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She Loves Me Libretto
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Music byJERRY BOO K
D>ok byJOE MASTEROFP
Iqr1cs bySHELDON HARNICK
Based on a play by Miklos LaszloOriginal direction by Harold PrinceOriginally produced by Harold Princein association withLawrence N. Kaeha and Philip C. McKenna
Propert y o.f
TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LImARY INC.757 Third AvenueNew York 17, N. Y.MU 8-2525
CAST OF CHARACTERS
(in order of appearance)/"
~
fJ(A,.{)~J-
i{4 tIJ \£. ~ r<~, c. ,~ RITTER ~Lt,w~~~ KODALY ":I)I~
RG N (}II A C K 1r1 )fi (t~:n~~ ~ ..
. MARA C Z.EK ~ rr;A:'tI~~~ ~at WINDOW SHOPPER ~~tf\
2nd WINDOW SHOPPER ~t"'1~rCLERKS1st CUSTOMER' I ~ f/./2nd CUSTOMER ~e1~v... 3 CUSTOMER ~ ~,
h CUSTOMER. 111".!LIA BALASH t ~ c. t l t \",~ -5tn CUSTOMER Swri~' .KELLER f ~ b~ ~ _c
WAITER
Vioi~\~s~* * * *
SCENES
ACT ONE
Scene 1: Maraczek's Partumerie.City in Europe. 1930.
Scene 2: Same
Scene 3: Street in front of Maraczek's
Scene 4: The Care Imperiale.
ACT TWO
Scene 1: A Hosp1tal Room.
Scene 2: Amalia's apartment.
Scene 3: Maraczek's Parfumerie.
Scene 4: OUtside the shop.
Scene 5: Maraczek's Parfumer1e.
Scene 6: Outside the shop.
* * *
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT ONE
1. OVERTURE
2. GOOD MORNI~G, GOOD DAY Arpad# Sipos, Ritter, Kodalyand Georg
3. SHOP OPENING.
4. SOUNDS WHILE SELLING .Georg, Slpos( Kodaly andCustomers 3)
5. THANK YOU I MADAME - No.1... Clerks
6. Imwr ER UNO ERS C 0 HE
7. DAYS GONE BY Maraczek
8. (Maraczek - 8010)DOORBELL & MUSIC BOX SEQUENCE
9. THANK YOU, MADAME - No.2... Clerks
MUSIC BOX SURPRISE
NO MORE CANDY Amalia
THANK YOU ~ MADAME - No.3... ClerksTHREE LETTERS .Amalia & Georg
14. TONIGHT AT EIGHT Georg
TONIGHT TAG
I DON'T KNOW HIS NAME .Amalia & Ritter
HELLO LOVE No.1
PERSPECTIVE S1pos
THANK YOU.. MADAME - No. 4...ClerksGOOD BYE GEORG Clerks & CUstomers
WILL HE LIKE ME Amalia
LIKE ME TAG
ILONA Kodaly, Sipos & Arpad
I RESOLVE R1tter
I RESOLVE TAG
HELLO LOVE No.2
TENSION
A ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE Waiter, Busboy, People
TANGO TRAGIQUE Georg
MR. NOWACK WILL YOU PLEASE, Amalia & Waiter (Georg)30.
DEAR FRIEND Amalia
ACT TWO
32. ENl'R'ACTE
33.34.
OPENING ACT II
TRY ME... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arpad
35. REPRISE: DAYS GONE BY Maraczek
ARPAD 'S EXIT
WHERE'S MY SHOE Amalia & Georg
38. VANILLA ICE CREAM Amalia
39.
40.
SHE LOVES ME Georg
A TRIP TO THE LIBRARY .Miss Ritter
41. SIPOS I EXIT
THANK YOU MADAME No.5 R1 tter, Sipos J Arpad
GRAND KNOWING YOU Kodaly
GHAI'm KNOWING YOU - TAG
TO HAMMERSCmrtmT' S
46. TWELVE DAYS TO CHRISTMAS - Chorus
47. THE INVITATION
48. MARACZEK'S CHAMPAGNE
49.50.
TO WEBER I S
CLOSING THE SHOP
51.
52.53.
REPRISE: VANILLA & FINALE ACT II. .Amalia & Georg
THANK YOU BOWS Entire Company
EXIT MUSIC* * *
, ~ r-w-- - ~.Ib'<-~-~~~~~I~~_~~~~;~~~~~~~~~ ?LL7 OVERTURE
ACT ONE-
Scene 1
AT RISE: - The Front or MARACZEK' s Parfumerle.A city in Europe. The 1930's.
It 1s early morning in mid-summer.
The stage is emptSIPOS enters. hisnewspaper. SIPOSbut he looks oldemoving his eyes .r
walks to the storstops there.
l.'
~(lA moment 1ater~ ARPAD enters ridinga bicycle. ARPAD is 15 or 16 --and indefatigable. He fully expectsto own the Parfumerie one day -- andprobably he will. Right now he isriding with one hand on his hip.W1th his other hand he blows thehorn rhythmically.)rf'\1
L:]:7
ARPAD(Singing)MORNING . t\"-tL ~ \... ~
.. \""'-
+tA ~ W "-' ~ \v'11.SIPOS
(Looking up tram his paper)00<1> DAY.
ARPADHOW ARE YOU THIS BEAt11'IFUL DAY.ISH IT THIS A BEAUTIPUL MORNING.,
SIPOS(Going back to his paper)
VERY.
s.t\:tI\t..ARPAD\) 0 ~a~~HEY, SIPOS --
HOW'S THIS?
SIPOS(Taking out a cigar)
THAT'S A VERY ELEOANr POSEBUT IS ALL THAT ELEGANCE NECE
(Striking a match)SSARY? !
\
y . Then LAD ISLA Vnose buried in ais about 45 --
r. Without everrcxn the paper, hee doorway and
1-1-2
ARPAD(Speaking)And why not? I represent Maraczek's, don't I? We're not a
butcher shop -- or a hardware store ... We're a Parfumerle.That means we're ... we're ...
(He looks tor the word
SIPOSWE'RE WE'REWE 'HE STYLISH.
ARPADTHAT'S IT.
SIPOSwrrH A QUIFr DIGNITY.
ARPADYES,AND WE GEr THE TILT OF OUR HATS RIGHT.
SIPOSTHAT'S RIG lfl'
ARPADWHEN I RmE MY BIKE..PEOPLE SEE WHAT MARACZEK 18 LIKE80 I THINK IT' S VERY DrlPORT ANTTHAT I LOOK MY ~.
SIPOS(Matter-of-factly)
And how many people did you run over today?
ARP AD(With mock sadness)
Not one
SIPOSWell -- it's early.
ARPADHere comes Miss Ritter.
SIPOS(IDOk1ng)
fbm...ARPAD
She spent the night with Mr. Kodaly.
SIPOSAgain?
1-1-3ARPAD
They always kiss goodbye at the newsstand. Then she walksaround the block to make us think she's been home.
(MISS RITTER enters.V" Thirtyish (11 n 6 r- ~-- sexy -- she gives the 1m~ressionor a girl who's been around)
RI'JWrERGOOD MORNING. q
ARPAD AND SIPOSGOOD DAY.
R.1\ SRrrTER
HOW ARE YOU THIS GLORIOUS DAY. ~ ~HAVE YOU SEEN A LOVLIER MORNING?
ARPAD AND SIPOSNEVER
RITTERIT'S TOO NICE A DAYTO BE INSIDE SIruFFLING SOAP.I HAVE NO MORE ENERGY WHAT-SO-
(She yawns'EVER.
(Speaks)Anybody mind if I take the day off? Arpad - - why aren'tyou old enough to take me away from all this?
ARP AD(Eagerly
11m old enough Ij;..o-?~J ~p
RrIWrERThen marry me and I'll quit my job.
(She gives ARPAD a close scrutiny)No. I'm afraid you're really not -- quite -- old enough
'"
ARP AD(Innocently
It won't be long though. I'm catching up. You know, MissHorvath always used to say I'd get to be thirty-five before~ ever did.
~l..(STEVEN KODALY enters Jaunti~.He is in his middle twenties --handsome, dapper, and shallow)
KODALYGOOD MORNING.
ARPAD, SIPOS AND RITTERGOOD DAY.
.,
1-1-4
KODALYHOW ARE YOU THIS RAJIJ', ~~' DAY?WHAT A RARE MAGNIFICEW!1 MORNING.
ARPAD AND SIPOS(Downbeat
IS IT?
KODALY(To RrIVrER) -\- \ ~('(GOOD MORNING. MY DEAR. r
HOW ARE YOU THIS RAVISHING DAY?DO YOU KNOW YOU'VE NEVER LOOKE%> MORE EXQUISITE.
RITTER(Curtseying archly)
THANK YOU1 KIND SIR.
(ARPAD whistles)
KODALY(To RI'l'TER)
What a lovely dress.
ARPADIt's the same one she had on yesterday, Mr. Kodaly
SIPOS ~~O,Ah -- Mr. Nowack.
(GEORG NOWACK enterB~ ~ar~ing anewspaper. He is in his latetwenties -- sort-s~oken, person-able, shy, capable)
GEORGGOOD MORNING.
SIPOS, ARPAD, KODALY AND RIi-rERGOOD DAY.
'iLl
GEORGISN'T THAT A BEAUTIFUL SKY.WHAT A PERFECT SAMPLE OF SUMMER WEATHER.
GIT'S TOO NICE A DAYTO BE ItmOORS COUl*n'ING OUT CHANGE.WHAT A WASTE OF HOLmAY WEATHER ALTOGETHER...LET'S ALL RUN AWAY.
IJs
XL(They all dreami~ consider thisposSibility tor a moment)
RrlvrER ;( 0WOUIDN IT IT BE SOMETHING IF WE ALL TOOK OFF FROM WORK.
1-1-5
SIPOS~ . LEAVING MR. MARACZEK WITHOUT A SINGLE CLERKI l .1...
~ '("In" ARP AD~ WHY NOT HAVE A PICNIC? ID ~\S~.~ I
Q ~ 4~~.t'~t- ~, SIPOSI COUlD BRING MY WIFE'S PRESERVES.'
KODAL"N nCHAMPAGNE MIGIrr BE NICE WITH"HOT HORS D 'OEUVRES.
w&.:JALL(In canon l
IT 'S TOO NICE A DAY;,TO BE STUCK INSmE OF A STORE.WE COUlD ALL BE Gm'TING OUR FACES SUm'ANNEDI.T,'S SO NICE A DAY.
TO BE DOZING UNDER A TREE
SIPOSAND WE' LL ALL BE OUT OF A JOB
RITTERIF IT COSTS THAT MUCH TO GET SUNTANNED
SIPOSI'LL ST A Y mlr /I.NNED .
KODALYPALE -- BUT SOLVENT.
ARPAD(WistfullyA PICNIC --
ALL(Spoken -- sighed)
A PICNIC --OK. WELL. . .
,Jr)
~c:x
, (To GEORG)Well, Mr. Nowack -- was the chicken the usual success?
GEORGAbstractly
Hrnmm?
KODALYYour weekly dinner with Mr. and Mrs. MaraczekLast night.
1-1-6
GEORGOh.
(He nods)
SIPOS(To GEORG -
Did you talk to Mr. Maraczek about replacing Miss Horvath?~
GEORGI mentioned it.
(He shakes his head)Absolutely not.
(He shrugs his shoulders)After all -- with business the way it's been...
KODALYYes, but it 's bound to pick up -- now that Hammerschmidt 'shas closed. ~
(MR. MARACZEK enters( He is aboutsixty -- genial-looking but quitecapable of being difficult ~~~~~en the
occasion arises. As he enters. tfemale WINDOW SHOPPERS ente and stop ~ ~~~~ uJ at one of the window. MR. MARACZEK
watches them)
FIRST WINDOW SHOPPERDid you ever try their hand-cream?
SECOlm WINDOW SHOPPER~I wonder it it' 8 any good?
.-/--"""'.. , 1..-(MR. MARACZEK walks up to the . ~ \
LADIES and speaks to them) 'l
~r-~ \ MARACZEKGood? MY dear woman! -- my wife's been using their productsfor years! In fact, I often wonder why theirs are always
~;~o much better than everyone else's.
-~
M.L=-JL.G. f.5 R~rc;;:;~~"]C
FIRST WINDOW SHOPPER(Crisply)
You should know, Mr. Maraczek. [J/f}.~(The WINDOW SHOPPERS ex! ~ MR .MARACZEK approaches the group atthe front door)
u-v,f\Il~~~
~~~
CLERKSGood morning. Mr. Maraczek.
MARACZEKGood day
~ 1-1-7~
;.("'-L:!7 ?()f~~'Q,' L
SHOP OPENINGt-(,.Ll\(.;
(Set turns
(CLERKS pantomime getting the shopready for business. GEORG opensthe door and three CUSTOMERS enter)
GEORG(To "RaT CUSTOMER)
Good day, madam, may I help you?
KODALY(TO SECOND CUSTOMER)
Good day madam, may I help you?
L:!:7 SOUNDS WHI~ SELLrNG
Ii:JSIPOS
(To THIRD CUSTOMER)Good day madaml may I help you?
THIRD CUSTOMERI WOUlD LIKE TO SEE A
KODALYFACE LIKE YOURS
FIRST CUST~RCRACKED
SIPOSBUT WE OARRY
DO YOU HAVE A CREAM FO:IRST CUSTOMER
SECOND CUSTOMERCHERRY RED
THIRD CUSTOMERSKIN
KODALYI SEE WHAT YOU MEAN
GEORGYOU WILL LOOK ENCHANTING
THIRD CUSTOMER
FIRST CUSTOMER
1-1-8
KODALYGLA?r!OROUS AS GARBO
SIPOS
GEORGMOUTH
KODALYI WOUU> RECOMMEND A
SIPOSBATH
GEORGTODAY
SECOND CUSTOMERON SALE, DID YOU SAY
GEORGA LI'rl'LE LIPSTICK
KODALYON YOUR NOSE
SIPOSTWICE
SECOND CUSTOMERMORNING AND EVENING
FIRST CUSTOMERAz.,D) A LITTLE BRUSH FOR
THIRD CUSTOMERCOMBING MY
GEORGTEETH
KODALYABSOLUTELY
CUSTOMERSWRAP IT UP AND SEND ITTHANK YOU SO MUCH
CLERKSIS THERE SOM~HING ELSE BEFORE YOU GO
1-1-9SECOND CUSTOMER
YES. . .WHAT HAVE I FORGO'rrENI KNOW THERE WAS SOME-THING ELSE" WHAT COUlD ITBE?SOMETHING UNIMPORTANTSOMm'HING FOR MY HUSBAND.DOESN'T MATTER, ~ I S G~BACK TOME.
THIRD CUSTOMERYES...WHAT HAVE I FORGOTTEN?I KNOW THERE WAS S~INGELSE, WHAT COUID ITBE?SOMETHING mfIMPORT ANTSOMEl'HING FOR MY HUSBANDREALLY DOESN'T MA'IwrERLEr'S GETBACK TOME.
1HI@ CTJ~~OME~YEs...THERE IS SO~HING I I VE FORGOTTENI REMEMBER IT WAS SOMETHING FOR MY HUSBANDMIGIf!' AS WELL GET BACK TO ME.
FIRST CUSTOMERI COUID ALSO USE A
SECOND CUSTat1ERBOTTLE OF
THIRD CUSTOMER
GEORGWE HAVE A SPLENDm
KODALYHERE I S AN INEXPENS IVEPERFUME CALLED
SIPOS
THIRD CUSTOMERI'VE NEVER USED ONE
GEORGIF YOU WANr TO CLIP YOUR
KODALYEAR LOBES
SIPOSYOU MAY WANr TO DYE YOUR
GEORGHANGNAILS
KODALYDAB A Lr1wrLE ON YOUR
1-1-10
SIPOSBIISBAND I S FACE
CUSTOMERSWON 'T HE BE SURPRISED
FIRST CUSTOMERI WOUlD LIKE AN EYEBROW
SECOND CUSTOMERUNDER MY
THIRD CUSTOMERCHIN
FIRST CUSTOMERTHERE'S AN mEA
KODALYMADAM.. I AM FILLm WITH
GEORG\ VERY SOP!'
SIPOSSOAP
ALL CUSTOMERSTHAT SHaUll> DO rr
ALL CUSTOMERSWRAP IT UP AND CHARGE ITTHANK YOU SO MUCH
CLERKSALWAYS SUCH A PLEASURE...
CLERKS & CUSTOMERSSEEING YOU
L:u THANK YOU.. MADAME NO.1
CLERKS
".L- ;\... t:oU{~- (,I.~~~" ~T'- ~ ~., ~(.
SIPOS rt.l4 fd}6~ ~Looks like business is picking up. ~~\1
THANK YOU MAD AMPLEASE CALL AGAIN~ CALL AGAIN I MADAM
~ (The THREE~STOMERS exit
Did you see that?
GEORGLad 1 slav -- I got another letter today.
1~1-11
SIPOSFrom her?
GEORG(Nods
It's so beautiful -- I've got to read it to you
SIPOSshe enclose a snapshot this time?
(GEORG shakes his head)
Does she say anything about meeting you -- face to face?
GEORG(Evasively)
Oh -- we're going to -- very soon(He opens the letter)
But just listen to this --
L~ LETTER UNDERSCQRE
GEORG--"Dear Friend: Yesterday morning I ran through the rain tothe Post Office. I had the key in my hand -- the key to box1433. Trembling, I opened the door and reached inside. And,oh, my dear friend, there you were. I took you out, held youin my hand and looked at you for a moment. Then I sat down,gently opened you and read you."
(MARACZEK enters rrom the orr1ce~-,t.-
MARACZEKSipos, could you spare me one ot your stomach pills?
C;\Q\~(~ briQ&A 1-.hA box ot stomachpills to MARACZEK, who takes one)
Thank you, ~ ~~~J._Y~~ ~~~~~~~~ fault this is?(~-1Jj(J-LI1'-- - '-"~ ~~ -- .Every time you come to dinner -- Mrs. Maraczek tries tofatten you up. She had the cook make dumplings and creamgravy -- what happens? You stay thin and I get heartburn.
(~~
GEORGIlm sorry, sir.
'1 ~~L,., ~t~~ ~ ~~\~CZEKGeorg, itls time you were married. Haven It you had enoughliving in furnished rooms -- running around to cabarets anddance-halls...?
GEORGMr. Maraczek -- I haven't been to a dance-hal11n ... years.
1-1-12
MARACZEKI know what you bachelors are like.one myself. And what a bachelor...
Remember -- I was once
L:1:7 DAYS GONE BY
YOUNG, STRONG1 OH I WAS SOMETHINGIN DAYS GONE BYWITH SOME GIRL WHO JUSTHAPPENED TO CATCH MY EYE.SLIM, STRAIGHT, LIGHT ON MY FE~SHOES JUST SKIMMING THE GROUND1-2-3-, 1-2-3 FOLLOW THE BEAT"AROUND, AROUND" AROUNDALL NIGHT CIRCLING THE FLOORTILL DAWN LIT UP THE SKYNO ONE YOUNGER THAN IIN DAYS GONE BY
And then I met Mrs. Maraczek and ever since I've danced onlywith her. I bet ~ think that's incredible.
GEORGNo.
MARACZEK .
YOUNG" STRONG i OH I W AS S~ING ~ UtI. Cort. ~IN DAYS GONE BY
GEORGMrs. Maraczek's a beautiful woman.
MARACZEKWITH SOME GIRL WHO JUST HAPPENEDTO CATOH, MY EYE
GEORGIt I could tind the right girl...
MARACZEKSLIM, STRAIGHT, LIGHT ON MY FEETSHOES JUST SKIMMING THE GROUND
GEORGThe fact is -- I'm a terrible dancer
MARACZEK1-2-3-, 1-2-3, FOLLOW THE BEATAROUND, AROUND, AROUND
GEORGI can do it with my hands...
