Post on 21-Mar-2023
1.
Characters:
Mrs. Patricia Johnson, mother of Charlie, Cheryl and Cherry,
wife of Burt. Mid 40’s.
Mr. Burt Johnson, father of Charlie, Cheryl, and Cherry,
husband of Patty. Late 40’s.
Charlie Johnson, 18 year old high school graduate, popular,
wealthy, president of Student Government, attending
Hillsdale college
Cheryl Johnson, 20 year old college student at Oakland
University, older sister to Charlie, studying elementary
education
Cherry Johnson, 14 year old younger sister to Charlie, 8th
grade
Detective Cartwright, for the East Hills police force
Officer Polzin, a police officer with the East Hills police
force
Kendra Wallis, 19 year old daughter of Margery Wallis of
Wallis Catering service, former classmate of Cheryl and
Charlie
Jenny Finkleman, 16 year old junior who attends high school
with Charlie, working as a catering assistant
Bobby Stedman, 24 year old, not attending college, working
for Wallis Catering
Libby Potts, senior, attending UM with an international
business major. Member of the tennis team and dating
Charlie.
Holly Rover, junior. Member of the tennis team. Best friend
with Libby.
Ronda Carlton, senior. Been accepted to Hillsdale. Member of
the lacrosse team
Brian Zeeb, senior. Charlie’s best friend. Dating Ronda.
Zack Rodgers, senior. Attending EMU. Known Charlie since 1st
grade. Active in Student Government.
Isaac Sterling, sophomore. Popular, smart, all around nice
guy. Has a crush on Cheryl.
Kayla Brown, senior. Vice President of Student Government.
Commencement speaker. Attending NYU.
Teddy Hall, sophomore, friend to everyone. Funny and very
like-able.
Mrs. Lustenberg, neighbor to the Johnson family, a bit of
nosy neighbor, 60 years old.
2.
ACT 1
Setting: The family home of Charlie Johnson
At the high school graduation party of Charlie Johnson.
Early evening
Time Period: Present
The sound of strong wind and crack
of thunder is heard, lightning and
rain. A summer storm has come up
out of nowhere and the outdoor
party has to be moved inside.
Everyone is running in from the
outside holding trays of food,
decorations, folding chairs, gifts,
photo collages and a decorated
graduation cake.
MRS. JOHNSON
Oh my goodness, that storm came out of absolutely nowhere.
KENDRA
I’ve been keeping track of the weather on my phone for the
past couple days and there hasn’t even been mention of a
possible storm today.
BOBBY
You can’t trust Doppler.
KENDRA
Can’t trust what?
BOBBY
It’s the weather radar thing.
KENDRA
That’s what that’s called?
MR.JOHNSON
That’s Michigan for you. Four seasons in one day. You never
know what to expect.
CHERYL
I hate Michigan. At least it got all the ’adults’ to go
home. They sure know how to make a party boring.
MRS. JOHNSON
Cheryl they’re your family and friends!
CHARLIE
Talk about some weather, but I swear if I had to talk to one
more uncle I didn’t even know I had I would have snapped. Do
you think they know that their conversations are as boring
as watching grass grow?
3.
TEDDY
Doubt it, but I bet you racked in some serious cash. I mean
did you see some of the cars they had out front? They had to
be loaded.
ISAAC
Wait, all those people are your uncles? That’s a lot of
uncles.
CHARLIE
What? No Isaac, they’re not all my uncles.
RONDA
My grad party I got a quilt my Aunt Pat made for me, with
little kittens on it. She wants me to take it with me to
Hillsdale in the fall, I think you should consider yourself
lucky.
ZACK
My friend Trisha was telling me last year she was able to
pull $2000 out of her party. That’s not too bad. For that, I
think I could handle being nice to some extended family for
a couple of hours.
CHARLIE
It wasn’t just a couple of hours though, the party started
at 3:00 and this is the first break I’ve gotten from ’What
are you planning on majoring in?’ since.
TEDDY
Oh, you poor baby. That’s like 5 hours of pretending to
being nice to people. Must have been a real challenge.
ZACK
Challenge? Yeah right,Charlie’s been doing that his whole
life.
CHARLIE
Oh come on Zack. Lighten up.
MRS. JOHNSON
Thank goodness you kids were here to help bring all of this
stuff inside. Just set it on the table over here. Mr.
Johnson and I will clean up and get everything ready, you
kids go have fun.
MR.JOHNSON
Sweetheart, we have caterers. We are paying them for a
reason.
MRS. JOHNSON
Oh you’re right. I guess I am just so used to do everything
myself.
4.
CHERRY
But they’ve been here all day, mom. God.
MR.JOHNSON
Cherry, be nice. You’re mother is under a little extra
stress today.
