"It's not what you think" performed by 201 A -- Phantasm
Saturday, September 26, 2009 / 1:39 AM
It's over.
But we did it.
3 cheers and 3 cheers and 3 cheers for us.
Hip hip hurrah!!!!!!
Monday we'll know if our play is selected or not. Hope for the best dudes :)
Even if we aren't, GREAT JOB DONE!
Love you guys,
Chermaine
Thank you all
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 / 6:54 AM
Hey Phantasm!!! Our group name may not sound as easy and simple as Bevens, so nice to call, and it may not be the easiest to understand, but I truly truly believe we've come a long way since day 1. Remember the crappy freeze frames??? And the initial brainstorming all the non-hands-on, so boring???
But YO WE'VE COME UP WITH AN AT-LEAST DECENT PLAY that I really think is worth commendation. I'm definitely much closer to all of you and I really really really x1000000 think that our group is very dynamic like we have AV specialist and drama specialist and all you guys!!
Thank you:
Joy- for imagining me as your imaginary Alice :) You act really into character and always try your best to hit the right mood and all that. GO POPPY!!!!!
Zhiyi- for giving all those suggestions that really work out in the play esp in the scenes you're not in, you got alot of super good feedback. GO ALEX!!!!! (Be a great lovebird tomorrow)
Shuhui- for leading us this entire while, making sure we're on track and stuff, directing us, giving us your "drama girl" POV hahaha. GO HUI HUI!!!!!
Jiachee- for taking on the 2 most engaging yet courage-requiring roles, the ahma and the bimb model. So brave !! Thanks for also being my partner when we did the initial character planning and also evaluation. TQTQ. GO AHMA!!!!!
Lois- for coming up with the most intriguing script that I'd never could have written out from scratch. That is totally why I can only be assistant playwr cos your brain is too good. Tsk. Hahah GO JON!!!!!
Eliz- for being the sweetest Mr Lee we could ever ask for HAHHAHAHA :D Thanks for your encouragements and laughter along this way and GO MR LEE!!!!!
Jolyn- for using your super super AV skills esp in lighting to help us come out w a great great lighting plan. Alot of the special effects to the play could never be done w/o you. Your joy has also brought out so much fun in this process you know. GO MR GAN!!!!!
Did I miss out anyone? Me???
GO ALICE!!!!!
Be the drama queens that you are tomorrow, jiayou jiayou jia jia you. Thank you for the great term of drama we had together. Let's let it pay off ya? :)
Love, Chermaine
But YO WE'VE COME UP WITH AN AT-LEAST DECENT PLAY that I really think is worth commendation. I'm definitely much closer to all of you and I really really really x1000000 think that our group is very dynamic like we have AV specialist and drama specialist and all you guys!!
Thank you:
Joy- for imagining me as your imaginary Alice :) You act really into character and always try your best to hit the right mood and all that. GO POPPY!!!!!
Zhiyi- for giving all those suggestions that really work out in the play esp in the scenes you're not in, you got alot of super good feedback. GO ALEX!!!!! (Be a great lovebird tomorrow)
Shuhui- for leading us this entire while, making sure we're on track and stuff, directing us, giving us your "drama girl" POV hahaha. GO HUI HUI!!!!!
Jiachee- for taking on the 2 most engaging yet courage-requiring roles, the ahma and the bimb model. So brave !! Thanks for also being my partner when we did the initial character planning and also evaluation. TQTQ. GO AHMA!!!!!
Lois- for coming up with the most intriguing script that I'd never could have written out from scratch. That is totally why I can only be assistant playwr cos your brain is too good. Tsk. Hahah GO JON!!!!!
Eliz- for being the sweetest Mr Lee we could ever ask for HAHHAHAHA :D Thanks for your encouragements and laughter along this way and GO MR LEE!!!!!
Jolyn- for using your super super AV skills esp in lighting to help us come out w a great great lighting plan. Alot of the special effects to the play could never be done w/o you. Your joy has also brought out so much fun in this process you know. GO MR GAN!!!!!
Did I miss out anyone? Me???
GO ALICE!!!!!
Be the drama queens that you are tomorrow, jiayou jiayou jia jia you. Thank you for the great term of drama we had together. Let's let it pay off ya? :)
Love, Chermaine
/ 5:23 AM
hello just wanted to say:
JIAYOU FOR TMR :D
jiachee <3
Costumes
/ 4:05 AM
'ello. I've sent a message to each of you on stuff that you have to bring tomorrow.
Very recent change of costumes: Alice will be the one wearing the overalls, not Poppy.
Here is a list of what each of you have to bring as well as who its for so it would be clearer what to bring. Please tell me if I left anything out. ^^
CALISTA:
- Tights (Poppy)
- Blouse (Poppy)
- Gel (for the guys xD)
CHERMAINE:
- Stuffed toy (Alice)
- Ball (Alice)
- Blouse (Li Hui Hui)
- Black Jacket (Mr Gan)
- Blouse (Poppy)
ELIZABETH
- Shirt (Mr Lee)
- Pants (Mr Lee)
- Black pants (Jonathan)
JIACHEE
- Overalls (Alice)
- Slippers (Granny)
- Ring (model)
- Cup ()
- Hairnet (for the guys xDD)
JOLYN
- Tie (Mr Gan)
- Black pants (Mr gan)
- Blue jacket ()
LOIS:
- White jacket (Jonathan)
- Black shoes (Mr Gan)
- Baggy Dress (Granny)
- Trenchcoat (Model)
- Heels (Model)
- Flats ()
- Suit (Li Hui Hui)
SHUHUI
- Black tank top (Li Hui Hui)
- Heels (Li Hui Hui)
- Tie (Jonathan)
ZHIYI
- Shirt (Alex)
- Pants (Alex)
- Sneakers (Alex)
- Pencil skirt ()
Jiayous for tomorrow! :DDDD
Huggles,
Calista aka Poppy :D
Very recent change of costumes: Alice will be the one wearing the overalls, not Poppy.
Here is a list of what each of you have to bring as well as who its for so it would be clearer what to bring. Please tell me if I left anything out. ^^
CALISTA:
- Tights (Poppy)
- Blouse (Poppy)
- Gel (for the guys xD)
CHERMAINE:
- Stuffed toy (Alice)
- Ball (Alice)
- Blouse (Li Hui Hui)
- Black Jacket (Mr Gan)
- Blouse (Poppy)
ELIZABETH
- Shirt (Mr Lee)
- Pants (Mr Lee)
- Black pants (Jonathan)
JIACHEE
- Overalls (Alice)
- Ring (model)
- Cup ()
- Hairnet (for the guys xDD)
JOLYN
- Tie (Mr Gan)
- Black pants (Mr gan)
- Blue jacket ()
LOIS:
- White jacket (Jonathan)
- Black shoes (Mr Gan)
- Baggy Dress (Granny)
- Trenchcoat (Model)
- Suit (Li Hui Hui)
SHUHUI
- Tie (Jonathan)
ZHIYI
- Shirt (Alex)
- Pants (Alex)
- Sneakers (Alex)
- Pencil skirt ()
Jiayous for tomorrow! :DDDD
Huggles,
Calista aka Poppy :D
Monday, September 21, 2009 / 7:18 AM
I vote for 'feels like a friend' because it seems more innocent and somewhat childlike. ^^
Actually, I suggested only brought Phantasm up cause I stumbled upon it on dictionary.com and thought you guys might be interested in it as it is kind of like what Alice is like in a much cooler sounding word than imaginary friend, especially since she will now be holding on to a stuffed toy right? And its meaning there is more detailed in a way:
Actually, I suggested only brought Phantasm up cause I stumbled upon it on dictionary.com and thought you guys might be interested in it as it is kind of like what Alice is like in a much cooler sounding word than imaginary friend, especially since she will now be holding on to a stuffed toy right? And its meaning there is more detailed in a way:
1. an apparition or specter.
2. a creation
of the imagination or fancy; fantasy.
3. a mental image or representation of a real
object.
4. an illusory likeness of something.
I found the above two paragraphs quite a while ago but neglected to put it up.
According to several theories of psychology, an understanding of a child's conversations with their imaginary friends can reveal a lot about the anxieties and fears of that child as well as the child's aspirations and perception of the world. Some children report that their "imaginary friends" manifest themselves physically and are indistinguishable from "real" people, while others say that they see their friends only in their heads.
A long-time popular misconception is that most children dismiss or forget the imaginary friend once they begin school and acquire 'real' friends. According to one study, by the age of seven, sixty-five
percent of children report that they have had an imaginary companion at some point in their lives. Some psychologists have suggested that children simply retain but stop speaking about imaginary friends, due to adult expectations and peer pressure. Children have reported creating or maintaining imaginary friends as pre-teens or teenagers, and very few adults report having imaginary friends. This may, however, signal a serious psychological disorder.
Based on my own childhood experiences however, I created many imaginary friends. ^^ But it was mostly for fun. I believe that many people often play 'make believe' when they were younger as well, creating alternate worlds with our imagination for our own entertainment. But when I grew out of my imaginary friend period, I started talking to inanimate objects for a period of time as a way to release some emotions before thinking how ridiculous I was being and switched to the most common way of expressing our feelings this feel days: through blogs. But now I express it through my fanfiction I write. :D
Huggles, Calista (:
Group name/ title?
/ 2:38 AM
As for now, Joy suggested
PHANTASM for our group name.
And then lois suggested "Feels like a Friend" for play title.
And Shuhui suggested we change it to "Fate is no Friend" since fate plays a big part in our play.
I vote for Fate is no Friend.
Can we discuss this in sch?
Chermaine
PHANTASM for our group name.
phan·tasm
n.
1. Something apparently seen but having no physical reality; a phantom or an apparition. Also called phantasma.
2. An illusory mental image. Also called phantasma.
And then lois suggested "Feels like a Friend" for play title.
And Shuhui suggested we change it to "Fate is no Friend" since fate plays a big part in our play.
I vote for Fate is no Friend.
Can we discuss this in sch?
Chermaine
Rehearsal hours
Sunday, September 20, 2009 / 8:37 PM
Yea so just to log it down, I think we've had at least 8 hours of rehearsals!! :D
1h during the sept hols wednesday, 2 hours on saturday from 8.45am to 10.45am, 2 whitespaces (about 2h 40 min), plus drama lessons.
Jiayou team, assessment in 2 days.
Anyway, please remember for the ahma heart attack scene, wait for the "Good luck, Poppy~" thing first.
And for the blackout in the middle of the play. It will be:
Alice: The Wonders of Fate -black out immediately-
Alice throws the ball
Alice starts humming
Alex's light goes on.
Yay,
Chermaine
1h during the sept hols wednesday, 2 hours on saturday from 8.45am to 10.45am, 2 whitespaces (about 2h 40 min), plus drama lessons.
Jiayou team, assessment in 2 days.
Anyway, please remember for the ahma heart attack scene, wait for the "Good luck, Poppy~" thing first.
And for the blackout in the middle of the play. It will be:
Alice: The Wonders of Fate -black out immediately-
Alice throws the ball
Alice starts humming
Alex's light goes on.
Yay,
Chermaine
Final Script (with Lighting Instructions)
/ 8:33 PM
Drama Script
201 Group A
Scene 1 (Poppy's house)
(Turn on CSR)
(EVERYONE ON BACKSTAGE RIGHT.
Poppy sitting on platform sewing a sock, Alice sitting on floor beside her. )
Poppy: (thinking hard) We can finally be together, no obstacles, nothing to stop us. But why wasn't he excited, Alice? Tell me, why wasn’t he?
Alice: (looking at her nails) Perhaps… he was busy? I don't know! But aren't you happy?
Poppy: (suddenly realized) Happy? (short pause) That's right. Why don't I feel happy? Or even… satisfied?
Alice: Oh, forget it! Let's celebrate!
Poppy: (get down from platform) No. Something is wrong. It feels like… I've lost something in the process, something… important.
Alice: (chin on hand propped on the platform) And what's that?
Poppy: I.. I don't know. I made a mistake. Somewhere, along the way. My first mistake, (as if thinking very very hard) was agreeing to meet him...
