adventures in the closet

8/6/2019 Adventures in the Closet

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ADVENTURES IN THE CLOSET

A CHILDREN'S MUSICAL

MUSIC BY:

JASON SPRAGGINS

BOOK & LYRICS BY:

ANDY BROWN

Andy Brown

[email protected]

407-497-7587

2011


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CAST OF CHARACTERS

ELLIOT 12 year-old boy

FLAVIUS FLEUMA/MISTER MANIPULO Ruler of CereliaCALLIOPE CATTERWALL A cat

LOTTIE (PRINCESS PINDERGHAST) Rightful heir to Cerelia

FLUHMA GUARD 1/FORGETFUL FAIRY 1 (PETE) Multi-role

FLUHM A GUARD 2/FORGETFUL FAIRY 2 (GARTH) M ulti-role

PERCY PRICKLEPUSS A porcupine

SONG LIST

"DO WHAT I WANT" ELLIOT AND FLAVIUS

"INCANTATION" FLAVIUS

"WE'LL PUT THE CREAM IN TEAMWORK" ELLIOT AND CALLIOPE

"FORGET" FORGETFUL FAIRIES

"KINDLE THE MEMORY" ELLIOT, LOTTIE, AND CALLIOPE

"FLUHMA, FLUHMA, FLUHMA" FLAVIUS, PETE, AND GARTH

"INCANTATION" (REPRISE) FLAVIUS

"RALLY YOUR COURAGE" LOTTIE AND FLAVIUS

"IF I'D ONLY" ELLIOT

"INCANTATION" (REPRISE) FLAVIUS

"SOMETHING INSIDE ME" LOTTIE"IT ISN'T EASY" COMPANY


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SCENE ONE

A boys playroom. Set does not have to be practical, can

be suggested. The only practical set piece we need for

this scene are the closet doors. There are toys strewnabout, but they are neglected as the child is playing a

video game on his computer.

The boys name is ELLIOT. He is twelve years-old, and

like many twelve year olds, does not see beyond the

boundaries of his own needs.

At rise, ELLIOT has achieved some great feat in the

world of his computer game. He gets up and dances

around.

ELLIOT

Yes! Bow down before Kro-lon, the mightiest wizard in all of My opia! (Sing-song)

Whos a mighty wizard? Im a mighty wizard! Whos a mighty wizard? Im a mighty

wizard!

Light rises on PERCY at DR as ELLIOT continues to

dance. PERCY is a porcupine, old and wise and very

proper.

PERCY

Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Elliot.

ELLIOT stops dancing and notices PERCY.

ELLIOT

Hey! Who are you?

PERCYMy name is Percy Pricklepuss. For the purposes of exposition, I will be narrating this

litt le story.

ELLIOT

But youre a...


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PERCY

Yes. Im a porcupine. May I continue?

ELLIOT

I guess.

PERCY

As I was saying, once upon a time...

ELLIOT

Thats dumb.

PERCY

Excuse me?

ELLIOT

Why do you have to start with once upon a time? Its lame.

PERCY

What would you have me say?

ELLIOT

I dunno. Anything. How about, So there was this kid named Elliot...

PERCY

Hardly t raditional. But Ill give it a shot. So there was this kid named Elliot. Now Elliot

was a spoiled brat who always got his way and never thought about anybody but

himself. Hows that so far?

ELLIOT

Rude.

PERCY

You should talk.

Their banter is interrupted by an offstage voice.

JOAN (OFF STAGE)

Elliot! Its time for bed!

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PERCY

Fine. Youre on your own. See how well you do without a narrator. I have to finish

preparing for my part in the show anyway. Its terribly dramatic. (To audience) Suffice

to say, Elliot has a bit of an attitude when it comes to his step-mother, Joan. Farewell!

PERCY exits.

ELLIOT

Can I stay up a little longer? I just became a super, exalted, five-wand wielding wizard of

the realm!

JOAN (OFF STAGE)

I dont care! Go to bed! And dont forget to brush your teeth!

ELLIOTYes, maam.

JOAN (OFF STAGE)

Tomorrows garbage day! You better not forget to take the cans out to the curb!

ELLIOT

Yes, maam.

JOAN (OFF STAGE)

And you didnt do your chores this morningbefore school! Dont let it happen again!

ELLIOT

Yes, maam. (Waits for more scolding. Nothing.) Its not fair. Why should I have to go

to bed before Im ready? Joan never lets me do anything I want. Shes not even my real

mother. I wish mom were still alive. (MUSIC CUE) Id be better off if I didnt live here.

Then I could make my own rules. I could do what I want!

DO WHAT I WANT

ELLIOTIF I DIDNT HAVE TO DO M Y CHORES,

SWEEP THE WALK AND MOP THE FLOORS,

LIFE WOULD BE A PIECE OF PIE FOR ME.

IF I DIDNT HAVE TO HAUL THE TRASH,

MOW THE LAWN FOR NO CASH,

I WOULD BE FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY FREE!

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BUT I DONT HAVE A CHOICE

AND I DONT HAVE A SAY.

IF I DID YOU COULD BET

ID PLAY THROUGH THE DAYAND I WOULDNT EVER SLEEP THE NIGHT AWAY!

I WOULD EAT WHAT I WANT.

I WOULD WEAR WHAT I WANT.

AND IT WOULDNT EVEN MATTER

IF I WANTED WHAT I WANT.

I WOULD TAKE IT JUST BECAUSE I CAN.

YOU MIGHT SAY THE KID IS SELFISH

AND THAT WOULDNT BE UNTRUE.

BUT ID DO WHAT I WANT

ANYTIME THAT I WANT.

IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT YOU SAY OR DO!

Music continues. There is a knock on the closet door

from the inside. ELLIOT is startled.

ELLIOT

Whos there?

