Chapter 36
SALEM HIGH
Nearly the end of the play. It is clear that Eva is growing weaker by this point.
CLAIRE (singing): Oh, I shall be a great vice president!
She moves, but it's clearly hard. She nearly collapses, but Henri catches her. He helps her walk over to a wheelchair and assists her in sitting down in it. He kneels in front of her.
HENRI (singing): So what happens now? So what happens now?
CLAIRE (singing): Where am I going to?
HENRI (singing): Don't ask anymore.
Henri kisses Claire on the cheek. Henri stands as Chase walks in. Click
here to follow along.
CHASE (singing) Forgive my intrusion, Evita, I just have to see how you admit you have lost, a brand new experience. We got it set up! We fixed you a broadcast! And you're so good on the air! Claire looks up at him.
CLAIRE (singing): The actress hasn't learned the lines you'd like to hear. She's sad for her country. Sad to be defeated by her own weak body.
Henri pushes the wheelchair out to the balcony. He assists Claire in standing, and puts the microphone in front of her. Below, many people watch.
CLAIRE (singing): I want to tell the people of Argentina, I've decided I should decline all the honors and titles you've pressed me to take. For I'm contented. Let me simply go on as the woman who brings her people to the heart of Peron! Don't cry for me, Argentina. The truth is I shall not leave you! Though it may get harder for you to see me (tearing up) I'm Argentina and always will be!
She takes a moment to regain composure.
CLAIRE (singing): 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 crowd, as well as the audience, claps. Henri pushes the chair back inside. After a brief scene change, Claire is sitting up in bed, Henri at her side. (at this point in the play, Eva's life is quite literally flashing before her eyes). Chase enters. The feeling of the scene is surreal, and almost dreamlike.
CHASE (singing): 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...
Chase goes off to one corner of the stage as Alex enters.
ALEX (singing): Eva beware your ambition!
CLAIRE (singing): Screw the middle classes! I will never accept them, and they will never deny me anything again.! My father's other family were middle class, and we were kept out of sight, hidden from view...
Alex walks offstage. Henri stands up and takes Claire's hand.
CLAIRE (singing): It seems crazy but you must believe there's nothing calculated, nothing planned. Please forgive me if I seem naïve. I would never want to force your hand, but please understand...
The Rioters come onstage.
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...
The rioters quickly leave.
HENRI (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...
The mourners from the very first scene of the play show up and begin chanting in Latin. Chase runs through them.
CHASE (singing): 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!
The crowd doesn't seem to hear him. Chase chases them out of the room.
CHASE (singing): 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!
Chase goes back to a corner of the stage. Henri kneels by Claire's bedside. She is still sitting up in bed.
CLAIRE (singing): The choice was mine and mine completely. I could have any prize that I desired. I could burn with the splendor of the brightest fire; or else...or else, I could choose time. Remember, I was very young then, and a year was forever and a day. So what use could fifty, sixty, seventy be? I saw the lights, and I was on my way. And how I lived! How they shone! But how soon the lights were gone! Oh my daughter! Oh my son! Understand what I have done!
Claire lies back on the bed, closes her eyes, and puts her hands across her chest. Henri stands up. A group of four Enbalmers come in and carry Claire offstage.
EMBALMERS (singing): Eyes, hair, face, image. All must be preserved. Still life displayed forever. No less than she deserves.
Henri follows the Enblamers. Chase takes center stage.
CHASE: Money was raised to build a tomb, a monument to Evita. Only the pedestal was completed, and Evita's body disappeared...for seventeen years.
Chase walked offstage as the final notes of the score played. There was a moment of silence, then the whole theatre burst with thunderous applause. The applause only got louder as the cast came out for their curtain call. The last three out were Henri, Chase and Claire, who each received a standing ovation. The performers bowed and ran backstage. Then, with their families and friends, they went off to celebrate.