--------
Scene 2 (Advertisement recording centre)
(SR on, CSR off )
(music: FLY ME TO THE MOON excerpt)
(Jiachee wearing a ring & posing in random poses, looking at the ring)
Model: Li Jewellery, my choice.
Li Hui Hui: CUT!!! Let’s do it again.
(SR off, SL on)
Mr. Gan: (very very comically) Are you bored of your plain ol’ toilet bowl? (pause in a pose) Do you want a change? (pause in a pose) Choose Gan Empires! Our potties guarantee a pleasant trip for you to your toilet! Get your new toilet at, uh. Let's redo this, I forgot my lines. (let out a deep breath) I need a breather.
(SL off, CSR on )
(Li Hui Hui and Mr Gan walk towards each other –centre stage- unknowingly) (They are both in a confusion over their advertisement shoot) (They walk past, then move a few steps back)
Li Hui Hui: Mr Gan?
Mr Gan: Hui Hui?
Together: What brings you here?
Li Hui Hui: (slightly nervous because she has to lie to him about company's crisis) Oh, I’m here to do something about my company, things aren't going too well. (speak like she is eager to change the subject) Anyway, I’ve told my daughter about the engagement. She seems to be okay with it, I think.
Mr Gan: That’s good. Jon my boy is getting really excited to see her. (looks at watch) Uh, I’ve got to run, Mdm Li, shoot in 2 minutes. I’ll see you tomorrow at your place?
Li Hui Hui: (relieved) Yes, of course. It was nice meeting you. See you, Mr Gan.
--------
Scene 3 (Poppy's Living Room: the meeting)
(CSR continues to be on, SR on)
(Poppy & Li Hui Hui seated, Alice sitting beside on the floor or something)
Poppy: Is it okay for my friend Alice to be here today?
Li Hui Hui: (frowns, hesitant to agree)
Poppy: (rushes to reassure her mother) I'm sure she won't affect the meeting!
Li Hui Hui: Oh, alright. You should smile, Poppy. You should look more presentable and make the best first impression. Marrying Jonathan Gan will only do the company good.
(Poppy is extremely depressed; Alice hangs around)
(Mr. Gan, Jonathan & Grandma enters)
(Poppy & Li Hui Hui rise)
Li Hui Hui: (very courteous, and gesture towards the seats) Please, take a seat, take a seat!
(Mr. Gan marches in and sits, Jonathan walks fast & Grandma struggling)
Grandma: (one hand wave to beckon him, other hand holding a walking stick) Ah boy ah, don't walk so fast. Ah ma old already.
Jonathan: (turns back to help Grandma to her seat) Don't call me ‘ah boy’.
Mr. Gan: (just as Jonathan sits, Mr. Gan grabs Jon's arm and brings him forward) Jon, meet Poppy.
Li Hui Hui: (grabs Poppy's arm and brings her forward)(Alice follows) Poppy, this is Jonathan, your soon-to-be husband.
Jonathan: (enthusiastically shakes Poppy's hand) Hi! I'm Jonathan! Uh.. Jonathan Gan! Most people call me 'Jon'! And you must be Poppy! Did you know our 8 characters match perfectly? It was why I asked to meet you. I think we will make a great couple! Don't you think so?
Alice: Great couple? Did he even know what you looked like when he chose you?
Poppy: (swat away Alice)
(Everyone looks at Alice's direction, as though they can see her but actually only wants to see what Poppy is swatting at)
(focus back to Poppy when she speaks)
Poppy: (fake smile & withdraw hand awkwardly) (mumbles) Uh, heh. No, I didnt know that. And yea, I think so.. Um, nice to meet you?
Li Hui Hui: (shakes hand with Mr. Gan)(try to be fake) Oh, Mr. Gan, thank you for helping us out. I'm sure this will be a very happy marriage.
Mr Gan: Yes yes, of course, this is no trouble at all! My mother here used to be a fortune teller in a temple and she says everything about them match! Perfectly!
Li Hui Hui: Oh, really? (Acts surprised, but in actual fact doesn’t know what he is talking about) That’s good. Right? Heh.
(Mr. Gan & Li Hui Hui return to seats)
Grandma: (disrupts conversation) Of course. I used to read palms, hands, legs and everything, you know? (happy) Anyways, ah boy, is this her? (Jon nods very excitedly) Ah~ halo, Poppy. I am ah boy's grandma. What do you like to eat? I can cook anything!
Alice: Do you think she will cook for me?
Poppy: (fake smile drops)(still facing Grandma & Jonathan)(shushed tone) Alice!
(everyone puzzled a bit, focus still on Poppy)
Erm… nothi… nothing much really. Nothing in particular.
Grandma: Oh, don’t be shy. Grandma will cook the most delicious curry for your wedding dinner, okay?
Alice: But Poppy hates-
Poppy: (looks nervous)(burst out) No I don't!
Grandma: (confused) What??
Jonathan: Gran, don’t get so over excited! Poppy, tell me about yourself!
Poppy: (doesn't know what to say, so just random) Uh.. my best friend is called Alice??
Jonathan: (even more excited to show irony, speak very very fast yet clearly) I was thinking more about your hobbies. I like reading ghost stories, myths, zodiac, and mystery stories! What colours do you like? I like black. And pink! And blue! I also love to eat my gran’s curry and fishball noodles and tom yam. And I think your house has very good feng shui. And what is your favourite show? I simply looooove Ghost Busters, especially the theme song!
(Alice doing the 'mad' hand gesture)
Poppy: (thinks Jon is mad) Uh. (Lost for words) I… I…
(CSR continues to be on, switch off SR)
--------
Scene 4 (Poppy's room: Poppy meets Alice)
Poppy: (pacing around, messes hair up frustratedly) AAAAARGHHHHHH. AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE? WHAT ON EARTH IS MY MOTHER THINKING?!! She's CRAZY! At this day and age too? Alice, How can she put her company's interest before mine?!
Alice: (nonchalantly) I don't know! (whatever voice) Because the company is what feeds the family? Calm down, Poppy.
Poppy: (slightly more calm now) *takes deep breath* You're right.. (burst out again) But how can I marry someone who probably didnt even know what I looked like?!
(enter Li Hui Hui without Poppy noticing)
Alice: I was only kidding about that you know.
Poppy: So what should I do, Alice? I don't want to -
(Alice hides herself)
Li Hui Hui: (interrupts, calmly) Are you on the phone, Poppy? Will Alice be coming over soon?
Poppy: (looks around to see Alice gone, doesnt know she hid herself) No, mother.
Li Hui Hui: (assumes that 'no' to both questions) Alright. what do you think of Jonathan? you’re getting married to him in a few days? The company really needs the money..
Poppy: Ye-yeah. (to Alice) Alice, some help here?
(Li Hui Hui throws questioning looks at the audience direction.)
--------
Scene 5 (street: Poppy tells Alex, Alex tries to cheer her up)
(SR continues to be on, switch on CSR)
(Poppy walking hastily, Alice lagging behind)
Poppy: Hurry up, Alice. We have to meet Alex.
Alice: Okay dokay! Coming! (walks faster) (catches up)
Poppy: Remember, don't tell mom about us. (Alice nod earnestly)
(Alex looking at watch at stage center, waiting)
(Poppy stops walking. Turns to Alice abruptly) (Bumps slighting into her)Poppy: Alice, do me a favour and wait here instead, okay?
(Alice nods, and sits down on the floor)
Poppy: (walks a few more steps, takes in deep breath) Alex.
(Alex turns around)
Alex: Poppy!
(Poppy lunges into Alex’s arms)
Poppy: (sombre) Alex, what should I do?
Alex: Please don’t be like this.
Poppy: I’m sorry.
Alex: How are the Gans?
Poppy: Horrid. And guess what. (begins to get offensive) I am engaged. To Jonathan Gan. He asked me what my favourite colour was, and he likes Ghost Busters! What 20 year old likes GHOST BUSTERS?!?!?!?
Alex: (laugh lightly, yet hiding his despair) You’re… engaged? That’s… cool. Heh, and he likes ghost busters? They used to show that on kids central.
Poppy: It's not funny, Alex!
Alex: Ok I’m sorry.
Alice: (giggles at Poppy for freaking out)
Poppy: Stop it Alice.
(Alice shuts up)
Alice: Oops.
Alex: Alice?
Poppy: Nothing. She's my friend.
Alex: (looks around trying to find her) Oh, where is she?
Poppy: Never mind (stress on it) where! We’ve got bigger problems. I’m not marrying that… that superstitious freak!!!! I WANT TO BE WITH YOU!!
Alice: Oh lovey dovey pooey hoo.
Poppy: ALICE!
Alex: Poppy!! Stop that.
Poppy: Sorry, but- she's so irritating at times!
Alex: (suddenly realises something may be wrong with her, and plays along) Okay, well, say hi to her the next time you see her.
Poppy: Okay.
Alex: (takes in a deep breath) Look, I know things are a huge mess now and we can hardly do anything about it, but you have to keep your cool. Do it for me, okay? Please?
Poppy: (nods gravely) I'll try.
Alex: Come on, why don't we take a walk?
(Poppy nods, they move towards stage right, Alice tags along silently)
--------
Scene 6 (climax soon)
(CSL on, switch on CSR and SR)
(Mr. Gan, Jonathan & Grandma at the right back of the stage, Jon on platform; they are in the bridal boutique)
(Li Hui Hui and Mr. Lee at the left front of the stage)
Mr Gan: Jon, its your big day tomorrow, give me your big winner smile!
(Jon grins widely)
Grandma: Ah Boy, you look soooooo handsome in this suit. So cute you know! (squeeze his cheeks) Poppy definitely will swoon over you tomorrow at the wedding. (fix Jon's tie while Jon struggles)
(Jon fix tie)
Mr. Gan: I agree with mum. I'm so proud of you, son. (pats Jon)
Jonathan: Really, pa? Everything is going so well! I'm sure this will be a very successful marriage!
(all freeze, SL on, CSL continues to be on)
Li Hui Hui: (talk like she is already in the middle of the conversation, not at the start) I don't know.. Ever since the engagement, she's so different.
Mr. Lee: Different?
Li Hui Hui: (nods)(sips tea)(thinking) she said her new friend Alice was coming over yesterday, I waited all day and nobody else except the Gans came!
Mr. Lee: ('so what?' voice) maybe she decided not to come.
Li Hui Hui: Yeah, maybe. But Poppy was so weird during the meeting!
Mr. Lee: Come on, no matter how weird, you can't possibly think your daughter is crazy.
(not listening to Mr. Lee)
Li Hui Hui: (absolutely flustered & worried)(burst out) And tomorrow will be their wedding! I’m sorry about her relationship with your boy. I lied about the company crisis to get her engaged and told her that it would help our jewellery company because Jonathan’s father is the King of Gan Empires. She already hates me for that. What if she uncovers the truth, and finds out about us??
(Alex, Poppy & Alice stroll in from behind)
Mr. Lee: (hold hands, and looks down at the table) But she won't… right? Don’t worry… she never, has to know. And I’ll make sure no one will ever find out about us. Anyway, there is nothing they can do about it. And they’ll forgive... (looks up and sees Alex, and sentence cuts off)
(CSR on)
(release Li Hui Hui's hand, stands up abruptly) (Li Hui Hui turns to see them)
Mr. Lee: It's… It’s not what you think it is, son. It's not.
Alex: (short pause) DAD?!? How could you, dad? HOW COULD YOU?
Poppy: (to Alex) Dad? He's… (looks from Alex to Mr Lee and back again) your father?
(to Li Hui Hui)(yells) So this is the reason behind my early engagement? (disbelief, but not yelling) I don't believe this.. (slowly back away. turns around, Alice blocking)
Go away, Alice! (shove Alice lightly, Alice stumbles but does not fall)
Alice: Oh boy. (puts hand on forhead and shake head slowly, like trouble is brewing)
Mr. Lee: Alice? (short pause)
Li Hui Hui: (completely confused) But Alice-
Alex: (firm voice) There's no one there, Poppy.
Poppy: (calm and very sure) No, there is. There she is. (points)
Alice: They can't see me, Poppy.. Nobody can..
