Loves Labours (Read 10,769 times)

[heroicmuse]

This sounds great! Can't wait to see who Roman is talking to and the musical!

Thanks for the previews André DiMera!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 31

SALEM HIGH
Tonight was the night. The big one. Opening night of Salem High's production of Evita. The theatre was packed with people. The cast was all backstage. Claire, in a white dress, was standing near Ciara.
CLAIRE (whispering): I don't know if I can do this.
Ciara took Claire's hands in hers.
CIARA: You can. That's just your nerves talking. You're gonna be great in this, Claire! You're amazing!
CLAIRE: You really think so?
CIARA: Definitely. You're Eva Peron! You are gonna go out there, and you are gonna be the best Eva Peron this high school has seen!
Ciara and Claire hugged. The lights began to dim.
CIARA: I gotta get to my seat. Good luck.
CLAIRE: Thanks.
Ciara got to her seat just as the lights were off. For a moment, all was quiet and dark. Click here to follow along. Then, the music swelled. Two voices could be heard speaking in Spanish. The voices sounded like they were on a film. Just then, the sound of a film projector being turned off was heard. A number of people could be heard making grumbling noises. But, they were silenced with a voice, first speaking in Spanish, then in English.
SECRETARY BOY (V.O.): ...to inform the people of Argentina that Eva Peron, spiritual leader of the nation, entered immortality at 20.25 hours today.
Click here. The stage lights came on. A large group of people lined up in front of a casket. Each walked over to it and sobbed as they looked at it. They began chanting in Spanish and Latin. After a moment of this, a second stage light came on. Chase was off in the corner of the stage. He walked through the group of mourners as a new song began.
CHASE (singing): Oh what a circus! Oh what a show! Argentina has gone to town over the death of an actress called Eva Peron. We've all gone crazy, mourning all day and mourning all night. Falling over ourselves to get all of the misery right. Oh what an exit! That's how to go! When they're ringing your curtain down, demand to be buried like Eva Peron! It's quite a sunset, and good for the country in a roundabout way. We've made the front page of all the world's papers today! But who is this Santa Evita? Why all this howling hysterical sorrow? What kind of goddess has lived among us? How will we ever get by without her? She had her moments, she had some style. The best show in town was the crowd outside the Casa Rosada crying, "Eva Peron"! But that's all gone now. As soon as the smoke from the funeral clears, we're all going to see how she did nothing for years!
As Chase walked through the crowd, they continued chanting in Latin.
CHASE (singing): You let down your people, Evita. You were supposed to have been immortal. That's all they wanted. Not much to ask for. But in the end, you could not deliver. Sing you fools, but you got it wrong! Enjoy your prayers because you haven't got long! Your queen is dead! Your king is through! She's not coming back to you! Show business kept us all alive since 17 October 1945! But the star has gone! The glamour's worn thin! That's a pretty bad state for a state to be in! Instead of government we had a stage! Instead of ideas, a prima donna's rage! Instead of help, we were given a crowd! She didn't say much but she said it loud! And who am I who dares to keep his head held high while millions weep? Why the exception to the rule? Opportunist? Traitor? Fool? Or just a man who grew and saw, from seventeen to twenty-four, his country bled, crucified? She's not the only one who's died! Sing you fools, but you got it wrong! Enjoy your prayers because you haven't got long! Your queen is dead! Your king is through! She's not coming back to you!
As Chase's part of the song ends, the mourners continue their Latin chant. It sounds like a prayer, as if to a saint. Claire walked onstage dressed all in white. A stage light shone on her, giving her the appearance of a ghost.
CLAIRE (singing): Don't cry for me, Argentina. For I am ordinary, unimportant and undeserving of such attention, unless we all are. I think we all are. Ride on my train, oh my people. And when it's your turn to die you'll remember, they fired those cannons, sang lamentations. Not just for Eva, for Argentina. Not just for Eva, for everybody. So share my glory, so share my coffin. So share my glory, so share my coffin.
Chase looks on at the spectacle from the side.
CHASE (singing): It's our funeral, too!