MARACZEKALL NIGHT CIRCLING THE FLOOR
1-1-13
GEORGI always have trouble with ~~ feet...
MARACZEKTILL DAWN LIT UP THE SKYNO ONE YOUNGER THAN IIN DAYS GONE BY.
Take my advice, Georg: find yourself one person to dancewith. Believe me, it's not necessary to change partnersevery night...
GEORGMr. Maraczek, I...
,k ,~~~r.o
~~
MARACZEKOr even every other night. You just think it's necessary.
~ "<'- LJJ {c. \ 0 f:t<'\ ~ .-L,,1. ~~ ~(ARPAD enters carrying an armful n\L~~ L hO.of' boxes and a -s1:gn-" Spec:1&l Sale: ~ 06..~ ~ 'f~r;:. ')..ro,'o" ~ \ - -
~:.~-- (\ - Q. ~ ~JJ t/JOh, here they arel qf<h ~U\ ,~~ ~,~ 1 ~ ti1 I~~ ~"1'
t~{\~\~\ -GEORG
What?
MARACZEKA little surprise for you.
GEORG(Glumly
What is it?
MARACZEKWait -- listenA genuine leather box.
L::§7 DOORBELL AND MUSIC BOX SEQUENCE
"..,,~ MARACZEK~7+-1o.~ ~ns the box. It plays a tune)Isn t that ~TO~ 1 --
(He hands it to GEORG)Here1 try it.
"18-.~"'~ 'tv~v (GE~~opens the ~ and looks
at'lt as fi,pIays t1ie tune)
GEORG(Downbeat)
What else does it do?
MARACZEK
It's a genuine leather musical(Irked
What do you mean, what else?1
1-1-14
cigarette box.bargain ? ~~
MARACZEK (Cont'd)~~ only ten and six. How 's that ~or a
GEORGwho'll buy it?
MARACZEKI can see you're in a difficult mood today. Now, let's asksome of the other people around here, get their honestopinions. Mr. Kodaly -- .
KODALY ~ l ~~Yes, sir
MARACZEK -'I..
W1111t sell?
~~~ ~~I can't imagine why not, sir.
MARA C ZEKThank you, Mr. Kodaly.
KODALYYou're welcome, sir
l~
MARA C ZEKAll right, Georg -- now I'll make you a bet. I'll bet youten and six -- we'll sell the first of these boxes withinone hour. I
r GEORGII don't want-to take your money --
MARACZEKTen and six -- one hour -- no more -- no less. Is it a bet?
...t,~ GEORGWell --
MARA C ZEK
(Triumphantly c I I.He 18 not 80 confident now I 5""'" ~JwtAh ha I
GEORG~It fa a bet.
MARACZEKYOU WILL PAY THROUGH THE NOSEYOU WILL P ~ THROUGH THE NOSE.
1-1-15:~
I~VV' ,
(The d6or opens, the bell rl~g8 I.~J \-and FIRST CUSTOMER enters. c. ~ ~ ~-,~
\MARACZEK goes to her r ~ ~
\\
~\.\.
MARA C ZEKMay I help you?Good day J madam.
FIRST CUSTOMERlike a large tube of Mona Lisa.
MARACZEK I 6 A- ..J.Mona Lisa Cold Cream. Certainly, madam. I ~I ~ t~~ ~
(MARACZEK opens the leather box ~~:~~ fli~and lets it pl$Y close to the r~~ -- '~'. CUSTOMER's ear)
Isn't that a lovely melody?
FIRST CUSTOMERIs seven and tour the largest size -- or is there a larger?
MARACZEKOh -- eh -- we also have a nine and six.
FIRST CUSTOMERI'd like to see it.
MARACZEK
(Persevering)This is a musical cigarette box.
(FIRST CUSTOMER once again doesn'trise to the bait)
FIRST CUSTOMERDo you carry Flowers of Spring in the one ounce bottle?
MARA C ZEK
(Closill---~e box)one ounce bottl~ CertainlY. Mr. Sipos -- your customer.
SIPOSYes, sir.- (To CUSTOMER) .J...4:l
RiSht over he_r~~..Fdam. ~ \ ~ ~"3 t
(A~~~ CUSTOMER enters) ~ ~
MARA C ZEKMay I help you?Good day" madam.
CUSTOMERWho do I see about returning a. jar of ~ face cream??
MARACZEK... your customer. {) uti I\Ul ~ lL "/k {,~~...ES -J-{ (
Oh -- Mr. Kodaly
KODALYYes, sir.
~{l(A~~USH enters.greets ner)
GEORG
GEORGMay I he Ip you?day.t madam .
AMALIA ( ~ ~ ~ ~~Yesl
GEORGWe have a complete stock or perrumes~ soaps, shampoos.
AMALIA
GEORGBath 011s, bath salts.
AMALIA
GEORGCold creams, face creams, nail polishes.
AMALIA
GEORGBrushes -- hard, sott and medium --
AMALIA
GEORGToilet water? There's a special -- this week only -- onRoses of Italy. I'll show it to you...
(GEORG goes to ~e~~the to11e~water) m~ *, ~'"\.. 'I'
CUSTOMER(To SIPOS) /Good. I'll stop by ror ~Thursday?
SIPOP/ f r A
Thank you very much, madam. :4Jw I:; L 1,) pp"'v DO6V n'-
(CUSTOMER goes to the door am ~ -1~W' fl~t, t"opens it, the bell rings) ~\. 1Ic.-- t.4.() ,
1-1-17
L:[7 THANK YOU. MADAME : NO.2
~(L'\I~~rIW1'ER) KODALY" GEORG I SIPOS
~~ \\ AAAl~ ~ ."" ~ L ~ t1 ~\1"""'""' j,\LOPo\'1A, ~~ ~~\~
~~~t6l..- )lV~\ ~ .~' ~~CJ,.(CU_$!-QMER_ex1.t.e-;-- GEORG returns to ~ ~lf aAMALIA with an atomizer) ~ ~'
THANK YOU" MADAMPLEASE CALL AGAINDO CALL AGAIN" MADAM.
.,II
GEORG(To AMALIA
Let me spray a little on your hand
AMALIA
GEORG
AMALIAActually you see -- I'm not going to buy any. Not today.not going to buy anything. Is Mr. Maraczek here?
I'm
GEORGHe's in his office
r AMALIACould I speak to him, please?
GEORGPerhaps I can help you
AMALIAI don't think so.
GEORGHe's quite busy.
)
AMALIAThen Illl wait. I don't mind. Really.where quietly and wait till he's free.
I'll just sit some-
GEORGI ask -- the nature or your business?
ltMALIAI think I'd better speak to Mr. Maraczek personally
Very well.GEORG
May I have your name, please?
AMALIABalash. Amalia Balash.
1-1-18
GEORG
Very well, Miss Balash, I'll tell him fou're here.
(GEORG starts tor the Ort1ce) ~~ - ---
AMALIA~ H(,- Oh -- Just one thing I Miss Horvath - who used to work here
-- the one who's having a baby -- she hasn't been replaced
yet -- has she?
GEORGAre you looking tor a job?
AMALIANol I guess you could call it that.
'" ~~ ~'t:Eagerly)m a very good salesgirl. ReallY I Very good I And I know
the Parfumerie business -- inside and out! I worked atHammerschmidt's -- five years I Five years and eight months IAnd they were always very satisfied with me. I have aletter here -- fram Mr. Hammerschmidt himself...
(She searches in her pocketbook)Somewhere here. It says: "Miss ::Balash is honest, dependable,dedicated.
(With emphasis)Dedicated.
(Frantically looking through thepocketbook)
It's here somewhere. "She also has an abundance or thosequalities which go toward making a superior salesperson.I highly recommend her. Signed: Herman Hammerschmidt."
(She remembers something)ChI
(AMALIA takes the letter outand gives it to GEORG)
Here
GEORG~'m sure it's just as you say. But -- unfortunately --
we're not replacing Miss Horvath right now. If you'd liketo leave your name...
AMALIABalash. Amalia Balash.
And then - - it anything Sho~~gR~ome UP; i '#1(!<:.tl j(J e"'...(.AAAJ
AMALIA(Not giving up)
I'd like to speak to Mr. Maraczek, please
GEORGI'm afraid -- it it's only about a job...
1-1-19
AMALIA(Urgently
Pleasel
GEORGIlm sorry.
"" b ~ ~~W- ~ (\. ~ \\> ,.. -v
~W
(MR. MARACZEK enters from his office) \-
Just can't be done.
MARA C ZEKWhat can't be done? At Maraczek's, nothing is impossible
(To AMALIA)Perhaps I can help you.
GEORGwants a job.
MARACZEKWhat?
I worked atAMALIA
I know this business -- inside and outHammersctun1dt's...
(MARACZEK shakes his head emphatically
MARA C ZEKI'm sorry
AMALIAI have a letter tram Mr. Hammerschmidt himself I
MARACZEKIt's out of the question.
AMALIAI'm honest -- dependable -- dedicated!
~ ~ if"\ ~ MARACZEKReally~ Georg -- why can't you handle this sort of thingwi thout calling ~ in? fffP"~ t(w~ n,J ~ ~ I
)'tM . Ir~~'lJ
AMALIA 1\ .LI'm a very good salesgirl I ~ \l.&IA'"
(MARACZEK starts back into his ~ f-l ~~office ) ~»>. '"
"'Ul1C~)'
""",~-t .""' ~'~(J, -~ Q.,..
:: 'fl,..\ , 0 I {).t ,Ii
MARACZEKIf you'll excuse me...
\,\.AMALIAI'm very gooollReally I ami
1-1-20"(FIFTH CUSTOMER, while waiting forher package, hs.s been wanderingaround the store. For a moment, .
her interest is taken by the leatherbffi~~t:~~g~~xes. AHA no n this tears off -- to i e --
aoo a.fERene~~!.Q.a.l~
(YaJ
AMALIA (Cont 'd(To F'IFl'H CUSTOMER)
Aren't these marvelous boxes! And only -(AMALIA reads the sign)
Ten and six. Can you imagine?
FIFrH CUSTOMERWhat are they tor?
AMALIA(Not at all sure)
Oh(She takes the plunge)
Candy.
FIFwrH CUSTCJtmRCandy?
AMALIAWhy yes, madame, it's the latest thing.workmanship...
And just look at the
L:~ MUSIC BOX REPRISE
(AMALIA takes a box and opens it.The music plays. AMALIA -- takenby surprise -- jumps back)
AMALIAChi
Wl \., ~;- FIFrH CUSTOMERA musical candy-box?
1.#0 Ii'.- d 1/~ AMALIA~U rrmprovising wildly)
Why certainly, Madam I It combines the three elements ofgood taste: attract~~e to the eye, attractive to the ear,and -- functional I W~ 'v
kll~ ~ ~ FIFrH CUSTOMERHow -- funct{tJnal?
AMALIAHow?
(She wishes she knew -- and then --)
1-1-21\A.\\l~ \,~ AMALIA (Oont I d )
Let me tell you. ~~s little box has been a lite-saver tomany, many women. 1'hey have a slight tendency to over-weight. And don't we all? We sit at home reading a goodbook -- or listening to a symphony -- and, w1thout realizingit, our hand slips into the candy-box.
L:1l7 NO MORE CA}ID)Y
WE BEC~ Itm ISCREFrEATING SWEFl' AF'rER ~ .THO' WE KNOW ALL TOO WELLWHERE THAT MAY LEAD.
SO THIS BOX WAS DESIGNEDWITH THE TWO OF US IN HII'mAS THE KIND OF ~II'mER WE HEm.
WHEN YOU RAISE THE LmTHE MUSIC PLAYSLIKE A DISAPPROVING NOD.
Al'm IT SINGS IN YOUR EAR :NO MORE CANDY, MY DEAR,IN AWAY.. IT I S A LITTLE LIKE THE VOICEOF GQ).
FIPTH CUSTa4ER
Yesl(Eagerly)
Of course I I'll take it
AMALIAThank you, Madam J J I.
(KODALY brines the g1ft-wrapped ~toilet-water)
(l
1A\~~KODALY ...k(To PIP'1'H CUSTCJ.iER) ~ ~ 1
If you'll step over here, please...(To MISS RITTER)
That will be three and eight ror the large jar of face cream.
AMALIA
Thank you very much, madam.(Proudly)
And ten and six ~or the boxlThank you I
(AMALIA returns to MR. MARACZEKwho is beaming with pure Joy)
MARACZEK(To AMALIA)
You're hired I Miss --1
1-2 -22
AMALIABalashl Amalia Balash!
MARACZEKMiss Balash, welcome to Maraczek's.
(Now MARACZEK turns triumphantlyto GEORG and sticks out his hand)
And now, Mr. Nowack -- it you please ...
(JIt:;~..tt(GEORG counts out ten and six and Ihands it to MARACZEK. Meanwhile \' ~~vthe cash-register is ringing)- ~G.o(} cN\ ~~-
RITTER ,h) &-f~(Counting out change)
Fourteen and rour -- rourteen and rive -- rltteen -- yourpackages. Thank you.
(FIFTH CUSTOMER goes to the doorand opens it. The bell rings)
L:Jg:7 THANK YOU. MADAME~ NO.3
GEORG" MARACZEK" RrIWl'ER" KOPALYAND AMALIA
TJIA'NK YOU ~ MADAM.PLEASE CALL AGAIN.DO CALL AGAIN ~ MADAM . ~,d ~Ct~~(J~
- "'l~ D 1M. ~ ~ fir G '-11.:
~::,,1-~tI~-~:? -( ~ ~ ~~'J;Jl~ ').. .3Set turns to show outs e ~~~ -
At e me, EORG's c.esk come <:' i, ,f,-, p~ JI!
out. GEORG starts wr1 tins
L..(FIFrH CUSTOMER exits
L::!I7 THREE LgJ1TERS -.
=" ~L.=
GEORG
\
-
Deal' Friend:WHEN A DAY BRINGS PETTY AGGRAVATIONSAND MY POOR FRAYED NERVES ARE ALL ASKEWI FORGET THESE UNIMPORT AN'r MATTERSPOURING OUT MY HOPES AND ,DREAMS TO YOUAS I SIT HERE LOOKING OUT MY WII-mOWI CAN SEE THE SUMMER DISAPPEAROH, DEAR FRIEND -- ALL AT ONCE -- AUTUMN'S ~ .L
C.I~~1t: ,~ S'M(Oii7-11~(}Jmt ARP AD , ~ ,-'- v~v"> ~~t... Sf.(.l.l..(.
Good morning. ~ss R1ttel';.~k~ ~ ~~---~l~ U11
wr'f(ftrrERGood morning, Arpad.
~s" ARP AD
1-2-23
(Leaves tall
ARPAD (Coot 'd)46 I tv~ ~.,.tfJ I"",j.. \{- rL .1..,..
Ka:> ALY fr-fYV'- Y ~
Good morning, Ilona. Here you are on this rirst October day-- the quintessence ot Autumn. I hope you've forgiven meabout our little misunderstanding last night. I can't bearit when we quarrel. Can you, darling? Truthfully?
Autumn! 'j
RrIWrERGo to hell. ,
f.,j.kv-
(They go into the sho~ Moreleaves tall. ORa enters, wearinghis coat and readi )
GEORGDear Priend:
WITH NOVEMBER JUST AROUND THE CORNER~'VE A FEELING YOU MAY ALSO SHAREDO YOU FEEL AN UNDERTONE OF DISCORDAND A SENSE OF TENSION IN THE AIR
(MARACZEK enters angrily) L-
MARACZEKMr. Nowack -- ~st this sidewalk always be covered withleaVeS?, i ~ U fI L,..' ~t~ (t .
(MARACZEK goes in::a6' the shop andslams the door7ARPAD enters)~
GEORGIF IT WEREN'T FOR YOUR ENDEARING Lml"l'ERSI 'D BE FLYING ~Ot1l'H WITH ALL THE GEESEBY THE WAY HAVE YOU READ "WAR AND PEACE"?
(AMALIA enters.'-- GEORG quicklyducks the letter)
AMALIAGood morning, Mr. Nowack
Congratulations.GEORG
I see" you're on time today.. Miss Balash.
(SIPOS enters and wa~CheS)e
AMALIAI'm sorry to disappoint you.
GEORGOhl but I'm not disappointed. Far from it.surprised.
Let's cal11t
1-~-24(Their argument continues softly
ARPAD(To SIPOS)
They always argue -- Why 1s that?
SIPOSA s~ple chemical reaction. You see -- sometimes when peoplelike each other very much ... 'rQ-N~t' ~
(AMALIA goes into sho , slammingdoor in GEORG I S face Then GEORGgoes in)fi.,f-tf' ~I
ARPADlike each other??
SIPOSI think so.
ARP ADThey like each other very much?
(SIPOS nods)Don.t you think we should tell them?
-I
SIPOSArpad -- my boy -- they'd never believe usl
ARP ADLook I
(The icicles came down)
~~ s.,('o&JJ
8&-tn~f:~~:~ .I the outside or ,.. 1.#.1- J;\ ,~-
ana up on AMALIA' s ~ - /" , . ~ ~ tab le and chat r . AMALIA" in her ft.\( ~ """",lt~Q
hat and coat, is reading a letter. Q I', I . A ~
We hear GEORG's voice. Sometimes Slr'~ ~ ~ ~~during the song AMALIA sings) IcD1Il'(-u- {( tD+t-~
GEORG ()IJ. &fi. e..tW-~ .;f~.;, /lit- ~ ~ ~ /.I.AJ
bff J.,It~ - ,uP'"~..t! w &~,. 6 ~s~~~.~W~ 6J £oM.. ~ I.t
! p~ ~ ~p'\.
..J ~ Jt'c, ~ tc..
wlnterGe lights
Dear Friend:HAVE YOU 3m' YOUR CALENDAR FOR TUESDAYWHEN WE BRING
AMALIA & GEORGTHIS CHAPTER TO A CLOSEWHEN I MEET MY LADY OF THE IErTERSWHO Pm'S TINY FACES IN HER 10 'SIN THE FREEZING WEATHER OF DECEMBERI I LL BE WARMLY WAITING FOR OUR DATE
(GEORG fades outUJIlrIL THEN -- COUNT THE HOURS --
,
1-2-25AMALIA
Ohl I'm late for work) I'm latelGood morning. Am I very late? Did Mr. Nowack say anything?
(She takes off her coat and starts ~
into the workroom A--
Where is he?
RITTERIn the workroom.
AMALIA(upset)
Ohlstops)
RITTERThe hat -- the dress -- the shoesYou're all new!
Do I lookAMALIA
I'm surprised you recognized me.Top to bottom.~ right?
SIPOS, RITTER. KODALY, ARPADNice! etc., etc.BeautifulWonderful
That's why I'm so late.AMALIA
It took me three hours to get dressed.
KODALYI have a feeling our little Miss Balash must be in love
(To AMALIA)And you have a rendezvous with him -- this evening
(AMALIA nods
SIPOSHow did you know?
RITTERMr. Kodaly's an expert on love. It's really remarkableconsidering he's never been ~n it.
(GEORG enters from the workroom~1 carrying some boxes) ~
GEORG
,J~(Flatly)
Good morning, Miss Balash.(GEORG goes upstage and puts the ~{boxes on the shelves)
p
AMALIA(To RrlvrER)
He didn't yell at me. What's wrong with him?
1-2-26
RrrrERHe has other things on his mind. Mr. Maraczek's very upset.
AMALIABe is? Again?
P"'.i\
RITTERAnd you know who gets the worsct of it... 6~ ~ (A})k/V ~
I ~~~.. ~\ £~~-om~f~~~an,~ ~ ~ 1..,WCq.,j~ \ \\. t;J'ie"-orrIce with the tube of,~ \/- rI'J) Mona Lisa) lrJr'\
\'1\~'~~ ~~~ ~~~~ ~ MARACZEK
Mr. Nowack.
