TAKE MY DEATH AWAY
A Halloween Musical
Book, music, and lyrics by Stephen and Teresa Gashler
Additional music by Curtis Wiederhold
greathall.live
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CAST LIST
David - male, adult, baritone/tenor, a ghost bent on returning to his former life
Eve - female, adult, soprano, a compassionate, well-educated, and gifted ghost from a previous century bent on helping David reverse death
Sadie - female, young adult, soprano, David's former fiancée, haunted by shadows of the past
Isaac - male, young adult, baritone, a physician, childhood friend, and would-be suitor of Sadie
Kristoff - male, middle-aged, bass/baritone, a well-educated and gifted spiritual medium, powerful and mysterious
Pat - male, middle-aged/senior, baritone, a ghostly ancestor of Sadie content to moan his afterlife away, comical
Jessie - female, middle-aged/senior, alto, Pat's ghostly wife and counterpart of the comedic duo
Deborah - female, middle-aged/senior - Sadie's aunt or great aunt, big-hearted though a bit gullible
Joanna - female, adult - a recently-deceased ghost
Victor/Victoria - male/female, middle-aged/senior, the emcee of the All Hallows Eve dance
Sextan - male/female, the caretaker of the graveyard
Agent 1 - male/female - an agent of the devil
Agent 2 - male/female - an assistant agent of the devil
Daisy - female, young, a victim of the consumption (tuberculosis)
ACT 1
1.1A - Porch
"THE MAN ON THE HILL 1"
The period is around the turn of the twentieth century. The setting is a small town in rural America. The time is night.
The PHANTOM FIDDLER (a dark figure) plays a haunting melody on a violin.
Enter SADIE (a woman in mourning).
SADIE
BEYOND THE MISTY FOREST,
STANDING ATOP A HILL,
SOMEONE IS WATCHING ME,
WANTING ME,
STALKING ME.
BECKONING MOONLIGHT,
A DANGEROUS THRILL.
David, is that you?
SADIE and the PHANTOM FIDDLER are about to touch. Enter DEBORAH (SADIE's great aunt).
DEBORAH
Sadie! Sleepwalking again?
The PHANTOM FIDDLER runs off.
SADIE
He was just here. I saw him. I heard his violin.
Deborah
It's almost been an entire year. It's time to let go.
Sadie
I'm not crazy.
Deborah
You're grieving. But don't you think it's time --
Sadie
I know what I saw.
Deborah
I can't imagine what it must be like to lose a fiancé.
SADIE
Aunt Deborah, David has been trying to contact me. How can I move on?
DEBORAH
How long has this been going on?
SADIE
It started at the funeral.
Deborah
The funeral!
Sadie
I wanted to tell you, but I knew you'd just say --
Deborah
You were grieving.
Sadie
Think what you will, but I heard his voice, ever so softly.
"WE ONLY LIVE TO DIE"
1.2A - Graveyard
In a flashback, enter MOURNERS. SADIE and DEBORAH join them. Enter DAVID (a ghost).
DAVID
IT ENDED SO SUDDENLY,
A LIFE JUST BEGUN.
SADIE
DAVID, MY DARLING,
OUR DREAMS ARE LEFT UNDONE.
CAN OUR LOVE ENDURE
WITH SO GREAT A COST?
DAVID
NO MORE SENSE IN MOURNING
WHEN ALL IS LOST.
SADIE
WON'T YOU STAY NEAR ME?
DAVID
WHY CAN'T YOU HEAR ME?
Enter EVE (another ghost).
EVE
My friend, welcome to the afterlife. My name is Eve. Let me help you.
DAVID
Can you get me back into my body?
EVE
What?
DAVID
Then there's nothing you can do to help me.
EVE
LINGERING SPIRIT,
COME TO PEACE, DON'T FEAR IT.
DAVID
IT'S NOT MY TIME.
I'M IN MY PRIME.
OH THERE MUST BE SOME MISTAKE.
HAVE NO CONCERN.
I WILL RETURN
AS SOON AS I AWAKE.
EVE
DON'T MAKE IT WORSE.
IT'S BEEN MY CURSE
FOR COUNTLESS YEARS ON END.
YOU'LL PAY YOUR TOLL
LIKE EVERY SOUL.
AT LEAST YOU'LL HAVE A FRIEND.
SADIE
(duet)
AH ...
CHORUS
(duet)
THE NIGHT IS BLACK.
NO COMING BACK
ONCE WE SAY GOODBYE.
THROUGH ALL THE PAIN
AND FALLING RAIN,
WE ONLY LIVE TO DIE.
GIVE TOOTH AND NAIL,
THE CROP WILL FAIL.
THE WELL WILL SURELY DRY.
YOU'LL LOSE YOUR HAIR
TILL NOTHING'S THERE.
WE ONLY LIVE TO DIE.
1.2B
Reveal ISAAC (a physician). DEBORAH and SADIE step aside.
DEBORAH
Was that Isaac standing by you at the funeral? He looked so grown up.
SADIE
He just got out of medical school. He's Doctor Isaac now.
They return to the scene.
ISAAC
NEVER HAVE I SEEN SUCH TENDER GRIEF.
HOW CAN I BRING HER SOUL RELIEF?
I KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO STAND ALONE.
DARE I MAKE MY FEELINGS KNOWN?
DAVID watches with resentment as ISAAC takes SADIE's hand.
DAVID
(glaring at Isaac)
I WON'T SURRENDER
AND BOW TO THAT PRETENDER.
EVE
LET GO OF THIS DARKNESS.
I'LL HELP YOU FIND CATHARSIS.
DAVID
WHY DO I DESERVE THIS?
HOW CAN I REVERSE THIS?
EVE
There may be a way back. It's not easy, but if you're determined, I will help you.
EVE
COME LEARN OF YOUR ABILITIES.
THERE MAY BE SOME POSSIBILITIES.
Exit EVE and DAVID.
1.2C
SADIE
MOONLIGHT MADNESS,
FRAIL REALITY.
EYES DECEIVE, BUT I BELIEVE
YOU’LL COME BACK TO ME.
ISAAC
LIFE CAN BE UNFORGIVING.
I HATE TO SEE YOU BEREFT.
THOSE OF US WHO ARE STILL LIVING
MUSTN'T FORSAKE WHAT IS LEFT.
SADIE
CAN YOU VANQUISH THIS DARKNESS?
WILL YOU HELP ME FIND PEACE?
CAN WE HAVE SECOND CHANCES?
WILL MY SUFFERING CEASE?
SADIE
(duet)
AH ...
CHORUS
(duet)
THE NIGHT IS BLACK.
NO COMING BACK
ONCE WE SAY GOODBYE.
THROUGH ALL THE PAIN
AND FALLING RAIN,
WE ONLY LIVE TO DIE.
GIVE TOOTH AND NAIL,
THE CROP WILL FAIL.
THE WELL WILL SURELY DRY.
YOU'LL LOSE YOUR HAIR
TILL NOTHING'S THERE.
WE ONLY LIVE TO DIE.
SADIE
AH ...
Exit mourners.
