAYER appears, high up on the
portal)

LEADING PLAYER:
Enter:Fastrada.

(As HE speaks, a black tab is taken up and FASTRADA is revealed standing in
the light)

Pippin's step-mother. Devious:crafty, cunning, untrustworthy:but a warm and
wonderful mother. Dedicated to gaining the throne for her darling son,
Lewis.

(Action begins. FASTRADA comes downstage to LEWIS)

FASTRADA:
Lewis! Lewis! Guess what Mommy has for you:Surprise!

(SHE gives LEWIS a breastplate)

LEWIS:
Oh, thank you, Mother. Look at this! Isn't it a beauty?

PIPPIN:
It really is beautiful.

FASTRADA:
Welcome home, Pippin.
(Blowing a kiss to CHARLES)
My darling.

LEWIS:
Can you imagine how I'll shine in the sun?

(FASTRADA lovingly helps LEWIS put on the breastplate)

FASTRADA:
Darling, you look beautiful. Doesn't he, Charles?

(LEWIS begins to strut around, showing off his new armor)

Oh, Pippin, stand up straight. Didn't they teach you posture at Padua?

PIPPIN:
I failed posture.
(HE slumps deliberately)

FASTRADA:
Notice how straight Lewis stands:

PIPPIN:
Oh, yes, he's a real straightstander:no question about that.

LEWIS:
Look how I shine.
(Crosses with swordplay)
Hah, Visigoths!
(Exits)

FASTRADA:
We're so proud of Lewis, aren't we, dear? Oh, my darling, before I forget,
the royal treasurer informs me I've everdrawn my allowance account.

CHARLES:
You're overdrawn again:?

FASTRADA:
Now, now, my lord, don't be angry with. You know how confused I get about
money. After all, I am just an ordinary housewife and mother:
(To audience)
:just like all you housewives and mothers out there.
(SHE goes)

CHARLES:
You know, sometimes I wonder if the fornicating I'm getting is worth the
fornicating I'm getting.
(Turns to PIPPIN)
Well, son, now we can have our talk. How've things been going with you?

PIPPIN:
Well, not very well. Father, there were a lot of:

CHARLES:
(Interrupting him. HE sings)
WELCOME HOME, SON, WELCOME HOME
I'M SO GLAD TO HEAR THERE'S NOTHING WRONG
WELCOME HOME SON, GLAD YOU'RE HOME
WILL YOU BE STAYING LONG?

PIPPIN:
Well. That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Father.
I wanted to ask you:

CHARLES:
(Going on)
WELCOME HOME, SON, GLAD YOU'RE HOME
WE'LL TALK AGAIN SOON:

(Speaks)
Keep busy while you're here. Why don't you take that falcon and horse I
gave you and go hunting?

PIPPIN:
Good idea. Thank you, Sir.

CHARLES:
(Starts, off then turns)
Oh, Pippin:

PIPPIN:
Yes, Sir?

CHARLES:
ONE MORE THOUGHT I WOULD IMPART IS:
I MAY BLUSH BUT I'LL BE FRANK:

PIPPIN:
DO, SIR:

CHARLES:
(A pause, then nothing but a clich§Û)
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS.
(To himself)
Why did I say that?

PIPPIN:
THANK YOU, SIR.
(To himself)
Why did he say that?

(CHARLES goes. Music begins)

The preparations for the Visigoth campaign were reaching a peak. Marksmen
tested themselves against the butts.

(Arrows fly across the stage)

Swordsmen tested themselves against each other.

(Upstage, swordsmen duel)

The panoply of war was being assembled. The sights and sounds of glory were
in the air.

SOLDIERS:
(Scream)
Glory!
(Exit)

PIPPIN:
Glory's in the air! And what am I doing? Nothing.

(LEADING PLAYER enters, wearing a helmet and carrying weapons)

LEADING PLAYER:
(Handing PIPPIN a sword)
Your sword, sir.
(Looks more closely)
Oh, excuse me. I thought you were a warrior.

PIPPIN:
No, no, no, wait. I'll keep it.

LEADING PLAYER:
But you're not one of us:

PIPPIN:
I'm Prince Pippin.

LEADING PLAYER:
Who?

PIPPIN:
Prince Pippin. One day I will be king.
(Rises on tiptoes)

LEADING PLAYER:
Oh.
(LEADING PLAYER goes. PIPPIN looks at the sword and lunges with it)

PIPPIN:
Hah, Visigoths!
(To audience)
I think I'm going to go talk to my father.

(the set changes to CHARLES' court. Lights up on CHARLES as HE enters)
FEMALE COURTIER:
The royal court of Charles the Great, emperor of the Holey Roman empire.

CHARLES:
And a giant in the bedroom:

COURTIER:
And a giant in the bedroom:
(Indicating with a "so so" gesture of her hand that CHARLES isn't much of a
giant)
:is prepared to hear petitions.

(Lights up on BARON)

BARON:
Oh, great leader, blessed by God, sent to us from Heaven to protect us from
the Infidel:

CHARLES:
(Impatient)
Oh, what is it?

BARON:
I beseech you to reduce my levy of footsoldiers, cattle and wheat. Due to a
famine:

CHARLES:
(Interrupting)
Denied. Next.

BARON:
But, sire, my cattle are dying and my fields are barren:

CHARLES:
Denied. Next.

BARON:
But, sire, that is unjust and tyrannical. I object:

CHARLES:
Take that man away and hang him!

(The LEADING PLAYER steps from behind the staircase and places the noose
around the BARON's neck)

Next!

PETITIONER:
(Stepping forward)
Oh, great leader, blessed by God, sent to us from Heaven:

CHARLES:
Oh, no. Not all that bullshit again. Out! Out! Everybody out! Council is
dismissed.

PIPPIN:
Wait! Father:

CHARLES:
Yes?

PIPPIN:
I know what I want to do now.

CHARLES:
Good. Good.

PIPPIN:
I want to be a soldier.

CHARLES:
What!

PIPPIN:
Yes, I want to join you in your campaign against the Visigoths.

CHARLES:
Denied.

PIPPIN:
But that's not fair.

CHARLES:
To an emperor fairness is irrelevant.

PIPPIN:
You're taking Lewis.

CHARLES:
(Coming down from his throne)
Yes, well, your brother Lewis is an ideal soldier. He is strong and stupid.
You, on the other hand are educated.

PIPPING:
But, I'm your oldest son. That means I might be king one day. Fighting
wars is an important part of being king, isn't it?

CHARLES:
Fighting wars is the most important part of being king. I mean after all,
the Pope and I have dedicated ourselves to bringing Christianity to the
entire world:

PIPPIN:
Well, that's what I'm talking about. You're dedicated to something, and I
just want to be dedicated to something, too:with all my heart and soul:and
whatever it is, I want to do it as well as I possible can. Otherwise, my
life won't have any meaning at all.

CHARLES:
Oh, you want your life to have meaning, do you?

PIPPIN:
Yes, I do.

CHARLES:
Well, that's very ambitious of you, Pippin.

PIPPIN:
Father, stop all this:bullshit:and take me with you.

CHARLES:
(Surprised at PIPPIN's language)
Oh, ho, ho.
(A moment)
Very well, then. Get yourself a decent helmet and come along.

(CHARLES goes. The LEADING PLAYER enters from the wings and puts a helmet
on PIPPIN's head. PIPPIN looks at the LEADING PLAYER)

PIPPIN:
I'm a soldier.

LEADING PLAYER:
Right.

(HE goes. PIPPIN turns to the audience)

PIPPIN:
Me, a warrior. Finally, a chance to be part of something important. A
chance to use my sword:my arm:and maybe, even my blood:

(The drum roll which has been under all this becomes intense)

A SOLDIER:
Glory!

A SOLDIER:
Glory!

(The stage begins to fill with MEN in full battle regalia. There is a short
dance as the set changes from court to the tent of CHARLEMAGNE)

Scene 3
WAR

CHARLES:
Gentlemen, be seated. Map!

(A map is lowered from the flies)

Well, gentlemen, it's been a long, hard march. This is where we are:
(Indicating to the map)
Here. Tomorrow morning at sunrise we go against the Visigoths.

PIPPIN:
(Jumping to his feet)
Hah, Visigoths!

CHARLES:
Pippin, sit down.

(PIPPIN sits)

Now the main factor in tomorrow's battle is the terrain. So look at this
map. Study it. Remember it.

PIPPIN:
Father, why can't we just go out there and slaughter them?

CHARLES:
You spoke, Pippin?

PIPPIN:
Since we're braver and stronger and have god on our side, can't we just go
out there and kill at will?

CHARLES:
War is a science, Pippin.

PIPPIN:
That takes half the fun out of it right there.

CHARLES:
There's plenty of fun when you win.

(Sings)

WAR IS A SCIENCE
WITH RULES TO BE APPLIED
WHICH GOOD SOLDIERS APPRECIATE
RECALL AND RECAPITULATE
BEFORE THEY GO TO DECIMATE
THE OTHER SIDE

(Spoken)

Now, gentlemen, this is the plan for tomorrow's skirmish.

THE ARMY OF THE ENEMY IS STATIONED ON THE HILL
SO WE'VE GOT TO GET THEM DOWN HERE, AND THIS IS HOW WE WILL
OUR MEN IN THE RAVINE (THAT'S THIS AREA IN GREEN)
WILL MOVE ACROSS THE VALLEY WHERE THEY PLAINLY CAN BE SEEN
AND THE ENEMY (IN BLUE) WILL UNDOUBTEDLY PURSUE
FOR THAT'S WHAT YOU DEPEND UPON AN ENEMY TO DO.

THEN TO GURANTEE THEIR FOLLY
WE'LL BRING BOWMEN INTO PLAY
WHO WILL FIRE JUST ONE VOLLEY
AND RETIRE TO POINT "A".

AND THEN, AND THEN,
AND GENTLEMEN, AND THEN:

PIPPIN:
AND THEN THE MEN GO MARCHING OUT INTO THE FRAY
CONQUERING THE ENEMY AND CARRYING THE DAY
HARK! THE BLOOD IS POUNDING IN OUR EARS
JUBILATIONS! WE CAN HEAR A GRATEFUL NATION'S CHEERS!

CHARLES:
Pippin, sit down immediately.

PIPPIN:
I'm sorry, Father. I just got carried away.

(PIPPIN sits)

CHARLES:
(Long, disapproving look at PIPPIN)

Now, where was I? Ah, yes:

WAR IS A SCIENCE
A BREEDING GROUND FOR BREAINS
FOR THOUGH I CANNOT WRITE MY NAME
THE MEN WHOSE PENS HAVE BROUGHT THEM FAME
WRITE ENDLESS PARAGRAPHS EXPLAINING
MY CAMPAIGNS.

NOW WHEN THE FOE SEE OUR SOLDIERS MARCHING THROUGH THE LEA
THEY WILL MOUNT A CHARGE AND MEET AT US AT THE POINT I'VE LABELLED "B"
AND THEIR BOWMEN ON THE HILL (IN YELLOW ON THE MAP)
WILL LEAVE THEIR POSTS TO JOIN THE REST AND FALL INTO OUT TRAP
THEN WE'LL CUT OFF REINFORCEMENTS AND RETREAT OF ANY KIND
BEARING PRINCIPLES OF ENFILADE AND DEFILADEIN MIND.

AND IF ALL THE PLOYS WE PICK TO REALLY
WORK TO BRING TO PASS OCCUR
WE WON'T HAVE JUST A VICTORY
WE'LL HAVE OURSELVES A MASSACRE

AND THEN, AND THEN,
AND GENTLEMEN, AND THEN:

PIPPIN:
AND THEN THE MEN GO MARCHING OUT INTO THE FRAY
CONQUERING THE ENEMY AND CARRYING THE DAY
HARK! THE BLOOD IS POUNDING IN OUR EARS
JUBILATIONS! WE CAN HEAR A GRATEFUL NATION'S:

CHARLES:
Pippin:!