The door opens. Out walks a man dressed in a brilliant

suit, colorful and busy with designs. He also wears a

stylish hat. His name is MISTER MANIPULO.

MISTER MANIPULO

I couldnt help but overhear your predicament.

ELLIOT

Who are you?

MISTER MANIPULO

Manipulos the name. Mister Manipulo. Ive come to help you.

ELLIOT

How?

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MISTER MANIPULO

Ever hear of Cerelia?

ELLIOT

Cerelia? Whats that?

MISTER MANIPULO

Its not a what, kid. Its a where. Cerelia is where Im from. Its a magical land. And

sometimes, in very special circumstances, I like to invite kids like yourself to visit for a

while. Understand?

ELLIOT

But I have to go to bed.

MISTER MANIPULO

Not in Cerelia. No sir! Why a super, exalted, five-wand wielding wizard of the realm can

do whatever he wants!

(sings)

YOU CAN EAT WHAT YOU WANT

YOU CAN WEAR WHAT YOU WANT

AND IT WOULDNT EVEN MATTER

IF YOU WANTED WHAT YOU WANT.YOU COULD TAKE IT JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN.

YOURE THE MASTER, AND IM THE SERVANT.

JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO.

YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT,

ANYTIME THAT YOU WANT.

SAY THE WORD! ILL MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR YOU!

Music continues.

ELLIOT

Cerelia, huh. How do we get there?

MISTER MANIPULO

Well, my friend, it just so happ ens that Mister Manipulo knows a little magic himself.

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ELLIOT

Really? Cool!

MISTER MANIPULO

Thats right. So, you wanna come with me to Cerelia?

ELLIOT

Will I get in trouble with Joan?

MISTER MANIPULO

She wont even know youre gone.

ELLIOT thinks. Music intensifies.

ELLIOTI dont know.

MISTER MANIPULO

You said it yourself. Shes not even your real mother.

ELLIOT

Okay. Ill do it!

MISTER MANIPULO

Thats my boy! Lets see what we can cook up together.

MISTER MANIPULO pulls out a wand. He aims it at

the closet. Lighting in the closet goes crazy and smoke

pours out.

ELLIOT

Whats happening?

MISTER MANIPULO

Youre getting what you want, kid.

INCANTATION

MISTER MANIPULO

OPEN THE VORTEX, A MIRROR TO ALL YOUR DREAMS.

ONCE YOU HAVE ENTERED, NOTHING APPEARS AS IT SEEMS.

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FARALLA PALLALLA

YOURE GETTING WHATS COMING TO YOU!

WELCOME, MY SLAVE,

BETTER NOT MISBEHAVE,

JUST BRACE YOURSELF FOR WHAT I HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU!

MISTER MANIPULO laughs maniacally. Strobe lights

flash.

ELLIOT

Mister Manipulo, I dont wanna go! Ive changed my mind.

MISTER MANIPULO

Dont fight it, kid. See you on the other side.

Lights flash. Smoke billows onto stage. MISTER

MANIPULO and ELLIOT spin as if in slow motion,

pulled into the closet. Once theyre inside, the doors

slam shut, and there is an explosion of light.

BLACKOUT.

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SCENE TWO

Lights rise on ELLIOT and MISTER MANIPULO in a

quarry. There is oversized trash, almost cartoon-like in

nature, strewn everywhere and a trash bin is in a down-stage corner of the quarry. MISTER MANIPULO is no

longer wearing the smart suit and hat. He is now in a

regal gown and wears a magnificent crown.

At rise, ELLIOT is sorting through the garbage as

MISTER MANIPULO observes.

ELLIOT

Mister Manipulo, where are we?

MISTER MANIPULO

Welcome to the quarry, kid.

ELLIOT

It sure is dirty.

MISTER MANIPULO

Why do you think I brought you here?

ELLIOT

But you said I could do what I want!

MISTER MANIPULO

I lied. And while were on the subject of lies, I should probably tell you that my name

isnt really Mister Manipulo. I just use that name cause the kids think its cool. My real

name is Flavius Fluhma.

ELLIOT

Flavius Fluhma? What kinda lame name is that?

FLAVIUS

Is that any way to talk to the ruler of Cerelia? Dont worry, kid. Ill overlook it this

once. Just dont do it again.

ELLIOT

I wanna go home!

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ELLIOT starts to pick up the trash again as the music

plays again. When he drops the last p iece of trash in the

bin, he celebrates a moment of victory . And then more

fresh trash rains down from the sky. Music stops.

ELLIOT

Ill never get home!

CALLIOPE (OFF STAGE)

Not with that att itude.

ELLIOT

Hey! Whos there?

A female cat saunters onto the stage. Her name isCALLIOPE CATTERWALL. She poses and begins to

clean herself. ELLIOT strokes her fur. CALLIOPE is

elegant in speech and movement.

ELLIOT

Hi, cat. You dont know how to get out of here, do you?

CALLIOPE

As a matter of fact, I do.

ELLIOT reacts and backs away.

ELLIOT

Whoa! You can talk!

CALLIOPE

Of course I can, darling. Im multi-lingual. All cats are.

ELLIOT

I didnt know that. Whats your name?

CALLIOPE

Calliope Catterwall, dear. And you are?

ELLIOT

Elliot. So you can help me get out of here?

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CALLIOPE

I have the ability . The question is whether or not I choose to help you.

ELLIOT

Why wouldnt you help me?

CALLIOPE

Whats in it for me?

ELLIOT

I dont have anything youd want.

CALLIOPE

Pity . I suppose I should be on my way. (She starts to exit and stops) Unless...

ELLIOT

Unless what?

CALLIOPE

Well, darling, if you must know Ive simply been dying for a nice dish of cream. But

theres none to be found around here.

ELLIOT

Where is it?

CALLIOPE

That mean, old, nasty Flavius Fluhma has it all locked away at the Castle Forlorn in the

capital city.