1.3A - Porch
SADIE AND DEBORAH return to the porch.
DEBORAH
So what are you going to do?
A rooster crows. Sadie puts on a nurse hat and apron.
SADIE
I'm going to go to work.
DEBORAH
You need to find out what David's trying to tell you.
SADIE
He might have told me already if you hadn't interrupted.
DEBORAH
Outside, in the middle of the night, all by yourself? Doesn't seem natural.
SADIE
No one said this is natural.
DEBORAH
What if that was someone posing as David, or a spook, or a devil?
SADIE
Really, Aunt Deborah?
DEBORAH
I told you about the time an unseen power knocked over the grits.
SADIE
A hundred times.
DEBORAH
Better safe than sorry. How about I call that spiritual medium who's passing through town? He gave me his card.
SADIE
Mr. Kristoff? That man makes me uneasy.
DEBORAH
He could conduct a proper séance in the daytime.
SADIE
If you would just stop meddling, David will contact me in his own time and in his own way.
DEBORAH
(looking off)
He's not the only one.
SADIE
What do you mean?
DEBORAH
Here comes your doctor.
Saide
Isaac? Coming here?
DEBORAH
He's hiding something behind his back. Oh, you look so pale. Hold still.
DEBORAH pinches SADIE's cheeks.
SADIE
Ouch!
DEBORAH
There, nice and rosy. You'll thank me later.
SADIE
Isaac and I are just friends. That's how we've always been.
DEBORAH
Mmm-hmm.
SaDIE
You know my heart is still with David.
DeBORAH
You'll have to move on at some point.
SADIE
You're seeing things that aren't there.
DEBORAH
Kind of funny coming from you.
SADIE
Isaac has absolutely no interest in ...
1.3B
Enter ISAAC, holding a bouquet of flowers.
ISAAC
Good morning, Deborah, Sadie.
DEBORAH
Good morning.
ISAAC
I was just passing by on my way to the hospital, and I thought I'd check in.
DEBORAH
Sadie was just talking about you. What were you saying, dear?
SADIE
Whatever it was, I can't remember.
ISAAC gives the flowers to SADIE.
ISAAC
For the anniversary of ... you know. Just a token of my condolences, of course.
SADIE
Of course. Thank you.
DEBORAH
Won't you come in?
ISAAC
I'm afraid I have a lot of patients to attend to.
SADIE
I'll come with you. There's something I need to show you.
DEBORAH
Which reminds me, Dr. Isaac, will you be attending the All Hallows Eve social tonight?
ISAAC
Oh, Deborah, you know I have two left feet.
DEBORAH
Wonderful, so does Sadie. What time should she expect you?
ISAAC
What time?
DEBORAH
To pick her up for the dance?
ISAAC
Well ...
SADIE
Goodbye, Aunt Deborah.
DEBORAH
I'm not one to meddle.
Exit DEBORAH.
1.3C
SADIE
I'm sorry. I told her we're just friends.
ISAAC
Perhaps she would better understand our relationship if she saw how I used to throw worms at you.
SADIE
Goodness, how old were we?
ISAAC
Seven, maybe eight. Sometimes I have half a mind to skip work, roll up my pants, and explore the swamp again. Of course, it wouldn't be as fun without you.
SADIE
Unless my memory's failing me, there was more than worms. You would catch and dissect grasshoppers.
ISAAC
For medical research.
SADIE
You always had a brilliant mind, which is why I was hoping you could investigate something for me.
ISAAC
And that is?
1.4A - Graveyard
SADIE leads ISAAC to DAVID's gravestone.
SADIE
David's grave.
ISAAC
What?
SADIE
Will you search it for me?
ISAAC
Search?
SADIE
Someone has unburied his coffin. See!
Isaac
It happens all the time. A new person dies, and they have to make room.
Sadie
Weill you just take a peak to make sure he's still in there? I can't bear to do it myself.
Isaac
Sadie ...
Sadie
I know it sounds crazy, but I have further reason to believe he's out there.
Issac
Out there?
Sadie
He's come to my house. I've seen him.
Isaac
Did you hear his voice?
Sadie
No, but ... I heard his violin.
Isaac
You're saying a dead man has been serenading you?
Sadie
Please, Isaac. I'm begging you.
Reluctantly, ISAAC reaches down and opens the casket while SADIE looks away.
ISAAC
Hello, David.
He closes the casket and returns to SADIE.
Isaac
I have to say, he doesn't look bad for a year gone.
SADIE
I was dreaming.
Isaac
It does seem in poor taste to leave graves uncovered. I'll complain to the sexton on my way to the hospital.
SADIE
I don't know what's happening to me. Isaac, you and I have been friends for so long. You mean a lot to me. That's why I need to ask you to keep your distance.
ISAAC
What?
SADIE
I'm cursed. Everyone around me ends up dead. First my parents, then David.
ISAAC
Correlation, not causation.
SADIE
One day everything's hunky-dory. The next, you cough up blood, keel over, and die.
ISAAC
The consumption does attack suddenly. I wish there was more we could have done for him.
SADIE
David's the lucky one, lying down while the rest of us are in suspense. What's going to do me in? The bubonic plague, a rabid 'possum, A bolt of lightning?
ISAAC
The probability of any of that --
SADIE
One-hundred percent of us end up dead. It's only a matter of time before our eyeballs dry up, our jaws fall open, our innards turn to soup. What's the point of living?
1.4B
"SHACKLES"
ISAAC
Sadie.
SADIE
EVERY MOMENT, TIME IS A TICKIN',
GOIN' BY AND BY.
ANY MOMENT, FALLIN' AND SLIPPIN',
HIT YOUR HEAD AND DIE.
ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE IN THE PAPER,
LYIN' IN A HOSPITAL BED.
THEN THE REAPER COMES
WHILE YOU'RE DREAMIN',
AND YOU WAKE UP DEAD.
AND THIS WHILE GRISLEY PLAGUES
KEEP A SPREADIN'
FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL ALIVE.
EVERY PASSIN' HOUR
YOU'LL BE DREADIN',
THE FIGHT JUST TO SURVIVE.
ISAAC
YOU'RE LOOKIN' AT IT WRONG,
BEG YOUR PARDON.
WHAT'S WITH ALL THE FEAR AND ALARM?
I'LL HELP YOUR WEARY HEART
TO UNHARDEN.
AND KEEP YOU SAFE WITHIN MY ARMS --
SADIE
ALL YOUR HAPPY TALK IS ASSUMIN',
DEATH'S GONNA SPARE YOU TOO.
I CAN FEEL THE SHADOWS A LOOMIN'.
IT'S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.
SADIE, ISAAC
EVERY PASSING HOUR I'M A LEARNIN',
THOUGH WE'RE TRYIN' TO MAKE IT LAST,
NO MATTER HOW OUR HEARTS KEEP A YEARNIN' ...
SADIE
THE BEST DAYS HAVE ALREADY PASSED.
ISAAC
PLEASE TRY TO SEE IT.
THERE'S HOPE AHEAD AND IF
YOU'LL LET ME BE IT,
I PROMISE YOU I WILL
UNLOCK THESE SHACKLES
AND HELP YOU LIVE AGAIN.
