HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN'S NIGHTINGALE

A Musical for Children

Commissioned By

SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development

Script and Lyrics By

Randy Sue Latimer

Music By

Gary Rue

FOURTH DRAFT © Randy Sue Latimer and Gary Rue June 29, 2008

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HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN'S THE NIGHTINGALE CAST: Peng, the Boy Emperor (big bird, roc) Bao, the Kitchen Maid (treasure) Bird, the Nightingale, a little very plain gray bird Haru, the Japanese Mechanical Bird, very ornate (born in the spring) Bo, the Court Jester, silly and acrobatic (waves) Wu, Advisor #1 (brave) Hu, Advisor #2 (tiger) Kang, The Imperial Music Master (health) The Court Ladies: Chan (beautiful and graceful) Fang (fragrant) Lan (orchid flower) Shan (precious) Ting (graceful) Wen (beautiful clouds) The Court Gentlemen: Cheng (accomplish, succeed) Long (dragon) Yi (firm, resolute) Yong (brave) Song (pine) Meng (fierce, vigorous) LOCATION: The entire play takes place in the Palace of Emperor Peng. It is spacious and wonderful with pillars and pillows and is open to the outside. There are tiny bells and tiny lights hanging everywhere which tinkle softly and twinkle brightly when the breeze blows. NOTE: The word(s) in parenthesis behind the character names is the meaning of the Chinese name. And, although I cannot reproduce them, if a cast member wishes to see the Chinese character which represents her/his name, they are listed on the Internet under "Chinese Boy Names" and "Chinese Girl Names". Use it on your costume or sign autographs with it! NOTE: If the birds can be played by Bunrakuh puppeteers, that would be lovely. Otherwise they will be played by single small actors. NOTE: Costumes should be enormous, ornate, varied and VERY colorful. As an economy and a method of creating them fully, "sandwich board" costumes or "paper doll" costumes might be used.

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HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN'S NIGHTINGALE MUSICAL NUMBERS: The Emperor Approaches (4) w/Reprise (8) The Courtiers and Bo Cheese Please! (12) Peng and Bo The Nightingale's Song (13) The Nightingale The Nightingale Approaches (19) All Courtiers (based on the Approach of the Emperor theme) Reprise – Nightingale's Song (short) (20) The Nightingale Hokey-Pokey/a capella (25) Wu/Hu The Court Rap w/Nightingale's Song (28) All of the Court except Wu, Hu,

Bo and Bao w/Nightingale Haru's Song (fresh version) (32) w/reprise (34) Haru (pre-recorded) Reprise-Haru's Song/a capella (34) Bird Reprise – Haru's Song (short) (37) He's Not You (41) Bao and Bo He's Not You/Spooky (42) Instrumental The Mean Song (45) Wu and Hu Gears and Wheels (A Real Bird) (48) Kang Reprise-Haru's Song with reprise/failing (49 and 51) Reprise – Nightingale's Song (new lyrics) (58) Nightingale The Friendship Song/Finale (63) All

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HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN'S NIGHTINGALE The sound of an ENORMOUS

GONG. BO, the Court Jester, enters, tumbling, somersaulting, rolling in. THE COURT begins to assemble in all their colors and variations. Included are KANG, the Imperial Music Master, who directs the Courtiers as they sing, BAO, the kitchen maid, and WU and HU, courtiers to the EMPEROR and obvious villains. They are very much alike, carry big fans and both sport large evil Fu-Manchu mustaches.

BO The Emperor approaches! SONG - APPROACH OF THE EMPEROR ALL The Emperor approaches. The Emperor is here. The Emperor approaches. So let us make it clear that Peng is oh-so brisk and blust'ry. Peng is oh-so brave and strong. If we were to list his virtues It would take us much too long. So we'll just say that he is: Handsome, kind and friendly. Peng is smart and very sweet. Peng is bold and speaks five languages And has quite nice-looking feet. The gong again. THE COURT prepares for THE EMPEROR'S entrance. ALL Good morning, Your Excellency. (CHINESE)

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ALL The Emperor is here. The Emperor approaches. And we're shaking with great fear For he's really quite ferocious. And he's powerful and he's scary. Peng has muscles, Peng has grit. He's by far the best of rulers. That's the truth. Yup, that is it! The gong, even louder than before, and THE EMPEROR enters. He is a very, very little boy with very, very large glasses, dressed in resplendent robes and a giant headdress; his hat is as tall as he is. WU/HU Down! The moment THE EMPEROR enters THE COURT shows their homage. They identify themselves one at a time very rapidly, and after each says his/her name he/she drops full length

to the floor face down in obeisance with the exception of WU and HU.

CHAN Chan. (She drops.) FANG Fang. (She drops.) LAN Lan. (etc.) BAO Bao. (etc.) SHAN Shan. (etc.) TING Ting. (etc.) WEN Wen. (He drops.)

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CHENG Cheng. (etc.) LONG Long. (etc.) KANG Kang, Imperial Music Master to His Majesty. YI Yi. (etc.) YONG Yong. (etc.) SONG Song. (etc.) MENG Meng. (etc.) WU/HU (bowing VERY low) Your Eminence. THE EMPEROR is grumpy. He goes to his throne (which is very, very large) and slumps there. THE EMPEROR I'm sad. ALL let out an enormous united sympathetic cry of pity. ALL Ohhhhhhhhh. THE EMPEROR And I'm hungry. WU/HU Treats! Still face down the members of THE COURT pull treats from their robes which they hold above their heads. CHAN Apple.

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FANG Plum. LAN Pomegranate. BAO Peach. SHAN Carrot. TING Raisins. WEN Cracker. CHENG Cookie. LONG Pudding. KANG Cabbage leaf. YI Cheese. YONG Cheese. SONG Cheese. MENG Dog treat. WU/HU (bowing VERY low) Napkin. THE EMPEROR (a beat) Cheese. WU/HU

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Cheese! YI, YONG, SONG rush to him and face down, lay their cheeses at the foot of the throne.

THE EMPEROR Thanks. (a beat) You can go. WU/HU You can go! THE COURT (singing as they leave) He is mean and he's ferocious. He is clean, but he's atrocious. And we all just shake with fear. Every time that he appears. Peng is large and he is scary. Peng is big and he is hairy. (Song continues) We were joking, he's a sweetie. And he always eats his Wheaties. He is cute and he is clever. He's astute and we would never, Never leave him 'cause we like the way he tries to make us happy. . . (the song trails off as they exit) THE COURT is gone except for WU, HU and BO. WU Is it a sad day, Your Majesty? PENG It's a day. HU How may we make it better? PENG You may go. WU But there is Court business to argue about. HU (twirling his mustache) Trouble to be brewing up.

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WU Misfortune to be stewing up. HU And battles to fight. (Evil laugh) He-he! PENG You may go. WU (to HU) You may go. HU (to WU) And you may go.

A beat, then WU and HU bow VERY low and exit backwards, huddled together, conspiring and fingering their mustaches. BO mockingly bows good-bye to them.

BO Wu – Hu.

WU and HU look back at THE

EMPEROR as they exit, and we can see that they are going to be trouble.