ELLIOT

Ive never heard of the Castle Forlorn.

CALLIOPE

Of course you havent! But I could take you there. It is dangerous, but so is this place.

All Id want in return is a little cream. Well, a lot, really. (Licks lips)

ELLIOT

But I cant get out of the quarry! Flavius told me all I had to do was pick up the trash

and put it in the bin, and I could go home. But every time I finish, more trash drops from

the sky.

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CALLIOPE

Hes a sly one, that Flavius. Thats how he stole the crown in the first place.

ELLIOT

What?

CALLIOPE

First things first. Weve got to get you out of here. And youre in luck. You see,

Flaviuss magic works specifically on the victims for whom it was intended. That means

you, dear. Get it?

ELLIOT

Uh uh. (MUSIC CUE)

CALLIOPEDont worry. Ill walk you through it.

WELL PUT THE CREAM IN TEAMWORK

CALLIOPE

SO YOU WANT TO GET HOME

AND I WANT A DISH OF CREAM.

THOUGH OUR AIMS ARE QUITE DIVERSE,

THEY ARE CLOSER THAN THEY SEEM.

WHAT LUCK!

(spoken)

Make sense?

ELLIOT

Not really.

CALLIOPE

Hmm. Lets try again.

(sings)

I CAN HELP YOU FLEE THIS PLACE

IF YOU HELP ME FEED MY FACE.

ITS A CASE OF QUID-PRO-QUO.

IF YOU DONT, THEN YOU DONT GO!

YOURE STUCK.

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ELLIOT

But I dont wanna go to the Castle Forlorn! Cant you just help me?

CALLIOPE

Darling, thats not how it works. Listen closely.

(sings)

WELL PUT THE CREAM IN TEAMWORK.

YOU AND I WILL SAVE THE DAY.

YOU GET TO LEAVE THE QUARRY.

I GET TO SUCKLE CREME AU LAIT.

IT WONT HAPPEN LESS WE WORK TOGETHER,

THICK AS THIEVES, TWO BIRDS OF A FEATHER.

WELL PUT THE CREAM IN TEAMWORK.YOU AND ILL MAKE QUITE THE TEAM!

Music continues to underscore.

(spoken)

So, what do you say?

ELLIOT

Well, alright. But I still dont see how youre going to get me out of here.

CALLIOPE

Simple. (She starts picking up trash and placing it in the bin.) You see, the spell Flavius

cast on you makes the trash reappear every t ime you finish picking it up. Lucky for you,

the spell doesnt extend to me.

Music intensifies until CALLIOPE picks up the final

piece of trash. She hovers it over the bin.

CALLIOPE

Ready to go, darling?

ELLIOT

Lets do it!

CALLIOPE drops the final piece of trash in the bin. No

more trash falls from the sky.

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It worked!

CALLIOPE

All together now!

CALLIOPE/ELLIOT


YOU AND I WILL SAVE THE DAY.

YOU/I GET TO LEAVE THE QUARRY.

I/YOU GET TO SUCKLE CREME AU LAIT.

IT WONT HAPPEN LESS WE WORK TOGETHER,

THICK AS THIEVES, TWO BIRDS OF A FEATHER.


YOU AND ILL MAKE QUITE THE TEAM!

CALLIOPE

After you, dear!

ELLIOT steps beyond the boundary of the quarry.

ELLIOT and CALLIOPE high-five. Musical stinger.

BLACKOUT.

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SCENE THREE

Lights rise on CALLIOPE and ELLIOT as they travel

through the Forgetful Forest. It is dark and haunting,

mysterious and lovely.

At rise, ELLIOT has stopp ed to rest on a rock. It is

gettingdark.

CALLIOPE

Darling, we have to keep moving. It isnt wise to linger in the Forgetful Forest. Bad

things happ en here. Besides, the closer we get to the castle, the sooner I get my cream.

ELLIOT

But Im tired.

CALLIOPE

It cant be helped. Many a memory has been lost here.

ELLIOT

Please, Calliope. I just need to rest for a little while. Then we can go.

CALLIOPE

Its your memory. Youd better hope that the Forgetful Fairies dont show up.

ELLIOT

Whats a Forgetful Fairy?

Enter FORGETFUL FAIRY1 and FORGETFUL

FAIRY 2. They are two men dressed in pretty, colorful

tutus and carry dainty wands. Music plays for the song,

FORGET.

CALLIOPEOh, dear. Dont say I didnt warn you.

ELLIOT

Those are Forgetful Fairies? (Laughs) They look silly.

FORGET

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FAIRY 1/FAIRY 2

FORGET, FORGET, FORGET, FORGET, FORGET...


MEMORIES ARE BURDENS.LET THEM FALL AWAY.

WIPE CLEAN THE SLATE

AS NIGHT ENDS THE DAY...



ELLIOT is transfixed by their magic, stares dreamily.

CALLIOPE

Elliot, dont listen to them!

ELLIOT

Elliot? Whos Elliot?

FAIRY 1/FAIRY 2

RUN FREE AND WANDER.

NOTHING WILL YOU MISS.

NO RESPONSIBILITY.IGNORANCE IS BLISS.


FORGET, FORGET, FORGET, FORGET...

CALLIOPE interrupts and the music ends abruptly.

CALLIOPE

Alright! Knock it off, fairies!

Fairies react.

FAIRY 1

Says who?

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CALLIOPE

Says me. Or would you prefer that I tear your little fairy wings to shreds with my razor

sharp claws?

CALLIOPE makes clawing gestures and hisses. FAIRY 1and FAIRY 2 jump into each others arms.

FAIRY 2

Im getting out of here! (Exits)

FAIRY 1

Wait for me! (Exits)

CALLIOPE is alone with ELLIOT. She tries to rouse

him from his dream-like stupor.

CALLIOPE

Elliot, darling, listen to me.

ELLIOT

Its pretty here.