KENDRA
It’s fine Mrs. Johnson, we’ve got this handled. (To the
guests) Charlie said you weren’t fussy, so we just have some
sub sandwiches and snack foods. We did bring some special
desserts though. Give us a few minutes to get that all
organized.
MR.JOHNSON
Charlie!
CHARLIE
Yeah?
MR.JOHNSON
Have you told everyone where the drinks are?
CHARLIE
No not yet dad, sorry.
MR.JOHNSON
(sighs) I guess I’ll have to do it.
CHARLIE
No dad, it’s fine I can-
MR.JOHNSON
Hey kids! We just brought the drinks in from outside.
There’s specialty sodas, sparkling waters, organic tea and
an assortment of Root Beer.
ZACK
Oh yeah we all know how much Charlie loves his ’Root Beer.’
Classic Charlie.
CHARLIE
Bro chill.
ISSAC
Root Beer? dude, I love Root Beer.
ZACK
What?
ISAAC
Whoa, Root Beer sounds weird when you say it too many times.
Root Beer.
5.
ZACK
What are you talking about Isaac?
MRS. JOHNSON
Libby can I get something for you? I know you don’t drink
carbonated beverages, so we have some organic green tea
or... oh! We have cold pressed carrot juice just for you!
LIBBY
Oh... um... thanks, Mrs. Johnson, I’ll have some carrot
juice, since you went to all of the trouble.
RONDA
Brian, would you just get me a Coke or something.
BRIAN
Sure
CHERYL
Well, unfortunately, we don’t have Coke, but we do have
Boyles Sugar Cane cola, you know how my parents are. Always
have to be so "hip" and "trendy."
RONDA
Oh, that will be fine, I guess. I’ve never had it, but just
bring me that Brian.
TEDDY
How many people did you have at your adult party? Looking at
the stack of cards in your bird cage thing looks like you
have hundreds.
CHARLIE
I don’t really know, you know my parents, always trying to
show off.
CHERRY
Mom said she invited 250 people.
CHARLIE
Cherry, get out of here. This is not a kid party. Go help
mom or something.
CHERRY
I’m just saying what I heard mom telling Mrs. Lustenberg.
ZACK
Oh, dude, I forgot about Mrs. Lustenberg. Remember when we
egged her house on Halloween in 7th grade and she caught us?
Then she called the cops. God, it was a prank. She was a so
mad.
6.
CHARLIE
Yeah. That was bad.
ZACK
We had some killer pranks back in the day.
CHARLIE
That we did.
ZACK
You were the master of the prank. Master Prankster. Why’d
you stop?
CHARLIE
Oh, I don’t know. Kinda lost the fun I guess. Plus we were
running out of people to prank.
ZACK
Too bad. It’d have been fun to see how far you could have
gone. But you might have killed Mrs. Lustenberg in the
process. We used to really piss her off.
CHARLIE
Yeah, she’s always mad. Two years ago at Cheryl’s grad party
she called the cops because one of Cheryl’s friends got a
little carried away and striped down to boxers and ran
around her house screaming "Shark Bait Bru-ha-ha".
HOLLY
Why would he do that?
CHERYL
It was a dare.
HOLLY
Was he drunk?
ZACK
Probably. You know Cheryl’s friends.
KAYLA
Didn’t you used to be friends with Kendra? The girl setting
out all of the food?
CHERYL
Sort of, yay.
KAYLA
Whatever happened to you two anyway?
CHERYL
Not really sure. Drifted apart started hanging out with
different crowd. Kinda awkward having her in my house today
though. TBH.
7.
BRIAN
I don’t think anyone will be stripping down to their
underwear today, will they Teddy?
TEDDY
Why me? Do you think I’d do that?
RONDA
Yes.
CHARLIE
Yeah, well because of your party mom has gone a little crazy
about the underage drinking thing and that’s why she
collected all of my friends car keys tonight, so thanks for
that.
BRIAN
I did think it was a little over the top putting our keys in
that bowl you mom carried around, but I didn’t want to
argue.
ISSAC
I saw a movie once where they collected the keys of everyone
but then they hooked up with other people at the end of the
night. That’s not happening tonight is it?
RONDA
God I hope not.
CHARLIE
Ha ha. Yeah right. With my mom? You know how crazy she can
be.
CHERYL
And controlling.
CHERRY
I heard mom say that she wanted dad to give all of your
friends breathalyzer tests before they tried to leave or
something like that. She said she was sure some kids were
going to sneak in alcohol in their water bottles or
hairspray or something.
CHARLIE
Cherry, I told you to get out of here.
CHERRY
I don’t have to, I live here to, and very soon I will be the
only one living here and you and Cheryl won’t have me to
boss around.
8.
KENDRA
I’m sorry Mrs. Johnson, we are working the fastest we can,
we weren’t expecting to have to move everything from outside
into the dining area.
