Professional Documents
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Send in The Clown
Send in The Clown
Send in The Clown
by Tom Erb
BY TOM ERB
SYNOPSIS: The year is 1960 and "The Bobo The Clown Show"
is the most popular children's show aired once a week.
Since viewership has been declining the producers decided
to go for a bigger sponsor, which means they will lose
some of their creative control. The new sponsor "Cue
Toothpaste" wants to see "Bobo The Clown" with a young
sidekick to sell their toothpaste to a younger audience.
After a long audition the sponsors and producers hired
Tommy Edwards to be Bobo's new CO-Star. Stu Kerr the actor
who portrays Bobo, who has a drinking problem and a very
bad disposition despises the networks decision, which
creates a tough working environment.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
DON LIVINGSTON (m)- 40's, Writer "The Bobo the Clown Show"
PRODUCTION NOTES
ACT I
_____
Scene One
_________
CONNIE
Tommy you sit here and I will get Frazier the Floor
Manager.
TOMMY
OK, Miss Connie. (Tommy sits quietly on the lower
bleacher swinging his legs and lightly kicking his
feet against the bleacher boards and the sound echos
throughout the dark studio).
HAL
Good morning Tommy. This is your first day at work. I
got your contract signed by your mother and we will
give you a signed full copy to give to your mother.
TOMMY
Yes sir, Mr. Turner.
HAL
Tommy, you can call me Hal? We will be working
together hopefully for a while...so lets keep in by
first names. At least with me I don't know what the
others will think. (Laughs)
CONNIE
Hal here is your coffee and today's toothpaste
scripts for your approval for Frank and Tommy to
HAL
Has his majesty arrived?
CONNIE
Yes, he is sleeping or past out on the couch in the
green room. Sam told me he staggered in at 2:30am
this morning.
HAL
Really?
CONNIE
Should I wake him up?
HAL
No, wait till Don, Alan and Larry get here. They
should be here any minute. We have to sign Tommy's
contract that his mother signed last night before we
can start. Could you get all the copies ready?
CONNIE
Sure Hal.
Exit Connie SL
HAL
Tommy come over here and sit with me.
CONT.
Would you like something to drink?
TOMMY
What do you have?
HAL
I don't really know. We can ask Connie when she comes
back.
LARRY
Well, we need to look at that before we start
rehearsal this morning.
DON
I have them in my briefcase, Good morning Hal.
HAL
Good morning gentleman. I have been waiting for you
so we can get these papers signed and start
rehearsals.
Alan
DON
Lets do it.
Enter SL Connie.
HAL
Connie what do we have to offer our young co-star to
drink?
CONNIE
Well, coffee is out, but we have Dr Pepper, Lemonade
and Cherry Kool-Aid. What would you like Tommy?
TOMMY
With glee.
I will have a Dr Pepper please.
DON
Connie could you also roll out a table?
CONNIE
Sure Mr. Livingston.
ALAN
Has Stu arrived?
HAL
Yes, apparently he has been sleeping on the couch in
the Green Room since 2:00am.
LARRY
Why?
DON
Larry, it's Stu. Why does Stu do anything?
CONT.
Thank You Connie.
CONNIE
You welcome Mr. Livingston.
TOMMY
Thank You Connie.
DON
Alright lets get these contracts signed.
ALAN
So, that is done now we can get to work.
DON
Connie you can take the table back to the green room.
Tommy your Mom already has a copy that we all signed
last night.
CONNIE
Sure!
TOMMY
OK.
ALAN
Are the scripts for the "CUE Toothpaste" promos ready
for Stu and the kid to rehearse?
DON
They are on your desk for approval.
LARRY
I will go in the green room and wake Stu....Wish me
luck.
HAL
Tommy when Connie gets back I will have her take you
to wardrobe.
TOMMY
Wardrobe?
HAL
Yes, we have different costumes for you to were for
every show. You will also have to have make-up
applied and of course you won't need your hair done.
Tommy chuckles.
Enter Connie.
CONNIE
Hal, I think I should take Tommy to wardrobe.
HAL
See....I told you.
ALAN
These scripts are good. I only worry about the kid
pulling this off.
HAL
Its not the kid I am worried about.
ALAN
What? You mean Stu?
HAL
He has been drinking more these days.
ALAN
He is fine.
HAL
Fine? Last week when he tripped and fell into the
bleachers on top of three little girls and injured
one, that was fine?