GEORGYes, sir.
MARACZEKYou see this?
GEORGYes.
MARACZEKYou know what it is?
Of' course.GEORG
A tube of Mona Lisa Cold Cream
MARACZEKHere -- let's see you try it.
(GEORG unscrews the cap and squeezesthe tube. The cream gushes out ofthe back over GEORG's coat)
GEORG(Astonished)
back came off.
MARACZEKI was under the ~pression it was your responaib1lity tosee that these tubes are correctly tilled...?
(GEORG nods
It responSibility's too much for you, Mr. Nowackthat
GEORGMr. Maraczek -- I
1-2-27MARACZEK
(Pressing on)Or is there something wrong with the tubes? Are they defective?
GEORGNo ... I don't think so.
MARACZEKYou don't think so?1
~~ooks around the shop. SIPOSducks.i:J~J~ tM-t"-
KODALY ex1ts~orkroom with cloth.
Turning back to GEORG -- sarcastically)Then it wouldn't be asking too much for the cream to comeout the right end?
GEORGIt wouldn't be asking too much.
MARACZEK(Very strong)
Thank you, Mr. Nowack. That's all I wanted to knowl(MARACZEK Bto~s into his office, ,slamming the door behind him.GEORG starts after MARACZEK~
, U. (1\ \J ~ (L- ~ f, 'i-J ~ 'lfos 1--- '..
Oh -- Mr. NowackI
(GEORG doesn't hear)Mr. Nowacki I
(GEORG stops and turns to SIPOS)Your coat, there f,s still Mona Lisa on it...
(SIPOS takes a cloth and cleansGEORG's coat)
';
';I
GEORGThanks, Ladislav.
SIPOSI can feel you vibrating.You're so nervous.
It's a new suit, Ladislav.GEORG
I've never worn it to work before.
SIPOSOh? What's the occasion?
The biggest ever.GEORG
I'm meeting her tonight.
~ ,.
1-2-28
The letter girl?SIPOS
You mean -- face to face at last?
GEORG~ccto face-- at last.
WellSIPOS ri{l~
-- I just hope she lives up to your expectations.
GEORGCan I tell you something, Ladislav? I hope she doesn't.mean -- I hope she isn't as beautiful as I think she is --or as brilliant as I think she is -- Because what will shethink of me? -- A very ordinary clerk in a very ordinaryshop. -- And a terrible liar...
I
SIPOSA liar?
GEORGThe things I wrote in the letters.
SIPOSYou lied?
GEORGI certainly exaggerated...
SIPOSNo wonder you're vibrating.
LI!E7 TONIGIfr AT EIGHT
GEORGI'M NERVOUS AND UPSEr BECAUSE THIS GIRL I'VE NEVER ~I GET TO MEET TONIGHT AT EIGHTI tM TAKING HER TO DINNER AT A CHARMING OLD CAFEBUT WHO CAN EAT TONIGHT AT EIGHT?IT I S EARLY IN THE MORNING AND OUR DATEIS NOT TILL EIGHT 0 I CLOCK TONIGHT AND YETALREADY I CAN SEEWHAT A NIGHTMARE THIS WHOLE DAY WILL BEI HAVENtT SLEPT A WINK I ONLY THINKOF OUR APPROACHING TETE-A-TETE TONIGHT AT EIGHTI FEEL A COMBINATION OF DEPRESSION AND ELATIONWHAT A STATE TO WAIT TIL EIGHT3 MORE MINUTES 2 MORE SECONDS 10 MORE HOURS TO GOIN SPITE OF ALL WE'VE WRITTEN SHE MAY NOT BE VERY
SMITTENANDT~ HOPES PERHAPS WILL ALL COLLAPSEy- -~ TONIGHT AT EIGHT.
~~~(GEORG knocks over the music boxes)
~~
1-2-29~~.:A:JJ.f c~ l:i \" _!J' - ){ GEORG (Cont 'd
I WISH I KNEW EXACTLY HOW I'LL ACT AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN\ WHEN WE DINE TONIGHT AT EIGHTI KNOW I'LL DROP THE SILVERWARE1 BUT WILL I SPILLTHE WATER OR THE WINE TONIGHT AT EIGHTTONIGIf!' I I LL WALK RIGHT UP AW SIT RIGHT DOWNBESmE THE SMARTEST GIRL IN TOWNAND THEN rr I S ANYBODY I S GUESSMORE AND MORE I I M BREATHING LESS Al-U:> LESS
~IN MY IMAGINATION I CAN HEAR OUR CONVERSATIONTAKING SHAPE TONIGIrr AT EIGHTI I LL SIT THERE SAYING ABSOLUTELY NCYrHINGOR I'LL JABBER LIKE AN APE I TONIGHT AT EIGHT2 MORE MINUTES I 3 MORE SECONDS, 10 MORE HOURS TO GOI I LL KNOW WHEN THIS IS DONEIF S~HING I S ENDED OR BEGUNAND IF IT GOES ALL RIGHT WHO KNOWS? I MIGHTPROPOSE TONIGHT AT EIGHT.
Ifli
BLACKOU'lSh (Lt, C 4 ~~ +~~
tfl ~ ' U 1\6,
J{j(A-; ~ ~( ~'j... ~~(The Workroom. AMALIA and MISS .-_a ~RrrTER are sitting at a long table,Christmas wra~ping bottles or toiletwater)
LJ3:7 TONIGIfI' TAG
~
This is fun.RITTER
I love Chri stmas wrapping.
AMALIAIt's certainly a pleasant change. You know -- for the lastmonth. I've done practically nothing but fill those darntubes of Mona Lisa.
RITTERWell -- what do you care? You're in love with some nice,eligible young man. Pretty soon you'll be able to kiss allthis goodbye.
(She pauses for a moment, whileshe concentrates on her wrappings)
Tell me -- what's he like? Tell me all about him. I loveto surfer?
(AMALIA hesitates noticeablY)
AMALIAWell
RITTERIe he tall? r
J\J\
1-2-30
AMALIA(Evaalvely
Oh -- so-so.
RrJVrERSo-so five feet?So-so six feet?
AMALIAI never measured.
RITTERColor of eyes?Color or hair?
AMALIANot really light. Not really dark.Eh -- sandy hair.
RITTER?And the eyes --
AMALIABlueish -- greenish
RITTER(Beginning to smell somethingfishy)
Brownish?
AMALIAA little.
RITTERIs he handsome?
AMALIAIt's difficult to say. I mean -- at times he is -- andthen again at times he's not.
RITTERWell-built?
AMALIAOh -- average
RrlvrER(Downbeat)
Would you like a piece of good advice?
(AMALIA nod s
Don't lose him in a crowd.
(There is a brief pause
1-2-31
AMALIAoh, why -- ~~ I s~ch an unconvincing liar?
(~ISS RrTTER shrugs her shoulde~~)~ "The fact is I never met him -- ever, really
RITTER(Conrused -- but game)
Never.
AMALIA,- -- ~ (Nods)\That IS ~hyl'I don It know it he IS tall, wide, short, narrow, pink~green~ or even what his name is.
My God I- ~ -' \ RITTER I
You mean':;all o~ this\f'uss_JiS 1just f9.:rj a blind date?you Ire ev~more des~ate than ! ami
AMALIAI know him IItls not a blind date
RITTER
AMALIAMany, many letters.Letters.
RI'lvrERYou belong to a Lonely Hearts Club?
AMALIA(Shakes her head)
I've never done that sort of thing.the advertisements in the papers...
Oh -- I used to read
RI'lvrERYoung man wants young lady.Who doesn't?
(MUSIC STARTS)
Young lady wants young man.
AMALIABut I never took them seriously. Until -- one day -- I sawhis advertisement. Even then, I tried not to answer it.Really. But it kept calling out to me...
RITTERHe could be seventy-five!
AMALIA){Shaking her head
The advertisement said: "Young man.
1-2-32
RITTERYou haven't even asked for a photograph?
L:J2:7 "" I DON'T KNOW HIS NAME'!
AMALIAI DON I T KNOW HIS NAME OR WHAT HE LOOKS LIKEBUT I HAVE A MUCH MORE CERTAIN GUmE:I CAN TELL EXACTLY WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE INSmE
WHEN I UNDERTOOK THIS CORRESPONDENCELITTLE DID I KNOW I'D GROW SO FOND.LITTLE D m I KNOW OUR VIEWS WOUlD SO CORRESPOND.
~HE WRITES ME WHAT HIS FEELINGS AREON SHAW, FLAUBERT, CHOPIN, RENOIR.THE MORE I READ THE MORE I FINDWE 'HE ONE IN MIND AND HEART.
( I KNOW THE KIl"m OF HOME WE 'D SHARE --THE BOOKS THE PRINTS THE MUSIC THERE.A HOME A LIFE THAT I S WARM AND FULLAND RICH IN LOVE AND ART.
1./
I DON'T NEED TO SEE HIS HANDSOME PROFILE.I DON'T NEED TO SEE HIS MANLY FRAME,ALL I NEED TO KNOW IS IN EACH ~ER --EACH LONG REVEALING LETTER.I COUIDN' T KNOW HIM BErTER
L IF I KNEW HIS NAME I know him so well, Ilona. I know that he's a very successful
person and terribly well educated. And he's gentle and kind,soft spoken... I know all this about himl And so much morelIt's just that I've never ~ him -- that's all.
RITTERIF HE ISN IT TOO HANDSOMETRUE.. IT DOESN IT MtICIii MA~ERBUT HIS PERSONAL HABITSARE MORE IMPORT ANT THAN HIS
LOOKS.
AMALIA1m WRITES HIS DEEPESTTHOUGHTS TO MEON SWIPr" VERMEERAND DEBUSSY.
ON MAUGHAM, REMARQUE,DUMAS, DUCAS I DUn IDUFAY.. DEFOE
SUPPOSING HE SNORES LIKE ALOCOMCYl'IVE ?
SUPPOSING HE GRINDS HIS TEETH?SUPPOSING HE'S A KNUCKLE-CRACKERAMALIA?GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOKS.
HE THINKS AS IHE FEELS AS IHE SHARES THE SAMEmEALS AS I.
AND ANOTHER SMALL DgrAILTHAT YOU HAVEN'T YET MENl'IONmI AM SPEAKING OF SEX.. DEAR..WHEN YOU AND HE ARE ALL ALONE.
1-2-33
AMALIA (Cont'dI I LL NEVER FIl'ro
A MAN WHO'S SO
SDfPATICO"
I KNOW.
RrIvrER (Cont 'd )COME TO THINK OF IT.. MAYBE
YOU' HE RIGIfr.MAYBE IT DOESN IT MAIJ-l'ER AT
THAT.MAYBE I I LL DO MUCH BETTER
MYSELFWITH A LIBRARY CARD AND A
ORAMAPHONE .
I WAS TAKEN INBY SOMEONE I S PROFILEI WAS TAKEN INBY SOMEONE I S FRAME
HOW I COUlD HAVE USEDONE LONG REVEALING LFrTERI HOPE YOU DO MUCH BETTERI KNEW HIS NAMEWHAT I S IN A NAME
I DON I T NEED TO SEEHIS HANDSOME PROFILEI DON I T NEED TO SEEHIS MANLY FRAMEALL I NEED TO KNOWIS IN EACH LE'lvrEREACH LONG REVEALING ~I COUIDN IT LOVE HIM BETTERIF I KNEW HIS NAMEWHAT I S IN A NAME
~aL.~'t-rJ(~ ').J;.
BLACKOUT
LJr7 HELLO LOVE NO.1
~
(We go into the shop. KODALY hasa customer. GEORG is at the aasn-reg~ster. SIPOS is arranging themusic boxes into a pyramid.
MARACZEK entersC; looks around the YY\~shop~ then approaches GEORG)
5
MARACZEK(Poisonously nice)
Mr. Nowack -- perhaps you can help me
GEORGYes, sir?
I don't see them.
MARACZEK(Indicating the shop)
I'm looking ror the Christmas decorations.
GEORGWe haven't started them yet. I meant to talk to you aboutit in a day or two ...
MARACZEKI'm sick and tired ot you running to me -- like a baby --on every little matter that comes upl
1-2-34GEORG
Mr. Maraczek -- that's not fair!
(SIPOS comes up behind MR. MARACZEK)
SIPOS(Very gently)
Excuse me... GeorgI(He is ignored)
MARACZEKKindly inform all the employees they'll have to stay latetonight. Now is that clear -- even to you?
GEORGBut I'm afraid I can't make it. I'veIt's perfectly clear.
got an appointment.
SIPOSExcuse me.
GEORGI'll stay tomorrow night -- Thursday night -- Friday
That won't be necessary.without you. That's all.
MARACZEKI assure you we'll get on splendidlyThank you.
. GEORG
That's not all, Mr. Maraczek. For the last month, I can'tseem to do anything right anymore. Everything's changed.What is it? Is it me? Is it you? If my word is bad now,it's been bad for fifteen years I Why the hell did you waittill now to start telling me?
(Meanwhile SIPOS has been pullingon GEORG's coat. GEORG has ignoredhim through the preceding speech)
(SIPOS looks rrantically around theshop)
MARACZEKHow dare you raise your voice in this shop?
(SI~OS intentionally pushes overthe music boxes. MARACZEK turnsaround to see what's happened)
Clumsy idiot!
(MARACZEK storms into his o~~ice.GEORG helps SIPOS pick up the musicboxes)
1-2-35
GEORGYou did that on purpose- Didn't you?
SIPOSI had to stop that argument -- berore you did somethingroolish -- like resigning.
GEORGI'm not sure I appreciate that. y~
:KeBALYlb
SIPOS '/ ~ \ '\.. f)\ \.:?'Ohl I didn't do it for ~ Mr. Nowack. I did it for ~.Who knows -- if you resign I ~our successor might take onelook at me and ask himself: 'What's that oar doing in thisfancy parfumerie?"
GEORGYou're a very good clerk.. Ladislav. r '. 1,~ f~\ l
(MUSIC STARTS) \\tl~~' r!~ '.lA_~~,~1/'--,It".;.. !/~ i..~j(
SIPOS .~!t :,A ('"I'm an idiot.. but at least I'm an idiot with a job --
.-+-.;
t'Jf.~
L~7 ft PERSPECTIVE"
CALL ME FOOL. THAT'S ALL RIGHT WITH ME.HERE'S MY RULE: NEVER DISAGREE.WHERE'S MY PRmE? SWALLOWm LONG AGO.DEEP INSmE -- WHERE IT DOESN'T SHOW.BOWING, SCRAPING, NODDING" BEAMING" ALWAYS HUMBLE,NOT AN OUNCE OF SELF-RESPECT.YES SIR" YES SIR, YOU'RE SO RIGHT SIR" BLACK IS WHITE SIR"'SOUSE ME WHILE I GENUFLECT.
'\ C-- \\A \, \Cct~ HOW DO I REMAIN SO CALM AND CHEERFUL?
HOW DO I RETAIN MY PEACE OF MIND?Lm' ME JUST EXPLAIN MY RATIONALE.IT'S ALL IN YOUR PERSPECTIVE.LISTEN. .. LISTEN... TO AN OLD HUNGARIAN'S PHILOSOPHY:
I AM ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL IN A RATHER SMALL P ARFUMERIEWHICH IS ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL IN THIS CITYWHICH IS ONE OF MANY CXTIES IN THIS COUNTRY WHICHIS ONLY ONE OF MANY COU1'll'RIESWHICH ARE ON THIS CONTINENTWHICH IS ONLY ONE OF SEVEN ON THIS NOT SO SPECIAL PLANETWHICH IS ONE OF MANY IN OUR SOLAR" SYSTEMWHICH IS ONLY ONE OF MANY SOLAR SYSTEMSIN THIS VAST AND INCONCEIVABLE AFFAIR THAT IS THE
UNIVERSE.
1-2-36
SIPOS (Cont'd)SO -- IN THIS INFINITE. INCOMPREHENSIBLE SCHEMEIF A DOT CALLED MARACZEK SHOUW SCREAMAT A SPECK CALLED SIPOSwHAT .. ON EAR'l'H --- DOES :tT MAri"l'ER?
'f~~AE~i FOOL -- THAT'S ALL ItldtiT WITH ME.HERE'S MY RULE: NEVER DISAGREE. .
WHERE'S MY PRWE? SWALLOWED LONG AGO.DEEP INsmE -- WHERE IT DOESN'T SHOW.JUST MAINrAIN A TRUE PERSPECTIVEAND IT t S EASY TO A yom A CLASH OF WILLS.
JUST MAINTAIN A TRUE PERSPECTIVEAND MAKE SURE YOU I RE WELL SUPPLIED WITH STOMACH PILLSwr ME Pur IT BLUNrLY: IIM A COWARDWITH A WIFE AND CHILDREN TO SUPPORTACTUALLY MY CREED IS SHORT AND SIMPLEFIVE ESSENrIAL WORDS.. GEORG:DO NOT ... LOSE ... YOUR JOBIII
(KODALY leaves his customer andapproaches RI'1'l'ER
KODALYMiss Ritter
(She pretends not to hear)Miss Ritter --
RITTER(ICily)
?
KODALYis going to be a charge. Here's the lady's name
Just the name?number?
RITTERAfter such a long conversation? No telephone
KODALYShe's got mine.I don't need it.
GEORG Av~'While I have you all here -- Miss Balash -- Mr. Maraczekwants everyone to stay late tonight. n\ It
AMALIA !(
All right?GEORG
To work on the Christmas decorations.
1-2-37
RnvrERguess so.
KODALYor course.
(KODALY returns to his CUSTOMER)
(The door opens and anotherCUSTOMER enters. SIPOS approachesher)
SIPOSMay I help you?Good day, Madam .
(The CUSTOMER goes to SIPOS' counter ~~IJ.I)(- 'f ~ ~-\ ~t ~"" ~rt:(j'.. ~
~AMALIA
Mr. Nowack, Mr. Nowack, I can't stay.
GEORGWhy?
AMALIAYou ~ I lye got a date.I've got a date.
GEORGI know no such thing.
AMALIA(Excited)
How can you ~ that? Why do you think 11m wearing thesenew clothes?~o trim a tree in?
GEORGI'm onlY following Mr. Maraczek's instructions.
AMALIAI can't stay.
GEORGYou're not being very cooperative, Miss Balash.
AMALIAWell -- why did he have to pick this one night?
(She mulls that overOr did ~ pick it, Mr. Nowack?an apporfif:ment?
Just because you knew I had
d; ~ \ 17 u( Ltt? ~)t;;l ttlUJ '/(~.K~LY I s CU~.oMEB:-.- starts
to~ve~ KODALY openii-~ :-l~~o ) .-' c.._c--~c- --~- 1. - ( ."
I' ;.; .1 f '-,(.,,;1 ( )!-v. j ~lf'1,~c"' 1'. . .,-- I ." "
1-2-38
L~7 THANK YOU, MADAME - NO.4
KODALY" SIPOS" RrIwrERTHANK YOU.. MADAMPLEASE CALL AGAIN..
DO CALL AGAIN.. MADAM
(The CUSTOMER ex! ts . KODALY crossesto workroom) ~ <;"r\j~ ~ ~M ~~f:<- ~L~. 1 r i
AMALIA ~ ~ L- ~~'f-v' J.u () '~~j.)k
You know, I find it quite depressing that anyone could hate me ~that much -- ~ ~
GEORGI don't hate you. But until you came here, this was a happy,peaceful place. Now -- the whole atmosphere's changed:Everyone's cranky -- Mr. Maraczek's on the war-path...
AMALIAThat 's not §. fault
GEORGThe Mona Lisa's coming out the wrong end of the tubes!!
