The Heroine:
Rosalie Lennox
The Palace Court:
Queen Melinda
Redwing
Caw
Bane
Hart (Soldier 1)
Swenta
SERVANTS:
Sophia (1)
Tom (2)
Jane (3)
Messenger
Phyllis Jumpfoot
Bess Jumpfoot
Citizens of Magicia:
Emma Truecharm
Ben Jumpfoot
Goldie the centaur
Old woman
Villagers (maximum of ten, minimum of four)
Dancers (minimum of five, maximum of ten)
Time: Modern Day/Magician Time (1600s)
Setting: Sotting, Cussley at the beginning and end
Magicia throughout
SYNOPSIS:
Possibly the most unoriginal play ever written. A bit of everything, drama, magic, comedy, romance, mystery! PLease review!
ACT ONE
Scene One: The Village of Sotting.
[ROSALIE enters S.R carrying a schoolbag and dragging her feet along the ground. The background is a country scene with a cottage in the distance.]
Rosalie [calling back]: See you later, Becky!
[To the audience] that’s my only friend, because all the other kids in my class don’t like me because of stupid Daisy and…well, I’m different. I like drawing and stuff. My Dad will be expecting me to be home by now, so I can make tea. Well, he’ll have to wait. [She pauses to look at the cottage in the distance] Hey! That’s Hillbrook Farm! There’s smoke coming from the chimney! But, hang on, no one’s lived there for seven years. [She goes upstage to look more closely at the cottage] and yes, there’s the old ‘For Sale’ sign still hanging over the porch.
[Rosalie climbs over the gate and the background scene changes into a close-up of the cottage.] I don’t feel as if I should go in. [she looks toward a window where a face is at the window.] There’s someone there! [Pushing open the door] Ugh, it smells disgusting [holding nose]. Wait! What’s that?
[Rosalie gestures at a shadow. The lights go out and a wardrobe/cupboard is brought on. The lights come up to Rosalie investigating the cupboard. The stage appears to be split in half by a wall. Two voices are heard offstage, Rosalie hides in the cupboard.]
Redwing [entering S.R]: Your Majesty, what is the plan?
Queen Melinda [Entering S.R]: You should know, Redwing.
Redwing: I do not.
Queen Melinda: I told you, you stupid idiot! I want the Cane brought to me as soon as possible. I want to slaughter all half-breeds, (She spits) Fairies, (she spits) Unicorns, the double-crossing mutants, and all Citizens who refuse to obey me!
Redwing: Lots of blood, Your Majesty. Are you sure that’s wise?
Queen Melinda [furiously]: WHAT do you mean?! ‘Are you sure that’s wise?’ I am sure of everything, Redwing. Never have I questioned your loyalty! You are weak and feeble, just like the other half-breeds!
Redwing: N…n…no I’m not.
Queen Melinda: You fool! [She slaps REDWING’S head/face] You are a coward, and a fool! Do you hear me? [She yells into his ear] A FOOL!
Redwing [stammering]: A fool! Yes.
Queen Melinda: I might as well just kill you if you are going to be so weak. Does my evil work mean nothing to you? Are you afraid? Would you rather I stripped your soul from your body and made you live with the half-breeds and mutants?
Redwing [kneeling and sobbing into MELINDA’s dress]: No, my Queen, never, my Queen. I am your ever-faithful servant.
Queen Melinda [sweetly]: Good Redwing, [she strokes REDWING’s head in a motherly manner] May your loyalty remain, even once I have murdered the citizens!
[MEANWHILE, on the other side of the wall, ROSALIE has been sitting in the wardrobe listening to the conversation, but has been trying to hold in a sneeze, but suddenly it bursts out. The lights on ROSALIE stay off]
Rosalie: AAAATTTTISSSHHOOO!
Queen Melinda [looking around]: What was that?
Redwing: I have no idea, Your Great Majesty.
Queen Melinda: Then go and find out, fool!
Redwing: [crossing the stage into the separate room] There is a human outside listening to us.
Queen Melinda: Find it, and slaughter it.
[Redwing enters S.L. goes straight to the cupboard. But as turns the handle, floorboards fall from the ceiling.]
Rosalie: Aaaaaaaahhhhh!
Redwing: Who is there?
[Rosalie falls out of the cupboard and looks up at Redwing.]
Rosalie: Don’t kill me!
Redwing: No. I won’t kill you. Get out of here, you stupid girl!
Rosalie: Why? Who were you talking to? I’ll call the police! You’ve no right to be here!
Redwing: Just keep your mouth shut. Please, I’m begging you, Miss. Go home!
Rosalie [obstinately]: I’m staying here.
Redwing: All right. Keep quiet.
[Redwing walks offstage. A scream is heard and Rosalie runs offstage.]
ACT ONE
Scene Two: The woodland of Magicia.
The curtains open to mystical and magical music [MUSIC CUE: Wonder] CUE for MYSTIC DANCERS. Rosalie walks around the stage, entering from S.R, the gate behind her creaks open and she turns around to look back. Improvisation of ROSALIE exploring the world. Touching the ground, smelling the flowers etc. As the music finishes, Rosalie should be centre stage. DANCERS perform around ROSALIE and she weaves in and out of them, not knowing that they are there. When the music ends, the DANCERS leave at the wings L and R.
Rosalie [shivering]: where am I?
[A boy (BEN) comes up behind her, entering from Stage Right.]
Ben: Who are you? What are you doing here?
Rosalie [Turning around]: I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were there. My name’s Rosalie Lennox by the way, and I have absolutely NO IDEA what I’m doing here.
Ben: You’d better come with me. If the Queen or any of her bloodthirsty soldiers find you, you’ll be dead. My name is Ben, Ben Jumpfoot.
Rosalie [laughing]: Ben Jumpfoot?
Ben: Yeah, I know it’s stupid, but that’s great compared to everyone else’s. We’ve got…
Rosalie: I don’t care. I want to get back home.
Ben: You can’t, the gate will have sealed.
Rosalie: I have to try.
[She turns around and goes to the gate, and starts shaking it, trying to get out.]
Rosalie: I take it that it’s not a normal gate?
Ben: Yeah, it is, but someone must have tampered with it for you to get here. Besides, you have to have some sort of power.
Rosalie: Power? What are you talking about? I’m just a normal girl from Sotting, Cussley.
Ben: No you aren’t. Your parents or someone must have descended from Magicia.
Rosalie: Look, I think I know my family history well enough to tell you that I’m not magical. The gate just opened. Somehow I came from a cottage in my world to yours, right after I’d heard a conversation between two people.
Ben: But you could be the next explorer, like Captain Cross.
Rosalie: Captain Cross? What on earth…
Ben: Actually it’s ‘what on Magicia?’ but it’s okay. Captain Cross was a Captain who took a ship called Goldmine out on the Ocean of Gem. However, once he’d found some treasure, he came across an island. The creatures there were unfriendly and sent a curse to his ship. Hours later, as he left the island of Albrithi, the treasure disappeared and Captain Cross lost his special Cane that he always carried around. He had found it on Albrithi and was curious about it. As the treasure was hidden, the Cane was blown across the ocean and who knows where it is now?