PENG Those two! They're always in the mood for a calamity. BO They're a sad pair, they are. Always in the mood for a little unhappiness, always after a bit more control. I don't like them. PENG Who does? BO Why do you let them stay? PENG They were here with my father and my grandpa. BO And they were just as unpleasant then. PENG

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Sometimes a little loyalty is in order. BO Tell them that.

THE EMPEROR sits quietly. BO does a short and silly dance to amuse him. PENG is not amused.

PENG Bo, I am tired of arguments and troubles and misfortunes and battles. I feel strangely sad. BO What do you want, Majesty? What will make you smile? A somersault? (He does one.) A cartwheel? (He does one.) A very funny face? (He makes one.) PENG I don't know. I have an empty achy hole right here (pointing to his heart). Maybe I just need some peace and quiet. BO (offering the offerings) Or cheese! PENG I think I was wrong about the cheese. I should have taken the apple.

BO brings out a big GO board which he sets up at the foot of the throne. It is 19x19 squares with black and white playing stones.

BO A game of GO will make you feel better.

PENG is immediately pleased. He turns upside down on his throne with his feet in the air, ready to play.

PENG Oh, yes. That will be very nice.

They begin to play the ancient game of GO.

BO Are you sure about the cheese?

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PENG I'm sure. Eat it if you like. BO None for me, thanks. PENG I should have taken the cookie. BO I wanted the dog treat. PENG You should have said something. BO I didn't want to appear greedy. They play in silence. PENG My teacher once told me that the possible different games of Go far outnumber the atoms in the known universe. BO (somersaulting away, then back to the board) Then we can play all day without repeating ourselves. PENG Or we can play for many, many lives. They play in silence. Then BO

juggles the three cheeses. BO Cheese juggling! PENG I'd like some of that action. (Shouting) Cheese please! They juggle together; it can be very

simple. PENG Pass the cheese please! Cheese-please! Wooo! I made a rhyme!

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They go into a song-and-dance while

continuing to cheese juggle. It is obvious that BO is the only person with whom PENG can let himself go.

SONG: CHEESE PLEASE Peng: Cheese please! Pass the cheese please. Both: We're down on our knees please And we're begging for cheese. Bo: It's frighteningly nutritious. Peng: And it's really quite delicious. Bo: And it's easy to freeze. Peng: Won't you pass that frozen cheese! Peng: I like it when it's cottage. And I like it when it's pottage. I just like it when it's yellow. But don't like it much in Jell-O. In a cyclone or a breeze I'm fond of cheese. Bo: And if it's Swiss That's okay too. And if it's cream. Oh, I can dream. Yes, that will do. Big finish, approaching the audience

on their knees. Both: 'Cause you can eat it in trees. And you can eat it on skis. It does not attract bees. Oh, the wonders of cheese! And we're beggin' you please. We want some cheese! Oh yeah – We need that cheese! Oh my – Bring on the cheese! Please!

BAO, the kitchen maid, enters. She is a very little girl wearing VERY BIG glasses -- yes, just like the Emperor's. She is carrying a VERY

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BIG platter of cheese. She pauses in amazement, then --

BAO I've brought cheese. PENG pulls himself together,

embarrassed. PENG Who asked for cheese. . .please? BAO You did, Your Gracious Highness. You called for cheese. PENG Did I? BAO Yes, Your Lordship. Very loudly. PENG I had forgotten. Thank you. (CHINESE) Thank you for. . .the cheese. BAO Shall I leave it, Your Highness – or serve it? PENG (giggling with BO) I have absolutely no opinion about that. We have so much cheese, you see. And who might you be? BAO (bowing low) My name is Bao, Your Majesty. I work in the kitchen. PENG Thanks to the kitchen for the cheese, Bao, but as you can see. . . Suddenly from outside -- the song of

the Nightingale. It is quite, quite remarkable. All are transfixed. As the song continues all the members of the COURT gather slowly, drawn by the beautiful song.

SONG – NIGHTINGALE'S SONG NIGHTINGALE

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In the land of Brazil There's a very high hill (Song continues) Where the wind blows the grasses around. And the birds soar and climb In the night and daytime. And birdsong is the only sound. When my heart is too still I find a high hill Where the sun shines on all things below. Where each tree is so fine That I wish it were mine. Then I wait for the west wind to blow. The wind blows, and I fly. Sometimes low, sometimes high. Then I sit on the branch of a tree. And I look at the sky With the clouds floating by. And I gasp at the beauty I see. Then I sing a love song Sometimes short, sometimes long To the wonders of life I behold. And my song is a praise To these most wondrous days When the sun touches earth with its gold. The world is a mystery With startling history. I do not pretend that I know The what, when, how or whys, But I sing as I rise. And I join in the song That is sung all day long By the songbirds that fly Through the clear azure sky Where the souls of the freeborn belong. A pause – then BO and PENG rush

to the balcony. PENG Where is it? What was it? What made that wonderful sound? BO There's nothing here, Your Majesty. Whatever it was – wherever it was – it's gone.

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PENG Oh, I want it back. Bring it back, Bo. How can we bring it back? BO I don't know, Sire. I think it was just a bird. PENG JUST A BIRD? Did you hear it sing? Did you hear it? BO I did, Sire. PENG And did it touch your heart? Did it fill up the hole right here? BO Yes, Sire, of course. PENG And don't you want to keep it with you forever and ever? BO Perhaps, Sire. PENG Perhaps? BO I think one should be careful what one wishes for, Sire – especially the things one wishes to keep forever and ever. PENG Well, I want it forever! Get it for me. It was singing in the garden. Kang, appear before me!

KANG does so. PENG

You are my Imperial Music Master. What was that singing in my Imperial Garden, please?

KANG Forgive me, Your Majesty. I've never heard such a thing before, Sire. I couldn't wager a guess.

PENG

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I command that it appear before me at mealtime and sing. It has my high imperial favor, and if it is not forthcoming I will. . . (he thinks) sob uncontrollably throughout my entire supper – even if there's pudding.

WU Well, we certainly don't want that, do we? HU We certainly don't.

EVERYONE exits the stage, calling for the bird.

BO There they go.

PENG That was fast.

BO

I gather no one wants to see you cry – even if there's pudding. PENG I didn't mean it. BO I know, Your Majesty. But you shouldn't say things you don't mean – especially threatening things. PENG Was that threatening?

BO It was. No one wants to make you cry – ever.

PENG But, Bo, I want that singing bird so BADLY! BO We'll do the best we can.

Bo exits. Only PENG, WU and HU are left behind. PENG sits anxiously waiting. We hear the voices of the COURTIERS calling offstage. "Have you seen it?" "Did you hear it?" "What was it?" "Where is it?"

WU

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We're right here if you need us, Majesty. PENG (dismissively) Yes, yes. (CHINESE)

WU pulls HU downstage and away from the EMPEROR. They confer in stage whispers.

WU What if they find that thing? HU What if they do? WU What if he likes it a lot?

HU What if he does? WU We may be out of favor.

