usc nikkei culture night 2011 script

8/2/2019 USC Nikkei Culture Night 2011 Script

1/70

USC Nikkei Culture Night the Fourth

"If You Wish"

byDaphne Ho


2/70

ACT 1

INTRO VIDEO

A montage of videos that illustrate different ways of making

wishes (shooting stars, tossing coins, birthday candles, fourleaf clover, blowing away an eyelash, 11:11 [A.M.], etc.).Cast members' names will be incorporated into these actionswith objects displaying the name in a zoom-up (constellation,coin face, plate or napkin, name label on makeup compact,book next to 11:11 [A.M.] clock). The time on the clockchanges to 11:12 A.M. An alarm rings. Blackout.

SCENE 1: Why So Lazy?!!?

INT. GRANDPARENTS HOUSE. DAYTIME.

The stage is silent. VINCE has fallen asleep in a chair,holding cleaning supplies. He is a 21 year old collegedropout. His slumber is interrupted by his GRANDMA whoenters stage right. She is a tough-love kind of gal.

GRANDMA(gently) Sweetie.

VINCE(drowsily) Mmm, five moreminutes....mmm..

GRANDMA pulls out a rolled-up newspaper from behind her back

and smacks VINCE with it. He jumps out of his seat, falls tothe ground, and tries to defend himself from his grandmaswrath.

GRANDMAWhy so lazy?!!? (pulls VINCE backup from the floor)

VINCE(childishly) Awww grandma! Thatsthe fifth time today!

GRANDMA

I told you to go to sleep early,wake up early. Always sleeping,never working! Thats why yourelike this!

VINCEGrandma! I just spent like an hourcleaning. I needed a little nap!


3/70

GRANDMALook at yourself. Is this howyoure going to spend the rest ofyour life? When I was your age, Iwas already a wife and a mother.

GRANDMA walks around the room and inspects VINCEs cleaningefficiency by swiping her finger on table surfaces andrearranging books and other small props.

VINCEWell, that doesnt exactly apply tome...

Beat.

VINCE (CONTD)

...and things are different now,Grams. Dont worry, Ill be okaywhen the economy picks up.

GRANDMAYou cant make excuses for the restof your life.

VINCEHey now, dont worry. I have ajob.

GRANDMAAt a CONCESSION STAND.

VINCE(calm) Keep it down, keep it down.

GRANDMADropping out of college was yourbiggest mistake.

VINCEIt just didnt feel right. Whywaste time and money on an

education you dont want?

2.


4/70

GRANDMAIts not about feeling right.You go to school because you haveto so you can get a job and makegood money and meet a nice girl,

get a house, and have lots ofbabies! (waves duster at VINCE,then continues cleaning)

Beat.

VINCEBut look at the bright side. I getto spend so much time with you!(pinches GRANDMAs cheeks). AndIm here to cook and clean for youand Grandpa.

GRANDMA(rolls her eyes) What a joke!

VINCEI love you too, Grandma.

GRANDMAYeah, yeah. Ok, lunch time, chopchop! (shoos VINCE into kitchen)

VINCEYes, Grandma.

GRANDMA and VINCE enter the other half of the stage which isthe KITCHEN. A longer table in back is set with pots, pans,and kitchen stuff. GRANDPA sits at a small table with chairsreading the Rafu. He is a charming but somewhat confused oldman who loves to tell long nostalgic stories.

VINCE (CONTD)Enjoying your lunch, Grandpa?

GRANDPA(completely unaware of Vincesquestion) Hello!

VINCE unrolls the newspaper that his GRANDMA had used to hithim.

VINCE(hands newspaper page to GRANDPA).Here, I think youre missing apage.

3.


5/70

GRANDPAAh! Fan-diddly-tastic! You savedthe day, Vince! Seventy years ofreading Rafu Shimpo, and Ive nevermissed the sports section. (kisses

the newspaper)

VINCEWow, thats pretty impressive.

GRANDPAI need to stay updated about thefuture superstars filling in yourshoes.

VINCEHaha, I miss those Little Leaguedays.

GRANDPADid you know that I saved everyarticle you were mentioned in? Andthe scores of all the teams youveplayed in since you were six?

VINCEReally?

GRANDPALet me show you. Theyre in a box

in the attic. (begins to rise fromhis seat)

GRANDMA(halts GRANDPA) Oh no you dont. Iorganized that box chronologically,and youll both mess everything upif you touch it. (incredulously)Do you want to throw away fourteenyears of my hard work??

GRANDPA and vince(in unison, obediently) No,

Grandma.

Beat.

GRANDPA folds up his newspaper.

GRANDPASo any plans for tonight?

4.


6/70

VINCEWell I have to work the night shiftat the movies so I was going tograb a bite with Ash beforehand.

GRANDMAThat boy is so wild!

VINCEWild? Grandma, hes going to be afreaking doctor!

GRANDMADoctor for crazy people! And dontsay freaking. Thats a bad word.

VINCEIts called a psychologist. And Idont know why you always have tocriticize my friends. Theyreperfectly good-

CHLOE, Vinces sister, enters from stage left. She isdressed in jogging attire and holding a pastry box.

CHLOEWhos hungry for truffles!!

GRANDPAOoooOOOOoo! (raises his hand) Me!

Me!

CHLOEGrandpa, theyre even fresh fromscratch. Organic scratch.

GRANDPA(claps) Jackpot!

GRANDMA(hugs and kisses her granddaughter)I didnt even hear you come in!

VINCEHey Chloe, I didnt expect you todrop by today.

CHLOEOh you know, just in theneighborhood for my daily jog.

5.

(MORE)


7/70

Im training for the DisneyPrincess Half Marathon.

VINCEThats ridiculous.

GRANDMAAlways our little princess! (scootsout a chair for CHLOE andencourages her to take a seat)

GRANDPA(munching on truffles) Your Grandmacant even top this!

GRANDMA(laughs nervously) Ok, too muchsugar for you. Go do something.(shoos him off stage left)

Beat.

VINCEWell this has been fun, but Ireally should be heading out.

CHlOE(adjusts shoelaces) Oh, wait forme.

VINCEBut Im going to see Ash.

CHLOEYeah thats cool. I just want tohave A Talk.

VINCEYoure my older sister, not my mom.I dont need A Talk.

CHLOE(jogs toward stage left) Come on,

kid!

VINCEWhy cant everyone just relaxaround here?

6.

CHLOE (CONT'D)


8/70

CHLOEYou might not have a job, but forthe rest of us, time is money!(jogs offstage)

VINCE sighs, drags his feet, exits stage left.

BLACKOUT.

VIDEO CLIP (TRANSITION): A Talk

VINCE AND CHLOE are eating lunch.

CHLOE (CONTD)All Im saying is that you cantspend the rest of your life sellinghotdogs and popcorn. Youre betterthan that.

VINCE(bored and pokes food) Fine.

CHLOEYou were on the right track...whathappened?

VINCEI dont know.

CHLOE

Whenever I ask you something, yousay you dont know. And whenever Igive you advice, you always push meaway and say I know. If I wereyou, Id-

VINCE(stands up) Well youre not me!Ok? I have things under control.I dont need your intervention.(walks away)

CHLOE watches her brother leave and sighs.

Scene 2: Nomlicious.INT. BOILING LOBSTER RESTAURANT. NIGHTTIME.

4-5 tables are arranged on stage. DREW and GAIL are sittingtogether at a table near ASHTON and VINCE. WAITER makes afew rounds at the tables.

7.


9/70

VINCE walks in stage left. His best friend ASHTON walks instage right. Both see each other, wave, and do some sort ofsecret handshake. They have been best friends since theinvention of best friends.

VINCEHey, Ash, whats new?

ASHWhy dont you tell me? Ive beenstuck in the library for the pastfour days.

VINCEMidterms?

ASH(exhausted) Death.

VINCEWell thanks for making the time tohang out with me.

ASHYeah of course, youre like mybrother.

WAITER enters stage right.

WAITER

Can I get you something to drink?

VINCEWater is fine.

ASHYou know us college kids have to becheap.

WAITERWe charge $0.25 for water here.

ASH

Nutbunnies.

Beat.

WAITER exits stage right.

ASH (CONTD)So whats new with you?

8.


10/70

VINCESame old, same old. Chloe stoppedby today to nag me about getting alife.

ASHThats good.

VINCEGood?

ASHYeah, you know you cant depend onyour grandparents forever, andyouve been kind of out of it sinceyouve been living with them.

VINCEI cant believe youre taking sideswith her.