Poppy: (utterly confused now) (turns back to look at the cluster of people, then abruptly turns again, crying)
Li Hui Hui: (mild despair) Poppy, please! Poppy!
(Alice runs after her merrily)
(Li Hui Hui give chase)
--------
Scene 7 (streets: the climax/reveal + monologue)
(CSR and CSL remains on, switch off SL)
(Mr. Gan & family walks out from boutique, sees Poppy, spotlight shift to Poppy & Alice completely,
Jon almost calls out to Poppy but starts observing her instead)
(play apologize ? i'm not sure whether we chose to play it)
Poppy: (walk in circles with Alice turning around) (very angry) HOW COULD SHE DO THIS TO ME? AS IF THINGS WEREN’T ALREADY BAD ENOUGH? HAVING TO MARRY OFF TO SOMEONE WHO ASKS ME FOR MY FAVOURITE COLOUR. HAH! (abit crazily) SO TO PROTECT HER AFFAIR WITH SOME MAN WHO HAPPENS TO BE ALEX’S FATHER!(louder volume) JUST SO THAT SHE CAN BE WITH HIM?!! AND SHE SAYS IT’S FOR THE COMPANY. *scoff at that lie* LIKE SHE GIVES TWO HOOTS ABOUT DAD’S COMPANY! HOW MANY OTHER THINGS IS SHE HIDING FROM ME? IS THE COMPANY REALLY FACING A CRISIS? IS DAD REALLY DEAD OR DID HE JUST LEAVE US? ALL SHE EVER DOES IS ORDER ME AROUND. AND ALL I'VE EVER DONE WAS OBEY ALL HER WISHES. AND FOR WHAT?!?!?! FOR WHAAAAAAT?! DID SHE EVER CARE ABOUT HOW I FELT? WHAT AM I TO HER?!!
(exhausted from shouting so much, panting loudly) (looks down depressedly, hair covering face) claiming that this was all for my own good. It was all done for her own interest.
(pause) (Li Hui Hui enters without Poppy noticing) (looks up back to audience)(ALICE NOTICES HER AND STANDS UP. Standing beside Poppy)
Poppy: MY OWN MOTHER, (Alice taps Poppy and tries to alert her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance) throwing away MY happiness for HER own selfish gains. My mother: (slows down) (Alice taps Poppy to alert her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance)a devious. (short pause) scheming. (Alice taps Poppy to alert her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance) (short pause) woman.
(music fade off)
(Li Hui Hui storming up to Poppy furiously, Alice sighs nonchalantly)
(Poppy tries to run, Li Hui Hui grabs her with left hand to stop her)
Alice: Good luck, Poppy~ (walk to stage edge and sit dangling legs)
(Li Hui Hui slaps her with right hand)
(Grandma shocked, and Jon concerned)
(Mr. Gan & Grandma both grab Jon's arm)
Mr. Gan: (pulls him away) Let's go, Jon. She's not worth it.
(Grandma pushes him also)
Jonathan: Wh-what? LET ME GO!!
(shove Grandma and she falls)
(GRANDMA HAS A HEART ATTACK)
Mr. Gan: MOTHER!!!
Jonathan: (crouch down beside Grandma) Grandma.. I'm sorry, gran..
Mr. Gan: (shakes Jonathan vigorously) WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!!
(Jonathan becomes emo)
(Poppy runs away amidst the chaos)
(Li Hui Hui wants to chase after, but calls an ambulance for Grandma instead)
Alice: *sigh* The wonders of fate… (gives the “whatever” face) (go after Poppy slowly)
(blackout)
(switch on SR)
Alex: (using computer)
(enters Mr. Lee awkwardly)
Mr. Lee: (fiddles with fingers nervously) So... you know now.
Alex: (ominously and weakly, trembling with anger?) Get.. out.
Mr Lee: (desperately trying to salvage situation) But you know how your mother and I have been lately. I -
Alex: (stands up, shoves all things off his desk) SHUT UP AND GET OUT! I don't want to see you, or hear your excuses. Have you ever thought of how I would feel? How MOM would have felt? You... You BASTARD!
(Mr. Lee slowly walks out, shoved by Alex and Alex slams door)
Scene 8 ( do we play secret valentine throughout this scene or do we play at certain areas?)
(switch on CSR and CSL)
(Poppy sitting on a platform, just like at scene 1, Alice sitting beside on the floor)
(Li Hui Hui enter)
(Jonathan at Grandma's "funeral" in the background)
Poppy: (laughing despite all the terror) Alex was right, Alice. I was too stressed. With what they saw earlier, there's no way we are getting married now.. (evilly happy) (emphasis) Absolutely no way...
Li Hui Hui: (interrupts) Stop it, Poppy.
Poppy: Stop what?
(enters Mr. Gan)
Li Hui Hui: Oh, Mr. Gan
Mr. Gan: (speak sternly, nod at them in acknowledgement when saying their name) Mdm Li, Poppy, we need to talk. I'm cancelling the wedding.
Li Hui Hui: (frantic) What?? Wait, no! I can explain everything!
Mr. Gan: (shouting) Explain what? I know what I saw. There is nothing to explain. I'm not letting my son marry into a family like yours. (points at Poppy, stress on Poppy's name) Your daughter, Poppy, has caused my son to lose it. She is a jinx! And I won't have her in my family.
(takes tie off and throws onto the floor)
Mr. Gan: (sarcastic, angry) Here, you can have my $400 tie to help with your company "crisis"!
(storms out off stage frustratedly)
Li Hui Hui: (to Mr. Gan, half-chase him but stops) Wait!
(turns around, to Poppy) Look what you have done! You've ruined it all!
Poppy: Me? (to Alice)(sarcastic tone, even though it's not sarcastic..) Alice, look at her, blaming (stress)me for all that she's done. (to Li Hui Hui) What have I done?
(Alice nods in agreement)
(Mr. Lee storms in)
Mr. Lee: It's over.
Li Hui Hui: (stutter) What, what do you mean it's over?
Mr. Lee: You, me, we're done. I can't do this anymore. I’m sorry.
Li Hui Hui: (exasperated) What is this? Before all this you were saying that nothing would ever happen to us. Why are you saying this? What have I done to deserve this? (going into hysteria..) You were going to divorce your wife! You were going to be with me! (stress) ME!
Mr. Lee: STOP IT. The damage is bad enough. A life is lost. What more do you want? It's time I returned to my son and my wife.
(Mr. Lee walks off stage)
Li Hui Hui: NO.
(Poppy & Alice chuckles)
(Li Hui Hui follows after Mr. Lee)
(CSR remains on, switch off CSL, switch on SR )
Poppy: (fishes out phone and calls Alex)
*Alex phone not silent mode so got ringtone
Alex: (answers) Hello?
Poppy: Alex, this is amazing.
Alex: (very distant and not interested, in shock and stares into blank space)(short pause) What is?
Poppy: (speaks very fast) Everything has fallen into place. Everything. Our parents broke up. The wedding is cancelled.
Alex: That's.. great, Poppy. I.. I need some time now. Sorry. Everything’s just.. You know. Okay I gotta go. (obvious white lie) Um. I’ll call you back later.
(hangs up)
(switch off SR, only CSR is on)
Poppy: (stands on platform now) Alice… I.. My mistakes. There are too many. And it's too late to repair them now. I …
Alice: (stand up and look at Poppy for an instant, says abruptly breaking the short silence) I don't get it.
Poppy: A life was lost in the process, but I.. I don't feel sympathetic at all. (as Poppy continues, Alice disappears into the darkness) I know now that more than a life was lost. I have lost my feelings, I have lost my senses. I have lost myself. (crouch down and covers face with hands) Haven’t I, Alice? (looks around to find alice, to no avail) (slowly rises) Alice?
BLACKOUT
Hello. This is the script after adding the lights and sound instuctions. I'll email this to the all of you too ! And we need to sort out when the music plays and stuff like that.
For the songs we are playing during the play, please find them and download in mp3 format and i think we should upload all the songs we have to use in jiachee's mp3 except for zhiyi's "fly me to the moon" cause the CD is fine. Jiachee's mp3 should be able to create playlist.
Jolyn!
201 Group A
Scene 1 (Poppy's house)
(Turn on CSR)
(EVERYONE ON BACKSTAGE RIGHT.
Poppy sitting on platform sewing a sock, Alice sitting on floor beside her. )
Poppy: (thinking hard) We can finally be together, no obstacles, nothing to stop us. But why wasn't he excited, Alice? Tell me, why wasn’t he?
Alice: (looking at her nails) Perhaps… he was busy? I don't know! But aren't you happy?
Poppy: (suddenly realized) Happy? (short pause) That's right. Why don't I feel happy? Or even… satisfied?
Alice: Oh, forget it! Let's celebrate!
Poppy: (get down from platform) No. Something is wrong. It feels like… I've lost something in the process, something… important.
Alice: (chin on hand propped on the platform) And what's that?
Poppy: I.. I don't know. I made a mistake. Somewhere, along the way. My first mistake, (as if thinking very very hard) was agreeing to meet him...
--------
Scene 2 (Advertisement recording centre)
(SR on, CSR off )
(music: FLY ME TO THE MOON excerpt)
(Jiachee wearing a ring & posing in random poses, looking at the ring)
Model: Li Jewellery, my choice.
Li Hui Hui: CUT!!! Let’s do it again.
(SR off, SL on)
Mr. Gan: (very very comically) Are you bored of your plain ol’ toilet bowl? (pause in a pose) Do you want a change? (pause in a pose) Choose Gan Empires! Our potties guarantee a pleasant trip for you to your toilet! Get your new toilet at, uh. Let's redo this, I forgot my lines. (let out a deep breath) I need a breather.
(SL off, CSR on )
(Li Hui Hui and Mr Gan walk towards each other –centre stage- unknowingly) (They are both in a confusion over their advertisement shoot) (They walk past, then move a few steps back)
Li Hui Hui: Mr Gan?
Mr Gan: Hui Hui?
Together: What brings you here?
Li Hui Hui: (slightly nervous because she has to lie to him about company's crisis) Oh, I’m here to do something about my company, things aren't going too well. (speak like she is eager to change the subject) Anyway, I’ve told my daughter about the engagement. She seems to be okay with it, I think.
Mr Gan: That’s good. Jon my boy is getting really excited to see her. (looks at watch) Uh, I’ve got to run, Mdm Li, shoot in 2 minutes. I’ll see you tomorrow at your place?
Li Hui Hui: (relieved) Yes, of course. It was nice meeting you. See you, Mr Gan.
--------
Scene 3 (Poppy's Living Room: the meeting)
(CSR continues to be on, SR on)
(Poppy & Li Hui Hui seated, Alice sitting beside on the floor or something)
Poppy: Is it okay for my friend Alice to be here today?
Li Hui Hui: (frowns, hesitant to agree)
Poppy: (rushes to reassure her mother) I'm sure she won't affect the meeting!
Li Hui Hui: Oh, alright. You should smile, Poppy. You should look more presentable and make the best first impression. Marrying Jonathan Gan will only do the company good.
(Poppy is extremely depressed; Alice hangs around)
(Mr. Gan, Jonathan & Grandma enters)
(Poppy & Li Hui Hui rise)
Li Hui Hui: (very courteous, and gesture towards the seats) Please, take a seat, take a seat!
(Mr. Gan marches in and sits, Jonathan walks fast & Grandma struggling)
Grandma: (one hand wave to beckon him, other hand holding a walking stick) Ah boy ah, don't walk so fast. Ah ma old already.
Jonathan: (turns back to help Grandma to her seat) Don't call me ‘ah boy’.
Mr. Gan: (just as Jonathan sits, Mr. Gan grabs Jon's arm and brings him forward) Jon, meet Poppy.
Li Hui Hui: (grabs Poppy's arm and brings her forward)(Alice follows) Poppy, this is Jonathan, your soon-to-be husband.
Jonathan: (enthusiastically shakes Poppy's hand) Hi! I'm Jonathan! Uh.. Jonathan Gan! Most people call me 'Jon'! And you must be Poppy! Did you know our 8 characters match perfectly? It was why I asked to meet you. I think we will make a great couple! Don't you think so?