Rosalie: You do talk a lot, don’t you?
Ben: Yeah but, then again there’s not much to talk about now. There are rules everywhere. Take a look at this [he gets out a piece of paper and hands it to ROSALIE]:
Queen Melinda: [offstage]:
1. MAGICIANS are to hand in any power or mode of transportation they possess.
2. UNICORNS are banned. They are Magicia’s rivals.
3. FAIRIES and MAGICIANS of FAIRY BLOOD are permitted to wear a red scarf to show their status.
4. CENTAURS and other HALF-BLOOD Magicians are to present an I.D card in all shops.
5. HALF-BLOOD Magicians are permitted to do shopping between 12:00 lunchtime and 4:00 afternoon.
6. NO HALF-BLOOD Magician is to attend any Palace gatherings and any other form of Royal Entertainment.
7. Government members are FULL BLOOD Magicians only and must prove their identity.
Ben: That’s it Rosalie, Magicia’s falling for a Depression. There’s no work, no food and people are getting arrested all the time.
Rosalie: that’s awful. And the Queen made up those laws, I bet.
Ben: that’s right. Her name is Queen Melinda.
Rosalie: I don’t think it’s right, Ben. [She walks over to the left side of the stage and hangs her arms over the gate.] I mean, if Magicia is falling, then she should do something about it.
Ben: We know that, but she is the one that’s causing it. If she’s trying to pull this place apart then I don’t think she’ll patch it up again just for us.
[Rosalie kicks the earth]
Rosalie: Listen, Ben…I think I’ve seen enough of this place to know exactly what’s going on here. Magicia’s dying, and it’s all Melinda’s fault. Don’t you have a king?
Ben: We did, once. He died a couple of months ago. Since then, it’s been ‘do this’ and ‘don’t do that.’
Rosalie [curiously]: Was the King ever like this with Magicia?
Ben [laughing]: no, King Marcus was never like that witch. He really cared about Magicia, but somehow just before he died, taxes rose alarmingly and everyone complained. Melinda came out one day and ran through the streets crying:
Melinda: [offstage]: My husband is dead! KING MARCUS is DEAD!
Ben: So she put on a great show of it, with a proper funeral and everything. There’s a statue of him in the village. The Cane that everyone talks about here has almighty power, but you have to prove your worth first because otherwise it will not work.
Rosalie [turning around]: Tell me about the cane.
Ben: I’ve told you the story, but I left out its powers for a reason. I didn’t know whether to trust you. Melinda’s so clever, she sends spies to spy on people and extract information from them. Once she’s got enough info, she kills them because they no longer have any purpose.
Rosalie [changing the subject]: I haven’t got anywhere to stay and it’s getting dark. Is there a hotel in Faeri or Raven?
Ben: There used to be one in Faeri, but I think that it closed down, it was called Quality Street, but when Melinda’s army invaded, they tore down most of the buildings.
Rosalie: Why does everyone admire Melinda so much? I think she’s evil. She makes the most evil people look like softies.
Ben: Yeah, you’re right. Anyway, we have to accept what Magicia is falling to, and get on with life. You can sleep in my sister’s room if you want, at my home.
Rosalie [sighing]: Where’s that?
Ben: 65, Tunnel 31, Faeri, Magicia.
Rosalie: That’s not an address! You can’t really live in a tunnel!
Ben: Oh, you’d be surprised. [He walks off, S.L]
Rosalie [disbelievingly]: I’ll be surprised.
[She exits after him S.L]
ACT ONE
Scene Three: The Palace of Mantongeud parlour.
The lights come up to QUEEN MELINDA sitting on a regal-looking chair on the RIGHT side of the stage, holding a long list of things to do. Next to her stands REDWING, who is making notes on a piece of parchment. Other COURTIERS and SERVANTS stand watching REDWING and the QUEEN with curious looks on their faces.
QUEEN MELINDA [holding up her list]: Have you finished, Redwing?
REDWING [writing on paper]: Not yet, my Queen.
QUEEN MELINDA: Well, hurry up, you stupid fool!
REDWING: Yes, Your Majesty.
SERVANT 1: Redwing, you’re so slow. Let me help.
SERVANT 3: Yes, we’re much quicker than Redwing, yet we never get promotion.
QUEEN MELINDA: You won’t get promotion either if you do not stop whinging.
SERVANT 2 [quietly]: Favouritism.
QUEEN MELINDA: I heard that. Out, Tom!
SERVANT 2: Whatever. [He hangs up his apron on a hook and walks off S.L]
REDWING: Finished, Your Majesty.
QUEEN MELINDA: Good. You may now have your Supper.
SERVANT 1: What about us?
QUEEN MELINDA: Well, Sophia (servant 1), you can come with me. I have some gowns that need mending. Jane [servant 3), since you are so eager to get your dinner, you can help Brett in the pantry, it is an absolute mess. And Davie, you can do the garden.
[The SERVANTS and REDWING bow/curtsy and walk offstage left.]
QUEEN MELINDA: Everything done for today. There will be no more waiting for my servants when I have the Cane. It was meant for me, and I plan to control Magicia with it. [She gets up] If only I could find that blasted Cane. Redwing has got everyone searching through the stolen A-Z books for it. Someone knows where it is, but I cannot think whom. Anyhow, once I have it, Magicia is as good as mine! HA HA HA!
Music Cue: Queen Melinda’s Symphony.
QUEEN MELINDA’S SYMPHONY:
I have power, I have status, I have wealth
But something is always missing.
I have a plan to use Magicia
And no-one’s gonna stand in my way
SERVANTS:
No…no-one’s gonna stand in her way
No…no-one’s gonna stand in her way
They can’t break her
She’s our Queen!
No-one’s gonna stand in her way
(No-one’s gonna stand in my way)
I can do anything,
I am sorceress extraordinaire!
But they always put a flaw in my plan!
Well, not this time!
They can try everything they can, cos
No-one’s gonna stand in my way
SERVANTS:
No…no-one’s gonna stand in her way
No…no-one’s gonna stand in her way
They can’t break her
She’s our Queen!
No-one’s gonna stand in her way
(No-one’s gonna stand in my way)
When I was younger, I did everything
Shut my sister in the cupboard,
Nicked the icing from my brother’s cake
Shoved my best friend’s head down the toilet,
But it still wasn’t enough for me.
They don’t understand anything,
And I’m gonna make sure that they all pay!
Magicia is finished!
The Cane will be mine!
No-one’s gonna stand in my way!
SERVANTS:
No…no-one’s gonna stand in her way
No…no-one’s gonna stand in her way
They can’t break her
She’s our Queen!
No-one’s gonna stand in her way
(No-one’s gonna stand in my way)
[After the song she calls REDWING back]
NO-ONE’S GONNA STAND IN MY WAY!