HU I didn't know we were in favor. No one likes us – do they? WU Who cares? HU I thought we were telling the truth. WU You know we don't do that. HU Of course not. WU Our position in Court is. . .well, uncertain. I'd like a little. . .certainty. HU Certainty. Yes. WU I'd like a little (sotto voce) power.

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HU (he doesn't) Oh, my. WU Did you hear me? A little (louder) power. HU Now really. WU (louder) I'd like a little (too loudly) POWER. BOTH Sssshhhhh! WU What I'm saying is if this Bird Thing is really something special, we'll have to work harder to get what we want. HU Hmm – yes. WU And I don't like hard work. HU Who does? WU If they bring this "thing" into the palace, we may have to take "steps." Spooky music. HU Oh, no, not "steps." WU And you know what that means. HU I'm afraid I do.

WU whacks him with his fan, and they exit. The lights dim as the day wears on. The voices continue, but slower now and tired. PENG dozes.

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BAO tiptoes in and gently awakens him.

BAO Have they found it, Your Majesty? PENG I think not. BAO You will excuse me for being so bold, Your Highness – especially after the incident with the cheese – but I think I know what it was – and where it is. PENG You do? You know? How could you? Oh, would you! BAO I believe it was the nightingale, Your Eminence. PENG And what is that, please? BAO It's a very little bird, sir – it whistles and trills and gurgles most wonderfully. Yes, indeed, it can certainly sing. Every evening I am allowed to carry the table scraps to my sick mother who lives a ways from here. One day on my way back to the palace I was so tired I stopped to rest in the woods. That is when I heard the nightingale singing. He sings late in the evening, and sitting there in the twilight his song brought tears to my eyes. It was if my mother were kissing me on the ears.

PENG Take me to him. Take me there now. I've found him! I've got him! He's mine! He's MINE! Come along, everyone!

THE COURT gathers on stage, and with "adventure music" based on the "Emperor Approaches" theme, they are off to find the BIRD. Slight light shift as music swells to "triumphal music" based on the same theme, and ALL enter bearing the BIRD on their shoulders. Others carry a beautiful big birdcage which they place CS. The BIRD looks dumfounded.

SONG: THE BIRD IS HERE (to the theme of APPROACH OF THE EMPEROR)

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ALL COURTIERS The Nightingale approaches. The Nightingale is here. The Nightingale approaches. So let us make it clear that He is oh-so gray and little. He is oh-so fine and dear. He's no bigger than a tittle. Look! He's really, really here. So we'll just say that he is: Sweet and neat, seems friendly. We can't wait to hear him sing. He is not the least bit scary. Now let's hear him bring it home!

They put the BIRD down. PENG Will you sing? Will you sing for me now? I want you to sing for me now. BIRD (rearranging his feathers) And I want to know what's going on. PENG I heard you sing earlier. Your song filled the hole in my heart. Sing for me please. BIRD Well, one fast tune. Then I must be going. SONG: REPRISE OF THE NIGHTINGALE'S SONG When my heart is too still I find a high hill Where the sun shines on all things below. Where each tree is so fine That I wish it were mine. The world is a mystery With startling history. I do not pretend that I know The what, when, how or whys, But I sing as I rise. And I join in the song That is sung all day long By the songbirds that fly

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Through the clear azure sky Where the souls of the freeborn belong. PENG (crying with a big white handkerchief) Oh, too wonderful. You've touched my heart. You've touched my heart again. How could I imagine. . . BIRD (gobsmacked) You're crying? PENG Who could listen to you sing and not cry?

PENG gestures to the COURT who are all sobbing loudly with big white handkerchiefs as well. WU and HU are pretending to cry with tiny, tiny handkerchiefs.

BIRD (sincerely) Thank you. Thank you very much. I'm touched. Now I have to get back to my family. PENG No, no, no. You're going to live here with me. You're going to be My Bird forever and ever. ALL COURTIERS And ever and ever and ever. BIRD No, no, no. I have uncles and cousins and nephews and friends in the woods. I couldn't possibly stay.

WU and HU pick the BIRD up and put him in the cage.

PENG But you must stay with me. You'll be happy here, I promise. You'll have everything you've ever wanted – things you've never dreamed of asking for. At last you will have an audience for your songs – an audience that appreciates how exceptionally talented you are. BIRD But. . . PENG And I will feed you tangerines and tiny fishes, worms of all types and. . . BO (sarcastically, obviously disapproving)

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And cheese. PENG And cheese! BIRD But I. . . PENG locks the cage. BIRD What are you doing? PENG It's for your own good, believe me. The world can be a very dangerous place for such a little bird. We wouldn't want anything to happen to you, would we? It's for your own good. You have permission to go for a walk twice a day and once at night. Twelve courtiers will attend you, each one holding a ribbon tied to one of your legs.

BIRD

Well, that won't be much fun. PENG And you may sing whenever you please – and not sing whenever you don't please. But I tell you that when you sing you fill the hole in my heart. BIRD But my song sounds best in the woods. PENG How can that be when there are so many here at Court who are touched by your song? COURTIERS Touched, oh-so touched. PENG Of course if you insist I will not keep you here, but please – oh please – BIRD Unlock the door, please. PENG But I want you to stay. BIRD Never said I wouldn't.

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PENG But your uncles and your cousins and your. . . BIRD You're not helping by locking the door. Certainly you don't want me to stay against my will.

PENG (balancing) For your will – against your will. . .just stay. Oh, please.

BIRD Then be a little trusting, Your Highness. Unlock the door.

A beat. Then PENG unlocks the door.

COURTIERS (they are surprised to see The Emperor acquiesce) Oooo! BIRD (stepping out of the cage) That's better, isn't it. Now if I stay I stay freely. PENG And you'll stay – yes? BIRD I've seen tears in your eyes. A singer gets so little praise. People crying at my song? Oh, my. What could be better than that? I will stay – a little while. PENG You won't regret it. Rest now. You've had a surprising day.

BIRD sits with his back against the cage, and PENG rushes to put pillows behind his back.

BIRD Surprising to say the least – flying, singing, kidnapped, imprisoned, unimprisoned – (adjusting the pillows) and now. . .comfortable.

ALL exit. PENG and BO stand together DS.

PENG I never thought he'd look like that. He's so small, so plain, so gray. How could such a beautiful sound come out of something so gray.

BO

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It's not the coat that makes the man, Your Highness – and it's not the feathers that make the song. PENG (exiting) But he's so -- gray.

The stage is empty except for the BIRD in the cage and WU and HU who stand looking at the BIRD intently. BIRD dozes.

WU (whispering) What did I tell you? HU (loudly) He looks like trouble. WU (whispering) Shhhh! Big trouble. The Emperor really likes him. HU Looks that way. WU Something must be done. HU Yup. WU And we're just the ones to do it. HU We are? WU I have an idea. HU You always do. WU Something the Emperor likes very much. HU Cheese? WU

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Not cheese, silly. Toys. HU Ahhh. WU Hu, with my brains and your (he can't think of anything) – uh (finally) hands we'll run this place one day. HU I don't wanna. WU Of course you do. HU Okay.