MRS. JOHNSON
Well, neither was I, but these kids are probably hungry and
ready to eat. Besides, I don’t want them having empty
stomachs in case they are sneaking booze in here
HOLLY
Isn’t that Jenny Finkelman? What’s she doing here?
LIBBY
Oh, she’s not on the guest list, she’s working the party.
She’s got a job working for this catering service for the
summer.
KAYLA
Yeah, I saw her at Brittany Spellman’s party last weekend.
HOLLY
You wouldn’t catch me working grad parties for students that
go to school with me. Talk about humiliating.
LIBBY
Eh, beats working at the tennis club all summer picking up
all of the stupid tennis balls. That gets old real quick
ISSAC
Hey Cheryl, haven’t seen you in awhile. How was school? What
are you doing this summer?
CHERYL
It was fine. You know, when I was your age I was excited to
go to college, but it’s still school. Too much reading, too
much writing, not enough time to party.
ISSAC
Well, summer’s here. You can party now, right?
CHERYL
Yeah, I guess. As soon as we stop all of the stupid high
school crap for Charlie.
ISSAC
Yeah, I hear you.
MRS. JOHNSON
You kids feel free to fix yourself a plate. We have lots of
food just for you. Kendra, Kendra, can you tell the kids
what the different sandwiches are, please?
9.
KENDRA
Sure. We have a roast beef with arugula and Gouda cheese, an
avocado, turkey and alfalfa sprouts, and a marinated
eggplant with sauteed red peppers and caramelized onions.
MRS. JOHNSON
Don’t forget about the gluten free option.
KENDRA
Oh yeah, and a pickled beet, black olive and feta rolled in
a kale leaf.
MRS. JOHNSON
The feta is imported. We got it at Plum Market. Special
order. I thought Libby might like it.
LIBBY
Thanks Mrs. Johnson, you are always so thoughtful.
MRS. JOHNSON
We also have an assortment of salads with various yummy
ingredients. (to Libby) I particularly thought you might
like the bulgar wheat germ with taro root and carrot in a
balsamic dressing with splash of extra virgin olive oil.
TEDDY
(to Zack) Ha ha. Who’s the extra virgin here?
ZACK
Dude, shut up you are such a hole.
TEDDY
A what?
ZACK
You know. A hole.
KAYLA
This food is so delicious. I think I’m going to have a
couple of plates.
BRIAN
What is this crap? I’ve never heard of half of these
ingredients. Anyone ever hear of pizza?
RONDA
I swear. Charlie’s parents are always trying so hard to do
the right thing and impress everyone with how trendy they
are.
BRIAN
Give me a bag and chips and a Jimmy John’s any day. This
stuff is too weird for me.
10.
[Sound of "amber alert" warning
begins to sound on the phones of
the students. Students begin to
check their phones]
HOLLY
What is this? Another Amber alert?
RONDA
Aren’t these so annoying?
KAYLA
Maybe a litte, but I’m mean they are kind of a good thing.
They help people.
ISSAC
Wait, this isn’t an Amber Alert. It’s a Blue Alert. I guess
that’s different.
KAYLA
Oh yeah, I heard about these, it’s like a warning for
violent acts of crime or something.
BRIAN
[Reading] Warning. A suspicious looking individual has been
seen in the area of East Dover neighborhood. People are
being advised to lock their doors and stay inside until the
individual is apprehended.
LIBBY
Oh my goodness. What? This is crazy.
CHERYL
What is with this day? Seriously.
MRS. JOHNSON
Burt, Burt, we need to lock the doors. There was a some kind
of Amber Alert thing that said there is a criminal in our
neighborhood. Quick.
MR.JOHNSON
What? Let me see the message. Oh God, this is wild.
CHERRY
I can help you lock the doors dad.
MR.JOHNSON
No, you stay here and help your mother.
CHARLIE
I can help dad.
11.
MR.JOHNSON
No, it’s your party, just go and entertain your friends. And
keep them calm.
MRS. JOHNSON
Cheryl, go help you dad. We need to lock all of the doors in
the house.
BOBBY
Yo, I can help you Mr. J.
MR.JOHNSON
No thanks Bobby. I’ve got it.
CHERYL
You can help me Bobby. Come on, we’ll do the back of the
house. Dad, you do the front of the house and garage.
KENDRA
Oh no, the garage, I forgot I left it open when we were
rushing to get everything in the house as the storm was
starting.
CHERRY
What if the criminal is hiding out in there?
MRS. JOHNSON
Burt. What are we supposed to do?
CHERYL
Mom, Bobby and I will check the garage.
MRS. JOHNSON
Oh, are you sure? Wouldn’t you like your dad to go with you?