Redwing [exhausted]: Yes, Queen Melinda?
QUEEN MELINDA: Organise a special Ball for our ‘hard-working’ servants, and poison the guards, making it seem like enemies had drugged them. I shall then disguise myself as a peasant and escape from the Palace to find the traitor who has not told me of the Cane.
REDWING [scared]: It sounds dangerous. Let me go instead. I’ll find it, I know I will.
QUEEN MELINDA [stroking REDWING’s head in a motherly manner]: I need someone with brains, Redwing. I do trust you. However I do know that that human girl entered Magicia through someone? [She raises her eyebrows at Redwing]
REDWING: It wasn’t me!
QUEEN MELINDA: No, I suppose not. But I will find out. Anyway, about the girl. I think you should find her. She would trust you. Maybe it is a good idea if you were to go to the village and find the betrayer and the map to the cane.
REDWING: Thank you. I will! I’ll get Rosalie to trust me with anything!
QUEEN MELINDA: I wish you good luck, Redwing. [She exits Stage Left]
REDWING [to the audience]: Poor Rosalie. I can’t betray her. She’s a nice kid. She wouldn’t be friends with me now, not after she knows that I work for the Queen. [Pause] Maybe I could make a bargain with her? I’ll set Ben’s family free if she tells me all she knows about the Cane. If not, I’ll have to use the Control Potion. If the Queen finds out I’ve made real friends with her, she’ll kill me!
[REDWING goes to exit S.R, but SERVANT 2 enters, and blocks the way]
SERVANT 2: What’s she making you do this time? Spy on innocent people? Find someone and kill them? Or is it simply tax collecting?
REDWING [scared]: Nothing.
SERVANT 2: It was ‘nothing’ last time you went out, and came back with a dead body. Come on, tell me, or I’ll get the others.
REDWING: Nothing, I promise you…[REDWING goes to run away, but other SERVANTS enter and block the way]
SERVANT 3: What’s the matter with little baby? Been asked to kill someone?
[They start to crowd but REDWING sits down, looking panic-stricken about telling them the truth.]
SERVANT 1: You won’t tell me that’s for sure.
SERVANT 3: Redwing, tell us what’s going on!
SERVANT 2: Yeah, tell us.
SERVANT 1: Come on! [Gives REDWING a kick/push]
REDWING: I’ll tell you, shall I?
SERVANT 2: Gawd! Redwing’s gonna give us some answers.
REDWING: Shut up. [Pause] Melinda’s asked me to find that human girl and extract information from her about the Cane.
SERVANT 2: NO! Redwing, you can’t do that!
SERVANT 1: You wanna lose Magicia to that witch? [Together]
SERVANT 3: Are you out of your mind!
REDWING: I don’t know if I can do it; that’s the problem. Rosalie’s a good-hearted kid and Melinda will probably kill her anyway. Rosalie knows a lot about the Cane, and Melinda expects me to carry out her wishes appropriately.
SERVANT 2: You’re not going to obey and carry out Melinda’s order, are you?
REDWING: I’m afraid I have no choice.
SERVANT 3: You’re an idiot, Redwing.
REDWING [crossly]: I am not.
SERVANT 1: You are, because Melinda knows that you would never disobey her.
REDWING: Just because you want a higher salary!
SERVANT 1: No, you can keep your job. I want to live with a clear conscience for the rest of my life.
REDWING: I haven’t got a guilty conscience!
SERVANT 1: Yes you have. Think of all the people Melinda’s slaughtered because of YOU!
REDWING: I haven’t killed anyone!
SERVANT 2: Sophia’s right, you have killed. You may not have actually been present at the killings, but you lead to them. Remember that, Redwing!
SERVANT 3 [putting her hand on REDWING’s shoulder]: Don’t kill that little girl, she’s done nothing to hurt you, or Melinda!
REDWING [beginning to cry]: I won’t kill her! I’m not a murderer! I’M NOT!
[SERVANTS 1 and 2 exit S.R]
SERVANT 3 [sitting down next to REDWING]: You’re not to blame. It’s Melinda who’s to blame. She’s caused all this misery, not you.
REDWING [sobbing]: Everyone thinks I’m a killer!
SERVANT 3: I don’t. I think you’ve been brainwashed to believe you are. I know your secret Redwing, and I know what your father went through.
REDWING: How do you know about my secret?
SERVANT 3 [standing up]: I know from my mother. Come on, I’ll take you to Supper.
[SERVANT 3 and REDWING exit S.R]
Act One
Scene Four: Ben’s home.
[Curtains open to a small log-cabin house with two brown armchairs. BEN is standing over a bowl with a wooden spoon in his hand. ROSALIE is sitting in an armchair, sipping tea from a cup.]
Rosalie: You know, Ben, there is one thing I don’t understand.
Ben: Yeah?
Rosalie: If Melinda’s so powerful, why doesn’t she look for the Cane herself.
Ben [laughing]: Look for it herself? You must be joking! Melinda can’t even tie her own shoelaces.
Rosalie: Now you’re kidding!
Ben: No, it’s true. Melinda can’t do a single thing for herself. Its too much work for her.
Rosalie: My dad says I can’t do a thing for myself, but at least I can tie my own shoes.
Ben: Well, it’s not difficult now, is it?
Rosalie: I suppose not. [Taking a sip] what are you cooking?
Ben: Roasted fawn with extra crushed wood-lice sauce, or if you’d prefer, poppy puree?
Rosalie: I’ve never had that before.
Ben: It’s nearly done. [He takes a plate from the cupboard and places the food onto it, then hands it to Rosalie]
Rosalie: Thanks. [She pulls a face at it, but tries it] Yum! It’s delicious!
Ben: Thanks for the compliment! My mum made poppy pie and daisy juice when she was here.
Rosalie: What’s daisy juice like?
Ben: I don’t know. Never tried it. Anyway, about the Cane.
Rosalie [bored]: Not that again.
Ben: My friend Goldie may be able to help us. She’s a centaur.
Rosalie: They don’t exist!
Ben: They do here. Here, let me show you how to eat the roast.
Rosalie [tearing the meat apart]: No thanks.
Ben: Look, Rosalie, I’m sorry I keep going on about the Cane, but it’s really important.
Rosalie: Yeah, the evil queen and everything. I know. You’ve told me!
Ben: Yeah, the Incredibly Evil Queen Melinda!
Rosalie: Can I ask you, have you ever been to school?
Ben: School?
Rosalie: Yes, with lessons and stuff?
Ben: No, my mum could never afford it. It was Bess who got the education, when my Dad was around.
Rosalie [curiously, putting her plate on the coffee table]: what happened to him?
Ben: He fought in a battle against Melinda’s army last year. Got his heart ripped out by Swenta, the Queen’s pet.
Rosalie [flinching]: Too much information, Ben.
Ben: Well, you did ask.