ASHIts not about taking sides. Ijust want to see you happier likethe good old days. Now yourealways complaining about thecrazies at your job and how youmiss just chilling at our dorms.And I know you hate hearing otherpeoples advice so Im just

suggesting that you look into goingback to school.

VINCE(mildly upset) Id rather serve hotdogs and popcorn than waste my timeand money to sit in a classroomwith a bunch of pretentious jerkswho think that everything can beand should be analyzed. Everyoneassumes Im just lazy or-

WAITER re-enters stage right holding a tray with 2 cups of

water.

WAITERHere are your waters. Ready toorder? (takes out a pen and pad ofpaper)

9.


11/70

ASHWell have 4 lbs. of shrimp and 2lbs. of crawfish.

WAITER

How spicy?

VINCEMedium.

WAITERAnd which seasoning?

ASHThe Whole Sha-bang.

VINCENo, I dont want to be a walkinggarlic clove. (to WAITER) What doyou recommend?

WAITERI personally enjoy The Whole Sha-bang because its a combination ofall the seasonings we offer. Soyou really get the most sha-bangfor your buck! (awkwardly performsa ba-boom-chick drumroll on thetable) But like you said, its badnews bears for your breath. How

about our original Rajun Cajun?

VINCEOk, that sounds good.

WAITERAwesome possum.

WAITER exits stage right.

Beat.

ASH

I dont want you to be mad at me.Im always on your side.

VINCEYou sound like an insurancecommercial.

10.


12/70

ASHSorry! I told you Ive been lockedaway from humanity for four days.

RUBY enters in the background. She is a 22 year old recent

college graduate who works for Rafu. DREW and GAIL wave toget her attention, and she approaches their table. Theysilently girl talk.

VINCESee why would I want to go back toschool, pulling all-nighters for auseless letter grade? And like 80%of college kids live with theirparents after they graduate so Imone step ahead of the pack.

ASHWell, just dont say I didnt warnyou.

Beat.

RUBY turns around and approaches ASH and VINCEs table.

RUBYExcuse me, are you using this seat?

VINCEOh no, its all yours.

RUBYThank you so much!

RUBY relocates the chair to the adjacent table. Silent girltalk resumes.

Specials light the stage. WAITER enters.

WAITERGood evenings, folks! Thanks fordining with us tonight. I justwanted to let you all know that we

have some special guests tonightfor your entertainment. Pleasegive a warm welcome to USC KazanTaiko!

Lights dim to red as Taiko drums are being set up. Cuebackground transition music.

11.


13/70

TAIKO PERFORMANCE (Restaurant Entertainment).

Lights dim to red as Taiko performers move drums offstage.Cue background transition music again.

After drums have been removed, resume normal lighting andrestaurant activity.

ASH plays with his straw wrapper.

VINCE(to ASH) What are you doing?

ASH closes his eyes, concentrates, and pulls the strawwrapper apart. The wrapper dangles limply in his hands.

ASHPhooey.

VINCEWhat was that about?

ASHYouve never seen someone make awish on a straw wrapper?

VINCENo. Explain.

ASH

First, think of a person. Thentake your straw wrapper and tie itin a knot. If the knot remainsafter you pull both ends of thewrapper then that person isntthinking of you. But if the knotpulls through loosely, then youreon that persons mind.

VINCEWho comes up with these things?

ASH

I dont know, but you know you wantto try it.

VINCE...Yeah. Ok, lets see.

12.


14/70

VINCE gingerly knots the straw wrapper, but when he pulls it,his hand accidentally knocks over the roll of paper towels onthe table, and it rolls away toward RUBY, DREW, and GAILstable.

VINCE (CONTD)Oops. Oh well. (turns back to lookat the wrapper in his hands)

DREW gets out of her seat, but steps and trips on the roll ofpaper towels.

DREW(to herself as she regainscomposure) What kind of idiotleaves a roll of paper towels undera table?

VINCE and ASH avoid eye contact.

Beat.

WAITER re-enters stage right holding a tray of food.

WAITERMmm nom nom nom!

VINCEThanks, that looks delicious.

WAITERI think you mean nomlicious.

VINCEOk, you can leave now.

WAITERLet me know if you need anythingelse.

ASHI think were good.

WAITERIll check up on you guys later.

VINCEWere good. No really.

Beat.

13.


15/70

WAITER(oblivious to VINCEs comment). Ohperfect, its 7:00! Youre just inluck! (to light box) Cue thelights!

Colorful specials and cheesy music begins to play. Two tackyVanna White girls appear, one from stage right, the otherfrom stage left. They meet at center stage and strike aVanna White pose.

VANNA AND LANASurprise!

VANNAIts Ticket to Win It Night!

LANA(exaggerated) Vanna, whats Ticketto Win It?

VANNALet me tell you about it, Lana!Take a moment to investigate underyour table! If you find a ticket,you win! (LANA mimes the actions oflooking under a table and actingsurprised)

LANA

Yay! And tonight, one lucky personwill win a wish granted by aprofessional genie sponsored byGenie-Us! (holds up a gaudy Genie-Us poster)

VANNASo who is our winner tonight?

There is shuffling and slight confusion on stage as peoplecheck under their tables.

ASH

Ew nasty! All I found was old gum.

VINCEWait, dude...is this it? (holds upa ticket)

LANAOh! Oh! Look! We have a winner!

14.


16/70

VINCE shields his eyes from the spotlight.

VANNACome on up to claim your prize!

Everyone claps.

VANNA (CONTD)Thank you for playing, and tryagain next time for your nextopportunity-

LANAOoo! Look! She has one too!

VANNA

Oooo! (to LANA) But wait...we onlyhave one prize.

Beat.

Music stops playing.

VANNA AND LANAOopsies...

RUBY and VINCE stand next to VANNA and LANA.

LANA

This is new because we have twowinners and only one prize!

RUBYSo what does that mean?

VANNAThis is the voucher for a genieconsultation tomorrow at noon atour Genie-us Offices next door.(proudly displays the voucher)

VANNA and LANA exchange shrugs, grins, and giggles.

LANAClearly the only solution is togive half to you (tears voucher inhalf and hands it to VINCE) andhalf to you (hands the other halfto RUBY).

15.


17/70

VINCEWhat! Thats not a solution atall!

VANNA

Good luck!

VANNA and LANA giggle and scurry offstage.

Lighting returns back to normal.

VINCEHow bizarre.

RUBYYeah. But this is exciting becauseI never win anything!

VINCETechnically I won because I foundmy ticket first.

RUBYWhat? No, not cool. They said weboth won because we each hadtickets under our table.

VINCEWell I dont have time to arguewith you right now because I have

to get to work and everyone isstaring at us and listening, so whydont we exchange contactinformation and figure it out atthe consultation tomorrow?

RUBYThat sounds good. By the way, ImRuby.

VINCE(shake hands) Vince. Pleasure tomeet you.

RUBYHere is my business card. (givescard to VINCE).

16.


18/70

VINCE(looks at card) Whoa this is legit.Hey, you work for Rafu Shimpo? Mygrandparents always read it.

RUBYThats amazing! Im a writer forthe paper.

VINCENice. Ok, well Im not fancyschmancy like you so Ill call youand you can add my number. (bothtake out their phones and fiddlewith buttons)

RUBYOk, Ill see you tomorrow then atthis place (looks at her half ofthe voucher)...or you know, if youdont want to show up, thatll justsolve this little doozy.

VINCEOh dont you worry. Im not givingup something as good as a freegenie wish that easily.

VINCE and RUBY start to return to their respective tables.

VINCE (CONTD)Ill definitely see you tomorrow.

RUBYRight back atchya.

BLACKOUT.

VIDEO TRANSITION: GENIE-US COMMERCIAL (parody of PeterFrancis Geraci commercial): Call 1-800-G-E-N-I-E-U-S

NARRATOR(emotionless) Are you depressed?Stuck in a rut? Has life worn youdown? If you answered yes,(neurotically changes to happiness)get ready to change your life withGenie-us!!

17.


19/70

Were Breaking Free starts playing in the background.Tacky colors and fonts emphasize the narration. VANNA andLANA, dressed in glittery dresses, charm the viewer.

NARRATOR (CONTD)

Thats right! Genie-us! Finally apractical and easy solution to yourproblems! Since ancient times, ourclients have always been 100%satisfied with our services. Takea look!

LANAI used to be 87 years old witharthritis and a replacement hip.(walks with slow, fragile steps)Now Im a youthful girl (runsaround, does the splits) whodoesnt look a day older than 14!Thank you, Genie-us!