AMALIAthat's not my faultl!
(With a sudden pang of guiltIs it?
GEORG{(J:You've been filling them.
AMALIA ~~ ~.According to ~ instructions.
GEORGlet's not argue about it now. Can we have a truce?
Anytime, Mr. Nowack.starts things.
AMALIAAfter all, ~'re the one who always
GEORG(Stung)
I'm the one? Can you deny you hadn't worked here two weeksbefore you started making very public, very humiliatingremarks about me.
( ~...L' .A.!.Y --!!--A-eflt el,l e t I 10m- ~ k1"n~
S \~r~ ';) '(\.\.f t"",'"".,) ~\~}. ~~, ~~\h '\.? \>.')..l-- ~ ~ \WV\.
1-2-39
, AMALIAOnly because you were going around calling me Miss A-mal-iaBalash. ~ A-mal-ia Balash. You think I li~that?
GEORGYou think I liked your criticizing my socks -- my ties -- my
fingernails...?
(GEORG holds up his hands and defiant-ly shows AMALIA his fingernails. AMALIAlooks at them with scientific interest)
AMALIAMuch better.
(AMALIA storms into the workroom. L-GE~RG" sh~~ goes ~W.2 TOda-t.-~e S 
1-2-40
MARACZEKWhat about ~ss Balash?
GEORGShe has an appointment.
MARACZEKAn appointment! Well -- I guess you could hardly prevailupon her to stay when ~Ire not going to.
GEORGAny other night, Mr. Maraczek.
MARACZEKThere seem to be a great many things, Mr. Nowack,interest you tar more than your position here.
that
. GEORG.(\ tI f) \ 1.c..l~(Earnest~ ~ ~~-' 'J~ ~ yw r.&.. (I)-"
Mr. Maraczek --~am'de~oted to this shop -- I couldn't workharder here if it was mine -- if I owned it...
~c,.,jn L. 0 SIVt<J
~J..~'"
MARACZEK mv..v ~l L(Almost out of control, and trying, ,not too successfully, to keep his ku~-~ ~ ~~voice down)
If you owned it I I Well, let me tell you something, my youngfriend: No matter what you do -- you will never get yourhands on this shop I Neverl! Not if I have to come down fromHeaven and stop you myself! I Is that clear? And now getaway from met Get away from me!
And permanent lyGEORG
I .!.!.ll get awayYes, it's perfectlY clear.
MARA C ZEKCan I take that as your resignation, Mr. Nowack?
GE2~G ~f--JL rt IfThat's exactly what it 1s.
MissMARA C ZEK
Very well. I accept it -- errective immediately.Ritter will have your rinal pay. I::~r""') ~tJ ~
(During this scene, ARPAD has come outor the Workroom and gone upstairs tothe Stockroom. However, he comes quietlydown the stairs to hear what'sl~oing on.
~V'(t"f.,.MR. MARACZEK goes to M18B-~~ER --signals he wants to see her. RrrTERleaves her customer. MARACZEK gi veaher an envelope. Then MARACZEK exits
1-2-41
~JJJn\J~ - I
!;)l,.v;\ f4-f w
l-,into hi s otti ce . RrTTER looks sad 1yat GEORG, tpen ret~rn~ to i-4~r CU8TO~)(GEORG,'""'! sL~~~~nfA' ~ ~M~ ;kl~e ~ed£,.-J{h~J i u~J:
Workroom door. 81 e disturbed,leave~ hia CU~TOMER and ~~~~~~~ard
GE_~~ ~ ~~ c
SIPOS' CUSTOMER(Holding up a jar or bath salts)
Is this the large size or is this the medium size?
SIPOS(Looking back)
Eh -- the large size.
SIPOS I CUS'l'OMERWell -- then -- show me the medium. And I haven't got allday.
SIPOSYes, Madam. ~ - I tl4.v-
(SIPOS goes regretfully back t ~lw ~his c 0 un t e r ) C).J.iJ ~ ~ ~ eA-lJ.)J.II ~
LgQ7 GOQQ:m gEORG, .", f\ \\~ ~ ~a (ARPAD goes ~.o t Stockroom. ~ a9J-{ t.4J,t~ Il- ~GEORG goes in th workroom. I ...~ 1-2E WORKROOMAMALIA is sti 1 wo king on th~~~ IL ~ l ~Christmas bo es. CotAM",,-'" rrz.- '~r1) ,f .v
GEORG open I his lock -- takes oft h ~ '~C' rJ..,
his white coat and h ngs it up --puts on h s suit jac et and over-coat. n he take out his hat, I. rl /
his news aper, his ubbers, his W ~~ Ul~4(-I) p.tJi.lf'CC;umbrella his toot rush... Mean-while ~LIA has b en watching him ~ G~rc" £;tJtLlI';) Itout of he corner ot her eye ~J JI{l-l.A~dI4ll.1tiJl-/~f
JiuJ; lit: X '.s 0 ~'f:1t~ ~r.. t1) )41~p~. A4J IJJ'~ 'f. ~~
(GEORG nod s ) G>~c~1 .
AMALIA(Not quite believing what she'sseeing)
Mr. Nowack -- are you leaving?
GEORGIt should be good news ror you, Miss Balash.news. I won't be arguing with you any more.quit my job.
Very goodI've just
1-2-42AMALIA
Wl1Y?
GEORGas a matter of fact -- I didn't have much choice.
AMALIAI don tt !mow what to say
GEORGThen don't say anything. Especially not that you're sorry.Let's not end our relationship on that false note.
(GEORG closes his locker~ IGoodbye, Miss Balash. ,.in If) 1- *-- .\\, { ~,; I r .(') \ /1).&,
(GEORG starts~N.~\J ,rJ./'( u ~ "'~ J ~,>-'i u.. \:,oJ
l'I~).
Ar1A.LIANowack
(GEORG turns
the condemned woman have one las~ word?
(GEORG nods)
I Ive never wished you harm.."that.
Ever. You've got to believe
GEOmI believe you, Miss Balash. And -- may I say -- I sincerely
.' hope you marry some nice man and have many children. Am,far the sake of my suooessor in this job, I hope i~IS soon!!
(GEORG comes in~o ~he store ands~arts for the doo1.. The shop l-2Fis humming wi~h ac~ivi~y.KODALY, MISS RITTER, and SIPOSall have CUSTOr.'IERS 0 ARPAD isbringing in more s~ock)
"GOODBYE GEORGE"
RITTER, SIPOO,KODALY & ARPAD
"'
(}rLLciOODBYE, GEORGE.MARACZEK'S WON'T BETHE SAME WITHOUTYOU.SORRY TO SEE YOU GO.
~~\~IF I CAN EVER HELPLET ME KNOW.
CUSTCI.{ERSI WOULD LIKE A CAKE OF
CASTILE S~PAND A POWDER RJFP, SHAMPOO.IS THERE A SALE ON?LET ME HAVE A HAIR :NET,
BUBBLE BATH HOWMUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR
MONA LISA?CAN YOU RECGn'IE~ AN UNUSUAL
PERPUME?S(J.!ETHING RATHER CHIC BUT
INE:ImWSIVE
1-2-43RI'rvl'ER J SIPOO JKODALY & ARPAD(Con"t1nued)
GO<DBYE ,
GEORGn~~ WISH THERE WERE TIME" PaR A mOPER PARE'WELL\\ll/BUT POR BOW
GOOD LUCK, ANDGOODBYEGEORG
CUSTQfERS(Con't1nued)
THAT trlILL f1AKE A NOVELCHRISTMAS GIFT.
I THINK YOU DfOW THE KIIm I 1MAPl'ER.
DO YOU HAVE A LIPSTICK,GUARANTEED
KISS-PROOP? COOOAmIT OIL?WHATXIND
OF MASCARA?LET ME HAVE A JAR OF VANISHING
CBEAMAIlDABOTTLE OP YOUR BmT COLOOBE
AND CAN YOUWRAP IT AS A GIFT Al'!D SEND ITRJT IT ON MY BILL AIm THAHK
YOUVERY , VERY MUCH.IT'S ALWAYS SUCH A PLEASURESHOPPING HERE..
Ortv(GEORG reaches the door. MISSRITTER hands him the envelopeMARAOZEK gave her. Then shekisses GEORG on the cheek.- ~GEORG opens the door. The bellrings)
11 l),,\ p1 ~'J- v
tJ£.,HV J.pi.<.
"1fJ..It
CLERI{Sfi'~<.,(~1
SO LONG, SO LONG,PLEASE KEEP IN TOOCH.DO KEEP IN TOUCH,WOlTtT TOO ... ?
(GE~G en"ts.
S"treet traveler comes in. 1-2G
(GEORG TAG)
(Shop pantomime. Shop ~urns.AMALIA exits to stree~) (- 4..I#l.t.¥
/~' zI.i WILL HE LIKE ME
IArt IA LIA
WILL HE LIKE ME \fi E 11 WE MEET ?WILL THE SHY AND QUIET ':~.IRL HE'S GOING TO SEEBE THE GmL THAT HE IS n.1AGINED ME TO BE?wn.L HE LIKE ME ?
1-2-44AllJALIA (Oont'd)
WILL HE LIKE TIIE GIRL HE SEES?IF HE D<ESNtT, WILL lIE Draw ENOUGH TO KNOWTHAT THERE'S MORE TO I'm THAN I MAY ALWAYS SHOW?WI LL HE LIKE ME ?
WILL BE KNOW THAT THERE IS A WCELD OF LOVEWAITING TO WARM HIM?HOW I'M HOPING THAT HIS EYES AND EARS'WON'T MISINFCEM HIM
WILL BE LIKE ME? WHO CAN SAY?HOW I WISH THAT ~1E CCXD".ID MEET AN'al'HER DAYIT'S ABSURD FOR ME TO WORRY SO '!'HIS WAYI'LL TRY NOT TOWILL HE LIKE ME!-IE IS JUST GOT TO.
t lri;""'"\(" ltit
...>
ff~1\ - ~,t} I\~""L ~ ~
p~VCH)PJ~
1tJHEN I AM IN MY ROOM ALOl1EAlI1D I WRITETHOUGHTS C<J.1E EASILYWORDS C<JIIE FLUENTLY '!'HENTHAT'S HOW IT IS WHEN I'M ALONEBUT TONIGHT'!'HERE t S NO HID DfG BEHnm MY PAPER AND mN.
'\tIILL HE KNOW THAT THERE IS A WORLD OF LOVEWAITDTG TO WARM HIM?HOW I'M HOPIlJo. TF-AT HIS Em AIm. EARSWON'T MISINFORM HIM.
WILL HE LIKE ME? I DON IT KNOWALL I KNOW IS THAT I '~1 'l'EMP'l'ED NCJl TO GOIT IS INSANITY FOR lIE TO WORRY SOI'LL TRY NOT TOWILL HE LIKE MEHE IS JUST GCJl TOWILL HE LIKE ME 'l'{taLL HE LIKE ME?
L~7 LII<E ME TAG
I
"~y
,;':f"
~!~
"'...) SJ
'tfJ1-3-45~
ACT O!.'!E
f\Scene 3
In 'the shop, 'the Eftn'LOYEES areChristmas decorating. MISS RITTERis hanging tinsel ic1oles. SIPOSam KODALY are working nearby.
r1R. r'~ZEK -is in his office --siotting gloomi'ly aot his desk.
RITTER looks around for some~hing
RITTERLad1slav -- have you got a pack of ic1oles over there?
SIres(Looking)
I don't see any ...
RITTERWould you please ask Mr. Kodaly if he IS got themf
SIPOS(Turning to KODALY, who is righ'tnext 'to him) .
Miss Ritter would like to know if you've go't her icicles.
KODALY(To SIPOS)
Icicles? Please tell her that's all I've been ge~t1ng framher for several weeks. -
SIPOO(To RITTER
He says
RITTER( Unamus ed
I heard him. Why else would I be laughing so uncontrollably?(She looks around her -treeagain)
KODALYSipos -- What do you think of a woman who goes with a man,tells him she loves him -- and suddenly drops him?
(9l\ \
On the street, the street lampscome on as day fades in~O~~ght.MARACZEK' s is closed for the night.
1-3-46
KODALYA little over a week?
RITTERE1gh-t days r
KODALYI donr~ recall ~! da~es ...
You don 't recall anything.RITTER
You never did.
KODALY -l {) ~ ~ ~'You're so wrong, Ilona. I recall all of our evenings~ogether. I recall them very ~ell. and our private littlebooth a~ ~he Ra~hskeller. Remember? Oh come on, Ilona,le~'s go ~here ~onlgh~. You always loved ~he Ra~hskeller,the Chinese food, the gypsy fortune-~eller, and ~hat rhumbaband? Ilona?
L~:7 ILONA
corm TrliTH ME, ILONAI'VE msSED YOU SO MUCHHOW I ENVY YOU EACH EVENIIIG\'THEIf WORK IS THROUGHFOR I HAVE ONLY ME TO BE 1:TITHWHILE YOU HAVE YOU~ \.- b"\ \.e tiITHOUT YOU, ILONA
HOW COLD MY LOl1ELY LIFE HAS GROWNARE YOU HAPPY' ALO:NE, ILONA
-~,O".tIA., MY OWN
~
~
SIPOSNOW THAT KODALY IS HARD AT PLAYWE I LL :NE VER GET OUT OF HERE T ILL NEW YEARS DAY S 0
SIPOS AND ARPADHAPPY NEW YEAR
:~;~~-- KCWALY\ U-CJ.1E WITH ME, ILONAOG1E WITH ME, CHERIEMISTLETOE, I LONG FOR S Ol'mONEPLEASE TELL ME WHOLIICE SCIom DIVlFE DIVINING ROD
. IT POINTS STRAIGHT TO YOU
~1- 3-47
KODALY (Con"t1nued)RErEMBER, ILONA. -
THE S mnTY 'BIGHTS WE KlmW BEFOREIF YOU'LL JUST SAY THE ~'10RD, ILONAWEILL now THEM, ONCE MORE...
(They kiss)
ARPADIF IT WAS ONLY UP '1'0 MEG~S WHO I WOULD HAm UPON THE CHRISTMAS TREE
SIPOOTHIS IS WHERE I OAME Dl, Ar-1EN'!'HE FOX AND THE OBICKEIT .ARE A TEAM AGAIN
KaDALYTOOETHER, ILONA.tIE GE~RATE A SPARK THAT '8 RAREWHY DENY THAT IT' 8 THERE, ILONAYOU PEEL IT, I KNOWLET'S HELP IT ... TO GLOW...
~ 4
~(They kiss)
RITTERYou rea~ly are a~tl All right, we'll go to the Rathskeller,and I hope you've got plenty of money because I'm starved.Or is this going to be Dutch, as usual'
KODALY~ treatl'1'0, no.
(MARACZEK comes out of his office) ~J.J... L,
MAR! C ZEKGo home.You can all go home now.
BirosEh -- but the work isn't finished.
MARA C ZEKWeIll have to do it some other ~e.
SIPOOSpeaking for myself, Mr. Maraozek -- I wouldn't mim stayinga l1~le longer. You see -- Ilm in the rhythm of it now.
1-fAnACZEKI want everyone out as quickly as possible. Good night.
(MARAOZEK goes into "the offioe)Ut{ V
1-3-48
SIPOSGood nigh't, Mr. Maraozek.
RITTER(Excitedly)
It I s only nine thirty J
KaDALY(Looking a't watch)
Nine 'thirty ...(He crosses 'to w~oam)~
SIPCSArpad
ARPADWhat?
SIPOSGood news!
ARPADWhat?
You've been reprieved?SIPOS
Mr. MBraozek says we can go.
\At1f~(SIPOS goes into the Workroom. ~ ~KODALY comes oui; in his coai; and Qhai;)
RIT~:Ei~( At c-as h -:re-g-ia.:tQr ) c' J( ~
You're all ready! I'll just De a minute.bring me my things, please.
Arxad, will you
KODALY(Pause)
Ilona -- this is going to be a bit diff1oul~ ~o explain ...
but, I wonl~ be able to take you to ~he Ra~hskeller afterall.
RITTERWhat?
ICODALYI can't help myself, darling. The fac~ is: I tho~1ght wewere going to be working late -I;onight -- so I oanoalled aprevious appointment -- but now that we're finished earlyIlve just got to keep it ... you do understand? Don'tyou?
(RITTER says nothing)
1-3-49~Jr; \LW ~;\..{'i \.."~ . KODALY (Continued)
TrUst me, darling? I promise you. We t 11 go to theRathskeller ano'ther night - soon. Iet . s see now, "tonightis Tuesday... What a bout next Monday? Ilona -- cherie?
L]!7 I RESOLVE--
RITTER P IJJ1 ~ +1)I RESOLVE NOT TO IE SO STUPID
KODALY(/ h k kWill you keep Monday night open f~r me, darling?
~~
KOnALYSweetheart, say it's all right?
RITTERI RESOLVE NQ'1 TO m SO TRUSTn.rGIT'S HIGH TIME -- T~m THAT I AWOKEWHATEVER I IVE G<Yl' UP HERE IS UP HERE RtBTII\1Gr.1f'[ FEMINIl1E INTUITION IS A JOKE
(K<1D:lLY kisses he~_QIl--:tb:e--cheek) \ ~--~ ~
I MUST BE COOSI11 TO A CATI ALWAYS WIm> UP WITH A RATI'l-1 THRCXJGH WITH MO~.1EIITARY THRILLS \I FIl"m I CAN'T AFFORD THE BILLS ~~-
~~ \1\~'II"" ~
~~ :~~\ . \\JI RESOLVE CCJ.1E WHAT MAYI WILL NOT m THIS GIRL orm MORE DAY
I RESOLVE NC11' TO BE SO BRAINLESS ~ ,I RESOLVE NCJl' TO BE SO DUMB (MY USUAL BRUSH WITH LOVE IS FAR PR~ PAINLESS"AND SUDDENLY I HAVE G~ TO KNOW HOW Ca.'IE
,~
x "\~\
I RES OL VE }J Ol' TO BLAr'IE THE OlHERSJUST BECAUSE 11M AN EASY lvlA.1nCI WAm' TO KNOW WHY I lJEVER. MEET THEIR MOTHE~WHERE :MEN ARE CONCERl~ I'M ALWAYS IN THE DARK
I~.MUS'1'_.S'l'OP THINKING WITH "MY SKINI WILL NOT BE A MAWOLINTHAT S(l\'tEONE STRUMS Al-W RJ'l1S AWAY:uNTIL HE GETS THE URGE TO PLAY
1-3-50
RI'1'TER ( 0 ontiriuedI RES OLVE HERE Am> NOWI WILL BE A DIFFERENT GIRLS (Jt'1EH OW
I r ,,111 \J
~ t A-"1':o.:o() \r \ ~jI{J O-f'V.,J
(SI~ closes ~he shop door an4s~arts oft. GEORG s~ops him) \r~l
Lad 1 slav I
SIPOOGeorgI
GEDmI have to 'talk to you ... Will you oane with me to the CafeIm})eriale? It I S urgent.
SIPOSThe Cafe Imperiale?
GEORG(Nods~
She III be there -- 8i tting a1one . .. and on the table infront of her there'll be a copy of n Anaa Karen1na" witha rose in it.
Db hotsn>oo
The one who writes the letters?Your lady friend?
G E om-And I t 11 be wearing a rose -- here
.!2!:l roman"ti 0SIPOS
You know, i"t's a very ranan-tio p1o~e.exoept for one "thing...
GEORGOne "t hi ng?
SIPOOWha"t am I doing "there?-
GEORG(He 'takes a le"tter Oltt of' his pocket)
You're going to give her this le~er -- which explains I'vebeen called out of town and will write her as soon as possible.
SIPOOShe won't be disappointed?
