murder for hire aboard the...berg: randy, i didn’t think i’d see you again. i thought you were...
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MURDER FOR HIRE PRESENTS
MURDER
ABOARD THE TITANIC
SOUND TECH
Porter Starboard is here to protect the Heart of The Ocean. However he may have made a mistake about who stole
it. What happens next on this blood vessel will make you wonder if boarding this ship was a wise choice.
Copyright Protected by Murder For Hire
Last updated September 12, 2018
MURDER ABOARD THE TITANIC is exactly what this 1912 story is all about.
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CHARACTER COSTUME PROPS EVIDENCE
Porter Starboard
Not a very smart man, although he thinks
he’s very bright. He is very clumsy and
knocks things, hurts himself, stumbles.
He’s here to protect the Heart of The Sea.
He is seen showing map of the cabins
around. He forgets to take them with him
Maps
Aud 6 card (Scene 3)
Helen Highwater
Very rich, proper lady of leisure. She is
very protective of her daughter. She is
suspicious of all of Rose’s boyfriends.
She’ll stop at nothing to protect her. She has a delusion of greatness. She thinks
everyone is discussing her, and in a good
way, all of the time.
Pearl Necklace
Purse for Molly with gun,
Necklace, and next line
after murder
Aud cards – singers
(Scene 3)
Rose Highwater
Daughter of Helen. Rose is a naive
damsel in distress. She often finds herself
in situations where she must be rescued or
helped in one way or another. She is in
love with Randy (from Steerage) and
believes that he loves her too and that he
is a very good person. What will she do
when she finds out otherwise.
Purse
Gun
Newspaper Article
Aud cards for Molly
Brown (Scenes 1 and 3)
Newspaper article
Randy Boat
New boyfriend of Rose. He is a chimney
sweep and a philanderer (not a
philanthropist) on the Titanic, but always
looking to get rich quick. He has a criminal past and has crossed paths with
Molly Brown (Kitty Supreme) in the past.
He is a shifty nervous guy…because he’s
usually guilty of something. He wants the
Heart of the Sea to himself at any cost.
Blood
Letter from steel
company
Aud cards for Me Too movement. (Scene 2)
Blood on head
Calledon Berg
Was to marry Rose but she changed her
mind. He is a wealthy steel manufacturer
whose company built the Titanic. The
company has sent him a letter advising of
the poor steel used in the construction.
The letter is found in Randy’s pocket
Heart of The Sea
Business Card for Steel
Company
Aud 1 cards (Radio
Operator) (Scene 1 and
2)
Heart of The Sea
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Setting – Reception with the Captain of the ship. Calledon Berg is hosting the evening and
presentation of the Heart of The Sea Necklace to his future Bride Rose.
Porter Starboard has been sent to protect the Heart of the Sea. Molly believes the necklace to be
hers and believes it was stolen in a jewelry heist. She wants it back.
Randy also wants the Heart of the Sea. Is someone willing to kill for the Heart of the Sea? Or to
keep someone from stealing it? Or is something else amiss?
NOTES
FOR PORTER: distribute maps to various guests during mingling period.
Direct your questions directly to the telegraph messenger and wait for response.
FOR RANDY: distribute me too cards while Rose is talking to Porter
(I was just telling Randy how nice that we are able to spend time getting to know
each other on the ship. We just came back inside. Randy had me bent over the
bow of the ship to get a better view of the maidenhead, right Randy?)
ALL CAST – Grab a rubber duck, buoy, water wings, rubber ring etc. for
introductions.
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PLAY CUE 0 & 0V (VIDEO)
FADE OUT 0A
CUE 1 - Intro Music
Fade out Cue 1A on Directors Cue
SCENE 1 – Beginning of Cocktail Hour
Calledon: Ladies and Gentlemen, can I please have your attention. It is my
honour to have you all here this evening to join us with the Captain of
this great ship…The Titanic.
I suspect you all know me. I am Calledon Berg, and I am, in part,
responsible for the building of this great vessel. I wish you all to
enjoy your time on her maiden voyage and I’ll personally make sure
your every need is accommodated. Just ask one of the crew.
