FireQuill Publications
The
Short Stories, Plays and Bible Studies of Kathy Kearney
The
Short Stories, Plays and Bible Studies of Kathy Kearney
Your Subtitle text
A Season For Prodigals
A SEASON FOR PRODIGALS
By
Kathy Kearney (c) 1996
By
Kathy Kearney (c) 1996
CAST OF CHARACTERS: The Prodigal (Mike)- The Father - The Older Brother (Kevin), The Older Brother’s Fiance (Sheila) – The Homeless Woman (Nancy) – The Business Woman (Catharine) – The Runaway Girl (Chris) – The Reader
Introduction: A Season For Prodigals was presented as a dinner theatre evening before Christmas. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and everyone felt it added to the blessedness of the holiday season.
We charged $17.50 per ticket and broke even. If you use it for a fund raiser, charge more. We did a lot of advance advertising and no one fussed at the price. Name me any dinner theater where you can get a full course meal and an hour and half’s entertainment for $17.50. You could charge $25 and still be $10 - $15 under secular houses.
You need a great stage manager for this one. And strong folks to move the props around between scenes. We dressed them in black, and dimmed the lights when they did their business.
We served the dinner first in another room, that kept the staging area clear for last-minute lighting checks, make-up work, etc.
READER:
Christmas, a season for prodigals. Prodigals think they know how to save themselves, but really only know best how to serve themselves. They consider themselves wise, a foolish assumption. They imagine themselves complicated sophisticates when they are simpleminded. They fancy themselves misunderstood when all along they have been found out. Thinking they have the right to be in charge; they cannot exert dominion over themselves.
Opening scene is a Christmas party in full swing in the living room of the prodigal’s home.. Carols play loudly in the background, and everyone is laughing loudly, dancing, drinking and having a good time.
(The door opens and two men walk in, one older, one younger. The younger man looks about disgustedly, and turns down the music, and starts picking up mess as a pretty girl walks up to him, takes things out of his hand and tries to dance with him.)
GIRL: C’mon, loosen up, you’ve been at the office too long. (She attempts to rub his shoulders, while trying to dance with him.)
KEVIN: Please take your hands off me, I don’t want to dance.. (He roughly pushes her away, grabs up the trash, looks about and storms out of the room)
(Sheila, obviously tipsy, grabs the older man and pointing to the mistletoe overhead plants a sloppy kiss on his cheek.)
SHEILA: Merry Christmas, Pop. I bet this is the only time you get kissed by a pretty girl. (She stumbles against him giggling, and plants a wet kiss on his cheek.)
FATHER: (Smiles gently as he escorts girl to the sofa.) I bet you’re right about that, young lady. You’d better sit down before you fall down, my dear. Can I get you a cup of coffee.
SHEILA: Coffee! Coffee! Why, Popsie, this is Christmas Eve. No one drinks coffee on Christmas Eve. (Looks around) At least no one in the bunch. (Wags finger impishly at him.) But Christmas morning, oh, Pops, Christmas morning there will be lots of coffee flowing.
FATHER: I suppose so. But I really think you should have some now. You’re much too valuable a person to end up in a car accident. I don’t think that’s what God had in mind when he created you.
SHEILA: (She seems shocked and humbled by his statement, almost to the point of becoming sober. She begins to weep, speech still slurred) I’m sorry, I feel I’ve made a terrible fool of myself. Please accept my apology. I don’t know what got into me to make me behave so rudely. (FATHER looks at her with a concerned, but knowing smile. Sheila looks down at the glass in her hand.) Well, I guess I do know. (Father takes it from her) May I have that cup of coffee you offered?
FATHER: Why don’t you come with me to the kitchen and chat with me while I make us each a cup. (They exits the room)
KEVIN: (Reenters and walks over to Mike.) Mike, send these people home. You know Dad doesn’t like drinking parties, and certainly not in our home.
MIKE: (Feeling no pain.) Aw, loosen up, big bro. TIS the season to be jolly, or hasn’t the message gotten past your Scroogie little heart? (Turns to friends) Listen up, everyone. This is Kevin, (Drapes an arm around the stiff neck of his older brother) the family grinch. Say hello. (They all yell hello). Now, Kevin has a hard time with any fun, or a hard time having fun, so let’s sing Deck the Halls for him, only instead of the word, “Fa la la”, in Kevin’s honor we’ll sing Bah, bah, bah the Halls. That way he won’t have to get out of character to join us. O.K. (Lifts hands like a choir director) Deck the halls with boughs of holly, bah bah bah bah bah bah bah bah. (Everyone joins in, laughing drunkenly.)