CHERYL
Mom, stop you’re being a little ridiculous. I am sure Bobby
and I won’t find anything. Besides there’s two of us. We’ll
be fine. Come on Bobby.
BOBBY
Coming.
HOLLY
Should we be scared?
KAYLA
This is weird.
CHARLIE
Well, everyone just stay calm. The good news is we have
plenty of food and drinks. No reason to let this stop the
celebration.
12.
RONDA
I’m going to text my mom, just so she doesn’t worry.
BRIAN
Looks like we are stuck at this lame ass party for longer
than we wanted to be here.
RONDA
Stop, don’t be rude. It’s not Charlie’s fault.
ZACK
Dude, this is some crazy messed up night. First the storm
and now this.
RONDA
Really, gheez, what’s next a hurricane?
ISSAC
Yeah right, we live in Michigan, there’s not hurricanes in
Michigan.
RONDA
Oh really, I didn’t realize. You’re so stupid, I know that
idiot, it was just a turn of phrase.
TEDDY
Turn of phrase? What’s that? Now that you’re going to
Hillsdale you decided to start talking all fancy.
RONDA
Shut up. I am not.
HOLLY
Oh this storm is something.
CHERYL
Bobby, let’s check the windows in the kitchen. Better safe
than sorry.
KAYLA
Hey, isn’t that Bobby Stedman? Didn’t he go to East Hills
High?
RONDA
Yay, but not sure he graduated. He was kind of a loser.
KAYLA
What’s he doing here?
RONDA
Works for the catering company it looks like.
13.
HOLLY
God, who doesn’t work for the catering company? I mean these
losers are too much.
KENDRA
Bobby, now that you’re done flirting with Cheryl could you
get back to work, please?
BOBBY
I was locking doors to make sure we were safe, remember.
KENDRA
Whatever, just put the cake on the table over there. Mrs.
Johnson are you ready for us to move some of these items
into the kitchen.
JENNY
I’ve got the chocolate covered strawberries. Where do you
want these?
KENDRA
Well, maybe put them down next to the cake. Bobby can you
make room for Jenny?
BOBBY
What do you think I’m doing? God Kendra it’s not like I
haven’t done this before.
KENDRA
I didn’t say you hadn’t, I was just asking.
HOLLY
Hey Jenny, how long you been working at this job?
JENNY
Oh, I just started. My mom was on my back to get a job this
summer and Kendra’s mom offered me this gig.
LIBBY
Is it alright?
JENNY
It’s not that bad, at least I’m busy for most of the time.
HOLLY
Yeah, but you have to work with Bobby Stedman, he’s kinda a
loser isn’t he?
JENNY
I don’t know, he ’s not that bad. He’s kinda funny
sometimes. But working between Kendra and Bobby can be a
challenge. Those two fight like crazy.
14.
HOLLY
Oh really, why?
JENNY
Well, they used to date. Then he broke up with her a couple
of weeks ago.
HOLLY
He broke up with her? Really? Why?
JENNY
Not sure, but I think he’s been going out with some other
girl. I think he was cheating on Kendra with that girl, and
decided to finally call it quits.
LIBBY
Ouch. Poor Kendra.
HOLLY
Yeah, to dumped by that loser.
KENDRA
Jenny, can you help me take some of these things to kitchen?
JENNY
Gotta go. Talk to you later.
LIBBY
Sorry. Didn’t mean to get you trouble.
BOBBY
Jesus Kendra , get off my back.
MRS. JOHNSON
What’s happening in there?
KENDRA
Nothing, sorry Mrs. Johnson. Bobby just dropped a glass.
Nothing to worry about. We’ll take care of it.
MRS. JOHNSON
Well I hope it wasn’t one of my new glasses.
BOBBY
Yo, sorry about the glass Mrs. J
MRS. JOHNSON
Why does he insist on calling me Mrs. J?
CHERYL
Mom, relax. He’s just being friendly.
15.
MRS. JOHNSON
I don’t want him to be friendly. I think he’s kind of living
a wasted life. I mean he didn’t even go to college, did he?
CHERYL
Mom, not everyone has to go to college to find happiness. I
mean Bobby is nice. He has a great sense of humor and really
connects with people.
MRS. JOHNSON
What people? Not any people I know.
CHERRY
Mom, Charlie keeps yelling at me and telling me that I can’t
be part of the party.
MRS. JOHNSON
Not now Cherry.
MR.JOHNSON
Everythings locked down. Nothing to worry about Patty. This
is just a precaution.
MRS. JOHNSON
Well, I certainly hope so. I swear if one more thing goes
wrong.
MR.JOHNSON
Well, hello there Ronda. Are things starting to settle down
now that all of the graduation festivities are coming to an
end?
RONDA
Yay, I guess. I’ve been working a lot. Trying to make as
much money as possible before school starts.