Helen: Oh in that case Calledon….
Calledon: Please, call me Berg.
Helen: Alright Berg? Have you presented the Heart of the Sea to Rose yet?
Berg: No. I thought I would do so after our meal with the Captain this
evening.
Helen: Oh yes, that would be a perfect opportunity for you to pledge your
affection for her. And what better way, than to present her with such a
precious piece. I understand the blue diamond was once owned by
Louis XVI?
Berg: Yes, that’s correct. And then cut down to this beautiful necklace.
(Porter approaches as they are both admiring the piece)
Porter: Ah, you must be Helen Highwater, good evening. Allow me to
introduce myself. I am Porter PLAY CUE 2…Porter Starboard.
Berg: Well neither [port or startboard] I believe we are right about in the
middle.
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5
(Helen and Porter give him an odd look) PLAY CUE 3
Helen: Hello, nice to meet you Mr. Starboard.
Porter: I’ve been assigned to the ship for security purposes due to the high
volume of valuables aboard the ship.
Helen: Oh yes, I understand, with so many affluent passengers, it really is no
surprise. In fact, we were just admiring this beautiful necklace that
Berg intends to present my daughter with.
Porter: Nice ice Berg. No need to worry. I’ve made some maps of all of the
cabins with valuables in them so I know which ones need the most
protection. (looking in his pocket for the map and not finding it.)
Well, no matter. I have made several. (pleased with himself)
Helen: Speaking of security, I have heard rumours of pickpockets coming up
from the lower class decks.
I’ve actually noticed a young man from steerage sniffing around my
daughter. I believe he may have rather dishonourable intentions, if
you know what I mean.
Porter: I do know, indeed.
I’m sorry to hear about your concerns. Although, I’ve been watching
your daughter, and she seems quite capable of taking care of herself
ma’am. I’m sure you’ve no need to worry.
PLAY CUE 4
Helen: I hope you’re right.
(AUD 1 comes out with a telegraph)Given by Calledon Berg
STOP CUE 4A
AUD 1 Excuse me sir, I’ve received a telegraph from Scotland Yard.
Porter: Well let’s hear it then.
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AUD 1 We have received information about the Heart of the Sea (stop)
It seems the necklace is to be stolen (stop)
(Helen leaves him and joins Rose. Molly calls out to Porter just then and Randy
comes to join Rose and her mother.)
Porter: Oh my! By whom? (waits for reply from AUD and then eventually
dismisses him when he is unable to answer)
PLAY CUE HotKey C (CRICKETS)
Molly: Ah Mr. Starboard, we meet again. Helen Highwater to give Aud 2
(Molly) her card
Porter: Molly Brown! What are you doing here? PLAY CUE 5
Molly: The same thing as everyone else of course. I’m going to America to
seek opportunity. I couldn’t help but notice that necklace. It’s
gorgeous. You know, I had one just like it. It was stolen from me
many years ago during a robbery. PLAY CUE 6
(In the meantime Helen has been chatting with Rose and Randy and moves in to
interrupt Molly)
Helen: Mr. Starboard, have you met my daughter Rose? (Randy will chat to
Molly briefly.)
Porter: My pleasure Miss…. (He bows to greet her)
Rose: Rose… with an ‘i’
Porter: oh, Rosie?
Rose: Oh no, the e is silent. PLAY CUE 7
Porter: Yes, of course. (looking confused)
Rose: And this is my new gentleman friend. He’s a philanderer. (boasting)
He has such a good heart.
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Porter: I assume you mean a philanthropist. (turns to Randy)
Randy. Hello, I’m Randy.
Porter: Yes well…..not to worry, that happens to us all from time to time.
But thanks, it’s good to know.
Randy: Randy Boat, Mr. Starboard.
(Randy extends his hand)
Porter: Mr. Boat. (Porter avoiding Randy’s hand) Won’t you both join me for
a drink.
Randy: Sure. (he starts to follow Porter to the bar when Rose stops him)
Rose: Randy, I saw you talking to that lady earlier. Who is she? How do
you know her?
Randy: Oh you must mean Molly. Umm. She was involved in a fundraiser
that I organized last year for, ummm, (making something up) for
abandoned orphans. Yes that’s it… abandoned orphans.