KEVIN: Stop it! Stop it! You’re all drunk and making fools of yourself. Get out all of you. This is a hallowed season, how dare you come into this house and defame the sanctity of all that makes it holy. Get out.
MIKE: Now just a minute, these are my friends, and this is my house too.
KEVIN: (Throws coats and hats around at people.) Well, then take your friends to the nearest bar and continue your party there. (Grabs Mike, glares into his eyes.) Mike, you are such a looser. No wonder Mom died of a broken heart. You destroyed her and now you’d like to destroy Dad and everything we’ve worked for.
MIKE: (Mockingly) Oh, big brother who’s always watching little brother. (Grabs Kevin’s lapels.) I can’t believe I ever looked up to you, wanted to be like you. (Chokes up) I loved Mom and you know that—you know that. . .I. . . (He chokes up and can’t talk, straightens Kevin’s lapels and turns away.) O.K. big brother. I’ll just go and live up to your expectation by getting roaring drunk with my friends.
KEVIN: Fine, break Dad’s heart too. I wouldn’t expect anything less of you.
MIKE: What about your heart, Kevin. (Smiles sadly), Well, I guess I can’t break what you don’t have. Merry Christmas. (Leaves)
(Father and girl enter the room carrying cups of coffee.)
SHEILA: Oh, everyone’s left.
KEVIN: (Surly). They won’t be hard to find. The nearest bar would be my guess.
SHEILA: You must be Kevin. Mike has mentioned you often.
KEVIN: You mean in between drinks he actually remembers he has a brother?
FATHER: Kevin! Son, it’s Christmas Eve. Please. No more fighting. Oh, I wondered if you could drive our Sheila home. She seems to be without a ride.
KEVIN: Home? You mean you aren’t going to be joining your friends? After all, it’s Christmas Eve, isn’t that how you celebrate it?
SHEILA: Actually, this is the first time I’ve “celebrated” it in such a way.
And I might add the last. (Looks fondly at FATHER) Thanks so much for your kindness, and for reminding me of some things I nearly forgot. I hope we meet again soon.
FATHER: Anytime, my dear. Our door is always open. Kevin will see you safely home. (As he helps her put on her coat, he has a sudden inspiration) And we will see you tomorrow. (Turns to Kevin) I would like Sheila to join the three of us for Christmas dinner. She’s away from her family. It would be our pleasure to try and fill their place for this special day.
(Turns back to Sheila). Kevin will be by to pick you up at noon.
KEVIN: (Walks up to Sheila’s door with her) Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.
SHEILA: Look, I feel rather awkward about this. I don’t want to intrude on your time with your family. Perhaps you should just tell your father that I changed my mind.
KEVIN: (Softening a little) No, No, dad would only come and get you himself. (Laughs sardonically) I don’t know of anyone who has a greater heart for the lonely and the lost. Animals, birds, people. You name it.
SHEILA: What a fine man, he is. You must be so proud of him.
KEVIN: More afraid for him. He’s so trusting, even more so since mom died. Like he’s taken over for her. Together they kept our house filled with , well, for want of a better word—losers.
SHEILA: I see
KEVIN: Oh, I didn’t mean you, you’re . . .
SHEILA: (Laughing) I’m just a small loser. (Pats his shoulder) Don’t worry about it Kevin. I’ll be there for dinner tomorrow. Will Mike be there?
KEVIN: (Scowls) Oh, sure. He’ll be there. If I have to dunk him in a cold bath, and drag him to the table by the scruff of the neck, he’ll be there.
SHEILA: Wow, you don’t sound like you have much love for your kid brother.
KEVIN: He IS a loser. He. . .(Breaks off when he realizes he’s telling family secrets to a stranger). Well, let’s just say we have our differences.
SHEILA: Well, you certainly are fortunate to have such a wonderful, compassionate man for a father.
KEVIN: You could tell all that from just one meeting?