Rosalie: Do you miss your dad?
Ben: Yeah, a bit. He was really kind and clever. Bess adored him.
Rosalie: So, there have been battles between citizens and the Queen’s Army?
Ben: Exactly, which is why it’s important to find the Cane and make peace with everyone.
Rosalie: All right, I’ll help you find it.
Ben: YES!
Rosalie: On one condition, that you don’t treat me like a damsel in distress! I’ll fight by myself when it comes to the battle!
Ben: You are one tough girl, Rosalie.
Rosalie: Thanks!
Ben: We’ll find that cane, I just know it!
Rosalie: Yeah, we certainly will!
Ben: there’s no time to waste. I’ll get Bess’ coat for you. You’ll need it if we go to Raven, or to the North.
[He goes offstage S.R and enters with a brown coat for ROSALIE]
Rosalie: It’s very nice Ben. [She puts it on] I like it.
Ben: well, if you’re ready, let’s go and see Goldie!
[BOTH walk offstage Right]
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
Scene One: The Castle Dungeon
[The VILLAGERS of Magicia including BESS, PHYLLIS and the SERVANTS sit at the back of the stage in groups (could be families) and BESS sits on a rock at the front S.R. She is wearing a typical peasant’s outfit, an old shirt and an apron covered with marks and patches. Her hair is tied back with a ribbon and she is hugging her knees. The groups are all talking but BESS is staring out of an imaginary window.]
JANE (servant 3): BESS! BESS!
[BESS does not respond. JANE walks over to her and sits down next to her.]
JANE: Bess!
[BESS responds]
BESS: Hmm? What?
JANE: You were daydreaming again.
BESS: Sorry.
JANE: No matter. What were you daydreaming about?
BESS: Nothing.
JANE: You were daydreaming about something.
BESS: I know. [She pauses and sighs] I was daydreaming about being free.
JANE: Silly! That’ll never happen now. Get used to life on the inside.
BESS [sighing]: Thanks.
[JANE leaves her and the others FREEZE]
BESS: Why did everything have to change? Why couldn’t have life just gone on the way it was? Why did Melinda have to kill her own husband to become Queen? It makes me so angry and sad to think that I’ll never see my brother again. Or Joe, for that matter. [She gets up] I wish we could get out of here, be free again, but [she lowers her head] that’s never going to happen. We’re stuck here forever, in this horrible dungeon whilst Melinda’s army feast on fawn and rich foods.
I’m apprenticed to the Queen’s Wardrobe you see, and I’m never allowed to get another job. Joe’s lucky. He doesn’t have to scrounge for food like an animal, he can stay at home and eat as much as he wants. He promised me that if I was caught, he’d take care of me, and bring me food and essentials…but it never happened. It’s like being imprisoned, well, it is a prison, but we’re trying to make it more homely. Clarrisa Deerhof is a marvel with paint and embroidery, but she’s not allowed to work in the Queen’s Wardrobe because she is of Fairy blood, and everyone knows the rules about that.
So, it looks like we’re stuck here. It’s awful when someone does something wrong, because Melinda punishes us all, and we don’t get any food, so the youngest children grow hungry and suffer malnutrition. It’s my dream to be one of the best teachers at the Smarties School in Faeri, so here I mostly pass the time teaching the children along with Carrie, my best friend, who’s two years the older than me.
I also sing ballads to the children, they all say that I have a beautiful voice, and so did Joe and my mother says I should have training. I love singing songs about freedom and life, as well as my own compositions. I just sing whenever I feel down, and it cheers me up.
[MUSIC CUE: The Love for Life/ BESS’ song
THE LOVE FOR LIFE:
Oh how I miss the sunshine,
The clouds, the rain, the snow
The twittering of the birds,
The sparkling of the dew on the grass in the early morning
And the speed of the river as it flows.
This is my Love for Life,
I can never escape it,
And as I am trapped,
I can never show it
How I miss the laughter,
The crying, the tears
Our hopes,
Our fears,
This is my love for life
I can’t escape it,
I love it all,
But life is short,
And I want to live for it all.
I miss the smiles,
The funny jokes, the laughter
The stupid pranks and dances
I miss that heart
It’s home
This is my Love for Life,
I can never escape it,
And as I am trapped,
I can never show it
Never show it…
It will be gone
Although my heart stays strong,
My spirit begins to crumble.
We can’t think like that,
We have to escape,
Our lives have to change
And we’re going to make it happen.
Forget Melinda, forget punishments, we’re ALL going to be FREE!
[The others cheer]
[JANE runs offstage and comes back looking scared]
JANE: The Queen’s coming!
[Everyone runs to his or her families]
[QUEEN MELINDA enters in regal composure, carrying a parasol and behind her is CAW who is carrying a black basket full of bread and a jug of poppy juice (cranberry). He looks exhausted and the QUEEN stands at the very top of the stage on the left, and snatches a musical instrument to play a lilting and depressing tune. (THIS CAN BE MIMED) and everyone groans.]
Q.M [crossly]: Why do you groan so, my villagers?
BESS [confidently]: Why do you think, Melinda?
Q.M: Because I am making you feel depressed, as you should?
BESS: Correct.
Q.M: I enjoy making you all unhappy. You filthy traitors of this great country!
BESS [ignorantly]: We’re no different to anyone else on this world, Melinda.
Q.M: Queen Melinda, please.
BESS: I shall never give you that title. You don’t deserve it. King Marcus deserved it. He gained our trust and support, but you, you’re nothing but a low-life witch who thinks she is Queen!
Q.M: How dare you! How dare you speak to me like that, you ignorant girl! [She slaps BESS hard across the face] Don’t speak to me like that again, girl, or you’ll be dismissed! Perhaps you would prefer if I tore your mother and friends’ hearts out in front of you?
BESS: No, if you want them, I’ll sacrifice myself. Let them go. It’s me! It’s all me!
PHYLLIS: Elizabeth! I won’t let you do that! You’re the only thing that keeps us all alive!
Q.M: Exactly. Which is why I would prefer to have you out of the way first, ‘Elizabeth’. You are the very bane of my life, everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve and somehow, your family seems to always spoil it all!
BESS [standing up and facing Q.M directly] If you mean my father, he was a good fighter, and I shall celebrate your downfall with great victory, because everyone is rebelling against you, Melinda, and I wish them well. I don’t care anymore! You’re a witch, Melinda!
[MELINDA looks rather taken aback at first, then regains her regal composure.]
Q.M: I have been fair to you, girl, and given you many chances. Now I have had enough. Bane! Caw! [TWO SOLDIERS run forward to assist MELINDA] Take this girl away. Throw her into the mountains of Arione, I have no care, put her with the mutants and brand them all. Arrange with the Northern Magicia Express to come and collect her. Take her as far way as possible, then dump her.
[BANE and CAW nod]
PHYLLIS: Please, have mercy for my daughter! Let her go. I’ll take her place!
