Final Stage
A Drama in One Short Act
by
Michael Thomas Tower
Performance time: Approximately 20 minutes.
© 1988-2005 Michael Thomas Tower
All Rights Reserved
Queries regarding rights to perform or present this play
in any manner whatsoever should be directed to the author
FS0503a
Synopsis
A legendary Broadway director, having lost his "touch" years ago, is given a comeback opportunity by his long-time friend and former protege. When he fails this time, his good friend must fire him ... and his future is uncertain as he steps back into his world of old memories and broken dreams.
Characters
John Lore -- in his sixties, at least.
Evan -- 20-25 years younger than John Lore, or thereabouts.
Setting
A nearly empty stage that has been set up for a play's rehearsal with one or two representative set pieces. At least, there's a small table and chair for the director's use, perhaps another chair or box suitable for sitting.
Final Stage
(john is sitting at the director's table intently poring over a script. he flips a page, reads, raises an eyebrow, makes a notation. he sips coffee from a mug that he reaches for without looking. A forgotten cigarette burns at the edge of an overloaded ashtray.
(An idea occurs to john and he springs from the chair and walks through some blocking he has in mind, making notations in the script.
(evan enters from the side, halting in the shadows where john doesn't see him. evan watches for a few moments. As john continues his blocking procedure, he eventually turns so that he sees Evan.)
evan
John. Sorry to disturb you ...
john
Evan. I didn't hear you come in. You're here early.
evan
It's almost noon, actually.
john
Ah, well, then that explains this gnawing and persistent sense of deprivation. I feared it might be spiritual.
evan
Looks like you've been here for a while.
john
Oh, I have to be here early. Going over the results of yesterday's rehearsal, figuring out what to do with those great surging dynamos of recalcitrance we call actors -- trying to define the course of their art for those sieve-like little brains, and then find the propitious moment to agree that, of course, what I want them to do is exactly what they've had in mind the whole damned time. Obviously there's some of the masochist in me, Evan; but, Christ, I love directing!
evan
So do I. I'm glad you pointed me down that path.
john
But that was acting's loss. You really were very good at that.
evan
Thanks. Whatever success I've had, I owe it all to you.
john
Would you like to share a sandwich with me? That little café near my hotel -- they made this thing that's much too big.
(Moves to get the bag with the sandwich)
Being here, in a theatre like this, makes me want a Hero for lunch.
evan
The sandwich?
john
Mmm.
evan
A Hero, as you recall, I'm sure, is not a small sandwich.
john
Ah, but it's divisible -- enough for three meals or two friends. However, no one in this part of the country seems to know what a Hero is.
evan
You should have looked for a Poor Boy.
john
Poor Boy? Is that the same as a Hero?
evan
As close as you'll find around here. Made with a little less fat and a lot more courtesy.
john
Ah, but it's the surliness that gives the New York food its marvelous flavor.
evan
I'm afraid you're right.
john
So that which is a "hero" in New York is a "poor boy" in the hinterlands. What an interesting revelation of the pioneer posture toward work and its effect.
evan
They're very different places. How long since you've been back to New York?
john
It's, uh ... been a while.
evan
You don't live so far away.
john
The distance is greater than you know.
evan
Jeff and I try to get back there every year, check up on old friends, see as many shows as we can -- come back home with my head full of all kinds of ideas we couldn't possibly afford ...
john
Heat -- now that's something you have in common. Bellham Falls in July and New York in July. There's certainly a kinship there, despite the countless, boring miles between.
evan
But the quality of New York humidity has its own unique charm.
john
Distinct, indeed -- though never pleasurable.
