Part-time orphans
A play script for school by Luc Boulanger
Translation : Karley & Martin Zibeau
Characters
The mother, Nancy Greenwood
The father, Jack Bernard
The children
Charlotte : the oldest (15 years old)
Mathilda : the artist (14 years old)
Alex and Axel : twins, athletes (13 years old)
Chloe : the gossip (12 years old)
Anthony : the grouchy one (11 years old)
Emily : agitated (9 years old)
Rose : the youngest (7 years old)
Claire and Sandra : Emily’s friends
Jade : Chloe’s friend
Maxime : Charlotte’s boyfriend
Mrs. Bonnet : Emily’s teacher
A part of the script for school…
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Scene 1 of this play script for school : The parents, the children, Claire and Sandra
Rose arrives from school. She is by herself.
ROSE : Mom !
She waits for an answer that doesn’t come.
ROSE : Mom !
Still no answer.
ROSE : Mom, mom, mom, mom…
The mother enters. She has been woken up.
MOTHER : Yes ! What is it Rose ?
ROSE : I just got home from school. Can you take my boots off ?
MOTHER : You’re able to do it on your own, Rose. You’re big enough.
ROSE : It’s too hard and my hands are hurting.
MOTHER taking her boots off : Okay, okay.
ROSE : I got a good mark on my test. Can I watch TV ?
MOTHER : Yes but don’t disturb me. I need to prepare supper.
ANTHONY entering : What’s for supper ?
Rose sits in front of the TV.
MOTHER : How about « Hi Mom » ?
ANTHONY : Hi Mom, what’s for supper ?
MOTHER : Ham.
ANTHONY : Noooo, not again! That’s all we eat here.
MOTHER : First of all, it’s been at least a week since we had some and besides, it’s cheap as well as nourishing. That’s important for a big family.
ANTHONY : And tomorrow, what’s on the menu ? Pork !
Anthony sits and Mathilda enters. She goes straight to her mom.
MATHILDA : Mom, you’ll never guess what!
MOTHER : You got picked for the musical.
MATHILDA : Did somebody tell you ?
MOTHER : No, but we’ve been hearing about the musical for a month, literally, so …
MATHILDA : Well, it paid off, because I got the leading role.
MATHILDA starts singing : Oh, Tristan, my beautiful Tristan, my loving knight. I’ll wait for you from up high in my tower.
MOTHER plugging her hears : That’s wonderful !
MATHILDA giving a sheet of paper to her mom : We’re even going to go on tour in Europe. Isn’t that amazing? It only costs 500 dollars.
MOTHER : 500 bucks !
MATHILDA : All I need is your signature at the bottom of the page.
MOTHER : That’s a lot of money. You’ll need to talk to your dad about it.
MATHILDA : But that’s a bargain. The trip is worth thousands of dollars.
MOTHER : Your father should be here any minute now.
MATHILDA : I know him, he’ll say no.
MOTHER : How about you help me peel some carrots while you wait.
MATHILDA : I don’t have time. I have to work on my lines. We have a rehearsal tonight.
MATHILDA exits singing : Oh Tristan, my beautiful Tristan.
Emily enters with her two friends, Claire and Sandra.
EMILY : Hi mom, have I ever told you that you were the most beautiful and the nicest of all mothers ?
MOTHER : Ok, what do you want ?
EMILY : I’ve invited Claire and Sandra for dinner.
MOTHER : Pardon me ?
EMILY : It’s because we wanted to play with the Playstation tonight.
CLAIRE : My mom is okay with it.
MOTHER : That’s not the problem. I already have many mouths to feed.
EMILY : We can eat chips while we play.
SANDRA : Yeah, chips are good.
MOTHER : No way, we’re eating ham and vegetables. Anyway, Emily needs to do her homework before any playing.
EMILY : No, mom, please. I’ll do my homework later.
MOTHER : That’s not what we agreed with Mrs. Bonnet. You must be disciplined. I don’t want to have her call me again because you arrive at school without your homework done.
SANDRA : When we’re done playing Playstation, I’ll help her. I’m pretty good at school.
CLAIRE : Please say yes Mrs. Greenwood, I love a home-cooked meal.
MOTHER giving up : Okay, two more helpings won’t hurt anyone. Our ham is big enough.
ANTHONY : I don’t want a smaller portion just because Emily has friends over.
ROSE : Me neither.
Chloe enters.
CHLOE : Hello, I’m here !
She grabs the telephone.
MOTHER : Chloe, you just arrived and already you’re on the phone with Jade ?
CHLOE : I forgot to ask her something important.
ANTHONY : Important … Like the colour of the clothes she’s going to wear tomorrow.