Q.M: Ha! Caw, come here. Throw them the food; let them grovel for it. But do not give ANYTHING to the girl’s family!
[She exits and CAW immediately starts throwing the bread from his basket. Once he has finished, exit S.L Everyone rushes for the bread. The children have fights over it and soon all that is left is a few crumbs]
JANE: Here. Bess, take this piece of bread. [She hands it to her]
BESS: I’m not hungry, but thanks.
JANE: You got to eat something, Bess, ‘cos we might not get anythin’ next time.
BESS: Look, Jane, I know you want me to get involved in things, but I’m not that sort of person. I want to be myself, and because dear Redwing caught us, I’ll never see Joe again.
[JANE sighs]
JANE: Bess, you’re being silly. You obviously don’t care about your family.
BESS: I do care! I don’t need you to tell me what to do!
[BESS hums a song]
JANE: I give up with you, Bess. Your head’s in the clouds.
VILLAGER: Well, I think Bess is right. Just because we’re in a dungeon doesn’t mean that we’re not counted as citizens. We are citizens! And Melinda would do well to remember it. I say we make this place into a proper home for us all, and have our own entertainment.
BESS: You’re right, Robbie!
JANE: THE GUARDS ARE HERE!
BESS: Guess it’s curtains for us.
VILLAGER: Hide the children! Quick!
[All CHILD VILLAGERS hide behind a pile of clothesbaskets at the back left of the stage.]
BESS: I’m fed up with all this. We meek villagers will inherit!
VILLAGER: Yeah, you’re right, Bess!
JANE: You’re crazy!
BESS: keep that mouth of yours zipped, Jane.
[The VILLAGERS stand up and sing (MUSIC CUE: FREEDOM) along with BESS and VILLAGER ROBBIE, and end at the front of the stage, with their hands in the air. A villager runs on and cries:
VILLAGER 2: ROSALIE and BEN HAVE GONE TO FIND THE CANE!
[EVERYONE cheers]
FREEDOM:
ROBBIE:
We all want freedom,
(Isn’t that right, Bess? BESS nods)
And we’ve all made it so far
Life is too precious to lose
And our spirits are at an all-time low
BESS:
But forget it all,
Enjoy yourself
Although we can’t do much,
It’s better than moping around.
Feel FREE! Be FREE
Do as you please for we have nothing else!
Enjoy the life that you have,
For one day we will be free
(VILLAGER (sarcastically): Again!
We will be free, so why don’t you tell us all about it, Tom.
TOM (VILLAGER)
I wanna be a pilot,
Flyin’ free in the sky,
And soon as I get outta here,
I ‘m gonna see myself fly!
I’m gonna make my dream come true!
BESS:
Good for you!
But don’t you know,
That we will never get away,
Without patience and a lot of
Determination.
Don’t be scared to have a go,
Just think to yourself,
I’ll be free within a day,
And don’t you worry that we’re stuck alone,
Because we’ve got each other,
And no one’s on their own!
Feel FREE! Be FREE
Just watch out, Melinda!
Do as you please for we have something planned!
Just wait and see
Enjoy the life that you have,
For one day we will be free,
Simply free!
PHYLLIS: [Joining her daughter] I shall miss you, my daughter. You are incredibly brave for everything that we have gone through. I will miss you so much that I feel as though part of my heart has been torn away. Please send me a message to let me know that you are safe, I beg you.
BESS: I will.
[She walks offstage RIGHT]
CURTAINS CLOSE.
ACT TWO
Scene Two: Raven
[The curtains open and blue lights shine onto the stage to show ROSALIE and BEN sitting on a tree trunk in a freeze-frame]
Rosalie [swinging her legs]: You know, I think we’ve travelled to the end of the world!
Ben [leaning back and laying his head on his bag]: Oh, do shut up. Stop moaning. Is that all that girls do?
[ROSALIE turns around and glares at him]
Ben: You know that we’ve got to cross a few seas, don’t you? I can’t be held up if you get seasick, I’ll go on my own!
Rosalie: No, I’m all right. Where are we?
[BEN pulls out a map]
Ben: Let’s see…er…I don’t know.
Rosalie [crossly and sarcastically]: Oh that’s great, that’s really great.
Ben: It looks like Raven, and if it is, we’d better be careful.
Rosalie: So where does this Goldie live then?
Ben: Faeri, it’s on the other side of Raven.
Rosalie: I’m not walking much further, my legs will snap.
[REDWING enters S.L and hides behind a bush in the background.]
Rosalie [trembling]: Ben, I don’t like it here. It’s too quiet. Someone’s listening!
Ben: What d’you mean, Rosalie?
Rosalie: someone’s listening, Ben.
[BEN jumps down from the trunk and draws out his sword, looking around. He spots the bush and goes to it, tearing it back. REDWING sits there still]
Ben: REDWING!
Redwing: Hello, Ben.
Ben: You traitor! Call yourself a citizen of Magicia? You turncoat! You’re…
[REDWING removes cap]
Redwing: Don’t tell Melinda! I beg you!
Ben: You’re eavesdropping for HER?
Redwing: Yes. I have no choice, she’ll kill me.
Ben: I’ll kill you, you evil creature! You betrayed my family’s whereabouts to the witch!
Redwing: I did. I know. Strike me down now, Ben, you’d be doing me a favour. [REDWING kneels]
[BEN raises his sword, but ROSALIE knocks it out of his hand]
Rosalie: Isn’t there enough murder and bloodshed here? Don’t you start!
Ben: This creature, this filth, is a traitor to Magicia.
Rosalie: For goodness’ sake, Ben, have some reason. Redwing is…
Redwing: I know. I know I’m a traitor. Let Ben kill me now, Miss Rosalie.
Rosalie: Don’t call me Miss. It’s Rosalie, just Rosalie.
Redwing: All right. Rosalie, let him strike me now.
Rosalie: No! I can’t let you die! I admit, you’re stupid. But you might be able to help us.
Ben: What?!
Rosalie: Don’t be idiotic, Ben, maybe Redwing knows something about the Cane. He might be able to help us.
Redwing: Me help you? Really?
Rosalie: Yes, on the one condition that you swear to us that you are not spying for the witch?
Redwing: I swear [hand on chest]
Rosalie: Right. What do you know about the Cane?
Redwing [sitting down on the tree trunk]: Not much.
Rosalie: You must know something. Melinda’s after it, isn’t she?
Redwing: Yes, but…
Rosalie: Well…
Redwing: It’s hard to explain, seeing as I’m her assistant. I think I heard her say that it’s hidden somewhere in Albrithi.
Ben: We know that. D’you know how to get there?
Redwing: By boat, probably. She’s watching the Magicia Express Rail and I don’t have authorisation to use my wings.
Rosalie [stunned]: You’ve got WINGS?
Ben: No Magician’s got wings, Roz, Redwing’s making it up.
Redwing: I am not. Melinda tried to tear them from my back, but it hurt too much. She said that she didn’t like me having wings because I might use them as an escape.