ALAN
Well.... be sure to keep an eye on him and if he get
worst let me know. I have a meeting with the
sponsors. I will be back by air time.
HAL
He is already worst, Alan.
LARRY
Did Alan approve the scripts?
HAL
Yes he did.
LARRY
Stu, Hal said good morning.
STU
HAL
Christ Stu, listen to yourself. Try to remember that
starting today you are not only performing for
children you will be working with and performing with
a kid.
STU
Woo...Hoo...Yippee. I know, I was at the auditions
remember? I met the kid. He is going to be trouble.
HAL
Why is that?
STU.
Because he is a kid. He won't remember his lines and
he will mess up on every commercial. You watch.
LARRY
Stu, we talked about this. This is the direction that
"Cue Toothpaste" wants to go.
STU
Well it is stupid and they will see it after the
first show.
LARRY
No, Stu this is the way this is going to go down. You
will except this new direction, and you will be nice
to your new cast member, and support him in every
way. Do you understand?
STU
Yeah...Yeah.
LARRY
No really Stu, I mean it.
STU
Or what?
LARRY
Or what?
STU
Yes, or what.
LARRY
I will tell you what you sack of shit.
CONT.
I created "Bobo" and wore that costume for four years
before you fell from grace with the networks. I would
do it again to just throw your ass out on the street
CONNIE
Hal, how does this look for the first spot?
HAL
Come over here Tommy let me see. Looks good. What do
you think Stu?
STU
Well, Hal this looks great.
Very energetic.
CONT.
The only change I would make is roll up his pant
legs.
CONNIE
Tommy come and stand on this bottom bleacher.
STU
Now that is perfect.
HAL
OK, it's different, but I like it.
LARRY
Great! Hal, I believe it is time to get the rehearsal
started.
HAL
I believe you are right.
LARRY
I will leave you to it.
Exit Larry.
HAL
Stu and Tommy here are the four scripts for this
week.
CONT.
I know it is short notice.
CONT.
We will make sure you have copies the night before so
you have time to prepare. Oh Tommy, you can get down
off the bleacher now.
STU
Why? It will change overnight?
HAL
But at least you won't be working from scratch like
today.
STU
Is that good with you Tommy?
TOMMY
Sure?
HAL
Here is the way we will run the rehearsals. I will
read your part Tommy with Stu, and you will listen.
Then you will try it with Stu after that. You
understand?
TOMMY
Yes sir.
HAL
OK, Stu are you ready?
STU
Oh yes, I guess so.
HAL
OK Tommy, you are going to be sitting here at the end
of the bleachers, and a minute before we cut to the
"Cue" Toothpaste commercial the camera will pan to
stage right. When that happens Tommy you will cross
behind the cameras....so lets rehearse that...Tommy
follow me.
CONT.
Now Tommy, once you are here you will take your
place. For these first four commercials you will be
standing on this apple crate, and your face will be
centered on this fake mirror. To your left is your
toothbrush...There will be a new one every time, and
to the right is a tube of "CUE Toothpaste". Make sure
you hold the tube up so the name can be seen on
camera. The sink actually works so you will be able
to really brush your teeth. Please be as animated as
possible. Do you know what that means Tommy?
TOMMY
I guess...you mean funny faces like when I play in
front of the mirror at home?
HAL
Exactly!
TOMMY
I can do that.
HAL
Once you are in place the lights will go dark on the
commercial platform. You will have your face up
looking at the camera, the toothpaste and toothbrush
in your hands. When the lights come up "Bobo" will
step into the scene. Do you understand that Tommy?
TOMMY
It means he will come on the platform, and we will
start the commercial?
HAL
Yes Tommy, that is correct. When the lights come up
and "Bobo" is in the scene, he will say...
No response.
CONT.
Stu!....Stu wake up.
STU
What? What is happening?
HAL
We are rehearing that is what's happening. Please
begin with the opening line.
STU
OK...OK!
BOBO
Good morning Tommy are you excited to start your day?
HAL
Yes Bobo, but first I have to brush my teeth with
"Cue Toothpaste". It is my favorite. After you
deliver that line Tommy you need to open the tube of
toothpaste like this.
CONT.
Put toothpaste on the toothbrush like this.
CONT.
Then begin to brush your teeth. Make sure you are
HAL
STU!
STU
What! What?
HAL
Your line please...
BOBO
It should be Tommy. Did you know that it has
Fluoraction and "Cue Toothpaste" can be picked up at
your local grocery and pharmacy.