VANNAI used to be a very boring personwith no talents whatsoever toattract any friends. (sitting alonein a corner) But thanks to mygenies magic, Im now the life ofthe party with my contagious smileand double jointed tricks! (bendsfingers in positions that should

not be humanly possible)

NARRATORIts genius! No, its Genie-us!Simply give us a call at 1-800-GEN-IEUS. Thats 1-800-G-E-N-I-E-U-Sor stop by our offices for apersonal consultation. Each geniehas been specially trained forthousands of years to meet any wishof your hearts desire. Let usmake your dreams come true!

Scene 3: The Handy Dandy ContractGENIES OFFICE. INT. DAYTIME.

RUBY curiously examines the GENIEs office. She is a veryrational girl, but she gives in to her superstitioustendencies.

18.


20/70

RUBY(snooping around the room andfurniture) I wonder if he has anymagic carpets.

VINCEYou know, this place is kind of adump. I was expecting at leastsome marble floors, goldenlanterns, crystal chandeli-

GENIE enters stage right. He is dressed in sweatpants orsomething unflattering. He carries himself with a happy-go-lucky attitude because he is tired of being bogged down withhumans struggles. In other words, he goes along for theride and masks his apathy with a smile.

GENIESorry to disappoint, but thatsonly in the movies.

RUBY(gives GENIE a head-to-toestaredown) Wait, youre the genie?

GENIEThats my name! Dont wear it out!

Beat.

GENIE (CONTD)You must be Ruby, and youre Vince.Pleased to make your acquaintance.

VINCE(disbelief) This has to be somekind of joke.

GENIELike your face! (smiles and laughsto himself)

Beat.

RUBYWhere are your bedazzled outfits?

GENIEWhere are YOUR bedazzled outfits??

Beat.

19.


21/70

VINCEOk, so can we trust you to know howthis all works? I just make a wishand Im good to go?

GENIEHow kind of you to ask. Let mejust grab my handy, dandy contract.(takes out long, scroll-likecontract from the pocket of hishooodie) Ok, here we go!

GENIE clears throat and unravels the long contract.

GENIE (CONTD)Step 1: Sign the contract providedby your genie (looks up, smiles,and points to himself). Step 2:You will have 14 days to decide onyour wish. Only one wish percustomer will be granted. Yourstruly shall accompany the customerat all times for immediate service.(sifts through contract) Blah blahblah...Step 3: Please allow 4-6weeks for your wish to process. Ifyou are not satisfied with theresults, please schedule anotherconsultation to resolve the issue.(reads disclaimer really fast, but

audibly) Terms and conditions mayapply. Possible penalties forearly withdrawal. Do not fold,spindle, or mutilate. Terms aresubject to change without notice.Other restrictions may apply.

RUBYOk. Thats nice and everything,but how does that apply to us? Weeach won the raffle, so how do wehandle this one wish per customerdeal?

GENIEOh. Ive never had that happenbefore...

VINCEThat doesnt sound promising.

20.


22/70

GENIEHey now, dont be such a NegativeNancy! This situation can beeasily resolved. (thinks tohimself) Hmm...ok, how about this?

You both have 14 days to make amutual wish. If a wish is not madewithin those 14 days, the wish willbe forfeited to whomever I was lastaccompanying.

VINCEA mutual wish? Thats bogus!

GENIETake it or leave it, my friend.

RUBYSign me up! Im taking it! (takesout a pen and signs the contract)

VINCEWhoa whoa whoa, if youre signingthat then Im signing it too.(takes out a pen and signs thecontract as well)

GENIE(folds up the contract and tucks itback into his pocket). Thanks,

Ruby and Vince! (enthusiastically)This is going to be fun, I justknow it.

VINCEGreat, then lets get right down toit: I wish that Ruby never won theraffle, leaving the wish for mebecause I truly earned it.

RUBYWhat?!? You cant do that!! (toGENIE) Can he do that??

GENIE(to VINCE) That was really mean.

VINCEWell your job is to grant my wish.

21.


23/70

GENIEThanks, Captain Obvious, but Ideclare your wish invalid. Firstof all, I said that the wish has tobe mutual. In other words: the

shared use of a resource. Andsecond of all, no mean-spiritedwishes.

RUBYYeah, its not my fault that weboth won the raffle so lets acceptit and move forward. A mutual wishis better than no wish, right?

VINCE(under his breath) Only if you wanta wish granted by a subjective,inexperienced-

GENIEWhat?

VINCEOh, nothing.

GENIEBefore you start throwing wordsaround, just remember that youchose to sign the contract. And

whos the genie? Oh thats right.Me, not you. So Im notsaying....but Im saying.

RUBY(frantic and scared because shethinks that they have irritatedGenie and he will unleash hiswrath) Youre right. Dont listento him. Im so sorry.

Beat.

VINCE(yawns exaggeratedly withoutcovering his mouth) I have no ideahow were going to coordinate this.

RUBY(stunned at Vince) What did youjust do?

22.


24/70

VINCE(blankly) What?

RUBYWHAT did YOU just DO?!

VINCEUm, I had an involuntary intake ofair that was triggered by fatigue.

RUBYYou yawned without covering yourmouth!!

VINCEOh sorry, that was rude, wasnt it?

RUBYIt was suicidal!

Beat.

RUBY (CONTD)They always say that yawningwithout covering your mouth allowsevil spirits to enter your body!

VINCEAnd who is they?

RUBYWell...the people who...who knowthings because they have powers.Like Genie! Isnt that right,Genie?

GENIE(plays along) Oh yeahhhh, ofcourse. So are we just going tostand here all day and argue?

RUBYRight. You are so right. We need

to focus. We should each have achance to show Genie around ourlives. Maybe itll help usformulate a mutual wish. (toVince) Where should we go now?

VINCELadies first.

23.


25/70

RUBY, VINCE, and GENIE exit stage right.

BLACKOUT.

Scene 4: Being RealisticRAFU OFFICE. INT. DAYTIME.

Papers are piled on top of tables. It is a busy but quietwork environment. GAIL, a bubbly writer for Rafu, and DREW,the serious editor-in-chief of Rafu, are quietly discussingover some papers.

RUBY, VINCE,and GENIE enter from stage right.

DREWRuby. There you are. Really solidarticle about the spelling bee. Wegot some great feedback from theparents. Keep up the excellentwork.

GAIL(to RUBY) Look at you! Less than ayear on the job and already makingthe front page!

RUBY(to DREW and GAIL) Thank you verymuch. Its such an honor. (looks

at a newspaper) Ever since I was alittle girl, my dream was to writefor a newspaper, and now itsactually happening.

GAILI know what you mean. Its prettycool to see your name and yourwriting in the paper.

RUBYYeah, and not just any paper.Reading Rafu and seeing my familys

response to the paper was whatinspired me to be a writer.

DREW(to RUBY and GAIL) Well, Im gladto have you both on board.

24.


26/70

RUBY marvels at the copy of Rafu in her hands. She is sooverwhelmed with pride that she has forgotten to introduceVINCE and GENIE to her coworkers. VINCE loudly clears histhroat to break the awkward silence.

RUBYOh sorry, I didnt introduce youguys. Drew is the editor-in-chiefof Rafu Shimpo. Gail is a writerlike me. Drew, Gail, this is myfriend Vince and the Genie I wonfrom Genie-us. No big.

DREW, GAIL, VINCE, and GENIE exchange handshakes. GAILhesitates to shake GENIEs hand.

GAILOh Ruby, please dont say you gotthis guy from some hooky T.V. ad?

GENIEExcuse me, but for yourinformation, I have been grantingwishes and dedicating my life tothe improvement of humanity forhundreds years.

RUBYGuys, its not a big deal.

Remember how that other guy and Iwon a raffle the other night? WellVince was that other guy and ourprize is a genies wish. I thoughtthis could help us out somehow. Weall want the best for Rafu, right?

GAIL(nods and shrugs) Yeah, I guessyoure right. I dont suppose yournew genie friend could conjure up350 grand for us, could he?

VINCE(to RUBY) What do you mean by that?

DREW(gently) We announced in March thatwere experiencing some, you know,financial difficulties.

25.


27/70

GAIL(bluntly) We have more than$350,000 in debt.

GENIE

Ouch.

GENIE wanders towards tables/desks and examines thenewspapers.

RUBYIts a very scary reality. Lastyear, we saw Northern Californialose both the Nichi Bei Times andHokubei Mainichi. Now they have nolocal Japanese daily paper.