SADIE
I WANT TO SEE IT.
I'M TRYING HARD, BUT I
JUST CAN'T BELIEVE IT.
SADIE, ISAAC
WITH ALL THE PAIN AND THE
WEIGHT OF THESE SHACKLES,
OH CAN YOU HELP ME LIVE AGAIN?
ISAAC
SUCH A PRETTY FACE FOR A BURDEN,
SUCH A TRAGIC PAST.
EVEN WOUNDED HEARTS, STILL A HURTIN',
CAN FIND RELIEF AT LAST.
SADIE
BUT IF I OPEN UP TO ANOTHER,
WHAT WILL BE HIS FATE?
IF I WERE YOU, I'D TAKE OFF A RUNNIN',
BEFORE IT GROWS TOO LATE.
1.4C
SADIE
How can I help our patients when I can't help myself?
ISAAC
We'll sort this out, together.
SADIE
It's getting late. The hospital needs you.
isaac
May I check on you tonight?
sadie
Please.
Exit ISAAC.
1.4D
SADIE is about to leave when she hears a violin.
"THE MAN ON THE HILL 2"
SADIE
ONE OF THESE NIGHTS HE’LL REACH OUT,
PARTING RIGHT THROUGH THE VEIL.
Enter the PHANTOM FIDDLER. SADIE is drawn to him.
SADIE, PHANTOM FIDDLER
WE’LL DANCE THROUGH THE STARLIGHT,
AND TIME WILL STAND STILL.
I’LL PASS BETWEEN WORLDS
WITH THAT MAN FROM THE HILL.
SADIE
I HEAR HIM AS CLEAR AS THE
KNELL OF A BELL.
IF ONLY I KNEW HE’S FROM
HEAVEN, NOT --
1.4E
Before they touch, enter PAT (a male ghost), who makes a loud moan. The PHANTOM FIDDLER runs off, and SADIE's spell is broken. Enter JESSIE (a female ghost).
Jessie
Will you keep it down?
PAT
We're ghosts. We moan.
Jessie
I know, but you're moaning so loud, I can't hear myself moan.
PAT
I've been moaning in this spot for over one-hundred years.
Jessie
Just because you died before I did doesn't mean you own the whole graveyard.
Pat
And just because you lived longer doesn't mean you can boss me around.
Jessie
I've been doing that long before either of us were dead.
Pat
But here you have no power over me.
Jessie
You wanna bet?
Pat
What part of "till death do you part" do you not understand?
Jessie
Then why in blazes have you been following me around for decades?
Pat
You've been following me around, leaving me no choice but to moan.
PAT moans.
Jessie
If you'll kindly lower your volume, I'm going to go moan over --
(notices Sadie)
Good gravy, a mortal.
PAT
Dear me, it's our great-great-great-great-granddaughter. I may have missed a great.
Jessie
Let's spook her.
PAT
Spook our own kin?
Jessie
That's never stopped us before.
PAT
True.
Jessie
Ghostly powers?
PAT
On three. One, two, three.
The ghosts exert their influence against SADIE, but there's no effect.
PAT
It appears we've gotten rusty with our ghostly powers.
Jessie
Drat. She looks so spookable.
PAT
Well, tonight, as you know, is All Hallows Eve, when they say the veil is the thinnest. If you shout loud enough, she just might hear you.
Jessie
(shouting)
Hello, mortal!
PAT
Louder, from the diaphragm.
Jessie
Hello, mortal!
SADIE is startled.
Jessie
She heard us! Now what?
PAT
I'll take it from here.
(shouting)
We are the ghosts of ...
Jessie
The bloody fingers.
PAT
The bloody fingers, and ...
Jessie
Tell her to bring us her firstborn child.
PAT
Bring us your firstborn child.
Jessie
And some pie.
PAT
And some pie. Apple.
Jessie
No, cherry.
PAT
I mean cherry. Apple and cherry.
Jessie
And chocolate mousse.
PAT
(to Jessie)
What do we care? We can't eat any of this.
Jessie
It's entertaining.
SADIE runs off.
1.4F
PAT
There, look, you scared her away.
Jessie
I thought that was the point.
PAT
Yes, but now what are we going to do?
Jessie
Don't look at me.
PAT
I suppose we could moan.
Jessie
Not again.
PAT
You're right, I'm tired of moaning ... which makes me want to moan all the more.
Jessie
Spare me.
PAT
I would if I weren't so good at it. Would you prefer a classical moan - a soliloquy on the futility of life and the bondage of time? Or perhaps you'd like something with a modern edge - a scathing rebuke of materialism.
Jessie
I've always enjoyed your silent agony.
PAT
When All Hallows Eve is upon us, our one special night? This is a time when spirits should unite in their misery and wail together. This calls for a group moan. Good heavens, where is everyone?
(shouting)
Group moan! Group moan!
Jessie
No, please.
1.4G
More GHOSTS meander in.
PAT
First, we set the stage with spine-tingling suspense.
"RESTLESS IMMORTALS"
PAT
GLIMMERING REMNANTS
OF TWILIGHT REFLECT
THE CHILL OF THE MOONLIGHT
IN SOFT RETROSPECT.
AT DUSK YOU CAN LISTEN,
THE VEIL IS SO THIN.
YOU'LL HEAR DESPERATION
FROM SPIRITS WITHIN.
PAT
Groaning, ghostly ghouls gallivant from gloomy graves, shadowy specters of supernatural splendor, a dreary dance of the doleful dead, a fearsome festivity of fabulous phantasms! Then, tied together in terrible torment, we tell our tragic tales.
GHOST 1
WE'RE RESTLESS IMMORTALS
AWAITING OUR FATES.
GHOST 2
WE LOOK AT THE LIVING
WITH JEALOUSY AND HATE.
GHOST 3
WE'RE BOUND TO THE EARTH,
FOR WE FAILED TO TRANSCEND.
GHOST 4
WE LONG TO RETURN
TO OUR LIVES ONCE AGAIN.
GHOST 1
OUR SPIRITS ARE BROKEN.
GHOST 2
OUR BODIES ARE DUST.
GHOST 3
THE CRUEL SEPARATION
WAS HARSH AND UNJUST.
GHOST 4
HOPE IS UNHEARD OF,
AND DREAMS DO NO GOOD.
CHORUS
WE'D GO TO THE LIGHT
IF WE ONLY COULD.
PAT
Then we wail!
GHOSTS
WE ARE THE DEAD!
OUR FINAL TEARS HAVE BEEN SHED.
NO PROMISE OF A BRIGHTER DAY
TO TAKE THE STING OF DEATH AWAY.
OH FEEL THE DREAD!
THE FATES HAVE CUT EVERY THREAD.
WE'RE CAST-OFF.
WE'VE BEEN THROWN AWAY.
THERE'S NOTHING LEFT.
WE'RE HERE TO STAY.
Men
WE'RE RESTLESS IMMORTALS
AWAITING OUR FATES.
Women
WE LOOK AT THE LIVING
WITH JEALOUSY AND HATE.
