Vivian & Bill’s Christmas Party

IMPORTANT!  READ THIS

• This is an outline of as I have envisioned it, but I want it to be a collaborative effort so I want your input and ideas for story and characters
• Just keep in mind that changes you might want to make may impact other characters and storylines so major changes will need to be agreed upon by everyone
• There is about an hour’s worth of music, which means that we need to accomplish the improv/spoken parts of the scenes in less than an hour total
• Therefore each scene (excluding music) can only be 2-3 minutes long
• Each scene has a song associated with it that I have chosen for you to sing, but I am open to other songs as long as it fits the story, isn’t too long, and is available as a karaoke/backing track
• There are obviously lots of versions of these songs out there, and while these are the ones I like the best, I’m open to other versions as long as they fit the story, aren’t too long, and have a karaoke/backing track available
• The audio player has the full track with the guide vocal in the original key – you can play it in the window or download it by clicking anywhere in the player to open a new window with the file location
• Most of the tracks are from Karaoke-Version so we can adjust the key to whatever you want – the only exception is “We Need a Little Christmas,” which is an iTunes track and the key can’t be modified
• I have posted lyric sheets for all numbers – for duets and groups I have taken a swag at how to divide them up into parts for each character, but the final version is up to those singing it

Scene One – Vivian and Bill Set the Stage (Vivian and Bill Duet: “Sleigh Ride”)

How long is this scene?
3-4 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian and Bill

What is the staging?
They enter from stage right (the kitchen), there is an “applause” sound effect, and they use the entire stage for the scene, as if the party is already in swing but they are talking “privately.”

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian and Bill

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Establish the concept that they’re at a party in their living room, mention all the guests that are coming that have not yet arrived and who they are.

Talking Points:

• A few comments about their guests (the audience)
  • “Her hair… what was she thinking?”
• They wonder why certain guests haven’t arrived yet
  • • Tom and Donna, old friends who live down the street.  Vivian is worried – thinks they might be having “trouble” but Bill is sure they’re fine and insists that even if they aren’t, it’s none of their business.
    • Gary and Janet, Bill’s boss at the bank and his wife.  Vivian didn’t want to invite them because they *drink too much* and are always fighting plus there was that little incident at last year’s party… we won’t find out what it was because Bill insists that they had to be invited because he is angling for a promotion at the bank.
    • Charles, Vivian’s brother, who is always the life of the party.  He is a “confirmed bachelor” but Vivian thinks he just needs to meet the right girl and he’ll settle down.
    • Beverly, a woman Vivian met at the beauty parlor.  She’s sweet and innocent and perfect, she thinks, for Charles, and Vivian is hoping to create a “mistletoe moment” between the two of them. Bill thinks she should mind her own beezwax!
    • Linda, their next door neighbor who was *divorced* last year and since then has had a string of female roommates, many of whom have been advid golf and softball players.

Singing Points: 

• Viv is worried that the party is lagging, so she and Bill liven things up by singing “Sleigh Ride”
• This is lively and upbeat
• They are affectionate and loving to one another throughout

SLEIGH RIDE LYRICS

Scene Two – Tom and Donna Act Like Everything is Fine (Tom and Donna Duet: “Let It Snow!”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian, Bill, Tom, and Donna

What is the staging?
Right after Vivian and Bill finish their song the sound of a doorbell is heard.  Bill will exit stage left and return with Tom and Donna at which point an “applause” sound effect will be heard.  They will use the upstage center area for the scene.

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian, Bill, Tom, and Donna

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Establish that there is tension between Tom and Donna, but they do their best to smile through it and pretend that everything is fine.  Vivian and Bill both play along but they can tell that there is something going on.

Talking Points:

• Vivian and Bill will keep bringing up things that make Tom and Donna uncomfortable
  • Maybe there was another party in the neighborhood they didn’t show up to or there was some event “at the club” they didn’t attend
  • Maybe their anniversary or a birthday is coming up
  • Maybe they usually get each other romantic gifts for Christmas and Vivian and Bill want to know what they will be getting each other this year
• The questions seem to be creating tension, so to diffuse it, Vivian asks Tom and Donna to sing a song
• Tom and Donna don’t want to at first, but Vivian talks them into it

Singing Points:

• While there is tension between them, Tom and Donna smile and make the best of this
• Despite the tension, there is also obvious affection between them
• For Donna, we should get our first hint that maybe Bill has caught her eye

LET IT SNOW! LYRICS

Scene Three – When Will Charles Meet a Nice Girl and Settle Down? (Charles Solo: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian, Bill, Charles, Tom, and Donna

Who speaks in this scene?
Mainly Vivian, Bill, and Charles with a little bit at the beginning from Tom and Donna

What is the staging?
Right after Tom and Donna finish their song a doorbell is heard, and Vivian goes to answer it exiting stage left.  She reenters stage left with her brother Charles and the scene is played center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Establish that Charles is completely, obviously, totally gay but nobody gets that.  He’s Paul Lynde meets Charles Nelson Reilly meets Liberace, the life of the party that everyone loves.