SHEILA: Yes, I could. He reminded me of something, actually, of someone I very nearly disappointed.
KEVIN: Oh, and who is that.
SHEILA: My heavenly Father, and the one he sent into this world this night so many centuries ago, his beloved son, Christ. Your father was so gentle about my foolishness, so non-condemning. (Speaks as if alone in a reverie) I forgot how wonderful the love of God is. But your dad not only reminded me of that love—he mirrored it. Yes, that’s it, being with him was like being with God.
KEVIN: Yes, well, I’ve heard others say that too. (Obviously uncomfortable) I just wish he could temper his compassion with common sense when it comes to Mike. I am a Christian, but that doesn’t mean I have to be stupid or waste my love and time on someone who doesn’t appreciate it. (Walks away and turns) Anyway, see you tomorrow. . .Sheila.
SHEILA: Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow, Kevin. Thanks so much for the ride home. Tell your father I am looking forward to being with all of you, and him especially.
READER
Once upon a time a man had two sons. One day the younger son came to his father saying, “I want my inheritance now, so I do not have to wait until you die.” His father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
A few days later the younger son packed all his belongings, and took a trip to a distant land, and there wasted his all his money on parties, and useless, cunning men and women. (30 seconds to read)
(Sheila, Kevin, and Father are sitting in the living room)
SHEILA: That was a wonderful dinner. Reminds me of the times we have in our home on Christmas.
FATHER: I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sheila. I’m sorry Mike couldn’t be here.
KEVIN: Couldn’t—come on, dad. You know the only reason he couldn’t is because he’s passed out somewhere. (Clenches fist) I looked everywhere last night, but couldn’t find him. But if I had. . .
FATHER: Kevin! You would never lay a hand on your brother. I know you love him, you couldn’t hurt him.
(Just then the door opens and Mike walks in, sober, but disheveled. Walks over to father)
MIKE: Dad I need to talk with you.
FATHER: Mike, you look awful. Let me fix a plate of food for you, then we’ll talk.
KEVIN: Well, well, well, the prodigal returns. What’s wrong, someone steal your bottle and your place at the flop house?
MIKE: I have good news for you, big brother. Your prayers have been answered, I’m leaving. Last night I was offered a partnership in a business. I could make millions. All I need from you dad is a loan to tide me over until the product is marketed.
KEVIN: Oh, just like that. Dad’s supposed to hand over his hard-earned—no, our hard earned money. You’ve already bombed out in the family business, now you want to take your Midas touch to someone else’s. Fat chance! Not a dime, Mike. Not a dime.
SHEILA: Uh, maybe I should leave, this is a family discussion.
KEVIN: No, stay. See what you escaped from last night.
SHEILA: (Turns to the father) I’ll just go see if the coffee is ready. (Goes over to service tray and picks up the coffee pot and leaves.)
FATHER: I’ve known for sometime that you’re not happy working in the family business with Kevin and me, son. But do you think what you’re going to do is a wise move. After all, you just met this person last night, shouldn’t you check it out more thoroughly.
MIKE: I don’t have time to check it out. Besides, I trust this person. I could tell by talking to her that she had a good thing, but she has to move on it right away, before the new year, to get into production.
KEVIN: ‘Scuse me, Mr. tycoon. You met her last night at one of your drunken parties, and you’ve judged her character as impeccable, and her product as the greatest thing since sliced bread. Hello! What’s wrong with this picture?
(Father leaves the room)
MIKE: Well, I’ve judged your character right, you smug, sanctimonious hypocrite. You’ve never given me one word of encouragement. According to you, my just breathing air and taking up space on this planet is an affront to God, and holy angels everywhere. I would have left a long time ago if it hadn’t been for mom. . .(Kevin interrupts)
KEVIN: Don’t you mention mom. And I wish to God you had left a long time ago, maybe she’d still be alive today.
MIKE: Oh, yeah, I forgot, I killed her when I dropped out of seminary.
KEVIN: Well you did, she was so proud of you. She always wanted a son in the ministry.
MIKE: No, you wanted me in the ministry, that way I couldn’t be in the family business that you wanted to take over.
FATHER: (Reenters room with a checkbook, just in time to come between sons) Stop! Both of you. I mean it, I will not put up with this any longer. Mike, I have decided to buy you out.