Alice: Great couple? Did he even know what you looked like when he chose you?
Poppy: (swat away Alice)
(Everyone looks at Alice's direction, as though they can see her but actually only wants to see what Poppy is swatting at)
(focus back to Poppy when she speaks)
Poppy: (fake smile & withdraw hand awkwardly) (mumbles) Uh, heh. No, I didnt know that. And yea, I think so.. Um, nice to meet you?
Li Hui Hui: (shakes hand with Mr. Gan)(try to be fake) Oh, Mr. Gan, thank you for helping us out. I'm sure this will be a very happy marriage.
Mr Gan: Yes yes, of course, this is no trouble at all! My mother here used to be a fortune teller in a temple and she says everything about them match! Perfectly!
Li Hui Hui: Oh, really? (Acts surprised, but in actual fact doesn’t know what he is talking about) That’s good. Right? Heh.
(Mr. Gan & Li Hui Hui return to seats)
Grandma: (disrupts conversation) Of course. I used to read palms, hands, legs and everything, you know? (happy) Anyways, ah boy, is this her? (Jon nods very excitedly) Ah~ halo, Poppy. I am ah boy's grandma. What do you like to eat? I can cook anything!
Alice: Do you think she will cook for me?
Poppy: (fake smile drops)(still facing Grandma & Jonathan)(shushed tone) Alice!
(everyone puzzled a bit, focus still on Poppy)
Erm… nothi… nothing much really. Nothing in particular.
Grandma: Oh, don’t be shy. Grandma will cook the most delicious curry for your wedding dinner, okay?
Alice: But Poppy hates-
Poppy: (looks nervous)(burst out) No I don't!
Grandma: (confused) What??
Jonathan: Gran, don’t get so over excited! Poppy, tell me about yourself!
Poppy: (doesn't know what to say, so just random) Uh.. my best friend is called Alice??
Jonathan: (even more excited to show irony, speak very very fast yet clearly) I was thinking more about your hobbies. I like reading ghost stories, myths, zodiac, and mystery stories! What colours do you like? I like black. And pink! And blue! I also love to eat my gran’s curry and fishball noodles and tom yam. And I think your house has very good feng shui. And what is your favourite show? I simply looooove Ghost Busters, especially the theme song!
(Alice doing the 'mad' hand gesture)
Poppy: (thinks Jon is mad) Uh. (Lost for words) I… I…
(CSR continues to be on, switch off SR)
--------
Scene 4 (Poppy's room: Poppy meets Alice)
Poppy: (pacing around, messes hair up frustratedly) AAAAARGHHHHHH. AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE? WHAT ON EARTH IS MY MOTHER THINKING?!! She's CRAZY! At this day and age too? Alice, How can she put her company's interest before mine?!
Alice: (nonchalantly) I don't know! (whatever voice) Because the company is what feeds the family? Calm down, Poppy.
Poppy: (slightly more calm now) *takes deep breath* You're right.. (burst out again) But how can I marry someone who probably didnt even know what I looked like?!
(enter Li Hui Hui without Poppy noticing)
Alice: I was only kidding about that you know.
Poppy: So what should I do, Alice? I don't want to -
(Alice hides herself)
Li Hui Hui: (interrupts, calmly) Are you on the phone, Poppy? Will Alice be coming over soon?
Poppy: (looks around to see Alice gone, doesnt know she hid herself) No, mother.
Li Hui Hui: (assumes that 'no' to both questions) Alright. what do you think of Jonathan? you’re getting married to him in a few days? The company really needs the money..
Poppy: Ye-yeah. (to Alice) Alice, some help here?
(Li Hui Hui throws questioning looks at the audience direction.)
--------
Scene 5 (street: Poppy tells Alex, Alex tries to cheer her up)
(SR continues to be on, switch on CSR)
(Poppy walking hastily, Alice lagging behind)
Poppy: Hurry up, Alice. We have to meet Alex.
Alice: Okay dokay! Coming! (walks faster) (catches up)
Poppy: Remember, don't tell mom about us. (Alice nod earnestly)
(Alex looking at watch at stage center, waiting)
(Poppy stops walking. Turns to Alice abruptly) (Bumps slighting into her)Poppy: Alice, do me a favour and wait here instead, okay?
(Alice nods, and sits down on the floor)
Poppy: (walks a few more steps, takes in deep breath) Alex.
(Alex turns around)
Alex: Poppy!
(Poppy lunges into Alex’s arms)
Poppy: (sombre) Alex, what should I do?
Alex: Please don’t be like this.
Poppy: I’m sorry.
Alex: How are the Gans?
Poppy: Horrid. And guess what. (begins to get offensive) I am engaged. To Jonathan Gan. He asked me what my favourite colour was, and he likes Ghost Busters! What 20 year old likes GHOST BUSTERS?!?!?!?
Alex: (laugh lightly, yet hiding his despair) You’re… engaged? That’s… cool. Heh, and he likes ghost busters? They used to show that on kids central.
Poppy: It's not funny, Alex!
Alex: Ok I’m sorry.
Alice: (giggles at Poppy for freaking out)
Poppy: Stop it Alice.
(Alice shuts up)
Alice: Oops.
Alex: Alice?
Poppy: Nothing. She's my friend.
Alex: (looks around trying to find her) Oh, where is she?
Poppy: Never mind (stress on it) where! We’ve got bigger problems. I’m not marrying that… that superstitious freak!!!! I WANT TO BE WITH YOU!!
Alice: Oh lovey dovey pooey hoo.
Poppy: ALICE!
Alex: Poppy!! Stop that.
Poppy: Sorry, but- she's so irritating at times!
Alex: (suddenly realises something may be wrong with her, and plays along) Okay, well, say hi to her the next time you see her.
Poppy: Okay.
Alex: (takes in a deep breath) Look, I know things are a huge mess now and we can hardly do anything about it, but you have to keep your cool. Do it for me, okay? Please?
Poppy: (nods gravely) I'll try.
Alex: Come on, why don't we take a walk?
(Poppy nods, they move towards stage right, Alice tags along silently)
--------
Scene 6 (climax soon)
(CSL on, switch on CSR and SR)
(Mr. Gan, Jonathan & Grandma at the right back of the stage, Jon on platform; they are in the bridal boutique)
(Li Hui Hui and Mr. Lee at the left front of the stage)
Mr Gan: Jon, its your big day tomorrow, give me your big winner smile!
(Jon grins widely)
Grandma: Ah Boy, you look soooooo handsome in this suit. So cute you know! (squeeze his cheeks) Poppy definitely will swoon over you tomorrow at the wedding. (fix Jon's tie while Jon struggles)
(Jon fix tie)
Mr. Gan: I agree with mum. I'm so proud of you, son. (pats Jon)
Jonathan: Really, pa? Everything is going so well! I'm sure this will be a very successful marriage!
(all freeze, SL on, CSL continues to be on)
Li Hui Hui: (talk like she is already in the middle of the conversation, not at the start) I don't know.. Ever since the engagement, she's so different.
Mr. Lee: Different?
Li Hui Hui: (nods)(sips tea)(thinking) she said her new friend Alice was coming over yesterday, I waited all day and nobody else except the Gans came!
Mr. Lee: ('so what?' voice) maybe she decided not to come.
Li Hui Hui: Yeah, maybe. But Poppy was so weird during the meeting!
Mr. Lee: Come on, no matter how weird, you can't possibly think your daughter is crazy.
(not listening to Mr. Lee)
Li Hui Hui: (absolutely flustered & worried)(burst out) And tomorrow will be their wedding! I’m sorry about her relationship with your boy. I lied about the company crisis to get her engaged and told her that it would help our jewellery company because Jonathan’s father is the King of Gan Empires. She already hates me for that. What if she uncovers the truth, and finds out about us??
(Alex, Poppy & Alice stroll in from behind)
Mr. Lee: (hold hands, and looks down at the table) But she won't… right? Don’t worry… she never, has to know. And I’ll make sure no one will ever find out about us. Anyway, there is nothing they can do about it. And they’ll forgive... (looks up and sees Alex, and sentence cuts off)
(CSR on)
(release Li Hui Hui's hand, stands up abruptly) (Li Hui Hui turns to see them)
Mr. Lee: It's… It’s not what you think it is, son. It's not.
Alex: (short pause) DAD?!? How could you, dad? HOW COULD YOU?
Poppy: (to Alex) Dad? He's… (looks from Alex to Mr Lee and back again) your father?
(to Li Hui Hui)(yells) So this is the reason behind my early engagement? (disbelief, but not yelling) I don't believe this.. (slowly back away. turns around, Alice blocking)
Go away, Alice! (shove Alice lightly, Alice stumbles but does not fall)
Alice: Oh boy. (puts hand on forhead and shake head slowly, like trouble is brewing)
Mr. Lee: Alice? (short pause)
Li Hui Hui: (completely confused) But Alice-
Alex: (firm voice) There's no one there, Poppy.
Poppy: (calm and very sure) No, there is. There she is. (points)
Alice: They can't see me, Poppy.. Nobody can..
Poppy: (utterly confused now) (turns back to look at the cluster of people, then abruptly turns again, crying)
Li Hui Hui: (mild despair) Poppy, please! Poppy!
(Alice runs after her merrily)
(Li Hui Hui give chase)
--------
Scene 7 (streets: the climax/reveal + monologue)
(CSR and CSL remains on, switch off SL)
(Mr. Gan & family walks out from boutique, sees Poppy, spotlight shift to Poppy & Alice completely,
Jon almost calls out to Poppy but starts observing her instead)
(play apologize ? i'm not sure whether we chose to play it)
Poppy: (walk in circles with Alice turning around) (very angry) HOW COULD SHE DO THIS TO ME? AS IF THINGS WEREN’T ALREADY BAD ENOUGH? HAVING TO MARRY OFF TO SOMEONE WHO ASKS ME FOR MY FAVOURITE COLOUR. HAH! (abit crazily) SO TO PROTECT HER AFFAIR WITH SOME MAN WHO HAPPENS TO BE ALEX’S FATHER!(louder volume) JUST SO THAT SHE CAN BE WITH HIM?!! AND SHE SAYS IT’S FOR THE COMPANY. *scoff at that lie* LIKE SHE GIVES TWO HOOTS ABOUT DAD’S COMPANY! HOW MANY OTHER THINGS IS SHE HIDING FROM ME? IS THE COMPANY REALLY FACING A CRISIS? IS DAD REALLY DEAD OR DID HE JUST LEAVE US? ALL SHE EVER DOES IS ORDER ME AROUND. AND ALL I'VE EVER DONE WAS OBEY ALL HER WISHES. AND FOR WHAT?!?!?! FOR WHAAAAAAT?! DID SHE EVER CARE ABOUT HOW I FELT? WHAT AM I TO HER?!!
(exhausted from shouting so much, panting loudly) (looks down depressedly, hair covering face) claiming that this was all for my own good. It was all done for her own interest.
(pause) (Li Hui Hui enters without Poppy noticing) (looks up back to audience)(ALICE NOTICES HER AND STANDS UP. Standing beside Poppy)
Poppy: MY OWN MOTHER, (Alice taps Poppy and tries to alert her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance) throwing away MY happiness for HER own selfish gains. My mother: (slows down) (Alice taps Poppy to alert her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance)a devious. (short pause) scheming. (Alice taps Poppy to alert her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance) (short pause) woman.
(music fade off)
(Li Hui Hui storming up to Poppy furiously, Alice sighs nonchalantly)
(Poppy tries to run, Li Hui Hui grabs her with left hand to stop her)
Alice: Good luck, Poppy~ (walk to stage edge and sit dangling legs)
(Li Hui Hui slaps her with right hand)
(Grandma shocked, and Jon concerned)
(Mr. Gan & Grandma both grab Jon's arm)
Mr. Gan: (pulls him away) Let's go, Jon. She's not worth it.
(Grandma pushes him also)
Jonathan: Wh-what? LET ME GO!!
(shove Grandma and she falls)
(GRANDMA HAS A HEART ATTACK)
Mr. Gan: MOTHER!!!