HAL
Now... Tommy this is very important that you get the
timing right on this. As soon as Bobo says "It should
be Tommy" that is your cue to bend down and rinse
your mouth. But don't rise up till Bozo says the word
pharmacy, and look at the camera with a big smile and
happy face and deliver your line.
BOZO
That is right Tommy. Cue Toothpaste simply makes your
teeth tougher. Make sure to pick up yours today.
HAL
CUT! OK, so you get it? Tommy?
TOMMY
Yes.
HAL
Stu?
STU
Yes! I get it.
HAL
Great lets go back to position one and run it.
CONT.
Are you ready?
TOMMY
Yes.
STU
Yes.
HAL
Alright, it's is a minute before the first
commercial. The blue light on top of the camera will
go one. That is your cue Tommy to cross behind the
camera and take your place on the commercial set.
HAL
OK, lights up on commercial set....Action!
BOBO
Good morning Tommy are you excited to start your day?
TOMMY
Yes Bozo, but first I have to brush my teeth with
"Cue Toothpaste". It is my favorite.
BOBO
It should be Tommy.
TOMMY
Yes I did Bobo! I like that it will give me a
lifetime of fewer cavities.
BOBO
That is right Tommy, "Cue Toothpaste" simply makes
your teeth tougher. Make sure to pick up yours today.
HAL
CUT! Tommy that was great. How did you learn those
lines so fast?
TOMMY
I don't know. I just remember things when I read
them.
STU
Show off.
Blackout
ACT ONE
_______
Scene Two
_________
LARRY
There you are. You are twenty minutes late Stu. I am
a busy man, and I don't appreciate you being so late.
STU
Sorry Larry, I was sleeping in the Green Room and my
alarm didn't go off.
LARRY
What alarm? There is no alarm clock in the Green
Room.
STU
Oh? I thought there was.
LARRY
Stu what was so important that you needed this
meeting?
STU
Well Larry, frankly it is the kid. I don't think he
is going to work out.
LARRY
Really? Why do you say that?
STU
Because I think the kids don't like being reminded by
another kid to brush their teeth.
LARRY
Is that it?
STU
Honestly, he is a distraction.
LARRY
For who Stu? You?
STU
Well, yes, and the audience as well.
LARRY
I see. So, what is your suggestion?
STU
We should go back to the old format.
LARRY
And what do we tell our sponsor Cue Toothpaste?
STU
Bobo can do their commercials.
LARRY
And what about the kids contract.
STU
Just buy it out.
LARRY
Stu I want you listen very closely, so you can hear
me loud and clear. We will not tell our biggest
sponsor ever that our new format that has increased
our viewership by 20 point that we want to go back to
our BORING old format. That will never happen.
Secondly, the kid stays! From what I have been seeing
and hearing from the producers and crew, the kid is
great! I think you are threatened by him. He's making
you look bad.
STU
What? Don't be ridiculous! I have more training in my
pinky, than he will ever have.
Very defensive.
LARRY
It has nothing to do with your training Stu. It is
about production and performance right here and now.
Not what you learned, or did in the past. Jesus man,
look at yourself. You have been on a downward slide
ever since your were taken off the evening news desk,
and brought to this show.
STU
Yes, Evening News anchor, to playing a clown.
LARRY
Not just any clown Stu, "Bobo the Clown"! The number
one clown in the country. Any other actor would
except the challenge, and run with it. Just forget
about your training and embrace this important, and
amazing opportunity to entertain and shape young
peoples hearts and minds.
STU
Forget my training? How could I do that? This
situation is a tragedy.
LARRY
And in some ways its a comedy.
STU
I am sure you see it that way.
LARRY
Stu, I have another meeting. You need to get on board
with the new format, and find a way to work with the
kid. As your friend, I can tell you that you are
being watched very closely and any mistakes could get
you tossed out. Clean up your act.
STU
So, this is my final resting ground?
LARRY
Or your comeback, it all depends on how you look at
it. It's your choice buddy.
ALAN
Don is that finalized script done so I can get Larry
to sign off on it?
DON
Yes.
ALAN
Great! I will get this to Larry before he leave.
DON
Just a note Alan.
ALAN
Yes?
DON
I have strengthened the kids character, and lines
like we talked about.
ALAN
Hopefully, Larry will like it.
FRAZIER
OK, everyone lets get this floor ready for a show.