CALLIOPE

Look at me. Whats your name?

ELLIOT

I dont have a name. Will you give me one?

CALLIOPE

Oh, dear. I hate to do this. But you leave me no choice.

CALLIOPE claws ELLIOT. He wakes from his dream-

like state.

ELLIOTOuch! That hurt!

CALLIOPE

Good. Do you know your name?

ELLIOT

Its Elliot. Duh.

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CALLIOPE

You dont remember the Forgetful Fairies?

ELLIOT

No. They were here?

CALLIOPE

Yes, darling. Their magic is very powerful on children.

ELLIOT

Why didnt their magic work on you?

CALLIOPE

Im immune to their magic. All cats are. Now hurry. We must leave at once.

CALLIOPE and ELLIOT start to exit but are cut off by

the entrance of a youngwoman. She is covered in rags,

her face is smudged, and she is a bit addled. Even so, she

is quite beautiful. Her name is LOTTIE.

LOTTIE

And a left at the tree with the moss and the spider and...oh, hello. Is this home?

CALLIOPE

I wouldnt know. Where is your home?

LOTTIE

Home? Whats home? (Sees ELLIOT) Ooh, what a pretty, litt le boy...

LOTTIE crosses to ELLIOT. He hides behind

CALLIOPE. CALLIOPE looks at LOTTIE trying to

figure out how she knows her.

ELLIOT

Stay away from me!

LOTTIE

Dont be afraid. Lottie likes to play with toys.

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ELLIOT

Im not a toy. Im a boy.

LOTTIE

Toy, boy, tree, flea. Its all the same to me!

LOTTIE giggles and jumps up and down like a child.

CALLIOPE

Wait! I know you. Why, youre Princess Pinderghast!

LOTTIE

My names Lottie. I dont know any princesses.

CALLIOPEBut you are! Elliot, before Flavius Fluhma took control of Cerelia, the Pinderghast family

were the rulers. They were kind and generous, and well-beloved, but Flavius all but

wiped them out. And this woman is the princess, the rightful heir to the throne. We

have to help her remember.

ELLIOT

She sure is pretty .

LOTTIE

Boring! Going now.

LOTTIE starts to exit. CALLIOPE stops her.

CALLIOPE

Sorry, your highness. I have to do this.

CALLIOPE claws LOTTIE. LOTTIE giggles.

LOTTIE

That tickles! Do it again!

CALLIOPE

Oh, this is serious.

ELLIOT

Princess, dont you remember anything?

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LOTTIE

Of course I do, silly. Im on my way to visit my friend, Percy. Or is it Lottie? No,

wait. Thats me! (Giggles)

CALLIOPEIts useless, darling. Shell never remember.

ELLIOT

No! We cant give up. (MUSIC CUE)

CALLIOPE

Its sweet that you want to help her. But its too late.

ELLIOT

Calliope, shes lost. Like me. Please. She reminds me of my mother.

KINDLE THE MEMORY

ELLIOT

(TO CALLIOPE)

ITS NEVER TOO LATE

TO UNDO WHATS BEEN DONE.

IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE,

THATS NO REASON TO RUN.

WE MUST KINDLE HER MEMORY.

HELP ME KINDLE HER MEMORY.

CALLIOPE

Elliot, dear...

ELLIOT

(TO LOTTIE)

THERE IS SOMETHING INSIDE YOUWANTING TO GET OUT.

IF YOU CAN JUST FOCUS,

I KNOW IT. THERES NO DOUBT...

WE WILL KINDLE YOUR MEMORY.

HELP US KINDLE YOUR MEMORY.

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LOTTIE

Pretty song...

ELLIOT

ITS WORTH FIGHTING FOR

WHAT YOUVE LOST.

IF YOU QUIT BEFORE YOU START,

YOU PAY THE BIGGEST COST.

(spoken)

Lottie, who is Percy?

LOTTIE seems more aware, as if she is starting to break

free of the forests magic.

LOTTIE

HES FUNNY.

HES PRICKLY.

AND I FEAR HE MIGHT BE SICKLY.

HE NEEDS ME...

CALLIOPEElliot, I think its working.

LOTTIE

HES CAPTIVE.

HES FRETFUL.

AND IM FEELING LESS FORGETFUL.

YES....PERCY!

(spoken)

Percy Pricklepuss. My royal advisor. Oh, no. The castle. Flavius. My family. Hesall thats left. (ELLIOT nods in recognition) We have to help him! Before its too late.

ELLIOT

Lets go!

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ELLIOT/LOTTIE/CALLIOPE

ITS NEVER TOO LATE

TO UNDO WHATS BEEN DONE.

IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE,

THATS NO EXCUSE TO RUN!

JUST KINDLE THE MEMORY.

FIGHT WITH EVERY BREATH AND YOU CAN KINDLE THE MEMORY!

LOTTIE

Thank you, litt le boy. And thank you, my brave feline friend.

CALLIOPE

No thanks are necessary. Lead the way, your highness.

LOTTIE

Please. Call me Lott ie.

Music comes to an end as the trio exit.

BLACKOUT.

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SCENE FOUR

Throne room of the Castle Forlorn on the next day.

FLAVIUS FLUHMA is looking into a magnificent

crystal ball. He has been observing the events that led toELLIOTs escape from the quarry up until his,

LOTTIEs, and CALLIOPEs escape from the Forgetful

Forest.

At rise, FLAVIUS FLUHMA is throwing a tantrum.

FLAVIUS

No! No! No! It isnt bad enough that the kid escaped from the quarry. I can even get

past the fact that he had a pesky cat helping him through the Forgetful Forest! But I will

not stand idly by while they help the Princess regain her throne. Where are my FluhmaGuards when I need them? Pete! Garth! Get in here! Now!

FLUHMA GUARD 1 (PETE) and FLUHMA GUARD

2 (GARTH) scramble in. They are hideous beasts in

armor, oafish and slow.