Jonathan: (crouch down beside Grandma) Grandma.. I'm sorry, gran..
Mr. Gan: (shakes Jonathan vigorously) WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!!
(Jonathan becomes emo)
(Poppy runs away amidst the chaos)
(Li Hui Hui wants to chase after, but calls an ambulance for Grandma instead)
Alice: *sigh* The wonders of fate… (gives the “whatever” face) (go after Poppy slowly)
(blackout)
(switch on SR)
Alex: (using computer)
(enters Mr. Lee awkwardly)
Mr. Lee: (fiddles with fingers nervously) So... you know now.
Alex: (ominously and weakly, trembling with anger?) Get.. out.
Mr Lee: (desperately trying to salvage situation) But you know how your mother and I have been lately. I -
Alex: (stands up, shoves all things off his desk) SHUT UP AND GET OUT! I don't want to see you, or hear your excuses. Have you ever thought of how I would feel? How MOM would have felt? You... You BASTARD!
(Mr. Lee slowly walks out, shoved by Alex and Alex slams door)
Scene 8 ( do we play secret valentine throughout this scene or do we play at certain areas?)
(switch on CSR and CSL)
(Poppy sitting on a platform, just like at scene 1, Alice sitting beside on the floor)
(Li Hui Hui enter)
(Jonathan at Grandma's "funeral" in the background)
Poppy: (laughing despite all the terror) Alex was right, Alice. I was too stressed. With what they saw earlier, there's no way we are getting married now.. (evilly happy) (emphasis) Absolutely no way...
Li Hui Hui: (interrupts) Stop it, Poppy.
Poppy: Stop what?
(enters Mr. Gan)
Li Hui Hui: Oh, Mr. Gan
Mr. Gan: (speak sternly, nod at them in acknowledgement when saying their name) Mdm Li, Poppy, we need to talk. I'm cancelling the wedding.
Li Hui Hui: (frantic) What?? Wait, no! I can explain everything!
Mr. Gan: (shouting) Explain what? I know what I saw. There is nothing to explain. I'm not letting my son marry into a family like yours. (points at Poppy, stress on Poppy's name) Your daughter, Poppy, has caused my son to lose it. She is a jinx! And I won't have her in my family.
(takes tie off and throws onto the floor)
Mr. Gan: (sarcastic, angry) Here, you can have my $400 tie to help with your company "crisis"!
(storms out off stage frustratedly)
Li Hui Hui: (to Mr. Gan, half-chase him but stops) Wait!
(turns around, to Poppy) Look what you have done! You've ruined it all!
Poppy: Me? (to Alice)(sarcastic tone, even though it's not sarcastic..) Alice, look at her, blaming (stress)me for all that she's done. (to Li Hui Hui) What have I done?
(Alice nods in agreement)
(Mr. Lee storms in)
Mr. Lee: It's over.
Li Hui Hui: (stutter) What, what do you mean it's over?
Mr. Lee: You, me, we're done. I can't do this anymore. I’m sorry.
Li Hui Hui: (exasperated) What is this? Before all this you were saying that nothing would ever happen to us. Why are you saying this? What have I done to deserve this? (going into hysteria..) You were going to divorce your wife! You were going to be with me! (stress) ME!
Mr. Lee: STOP IT. The damage is bad enough. A life is lost. What more do you want? It's time I returned to my son and my wife.
(Mr. Lee walks off stage)
Li Hui Hui: NO.
(Poppy & Alice chuckles)
(Li Hui Hui follows after Mr. Lee)
(CSR remains on, switch off CSL, switch on SR )
Poppy: (fishes out phone and calls Alex)
*Alex phone not silent mode so got ringtone
Alex: (answers) Hello?
Poppy: Alex, this is amazing.
Alex: (very distant and not interested, in shock and stares into blank space)(short pause) What is?
Poppy: (speaks very fast) Everything has fallen into place. Everything. Our parents broke up. The wedding is cancelled.
Alex: That's.. great, Poppy. I.. I need some time now. Sorry. Everything’s just.. You know. Okay I gotta go. (obvious white lie) Um. I’ll call you back later.
(hangs up)
(switch off SR, only CSR is on)
Poppy: (stands on platform now) Alice… I.. My mistakes. There are too many. And it's too late to repair them now. I …
Alice: (stand up and look at Poppy for an instant, says abruptly breaking the short silence) I don't get it.
Poppy: A life was lost in the process, but I.. I don't feel sympathetic at all. (as Poppy continues, Alice disappears into the darkness) I know now that more than a life was lost. I have lost my feelings, I have lost my senses. I have lost myself. (crouch down and covers face with hands) Haven’t I, Alice? (looks around to find alice, to no avail) (slowly rises) Alice?
BLACKOUT
Hello. This is the script after adding the lights and sound instuctions. I'll email this to the all of you too ! And we need to sort out when the music plays and stuff like that.
For the songs we are playing during the play, please find them and download in mp3 format and i think we should upload all the songs we have to use in jiachee's mp3 except for zhiyi's "fly me to the moon" cause the CD is fine. Jiachee's mp3 should be able to create playlist.
Jolyn!
Lighting Instructions
/ 6:59 PM
Hell0!
This is the lighting instructions that i showed you all on saturday.
Scene 1 : CSR
Scene 2 : SR and SL (play "fly me to the moon")
Scene 3 : SR and CSR
Scene 4 : CSR
Scene 5 :CSR and SR
Scene 6 :CSL and SL and CSR
Scene 7 : CSR and CSL, SR and CSL, BLACKOUT (apologize ?)
SCene 8 : CSR and CSL, SR and CSR, SR, BLACKOUT ( We the kings, secret valentine's song)
CSR : center stage right
CSL : center stage left
SR : stage left
SL : stage right
Also, please take note that the block Jiachee will be standing on for the advertisement part will be directly under SR, the huge block where poppy stands on at the start should be under CSR, and the block where Jon stands will be CSL and lastly, the elizabeth and shuhui affair part will be under SL.
JIAYOU !!!
I will be inserting this into the script so that the person helping us to do lighting knows when to do all the stuff!
And uh, i can't remember whether we've decided whether to use "Apologize" for joy's monologue "My mother a devious scheming woman" part.
Jolynnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
This is the lighting instructions that i showed you all on saturday.
Scene 1 : CSR
Scene 2 : SR and SL (play "fly me to the moon")
Scene 3 : SR and CSR
Scene 4 : CSR
Scene 5 :CSR and SR
Scene 6 :CSL and SL and CSR
Scene 7 : CSR and CSL, SR and CSL, BLACKOUT (apologize ?)
SCene 8 : CSR and CSL, SR and CSR, SR, BLACKOUT ( We the kings, secret valentine's song)
CSR : center stage right
CSL : center stage left
SR : stage left
SL : stage right
Also, please take note that the block Jiachee will be standing on for the advertisement part will be directly under SR, the huge block where poppy stands on at the start should be under CSR, and the block where Jon stands will be CSL and lastly, the elizabeth and shuhui affair part will be under SL.
JIAYOU !!!
I will be inserting this into the script so that the person helping us to do lighting knows when to do all the stuff!
And uh, i can't remember whether we've decided whether to use "Apologize" for joy's monologue "My mother a devious scheming woman" part.
Jolynnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
New blogskin + Holiday Meetup
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 / 4:26 AM
Hey ok so I changed the blogskin so its more colourful and appealing to the eye, hope it's fine with everyone.
Today we met up from 11am - 12 pm.
Got done with the appointing of roles. I put in the left column. Scroll down a little to see it. Anyway here it is.
Production roles:
Director, Stage Manager | Shu Hui, Elizabeth
Playwrights | Lois, Chermaine
Design Team 1 | Zhiyi, Joy
Design Team 2 | Jolyn, Jiachee
Performance roles:
Calista Joy as Poppy
Shu Hui as Li Hui Hui
Chermaine as Alice
Lois as Jonathan
Jolyn as Mr Gan
Jiachee as Ahma / Model
Elizabeth as Mr Lee
Zhiyi as Alex
Today we met up from 11am - 12 pm.
Got done with the appointing of roles. I put in the left column. Scroll down a little to see it. Anyway here it is.
Production roles:
Director, Stage Manager | Shu Hui, Elizabeth
Playwrights | Lois, Chermaine
Design Team 1 | Zhiyi, Joy
Design Team 2 | Jolyn, Jiachee
Performance roles:
Calista Joy as Poppy
Shu Hui as Li Hui Hui
Chermaine as Alice
Lois as Jonathan
Jolyn as Mr Gan
Jiachee as Ahma / Model
Elizabeth as Mr Lee
Zhiyi as Alex
As Mr Ng said, Design team 1 is in charge of stuff like props makeup costumes. Design team 2 is in charge of lights and sounds. Playwrights have done our job and completed the script. All hail lois hew and her brain juice man. Jiayou to everyone else!!
As a reminder we'll be meeting up during thursday t4 w1 lunch. Hopefully we can get M4-04 during whitespace, then we''ll have 1h+
Good. Great. Bye.
CHERRRRRRRRRRRRRMAINE THE IMAGINARY FRIEND
Script 1
Thursday, September 3, 2009 / 6:15 AM
Drama Script
201 Group A
Scene 1 (Poppy's house)
(EVERYONE ON BACKSTAGE RIGHT.
Poppy sitting on platform sewing a sock, Alice sitting on floor beside her. Spotlight on them both.)
Poppy: (thinking hard) We can finally be together, no obstacles, nothing to stop us. But why wasn't he excited, Alice? Tell me, why wasn’t he?
Alice: (looking at her nails) Perhaps… he was busy? I don't know! But aren't you happy?
Poppy: (suddenly realized) Happy? (short pause) That's right. Why don't I feel happy? Or even… satisfied?
Alice: Oh, forget it! Let's celebrate!
Poppy: (get down from platform) No. Something is wrong. It feels like… I've lost something in the process, something… important.
Alice: (chin on hand propped on the platform) And what's that?
Poppy: I.. I don't know. I made a mistake. Somewhere, along the way. My first mistake, (as if thinking very very hard) was agreeing to meet him...
(fade out spotlight, exit)
--------
Scene 2 (Advertisement recording centre)
(spotlight goes on at stage right, on advertiser 1, Jiachee)
(music: FLY ME TO THE MOON excerpt)
(Jiachee wearing a ring at posing in random poses, looking at the ring)
Advertiser 1: Li Jewellery, my choice.
Li Hui Hui: CUT!!! Let’s do it again.
(spotlight off, spotlight on at stage left, on advertiser 2, Mr Gan)
Advertiser 2: (very very comically) Are you bored of your plain ol’ toilet bowl? (pause in a pose) Do you want a change? (pause in a pose) Choose Gan Empires! Our potties guarantee a pleasant trip for you to your toilet! Get your new toilet at, uh. Aiya let’s redo this I forgot my lines. (let out a deep breath) I need a breather.
(Stage lights up)
(Li Hui Hui and Mr Gan walk towards each other –centre stage- unknowingly) (They are both in a confusion over their advertisement shoot) (They walk past, then move a few steps back)
Li Hui Hui: Mr Gan?
Mr Gan: Hui Hui?
Together: What brings you here?
Li Hui Hui: Oh I’m here to do my shoot, it isn’t going too well. Anyway, I’ve told my daughter about the engagement. She seems okay with it, I think.
Mr Gan: That’s good. Jon my boy is getting really excited to see her. Uh, I’ve got to run, Mdm Li, shoot in 2 minutes. I’ll see you tomorrow for the engagement at your place?
Li Hui Hui: Yes, of course. It was nice meeting you. See you, Mr Gan.
----------
Scene 3 (Poppy's Living Room: the meeting)
(Poppy & Li Hui Hui seated, Alice hidden behind sofa)
Li Hui Hui: Smile, Poppy. You should look more presentable and make the best first impression. Marrying Jonathan Gan will only do the company good.
(Poppy is extremely depressed; Alice sits behind her blowing and playing with her hair)
(Mr. Gan, Jonathan & Grandma enters)
(Poppy & Li Hui Hui rise)
Li Hui Hui: (very courteous, and gesture towards other seats) Please, take a seat, take a seat!