Ben: [sarcastically] Trusts you, don’t she?
Redwing: It’s not that she doesn’t trust me, she just doesn’t like me having them. She even asked Joanna Featherworth, the Head Surgeon of Arione Hospital if she could amputate them. Joanna said it was too complicated and dangerous. Melinda had her put to death. She was such a nice lady.
Ben: We’d better get a move on. Redwing, we’re going to see Goldie.
Redwing: But all the centaurs are dead!
Ben: Not her. She escaped.
Redwing: You go on ahead. I’ll catch you up.
[REDWING kneels on the floor looking through the bag that has been brought by Rosalie.]
Rosalie: HEY! That’s my bag!
Redwing: Sorry. [Gets up]: It looks like mine. I’m sorry Rosalie.
Ben: Hurry up, Redwing.
Redwing [timidly]: just coming, Ben.
ACT TWO
Scene Three: The Royal Village of Crown Court
[In this scene, QUEEN MELINDA visits the village to check that all of her laws are being obeyed and finds three outlaws. She enters S.L in a carriage drawn by her swan SWENTA [this character can be played by two people inside a swan costume.]
Q.M: Hurry up Swenta. I want to get to the village!
Swenta: Doing my best, great Majesty.
Q.M: Sorry, Swenta, but I am very anxious to find the outlaws of this place. Aha. At last!
[They stop outside a house and SOLDIERS push the door down. The back of the stage appears as a house setting.]
Q.M: Good girl, Swenta. Riley! Is there anyone there?
Soldier 1: [bringing out a gagged and handcuffed girl of seventeen] yes, my Queen.
Q.M: I see. Bring her out here.
[The SOLDIER brings the GIRL out of the house and the background goes dark once again.]
Q.M: Who is she? [To the SOLDIER]
Soldier 1: Her name is Destiny Dragonheart.
Q.M: And why is she still in this village? [To the GIRL]
Destiny: I didn’t realise that I was meant to get out of Magicia. I would if I had a map!
Q.M: Shut your mouth, you filthy half-blood. Take her away, and may she rot in the dungeon.
[ROSALIE, BEN and REDWING enter secretly in the background, S.R through a fireplace.]
Soldier 1: Yes, your Majesty.
Q.M: Back to the palace, Swenta, my pet.
[SWENTA carries Q.M offstage Right]
[The backdrop of the house appears and the spotlights come on.]
Rosalie [sarcastically]: That was an absolutely fantastic idea of yours, Ben. Buying fairy dust from some old peddler.
Ben: She wasn’t just some old peddler, she was my mother’s assistant, so you shut your mouth.
Redwing: Don’t talk to Rosalie like that.
Ben: You shut up, too, Redwing.
Rosalie: Leave Redwing alone.
Ben: Stupid Redwing always gets the attention!
Rosalie: Stop being childish. I’m just saying…
Ben: What?
Rosalie: Nothing.
Ben: No, come on, I want to know.
Rosalie: It’s your fault no one likes you! You’re stubborn and conceited and…
Ben: Listen to you! I’m not conceited, you ungrateful Normie girl! I wish you’d never come here! I’ll find the cane on my own! Because I CAN!
Rosalie: What did you just call me?
Redwing: He called you a Normie. It means that you’re not magical.
Ben: I told you to shut up, Redwing!
Rosalie: You’ll have to fight me first. Stop the childish act!
Ben: I can’t fight you! You’re a girl!
Rosalie: Shut up. Come on, fight!
Redwing: You mustn’t, Rosalie!
Rosalie [crossly]: I’m defending you, Redwing, so keep your mouth shut!
[There is a flash of light and Redwing disappears. ROSALIE and BEN look up and QUEEN MELINDA cackles [offstage]
Rosalie [anxiously]: REDWING! REDWING! WHERE ARE YOU?
Ben [haughtily]: No point calling, Melinda’s got him!
Rosalie [glaring at him]: I’ve got to try! REDWING! REDWING!
Ben: Melinda’s got him!
Rosalie: Where?
Ben: Probably at the castle.
Rosalie: Let’s get him back. We have to.
Ben: Well, I don’t know how to get in, do I? Redwing’s so stupid!
Rosalie: You’re stupid, Ben! Think about it. It’s a trap.
Ben: Clever clogs.
Rosalie: Shut up. [She sits back down on the tree trunk] I’ve agreed to go on this quest with you because I care about this place, as if it was my own world!
Ben: I can see that. [He sits back-to-back with her on the tree trunk] I care about Magicia too. But, I can’t help it. I don’t know where the Cane is.
Rosalie: no-one does, or they’d all be dead. [Suddenly jumping up] Ben! What does that fairy dust do?
Ben: Well, you can’t do a lot with it, but you can sort of hover.
Rosalie: You mean fly? Without a broomstick? And without wings?
Ben: I think so. Hold on. [He gets out a pot from his bag and throws some dust (glitter) over himself, then runs offstage right. Whilst he is offstage, a hook is attached to his back]
[Once the hook is attached to his back, BEN should run on and fly across the stage]
Rosalie [in disbelief]: You’re FLYING, Ben!
Ben: I am! Here, Rosalie, throw this on yourself! [He throws down the pot of dust (glitter)]
Rosalie: Thanks. [She covers herself in the dust and runs offstage Left]
[Once the hook is attached to ROSALIE’s clothing, she should run around to the other side of the stage and run back on S.R, flying with BEN]
MUSIC CUE: Magic Flight [Romance: 072 Yamaha PSR-175]
[The flight should last no more than three minutes, and ROSALIE and BEN should keep their arms outstretched. Curtains should close after three minutes]
END OF SCENE THREE
ACT TWO
Scene Four: Albrithi
[The curtains open to reveal a sunny island with palm trees and a market scene with VILLAGERS. [Improvisation in this scene] In the background, a masked figure watches them from behind a palm tree. A painted sign reads: WELCOME TO ALBRITHI, LAND OF THE BRAVE]
ROSALIE and BEN enter S.R, and the VILLAGERS stop.
MUSIC CUE: MARKET DANCE/BALLET. When the DANCERS have finished, they should return to their previous positions, and ROSALIE and BEN enter S.R]
Rosalie [clutching BEN’S arm]: We’ve made it! This is Albrithi!
Ben: It is! Well done Rosalie!
Rosalie [to a villager]: Excuse me, we’re looking for the Cane?
Villager 1: Ask that unicorn over there. [Gestures at a gold CENTAUR in the background. ROSALIE and BEN walk over to the CENTAUR, whose name is GOLDIE]
Ben: What the hell? Can’t that idiot tell the difference between a unicorn and a centaur?
Rosalie: Neigh! Neigh! Neigh! Neigh!
Goldie: What is it you require, child?
Rosalie: You speak English?
Goldie: Apparently.
Rosalie: We are looking for the legendary Cane of Albrithi, do you know where it is?
Goldie: Child, I was born under the Cane.