1-3-51
.. GEORGShe'd be more disappointed if she saw me the way I am tonight.Will you give her this for me?
SIPOSOf course I will -- Although --
GEORGLet's hurry -- please? For all I know, she got tired ofwaiting and went home long ago.
L:@:7 HELLO LOVE NO.2
(They exit.L- (lA man in a raincoat and ~ comesto the door of the sho~aHe knocks.MARACZEK comes to the door and opensit)
MARACZEKMr. Keller...?
KELLER(Nods)
Mr. Maraczek..4?
MARACZEKCome in, please
j(KELLER comes into the shop)
KELLER~ Do we talk here?
MARACZEK(Nods)
Everyone's gone.
KELLERAs I told you on the phone, sir -- we've completed ourinvestigation ...
(MARACZEK takes a letter out othis pocket)
MARACZEKWho sent this to me?
KELLER11m af'raid we don't know that. Anonymous letters aredif'f'icult to track down. But we ~~ checked its contents...
(He takes out a document)
1-3-52
~KELLER (Cont'd)
As you'll ace we've been following M:.s. Maraczek. Andthere's no doubt -- she's involved with one of your clerks-- just as the letter said ...
MARA C ZEK
(Glumly)There's no doubt..
KELLER(Seeing MARACZEK's grim expression)
I'm sorry, sir.
MARACZEK(Shaking his head
live known all along. I just -- had to be sure...
KELLERShe's been going to his apartment -- NUmber 11 Court Street.Each visit is listed. Would you care to have us do aninvestigation of Mr. Kodaly?
MARA C ZEK
Who?
KELLERThat's his name -- Steven Kodaly...
(KELLER starts leafing through thereport)
MARACZEKBut I thought
KELLER(Reading)
Steven Kodaly, No. 17 Court Street, Second Floor, ApartmentSix. . .
MARACZEKKodalyl
(KELLER extend s the report toMARA C ZEK )
It's just that -- he hardly knows Mrs. Maraczek. Andthere's another clerk here -- a clerk who's been to ourhouse many times -- and I thought -- I naturally thought...
KELLERIt you'll read the report, sir.
MARACZEKYes. Thank you..,
1-3-53KELLER
there be anything else?
(MARACZEK shakes his head.TELEPHONE RINGS)
The
Then I'll be saying goodnight.
MARACZEKGoodnight, Mr. Keller
KELLERGoodnight, sir.
(KELLER exits shop
.a17 TENSION
(MARACZEK crosses to counter andanswers telephone)
MARACZEKHello, love ... yes, I know... you'll be out late then?I see ... give her my best ... No, I just feel a bit tired... of course ... of course ... No, I won't wait up ...so do I ... Bye -bye.
(MARACZEK exits to his office.ARPAD comes out of the stockroomand down the stairs. He pausesat the foot of the stairs andlooks across into the office)
Maraczekt Don'tARP AD
Don'tll Mr. Maraczekl
(BLACKOUT)
(GunShot seques into noise orBUSBOY dropping tray)
.,
~l' ~ AI ,i, i
!-c.L-'"LIj:--'
1-4-54~
~
-"\ .. ACT ONE1'\ (h. j.of . _.t~- ::'I) \JI'" ~ (?:>il{'J ~\
Scene 4
.t}
\II.~\.~~The Caf'e Imperiale.
AT RISE: A romantic-type Cafe, with candles,dim lights, a roving VIOLINIST,LOVERS at the tables. At one table,AMALIA sits expectantlY -- the bookand the rose in front of her. Shekeeps looking around nervously --and sipping a glass or red wine.
VvL~7 A ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE"
I
WAITERBUTTERli'INGERS" DO THAT AGAIN, THAT'S THE END OF YOUR
CAREER
X ~I\J:;,(Spoken)
How do you do" sir? How do you do, Madame?
DON'T YOU KNOW WE TRY TO PRESERVE A ROMANrIC ATMOSPHERE
(Spoken)Good to see ~ou again, Mr. L1s~t_.. A ,1
'I:. k *,V ~c.. ?W' L~,f\...f1 ~\{. \. - I~.a..v ~ I...
THAT t S WHAT ALL ouR PiTRONS EXPECTSO EVER! JARRING NCYl'E WILL BE RUTHLESSLY CHECKEDGEm'LY DOES IT, TRY TO PRESERVE A ROMANTIC AT-MOSPHERE.
THINK OF ALL THE LOVE AFFAIRS WE ASSISTWHAT MORE NOBLE CALLING IS THERE THAN OURSTENDING EACH NEW BEAUTIFUL BUD OF LOVEMAKING SURE EACH DELICATE SEEDLING FLOWERS
TREAT EACH TRYST AND RENDEZVOUS AS YOUR OWNBEARING IN MIND THE GRAVITY OF YOUR TASKALL THESE LOVERS WANr IS ONE QUI~ HOURIS THAT SUCH A TERRIBLE LOT TO ASK?
,CUSTOMERSsmm...WAITER t~\'"
LOOK AROUND AND SEE FOR YOURSELFTHE ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE
CUSTOMERS...(Spoken)
... Stefan1eViktor
1-4-55." ~'l ~"J ~,;r:}~b'v WAITER
THAT'S WHAT ALL OUR PATRONS DEMAtmTHAT I S THE REASON WHY THEY' HE HERE
CU STONERSMagda ... Ferencz
WAITERTHEY ALL COME HERE JUST FOR THE MO(J)AND IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME ~1 ~ ~~
TRY TASTING OUR FOODTHAT'S WHY WE HAVE GOT TO PRESERVEA ROMANrIC ATMOSPHERE.
111~.
D A){ Q¥- NUMBER
SUCH BEHAVIOUR WON'T BE ALLOwmBt1I' EVERY HOW AND THEN WE JUST G~ THE WRONG CROWDGENTLY DOES IT.t TRY TO PRESERVEA ROMANrIC ATMOSPHERE
(The WAITER goes to another table. .!rtil ~Meanwhile, SIPOS and G~Q~ve I'
(\entered .from ~n-e o~her side o.f thestage. They cannot see AMALIA --nor she them)
SIPOSWhere's the rose?
GEORGWhat?
The rose?SIPOS
Where 1s 1t?(,47~~lV~fb~--- SIPOS
That's a~?..
GEORG- (Apologetically)
It's been in my pocket all day.
SIPOSLet me have it
(GEORG gives SIPOS the rose.SIPOS starts to put it intoGEORG's lapel
~
GEORG. .Oh.. no
(GEORG takes back the rose)4
1-4-56SIPOS 'l
~s long a9 you've gone this far -- go the rest of the Way.~
L GEORG(Shakes his head emphatically
No. Just -- give her the letter -- please?Ladislav -- I really app~ec1ate this.
...
(GEORG starts to exit) ~
SIPOSWait a minuter
(GEORG stops)At least -- let's take a look at her...
GEORG :l~ look.~.
She's old.(Terriried) :/
Old and ug1Y and 'fat -- isn't she?
SIPOSI wouldn't say so.
GEORGThere must be some~hing wrong with her -- terribly wrong I
SIPOS
~? 1 GEORG~n 5ee ~i~r face I
SIPOSThe tact is: She's a very attractive girl
GEORG
SIPOS
GEORGBut will.! think so?
SIPOSWell -- of course -- that's a matter ot personal taste.Let's see now -- who does she look like?
GEORG(Hopefully)
Some -- film star?
And thank you,
1-4-57
...
~
SIPOS~I nol no. Let me think -- More than anyone elsel I'd say
I she looks like someone in the shop ...
GEORG/~#~
~
In our shop?
SIPOSAs a matter of fact -- you know who?very much like her.
Miss Balash. She looks
GEORG(Stunned)
Miss Balash? Amalia Balash?!?" attractive" ... Bolt I thought you said
SIPOSWell -- I think so. But, of course, if you don't care forMiss Balash, you Ire certainly not going to like ~ girl.
~ .
GEORGThey're ~ similar...
SIPOSSee for yourself...
(GEORG moves to a spot from whichhe can see AMALIA. The minute hespots her, his body droops. Therose drops tram his hand ~nd fallsto the floor. Then he starts toex! t ~
u~
You're just going to leave her there ?
GEORGWhat do you suggest? You wan~ me to tell her I'm the poorfool who's written all those letters? She 'd ma~e me thelaughing-stock of the city!
SIPOSHow? Arter all -- she wrote some too. "Dear Frieoo: Itook you out of' thebOx -- I cut you open..." And so on
"GEORG/1
It's impossible!
SIPOSWhat?
/ L GEORG
She never wrote those letters! She cou.ldn't have!
SIPOSYou think it's just a coincidence? She happens to like
1-4-58
SIPOS (Cont'd)this Cafe -- she happens to be reading "Anna Karenina"she happens to be using a rose as a book-mark -- inDecember I I
GEORGI can't be in love with Miss Balash Iit's Miss Balashl
SIPOSHow do you know till you try?
GEORGAnd there's same mistake, Ladislav. There's gotI know herlto be. -
SIPOSPlrxl out.Then.. talk to her.
(GEORG nods in agreement)- "' GEORG
She IS not Dear Friend. She' s not. She can I t be I ;' d - .-L
(Suddenly terrified) ~~t. -t: ..,.t..L4"'J~
(GEORG crosses to AMALIA 's table. ~~SIPOS watches -- leaving afterGEORG sits down at the table)
Can she?
~-(Pretending surprise)
Balash I
AMALIA(Really surprised)
Mr. Nowacki What are ~ doing here?
GEORGHow about you?Celebrating.
AMALIAI'm waiting for someone
GEORGAnyone in particular?
AMALIAWhat kind of girl do you think lam?.Well -- of course I
(She changes her mind)Never mind, Mr. Nowack. I know.
. GEORG
May I sit down for a minute?
1-4-59
AMALIAI'm afraid not.)'T",
GEORGwon't help me celebrate?
AMALIACelebrate?
GEORGMY rreedam~ Miss Balashl Just think or itlWednesday, and I can sleep late a8 I like.
Tomorrow's
(GEJ)RG 8i ts down at the table~~-E!.9.U -:YI~.tb~~~~~ )
AMALIA(Upset)Mr. Nowack -- I told you -- That chair -- happens to be
~eserved .
7'.. ~-- -- -- - .GEoR&--:-~,,",,:::==:=~,.
won't even have one quick drink with me?
/' AMALIAI c.an'tl
GEORGsmall, farewell drink?
(AMALIA looks around nervously)I
AMALIAIf it's very small -- and very quick ...
(GEORG pours himself a drink.He also tills AMALIA's glass,which was halt-empty)
GEORGThank you, Miss Balash.
(Toasting)Well, here's to Maraczek's Parfumerie -- and the people whowork there -- and the people who used to work there -- andall the customers -- and sleeping late on Wednesdays -- andyou -- and me -- and
AMALIA(Quickly)
that covers everything I
GEORG drinks)(She drinks.
1-4-60GEORG
'Gocxi wine.
(GEORG takes anot~er sip)
.:~f AMALIAMr. Nowack, are you spying on me?
GEORGSpying?
AMALIADid you come here to make sure I real~ have a date -- thatI wasn't Just inventing an excuse not to work tonig~
GEORGMiss Balash, who would I be spying tor? Maracze)c?
AMALIA(Very determined) ///
Mr. Nowack -- it you don't leave this table/immediately"/I'm going to call the waiter~ /i
{The WAITER, who has been hov~ringuneasily nearby ( takes this/"as hiecue to approach) /'
WAITE~Yes I Madam?
ArIIJALIA(Taken aback)Oh -- eh -- Ther~you are
WAITERMay I put a word in?
(AMALIA nJiis)
The Cafe ]mperia~~ is a rendezv~s for "lovers. Look aroundyou. We try to,/preservea romantic atmosphere. Am I findit very difric~lt madam# when you and your husband insiston fightin~-1{ght in the middle or it. Now # can't youargue at hOJRe?
This is ~ my husbandAMALIA
This is a -- business associate
./ WAITERWelY-- talk business someplace elsel please.
(WAITER exits) \;/lL- GEORG
You say you're meeting someone here?very long?
Someone you've known
1-4-61
AMALIAMr. w1ll you leave?
GEORGIt. doesn't seem right for a man to keep a girl waitingall alone ... In such a public place.
AMALIAWill you please leave?
GEORG-- Even if he's an old friend -- a dear friend
~.
AMALIAI don 't care to discuss it with you, Mr. Nowack. ~~
(MUSIC S~A~S~~ w,/(;'!" ~~ Ji & ~t"-'" c.-R~\ j(The VIOLINIST puts the violin ~ ~.~~,...y. between them and plays loud ly. M ~
(lAfter a minute or so, he withdraws ~~~ -a little. \\
The VIOLINIST starts playing atango. GEORG and AMALIA li stenfor a moment or two. They bothnoticeably relax)
GEORGWhat's the name of that tune?
(No answer)MY mother used to sing it when I was a baby
AMALIASo did mine.
GEORGMiss Balash -- do you realize? We've Just found somethingin common. At one time -- we were both infants.
AMALIABut I grew up.
GEORG
Tragi que"I think it I a called1
AMALIA(Looking around the Cate)
What it he's already been here and seen us together -- andgone? I'll never torgive your
(GEORG notes the book on the table.He picks it up and looks at it)
GEORGWhat's this?
1-4-62
AMALIAPut that back!
GEORG"Anna Karenlna"...
AMALIAYes. It's a book. ~ Leo Tolstoy.you please put it back.
A Russian. Now will
(GEORG sees the rose.it out and holds it up)
He takes
GEORGWhat's !h!!. for?
AMALIAThat's none or your business!
GEORG j(He looks at her suspiciously) oJ-
Is it possible you've never even ~ this man?, ... h~ \"'
AMALIAThat's ridiculous.
GEORGJar course it is. And yet, you know, some girls -- and somemen -- do make appointments with strangers. And sometimesit turnS-out rather well... And -- on the other hand,sometimes it turns out not so well. Not so well at all --
L=~7 TANGOTRAGIQ~)I ~t~ U '.10 {t,-l-t 1fifdL Il-t, ,~vI'LL TELL YOU OF A LONELY GIRL I KNEW. krJ ~ w",f"iK,HER STORY I FEAR ()-IS TRAGIC TO HEAR -- ,'"J I 1~--NEVERTHELESS IT'S TRUE. ~"£U::(,..t.~ <\'
HER DOWNFALL, AS I NOW RECALL, BEGANWHEN HER LONELY HEARTS CLUBFOUND HER A LONELY MAN.
SHE SAT DOWN AND WROTE..HE ANSWERED HER NOTE --AND NOW THERE WAS NO RRrREATTHEN, ONE AUTUMN DAYSHE CALLED ME TO SAYTHEY FELT IT WAS TIME TO MEET.
SHE TOLD HIM TO WEAR A ROSE BOUTONNIERESO SHE'D KNOW THAT HE WAS HE --AND HE WAS TO LOOKFOR ONE CERTAIN BOOKINSIDE WHICH HER ROSE WOUlD BE.
\...
.\
1-4-63GEORG (Cont'd)
FROM THAT DAY SHE WAS NEVER SEEN AROUND.WE SEARCHED HIGH AND LOWBUT SEARCH AS WE WOULDONLY A TRACE WAS FOUND:
\HER LEli'r LEG FLOATING IN A LOCAL BROOK.WE NEVER COUlD FI!\mTHE REST OF HER --
\ 1R HER BOOK
~ MR. NOWACK. WILL YOU PLEA§E
\
\
) AMALIA AT THE COUNT OF FIVE" I ILL SCREAM
SO" YOU'D BETTER 00 -- AND SOON I ONE!
GEORGI just want to talk to you --
AMALIADON 'T FORGET I'VE HAD SOME WINE ANDNal'HING TO EAT SINCE NOON... Two
GEORGWe could go somewhere and have a sandwich maybe
AMALIADANTE ONCE DESCRIBEDALL THE DEPTHS OF' HELL.IF' I HAVE MY WAYYOU WILL KNOW THEM WELL IThree
GEORGMiss Balash I
AMALIAYOU ARE EAS ILY THE MOST
INSENSITIVE MAN ALIVE
GEORGYou surprise me!
AMALIAI'm sorry ABUT I'M FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE ~FOUR. .. FOUR AND A-HALF... .. 0., {)JlWILL .YOU GO?I ..~ 0.,. W'fN'THEN, ~IVEl I' l}J ~ (.
The WAITER (yw .(AMALIA screams.rushes over)
1-4-64
WAITERARE YOU TRYING TO RUIN ME" LADY?I WAmmD YOU -- GET OUT I THAT'S ALL -- GET OUT I
GEORG:-, . ,\;1.. w~t a minute
WAITERYOU, TOO -- GET OUT!SCREAMING LIKE WNATICSTHAT'S ALL -- GET OUT I I
~ GEORGHow dare you speak to a lady that way?l?
WAITERLadies don 't scream in cafes!
GEORGIlm afraid you don 't qui te Und~r~tand.a .f.ly in the wine. ~ ~
WAITER
You see -- there was.~
~
What??
GEORG~~~:P (, + 3 Q~'Y~
Show 1 t WtAITER ~~ ~ \
0 me.
(Much louder)I said -- a fly in the wine.
Shhl Where is it?
GEORGOhl no. I'm afraid that's quite impossible.lady swallowed it.
You see, the
WAITER(Appalled)
She swallowed...?
GEORG(Nodding gravely)
Wouldn 't ~ scream?
WAITERGood God I
CUSTOMER ~'t.." t{ ~ wtt,-,I/;-1J..~w /{J.t~ L.-Waiter I
AMALIAReally, Mr. Nowack -- no matter how much you despise me or howunhappy you are, haven It you had enough revenge? I don Iturxierstand you.
1-4-65
GEORGHow could you, Miss Balash? You've never even listened tome -- you've never reallY looked at me...
AMALIAHow wrong you are, Mr. Nowacki I'm looking at you rightnow -- and shall I tell you what I see? A smug, pompouspetty tyrant -- very sure of himself and very ambitious.But I see him ten years from now -- selling shampoo. Andtwenty years fram now -- selling shampoo. And thirty yearsfrom now still selling shampoo I Because. basicallY, youknow what he is? Just a not-very-br1ght, not-very-handsome. not-very-young man with balding hair and thepersonality of a python I I
~ (GEORG ~t:)Mr. Nowack -- I didn't mean -- !!! those things...
(GEORG cant hear her)
Nowack
(The WArTER comes to the table asGEORG exits)
WAITERDon't call himl He'll come back.k t-..~~-(To VIOLINIST) - - ..M.Q("tt..
You can go home now, Jascha. It's almost closing time. ~~~ ~ ~
AMALIAClosing time? But I'm still waiting for someone.a rose in his lapel --
He'll have
WAITERTo match the one in your book?
(AMALIA nods)
late ~ he? £ '\)"f
AMALIA ~Over two hours.
WAITERYou Ire a very patient young lady.
AMALIAI've waited for him all my life. What's two hours?
(The WAlTER puts a clean glass anda mnall carate of wine on her table
WAITERWell~ this 1s on the house -- for luck
1-4-66
Thank you ~'(\"\
AMALIAYou khow -~ this is a very nice cafe.
WAITF.R \ _t. ~We try to prese~v~.a ro~nt:-,-c atmosphere. ~~
('l'he WAITER exits.
AMALIA Sits alone -- noting thecandles, flowers, etc. She studiesher glass of wine
L:3'I7 DEAR FRIEND
AMALIACHARMING.t ROMANTIC"THE PERFECT CAPE.THEN AS IF IT ISN'T BAD ENOUGHA VIOLIN STARTS TO PLAY.CANDLES AND WINE"TABLES FOR YOU"BUT WHERE ARE YOU"DEAR FRIEND?