CHLOE : Hey, don’t bug me, or else …
Chloe goes back to dialing the phone number. The mother sighs. The twins enter. They drop their bags heavily.
ALEX and AXEL : We’re here and we’re really hungry.
MOTHER : Twins ! How many times have I told you not to drop your bags like that on the floor ? You’ll damage the wooden floor that your dad just finished varnishing.
ALEX : So we won !
ANTHONY ironic : What ? The lottery ?
AXEL : The basketball game. We’re going to the regional finals.
ALEX : And I scored the winning basket.
AXEL : And of course, I passed the ball to him.
Alex gets a cushion and uses it like a basketball. They re-enact their winning play.
ALEX : The score is tied. I steal the ball from the other team, skillfully dodge the defense and charge towards the basket.
AXEL : Then we cross each other and he gives me the ball. I bring all the other team’s players towards me.
ALEX : I’m all alone at the three-point line.
AXEL : A perfect pass.
ALEX : And it’s in the bag.
AXEL : Only two seconds to go, and we took the win.
ALEX : It was beautiful.
AXEL : You said it.
Charlotte enters.
MOTHER : Bravo ! Now, pick up your bags.
AXEL and ALEX : Ok, ok ! We get it.
AXEL : Are we going to eat soon ? We’re playing tennis tonight.
MOTHER : If someone can help me, it will go faster. Are you as good at peeling potatoes as you are at playing basketball ?
ALEX : I’m the best potato peeler in the whole neighborhood.
AXEL : No, I’m the best.
Alex throws the cushion at Anthony.
ANTHONY : Hey! Don’t you ever do that again.
ALEX : Ouuuu I’m so scared.
The twins laugh and pick up their bags. They go and peel a few potatoes.
CHARLOTTE getting close to her mom : Mom, can I talk to you ?
MOTHER : Go ahead my love !
CHARLOTTE : I’d prefer to talk alone.
MOTHER : Just you and me ? Sorry, but I’m not sure that’s a concept I understand.
CHARLOTTE : That’s exactly the problem. I can never be alone with my boyfriend. Maybe I could sleep over at his place this weekend ? His parents agree.
MOTHER : Aren’t you a bit too young for that ? Could you please help Rose with her homework, we’ll talk later.
CHARLOTTE : No ! Why do I always have to take care of Rose and her homework ?
MOTHER : It’s logical, Charlotte. I need help and you’re the oldest.
CHARLOTTE : I’m tired of being the oldest.
MOTHER : You have more responsibilities, but you also have more privileges.
CHARLOTTE : Privileges, what privileges ? I’m fed up. Anyone want to take my place ? I want to go see my boyfriend tonight. Ask Chloe or Mathilda to help Rose.
CHLOE who is still talking on the phone : Pardon me ? I heard my name.
CHARLOTTE : Can you help Rose with her homework ?
CHLOE : Nope, I’m expecting important calls.
The father enters.
ALL THE CHILDREN : Daddy !
FATHER : Yup ! That’s me.
ALEX grabs a potato : Catch, Dad.
Alex throws the potato. The father catches it.
AXEL : You should have seen us at the basketball game.
The twins take another potato to throw back and forth. They move around their father.
MOTHER : Boys, don’t play with the food.
One of the twins throws the potato to his mom, who catches it with a pot.
AXEL and ALEX : Wow ! Good job Mom !
FATHER : That’s enough now boys, listen to your mother.
MOTHER : There are still carrots and potatoes to peel.
ALEX : Ask Dad, Axel and I need to prepare for tonight.
The twins leave right away. The father looks at the potato he’s holding and then sees Chloe on the phone.
FATHER : Chloe, I’m expecting a phone call from a client, can you hang up please ?
CHLOE : No way ! I’m in the middle of a great conversation with Jade. That is much more important than your client.
FATHER : For your information, my clients are the ones who are putting food on this table, and they pay the rent too.
CHLOE : Why don’t you get a cell phone ?
FATHER : Because I don’t have the money.
EMILY : Daddy, I would like to organize a mega-party with my friends next Saturday.
FATHER : Don’t you think our house is a mega-party all the time ? Why don’t you ask Clair or Sandra’s father.
CLAIRE : I don’t have a father.
SANDRA : We live in a one bedroom apartment.
Mathilda comes back, singing.
MATHILDA : Daddy, I have a favor to ask. I got the first role in the musical and for only $500 I could go on a tour in Europe. That’s a bargain.
FATHER looking at the mother : 500 bucks !
CHARLOTTE comes closer too : Daddy, can you take care of Rose’s homework tonight ? I have to go.