Rose: I should have known it would be something like that. You spend all
of your time on such charitable causes. Why, you don’t even care if
you make any money for yourself in the process. How did I ever get
so lucky to meet such a selfless man?
Randy: Oh, you must live right. I guess we’re just lucky that you have
enough money to support us both.
Rose: Yes. I agree.
(They all walk off to the bar to meet up with Porter.) (Berg and Helen are left
behind.)
Berg: I’d like to thank you ma’am for giving me this chance. PLAY CUE 8
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Helen: I’m always willing to give a man a second chance…. After all, it
seems the whole thing was not your fault, isn’t that right? A bit of a
misunderstanding from what I hear? PLAY CUE 9
Berg: Yes ma’am. I can assure you that I had nothing to do with that
scheme at Acme Ship Lines. And, to show Whitestar of my good
intentions though, I’ve agreed to wait till we dock in America before
receiving payment for the work I've done on the Titanic. Of course,
that’s why I needed to borrow the money for the Heart Of The Sea
from you.
Helen: Well I was happy to help you with the purchase. And I have no doubt
you will make good on the debt upon your receiving payment from
Whitestar.
Berg: I am glad that you understand. I will make sure that when we reach
America, that you are paid and that your daughter is very well cared
for. And you can also rest assured that now that I’m with Whitestar, I
will keep things on the up and up.
PLAY CUE 10
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SCENE 2 – after salad
Fade out Cue 10A on Director’s cue
(Berg approaches Randy.)
Berg: Randy, I didn’t think I’d see you again. I thought you were warned to
stay out of First Class.
Randy: Oh Berg, you’re not getting rid of me that easily. I just wanted to get
a look at that necklace you’ve been flashing around.
Berg: I’m afraid it’s been put away for safe keeping. Now back to Steerage
with you, before I call security and have you taken to the brig instead.
Randy: Are you sure you want to do that. After all, if security gets a hold of
me, I might have to give them this letter. (waiving the letter around in
front of him)
Berg: Where did you get that?
PLAY CUE 11
Randy: Well you’d be surprised what you might find in an unlocked cabin.
And let’s be honest Berg, you’d do the same thing if it was the other
way around. Not only do I have this letter but I also know how you
came upon that necklace.
(silence)
Berg: Well, regardless, I have a large sum coming to me in America and I
will be able to provide for Rose in a way you’ll never be able to.
Randy: PLAY CUE 12 (background)Don’t be a fool Berg. I don’t want to
care for her. I’ve got other interests on this ship. But that’s just our
little secret. (waving the letter under his nose)
Berg: (says nothing, but obviously concedes)
Fade out CUE 12A
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Aud card given by Porter Starboard
AUD 3: Lady Highwater, I’ve heard all of the discussion about the Heart Of
The Sea, but I must confess, I am more interested in the piece you’re
wearing around your neck.
Helen: Oh this? My husband gave me this just before he passed away. It’s a
pearl necklace. He claimed to be more delighted to give it to me, than
I was be to receive it. Ah, bless his soul, what a sweet man. I’m afraid
I could never part with it. PLAY CUE 13
Porter: (Porter interrupts) Lady Highwater, this is quite a voyage. Are you
enjoying the journey.
Helen: Surprisingly, I am. But enough small-talk Mr. Starboard, back to our
discussion earlier, about my daughter. You know I had Mr. Berg
chosen to be a husband to Rose given that he is to be a rich man when
he is paid for the Titatic steel. She will receive The Heart of the Sea
necklace from him as a token of his intentions.
Porter: Yes, yes I see. So what are your concerns?
Helen: Well this Randy fellow, I’ve seen him up here in first class several
times. I’m afraid he’s not only stealing from the passengers, but also
Rose’s attention. I was wondering, maybe you could conduct a little
investigation for me?
Porter: Investigation…what did you have in mind?
Helen: Well, I believe he is a womanizer.
Porter: Yes, I see. And what is it you want from me?