PIPPIN:
I'm sorry, Father. It won't happen again.

CHARLES:
(Looks at PIPPIN and shakes his head)

In conclusion, gentlemen:

NOW LISTEN TO ME CLOSELY, I'LL ENDEAVOR TO EXPLAIN
WHAT SEPARATES A CHARLATAN FROM A CHARLEMAGNE
A RULE CONFESSED BY GENERALS ILLUSTRIOUS AND VARIOUS
THOUGH POMPOUS AS A POMPEY OR DARING AS A DARIUS
A SIMPLE RULE THAT EVERY GREAT MAN LEARNS BY HEART
IT'S SMARTER TO BE LUCKY THAN IT'S LUCKY TO BE SMART.

AND IF THE FATES FEEL FRIVOLOUS
AND ALL OUR PLANSE THEY SMOTHER
WELL SUPPOSE THIS WAR DOES SHRIVEL US
THERE'LL ALWAYS BE ANOTHER!

AND THEN:

ALL:
AND THEN:

CHARLES:
AND GENTLEMEN, AND THEN:

(Spoken)

Now:gentlemen:now!

(The SOLDIERS rise from the benches with swords in hand, and the music
changes to a softshoe which the SOLDIERS proceed to do as THEY sing)

SOLDIERS:
AND THEN THE MEN GO MARCHING OUT INTO THE FRAY
CONQUERING THE ENEMY AND CARRYING THE DAY
HARK! THE BLOOD IS POUNDING IN OUR EARS
JUBILATIONS!
WE CAN HEAR A GRATEFUL NATION'S CHEERS!

(THEY exit. CHARLES, PIPPIN, and LEWIS are alone on stage. During the
first part of the following scene, the SOLDIERS come back onstage and take
out the benches)

CHARLES
(Confronting PIPPIN)
Pippin, I find your attitude very disturbing.

PIPPIN:
Oh, Father, I'm sorry. It was just all that talk about enfilade and
defilade:

CHARLES:
Now remember this, Pippin:the Visigoth king across the valley is talking
about enfilade and defilade, too. That's the way it's done.

PIPPIN:
I'll know better next time.

CHARLES:
I certainly hope so. Well, there's just one other thing. I always like to
spend the night before battle praying. I would like my two sons to join me.

(CHARLES kneels. LEWIS and PIPPIN kneel on either side of him)

Oh God, we who fight in your name and in the name of your Son, ask for
victory in combat tomorrow:

PIPPIN:
Father, is the Visigoth king praying for victory, too?

CHARLES:
Oh yes. Old King Aleric is one of the best prayers in the business.

(LEADING PLAYER enters as a drum roll is heard)

Lewis:Pippin:It's time.

LEWIS:
You're going to be very proud of me, Father.

(CHARLES looks at PIPPIN)

PIPPIN:
I will try not to disgrace you, sir.

CHARLES:
Very well, follow me.

(CHARLES, LEWIS and PIPPIN march off. The LEADING PLAYER is alone onn
stage. The music begins and HE sings)

LEADING PLAYER:
BATTLES, BARBAROUS AND BLOODY
(HE's thrown a hat and a cane from offstage which HE puts on)
GLORY! GLORY!
GLORY! GLORY!
PRAISE BE TO CHARLES OUR LORD
TRIUMPHANT IS HIS SWARD
ALLEGIANCE IS HIS WORD
GLORY! GLORY!
GLORY! GLORY!

BLOOD!

BLOOD IS RED AS SUNSET
BLOOD IS WARMER THAN WINE
WARMER THAN WINE
THE TASTE OF SALTY SUMMER BRINE
UH HUH

(The SOLDIERS enter in a battle formation behind the LEADING PLAYER)

STEEL!

ALL:
STEEL IS COLD AS MOONLIGHT
STEEL IS SHARPER THAN SIGHT
SHARPER THAN SIGHT
THE TOUCH OF BITTER WINTER WHITE

SOLDIERS:
SHOUT IT OUT FROM THE HIGHEST TOWER
SHOUT IT OUT IN THE DARKEST HOUR
CHARLEMAGNE, YOU LEAD US ON TO

ALL:
POWER!

LEADING PLAYER:
WAR!

LEADING PLAYER:
SOLDIERS:
WAR IS STRICT AS JESUS WAR
WAR IT'S FINER THAN SPRING WAR

LEADING PLAYER AND 2 SOLDIERS:
SERVICE TO CHRIST AND TO OUR

ALL:
KING.
SHOUT IT OUT FROM THE HIGHEST TOWER
SHOUT IT OUT IN THE DARKEST HOUR
CHARLEMAGNE, YOU LEAD US ON TO POWER:

(The LEADING PLAYER and TWO SOLDIERS do a dance behind which killings are
taking place in limbo. At one point, PIPPIN crosses the stage with blood on
his hand, and a SOLDIER crosses with a head on a pike-staff)

LEADING PLAYER:
(When the dance is at an end)
Ta dum.
(The LEADING PLAYER is alone on stage. HE comes down and sits on the
playform, legs crossed)
WAR IS STRICT AS JESUS
(The stage is littered with limbs and bodies and heads, etc.)
WAR IS FINER THAN SPRING

(More limbs are thrown on stage. The SOLDIERS enter and begin to go through
the bodies looking for valuables. The LEADING PLAYER rises and moves toward
them)

ALL:
THE GATES OF HEAVEN AWAIT
THROWN WIDE BY CHARLES THE GREAT
WE FOLLOW HIM THROUGH BY SERVING HIS STATE

(The shadow of CHARLES is projected on a drop behind them, larger than life)

ALL:
GLORY! GLORY!
GLORY! GLORY!
GLORY!
Yeah!

CHARLES:
We've won!

SOLDIERS:
We've won.
(The SOLDIERS begin to walk among the bodies)

LEWIS:
I killed at least twenty-five of them myself, Father.

CHARLES:
Yes, you and Pippin both did very well. Well, now we rape and sack.

(PIPPIN who has entered looks dubious at the prospect)

Oh yes, it's required. We also have to sing. That's absolutely essential
to victory:

(Music starts and the SOLDIERS dance into formation and dance off during the
following)

CHARLES: SOLDIERS:
Fall to, men. Eat. Drink. AND THEN THE MEN GO
MARCHING
Rape. Give thanks to God OUT INTO THE
FRAY
Who granted us this: CONQUERING THE ENEMY
AND
Victory.
CARYING THE DAY
HARK! THE BLOOD IS POUNDING

IN OUR EARS

JUBILATION! WE CAN HEAR A
GRATEFUL NATION CHEER!

(PIPPIN is alone on stage. HE moves among the dismembered pieces)

PIPPIN:
(Seeing a head)
I suppose it's a little late to wonder who this man was.

HEAD:
It is a little late. But as long as you're interested, I'm just a common
man, a Visigoth, but a good man:a very good man.

PIPPIN:
You're also a very lucky man. You've had the privilege of dying for your
king.

HEAD:
Words fail me.

CHARLES:
(Entering and going upstage)
Pippin, you aren't celebrating. And you there, get all this litter cleared
away.

(THREE STREETCLEANERS come on with a round cart. THEY begin to pick up and
sweep away the limbs, bodies, etc.)

PIPPIN:
(To the HEAD)
You know of course, dying in battle like this, you'll be going straight to
Valhalla:or wherever you Infidels go, won't you?

HEAD:
Absolutely. The King has assured us personally. But this waiting around's
got me edgy.

PIPPIN:
This wasn't your first battle, was it?

HEAD:
No. My third.

PIPPIN:
Well then maybe you could tell me, how did this battle compare with your
other two?

HEAD:
Well, unless you get killed, one battle's pretty much like another.

PIPPIN:
I was afraid you'd say that.

CHARLES:
Pippin! What's the matter? What are you doing?

(A STREETCLEANER comes downstage to the HEAD and picks it up and corries it
back to his cart)

PIPPIN:
(To the HEAD)
I hope you get to Valhalla soon:

HEAD:
Hope you get to Heaven:

(A STREETCLEANER crops the HEAD into his cart and goes)

PIPPIN:
Oh, I will.

CHARLES:
(Upstage)
Pippin, this is embarrassing. A victory celebration and my own son not
joining in.

PIPPIN:
(Softly)
Sorry, Father. You'll have to get used to victory celebrations without me.
(After a moment, to the audience)
I thought there'd be more plumes:
(Then, softly, sings)
RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN RAMBLE
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN FLY
I'VE GOT TO BE WHERE MY SPIRIT CAN RUN FREE
GOT TO FIND MY CORNER OF THE SKY:

(The LEADING PLAYER and a player with a guitar enter from upstage)

Scene 4
THE FLESH

LEADING PLAYER:
(Comes forward and sings)
WELL, I'LL SING YOU THE STORY OF A SORROWFUL LAD
HAD EVERYTHING HE WANTED, DIDN'T WANT WHAT HE HAD
HE HAD WEALTH AND PELF AND FAME AND NAME AND ALL OF
THAT NOISE
BUT HE DIDN'T HAVE NONE OF THOSE SIMPLE JOYS
HIS LIFE SEEMED PURPOSELESS AND FLAT
AREN'T YOU GALD YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE THAT?

(PIPPIN runs offstage)

SO HE RAN FROM ALL THE DEEDS HE'D DONE, HE RAN FROM THE THINGS
HE'D JUST BEGUN
HE RAN FROM HIMSELF, NOW THAT'S MIGHTY FAR TO RUN
OUT INTO THE COUNTRY WHERE HE PLAYED AS A BOY
HE KNEW HE HAD TO FIND HIM SOME SIMPLE JOYS
HE WANTED SOME PLACE WARM AND GREEN
WE ALL COULD USE A CHANGE OF SCENE

(The set changes into a country setting, grass, trees and sun)

SWEET SUMMER EVENINGS, HOT WINE AND BREAD
SHARING YOUR SUPPER, SHARING YOUR BED
SIMPLE JOYS HAVE A SIMPLE VOICE:
IT SAYS WHY NOT GO AHEAD?
WOULDN'T YOU RATHER BE A LEFT-HANDED FLEA
OR A CRAB ON A SLAB AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA
THAN A MAN WHO NEVER LEARNS HOW TO BE FREE
NOT 'TILL HE'S COLD AND DEAD.

SWEET SUMMER EVENINGS SO FULL OF SOUND
GAINING A LOVER, GAINING A POUND
SIMPLE JOYS HAVE A SIMPLE VOICE
IT SAYS: TAKE A LOOK AROUND
AND WOULDN'T YOU RATHER BE A LEFT-HANDED FLEA
A CRAB ON A SLAB AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA
ON A NEWT ON THE ROOT OF A BANYAN TREE
THAN A MAN WHO NEVER LEARNS HOW TO BE FREE
NOT 'TILL HE'S UNDERGROUND

(Spoken)
Enter:Berthe.

(A chair turns around and reveals BERTHE)

Pippin's grandmother; warm, strong:

BERTHE:
Still attractive:

LEADING PLAYER:
Still attractive. Charlemagne's mother:Now living in the country where she
enjoys those:
(Sings)
SWEET SUMMER EVENINGS, SAPPHIRE SKIES
FEASTING HER BELLY
FEASTING HER EYES
SIMPLE JOYS HAVE A SIMPLE VOICE
IT SAYS TIME'S LIVING'S PRIZE
AND WOULDN'T YOU
RATHER BE A LEFT-HANDED FLEA
A CRAB ON A SLAB AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA
A NEWT ON A ROOT OF A BANYAN TREE
OR A FIG ON A TWIG IN GALILEE
THAN A MAN WHO NEVER LEARNS HOW TO BE FREE
NOT TILL THE DAY
NOT TILL THE DAY
NOT TILL THE DAY
NOT TILL THE DAY HE DIES!
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

(HE exits, and as HE does PIPPIN enters)

PIPPIN:
Berthe:

BERTHE:
(Having trouble with her needlework)
Damn! I hate needlepoint!