Close to the TV, Anthony and Rose are fighting for the remote.
ANTHONY : It’s my turn. Give it to me !
ROSE : I had it first.
ANTHONY : Dad ! Tell her to give me the remote back.
ROSE : I’m watching my shows.
MOTHER : Rose was there first.
ANTHONY : That’s not fair! She’s done school earlier. I can never choose my shows.
MOTHER : Jack, do something. I’m exhausted, overwhelmed. I really need to rest.
MATHILDA : Tell me you agree for the $500 dollars.
CHARLOTTE : Can you take care of Rose ?
The twins come back.
ALEX and AXEL : Dad, can you drive us to tennis tonight ?
CHARLOTTE : No, he’s taking care of Rose.
ANTHONY to Rose : I said give me back the remote.
MATHILDE : Dad, I need to know about the trip.
FATHER, completely overwhelmed, yells : Silence !
Everybody stops moving except the father.
FATHER : Silence. I need silence, I need time for myself. No more questions, no more responsibilities. My wife wanted kids, a big family. I gave her eight. I never thought it would be so difficult. I feel so overwhelmed. All I would like is to try something else for one week !
Scene 2 : The children, Claire and Sandra
The next day at the end of the day, Rose comes back from school. She is wearing boots.
ROSE : Mom.
Like the day before, she waits for an answer that doesn’t come.
ROSE : Mom !
Still no answer.
ROSE : Mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy …
This time, the mother doesn’t show up. Rose starts looking for her. She goes all around the house, still wearing her boots, calling for her mom. She exits. Anthony enters.
ANTHONY : Mom, can we have spaghetti for supper?
Emily, Claire and Sandra arrive.
EMILY : Awesome ! Nobody in front of the TV. We’ll be able to plug in the Playstation.
SANDRA : Should we play James Bond ?
ANTHONY : No, I’m using the TV. I was here before you.
CLAIRE : You didn’t call it.
Charlotte enters.
ANTHONY : Charlotte ! Tell them that it’s my turn to watch TV.
CHARLOTTE : That’s not my problem. I’m not your mother.
Rose comes back holding a piece of paper.
ROSE : Charlotte, listen to how well I read.
ROSE reading the message on the sheet of paper : To Jack and the children. I am too tired. I need to take a break and think things over. I went to a spaand I will come back when I feel better. I’m sorry ! Nancy.
CHARLOTTE taking the sheet from Rose’s hands : What ?
ROSE : What does it mean to ting ting over ?
Nobody answers.
ANTHONY : If this is a joke, it’s not funny !
CHARLOTTE to Rose : Where did you find this note ?
ROSE : On Mom and Dad’s bed.
EMILY joins Charlotte to read the note : Show me.
Meanwhile, the twins arrive, throwing their bags on the floor.
ALEX and AXEL : Hello everyone !
EMILY : That’s Mom’s writing for sure.
AXEL : You guys look serious. What’s going on ?
ANTHONY : Mom went to a spa.
ROSE : To ting ting over.
ALEX : Until when ?
CHARLOTTE : She’ll come back when she feels better.
ANTHONY : I hope it won’t be too long. I’m hungry.
AXEL : But it could take a while. Who’s going to make supper ?
SANDRA : Maybe she left something in the fridge.
EMILY : There’s a box of frozen food on the table.
Emily, Axel and Charlotte look around to see if they can find something else for supper. Chloe enters and goes straight to the phone.
CHARLOTTE : She left without preparing anything.
ALEX : I can’t believe it. We’ll be late for our game tonight.
CHARLOTTE : We have to let Dad know.
AXEL : His car is in the driveway. I thought he was already here.
CHLOE : Are you guys looking for Dad ? He left a weird message on the answering machine. I’ll play it for you.
MATHILDA enters singing : Oh Tristan, my beautiful Tristan…
EVERYONE : Quiet !
MATHILDA : Okay, okay.
Chloe presses play and everyone listens to the message : « Hello … This is me … Jack … your father … your husband, beautiful Nancy. I would have liked to let you know in person, but … anyway. This incredible opportunity just fell in my lap : one of my clients offered to join him for a fishing trip in the north. I had to decide right away, so I said yes. As you’re listening to this message, I’m already on a plane. What a trip ! I’ve always dreamed of catching a big trout. I’ll catch you, you big fish. But don’t worry, I’ll be back in a week. That’ll give me some time to clear my mind and come back full of energy. Nancy, I love you. Next week, it will be your turn to go somewhere. See you soon !
MATHILDA : One week ! I need to know right away if I can go on that tour of Europe.
ROSE : What does it mean « to clear my mind » ?
