The scene opens on a long gravel driveway leading to a large, white, many-windowed building--the institution. Trees line the drive, and a giant grassy lawn fronts the building. Far to the left, offstage, is a copse of trees and a small creek, leading to a manmade pond where the patients are sometimes allowed to go--under strict supervision. It's overcast. Standing at the end of the driveway, DL, is a young man, oddly dressed; he wears clothes that do not match--mismatched shoes, socks, a vest with multicolored patches. Topping this all off is an old Confederate Civil War hat, backwards, with two bent peacock feathers sticking out. He is holding a small birdcage on a chain in one hand, in which is a tiny finch. He turns and looks down the driveway where he has been let off by his friends. DRS. CONROY and LEVITICUS enter from R, and stand away from him, talking to themselves.
DR. LEVITICUS That's him, down there.
DR. CONROY That? What's he got sticking out of his hat?
DR. LEVITICUS I believe it's a feather.
DR. CONROY Yes, but--a peacock feather?
F. M. (Cupping his hands to his mouth, screaming) HEY HONEY, AREN'T YA GLAD YA DIDN'T NEED SURGERY FOR YOUR HEMORRHOIDS?!! [Note--Mr. Cady put a comma between "HEY" and "HONEY."]
DR. CONROY Oh God, he's in the manic phase.
DR. LEVITICUS Act calmly. I hear his case is abnormally severe. (Walking over to F. M., speaking to him) Hello, Mr. Zynda. I'm Dr. Leroy Leviticus and this is Dr. James Conroy. We--
F. M. (Shaking their hands hard, speaking rapidly) Mr.'s so severe. Everybody calls me Fisker Martyn, Fisker, Martyn, Fisk, Mart, or F. M. Can I call you sweetheart?
DR. LEVITICUS (Pulling his hand away, with a mildly disgusted look) I think not.
F. M. Don't I know it! So where's the party already? You know, I haven't eaten since yesterday.
Dr. CONROY "Party"?
F. M. Yeah! The party. The bash. The fling. The soiree' if you like French. Speaking of French, there's no French dressing at this party, is there? I'm allergic to it. Makes me go crazy. (Throws his head back and howls with laughter)
DR. LEVITICUS (Looking more than mildly annoyed) Isn't that nice. Now if you'll just follow us, we'll--
F. M. (Singing) Walk this way! Walk this way! Just gimme a kiss! (Kisses Dr. Leviticus quickly and runs off down the driveway toward the institution)
DR. LEVITICUS (Wiping off the kiss with disgust) Well, Dr. Conroy, I believe you've met your new patient.
DR. CONROY (Muttering) Goodie.
No comments:
Post a Comment