Marshall lets get the boom checks ready, A.J. lets
run through the lighting plot and Henry turn on Big
Bertha (the camera) and get her warmed up.
HENRY
Bertha has been cold for two days so it will take
about five minutes to have her ready for rehearsals.
FRAZIER
OK.
MARSHALL
The mics and boom will be ready at that time as well.
A.J.
Same here boss.
BLACKOUT
ACT ONE
_______
Scene Three
___________
HAL
How does that feel? I believe we are ready for this
weeks show. I will be right back I need to get these
final drafts typed, to Larry and the sponsor.
Exit Hal.
STU
I think I will head back to the green room for a nap.
TOMMY
You take a lot of naps.
STU
Oh, the kid speaks. I think that is the first time
you have actually spoke to me other than at audition,
rehearsals, or on the show.
TOMMY
You make it hard to speak to you.
STU
It should be hard to speak to me.
TOMMY
Why?
STU
Because I am the star of the show.
TOMMY
No! Bobo is the star of the show.
STU
And that is me.
TOMMY
No, you are Stu.
STU
You are right. Bobo is a role I play.
TOMMY
I may be a kid, but I know the difference. Bobo is a
lot more fun than Stu.
STU
You have no idea how hard it is to be me.
TOMMY
I'm glad I don't have to try.
STU
What do you know? You're just a kid.
TOMMY
I know that a lot of kids love you when you are
hiding behind the make-up in front of the camera.
Enter Hal.
STU
Hal, the kid thinks I am hiding behind Bobo's make-
up.
HAL
Oh?
STU
Yeah, he is such and expert in these matters.
HAL
Now Stu there is no reason.....
STU
This wet behind the ears kid thinks he knows me.
Thinks he could possibly understand the bullshit I
have been through.
HAL
Stu you really should watch your language, and change
your tone before this gets out...
STU
Before this what Hal? Before I lose my cool! Well, TO
LATE!
HAL
Tommy, we should head back to the green room.
STU
That's it, take the bratty kid away from scary Stu.
What's wrong kid? Can't you hang with the big clowns?
Am I going to hurt your whinny little feelings?.
HAL
Stu, I am warning you right now. You better stop.
Enter CS Larry.
LARRY
HAL
Why don't you ask Stu.
LARRY
What's going on here Stu?
STU
I was just letting off some steam.
LARRY
Are you OK Tommy?
STU
He is fin...
LARRY
I am not talking to you Stu. Tommy are you OK?
TOMMY
Yes sir.
Trembling.
LARRY
Tommy you know where the green room is, right?
TOMMY
Yes sir.
LARRY
Why don't you go there and wait for me or Hal. I want
to talk to Hal and Stu for a few minutes.
STU
Larry before you....
LARRY
Stu sit down.
CONT.
I have tried to be as clear as I could about this new
format, and I know that it has been a big adjustment
for everyone involved. We have seen our viewership
increase over 20 percent. For the first time
potential sponsors are coming to us instead of us,
discounting and begging them to contribute. Do you
think that is a good thing Hal.
HAL
Absolutely Larry. I have received many letters and
comments after the show from parents, grandparents,
as well as the kids.
LARRY
That's great Hal. What about you Stu?
STU
Honestly, I like to old format.
LARRY
We all know that. What did you like the most about
the old format Stu?
STU
(Frustrated)Bobo was king! There was no other clown.
You have been adding new clowns like Cooky, Wizzo,
LARRY
Trying to stay calm.
STU
It's stupid to think that the sponsor knows what is
best for our audience.
LARRY
The sponsor is only interested in what's best for
them. Since they are paying for all of us to be here
we to have change.
STU
Bobo is able to promote them just like before.
LARRY
Stu there was a time I would have agreed with you.
You have become a angry, disruptive, drunken clown
that thinks everyone owes you something. Your Bobo
was the best I have ever seen, until you were turned
down for that Head Newscaster job you applied for in
Richmond two years back.
STU
That is not true.
LARRY
Yes it is. Ask your fellow workers. Hal do you agree?
HAL
I am sorry Stu, but Larry is right.
STU
Bringing that kid into the show was a big kick in the
balls.
LARRY
No, the kid was a big kick in the ratings and studio
ticket sales. Like it or not Stu, the kid is here to
stay. I am going to say this with Hal as my witness.
HAL
Larry!