CHARLOTTE : It means that we will be home alone for many days.
CHLOE : I don’t understand.
MATHILDA : Me neither.
EMILY showing them the letter : Mom left a note saying that she’s gone to rest in a spa.
ROSE : To do some ting ting.
MATHILDA : Huh ?
ANTHONY : To think things over.
CHARLOTTE : And daddy decided to go fishing. They left on the same day without talking to each other. So now, we’re home alone.
ALEX : We need to find someone to look after us and cook for us.
AXEL : We just have to call Grandma or Aunt Laura.
EMILY : No ! This could be a vacation for us too. We’ll spend a whole week without parents.
SANDRA : You guys are soooo lucky.
ROSE starting to cry : I want my Mommy and my Daddy.
CHARLOTTE : We’ll take care of you. You’ll see, one week is not that long.
EMILY : So everyone agrees. We take advantage of the situation to do everything we want and then, Saturday night, we organize a mega-party.
ANTHONY : I agree, as long as I can watch all the TV I want.
EMILY : No problem.
CLAIRE : Very clever. So that means that we won’t be able to play video games.
EMILY : My parents have a TV in their bedroom. Usually we can’t touch it, but since they’re gone, we’ll be able to hook the Playstation up to it.
SANDRA : Awesome.
CHLOE : And I will spend my evenings talking on the phone.
MATHILDA : What about my signature to go on tour ?
EMILY : I’ll sign it for you. I can imitate Mom’s signature perfectly.
MATHILDA : How will I find $500 ?
EMILY : We’ll find a way.
AXEL : Now, we need to eat.
ALEX : All we need to do is put that frozen meal in the oven. That’s easy.
EMILY : Nope ! On tonight’s menu, we have chips, chocolate and pop.
Everyone, except Rose, says « Hurrah ».
ROSE : Who will take my boots off for me ?
ANTHONY : Take them off yourself.
ROSE : I can’t.
CHLOE : Well, keep them on then.
EMILY speaking to the audience : When the cat’s away, the mice will play !
James Brown’s song « I Feel Good » begins to play, and the children get their snacks and jump all over the place on couches and chairs. Rose takes off her boots and joins the others.
Scene 3 of this play script for school : Anthony, Charlotte, Rose, Mathilda
The next day, in the morning, Anthony is sleeping on the sofa with a bag of chips in his hands. He opens his eyes and looks at the bag of chips. He’s nauseous. Charlotte enters.
CHARLOTTE : Oh no ! It’s twenty to eight.
ANTHONY : Huh ?
CHARLOTTE : It’s twenty to eight. We’ll be late.
ANTHONY : Who cares, I’m not going to school.
CHARLOTTE : Why not ?
ANTHONY : I’m sick, I didn’t sleep well and we’re home alone. Don’t you remember ?
CHARLOTTE : You have to go to school.
ANTHONY : Don’t tell me what to do.
CHARLOTTE : Being home alone doesn’t mean we don’t go to school. If we don’t show up in class, the principal will call here. What are we going to say ?
ANTHONY : Hum.
CHARLOTTE : We can’t look suspicious. We have to do our normal activities.
ANTHONY : Man !! I wanted to go to the mall today.
CHARLOTTE : Forget that and go get the others up.
Reluctantly, Anthony exits the stage to get the others up. Rose enters.
ROSE : How come nobody woke me up ?
CHARLOTTE : It’s already quarter to eight.
Mathilde arrives.
ROSE : Oh no, that means I missed my comics on TV. Usually mom wakes me up at seven. I have to leave at eight. I’m not dressed, I didn’t eat and I don’t have a lunch. Who’s going to drive me ?
CHARLOTTE to Mathilda : Can you take care of her ? I have to get ready.
Charlotte leaves.
MATHILDA : I’m in a hurry too.
ROSE complaining : And what about me ?
MATHILDA : Well … I’ll make you a cheese sandwich. You can eat it on the way to school.
ROSE : I also need a lunch.
MATHILDA : We’ll give you money. You can go to the cafeteria.
ROSE : There is no cafeteria at my school. I’m not in high school yet.
Anthony comes back.
MATHILDA while looking in the fridge : I don’t see a whole lot in the fridge. There is no more ham. You’ll have to make do with cheese sandwiches.
ROSE : For breakfast too ?
MATHILDA : You can choose between that or molasses.
ANTHONY : Or mustard sandwiches.
ROSE : I can’t wait for Mommy to come back.
MATHILDA : Give her time to rest. It won’t be too long. Now, be a big girl and go get dressed if you don’t want to be late. I’ll walk you to school.
ROSE : You’ll come with me ?