COUPLES GO PAST ME..I SEE HOW THEY LOOK --SO D ISCREErLY SYMP A~ICWHEN THEY SEE THE ROSE Am THE BOOK.I MAKE BELIEVENOTHING IS WRONG.HOW LONG CAN I PRETEND?PLEASE MAKE IT RIGHT.DON t T BREAK MY HEART.DON IT LET IT END..DEAR FRIEND.
(Last couples exit. The WAITERre-enters with the BUSBOY.~eWAITER starts blowing out thecandles and stacking the chairson the tables
~~3.-rlt ~ ~...i\t...lA,a
vJ " ~~t..~,,~1~~'1~ c1.. ()...J.!..)
tYI11- ~
WAITERWe're closing up.
AMALIA v'So soon?
WAITERIt looks like your friend didn't get here
AMALIAI'm sure -there's some very good reason.
And IWAITER
Then he'll write to you -- and you can patch it up.hope you'll be very happy.
1-4-67AMALIA
Thank you.
(The WArTER stacks more chairs.As he does so, he d~g~...e therose ~h1ch_GEORG had thrown awayearner In- ~a'=IJ'=. He is aboutto show 1 t to AMALIA)
Will you tell me something? You've seen so many of thesecases. Does it ever happen that the girl is here -- andthe young man arrives -- and looks at her -- secretly --and just -- goes away -- without writing or explaining?Does that ever happen?
Sometimes.WAITER
And somet~es she looks at h~ and ~ goes away.
AMALIAHow heart-breaking that must be.
WAITERWell, you don't have to worry. You're a nice presentablegirl. Not a beauty-contest winner ... But you should seesame or the others...
(WAITER turns on restaurant work I, '
lights bathing place in tawdrywhite light)
AMALIAI MAKE BELIEVENOTHING IS WRONG.HOW LONG CAN I PRETEND?PLEASE MAKE IT RIGHT.DON I T BREAK MY HEART.DON IT LNr IT E}\[),DEAR FRmND.
CUR T A :t_~N
ACT O~
L~7 ENrR I ACTE
p ~P"CT TWO~",""=-,=
~IScene 1
Q tS)L:J:l7 OPENING ACT TWO
A Hospital Room.
A private room in a hospital.Morning.
AT RISE:
MR. MARACZEK is in bed -- wearinga hospital gown and some bandagesaround his shoulder. He is sittingup -- while a NURSE feeds him hisbreak~ast -- spoonful by spoonful.He is not enjoying it.
There is a !knce'k at the door -11 L.
~1n}MARACZEK
(ARPAD enters) .&J
(~u..l(:)t.ARPADf---'
II 1m back I
MARACZEKGood./ (To the NURSE, indicating the
breakfast tray)~-!~ ~an' tak~ this away.
==I!.h.e-NlIag E-e ah ~ -t he-t.F&Y- -al:vJ.- -exi.ts->. ~
ARP ADWell -- I did everything you told me to...
MARA C ZEKwent to the shop?
ARPAD(NodsHere I s the key. . . ... 1 ...
MARA C Z EK 'Y\.lJJ/g,AJ~ ,
did you tell them about last night? \/tot. {)A:JJ/'fw~1ft:)
ARPAPThat you shot yourselr accidentally.gun. "
You were cleaning your
2-1-2
MARACZEK~od .'
ARPADThen I delivered your messGge to Mr. Nowack.I left it with his landlady. He was out.
That 1s --
MAP.ACZEK
~ry gO~.- ARPADDh -- there's something else. Miss Balash is sick. Hermother called us. She won't be in today. -- And that'severything.
MARA C ZEKArpad, you're a credit to your profession
ARPADThank you.. Mr. Maraczek. You know -- I'm not afraid ofresponsibility. I welcome it. In £act.. I'd welcome alot more ...
MARACZEKwe 'll~e to manage
ARPADBut one more clerk would certainly come in handy.
What is it?MARACZEK
You know someone who wants a job?
~ ARPADMr. Maraczek -- you've got to stop thinking of me as justa delivery boy. In a Buit -- with a tie -- I look -- old.And I've been training myself to be a sales clerk -- train-ing hard -- for two years!
MARACZEKYou've been training ...1Ohl
L):
2-1-3ARPAD (Cont'd)
AL'l'~IOUGH IT! S SOI'iiETHING YOU HA v~ NEVER THOUGHT ABOUTMR. MARACZEK, TRY ME!YOU NEED A MAN WHO KNOWS THE BUSINE.<3S INSmE OUTMR. MARACZEK, TRY ME .
YOU NEED HELP OR I'D HAVE NEVER SPOKENAND WHY BREAK SOMEONE INWHEN I'M ALREADY BROKEN
IN THIS EMERGENCY I WOUIDNIT rm YOU DOWNMR. MARACZEK, TRY ME IOH, I CAN SEE BY THE UNCERTAIN WAY YOU FROWNTHAT YOU'VE ASKED YOURSELF, WHY ME?
FOR FIRST CLASS CLERKINGAND CONSCIENTIOUS WORKINGMR. MARACZEK, WHY NOT TRY ME!..
MR. MARACZEKThis cream 1s sour, very sour.All right Take it back.
.-ARPAD
YOU WISH TO RETURN THIS JAR, MADAMCERTAINLY, RIGHT YOU ARE, MADAMYOU SAY IT SMELLS LIKE A DROWNED CAT?(Sniffs) IT DOES AT THATAT MARACZEK'S, MADAM" WE CLAIM WITH PRIDETHE CUSTOMER MUST BE SATISFIEDTHE CUSTOMER MUST BE SATISFIED
BY THE WAY WE HAVE A SPECIAL SALE ON "AUTUMN HEATHER"LRr ME SPRAY SOME ON YOUR HAW (Wahhh)HERE .. WE ILL SMELL IT TOGETHER(Inhales) MMM...
It has the three elements of good perfume ... attractive tothe nose ... invisible to the eye and functional.
MY WIFE HAS USED IT TIME AND AGAINIT I S VERY APPEALING TO US MENI USE IT MYSELF EVERY NOW AND THEN
MARA C ZEKtake it.
ARPADCertainly, Madam I \ V
(Calls, too boyishly) POh, Miss Ritterl
(Changes his attitude...moredignified
Miss Ritter!
2-1-4ARPAD (Cont'd)THAT I S TWENTY AI\[) SIX FOR THE "AUTUMN HEATHER"
EIGHT AND THREE FOR THE CREAMTHIRTY -TWO EVEN PaR THATBO'IWrLE OF "MERMAm'S DREAM"ONE AND THREE FOR THE EYEBROW PENCILNINE FOR THE LARGE SHAMPOOAND THEN FOR THE JAR YOU' HE BRINGING BACKTHAT I S FOUR AND TWO FOR YOU.
THAT 'S A T<11'AL OF NINETY-EIGIf!' LESS FOUR AND TWOFOR THE JAR
OUT OF A HUNDRED ... HERE I S YOUR CHANGEFIVE AND TWO. THERE YOU ARE I
.
~
~)(':~ '.. (
..~
The ~~~VL ~:~._~,~ ~everal years, I believe I
~'rrif.( -Nt YO6'~MAD'~~, PLEASE CALL AGAINGLAD I COUID HELPHERE IS MY CAFmTHANK YOU, MADAM, PLEASE CALL AGAINDO CALL AGAINMADAM I
~ V't WOUID GLADLY GROW A MOUSTACHE IF YOU'D LIKEMR. MARACZEK.. TRY ME IWHY I WOUlD EVEN THINK OF GIVING UP MY BIKEMR. MARACZEK, TRY ME IFOR FIRST CLASS CLERKING ~~\ ~AW CONSC IEm'IOUS WORKING t ,~MR. MARACZEK.. WHY N<1l' TRY MEI , ..;r
MARACZEK ,,~,I X ~
You even managed to short-change me. ~\\~~:,
(GEORG enters) ~ {'
(
iI'~
"b4'.~.\(Dryly)
Very impressive.
GEORGMr. Maraczek...?
'-Y'MARA C ZEK
Oh.. Georg.
GEORGWhat happened?
ARPAD(Automatically)
He shot himself accidentally. He was cleaning his gun.
66 OJJJ 1~ MARACZEKArP~ -- will you please leave us alone?
'~
ARPAD exits) V
2-1-5
GEORG"ll". Maraczek?Are you in very much pa:
MARACZEKThe only one place that doesn't ~rt me is my left shoulder-- where I shot myself.
GEORG{Nods
Is there anything I can do?
MARACZEKFirst I've got to do something. Something very important.
~~--Oouid-8~~ You know~ t I'd do? I'd walk over~take you by thehand -- a eg YO1,1 to forgive me.
GEORI forgive you, Mr. Maraczek. Whatever happened -- whyever
it happened. I don't care.
MARACZEKNo. You can't let me off that easily.thing to you# and there's no excuse.
(He changes his mind)Well -- I guess there's one excuse: the jealousy of an old
I -man.
I did a terrible
GEORGJealousy?
MARACZEK(Ruefully)
Poor Georg. Stillln the dark. I guess you're the only manin the world who ever had an affair without knowing it.
~ l \J VL IJJ-~) ~ t1tJ»-' GEORG
An affair?.:
(MARACZEK nods)
MARACZEK(Calmly)
You've been having an affair with my wife.
{,\{\ GEORGVJ\J (Appalled)
With your wife? I With Mrs. Maraczek?l?
MARACZEKI have all the facts
GEORGBut it's not true!
".
2-1-6
MARA C ZEKI kno~1 it I B not true. I know now.we~ago -- I didn't know. --- But last week -- and two
Did you reallyGEORG
Mrs. Maraczek and ...?I can't believe itlthink -- ?
MARA C ZEKI didn't think.That's just the point.
~ l w\,,) ililiJA; LJ..~I can't get over it.
GEORG
MARACZEKWell -- Georg -- starting today -- if you're willing -- I'dlike you to take over the shop.
.. GEORG
Of couree I will. At leaet -- keep the doore open -- tillyoutre well enough to come back.
MARACZEKThe keys are on the table. Now you'd better get going.You'll be very short-handed today. Arpad tells me MissBalash isn't coming in --
GEORG(Upset)
'Miss Balash! Why not?
MARACZEKShe's sick.
GEORG~t's wrong with her?
MARACZEKHe didn't say. But you'll have to manage without her. Andwithout one other clerk as well -- Mr. KodalY. I want youto tire him.
GEORGFire him?
MARACZEKgive him two weeks salary... .,
HeGEORG
I didn't realize Mr. Kodaly was that unsatisfactory.works hard ...
MARACZEKBut at the wrong things
2-1-7.GEORG
I'm not sure I understand.
MARACZEKIf you ever run into Mrs. Maraczek -- perhaps she'!l explainit to you ... Well, my boy -- it looks like I'm a bacheloragain -- same as you. Perhaps one night you'll take me to
a cabaret...
-
GEORG:a1t I
MARACZEKYou never go to cabarets.I know.
GEORGI'll stop by tonight and give you a rull report.
MARACZEK I.l LThank you, my~;~~: j~'ll be here. O~1 £~
L~7 \.A,f ~PRISE: DAYS GONE BY
SLIM.. STRAIGHT.. LIGIn' ON MY FEETSHOES.. JUST SKIMMING THE GROUND1-2-3-, 1-2-3-, FOLLOW THE BEATAROUND.. AROUND.. AROUND
~c..f'
ALL NIGIrr ... CIRCLING THE FLOORTIL DAWN LIT UP THE SKYNO ONE YOUNGER...
- / /~--~~--=----~---~ {AmiAD enters and clears his
throat)
ARPADHave you been thinking about me as a sales clerk?.;
MARACZEKQuite seriously. But there's one thing that puzzles me. --You're so attached to your bicycle. How could you ever bearto part with it?
I could beARP AD
What if I didn't part with it -- altogether?half delivery boy -- half clerk.
MARACZEKArpad -- you just made a sale.
ARP AD
I~?
2-1-8MARACZEK
As of right now. Am I guess we can't call you Arpad anymore. I don't think I ever knew your last name. You'vegot a last name ...1
ARPADLaszlo.
MARACZEKWelcome to Maraczek's~ Mr. Laszlo.
ARP AD(Savoring it)
Mr. Laszlo... Mr. Laszlo.
MARA C ZEKNow you'd better get going.
-.- ARPAD
I'm on my way. And you can count on me!(He opens the door)
Goodbye, Mr. Maraczek...
(MR. MARACZEK is busily settlinghimself back into bed)
MARACZEK(Absently)
Goodbye # Arpad.
(ARPAD'S ecstatic expression fades.MR. MARACZEK is too preoccupied tonotice. ARPAD exits as
THE SCENE ENDS
L:!§:7 ARP AD'S EXIT
~
~2-2-9
~ACT TWO-
..~ Scene 2
AMALIA's apartment../
AT RISE: An attractive one-room apartment.It is very clean -- very neat.There is a small kitchen-dining-roam, and a living room with oneday-bed. The window shades aredrawn to keep out the daylight.
AMALIA~ in pajamas ~ is asleep inthe day-bed. Arter a maDent~ thereis a knock at the door.1tr\-
AMALIA
Who's ther~~leep11Y)
GEORG(orr)
Miss Balash...?(Knocks)
AMALIAWho is it?
GE('RG(Off)
Miss BalaSh?.;
AMALIA(She gets out of bed, rather un-steadily. She puts on a bathrobe)
Just a minute --(She goes to the door and opensit.
GEORG 1s standing there -- carryinga brown paper bag)
Mr. Nowack...?
GEORGI was in this neighborhood...
AMALIA(Very tired)
What do you want? Have you thought of something you forgot
2-2-10
Ar..f~LIA (Cont Id )to say la~t n.1.~~t? Well say i-c -- 'please -- and get it overwith. I'm not feeling very well today.
I know you're not.GEI"'RG
That f s why I 'm here.
AMALIAYou knew I was sick? How?
GEORGWell -- this will came as quite a shock to you# Miss Balash.But # the fact is# I'm back at Maraczek's again.
AMALIABack at Maraczek's?
GEORG"."
As of this morning."'
Is that it?
AMALIA(With mounting hysteria)
you've come to see if I'm really sick?
GEORGNo..no.
AMALIASo you can tell everyone there's not a thing wrong withme?
GEORGno.
AMALIA-- that I just don't care about my job?
.;
GEORGnor
(MUSIC STARTS)
AMALIAWell -- Mr. Nowack -- you're not going to have thatchancel
(She rushes to the closet andstarts pulling out hats. Sheputs one on her head
What time is it? I won 't be ~ late.
(She puts on one shoe)...
2-2-11
L:2!7 n wliEnE t S MY' SHOE ?tt
~ ~, -'\ ~'.. C_/\ WL!A'WHERE t S ~ OTHER SltbEHEtp ME F1ND MY drHER SHOEDON I T JUST STAND THERE LIKE THATWHERE'S MY SHOE
fl ~ ~~ GEORG! THINK YOU SHOULD LIE DOWN
AMALIAHELP ME FIND MY SHOEI CAN IT LEAVE UNTIL I DOWILL YOU GIVE ME MY HATWHERE I S MY SHOE
GE"RGPLEASE, MISS BALASH, LIE DOWN
AMALIAI HATE T~ DISAPPOINT YOUNOW THAT YOU HA VB YOUR HOPES UPT:JnULLED TO BE DOING SO~NG MEAN
GEORGMISS BALASH.. DO BE SENSIBLE
AMALIAJUST TELL ME IF IT'S COLD nUTCOME HELP ME PICK A SWEATERI CAN'T DECIDE ON WHITE OR GREEN
GEORGNOW I MISS BALASH1 YOU'RE SICK AND YOU OUGHT TO LIE DOWN
AMALIAWHERE I D YOU PUT MY SHOETHAT'S A SNEAKY THING TO DOYOU DON'T WANT ME TO GO, DO YOU?I CAN SEE RIGHT THROUGH YOU
AMALIAWHERE I S MY SHOEWHERE I S MY SHOEMY RIGHT --
GEORGYOU SHOUIDN' T BE ON YOUR FEgrBE A 0000 GIRL AND GOBACK TO --
IF I WERE A SHOEWHERE WOUID I F.AVE GO'JV1'EN TONOW IF I WERE A SHOE.. I'D BE ... THERE
GEORGPLEAS~I MISS BALASH1 LIE DOWN
2-2-12
AMALIAIS IT VERY COlDYES, YOU TOLD ME IT WAS COlDTELL ME WHAT KIND OF DRESS SHOUlD I WEAR
GEORGHAVE FEVER, I THINK
AMALIAI COUIDN'T WEAR A SWEATERTHAT WOUIDN'T FIT MY MOOD NOWI FEEL LIKE WEARING SOMETHING GAY
GEORGMISS BALASH1 YOU I RE HYSTERICAL
..;
AMALIAI I M FEELING SO MUCH BETTERI FEEL SO GAY AND GmDYONE SHOE AND I I LL BE ON MY WAY
GEORGARE GOING TO BED WHICH IS WHERE YOU BELONG
AMALIAAH-HAH-HAH-HAH ... SEE1THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MEI AM GOING1 YOU CAN IT STOP MESTOP IT I NOW PLEASE DROP MEPt1r ME DOWN
~~~~
GEORGNO, YOU'RE NOT LEAVING THIS
ROOMYOU'RE GOING NOWHERE BUTBACK TO Bm t
AMALIA
WHERE I S MY SHOEMY RIGIf!' SHOE
(GEORG picks AMALIA up and dumpsher on the bed. The minute shehits the pillowj she collapses intohysterical weeping. MeanwhilejGEORG straightens the roam. Thenhe gets the brown paper bag andsits on the edge of AMALIA's bed.Her weeping slackens somewhat)
Pllk ~~.(
~
\ GEORGI brought you something.
AMALIA(Through the tears)
What?. ..
2-2-13
GEORGtor yourself'.
(AMALIA sits up. She takes thebrown paper bag and looks intoit)
AMALIAis it?
GEORGIt's the best thing in the world whenVanilla ice cream.
you're sick.(He stands
I'll get a spoon.
AMALIA(Pointing to the kitchen) ~ L
In the little drawer. -~.
(She takes the container out otthe bag)
SheIt's from Lindner'sl My mother works at Lindner's!may have waited on you.
(GEORG brings her the spoon.sits down on the bed again.starts eating the ice cream)
HeAMALIA
GEORGA small, stout woman?
AMALIAOh, no. The image of me -- everyone says -- onlY muchyounger-looking.
(She stops eating)There's something wrong with this ice-cream...
GEORGThere is?
AMALIASo much salt
GEORGAll those tears falling into it --Are you surprised?
AMALIAlid better cry in the other direction.Oh.
GEORGWhy cry at all?
11m like a rag-doll#AMALIA
How little you understand, Mr. Nowack.and somebody' s kicked out the stuffing.
2-2-14
GEORG-- good as new.You'll Boon fill up aga~':
:r" AMP.LIA(Shakes her head again)
Let me tell you -- you're sitting on the bed of a verydisillusioned girl.
GEORGYou know, Miss Balash -- I'll never forgive myself for lastnight at the Cafe. I must have been drunk ...
AMALIABut -- strangely enough -- you were right# Mr. Nowacki-- When you guessed I'd never met the man I was '~aitingtor. He was just someone who'd been writing letters tome -- such glorious letters...
GEORGAnd he never showed up.
AMALIAI waited till closing.
GEORGI feel very responsible.
AMALIAOh~ no -- it wasn't just you~ Mr. Nowack. There could havebeen so many reasons. But -- ir he cared at all -- he wouldhave explained --he would have written -- a letter~ a note~two words -- something!
(The tears flow forth again.GEORG watches sad~ for a minute)
1" GEORG(Impulsively)
Miss Balashl he ~!!! writer
AMALIAI don't think eo
GEORGI'm not just guessingJHe will I know it definitely
AMALIAHow?
GEORGHe told me himself!
AMALIAHe -- himself?