MIKE: Buy me out? I didn’t know I was ever in.
FATHER: Your mother left you her share of the business. She loved you so much, son. She said to tell you that her love and prayers would be with both you boys always.
KEVIN: Mom left him her share.
FATHER: Yes son. Before she died, we agreed that you would inherit my shares in Vectronic which is 51%, and that Mike would receive her 49%. Turns back to Mike. Well, son, if you sure this is what you want, then I will buy out your inheritance now?
MIKE: Yes, dad. I do. (Father writes check.)
FATHER: This is a down payment on the shares from Vectronic, when the bank reopens after the holiday, I will withdraw the rest and transfer it to your account. God bless you, Mike. You are a man now, and I must abide by your decision.
KEVIN: A man, that’s a laugh! How can you do that, dad, deplete the business to give, this ungrateful waste of skin nearly half our assets. You know what will happen to it, it’ll end up in every bar and inside every drunk he’ll ever meet.
MIKE: (Takes check from father). (Turns to Kevin) Kevin, I know things have not been good between us, but I’m leaving. Can’t we shake hands for old time’s sake? (Holds out hand)
KEVIN: (Puts hands in pocket) You’re scum, Mike. I hope I never lay eyes on you again as long as I live—or you, whichever comes first. You’ll fail at this just as you have everything else in your life. Just Go. I’m sick at the sight of you. (Leaves the room pushing Mike’s outstretched hand away)
(Just then Sheila reenters carrying the coffee pot, sets it back on the service tray, stands it.)
FATHER: (Walks over to Mike, takes his outstretched hand and pulls him into an embrace). Be careful, son. Remember I love you and always will. Please keep in touch.
MIKE: (Stands stiffly in his father’s embrace.) I won’t come back, or call until I am successful. I know I can make you proud of me, dad.
FATHER: Oh, Mike. You don’t have to earn my pride or my love. You are my son.
MIKE: (Goes to the door) Bye, dad. (Turns back to Sheila) Sheila, I’m sorry we didn’t get to know each other better. I hope you come around a lot. I think Dad’s going to need you. Bye, (Lights dim, as Mike leaves, and Sheila and Father are left alone. Sheila crosses to Father and puts her hand on his shoulder.)
FATHER: Oh, my sons, my sons. I feel as though I have lost you both.
Writing Home SKITS Home ACT II ACT III
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Introduction: A Season For Prodigals was presented as a dinner theatre evening before Christmas. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and everyone felt it added to the blessedness of the holiday season.
We charged $17.50 per ticket and broke even. If you use it for a fund raiser, charge more. We did a lot of advance advertising and no one fussed at the price. Name me any dinner theater where you can get a full course meal and an hour and half’s entertainment for $17.50. You could charge $25 and still be $10 - $15 under secular houses.
You need a great stage manager for this one. And strong folks to move the props around between scenes. We dressed them in black, and dimmed the lights when they did their business.
We served the dinner first in another room, that kept the staging area clear for last-minute lighting checks, make-up work, etc.
Act I
Scene I
Scene I
READER:
Christmas, a season for prodigals. Prodigals think they know how to save themselves, but really only know best how to serve themselves. They consider themselves wise, a foolish assumption. They imagine themselves complicated sophisticates when they are simpleminded. They fancy themselves misunderstood when all along they have been found out. Thinking they have the right to be in charge; they cannot exert dominion over themselves.
Opening scene is a Christmas party in full swing in the living room of the prodigal’s home.. Carols play loudly in the background, and everyone is laughing loudly, dancing, drinking and having a good time.
(The door opens and two men walk in, one older, one younger. The younger man looks about disgustedly, and turns down the music, and starts picking up mess as a pretty girl walks up to him, takes things out of his hand and tries to dance with him.)
GIRL: C’mon, loosen up, you’ve been at the office too long. (She attempts to rub his shoulders, while trying to dance with him.)
KEVIN: Please take your hands off me, I don’t want to dance.. (He roughly pushes her away, grabs up the trash, looks about and storms out of the room)
(Sheila, obviously tipsy, grabs the older man and pointing to the mistletoe overhead plants a sloppy kiss on his cheek.)