MATHILDA : Yes.
ROSE : Awesome !
Rose leaves.
ANTHONY : If the fridge is empty, what are we going to eat ? I don’t want to see any chips, chocolate or soda for at least a week.
CHARLOTTE comes back brushing her hair : Look in the freezer, Mom might have prepared some meals ahead of time.
MATHILDA opening the freezer : Yes ! There’s some stew, soup and spaghetti sauce.
ANTHONY : Yes, spaghetti !
MATHILDA : Anyone going to eat breakfast ?
CHARLOTTE : Emily, I think.
MATHILDA : She could make herself some pancakes. There are milk and eggs left.
ANTHONY : We’ll run out of food pretty quickly.
CHARLOTTE : Mom and Dad must have some cash hidden somewhere.
MATHILDA : I need $500 for my trip.
CHARLOTTE : First we’ll think about feeding ourselves and then, we’ll see about your trip.
Mathilda is not happy. Frustrated, she starts buttering her sandwich.
ANTHONY : Chloe must know where to find the jack pot. She always has her nose in everyone’s business.
CHARLOTTE : You’re right. And we have to tell her to keep quiet or within twenty-four hours the whole town will know our parents are away.
ANTONY : She didn’t even sleep here.
CHARLOTTE : What !
ANTHONY : I saw her leave with her bag last night. She was going to Jade’s house.
CHARLOTTE : She didn’t even ask permission !
ANTHONY : Permission from who ? You’re not our mom. You said so yourself yesterday.
CHARLOTTE : Maybe, but I’m the eldest and I’m responsible for decision making. It’s very important to find Chloe and to warn her. I don’t want anybody calling the police or Social Services on us.
MATHILDA : That’s wouldn’t be a great start for us.
CHARLOTTE : Anthony ! Go tell the others to hurry up.
ANTHONY : Stop telling me what to do.
CHARLOTTE : Somebody has to take charge. And I’m warning you now that tonight, when everybody’s in bed, my boyfriend is coming over to watch some TV. I don’t want to be disturbed.
MATHILDA : I’m not sure Mom would approve.
CHARLOTTE : I’m the eldest, I’m allowed to have some privileges. She told me so herself.
Charlotte looks at Anthony, who hasn’t moved.
CHARLOTTE : What are you waiting for ?
ANTHONY with a salute : Yes ma’am.
Anthony exits, marching like a soldier. Rose comes back.
ROSE : I’m ready ! I put my boots on all by myself !
MATHILDA : But you put them on the wrong feet.
ROSE : This is sooo difficult !
MATHILDA sitting Rose on the table and shoving a sandwich in her mouth : Stop whining, I’ll take care of it.
Scene 4 of this play script for school : Emily, Claire and Sandra
The three girls are sitting at the table.
EMILY : Mathilda left me a note : « There are eggs and milk left. You can make pancakes ».
SANDRA : I love pancakes.
CLAIRE : Are we alone ?
EMILY : It looks like it. The others often eat breakfast at school. They’re involved in a lot of activities.
SANDRA : That’s in these days. Being busy looks good.
EMILY : Not for me, thank you.
SANDRA : You’re more like the black sheep of the gang.
EMILY : Not a sheep. More like a predator, a black panther.
Emily roars like a feline. Claire uses an egg beater to imitate a lion tamer, protecting herself with a bowl.
CLAIRE : Lie down kitty, lie down.
SANDRA : It’s true that you weren’t very docile at school yesterday.
CLAIRE : You were on fire. Mrs. Bonnet lost it.
SANDRA : Since your parents left you’re taking it easy. But be careful.
EMILY trying to change the subject : So, to make crepes, you need milk, eggs …
CLAIRE : … and sugar.
SANDRA : No, you need flour.
EMILY : I think it’s sugar.
SANDRA : No, I’m telling you, it’s flour.
EMILY : We won’t take any chances. We’ll put a cup of flour and a cup of sugar.
They put the milk in the bowl and pour in the ingredients.
CLAIRE : I’ve got some candies. We could add them to the recipe.
EMILY : Good idea, « candy cakes ».
CLAIRE : Your house is fun. We always have a great time here.
SANDRA : The four of us are pretty crammed in our apartment.
EMILY : We’re ten here.
SANDRA : But it’s a big beautiful house …
CLAIRE : … full of life. I’m alone with my mom and I’m bored.
EMILY : If you like the people here, it’s perfect. But sometimes I wish I were an only child.
CLAIRE : Don’t worry, you’re not missing out.
SANDRA : Talking about people, there are a lot of people that want to come to our party on Saturday.
EMILY : We could have an open house.