Helen: Find out what he wants with my daughter. Please Mr. Starboard, if
you bring me the information I need to get her away from Randy and
back into the arms of Berg, I will, um, um, my pearl necklace….you
can have the pearl necklace that my husband gave to me.
Porter: hmm. Well I think you may be right about this man.
14
11
PLAY CUE 14
(Aud 1 returns with another telegraph) given by Calledon Berg
STOP CUE 14A
AUD 1: Excuse me sir, another telegraph from Scotland Yard...They
say that
Randy is a philanderer (stop)
He has been caught philandering with a woman named
Molly Brown (stop)
Porter: How do they know each other? (again, dismissing him when he can’t
answer)
hold
PLAY HKC (CRICKETS)
Helen: (interrupting Porter’s discussion with the messenger) Mr. Starboard?
My daughter?
Porter: PLAY CUE 15 Oh yes, I’ll see what I can do…but I don’t want any
payment. I’ll do it only as a personal favour to you Ma’am. I’ll let
you know what I find out.
Helen: Thank you Mr. Starboard. I’ll be indebted to you.
(Porter approaches Rose & Randy who are cavorting somewhere)
FADE CUE 15A
Porter: So, together again, are we?
Rose: I was just telling Randy how nice that we are able to spend time
getting to know each other on the ship. We just came back inside.
Randy had me bent over the bow of the ship to get a better view of the
maidenhead, right Randy?
Randy: Oh yes, yes, yes of course.
12
Me Too Movement cards given by Randy
AUD 3: He is a philanderer. He had me on the bow of the ship.
AUD Me too.
AUD Me too.
AUD Me too.
Rose: Yes, that’s right Mr. Starboard. I’ve been told by many passengers
that Randy is a Philanderer.
Porter: you mean philanthropist.(shaking his head at Rose)
Rose: Yes. He’s donated his time and money to many good causes. Right
Randy?
Porter: Randy, I understand that you work on the ship?
Randy: Yeah, I work down in the engine room, I’m a stoker. But that’s why
I’m on the ship. Like many, I’m heading to America to pursue better
opportunities.
PLAY CUE 16 (they all walk off together engaged in their conversation.)
Porter: Yes, I see. What makes you think that you are worthy of such a
wealthy girl?
Randy: Well, although merely a stoker on this ship, I have a good education
and I come from an affluent background myself.
PLAY CUE 16A (FADE)
CUE 17 (starts automatically) (level decreases automatically)
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Fade Cue 17A on Director’s cue
SCENE 3 – After Main course
Helen Highwater to find singing group
Berg: Now ladies and gentlemen, for your listening pleasure, please
welcome the ships quartet, The Seamen who are going to entertain us
this evening.
PLAY VIDEO CUE 18V (when singers are in place)
(Randy should steal the necklace while the singers are coming out.)
AUDIENCE #4 singing GROUP
AUTO PLAY CUE 19V (Kiss From A Rose)
Berg: (finally catching Rose alone without Randy) Rose, I’m somewhat
concerned about the attention you’ve been paying to that commoner.
Rose: I’m sorry Cal, but I just don’t think we’re well suited. That was all
my mother’s idea.
Berg: Your mother is right though. That scoundrel certainly can’t provide
for you the way I can.
Helen: Berg is right Rose. That Randy fellow is a common criminal. He’s
not even following through with his job here on the ship. Berg comes
from a much better family too.
Rose: But mother, Randy is not a criminal. He’s a philanderer.
(All cast should contribute to the arguing and carrying on)
Berg: Rose, I have something to give you that you just can’t say no to. (he
goes to get the necklace)
(The song finishes)
AUTO CUE 20
Berg: The Heart of the Sea...It’s gone. The Heart of the Sea is gone!!!
PLAY CUE 21
X3
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Helen: What do you mean, gone? PLAY CUE 22
Berg: I mean, the case is empty. PLAY CUE 23 (turning to Porter). What
sort of security do you call this? You were sent to make sure exactly
this did not happen. PLAY CUE 24
Porter: Well, yes. I am sorry.
Helen: That was to be my daughter’s necklace. You? (To Randy.) I’ll bet
you are responsible for this. Where is that necklace?
Rose: Mother, Randy would never do such a thing. He’s a good man.