Talking Points:

• Tom and Donna will say hi to Charles and we’ll see an obvious spark of attraction from Tom toward Charles
• Donna will quickly drag Tom away to the bar cart or snack table or to sit on the sofa or chairs.
• Vivian doesn’t understand why Charles doesn’t meet a nice girl and settle down
• Charles will play this off as a joke
• Bill will try to get Vivian to leave Charles alone, but when she presses the point, he decides to sing a song to get out of the conversation

Singing Points:

• This is the swinging Ella Fitzgerald version of the song
• Make it lounge singer, Mr. Entertainment, interact with the other “guests” (audience)
• Notice Tom – maybe a little subtle flirting, a knowing wink, a smile, etc.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS LYRICS

Scene Four – Gary and Janet Hate Each Other (Gary and Janet Duet: “Baby It’s Cold Outside”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian, Bill, Gary, and Janet

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian, Bill, Gary, and Janet

What is the staging?
Right after Charles finishes his song a doorbell is heard, and Bill goes to answer it exiting stage left.  He reenters stage left with Gary and Janet and the scene is played center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Establish that Gary and Janet are both heavy drinkers who hate each other but in a quietly hostile kind of way.  Bill really wants that promotion.  Vivian doesn’t like Janet for reasons we won’t get into but smiles through it.

Talking Points:

• Gary and Janet’s contempt for one another shines through in every word they say even though what they say is pleasant enough
• Vivian is polite to Janet although we can see it isn’t easy for her
• Janet will be subtly flirtatious toward Bill
• Bill does his best to stay out of her reach
• Bill is obsequious toward Gary to get the promotion, offering him drinks, food, more drinks, and whatever he wants but Gary seems disinterested in discussing it

Singing Points:

• To engender some good will, Bill asks Gary and Janet to sing a song and they choose “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

• Gary and Janet’s hostility toward one another will be obvious through during this, but still maintain a sense of decorum since they are in public
• Janet will continue trying to flirt with Bill whenever she can

Elsewhere

• Vivian, Bill, Tom, Donna, and Charles will all watch and enjoy the song
• Charles and Tom will continue to notice one another – Tom too shy and closeted to do anything about it, Charles a little more openly but still subtle
• Donna will grow increasingly uncomfortable when she notices this
• Bill will continue to offer Gary things during the song (another drink, etc.)
• Vivian will keep her eye on Janet and make sure she’s always in between her and Bill

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE LYRICS

Scene Five – Beverly and Linda Meet (Beverly and Linda Duet: “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian, Linda, Beverly, and Charles

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian, Linda, Beverly, and Charles

What is the staging?
Gary and Janet finish their song a doorbell is heard, and Vivian goes to answer it exiting stage left.  Bill will take Gary aside to “discuss business” while Janet goes for the bar cart.  Vivian reenters stage left with Linda.  Beverly will enter a moment later on Vivian’s cue.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Establish that Linda is *divorced* and that her most recent roommate just moved out.  Linda wants to know who Beverly is and Vivian will set up expectations that Beverly is sweet and demure.  Vivian hopes that she will connect with Charles, much to Linda’s disappointment.  Vivian will bring Charles over to meet Beverly then she enters and it’s clear that Linda is interested, and Charles is not.