[heroicmuse]

Yay! One of my favorite parts of the play. I'm sure Chase and Claire were amazing!

Great chapter André DiMera!

[Kpatch]

I love Ciara and Claire's friendship.

Great chapter, thanks Andre!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 32

SALEM HIGH
The play had gotten to the part where Eva and her first lover, Magaldi (played here by a student named Alex), had made it to that famous city in Argentina. Claire was wearing a red dress and a black wig. They ran across the stage, which was made to look like the busy Argentine streets. Click here to follow along.
CLAIRE (singing): What's new, Buenos Aires? I'm new! I want to say I'm just a little stuck on you. You'll be on me too! I get out here, Buenos Aires! Stand back, you ought to know whatcha gonna get in me? Just a little touch of star quality! Fill me up with your heat, with your noise, with your dirt, overdo me! Let me dance to your beat, make it loud, let it hurt, run it through me! Don't hold back, you are certain to impress. Tell the driver this is where I'm staying!
Claire began dancing with the other actors, who were playing the citizens of Buenos Aires.
CLAIRE (singing): Hello Buenos Aires! Get this: just look at me, dressed up somewhere to go. We'll put on a show! Take me in at your flood, give me speed, give me lights, set me humming! Shoot me up with your blood, wine me up with your nights, watch me coming! All I want is a whole lot of excess! Tell the singer this is where I'm playing! Stand back Buenos Aires! Because you ought to know whatcha gonna get in me. Just a little touch of star quality!
Claire was now center stage with the various citizens around her.
CLAIRE (singing): And if ever I go too far, it's because of the things you are. Beautiful town, I love you! And if I need a moment's rest, give your lover the very best. Real eiderdown, and silence.
Chase walked out to the stage.
CHASE: On the 9th February 1935, in Buenos Aires: a polo match, between a team of leading Argentine players and the touring British side. The British ambassador said (British accent) he had never seen a social occasion quite like it. (normal voice) Even by the standards of Buenos Aires society, the gathering at the polo ground glittered. The Rolls' and the Daimlers, the hampers from Harrod's, the clothes, the diamonds, the crystal, the wines, the procession of nannies from England and France. The result of the match? Oh yes! The home team won, but as the British ambassador pointed out, (British accent) that did not reflect badly on British horsemanship. Three of the Argentine players were educated at Eton.
Chase walked offstage, and Claire came back to center stage.
CLAIRE (singing): You're a tramp, you're a treat, you will shine to the death, you are shoddy! But you're flesh, you are meat, you shall have every breath in my body! Put me down for a lifetime of success! Give me credit, I'll find ways of paying. Rio de la Plata! Florida! Corrientes! Nueve de Julio! All I want to know! Stand back Buenos Aires! Because you oughta know whatcha gonna get in me. Just a little touch of, just a little touch of, just a little touch of star quality!
The audience clapped and cheered.

SALEM P.D.
Meanwhile, Roman was at his desk looking over some papers. The phone rang.
ROMAN: Hello?
All he could hear was a faint crackling noise on the other end of the phone.
ROMAN: Who is this? Is someone there?
HOPE (over phone): Roman...out...town...can't...
ROMAN: Hope? Hope, is that you?
HOPE (over phone): Must...con...send...
ROMAN: Hope, I'm having a real hard time hearing you...
There was a click, and Hope was gone.
ROMAN: Hello? Hope?
Roman hung up the phone. A moment later, he got a text message.
ROMAN (reading): “Roman, there must have been a bad connection. I'm outside of the town line, but can't seem to get in. Not sure why.”.
Roman put the phone down.
ROMAN: Now why wouldn't Hope be able to get into town?

[heroicmuse]

That is a good question. I can't wait to find out why Hope can't get into town.

