Back to PLAYS page  Back to One-Acts page

AN EXCERPT FROM

CINDERELLA

A Fresh Version of an Old Classic

By Stephen Bittrich

   
Perform Short Plays by Stephen Bittrich

5701 W Slaughter Lane
Suite A130-204
Austin, TX 78749
Tel: (646) 245-4507
E-mail:
SBittrich@aol.com

Copyright © Stephen Bittrich

If you wish to perform this play, a royalty is required.

 

This fresh version of the classic, traditional fairytale, Cinderella, is ideal for high schools, colleges and universities. The play incorporates plenty of humor and actually gives the Cinderella character a PERSONALITY (!) making her a great role model for young girls. This Cinderella has some spunk!

SCENE 1


SETTING:

At the Royal Palace.

AT RISE:

It is early evening. The KING and QUEEN sit on their royal thrones, which are on a large platform raised slightly above the floor. The PRINCE sits on the edge of the royal platform, and the JESTER (Chauncy) is squatting beside the KING. The MESSENGER stands on the floor awaiting orders from the KING.

 

KING

Philip, I just can't believe that none of the princesses that you saw today made an impression.

JESTER

Oh, they made an impression. Just not a good impression!

KING

Chauncy, be quiet.

PRINCE

Father, they've all been nice girls...

(The JESTER laughs)

PRINCE (Continued)

...just not queen material, you know.

KING

Nonsense. They've all been either princesses or daughters of the noblest people in the kingdom. Now Philip, my son, I have no doubt that you will want to marry the young princess who's come to call on you next. Her father rules a vast and powerful neighboring kingdom which could be joined with our kingdom when you take over the throne.

PRINCE

Oh Father, I really just couldn't see any more princesses today. Three this morning, one for lunch, and two more for afternoon tea.

JESTER
(Aside)

And each one more ugly and stupid than the last.

PRINCE

I just don't think I could be objective, you know.

KING

Nonsense, Philip. This young woman has traveled 50 miles by carriage to pay a visit to you.

QUEEN

What we women have to go through.

JESTER
(Aside)

Those poor horses!

PRINCE

Well really Father, I think I met her already last year.

(The JESTER guffaws loudly)

PRINCE (Continued)

Yes, I remember now. She was the one who found, uh, life, so very amusing!

JESTER

Laughed like a hyena every time she opened her mouth.

QUEEN

King Henri tells us his daughter has grown up quite a lot since last year. She really was quite attractive too, as I recall.

JESTER

Yes, a monumental woman--a real handful!

(Aside the JESTER indicates that she is very large. The HE executes one of the Jesterly type things that HE does so often--rolling on his back and kicking his fee up in the air)


KING

That's enough. We've kept this young lady waiting quite long enough. Messenger, bring in the Princess of Boeuf.

PRINCE

Really Father, this just isn't working. We don't have the same taste in women, I don't think. You know, I just don't hear my heart flutter when I meet any of the girls you bring in.

JESTER

You want a heart flutter, wait 'til this heifer comes in--she'll give you a heart attack!

KING

Philip, don't be ridiculous. What does taste have to do with picking a wife?

 

(The QUEEN shoots him a venomous glance. Enter the MESSENGER followed by the PRINCESS OF BOEUF. The JESTER laughs like a hyena)

MESSENGER

The Princess of Boeuf.

KING

Welcome, welcome, young Juliette. How is your father?

BOEUF

(Laughing like a hyena at the beginning, middle, and end of every sentence)

Ha, ha, he's just, just, ha, ha, fine, sir, ha, ha, ha.

QUEEN

You remember our son, Prince Philip, don't you, my dear?

BOEUF

Ha, ha, yes, yes, of course, ha, ha, ha.

KING

(Waking the Prince up from a daydream)

PHILIP!

PRINCE

Huh?

JESTER

Prince Philip, lay hold of this ravishing beauty!

PRINCE

(Realizing his father means him to kiss the Princess's hand)

Oh, yes, of course.


(Kissing her hand as SHE laughs on)


PRINCE (Continued)

Delighted to see you again.