SHEILA: Merry Christmas, Pop. I bet this is the only time you get kissed by a pretty girl. (She stumbles against him giggling, and plants a wet kiss on his cheek.)
FATHER: (Smiles gently as he escorts girl to the sofa.) I bet you’re right about that, young lady. You’d better sit down before you fall down, my dear. Can I get you a cup of coffee.
SHEILA: Coffee! Coffee! Why, Popsie, this is Christmas Eve. No one drinks coffee on Christmas Eve. (Looks around) At least no one in the bunch. (Wags finger impishly at him.) But Christmas morning, oh, Pops, Christmas morning there will be lots of coffee flowing.
FATHER: I suppose so. But I really think you should have some now. You’re much too valuable a person to end up in a car accident. I don’t think that’s what God had in mind when he created you.
SHEILA: (She seems shocked and humbled by his statement, almost to the point of becoming sober. She begins to weep, speech still slurred) I’m sorry, I feel I’ve made a terrible fool of myself. Please accept my apology. I don’t know what got into me to make me behave so rudely. (FATHER looks at her with a concerned, but knowing smile. Sheila looks down at the glass in her hand.) Well, I guess I do know. (Father takes it from her) May I have that cup of coffee you offered?
FATHER: Why don’t you come with me to the kitchen and chat with me while I make us each a cup. (They exits the room)
KEVIN: (Reenters and walks over to Mike.) Mike, send these people home. You know Dad doesn’t like drinking parties, and certainly not in our home.
MIKE: (Feeling no pain.) Aw, loosen up, big bro. TIS the season to be jolly, or hasn’t the message gotten past your Scroogie little heart? (Turns to friends) Listen up, everyone. This is Kevin, (Drapes an arm around the stiff neck of his older brother) the family grinch. Say hello. (They all yell hello). Now, Kevin has a hard time with any fun, or a hard time having fun, so let’s sing Deck the Halls for him, only instead of the word, “Fa la la”, in Kevin’s honor we’ll sing Bah, bah, bah the Halls. That way he won’t have to get out of character to join us. O.K. (Lifts hands like a choir director) Deck the halls with boughs of holly, bah bah bah bah bah bah bah bah. (Everyone joins in, laughing drunkenly.)
KEVIN: Stop it! Stop it! You’re all drunk and making fools of yourself. Get out all of you. This is a hallowed season, how dare you come into this house and defame the sanctity of all that makes it holy. Get out.
MIKE: Now just a minute, these are my friends, and this is my house too.
KEVIN: (Throws coats and hats around at people.) Well, then take your friends to the nearest bar and continue your party there. (Grabs Mike, glares into his eyes.) Mike, you are such a looser. No wonder Mom died of a broken heart. You destroyed her and now you’d like to destroy Dad and everything we’ve worked for.
MIKE: (Mockingly) Oh, big brother who’s always watching little brother. (Grabs Kevin’s lapels.) I can’t believe I ever looked up to you, wanted to be like you. (Chokes up) I loved Mom and you know that—you know that. . .I. . . (He chokes up and can’t talk, straightens Kevin’s lapels and turns away.) O.K. big brother. I’ll just go and live up to your expectation by getting roaring drunk with my friends.
KEVIN: Fine, break Dad’s heart too. I wouldn’t expect anything less of you.
MIKE: What about your heart, Kevin. (Smiles sadly), Well, I guess I can’t break what you don’t have. Merry Christmas. (Leaves)
(Father and girl enter the room carrying cups of coffee.)
SHEILA: Oh, everyone’s left.
KEVIN: (Surly). They won’t be hard to find. The nearest bar would be my guess.
SHEILA: You must be Kevin. Mike has mentioned you often.
KEVIN: You mean in between drinks he actually remembers he has a brother?
FATHER: Kevin! Son, it’s Christmas Eve. Please. No more fighting. Oh, I wondered if you could drive our Sheila home. She seems to be without a ride.
KEVIN: Home? You mean you aren’t going to be joining your friends? After all, it’s Christmas Eve, isn’t that how you celebrate it?
SHEILA: Actually, this is the first time I’ve “celebrated” it in such a way.
And I might add the last. (Looks fondly at FATHER) Thanks so much for your kindness, and for reminding me of some things I nearly forgot. I hope we meet again soon.