Talking Points:

• Between Vivian and Linda, find ways to set up that Linda is obviously a lesbian, but Vivian is clueless
• Vivian thinks Beverly would be perfect for Charles – she’s sweet and innocent and demure
• Charles doesn’t think Beverly is his type – Linda thinks Beverly is exactly her type (maybe asks if she plays golf?)
• Charles will excuse himself quickly and Vivian will encourage Beverly to sing a song to get his attention.
• Beverly is too shy to do it on her own, so Linda offers to sing something with her

Singing Points:

• Beverly and Linda decide to sing “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
• Linda will use the song to try to get Beverly’s attention
• Beverly will be shy throughout, but will be trying to get Charles’ attention

Elsewhere

• Vivian, Bill, Tom, and Donna will all watch and enjoy the song
• Gary and Janet will drink and hate each other quietly
• Vivian will be trying to get Charles to pay attention to Beverly
• Donna will be looking at Bill a lot
• Charles and Tom will continue to notice one another

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS LYRICS

Scene Six – Patty Wants to Join the Party (Patty Solo: “(I’m Getting) Nuttin’ For Christmas”]

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Everyone

Who speaks in this scene?
Mainly Vivian, Bill, and Patty but everyone can contribute as they see fit.

What is the staging?
Linda and Beverly finish their song and a loud “pop” is heard, startling everyone.  Beverly is startled the most and wants to know what the noise was, and Vivian tells her it is just their 9-year-old daughter Patty playing pranks.  Vivian will call Patty out to the living room and Patty enters stage right (from the “kitchen”)

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Vivian and Bill think Patty needs to stop being “bad” and Patty can’t help herself (impish).  Charles thinks she’s funny and they adore each other.  Everyone else things Patty is a monster and say so to each other quietly.

Talking Points:

• Vivian and Bill love Patty but are frustrated by her behavior
• Patty thinks Uncle Charles is really cool and he thinks she’s funny
• Tom and Donna are not fans (comment between each other briefly)
• Neither are Gary and Janet (comment between each other briefly)
• Linda and Beverly are a bit taken aback as well (comment between each other briefly)
• Patty wants to join the party, but Vivian wants her to go back to her room
• Patty doesn’t want to

Singing Points:

• To placate Patty, Vivian agrees to let her sing a song and Patty chooses “(I”m Getting) Nuttin’ For Christmas”
• Patty will try to be the center of attention throughout but the only people who seem to enjoy it are Charles and Bill – she’s daddy’s little girl

Elsewhere

• Everyone else will watch with varying degrees of amusement or not depending on their character as they see fit

(I’M GETTING) NUTTIN’ FOR CHRISTMAS LYRICS

Scene Seven – The Guys Entertain (Bill, Charles, Gary, and Tom Quartet: “What Christmas Means to Me”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Bill, Charles, Gary, and Tom

Who speaks in this scene?
Bill, Charles, Gary, and Tom

What is the staging?
When Patty is done with her song, Vivian will usher her back off Stage Right to send her back to bed.  The four guys get together center stage for the scene.  Patty will sneak back in to watch.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
The guys don’t know what to get their wives for Christmas and wonder why it is always about what they want.

Talking Points:

• Bill, Gary, and Tom haven’t gotten their wives anything for Christmas yet – they are very hard to shop for
• Bad ideas are bandied about – household appliances, etc. – stuff that you would have gotten housewives in the ‘60s
• Gary’s idea for Janet should be something awful, per their relationship
• Charles can’t relate – the guys think he is “lucky” for not having a wife that he has to buy a present for and he just smiles
• The guys wonder why it’s always about what the wives want – what about what they want

Singing Points:

• This inspires Bill to encourage them all to sing about it and they perform “What Christmas Means to Me.”
• Each guy will sing to his wife at some point
• Charles will be directing at some of this in Tom’s direction

Elsewhere

• Everyone will watch and enjoy
• Vivian will continue to try to get Beverly to put herself out there for Charles to notice but Beverly continues to be too shy about it
• Janet will continue to drink and occasionally try to get Bill’s attention, which Vivian tries to stop
• Donna will continue to notice that something might be happening between Charles and Tom and she will try to get in the way of it, but at the same time she lights up whenever Bill sings (Vivian does not notice this yet)
• Patty will watch and dance in her own little world and Vivian will try to shoo her off but she keeps coming back

WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME LYRICS

Scene Eight – Donna Is in Love with Bill (Donna Solo: “Underneath the Tree”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian, Donna, and Bill

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian, Donna, and Bill

What is the staging?
When the guys finish their song, Vivian will pull Donna aside center stage for the conversation.  Bill will join briefly.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Donna doesn’t want to talk about what is wrong with her and Tom, continuing to insist that everything is okay.  This will be the first time it will become obvious that Donna has her eye on Bill. 