(The JESTER from time to time lets out a laugh which strongly resembles that of the PRINCESS)

JESTER

Awww, aren't they a cute couple?

 

(The PRINCE motions for the JESTER to cut it out)

QUEEN

Our son will be looking for a bride soon, Princess. Have you been snatched up yet by any of the local princes?

BOEUF

Ha, ha, no, I haven't been proposed to as yet, ha, ha.

JESTER

(Aside)

And won't be for a while to come, I'll wager.

PRINCE

(Quickly)

Yes, yes, well, that's good to know. We've got your picture and resume, I assume. Yes, yes, well, it was nice seeing you again, Princess Juliette. My you've grown...up! To bad really, that I can't visit any longer. I've got a few more princesses to squeeze in today, you understand.

(To the MESSENGER)

PRINCE (Continued)

Claude, would you bee so kind as to show the dear Princess out? Say "hello" to your father for me, dear.

 

(The KING and QUEEN sit wide-mouthed)

PRINCE (Continued)

Keep in touch! We'll do lunch sometime.

 

(Exit BOEUF and MESSENGER)

 

QUEEN

Well, you certainly didn't give her a chance!

KING

Is this what's been happening to all the princesses I've brought in?

PRINCE

Look, look, Mother, Father, I need more time for this! This is a big step. Why don't you give me until the spring?

KING

You have already waited much too long to choose a bride, my son. Waiting until the spring is out of the question.

JESTER

(Springing up)

Spring!

PRINCE

But I'm really optimistic about the spring. I think it's really going to happen for me in the spring.

KING

There is no sense waiting for spring.

PRINCE

But Father, I haven't fallen in love with anyone yet.

KING

Love?

JESTER

(Jumping in the air)

Love!!

PRINCE

Yes, and spring is the time for love--the time when one half of nature romances the other half.

KING

What on earth does love have to do with choosing a royal mate?

QUEEN

Precisely what I've been saying for years.

KING

Elizabeth!

QUEEN

Sorry, dear. You father's quite right, Philip. You've surpassed the normal age for a prince to choose a wife by several years now. Your father and I are getting on in age, and you need to start thinking about the future when you will assume the throne.

KING

Philip, you must think of the future of your people. It is your duty.

JESTER

It is your duty! Take a look at these two, Philip; they're getting up there in years. They might croak any day now!

KING

Chauncy, you have been our faithful Jester for many years now, and you can be quite amusing sometimes....but leave the affairs of state to me!!!

JESTER

Yes, Grand Old Sire.

KING

I'm not that old.

PRINCE

Father, Mother, I can't choose a wife. I can't marry someone I don't love.

KING

Now listen to me, Philip. You will choose a wife, and you will choose her soon. That's a command from your father, the King! Now, we've set your Royal Wedding Announcement Ball in one month. You will choose a bride by the end of that night--or else.

QUEEN

Or else?

JESTER

Or else?

PRINCE

(Tactfully)

What exactly do you mean by: "or else"?

KING

Don't try my patience, boy; I've had just about enough aggravation for today. Just you make sure you have a princess in mind by twelve midnight on the night of the ball.

PRINCE

Twelve midnight--in one month.

KING

Now, I've said all I'll say on the subject: in a month! I'm tired of talking now. It's time for my Royal Nap. Are you coming, Elizabeth?

QUEEN

Yes, dear.

JESTER

Wow, can't even make it through the Royal Day anymore without the ol' Royal Nap.

KING

I've had just about enough of you today!

(KING exits)

QUEEN

(To JESTER)

Never mind, dear. He gets a little grouchy right before the Royal Nap.

(QUEEN exits)

JESTER

Well, one more month of freedom, looks like. Then you'll have a little wifey at your side--unless of course you marry Juliette, then you'll have a big wifey at your side.

PRINCE

Chauncy, you're really helping matters a lot here.

JESTER

Hey, being a prince is rough, eh? I mean you got the royal this to attend, the royal that to attend. You gotta help the King decide whose head to chop off. You've gotta be an example for the subjects. And worst of all, you gotta marry someone you don't even like. Not at all like being a jester--lotta laughs--no responsibility. All I gotta do is goof off and make everyone laugh.

