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)

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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.

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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)

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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.
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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)

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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)
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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)

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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