MR.JOHNSON
Sure. Hillsdale is an expensive institution.
RONDA
Yay, you’re telling me. I guess we can’t all get a full ride
like Charlie did.
MR.JOHNSON
That was nice. It certainly is going to put Charlie in a
good place. We were all really happy that he got the
scholarship.
RONDA
Not just any scholarship, the Byron T. Cougar scholarship. A
full ride for 4 years. That’s pretty amazing.
16.
MR.JOHNSON
Yes, it is. Hoping things will work out for you this summer
Ronda.
RONDA
Thanks. Me too.
MRS. JOHNSON
Kayla, I’ve been meaning to tell you what an amazing job you
did with your commencement address. You are a very
accomplished speaker.
KAYLA
Oh thanks Mrs. Johnson. I wasn’t sure it was that good, but
I tried.
MRS. JOHNSON
No, no. It was good. I think your theme about how things
commence was a great topic. The idea of high school
graduation being about commencing one life and starting
another life. It was heartfelt and meaningful.
KAYLA
Thanks. I think we need to think about the future and less
about the past. You know. Onward and upward and that sort of
thing.
MRS. JOHNSON
Exactly. You really did a nice job.
ZACK
Dude, these chocolate covered strawberries are amazing.
ISSAC
How many you eaten.
ZACK
I don’t know. 6 or 7.
ISSAC
Looks like you’ve had more than that. God the platters
almost empty.
ZACK
Whatever. That’s why they’re here right? They’re supposed to
be eaten.
HOLLY
You could save some for other people.
ZACK
Why? First come first served. That’s how I roll.
17.
ISAAC
(eating a chocolate covered strawberry) Dude, you’re right.
These are amazing. Think I’ll just have a couple more while
I’m at it.
LIBBY
Nice. Selfish to the end.
ZACK
Hey, there’s still cake. You can get cake.
KENDRA
Mrs. Johnson, do you think it’s time to cut the cake?
MRS. JOHNSON
Oh, yes. That’s a good idea. Do you have the small plates?
KENDRA
Yes, Jenny’s bringing them in right now. Bobby, can you
refill the chocolate covered strawberries, these look like
they are almost gone.
BOBBY
Ok. But I’m not to sure how many we have left. Some dude was
in the kitchen gobbling them up.
MRS. JOHNSON
Hey, can I get everyone’s attention. We are going to cut the
cake. Come here Charlie, I want you to cut the first piece.
CHARLIE
Mom, can we not? Let’s not make this a big deal.
CHERYL
Go ahead Charlie, it’s your special day. Remember you’re the
big deal today.
CHERRY
Can I have a corner piece, I want a lot of frosting.
MRS. JOHNSON
Cherry, not right now. Your brother gets to have the first
piece. It’s his special day.
MR.JOHNSON
Okay everyone, Charlie’s going to cut the cake.
KAYLA
Wait, wait. The first piece has to be eaten by the lucky
graduate. It’s bad luck if anyone else takes a bite before
he does.
18.
CHARLIE
Oh God. Fine. (takes bite with fork) I’m eating the cake,
are you happy. (talks with mouth full of food...then starts
to gag, choke and grab his throat).
Falls to the floor, writhing,
twitching and convulsing.
HOLLY
Oh my God. Oh my God, what’s happening?
LIBBY
Charlie, Charlie
BRIAN
Step back
LIBBY
(Screams)
HOLLY
(Screams)
BRIAN
What’s happening?
TEDDY
Is he alright?
ZACK
Dude.
MRS. JOHNSON
Help.
[Black out. Power goes out.
Everyone screams. Students scramble
to get their phone flashlights
turned on. When they do they shine
them toward the spot that Charlie
was last seen. He is gone, but a
piece of paper is left stabbed with
a fork through the piece of cake
that says, "One down."]
BOBBY
What’s going on?
KAYLA
What happened to the power?
CHERRY
Where’s Charlie?
19.
MR.JOHNSON
Charlie, Charlie, CHARLIE?
MRS. JOHNSON
Help, oh my God someone call 911
LIBBY
Call 911
BRIAN
I’m trying but my phone isn’t working.
RONDA
Just call the emergency number at the bottom of the phone.
BRIAN
I’m trying, it isn’t working.
HOLLY
What’s that sound?
CHERYL
Mom, mom what’s going on?
MRS. JOHNSON
Burt, Burt help
MR.JOHNSON
Okay, everyone calm down
[Sound of a pounding on the door is
heard. Everyone is startled. Jump.
Screams are heard].
Scene 2: 1 hour later
MRS. LUSTENBERG
This is just horrible. Horrible
MRS. JOHNSON
(to Police) We were so scared when you knocked on the door.
TEDDY
We were freaking out.