Talking Points:

• Vivian asks Donna was is wrong
• Donna insists nothing, but Vivian persists
• Donna will see Tom and Charles talking and it makes her uncomfortable
• Bill joins the conversation briefly to try to stop Vivian from pestering Donna, and this is where we see Donna is in love with him

Singing Points:

• Bill, thinking he is helping Donna get out of the conversation with Vivian, encourages her to sing a song – “Underneath the Tree”
• Donna will be subtly directing this to Bill
• Vivian notices this

Elsewhere

• Everyone will watch and enjoy
• Continue the Tom and Charles attraction
• Continue Vivian trying to encourage Beverly to be near Charles
• Continue Gary and Janet drinking and hating each other
• Continue Patty trying to join and Vivian and/or Bill sending her away

UNDERNEATH THE TREE LYRICS

Scene Nine – Vivian Thinks Bill is Having an Affair with Donna (Vivian Solo: “Please Come Home for Christmas”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian and Charles

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian and Charles

What is the staging?
When Donna finishes her song, Charles will join Vivian center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Vivian appears troubled, and Charles asks her what is wrong.  Although Vivian doesn’t get specific, we see that she is worried about what she has just seen with Donna and hint that she is worried Bill might stray because he has done it before.

Talking Points:

• Vivian never comes right out and says anything specific – it’s all hints and vagueness
• Donna seemed to be paying a lot of attention to Bill during the last song
• Charles can’t believe there is anything there – Bill would never stray
• Vivian hints that it has happened before and looks at Janet specifically
• Charles still doesn’t believe it but tells her to do something about it – get your man!

Singing Points:

• When Vivian says she can’t talk to Bill about it, Charles encourages her to sing it instead – “Please Come Home For Christmas”
• This is delivered to Bill with an occasional side-eye toward Donna and Janet
• Bill will be trying to reassure Vivian that he loves her

Elsewhere

• Everyone will watch and enjoy
• Donna and Janet will recognize that Vivian is giving them the side-eye
• Continue the Tom and Charles attraction
• Continue Gary and Janet drinking and hating each other

PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS LYRICS

Scene Ten – Bill Tries to Reassure Vivian (Bill Solo: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian and Bill

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian and Bill

What is the staging?
When Vivian finishes her song, Bill pulls her aside center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Bill recognizes that Vivian is troubled but he reassures her that despite what may have happened in the past, he loves her.

Talking Points:

• Bill wants to know what is bothering Vivian
• Vivian thinks there is something between him and Donna (although she doesn’t come right out and say it)
• He denies it
• Vivian will bring up the “incident” with Janet at the last Christmas part
• Bill will do anything he can to make up for it and reassure her that he loves her

Singing Points:

• Bill says he will prove that he loves her by singing a song – “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
• He delivers this to Vivian

Elsewhere

• Everyone will watch and enjoy
• Donna and Janet will both be a little jealous
• Continue the Tom and Charles attraction
• Continue Gary and Janet drinking and hating each other
• Continue Beverly trying to get Charles’ attention

I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS LYRICS

Scene Eleven – The Ladies Entertain (Vivian, Donna, Janet, Beverly, Linda, and Patty Group: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian, Donna, Janet, Beverly, and Linda with Patty making appearances during the song

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian, Donna, Janet, Beverly, and Linda

What is the staging?
When Bill finishes his song, the ladies gather center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
There is a lot that isn’t being said about the status of various relationships.

Talking Points:

• It starts about ‘60s housewife type stuff, but segues into the topic of their men
• Vivian is still worried about Bill but doesn’t say it directly and continues to give the side-eye toward Donna and Janet
• Donna still won’t admit what is up with her and Tom
• Janet isn’t shy about saying how much she hates her husband
• Beverly wishes she had a guy to complain about but is still too shy to talk to Charles despite Vivian’s encouragement
• Linda is paying a lot of attention to Beverly and tells her she doesn’t need a man

Singing Points:

• The ladies decide to do a song – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
• Patty will pop in and sing the “Christmas” callouts throughout
• Vivian, Donna, and Janet all direct at least part of this to Bill
• Donna also directs some of it to Tom
• Linda directs it to Beverly
• Beverly directs it to Charles

Elsewhere

• Everyone else will watch and enjoy
• Continue the Tom and Charles attraction
• Continue Gary and Janet hating each other

CHRISTMAS (BABY, PLEASE COME HOME) LYRICS

Scene Twelve – Gary Is an Asshole (Gary Solo: “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Gary and Janet

Who speaks in this scene?
Gary and Janet

What is the staging?
When the ladies finish their song, Gary goes for another drink and Janet joins him.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Wow, they hate each other, but in a quietly civilized way.  Gary knows about the “indiscretion” at last year’s Christmas party will Bill and isn’t going to give him the promotion.