PIPPIN:
Berthe:

BERTHE:
Yes:? What is it:?

PIPPIN:
It's me. Pippin.

BERTHE:
Pippin:Pippin:? Pippin. Oh, Pippin, I can't believe it.
(SHE holds out her arms. PIPPIN embraces her)
Oh, how good it is to hold you:to hold you like I used to when you were a
little boy. Remember, Pippin?

PIPPIN:
Well of course I remember. That's why I came here.

BERTHE:
Oh Pippin, you look terrible. You need some fresh air:some sun:and good
food:
(Then with a twinkle)
:some frolicking:

PIPPIN:
Grandma, you haven't changed a bit.

BERTHE:
But you have Pippin. Now something is the matter:what have you been doing
with yourself?

PIPPIN:
I went to war, Grandma.

BERTHE:
No wonder you look so terrible. Men and their wars. Sometimes I think men
raise flags when they can't get anything else up.

PIPPIN:
Grandma, sometimes you really say shocking things.

BERTHE:
I try my best. But Pippin, what's wrong?

PIPPIN:
I don't know, Grandma. I feel empty and vacant:

BERTHE:
Empty and vacant? Now, Pippin. You listen to me:you're going to hear
something very:
(Indicating quotes)
:"wise". Now don't take life so seriously. Just take things as they come
along. Don't do too much planning, and don't do too much thinking. How's
that for wisdom so far?

PIPPIN:
(Tentative)
Well frankly, Grandma, it sounds pretty dull:

BERTHE:
It'll sound better with music:maestro:
(Sings)
WHEN YOU ARE AS OLD AS I, MY DEAR
AND I HOPE THAT YOU NEVER ARE
YOU WILL WOEFULLY WONDER WY, MY DEAR
THROUGH YOUR CATARACTS AND CATARRH
YOU COULD SQUANDER AWAY OR SEQUESTER
A DROP OF A PRECIOUS YEAR
FOR WHEN YOUR BEST DAYS ARE YESTER
THE REST 'ER TWICE AS DEAR:

WHAT GOOD IS A FIELD ON A FINE SUMMER NIGHT
IF YOU SIT ALL ALONE WITH THE WEEDS?
OR A SUCCULENT PEAR IF WITH EACH JUICY BITE
YOU SPIT OUT YOUR TEETH WITH THE SEEDS?
BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE STOP TRYING TO WAIT
FOR FORTUNE AND FATE YOU'RE SECURE OF
FOR THERE'S ONE THING TO BE SURE OF, MATE:
THERE'S NOTHING TO BE SURE OF.

OH, IT'S TIME TO START LIVIN'
TIME TO TAKE A LITTLE FROM THIS WORLD WE'RE GIVEN
TIME TO TAKE TIME, CAUSE SPRING WILL TURN TO FALL
IN JUST NO TIME AT ALL:

(PIPPIN jumps to his feet)

PIPPIN:
But Grandma, it' time that I'm worried about.

BERTHE:
Now you sit down. And don't say anything until I'm finished. I've got
three more choruses to do. But you all can join in with me if you wish:
(To audience)
And that goes for all of you out there, too. But just the choruses, the
verses are all mine.
(Sings)
I'VE NEVER WONDERED IF I WAS AFRAID
WHEN THERE WAS A CHALLENGE TO TAKE
I NEVER THOGUTH ABOUT HOW MUCH I WEIGHED
WHEN THERE WAS STILL ONE PIECE OF CAKE
MAYBE IT'S MEANT THE HOURS I'VE SPENT
FEELING BROKEN AND BENT AND UNWELL
BUT THERE'S STILL NO CURE SO HEAVEN-SENT
AS THE CHANCE TO RAISE SOME HELL.

(The BOYS join her. A song sheet is lowered behind her, and the words of
the song are delineated by a bouncing ball of light)

Everybody:

ALL:
OH, IT'S TIME TO START LIVIN'
TIME TO TAKE A LITTLE FROM THIS WORLD WE'RE GIVEN
TIME TO TAKE TIME, CAUSE SPRING WILL TURN TO FALL
IN JUST NO TIME AT ALL

BERTHE:
Verse!
NOW WHEN THE DREARIES DO ATTACK
AND A SIEGE OF THE SADS BEGINS
I THROW THESE REGAL SHOULDERS BACK
AND LIFT THESE NOBLE CHINS
GIVE ME A MAN WHO IS HANDSOME AND STRONG
SOMEONE WHO'S STALWART AND STEADY
GIVE ME A NIGHT THAT'S ROMANTIC AND LONG
THEN GIVE ME A MONTH TO GET READY
NOW I COULD WAYLAY SOME AGING ROUE
AND PERSUADE HIM TO PLAY IN SOME CRANNY
BUT IT'S HARD TO BELIVE I'M BEING LED ASTRAY
BY A MAN WHO CALLS YOU GRANNY
(Spoken)
One more time! Come on boys! And this time let's hear it from everybody!
One! Two! Three! Four!

ALL:
OH, IT'S TIME TO START LIVIN'

(BERTHE encourages the audience to sing along. SHE shouts "Everybody")

TIME TO TAKE A LITTLE FROM THIS WORLD WE'RE GIVEN
TIME TO TAKE TIME, CAUSE SPRING WILL TURN TO FALL
IN JUST NO TIME AT ALL.

BERTHE:
Come on! You ought to know it by now

ALL:
OH, IT'S TIME TO START LIVIN'
TIME TO TAKE A LITTLE FROM THIS WORLD WE'RE GIVEN
TIME TO TAKE TIME, CAUSE SPRING WILL TURN TO FALL
IN JUST NO TIME AT ALL.

BERTHE:
Out! Out!
SAGES TWEET THAT AGE IS SWEET
GOOD DEEDS AND GOOD WORK EARN YOU LAURELS
BUT WHAT COULD MAKE YOU FEEL MORE ABSOLETE
THAN BEING NOTED FOR YOUR MORALS?

HERE IS A SECRET I NEVER HAVE TOLD
MAYBE YOU'LL UNDERSTAND WHY
I BELIEVE IF I REFUSE TO GROW OLD
I CAN STAY YOUNG TILL I DIE
NOW, I'VE KNOWN THE FEARS OF SIXTY-SIX YEARS
I'VE HAD TROUBLES AND TEARS BY THE SCORE
BUT THE ONLY THING I'D TRADE THEM FOR
IS SIXTY-SEVENMORE:

ALL:
OH, IT'S TIME TO START:

BERTHE:
(Stopping the BOYS and audience from singing)
Aaaah!
(To the man in the light booth controlling the bouncing ball)
And you up there:out!
(The arc goes out)
Now let me take this one all by myself, all right?

(The BOYS join BERTHE-making a chair for her with their arms. THEY lift her
up. SHE sings)

OH, IT'S TIME TO KEEP LIVIN'
TIME TO KEEP TAKIN' FROM THE WORLD I'M GIVEN
YOU ARE MY TIME, SO I'LL THROW OFF MY SHAWL
AND WATCHING YOUR FLINGS BE FLUNG ALL OVER
MAKES ME FEEL YOUNG ALL OVER

BERTHE AND BOYS
IN JUST NO TIME AT ALL:

(The BOYS carry BERTHE offstage and SHE shouts to PIPPIN)

BERTHE:
Remember that, Pippin!

(The screen goes out and PIPPIN turns to the audience)

PIPPIN:
She's absolutely right. It's time for me to start living:and stop worrying.
Maybe that's the secret. Just to enjoy all of the simple things in life.
The fresh air.
(HE takes off his shirt)
The cool, clean water. The fresh fruit off of the:
(HE reaches for a fruit and the spot reveals a GIRL with grapes in her hands
and hanging from her breasts. The GIRL goes)
Oh yes:

(Now the light reveals a terrific looking GIRL at one corner of the stage.
PIPPIN looks at her. PIPPIN looks to the audience)
:and women.

(The LEADING PLAYER enters)

LEADING PLAYER:
(Sings to the audience, indicating the GIRL)
SEX PRESENTED PASTORALLY:
(HE goes)

PIPPIN:
Of course:women:
(HE sings to the GIRL)
MY DAYS ARE BRIGHTER THAN MORNING AIR
EVERGREEN PINE AND AUTUMN BLUE
BUT ALL MY DAYS WERE TWICE AS FAIR
IF I COULD SHARE
MY DAYS WITH YOU

(A light now reveals another GIRL and PIPPIN goes to her. To the first
GIRL)
Excuse me.
(Now with the next GIRL)
MY NIGHTS ARE WARMER THAN FIRECOALS
INCENSE AND STARS AND SMOKE BAMBOO
BUT NIGHTS WERE WARM BEYOND COMPARE
(His attention is drawn from one GIRL to another by the LATTER's stimulating
caress, and HE addresses this GIRL now)
IF I COULD SHARE
MY NIGHTS WITH YOU

(Two more GIRLS come to PIPPIN, and soon HE is singing to ALL of them as
THEY gather around him)

TO DANCE IN MY DREAMS
TO SHINE WHEN I NEED THE SUN
WITH YOU
TO HOLD ME WHEN DREAMS ARE DONE

AND OH:
MY DEAREST LOVE
IF YOU WILL TAKE MY LOVE
THEN ALL MY DREAMS ARE TRULY BEGUN

AND TIME WEAVES RIBBONS OF MEMORY
TO SWEETEN LIFE WHEN YOUTH IS THROUGH
BUT I WOULD NEED NO MEMORIES THERE
IF I COULD SHARE
MY LIFE WITH YOU.

(Now a dance by TWO GIRLS. It is simple and soft, and when this section of
the dance is over the GIRLS gently rock PIPPIN, and one of them takes his
hand and gently places it on her breast)

PIPPIN:
(Smiling, turns to the audience)
I found it.

(Now the BOYS enter. THREE other GIRLS do a calypso dance and the BOYS
chant rhythmically to the GIRLS' movements.

The dance becomes increasingly more exotic. ALL the BOYS and the GIRLS
become involved, and THEY begin to show PIPPIN every possible form of sexual
activity. PIPPIN's enthusiasm slowly begins to flag, and by the end of the
dance HE is exhausted and repelled)

A GIRL:
Pippin, come on, Pippin, we've got more for you.

(THEY ALL come toward him, enticing him, saying, "Come on, Pippin": "There's
more, Pippin":etc.)

PIPPIN:
(Trying to get away from them)
Enough. That's enough. Leave me alone.

(HE shakes himself out as THEY ALL leave. PIPPIN sits on a hay wagon which
has been rolled on. The LEADING PLAYER appears)

LEADING PLAYER:
Boy, when you frolic, you really frolic, don't you. How do you feel now?

PIPPIN:
I feel empty and vacant. There's got to be something worthwhile that I can
do with my life.

LEADING PLAYER:
Hey, you just started. There are so many things to try:

PIPPIN:
Like what?

LEADING PLAYER:
(Pause)
Like taking a look at this:
(HE hands PIPPIN a newspaper)

A COURIER:
(Excessively cheery, as are all Couriers in scene)
Good morning. Peasants revolt. King slays thousands.

PIPPIN:
Hey, look at this.

A COURIER:
Hello there. Peasants protesting a rise in taxes were slaughtered yesterday
by Charlemagne's soldiers. The king warned that any further dissent would
be treated in the same manner.

PIPPIN:
Oh, I can't believe that. My father would never slaughter people just for
protesting. That can't be true.

LEADING PLAYER:
Now would a newspaper print anything that wasn't true?

(PIPPIN turns page)

A COURIER:
Hi. Third massacre to bring new laws from crown. All political activities
henceforth to be rigidly controlled.

PIPPIN:
But my father can't just ell people what to think:

LEADING PLAYER:
Why not? He's the king?