YAY more of Evita. I'm enjoying the performance!

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Hmmm. Strange that Hope is being blocked from re-entering city limits.

[mae00]

Hope can't get back in town??? Is there some kind of shield or something preventing her access....and she has a bad connection. Salem is where everyone has everyone else's number always programmed in....and phones ALWAYS work. Wonder what's going on.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 33

SALEM HIGH
Since Joey had been kicked out of the play for his part in events at the Last Blast, there had been need to find a new Juan Peron. Mrs. Shuler had promoted Henri from the role of Advisor to Peron. He was dressed in full military uniform (Peron had been a colonel), and was standing next to Claire, who had taken off the wig, and was wearing a beige dress. Click here to follow along.
HENRI (singing): Dice are rolling, the knives are out. Would be presidents are all around. I don't say they mean harm, but they'd each give an arm to see us six feet under ground.
Claire turned to Henri.
CLAIRE (singing): It doesn't matter what those morons say, our nation's leaders are a feeble crew. There's only twenty of them, anyway. What is twenty next to millions who are looking to you?
She wrapped her arms around him.
CLAIRE (singing): All you have to do is sit and wait, keeping out of everybody's way. We'll...you'll be handed power on a plate when the ones who matter have their say; and with chaos installed, you can reluctantly agree to be called.
Henri shok his head.
HENRI (singing): There again we could be foolish not to quit while we're ahead. For distance lends enchantment; and that is why all exiles are distinguished. More important, they're not dead. I could find job satisfaction in Paraguay.
Claire crossed her arms.
CLAIRE (singing): This is crazy defeatist talk! Why commit political suicide? There's no risk, there's no call for any action at all when you have unions on your side!
The stage was split between two scenes. One outside of the Casa Rosada, one inside. Claire and Henri were inside. Chase and a large goup of people stood outside. The students began chanting “Peron! Peron! Peron! Peron!”. Claire and Henri walked over to the balcony and watched the scene below.
CHASE (singing): A new Argentina! The chains of the masses untied! A new Argentina! The voice of the people cannot be denied!
Claire stepped up to a microphone.
CLAIRE (singing): There is only one man who can lead any workers' regime. He lives for your problems, he shares your ideals and your dreams. He supports you, for he loves you, understands you, is one of you! If not, how could he love me?
CHASE & RIOTERS (singing): A new Argentina! The workers' battle song! A new Argentina! The voice of the people rings out loud and long!
CLAIRE (singing): Now I am a worker, I've suffered the way that you do. I've been unemployed and I've starved and I hated it too. But I found my salvation in Peron! May the nation! Let him save them as he saved me!
CHASE (singing): A new Argentina! A new age about to begin!
Peron's Officers come up behind Chase.
CHASE & OFFICERS (singing): A new Argentina! We face the world together and no dissent within!
The Officers drag Chase offstage.
RIOTERS (singing): Nationalization of the industries that the foreigners control. Participation in the profits that we make. Shorter hours! Higher wages! Votes for women! Larger dole! More public spending! A bigger slice of every cake!
HENRI (singing): It's annoying that we have to fight elections for our cause. The inconvenience, having to get a majority. If normal methods of persuasion fail to win us applause, there are other ways of establishing authority.
The Officers return and intimidate some of the rioters.
OFFICERS: We have ways of making you vote for us, or at least of making you abstain!
CLAIRE (singing): Peron has resigned from the army and this we avow: he descamisados are those he is marching with now! He supports you, for he loves you, understands you, is one of you! If not, how could he love me?
CLAIRE, HENRI, OFFICERS AND RIOTERS (singing): A new Argentina! The chains of the masses untied! A new Argentina! The voice of the people cannot be, and will not be, and must not be, denied!
Henri turns to Claire and they go inside as a full on riot breaks out.
HENRI (singing): There again we could be foolish not to quit while we're ahead. I can see me many miles away, inactive. Sipping cocktails on a terrace, taking breakfast in bed, sleeping easy, doing crosswords. It's attractive.
CLAIRE (singing): Don't think I don't think like you, I often get those nightmares, too. They always take some swallowing. Sometimes it's very difficult to keep momentum if it's you that you are following. Don't close doors. Keep an escape clause, because we might lose The Big Apple. But, would I have done, what I did if I hadn't thought, if I hadn't known we would take the country?
Claire and Henri go back outside.
CLAIRE, HENRI, OFFICERS AND RIOTERS (singing): A new Argentina! The chains of the masses untied! A new Argentina! The voice of the people cannot be, and will not be, and must not be, denied!
The audience erupted with cheers as the stage lights went out and the curtain dropped.
SHULER (over intercom): There now will be a fifteen minute intermission.