Next time I'm in Manhattan, I'm getting me a Hero.
evan
I do remember how good they were. Though I think it may have been the circumstances more than the ingredients.
john
Ah, yes -- I wonder how many sandwiches we shared throughout those memorable years?
evan
But let's not forget the chateau briands and lobster tails from Maine. There were plenty of times we ate from the better side of the menu.
john
Remember that hole-in-the-wall two blocks from Times Square? Greasy and smelly and noisy -- but always full of friends.
evan
Gil's Grill.
john
You had to be in theatre to know the place even existed.
evan
Umm. Just off Restaurant Row. They went French couple of years ago.
john
Oh, please ...
evan
With tablecloths, clean silver and reverential hush.
john
Dieu, les pardonnent.
evan
The food's not bad, though the waiters' accents are faking awful.
john
Actors, no doubt.
evan
They wish.
john
Well, whatever this is, you're welcome to share. I think I smell dead chicken and a very yellow mustard.
evan
Is there coffee to go with it?
john
If we can find a reasonably clean cup around here, though germs among actors is simply audience, isn't it?
(they work together, finding a cup, pouring coffee, putting the cut sandwich out to share.)
evan
Thanks. I just realized I haven't eaten all day.
(they eat and drink as they converse.)
john
I'm really impressed with the program you've got going here, Evan. A summer rep that brings in kids from all over the country, with such astonishing results ...
evan
Well, they're not exactly kids, and we're not the first to do it.
john
But you're making it work. I mean really work. Why, you may single-handedly be the one to put Bellham Falls on the theatrical map -- as important as, uh ... some of those other places. But you mark my words -- it won't take you long to move from artistic director to executive director here at Bellham Falls Playhouse.
evan
That isn't on my list of goals. I like what I'm doing.
john
But old T.J.'s got to be retiring soon. Lord, the way time flies. I met him through Mike Nichols, way back when we both had hair with color and wives with smiles. Believe me, it's time he shambled off into the sunset.
evan
(Teasing)
Now don't start beating up on T. J. I thought you two buried the hatchet a long time ago.
john
We pretended -- he more than I, it seems.
evan
He's got a lot of good years left in him. He's doing great work here.
john
You are loyal, Evan. Always were.
evan
I'm not just being kind. He's the brains and guts behind this operation -- the one that makes the place work.
john
Well, theatre has changed, hasn't it? A lot, over the years. You've seen it -- hell, you've been a part of it. We rely now on schools and regional theatres like this, even storefronts and stifling black boxes all across the country to be the artistic wombs of conception. They used to be novelties; now they're necessities. Not like the old days of Broadway. Not like that at all. That old whore is dead. And we're probably better for it, though we remember the trysts with a vulgar fondness.
evan
But she had a lot going for her while she was around. Bawdy, beautiful and thoroughly enchanting. And while she seldom kept her promises, her taunts were our hope.
john
And the Siren call.
(A beat)
This is nice -- once more "sharing the bag."
evan
I can remember a few grueling rehearsals when it was breakfast, for God's sake.
john
Ah, yes. One time about dawn -- remember? -- we split a very stale liverwurst with Jason Robards Junior.
evan
And a Doctor Brown's Root Beer! God, I'd forgotten about that.
john
Merely construction workers, captive to our labors.
(For several seconds they eat and drink. Then evan sets things aside. he is suddenly not comfortable.)
evan
John, I, uh . . .
(A beat)
The reason I came in here was to, uh ... talk to you ...
john
No problem with any of the actors, I hope.
evan
No, that's not it --
john
(Overlapping/interrupting)
Danny -- is it him? He was really trying for my limits yesterday. Not a director's dream, let me tell you -- always thinking for himself. Did he make some kind of complaint? -- that scheming little son of a bitch.
evan
No, John ...
john
Be about like him ...
evan
John ... we're, uh, going to have to make a change.
john
Jesus, you're not making more script revisions, are you? We're just settling down from that last batch ...
evan
(With pent-up nervousness)
No!
(Calmer)
Shit! ... We're, uh ... I don't know how to say this ... but, uh ...
(A beat)
We're going to have to replace you as director.
john
You're what?
evan
I am so sorry about this ...
john
You ... you are kidding me, aren't you?
evan
I wouldn't kid about this.
john
Oh, come on, Evan. You can't do that!
evan
I wish to hell we didn't have to ...
john
We're friends, for God's sake!
evan
And that will always be the case.
john
Friends of long standing!
evan
That doesn't change.
john
But ... this ... this isn't what a friend does.
evan
It's not what a friend does if he can help it.