As WU and HU exit they speak to the BIRD.

WU And we're going to show you a thing or two. HU (tough guy) Yeah. BIRD (waking) Huh? PENG and BO enter. PENG (to WU and HU) Hello. What are you two doing here? WU We were just. . . HU Just. . . WU Uh. . .teaching the Bird to dance. HU (confused) Yes. . .to. . .dance. We were? WU (singing to the "Hokey Pokey" and demonstrating) . . .you put your bird foot out

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And you shake it all about. You do the Chinese Hula And you turn yourself around. That's what it's all about. BIRD It is? WU (quickly) Got it now? 'Bye. (CHINESE) WU grabs HU and they exit hastily. PENG (sitting by the cage) Well, what did you think of that? BIRD (trying out the dance) Peculiar. BO (trying out the dance himself, then settling down for a nap at PENG's feet) I didn't know there was a Chinese Hula. PENG (to BIRD) Are you comfortable? BIRD Mostly. PENG (offering cheese) I brought cheese. BIRD Oh, no, thank you. (CHINESE) I should have told you earlier. I'm not fond of cheese. PENG (pleased) Hmm. You're very straightforward. I like that in a fellow. I can use someone like you around here. I hope you will stay a long, long time. I hope we can be friends. I have so many people around me – but even with the best of them (whispering and indicating the sleeping BO) – I'm never quite sure if they're being totally truthful with me. Sometimes I think they're just being nice because I'm the Emperor. BIRD That's a possibility. A lot of folks spend time with a lot of folks who are strong – or popular – or in control just because. . . PENG . . .just because they're strong – or popular – or in control. Exactly! That's just what I'm saying.

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BIRD But I've always thought that was a waste of time. I like folks who are pleasant and who have a little style. BIRD Yes, people who are polite. PENG Folks with passion. BIRD Interesting-looking people. PENG (taking off his glasses) People without glasses.

BIRD Oh, no. I like the glasses very much. They make you look – interesting.

PENG Thank you. And you're quite gray, aren't you? BIRD (proudly) Quite. BIRD I hope we can be friends. PENG And why shouldn't we be?

BIRD Well, there was that cage locking business.

PENG (anxiously)

But I unlocked it.

BIRD Yes, you did. And I thank you for that. Silence. PENG One can never have enough friends. BIRD

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Well -- it's a good thing to be liked and respected by – but I've found that it takes a long time and a lot of work to have a true friend. PENG You're a very wise bird. Will you stay a long, long time? BIRD We'll see. There's nothing wrong with friends who come and go, you know. PENG Well, I'm quite fond of the coming, but – I don't like the going much. They sit in silence for a beat or two. PENG I think I'll just sit here for a bit. It's so quiet. And it's so. . . BIRD (a beat) Friendly. PENG Yes. It's so friendly.

The two of them settle in. PENG hums a little "Nightingale's Song." BO snores. Lights slowly fade. As they come up EVERYONE is on stage listening to the BIRD sing. Halfway through the first verse the COURTIERS turn to the audience and begin to rap with appropriate rap gestures and dance. PENG, BAO, BO and KANG's attention is still on the BIRD.

SONG: THE COURTIERS' RAP w/NIGHTINGALE'S SONG (Reprise) NIGHTINGALE In the land of Brazil There's a very high hill Where the wind blows the grasses around. And the birds soar and climb In the night and daytime. And birdsong is the only sound. When my heart is too still I find a high hill Where the sun shines on all things below.

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Where each tree is so fine That I wish it were mine. Then I wait for the west wind to blow. The wind blows, and I fly. Sometimes low, sometimes high. Then I sit on the branch of a tree. And I look at the sky With the clouds floating by. And I gasp at the beauty I see. Then I sing a love song Sometimes short, sometimes long To the wonders of life I behold. And my song is a praise To these most wondrous days When the sun touches earth with its gold. The world is a mystery With startling history. I do not pretend that I know The what, when, how or whys, But I sing as I rise. And I join in the song That is sung all day long By the songbirds that fly Through the clear azure sky Where the souls of the freeborn belong. THE COURTIERS' RAP CHAN: Isn't he lovely? Isn't he grand? WEN: What a great talent. Let's give him a hand. FANG: But he's gray, gray – he's so gray. CHENG: Why can't he be pretty? SONG: He's gray, gray – he's so gray. YONG: Though he certainly is witty. LAN: He's a star. He's a star. There's no question he'll go far. LONG: We are lucky that he's here. Let us make that very clear. SHAN: But he's gray – he's so gray. YI: And that's really not alluring.

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MENG: He is oh-so-very gray. WEN: Cuts his chances of world touring. ALL: Gray, gray, he's so gray. Where did all the color go? He's gray, gray, oh-so gray. How did all his feathers grow Out gray, just gray? You could lose him in a fog. That bird is gray-gray-gray. Like a gray bump on a log. TING: That bird is gray. That bird is gray. YONG: That bird is gray. That bird is gray. (A few-beat pause) SONG: But his song could not be finer. MENG: Sung in major or in minor. LAN (straight spoken/no rap) Maybe it doesn't matter that he's gray. WEN Is that possible?

FANG I think it's possible. Maybe it's doesn't matter that he's gray. SHAN That would be nice.

BIRD finishes his song. ALL applaud. PENG is crying.

PENG (to BIRD) Oh, wonderful-sublime. Do you still wish you could be flying away?

BIRD You unlocked the door, and that made all the difference. You cry when I sing for you. You treat me with tenderness and care. This is a lovely home. PENG I like you very much. BIRD I like you too.

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BO (with a wail, forcing a group hug) I like you all!

Everyone comes in for the hug except WU and HU who stand apart, growling.

WU Grr! HU Grr! Grr!

TING, WEN and LONG who had exited earlier enter pushing a big box on wheels. They throw themselves on their faces before PENG.

TING Your Venerable Majesty, Peng the Powerful! There's a messenger in the hall. He has brought you a Gift for no Good Reason. ALL A Gift for no Good Reason? BAO (a beat) The best kind!

PENG A gift for me? A gift? For ME?

PENG unwraps the box. Revealed is HARU, the mechanical bird. He looks just like the Nightingale in size, shape and character, but he is encrusted with jewels, and he glitters in the light. He is Tin Man-like; his bolts and connecting pieces show. He holds a greeting card in his beak. ALL gasp in delight.

ALL Oooooooo! PENG Oh-oh-oh! Isn't it remarkable? What does it do? Read the card, Bo.

BO (takes the card from HARU'S beak and reads.)

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Here is a Bird named Haru. He is a gift to the Emperor of China, though a poor thing, I am sure, when compared to his beloved Nightingale. Wind him up, and Haru will sing for you. I hope you will find this a friendly gift. Best regards. See you next summer at the lake. Signed – A Secret Admirer."

WU and HU stand off to one side, rubbing their hands in delight and snickering. It is obvious to THE AUDIENCE that they sent the toy.