Rosalie: Please, we ask of you, take us there.
Goldie: A very determined little girl from Magicia, aren’t you?
Rosalie: A normal girl from Sotting, Cussley, actually.
Goldie: Hmm. I shall take you there, show me your hand.
[ROSALIE raises her hand and Goldie touches it. ROSALIE’s arm shimmers under a spotlight]
Rosalie: What on earth…
Goldie: My mistress, Miss Truecharm, will be delighted to meet you. My name is Goldie.
Rosalie: Thank you. Come on Ben.
[GOLDIE whinnies and EMMA enters S.L. EMMA is wearing a hooded green cloak]
Emma: Goldie, who are these people?
Rosalie: My name is Rosalie, and this is Ben, we’re here for the Cane.
Emma: You are a Magician. [To BEN]
Ben: Was a Magician, now exiled.
Emma: How awful. Yes, I can understand why you would need the Cane. But you must be brave children.
Rosalie: Why? Where is it?
Emma: It is in a place called Freeground, a dangerous place to the west of Albrithi, where evil witches circle the skies and nothing is as it seems. But by all means, go there for the Cane.
Ben: I’m having second thoughts, Rosalie.
Rosalie: Don’t be a wimp. Remember that we’re doing this for Magicia.
Ben: All right. Thanks Emma. Which way is it?
Emma: That way. [She points to the left side of the stage.]
Rosalie: Thank you, Miss Truecharm, and here’s something for you and your villagers. [She throws a bag of money down on the floor.]
Ben: Where the hell did you get all that?
Rosalie: I found it under a bush back in Magicia.
Ben: Wow!
Rosalie: Come on Ben, we’ve got a job to do.
Emma: I wish you well, children. You are braving yourselves to a task, which even the most intelligent and courageous people have failed.
Rosalie: I’m not going to fail.
Emma: Good! That’s what I like to hear! Some determination! And strength of character!
Rosalie: Thank you. We shall begin our quest.
[ROSALIE, BEN and VILLAGERS exit S.L]
[EMMA throws off her cloak, revealing a beautiful emerald green dress and a wand tucked in a side pocket.]
EMMA’S SONG
The girl is full of kindness and grace,
For those who haven’t seen her face.
She is courageous, brave and true,
And light shines over her from each rainbow hue.
See how determinedly she begins her quest,
Her will and might may be put to the test.
But even I, should it be told,
Are scared of such challenges, as my heart grows cold.
Do not worry, dear friends,
For I am with Rosalie to the end,
Speak not of the evil that lies in wait,
For I shall make sure that it is seen to,
Before it is too late.
I am proud to be who I am,
And everyone else should be too,
Yet I still worry for their safety,
For I could be imprisoned too.
Let them not be tortured,
Let them feel no pain,
Let them be filled with hope,
Let them be who they want to be,
For the girl has gone to find the Cane!
The story so far, told as true,
Shows power and strength, as it should do,
But do not believe that it is all so easy,
Because it can be twisted as far as the eye can see.
And who would believe that it was me,
Who spied upon her so silently?
[EMMA exits]
ACT TWO
Scene Five: The Old Bridge of Albrithi
[ROSALIE and BEN enter S.R looking dishevelled and carrying backpacks. They should be wearing safety harnesses under their costumes for when the bridge falls. They are about to cross a bridge, which is hidden in the background. As they step onto the first plank, the bridge rises and RED LIGHTS and the CANE appear. (The CANE can be brought on during the rising of the bridge)
ROSALIE: Ben? Is that it? Is that the legendary Cane of Albrithi? [She gestures across the bridge.]
BEN: Yeah, it is! Rosalie! We’ve done it!
[BEN and ROSALIE both step onto the bridge and it rises. These two characters MUST hold on to the rails of the bridge]
ROSALIE: Be careful, Ben! [She begins to walk across. There is a crash of thunder and the bridge falls.] AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH [ROSALIE hangs onto what is left of the bridge whilst Ben clutches the rail.]
BEN: ROSALIE! ROSALIE!
ROSALIE [worriedly]: Help Ben! [Her fingers begin to slip]
BEN: I can’t reach you! Hold on!
ROSALIE: I can’t! [She pauses] Ben, I want you to go ahead and get the Cane.
BEN: I won’t leave you!
ROSALIE: It’s Magicia’s only chance. Ben, go!
BEN: I won’t! Hold on a minute!
ROSALIE: I can’t! BEN! [She falls as BEN grabs her arm and pulls her up]
BEN: We’re nearly there. Come on!
[ROSALIE runs across the to other half of the bridge and grabs the cane as Q.M enters S.L and snatches it.]
BEN: THE WITCH!
Q.M: I prefer to be called Queen Melinda, if you please. [She grabs BEN’S arm and sighs] Another Jumpfoot! I know your mother and sister very well.
BEN: What have you done with them? WITCH!
Q.M: Shut up! Bane! Take the boy away!
[BANE enters from behind Q.M and pulls BEN’S arms behind his back and takes him offstage.]
Q.M: Now, girl, I think you and I should have a little talk.
ROSALIE: I’ve got nothing to say to you, you evil witch! I don’t want to have anything to do with you!
Q.M: But I have the Cane. It is all the power I need.
ROSALIE: That’s all you know.
Q.M: What do you mean?
ROSALIE: Nothing that concerns you.
Q.M: Tell me!
ROSALIE: No! Kill me if you want to, you’ll never understand!
Q.M: Very well, girl. [She snaps her fingers] Caw! Take the girl to the Faeri death march.
[CAW enters the same way as BANE, and takes Rosalie offstage, followed by Q.M]
[The stage goes dark and the bridge is taken away.]
ACT TWO:
Scene Six: The village of Faeri, Magicia.
[The lights come on to a dark and dreary town scene, where ROSALIE stands at the back of the stage right, with her hands tied behind her back and tears running down her face. BEN stands opposite her, on the left side, looking at her, along with VILLAGERS and Q.M on a golden throne. CAW and BANE are standing at the front of the stage where the red lights are focused. THIS IS the lava pit.]
Q.M: Have you anything to say before you die?
ROSALIE: Goodbye to you all, and Ben, I’m sorry that I was such a pig and pest. I wish you the best of luck in preserving the life of Magicia, something that I strived to achieve and failed at.
Redwing, you are a total idiot, yet you risked your life to keep us safe, and I thank you for it.
Melinda, you are an evil witch and one day someone will get the better of you. I hope that that person will be Ben or Redwing! And you villagers should have a much better life than you have.
Q.M: Girl! That’s enough. Begin her death!
[MUSIC CUE: EXILE EcCelest (082)
[ROSALIE walks slowly diagonally across the stage to the music and stands upon a hollow rock, bows to the VILLAGERS and Q.M twice before walking towards a tree trunk [can be the same one as before] stands upon it, (ropes are cut) before poising to jump into the lava pool. EMMA enters silently from S.R and throws off her cloak, underneath is a beautiful emerald-green gown, a star-shaped wand and matching silvery-green wings]
BEN [surprised]: EMMA! But you’re the woman with Goldie!