Ghosts
WE'RE BOUND TO THE EARTH,
FOR WE FAILED TO TRANSCEND.
WE LONG TO RETURN
TO OUR LIVES AGAIN.
PAT
Wail!
GHOSTS
WE ARE THE DEAD!
OUR FINAL TEARS HAVE BEEN SHED.
NO PROMISE OF A BRIGHTER DAY
TO TAKE THE STING OF DEATH AWAY.
OH FEEL THE DREAD!
THE FATES HAVE CUT EVERY THREAD.
WE'RE CAST-OFF.
WE'VE BEEN THROWN AWAY.
THERE'S NOTHING LEFT.
WE'RE HERE TO STAY.
WE ARE THE DEAD!
[Moan]
Exit chorus GHOSTS.
1.4H
Jessie
Do you feel better?
PAT
I feel sequestered by an endless gloom, bound by the chains of eternal woe. Yes.
Enter EVE.
EVE
Are you two moping again?
PAT
Moaning. We've been over this.
EVE
Do something.
PAT
Eve, we're dead. We can't do anything.
EVE exercises her influence, moving a gravestone.
EVE
Oh?
pat
Must you rub salt on my wounds? Not everyone has the gift.
Eve
Maybe if you tried once a century ...
Pat
Is this about the quarrel of seveteen-eighty-nine again? I've told you a hundred times --
Eve
I've forgiven you. Now forgive yourself and move on.
Pat
I fully intend to ... as soon as I'm ready.
Eve
How many more centuries will that take?
PAT
Not many. Two or three.
EVE
What are you afraid of?
Jessie
For one, no one who's passed into the great beyond has ever returned.
PAT
What if I meet God, and he casts me out?
Jessie
Or what if there is no God or anything but endless darkness? If there's anyone out there, they should come to us.
EVE
Pat, in a hundred years, has anyone come for us?
PAT
Well, Eve, if you're so sure of things, why haven't you moved on?
EVE
I ... have work to do.
Jessie
What could you have possibly been working on since the eighteenth century?
EVE
You wouldn't understand.
PAT
I am not without meaningful pursuits. I've made a point to keep a parental vigil over my progeny.
Jessie
He haunts people.
Pat
Just last week ... or maybe it was last year ... some time in the last few decades, I visited our great-great-granddaughter, Deborah, where I suspected and evil presence. So, to protect her, I made the floorboards creek, slammed a few doors, and knocked over the grits. Come to think of it, I may have frightened her.
1.4I
Enter DAVID.
DAVID
Funny you should mention that, Pat. I was just there myself.
PAT
And how's my little Sadie?
Jessie
You mean the one we were just spooking?
PAT
Shut up.
DAVID
Well, I didn't actually see any of them. I was about to knock on the door when my body started falling apart.
PAT
Body?
EVE
What he means is it feels likes he's falling apart when he visits his former life.
PAT
Oh, I feel your pain.
PAT moans.
Jessie
Not again.
Pat
I wanted nothing more than for you and Sadie to marry. After all, we fiddlers must stick together.
Jessie
You haven't touched a fiddle in ages.
Pat
Once a fiddler, always a fiddler. I'll show you one of these days.
Jessie
That might prove difficult, seeing as you're, oh, I don't know ... dead.
PAT moans.
EVE
David and I need to talk. Could you two kindly moan elsewhere?
PAT
I've been moaning in this spot for over --
EVE exerts her influence against PAT, forcing him away. A frightened JESSIE follows.
1.4J
EVE
You need to watch what you say.
DAVID
It felt so good to be alive again. Air in the lungs, wind in the hair, the chill on my skin.
EVE
We can't let the others know. They'll want to go back too.
DAVID
What's wrong with that?
EVE
It's dangerous work. Who knows what could go wrong? Besides, their bodies are probably beyond repair. Even yours is barely salvageable.
DAVID
You're telling me? I barely made it back to the graveyard before collapsing. Why does it always stop working at sunrise?
EVE
The spiritual energy dissipates in the daylight, one of the many mysteries I have yet to resolve. I believe I'll have it worked out in just a few more decades.
DAVID
Speaking of which, is there any way you could send me back tonight?
EVE
Tonight?
DAVID
It's the All Hallows Eve dance, and I ...
EVE
You want to get to Sadie before Dr. Isaac does.
DAVID
And it would be really nice if you could make my body stay together this time.
EVE
David, I've been trying to unlock the secrets of life for over a century, and you expect me to perfect it all by tonight?
DAVID
If you could ... please.
EVE
I'll try my best.
DAVID
That's good enough for me.
EVE
But you must promise me one thing.
DAVID
Anything.
EVE
Don't kiss her.
DAVID
Why not?
EVE
Because ... you'll smell like death.
DAVID
Oh, right. Well, I'd better brush up my ghostly powers. I've got a body to raise, for good this time. You're the greatest, Eve.
(singing)
WE'RE RESTLESS IMMORTALS
AWAITING OUR FATES.
Exit DAVID.
EVE
CAN WE JOIN THE LIVING,
OR IS IT TOO LATE?
Blackout.
1.5A - Town
Dr. KRISTOFF (a spiritual medium) is pacing. Enter DEBORAH.
DEBORAH
Dr. Kristoff!
KRISTOFF
Ah, Deborah. Forgive me, but I only have a few minutes before I need to catch my train. Tell me more about your niece.
DEBORAH
She's so haunted, she can't sleep at night. If you could just stay one more day, we could make it worth your while.
KRISTOFF
I'm afraid that's out of the question. I'm needed at a severe haunting up north, at the capital building, of all places.
DEBORAH
Please, doctor, it really can't wait. Every time I see her standing on the porch, staring into the forest --
KRISTOFF
You know it's not safe for her to be out like that at night.
DEBORAH
I've tried to tell her.
KRISTOFF
Especially if she's been seeing apparitions of a fiddler. You, of course, know the legend of Old Daniel ...
DEBORAH
The phantom fiddler! I never thought --
KRISTOFF
... luring his victims into the forest.
DEBORAH
Are the stories true?
KRISTOFF
I can't say. What I can say is the governor can wait.
DEBORAH
Oh, thank you. How much will the séance cost?
KRISTOFF
I wouldn't dream of profiting from Sadie's tragedy.
1.5B
Enter SADIE and ISAAC, assisting a coughing patient (DAISY).
DEBORAH
Speak of the devil, here she comes.
ISAAC
I thought you were going home.
SADIE
There's something unnatural going on in the graveyard. If you'll just come and listen ... really listen.
Isaac
I already complained the sexton. He pretended he didn't know about David's grave, but he promised it would be cleaned up today.
DEBORAH
Sadie, Dr. Kristoff is going to help you contact David.
KRISTOFF
Madam.
SADIE
Shouldn't I get a say in the matter?
DEBORAH
People are beginning to talk.
SADIE
Let them talk.
ISAAC
If you'll excuse us, our patient needs to get to the hospital.
KRISTOFF
Another victim of the consumption, is it?
ISAAC
Late stage, and there are so many like her.