Talking Points:

• Janet gives Gary grief about how much he is drinking, and he gives it right back to her
• Janet asks about the promotion for Bill but Gary tells her he won’t get it – and it’s all Janet’s fault
• He knows about what happened last Christmas
• Janet doesn’t deny it, but thinks he is a jerk for bringing it up in this setting

Singing Points:

• Gary tries to get back at Janet by singing a song that is him sarcastically saying “yes, I’m the jerk in this situation” – “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch”
• He delivers this to Janet and anyone else who is paying attention

Elsewhere

• Everyone will watch but there is more than a little bit of discomfort going on

YOU’RE A MEAN ONE MR. GRINCH LYRICS

Scene Thirteen – Janet and Bill Have a History (Janet Solo: “Last Christmas”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Bill and Janet

Who speaks in this scene?
Bill and Janet

What is the staging?
When Gary finishes his song, Janet approaches Bill center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Janet wants to finish what they started at last year’s Christmas party but Bill doesn’t.

Talking Points:

• Janet apologizes for Gary
• Janet tells Bill he isn’t going to get the promotion because of what happened last Christmas
• Bill will be embarrassed but reveal that it was just a kiss (maybe blame it on mistletoe?) but Vivian caught them
• Janet hasn’t stopped thinking about him and wants to take it further (maybe as revenge against Gary?)
• Bill declines

Singing Points:

• Feeling spurned, Janet decides to sing a song – “Last Christmas”
• Although she can’t be too obvious about it, this will be aimed toward Bill
• Bill will do his best to make sure that it is obvious that he has no interest in Janet

Elsewhere

• Everyone will watch but there is more discomfort
• Vivian will not be pleased
• Donna won’t be either because she’ll understand that there is even more competition for Bill
• Gary will be even more annoyed that he was earlier
• Continue Tom and Charles attraction
• Continue Beverly trying to get Charles’ attention
• Continue Patty popping in to watch and try to draw attention to herself

LAST CHRISTMAS LYRICS

Scene Fourteen – Charles Encourages Patty to Be Who She Is (Charles and Patty Duet: “We Need a Little Christmas”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Charles and Patty

Who speaks in this scene?
Charles and Patty

What is the staging?
When Janet finishes singing her song, Charles will spy Patty peeking in from the curtains stage right (to the “kitchen”) and bring her center stage for the scene (maybe sit?)

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Patty really wants to join the party but keeps getting in trouble.  Charles tells her that’s okay.

Talking Points:

• Patty feels badly that she keeps getting in trouble
• She knows everyone wants her to be a “good girl” but she has a hard time doing that
• Charles reassures her that being good is overrated – that she should just be herself

Singing Points:

• To cheer Patty up, they do a song – “We Need a Little Christmas”
• Patty is a little hesitant at first, but warm up and enjoy herself
• Charles is cheery and fun, trying to brighten her mood
• Charles may subtly direct some of this toward Tom

Elsewhere

• Vivian doesn’t want Patty at the party at first but comes to enjoy the number
• Everyone watches and enjoys
• Continue Beverly trying to get Charles’ attention

WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS LYRICS

Scene Fifteen – Linda Has a Crush (Linda Solo: “The Christmas Waltz”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Linda and Beverly

Who speaks in this scene?
Linda and Beverly

What is the staging?
When Charles and Patty finish their number, Linda approaches Beverly and they play the scene center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Beverly is enamored with Charles.  Linda is enamored with Beverly.  Beverly has no clue.

Talking Points:

• Beverly wants to say something to Charles – thinks he’s debonair and sophisticated
• Linda isn’t sure he’s her type
• Linda wants to know more about Beverly (maybe stuff like “do you play golf?” “do you know how to drive a truck?”)
• Things Beverly says gives Linda hope, but they are really just Beverly being clueless
• Beverly is looking for a new apartment and Linda’s last roommate just moved out

Singing Points:

• Linda decides to sing a song to maybe get her point across – “The Christmas Waltz”
• Linda delivers this subtly to Beverly
• Beverly still keeps her eye on Charles

Elsewhere

• Vivian doesn’t want Patty at the party at first but comes to enjoy the number
• Everyone watches and enjoys
• Continue Tom and Charles
• Continue Donna and Janet paying attention to Bill
• Continue Gary and Janet hating each other
• Continue Patty poking her head in and watching (and probably understanding more than the grown ups do)

THE CHRISTMAS WATLZ LYRICS

Scene Sixteen – Beverly Tries to Seduce Charles (Beverly Solo: “Santa Baby”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Vivian and Beverly

Who speaks in this scene?
Vivian and Beverly

What is the staging?
When Linda finishes her song, Vivian approaches Beverly center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Vivian wants Beverly to shoot her shot with Charles but Beverly professes to be too shy.