PRINCE

Yeah, well, goofing comes quite naturally for you.

JESTER

You bet it does! I'm great at goofing. Why if I took my act on the road, I could clean up--20 gold coins a day--easy! Why I--

PRINCE

That's it!

JESTER

What's it?

PRINCE

The road!

JESTER

The road?

(Warily)

Now, I've been here for 20 years; you're not kicking me out of the palace just for a few remarks about your future wife?

PRINCE

No, no, no, silly. I'm talking about us--together--going on the road--disguised as minstrels.

JESTER

Huh?

PRINCE

I'm talking about going on tour--starting an act--giving up the princely life--no responsibility--no duty--and no wives!!!

JESTER

Are you serious?


PRINCE

Comedy! Songs! Juggling! Acrobatics!

JESTER

(Dryly, aside)

He is serious.

PRINCE

Beautiful milkmaids by the dozens thronging to see us perform! Our own fan club!

JESTER

(Aside)

You gotta help me talk him outta this.

PRINCE

(Like an announcer)

"And here they are--live--in concert--the traveling minstrels!!!" The crowd goes wild!

(HE makes a crowd sound)

They love us.

(Al la Elvis)

"Thank you, thank you very much. I love you people!"

JESTER

Hey, hey, slow down. Are you crazy? We can't go on tour.

PRINCE

Why not?

JESTER

Well, for one thing, people will think you're the Prince.

PRINCE

So, we'll be in disguise.

JESTER

Right, well that counts out any big engagements or fan clubs.

PRINCE

So I got a little carried away.

JESTER

For another thing, you are the Prince.

PRINCE

So?

JESTER

So who's going to marry a princess and take over the kingdom in the years to come.

PRINCE

Details. Details. Listen, I can't take this. I wasn't cut out to be prince. They'll find somebody else.


JESTER

They won't be able to find anyone else with blue blood.

PRINCE

What's this blue blood stuff? Yesterday, you saw me get a bloody nose when that clumsy Princess of Oeuf tripped and knocked me into the wall.

JESTER

Gosh, was she a disaster area.

PRINCE

Yeah. Well, you saw my nose.

JESTER

Right.

PRINCE

Well, what color was my blood?

JESTER

Red.

PRINCE

You see? I think they must have accidentally switched babies at the Royal Hospital or something. I can't be the Prince if I have red blood.

JESTER

How did you get to be Prince and still so dumb? "Blue blood" doesn't mean your blood is really blue.

PRINCE

No?

JESTER

No, it just means your blood is royal because it came from two royal parents. Your blood is red when you bleed, of course--everybody's is. Blue blood means royal blood--not the color blue.

PRINCE

Oh.

(Pause)

I knew that.

JESTER

Sure you did.

PRINCE

I'm serious about this disguise idea though. I'm really going to do it. You can come along with me if you want. We've been buddies for a long time now, but if you come or not--I'm out of here tonight.

JESTER

(Pause)

So it's traveling minstrel, huh?

PRINCE

I knew I could count on you.

JESTER

(As THEY walk off)

What will we wear?

PRINCE

Have you got any more outfits like this in the closet?

JESTER

Yea, but I'd really like to go for a new look, you know. Something flashy.

PRINCE

This isn't flashy?!

JESTER

I'm just thinking about the new image for the fans.

 

(BLACKOUT)
END OF SCENE 1

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

SCENE 2


SETTING:


CINDERELLA's house.


AT RISE:


The next day. CINDERELLA is cleaning and daydreaming. There is a knock at the door.

 

JESTER

(From outside)

Anyone home? Hello?

CINDERELLA

Who is it? Who's knocking?

JESTER

Just a couple of traveling minstrels. I say, we've run into a bit of trouble. Could you open the door?

CINDERELLA

I'm not supposed to.

JESTER

Really, it would be a great help if you would. My friend's been hurt and really could use a bit of doctoring.

CINDERELLA

Well, I suppose I ought to let you in for a bit--just to help your friend, but you really can't stay long.

 

(SHE opens the door, and there stands the JESTER with a very limp PRINCE over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. THEY are both disguised as minstrels. The PRINCE is obviously getting very heavy)

JESTER

Awfully, kind of you, really.