LARRY
No Hal. I have the final word on all that goes on
here. I could find dozens of actors to play "Bobo the
Clown" at the level that Stu has been play him the
past six months. Right? Do you disagree?
HAL
No, but that was a harsh way to put it.
LARRY
I am tired of being nice to Stu, Hal. This is going
to be resolved right here, and now. What's it going
to be Stu.
HAL
Larry, please.
LARRY
Stu?
Blackout
ACT TWO
_______
Scene One
_________
BOBO
That's a good boy Tommy. Up and down with your
toothbrush with Cue Toothpaste will make your teeth
cleaner.
CONT.
To all those Mothers out there looking for the right
toothpaste...well you have found it in "Cue
Toothpaste". It will make your kids, and your teeth
cleaner, brighter and....and
TOMMY
...and stronger. Thank you Bobo now my mouth feels
clean and fresh.
CONT.
You can pick-up "Cue Toothpaste" at your local
grocers and pharmacies, along with other "Cue"
products.
Bobo is recovering.
BOBO
That is great Tommy! Now a big thanks to all the
people at "Cue Toothpaste", who make this show
possible. The Bobo Show we will be right back after
this message.
HAL
Cut!
LARRY
Stu is getting worse, and it is just a matter of time
before his actions affect the sponsors and our
viewership. We have to do something.
HAL
You have to do something about Stu. He is making us a
laughing stock.
DON
Well, the way I see it the kid has covered Bobo, Stu
and the sponsors. Not just in these two spots, but a
few prior.
ALAN
That is for sure.
HAL
The kid is great.
Sarcastically.
Maybe we should have him do the commercials.
LARRY
Wait, Hal you may be on to something.
HAL
Larry I was just kidding.
DON
Yeah Larry, I think Hal was just kidding.
LARRY
No, hear me out. What if we made the kid the
ALAN
Larry you could be right. If we do a few we would be
able to see how the sponsors like it, as well as
watch our viewership, and their responses.
DON
I could write a few spots with just the kid and we
could have him rehearse them without Stu.
LARRY
OK, lets keep this to ourselves.
HAL
We are at 30 seconds.
LARRY
Don, get on these scripts right away.
HAL
3...2...1 Action.
BOBO
Welcome back. Now it's time for Bobo's Treasure
Chest. Now every one knows you were all given a
number when you arrived today, Right?
CONT.
In this box I have all the numbers in the studio
audience. If I call your number, you will have a
chance to win some great prizes. Are you ready?
CONT.
OK, here we go! Number 29, please come up.
CONT.
Number 29 are you out there.
CONT.
What is their name? Did you say Johnny?
CONT.
Johnny? Oh there you are. Is your name Johnny?
JOHNNY
Yes?
BOBO
Are you ready to play the Bobo Treasure Chest Game?
JOHNNY
Yes!
BOBO
Do you see some toys on the chest you would like to
win?
JOHNNY
Yes!
BOBO
Which ones do you want?
JOHNNY
The Spy Detector Game.
BOBO
Anything else?
JOHNNY
The Etch-A-Sketch.
BOBO
Good Johnny. Lets move over here to the wheel. You
will see that the two toys you wanted are right
here...and here.
JOHNNY
Yes.
BOBO
Johnny grab the board and give the big wheel a giant
spin.
CONT.
Let's hope that it lands on your toy.
CONT.
Oh, the wheel landed on a Barbie Doll.
JOHNNY
I don't want that!
BOBO
Well Johnny, you have one more chance, if you give
your gift away to someone in the audience.
CONT.
Here you are Johnny. Go give a lucky girl in the
audience your toy.
JOHNNY
OK!
BOBO
Great job Johnny! Now come over here, and give this
wheel one more big spin, and we hope you will get the
toy you want. Remember this is your last spin.
JOHNNY
OK.
BOBO
You have won a Chatty Cathy Doll.
JOHNNY
I don't want a Chatty Cathy Doll!
BOBO
Well Johnny, that was your last spin. I am sorry, but
you have to take the Chatty Cathy Doll.
JOHNNY
I don't want a Chatty Cathy doll!
BOBO
I'm sorry Johnny, but that was your second spins. You
know you only get two spins. Johnny you'll have to
take your Chatty Cathy Doll home, and give it to your
sister.
JOHNNY
I don't have a sister!
BOBO
Well, I am sorry Johnny, but that is the rules.
JOHNNY
There you stupid clown!
BOBO
Did you call me a stupid clown you bratty little
punk.