(Mr. Gan marches in and sits, Jonathan walks fast & Grandma struggling)
Grandma: (one hand wave to beckon him, other hand holding a walking stick) Ah boy ah, don't walk so fast. Ma ma old already.
Jonathan: (turns back to help Grandma to her seat) Don't call me ‘ah boy’.
Mr. Gan: (just as Jonathan sits, Mr. Gan grabs Jon's arm and brings him forward) Jon, meet Poppy.
Li Hui Hui: (grabs Poppy's arm and brings her forward) Poppy, this is Jonathan, your soon-to-be husband.
Jonathan: (enthusiastically shakes Poppy's hand) Hi! I'm Jonathan! Uh, Jonathan Gan! Most people call me 'Jon'! You must be Poppy! Did you know our 8 characters match perfectly? It was why I asked to meet you. I think we will make a great couple!
Poppy: (fake smile & withdraw hand awkwardly) (mumbles) Uh, heh. No, I didnt know that. Um, nice to meet you?
Li Hui Hui: (shakes hand with Mr. Gan) Mr. Gan, thank you for helping us out. I'm sure this will be a very happy marriage.
Mr Gan: Yes yes, of course, this is no trouble at all! My mother here used to be a fortune teller in a temple and she says everything about them match! Perfectly!
Li Hui Hui: Oh, really? (Acts surprised, but in actual fact doesn’t know what he is talking about) That’s good. Right? Heh.
(Mr. Gan & Li Hui Hui return to seats)
Grandma: (disrupts conversation) Of course. I used to read palms, hands, legs, everything, you know? (happy) Anyways, ah Boy, is this her? (Jon nods very excitedly) Ah~ halo, Poppy. I am Boy's grandma. What do you like to eat? I can cook anything!
Poppy: (fake smile drops) Erm… nothi… nothing much really. Nothing in particular.
Grandma: Aiya don’t be shy. Grandma will cook the most delicious curry for your wedding dinner okay?
(Poppy looks nervous)
Jonathan: Gran, don’t get so over excited! (Even more excited to show irony, speak very very fast yet clearly) Poppy! What do you like to read! I like reading ghost stories, myths, zodiac, and mystery stories! What colour do you like? I like black, and pink, and blue. I also love to eat my gran’s curry and fishball noodles and tom yam. Oh! And I think your house has very good feng shui. What is your favourite show? I simply looooove Ghost Busters, especially the theme song! How about you!
Poppy: (thinks Jon is mad) Uh. (Lost for words) I… I…
(lights fade out)
---------
Scene 4 (Poppy's room: Poppy meets Alice)
(spotlight on Poppy only, Alice hidden in the dark beside Poppy.)
Poppy: (pacing around, messes hair up frustratedly) AAAAARGHHHHHH. A BETROTHAL? AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE? What on… WHAT ON EARTH IS MY MOTHER THINKING?!! She's crazy! CRAZY! At this day and age too? Alice, I can't believe her! (exasperated) How can she do this to me? How can she put her company's interest before mine?!
(spotlight includes Alice now)
Alice: (nonchalantly) I don't know! (whatever voice) Because the company is what feeds the family? Calm down, Poppy.
Poppy: (slightly more calm now) *takes deep breath* You're right.
(enter Li Hui Hui without Poppy noticing)
Poppy: (faces Alice and talk) But, what should I do, Alice? I don't want to -
Li Hui Hui: (interrupts, calmly) Um... Poppy, honey? Are you free to talk?
(Alice hides herself)
Poppy: (Looks at Alice, then at her mother) Kind of.
Li Hui Hui: I… just wanted to ask you what you think of Jonathan. You know you’re getting married to him in a few days, right?
Poppy: Ye-yeah. (to Alice) Alice, some help here?
Li Hui Hui throws questioning looks at the audience direction.
---------
Scene 5 (street: Poppy tells Alex, Alex tries to cheer her up)
(Poppy walking hastily, Alice lagging behind)
Poppy: Hurry up, Alice. We have to meet Alex.
Alice: Okay dokay! Coming! (walks faster) (catches up)
Poppy: Remember, don't tell mom about us. (Alice nod earnestly)
(Alex looking at watch at stage center, waiting)
(Poppy stops walking. Turns to Alice abruptly) (Bumps slighting into her)
Poppy: Do me a favour and wait right here, okay?
Poppy: (walks a few more steps, takes in deep breath) Alex.
(Alex turns around)
Alex: Poppy!
(Poppy lunges into Alex’s arms)
Poppy: (sombre) Alex, what should I do?
Alex: What happened? Please don’t be like this. You know your sadness hurts me most.
Poppy: I’m sorry.
Alex: How are the Gans?
Poppy: Horrid. And guess what. (begins to get offensive) I am engaged. To Jonathan Gan. He is weird! He asked me what my favourite colour was, and he likes Ghost Busters! What 20 year old like GHOST BUSTERS?!?!?!?
Alex: (laugh lightly, yet hiding his despair) You’re… engaged? That’s… cool. Heh and he likes ghost busters? They used to show that on kids central.
Poppy: It's not funny, Alex!
Alex: Ok I’m sorry.
Alice: (giggles at Poppy for freaking out)
Poppy: Stop it Alice.
(Alice shuts up)
Alice: Oops
Alex: Alice?
Poppy: Nothing. She's my friend.
Alex: Friend? Whe--?
Poppy: Never mind her. We’ve got bigger problems now. I’m not marrying that… that superstitious freak!!!! I WANT TO BE WITH YOU ALEX!!!
Alex: I know, honey. I know.
Alice: Oh lovey dovey pooey hoo.
Poppy: ALICE! SHUT UP!
Alex: Poppy!! What’s with you and this Alice friend of yours?!! I know things are a huge mess now and we can hardly do anything about it, but I hope you keep your cool, for me. Okay? Please?
Poppy: I’m sorry Alex. I’m sorry.
Alex: (takes in a deep breath) Come on, why don't we take a walk?
(Poppy nods, they move towards stage right, Alice tags along silently)
(lights out, prepare for next scene)
--------
Scene 6 (climax soon)
(Mr. Gan, Jonathan & Grandma at the right back of the stage, Jon on platform; they are in the bridal boutique)
(Li Hui Hui and Mr. Lee at the left front of the stage)
(spotlight on Mr. Gan & family only first)
Mr Gan: Jon, its your big day tomorrow, give me your big winner smile!
(Jon grins widely)
Grandma: Ah Boy, you look soooooo handsome in this suit. So cute you know! (squeeze his cheeks) Poppy definitely will swoon over you tomorrow at the wedding. (fix Jon's tie while Jon struggles)
(Jon fix tie)
Mr. Gan: I agree with mum. I'm so proud of you, son. (pats Jon)
Jonathan: Really, pa? Everything is going so well! I'm sure everything will work just fine.
(all freeze, spotlight shift to Li Hui Hui & Mr. Lee who are chatting over tea)
Li Hui Hui: Tomorrow will be their wedding. I’m sorry about her relationship with your boy. I told her that I got her engaged because Jonathan’s father is the King of Gan Empires, and it would really help our Jewellery Company. She already hates me for that. What if she finds out about my real intention?
(Alex, Poppy & Alice stroll in from behind)
Mr. Lee: (hold hands, and looks down at the table) But she won't… right? Don’t worry… she never, has to know. And I’ll make sure no one will ever find out about us. Even if they do, there is nothing they can do about it. And they’ll forgive... (looks up and sees Alex, and sentence cuts off)
(release Li Hui Hui's hand, stands up abruptly) (Li Hui Hui turns to see them)
Mr. Lee: It's… It’s not what you think it is, son. It's not.
Alex: (short pause) DAD?!? How could you, dad? HOW COULD YOU?
Poppy: (to Alex) Dad? He's… (looks from Alex to Mr Lee and back again) your father?
(to Li Hui Hui) So this is the reason behind my early engagement? I don't believe this.. (slowly back away. turns around, sees Alice blocking)
Go away, Alice! (shove Alice lightly, Alice stumbles but does not fall)
Alice: Oh boy. (puts hand on forhead and shake head slowly, like trouble is brewing)
Mr. Lee: Alice? (short pause) Wha--?
Poppy: (turns back to look at the cluster of people, then abruptly turns again, crying)
Li Hui Hui: (angry) Poppy, please! Poppy!
(Alice runs after her merrily)
(Li Hui Hui give chase)
(lights out)
--------
Scene 7 (streets: the climax/reveal + monologue)
(remove Li Hui Hui & Mr. Lee dining area only)
(spotlight on Mr. Gan & family)
(Mr. Gan & family walks out from boutique, sees Poppy, spotlight shift to Poppy & Alice completely,
Jon almost calls out to Poppy but starts observing her instead)
Poppy: (walk in circles with Alice turning around) (very angry) HOW COULD SHE? HOW COULD SHE DO THIS TO ME? AS IF THINGS WEREN’T ALREADY BAD ENOUGH? HAVING TO MARRY OFF TO SOMEONE WHO ASKS ME FOR MY FAVOURITE COLOUR. HAH! (abit crazily) SO TO PROTECT HER AFFAIR WITH SOME MAN WHO HAPPENS TO BE ALEX’S FATHER, SHE MARRIES ME OFF TO SOME FREAK WITHOUT HESITATION. (louder volume) JUST SO THAT SHE CAN BE WITH HIM?!! AND SHE SAYS IT’S FOR THE COMPANY. *scoff at that lie* LIKE SHE GIVES TWO HOOTS ABOUT DAD’S COMPANY! HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO STUPID TO THINK SHE ACTUALLY CARED. HOW MANY OTHER THINGS IS SHE HIDING FROM ME? IS THE COMPANY FACING A CRISIS? IS DAD REALLY DEAD OR DID HE JUST LEAVE US? SHE NEVER TELLS ME ANYTHING!!! ALL SHE EVER DOES IS ORDER ME AROUND. AND ALL I'VE EVER DONE WAS OBEY ALL HER WISHES, GOING THROUGH ALL HER PLANS. AND FOR WHAT?!?!?! FOR WHAAAAAAT?! DID SHE EVER CARE ABOUT HOW I FELT? WAS SHE EVER THE LEAST BIT CONCERNED ABOUT MY WELL BEING? WHAT AM I TO HER?!!
(exhausted from shouting so much, panting loudly) (looks down depressedly, hair covering face) And all this while, claiming that this was all for my own good. It was all done for her own interest.
(pause) (Li Hui Hui enters without Poppy noticing) (looks up back to audience)(ALICE NOTICES HER AND STANDS UP. Standing beside Poppy)
Poppy: MY OWN MOTHER, (Alice taps Poppy and alerts her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance )throwing away MY happiness for HER own selfish gains. My mother: (slows down) (Alice taps Poppy and alerts her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance)a devious. (short pause) scheming. (Alice taps Poppy and alerts her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance) (short pause) woman.
(Li Hui Hui storming up to Poppy furiously, Alice sighs nonchalantly)
Alice: Good luck, Poppy~ (walk to stage edge and sit dangling legs)
(spotlight on the Gans)
(Mr. Gan & Grandma shocked, Jonathan concerned and takes a step forward.
Mr. Gan & Grandma spots Li Hui Hui. Jonathan has not.)
Mr. Gan: (Mr. Gan & Grandma grab Jonathan by the arm) Let's go, Jon. She’s not worth it.
Jonathan: What- Let me go! Poppy needs me!
(Jonathan sees Li Hui Hui going to slap Poppy, and tries to struggle free from father & grandma's grasp)
Jonathan: What are you doing! LET ME GO! (pushes Grandma)
(GRANDMA HAS A HEART ATTACK)
Mr. Gan: MOTHER! (jaw drops)
(Jonathan super shocked and stones)
Mr. Gan: (shakes Jon vigorously) WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
(Poppy runs away amidst the chaos,
Li Hui Hui wants to give chase but did not, and calls ambulance instead)
Jonathan: (knees beside Grandma & stuff) Grandma.. I'm sorry, Gran..