PIPPIN:
I don't care. People have the right to speak out freely.

LEADING PLAYER:
There's no doubt about that.

PIPPIN:
Well, something's got to be done about it:

LEADING PLAYER:
You're absolutely right.

PIPPIN:
We're surrounded by injustice and tyranny:

LEADING PLAYER:
And prejudice. Don't forget about prejudice:

(The LEADING PLAYER motions for some MEN to come on. During the next speech
HE helps them hurriedly turn the hay wagon into a campaign platform)

PIPPIN:
I'm finally beginning to see what my father really is. He forces people to
fight and die over land that they couldn't care less about:

LEADING PLAYER:
(Back to PIPPIN now)
That's right:

PIPPIN:
I think it's time for a change.

LEADING PLAYER:
(Mounting the platform)
It is time for a change

PIPPIN:
We've got to dedicate ourselves to a better world for all people.

LEADING PLAYER:
(Testing the microphones)
Testing:testing.

PIPPIN:
(Mounting the platform)
Peace and justice must be restored to this:
(Into the microphone)
:great land.

(Suddenly, there are cheers over the speaker, as if PIPPIN were the keynote
speaker in a convention hall. HE acknowledges the applause)
The tyrant must be overthrown:

(A PLAYER puts a politician's straw hat in PIPPIN's hand)

:terror and bloodshed must be ended.

We need a leader with the wisdom and the courage to seep out the old order
and create a better world:

(More cheers)

Down with Charles! Up with:
:ME!

(The platform is taken off, cheering, music and PIPPIN's campaign promises'
fade out. The lights come up on FASTRADA and LEWIS who have been watching
some of this scene. SHE speaks to the audience)

Scene 5
REVOLUTION

FASTRADA:
Terrible. A son speaking against his very own father that way. I'd rather
be drawn and quartered than think I was in any way responsible for what
happened next. After all, I'm just an ordinary housewife and mother, just
like all you housewives and mothers out there. Word had come to me that
Pippin was holding secret meetings:of a treasonous nature.

(Lights down on FASTRADA and LEWIS. PIPPIN'S FOLLOWERS enter. THEY are
wearing cloaks)

MAN 1:
Revolution!

MAN 2:
Revolution!

MAN 3:
Revolution!

MAN 4:
Follow Pippin!

MAN 5:
We pledge to stand by Pippin:forever!

ALL:
(Putting hands together in pledge)
Forever!

(PIPPIN enters)

PIPPIN:
Now gentlemen, first, let me say that I admire the dedication and the
courage which has brought you here this evening.

ALL:
Forever!

PIPPIN:
Thank you. Second, let me be honest about some of the dangers which may lie
ahead. If, during this insurrection, any one of us is caught, the King's
vengeance will be swift and terrible.

(During the course of the following speech, one by one, ALL of the MEN leave
quietly without PIPPIN's knowledge)

You will undoubtedly be tortured:broken on the wheel:cruelly maimed:even
dismembered:But I am sure that the prospect of these terrible agonies will
not deter you from joining me in:
(HE turns around and sees that THEY are gone. Then, to the audience)
They may appear frightened now. But once the deed is done:once action
against the King is taken, they will flock to my side:maybe.
(HE goes. Lights up again on FASTRADA and LEWIS. THEY gasp in horror over
what THEY have just heard)

FASTRADA AND LEWIS:
Oh!

LEWIS:
Mama:if Pippin kills Father:
FASTRADA:
You'll be next in line for the throne, darling.

LEWIS:
But if Father discovers Pippin's plot and executes him:

FASTRADA:
You'll be next in line for the throne, darling:

LEWIS:
Mama, no matter what happens, I'll move up:

FASTRADA:
Yes, darling.
(Sings)
BACK IN MY YOUNGER DAYS, IF THINGS WERE GOING WRONG
I MIGHT SULK, I MIGHT POUT
NOW I'VE LEARNED IF I JUST PITCH IN AND DO WHAT'S RIGHT
THINGS WILL ALWAYS WORK OUT
AND IF WE ALL COULD SPREAD A LITTLE SUNSHINE
ALL COULD LIGHT A LITTLE FIRE
WE ALL WOULD BE A LITTLE CLOSER
TO OUR HEART'S DESIRE
(Spoken)
In fear of my beloved husband's life, I brought Pippin's activities to his
attention:

(Lights up on CHARLES, who is standing on a high platform above them)

Pippin is disloyal to you, my lord:

CHARLES:
Every son is disloyal to his father at one time or another my lady:

FASTRADA:
But Lewis loves you, my lord:

CHARLES:
Lewis is an asshole, my lady.

FASTRADA:
(To audience)
Despite this rejection, I took upon my tine shoulders the task of effecting
a rapprochement between two men for whom I felt:deeply.
(Sings)
LORD KNOWS WE'VE SEEN ENOUGH TROUBLES ALREADY, WE'VE
HAD OUR FILL OF GREY SKIES
SO PUT DOWN THE VINEGAR, TAKE UP THE HONEY JAR
YOU'LL CATCH MANY MORE FLIES
AND IF WE ALL COULD SPREAD A LITTLE SUNSHINE
ALL COULD THINK BEFORE WE STRIKE
WE ALL WOULD BE A LITTLE CLOSER
TO THE WORLD WE'D LIKE

(Lights up on CHARLES again)

My lord?

CHARLES:
Yes, my lady?

FASTRADA:
Will you be praying at Arles next month?

CHARLES:
No, I don't think so.

FASTRADA:
Oh, but my lord, you always feel so much better after your yearly prayer.

CHARLES:
Yes I do, don't I?

(Lights down on CHARLES:

FASTRADA:
I sought out Pippin.

(Lights up on PIPPIN, who is atop a platform on the other side of the stage)

You father loves you, Pippin.

PIPPIN:
Freedom and dignity for all men is more important than the love between one
father and one son.

FASTRADA:
Still, your name will be on his lips when he prays:
(Pause)
:at Arles next month.

(During this exchange, the eyes on the faces in the backdrop start to move,
and they follow the dialogue from PIPPIN to FASTRADA and back again)

PIPPIN:
He prays at Arles next month?

FASTRADA:
Alone and unguarded.

PIPPIN:
Alone and unguarded. What date?

FASTRADA:
The fifteenth.

PIPPIN:
What time?

FASTRADA:
When the cock crows.

(The eyes on the backdrop roll)

Pippin, Pippin, I beg you to bring this estrangement to an end.

PIPPIN:
I intend to.

FASTRADA:
May I tell your father of this resolve?

PIPPIN:
No, no, no, no. Let it be a surprise.

FASTRADA:
A surprise.
(To audience)
Isn't that sweet?
(To PIPPIN)
Your intentions make me very happy:

PIPPIN:
You've been a great help to me, Fastrada.

(Lights down on PIPPIN as FASTRADA and LEWIS dance downstage laughing)

FASTRADA:
Oh, what sweeter word could a mother hear.
(Sings)
I KNOW THE PARABLES TOLD IN THE HOLY BOOK
I KEEP CLOSE ON MY SHELF
GOD'S WISDOM TEACHES ME WHEN I HELP OTHERES, I'M
REALLY HELPING MYSELF
AND IF WE ALL COULD SPREAD A LITTLE SUNSHINE
ALL COULD LEND A HELPING HAND
WE ALL WOULD BE A LITTLE CLOSER
TO THE PROMISED LAND.
CLOSER, CLOSER, CLOSER, CLOSER
CLOSER, CLOSER, CLOSER, CLOSER.

(FASTRADA and LEWIS dance a few steps, then SHE speaks to the audience)
It later occurred to me that Pippin might be planning to harm my Charles. I
therefore decided to warn him:

(Lights up on CHARLES)

CHARLES:
Well, I'm off to Arles to pray.

FASTRADA:
(Bows low)
Good-bye, my lord:

(CHARLES goes. FASTRADA and LEWIS continue their movements across the
stage. Then, suddenly stopping)
Oh dear. In the hustle and bustle of my lord's departure I completely
forgot to warn him:

(SHE and LEWIS snap their fingers)

Oh my, what a busy day:
(SHE sends LEWIS off and HE exits)
Events move so swiftly it's hard for a simple woman like me to keep up. But
something tells me that one day:soon:I will be able to say what every mother
wants to say:"My son, the King".

(At this point, a crown is lowered in and FASTRADA takes the crown and does
a dance with it. When it is over SHE sings)
AND IF WE ALL COULD SPREAD A LITTLE SUNSHINE
ALL COULD LEND A HELPING HAND
WE ALL WOULD BE A LITTLE CLOSER
TO THE PROMISED LAND
DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO
DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO
(Spoken)
After all, I'm just an ordinary housewife and mother, just like all you
housewives and mothers out there:
(Sings)
DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO
(SHE dances off, waving good-bye to the audience. As the lights fade on her
and the set goes out, the set for the chapel comes in and a light comes on
the LEADING PLAYER)

LEADING PLAYER:
INTRIGUE - PLOTS TO BRING DISASTER
The chapel at Arles.
(HE goes. Lights up on CHARLES, MONKS, and PIPPIN who is dressed as a monk)

CHARLES:
(Sensing his presence)
It's all right, Father. You may come in.

PIPPIN:
I'm sorry to disturb you, my son. I know you like to pray alone.

CHARLES:
You know who I am, Father?

PIPPIN:
Of course, my son.

CHARLES:
You want something from me perhaps:a favor:advancement?

PIPPIN:
No.

CHARLES:
Then what, Father?

PIPPIN:
I'm here to be with you for one moment:to touch you:to look in your eyes.

CHARLES:
And what do you see?

PIPPIN:
Two eyes:a little cloudy with age:a sunset.

CHARLES:
What else?

PIPPIN:
The death of thousands:the slavery of more:terror and bloodshed.

CHARLES:
You see that in my eyes?

PIPPIN:
Do you deny it?

CHARLES:
Deny it? I'm proud of it. I brought order out of chaos. If slavery, blood
and death are part of that order:so be it.

PIPPIN:
But those are words form the past. Time has passed you my son.

CHARLES:
And you time has come:my son?

PIPPIN:
(Taking down the hood on his robe)
Yes, Father.

CHARLES:
It's easy from where you stand to judge the things that I have done. But
when I marched the dust of the road was in my nose and when I fought the
blood of the enemy was in my eyes. I sank in the mud on the shores of the
Volga. I drowned two legions in the Vistula. Why eagles, ospreys, even
vultures had a better view. From the heights all things are very clear.
Birds float on the wind. But, by God, I blew my breath across a continent
and shaped an empire with it. Now if you have no further business with me,
go and leave me to my prayers.

PIPPIN:
What do you pray for, Father?

CHARLES:
Strength. And may God give you the same.

(PIPPIN strikes. CHARLES slowly sinks to the ground, the knife in his back.
The MONKS who have been praying softly throughout the scene laugh quietly.
One by one THEY blow out their candles as the lights go out on the chapel
backdrop)

PIPPIN:
(Sings)
WHY WON'T MY HAND STOP SHAKING
WHEN ALL THE EARTH IS STILL
WHEN ANCIENT GHOSTS ARE WAKING
SO MANY STEPS NEED TAKING
SO MANY PLANS NEED MAKING
I THINK I WILL
I THINK I WILL

(The LEADING PLAYER enters. The MONKS rise and bow to PIPPIN)

MONK 1:
Your majesty.

MONK 2:
King Pippin.

MONK 3:
Your majesty.

MONK 4:
Your Highness.

MONK 5:
King Pippin.