2-2-15
GEORGDear Friend!:t
. No one elselYea -- of' course!
AMALIA(Ecstatic)
Dear Friend?! When?met !
TellHow'? Oh -- tell me, Mr. Nowack.
GEORGWell --(Madly improvising)
Let's see now -- You know -- when I left the Cafe last night..I had the oddest feeling someone was following me. And Ikept looking back -- and there ~ a...
AMALIA(Eagerly
A young man?.4.GEORG
A man -- and when I was almost home -- he came up and startedasking questions about you and me.
AMALIAWhat sort of questions?
GEORGjust what you'd expect ...Oh --
AMALIABut I want to know the words he said.
GEORGI'm not very good at remembering exact words
AMALIAplease?
GEORGWell -- let's see. I think the first thing he said was:"Excuse me~ but I'd like to ask you a question .f' Or some-thing like that. And then he said: "Did you just leave theCafe Imperiale?" You want to know what.!. said, too?
AMALIAOf course!
GEORG"Yes."All right. I said:
AMALIA
And then _~Eagerly)
2-2-16
GEORGHe said: "Tell me -- that girl you wer'e sitting with. Isshe a special friend of yours?" Those were his exact words:"special friend." And I said: "No. We just work at thesame shop. As a matter of fact~ she has an appointment withsomeone else tonight." I'm remembering very clearly now. AndI remember he suddenly looked quite sad.
AMALIA(Rapturous
He looked sad?
GEORGQuite sad. And then he said: "I know she has an appointmentIt.s with~. But I 'ye ~ot to ta~e next train out oftown on urgent business.
AMALIAIs he a -- manufacturer -- do you think?
?. . . .Urgent business?Or a shop-owner
GEORGHe certainlY looked well-£ed...It's hard to say.
AMALIAWell-fed?
To judge by appearances ' that I s not so unusualin a man his age. { 111
(He gets up and looks at AMALIA I s ~ H ~ ~~ ,little shelf of books) 0.0' ,~'"
You have some wonderful books here, Miss Balash.
GEORG... or course,
(AMALIA's thoughts seem to beelsewhere
(GEORG picks up one book)
"The Red and the Black." I've been so anxious to read thisI wonder -- could I borrow it sometime?
AMALIA(Absently)
What? J'1- ~ ~ 6\ ~~~
I'd like to borrow this.GEORG
I promise to return it.
AMALIA(The one-track mind)
What did you mean -- a man his age?
GEORGI beg your pardon?
2-2-17
You said:he?
AMALIA"It's not so unusual in a man his age." How old ~
GEORGWell -- of course -- you realiz& it was a dark night
(AMALIA nod s
And he'd had an exhausting day. Emotionally, at any rate.I'd guess his age at -- You know, it's hard to tell. Very-- Possibly if he had some hair...
(He shrugs his shouldersHave you read "The Magic Mountain"?
AMALIAWhat?
GEORG"The Magic Mountain." I bought it for myself -- .for mybirthday. If you like -- I'd lend it to you ...
AMALIA(RelentlessIs he -- completely bald?
~ ~ ~~ Q~ ~l ~L GEORGDoes that matter? I thought you were in love with him...?
AMALIAI am in love with him~ Mr. Nowack. I am. It's Just -- youknOW -- I thought -- I hoped... --
LVP (She pulls herself together)Ilm so ashamed of myselfl As if appearance makes adifference' I The important thing is the letters. Just lookat all the immortal works of art -- the rapturous lovestories -- that were written by elderly men~ bald men~fat men -- with indigestion and terrible tempers -- Butsomewhere -- somewhere deep inside -- they had the magic... And that's a glory beyond estimation I
~ VAo.J... ~1 ~~./ GEORG
You put it very well, Miss Balash.
AMALIAI reel very weIll I feel marvelous I I Oh -- thank you1 Mr.Nowacki Thank you ror coming here today I Thank you for mylirell
(She kisses GEORG .- quiteimpulsively. For her, it is alittle kiss -- but it rocksGEORG)
2-2-18
AMALIA (Cont'd
.AiItls 60 dark ~n here}
(She runs around the room --pulling up the window shades. '
Sun pours in)Ilm going to write to him -- this very minute. So he'll havea letter waiting. But I won't mention you -- since that mightbe embarrassing. \ 'i Ir--' Ut.b.u.~ a .4;7 ~~
GEORGYes, I would appreciate that.
(stams)Well -- I guess I'll get back to the shop...
AMALIAI'll follow -- as soon as I've written the letter I
GEORGOb, no. There's no need for that. Take the rest of the dayoff. Relax. Read a book. Have you finished "Anna Karenina"yet?
AMALIAA long time ago.yes.
GEORGSo did I. But it's remarkable how it stays with me. Youknow -- every platform -- every station platform with atrain puffing in -- is' Anna's platform -- wherever it maybe. And I can see her -- actually see her came out of thecrowd and walk slowly toward her death. I've even triedto stop her a few times. But she always vanishes into thesmoke and the steam...
f! L~ '"'II \~ V tM AMALIAHow odd, Mr. Nowack. How very odd. You know -- in one othis letters... I wish I could show it to you...
GEORGYou mean -- Dear Friend I s had the same experience?
AMALIAMore than once I
GEORG-- goodbye, Miss Balash.Well
AMALIAMay I tell you something -- quiteOh, Mr. Nowacki
LL('
Goodbye.sincerely?
(GEORG nods)
(With astonished delight)I like you, Mr. Nowack. ReallY! I like youl
2-2.19
Thank you, Miss Balash.GEORG
See you in the morning
AMALIAIn the morning.
(GEORG exits)
(AMALIA closes the door. ~e goesto the table and takes out pen andpaper. She thinks tor a moment.She sings:)
L~7 "VANILLA ICE CREAM"
AMALIADear friend...
I AM SO SORRY ABOUT LAST NIGHTIT WAS A NIGHTMARE IN EVERY WAY~ TOO ~HER YOU AND IWILL LAUGH AT LAST NIGIfr SOME DAY
ICE CREAMHE BROUGHT ME ICE CREAMVANILLA ICE CREAMIMAG lNE THAT IICE CREAMAND FOR THE FIRST TIMEWE WERE TOO~RWITHOt1l' A SPATFRIEl'mLYHE WAS SO FRIENDLYTHAT ISN I T LIKE HIMI'M SIMPLY STUNNEDWILL WONDERS NEVER CEASEWILL WONDERS NEVER CEASEIT I S BEEN A MOST PECULIAR DAYWILL WONDERS NEVER CEASEWILL W O!.D) ERS NEVER CEASE
Where was I?
I AM SO SORRY ABOtJr LAST NIGlfl'" IT WAS A NIGHTMARE INEVERY WAY" BUT TOO~R YOU AND I WILL LAUGH AT LASTNIGIn' SOME DAY...
I SAT THERE WAITING IN THAT CAFEAND NEVER GUESSING THAT YOU WERE FAT
(She crosses this out)THAT YOU WERE NEARYOU WERE OUTSmE LOOKIltKJ BAlD
unr...- (She takes a new piece ot paper)
Friend ...
2-2-20
AMALIA (Cont' d )I AM SO SORRY ABOUT LAST NIGHT
.,#
..
LAST NIGlfr I WAS SO NASTYWELL" HE DESERVED ITBUT EVEN SO ...THAT GEORGIS Nor LIKE THIS GEORGTHIS IS A NEW GEORGTHAT I DON'T KNOWSHOMEHOW IT ALL REMINDS MEOF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDEFOR RIGIfr BEFORE MY EYESA MAN THAT I DESPISEHAS TURNED INTO A MAN I LIKEIT IS Au-IOST LIKE A DREAMAND STRANGE AS IT MAY SEEMHE CAME TO OFFER ME VANILLA ICE CREAM...
2-3-21
ACT TWO
Soe~e 3~ ~~ --
~'IARACZEK IS. IJ MG wOutside the shop -- a sunny wintermorning.
AT RISE:
L~7 "SHE LOVES ME"
GEORG'WELL, WELL ,WELL , WELL, WELL, WELL,1IlELL , WELL , WELL , WELL 1-
1-IILL WO:NDERS NEVER CEA~?
I DIDBIT LIKE HER ...DmNIT LIKE HER? I COULDNIT STAIm HERCOULDNIT STAIm HER? I WOULDNIT HAVE HERI llEVER KNEW HERBUT NOW I DO ... AND I COULD ...AND I W~ ... Al'm I Kl~OW ...SHE LOVES "18Arm TO MY AMAZEMENTI LOVE ITDrOWING THAT SHE LOVES 1mSHE IDVES METRUE, SHE DCESN'T SHOW ITHOW COULD SHEWHEN SHE D<ESN'T K1TOW I~.
YESTERDAY SHE LOATHED i"1E ... BAR INOW, TCDAY SHE LIKES ME ... HARIA:m> TCJ.10RR(:1Il, TCJttORROW ... ARI
1.1Y TEETH ACHEPRCI1 THE URGE TO TOUCH HERI 'M S~CHLESSFCE I MUSTN'T TELL HERIT I S WRONG NOWBUT I T WON'T BE LONG NOWBEFORE MY LOVE DISCOVERSTHAT S HE A 1m I ARE LOVERSDIAGI:NE HOW SURPRISED SHE'S BOOED TO mSHE LOVES MESHE LOVES ME f
2-'3-22
11 SHE LOVES MEn ( Conti nued )
GEORG (Continued)I LOVE HERISN'T THAT A WO:lcWERI WONDERWRY I DIDN'T WANT HERI WANT HERTHAT'S '!'HE THING THAT riATTERSAI-ill MArrvl'ERSARE IMPROVING DAILY
YESTERDAY I LOATHEm HER ... BAH INOW TODAY I LOVE HER ... HAH IAND TOMORROW, TCMORROW ... AH I
I'M TINGLImSUCH DELICIOUS TINGLESI 'M TREMBLIEWHAT THE HELL DOES TlIAT r'IEANIIM :ElREEZImTHAT'S BECAUSE IT'S COLD 0U'l'BUT S TILL I f M INCAEESCEIlTAND LIKE S<JtI1E ADOLESCENTI tD LIKE TO SCRAWL ON EVERY WALL I SEESlIE LOVES MESHE LOVES ME I
(GEORG goes in~o his office. Hetakes off his coa~ and ha~ asSIPOS and MrSS RITTER rusp in r1. J .joyousJJ) OIA~ lJM { ~ ~ ~.fl).Br'o.
, -- lA I
S !POS tl..AJ~ L
"(To GEORG)Sit down. \Sit down.
\
\SIPOS s"tudies him)(GEORG does.
GEORGWith apologies to r~. Maraozekls ohair...
SIPOSToo young. Too skinny.No"t so impressive.
RITT'.fR ' ) i_I, J
{1}JtL.CJ ,(tP ~think he f s beautifUl.
(IfNOCl:::.t.- ~ e d 0 or )
GEORG.-
(MR. K<R>ALY o~-:t!:~~~s"tioks his head in) '\ <-°.
2-3-23
$- We doKaDALY
Excuse me - but I colud l'.Be SOlile help in there.have customers - you know.
(Withdraws his head)
GEORGThat reminds me: I've got 'to have a word wi'th r-tr. Kodaly.
~~ ~~~~~-~:~~-=~~~~~~l~ ; R I TT ER ~J...\~..-rU~1~~
Isnl't it wonderful I I ~ ,"'~~ ~lSIPOO
A miraolel An absolute miraolell\ ~ (Wanderi~ inquisitively toward
\\t."" ~"the door)l'word with Mr. Kodal.'Y ....,Oh -- who cares a bout him?-
RITTERTha~ls all in ~he pas~.
SIPOSIt is?
RITTEREver since last night -- remember what a silly confUsed girlI was last night?
SIPOSYou were?
RITTEROh, very! I didn't know ,;hat "GO do or where to go -- Andthen somehow my feet started walking down the street andacross the bridge and pas.t the Metropole Cinema -- and doyou know where?
SIPOS'Vn1ere?
RITTERRigh"t in"to "the library I
SIPOSThe library?
RITTERCan you imagine?
SIPOOHow did you like it?.-
RITTERYou've never seen such a place.marble ... so quiet ...
So many books... so muoh. .t
2-3-24
L:~:7 A TRIP TO THE LIB~
RITTERA:NIJ SUDDENLY ALL OF MY CO:tTFDJENCE DRIBBLED AWAY"lITH A PITIFUL PLOPMY HEAD WAS :BEG INNIliG TO SWIM AND MY FOREHEAD'WAS COVEgEf) WI'l'H COLD PERSPIRATION! STARTED TO ~CH FOR A BOOK AIm MY HAl'mAUT CJ-1ATI CALtY OA~ TO A STOPI DON'T KNOW HOW LbNG I STOOD FROZEN, A VICTIMOF PANIC AND MORTIFICATIONOR ... HOW I WA:NTED TO FLEEWHEN A Kn:iDLY 'VOICE... A GENTLE VOIaEwi:t'ISPERED ttpARDON ME"
SIPOSPar{1. on me '/
RITTERAIm T~ WAS THIS DEAR, SWEET, CLEARLY RESPECTABLETHICKLY BESPECTACLED MAl:r'WHO STOOD BY MY SIDE Arm QUIETLY SAJD TO f'1E ... "MA t AIif'DmrtT MEAN' trO INTRUDE, BUT I WAS JUST WO:NDERII:rG.ARE YOU IN 1'lEED OF S a'IE HELPI SAID "NO... YES I AM"S WEn' THING I KlIOW, I If! SIPFIFG HOT CHOCOLATEAND TELLING MY TROu~S TO PAULWHOSE TEWER BROWN EYES KEPr SEImnrG CQ/fPASSIONATE LOOKSA TRIP TO THE LIBRARYHAS MADE A NEW GIRL OF MEFOR SUDDENLY I CAN SEETHE MAGIC OF BOOKS
I HAVE TO ADMT IN THE BACK OF MY MINDI WAS PRAYnTG HE WaJT-IDN'T GET FRE5HA:ND ALL OF THE WHILE I WAS ~tlm1DERnTG mAN ILLITERATE GmL SHOULD ATTRACT HIM'!'HEN ALL OF A SUDDE}T lIE SAID THAT ICOULDN'T GO WRONG \oTITH "TI-m WAY OF ALL FLESH"OF COURSE IT'S A N<N'EL BUT I DmN'T KNOWOR I CERTAINLY WOULDN'T HAVE SMACKED HIM't-lELL, HE GAVE ME A SMILE'mAT I COULDN IT RESISTAND I KNEW AT afOE ... HOW MUCH I LIKEDTHIS OPl'CJt1ETRIST
SIPOOAn op"tome'tris"t'
RITTERYES!YOU KNOW 'WHAT THIS DEAR, SfBET, SLIGHTLY mS:EECTACLEDGENTLEMAN SAID TO ME NEX!1'HE SAID HE GOOLD SOLVE 1'HIS PROBLEM OF MI:NEI SAm... "HOW?"
2-3-25
RITTER (Con"tinued)HE SAm IF I tD LIKE, fIElD WILLIIIGLY READ TO MESa1E OF HIS PAVORITE TRImsI SAID "WHEN"? ... lIE SAID "NOW."HIS NOVEL APPROACH SEEr'IED HIGHLY SUSPICIOUSAND RESIBLY DABGEROOS, TOOI TOLD MYSELF "WAIT... THINK... DARE YOU GO UP
TO HIS FLAT?WHAT HAPPENS IP THINGS (.'-0 WRONG?IT'S OBVIOUS HE'S QUITE STRaPG ..."HE READ TO ME ALL l:rIGH'l' LOlm rNOW, HOW ABOUT THAT?
IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE HOW TRULY DOMESTICAIm HAPPILY HOPEFUL I FEELI PICTURE MY PAUL THERE READING ALOOD AS I ... COOKAS LONG AS BEtS THERE TO READTHERE . S QUITE A GOOD OllANOE, I'NDEED ,A CHANCE THAT It LL NEVER J.1EED TO OmN A BOOK I
UBLIKE SalliEO:NE E~S a-mONE I DIMLY RECALLI IQ1OW HE ILL ONLY HAVE EYES FCE. MEMY OPl'OME'l'RIST ... PAUL
( 'l'be-re-"1:~ -kneQ k ~ ~ d:oc r .GEORG re-en-ters the 'Oftt"O'il
SIPOS(Probing)
spoke "to Mr. Koda~?
.I GE<:EGYes. And I might as well tell you: Mr. Kodaly is leavingus -- right now. Mr. Maraozekls orders.
RITTERBut wha't happened?I mean -- it's nice.
GE<E.Gafraid I can It tell you.
RITTERI bet I know. I warned him theY'd catch up with him. Dcyou know that half the perfume and toilet-water in this shopemed up in his bathroCmlI
(Realizes what she said)I mean -- he told mel ./1
(She dashes out) \ ,
. ..
SIPOS(With elabora~e oalmness
Oh -- inc1den~ally -- now tha~ you're back and ever~hinglss"traightened ou"t - I might as well tell you: I sent theanonymous letter.
(SI~ starts out quicklY \\-
2-3-26
GEORGLad1slav!
(SIPOS stops
Wba"t anonymous le"t"ter?
SIPOS(A li~tle less casual)
You didn't know? Wba~ did you ~hink caused all ~he trouble?I wro~e to ~1r. Maraczek a bou~ his wife and one at ourclerks ...
..".
./GEORG
I don't believe you!
SIPOS(Ge"tting serious
I was despera"te' Business was so bad' And I though"t tomyse1f -- if he fires Mr. Kodaly -- who deserves i"t --he might no"t fire me -- who doesn't.
GEORGDo you realize how milch t"rouble you've caused?
SIPOS(Earnestly)
Illl regret it to the day I die.I1araozek would think I meant ~?
Bu"t who ever dreamed Mr,
GEORGWell -- Ladislav -- I jus~ hope youtve learned your lesson.
In the nextSIPOS
Oh -- I have. I have. You can believe me.le~ter -- name the names!!
t-SIPOS exits into the shop.follows him)
GEOm
L31-::7 SIPOS t EXIT.
GEORGWeIll oon~1nue ~h1s oonversa~on 1a~er. ~
SIPOS .,,~~(In f11gh't)
That's what Ilm afraid of.
~fpOS ~Jti,J j,,8l<.~ \<4 1\:
- .~
(SIPOS pre~endB ~o busy himse1f.GEO~ wa]JcCB o~r -to f:fISS mTERa~D~.:§a~--regi~e1' )~-~ -'
2-3-27
GE ORG(To mss RITTER)
I need two weeks pay for Mr. Kodaly.~..
(MISS RITTER reaches under thecash-register and brings up asealed envelope. She smilesbroadly. GEORG nods)~~ L
RITTERNot not my pleasure!Here it is.
(The :front door opens and a ICUSTOMER en~ers r She walks ntoward RITTER) q ru J-r) t.M'i ~
May I help you?day) lI.1adam.
OUS T <Jt1ER
~ h k f.I\
(Pointing)How Im.1.ch are these? 6\
{Meanwhile, GEORG has gone backinto the office.
The front door opens and ARPADenters excitedly. He goes toSIPOS
ARPADSipos - guess what?
SIPOSWhat?
ARPAD"'11m a clerkl
SIPOO\iell -- oongra"tulations, Arpadt
ARPADMr. r.'Jaraozek just promoted me.r t m not Arped any more.
Dh -- and something else --
SIPOSWho are you?Youtre not --1
A,."1::l,P AD
Mr. Laszlo fPrOudly)'"
SIPOSLaszlo?
2-3-28
AP~ADWhy? It's my last name!
(MISS RITTER's CUSTOMER goes tothe front door and opens it)
l}:g:7 THANK YOU MADAME #5
RITTER, SIPOO, ARPAD- - ~THANK YOU, .MADAMPLEASE CALI. AGAIN.DO CALI. AGAIN, MADAM.