DREWCalm down, Ruby. But remember,those two papers were basicallycompeting for the same audience.

GAILAnd they didnt let their readersknow that they were struggling.Weve handled this from a differentapproach.

VINCEIm sorry to hear that Rafu is

going under and youll all be outof jobs, but a lot of people areunemployed and struggling too, andwe just have to hope that theeconomy improves soon.

GAIL(very seriously) This isnt aboutour jobs.

RUBYWithout Rafu, well lose a vehiclethat unifies the Japanese and

Japanese American community. Ourcommunity.

DREWThis is our chance to really makesomething happen.

26.


28/70

GENIEWell then it seems like Im yourman!

RUBY

(to DREW and GAIL) Yeah, see?

VINCELook, I really hope things brightenup for Rafu, but Im not here forsome kind of lesson aboutempowerment or whatever. I signedthat contract for Genies wish, notfor a lecture about a hopelesscause.

DREWWhoever said our paper is ahopeless cause?

VINCEWell all newspapers are dying ingeneral.

GENIEYou really are a Debbie Downer.

RUBYSeriously. (to VINCE) I broughtyou and Genie here to get a glimpse

of what Id like our wish toincorporate. I didnt think youdbe so selfish.

VINCEIm not being selfish. Im beingrealistic. Newspapers are becomingextinct because we have theinternet now. And theyre a wasteof paper.

DREWHey, Vince, before you make any

more assumptions about our paper, Iwant to invite you to our townmeeting. We were actually justgetting ready to leave for it whenyou guys showed up.

27.


29/70

VINCE(DREWs sincerity catches him offguard) Oh...well, um...all thisdiscussing has really worn me outso it would be better if I just go

and-

GAILAww come on! You cant say no.

RUBYThe meeting is downstairs, and itwont take more than an hour.

DREWWere going to discuss someinitiatives. Who knows, maybeyoull be inspired to get involvedand participate in Rafus future.

VINCEOk, seriously, how many times do Ihave to-

RUBYTheres free food.

Beat.

VINCE(immediately interested) O.K., soyou said its downstairs in fiveminutes?

DREW and GAIL walk around GENIE and inspect him from head totoe.

DREW(to GENIE) Right...So listen,besides being hundreds of yearsold, what other powers do you

have?

GENIEOh, now I have to prove myself toyou?

28.


30/70

GAILWell yeah. We arent going to letour little Ruby hang around somepsychopath.

GENIE(sighs) Very well. (scans theroom) You see that water bottlenext to you?

GENIE points to a water bottle that is on the desk behindGAIL.

GENIE (CONTD)(snaps fingers) Thats not wateranymore, my friend. Its an energydrink full of electrolytes (jazzhands). You cant see or tastethem. But trust me, theyre inthere.

RUBY(picks up water bottle in awe)Wowwww.

DREW and GAIL exchange skeptical glances. VINCE is not surewhat to think and shifts his eyes.

GAILIm not impressed.

GENIEO.K., how about this one? (snapsfingers)

Lighting changes to red specials. GAILs mood completelychanges as she approaches VINCE.

GAIL(in a sultry tone) Hey there. Ima thief, and Im here to steal yourheart.

DREW(shocked) Whoa whoa whoaaa.

VINCE is clearly uncomfortable and laughs nervously.

29.


31/70

GAILYours parents must have been bakersbecause you have a nice set ofbuns.

RUBYOH MY GOSH. (covers her eyes) Makeit stop!!!

GENIE snaps his fingers. GAIL snaps out of the trance.

GAILEwww ew ew ew ewww! (coughs andgags) I think Im going to be sick.(runs off stage left)

GENIESo no more doubts?

DREWNone whatsoever. I better go checkon her. (exits stage left)

RUBYIve tried everything: tarot cards,palm readers, psychics, numerology.(wistfully) But Im pretty sureyoure going to be the mostmagical.

GENIE brushes off his shoulders.

VINCE(to RUBY) Chill out, it wasnt thatimpressive.

GENIEMaybe I should forfeit your half ofthe wish now if youre going tocontinue being so mean.

VINCEWhy is everyone so sensitive? Im

just sayin those were small scaletricks on one object and oneperson.

GENIEOh so youre challenging mycapabilities?

30.

(MORE)


32/70

Maybe this will make you re-evaluate your harsh judgments aboutmy expertise.

GENIE performs a sweeping motion with his hands.

RUBY(excitedly) Ooooo! Hes conjuringdancers!

Lights fade. VINCE, RUBY, and GENIE exit as SOTRADperformers scatter in. Colorful specials light the stage.

SOTRAD PERFORMANCE.

Scene 5: The Town Hall MeetingTOWN MEETING. INT. NIGHTTIME.

Rows of chairs are lined on stage right. They are slightlyangled towards the center. VINCE and GENIE are seated in thesecond row. DREW, RUBY, and GAIL sit as a panel behind atable on stage left. A sign or banner that says Save theRafu is draped in the background. A large bulletin board iscovered with Post-Its and bullet-pointed lists that addressissues like Finances, Improvements, and Goals.

Everyone is chattering until GAIL bangs a gavel on the table.

GAIL

Hear ye, hear ye! (giggles) Ivealways wanted to say that. (resumesbanging the gavel wildly)

DREW(takes gavel away from GAIL).O.K., relax. This meeting is now insession. (to attendees as theysettle down) Thank you forattending tonight. We reallyappreciate your time and concern inour efforts to save our belovedRafu. As you all know, the paper

is in a bit of a pickle so we valueyour input to help us preserve thisgem of Little Tokyo. The firstthing on the agenda is Finances.

31.

GENIE (CONT'D)


33/70

RUBYNewspapers are becoming extinct,and the rising costs to produce anddeliver them arent helping.

TOWNSPERSON 1Why dont you try to get moresponsors or print more ads?

RUBYTo be honest, thats a pretty weakoption. Money is tight foreverybody, and advertising revenuehas declined in both print andonline.

TOWNSPERSON 2What about the money fromsubscriptions?

DREWIncreasing subscriptions isdefinitely one of our goals. Wedappreciate some brainstormingtonight.

TOWNSPERSON 3We need to do more thansubscription campaigns. We need toremind the older members and teach

the youth about the importance ofthis newspaper in our community.

DREWBut saving Rafu is much easier saidthan done.

GAILThe Nichi Bei in Norcal has takenthe non-profit route. Maybe itstime for Rafu to do the same.

TOWNSPERSON 3

If the Nichi Bei and HokubeiMainichi closed in Norcal, thatmeans that the Rafu is the lastdaily Nikkei newspaper in the U.S.

32.


34/70

DREWThats right. But people areturning to the internet as theirsource for news so weve beenlosing readership.

VINCE is completely uninterested in the discussion. His headbobs up and down as he tries to stay awake.

GENIE(loudly clears his throat to wakeVINCE up) Ahem!

VINCE(startled) Yeah...uhh...internet.

Beat.

RUBYWere hoping to become more activeon Facebook and Twitter to attractsome of our younger readers.

GAILAnd well try our best to manageour website regularly.

TOWNSPERSON 1Well, I dont know how to use acomputer so thats useless to me.

DREWThe internet is a very reliable wayto reach out to our futuregenerations. It appeals more tothe kids.

TOWNSPERSON 1No, newspapers are supposed to beprinted on paper. Thats whytheyre called newspapers.

DREW

I know its hard to adjust tochange but this is the reality. Wewant Rafu to have a future.

TOWNSPERSON 4And what about your Japanesereaders? Are they being accountedfor as well?

33.


35/70

DREWOf course. We value all of ourreaders.

TOWNSPERSON 3

You should write more entertainmentarticles. You know, music andtechnology and the stuff that youngpeople like.

VINCE falls asleep and rests his head on GENIEs shoulder.GENIE pushes him off a little too forcefully and he falls tothe floor.

VINCEOw!!

Beat.

The room falls silent as everyone stares at VINCE forinterrupting.

VINCE (CONTD)(dazed and confused) Sorry, justhad a little clumsymoment...theres nothing to seehere.

VINCE sits back in his chair, embarrassed and antsy to leave.

He eventually falls asleep again.

TOWNSPERSON 2When I was a little kid, I rememberlooking forward to reading the Rafuand finding my teams name in theyouth sports section. I want myson to experience this feeling ofpride as well.

DREWExactly. This is why we need help

to pass on these kind of memories.