FATHER: Anytime, my dear. Our door is always open. Kevin will see you safely home. (As he helps her put on her coat, he has a sudden inspiration) And we will see you tomorrow. (Turns to Kevin) I would like Sheila to join the three of us for Christmas dinner. She’s away from her family. It would be our pleasure to try and fill their place for this special day.
(Turns back to Sheila). Kevin will be by to pick you up at noon.
ACT 1
Scene II
Scene II
KEVIN: (Walks up to Sheila’s door with her) Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.
SHEILA: Look, I feel rather awkward about this. I don’t want to intrude on your time with your family. Perhaps you should just tell your father that I changed my mind.
KEVIN: (Softening a little) No, No, dad would only come and get you himself. (Laughs sardonically) I don’t know of anyone who has a greater heart for the lonely and the lost. Animals, birds, people. You name it.
SHEILA: What a fine man, he is. You must be so proud of him.
KEVIN: More afraid for him. He’s so trusting, even more so since mom died. Like he’s taken over for her. Together they kept our house filled with , well, for want of a better word—losers.
SHEILA: I see
KEVIN: Oh, I didn’t mean you, you’re . . .
SHEILA: (Laughing) I’m just a small loser. (Pats his shoulder) Don’t worry about it Kevin. I’ll be there for dinner tomorrow. Will Mike be there?
KEVIN: (Scowls) Oh, sure. He’ll be there. If I have to dunk him in a cold bath, and drag him to the table by the scruff of the neck, he’ll be there.
SHEILA: Wow, you don’t sound like you have much love for your kid brother.
KEVIN: He IS a loser. He. . .(Breaks off when he realizes he’s telling family secrets to a stranger). Well, let’s just say we have our differences.
SHEILA: Well, you certainly are fortunate to have such a wonderful, compassionate man for a father.
KEVIN: You could tell all that from just one meeting?
SHEILA: Yes, I could. He reminded me of something, actually, of someone I very nearly disappointed.
KEVIN: Oh, and who is that.
SHEILA: My heavenly Father, and the one he sent into this world this night so many centuries ago, his beloved son, Christ. Your father was so gentle about my foolishness, so non-condemning. (Speaks as if alone in a reverie) I forgot how wonderful the love of God is. But your dad not only reminded me of that love—he mirrored it. Yes, that’s it, being with him was like being with God.
KEVIN: Yes, well, I’ve heard others say that too. (Obviously uncomfortable) I just wish he could temper his compassion with common sense when it comes to Mike. I am a Christian, but that doesn’t mean I have to be stupid or waste my love and time on someone who doesn’t appreciate it. (Walks away and turns) Anyway, see you tomorrow. . .Sheila.
SHEILA: Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow, Kevin. Thanks so much for the ride home. Tell your father I am looking forward to being with all of you, and him especially.
READER
Once upon a time a man had two sons. One day the younger son came to his father saying, “I want my inheritance now, so I do not have to wait until you die.” His father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
A few days later the younger son packed all his belongings, and took a trip to a distant land, and there wasted his all his money on parties, and useless, cunning men and women. (30 seconds to read)
ACT 1
Scene III
Scene III
(Sheila, Kevin, and Father are sitting in the living room)
SHEILA: That was a wonderful dinner. Reminds me of the times we have in our home on Christmas.
FATHER: I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sheila. I’m sorry Mike couldn’t be here.
KEVIN: Couldn’t—come on, dad. You know the only reason he couldn’t is because he’s passed out somewhere. (Clenches fist) I looked everywhere last night, but couldn’t find him. But if I had. . .
FATHER: Kevin! You would never lay a hand on your brother. I know you love him, you couldn’t hurt him.
(Just then the door opens and Mike walks in, sober, but disheveled. Walks over to father)
MIKE: Dad I need to talk with you.
FATHER: Mike, you look awful. Let me fix a plate of food for you, then we’ll talk.
KEVIN: Well, well, well, the prodigal returns. What’s wrong, someone steal your bottle and your place at the flop house?
MIKE: I have good news for you, big brother. Your prayers have been answered, I’m leaving. Last night I was offered a partnership in a business. I could make millions. All I need from you dad is a loan to tide me over until the product is marketed.