CLAIRE : What’s an open house ?
SANDRA : That’s a party where you invite everybody, anyone can come, even people you don’t know.
CLAIRE : Cool !
EMILY mixing the ingredients : A successful party is like a recipe : you need the best ingredients.
SANDRA : That’s true. We should plan activities. We could play hide-and-seek.
EMILY : Hide-and-seek ?
SANDRA : Yes, this is the perfect place. We turn the lights off and the people who count look for the others with flashlights.
EMILY : That’s an idea.
SANDRA : Everybody loves playing hide-and-seek, especially when there are no parents to check on us.
CLAIRE : Okay, but we need more than that to attract people. We should invite a band.
SANDRA : You’re crazy. We’ll need to pay them.
CLAIRE : I’m not talking about a famous band like [ – add the name of a popular band today – ] or [- another band -], I’m talking about an amateur band.
EMILY : I know some guys that started a hip-hop band.
CLAIRE : That would be totally awesome.
SANDRA : They better be good or they’ll get paid with rotten tomatoes and eggs.
EMILY : Oh yes, the eggs. How many do we need ?
CLAIRE : At least three.
SANDRA : More than that.
EMILY : We have six. Let’s put them all in.
CLAIRE : Those are gonna be good pancakes.
EMILY : The best we’ve ever had.
Scene 5 : Chloe, Jade, Axel and Alex
The phone is ringing. Chloe runs in and answers the phone.
CHLOE : Hello ! I told you I would get here in time … What do we do tonight ? You could come for a sleepover … I hope you didn’t tell Veronica that we’re planning a party. I don’t talk to her anymore. Why ? Because she doesn’t talk to me anymore. That sucks.
Jade enters, talking on her cell phone.
JADE : I don’t want to disappoint you, but she already knows about the party.
CHLOE : How come ?
JADE : Because everybody knows about it. They all want to come.
CHLOE : Oh no ! My sisters asked me to keep it kinda quiet.
JADE : I think it’s too late.
CHLOE : They’ll be mad again.
JADE : Your family doesn’t understand you.
CHLOE : You’re right. They don’t understand that for me, talking on the phone is a vital need. If I don’t do it, I get sick.
JADE : My mom knows a woman who knows a woman who went crazy when her husband took her cell phone away from her.
CHLOE : I wish I had a cell phone. Where did you get yours ?
Alex and Axel enter and observe Jade and Chloe.
JADE : There was a contest at the mall. We had to fill out a survey.
CHLOE : I love surveys.
Chloe and Jade keep on talking, but we don’t hear them anymore.
ALEX : We have to find someone to give us a lift tonight.
AXEL : You’re right. I’m not really in the mood to take the bus across the city to our basketball game.
ALEX : And there are two transfers. That’s way too long.
AXEL and ALEX : We have to find a solution.
AXEL : If Dad isn’t here, we can ask someone else.
AXEL : Uncle Claude.
ALEX : Are you out of your mind ? If he found out what’s going on here…….
AXEL : Don’t worry. He’s way too distracted.
ALEX : That’s true. It’s worth a try.
AXEL : Great ! I’ll phone him.
Axel turns around and notices Chloe speaking on the phone with Jade.
CHLOE : Do you have your geography notes with you ?
JADE still speaking on her mobile : In my bag.
AXEL : Chloe, I have to make a phone call.
CHLOE gesturing to Axel to leave her alone : I forgot to copy the capitals of America.
JADE : I know them by heart.
ALEX : Chloe, don’t be a jerk.
Chloe faces the other way.
CHLOE : Then tell me what is the capital of Brazil ?
ALEX to Chloe : You don’t even need it. Jade is right beside you.
JADE : Bogota.
CHLOE to the twins : Leave me alone. You’re hindering my learning.
AXEL : We have an important call to make.
CHLOE : You can make it later.
ALEX : Hang up that phone right now.
Chloe reaches in her pocket to get a calling card.
CHLOE : Here. Go use a payphone. (To Jade) What were you saying ?
JADE : The capital of Brazil is Bogota.
CHLOE : I thought it was Rio.
ALEX : The nerve of her. Hold me back or I’ll rip her tongue off.
AXEL : I have a much better idea.
Axel takes the calling card that Chloe is still holding in front of him.
AXEL : Wait here.
Axel leaves.
JADE : My father is a geography teacher. That’s why I know so much.
CHLOE : And on top of that, you’re always traveling. You’re so lucky !
JADE : Next time, I’ll bring you in my suitcase. My dad is talking about going to London to check out the leaning tower of Pisa.
CHLOE : Oh hand on a sec, I have a call on the other line.
Chloe presses a button.