LARRY
Hal, get us out of this...
CONNIE
Oh....this is bad.
DON
Take us to a commercial.
HAL
And now a word from our sponsor.
TOMMY
Before I go to bed at night my mom always makes sure
that I brush my teeth with Cue Toothpaste. The
toothpaste that makes your teeth stronger cleaner and
whiter.
CONT.
You can get your "Cue Toothpaste" at your local
pharmacy and grocers. Get the perfect smile on cue
with "Cue Toothpaste" all of America is talking
about.
HAL
And we are OUT!
HENRY
Well there is something you don't see everyday.
MARSHALL
That was fun to watch.
LARRY
Really? You thought that was fun to watch.
HAL
I think I am going to be sick.
LARRY
Tommy, you were great. I am going to have Miss Connie
take you to the green room for a snack.
TOMMY
OK.
LARRY
Connie could you please?
CONNIE
Yes Mr. Colvig.
LARRY
Henry you and Marshall go out for a smoke before you
clean-up. A.J. bring up the work lights, and join the
boys for a smoke.
HAL
Larry you want me to leave?
LARRY
Absolutely not. Don, you and Alan stay as well.
LARRY
I am still trying to process what just happened
because if there ever was a time that one should
think before he speaks, that would be right now.
HAL
Larry, I actually think considering the situation
Tommy saved the show.
LARRY
I agree totally, but now I have to make a decision
about what to do with you Stu. I am thinking I should
step back before I decide what to do. Since we have a
few days to figure this out, what damage has been
done.
DON
I think that is a good idea Larry.
ALAN
Agreed.
HAL
No argument from me.
LARRY
Stu?
STU
Can I go now?
LARRY
Yes Stu, you can go now.
HAL
Larry can I let the boys in to breakdown?
LARRY
Yes.
CONNIE
Wow! Stu looks terrible. Is he OK?
LARRY
Who knows. What is it Connie?
CONNIE
There is a call for you from Cue Toothpaste in the
Green Room.
LARRY
And so it begins.
HAL
OK boys, lets wrap this up.
HENRY
So, what is happening?
HAL
Larry is taking so time to decide.
MARSHALL
Is he going to fire Stu?
A.J.
He should.
ALAN
That's enough for now.
DON
Less commentary please.
HAL
Right, get to work.
LARRY
That was an interesting call from our sponsor.
HAL
Good? Bad?
LARRY
I'm not sure. Because of your quick thinking Hal it
seems that the episode with Bobo, Johnny and the
audience was not seen by the public. At least they
didn't say anything about it.
ALAN
What did they say?
LARRY
They wanted to know why Tommy did the commercial
without Bobo.
DON
Really? What did you say?
LARRY
I said the audience was at capacity, and that raised
the heat of the room and Bobo's make-up melted and
smeared, we had to fix it, but didn't get him back in
time to get into the commercial.
DON
So, you lied?
LARRY
You bet I did.
ALAN
How did they handle that? Surprisingly very well.
They wanted to know who wrote the copy for the kid's
spot.
DON
I hope you lied and told them I did.
LARRY
No, actually I told the truth and gave Tommy his much
deserved credit. I told them the kid improvised on
his own.
HAL
Wow. How did that go over?
LARRY
They are committing to the rest of the season and
would like to see one commercial of each show to just
be with Tommy.
DON
Are you kidding?
LARRY
Not at all. In fact, they even want to close each of
his spots with "Get the perfect smile on cue with
"Cue Toothpaste" all of America is talking about".
DON
So, the kid created a new slogan?
LARRY
Apparently.
HAL
Good for Tommy.
LARRY
Don you get on a few scripts with the kid that I can
show to the sponsors. Alan connect with your
marketing people at Cue, and set-up some rehearsals
with Tommy.
HAL
Stu is not going to like this.
LARRY
I don't care what Stu likes or dislikes at this
point.
Larry Exits.
HAL
OK, let get this wrapped up.
Blackout
ACT TWO
_______
Scene Two
_________
CONNIE
Tommy have a seat. Larry, Don and Alan should be here
to finalize your new contract. It is just a
formality. Your mom already signed the papers this
morning.
TOMMY
Good, I would like to talk about my contract.
CONNIE
I am going to the Green Room to put on a pot of
coffee.
Exit Connie.
DON
He has been behaving for almost six months.
ALAN
Yes, but "HIS" behavior has not changed. He still
drinks excessively. He is constantly late for
rehearsal and somethings he is hungover, or still
inebriated.