KEVIN: Oh, just like that. Dad’s supposed to hand over his hard-earned—no, our hard earned money. You’ve already bombed out in the family business, now you want to take your Midas touch to someone else’s. Fat chance! Not a dime, Mike. Not a dime.
SHEILA: Uh, maybe I should leave, this is a family discussion.
KEVIN: No, stay. See what you escaped from last night.
SHEILA: (Turns to the father) I’ll just go see if the coffee is ready. (Goes over to service tray and picks up the coffee pot and leaves.)
FATHER: I’ve known for sometime that you’re not happy working in the family business with Kevin and me, son. But do you think what you’re going to do is a wise move. After all, you just met this person last night, shouldn’t you check it out more thoroughly.
MIKE: I don’t have time to check it out. Besides, I trust this person. I could tell by talking to her that she had a good thing, but she has to move on it right away, before the new year, to get into production.
KEVIN: ‘Scuse me, Mr. tycoon. You met her last night at one of your drunken parties, and you’ve judged her character as impeccable, and her product as the greatest thing since sliced bread. Hello! What’s wrong with this picture?
(Father leaves the room)
MIKE: Well, I’ve judged your character right, you smug, sanctimonious hypocrite. You’ve never given me one word of encouragement. According to you, my just breathing air and taking up space on this planet is an affront to God, and holy angels everywhere. I would have left a long time ago if it hadn’t been for mom. . .(Kevin interrupts)
KEVIN: Don’t you mention mom. And I wish to God you had left a long time ago, maybe she’d still be alive today.
MIKE: Oh, yeah, I forgot, I killed her when I dropped out of seminary.
KEVIN: Well you did, she was so proud of you. She always wanted a son in the ministry.
MIKE: No, you wanted me in the ministry, that way I couldn’t be in the family business that you wanted to take over.
FATHER: (Reenters room with a checkbook, just in time to come between sons) Stop! Both of you. I mean it, I will not put up with this any longer. Mike, I have decided to buy you out.
MIKE: Buy me out? I didn’t know I was ever in.
FATHER: Your mother left you her share of the business. She loved you so much, son. She said to tell you that her love and prayers would be with both you boys always.
KEVIN: Mom left him her share.
FATHER: Yes son. Before she died, we agreed that you would inherit my shares in Vectronic which is 51%, and that Mike would receive her 49%. Turns back to Mike. Well, son, if you sure this is what you want, then I will buy out your inheritance now?
MIKE: Yes, dad. I do. (Father writes check.)
FATHER: This is a down payment on the shares from Vectronic, when the bank reopens after the holiday, I will withdraw the rest and transfer it to your account. God bless you, Mike. You are a man now, and I must abide by your decision.
KEVIN: A man, that’s a laugh! How can you do that, dad, deplete the business to give, this ungrateful waste of skin nearly half our assets. You know what will happen to it, it’ll end up in every bar and inside every drunk he’ll ever meet.
MIKE: (Takes check from father). (Turns to Kevin) Kevin, I know things have not been good between us, but I’m leaving. Can’t we shake hands for old time’s sake? (Holds out hand)
KEVIN: (Puts hands in pocket) You’re scum, Mike. I hope I never lay eyes on you again as long as I live—or you, whichever comes first. You’ll fail at this just as you have everything else in your life. Just Go. I’m sick at the sight of you. (Leaves the room pushing Mike’s outstretched hand away)
(Just then Sheila reenters carrying the coffee pot, sets it back on the service tray, stands it.)
FATHER: (Walks over to Mike, takes his outstretched hand and pulls him into an embrace). Be careful, son. Remember I love you and always will. Please keep in touch.
MIKE: (Stands stiffly in his father’s embrace.) I won’t come back, or call until I am successful. I know I can make you proud of me, dad.
FATHER: Oh, Mike. You don’t have to earn my pride or my love. You are my son.
MIKE: (Goes to the door) Bye, dad. (Turns back to Sheila) Sheila, I’m sorry we didn’t get to know each other better. I hope you come around a lot. I think Dad’s going to need you. Bye, (Lights dim, as Mike leaves, and Sheila and Father are left alone. Sheila crosses to Father and puts her hand on his shoulder.)
FATHER: Oh, my sons, my sons. I feel as though I have lost you both.
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