Structure framework only. Notice music, dance, and acting add-ins are not fully incorporated. They'll be plugged in next.
2005 Babes in Arms plot sketch -- ACT ONE
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Bold type indicates departure from ’59 script (although I’ve now swapped it around so many times I’m not sure what the ’59 actually is w/o checking J).
1.1 Surf and Sand Playhouse
PRESS AGENT – as printed (will be updated – wanna’ rap it Amanda?)
After Press Agent, go into ostinatos (stomp selection)
Evolves into full blown groove, at the end of it, (gymnastics here?)
Gus finds an excuse to be near Terry and lines.
(during Terry/Gus lines, increase stage business pacing, until Val arrives, very naturally)
Gus and Terry love/hate introduced
Plot point: their show vs. Fleming’s into
BABES IN ARMS
Val starts, then others join in
Fleming ends it – ideally w/ fabric wrapped around him, foot in bucket, mop for partner so he can be really flustered and mad!!
We learn of Bunny’s $ troubles
Introduce “Deep North”
Pg 7, Gus says, “I’m mature”, ADD
VAL: If the show’s going to be any good, we’d better get practicing. Peter and Mary, let’s run WHERE OR WHEN. Scene change to cheesy romantic scene. Frank and Mary begin singing. As per Scheuer, Susie and Val take a verse and light focus while the others work out a staging detail. Goal: contrast between the presentational and representational song – yes, a song within a song during our play within a play.
Peters enters, chanting, “Lunch, Lunch, Lunch” as script indicates
After Susie says, “I’ll stay with you”, country chick interrupts, saying, “Can I sing my audition piece for you now, Val?” Val and Susie exchange looks, Susie leaves while Country Chick gets set up, checks music, and blathers at Val. Val indicates to Susy to wait. Val sighs, and we hear country chick’s audition piece. She finishes, exits, Val’s about to go to Susy, when someone else pops in and says, “Val – got a minute, I want to show you a piece I’ve been working on.” While he talks to her, she smiles, exits. We can do part of this piece, or not. Blackout.
1.2 Surf and Sand Playhouse
Meet Lee
Terry wants Gus back
I WISH I WERE IN LOVE AGAIN
1.3 Surf and Sand Playhouse
Meet Jennifer as Val rehearses “I Wish I Were” with Gus and Terry
Get it? They just finished the song, but was it part of the show or part of practicing for their embedded show? What happens if the snake eats its own tail?
10-15 people on stage (warm-ups, stretching, theater games, groups waiting to audition, etc.) As Val and Jennifer talk, more draw around to hear what she says.
VAL SCRIPTED: Oh, I’ve met hundreds of actresses, well anyhow, the six or seven that have been up here so far this summer, but none of them were famous like you. . . Larger discussion of theater, what it takes to make it, don’t need a big stage to do big theater, need a big heart/desire/passion for the art? She left Hollywood and went to New York because she cares more about theater than film. . .Others joining in, until finally we go into “What was it like acting in movies” “Do you live in New York now?” “Will you ever go back west. And into WAY OUT WEST by Jennifer Owens, with major dance break for everyone on stage. Scene ends with Phyllis arriving at top of page with “Jennifer!” cut lines about her hitting on Val
Back to lines as printed, end scene with Bunny picking up final four lines of refrain, all others about to join in again, when Val cuts them all off and says, “okay, great guys, it looks ready for performance. I still need to hear some of the other pieces so let’s keep moving. Return to initial groups, maybe hear the BLUES MAMA and NEXT! Before blackout.
1.4 Old Barn (where the kids meet to put on their play)
Open on rehearsal
Kids are tired, after VAL’S TAKE FIVE, another bit
During rehearsal of another mimed bit, all fades as Susie and Val
As Susie exits, she turns back, makes eye contact with Val, and they sing the refrain again, which the next singer– a character actor – is an over-eager auditionee talking too much and trying too hard, which Val ignores with his focus on Susie. After refrain, lights shift and we’re back
Some of the Val/Jennifer lines, but none of the relationship sub-plot.
START ANOTHER PRODUCTION NUMBER, then Susie runs in, breaks it up
Tender moment, excited about theater, but then Val has to rehearse more??
Susie fondly sings MY FUNNY VALENTINE
With action on stage, but dimmed?
Freezing with her touch, then unfreezing when she’s ready?
Could he even dance with her a bit (fantasy sequence?)
1.5 Surf and Sand Playhouse
dress rehearsal for “Deep North”
Plot point: “Deep North” needs a second week – canceling kid show!!
CHANGE: Bunny leads in with “And we’ll fight foul!” so set up for
NEW SONG – about staying strong and fightin’ on!!
(angry song or fight back song or we will survive. . .)
Big production number to end act