Alice: *sigh* The wonders of fate… (gives the “whatever” face) (go after Poppy slowly)
(spot light on Alex's side)
Alex: (using computer)
(enters Mr. Lee awkwardly)
Mr. Lee: (fiddles with fingers nervously) So... you know now.
Alex: (ominously and weakly, trembling with anger?) Get.. out.
Mr Lee: (desperately trying to salvage situation) But you know how your mother and I have been lately. I -
Alex: (stands up, shoves all things off his desk) SHUT UP AND GET OUT! I don't want to see you, or hear your excuses. Have you ever thought of how I would feel? How MOM would have felt? You... You BASTARD!
(Mr. Lee slowly walks out, shoved by Alex and Alex slams door)
-----------
Scene 8
(Poppy sitting on a platform, just like at scene 1, Alice sitting beside on the floor)
Poppy: (laughing despite all the terror) Alex was right, Alice. I was too stressed. With what they saw earlier, there's no way we are getting married now.. (evilly happy) (emphasis) Absolutely no way...
Alice: Don't laugh, Poppy. It's not funny. (sarcastic)
Li Hui Hui: Poppy! (enter from behind)
Poppy: (turns around, get off platform) What?
(enters Mr. Gan visible to all)
Li Hui Hui: Mr. Gan
Mr. Gan: (speak sternly, nod at them in acknowledgement when saying their name) Mdm Li, Poppy, we need to talk. I'm cancelling the wedding.
Li Hui Hui: (frantic) What?? Wait, no. I can explain all that, Mr. Gan.
Mr. Gan: Explain what? I know what I saw. There is nothing to explain. I'm not letting my son marry into a family like yours. (points at Poppy, stress on Poppy's name) Your daughter, Poppy, has caused my son to lose it. She is a jinx! And I won't have her in my family.
(takes tie off and throws onto the floor)
Mr. Gan: (sarcastic, angry) Here, you can have my $400 tie to help with your company "crisis"!
(storms out off stage frustratedly)
Li Hui Hui: (to Mr. Gan, half-chase him but stops) Wait!
(turns around, to Poppy) Look what you have done! You're ruined it all!
Poppy: Me? (to Alice) Alice, look at her, blaming me for all that she's done. (to Li Hui Hui) What have I done?
(Alice nods in agreement)
(Mr. Lee storms in)
Mr. Lee: It's over.
Li Hui Hui: (stutter) What, what do you mean it's over?
Mr. Lee: You, me, we're done. I can't do this anymore. I’m sorry Hui.
Li Hui Hui: What is this? Before all this you were saying that nothing would ever happen to us. Why are you saying this? What have I done to deserve this? You were going to divorce your wife. You were going to be with me! (stress) ME!
Mr. Lee: STOP IT. The damage is bad enough. A life is lost. What more do you want? It's time I returned to my son and my wife.
(Mr. Lee walks off stage)
Li Hui Hui: NO.
(Poppy & Alice chuckles)
(Li Hui Hui follows after Mr. Lee)
(spotlight on Alex's side also now)
Poppy: (fishes out phone and calls Alex)
*Alex phone not silent mode so got ringtone
Alex: (answers) Hello?
Poppy: Alex, this is amazing.
Alex: (very distant and not interested, in shock and stares into blank space) What is?
Poppy: (speaks very fast) Everything has fallen into place. Everything. Our parents broke up. The wedding is cancelled.
Alex: That's.. great, Poppy. I.. I need some time now. Sorry. Everything’s just.. You know. Okay I gotta go. (obvious white lie) Um. I’ll call you back later.
(hangs up)
(lights fade out at Alex's side)
Poppy: (stands on platform now) Alice… I.. My mistakes. There are too many. And it's too late to repair them now. I …
Alice: (stand up and look at Poppy for an instant, says abruptly breaking the short silence) I don't get it.
Poppy: A life was lost in the process, but I.. I don't feel sympathetic at all. (as Poppy continues, Alice disappears into the darkness) I know now that more than a life was lost. I have lost my feelings, I have lost my senses. I have lost myself. (crouch down and covers face with hands) Haven’t I, Alice? (looks around to find alice, to no avail) (slowly rises) Alice?
(lights fade out)
-----
okay i know Mr Ng had given us some pointers on how to change it, like making the twist even stronger and stuff, so PLAYWRIGHTS! ganbatte kudasai :D
and we need to settle these people:
design team 1 ( sets, props, costume, makeup)
design team 2 (lighting, sound)
the people left without a production role are Joy, Zhi Yi, Jia Chee and Elizabeth.
so can you guys settle it? i think Jolyn should gives tons of advice to design team 2 and Cher and Lois must tell design team 1 about what specific clothes the characters are wearing, and props.
let's do our best!
-`Shu Hui
201 Group A
Scene 1 (Poppy's house)
(EVERYONE ON BACKSTAGE RIGHT.
Poppy sitting on platform sewing a sock, Alice sitting on floor beside her. Spotlight on them both.)
Poppy: (thinking hard) We can finally be together, no obstacles, nothing to stop us. But why wasn't he excited, Alice? Tell me, why wasn’t he?
Alice: (looking at her nails) Perhaps… he was busy? I don't know! But aren't you happy?
Poppy: (suddenly realized) Happy? (short pause) That's right. Why don't I feel happy? Or even… satisfied?
Alice: Oh, forget it! Let's celebrate!
Poppy: (get down from platform) No. Something is wrong. It feels like… I've lost something in the process, something… important.
Alice: (chin on hand propped on the platform) And what's that?
Poppy: I.. I don't know. I made a mistake. Somewhere, along the way. My first mistake, (as if thinking very very hard) was agreeing to meet him...
(fade out spotlight, exit)
--------
Scene 2 (Advertisement recording centre)
(spotlight goes on at stage right, on advertiser 1, Jiachee)
(music: FLY ME TO THE MOON excerpt)
(Jiachee wearing a ring at posing in random poses, looking at the ring)
Advertiser 1: Li Jewellery, my choice.
Li Hui Hui: CUT!!! Let’s do it again.
(spotlight off, spotlight on at stage left, on advertiser 2, Mr Gan)
Advertiser 2: (very very comically) Are you bored of your plain ol’ toilet bowl? (pause in a pose) Do you want a change? (pause in a pose) Choose Gan Empires! Our potties guarantee a pleasant trip for you to your toilet! Get your new toilet at, uh. Aiya let’s redo this I forgot my lines. (let out a deep breath) I need a breather.
(Stage lights up)
(Li Hui Hui and Mr Gan walk towards each other –centre stage- unknowingly) (They are both in a confusion over their advertisement shoot) (They walk past, then move a few steps back)
Li Hui Hui: Mr Gan?
Mr Gan: Hui Hui?
Together: What brings you here?
Li Hui Hui: Oh I’m here to do my shoot, it isn’t going too well. Anyway, I’ve told my daughter about the engagement. She seems okay with it, I think.
Mr Gan: That’s good. Jon my boy is getting really excited to see her. Uh, I’ve got to run, Mdm Li, shoot in 2 minutes. I’ll see you tomorrow for the engagement at your place?
Li Hui Hui: Yes, of course. It was nice meeting you. See you, Mr Gan.
----------
Scene 3 (Poppy's Living Room: the meeting)
(Poppy & Li Hui Hui seated, Alice hidden behind sofa)
Li Hui Hui: Smile, Poppy. You should look more presentable and make the best first impression. Marrying Jonathan Gan will only do the company good.
(Poppy is extremely depressed; Alice sits behind her blowing and playing with her hair)
(Mr. Gan, Jonathan & Grandma enters)
(Poppy & Li Hui Hui rise)
Li Hui Hui: (very courteous, and gesture towards other seats) Please, take a seat, take a seat!
(Mr. Gan marches in and sits, Jonathan walks fast & Grandma struggling)
Grandma: (one hand wave to beckon him, other hand holding a walking stick) Ah boy ah, don't walk so fast. Ma ma old already.
Jonathan: (turns back to help Grandma to her seat) Don't call me ‘ah boy’.
Mr. Gan: (just as Jonathan sits, Mr. Gan grabs Jon's arm and brings him forward) Jon, meet Poppy.
Li Hui Hui: (grabs Poppy's arm and brings her forward) Poppy, this is Jonathan, your soon-to-be husband.
Jonathan: (enthusiastically shakes Poppy's hand) Hi! I'm Jonathan! Uh, Jonathan Gan! Most people call me 'Jon'! You must be Poppy! Did you know our 8 characters match perfectly? It was why I asked to meet you. I think we will make a great couple!
Poppy: (fake smile & withdraw hand awkwardly) (mumbles) Uh, heh. No, I didnt know that. Um, nice to meet you?
Li Hui Hui: (shakes hand with Mr. Gan) Mr. Gan, thank you for helping us out. I'm sure this will be a very happy marriage.
Mr Gan: Yes yes, of course, this is no trouble at all! My mother here used to be a fortune teller in a temple and she says everything about them match! Perfectly!
Li Hui Hui: Oh, really? (Acts surprised, but in actual fact doesn’t know what he is talking about) That’s good. Right? Heh.
(Mr. Gan & Li Hui Hui return to seats)
Grandma: (disrupts conversation) Of course. I used to read palms, hands, legs, everything, you know? (happy) Anyways, ah Boy, is this her? (Jon nods very excitedly) Ah~ halo, Poppy. I am Boy's grandma. What do you like to eat? I can cook anything!
Poppy: (fake smile drops) Erm… nothi… nothing much really. Nothing in particular.
Grandma: Aiya don’t be shy. Grandma will cook the most delicious curry for your wedding dinner okay?
(Poppy looks nervous)
Jonathan: Gran, don’t get so over excited! (Even more excited to show irony, speak very very fast yet clearly) Poppy! What do you like to read! I like reading ghost stories, myths, zodiac, and mystery stories! What colour do you like? I like black, and pink, and blue. I also love to eat my gran’s curry and fishball noodles and tom yam. Oh! And I think your house has very good feng shui. What is your favourite show? I simply looooove Ghost Busters, especially the theme song! How about you!
Poppy: (thinks Jon is mad) Uh. (Lost for words) I… I…
(lights fade out)
---------
Scene 4 (Poppy's room: Poppy meets Alice)
(spotlight on Poppy only, Alice hidden in the dark beside Poppy.)
Poppy: (pacing around, messes hair up frustratedly) AAAAARGHHHHHH. A BETROTHAL? AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE? What on… WHAT ON EARTH IS MY MOTHER THINKING?!! She's crazy! CRAZY! At this day and age too? Alice, I can't believe her! (exasperated) How can she do this to me? How can she put her company's interest before mine?!
(spotlight includes Alice now)
Alice: (nonchalantly) I don't know! (whatever voice) Because the company is what feeds the family? Calm down, Poppy.
Poppy: (slightly more calm now) *takes deep breath* You're right.
(enter Li Hui Hui without Poppy noticing)
Poppy: (faces Alice and talk) But, what should I do, Alice? I don't want to -
Li Hui Hui: (interrupts, calmly) Um... Poppy, honey? Are you free to talk?
(Alice hides herself)
Poppy: (Looks at Alice, then at her mother) Kind of.
Li Hui Hui: I… just wanted to ask you what you think of Jonathan. You know you’re getting married to him in a few days, right?
Poppy: Ye-yeah. (to Alice) Alice, some help here?
Li Hui Hui throws questioning looks at the audience direction.
---------
Scene 5 (street: Poppy tells Alex, Alex tries to cheer her up)
(Poppy walking hastily, Alice lagging behind)
Poppy: Hurry up, Alice. We have to meet Alex.
Alice: Okay dokay! Coming! (walks faster) (catches up)
Poppy: Remember, don't tell mom about us. (Alice nod earnestly)
(Alex looking at watch at stage center, waiting)
(Poppy stops walking. Turns to Alice abruptly) (Bumps slighting into her)
Poppy: Do me a favour and wait right here, okay?
Poppy: (walks a few more steps, takes in deep breath) Alex.
(Alex turns around)
Alex: Poppy!
(Poppy lunges into Alex’s arms)
Poppy: (sombre) Alex, what should I do?
Alex: What happened? Please don’t be like this. You know your sadness hurts me most.
Poppy: I’m sorry.