(A beat)
But it is what a friend does, when it has to be done.
john
Oh dear God ...
(A pause)
What about the contract? We signed a contract!
evan
Damn, John -- let's not make this a legal wrangle.
john
But there is a contract.
evan
There are provisions in that contract ...
john
In case the party, hereinafter referred to as "director," fails to perform?
evan
Standard contract. Jesus, John -- same thing you signed for years ...
john
Legal crap -- parties and clauses, addenda and codicils. Poetry to a lawyer's ears, but anathema to a human being ...
evan
The provisions are there for a reason.
john
And now you think you have a reason.
evan
You don't know how I hate having to do this.
john
Oh, I do understand, Evan -- having to carry out the decision of that fossilized old bastard who calls the shots around here. He was never the friend he pretended to be. Like he ever really buried one of his damned hatchets! Probably set me up for this -- he's that kind of man, you know!
(There's a long, painful pause before evan can say the line.)
evan
This is my decision, John. Not his.
john
Evan, please, let him take responsibility for his own maneuvers. Don't you be carrying his crosses for him.
evan
John, T. J. didn't want me to do this. He spent the morning trying to talk me out of it.
john
So he thought I could do it?
evan
He wanted to bring in a co-director ...
john
Oh. I see.
evan
I wouldn't have done that to you. So ... I'm the one to blame.
john
Well, good -- let's make sure we get blame properly placed -- between old friends.
evan
Jesus, John ...
john
Dare I ask why?
evan
John, I've watched enough of the rehearsals. I know you're not comfortable with what you're trying to do here. So much of the time, you look as though you're trying to outswim the sharks. You're giving the actors confusing and inconsistent interpretations, conflicting actions. You haven't developed intent or defined a vision for the piece -- there's no cohesive approach to it. You don't stay with the through-line that we discussed ...
john
The list is getting a bit lengthier than I'd anticipated. Couldn't we have discussed these matters before now? -- handled them individually before your deciding to bring the axe crashing down?
evan
We did, John -- at least three times, formally and at length. Don't you remember? We talked, you took notes, we agreed ...
john
I guess I thought we were just shooting the breeze.
john
We're nearly three weeks into rehearsal with this, John, and we're in trouble. You're always looking, trying, never settling on anything -- what you used to call thrashing and flailing when it's time to stand firm and fight -- feverishly shoveling when you need to be carefully clearing with a trowel and a brush.
john
Please! I've heard all the inane pedagogy.
evan
It's ... in shambles. I don't know what else to do. The risk is too great to go any further. This show has to work for us -- we've got too much time and money invested in it. And the way things are now ... well ... it's just not working and I don't see that it's salvageable ... otherwise.
john
Well good Lord, now that's the ultimate in definitive explanation, isn't it? "It's just not working." Who the fucking hell can argue with that?
evan
God, John, that's not all that I just said --
john
(Overlapping/interrupting)
Apparently the trial got underway as soon as I arrived, for God's sake, and no one bothered to tell me that I had been charged and court was in session!
evan
John, this is tearing me up, man --
john
(Overlapping/interrupting)
I directed you in your first Broadway role -- little more than a walk-on.
evan
And I wouldn't have had that if you hadn't taken pity on me.
john
You looked like you hadn't eaten for a week ...
evan
Probably hadn't.
john
Saddest, most innocent face this side of a basset.
evan
And I was so scared when I got up to audition for you, I started crying.
john
It fit the role. I thought you were acting.
evan
Uncontrollable fear.
john
I could inflict it then, couldn't I?
evan
It was one of the ways we had of worshiping you.
john
And I loved the adulation -- almost always deserved.
evan
(Trying to lighten the moment)
And never declined.
john
At my insistence, you ended up having a few lines penned for you, so it would really qualify as your first Broadway role.