CHLOE : Hello … yes … that’s me … Really … Great ! I’m coming.
Chloe presses on the button again.
CHLOE : Jade ! You won’t believe it. That was the woman at the mall. She wants me to fill out a survey to win a cell phone.
JADE : Hang up. Let’s go right now.
Chloe and Jade leave right away. Axel comes back.
ALEX : Ah ! Ah ! Ah ! Did you see them run ?
AXEL solemnly : She followed her instinct. She answered the call of the phone.
The twins laugh.
Scene 6 of this play script for school : Mathilda and Rose
Mathilda seeks a way to make money and Rosalie misses her parents. Josiane tells a story to Rose and sings her a song to sleep. Complete scene available with the full version.
Scene 7 of this play script for school : Charlotte, Maxime, Rose, Anthony, Axel and Alex
Charlotte is arranging the furniture and cleaning up a bit. She’s nervous. The doorbell rings.
CHARLOTTE : That’s my boyfriend. I don’t want to be disturbed under any circumstances !
She answers the door.
CHARLOTTE : Uh, hi Maxime. Come in.
Maxime enters timidly with a box in his hands. They look at each other for a while without a word.
CHARLOTTE : Lets go to the living room ?
MAXIME : Uh, ok. Anything you say.
CHARLOTTE : Chocolate. Thanks. That’ll be great while we’re watching the movie.
She brings him to the couch. He takes a movie out.
CHARLOTTE : « The Blue Lagoon », that’s wonderful. I thought you were more like a Jackie Chan type of guy. (Movie titles can change according to what’s popular in your area).
MAXIME : I also like romantic movies.
He emphasizes the word « romantic ».
CHARLOTTE : I’m a big fan of Jackie Chan too, you know.
MAXIME : Different movies for different situations. I thought « The Blue Lagoon » was more appropriate.
CHARLOTTE : Oh yeah, for sure.
They both laugh nervously.
CHARLOTTE : So, are we watching it ?
MAXIME : Okay.
Charlotte puts the movie in the player. They sit down at either end of the couch. The movie starts and we hear romantic music. Maxime and Charlotte look at each other once in a while. They slowly get closer to each other. They end up being very close to each other and when they’re just about to kiss, Rose enters.
ROSE : Charlotte !
Maxime and Charlotte jump away from each other. Charlotte stops the movie with the remote.
CHARLOTTE : What ? Can’t you see we’re watching a movie ?
ROSE : I’m scared.
CHARLOTTE : Of what ?
ROSE : Mathilda told me a scary chainsaw story.
MAXIME : A chainsaw ?
ROSE : Yes, and Daddy has one in the garage.
CHARLOTTE : Don’t be affraid. It’s locked up, and I don’t think it even works anymore.
ROSE : Chocolate !
CHARLOTTE : Yes, you can have one piece.
MAXIME : You can even take a few if you want.
CHARLOTTE : Here, take the whole box, but get back to your room and stay there.
ROSE : Cool !
Rose leaves while eating chocolates by the handful.
CHARLOTTE : Maxime, I wanted to tell you…. about your invitation the other day….. I haven’t had time to talk to my mom about it yet. Do you understand ?
MAXIME : I understand. Do we keep watching the movie ?
CHARLOTTE : Sure.
Charlotte starts the movie. The music starts again. The two love birds get closer to one another, but then, again, once they get to the kissing point, somebody else shows up. It’s Anthony.
ANTHONY : I’d like to watch some TV.
CHARLOTTE : Can’t you see we’re here ?
ANTHONY : I was supposed to watch it whenever I wanted.
CHARLOTTE : And I had reserved it for the night.
ANTHONY : That sucks ! There’s a reality show that I really don’t want to miss.
CHARLOTTE : Why don’t you go watch it in mom’s room ?
ANTHONY : Emily is playing video games with her friends.
CHARLOTTE : Sorry ! Ask someone to record it for you.
ANTHONY : That’s not fair. You shouldn’t have control over the TV.
CHARLOTTE : That’s the law of the biggest number. We’re two, you’re alone.
ANTHONY : Ha ! When I get bigger, I’ll buy myself a home theatre and I’ll keep it to myself.
Anthony leaves, frustrated.
MAXIME : Maybe I should come back another night.
CHARLOTTE : No, stay. We’ll miss the best part.
Charlotte starts the movie again, and the whole scenario starts over again. This time, they’re interrupted by the twins throwing their bags on the floor as they come in.
CHARLOTTE : Ha ! How many times did Mom tell you to not throw your bags like that when you come in ?
AXEL : What’s the matter with you ?