CINDERELLA

Oh my! What happened to him?

JESTER

(Stumbling in--desperately)

He--he, uh, he was doing tricks on his horse and ran into a tree.

(Plopping him down very ungracefully on the rug. The PRINCE lands with a thud)

There! Gosh, is he heavy.

CINDERELLA

Is he hurt badly?

JESTER

No, no, I don't think so. Just a few bruises, a couple of open wounds, and I imagine he'll have a whopper of a headache.

CINDERELLA

He was doing tricks on horseback?

(SHE removes his hood and sees the handsome face of the PRINCE. SHE likes his face)

JESTER

Yes, you know, standing up on his horse and balancing. He's very good at it really. He just didn't count on that tree.

(As HE does a head on collision with his hands)

CINDERELLA

(SHE chuckles. Looking at the PRINCE now)

Well, he'll be fine. Serves the silly boy right--playing dangerous games like that.

(SHE rises to fetch a cold cloth from the wash basin)

JESTER

(Excitedly)

Do you know who we are?

CINDERELLA

A couple of traveling minstrels is what you said.

JESTER

Yes, yes, that's right.

(Popping up)

We're just a couple of traveling minstrels. We sing. We dance. We recite poetry for your entertainment.

CINDERELLA

(Laughing happily)

Oh, what fun to sing and laugh and dance all day!

JESTER

Would you like to join our company?

CINDERELLA

You have a company?

JESTER

No, just us two, but if we had three, we could be a company.

CINDERELLA

I can't. They need me here. I must take care of my stepsisters. They are popular society ladies.

JESTER

Ah.

(Noticing CINDERELLA tenderly caring for the PRINCE)

He's very pretty, isn't he?

CINDERELLA

(Absently)

Yes.

(Then straightening up)

I mean, well, I suppose so.

 

(The JESTER prances around the room. CINDERELLA is watching him and doesn't notice the PRINCE has awakened. HE looks at her and is obviously smitten. HE pretends he's still unconscious)

JESTER

Hey, have you heard the latest gossip from the palace?

CINDERELLA

You've been to the palace?

JESTER

Sure, haven't you?

CINDERELLA

No, I only hear about it from my stepsisters. Is it as beautiful as they say?

JESTER

Oh, well, I suppose it's all right. Anyway, the latest gossip is that the Prince has run away!

 

(The PRINCE chokes, but continues to pretend to be out)

CINDERELLA

No!

JESTER

Yes, really! He's run away from the palace. The King and Queen gave him an ultimatum that he must marry in the next month or else. He couldn't stand the thought of marriage to any of those bumbling bimbos his parents have introduced him to, so he's run away!

CINDERELLA

How on earth could he run away? He's a prince.

JESTER

A prince! Ha! You mean he's royalty?

(SHE nods)


JESTER (Continued)

Full of honor, duty, and pride?

(SHE nods)

JESTER (Continued)

Naaah, not him. He's just a guy--just a guy--well, like my friend here.

(An anxious expression forms on the PRINCE's face, but HE continues to keep up the act)

CINDERELLA

Well, I can't believe it. If he's a prince, he's got a duty to his people. He can't just run away from the responsibility of being a prince. People depend on him.


JESTER

Even if all the girls he must marry are really ugly?

CINDERELLA

Beauty isn't everything. A princess must be judged by the content of her heart, not by the beauty marks on her face.

JESTER

Yeah, you're probably right, but you know, try to tell a prince that, and he just doesn't listen.

CINDERELLA

Oh, go on. I don't believe a word of it. It's just gossip. I'll bet the Prince is charming.

(The PRINCE smiles)


CINDERELLA (Continued)

I'll bet he's handsome and full of love...for his people.

JESTER

Oh please, don't go on. Oh look, he seems to be coming to.

CINDERELLA

(Looking at the PRINCE and noticing no movement at all)

No, I think he's still out.

JESTER

(Kicking the PRINCE)

No, I think he's really coming out of it now.

PRINCE

Owww!

CINDERELLA

He is awake.