evan
It was the break that made the difference for me.
john
And that's the marvel. You were so goddamned raw and ignorant, I wondered what kind of mother had ever let you off the front stoop. I figured you to be the one most likely to stumble over the coffee table, or walk on stage with your fly undone. You did both.
evan
The same night.
john
Ah, but you had the talent and you did learn. Three months later we gave you the lead in a new play.
evan
And you directed me into the arms of a Tony.
john
I remember your acceptance speech.
evan
Surely not
john
Every single word; I'm certain. You couldn't have been kinder.
evan
Simply gave credit where credit is due.
john
And now the tables have turned. Oh, God in Heaven, how they have turned.
evan
John, there are other contributions you can make to theatre other than directing.
john
Oh? And just what might those be? Never mind -- I won't make you scrape the empty barrel for some few scattered grains of pity.
Who would have thought? Who could ever have imagined, back then, that it would come to this? A big black hole where the star used to shine. Burned out, used up, sucked in upon itself. And now, John Lore is . . . history. But, oh my God, remember that it is theatre history!
Anh, screw it. Lousy script, anyway.
evan
You know it isn't.
john
In the wrong hands it would be!
evan
As with any script.
john
Goddamn, Evan, this was my chance. You know that. My goddamned last fucking chance!
evan
And I wanted you to have it.
john
There were three decades that Broadway belonged to John Lore. We're not talking about Bellham Falls here, son. We're talking about the goddamned top!
evan
No one's ever come close to what you did.
john
For thirty fucking years! From boy genius to acknowledged master. Play after play, year after year. Fame, money, recognition -- plenty for all concerned, whether they deserved it or not. "The Lore Touch." That's what they called it, you know. "The Lore Touch."
evan
And they were wonderful, unforgettable years.
john
Weren't they, though. Oh, back then, I made plays! I took half-assed scripts and bumbling actors and conniving producers and -- miracle of miracles -- gave the world Theatre! I took shit and turned it into art! That's what genius is, you know! That's what fucking genius is!
evan
You were the master, John. No one argues that.
john
Damned right! ... Back then.
evan
You've done so much that you can be proud of.
john
But for what does it count, when we're here, with this? -- my ultimate achievement.
evan
In three months this will be one of the funny stories you'll love to tell.
john
Somehow I doubt it.
evan
You'll see ...
john
Jesus! Thirty years of solid, sure-fire success. What happened, Evan? What the hell happened? That damned Shaw thing -- that's when it turned. After that, nothing worked. Nothing. Four years of long shots and short runs before the offers stopped altogether. Then these last few years ... money gone, friendships exhausted, memories that wash up like dead fish at low tide ... kept alive by the Actors Fund and a tired old lady back in New Jersey who still speaks of my brilliance with Summer and Smoke and claims I'm the best lay she's ever had, poor thing. But I'm too tired for her, now -- and the odor of her decline subdues my feeble passions.
evan
John, look, maybe something will come along here that you're better suited for. With the proper play, something not quite so demanding -- you know, something really right for you -- maybe I could give you another chance, something you'd really want to do --
john
(Overlapping/interrupting)
And you'd be a damned fool, Evan, and you know it. You know as well as I that when the genius of Broadway bombs in Bellham Falls, then we've rather gone the distance, haven't we?
(A beat)
Who's replacing me?
evan
We're not sure yet.
john
Good Lord! I've been replaced by nobody!
evan
We had to do this first.
john
Does the cast know?
evan
Call's for one o'clock. We'll tell them then.
john
You and T. J.?
evan
He's tied up in a board meeting.
john
Well, he never was drawn to heavy drama.