PIPPIN:
King Pippin:
MORNING GLOW, MORNING GLOW
STARTS TO GLIMMER WHEN YOU KNOW
WINDS OF CHANGE ARE SET TO BLOW
AND SWEEP THIS WHOLE LAND THROUGH
MORNING GLOW IS LONG PAST DUE

(As the song progresses, the lights reveal a new backdrop which, at the end,
is brilliantly lit as if to suggest a new hope. The REST of the PLAYERS now
enter and sing)
PIPPIN:
ALL:
MORNING GLOW FILL THE EARTH AH
COME AND SHINE FOR ALL YOUR WORTH
WE'LL BE PRESENT AT THE BIRTH
OF OLD FAITH LOOKING NEW
MORNING GLOW IS LONG PAST DUE

ALL:
OH, MORNING GLOW, I'D LIKE TO HELP YOU GROW

PIPPIN:
ALL:
WE SHOULD HAVE STARTED LONG AGO AH

PIPPIN AND ALL:
SO, MORNING GLOW ALL DAY LONG
WHILE WE SING TOMORROW'S SONG
NEVER KNEW WE COULD BE SO STRONG
BUT NOW IT'S VERY CLEAR

PIPPIN:
MORNING GLOW IS ALMOST HERE
MORNING GLOW BY YOUR LIGHT
WE CAN MAKE THE NEW DAY BRIGHT
AND THE PHANTOMS OF THE NIGHT
WILL FADE INTO THE PAST
MORNING GLOW IS HERE AT LAST

PIPPIN AND ALL:
AT LAST

LEADING PLAYER:
Long live the King!

ALL:
(Sarcastically)
Long live the King.

(The LEADING PLAYER puts the crown on PIPPIN's head. It is much too big,
however, and falls over PIPPIN's eyes)

PIPPIN:
(Groping around)
I think it's a little big.

LEADING PLAYER:
(Taking the crown from PIPPIN)
Well, a little tissue paper ought to fix that right up.

(In the following speech, the MONKS slip out of their robes and are now in
their PLAYERS' costumes again. The LEADING PLAYER calls out)
King Pippin, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire:

(PIPPIN looks at him excitedly)

:is prepared to hear petitions.

PIPPIN:
Come ahead. You will all be dealt with fairly. My invitation extends to
high and low alike.

(A BEGGAR kneels in the light)

BEGGAR:
Sire, I am a poor man:

PIPPIN:
You may stand. You may all stand:

(THEY all stand)

BEGGAR:
Thank you, sire. I am a very poor man. I can't find work. You have much
and I have nothing. Is that fair?

PIPPIN:
No. That's completely unfair. Treasurer?

(TREASURER steps into the light)

I order you to distribute money to the poor:

(THEY ALL applaud as the BEGGAR thanks him)

LEADING PLAYER:
(Indicating PIPPIN's future billing)
King Pippin, the Charitable:

(Lights up on a PEASANT)

PEASANT:
Sire, I'm a peasant. A simple working man. I own not one millimeter of
land on which I've worked so hard all my life. Is that fair?

PIPPIN:
No. That's terrible. But I will do something about it. I hereby decree
that from now on all peasants will own the land that they cultivate.

(THEY ALL applaud)

LEADING PLAYER:
King Pippin, the Just:

(Lights up on a NOBLE)

NOBLE:
Sire, now that you've given the land to the peasants, we loyal nobles have
no source of income. Therefore, we can no longer pay taxes.

PIPPIN:
Well then I hereby abolish taxes.

(THEY ALL applaud)

SOLDIER:
You realize sire without taxes you'll have no money to support an army.

PIPPIN:
That's all right. I don't need an army. That's it. No more taxes, no more
army.

(THEY ALL applaud)

LEADING PLAYER:
King Pippin, the Peaceful:

(FIELD MARSHALL enters)

FIELD MARSHALL:
Sire, it is my duty to inform you that the Infidel hun has attacked in the
East.

PLAYERS:
Oh!

FIELD MARSHALL:
He has destroyed three villages:

PLAYERS:
Oh!

FIELD MARSHALL:
:raped hundreds of women:

PLAYERS:
(Clinging together in horror)
Oh!

FIELD MARSHALL:
Tortured and murdered thousands of your royal subjects.

PLAYERS:
Oh!

PIPPIN:
Can he do that?

FIELD MARSHALL:
He has.

(THEY ALL turn to PIPPIN)

But he will withdraw:on one condition.

PIPPIN:
Well, that's very reasonable. I'm certainly willing to make any small
concession. What's the condition?

FIELD MARSHALL:
He demands your head on a pike staff.

PIPPIN:
Oh. Well, in that case, I guess you'll just have to go out and destroy the
Infidel.

FIELD MARSHALL:

But sire, I have no more men to wage a campaign:I have no money to buy
supplies:I have no army.

PIPPIN:
Excuse me a moment. Nobles?

(Lights up on the NOBLE as PIPPIN crosses to him)
You remember that decree I made a little while ago about land and taxes?

NOBLE:
Yes, sire.

PIPPIN:
That's off.

NOBLE:
You mean you want me to pay taxes again and raise an army?

PIPPIN:
Yes. That's right.

NOBLE:
But sire, without land I have neither money nor power over the peasants.

PIPPIN:
Oh, yes, that's a very good point.
(Stopping for a moment)
I hereby suspend land reform.

(Lights up on PEASANT)

PEASANT:
Suspend land reform? Why the hell should I work when the poor get handouts
from the royal treasury?

PIPPIN:
You're absolutely right. I hereby revoke charity to the poor.

BEGGAR:
Up thine, sire.

PIPPIN:
Take that man away and hang him!

(The BEGGAR puts the noose around his own neck, as the LEADING PLAYER starts
to take him away. The OTHER PLAYERS laugh to themselves)

No. Stop! Wait! Could you just let me think a minute please:

FASTRADA:
(Coming to PIPPIN)
Darling, you're a born ruler. You're doing a wonderful job. Nothing has
changed since your father died. Now about my royal allowance:

(ALL the PLAYERS close in on PIPPIN now with their demands : "Sire, I am a
poor man": "Sire, I am a peasant": "Sire, I am a :" until THEY're all lined
up on the light curtain adlibbing their demands. PIPPIN is becoming more
and more confused)

PIPPIN:
Denied.
(Then yelling)
DENIED! DENIED! DENIED!

(THEY stop)

FASTRADA:
King Pippin the Unpopular.

PIPPIN:
Get out of my chapel. I want to pray.

(THEY ALL leave, laughing under their breath, as the LEADING PLAYER blows
out the candles on the altar and goes to PIPPIN)

LEADING PLAYER:
Pray? You're the King. What in the world would you pray for?

PIPPIN:
Strength.

(ALL the PLAYERS have backed out of the chapel, leaving only PIPPIN and the
HEADLESS MAN who has entered unseen. The LEADING PLAYER hovers at the
proscenium)

HEADLESS MAN:
Hello.

PIPPIN:
Hello.

HEADLESS MAN:
I hear you've become king.

PIPPIN:
That's right.

HEADLESS MAN:
I was wondering:since you're the king, now:could you put this back on my
shoulders?
(HE holds out his head)

PIPPIN:
I'm sorry. I don't think I can.

HEADLESS MAN:
Some king.

PIPPIN:
There are certain things I just can't do.

HEADLESS MAN:
Never mind. I knew you'd be just like the others.

PIPPIN:
You don't understand. It's not that easy:

HEADLESS MAN:
They all say that.
(HE goes. PIPPIN looks around a moment and goes to CHARLES' body and
kneels)

PIPPIN:
Excuse me. Could I have my knife back?

CHARLES:
Help yourself.
(CHARLES' hand is seen reaching around and taking the knife out of his back,
coming back to life. PIPPIN gives his father the robe, and places the crown
over the knife in CHARLES' hand. The music stops)

PIPPIN:
I'm sorry, Father.

CHARLES:
Oh, that's all right, Son. Only don't let it happen again.
(CHARLES goes. PIPPIN looks after him a moment. Then HE turns to the
LEADING PLAYER)

PIPPIN:
Well, dammit! Nothing turns out the way I thought it would.

(The music for ON THE RIGHT TRACK begins, and the LEADING PLAYER moves to
PIPPIN)

I'm getting old. Very old. And I still haven't done anything with my life.

LEADING PLAYER:
But you will. You will.

Scene 6
ENCOURAGEMENT

LEADING PLAYER:
You will.
(Sings)
YOU LOOK FRENZIED, YOU LOOK FRAZZLED
PIQUED AS ANY ALP
FLUSHED AND RUSHED AND RAZZLE-DAZZLED
DRY YOUR LIPS, DAMP YOUR SCALP
NOW I CAN SEE YOU'RE IN A RUT IN
DISARRAY
AND I'M NOT ONE TO BUTT IN
BUT IN FACT I MUST SAY
IF YOU'D TAKE IT EASY, TRUST AWHILE
DON'T LOOK BLUE, DON'T LOOK BACK
YOU'LL PULL THROUGH IN JUST AWHILE
'CAUSE YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK

PIPPIN: LEADING PLAYER:
ON THE RIGHT TRACK UH HU HU HU
ON THE RIGHT TRACK TAKE IT EASY, SONNY
ON THE RIGHT TRACK TAKE IT EASY, SONNY
ON THE RIGHT TRACK TAKE IT EASY

LEADING PLAYER:
WHY BE FLURRIED

PIPPIN:
FLUSTERED

LEADING PLEAYER:
KEEP THOSE

PIPPIN:
HOPES ALOFT

LEADING PLAYER:
KEEP COOL AS CUSTARD

PIPPIN:
TRYING HARD

LEADING PLAYER:
STEPPING SOFT

BOTH:
THERE'S NO TRICK TO STAYING SENSIBLE
DESPITE EACH CUL-DE-SAC
'CAUSE EACH STEP'S INDESPENSIBLE
WHEN YOU'RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK

PIPPIN: LEADING PLAYER:
ON THE RIGHT TRACK THE RIGHT TRACK
ON THE RIGHT TRACK TAKE IT EASY, SONNY
ON THE RIGHT TRACK TAKE IT EASY, SONNY
ON THE RIGHT TRACK TAKE IT EASY

(The song develops into a dance during which the LEADING PLAYER encourages
PIPPIN to "Go, but easy")

LEADING PLAYER:
(Spoken)
Pippin jumped back into life with his usual zest. He tried art:the creative
life, and you know something, he wasn't too bad. But what he discovered
was:

PIPPIN:
:you got to be dead to find out if you were any good.

LEADING PLAYER:
Then he dedicated himself to the church. He sought God in the highways, he
sought Him in the byways:and then he finally cornered Him in a huge
cathedral. But what he found out was:

PIPPIN:
The church isn't saving souls, it's investing in real estate.

LEADING PLAYER:
MANY WHEN THINGS GET DANK WILL FEEL THEIR GRIP GO
WE STAY TRANQUIL, SPIRITS HIGH, PULSES LOW

PIPPIN:
(Coming through the light curtain again. It goes out, as the scrim comes
in)
BUT! WHAT I'VE LEFT BEHIND LOOKS TRIFLING
WHAT'S AHEAD LOOKS BLACK
AM I DOOMED TO SPEND MY LIFE A-LINGERING ON

LEADING PLAYER:
LINGERING ON

PIPPIN:
JUST LINGERING ON

BOTH:
MALINGERING ON THE RIGHT

PIPPIN:
Oh, I'll never find it:never:never:never:never! Shit!

Scene 7
THE HEARTH

LEADING PLAYER:
(Appearing from one of the side platforms)
Enter:Catherine.

(The lights come up on TWO PLAYERS holding a scarf. THEY lower to reveal
CATHERINE. But there is no CATHERINE. The PLAYERS look in the wings for
her, and back to the LEADING PLAYER. HE tries once more)
Enter Catherine!

(CATHERINE enters in a hurry)

CATHERINE:
(To the LEADING PLAYER)
Sorry:I couldn't get my eyelash on:

LEADING PLAYER:

It's okay. We'll just try it again.

(CATHERINE goes behind the scarf)

Enter:Catherine.