PETE

Here we are, boss.

GARTHSomething wrong, boss?

FLAVIUS

Wrong? What could be wrong? I know! Princess Pinderghast and those two fools are on

their way to the castle. If Lottie enters the throne room before midnight, I am finished.

Do you hear me? Finished!

PETE

Sure, boss. We heard you.

GARTH

Yeah. You were shouting.

FLAVIUS

Im surrounded by morons. Its my own fault, really. Pete. Garth. Listen closely.

Elliot and his friends are in the Plentiful Plains. I want y ou to get him and bring him here.

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PETE

Come to think of it, neither is the rest of him.

PETE and GARTH laugh.

PERCY

Face it, Flavius. It doesnt matter how you came by your power. Youre going to lose it.

You will always be a lowly milk man.

FLUHMA FLUHMA FLUHMA

FLAVIUS

Wanna bet?

(sings)

MY FATHER WAS A MILK MAN,

AT LEAST THATS WHAT I THOUGHT.

BUT THEN ONE DAY I WAS MILKING COWS,

AND IT TURNED OUT ALL FOR NAUGHT.

A BEGGAR MAN APPROACHED ME

WITH A TALE THAT MADE ME TWITCH.

SEEMS MY DADDY WAS A WARLOCK

AND MY MAM A WAS A WITCH.

SO HE HANDED ME THIS MAGIC WAND

AND TAUGHT ME SUCH A WORD

THAT BENT NATURE TO MY WILL

AND FRIGHTENED ALL WHO HEARD...


ITS RIDICULOUS BUT TRUE.


BETTER WATCH OUT WHAT YOU DO.

I COULD GIVE YOU WINGS

OR TWO LEFT FEET

OR TURN YOU INTO STONE.


I CONTROL ALL FLESH AND BONE!

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PERCY

Youll never succeed, Flavius. I have already foreseen your downfall. It is written in the

night sky.

FLAVIUSThe stars in the sky have no power over me! Tell him, boys!

PETE/GARTH


ITS RIDICULOUS BUT TRUE.


BETTER WATCH OUT WHAT YOU DO.

HE COULD GIVE YOU WINGS

OR TWO LEFT FEETOR TURN YOU INTO STONE.


HE CONTROLS ALL FLESH AND BONE!

Music segues to INCANTATION as FLAVIUS points

his wand at PERCY.

FLAVIUS

Last chance, Percy. Tell me what I need to know to stop Lottie.

PERCY

Never, Flavius. Do your worst.

INCANTATION (REPRISE)

FLAVIUS

YOUVE SEALED YOUR FATE. I TRIED TO PLAY NICE, BUT NO!

I GAVE YOU A CHOICE, AND YOUD RATHER ROT DOWN BELOW!

FARALLA PALLALLAYOURE GETTING WHATS COMING TO YOU.

FAREWELL, MY FRIEND,

I GUESS THIS IS THE END.

BRACE YOURSELF FOR WHAT I HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU!

(spoken)

Fluhma! Fluhma! Fluhma!

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Blindinglights flash the audience and blackout. When the

lights return to normal, PERCY appears frozen.

PETE

Neat, boss. What did you do?

FLAVIUS

Hes petrified. Return him to his cell at once. And bring me the boy!

PETE and GARTH exit with PERCY.

FLAVIUS

This ends tonight.

BLACKOUT.

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SCENE FIVE

The Plentiful Plains at dusk. The colors of the plains are

breathtaking hues of golden, lavender, with hints of

crimson in the sunset.

At rise, ELLIOT, CALLIOPE, and LOTTIE are making

their way through the Plentiful Plains en route to the

castle.

LOTTIE

Flavius renamed my castle? But Pinderghast Castle had such a nice ring to it!

CALLIOPE

Lottie, dear. Flavius wasnt going to leave any reminders of the Pinderghast name. Just

be grateful he didnt change the name to Castle Fluhma.

LOTTIE

Good point.

ELLIOT

How much further?

LOTTIENot much longer now. Id forgotten how beautiful the Plentiful Plains are. I used to play

here as a child, not much younger than you, Elliot.

ELLIOT

I think itd be cool to be a prince. I bet you didnt have people telling you what to do all

the times. Chores and bedtimes.

LOTTIE

Of course I did. How else was I going to learn to be responsible?

ELLIOT

You had chores?

LOTTIE

They were probably different from the ones you have, but yes. I supp ose all children do.

Is it really so bad doingchores?

29.


32/52

ELLIOT

I guess not.

CALLIOPE

I think hes sweet on you.

ELLIOT

I am not!

LOTTIE

Calliope, leave him alone.

CALLIOPE

He said you reminded him of his mother.

LOTTIE

Thats sweet. What is she like, Elliot?

ELLIOT

I dont remember. She died when I was very young. I just remember that she was

always in a lot of pain.

LOTTIE

Im sorry to hear that. Well, she would be very proud of your bravery.

LOTTIE smiles. CALLIOPE takes a deep, longwhiff of

the air.

CALLIOPE

I can almost smell the cream in the air. Lets hurry up already. This kitty has to make

up for lost time.

LOTTIE

You have my word, Calliope. All the cream in the castle will be at your disposal. Wejust have to get in first.

ELLIOT

How hard could it be to get into a castle?

LOTTIE

I do know a few secret entrances. But Flavius is sure to have them guarded.

30.


33/52

CALLIOPE

Right, darling. By Fluhma Guards. And I think we all know how dim-witted they are.

The FLUHMA GUARDS spring onto the stage.

PETE

Hey! Thats no way to talk about us!

GARTH

Yeah. We have feelings, too! Get em!

PETE and GARTH are carrying nets.

CALLIOPE

Elliot! Lottie! Look out, theyve got...

PETE tosses a net over CALLIOPE.

PETE

Thats what you get for calling us names.

