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MARCO’S VOICE: Will’s welcome-home birthday party... a night to go down in history. Like the Rome Walkout or the Wilson Lohengrin. Even before the party started, I could smell disaster in the air... [Marco’s living room. Marco: Don’t let me stop your story. Or isn’t it a story for grownups? Will: You’ve heard it before. About when I had Dennis O’Neill enter from the wrong side. Marco (to Steve): Remind me to tell you about some of the times I‘ve been entered from the wrong side. Steve: I’d like to hear about it. Marco: Some Saturday afternoon while we’re listening to the broadcast. Marco: He’s a boy of so many rare qualities. His loyalty, efficiency, devotion, warmth, joie de vivre, innigkeit — and so young. So young and so buff! Will: I can’t believe you’re making this up — it sounds like something out of an obscure Scribe libretto. Marco: Eugène Scribe, though you may not think so, was way before my time. Will: This is my cue to take you in my arms and reassure you — but I’m not going to. I’m too mad... Marco: ...horny! Will: Mad! Darling, you’re a diva. I realize that it’s part of your equipment for getting along in what we laughingly call The Opera World — you’ve got to keep your claws sharp as sharp as your intonation. But you won’t sharpen them on me... or on Steve... Marco: Bravo! What happens in the next Act? Do I get burned at the stake or sent a poison bouquet!? [Sharon and Boyd arrive] Sharon: Where’s Steve? Marco, nothing you’ve ever done has made me as happy as your taking Steve in... Marco: I’m so happy you’re happy. The kid — junior, that is — will be right down. Boyd: The general atmosphere is very Macbeth-ish. What has or is about to happen? Marco (to Will): What is he talking about? Will: Scotto. Marco: Oh. Sharon (to Marco): We know you, we’ve seen you before like this. Is it over — or just beginning? Marco: Warm up your pipes. The night is going to be heavily ornamented. [Dr. Repertoire comes in with Cass Well, his protégé-of-the-week] Marco: Dr. Repertoire, I distinctly remember striking your name from the guest list. What are you doing here? Dr. Repertoire: Dear Marco, you were an unforgettable Fourth Serving Maid — you must play it again, soon. You remember Cass Well? He’s a graduate of the Gaiety Conservatory of Music. Steve: Good evening, Dr. Repertoire. Marco: Dr. Repertoire, you’ve heard of Steve’s great interest in opera? Steve: I’m afraid Dr. Repertoire would find me boring before to long. Cass: You won’t bore him, he‘ll just criticize your French diction. Marco: (to pianist) "Scherza, infida." Again. [LATER THAT NIGHT] Sharon: Tell me, Steve — how are things going with you? Happy? Steve: There should be a new word for happiness. Being here with Mr. Manning has been — I just can’t say, he’s been so wonderful, done so much for me — Sharon: Well, you’ve worked wonders with Marco, certainly more than Betty Ford ever did. Steve: Mrs. Pritchards, I overheard Mr. Manning mention that his understudy ran off with some rich Colombian so they’d have to replace him... Sharon: You want to be Marco’s new understudy... Steve: I don’t let myself think about it, even — but I know the music so well, and every one of the variations, even the ones Mr. Manning has to take down the octave — but suppose I had to go one night? To an audience that came to see Marco Manning. No, I couldn’t possibly... Sharon: Don’t worry too much about that. Marco just doesn’t miss performances. If he can sing, croak, or hiccup, he performs. Steve: The show must go on. Sharon: No, dear. Marco loves those fees. As a matter of fact, I see no reason why you shouldn’t be Marco’s understudy. Steve: Do you think Mr. Pritchard and Mr. Crampton would approve? Sharon: They’ll do as they’re told. Steve: You won’t forget? Sharon: I won’t forget. |