PENG Haru is a Japanese name, isn't it, Bo? This must be a gift from my dear friend, the Emperor of Japan. "See you at the lake." Of course – a Gift For No Good Reason from my friend, the Emperor of Japan. WU (almost leaping forward) Yes, yes – the Emperor! It must-must-must definitely be a gift from your friend, the Emperor of Japan. (He casts a meaningful look at HU, maybe with a fist bump.) BO He's never sent you a Gift for No Good Reason, has he? PENG There's always a first time. WU (to HU) Hee-hee . ."a first time." It's the first time all right. PENG Wind him up, Kang! Bo! Bao! Wind him up!

KANG carefully winds up HARU (there should be a sound effect for this), and HARU sings. His song is pre-recorded, mechanical, music-box quality with a metallic quality.

SONG – HARU'S SONG In the land of Japan There's a very wise man Who knows the conundrum of Life. He is thoughtful and bold, And he's not very old. And he lives with his shih tzu and wife.

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He can give you the answer To every tough question. He knows how the world works, you see. He knows what, when and why. He's a very bright guy. But it's still just a puzzle to me, To me. It's all just a mystery to me. HARU runs down. FANG Oh, wind him up again please, Your Majesty. MENG Make him sing again, please. ALL (clapping) Again, again, again ! PENG We'll have him sing with the Nightingale. Come out, Bird. Here is a fellow singer. BIRD comes out and circles HARU. BIRD (not pleased) He's very shiny. YI Isn't he! BIRD (touching the jewels) And what are these? CHENG Precious gems. CHAN Rubies. WEN Diamonds. LAN Oh, yes – oh, yes. KANG Shall I wind him up again, Your Majesty?

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PENG Are you ready to sing, Bird? BIRD I can't say. PENG Won't you sing with him? BIRD I'll try.

KANG winds up HARU. BIRD tries to mimic the mechanical quality of Haru's song.

SONG – HARU'S SONG/Reprise During HARU's song everyone

moves in closer to him. BIRD goes back to his cage and is moping. HARU's song continues over and over. Each time he stops, someone shouts, "Again, again!" Then he is wound up, and we hear the song again.

WEN Isn't he remarkable! YONG Isn't he shiny! SHAN Isn't he talented! WU and HU (pleased, but sarcastic, twirling their mustaches) Isn't he precious! Lights fade and fade and fade with

the passage of time, but HARU'S singing and the winding and the singing and the winding go on and on. Then one by one or two ALL leave the stage. Only the BIRD and HARU are left in the twilight.

BIRD (singing Haru's melody a cappella)

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The world is a mystery. I've no helpful history To show me the what, why or how. It's all just a puzzle, A muddling puzzle. A riddle, confusion – For now For me. Confusion, a mystery and me. BIRD sighs heavily. BIRD I wish you didn't need winding up. I can't do it with these wings. Sometimes I get lonely at night. It would be nice to have something. . .to listen to. Silence. Then. . . BAO I'm here.

BIRD Oh, my goodness! You surprised me. BAO Are you lonesome? BIRD A little. I miss my uncles and my cousins and my friends – although I know they're just next door. BAO You have new friends now. BIRD Yes. . .nice. Silence. BAO touches HARU. BAO I wonder how it feels to be a mechanical toy?

BIRD I can't imagine.

BAO I choose being real. No gears, no wheels, no depending on someone else to wind you up. Silence.

BIRD

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Though sometimes I think I'd like to be mechanical – so I couldn't feel. BAO Sometimes feelings hurt. But on the whole. . .

BIRD

Yes – on the whole. Silence.

BAO (in confidence) Sometimes I wake up in the morning. . .and I feel so good I want to sing. BIRD Sometimes I wake up in the morning – and I do sing.

They giggle, then silence.

BIRD Now that Haru has come, the Emperor doesn't like me anymore, you know. BAO Oh, I think you're wrong about that.

BIRD

How do you know? BAO (shrugs) He seems to be smiling more – and crying when you sing. Those are good signs.

Silence.

BIRD (indicating HARU) I wonder if he wishes he were real. Silence. BAO yawns.

BIRD It's almost morning.

BAO I like the sunrise.

BIRD Yup. . .me too. Silence. BIRD/BAO (sing a capella) BIRD: Confusion, confusion.

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BAO: Confusion, confusion. BIRD/BAO: A puzzle, a mystery and me. Lights down. When they come up

all are on stage again. HARU's song is heard throughout the scene while others talk above him.

SONG: HARU'S SONG – Reprise CHENG I'm enthralled. CHAN I'm enchanted. LONG I'm regaled. SONG And I am captivated. PENG (to the BIRD) Will you sing with Haru? BIRD I don't think so. HARU is wound up again and sings. PENG (when HARU has finished) Now will you sing? BIRD No, thank you very much. (CHINESE) The sound of HARU only. PENG (out of sorts) Have you changed your mind about the singing yet? BIRD Nope. PENG (quite upset) Well, fine and good then. Be a party pooper, you old spoil sport. We don't want to hear you anyway.

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WU You old spoil sport. HU You party pooper.

PENG goes to HARU, applauding loudly. HARU's song stops. PENG goes to HARU and begins an exaggerated praise of the toy, checking periodically to see that BIRD "gets the picture."

PENG (to HARU) You're a delight, you know. You're a positive delight! You're delighting us all. You are. . . delightful, that's what you are. We are delighted with you! Unlike some here in the Court (he casts an angry look at BIRD, then back to HARU), you – yes, you make an effort. Some of us are just too unpleasant to be bothered. Some of us should go sit somewhere else so we don't have to look at their unpleasant faces. But that's not you, of course. You – (applauding again) well, you're just delightful.

PENG and the COURTIERS crowd around HARU applauding. We hear "delightful" and "a positive delight" over and over, and the Courtiers' complimentary comments weave through the scene as well like an underscore. BAO and BO go to the BIRD's cage. BIRD is sitting in the open door of the cage.

BIRD Don't speak to me, please. BAO Don't be sad, Bird. He's just having an off day – that's all it is. BO You know how much he cares about you. He'll come around.

PENG, HARU and the COURTIERS exit. WU and HU linger, listening to the conversation at the cage.

BIRD He doesn't act like he cares. He doesn't talk like he cares. The COURTIERS praising HARU. FANG I'm bewitched.

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LAN I'm charmed. MENG Delighted. BO Some days he wants everything to go the way he wants everything to go. And when someone doesn't play along, he gets snippety. You mustn't worry about it – BAO And you must try not to get your feelings hurt. BIRD But my feelings are hurt. (Indicating his heart) It hurts in here. BAO That's because you're "real." But you must simply tell yourself that he loves you and that he is your friend. BIRD How can I tell myself such a thing when he says I should (imitating PENG'S angry voice) "go sit somewhere else so he doesn't have to look at my unpleasant face"? BO (acting surprised) Oh, was he talking about you? BAO We thought he meant. . . BO (looking about he spots WU and HU) We thought he meant – we thought he meant THEM. WU Me? (CHINESE) HU Me? (CHINESE) WU/HU (hurrying off) He certainly did not mean us. BIRD I thought I belonged. I thought this was home.

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BAO But you do! And it is!

The COURTIERS again in praise of HARU.