LOTTIE

Run, Elliot! Run!

GARTH tosses his net over LOTTIE.

GARTH

I got her! I got her!

PETE and GARTH close in on ELLIOT.

ELLIOT

Get away from me!

PETE

The boss wants you to come with us.

ELLIOT backs into GARTH. They grab him.

ELLIOT

Let me go!

31.


34/52

CALLIOPE

Leave him alone!

LOTTIE

Hes just a boy!

PETE

Not for long. Lets go.

PETE and GARTH exit with a struggling ELLIOT.

LOTTIE and CALLIOPE are tangled in their nets.

LOTTIE

We have to help him.

CALLIOPE

Its too late. Were trapped. Well never get out of these nets.

LOTTIE

Its never too late. We just have to figure a way...wait! Use your claws, Calliope!

CALLIOPE

Why didnt I think of that? How foolish of me, dear.

CALLIOPE uses her claws and makes short work of

the net. She then frees LOTTIE.

LOTTIE

Thank you! Lets go. We havent a moment to lose! (MUSIC CUE)

CALLIOPE

But, Lottie. Why would they take Elliot? Why not you?

LOTTIEI dont know. Its probably a trap.

CALLIOPE

A trap? Maybe I dont need the cream, after all. Id rather take my chances in the

Forgetful Forest.

32.


35/52

LOTTIE

No. You cant let fear control you. Elliot is counting on us!

RALLY YOUR COURAGE

LOTTIE

A VILLAIN RULES THE LAND

WITH A FIRM AND MIGHTY HAND.

AND THOUGH THE OUTLOOK IS GRIM,

AND WE BOTH FEAR FOR HIM,

TO THE COURSE WE MUST STAY TRUE.

ARE YOU WITH ME IN THIS BATTLE?

OR WILL YOU RUN AWAY LIKE CATTLE?

YOU HAVE NO CHOICE.THERES ONLY ONE THING YOU CAN DO...

RALLY YOUR COURAGE.

TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM.

AND WHEN YOUVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT,

YOULL EARN THAT DISH OF CREAM.

THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWING.

ON WHICH SIDE WILL YOU WEIGH?

RALLY YOUR COURAGE.

WE HAVE TO SAVE THE DAY!

(spoken)

Calliope, are you with me?

CALLIOPE

Yes, your majesty. For Elliot.

LOTTIE and CALLIOPE exit as music continues. We

are now in the throne room of the Castle Forlorn.

FLAVIUS stands quite satisfied as PETE and GARTH

enter with ELLIOT.

FLAVIUS

Hi, kid. Miss me?

33.


36/52

ELLIOT

Im not afraid of you!

FLAVIUS

You would be if you knew what I have planned for you.

PETE and GARTH laugh with understanding.

ELLIOT

Whatre you going to do to me?

FLAVIUS

I dont want to spoil the surprise.

(sings)

IM STANDING ON THE BRINK,

AND IM HOPING THERES NO KINK

IN THE PLAN IVE DESIGNED.

ALL THE STARS HAVE ALIGNED.

THE PINDERGHAST LINE IS THROUGH!

YOU COULD HELP ME IN THIS BATTLE.

IM THE WINNER! LETS NOT PRATTLE.

YOU HAVE NO CHOICE.THERES ONLY ONE THING YOU CAN DO...

RALLY YOUR COURAGE.

JOIN THE WINNING TEAM.

AND WHEN YOUVE TURNED ON YOUR FRIENDS

WE WILL CELEBRATE WITH CREAM.

THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWING.

ON WHICH SIDE WILL YOU WEIGH?

RALLY YOUR COURAGE.WE HAVE TO SEIZE THE DAY!

Music continues as LOTTIE and CALLIOPE arrive

outside the castle.

LOTTIE

My castle! My beautiful castle! Oh, how Ive missed it.

34.


37/52

CALLIOPE

If we dont find a way inside, darling, youll be missing it permanently.

LOTTIE

Dont worry. I remember how to get in. Well rescue Percy and Elliot and then Ill dealwith Flavius.

CALLIOPE

I know, I know. We have to save the day.

Focus shifts back to the throne room.

FLAVIUS

So, kid. Whats it goingto be? Friend or foe? Yes or no?

ELLIOT

No! Ill never betray my friends!

PETE/GARTH

Uh oh.

FLAVIUS

Wrong answer.

A pool of light rises on another part of the stage to reveal

a petrified PERCY as the final chorus is sung.

FLAVIUS LOTTIE

RALLY YOUR COURAGE. RALLY YOUR COURAGE.

JOIN THE WINNING TEAM. TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM.

AND WHEN YOUVE TURNED ON YOUR AND WHEN YOUVE

FRIENDS WE WILL CELEBRATE WITH CREAM FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

YOULL EARN THAT DISHOF CREAM.

THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWING. THE BATTLE LINES ARE

ON WHICH SIDE WILL YOU WEIGH? DRAWING. ON WHICH SIDE

WILL YOU WEIGH?

RALLY YOUR COURAGE. RALLY YOUR COURAGE.

WE HAVE TO SEIZE THE DAY. WE HAVE TO SAVE THE

DAY.

35.


38/52

FLAVIUS/LOTTIE

SEIZE THE DAY!/SAVE THE DAY!

FLAVIUS

Take him away!

BLACKOUT.

36.


39/52

SCENE SIX

The prison in the Castle Forlorn. It is dirty and lonely.

A bit of moonlight from the Cerelian moon shines through

the bars of a window. PERCY is still there, quitepetrified.

At rise, PETE and GARTH enter with ELLIOT.

PETE

Welcome to your new home.

GARTH

Yeah. (Laughs) Home.

ELLIOT

Ill get out of here! Calliope and Lottie will rescue me! And then Im going to my real

home.

GARTH

Home. That sure does sound nice.

PETE

Garth. Dont start.