AUDIO CUE: embarrassing cell phone ringtone (10 seconds)

GENIE nudges VINCE awake. VINCE realizes that his phone isringing, and everyone stares at him. He quickly checks hisphone and sees that GRANDMA is calling him.

34.


36/70

VINCE(looks at phone but does not pickup) Grandmaaa, now is not the time.

GENIE

Did you just Ignore your Grandma?

VINCEShe always calls for no reason liketo open a jar for her or something.(to everyone staring at him) Sorryfor the interruption. (waves handloftily) Carry on. (resumessleeping)

Beat.

RUBYAnyway, Rafu has become a way oflife for many of our faithfulreaders. And for us as the staff,it is our life.

DREWWell keep you posted with atimeline of our progress and aschedule of events.

GAILEveryone has a voice in its future

so please dont hesitate to contactus with further questions,concerns, criticisms, anything.

DREW(to TOWNSPEOPLE) So in summary,lets keep track of what we coveredtonight.

DREW walks toward the large posters and gestures toward thebulletpointed lists. She writes Increase Youth Interest inRafu, Non-Profit?, Website, Community Involvement, andSubscription campaigns As she is writing, GAIL, RUBY, and

TOWNSPEOPLE engage in pretend conversations.

VINCE stretches rudely.

VINCE(loudly to GENIE) This is soooboring.

35.


37/70

TOWNSPEOPLE turn around and give dirty glances to VINCE.

GENIEUm. I think they can hear you.

VINCEIm just telling it like how it is.(to TOWNSPEOPLE) By the way, haveany of you seen the free food?

TOWNSPEOPLE turn back around and ignore VINCE.

VINCE (CONTD)Ugh, come on, Genie. Lets get outof here. I have more importantproblems that you need to help medeal with.

VINCE grabs GENIE by the wrist.

VINCE (CONTD)(makes a loud scene as he exitsfrom the row of chairs) Excuse me,pardon me, sorry, excuse me.

GENIEIf youre trying to be subtle,youre failing miserably.

VINCE

(irritated) Yeah whatever. Weveheard enough about this newspaper.Its time to move on.

GENIESomething tells me that youretrying to ditch Ruby and sabotageher wish behind her back...

VINCE(sarcastically) Wow,congratulations! Youve earned agold star!

VINCE drags GENIE to exit stage right. RUBY sees thecommotion and hurries to stage right.

RUBY(stops VINCE and GENIE fromexiting) Where do you think youregoing?

36.


38/70

VINCEWe spent the whole day listening toRafu this, Rafu that. Since yourebusy working, its my turn now.

GENIE stands uselessly between RUBY and VINCE as theyimmaturely fight over him.

RUBYYoure being so unfair. Its onlybeen one day so we still havethirteen more to compromise on awish.

VINCEIts not just that. And youre theunfair one. You lied and saidthere would be free food.

RUBY(enraged) Is that all you can thinkabout? Free food? I cant believeyou.

As VINCE and RUBYs argument escalates, it distracts from themeetings summarization. DREW and GAIL exchange nervous,embarrassed glances. GENIE scratches his head because he isstill awkwardly caught in the middle of the argument.

RUBY (CONTD)

No wonder youre so desperate toclaim the genie for yourself.Youre such a loser that you needall the help you can get.

VINCEHey! You dont know anything aboutme!

RUBYI know enough!

VINCE

Ughhh! Youre just like thosepretentious kids in college whothink they-

AUDIO CUE: Embarrassing cell phone ringtone. (5 seconds)

VINCE takes his cell phone out of his pocket. He looks atthe screen and does not answer.

37.


39/70

VINCE (CONTD)(aggressively to his phone)Seriously, Grandma! Im an adult!You dont need to call me everyfive minutes! (to RUBY while

angrily shaking his phone in herdirection) Do you see what I haveto deal with?

GAIL(hastily) This meeting isadjourned.

GAIL bangs the gavel. TOWNSPEOPLE exit stage right and stareat the argument as they pass. RUBY and VINCE are obliviousto them.

RUBY(angry) Yeah, and you should bethankful to have a grandma who-

DREWRuby.

RUBY(infuriated) -cares so much aboutyou. But of course-

DREW

Ruby!

RUBY(rage)-youre too selfish to thinkabout how lucky you are!

DREWRUBY!

RUBY snaps out of her craze.

RUBYOh. Where did all the people go?

GAILThey left because you werescreaming your head off.

RUBYWas I really that loud?

38.


40/70

DREWYes, and Im very disappointed inyou.

RUBY

Im so sorry. I didnt realize Iwas that distracting.

At this point, VINCE takes GENIEs wrist and leads him outthe door. RUBY is too preoccupied with the DREW and GAILsconfrontation to notice.

DREWYour outburst was completelyimmature and unprofessional. Icant afford to have slip-ups frommy staff at this critical time.

RUBY is ashamed and speechless.

DREW (CONTD)The paper should be represented byexperienced staff members who areserious about saving it.

RUBYBut...but...I am serious about myjob! Ill be more professionalfrom now on. This wont everhappen again!

GAILIts not just that. It feels likeyoure using Rafu as some kind ofexperiment with this whole geniething. You cant depend on someoneelse, regardless if they aremagical, to do your job for you.

RUBYNo, of course not. I wasnt goingto let myself become irresponsible.I was just really offended by (to

VINCE) your rudeness. (realizesthat VINCE and GENIE are absent)Wait...wait, no...Where did theygo??

GAILVince? He left with Genie a coupleminutes ago.

39.


41/70

RUBYWait, what?? They left?! No, hecant do that! This cant behappening.

GAILIts not like they disappeared offthe face of the earth. Just givehim a call.

RUBYIt doesnt work like that. We havea mutual wish, and Im notforfeiting it to that jerk! UGHHHI cant believe this!

DREWHere we go again...

RUBY(regains composure) Ahh no! Imsorry Ive been getting so fired uptonight, but that isnt areflection of my attitude towardssaving Rafu.

DREWFired is right. Im sorry too,Ruby, but Im going to have to letyou go. You may be a good writer,

but I cant have your behaviorreflecting poorly on Rafu.

RUBYB-b-but I was just caught up in themoment a-a-and-

DREWRuby, youre fired.

BLACKOUT.

END ACT I.

INTERMISSION.

40.


42/70

ACT II.

TAIKO PERFORMANCE.

SCENE 1: Grow Up or Get Out

GRANDPARENTS HOUSE. DAYTIME.

Spotlight on the living room, kitchen has muted light.

GENIE and ASH are sitting on the couch. In the kitchen,GRANDMA is cleaning and cooking while GRANDPA is reading Rafuat the table.

GENIESo is this how you always spend atypical Sunday?

ASHYeah, pretty much. Vince does hischores while I hang out here, dosome studying, and enjoy free home-cooked food.

GENIESeriously? Dont you get bored?Im so bored that I have a poundingheadache. (To audience) Did yousee what I did there? Pounding

headache like pounding taiko drums?(nudges ASH with elbow) Eh? Eh?

ASH(face palm) Ugh, youre even worsethan that waiter guy.

GENIEIt aint easy being cheesy!

GRANDMA walks into the living room with a duster and cleansin the background.

ASHHey, speaking of that waiter,whatever happened to Vinces littledate after the raffle?

GRANDMA abruptly stops cleaning and shuffles toward ASH.

41.


43/70

GRANDMA(excitedly) Did you just say date?Our little Vince??

GENIE

Well, it was more like anappointment.

ASH(to GRANDMA) Yeah he met up withthis girl at the Genies officeabout a week ago.

GRANDMA(claps hands together andwhimsically stares off into thedistance) Our little Vince on adate!

GRANDPA(yelling to GRANDMA from thekitchen) Who was on a date?

GRANDMA(snaps from her daydream) Vince!

GRANDPAOur Vince?

GRANDMA

Well duh! How many other Vinces doyou know?

GRANDPAWell I dont know! Im justverifying!

GRANDMA(continues cleaning) Honestly!(muttering to GRANDPA) Ive neverknown anyone as stupid as you. Imsurrounded by idiots.

GRANDPA walks toward living room.

GENIE(to ASH and gestures toward GRANDMAand GRANDPAs quarrel) Is thisreally what you put up with?

42.


44/70

ASH(shrugs) Meh. You get used to it.

GRANDPAOur Vince was on a date?

GRANDMA(turns her back and continuescleaning) Yes, dont you listen?

GENIEWell, you know-

GRANDPAOn a date? With a girl?

Beat.