YONG Fascinating. SHAN He's so alluring. YI So enjoyable. TING So very, very delectable. BO (to BIRD) What would the palace be like without you in it? BIRD (sarcastically) You have Haru. BO But Haru is not you! BAO And thankfully you are not Haru! BO He's very nice and all. . . BAO But he's quite stiff and inflexible, isn't he. . . BO Quite mechanical, isn't he? BIRD He's actually quite interesting.

BO and BAO look at one another. BO Yes, interesting, I suppose.

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BAO But he's not you. BO And that's the point, isn't it. SONG: HE'S NOT YOU BO: He's very shiny and impressive. But he's not you. BAO: He's very sparkly and dynamic. But he's not you. BO/BAO: He's just his own self. His overblown self. He is a gift from far Japan. He's just a gussied-up tin can. And he's MECHANICAL! Oh, yes, he is mechanical. BAO: His song is interesting, I guess. But it's not yours. BO: I don't mind hearing it, I confess. But it's not yours. BO/BAO: It's just a poor song That sounds suspiciously like your song. It's not unpleasant to our ears, But now and then we hear the gears. 'Cause he's MECHANICAL! Oh, yes, he is mechanical.

BAO and BO hug and stroke the BIRD as they sing.

BAO: And you are warm and soft when we are touching you. BO: You are so feathery sweet when we are clutching you. BO/BAO: We cannot think what we would do without you. We cannot say enough good things about you. Just hear us when we shout There isn't any doubt that HE'S NOT YOU! He's just Haru and he's a toy. And HE'S NOT YOU! He doesn't give us the same joy 'Cause HE'S NOT YOU! He's just Haru. And that's not you.

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You're not Haru. Haru's not you. 'CAUSE HE'S MECHANICAL! (whispering) He is mechanical. BO (speaking) So there you are. BAO And that's the truth. BIRD Thank you for your support.

BO and BAO exit, throwing back encouragement as they go. BO does a cartwheel or two.

BO We wouldn't have it any other way. BAO Anything we can do to help. BO Stiff upper lip. BAO Don't let the bed bugs bite. BO Don't take any wooden nickels. BO and BAO are gone. BIRD (settling into his cage, closing the door) Nice folks. . .very nice folks.

Lights go down, nighttime. Spooky instrumental rendition of HE'S NOT YOU. WU and HU enter and stand on either side of the cage. BIRD is sleeping in the cage with his pillows.

WU

And now for the next step in the plan. (Whispering to the bird.) The Emperor really doesn't like you, you know. He's thinks you're plain. HU You are soooo gray.

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WU He thinks you're dull. HU You have no jewels. WU The Emperor wishes you weren't here. HU And that's the truth. BIRD (waking) Huh, what? WU We were just commenting on the fact that you are so dull and pedestrian. . . HU So tedious and commonplace. . . WU Listless and uninteresting. . . HU Humdrum and lackluster. . . WU That Peng, the Magnificent, Ruler of China, wishes that you would. . . HU . . .just fly away. WU He doesn't like you anymore. BIRD What are you talking about? HU He has a new friend, someone he likes more than you. . . WU Someone beautiful and sparkling. . . HU

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Someone who never gets tired or refuses Peng's wishes. . . WU Someone who is never moody or unpleasant. HU/WU HE LIKES HARU! AND HE DOESN'T LIKE YOU! HU And he wishes you would go away. WU (opening the cage door) Why don't you just. . . WU/HU GET LOST! Silence. WU Do you understand? HU Could we make ourselves any clearer? BIRD I understand. WU Shall we help you pack? BIRD I came with nothing. HU Well, then, that's the way you should leave. . .with No Thing. WU But leave you must. HU And leave you shall. WU Let us give you a hand.

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WU and HU help the BIRD out of the cage and walk him to the balcony wall.

HU Go back to the forest now, Little Gray Thing. WU It's not far. I'll bet you can see your house from here. HU (chummily) Bye-bye. (CHINESE) WU (the same) Bye-bye. (CHINESE) BIRD Please tell Peng that I. . . WU We'll tell him that you had an urgent family matter to attend to. HU We'll tell him that it broke your heart to leave. WU We'll tell him there were tears in your eyes as you flew away. WU/HU Now GET LOST!

WU and HU pick the BIRD up and fling him over the balcony wall. We see a nightingale ascend into the darkened sky and fly away.

WU (dusting off his hands) Another bad deed done –

HU (the same) . . .and done well. They twirl their mustaches and sing. SONG: THE MEAN SONG

WU AND HU We're not bad And we're not evil.

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We're just mean. We're just mean. We've been nasty and unpleasant Since we were in our teens. We don't like it when someone's more important than us. And when someone's more important -- We make a fuss! We're not bad And we're not evil. We're just mean. We're just mean. We're not nice, Although for certain not the worst that you have seen. We have fingers in every cherry pie that we see. But if cherry pie is apple pie, we won't let it be. Chorus: Do you think we look like bad boys? Do you think we have an air? An air of not-the-kind-of-folks-you'd-like-to-meet? Well, our snarls and mean expressions Do not make us more attractive. And those are the expressions that we think are really neat! (Snarl)

WU and HU do a rather-silly square dance.

We're offensive and repulsive, Just a bit not too clean. Disagreeable, dark, unwholesome, sticky and green. Yes, oh yes, we are the worst you've ever seen. Mean! Unsavory and nasty! We're mean! Disagreeable and ghastly! We're mean! We are firstly and we're lastly Mean! WU (twirling his mustache) One step closer to. . .The Throne!

WU and HU link arms and skip off, humming "The Mean Song." Lights down. When lights come up the cage is empty, and ALL are on stage.

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PENG is inspecting every inch of the cage.

PENG But where can he have gone? He didn't tell me he was leaving. He would have told me he was leaving. . .if he was leaving.

SONG We've searched the palace, your Excellency. LONG We've searched the gardens and the grounds. FANG And the roads. LAN And the woods. BAO (in a very little voice) Perhaps he's gone home, Your Majesty. PENG And why would he do that? BAO Perhaps he was homesick. PENG Well, that just won't do. That will not do at all. KANG Well, he seems most ungrateful, Your Magnificence. Luckily we have the best bird right here. Shall I wind him up for you, Excellency? PENG I don't think so. KANG We don't quite know his song by heart as yet. It is a very difficult piece. This Haru is so much better than a real bird. WU It never gets tired. HU It never gets moody or unpleasant.

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KANG It is beautiful to look at on the outside, but its mechanical interior is just as remarkable.

KANG opens up HARU's chest. There are gears and wheels and such, all as shiny as his outside. KANG's song can be spoken (a la Rex Harrison) or sung.

SONG: GEARS AND WHEELS KANG With a real bird You don't know what to expect. With a real bird There's no chance to inspect Him. With a real bird Everything is left to chance. 'Cause a real bird might just decide to dance Off. CHORUS: But with a toy, Oh, with a toy. Boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy. You can see the gears and wheels move. You can oil up every part. You can watch the insides turning And it doesn't have a heart. Look how the gears turn. See how the wheels spin. It's a lovely, lovely package And its workings make me grin. If you'd like, Your Gracious Majesty, I could take it all apart. I could show you its construction And explain just how to start It. But a real bird Oh, well, a real bird. You can't depend on real things Because some real things have wings. (He starts to cry.) And they'll fly off during breakfast

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When you did not think they'd go. . . And they'll leave you in an instant. Just ask me, I think I know.