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad the play is going so well! I'm nervous about what's going to happen during intermission.

Great chapter André DiMera!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 34

SALEM HIGH
It was almost the beginning of the second act. Claire had changed into a flowing white gown. She looked over across the stage, and saw Chase, standing with a big group of people. They smiled at each other. Henri walked up next to Claire. Each went onstage and took their places. The set was the same as the previous scene. Henri and Claire stood on the balcony while Chase and the group stood below. The lights came on as the curtain rose. Cllick here to follow along.
CHASE (singing): People of Argentina, your newly elected President: Juan Peron!
The crowds begin chanting “Peron!”
HENRI (singing): Argentinos! Argentinos! We are all shirtless now! Fighting against our common enemies: poverty, social injustice, foreign domination of our industries! Reaching for our common goals: our independence, our dignity, our pride! Let the world know that our great nation is awakening and that its heart beats in the humble bodies of Juan Peron and his wife, the first lady of Argentina, Eva Duarte de Peron!
The crowds' chanting gets louder with every passing moment.
CHASE (singing): As a mere observer of this tasteless phenomenon, one has to admire the stage management...
Peron's Officers close in on Chase.
CHASE (singing):There again, perhaps I'm more than a mere observer. Listen to my enthusiasm, gentleman! Peron! Peron! Peron!
The Officers grab Chase.
CHASE: Look, if I take off my shirt, will you...
The Officers drag Chase away. The crowd has gone from chanting Peron's name to Evita's. Claire steps up to a microphone, as a beautiful song begins to play.
CLAIRE (singing): It won't be easy, you'll think it strange when I try to explain how I feel. That I still need your love after all that I've done. You won't believe me. All you will see is a girl you once knew, although she's dressed up to the nines at sixes and sevens with you. I had to let it happen, I had to change. Couldn't stay all my life down at heel. Looking out of the window, staying out of the sun. So I chose freedom. Running around trying everything new, but nothing impressed me at all. I never expected it to. Don't cry for me, Argentina. The truth is I never left you! All through my wild days, my mad existence, I kept my promise, don't keep your distance. And as for fortune, and as for fame, I never invited them in. Though it seemed to the world, they were all I desired. They are illusions. They are not the solutions they promised to be. The answer was here all the time. I love you and hope you love me. Don't cry for me Argentina...
Claire noticed a tear coming from her eyes as she sang. She wiped it away, as the people down below hummed along with the song.
CLAIRE (singing): Don't cry for me, Argentina. The truth is I never left you! All through my wild days, my mad existence, I kept my promise, don't keep your distance. Have I said too much? There's nothing more I can think of to say to you. But all you have to do is look at me to know that every word is true.
The entire audience burst out in applause, as did the people watching from outside the balcony. Claire walked from the balcony to the portion of the set inside the Casa Rosada. There stood Chase, disguised as one of Peron's officials.
CLAIRE (singing): Just listen to that! The voice of Argentina! We are adored! We are loved!
CHASE (singing): Statesmanship is more than entertaining peasants.
CLAIRE (singing): We shall see, little man.
Claire heard the crowd chanting “Evita Peron! La Santa Peronista!”. She walked back to the balcony as the crowd continued chanting.
CLAIRE: I am only a simple woman who lives to serve Peron in his noble crusade to rescue his people! I was once as you are now! I have taken these riches from the oligarchs only for you! For all of you! One day you will inherit these treasures! Descamisados! When they fire those cannons, when the crowds sing of glory, it is not just for Peron, but for all of us! All of us!
Suddenly, the cheering stopped. All fell silent. Then Chase walked out and stood next to Claire. He very slowly clapped.
CHASE (singing): Things have reached a pretty pass when someone pretty lower class can be accepted and admired...
CLAIRE (singing): But your despicable class is dead! Look who they are calling for now!