OFFICER POLZIN
My apologies. We were in the neighborhood to parole the
streets. It’s a busy time of year with all of these
graduation parties and underage drinking and stuff.
MR.JOHNSON
Why are you going door to door anyway?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.
OFFICER POLZIN
There’s a lot of shenanigans this time of year. Then when
the wind storm came through it knocked out power to the cell
phone tower that services this area and now people can’t get
messages to the phones or send out messages.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
So we decided to send out some of the force to the
surrounding neighborhood to make sure everything was alright
and that there were no problems. We had no idea we would be
dealing with a possible murder.
MRS. LUSTENBERG
Oh, that is terrible. Just the word is too much.
CHERYL
Mrs. Lustenberg when did you get here? I thought you went
home when all of the adults left earlier.
MRS. LUSTENBERG
Oh, I did, but, I was so worried when the power went out and
then I heard the screams, so I decided to come over and see
if I could be of any help.
CHERRY
(To Cheryl) Help? More like being super nosey like usual.
CHERYL
But how did you get in the house?
MRS. LUSTENBERG
Through the backdoor.
MR.JOHNSON
But that door was locked. Wasn’t it Cheryl? I thought you
and Bobby double checked all of the doors.
BOBBY
Oh we did Mr. J. I made sure that door was locked good and
secure.
CHERYL
Yeah, Bobby and I double checked all of the doors.
MRS. LUSTENBERG
Oh, well, I don’t know. It was unlocked when I tried it, so
I just let myself in.
MR.JOHNSON
Unlocked?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.
BOBBY
No way.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
Officer Polzin, please go check that door.
MR.JOHNSON
Bobby will you show the police officer where that door is?
Maybe I should double check all of the doors myself.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
No, Mr. Johnson. I would prefer if Officer Polzin did that.
You understand, don’t you?
MR.JOHNSON
I guess I do. But I should show the officer where all of
the doors are so she knows where they all are located.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
As terrible as it is we are going to need everyone to stay
here in the house until we can interview each of you and get
your testimonies.
ZACK
Good thing Mr. Johnson and Bobby were able to hook up the
generator to at least get us enough power to generate some
lights.
MRS. LUSTENBERG
Yeah, but the storm knocked out power in this entire
neighborhood.
CHERRY
I wonder how long we will go without power?
KAYLA
Last year when we had the ice storm the power was out for
almost a week.
HOLLY
God, I hope it’s not that long, that caused such a
disruption.
LIBBY
Guys, I can’t believe that you are talking about a power
outage right now, I think we have bigger issues right now.
BRIAN
Oh yeah, you’re right, it’s just that it’s almost too hard
to believe. Charlie is missing, possibly even murdered.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 22.
ISSAC
At his own graduation party even.
KAYLA
We don’ t know that he has been murdered for sure.
HOLLY
Well we saw him choke and gag on that cake.
TEDDY
And there was the note with the fork stabbed through it.
ZACK
It certainly doesn’t look good, that’s for sure.
RONDA
Right, but Detective Cartwright said we cannot panic just
yet.
BRIAN
And Charlie’s body is missing after all.
KAYLA
And without a body we don’t have any hard evidence that he
has actually been (gulp) you know.
TEDDY
So, like where is he? Taking a nap in his bedroom or
something?
RONDA
We don’t know. That’s the mystery.
BOBBY
That backdoor was unlocked alright. That is crazy. I know
we locked it, didn’t we Cheryl.
CHERYL
Yes we did. I think I already SAID THAT Bobby.
OFFICER POLZIN
The door was not locked. It was wide open. Which explains
how Mrs. Lustenberg got in.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
Officer Polzin we need to do a parameter check on the house.
Making sure all doors and windows are secure and everything
is locked down.
OFFICER POLZIN
Okay. I can start in the basement and work my way up.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 23.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
I need to stay here to continue the interviews and see if we
can get to the bottom of this situation.
OFFICER POLZIN
Understood. I’ll be careful.
MR.JOHNSON
Detective, I am going stir crazy just hanging out in this
room. Can I help you with anything?
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
Well, maybe you could go with Officer Polzin and show her
all of the entry points to the house to help expedite the
parameter lock down.
MR.JOHNSON
Absolutely, I am happy to do that. Where do you want to
start?
ZACK
Yo, I think we could all help you. I mean there’s enough of
us and we all want to help do something.
CHERYL
Yeah, I can go with Bobby and we could do the second floor
while you and dad check out the basement and we could meet
on the first floor.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
I don’t know about that, it’s not really following our
protocol.
BRIAN
Hey, Mr. Johnson would you like me and Zack to go out and
add some gas to the generator? Last winter my dad made me
keep it running all of the time so I know what to do.
MR.JOHNSON
Oh, that’d be great, but I don’t know if you should be going
outside.
