AN EXCERPT FROM
CINDERELLA
A Fresh Version of an Old Classic
By Stephen Bittrich
5701 W Slaughter Lane
Suite A130-204
Austin, TX 78749
Tel: (646) 245-4507
E-mail: SBittrich@aol.comCopyright © 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)
KINGThat'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?
PRINCEComedy! 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.
JESTERThey 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.
JESTEREven 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