KRISTOFF
May I have a look?
ISAAC
With all due respect, her wellbeing is a matter of science.
KRISTOFF
As your partner aptly put it, shouldn't the woman have a say in the matter?
(to Daisy)
Would you like my help?
Daisy
Please.
1.5C
"THE HEALING"
KRISTOFF
GOOD MADAM, TAKE MY HAND
AND GAZE INTO MY EYES.
DON'T TRY TO UNDERSTAND,
JUST LET ME MESMERIZE.
A crowd begins to gather around.
THERE'S POWER IN YOUR MIND,
YOUR BODY, AND YOUR SOUL.
THOUGH YOU ARE CONFINED,
I'LL HELP YOU TAKE CONTROL.
NOW LET YOUR SICKNESS GO.
ESCAPE YOUR SUFFERING.
NO MORE FIGHTING AND DENYING
THIS, YOUR TRUE REALITY.
TIME TO RISE AND WALK.
TAKE COMFORT FROM THIS HOUR.
LET THE PEOPLE TALK
ABOUT THE SOURCE OF HEALING POW'R.
He raises DAISY to her feet, amazing the crowd.
DAISY
I haven't stood in months. Thank you, doctor.
KRISTOFF
I'm only a medium.
ISAAC
(to Daisy)
How are you feeling?
DAISY
I've got to tell everyone about this!
DAISY runs off.
SADIE
Wait!
(to Isaac)
I'll make sure she's all right.
SADIE runs after DAISY.
1.5D
ISAAC
What kind of trick are you playing with my patient?
KRISTOFF
If you think that's a trick, I too have a question. What good is all your science if it doesn't heal?
ISAAC
What are your credentials?
KRISTOFF
I hold no degrees in the physical sciences, and I doubt you care for the spiritual, but since you asked, let's see ... theology, divinity, cosmology, eschatology, psychophysicality, and paranormal phenomena. You?
DEBORAH
Isaac just got out of medical school. Shame they don't teach about spirits anymore.
ISAAC
I'll be the first to admit my ignorance on many subjects. But I know one thing: if Sadie doesn't want your help, you have no right --
KRISTOFF
I never work without the consent of my patients. What do you take me for?
ISAAC
I don't know what to make of you.
DEBORAH
He's only trying to help.
KRISTOFF
If my services are unwelcome, I can catch the next train.
DEBORAH
No, please.
(to ISAAC)
Call it mumbo jumbo if you want, but the sooner we can help Sadie, the sooner you and her can move on.
KRISTOFF
I sense you have a special interest in this woman. Can't we help her together?
Blackout.
1.6A - Graveyard
DAVID and EVE are using their influence to move David's BODY (like puppeteers) away from his grave.
eve
Easy, easy does it.
David
I think I'm getting the hang of this.
Eve
(looking off)
Someone's coming. You hide the body, I'll divert them.
David
I'm not ready to do it by myself.
Eve
If the townsfolk see your body where it's not supposed to be, for all we know, they'll drive a wooden stake through your heart.
David
Point taken.
DAVID accidentally crashes the body into something.
DAVID
Ooh, that would have hurt. Benefits of being dead.
Enter SEXTON holding a shovel.
SextON
Lazy grave digger, he says. I'll bet he's never picked up a shovel in his life. And I'll be hanged if this isn't some wicked trick on poor, old --
EVE picks up the SEXTON's hat and throws it.
SextON
What witchcraft is this?
On guard, he approaches DAVID's body.
David
Eve, what do I do?
Eve
I don't know!
David
Throw me the hat!
EVE does as she's told. DAVID covers the face of the body with the hat, then causes the body to rise and charge at the SEXTON, who runs off yelling.
1.6B
EVE
Oh dear.
David
You have to admit that was some good maneuvering.
Eve
The question is how long until the mob shows up.
david
Yes, but did you see the look on the sexton's face?
They laugh.
David
I'll be among the living within hours, and then we'll all have a good laugh.
Eve
I can just imagine the conversations. "Hey Sadie, remember that time I died? The funny thing about that is ..."
David
Too casual. How about, "Fear not, Sadie, it is I, David, back from the grave"?
Eve
Too presumptuous. Why not, "Hello, Sadie. I'm back!"
David
Too creepy.
Eve
We'd better get back to work.
david
How, again, am I going to survive the daylight this time?
Eve
Pig's blood.
DAVID
What?
EVE
I took another trip to the library -- the poor woman there is convinced the place is haunted, and of course she's right -- when I stumbled upon a book called: The Ancient Medicine of Cleofas. And I quote:
"Blood is the lifeforce of man. An infirm man may prolong his life by drinking the pure blood of an undefiled beast."
And I thought maybe the Greeks were on to something. Ghostly energy can only get us so far. What we've been lacking is physical rejuvenation.
The town butcher leaves jars of pig's blood in his backyard. As soon as the sun sets, go there, drink, and live.
DAVID
You really think it's that simple?
EVE
Probably not, but when you demand same-day results, this is what you get.
David
I guess it's worth a try.
Eve
I'll be with you every step of the way.
DAVID
How can I ever repay you?
EVE
You've given me a reason to continue my work and a hope that it might not be in vain. Until you came along, I was just like the others, moaning my afterlife away. Then you showed me the missing ingredient to my experiments.
DAVID
And that is?
EVE
Will. Your will is so strong, I believe you'll make it.
DAVID
If Sadie doesn't want me, I'll lose my will.
EVE
You're her fiancé!
DAVID
I was her fiancé.
EVE
You told me you met her at this very dance. What could be more romantic than reuniting and waltzing in the moonlight?
DAVID
We didn't actually dance last time. I managed to keep her occupied at the refreshments table.
EVE
But you do dance?
DAVID
No.
EVE
Oh dear.
DAVID
Who are we kidding? I'll be a walking corpse.
EVE
Just until you heal.
DAVID
She'll take my hand, and my hand will fall off. It will be a disaster.
EVE
Not if you know the right moves.
DAVID
Moves?
EVE
Back in my day, dancers hardly touched each other. It begins with a regal bow. Then, ever so delicately, the gentleman takes the lady's hand.
EVE leads DAVID in dance steps.
EVE
Forward side close, back side close. Forward side close, back side close.
DAVID
And then?
EVE
You progress to small talk, starting with a mild witticism about how lovely she looks.
DAVID
Your face shines like the silver lining of the moon.
EVE
Wonderful.
DAVID
And then?
EVE
I ... don't know.
DAVID
Why can't I just court you instead?
1.6C
Enter PAT and JESSIE.
PAT
Wrong.
Jessie
Three-thousand-four-hundred-sixty-nine?
PAT
Wrong.
Jessie
Two-hundred-five?
PAT
Wrong.
Jessie
Eleven.
PAT
That was your final guess. It was seven-million-two. David, would you like to play? I've thought of a really good number this time.
DAVID
I'm afraid I have work to do.
Pat
Work? What part of being dead don't you understand?
Exit DAVID.
Jessie
Eve, did you hear the news? There's a new arrival.
EVE
Who died?
jessie
Another victim of the consumption. Rumors say she's been roaming around like a lost soul.