(The scarf is lowered and CATHERINE turns around)

A widow with a small boy and a large estate.
(HE goes)

CATHERINE:
(To audience, as SHE goes to PIPPIN who is lying on the stage)
When I first saw Pippin he was lying in the road like a discarded rag. I
would have passed him by.
(Sings)
PERHAPS I SHOULD HAVE PASSED HIM BY
BUT THERE WAS SOMETHING ABOUT HIS FOOT
YES:IT WAS THE ARCH OF HIS FOOT
THAT CAUGHT MY EYE
(Spoken)
What I did was merely an act of Christian charity. After all, I had no idea
that this discarded rag would clean up so well.
(SHE motions to the TWO PLAYERS who place PIPPIN in the bed which was set
behind the scrim upstage, while SHE sings)
THERE HE WAS
HE DIDN'T KNOW WHERE HE WAS
AND HE LOOKED SO LOST AND EXHAUSTED
YOU'D ALMOST SWEAR HE WAS DEAD
SO I SAID:
PICK HIM UP, PUT HIM TO BED
SEE THAT HE'S BATHED AND CLOTHED AND FED
AS I SAID, HOW COULD I FORETELL
HE'D CLEAN UP, OH, SO VERY WELL
IMAGINE MY SURPRISE
WHEN I RAISED MY EYES
AND THERE HE WAS
(Spoken)
The man had obviously lost the will to live. So the first thing I had to do
was to get him interested in something:something that would restore his
faith in life:something like:me.
(Going upstage to PIPPIN)
Well, Pippin, I'm sure there are many things you'd like to know about me,
aren't there?

PIPPIN:
No.

CATHERINE:
Good.

(Music under)

My name is Catherine. I'm a widow. I have a son. I own this estate.
(Sings)
I'M YOUR AVERAGE ORDINARY KIND OF WOMAN
COMPETENT AND NEAT
MAKING LIFE A TREAT
OTHERS AS NICE
YOU MEET OFTEN I KNOW
AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE
EVERY DECADE OR SO

I'M YOUR EVERYDAY, CUSTOMARY KIND OF WOMAN
PRACTICAL AS SALT
MODEST TO A FAULT
CONSERVATIVE WITH A BUDGET
LIBERAL WITH A MEAL
JUST YOUR AVERAGE DEAL

MY TELLING YOU THIS
MAY SEEM SUDDEN AND STRANGE
IT MAY NOT INTEREST YOU MUCH AT ALL RIGHT NOW
BUT THINGS CHANGE
THINGS CHANGE
STILL I'LL UNDERSTAND IF I'M NOT YOUR KIND OF WOMAN
ANYONE CAN MAKE
ONE TERRIBLE MISTAKE
BUT I'VE NO SPECIAL GLAMOUR
NO BAIT I CAN TWIRL
FOR I'M JUST A PLAIN, EVERYDAY
COMMONPLACE, COME-WHAT-MAY
AVERAGE, ORDINARY
WONDERFUL GIRL!
(Looking at him, then to the audience)
God! What a challenge! For a long time he showed no interest in anything.
I was determined to somehow pierce that dedicated apathy. Now:I've always
found that no man:no matter what his condition:can resist the charm of a
small boy. So, I sent my son Theo to him:

(THEO's entrance music. The LEADING PLAYER enters carrying THEO and his
DUCK)

LEADING PLAYER:
Enter Theo. A small lovable boy and his large lovable duck.
(LEADING PLAYER snaps his finger and goes)

THEO:
(Trying to wake PIPPIN up)
Pippin:Pippin:say hello to my duck:
(HE pushes the duck into PIPPIN's face)

PIPPIN:
How do you do:

THEO:
Guess his name.

PIPPIN:
Augustus.

THEO:
Wrong. His name's Otto. You're not very smart:

PIPPIN:
I am smart enough to know that a duck belongs in a pond and not in my bed!

(THEO looks at PIPPIN a moment, then gives him a juicy "raspberry" and goes.
PIPPIN tries to go back to sleep)

CATHERINE:
(Who has been observing all of this from downstage)
Obviously hopeless. I had picked him up off the road. I could throw him
back out again. Out he goes!
(Goes to PIPPIN, and is again stunned by the beauty of his foot. The anger
drains out of her)
I'll give him another chance.
(To PIPPIN)
Pippin, you have been lying in the bed for seven days, now what is the
matter with you?

PIPPIN:
Well it's nothing you could possible understand:

CATHERINE:
Well, try me. Give me a chance.

PIPPIN:
All right. You see, I have an overwhelming need to be completely fulfilled.
And it's never ever happened to me so I am in abject despair.

CATHERINE:
And that's it?

PIPPIN:
Yes. That's it.

CATHERINE:
(Coming downstage, to audience)
You may think that what I did next was scheming:devious:
(Turns back to PIPPIN)
Pippin, let me tell you something about despair.
(SHE points to the conductor and the organ begins to play as if this were
the beginning of a soap opera. PIPPIN is surprised by the music and begins
to search for its source. CATHERINE sits on the end of the bed and begins
speaking)

I loved my husband very much. The years we spent together were the happiest
years of my life. And then one day he was struck by fever:

(Slowly PIPPIN comes down to the end of the bed and watches her)

:and when his hand went cold in mine, I felt my life, too, was over. I was
overcome by the deepest despair. I took to my bed for five days. On the
sixth day I got up. There were things to be done. An estate to be run. A
boy to raise.

(The organ plays a grand finish. CATHERINE looks to the audience and
smiles. PIPPIN is staring at her. To audience)
Well, look at that. I think he's really moved.

(PIPPIN reaches out and touches CATHERINE's hand. SHE looks at the hand for
a long moment. Then softly, to PIPPIN)
Pippin, this is such a large estate. I'm all alone here and I can't do all
this work by myself. Couldn't you please help me:

PIPPIN:
All right! All right!
(HE starts to go)
But just for a little while:
(Goes. CATHERINE moves downstage and the bed revolves. It is now a tree)

CATHERINE:
(To audience)
Well, Pippin was finally out of bed and working:and slowly he became part of
everything:part of our everyday life:

************************************************************************
EVERYDAY LIFE SECTION

This section is narrated by CATHERINE as SHE observes PIPPIN taking part in
the small activities of daily life on an estate.

(A musical vamp begins and PIPPIN enters between TWO MEN. One of whom is the
LEADING PLAYER, disguised as a worker. THEY cross the stage rhythmically,
mechanically, each with a hoe. Together, THEY move across the stage as if
THEY were hoeing the fields. PIPPIN addresses the TWO MEN as CATHERINE
watches)

PIPPIN:
How often do we do this?

LEADING PLAYER:
Everyday:

PIPPIN:
Everyday?

MEN:
Uh huh.

PIPPIN:
Everyday. That's exciting.
(Sees CATHERINE looking at him)
Did you say something?

CATHERINE
No, no:
(SHE goes. PIPPIN looks after her as the TWO MEN go off. Then, to
audience)

PIPPIN:
I know that look. That's the look of a widow with a small boy and a large
estate and nobody to sit at the head of the table.
(HE goes)

CATHERINE:
(Coming back onstage)
For awhile, Pippin didn't show much enthusiasm for the work:but as time went
on:

(PIPPIN and the TWO MEN enter. This time THEY cross the stage in the same
rhythmic pattern, only this time THEY have seed bags and are sowing the
fields. PIPPIN is totally unenthusiastic, and HE throws the seeds from his
bag into the bag of one of the other MEN)

:and he showed no enthusiasm at all.

PIPPIN:
(Letting the LEADING PLAYER pass him by and sending him off with a pat on
the behind, call after them)
Keep up the good work, boys.
(Seeing CATHERINE watching him)
Well, what are you looking at?

CATHERINE:
Nothing:nothing:

(PIPPIN starts to go)

Oh, Pippin, there is something. The roof on the chicken house it's sprung a
lead:if you could get to it tomorrow:

PIPPIN:
Wait a minute:

CATHERINE:
:or the day after tomorrow.
(SHE goes)

PIPPIN:
(To himself)
The roof on the chicken house:?
(Calling after her)
I used to be the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire:
(To audience)
All right, so I screwed it up. Still:
(Sings)
PATCHING THE ROOF AND PITCHING THE HAY
IS NOT MY IDEA OF A PERFECT DAY
WHEN YOU'RE EXTRAORDINARY
YOU GOTTA DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

I'M NOT THE TYPE WHO LOSES SLEEP
OVER THE SIZE OF THE COMPOST HEAP
WHEN YOU'RE EXTRAORDINARY
YOU THINK ABOUT EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

THAT'S THE REASON I'LL NEVER BE
THE KIND OF MAN WHO DWELLS
ON HOW MOTHS GOT INTO THE TAPESTRY
OR WHY THE DUNGEON SMELLS

OH, IT'S HARD TO FEEL SPECIAL, IT'S HARD TO FELL BIG
FEEDING THE TURTLE AND WALKING THE PIG
IT'S SO SECONDARY
TO SOMEONE WHO IS VERY
EXTRAORDINARY LIKE ME

IF THE MOAT WON'T STOP LEAKING
AND THE GOAT WON'T STOP SHRIEKING
AND THE GRIFFIN KEEPS LOSING ITS HAIR
IF THE WEST WING IS ROTTING
AND OUR BEST WINE IS CLOTTING
WELL, I'M TERRIBLY SORRY BUT I DON'T CARE

I'VE GOT TO BE SOMEONE WHO LIVES
ALL OF HIS LIFE IN SUPERLATIVES
WHEN YOU'RE EXTRAORDINARY
YOU GOTTA DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

THE FACT THAT I'M DIFFERENT IS EASY TO SEE
SO WHY DOESN'T ANYBODY KNOW IT BUT ME?
I'M EXTRAORDINARY
I NEED TO DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

EVERY SO OFTEN A MAN HAS HIS DAY
HE TRULY CAN CALL HIS
WELL, HERE I AM TO SIEZE MY DAY
IF SOMEONE WOULD JUST TELL ME WHEN THE HELL IT IS

OH GIVE ME MY CHANCE, AND GIVE ME MY WINGS
AND DON'T MAKE ME THINK ABOUT EVERYDAY THINGS
THEY'RE UNNECESSARY
TO SOMEONE WHO IS VERY
EXTRAORDINARY
LIKE ME!
(Spoken)
I am. I am extraordinary. I am.

(CATHERINE enters)

That's it! I'm leaving. I'm getting out:tomorrow!

END OF EVERYDAY LIFE SECTION

************************************************************************

CATHERINE:
(To audience)
And then Theo's duck got sick.

(THEO enters and goes to PIPPIN. HE has his sick duck in his arms)

THEO:
Pippin:Pippin, Otto is sick.

(During this scene, CATHERINE stands behind PIPPIN and THEO. Her remarks
though directed to PIPPIN and THEO, are unheard by them)

PIPPIN:
That's too bad, Theo. I'm sorry.

CATHERINE:
Pippin, it's the first time he's come to you for help:

THEO:
Could you look at him:please:

CATHERINE:
Pippin:Pippin.

PIPPIN:
Theo, I don't know anything about ducks:

CATHERINE:
Pippin:try:

PIPPIN:
Oh, all right. Let me have a look at him.
(HE takes the duck reluctantly and looks at it for a long moment)

CATHERINE:
Now say something hopeful:

PIPPIN:
(Giving his duck back to THEO)
This is a very sick duck. There's nothing I can do for him.

(THEO starts to go away with the duck. HE is very sad. PIPPIN looks after
him)
Oh, Theo, yes there is.
(Rising to get THEO)
Wait a minute. Come here. Come and kneel down here next to me. Right over
here.

(PIPPIN and THEO kneeling next to one another, pray)

CATHERINE:
It was like a painting. Man and boy at prayer.