PRINCE

(Innocently)

Where am I?

CINDERELLA

You are in a house in the woods near the palace. You've had a fall, and you've been unconscious.

PRINCE

Oh...I thought I was in heaven, and you were an angel.

JESTER

(Plopping on the couch)

Oh, I think I'm going to be sick.

PRINCE

You aren't an angel?

CINDERELLA

No, I'm Cinderella.

PRINCE

You must be a princess!

CINDERELLA

No, I'm Cinderella, a peasant girl. I live here with my stepmother and stepsisters.

PRINCE

And where is your family now, Cinderella?

CINDERELLA

They've gone to the palace to buy gowns for the Prince's Ball. They are all ladies, and they want to meet the Prince.

PRINCE

And what about you? Don't you want to meet the Prince?

CINDERELLA

Yes, I would--more than anything.

PRINCE

Then why aren't you going to the ball?

CINDERELLA

I'm not a "lady" like my sisters.

JESTER

(With mock shock)

You're not a lady? Then you're a man?

PRINCE

(To JESTER)

Please do be quiet! She means she's not a lady of the royal court. And why aren't you a lady, Cinderella, if your sisters are?

CINDERELLA

My father was a duke, but my mother was a peasant woman. She died when I was born, and soon after, my father married my stepmother. You see, she already had two little girls by another marriage to a nobleman. But I don't care. My mother loved me very much--so my father said. I have a picture of her in a locket my father gave me. Do you want to see it?

PRINCE

Oh, yes!

CINDERELLA

It's in my special box of treasures

(SHE gets up, and the PRINCE tries to get up too, but HE pretends HE can't quite make it)

PRINCE

Oooooh, I don't know if I can get up.

CINDERELLA

That's all right. I'll just bring it to you here.

(SHE crosses to the fireplace, removing one of the bricks. SHE pulls out a small wooden box from behind which SHE carefully opens and then crosses back to the PRINCE)

CINDERELLA (Continued)

Here it is.

PRINCE

Why do you keep it hidden? Why don't you wear it?

CINDERELLA

Oh, my stepmother hates me to speak of my mother. She tried to throw my locket into the fire once, but I saved it. She says my father lowered his honor to marry such a poor, simple woman.

PRINCE

She's ever so beautiful! Just like you!

CINDERELLA

Thank you.

PRINCE

She looks awfully like someone I've seen before too.

CINDERELLA

My stepmother tells me she worked in the palace as a servant girl. My father called her a princess. I guess she was a princess to him.

(Pause)

I also have this perfect little pine cone I found in the forest. Isn't it pretty?

PRINCE

What's this?

CINDERELLA

This? This was my father's favorite pipe.

PRINCE

And where is your father now?

CINDERELLA

He became very sick when I was three years old, and he died.

PRINCE

I'm sorry.

CINDERELLA

Don't be sorry. It wasn't sad. I don't remember it very well because I was so young, but I do remember he said he was going to see my mother. And he was so very happy to do that. Well, I should put this back.

(SHE rises to put the box back in its secret place)

PRINCE

Wait, Cinderella!

(Popping up)

Here's another treasure for your box.

(Taking off his ring)

CINDERELLA

What's this?

PRINCE

Just a little token of my gratitude.

CINDERELLA

I can't take this. It's much too nice.

PRINCE

It's the least I can do. After all you've saved my life. Please take it. I insist!

CINDERELLA

Very well. But I can't hide it away. It's too pretty. I'll have to wear it.

PRINCE

Oh, do, do!

JESTER

(Noticing that the PRINCE is standing)

You're cured!

PRINCE

Oh, my head. I think I've gotten up much too quickly. I'm getting dizzy. I might fall.

CINDERELLA

Oh no!

(SHE rushes over to support him, and HE puts his arm readily around her shoulder)

PRINCE

Thank you. Thank you. Again you've saved me.

JESTER

(Aside)

Oh, spare the dramatics. He's about as helpless as a bear.

CINDERELLA

(With a glance to the JESTER. SHE is beginning to catch on)

Here, let me just lead you over here to the bench. You really should be more careful. You've had a nasty fall--in a most unnecessary accident, it you ask me.