KANG is crying and cannot continue. He obviously has baggage. BAO goes to him.

BAO

Not all real things leave you, Kang. Look at us. We won't leave you. THE COURT Never! KANG (drying his eyes and trying to control himself) Would you like to see inside him again, Your Lordship – how everything follows everything else in a perfectly orderly manner? No surprises. Perfectly dependable. PENG No. I don't want to look inside him again. I don't ever want to look inside him again. KANG Let him sing just a little, Majesty – so you can remember how beautiful he sounds.

KANG winds HARU up just a little. We hear a bit of Haru's song which is a little less perfect than before; he's beginning to fail.

COURTIERS (as if they are watching fireworks) Oooo! Aahhh! PENG Yes, he's very nice. Thank you. Now leave me please. I'd like to be alone. Bowing low KANG, the

COURTIERS, WU and HU back off stage.

KANG (returning) And shall I take the Emperor's Grand Imperial Singer with me, Excellency? PENG Yes, take him please. KANG carries HARU off. PENG

sits dejectedly on his throne. BO and BAO stand near him.

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BO Shall we leave as well, Your Majesty? PENG No. (CHINESE) Stay please. Silence. BAO Would you like some cheese, Your Nobleness? PENG No. No cheese, thank you. BO (doing a halfhearted trick) How about a. . . PENG No. There's nothing that will cheer me up. I was cruel to him. I pretended I didn't care about him. I hurt his feelings. BAO (a very little voice) Yes, you did, Your Majesty. PENG (surprised at her agreeing) What? Did I? Is it true? Did I break his heart? BAO Perhaps, Your Excellency. PENG Well, he's had his revenge then – because I can hear my own heart breaking at this very moment. BO (puts his ear against PENG'S chest) Yes, Your Greatness. I hear it too. BAO I can hear it all the way from here. Silence. BO Shall we find him and ask him to come back, Majesty? BAO Every day when I go through the forest to see my mother I pass the place where I first heard him sing. We can start looking there. PENG (a beat)

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No. If he wants to come back, he will do so of his own accord. I can't make him stay with me if he wishes to be somewhere else. I've learned that lesson. BO But perhaps he's missing you as well. PENG I hope so. I thought this was his home. But I was thoughtless. BAO (nodding) Yes, you were. (CHINESE) BO (shocked that she should say this to the Emperor) Bao! BAO We are what we say, Your Majesty. PENG So we must be careful what we say. Yes. Silence. PENG I miss him. BO/BAO Yes. Missing him. Yes.

Lights down. When they come up ALL are gathered on stage, lying about in various bored and unhappy poses. PENG is slouched in his throne. HARU's song is heard, but it is slower now and more slurred. Something is obviously wrong with his parts.

PENG My stomach hurts. BO Mine too. KANG Your Majesty, there seems to be something. . . TWANG/WHIR-R-R. HARU's

wheels run down, and the music

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stops abruptly. Of course everyone is concerned.

KANG I was just going to remark that there seemed to be something wrong with the mechanical bird. And now it's. . . BO Stopped cold. PENG Is it. . .is it. . . YI Is he dead? EVERYONE Ooooo.

KANG opens HARU's chest and fiddles about a bit with some tools he carries in his robe. ALL wait expectantly.

PENG Well? Well? KANG Well, I wouldn't say exactly "dead" – as it wasn't technically "alive." But its parts seem to be somewhat the worse for wear. PENG Can you mend it? KANG I can patch it up a bit, but the cogs are badly worn, and if I were to replace them it would spoil the tune entirely. PENG What will we do then? KANG Well, this is a diagnosis on the fly, you understand. I will have to call in several specialists, a robotologist and a cardiomechanic and perhaps an autoapparatusist – which will set you back a few yen, of course -- but my best guess is that it can sing once or twice a year – and even that may be too much for it.

ALL (sad and disappointed) Ohhhhh.

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KANG (a rather Volkswagen technician-ish explanation) It's the hoolerwagen and the masserdoinken – the way they click into the fenstercrod. I can't do a thing about it.

LONG Oh, well – LAN The fenstercrod. FANG Of course you can't fix that. PENG (seriously hurting) My stomach hurts.

ALL rush to him. ALL (great sympathy) Ooooohh. PENG And it's not my fenstercrod. I'm sure of that. LONG Call the Royal Physicians!

COURTIERS carry PENG offstage. TING Take him to the Royal Bedroom! SONG Bring the Royal Thermometer! SHAN Call for the Royal Heating Pad! WEN His Excellency has a Royal Tummy Ache! CHAN Alert the News Media!

BAO and BO are left on stage.

BO Loneliness can make your stomach hurt.

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BAO So can appendicitis. BO I hope it's loneliness. BAO I hope it's not.

BAO and BO exit. Lights change. HARU stands silent; perhaps several of his parts have fallen off. One by one or two the COURTIERS, WU AND HU and KANG enter. BO AND BAO are not there. There is great sorrow. The COURTIERS obviously love their EMPEROR very much.

CHAN It's been weeks and weeks. SHAN I don't think the Emperor is any better. KANG The Royal Physicians can't diagnose it. WU It's not gastritis. HU It's not pancreatitis. WEN They've ruled out ileitis. . . CHENG Or a Meckel's diverticulum. CHENG It could be malabsorption. YONG They've ruled out Chinese restaurant syndrome. MENG

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And if it's a problem with his splenic flexure, it's an abnormal presentation. YI He's lonely for his friend. MENG He's just lonely for his friend. WU Fiddle-faddle! HU Twiddle-twaddle! SONG Perhaps we should try to find the Nightingale. WU (importantly) We'll do no such thing! We are in charge while his Celestial Highness is ill, and we say that no one leaves the palace. STAY WHERE YOU ARE! HU Whoops. The COURTIERS are a bit surprised at the bossiness. WU You may spread the disease. . . HU If there is one. WU You may unnecessarily trouble the countryside. HU And there's too much unnecessary trouble in the countryside these days already. WU (a bit fearsome) NOBODY MOVES UNLESS I SAY SO!

Hu Whoops. WU STAY WHERE YOU ARE, I SAY!

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HU (nice cover-up) . . .uh. . .where we can take care of you in a fitting manner. WU It pains me deeply to even mention such a thing, but. . . HU . . .but. . . WU With the Emperor so ill and all. . . HU . . .and all. . . WU . . .we might want to think about choosing a new Emperor just in case. . . ALL (surly) Ooooooo! WU . . .just for the meantime – the in-between-time – until he's better, you see. HU And of course he will be better. WU Of course he will be. (Clearing his throat and announcing grandly) I would like to nominate myself. . . No one is listening. YI (to KANG) Perhaps if the mechanical bird could sing for His Majesty. KANG He sang just last night – only for a short while. And I must say it did not go well. What a noise! The poor old bird is done for, I'm afraid. HU (loudly) He would like to nominate. . . No one is listening. YONG Well, he's still pretty to look at.