CHARLOTTE : I really would like to watch TV quietly with my boyfriend, but we’re always interrupted.
ALEX ironically : That is so sad ! But that’s nothing compared to us. We missed our bus. And the team is at risk of losing if we don’t show up to the game.
AXEL : Maxime, is the little red car parked in the driveway yours ?
MAXIME : It’s not that small.
ALEX : Yes, that’s a great idea, you could drive us. If we hurry, we could get there on time.
MAXIME : I don’t know.
CHARLOTTE : No ! He’s my guest.
AXEL : If we stay here, you won’t be alone. We’ll watch the movie with you.
CHARLOTTE giving up : Ok, that’s good. Can you give them a ride Max ?
MAXIME : If I have to.
ALEX : Great ! It’s always helpful to have a sister with a boyfriend.
AXEL : Come on, let’s go.
The twins leave followed by Maxime. Charlotte drops on the couch. Anthony comes back with Rose and Mathilda.
ANTHONY : We’re coming to watch our reality show.
CHARLOTTE : Absolutely not.
ANTHONY : We’re three and you’re by yourself. That’s the law of the biggest number.
Charlotte starts hitting the couch in anger.
Scene 8 of this play script for school : Emily, Chloe, Claire, Sandra and Jade
The five girls are around the table.
EMILY : We really have a problem.
CLAIRE : 250 people for our mega-party, that’s definitely too many.
JADE : Are you sure you counted right ?
CLAIRE : Absolutely. I asked Emily’s brothers and sisters how many guests they had and the total is 250 people. Chloe alone invited more than a hundred people.
CHLOE : What ? It’s not my fault if I’m sociable.
EMILY : Sociable, but mostly a gossip.
CHLOE : Did I ask you your opinion ? How about you, miss hyperactive.
CLAIRE : This is not the time to panic. We just have to find a way to fit everyone in.
Emily and Chloe agree.
SANDRA : We could maybe rent a hall.
EMILY : But that’s too expensive. We’d need to ask people to pay.
CHLOE : That’s the solution. We have the party here, but we charge an entrance fee.
CLAIRE : You’re crazy. Nobody will accept to pay for a house party.
EMILY : Unless we offer a special attraction, something to attract clients.
SANDRA : What about the hip-hop guys ? Are they still coming ?
EMILY : Forget that. They broke up.
SANDRA : We should look for another band.
JADE : We just have to do our own show.
CHLOE : That’s true.
JADE : We start our own band.
CHLOE : Mathilda, my sister, could also present a number with her musical comedy group.
JADE : Yes. It would be the Bernard Sisters Show.
SANDRA : After the show, we play hide and seek.
CLAIRE : And for the brave ones, we end the party with a night of horror movies.
EMILY : A funded evening. I think it’s possible. We can have slightly fewer people, we’ll control who comes in.
JADE : The last thing we want is an open house party. I know people that had their house destroyed by punks that crashed a party.
SANDRA : What are you going to do with the money ?
CHLOE : We’ll buy food. I knew my dad was hiding money in the shoe box, but there was only 50 dollars. We won’t be able to survive very long with that.
EMILY : I’ll talk about all that with my brothers and sisters, but I’m quite certain that they’ll agree. We’ll need to be well organized and share the work.
CHLOE : Jade and I will take care of communications.
JADE : We’ll build a phone chain to get the message around.
CHLOE : So we don’t raise any suspicions, we’ll say that our parents are away for the weekend only.
CLAIRE : Our teacher is starting to wonder.
CHLOE : That’s what I forgot. Someone named Mrs. Bonnet left a message on the answering machine. She wanted to talk to Mom or Dad.
SANDRA : Oh, you asked for it Emily.
EMILY : Okay, okay. We’ll take care of Mrs Bonnet later. For now, we’ll focus on the party. We only have two days left. We’ll have to assign tasks : we have jobs at the door, food, clean-up…….
CLAIRE : Emily, you do that well. You’ve got an organised head on your shoulders.
EMILY : We should be proud of ourselves. We transformed our problem into a solution.
Scene 9 : The party
CHARLOTTE speaking to the audience : Good evening everyone. Since I am the eldest, it is my honour to launch this mega-party that we could call the « Bernard Aid ». I want to mention that the money raised tonight will be used to buy our groceries next week. Thank you very much. So, let’s get started with our first number. Enjoy the show.
Lip-synch of current popular song.
CHARLOTTE : It’s now time for our hide and seek game. I’ll start counting. When I say go, we’ll turn off the lights and you go hide. Ready ! Set ! Go !
To get the entire play script for school, go to Se procurer le texte or write us at info@theatreanimagination.com
Also available in french