Q.M: What is this?
BEN: Shut up, witch!
[Q.M tries to shout back, but is interrupted by EMMA]
EMMA: Ben, you have shown courage.
BEN: Thanks, Emma.
EMMA: I am indeed not what you thought I was, a lonely girl called Emma, as my true name is Emerald.
BEN: But, you’re a fairy!
EMMA: Thank you. I am indeed such a fairy, but enough for now, I have work to do here.
Q.M [standing up]: You have nothing to do here! GUARDS!
EMMA: Melinda, do not fool yourself!
Q.M: It was you who sent for Rosalie through the Gate! I knew that you would come back one day, all for jealousy of me!
EMMA: You do not speak the truth, Melinda. You are trapped by your own evil! Not even the Cane could break the curse you have made yourself!
Q.M: But…I have the Cane!
EMMA: You shall never understand, Melinda.
Q.M: Sacrifice the girl and I will free Magicia and hand over the Cane.
EMMA: They are obviously a trial to you, Melinda. Rosalie! You’re free! [She snaps her fingers and ROSALIE rushes to EMMA]
ROSALIE: I’ll challenge you, witch!
EMMA: No, Rosalie.
ROSALIE: Yes.
[Cheerleaders/Free Villagers enter from S.R with pom-poms and do a dance]
CHEERLEADERS/VILLAGERS: Go Rosalie! Go Rosalie! Go Rosalie!
Q.M: Shut up! [The cheerleaders continue and chant more loudly] SHUT UP!
CHEERLEADERS: GO ROSALIE! GO ROSALIE! GO ROSALIE!
Q.M: I told you to shut up, you annoying little…
REDWING: Don’t think that’s a good idea, your Majesty, there are children in the audience!
Q.M: Redwing, remember you once asked me how you would die?
REDWING: Er…yes…
Q.M: Well, you’re coming very close to your death, unless you shut these infernal beasts up!
REDWING: Oh, right. Come on everyone, let’s go.
[The CHEERLEADERS ignore him. Q.M is losing patience, and throws her arm in the air where a bolt of lightning escapes. The CHEERLEADERS fall silent and run offstage]
Q.M: That’s better. Now, brave little girl. Are you ready? No magic. Just the Cane and your so-called ‘powers’.
ROSALIE: Very well. [She snatches a black rock from nearby]
[MUSIC CUE: BATTLE (Demo-song 005)
EMMA: Keep back, good people of Magicia.
[VILLAGERS obey and step back. ROSALIE and Q.M battle (improvisation) BUT MUST END WITH ROSALIE holding the Cane and Q.M on the floor. ROSALIE is spotlighted in freezeframe]
EMMA: ROSALIE! The Cane! LOOK!
[All lights come on and a rainbow is projected on the back of the stage. There is a flash and colours floods back into the scene]
EMMA: You have done Magicia a great service, Rosalie. How can I ever thank you?
ROSALIE: I had lots of help from Ben and Redwing and everyone. I wish I didn’t have to leave, but I have done my part. I want to go home. I need to go home. Just promise me that the Cane will be protected from evil and free everyone.
EMMA: I’ll do anything.
[BEN walks over to ROSALIE]
BEN: Rosalie, I’ll miss you.
ROSALIE: shut up, idiot. I’ll send one of those messages to you via the cottage door.
BEN: The gate will only be open for a certain amount of time. Then it will seal and we’ll never see each other again.
ROSALIE: Oh Ben! [She hugs him] I owe you a favour. One thing I must do before the Cane is put away.
[She takes the Cane from EMMA and points it at the castle on the background scene. There is a flash and VILLAGERS, REDWING, GOLDIE and extra people run on. BEN rushes to his family.]
BEN: Rosalie, I’d like you to meet my family.
ROSALIE: It’s lovely to meet you.
MRS JUMPFOOT: Thank you dear! For everything you’ve done for Magicia!
ROSALIE: Your son’s a great friend of mine.
BESS: It’s an honour to meet you, Miss Rosalie.
ROSALIE: Call me Rosalie, Bess.
BESS: Yes, Rosalie.
[A bell rings]
EMMA: Time flies, Rosalie, make haste!
ROSALIE: Goodbye everyone, I’ll miss you all! I’m glad that I’ve saved Magicia, but I hate to leave you all. Emerald will take care of you.
EMMA: I certainly will, Heroine Rosalie! [She gets into her glass carriage and is raised above the citizens]
ROSALIE: Goodbye everyone! GOODBYE! [She walks across the stage, picks up her rucksack and starts for the gate, but REDWING rushes to her.]
REDWING: Rosalie! Wait! I have something for you!
[He hands her an emerald ring. ROSALIE looks back at EMMA who winks.]
ROSALIE: Thank you, Redwing, and Emerald!
EMMA: First thing on my list, Faeri and other towns to be rebuilt!
ROSALIE: Great! I must go now! The gate is starting to seal! GOODBYE EVERYONE! [She walks offstage and a fairy-like noise is heard]
[The curtain falls and then rises for the Finale and Curtain Call.]
FINALE: THE ROSALIE SONG (SOLOS for ROSALIE, BEN and BESS)
THE ROSALIE SONG
Whenever we needed someone
There never seemed to be anyone,
BEN: Then one day, you came along
And set our spirits free (don’t forget the servants, Ben)-Phyllis
We don’t need anyone now, but
ALL: Ros-a-lie
(Yes everyone?)-Rosalie
Ros-a-lie
All we need is you,
Forget about everything
You’ve taken in your stride,
Now all you need is a good dose
Of strong and healthy pride!
BESS: Whenever we were locked up,
You just kept on going,
Nothing seemed to stop you,
BEN: And we’re all so grateful (don’t forget the animals, Ben)-Phyllis
And you’re the only thing we need…
Chorus:
ALL: Ros-a-lie
You are our saviour
Ros-al-ie
Nothing more needs to be said
For through our hearts you will always tread
(Like a rabbit scuttling to find its bed)-VILLAGER 2
You are our one and only,
(Truly extraordinary)-VILLAGER
(Completely amazing)-SOPHIA
Fantastically superb
Our knight in shining armour,
Our Queen of Magicia
(Tell me again, good villagers, who is she?)-EMMA
She’s our one and only
ROS-AL-IE!
[Lights dim and green spotlight falls on EMMA]
You’ve saved us all,
We’re all so grateful to you,
But the time has come
To say goodbye,
And we want to give our thanks,
Everyone is happy,
You’ve beaten every battle in the book,
We’re all so grateful and
I wanted to say how proud I am
Of you,
You have sacrificed everything you ever knew to save us,
The Cane will be protected,
And you are always welcome back here,
In the Land of Magicia,
Where hope dwells at heart.
We won’t forget you,
And now you have gone.
[CURTAIN]