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TING He's still beautiful. Let's put him in the cage where he'll be safe. KANG A fine idea. No one will knock him over or step on him in there.

The COURTIERS move HARU into the cage and prop him up. They shine him up a bit.

FANG See how fine he looks in there. WU (loudly) I would like to nominate. . . No one is listening. WEN He's back to his old sparkliness. MENG And it doesn't matter if he doesn't sing. SHAN He'll make us happy just to look at him.

PENG has a coughing fit offstage. Three of the COURTIERS rush off.

CHAN Pudding, Your Majesty? YI Apple juice, Excellency? SONG A banana? No bruises on this one, Sire. PENG You're all still here? FANG Of course we're here, Your Highness. PENG I'm so sick. Why are you still here? MENG

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Because we like you, Your Majesty. We need to stay close in case you need us. PENG (crying) They like me!

From the balcony the NIGHTINGALE's song begins. The BIRD does not appear until the last few lines of the song. BAO and BO sneak on stage.

SONG: NIGHTINGALE SONG – Reprise w/new lyrics THE NIGHTINGALE I did it – yes, I. I decided to fly For I thought I no longer belonged. I've been lonely, oh yes, And I'd like to confess I was wrong, I was wrong, I was wrong. I am warbling for you. You're my friend, and I do Hope you'll ask me to perch here and stay. It's a time for homecoming, For mad guitar-strumming. Not a time to be flying away, Oh no, I will not be going away.

As the song ends the BIRD appears on the balcony, and PENG appears in his dressing gown and stocking cap. SONG, YI and CHAN follow him in, trying to support him. He looks very ill. PENG and the BIRD stand looking at one another for a beat and then run into each other's arms.

TING Your Majesty! YONG Be careful! LAN You're very ill! PENG

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You've come back. BIRD How could I stay away? I wanted to come back sooner, but I was afraid you didn't want me. PENG Not want you! I wanted to ask you to come back the very day you went away, but I thought you didn't want to be here anymore. BIRD/PENG I thought you didn't like me. BIRD/PENG I thought you were angry at me. BIRD/PENG I thought you were tired of me. BIRD/PENG I thought you didn't want to be my friend. BIRD How's your belly? PENG (surprised) It's much much better. How did you know about my belly? BIRD Bo and Bao told me. BO Our apologies, Your Majesty. You told us not to go looking for him, but you were so sick. . . BAO And we knew you needed your friend. WU Yes, of course. We were just getting together a search party ourselves. HU For the purposes of. . .uh. . .searching, you see. WU For the Bird.

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HU Yes – because we knew you wanted him back, uh-huh. HU And whatever Our Emperor wants. . . BIRD But they told me you didn't want me here. They said you liked Haru and wanted me gone. PENG (unbelieving) They. . .

PENG slowly turns on WU and HU, angrily simmering, then exploding and furious.

PENG The two of you are. . .MEAN!

WU and HU are kowtowing as fast as their kowtows will allow.

WU Yes, we are! HU We certainly are! WU Couldn't have said it better myself. PENG You cause so much trouble in the Court with your mean mouths and your unhappy selves. I want you out of here!

WU Out?

HU Of here? WU You're asking us to leave? PENG No, I'm not asking you to leave. . .

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HU Oh, thank you, Merciful Heavens! PENG . . .I'm ordering you to leave. Go find some dirt to scratch around in. . .

WU Dirt?

HU Scratch?

PENG Grow something. Paint something. DO something! Get your mean selves out of my sight and don't come back. WU Ever? HU Not ever? PENG When you learn to be friends. . . HU (interrupting, looking at WU with disgust) With each other? PENG That would be a start. WU (bowing low) Whatever your Excellency wants. HU (bowing low) Because whatever our Emperor wants. . . PENG (dismissive) Yes, yes.

WU/HU (as they exit) Paint something? Friendly? Who does he think we are? WU and HU are gone.

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PENG (To the BIRD) Why did you come back? BIRD You needed me. . .didn't you? You're my friend. We belong to one another. And because you cried when I first sang for you. For a singer those tears are jewels. PENG Then you have more jewels than Haru. Where is he? CHENG We've put him in the cage, Excellency. TING He looks lovely there, don't you think so, Your Majesty? PENG Ah, there he is – sitting in your old house. Please, Bird, stay with me forever. . .or as long as you like. Sing to me constantly. . .or only when you please. We'll break the mechanical bird to pieces. . . BIRD No, no, no! Why would you do such a thing? Haru did his best. And he looks quite fine sitting there. But this time, Sire, I will not build a nest here – or live in the palace. Let me come and go as I like. I will sit on the balcony wall and sing things that will make you happy. . .and thoughtful too. If we both have our freedom, we will belong to each other even more.

PENG (happily to BO and BAO) Where did you find this bird? BO Just where Bao said he would be. BAO On the road through the woods on the way to my mother's house. . . BO Sitting with his uncles and his cousins and his friends. PENG (his arm around BIRD) I am happier than I have ever been. Gray is my favorite color! PENG/BIRD (fist bump) Good friends. (CHINESE)

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BAO Good friends. (ENGLISH)

KANG (sniffling) Good friends -- forever.

THE COURTIERS gather around KANG for support.

BIRD And good fortune! PENG Good friends make good fortune, Nightingale. BO (cartwheeling across the stage) And the feathers do not make the song! ALL sing and dance. SONG: THE FRIENDSHIP SONG ALL Come stay with me. Come play with me. You're neither kith nor kin. You're my ally. Take off, let's fly. You're my buddy and my crony And my friend. Some cheese, my friend? Say please, my friend. I have cottage and some brie. Feel free, my friend. To say "whee," my friend. It's all okay with me. WHEE! Sit down with me. Play the clown with me. Let's see how well we blend. Come dance with me. See France with me. And we'll be neighbors, we'll be playmates. We'll be friends. Oh, yeah! Good old-fashioned, fine and lucky friends.

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Chorus: It is very nice to greet you. Yes, very nice indeed. I am oh-so pleased to meet you. You're exactly what I need. Come run with me. Have fun with me No matter how it ends. Come on, it's fine. I'm yours, you're mine. 'Cause you're my playmate, my companion And my friend. Oh, yeah! My comrade and my soulmate And my lifelong friend.

ALL bow to the AUDIENCE.

ALL Good-bye, my friends. (CHINESE) ALL Good-bye, my friends. . .good-bye. (ENGLISH)

END OF THE NIGHTINGALE (See next page for CHINESE translation needs)

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LOCATIONS/PHRASES IN NEED OF CHINESE TRANSLATION Good morning, Your Excellency Page 4 Thank you. Page 13 Yes, yes. Page 17 'Bye. Page 26 Oh, no, thank you. Page 26 No, thank you very much. Page 37 Me? Page 39 Bye-bye. Page 45 No. Page 50 Yes, you were. Page 51 Good friends. Page 62 Good-bye, my friends. Page 64