Alex: How are the Gans?
Poppy: Horrid. And guess what. (begins to get offensive) I am engaged. To Jonathan Gan. He is weird! He asked me what my favourite colour was, and he likes Ghost Busters! What 20 year old like GHOST BUSTERS?!?!?!?
Alex: (laugh lightly, yet hiding his despair) You’re… engaged? That’s… cool. Heh and he likes ghost busters? They used to show that on kids central.
Poppy: It's not funny, Alex!
Alex: Ok I’m sorry.
Alice: (giggles at Poppy for freaking out)
Poppy: Stop it Alice.
(Alice shuts up)
Alice: Oops
Alex: Alice?
Poppy: Nothing. She's my friend.
Alex: Friend? Whe--?
Poppy: Never mind her. We’ve got bigger problems now. I’m not marrying that… that superstitious freak!!!! I WANT TO BE WITH YOU ALEX!!!
Alex: I know, honey. I know.
Alice: Oh lovey dovey pooey hoo.
Poppy: ALICE! SHUT UP!
Alex: Poppy!! What’s with you and this Alice friend of yours?!! I know things are a huge mess now and we can hardly do anything about it, but I hope you keep your cool, for me. Okay? Please?
Poppy: I’m sorry Alex. I’m sorry.
Alex: (takes in a deep breath) Come on, why don't we take a walk?
(Poppy nods, they move towards stage right, Alice tags along silently)
(lights out, prepare for next scene)
--------
Scene 6 (climax soon)
(Mr. Gan, Jonathan & Grandma at the right back of the stage, Jon on platform; they are in the bridal boutique)
(Li Hui Hui and Mr. Lee at the left front of the stage)
(spotlight on Mr. Gan & family only first)
Mr Gan: Jon, its your big day tomorrow, give me your big winner smile!
(Jon grins widely)
Grandma: Ah Boy, you look soooooo handsome in this suit. So cute you know! (squeeze his cheeks) Poppy definitely will swoon over you tomorrow at the wedding. (fix Jon's tie while Jon struggles)
(Jon fix tie)
Mr. Gan: I agree with mum. I'm so proud of you, son. (pats Jon)
Jonathan: Really, pa? Everything is going so well! I'm sure everything will work just fine.
(all freeze, spotlight shift to Li Hui Hui & Mr. Lee who are chatting over tea)
Li Hui Hui: Tomorrow will be their wedding. I’m sorry about her relationship with your boy. I told her that I got her engaged because Jonathan’s father is the King of Gan Empires, and it would really help our Jewellery Company. She already hates me for that. What if she finds out about my real intention?
(Alex, Poppy & Alice stroll in from behind)
Mr. Lee: (hold hands, and looks down at the table) But she won't… right? Don’t worry… she never, has to know. And I’ll make sure no one will ever find out about us. Even if they do, there is nothing they can do about it. And they’ll forgive... (looks up and sees Alex, and sentence cuts off)
(release Li Hui Hui's hand, stands up abruptly) (Li Hui Hui turns to see them)
Mr. Lee: It's… It’s not what you think it is, son. It's not.
Alex: (short pause) DAD?!? How could you, dad? HOW COULD YOU?
Poppy: (to Alex) Dad? He's… (looks from Alex to Mr Lee and back again) your father?
(to Li Hui Hui) So this is the reason behind my early engagement? I don't believe this.. (slowly back away. turns around, sees Alice blocking)
Go away, Alice! (shove Alice lightly, Alice stumbles but does not fall)
Alice: Oh boy. (puts hand on forhead and shake head slowly, like trouble is brewing)
Mr. Lee: Alice? (short pause) Wha--?
Poppy: (turns back to look at the cluster of people, then abruptly turns again, crying)
Li Hui Hui: (angry) Poppy, please! Poppy!
(Alice runs after her merrily)
(Li Hui Hui give chase)
(lights out)
--------
Scene 7 (streets: the climax/reveal + monologue)
(remove Li Hui Hui & Mr. Lee dining area only)
(spotlight on Mr. Gan & family)
(Mr. Gan & family walks out from boutique, sees Poppy, spotlight shift to Poppy & Alice completely,
Jon almost calls out to Poppy but starts observing her instead)
Poppy: (walk in circles with Alice turning around) (very angry) HOW COULD SHE? HOW COULD SHE DO THIS TO ME? AS IF THINGS WEREN’T ALREADY BAD ENOUGH? HAVING TO MARRY OFF TO SOMEONE WHO ASKS ME FOR MY FAVOURITE COLOUR. HAH! (abit crazily) SO TO PROTECT HER AFFAIR WITH SOME MAN WHO HAPPENS TO BE ALEX’S FATHER, SHE MARRIES ME OFF TO SOME FREAK WITHOUT HESITATION. (louder volume) JUST SO THAT SHE CAN BE WITH HIM?!! AND SHE SAYS IT’S FOR THE COMPANY. *scoff at that lie* LIKE SHE GIVES TWO HOOTS ABOUT DAD’S COMPANY! HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO STUPID TO THINK SHE ACTUALLY CARED. HOW MANY OTHER THINGS IS SHE HIDING FROM ME? IS THE COMPANY FACING A CRISIS? IS DAD REALLY DEAD OR DID HE JUST LEAVE US? SHE NEVER TELLS ME ANYTHING!!! ALL SHE EVER DOES IS ORDER ME AROUND. AND ALL I'VE EVER DONE WAS OBEY ALL HER WISHES, GOING THROUGH ALL HER PLANS. AND FOR WHAT?!?!?! FOR WHAAAAAAT?! DID SHE EVER CARE ABOUT HOW I FELT? WAS SHE EVER THE LEAST BIT CONCERNED ABOUT MY WELL BEING? WHAT AM I TO HER?!!
(exhausted from shouting so much, panting loudly) (looks down depressedly, hair covering face) And all this while, claiming that this was all for my own good. It was all done for her own interest.
(pause) (Li Hui Hui enters without Poppy noticing) (looks up back to audience)(ALICE NOTICES HER AND STANDS UP. Standing beside Poppy)
Poppy: MY OWN MOTHER, (Alice taps Poppy and alerts her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance )throwing away MY happiness for HER own selfish gains. My mother: (slows down) (Alice taps Poppy and alerts her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance)a devious. (short pause) scheming. (Alice taps Poppy and alerts her of Li Hui Hui’s appearance) (short pause) woman.
(Li Hui Hui storming up to Poppy furiously, Alice sighs nonchalantly)
Alice: Good luck, Poppy~ (walk to stage edge and sit dangling legs)
(spotlight on the Gans)
(Mr. Gan & Grandma shocked, Jonathan concerned and takes a step forward.
Mr. Gan & Grandma spots Li Hui Hui. Jonathan has not.)
Mr. Gan: (Mr. Gan & Grandma grab Jonathan by the arm) Let's go, Jon. She’s not worth it.
Jonathan: What- Let me go! Poppy needs me!
(Jonathan sees Li Hui Hui going to slap Poppy, and tries to struggle free from father & grandma's grasp)
Jonathan: What are you doing! LET ME GO! (pushes Grandma)
(GRANDMA HAS A HEART ATTACK)
Mr. Gan: MOTHER! (jaw drops)
(Jonathan super shocked and stones)
Mr. Gan: (shakes Jon vigorously) WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
(Poppy runs away amidst the chaos,
Li Hui Hui wants to give chase but did not, and calls ambulance instead)
Jonathan: (knees beside Grandma & stuff) Grandma.. I'm sorry, Gran..
Alice: *sigh* The wonders of fate… (gives the “whatever” face) (go after Poppy slowly)
(spot light on Alex's side)
Alex: (using computer)
(enters Mr. Lee awkwardly)
Mr. Lee: (fiddles with fingers nervously) So... you know now.
Alex: (ominously and weakly, trembling with anger?) Get.. out.
Mr Lee: (desperately trying to salvage situation) But you know how your mother and I have been lately. I -
Alex: (stands up, shoves all things off his desk) SHUT UP AND GET OUT! I don't want to see you, or hear your excuses. Have you ever thought of how I would feel? How MOM would have felt? You... You BASTARD!
(Mr. Lee slowly walks out, shoved by Alex and Alex slams door)
-----------
Scene 8
(Poppy sitting on a platform, just like at scene 1, Alice sitting beside on the floor)
Poppy: (laughing despite all the terror) Alex was right, Alice. I was too stressed. With what they saw earlier, there's no way we are getting married now.. (evilly happy) (emphasis) Absolutely no way...
Alice: Don't laugh, Poppy. It's not funny. (sarcastic)
Li Hui Hui: Poppy! (enter from behind)
Poppy: (turns around, get off platform) What?
(enters Mr. Gan visible to all)
Li Hui Hui: Mr. Gan
Mr. Gan: (speak sternly, nod at them in acknowledgement when saying their name) Mdm Li, Poppy, we need to talk. I'm cancelling the wedding.
Li Hui Hui: (frantic) What?? Wait, no. I can explain all that, Mr. Gan.
Mr. Gan: Explain what? I know what I saw. There is nothing to explain. I'm not letting my son marry into a family like yours. (points at Poppy, stress on Poppy's name) Your daughter, Poppy, has caused my son to lose it. She is a jinx! And I won't have her in my family.
(takes tie off and throws onto the floor)
Mr. Gan: (sarcastic, angry) Here, you can have my $400 tie to help with your company "crisis"!
(storms out off stage frustratedly)
Li Hui Hui: (to Mr. Gan, half-chase him but stops) Wait!
(turns around, to Poppy) Look what you have done! You're ruined it all!
Poppy: Me? (to Alice) Alice, look at her, blaming me for all that she's done. (to Li Hui Hui) What have I done?
(Alice nods in agreement)
(Mr. Lee storms in)
Mr. Lee: It's over.
Li Hui Hui: (stutter) What, what do you mean it's over?
Mr. Lee: You, me, we're done. I can't do this anymore. I’m sorry Hui.
Li Hui Hui: What is this? Before all this you were saying that nothing would ever happen to us. Why are you saying this? What have I done to deserve this? You were going to divorce your wife. You were going to be with me! (stress) ME!
Mr. Lee: STOP IT. The damage is bad enough. A life is lost. What more do you want? It's time I returned to my son and my wife.
(Mr. Lee walks off stage)
Li Hui Hui: NO.
(Poppy & Alice chuckles)
(Li Hui Hui follows after Mr. Lee)
(spotlight on Alex's side also now)
Poppy: (fishes out phone and calls Alex)
*Alex phone not silent mode so got ringtone
Alex: (answers) Hello?
Poppy: Alex, this is amazing.
Alex: (very distant and not interested, in shock and stares into blank space) What is?
Poppy: (speaks very fast) Everything has fallen into place. Everything. Our parents broke up. The wedding is cancelled.
Alex: That's.. great, Poppy. I.. I need some time now. Sorry. Everything’s just.. You know. Okay I gotta go. (obvious white lie) Um. I’ll call you back later.
(hangs up)
(lights fade out at Alex's side)
Poppy: (stands on platform now) Alice… I.. My mistakes. There are too many. And it's too late to repair them now. I …
Alice: (stand up and look at Poppy for an instant, says abruptly breaking the short silence) I don't get it.
Poppy: A life was lost in the process, but I.. I don't feel sympathetic at all. (as Poppy continues, Alice disappears into the darkness) I know now that more than a life was lost. I have lost my feelings, I have lost my senses. I have lost myself. (crouch down and covers face with hands) Haven’t I, Alice? (looks around to find alice, to no avail) (slowly rises) Alice?
(lights fade out)
-----
okay i know Mr Ng had given us some pointers on how to change it, like making the twist even stronger and stuff, so PLAYWRIGHTS! ganbatte kudasai :D
and we need to settle these people:
design team 1 ( sets, props, costume, makeup)
design team 2 (lighting, sound)
the people left without a production role are Joy, Zhi Yi, Jia Chee and Elizabeth.
so can you guys settle it? i think Jolyn should gives tons of advice to design team 2 and Cher and Lois must tell design team 1 about what specific clothes the characters are wearing, and props.
let's do our best!
-`Shu Hui