PRINCE

Yes, right you are. I just can't seem to help showing off sometimes. Those milkmaids did so appreciate the balancing act though.

CINDERELLA

Milkmaids! What a terrible flirt you are!

PRINCE

Me? No, really, Cinderella, they weren't anything at all.

(Indicating the JESTER)

It was he who made me do it. He said it would drum up business if we did a little pre-show entertainment.

JESTER

Really now! Don't try to put this off on me.

PRINCE

(Jumping up)

You know that's what happened. This is all your fault.

JESTER

You are a terrible flirt, and you know it. I don't know how a girl could ever take a thing you say seriously.

PRINCE

You have been nagging at me ever since we started this trip about one thing or another--

CINDERELLA

You are better!

PRINCE

Oh, what am I doing? In the excitement, I must have forgotten my lack of strength. Oh, my head. I'm really dizzy.

CINDERELLA

(Feigning innocence)

It's funny how your dizziness comes and goes...I think you've been pretending all this time, so I'd take care of you.

PRINCE

No, really. I'm not feeling too well. I think I might faint. I need someone to support me.

(The PRINCE, thinking CINDERELLA will come to his aid, falls flat on his back. CINDERELLA and the JESTER laugh hysterically, and the PRINCE sits abruptly up, scowling at the two of them)

What's so funny? I really could have hurt myself.

(HE soon begins to laugh along with THEM as his frustration changes to frivolity)

Here I am reeling form dizziness, and nobody helps me. I, uh, ha, ha, I thought I'd get some support, and ha, ha, ha...

(HE is now laughing uncontrollably as HE imitates with his hands how HE fell. The JESTER decides to do a pratfall as well, and THEY all laugh at him. About this time, EMMA CUL DE SAC, CINDERELLA's stepmother, and GERTRUDE and MATILDA, her two stepsisters, enter though the door. EMMA is outraged, and GERTRUDE and MATILDA are shocked)

EMMA

What on earth is going on here?

CINDERELLA

(Frightened)

Stepmother, you're back already. I, uh, these are a couple of traveling minstrels. This fellow here fell off his horse, and he has a nasty bump on--

EMMA

What are they doing in my house? Who let them in?

CINDERELLA

I let them in, Stepmother. This man was hurt, and I couldn't leave them outside.

EMMA

Haven't I told you time and time again, you stupid girl, never to let anyone in the house while I'm away? Never, never, never!!!

PRINCE

Really, it's my fault. We really didn't give her a choice. We insisted on entering. She didn't want to let us in at all.

EMMA

You common ruffians! I insist that you leave at once, or I shall call the Royal Guard to take you away to the tower and have your heads cut off. I'm personal friends with the King, and I could do it!

GERTRUDE

Yeah!

MATILDA

She could do it!

PRINCE

Personal friends with the King, eh? And what might your name be?

EMMA

As if it were nay business of yours, my name is Emma Cul De Sac, and these are my beautiful daughters, Matilda and Gertrude; one of them will be the future wife of the Prince!

PRINCE

(Gulping)

Is that so?

(Looking sickly at the JESTER who shrugs)

Funny, I've never heard of you before.

EMMA

And why would you, a common, country minstrel, have heard of me and my two gorgeous dumplings?

JESTER

We're personal entertainers of the King!

PRINCE

Yeah, that's right.

MATILDA

Oh, I'm so sure.

EMMA

Don't be ridiculous. A couple of dirty scoundrels like yourselves could never ever get into the palace.

GERTRUDE

You've got as much chance of getting into the palace as Cinderella here!

(The two SISTERS cackle loudly)

EMMA

You can't fool me with such lies. Why, you might as well have told me you were the Prince!

JESTER

Ha! Me, the Prince! I've never been so insulted in all my life. The Prince doesn't look anything like me.

MATILDA

I should hope not.

PRINCE

I can prove that we're friends with the Prince.

 

EMMA

That I'd like to see.

PRINCE

My close, personal friend, the Prince, gave me a ring once with this emblem on it.

CINDERELLA

Oh!

GERTRUDE

That I'd like to see.