(The CUSTOMER exits)
SIPOSMiss Ritter -- May I present our new clerk -- ~~. Laszlo.
ARPAD
It's truel(To RITTER.
Ask :M:r. Maraczek
tl ~RITTERArpadl How wonderfull
(KaDALY has come out of' theWorkroom -- nat"i;ily dressedfor outdoors -- and 1~earing aha-t)
L
KaDALYWhat's wonderful?
'j.~A clerkl
ARPADStarting righ"t now'I'm a oJ.erkf
Can you believe it?
KODALY } {()))J ftf~ ~ \ rSteven Kodaly replaced by a delivery boy!?
ARPADReplaced?
KODAL Y d~ ~ \JJ.}I'-
Yes, Arpad, I'm leaving ... I just resigned.here another day.
I w ouldn rt stay
SIPOS ~ L, lLYou've just been fiiedi~How could you?
KODALYFired? All right -- believe tl1at if it makes you hap~. Butyou're not going to be happy for very long. Beoause any daynow that door will olose for the last time. Then you just1;ake a wa~ over to Hammerschmidt's ...
2-3ae29
SIPOSI-I:. s clcded.
theY're!CODALY
only "temporarily. For renovations. You see -going to have a new owner: S"teven Kodalyt
SIPOS(Derisively
Some owner.
RI'l"l'ER(Dead- I8ll)
Of course I do.(She~ ~ him~he envelope
Here's your d ~ .'iE.ymen"t.- -:
(KODALY takes the envelope
"GRAND DrOWING YOU"LJ1:7KCIDALYCherie --
I'l' 'S BEEN GRAND KNOWIlTG YOUGRAlill KNOWI1JG YOUGRA:ND BEING YOUR FRIElmYOU I VB BEEN KIill, LOYAL A~mSO GENEROUSRIGH'l' DOWN TO 'l'I-]:E ElmPLEASE DON'T GRIEVEWATCHING r.E LEAVETHAT WOULD BE MUCH TOO PAINFUL TO STA:NDIT'S BEEN FUNNOW I MUST RUN
. '\.LBUT I~S BEEN GRAND ~ECTLr GRA~ 1 iw.y ~ ~ tl- 'Y\ {... 4 t)"l{.o (tI ~ t~ Mv fo ~
non , ~T:lELL cHERIEBE BRAVE, CHIN UP, IT I S BEEN SUBLIMEYOU MUS'l'N"l' WASTE A PRECIOUS MOMENT OVER MEYOU DON'T HAVE TIMEJUST RD1EMBER vlHEN YOU 'RE LONELY OR BLUE'l'HERE'S A HOLLOW IN Iff PILLOW -- FCE YOU
~ 'f'. (,<:;1..f 0 'jAnd, SipoS, wha"t can I say?..
AR, SIPOO, NO TEARS, BE GAYYOU KNOW, OLD FRIE}1D, 11M IN YOUR DEBTI OWE YOU MORE THAN I CAN POOSIBLY REPAYI WON'T P<E.GET
2-3-30KODALY (Continued)
GIVE YOUR WIFE A LITTItE I"'1SS ]':[o).~ KODALYI ~:EVER MET HER -- BUT I WILL -- BYE AIm BYE'reO t I HATE LEAVING YOUHATE LEA VING YOURWARM, INTIMATE CLUBIT'S A Sf-fALL PLEASUREBUT I' LL TREA S UREEACH WARM, INTIMATE SlroBIT'S BEEN GRAND, LET ME SAYAND LET ME SAYAUREVOm, NO'!' GOaDm"EF<E. IT'S GRAImnTOWING YOU'LL ALL BE WORKINGFOR YOUR FRIENDKaDALY
£:11:7
. ..
2-4-31
L:!I2:7 TO HAMMERSCm4IDT I S
ACT TWO
Scene 4
outside the shop.
AMALIAGood morning, Mr. Nowack.
GEORGHow are you today?Good morning, Miss Balash.
AMALIAI'm ready for thousands of customers.
(MUSIC STARTS
f
GEO~v t...{).I'flJ(Nods)Only twelve days to go
L::§:7 12 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS
CAROLERS12 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS12 DAYS TO CHRISTMASPLENl'Y OF TIME TO DO OUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOP IN TIMESHOP IN TIME, PLEm'Y OF TIMETHESE ARE THE PEOPLE WITH TIME TO SPAREWHO SHOP AT THEIR CONVENIENCE
12 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS12 DAYS TO CHRISTMASLOOK AT THE WAY THEY DO THEIR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
THEY CAN GO SHOPPING AND STILL REMAINCAIlef AND SEDATETHESE ARE THE PEOPLE WE ENVYAND THE PEOPLE THAT WE HATE I
AlIn) THEY HAVE THEIR NAMES PRINTED ON THEIR CARDS...IN JUNE
CUSTOMERSTHANK YOU" THANK YOU" WE'LL CALL AGAINWE I LL CALL AGAIN" THANK YOU.. .
(GEORG and AMALIA enter fram shop)
2-4-32
AMALIAQuite a day, eh, Mr. Nowack?
GEORGIt certainly was, ~ss Balash.
AMALIAIt was excellentOh, thank you for the boo,~.
GEORGMind if I walk you to the bus stop?I'm glad you enjoyed it.
AMALIA~~,.L{' 'r k-No" not at all.
CAROLERS9 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS9 DAYS TO CHRISTMASSTILL ENOUGH TIME TO DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOP IN TIMESHOP IN TIME, STILL ENOUGH TIMESENSIBLE PEOPLE WHO ORGANIZETHE TIME AT THEIR DISPOSAL
9 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS9 DAYS TO CHRISTMASSTILL ENOUGH TIME TO DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO PLAN THEIR DAYSWISELY AND WELLTHESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOP IN TIMEAND THEY CAN GO TO HELL
AND THEY MAIL THEIR PACKAGES OUT IN TIME...IN AUGUST
CUSTOMERSTHANK YOU, THANK YOU, WE I LL CALL AGAINWE I LL CALL AGAIN, THANK YOU... . J~ //d14U'
wASAMALIA
Good night, Mr. Nowack.
GEORGAre you in a very great hurry, Miss Balash?
AMALIANo. Not at
GEORGI thought -- a cup of co~~ee -- on the way to the bus ...
AMALIA nI'd love that, Mr. NowackI Iv' ~
2-4-33
CAROLERS4 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS4 DAYS TO CHRISTMASJUST ENOUGH TIME TO DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOP IN TIMEJUST IN TIME" BARELY IN TIMETHESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO CALCULATEWITH CLINICAL PRECISION.
'\
4 DAYS TO ClffiISTMAS4 DAYS TO ClffiISTMASTHESE ARE THE FOLKS WHO NEVER WASTE A SECOND
FULL OF CHILLY EFFICIENCY, LOADED WITH GALLNEVER TOO EARLY AND NEVER LATEAND THEY I RE THE WORST OF ALL.
AND THEIR CARDS ARRIVE ON THE 24th... 24TH!
CUSTOMERSTHANK YOU, THANK YOUWE t LL CALL AGAIN, WE I LL CALL AGAIN
THANK YOU
CAROLERSONE DAY TO CHRISTMASONE DAY TO CHRISTMASNOT ENOUGH TIME TO DO OUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
WE 'HE NaI' THE SHOPPLE WHO PEEPED IN TIME ...WE'RE NOT THE SHEEPLE WHO poppm IN TIME ...WE' HE NaI' THE PEOPLE WHO SHOPPED IN TIME.. .SHOPPED IN TIME, NaI' ENOUGH TIMEWE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ALWAYS WAITm.n'IL IT'S MUCH TOO LATE, OH
ONE DAY TO CHRISTMASONE DAY TO CHRISTMASHOW WILL WE EVER DO OUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
2-5(..sH2~~ &
WHY DID WE EVER DELAY SO LONG?WHO CAN RECALL?S<XvIE OF THE PAMILY MAY NOT Gm' A CHRISTMAS G IFrAT ALL...
(They follow the last shoppers into thestore...when the set opens they are com-pleting their purchases and leaving)
CLERKS, CUSTOMERS, CAROLERSTHANK YOU.. THANK YOUWE t LL CALL AGAIN, WE I LL CALL AGAIN ~ THANK YOU
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
2-5-34
ACT TWO--
S£ene 5
fLGr1 .~ { ~~t/r - 1").0,
11'~t\' (j O '. {\,A ~"'"\. --'1~'()~ t.~ I {.\-I' -t .. - ~\
(\ . I/) fJ-¥- - . '!iN-'1'1' \~' tyr
V'..,~ ~ A'It)"
MISS RrTTER is making busy musicon the cash-register as GEORGwatches eager~. ARPAD, SIPOS,and AMALIA are straightening up.
(~'wJ. ~MMISS RrTTER pulls a long tape outor the cash-register.
~T~
; ~! \ \.!./"\.A) ~Xf- RITTER
Here it is...(She hands it to GEORG)
GEORGNot bad.
SIPOSIt's at least eighteen inches longer than lastNot bad?
year!
AMALIA-- If only every night were Christmas Eve
RITTERIlm not sure I could take it. I haven It stopped for aminute ...
ARPADI waited on fifty-three customers .. personally
AMALIAToo bad Mr. Maraczek couldn't be here
GEORG(Holding up the tape)
\vell -- I'll go by the Hospital tonight and take this withme ...
(G~ wanders over to SIPOS andhelps him cover a counter)
Well -- it's coming. She's going to invite me home forChristmas Eve.
SIPOSSplerxi1dl
Why splendid? I can't go.finally meeting Dear Friend
GEORGThis is the night she's
2-5-35
SIPOSBut you're Dear Friend
GEORGThat's just the point!
You want to untangleSIPOS
I give upl It's too camplicayed for me.it? Shoot yourself. £'II::-l ~ L-- V tJJ i;;~<' t-(}i:)"1/\.
(Meanwhile MISS RXTTER is lookingout the window)
RITTERAmalia -- my friend's picking me up.when he gets here?
Will you let me know
(MISS RITTER starts for the work-roam. ~GEORG starts for the officeAMALIA intercepts him)
AMALIADh -- Mr. Nowack...All right.
L:R7 THE INVITATIOW
...Mother and I'd be so happy if you'd spend Christmas Evewith us ...
GEORG(Hesitating)
Miss Balash ...
AMALIAIt's such a special Christmas Eve.be there? Dear Friend I
You know who's going to
GEORG(Innocently)
Who?
AMALIAThe man I've been corresponding with. Remember?Dear Friend
. GEORGBut I certainly don I t want to intrudeOh -- of course.
AMALIAIntrude I You'd be helping I After all -- you know him.You've met him. And you're so alike. Really. You canhelp me with the conversation, ~h~ it gets to,~ ~~:e~ f"~r. me.Please, Mr. Nowack...? 61--f[v-I W l r>1J, i1<- ~(i,}J(tt ! (" '1., '~?J 1"0:1
GEORG(Giving in)
I just hope this isn't a mistake, Miss Balash.
2-5-36
AMALIAI ~ it's not!
L:~7 MARACZEK I S CHAMPA~
(There is a knock at the front door.ARPAD opens it. MR. MARACZEK isthere, carrying a bottle of champagne)
MaraczeklARPAD
Look who's herel Mr. Maraczekl
MARACZEKWhere else would I be Christmas Eve?
GEORGMerry Christmas, sir.
(GEORG and MR. MARACZEK shake hand s .GEORG holds up the tape)
MARACZEKYou did all that in one day?
(GEORG nods proudly) ~AMALIA
Merry Christmas!
(MISS RrrTER comes out of theworkroom -- carrying coat, hat,books, and glasses)
RI'rrERI thought I heard your voice ...
(To MR. MARACZEK)Merry Christmas! t
(She stops to put down her books) ~~~fd~
MARACZEKMerry Christmas, Miss Ritter.
(Indicating the champagne)Have you time for a drink?
RITTERChampagne? I'll ~ timet
(SIPOS comes out of the workroomdressed tor outdoors)
SIPOSSuch a surprise IMaraczekl
Merry Christmas, Mr. Sipos.MARA C ZEK
Will you bring six cups...?
2-5-37SIPOS
,:\te:' cooler tor(Goes to the vthe cups)
Of course.
RITTERopen it. I love to open champagne. PommeryA .~ ~ ~.~~
(She goes to work on the bottle) }uj~ I~J~~ ~ p~r~
-~ ~ '""\- n~c.-GEORG
(To MARACZEK)How do you reell sir?
MARACZEKexcellent
(SIPOS brings the paper cups anddistributes them)
SIPOSThe goblets
(RrTTER and ARP AD open the champagne)
RITTERShall I pour?
The . champagne I
$(l.MARACZEK 't+
or course.
(MISS RITTER fills the cups)
It's good to be home.
GEORGThe toast, Mr. Maraczek...?
(MARACZEK holds up his cup)
Christmas Eve. The shop.MARACZEKAll of' us together.
All drink)
GEORGMerry Christmas, sir.
MARACZEKMerry Christmas.
AMALIA
(She takes CU~ ~~ h ~
" . ~ ,.f 1;
I?
~~
~I'~
2-5-38
MARACZEKGeorg
GEORGYes, sir?
We'll go toMARACZEK
Tell me -- what would you say to a gala dinner?some nice restaurant -- Weber's, perhaps.
GEORGI wish I could, Mr. Maraczek.
MARACZEKBut you were not expecting me. I understand.
GEORGI've been invited by ~ss Balash
MARACZEKDon't give it another thought, my boy.important.
It's not that
r'oi\7 ~ ffRrrvrER ,.. J..(.) l
-Av~1(At the wlndow)I think it's -- It looks llke -- lt lsll
... .:\1rJ.{'It ~~f<.
SIPOS(To all
Miss Ritter's friend!He's here I
(AMALIA rushes out of the workroom)
RITTER(Looking out the window)
Isn't he handsome I
(A YOUNG MAN, very intelligent-looking, appears on the sidewalk.He walks toward the shop -- stopsa moment -- then walks some more)
SIPOSIntelligent looking.
AMALIAHe has such beautiful eyes.
RrIvrERHe's an optometristt
ARP ADMuch better than Mr. Kodaly. I'll say ~.
2-5-39
AMALIAI love the way he walks.
SIPOSlook at that coat -- that hat.
ARP ADIs he rich?
RITTERI don't know.
AMALIAHe has dimples I
RITTER -+ r JbJ l M ~ &' Qf O¥I-All right -- you've just settled it I Tonight -- when heasks me to marry him -- I am going to say yes I
AMALIA(Astonished)But I didn't realizeTonight?
(~HE-¥OO~;G ;.1/,.~: kneek 8 at tiie"shopd;oop.1-~e
Really -- Ilona -- I had no idea...
RITTER(Wickedly)
Neither does he.(War'in"ry)
Well -- Merry Christmas.
ALLMerry Christmas I
(MISS RITTER gets out the door --remembers something -- and startsback into the shop. She puts onglasses, gets two books, and withan enormous smile goes out thedoor)
C:;
SIPOS(Watching them go)
Ah -- youth. Well -- Mr. Maraczek -- thank you for thechampagne. And now my wife and children are waiting forme. And my wife's sister. And her children. And Godknows who else. Good night. ---
ALLGoodnight.
(SIPOS goes out the door)
2-5-40MARA C ZEK
Arpad
L:~7 TO WEBER'S- -- - - ---
ARP ADYes, sir?
MARACZEKyou busy tonight?
ARP ADsir.
MARACZEKYou're having dinner at Weber'syes, you are.
ARPADWeber's! What is it?
(GEORG comes out of the office)
MARACZEKArpad and I are going out for a night on the town... MerryChristmas, Miss Balash.
AMALIAMerry Christmas, Mr. Maraczek.
ARP AD(To AMALIA
Merry Christmas.
AMALIA(To ARPAD)
Merry Christmas.
MARA C ZEKGeorg --
(They shake hands affectionately
ARP ADMerry Christmas, Mr. Nowack.
GEORG(To ARPAD)
Merry Christmas.
ARPADI'm going to Weber's.
('ri.1.-~(As MR. MARACZEK and ARPAD exit, ~shop turns as we are outside)
I(
2-6-4J.
ACT ~Q6Scene .
OU'tside the Shop
:M:ARACZEKTell me -- Mr. Laszlo -- is there anything special you'dlike for Christmas?
ARPAD. . .It's too much to hope for
rIARACZEKWhat is it?
ARPADI won rot ge-t i -t anyway.
lIARAC ZEKtell me.At least --
ARPADWell -- what I Id really l11ce --a motorcycle.
more than any-thing -- is
You're right, my boy.MARA C ZEK
You 'Won't ge"t 1"t.I -'"\
( They are gone) 6-
L:~7 qW~I~Q: THE SHOP
(AMALIA Gomes out of the shop.GEORG, from the il1Side, pulls upthe Austrian blinds and lightsthe shop window. AMALIA olaps herhands happily. GErnG comes out,loOks the door, and reaohes forAMALIA t s IBokages
GEORGcarry those -Al-1ALIA
Thank you.(One package drops to the s1,4e-walk. It plays the Musi~Box Tune.AMALIA looks embarrassed)
2-6-42
GE ORGA cigarette Box?
AI.IALJA(Apologeti cally)
I know you hate them. But I've always rather liked them.And I thought -- as a e;ift for Dear Friend.
(GEORG picks up the box, whichsto~ its music)
GEORGYou know., Miss ~4sh -.- I donl"t hate these boxes nearlyas much as I used to. In fact, I wouldn't mind owning oneIrijTserl:f.
AMALIAYou wouldnt"t?
GE ORGIf only ~o remind me of the firs~ day you came hereRemember?
(AMALIA nods)
I'll never forget it ...
(Imitating her)I'What kind of box, madam? Eh -- it's a candy box!funotionalJ Very -- funotionall
And it's
Af-'lA.LIADid I really sound like ~hat?
GEORGYou sounded -- irresistible. As a matter of fact -- Iremember thinking -- that's the kind of girl I could almostfan in love with.
AMALIAyou never ~ anything t
could I1GE ORG
I knew how you felt about me ...
But you didn t t knowattracted "to you.never spoke up ...
Ar-JALIAI Really I You didn It I Because I wasMore than attracted... -..lhat ashame we
L~:7 VANILLA REPRISE L":' FljTALE ACT TWO
2-6-43
G:'?JORGI AI1 SO SORRY ABOUT ~T l:J:GHTIT WAS A NIGHTMARE IN E"'!~ WAYBJT TOGETHER YOU AI-ill IWILL LAUGH AT LAST NIGHT S(J-'1E DAY
AMALIADEAR J'RI Em>IT IS REALLY TRUE THEIIIT IS 'WHAT I HO:mD FORTHAT IT WAS YOU
GEORGDEAR FRIENDI HAD TO TELL YOUI COULDN'T STAIm ITm:JTIL YOU KlmW
GEORG AMALIAOR, GEORGI WAS SO Al:JXIOUSI WAS AFRAill THATI 1M SO RELIEVED
TWO tlEmSI'VE !mOWN FOR TWO WEEKSI WAS S 0 T»'IPJ!EDI DIDlif'T DARE
I WANTED YOU TO KrTOWI PRAYED THAT IT WAS YOU
I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVEGUESSED
TO TELL THE TRUTHI CcmDN f T WAIT AN<Yl'HER DAY
I COULDN IT WAIT ANOl'HER DAY
(THEY embrace
CURTAIN
L:~7 THANK YOU BOWS
l::?2:7 En'!' MUSIC
2-6-44
BOvlS--0 a.fi>ANY
THAln{ YOU, THA:NK YOUPLEASE CALL AGAINGLAD THAT YOU CAMEPOlm FARE-THEE-WELLTHANK YOU, THANK YOUPLEASE CAL!. AGAINDO CALL AGAINWON IT YOO --