EVE
Has no one welcomed her?
PAT
I thought that was your job.
Enter JOANNA.
Jessie
There she is.
EVE
Hello.
JOANNA
Am I dead?
PAT
Congratulations!
JOANNA
What is this place?
Jessie
Your eternal doom.
EVE
No, it's a ... resting place. Can I show you around?
JOANNA
What's the purpose of being here?
PAT
To think about everything you've done wrong and regret it, day after day, year after year.
JOANNA
Is this hell?
PAT, Jessie
Yes.
EVE
Let me introduce you to some happier spirits.
JOANNA
Thanks, but I could use some time alone.
EVE
If you need anything, I'm ... not going anywhere.
Exit JOANNA.
1.6D
Jessie
Fifty-eight-thousand-twelve?
PAT
Wrong.
Enter DAVID, using his influence to lead his body beneath a sheet.
Jessie
What's beneath that sheet?
DAVID
Nothing.
DAVID leads the body off.
PAT
Why do I get the impression you two are hiding something?
Jessie
Come to think of it, I heard a rumor about some grave digging around here. They say it bore marks of spiritual influence.
PAT
Grave digging? You wouldn't know anything about that, would you, Eve?
An eyeball rolls onto the stage. Enter DAVID.
DAVID
Has anyone seen a ... never mind.
He uses his influence to make the eyeball roll off.
Jessie
David, what are you doing with a body?
PAT
A body with eyeballs, no less. Good heavens, is it the new girl's?
DAVID
Of course not.
Jessie
No one else has died recently ... but you.
PAT
If I didn't know any better, I'd suspect you of attempting a Daniel Baines.
DAVID
A what?
PAT
You've never heard of Old Daniel?
Jessie
The phantom fiddler?
PAT
The cautionary tale for wandering spirits and foolish mortals alike?
DAVID
I'm afraid I'm a bit busy at the moment.
PAT
Story time!
1.6E
"OLD DANIEL"
Jessie
History time.
Pat
We were there when it all began.
PAT
OLD DANIEL BAINES
WAS A TIRELESS SOUL ...
Jessie
KILLED IN A DUEL,
REVENGE WAS HIS GOAL.
PAT
SPENT HIS AFTERLIFE
DREAMING OF AN ATTACK ...
PAT, Jessie
UNTIL HE DISCOVERED
A WAY TO COME BACK.
PAT
HE ENTERED HIS BODY,
A MERE SACK OF BONES ...
Jessie
THEN STRUGGLED TO WALK
TO HIS MURDERER'S HOME.
PAT
THE DOOR WAS UNLOCKED.
DAN PUSHED WITH A GRIN ...
Jessie
SEARCHING THE HALLWAYS
AND BEDROOMS WITHIN.
PAT
A LIFE FOR A LIFE ...
Jessie
HE PULLED OUT HIS KNIFE.
PAT, Jessie
DANIEL TIPTOED
RIGHT UP THE STAIRS,
UP TO WHERE
HE DID HIS TERRIBLE DEED.
PAT
THROWING OFF THE SHEETS,
DAN SEARCHED FOR A STAIN,
Jessie
BUT THE BED WAS EMPTY.
HIS THRUST WAS IN VAIN.
PAT
HOW MANY YEARS
HAD GONE BY SINCE HE DIED?
PAT, Jessie
STILL LONGING FOR VENGEANCE,
HE SEARCHED FAR AND WIDE.
PAT
NIGHT AFTER NIGHT,
A WANDERING SLAVE.
Jessie
DAY AFTER DAY,
HE RETURNED TO THE GRAVE.
PAT
CORRUPTED IN BODY,
CORRUPTED IN SOUL,
Jessie
DRIVEN WITH HATRED
BEYOND CONTROL.
PAT
AT LAST HE FOUND
HIS MURDERER'S BED.
PAT, Jessie
LYING PEACEFULLY
UNDERNEATH
A FLOWERED WREATH,
THE MAN WAS ALREADY DEAD.
PAT
BURDENED WITH FAILURE,
HE TRIED TO FREE HIS SOUL,
Jessie
BUT WELDED WITH ANGER,
HE COULDN'T LET IT GO.
PAT
AT THE CRACK OF MORNING
HIS BODY COLLAPSED ...
PAT, Jessie
BUT SHACKLED WHERE HE LAY,
HIS POOR SPIRIT WAS TRAPPED.
PAT
NEVER TO LIVE
AND NEVER TO DIE ...
Jessie
BY DAY HE WOULD WAIT,
BY NIGHT HE WOULD RISE.
PAT
HIS LUST FOR BLOOD
AS COLD AS HIS BREATH ...
Jessie
BROUGHT MANY OTHERS
TO THEIR DEATHS.
PAT
FOR NEEDING TO KILL ...
Jessie
HIS CRAVING TO FILL ...
PAT
THE DEMON OF THE NIGHT ...
Jessie
THE HARBINGER OF FRIGHT.
PAT
LOST IN THE SHADOWS ...
Jessie
WISHED FOR THE GALLOWS.
PAT, Jessie
DANIEL BAINES WILL TRY,
TRY AND TRY
BUT BUT NEVER DIE.
REST FOR NEVER IN PEACE.
1.6F
Jessie
Now tell him what part you played in all that.
PAT
That's beside the point. The point is that the disembodied spirit was never meant to reunite with corrupted flesh. It corrupts the soul. They say Old Daniel wanders the earth to this day, unable to rest. I would hate for you to suffer the same fate.
DAVID
It's just a folktale.
Jessie
David can't really go back ... can he?
PAT
Eve?
EVE
I ...
PAT
I know you've been studying something over these centuries, and it reeks of the unsupernatural. If you don't out with it, you'll leave me with no choice but to moan.
Jessie
Please, no.
PAT moans.
EVE
All right, I've been helping David go back.
DAVID
It's my fault. I begged her to.
EVE
And can you blame me? In all my years, I've never seen a more broken-hearted spirit.
PAT
You ought to be ashamed of yourself, meddling with powers beyond any of us.
Jessie
Can you send me back too?
PAT
Jessie!
Jessie
What's a few decades of decay? I want to go to the party.
EVE
If you promise to keep quiet, I'll see what I can do.
Jessie
You have my solemn oath. Which reminds me: I have a family reunion to attend. Goodbye.
JESSIE runs off.
Pat
That makes two of us.
EVE
Pat!
PAT
Not for you, not for David, but for the sake of my great-great-great-great-granddaughter, Sadie -- I may have missed a great -- your secret is safe with me.
PAT runs off.
Pat
Somehow I doubt that.
EVE
We better act fast.
Blackout.
1.7 - Porch
KRISTOFF and SADIE stand near the porch.
SADIE
I just don't know if I'm ready for your help.
KRISTOFF
But I could bring you peace ... both you and David.
SADIE
Something just doesn't feel right.
KRISTOFF
Then I'll go.
SADIE
Supposing I were to say yes, how would it work?
KRISTOFF
Simple. We go to David's grave, I call for spirit, and if he's there, he'll talk to you.