Talking Points:

• Vivian wants to know what Beverly thinks of Charles
• Beverly is enamored
• Vivian encourages Beverly to talk to Charles but Beverly says she’s too shy

Singing Points:

• Vivian encourages Beverly to sing a song and Beverly chooses “Santa Baby”
• All traces of shy go away as Beverly tries to seduce Charles

Elsewhere

• Charles is not interested
• Tom sees Beverly trying to seduce Charles and grows jealous
• Continue Donna and Janet paying attention to Bill
• Continue Gary and Janet hating each other
• Continue Patty poking her head in and watching – Vivian really tries to shoo her away on this ones so she doesn’t see Beverly’s seduction attempt

SANTA BABY LYRICS

Scene Seventeen – Tom Has a Secret (Tom Solo: “Merry Christmas Darling”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Tom, Bill, Vivian

Who speaks in this scene?
Tom, Bill, Vivian

What is the staging?
When Beverly finishes her song, Tom goes center stage obviously bothered by Beverly’s attempt to woo Charles.  Vivian pushes Bill to talk to Tom and they do the scene center stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Vivian encourages Bill to talk to Tom to find out what is wrong. Tom won’t admit what it is.

Talking Points:

• Vivian sees that Tom is upset about something and encourages Bill to talk to him
• Bill doesn’t want to, but Vivian makes him
• Bill asks Tom what is going on with him and Donna
• Tom won’t say, still insisting everything is fine

Singing Points:

• To get out of the conversation, Tom decides to sing “Merry Christmas Darling”
• He starts by delivering this to Donna, but it becomes obvious after a bit that he’s really singing to Charles

Elsewhere

• Donna is hopeful for a moment, but then sees what is going on (reaction isn’t angry, but unsure what it is… maybe resigned? Maybe she becomes okay with it?)
• Charles likes the attention from Tom
• Beverly figures out that she is not Charles’ type – maybe she has her first drink of the evening?
• Linda consoles Beverly
• Gary and Janet figure out what is up with Charles and Tom
• Bill figures it out too
• Even Patty figures it out
• Vivian remains blissfully unaware until the very end when she figures it out, also

MERRY CHRISTMAS DARLING LYRICS

Scene Eighteen – Everyone Sings To the Object of their Affection (All: “All I Want for Christmas Is You”)

How long is this scene?
2-3 minutes max

Who is in this scene?
Everyone

Who speaks in this scene?
Mainly Vivian

What is the staging?
When Tom finishes his song, there is a moment of uncomfortable silence and then Vivian, desperate to distract attention from what has just happened, encourages everyone to join her center stage for a song.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Vivian wants to make everything okay.

Talking Points:

• Vivian wants a happy ending for everyone
• There should be some sort of wink and nod about how this song won’t be written for another 30 years or so

Singing Points:

• Everyone who has an object of affection sings this to them
• Charles and Tom
• Linda to Beverly
• Bill and Vivian

Elsewhere

• Let’s brainstorm about where Donna, Gary, Janet, and Patty end up – character development up to the actors
• Maybe they find people in the audience to sing it to??

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS LYRICS

Scene Nineteen – Everyone Sings Christmas Carols (All: “The Christmas Song” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”)

How long is this scene?
1-2 minutes

Who is in this scene?
Everyone

Who speaks in this scene?
Everyone

What is the staging?
When everyone finishes singing All I Want for Christmas Is You, everyone stays on stage.

What needs to get accomplished in this scene?
Wrap it up.

Talking Points:

• Vivian wants to know what everyone’s Christmas wish is
• Everyone says theirs – something short and sweet (or not depending on their character)

Singing Points:

• Once all the wishes are said, Vivian encourages everyone to sing along, and all perform “The Christmas Song” and then “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
• Break only for applause in between
• Encourage audience participation

THE CHRISTMAS SONG LYRICS

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR LYRICS