[heroicmuse]

Yay! The kids are really doing great with this play! Not easy material at all.

Great chapter André DiMera!

[Kpatch]

I love "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina." Thanks for the chapter.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 35

SALEM HIGH
We are now at the part of the play just after “Don't Cry for Me, Argentina”. Chase and Claire walk into the Casa Rosada from the balcony. Click here to follow along.
CHASE (singing): High flying, adored. So young, the instant queen. A rich, beautiful thing of all the talents. A cross between a fantasy of the bedroom and a saint. And you were just a backstreet girl, hustling and fighting, scratching and biting.
Claire and Chase dance with each other.
CHASE (singing): High flying, adored. Did you believe in your wildest moments all this would be yours? That you'd become the lady of them all? Were there stars in your eyes when you crawled in at night from the bars, from the sidewalks, from the gutter theatrical? Don't look down, it's a long long way to fall!
They stop dancing.
CHASE (singing): High flying, adored. What happens now? Where do you go from here? For someone on top of the world, the view's not exactly clear. A shame you did it all at twenty-six. There are no mysteries now. Nothing can thrill you, no-one fulfill you. High flying, adored. I hope you come to terms with boredom. So famous so easily, so soon, is not the wisest thing to be. You won't care if they love you, it's been done before! You'll despair if they hate you! You'll be drained of all energy! All the young who've made it would agree.
Chase goes back to one side of the stage.
CLAIRE (singing): High flying, adored. I've been called names, but they're the strangest. My story's quite usual: local girl makes good, weds famous man. I was slap in the right place at the perfect time. Filled a gap, I was lucky. But one thing I'll say for me: no-one else can fill it like I can!

SALEM P.D.
Roman was on the phone.
ROMAN: Yeah, I'm gonna need someone to come with me.
Pause.
ROMAN: It appears we've got someone unable to enter the town line. Something doesn't feel right, though.
Pause.
ROMAN: Yeah, Beck should do. Send him.
Pause.
ROMAN: Right. I'll meet him there. Thanks.
Roman hung up the phone.
ROMAN: Now, what da hell was up with Hope's phone call?

DIMERA MANSION
Bart was with André in the study.
BART: Boss, I know you told me I shouldn't disturb you.
ANDRE: But, that won't stop you.
BART: I just gotta know something.
ANDRE: Yes, Bart? What is it?
BART: What did you do with Hope Brady?
André smiled and looked up.
ANDRE: The same thing I did with everyone else.
BART: What do you mean?
ANDRE: Well, of course, you helped me put cameras in their houses. That's all.
BART: Yeah, but Hope Brady hasn't been in town since a couple weeks after her husband died. What's up with that?
ANDRE: I've no idea. None whatsoever.
Bart's phone buzzed.
BART: Whoa. Duty calls.
ANDRE: Indeed. Do give my love to Commander Brady, won't you?
BART: Aye aye, captain.
Bart saluted and went to change into his police uniform.

[heroicmuse]

Ooh. Bart in disguise should be fun !

I couldn't help thinking High Flying Adored was a perfect song for Claire and Chase. Especially the line about having been called names.

Great chapter André DiMera! Please may we have previews?