BRIAN
Well, we’ve gotta keep the generator going.
MR.JOHNSON
True. Officer?
OFFICER POLZIN
You said you could take someone else with you?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.
BRIAN
Yeah, Zack will come with me, won’t you Zack?
ZACK
Sure, I guess.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
Okay, but you boys keep your eyes open and be on the
lookout. If you see anything or need anything don’t hesitate
to yell for assistance.
BRIAN
Ok. We’ve got this. Come on Zack, let’s go.
ZACK
Coming.
KENDRA
Mrs. Johnson, do you want us to start clearing all of this
stuff out of the dining room?
MRS. JOHNSON
Oh, I don’t know. I guess. I’m not sure anyone is still
hungry after all of this.
TEDDY
You don’t have any more of those chocolate covered
strawberries do you?
HOLLY
Teddy, stop, you’re so insensitive.
TEDDY
What? I liked those strawberries.
JENNY
Yeah, I think between you and Zack you basically ate 3 dozen
of them.
KAYLA
Well, I don’ t know about you guys, but I am staying right
here. This is freaking me out. I don’t do well with this
kind of stuff.
LIBBY
Mrs. Johnson, would you like me and Holly to take Cherry to
another room and keep her occupied?
MRS. JOHNSON
Oh, that might be a good thing to do.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.
LIBBY
Holly, let’s see if we can get Cherry to show us her room or
something. I think she needs to get out of this room for a
little while.
HOLLY
Maybe we can ask her to show us the science project she had
do for her end of the year project or something.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
I need everyone to stay in this room until I can ascertain
all of the information I need to thoroughly conduct this
investigation. So, I invite you all to get comfortable, it’s
going to be awhile.
ISSAC
Oh brother.
(Ad lib comments about having to stay in the living room.
"Why,I didn’t do anything" )
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
So we have already conducted the initial review of the
facts. We have a possible murder victim who is now missing.
We have established that everyone was in this room when it
happened and that the power outage happened at the exact
time that the alleged murder commenced and that was timed
with our arrival. Officer Polzin has done an investigation
of the premises and there does not appear to be any sign of
Charlie anywhere. We also have this suspicious note and the
fork.
OFFICER POLZIN
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson do you know of any person in this room
who might have had a reason to do harm to your son?
MR.JOHNSON
No, no one.
MRS. JOHNSON
These are all friends of Charlie’s . We’ve gathered to
celebrate his graduation and all of his achievements. This
was his special day.
CHERYL
Yeah, so we’ve been told. Several times already.
MRS. JOHNSON
Cheryl, stop that. What are you saying?
CHERYL
Just that we’ve been hearing about how special Charlie is
and how this is his special day for several weeks now. It’s
kinda getting old.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 26.
MRS. JOHNSON
What are you saying?
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
Cheryl, I am sensing some animosity in your voice. It sounds
like you might not be all that excited about this day.
CHERYL
No, I’m not saying that, exactly, it’s just that Charlie has
always been my parents favorite and it’s getting old.
CHERRY
No he’s not. I’m the favorite. You’re just jealous because
Charlie is smarter than you and has a full ride to a better
college than the one you’re attending.
CHERYL
Shut up Cherry. You don’t even know what you are talking
about.
CHERRY
Oh really, well I heard you telling Bobby that you were sick
of Charlie and the way everyone was falling all over him and
you couldn’t wait to get rid of him.
CHERYL
Seriously, like you haven’t been complaining all day about
how spoiled Charlie is and how you couldn’t wait for him to
move out and take over his room. So, don’t start pointing
fingers at me.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
So, let me get this straight, both of you have been heard
speaking about getting rid of your brother today?
MRS. JOHNSON
Well, now, this is just sibling talk. I am sure they didn’t
mean it literally.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
At this point in the investigation, Mrs. Johnson, we cannot
rule out any suspect.
CHERYL
Then why aren’t you pointing your fingers at Mrs.
Lustenberg, I mean she showed up at exactly the same time
that Charlie went missing.
BOBBY
And she somehow got in through a door that had been locked
and checked by both Cheryl and I.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 27.
RONDA
"And me," you idiot.
MRS. LUSTENBERG
How did I suddenly become a suspect in this case? I was at
home minding my own business when suddenly there was a
scream and I came running.
CHERRY
You were already here when the power came back on, before
the screaming began.
MRS. LUSTENBERG
That’s not true
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
At this point everyone is under consideration, until we can
determine what has happened.
HOLLY
All of this is just so crazy. I am really starting to freak
out.
LIBBY
This is so scary and I’m not sure I can keep it together
much longer. I mean my boyfriend may have been murdered and
everyone is under suspicion and for all we know the murderer
is right in this room and one of us is next.
HOLLY
What do you mean next?