PRINCE

Well, here's the ring right here on Cinderella's finger. I've given it to her for saving my life.

EMMA

Let me see that.

(Going over to CINDERELLA and just about jerking her hand off)

CINDERELLA

This was from the Prince?

EMMA

Of course it wasn't, you stupid thing. You'd believe every country Casanova to come along given the chance. Now take this dirty ring off, and let's throw it in the fire.

CINDERELLA

No, Stepmother, it's not going in the fire. It's going back to it's rightful owner.

(Giving the ring back to the PRINCE)

I can't accept your special ring from the Prince. Please take it back.

EMMA

(Grabbing her by the arm)

You saucy girl, I've had just about enough of your disobedience today. Go outside right now and get the shopping bags from the carriage. They're filled with beautiful dresses for the ball for my two lovelies.

CINDERELLA

Yes, Stepmother.

EMMA

Girls, girls, go and choose the jewelry from my jewelry box upstairs that you want to wear for the ball.

GERTRUDE

Oh, goody!

MATILDA

(As THEY run upstairs)

I get first choice.

GERTRUDE

No, I do. I'm the eldest.

MATILDA

But I'm the prettiest.

GERTRUDE

Don't be silly. I'm by far the most beautiful and the most intelligent.

MATILDA

Well, you can't dance a step. I'll be embarrassed for you when you step all over the Prince.

GERTRUDE

Yeah, well, your voice sounds like a mouse. The Prince will be ashamed every time you speak.

MATILDA

Mother!

EMMA

Girls, now be nice. I'll be up in one second.

(The two SISTERS exit)

EMMA (Continued)

As for you two, I want you out now! I don't want to find you here when I come down. See them right out, Cinderella, and make sure they don't take anything.

CINDERELLA

Yes, ma'am.

(EMMA goes upstairs)

CINDERELLA (Continued)

I'm sorry.

JESTER

Oh, don't worry, Cinderella. It doesn't bother us.

PRINCE

Let us help you bring in the shopping bags from the carriage.

CINDERELLA

No, no, it's best that you leave. I can manage well enough. I always do.

PRINCE

Cinderella, please take my ring back. You can hide it.

CINDERELLA

No, I really can't. That's yours from the Prince.

PRINCE

Well, I must leave you with something. Can I leave you with a kiss?

JESTER

(Feigning nausea)

Oh, please.

CINDERELLA

I don't even know your name. You don't suppose I kiss people I don't know on a first-name basis?

PRINCE

My name is Philip.

(Grabbing her quickly and kissing her. SHE becomes sort of limp, and so does the PRINCE)

Well, er, thanks.

CINDERELLA

Yes, uh...nice to meet you...uh, good-bye.

JESTER

Hey, what about me? My name's Chauncy.

CINDERELLA

Yes, of course, Chauncy.

(SHE kisses him on the cheek, and HE staggers about as if drunk)

PRINCE

Good-bye, Cinderella. We're going back to the palace. We must play for the big ball coming up.

CINDERELLA

How will you play for the ball, if the guest of honor has run away?

PRINCE

Oh, that? Don't worry. The Prince will be back way before then. The two of us are really close--like that.

(Showing his fingers crossed)

He has too much of a sense of duty to his people to leave them for more than a day. He'll be back. don't you doubt it one bit. Come along, Chauncy, silly oaf.

(As HE leads the dizzy JESTER out)

CINDERELLA

Good-bye, Philip. Good-bye, Chauncy.

 

(THEY exit)

CINDERELLA (Continued)

Philip. Philip. What a nice name. Like the Prince's.

(SHE thinks for a moment about the possibility, then...)

Naaah.

EMMA

(At the top of the stairs)

What are you doting about for? Have you gotten those bags yet? To it directly, you lazy thing. Must I always keep on you?

CINDERELLA

Yes, ma'am.

EMMA

Heavens, what a girl!

(With a "humph!" SHE goes back into the bedroom. CINDERELLA exits out the front door)

(BLACKOUT)
END OF SCENE 2

 

END OF EXCERPT

Reading Copy of Entire Play Can Be Ordered from SBittrich@aol.com