DON
But when he puts on his make-up, he has been
behaving.
ALAN
Good morning Larry.
LARRY
Good morning everybody.
DON
Where is Stu?
LARRY
I sent him to the green room so we can get this
contract thing done. OK, Tommy this is a one year
contract for you to stay on as the Cue Toothpaste
commercial talent. Your mother already signed it, but
we are required to go over it, and have you initial.
TOMMY
I went over it last night with my mom.
LARRY
Good.
TOMMY
I have a couple of changes I would like to see.
Larry surprised.
LARRY
Changes? What kind of changes?
TOMMY
Well, first I would like to always have Dr. Pepper in
the cooler in the green room.
LARRY
That's not unreasonable.
TOMMY
Plus, I would like my costumes for the commercials to
be more hip and fun. I want to look cool.
LARRY
I guess we could work on that.
ALAN
Connie could help with that.
TOMMY
I saw some clothes in the Sears Catalog that I liked.
ALAN
We will have you and Connie pick some stuff out.
LARRY
Is that it?
TOMMY
Just one more thing.
LARRY
Getting Frustrated.
Yes?
TOMMY
I would like to be the first line in all the
commercial scripts.
LARRY
What?
TOMMY
Stu never follows the script. I have to keep up with
him half the time. If I start I can control him, and
keep him on script.
ALAN
You think so?
HAL
Wait! I think the kid is on to something.
LARRY
Surprised.
You know that might work.
ALAN
Stu is not going to like this.
LARRY
I will have Connie type up an addendum to this
contract with Tommy's contract demands. Young man
that was your first and I am not sure your last
contract negotiation.
Exit Larry.
HAL
Good Job, little man.
DON
I got a lot of re-writes to do.
Exit Don.
ALAN
Hal lets get this studio ready for a show.
HAL
Henry, lets get the camera working up, Marshall be
ready for a sound check in thirty and A.J start
warming up the studio lights.
LARRY
Here is the addendum to Tommy's contract. I have a
call into the sponsor on script the adjustments.
HAL
Have you spoke to Stu?
LARRY
No, he is in his dressing room putting on make-up and
costume for a photo shoot this morning. I will tell
him when he is done. Tommy please initial, and sign
this addendum.
TOMMY
Did you change the pay rate my mother requested?
LARRY
Yes, your rate is sixty dollars an episode with union
hourly rates for photo shoots and promos. You mom
signed and approved last night.
TOMMY
OK, I will initial.
LARRY
Great, Connie take Tommy and get him ready for this
photo shoot with Cue. Oh, and make him look cool.
CONNIE
Yes sir.
LARRY
Hal, the Cue people are in the lobby. Once you are
HAL
We are almost ready.
LARRY
We have twenty minutes.
Exit Larry.
HAL
OK boys, quick smoke break.
LARRY
Where is everybody?
Enter Hal.
HAL
There you are Larry. We should be ready in ten
minutes to start the shoot.
LARRY
Is the photographer her yet?
HAL
Yes, he is setting up for the shoot in the lobby.
LARRY
Are we ready boys.
HENRY
Yes sir.
DON
The scripts have been changed.
LARRY
Great! I just got off with Cue, and they have
approved the change, with the option to change back,
if it doesn't work.
STU
OK.
LARRY
There have been some changes with the Cue Commercial
scripts.
STU
Such as?
LARRY
We all feel that the scripts should have Tommy taking
the opening lines this season.
STU
(Surprised, but calm) Why is that?
LARRY
Frankly, the audience likes the kid, so we are going
to give him a chance to develop.
STU
Last I look this is the "Bobo The Clown Show" not
Bobo and the Kid show.
LARRY
Stu you know how this works. Sponsors and ratings
matter. Bobo is still in three of the commercials.
STU
(Hint of sarcasm) So.....our precious sponsor feels
the character that the kid is portraying is more
compelling than the most beloved clown in America?
ALAN
Stu that isn't exactly what we....
STU
No! Larry just said, the ratings and the sponsors
want this change.
LARRY
Stu I don't appreciate your demeanor.
STU
You don't appreciate my attitude?
Laughs.
Larry doesn't appreciate my attitude?
Pause
To be, or not to be, that is the question:
HAL
Whoa, that was unbelievable.
TOMMY
What was that?
DON
If I'm not mistaken that was the soliloquy from
Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
ALAN
Yep, done incredibly well.