Randy: Rose’s right.
Berg: Berg: R – o – s – e – (sobbing)
Randy: What do you take me for.
Helen: Well you’re from steerage. That says it all. You have no money. All
you have is…. my daughter.
Rose: I’m all he needs….and he’s all I need. Why do you always assume
the worst? Come on Randy, let’s get out of here.
(Rose & Randy leave the room together)
Berg: R – o – s – e – (sobbing)
Helen: Rose wait.
Berg: R – o – s – e – (sobbing)
Helen: You have to listen to me. Don’t go with him. He’s no good. Molly,
go after her will you. Tell her he’s a cad. ((Molly runs after her to
green room where Helen gives Molly her purse (with necklace, and a
gun) and her next line.))
Berg: O-h- R-o- s- e-.
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Porter: (to Berg) Alright Berg what do you know about the Heart of the Sea?
Berg: All I know is that I turned my back for just a second and now it’s
gone. Just like Rose (still sobbing).
Porter: I remember the story about your position with Cunard Liners. You
came out of that a little…..shady to say the least. And, I happen to
know that you have that necklace heavily insured. And you haven’t
even paid for it yet.
Berg: I had nothing to do with the necklace disappearing. I swear.
But…(getting an idea)…I think I know who did. (He leaves the
room)
Porter: Sounds like there might be some “investigation” to be done. FADE
CUE 24, CUE 25 STARTS AUTOMATICALLY (He leaves the
room.)
(A gunshot and a crash into an ice berg is heard just outside the door.)
Stop 25A upon hearing the gunfire
CUE 26 & 27V START AUTOMATICALLY
(Helen, Molly and Rose run in, followed by Berg & Porter )
Helen: What was that? PLAY CUE 28
Porter: Sounded like gunfire to me. PLAY CUE 29
Berg: It sounded like a crash to me. PLAY CUE 30
Porter: yes, I though it sounded like chairs falling….rows of chairs.
Berg: (sobs when he hears “rows”) Oh, R- o- s- e -.
Rose: Where is Randy? PLAY CUE 31
Helen: Last I saw of him was when he left the room with you.
Rose: I went to the ladies’ room and left him waiting on the Grand Staircase.
16
Porter: That must be when I went out and saw him talking to Molly.
(to AUD 8) Let’s go get Randy, PLAY CUE 31A I might need some
help. CUE 32 STARTS AUTOMATICALLY
(They come back in with Randy dragging behind)
FADE CUE 32A
Porter: Well, it seems our suspicions have been confirmed. Randy is dead.
PLAY CUE 33
Rose: Oh, my poor Randy. Who did this to him? PLAY CUE 34
Porter: Now, let’s just calm down. I must insist that no one leave the room
until we’ve sorted out what happened here. Now, there’s no point
making any accusations. Let’s just gather any evidence we can find
and figure out the mystery logically. We’ll put it over here with the
case from the Heart of the Sea.
Berg: Let’s start with you Mr. Starboard. That “treasure” map you have is
very suspicious.
Porter: My map? (looking confused) Alright, fair enough. …(can’t locate the
map). Does anyone have my map?
Molly: Here it is. Map given to Molly by Rose Highwater
Porter: I’ll take that. And your gun too Molly. Second line given to Molly by
Rose Highwater
Molly: But how did you know I was carrying a gun?
Porter: I didn’t PLAY CUE 35…(Porter takes her gun/purse).till now. Aha.
Rose: And this newspaper article I have may also shed some light on the
situation. (She hands it to Porter) PLAY CUE 36
Porter: It’s the story about when Berg was accused of embezzling from his
last employer, Acme Ocean Liners.
17
Berg: But that story will explain, that it wasn’t me, it was the other
employees. I was cleared, remember? The newspaper story will tell
you that. PLAY CUE 37
Porter: The story tells how he begged for another chance to prove his
honesty. PLAY CUE 38
Helen: And we believed him and gave him that chance.
Rose: We all believed him. Randy too, and look where that got him.
Berg: Wait a minute what about you Lady Highwater? You didn’t want
your daughter running off with that rat. You could’ve killed him.