ELLIOT

You mean youre not from Cerelia?

GARTH

Nope.

ELLIOT

Where are you from then?

PETE

No more questions. Do yourself a favor. Try and behave, or youll end up like us.

ELLIOT

But...

37.


40/52

PETE

Uh uh. Believe me. If youre lucky, youll never get out of here.

PETE and GARTH exit.

ELLIOT

Wait! What do you mean end up like you? (Lookingaround) It sure is icky in here. It

smells funny. (Sees PERCY) Percy! Lott ie is going to be glad to see you. (Notices

PERCY is frozen) Percy. What did they do to you? (He touches PERCY. No effect.)

Its going to be alright. Youll see. Lott ie and Calliope will rescue us. Theyll know

what to do. (ELLIOT sits next to PERCY and cradles him.) This is my fault, isnt it?

Calliope and Lottie could be walking into a trap because of me. And youre all frozen,

and I dont know what to do. (MUSIC CUE)

IF ID ONLY

ELLIOT

IF ID ONLY GOTTEN READY FOR BED,

IF ID ONLY DONE THE THINGS THAT JOAN SAID,

IF ID ONLY TRIED TO PLAY BY THE RULES,

THINGS WOULD BE SO DIFFERENT.

IF ID ONLY BEEN LESS FOCUSED ON FUN,

IF ID ONLY BEEN A MUCH BETTER SON,

IF ID ONLY BEEN A PRINCE, NOT A FOOL,


YOU ARE FROZEN HERE,

AND SO AM I WITH FEAR.

LETS MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT,

SO WE CAN FACE THE DAY

AND FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT.

IF ID ONLY NOT BEFRIENDED A CAT,

IF ID ONLY BEEN MUCH LESS OF A RAT,

IF ID ONLY HAD MY MOTHER WITH ME,


IF ID ONLY HELPED MY FRIENDS IN THE PLAINS,

IF ID ONLY KNOWN HOW TO STOP HER PAINS,

IF ID ONLY TRIED TO NOT DISAGREE,

38.


41/52


TELL ME WHAT TO DO,

AND I WILL FOLLOW THROUGH.

THE FIGHTINGS NOT BEGUN,SO THERE IS STILL TIME

BEFORE WERE UNDONE.

IF ID ONLY....

IF ID ONLY....

IF ID ONLY....

Music ends. ELLIOT cries. His tears fall on PERCY.

Tinkling sounds like wind-chimes play as ELLIOTs

tears fall on PERCY. A light shines on PERCY and he

begins to move.

ELLIOT

Percy? Can you hear me?

PERCY slowly rises as the sound of the chimes

crescendos and fades with the light. PERCY takes in his

surroundings and ELLIOT.

PERCY

I suppose I have you to thank for this.

ELLIOT

I didnt do anything.

PERCY

It was your tears. Youre not the same boy who first came to Cerelia. Youve grown.

Everything youve come to know couldnt be contained inside your body. And so you

cried tears. Its alright. There is much magic in them.

ELLIOT

Magic in my tears? Cool.

PERCY

We still have to figure our way out of here. You dont happ en to have a spare set of keys

in your tear ducts?

39.


42/52

ELLIOT

I dont think so.

PERCY

It was too much to hope for.

There is a noise at the door.

ELLIOT

Oh, no! The Fluhma Guards!

PERCY

This could be our chance. The Fluhma Guards still think I am petrified. If you can

distract them, theyll never see me coming.

ELLIOT

Ill try.

PERCY

Youll do fine.

PERCY returns to his frozen stance. The door opens. In

rush CALLIOPE and LOTTIE.

ELLIOT

Calliope! Lottie!

CALLIOPE

Darling, youre safe!

PERCY rises from the floor.

PERCY

Your majesty , you have returned.

LOTTIE

Yes, Percy, Im here. We have Elliot to thank for that.

LOTTIE and PERCY embrace.

40.


43/52

PERCY

Indeed. He is full of surprises.

ELLIOT

What do we do now?

CALLIOPE

I dont know about you, but I have a date with a dish of cream.

LOTTIE

Really, Calliope?

CALLIOPE

Sorry.

PERCY

Your highness, it is almost midnight. We must get you to the throne room, or Flaviuss

power over Cerelia will be absolute.

LOTTIE

I dont understand. What can we do?

PERCY

Ill explain on the way. Hurry!

PERCY leads the group out of the prison.

BLACKOUT.

41.


44/52

SCENE SEVEN

Throne room of the Castle Forlorn. It is app roaching

midnight.

At rise, FLAVIUS FLUHMA is gloating to PETE and

GARTH.

FLAVIUS

Its almost midnight! (Laughs maniacally) You done good, boys! Elliot is in prison with

that petrified porcupine. Lottie and that cream-crazy cat are nowhere to be seen. And

very soon my authority over Cerelia will be absolute. Well, until I find a suitable queen

and she gives birth to a son, who will undoubtedly usurp my p ower...as is tradition.

Where was I? Oh, yes! Boys, put on your party hats!

PETE and GARTH put on festive, party hats.

GARTH

Um, boss. Can I ask you something?

FLAVIUS

Make it quick, Garth. My destiny is upon us.

GARTHAfter you become all-powerful or whatever, can me and Pete go home?

FLAVIUS

Home? Home! Why would you want to do a thing like that?

PETE

He misses his mommy.

GARTH

Yeah. I miss my mommy.

FLAVIUS

After all Ive done for you, this is how you repay me. Thats gratitude. (Mocks) I

wanna go home! I miss my mommy! Whaa! Whaa! Whaa! Sorry, boys. Out of the

question. If I let you two go, the rest of the Fluhma Guards will want to jump ship.

Isnt going to happen.

42.


45/52


46/52

FLAVIUS

Didnt I petrify you?

LOTTIE

Obviously not well enough.