LIBBY
Well, the note said, "One Down"...so I am just guessing that
there might be a "Two Down" or something like that.
KAYLA
I’m not sure anyone has discussed this, but didn’t Charlie
die when he ate a piece of graduation cake?
ISSAC
Dang, your’re right. And I was about to eat this piece, why
didn’t you say something to me when I picked up this piece
of cake?
KAYLA
I wasn’t thinking clearly, but I am wondering if the whole
cake has been poisoned or if it was just the piece that
Charlie ate?
OFFICER POLZIN
That is a good point. We need to take the cake in for
evidence.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 28.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
What cake?
KAYLA
The graduation cake that was served moments prior to Charlie
going missing.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
Well, where is the cake?
MRS. JOHNSON
It was on the table right there.
HOLLY
Well, it’s not here now.
MRS. JOHNSON
Kendra, where is the cake?
KENDRA
Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t think anyone would want any so I had
Bobby take it to the kitchen.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
Bobby, can you go and bring back the cake please?
BOBBY
Sure thing. Hey Jenny, I need the cake back (exiting into
the kitchen).
KAYLA
Well, maybe if we can figure out if the whole cake was
poisoned we can narrow in on the suspect.
HOLLY
Right. My guess is that Kendra is a prime suspect. And that
stupid Bobby is probably in on it.
TEDDY
Oohh, yeah. Those two are pretty shady. Or that Jenny girl.
She’s looks nervous. I bet she is in on it too. I mean
Kendra brought out the cake in the first place.
HOLLY
Exactly. And who supposedly checked the back door to make
sure it was locked?
TEDDY
Dude, you’re right. Bobby did.
HOLLY
I’m just saying, keep your eye on those three. They seem
suspicious to me.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 29.
Jenny and Bobby re-enter from the
kitchen
BOBBY
So, about the cake. We don’t have it anymore.
KAYLA
What? Why?
JENNY
I’m sorry. It was my fault. I wasn’t thinking and I washed
it down the sink. I was just so upset and I didn’t want
anyone else to be poisoned. I didn’t want to take a chance.
HOLLY
But, you disposed of the murder weapon. So doesn’t that make
her an accomplice to the crime?
ISSAC
Yay. That’s what I’m thinking.
OFFICER POLZIN
To be clear we don’t have a complete case at this point. We
are simply collecting facts and seeing if we can solve this
mystery.
TEDDY
I knew it. I said this was a mystery.
HOLLY
Shut up Teddy.
ZACK
(Entering from the garage). Okay, we just filled the
generator with gas, we should be all set for a little while
longer. What’d we miss?
RONDA
Well, it looks like everyone is a suspect. Jenny washed the
poisoned cake down the drain and managed to get rid of the
only evidence we had. Mrs. Lusterberg somehow got in
through the back door that supposedly Bobby and Cheryl said
they had locked. Cherry and Cheryl have been heard talking
about how they wanted to get rid of Charlie and Kendra and
Jenny are being suspected of poisoning the cake.
ZACK
Dude. We weren’t gone that long. That’s a lot.
KENDRA
I’m sorry, but if I am a suspect then so should Ronda. I
mean Ronda has a bigger motive than any of the rest of us.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 30.
RONDA
What motive?
BOBBY
Aren’t you up for that scholarship at Hillsdale?
KENDRA
Yes, and if Charlie is taken out of the running the
scholarship goes to you, isn’t that right?
RONDA
Well, technically that is true, but you really think I’m am
capable of murder?
TEDDY
This just keep getting more complicated at every moment.
ZACK
You can say that again, dude.
HOLLY
Well, if Ronda is a prime suspect so should Bobby. I mean
he’s been everywhere that the problems have occured.
CHERRY
Not to mention that the is secretly dating Cheryl.
CHERYL
Shut up Cherry.
MRS. JOHNSON
What are you talking about? Cheryl isn’t dating anyone. Are
you Cheryl?
MR.JOHNSON
Are you Cheryl?
CHERRY
Well, that’s not what Charlie said. I heard the two of them
arguing about it earlier this morning.
KENDRA
What’s the matter Cheryl, can’t admit you would lower
yourself to date someone like Bobby.
BOBBY
Hey!
CHERYL
Screw you Kendra.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 31.
KENDRA
No, screw you Cheryl. I am sick of you and your high horse.
TEDDY
Wait, I’m confused, are Cheryl and Bobby dating?
CHERYL
Yes
BOBBY
Yes
MRS. JOHNSON
No
MR.JOHNSON
No
The sound of a gun shot is heard
offstage and everyone on stage
screams. Pandemonium breaks out as
everyone tries to scatter and hide.
DETECTIVE CARTWRIGHT
NOBODY MOVE.
BLACK OUT. End of Act One.