Enter DEBORAH.
DEBORAH
What fun! I'll get my jacket.
KRISTOFF
I'm afraid it will just be Sadie and I. Communing with spirits requires absolute concentration, and as such, we must limit attendance.
He reveals a contract and a pen.
KRISTOFF
Which reminds me, I just need you to sign here, authorizing me to guide you through the spiritual frontier. My attorney makes me do it.
SADIE
What's in the fine print?
DEBORAH
He has nothing to gain, and you have nothing to lose.
SADIE takes KRISTOFF's pen.
PAT enters from DEBORAH's house. He snatches the pen and throws it.
KRISTOFF
You.
PAT gives KRISTOFF a glare before reentering the house.
DEBORAH
The ghost is back!
PAT
(off)
Where did you put the grits?
DEBORAH
I better go check on things.
DEBORAH goes into the house.
SADIE
It seems I'd better give this some time.
KRISTOFF
Time is of the essence.
SADIE
Good day, Dr. Kristoff.
Exit SADIE.
KRISTOFF
Damn.
Blackout.
1.8A - Graveyard
EVE and DAVID are pacing.
EVE
They may have a point about Old Daniel. When there's so much risk, is it really worth it?
DAVID
You don't believe that nonsense about getting trapped between worlds?
EVE
They made most of that up.
DAVID
Of course they did.
EVE
Because they don't know the full story.
DAVID
What?
"Eve's Story"
EVE
O'ER A HUNDRED YEARS AGO,
OUR TALES, IT SEEMS, WERE SIM'LAR.
I HAD LOVED A FI'RY MAN
STILL TRAINING AS A FIDDLER.
THEN A RIVAL STRUCK A NERVE
AND CLAIMED HE WAS A FOOL.
DESPITE MY PLEADINGS, DANIEL GAVE HIS
LIFE UP FOR A DUEL.
I CRIED OUT TO MY FALLEN FRIEND,
THIS ISN'T HOW WE'RE MEANT TO END.
THROUGH THE DARK AND DISMAL NIGHT,
SOMETHING TOLD ME: MAKE IT RIGHT.
COULD THERE BE A WAY AROUND
THE GATEWAY OF DESTRUCTION?
SEARCHING THROUGH A THOUSAND BOOKS,
I GATHERED MY DEDUCTIONS.
AS IF HE SAW WHAT I COULD NOT,
HE WHISPERED SECRETS TO MY MIND
AND LED ME TO THE GLOOMY PLACE
HIS CORPSE WAS LEFT BEHIND.
UNEARTHING HIM, HIS HANDS IN MINE,
I GAVE MY STRENGTH, REVERSING TIME.
MIDNIGHT MAGIC IN HIS HEART,
SUNKEN EYES BEGAN TO PART.
STILL THE POWER WAS TOO WEAK.
I GAVE UNTIL I COULDN'T SPEAK.
AS I FELL, I SAW HIM RISE,
MY LIFEFORCE BEAMING THROUGH HIS EYES.
HIS FINAL WORDS, THE LAST I HEARD:
I'LL COME AND FIND YOU SOMEHOW.
WHERE HE IS, I CANNOT SAY,
FOR STILL I'M WAITING NOW.
DAVID
You think he's still alive?
EVE
YOU'VE HEARD THE LEGEND OF A MAN
WHOSE SHADOW CARRIES FRIGHT,
FILLED WITH POWERS OF THE NIGHT
WHILE SHIRKING FROM THE LIGHT.
COULD IT BE I'VE MADE A MONSTER,
NEITHER LIVE NOR DEAD?
WOULD I COULD RECLAIM HIS SOUL,
I'D GIVE MY OWN INSTEAD.
DAVID
How could he take your life?
EVE
THE ONE I LOVED WAS PURE, NOT GRIM.
WHAT HE TOOK, I GAVE TO HIM.
THE STORIES SIMPLY CAN'T BE TRUE.
WHAT I'VE LEFT, I GIVE TO YOU.
THOUGH I FEAR I'LL LOSE YOU TOO,
I DO IT FOR THE ONE I KNEW.
MY POWER'S STRONGER THAN IT WAS,
BUT CAN WE VI'LATE NATURE'S LAWS?
IS IT REALLY WORTH THE COST?
FOR YOU AS WELL COULD BE LOST.
STANDING AT THE DREADFUL DOORS,
THE CHOICE AHEAD IS YOURS.
1.8B
DAVID
How could you endure so many years of this?
EVE
Here, on the other side, I could see what Daniel saw when he was dead: the power, the possibilities. I had to pick up our work in the hope that others, perhaps you and Sadie, might enjoy happier fates.
DAVID
You risked everything for the one you loved. You know I must do the same.
EVE
Must you? What if you and I have been looking too high and too low?
DAVID
What are you talking about?
EVE
Maybe it is time to move on.
DAVID
When we're so close to our dream?
EVE
You're right. I'm sorry.
DAVID
Why don't you come with me?
EVE
You know it's too late for me.
DAVID
Is it?
Blackout.
1.9A - Porch
KRISTOFF is pacing. Enter ISAAC.
KRISTOFF
Ah, Isaac, you're looking sharp tonight.
ISAAC
Any luck with Sadie?
KRISTOFF
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make her drink.
ISAAC
So what now?
KRISTOFF
Well, as I have another night here in town, I might as well look for some pretty dames at the social tonight. Heaven knows my line of work is lonely.
ISAAC
I've been thinking about what you did to my patient, and I know I came across as close-minded. What matters was that she was healed, not how she was healed. There's so much that we, or at least I, don't understand. To deny something simply because it doesn't fit into my worldview is unscientific, not to mention dishonest.
KRISTOFF
Having heard that, there's something I wish to confide in you as well. All I ask is that you retain that open mind.
ISAAC
I'm listening.
KRISTOFF
I sense there is more going on with Sadie than meets the eye, that there may be evil spirits at work.
If it comes to it, I want to know whether or not I can count on you, as a friend, to assist me.
ISAAC
You know I have my doubts, but ... if it helps Sadie, you have my full support.
KRISTOFF
Let's just hope my premonitions are wrong.
Exit KRISTOFF.
1.9B
ISAAC goes to the front door of the house and knocks. PAT opens the door.
PAT
She's gonna marry David!
PAT slams the door, which SADIE soon reopens.
SADIE
Ghosts.
Beat.
DEBORAH
(off)
Did he come to take you to the dance? Don't forget to smear castor oil on your lips.
SADIE slams the door behind her.
ISAAC
How are you feeling?
SADIE
If I spend one more moment in this house, I'll scream.
ISAAC
In that case, I've been thinking about what your aunt said.
SADIE
I would love to go to the social with you. I need to laugh and dance.
ISAAC
I remember that smile. You haven't looked at me like that since ...
SADIE
Since David showed up two a year ago?
ISAAC
I'll run and get my dress suit, and I'll be back before sundown. Don't go anywhere.
SADIE
Where would I go?
Exit ISAAC.
SADIE
Please hurry. The darkness gets so thick.
Blackout.