(A beat)
There really are some good actors here, you know. Treat them right.
evan
You helped select them. We like the choices.
john
Even Danny.
evan
Especially Danny.
john
This play could put him on his way, if the right people see it.
evan
Wouldn't that be something? A bona fide star from Bellham Falls.
john
But do the next director a favor and tell Danny to stop wearing those damned cut-off jeans to rehearsal. It breaks concentration.
evan
I think he knows that ... but I'm surprised you noticed.
john
Oh, Evan, I've seen that you went the better way. If I had it to do all over, I'm not sure any woman would ever capture my attention. Shit, women are too complicated. Everything is put together at odd angles and joined in dark corners. Maintenance is done by intuition and repair work by guess. It's just bad construction.
evan
Oh, now, John , you've had several good marriages.
john
Each one better than the one that followed. And the script ... it really isn't a bad script.
evan
It's the best I've seen in a long time.
john
With a damned good shot at real success.
evan
I agree.
john
Hell, Evan. Truth is, I'd have been as shocked as anyone if I'd actually done a good job of directing it. But it's such a damned good script, I didn't figure I could fuck it up. Shit -- throw a spotlight on me while I pull a few rabbits from a hat, sing a song to bring a tear, and tap a dance to cause a laugh, and maybe they'd think they'd seen a real show. Give me the applause, the adoration. I don't care anymore that I wouldn't have deserved it. You see, Evan, when hope wanes, morality slips away, too.
I regret that I was an unsettling problem for you. But I regret even more that I didn't pull it off. I hope you understand.
evan
There are many of us still around who know how good you were, John.
john
Fantastic. Why don't you write a book about me? -- tell how I died a tragic death nine years ago, at the fucking height of my career. Fabricate -- flesh it out -- distort the truth. That's all theatre is, anyway -- fucking bastards telling lies, with lights and sound effects. And we dare to call it art.
You know something real shitty, Evan? I gave up drinking, and that didn't help -- because that, as it turns out, wasn't my problem. I have no idea why I can't direct anymore. But, even worse than that, I don't know how I did it in the first place. I suppose if someone gains success through passionate ignorance, they deserve their fall. It's not a fair victory unless you know how you did it.
evan
Too many of us learned too much from you, John, for it to have been accidental. You're forgetting.
john
As you grow older, Evan, you'll find that so much that once seemed providential and purposeful has more and more the feel of chance. Not even so much as luck, mind you -- just ... senseless chance.
As I recall, there is something in the contract about severance pay.
evan
(Reaching into a pocket)
Oh, yes ... I have that for you.
(evan hands the envelope to john.)
john
Good. I didn't want it going to the New Jersey address ...
evan
It's a bit more than what the contract called for.
john
You're very kind.
evan
That was T. J.'s doing.
john
My, isn't he the scrawny little knight in shining ardor. He should have used it for a new walker.
Well ... I guess that's it, then. I do appreciate the opportunity, Evan. Truly. It's all I could have hoped for. You thought of me. You cared.
evan
And always will. Don't ever forget that.
john
I'm so sorry I let you down.
(john reaches out and they shake hands -- then they embrace, then pull apart.)
evan
The cast will be here in a few minutes.
john
Ah, yes, so I should take my leave. Exit ... right?
(john turns to gather up papers, Thermos, lunch bag and script.)
evan
I'll need to keep the script, John.
john
Oh, yes. I'm afraid it's filled with my useless notes. Just burn it.
evan
Check with Sherry in the office. She'll get your plane reservations made. Then I'll drive you to the airport when you're ready to go --
evan
(Overlapping/interrupting)
No! ... No, please. I'd, uh ... I'd really rather not go through that little bit of social rot. Airports are cold caverns of loneliness even at the best of times -- but with awkward waits, strained goodbyes, and the obligatory embrace when I'd rather scream -- well, I really prefer to go it alone. But thank you.
(john picks up his Thermos and bag and starts to leave.)
evan
You'll keep in touch?
john
I know where to find you.
evan
Do.
(A beat, then as john turns to exit ...)
(continuing) evan (continuing)
John?
john
Yes, Evan?
evan
Will you be all right?
john
Don't you worry about me. You just keep your eye on the coffee table.
(they look at each other for a moment, then john turns and exits.)
-- End of Play --