Helen: That’s ridiculous. I didn’t want Rose running off with him….but
murder….where would that leave me?
FADE CUE 36A
AUTOPLAY CUE 39
Porter: Enough accusations. Everyone here will help us sort this out. Okay
everyone, come up and have a look at the body, and at the evidence
and let’s see what we come up with.
CUE 39A-(level decreases)
CUE 40 STARTS AUTOMATICALLY
Rose is to guard the body
Porter Starboard to guard the evidence.
Berg & Lady Highwater to collect answers
18
DENEOUMENT – during dessert
Fade Cue 40A
Porter: Alright, you’ve all had a chance to look at the body and to look at the
evidence. You’ve each given your input as to what you think may
have happened to Randy.
Helen: Well, my guess would be you Berg? You believe that Randy stole
your necklace.
Rose: I agree. Berg believed Randy stole the Heart of the Sea, so he killed
him in order to it back. But (to Berg) Randy didn’t steal the necklace,
so you killed him for nothing.
Porter: They’re right. (Pointing at Berg) You killed Randy. You thought he
stole the Heart of the Sea and you wanted it back, at any cost.
Berg: I don’t know who stole the Heart of the Sea. I think that Randy and
Molly are both very suspect. After all, she’s the one who had
possession of the map. So, wouldn’t I have killed Molly too?
Porter: Yes, right.
Porter: Berg is right. I also believe that Molly came here to steal the Heart of
the Sea. Molly, you killed Randy because you were afraid he would
steal the Heart of the Sea before you did. It was your intention to steal
the Heart of the Sea, and when it looked like Randy might beat you to
the punch, you had to stop him.
Berg: Porter, weren’t you and Molly together when the Heart of the Sea
disappeared?
Porter: Yes, right.
Berg: What about Lady Helen over there? She didn’t want Randy running
off with her daughter, so she probably killed him to stop them from
running off together.
19
Porter: Berg is right. Lady Helen, you didn’t want Rose marrying this cad.
So, you killed him to prevent her from running off with him. But, if
that’s what happened, then what happened to the Heart of the Sea?
Helen: Are you suggesting that my daughter was going to run off with Randy
AND steal that necklace? That’s ridiculous. Rose stood to inherit all
of my jewels some day, she didn’t need to steal any.
Porter: Yes, right
Rose: Of course I didn’t steal it. But you, Miss innocent Molly. I came out
of the lavatory and heard you and Randy talking. I heard you talking
to him about the Heart of the Sea and how the two of you would run
off together once he stole it for you.
I didn’t believe it at first. I thought I must be hearing things wrong,
but then I saw Randy pull it out and give it to her…. She has it in
her…in her box.
Porter: I knew it!!!! I knew you were up to no good Molly. Let me see your
box. Aha, I was right. Here is the Heart of the Sea.
PLAY CUE 41
Helen: They would have gotten away with it if Rose didn’t come back so
quickly.
Rose: I heard Randy tell Molly he’d always loved her and that he would
meet her in America after we docked. So, when Molly left, I took out
the gun that you gave to me, mother and I shot him. No one will use
me and throw me away. You were right about him mother, he was a
philathropist.
Helen: But Rose, now you’ve killed him, you’ll be sent to prison.
Rose: That’s okay, it was worth it. Besides maybe I’ll get a second chance
someday, everyone else seems to get them.
Porter: Berg, here is your necklace. (to Rose) Let’s go Rose, I’ll have to turn
you in. PLAY CUE 42
20
(Porter and Rose leave the room, Helen follows. )
HKS SPLASH
Berg: (awkwardly) Well, umm, umm, thank you all for joining us on the
Titanic. Now, I’m not sure if any of you have noticed PLAY CUE
43V & CUE 44 STARTS AUTOMATICALLY but I’m not waiting
any longer... All of the life boats are gone and the water level seems
to have rose. Berg runs off. R- o – o – s- s – e – e. HKS SPLASH
Cue 42A (level increases) WITH EXIT
THE END
FADE CUE 42B – WHEN DIRECTOR RE-ENTERS
Introductions
PLAY CUE 46 (POST SHOW MUSIC)
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