GRANDMA(screams to GRANDPA) Stopinterrupting!! (to GENIE) Ignorehim, Mr. Genie. Continue with whatyou were saying.

GENIEWell like I said, it was more of anappointment. A consultation.(flowery) A designated time andplace upon which two individualsagreed to meet.

GRANDMA(nods head) (bluntly) Right, adate.

ASHSo howd it go?

GENIEIt started off decently until Iwent through the terms of thecontract after which Vincesabotaged Rafus informational

meeting, got Ruby fired, and thenditched her because he is presentlywaiting for the contract to expireso that he can steal the wish whichrightfully belongs to the two ofthem.

43.


45/70

ASH(shocked disbelief) Fiddlesticks.

Beat.

GRANDPAWhoa, Ruby is Vinces girlfriend?I used to see her name in the paperall the time! No wonder shestopped writing.

GRANDMA is stunned in silence.

GENIEBut perhaps Ive said too much...

VINCE enters from stage right carrying a full trash bag. Heis perplexed by everyones silence.

VINCEHey whats with the deer inheadlights over here? (snickers tohimself and points to GRANDMA withhis thumb)

GRANDMA rushes towards VINCE.

GRANDMAYou got your girlfriend fired?!?

GRANDMA smacks VINCE repeatedly with the feather duster.Around them, GRANDPA subtly leads GENIE and ASH to egg on thequarrel and mouthes Fight, fight, fight.

VINCEWhoa- ow- what- girlfriend?- ow-calm down!! (grabs feather dusterfrom GRANDMA and holds it out ofher reach)

GRANDMA gives GRANDPA, GENIE, and ASH the evil eye. Theytimidly behave themselves again. GRANDPA picks up anewspaper from the living room table and returns to the

kitchen.

GRANDMAI am so disappointed in you,Vincent.

44.


46/70

VINCE(confused) Can someone please fillme in on what I missed?

ASH

Genie told us about how yousabotaged your girlfriend.

VINCE(to GENIE) What did you tell them?And who said anything about agirlfriend!

GENIE(calmly) You know, Vince, all youranger isnt very becoming.

GRANDMAI thought I raised you better thanthis. I thought wrong.

VINCE(relaxes his defense) Grandma,youre overreacting. I won theraffle first, and Im just playingby the rules of the game.Secondly, shes not my girlfriend.

GRANDMA(snatches feather duster back) Of

course not! Who would want to beyour girlfriend after you rob her!

VINCEUGHHH were you even listening toanything I just said?!

ASHVince, just relax.

VINCE(to ASH) No, Im not going torelax!

GRANDMAIf its that annoying to live withus, Vince-

VINCE(to audience) Im tired of beingtreated like Im worthless.

45.


47/70

GRANDMA-Then get out.

Beat.

VINCE(snaps his attention to GRANDMA)Wait. What?

GRANDMA(sarcastically imitates VINCE)UGHH were you even listening toanything I just said?!

GENIE laughs.

GENIE(to GRANDMA) That was a good one!

Beat.

ASH(awkwardly) You know, Im justgoing to grab my stuff and headout...(quickly gathers his booksand exits from the kitchen, stageleft).

VINCEAw, come on, Grandma, this is just

a big misunderstanding.

GRANDMAOh yeah? Then understand this.(tenderly) We are your family. Youshould be thankful that we give youa home. (frustrated) But no.Everyday youre always angry likean immature brat. And now I findout that youre selfish enough todisrespect your girlfriend. So youcan either apologize and invite herover to dinner like a gentleman-

GRANDPA shouts from the kitchen.

GRANDPAI would really like to meet Rubyand talk to her about her work!

46.


48/70

GRANDMA-or you can be a macho man byyourself but you wont be welcomehere. Grow up or get out.

GENIE(exaggeratedly) Ouch. Whos thetough guy now?

GRANDMA walks into the kitchen. VINCE trails behind her.

VINCEGrandma, please. Dont listen towhat Genie said. You shouldnttrust him. He doesnt know whathes talking about.

GRANDPAHe seems to be quite an intelligentfellow. Mr. Genie informed mebefore that hes 3,000 years old.If hes been around for that long,he must know a thing or two!(continues reading the paper)

VINCEWell, I can assure you that Ruby isNOT my girlfriend. And she doesNOT know how to put a good wish touse. You have to believe me.

GRANDMA ignores him and does not respond.

VINCE (CONTD)The silent treatment, huh?

GRANDMA continues to ignore him.

VINCE (CONTD)Fine. Come on, Genie, lets getout of here.

GRANDPA

See you later, boys.

VINCEYeah, maybe. (walks to stage left,preparing to exit, but turns aroundfor a melodramatic final goodbye)But just so you know, I am thankfulfor you guys.

47.

(MORE)


49/70

I know I have a short temper, butthats because I get frustratedwith myself. I want to make youproud, but if you wont listen tome or trust what I have to say,

then I guess theres nothing elsethat I can do. (exits stage left)

GRANDPACool story, bro.

BLACKOUT.

SCENE 2: Workaholics

RAFU OFFICES, DAYTIME

DREW and GAIL are swamped with work. The office is a mess,and they are struggling more than ever.

DREW(reading from a large pad of paper)Have the pictures from the foodfest been updated to the onlinephoto journal archives?

GAILSean said that hes still editingthem but hell get that done bytonight.

DREWIs someone covering the LittleLeague Playoffs?

GAILLisas on it.

DREWWheres my article about Sanrios50th Anniversary?

GAIL

Im still working on it.

DREWGail, I told you two days ago thatI needed that done by today.

48.

VINCE (CONT'D)


50/70

GAILIm sorry, but I was proofreadingsix other drafts.

DREW sighs and runs her fingers through her hair, obviously

stressed.

GAIL (CONTD)Im working just as hard as youare, Drew, but theres a lot totake on without Ruby here.

DREWHave you spread the word that werelooking for interns?

GAILYes, but its only been a week.Ive only heard from one person,and his writing sample was awful.

DREWWhere is he from?

GAILUCLA.

DREWOh well that explains it.

Beat. (the bruins).

GAILIt wont be easy to find someonewith as much passion as Ruby.

DREWI know, please dont remind me. Doyou think I made the rightdecision? Was it too harsh to fireher?

GAIL thinks to herself momentarily.

GAILShe just really wanted to saveRafu. It kind of consumed her. Ina way it was good, but a genie wishisnt going to magically solveeverything.

49.


51/70

DREW(stressed and overwhelmed) I dontknow what else to do. Wereinvesting long hours to producequality content. Were using more

audio and visual media on thewebsite. Were doing everythingthat the public wants from us, andits still not enough.

GAILRelax. Its only been a week sincethe town hall meeting.

DREWThats true. We cant increasecirculation and bring in morerevenue in only a week. I guess Ijust need to be more patient.

GAILAnd maybe its not just us. Maybewere doing exactly what weresupposed to be doing. This isntthe first time Rafu has hit astruggle, and it wont be the last.But somehow, well figure it outand Rafu will rebuild itself and bestronger than it was before.

DREWI just feel like such a failure nowthat its World War II glory daysare over. At that time, peopleneeded Rafu to stay connected. Nowits treated almost meaninglesslybecause its being replaced by theinternet.

GAILI think thats all in your head.And so what if newspapers are not

the most popular nowadays? Rafusexistence, past and present, hasunited the community, and now itsour job to preserve that legacy, tohonor the community that itcreated.

50.


52/70

DREWWow, that was beautiful.

DREW and GAIL reflect and ponder in silence.

Beat.

GAILOoo I know the perfect picture touse for the Sanrio article!

DREWRight, ok, well get back to work.Get that article on my desk by 4PM.

BLACKOUT.

KBD PERFORMANCE.

SCENE 3: Please?

RUBYS APARTMENT

Lights fade on as inaudible TV chatter and music play in thebackground for five seconds.

RUBY is sitting on the couch in sweats. It looks like shehasnt showered in days, and she is watching TV with a giantcarton of ice cream in her lap.

VINCE and GENIE enter stage right and prepare to knock onRUBYs door.

RUBY(talks to herself regarding theshow on TV) How are they still soskinny? They eat at Lukes Dinerevery day!

On the other side of the imaginary door, VINCE argues withGENIE.

VINCEAre you sure this is her address?

GENIEWould I lie to you?

51.


53/70

VINCEWell you got me into this wholemess. If you werent such ablabbermouth, I wouldnt havegotten kicked out.

GENIEYou better watch yourself before Irevoke your wish.

VINCEOk, fine, Im sorry. Lets justget this over with.