FLAVIUS

No matter. I wont make the same mistake twice. (MUSIC CUE)

INCANTATION

FLAVIUS

I TURNED YOU TO STONE, BUT THIS TIME THERES NO SAVING YOU!

YOUR ASHES WILL DANCE ON THE WIND WHEN IM THROUGH WITH YOU!

FORALLA PALLALLA

YOURE GETTING WHATS COMING TO YOU!

FAREWELL, YOU LOT!

YOUR DAY THIS IS NOT.

BRACE YOURSELVES! THIS IS THE END FOR ALL OF YOU!

Lights go crazy . The music is frenetic. PETE and

GARTH hold each other in fear.

(spoken)Fluhma! Fluhma! Fluhma!

Music glissandos to a thud. Lights fizzle back to normal

levels. Nothing happ ens.

ELLIOT

Is that it?

FLAVIUS shakes his wand.

FLAVIUS

The blasted thing must be defective. (Aims again) Fluhma! Fluhma! Fluhma!

Nothing happens.

PERCY

You were saying? (MUSIC CUE)

44.


47/52

LOTTIE is shifting uneasily. The lighting changes and a

pool of light shines on her.

CALLIOPE

Lottie, whats happ ening to you?

LOTTIE

I dont know. I...

LOTTIE should be near FLAVIUS for this next t rick to

work. A pool of light shines on FLAVIUS. The wand

seems to pop in the air from FLAVIUSs hands, as if it is

too hot for him to handle, and LOTTIE catches it.

FLAVIUS cowers.

SOMETHING INSIDE ME

LOTTIE

SOMETHING INSIDE ME

IS WANTING TO GET OUT.

SOMETHING DELICIOUS,

I WANT TO SCREAM AND SHOUT!

EVIL IS VANQUISHED.

YOUR RULE IS AT AN END!

YOU WILL NEVER LIFT A HAND.

I MUST BE CLEAR. YOU UNDERSTAND?

YOUR TIME HAS COME.

YOURE OUT, YOU BUM!

YOULL NEVER GET ANOTHER CHANCE TO HURT M Y FRIENDS!

Lights go crazy as LOTTIE aims the wand at FLAVIUS.

FLAVIUSOh, Fluhma...

A flashpot explodes in front of FLAVIUS. Blackout.

When the lights rise, FLAVIUS is gone. PETE and

GARTH are no longer monsters, but little boys again.

And LOTTIEs rags have been replaced with a regal

gown.

45.


48/52


49/52

ELLIOT

But, wait! How am I going to get home?

LOTTIE smiles.

LOTTIE

Percy?

PERCY

Your highness, I believe it is well within your power to send the boy home.

PETE

Us, too?

PERCY

Yes. You as well.

LOTTIE

Ill see what I can do. Im a little new at this.

LOTTIE aims the wand at the throne room doors. Green

light glows from under and around it.

ELLIOT

What do we do?

LOTTIE

You just walk through the door, sweet boy. And you will be home.

ELLIOT

Thank you, Lott ie! Thank you so much.

He hugs her.

PETE/GARTH

Yes! Thank you!

ELLIOT crosses to the door.

LOTTIE

Elliot, this is goodbye.

47.


50/52

ELLIOT

Wont I ever see you again?

LOTTIE

Im afraid not.

ELLIOT

But youre my friends.

LOTTIE

I know. It isnt easy. But goodbyes are a part of life.

PETE

Thank you, Princess. (To GARTH) Were going home now. Home.

GARTH

Yeah. Home.

PETE and GARTH exit through the doors and green

lights sp ill onto the stage.

CALLIOPE

Gee, dear. Im going to miss you.

ELLIOT

Yeah. Me, too.

PERCY

Boy. It is time.

ELLIOT holds onto CALLIOPE.

ELLIOT

I dont want to.

LOTTIE

Oh, Elliot...

IT ISNT EASY

48.


51/52

LOTTIE

IT ISNT EASY

TO DO THE RIGHT THING,

NO MATTER THE SORROW

OR THE PAIN THAT IT BRINGS.

YOU HAVE TO LET GO.

THERE ARE DOORS TO WALK THROUGH.

NO, IT ISNT EASY.

BUT I WONT FORGET YOU.

ELLIOT

IT ISNT EASY

BUT ILL DO MY CHORES.

ILL LEAVE ALL THIS BEAUTY

AND ILL WALK THROUGH THE DOOR.

ILL TRY TO DO BETTER

THAN I USED TO DO.

NO, IT ISNT EASY.

BUT I WONT FORGET YOU.

CALLIOPE

WE MADE QUITE THE TEAM

ELLIOT

NOW YOULL GET THAT DISH OF CREAM

CALLIOPE

I WOULD TRADE IT ALL IF YOU

COULD JUST STAY HERE.

ELLIOT

(spoken)

I wouldnt ask you to.

PERCY

NO, IT ISNT EASY

TO STAND UP TO VILLAINS,

TO FIGHT OFF THE FLUHMAS,

OR TO LEAVE WHEN YOURE UNWILLIN.

49.


52/52

ELLIOT

NO, IT ISNT EASY

TO GIVE UP YOUR MOTHER,

OR TO LOVE ANOTHER,

WHEN SOMETIMES YOU FEEL SMOTHERED...

PERCY/CALLIOPE/LOTTIE

NO, IT ISNT EASY.

NO, ITS NEVER EASY.

GOODBYES ARENT EASY.

BUT WELL HOLD ONTO YOU

IN ALL WE SAY AND DO,

AND YOU WILL CARRY US WITH YOU.

PERCYGOOD LIFE.

CALLIOPE

GOOD LUCK.

LOTTIE

GOODBYE.

ELLIOT

GOODBYE.

ELLIOT walks to the door, turns around and waves.

They wave back in reply. ELLIOT walks through the

door.

BLACKOUT.

THE END.

50.

adventures in the closet

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