LARRY
No one will ever believe what we just saw.
HENRY
Hell, I don't even believe it.
MARSHALL
I don't even like Shakespeare, but that was crazy
good. I even recorded it.
LARRY
Marshall! You recorded that?
MARSHALL
I was doing a sound check just before Stu started,
but when he began, I just let it run.
TOMMY
I want to be able to do that.
ALAN
Tommy most people don't know that Stu studied acting
at the the Royal Shakespeare Company with Glen Byam
Shaw from 1957-1959.
TOMMY
Who is that?
ALAN
He was a famous Shakespearean teacher in England.
After his studies he came to America to be a
Newscaster in Washington D.C.
TOMMY
Wow!
HENRY
What happened? Why is he here in this small market
playing Bobo the Clown?
LARRY
Because he is a pompous, overbearing drunk. He got to
big for his britches. This is his last ha rah.
DON
Larry, that wasn't necessary.
TOMMY
That is sad.
LARRY
You know what Tommy, it is sad. Now let's get back to
work.
Blackout
ACT TWO
_______
Scene Three
___________
STU
Hey kid, what are you doing sitting here in the dark?
TOMMY
I am waiting for Connie, and my ride home. Stu I have
something for you.
STU
What would that be?
TOMMY
This fell off you door when you slammed it earlier.
STU
You keep it. It doesn't mean anything.
TOMMY
Yes it does! You are Bobo the Clown and that
character matters to a lot of kids. That is
something.
STU
There was a time when I believed that.
TOMMY
Stu can I ask you a question?
STU
Sure, OK.
TOMMY
What was that this morning?
STU
What?
TOMMY
The long speech you made when you got mad?
STU
That was something from another life, and time.
TOMMY
How can I learn how to do that? It was the neatest
thing I have ever seen. Can I learn how to do it?
STU
Anyone can learn how. But it take a tremendous
commitment and sometimes a sacrifice.
TOMMY
I would commit.
STU
Look kid...you can't learn it over night it takes
years, decades.
TOMMY
I can do it. What was that you did, from? Where can I
get a copy?
STU
Tommy, what you saw was one of William Shakespeare's
most known, and love plays titled "Hamlet". It is
most know for the line "To be, or not to be". It is
the opening phrase of a soliloquy spoken by Prince
Hamlet in the nunnery scene, Act Three, Scene One.
TOMMY
What is a soliloquy?
STU
It is a speech that you say out loud to yourself.
Though it is called a soliloquy Hamlet, is not by
himself. He makes this speech because Ophelia, is on
stage pretending to read, in the hopes that Hamlet
will see her. Claudius and Polonius who are hiding
close by have put her in Hamlet's way, so they can
TOMMY
So it is not a soliloquy?
STU
Since Hamlet thinks he is alone and has no reason to
believe that there is no one else is on stage that
can hear him before he talks to Ophelia, makes it a
soliloquy.
TOMMY
So what exactly did he say?
STU
Hamlet is very upset. He is thinking about death and
suicide, complaining about the unfairness and pain of
living, and admits that the alternative might be
worse. The actual meaning of the speech depends on
who you ask, but I believe it is clear that Hamlet's
upset about his hesitation to avenge his fathers
murder, that was discovered by his uncle Claudius at
the beginning of the play.
TOMMY
It seemed like it was in a different language?
STU
In some ways it is. That is the way they spoke in
England in the 18th century.
TOMMY
I want to read some Shake..speare plays. Where do I
get one.
STU
I was about your age when I fell in love with the
words of William Shakespeare. I had to sneak my
fathers books out of his library to read them under
my covers at night, when I was suppose to be
sleeping. I didn't have someone to explain it all to
me till I was much older, and in college. If you
really are sincere about this then I will offer this
book to you under one condition.
TOMMY
What? Anything?
STU
That when you are older, and wiser, you will pass
this book off to someone deserving, who whats to
become a lover of William Shakespeare too.
TOMMY
OK, I will.
STU
Everything you want to know and read for now will be
in that book.
TOMMY
Kitt..redge's Complete Works of William Shakespeare.
It has pictures and everything.
STU
It is the Illustrated Edition....Enjoy Kid.
TOMMY
Thanks Stu.
STU
Tommy today's commercials felt good. You have been
doing an exceptional job this past year. You deserve
this too.
TOMMY
Thanks Bobo!
Blackout
The End