VINCE knocks on door.

RUBY(shouts from the sofa) Read thesign: No solicitors!

VINCERuby, answer the door. Its Vince.

GENIEAnd Genie! Havent you missed us?

RUBYGo away. I dont want your pity.

VINCE

Please, Ruby, I really need to talkto you. And I want to apologize.Please.

RUBY reluctantly gets up from the couch.

RUBYFine, but I dont know what elseyou want from me.

RUBY opens the imaginary door.

GENIE

Long time, no see!

VINCERuby, I know you probably hate me.

RUBY turns her back and slowly walks back to the sofa. VINCEand GENIE follow behind her.

52.


54/70

RUBYOh really? You think so? Gee, Iwonder why. You know,Id ratherjust forget about all this and moveon-

VINCE notices the TV.

VINCE(stops in his tracks) Oh my gosh,are you watching Gilmore Girls?

RUBY(sarcastically) Yes, please, addinsult to injury why dont you.

VINCEOh my gosh, this is my favoriteepisode! (sits on the floor andeagerly watches the TV like a smallchild). Im so happy that Rory gotinto Yale, but I dont know why shewould ever agree to be roommateswith Paris.

RUBYOk, please stop. Um, Genie, whatdid you do to him?

GENIE

(inspects RUBYs apartment) And youthought MY office was disgraceful?

Beat.

RUBYSeriously, is this some kind ofjoke? Am I being punkd?

VINCE sits up from the ground and approaches RUBY.

VINCENo, I wanted to come here to

sincerely apologize for messingthings up and getting you fired.

RUBYOk, thats nice. (shows VINCE andGENIE to the door) You can runalong now with the satisfaction ofusing Genies wish.

53.

(MORE)


55/70

I dont want it anymore becauseclearly, Im not even qualified todo my job.

VINCE

Wait, no, dont think like that orelse youll turn into me.

GENIE(pleading) Please, one Vince isenough!

Beat.

VINCEListen, this is going to soundreally awkward, but would you liketo come over for dinner?

RUBY stares blankly and laughs outrageously.

RUBYExcuse me?! What would possess youto think that I would ever want tohave dinner with you?

GENIEOooo buuurn! You got served!

VINCE

(to RUBY) I know it sounds crazy,but I really want to make it up toyou, and I genuinely want to helpyou get your job back, hopefullywith this wish. Our wish.

RUBY(mockingly) Uhh yeahh ok.

GENIEIf you dont go to Vinces house,his grandma wont let him livethere anymore.

RUBYOh so thats what it is. Youreusing me to get back into the houseand temporarily patch things upwith your grandma. How cute.

54.

RUBY (CONT'D)


56/70

VINCECome on, youll like my grandma.Shes kind of like Mrs. Lane fromGilmore Girls.

RUBYWhat part of no dont youunderstand? Im done dealing withyou. Just get out, wait out therest of the two weeks, and use yourwish to make your grandma happyagain so shell let you into thehouse. Easy peasy.

RUBY pretends to open the door.

RUBY (CONTD)Now if you dont mind, I have toget back to my TV shows and cartonof ice cream which has now meltedthanks to this interruption.

GENIE(to VINCE) I think she wants us toleave now. She looks angry.

VINCENo, Genie, were not leaving yet.Ruby, I didnt just come here aboutthe wish. (paces around RUBYs

apartment) I realized somethingtoday. I dont want to be anobody. Im an adult, and I wantmy grandparents to know that Imcapable of making something out ofmyself.

RUBYGenie, are you taking notes? Ithink this is what Vince should usehis wish for.

VINCE

What does it feel like to havesomeone be proud of you?

RUBYWhat?

55.


57/70

VINCEWhat does it feel like to makesomeone proud?

RUBY

Um, good I guess?

GENIE(sits down next to carton of icecream) (to RUBY) Are you going toeat the rest of this?

RUBYNah, help yourself.

VINCE(to RUBY) For once, Id like tomake my grandparents proud to callme their grandson, not justChloes baby brother or the kidthat works at the concessionstand.

RUBYVince, are you feeling ok?

VINCE(to RUBY) My grandpa knows you.

RUBY

(to GENIE) Did you do something tohim?

GENIEI have no idea what youre talkingabout. (continues to munch on icecream).

VINCEMy grandpa reads the Rafu everyday.Religiously. He recognized yourname in the paper and noticed whenyou had stopped writing.

RUBYGee, I wonder whose fault that was.

56.


58/70

VINCEPlease, Ruby. Just come over fordinner so my grandparents wonthate me forever, and well talkmore about the wish afterwards.

RUBYWell, I do miss writing...Alright.But this is only because I want tomeet your grandpa since hessupposedly such a loyal Rafureader.

VINCEThank you, Ruby. This means a lotto them. And me.

VINCE, GENIE, and RUBY exit stage right.

GENIE(to RUBY) Oh, and dont be alarmedif Vinces grandparents thinkyoure his girlfriend.

RUBY(shouts) What?!

BLACKOUT.

SCENE 4: Meet the Grandparents

GRANDPARENTS LIVING ROOM. INT. NIGHTTIME.

GRANDMA, GRANDPA, and RUBY are sitting on the couch. Theyare completely smitten by her. VINCE and GENIE are in chairsoff to the side.

GRANDMA shows RUBY a large photo album.

GRANDMA(dreamily) This is Vince when helost his first tooth.

RUBY(nods head and feigns interest)Ohh.

GRANDPAAnd this one is when Vince learnedto tie his shoe.

57.


59/70

GENIE(runs over to the couch) Ooo I wantto see too! (hovers awkwardlybehind GRANDMA and RUBY)

GRANDPA presents a copy of Rafu directly in RUBYs face.

GRANDPALook! This was when Vince won MVP.That stands for Most ValuablePlayer, did you know?

VINCE(rolls eyes) Grandpa, shes notblind like you.

RUBY modestly pushes the newspaper away from her face.

GENIE(points at newspaper and laughs)Haha! Look at his shorts! And hishair looks ridiculous! (looks overat VINCE)...Oh wait, I guess notmuch has changed.

GRANDMA(to GENIE) I know, right? (toRUBY) Its a wonder that you seeanything in him (glances at VINCE).

GRANDPADont ruin the moment! This is thefirst time Vince has brought agirlfriend over!

VINCE(stands up, angrily) Shes NOT mygirlfriend! (paces impatiently inthe background to prevent himselffrom saying anything that willupset GRANDMA)

GRANDMA and GRANDPA are shocked and taken aback.

RUBYHes right. (takes photo albums andnewspapers in her lap and placesthem on the table). I thinktheres been a misunderstanding.

GRANDMA looks confused.

58.


60/70

GRANDPAOhh. I see. Well then, let mecorrect myself. (glances atGENIE). This is the first timeVince has ever brought a boyfriend

over.

Awkward beat. Everyone is shocked and a littleuncomfortable.

RUBY(giggles under her breath) No, no,no, thats not what I mean. Vinceand I have only been hanging out todiscuss a wish that Genie willgrant for us. Its nothing morethan that.

GRANDMA(unconvinced) Ok well Im going tostart preparing dinner for youlittle lovebirds (pats VINCE andRUBY on the head) (exits stageleft).

GRANDPA(sighs)(to VINCE) She reallydoesnt listen, does she? (chucklesto himself and unfolds a Rafu fromhis pocket)

VINCE takes his GRANDMAs empty seat. GENIE pulls up a chairnext to GRANDPA.

VINCE(to RUBY) I told you that he readsthe Rafu religiously.

GRANDPAOf course. I grew up with it.(ponders and chuckles as he thinksto himself). Its just natural forpeople my age to hold Rafu so dear

to our hearts.

RUBY(intrigued) Please continue. Idlove to hear more.

59.


61/70

VINCE leans his head back on the sofa, closes his eyes, andappears to be asleep. GENIE twiddles his thumbs, but seemsinterested.

GRANDPA

There was a time when Japanese andJapanese Americans thrived on Rafu.We were attacked by prejudice, andRafu allowed us to remain as acommunity even if it was onlythrough ink.

VINCE perks up his ears and shows interest.

RUBYI cant imagine what that must havebeen like.

VINCEGrandpa, why didnt you ever tellme about these things in your past?

GRANDPAWell, you never ask Vincent!

GENIE(gesturing towards VINCENT) Hereally needs to work on his socialskills, doesnt he?

VINCE is not amused.

VINCE(to GRANDPA) Anyway...what exactlydo you mean about the communitythat Rafu created?