PIPPIN:
God, I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but his boy loves this duck:
(Sings)
HIS BREATH HAS EBBED, HIS PULSE IS LOW
HIS FEET ARE WEBBED, BUT EVEN SO
YOU MUST KNOW
THAT ALTHOUGH OUR TEARS ARE POISED TO BURST
WE'VE KEPT OUR FAITH WARM THROUGH THE WORST
WE HAVEN'T CURSED OUR LUCK OR RUN AMUCK
TO PRAYER WE'VE STUCK
PLEASE REWARD OUR PLUCK
AND SAVE THIS DUCK

CATHERINE:
(To audience)
They prayed all day. And then, just after sunset:

(Light goes out on the duck)

:the duck died:

PIPPIN:
I'm sorry, Theo:

(THEO obviously heartbroken, takes the duck in his arms and goes)

Wait a minute, Theo. We can go to the pond and get another duck.

(But this has no effect. THEO is gone. PIPPIN turns to CATHERINE)
Why did the Goddamn duck have to die?
(HE goes)

CATHERINE:
(To audience)
Then, an interesting thing happened. Theo plunged himself into monumental
despair. While on the other hand, Pippin, that Prince of Despair, dedicated
himself to raising the boy's spirits:

(THEO enters with his head way down looking very sad. PIPPIN enters
following THEO and a little too cheerful)

PIPPIN:
Theo! Hey, Theo, look, we're going out to thrash some grain right now and
we need another good man. You want to give us a helping hand?

(THEO exits paying no attention)

Another time, maybe:
(Goes)

CATHERINE:
But Pippin showed remarkable persistence. When one thing failed he tried
another.

PIPPIN:
(From offstage)
Theo:hey, Theo:

(THEO enters whittling a stick. PIPPIN enters on a pair of stilts)
Want to be the tallest little boy in the world?
(Waling on the stilts to where THEO is sitting)
Fee, fie, foe, fum. I smell the blood:
(HE gets off stilts and offers them to THEO)
Here, I made you a pair of stilts. Come on, I'll help you up. You can be
taller:

(THEO rises and crosses downstage where HE sits with his back toward PIPPIN)

:than anybody.
(Seeing that it's no use, PIPPIN takes the stilts and goes upstage behind
the tree)

CATHERINE:
(to audience)
Well, most men would have given up. But Pippin, with amazing perseverance
tried yet another way.

(PIPPIN enters from behind the tree. This time HE has a small baby lamb)

PIPPIN:
Theo, guess what I have for you this time. Now don't turn around. I'm
going to bring it right down to you:
(HE goes to THEO)
Okay, when I count to three you can turn around and look. One! Two!
Three! Look!

(THEO turns around. Looks at the lamb, then at PIPPIN)

THEO:
That's not a duck, dummy!
(HE goes)

PIPPIN:
(Dejectedly)
Did I say it was a duck?
(To the lamb)
Yeah, go on:you were a flop.
(PIPPIN exits with the lamb. HE comes back on shaking his head
apologetically and crosses the stage. As HE passes CATHERINE, SHE stops him
and pulls him close to her. SHE takes his face in her hands and kisses him
tenderly. Romantic music creeps in. Now, touching for the first time in
this way, THEY look at each other in a new way. CATHERINE kisses PIPPIN
again, and this time HE responds. The tree revolves upstage, and becomes a
bed again. CATHERINE and PIPPIN, looking at each other, go up to either
side of the bed. As THEY do, the lights fade and the music changes
tone:from romantic to corny passionate. Then TWO DANCERS, a MAN and a WOMAN
appear at opposite sides of the stage. THEY are scantily dressed and THEY
execute seductive, erotic movements directed at each other. Finally, as the
music reaches a climax, the WOMAN, full of confidence, makes an
extraordinary leap for the MAN. The MAN misjudges the angle of the leap and
bungles the catch. THEY BOTH fall to the ground in an ungainly sprawl.
Lights come up on the bed. PIPPIN and CATHERINE are sitting up. THEY are
grim)

PIPPIN:
(After a long pause)
I'm sorry.

CATHERINE:
I'm sorry.

PIPPIN:
No, no. It was my fault.

CATHERINE:
It was my fault. It's been a long time for me:

PIPPIN:
No, no:I just forgot:oh:

(THEY are silent for a moment)

You know, I think:

CATHERINE:
Yes:?

PIPPIN:
It'll be better:

CATHERINE:
(Hopefully)
Next time?

PIPPIN:
Next time.

(Lights down on the bed. The TWO DANCERS return and execute a similar
dance. Again the music reaches a climax and the WOMAN prepares for the
extraordinary leap. The MAN braces to catch her. The WOMAN is in the
air:and this time the MAN catches her with effortless grace. Lights up on
the bed. PIPPIN and CATHERINE are sitting up, smiling broadly. The bed
revolves into the tree and the LEADING PLAYER comes from behind it and
addresses the audience)

LEADING PLAYER:
Listen, I think we're gonna skip part of this. Nothing much really happens.
A little bit of this, a little bit of that:
(And then referring to the bed upstage)
:a whole lot of that.

(PIPPIN and CATHERINE come around the bed now, and start to move downstage)

But, the season changed as it always does, and the days were filled with
those everyday things. Seeds to be sown, fences to be mended:and, finally,
of course, a love song to be sung.

(CATHERINE and PIPPIN are seated on the floor center stage. The LEADING
PLAYER goes)

PIPPIN:
(Sings)
SITTING ON THE FLOOR AND TALKING 'TIL DAWN

CATHERINE:
CANDLES AND CONFIDENCES

PIPPIN:
TRADING OLD BELIEFS AND HUMMING OLD SONGS

CATHERINE:
AND LOWERING OLD DEFENSES

PIPPIN:
SING A

BOTH:
LOVE SONG - LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA
LOVE SONG - LA LA LA LA

PIPPIN:
PRIVATE LITTLE JOKES AND SILLY PET NAMES

CATHERINE:
LAVENDAR SOAP AND LOTIONS

PIPPIN:
ALL OF THE CLICHES AND ALL OF THE GAMES

CATHERINE:
AND ALL OF THE STRANGE EMOTIONS

PIPPIN:
SINGING A

BOTH:
LOVE SONG - LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA
LOVE SONG - LA LA LA LA LA

PIPPIN:
THEY SAY THE WHOLE IS GREATER

BOTH:
THAN THE SUM OF THE PARTS IT'S MADE OF

PIPPIN:
WELL IF IT'S TRUE OF ANYTHING

BOTH:
IT'S TRUE OF LOVE

PIPPIN:
CAUSE HOW CAN YOU DEFINE A LOOK OR A TOUCH?

CATHERINE:
HOW CAN YOU WEIGH A FEELING?

PIPPIN:
TAKEN BY THEMSELVES NOW THEY DON'T MEAN MUCH

BOTH:
TOGETHER THEY SEND YOU REELING

PIPPIN:
INTO A

BOTH:
LOVE SONG - LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA
LOVE SONG - LA LA LA LA LA

LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA
LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA

CATHERINE:
(Spoken)
Close your eyes.

PIPPIN:
Why?

CATHERINE:
Because we've got a surprise for you.

(THEO, who has entered quietly, now runs to PIPPIN and throws his arms
around PIPPIN's neck)

THEO:
We've got a surprise!

CATHERINE AND THEO:
We've got a surprise!

(The tree-unit revolves, and this time the bed has been converted into a
dining-room table set with dishes and food. From the wings, a few of the
PLAYERS enter with stools and place them around the table. After this is
done, THEY exit. CATHERINE helps PIPPIN up and leads PIPPIN up to the
table. THEO clings to PIPPIN)

CATHERINE:
Keep your eyes closed, Pippin. Now no peeking.

PIPPIN:
I usually don't like surprises.

CATHERINE:
Well, you'll like this one.

(THEY have reached the table, and CATHERINE and THEO help PIPPIN to a seat)

PIPPIN:
Can I open my eyes, please?

CATHERINE:
Yes, now you can.

(PIPPIN opens his eyes. CATHERINE uncovers a dish and lights the contents)
Quince pudding flamb§Û! Oh, I haven't made it for years:but I thought that
for this special occasion:

PIPPIN:
What special occasion?

CATHERINE:
Well:six months ago today:
(Pause)
:you arrived here. So Theo and I thought that we would celebrate with a
little party. So I made this:and Theo made you a flute:

THEO:
(Handing the flute to PIPPIN)
Here.

PIPPIN:
Oh, Theo:it's beautiful. Thank you. I don't know what to say.

CATHERINE:
Well let me say something then.
(Pause)
In the six months that you've been with us, you've come to mean a great deal
to me:to us: to our very ordinary lives. So, I just want to say for me:for
Theo:we're glad you're here. And now:well, now we have so many good years
ahead of us:

(SHE and THEO move PIPPIN to the head of the table. PIPPIN sits very
reluctantly)

Well, isn't anybody going to eat my pudding?

THEO:
I am!

(CATHERINE starts to dish out the pudding. PIPPIN rises suddenly, and goes
downstage)

PIPPIN:
I've got to get out of here.

CATHERINE:
(Going to him)
:Pippin, what's the matter?

PIPPIN:
I just can't stay here.

CATHERINE:
I don't understand.

PIPPIN:
I've got to go.

CATHERINE:
Why?

PIPPIN:
Because this isn't enough. Life is more than ducks that die:and leaking
roofs:and flaming quince pudding!

CATHERINE:
Are you sure?

PIPPIN:
Yes I'm sure. And I am not going to be stuck doing the same damn thing
every day:

CATHERINE:
:and night?

PIPPIN:
Don't you see, there has to be something more than this. There has to be.

CATHERINE:
Maybe there isn't any more.

PIPPIN:
I know there is.
CATHERINE:
(Sings)
(To audience as if a
RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN litany, learned by rote)
RAMBLE I loved my husband
very much.
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN The years we spent together
FLY were the
happiest years of my
I'VE GOT TO BE WHERE MY life. And then one day
he
SPIRIT CAN RUN FREE was struck by fever:
GOTTA FIND: and when his
hand went cold
in mine, I felt my life,
too, was over. I was over-
come by the deepest despair.
I took to my bed for five
days. On the sixth day I
got up. There were things
to be done. An estate to
be run. A boy to raise.

(PIPPIN goes. The lights begin to go out on her)

CATHERINE:
Could you hold the light for a minute:please?

(The light comes back on)

Thank you.
(SHE sings)
I GUESS I'LL MISS THE MAN
EXPLAIN IT IF YOU CAN
HIS FACE WAS FAR FROM MINE

(Music begins quietly under)

BUT STILL I'LL MISS HIS FACE
AND WONDER IF HE'S MISSING MINE.

(The LEADING PLAYER enters behind the scrim. As SHE continues to sing ALL
of the PLAYERS, one by one, enter behind the scrim watching her)

SOME DAYS HE WOULDN'T SAY
A PLEASANT WORD ALL DAY
SOME DAYS HE'D SCOWL AND CURSE
BUT THERE WERE OTHER DAYS
WHEN HE WAS REALLY EVEN WORSE

SOME MEN ARE HEROES
SOME MEN OUTSHINE THE SUN
SOME MEN ARE SIMPLE, GOOD MEN
THIS MAN WASN'T ONE
AND I WON'T MISS HIS MOODS
HIS GLOOMY SOLITUDES
HIS BLUNT ABRASIVE STYLE
BUT PLEASE DON'T GET ME WRONG
HE WAS THE BEST TO COME ALONG
IN A LONG, LONG WHILE:
(Spoken)
And the arch of his foot really was in a class by itself.
(SHE goes)

Scene 8
THE FINALE

The stage is in darkness.

We hear the same orchestral vamp that we heard at the beginning of the show.

The light curtain comes on and we see ALL the PLAYERS standing on it singing
the low crooning vocal wail. At the end of which THEY bow.

PIPPIN is sitting downstage on the floor, looking very discouraged. The
PLAYERS move in around him.

LEADING PLAYER:
Well, Pippin, I guess you finally realize what we knew from the beginning:

PIPPIN:
What's that?