1.10 - Graveyard
Enter EVE and DAVID.
eve
The body's all ready. It's time.
DAVID
I'll never forget you. As soon as I'm able, I'll find a way to bring you back too.
Eve
I've heard that before. Don't promise what you can't deliver.
"A NEW LIFE"
DAVID
Why not take the new girl's body?
EVE
Even if I wanted to, I can't do it by myself, and no one here could begin to understand the craft.
DAVID
But --
EVE
David, it's all right.
I KNOW SHE'S YOUR HOPE,
LIFEFORCE AND YOUR BREATH.
HOLD ONTO MY ROPE.
I'LL HELP YOU CHEAT DEATH.
YOU'VE HELPED ME BELIEVE
THERE IS MORE THAN SORROW AND PAIN.
LOOK AT WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED.
YOU MUST GO, AND I MUST REMAIN.
DAVID
THERE'S A NEW LIFE
WAITING FOR ME,
WAITING FOR YOU.
A CURTAIN IS FALLING,
A DESTINY CALLING,
A GLOR'OUS VIEW.
THERE ARE NO ENDS.
WE'LL PROVE THERE'S ALWAYS A WAY,
A BURNING WITHIN YOU,
A FIGHT TO CONTINUE,
A CONQUERED GRAVE.
YOUR POWERFUL TOUCH
SURELY COMES AT A COST.
YOU'VE GIVEN SO MUCH.
MUST YOUR SOUL BE LOST?
EVE
YOU KNOW I MUST STAY,
PATHS DESTINED TO PART.
BUT WHILE YOU ARE AWAY,
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART.
THERE'S A NEW LIFE
WAITING FOR YOU
FAR FROM THIS PLACE.
THIS IS MY PLEA,
NOW FORGET ABOUT ME.
YOU MUST RUN YOUR RACE.
MY WORK IS HERE.
EVE, DAVID
WE COULD ARGUE THIS ALL DAY,
BUT NO SENSE IN STALLING,
FOR DUTY IS CALLING.
DAVID
WE'LL FIND A WAY.
WHY MUST YOU STAY?
EVE
THERE'S MORE TO DO,
WORK TO PURSUE.
EVE, DAVID
DOESN'T IT FEEL
STRANGE AND SURREAL?
WHAT WILL I DO,
PARTED FROM YOU?
DAVID
THERE'S A NEW LIFE WAITING FOR YOU
FAR FROM THIS CAVE.
HOW COULD I FORGET
WHEN I'M DEEP IN YOUR DEBT?
FOR MY LIFE YOU'VE SAVED.
EVE
YOU ARE THE ONE
WHO BROUGHT ME LIGHT IN THE NIGHT.
I'LL STILL DREAM ABOUT YOU.
DAVID
I CAN'T GO WITHOUT YOU.
DAVID, EVE
IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT.
GO TO THE LIFE WAITING FOR ME,
WAITING FOR YOU.
A CURTAIN IS FALLING,
A DESTINY CALLING,
A GLOR'OUS VIEW.
THERE ARE NO ENDS.
WE'LL PROVE THERE'S ALWAYS A WAY,
A BURNING WITHIN YOU,
A FIGHT TO CONTINUE,
A CONQUERED GRAVE.
They touch.
EVE
Do you see that?
DAVID
It's beautiful.
He lets go, and the light dwindles.
DAVID
I ... should get ready to go.
Blackout.
1.11A - Porch
SADIE is readying herself for the dance.
SADIE
JUST TRY TO SEE IT.
THERE'S HOPE AHEAD
AND IF
YOU'LL LET ME BE IT ...
"THE MAN ON THE HILL 3"
She stops at the sound of violin music.
SADIE
BEYOND THE MISTY FOREST,
STANDING ATOP A HILL,
SOMEONE IS WATCHING ME,
WANTING ME,
STALKING ME.
BECKONING MOONLIGHT,
A DANGEROUS THRILL.
Where are you, David?
Exit SADIE.
1.11B
Enter DAVID and EVE, guiding DAVID’S BODY with them. They lay the body down.
Eve
What do you think that light was?
David
Light?
EvE
When we touched.
DAVID
No time for that now. Is this close enough?
EVE
It’s as close as I dare. The last thing we need is someone else discovering your corpse.
DAVID
We're running out of time. Let's just do this.
EVE
You could at least try to be grateful.
DAVID
What did I say?
EVE
Maybe it’s what you haven’t said.
DAVID
What’s that supposed to mean?
EVE
Just lie down.
DAVID lies beside his BODY.
DAVID
If this works, I guess this is goodbye.
EVE
So it is. As soon as you rise, go straight for the butcher's shop. You need that blood.
DAVID
Anything else?
EVE
No. You?
DAVID
Nothing comes to mind.
EVE
Figures.
She conjures.
EVE
COME THICK DARKNESS,
TOUCH HIS RESTLESS SOUL.
MOVE HIS HEART AND FILL HIS VEINS,
GIVE HIM CONTROL.
DAVID becomes one with his body. He rises.
DAVID
Thank you, Eve. And ... you’re gone. I wish I could still see you.
EVE
I wish you could hear me.
DAVID
I’ll be fine from here. You can go home now.
EVE
No, I can’t.
DAVID attempts to hobble and nearly falls. EVE uses her influence to bear him up.
DAVID
Thanks, Eve.
EVE
I love you, you know.
Exit DAVID and EVE.
1.11C
Enter SADIE.
SADIE
SOMETIMES I LIE AWAKE WHILE ...
PHANTOM FIDDLER
(off)
HIS VOICE CALLS YOU THROUGH THE WIND.
SADIE
I KNOW HE IS NEAR ...
PHANTOM FIDDLER
(off)
WHEN YOUR HAIRS STAND ON END.
SADIE
I’M FRIGHTENED ...
PHANTOM FIDDLER
(OFF)
YET HOPELESSLY LONG FOR YOUR FRIEND.
PHANTOM FIDDLER, SADIE
UNDER A RAPTUROUS SPELL ...
SADIE
BUT IS HE FROM HEAVEN OR ...
DAVID
(off)
I hear her voice.
Enter PHANTOM FIDDLER. He slowly draws SADIE into the fog.
PHANTOM FIDDLER
LONELY LADY,
SEEING THINGS THAT NE’ER CAN BE.
OR DOES HER HEART KNOW
OF OTHER POSSIBILITIES?
WHY NOT SLIP OUT
WHILE OTHERS PASS
THE NIGHT IN THEIR DREAMS?
RUN THROUGH SHADOWS!
WAYWARD AND HELPLESS,
HE’LL TAKE YOU.
Enter DAVID, still hobbling.
DAVID
(shouting)
Sadie! Where are you?
Enter EVE.
EVE
What are you doing? You need that blood!
CHORUS
ONE OF THESE NIGHTS HE’LL REACH OUT,
PARTING RIGHT THROUGH THE VEIL.
WE’LL DANCE THROUGH THE STARLIGHT,
AND TIME WILL STAND STILL.
I’LL PASS BETWEEN WORLDS
WITH THAT MAN FROM THE HILL.
Blackout.