GRANDPA(flips through photo albums) TheRafu helped us stay in touch andinformed with friends and relativeswho had been divided by theinternment camps. Seeing someones

name in print with just theslightest of details assured us oftheir well-being and gave us a hintof where they had resettled inLittle Tokyo after the war.

60.


62/70

RUBY is enthralled and takes out her pad of paper to takenotes. GENIE also listens intently and hovers over GRANDPASshoulder to sneak a peak at the pictures too.

GRANDPA (CONTD)

Funny story: I met your grandmotherthanks to the Rafu.

RUBYWhat do you mean by that?

BLACKOUT.

VIDEO TRANSITION: FLASHBACK SCENE

There is upbeat piano music, reminiscent of the backgroundmusic in silent movies. The frames are fast and washed out,again like the spastic movement in silent movies.

Grandpa (V.O.)I saw a picture of her and herfamily in the paper one day becauseher father was a florist.

Camera zooms into a picture of GRANDMA with her family (printout a picture of Chantelle with her family and paste it in acopy of Rafu).

GRANDPA (CONTD)Rafu had an advertisement for his

business and the opening of its newlocation. She was the prettiestgirl I had ever seen so I went intothe shop one day, bought a dozenroses, and presented them to her asI introduced myself. (chuckles tohimself)

Camera shows GRANDPA walking to GRANDMAs house (AFH) andknocking on the door. He looks very young and chipper. Heis wearing slacks and a button up shirt. GRANDMA opens thedoor, camera focuses into GRANDMAS confused face. GRANDPApresents flowers, introduces himself (Hi, my name is

Brandon...this audio will be replaced by the piano music andvoiceover, so it doesnt really matter what he says), andcamera zooms onto flowers. GRANDMA is still confused.Camera focuses onto GRANDPAs silly but endearing smile.GRANDMA accepts the flowers and steps outside to accompanyGRANDPA for a walk. Camera zooms out as front door closes.Scene fades on GRANDPA and GRANDMA walking away from thecamera into the sunset (dawww).

61.


63/70

SCENE 5: Work Your Magic

GENIES OFFICE. INT.

GENIE is sitting at his desk. RUBY is seated in one of the

two chairs in front of the desk. VINCE is pacing the room.

RUBYAre you sure about this?

VINCEYes. Positive.

RUBYAnd youre not mad at me oranything?

VINCEWhy would I be mad?

GENIE(knowledgeably) Vince is a verychanged person.

VINCENow youre making me sound like asaint.

GENIEWell its kind of true. Look at

how selfish and resistent you wereoriginally.

RUBYJust remember that we won this wishtogether, fair and square. I dontwant you to use it on something youdont want. Im willing tocompromise.

VINCENo, this is what I want. Im sure.

VINCE plops down in the chair next to RUBY.

VINCE (CONTD)I cant believe I never knew allthat stuff about my grandparents.

62.

(MORE)


64/70

I always knew that Rafu wasimportant to my Grandpa, but Inever knew thats how he met mygrandma.

RUBYSee, thats what I love aboutwriting especially for a newspaperthat has such a rich history asRafus.

VINCEI always thought newspapers werejust for staying informed and up todate. But I guess it can also be avehicle for the community tocollaborate and support oneanother.

GENIESorry to interrupt your littlerevelation, but Ive been aroundfor a long time. And sometimes,things that are meant to go arejust meant to go especially in theface of technological advancement.

VINCEWell, we wont know what willhappen if we dont give it a try.

I dont want to live withregret...maybe this is my big breakto make my grandparents proud.

RUBYRafu has faced struggle before andgrown stronger from it. We havethe chance to nurture that growth.

GENIEOk, but dont tell me that I didntwarn you if things dont turn outthe way you planned. Not to burst

your bubble or anything. (rests hisfeet on his desk and reclines inhis chair)

Beat.

63.

VINCE (CONTD)


65/70

VINCEOK, Im getting tired of yourlittle games. So can you do somebibbity boppity boo magic and wecan all go on our way?

GENIEIm not a fairy godmother. Justwatch and be amazed.

GENIE performs hokey dance and chant.

GENIE (CONTD)My work here is done! Please wait4-6 weeks for results. Have a nicelife!

SCENE 6: Looking Forward

RAFU OFFICE. INT.

DREW, GAIL, RUBY, and VINCE enter from stage right.

GAIL(to RUBY) See? That wasnt so bad,was it?

RUBYYeah, Im just glad to be back.And at least I didnt make a fool

of myself like last time.

VINCE(defensively) Hey, that was a longtime ago!

DREWNot really. Its been less than ayear.

VINCEReally?

GAILTime flies when youre having fun.

VINCEYeah, it has been pretty fun here.

DREWNow youre just sucking up to me.

64.


66/70

VINCENo, I meant that its pretty fun toget out of the house, go to class,and come here afterwards.

RUBY(haughtily) And who told you aboutthe internship?

VINCE(sarcastically as if he was talkingto his grandma) Thank you, Ruby.

RUBYYoure welcome. Youre not such abad egg after all.

GAIL(to VINCE) How much credit are yougetting?

VINCEIm earning 2 credits with asupplementary class at thejournalism school. Im pretty sureIm going to declare journalism asmy major.

DREWThats what I love to hear.

Beat.

GAILYou know, Im still curious...whatdid you and Ruby ever use that wishon anyway?

VINCEWell since-

RUBY(nervously) If we tell you, it

wont come true!!

DREWThats just an old wives tale.

RUBYI dont care! I dont want to jinxit!

65.


67/70

GAILCant you just tell us a little bitof it? I mean, that whole geniething cost you your job. Your wishbetter have been worth it.

VINCELets just say that we found a wayto compromise, and were satisfiedwith the results.

RUBYYeah, Genie kept his word. Afterwe made the wish about a year ago,we saw results in 4-6 weeks like hepromised.

GAILBut what kind of results? Whywont you tell me!!

VINCE(treats GAIL like GRANDMA in scene1) Keep it down, keep it down.Things are going smoothly so dontworry about it.

GAIL(disappointed that she still hasntgotten the truth) Fine.

DREWThats good enough for me. Listen,Gail and I are going to godownstairs and mingle with theattendees. Can you guys file thesepapers?

VINCEYeah sure. Well join you for therefreshments soon.

GAIL and DREW exit stage left. RUBY and VINCE organize

papers.

RUBYSo how are things with yourgrandparents?

66.


68/70

VINCETheyre really good. I moved outand got a place of my own nearcampus. Now that we dont liveunder the same roof, we dont fight

as much.

RUBY(supportive) Im really happy foryou.

VINCEThanks. I feel like Im finallygrowing up. And Ive been able totalk to my grandparents more abouttheir lives after I realized howmuch I was missing out on.

RUBYI think Genie was right. You are achanged person.

VINCEI think I can finally say that Imhappy with my life.

Beat.

RUBY(contemplatively) You know, Im

starting to think that it wasntall about the wish. Remember howGenie said that theres noguarantee that our wish will cometrue? Maybe it was just theprinciple of believing in somethinglike Rafu, and Genie helped restoreour faith in its future.

VINCE(ponders) Even though I didntagree with Genies style ofbusiness, Id have to agree. But

for me, I think it was aboutdeveloping my interests andinvesting into something greaterthan myself.

RUBYWell were glad to have you atRafu, Vince.

67.

(MORE)


69/70

I know that your grandparents mustbe very proud of you.

VINCEThanks, Ruby.

VINCE closes a cabinet.

VINCE (CONTD)It looks like were done in here.Do you think we should headdownstairs and meet some of thepeople with Drew and Gail?

RUBYSounds good. You know how I lovemeeting supporters of Rafu.

RUBY begins to exit stage left. VINCE remains stationary.

VINCERuby?

RUBY(stops in her tracks and turnsaround) Yeah?

VINCERemember when Genie said,Sometimes things that are meant to

go are just meant to go? And thatthings might not turn out the waywe had planned? What do you thinkof that?

RUBYYou know what they say. I wouldntworry about it.

VINCEYeah...so are you ready?

VINCEs tone can be interpreted in multiple ways. He could

be asking RUBY if she is ready to go downstairs, or he couldbe hinting at a more general feeling of readiness about theSave the Rafu initiative.

RUBY thinks to herself momentarily and approaches VINCE.

RUBYYeah. Yeah Im ready.

68.

RUBY (CONT'D)


70/70

RUBY and VINCE exit stage left.

END ACT II.

TED!

69.

usc nikkei culture night 2011 script

Documents