A PLAYER:
:that your search for perfection and fulfillment was doomed from the start.

A PLAYER:
Nothing ever turns out the way you think it's going to:

A PLAYER:
It's all flawed in one way or another:

A PLAYER:
Isn't that true?

LEADING PLAYER:
Nothing has been completely fulfilling now, has it, Pippin? Has it?

PIPPIN:
No.

(THEY ALL laugh quietly and nod)

I guess there's nothing.

LEADING PLAYER:
(Laughing)
Wait:wait a minute! There is something:

PIPPIN:
There is:?

(THEY ALL nod and adlib "Oh, yes")

What?

LEADING PLAYER:
The only comepletely perfect act in our repertoire:the finale!

ALL:
(Screaming and clapping)
The finale!

(A FEW of the PLAYERS bring on a large set piece which is the trick
fire-box. The LEADING PLAYER claps and the PLAYER with the torch who
appeared briefly in the opening jumps on)

PLAYER:
Now?

LEADING PLAYER:
Now.

(The PLAYER with the torch goes upstage to the box. Another PLAYER steps
inside the box. A cloth is held up in front of the box which reads
"PIPPIN'S GRAND FINALE". The PLAYER with the torch sets fire to a dummy
inside the box who is supposed to be a man. The cloth is lowered. We see
the dummy burn. After it burns, the cloth is brought up again and the
PLAYER steps in front of it. It is a very realistic and frightening trick,
and when it is over the TROUPE applauds)

ALL:
Ta da!

PIPPIN:
That's the finale? But that was just a trick:

LEADING PLAYER:
When he does it, it's just a trick. But when you do it, it'll be for real.

PIPPIN:
When I do it:?
(HE looks around at ALL the PLAYERS. THEY nod "Yes" to PIPPIN)

You mean you want me to get into that box and set myself on fire?

(The PLAYERS begin to close in on PIPPIN)

Wait a minute:

A PLAYER:
You will step into that flame, Pippin:

LEADING PLAYER:
Become part of that flame:

A PLAYER:
Be enfulfed by that flame:

A PLAYER:
Become flame itself:

(THEY are ALL around PIPPIN now)

LEADING PLAYER:
And for one moment shine with unequalled brilliance:

A PLAYER:
And in that flame you'll become a glorious synthesis of life and death:

A PLAYER:
:and life again:

LEADING PLAYER:
(Turns to the audience)
Ladies and gentlemen:presenting the Great Pippin, in our grand finale never
before seen on a public stage!

(A drum roll begins and THEY ALL applaud wildly:THEY are ecstatic with
pleasure at the thought of PIPPIN burning himself)

PIPPIN:
Stop! Stop! Stop that!

(THEY stop. The drum roll stops)

Look, if this finale is so spectacular, why don't one of you do it?

LEADING PLAYER:
(After a long pause)
Look, we're just ordinary run-of-the-mill people. Just your everyday men
and women who keep this old world spinning:hell, we're nothing.

(THEY ALL begin to close in on PIPPIN again)

But you, Pippin, you're an extraordinary human being:with extraordinary
aspirations and dreams.

A PLAYER:
You deserve and extraordinary climax:

A PLAYER:
:an unparalleled finale:

LEADING PLAYER:
It's everything you've been looking for:

A PLAYER:
Your dream!

A PLAYER:
Complete ultimate fulfillment!

A PLAYER:
Perfection! Like the sun blazing in the sky!

LEADING PLAYER:
The sun at its zenith!

(Now the song begins, led by the LEADING PLAYER, later joined by ALL.
PIPPIN stares into the flame, reluctant at first, but slowly becoming
carried away by the music and the fire)

THINK ABOUT THE SUN, PIPPIN
THINK ABOUT HER GOLDEN GLANCE
HOW SHE LIGHTS THE WORLD UP
WELL, NOT IT'S YOUR CHANCE
WITH THE GUARDIAN OF SPLENDOR
INVITING YOU TO DANCE
PIPPIN
THINK ABOUT THE SUN

ALL:
(Adlib, whispering, beckoning PIPPIN to the fire-box)
Now, Pippin:come on, Pippin:it's ready:

LEADING PLAYER:
Now, Pippin:it's time.

PIPPIN:
Look, it's just that if this isn't it:I'm going to have a tough time trying
something else:

A PLAYER:
Pippin, you lack a certain amount of poise:

A PLAYER:
Think of the radiance:

A PLAYER:
Remember the beauty:

A PLAYER:
Admiring glances:

A PLAYER:
Thunderous applause:

A PLAYER:
Think of the word-of-mouth:

LEADING PLAYER
(Sings)
THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, PIPPIN

A PLAYER:
DAYS ARE TAME AND NIGHTS THE SAME

LEADING PLAYER:
NOW THINK ABOUT THE BEAUTY

LEADING PLAYER AND PLAYER:
IN ONE PERFECT FLAME

(As the REST of the PLAYERS join in the song, the final set comes in. It is
a backdrop which looks like the sun, shining and brilliant, with angels on
it)

LEADING PLAYER AND PLAYER: ALL:
AND THE ANGELS OF THE MORNING AHHH
ARE CALLING OUR YOUR NAME AHHH

ALL:
PIPPIN

LEADING PLAYER:
THINK ABOUT THE

ALL:
SUN

A PLAYER:
(Spoken)
More lights, perhaps?

LEADING PLAYER:
You want more lights, you got 'em! Let's give this angel some light!
(HE claps. The lights go on and now the lighting would do justice to only
Christ on the cross:super-religious and dramatic. The music becomes
rhythmic, insistent. The PLAYERS add tambourines)

ALL:
(Singing again)
THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, PIPPIN
THINK ABOUT THE DREAMS YOU PLANNED
THINK ABOUT THE MOMENT
THAT'S SO CLOSE AT HAND
WHEN THE POWER AND THE GLORY
ARE THERE AT YOUR COMMAND
PIPPIN
THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFE

(The tambourines increase their jiggling, the singing becomes louder and
wilder)

THINK ABOUT THE SUN, PIPPIN
THING ABOUT HER GOLDEN GLANCE
HOW SHE LIGHT THE WORLD UP
WELL, NOW IT'S YOUR CHANCE
WITH THE GUARDIANS OF SPLENDOR
INVITING YOU TO DANCE
PIPPIN
THINK ABOUT THE SUN

(In the course of the following verse, the unison breaks into harmony.
PIPPIN is slowly becoming part of their rhythmic gyrations, his resistance
getting lower and lower)

THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, PIPPIN
THINK ABOUT THE DREAMS YOU PLANNED
THINK ABOUT THE MOMENT
THAT'S SO CLOSE AT HAND
WHEN THE POWER AND THE GLORY
ARE THERE AT YOUR COMMAND

WHEN THE POWER AND THE GLORY
ARE THERE AT YOUR COMMAND

WHEN THE POWER AND THE GLORY
ARE THERE AT YOUR COMMAND

PIPPIN, THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFE

(PIPPIN has the torch now. HE looks at it as though in a trance, as the
LEADING PLAYER beckons him toward the fire-box and the PLAYERS sing)
RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN RAMBLE
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN FLY:

(PIPPIN runs up to a PLAYER and gives back the torch. Adlib, whispering,
beckoning, calling to him)
Pippin:Pippin:now, Pippin, now:come on, Pippin:

PIPPIN:
No, stop! Please don't do that to me:please:
(PIPPIN covers his ears and the noise stops. The PLAYERS FREEZE.
Sings)
I'M NOT A RIVER OR A GIANT BIRD
THAT SOARS TO THE SEA
AND IF I'M NEVER TIED TO ANYTHING
I'LL NEVER BE FREE

(CATHERINE and THEO enter form behind the fire-box. Slowly, PIPPIN turns
to them and goes toward them)

LEADING PLAYER:
(To CATHERINE)
What the hell are you doing out here?
(to PIPPIN)
Hey, where are you going, Pippin? Come on, stop this nonsense and get on
with:the finale, Pippin:the finale:

ALL:
(Adlib)
The finale, Pippin:the finale:

(PIPPIN takes CATHERINE and THEO by the hand. THEY stand together)

A PLAYER:
Coward:

A PLAYER:
Compromiser:

ALL:
Compromiser!

PIPPIN:
(Sings)
I WANTED MAGIC SHOWS AND MIRACLES
MIRAGES TO TOUCH
I WANTED SUCH A LITTLE THING FROM LIFE
I WANTED TO MUCH
I NEVER CAME CLOSE, MY LOVE
WE NEARLY CAME NEAR
IT NEVER WAS THERE
I THINK IT WAS HERE:

LEADING PLAYER AND ALL:
All right:you'll see what it's like without us:take away the set:everything
out:move it.

(The set begins to move out)

Colored lights out. Take 'em out. Pinks and reds out:well, that's not too
flattering is it, Pippin?

(The lighting becomes harsh. PIPPIN does not answer)

Costumes:get their costumes:

(The PLAYERS strip CATHERINE, PIPPIN, and THEO, leaving them in black
tights)

Make up:let's go:get it off:and the wigs:

(PLAYERS remove make up and wigs from PIPPIN, CATHERINE and THEO)

Look around, Pippin. How do things look to you now?

PIPPIN:
THEY SHOWED ME CRIMSON, GOLD AND LAVENDAR
A SHINING PARADE:

LEADING PLAYER:
A mole, Pippin. Look at the mole on her face. You're going to spend the
rest of your life with a woman with a mole?

PIPPIN:
BUT THERE'S NO COLOR I CAN HAVE ON EARTH
THAT WON'T FINALLY FADE:

LEADING PLAYER AND ALL:
And the kid:He'll whine 24 hours a day:gimme this! Gimme that!

PIPPIN:
WHEN I WANTED WORLDS TO PAINT

LEADING PLAYER AND ALL:
This is the way you want to live? Is this what you want?

PIPPIN:
AND COSTUMES TO WEAR:

LEADING PLAYER:
No costumes:no make up:

PIPPIN:
I THINK IT WAS HERE:

LEADING PLAYER AND ALL:
No pink tights:

PIPPIN:
CAUSE IT NEVER WAS THERE:

ALL:
And no magic!

(The lights are beginning to go out one by one)

LEADING PLAYER:
(To audience)
Ladies and Gentlemen, we apologize for our inability to bring you the finale
that we promised. It seems our extraordinary young man has elected to
compromise his aspirations. But I know there are many of you out
there:extraordinary people:exceptional people:who would gladly trade your
ordinary lives for the opportunity to do one perfect act - our grand finale.
Now, if you should decide to do so, we'll be there for you:waiting:anytime
you want us. Why we're right inside your heads, and we promise you sets,
costumes, lights, magic:and a short - but - spectacular career!

(THEY ALL look out to the audience, singling out people and asking them to
come with them)

All right. Let's go! Out. Everybody out:out!

(The PLAYERS go)

Take out the rest of the lights.

(Lights go out. A STAGE MANAGER brings a work light out)

Orchestra, pack up your fiddles. Get your horns. Let's go.
(Then to the pianist)
Take your damn hands off that keyboard!

(Piano stops. It is silent. Then, to PIPPIN)
You try singing without music, sweetheart!
(The LEADING PLAYER goes. The stage is dark except for the work light.
PIPPIN, CATHERINE, and THEO are alone on stage. PIPPIN sings without music)

PIPPIN:
I WANTED MAGIC SHOWS AND MIRACLES
MIRAGES TO TOUCH
I WANTED SUCH A LITTLE THING FROM LIFE
I WANTED SO MUCH

CATHERINE:
Pippin:do you feel that you've compromised?

PIPPIN:
No.

CATHERINE:
Do you feel like a coward?

PIPPIN:
No.

CATHERINE:
How do you feel:?

PIPPIN:
Trapped:but happy:
(HE looks from one to the other and smiles)
which isn't too bad for the end of a musical comedy. Ta da!

(They bow as the CURTAIN comes down)

END