BREAKING up with EVER AFTER Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble 2014-2015 Edited by Jules Pashall

BREAKING UP WITH EVER AFTER Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble 2014-2015 Edited by Jules Pashall

TRANSITION 1

(Lights up on our narrator, sitting on a stool with an oversized storybook.)

NARRATOR: Once upon a time, in a land much like this, in a place much like this, there lived some young people-

(Three actors planted in the audience begin to call out.)

AUDIENCE 1: Whoa- what is this?

AUDIENCE 3: (Excited) Ooh! It’s a “Fairy Tale”! I love fairy tales!

NARRATOR: It’s sort of a Fairy Tale-

AUDIENCE 2: Why are we watching a Fairy Tale? How old do you think we are?

NARRATOR: Can you just let me start the story?

AUDIENCE 2: Fine. At least we get out of class.

AUDIENCE 1: Good point.

NARRATOR: (Clears throat) As I was saying- there were 4 young people- Ella, Channing, Grayson and Jones. Here is their story according to Instagram.

SCENE 1

NARRATOR: Once upon a time there were two sets of best friends, Jones and Ella,

(J&E pose for a selfie)

JONES: #BestiesSinceKindergarten

NARRATOR: And Grayson and Channing

(C&G pose for a selfie)

GRAYSON: #BrotherFromAnotherMother

NARRATOR: These best friends hung out all the time.

(J&E pose for a selfie)

ELLA: #PizzaAndMovieNight #FridayTraditionSince3rdGrade

(C&G pose for a selfie)

CHANNING: #Bromantic #NoHomoTho

NARRATOR: 3 months ago, Ella and Channing started dating.

(E&C leave their friends and come together to pose for a selfie.)

ELLA: #FirstDate

NARRATOR: The new couple introduced each other to their best friends.

(All four pose for selfie)

CHANNING: #TheBAEandtheBesties #TheNewCrew

NARRATOR: They met each other’s parents...

(E&C pose for selfie)

ELLA: #Falling4You #2Good2BeTrue

NARRATOR: And Channing invited Ella to the big Spring Dance.

(E&C pose for final selfie)

CHANNING: #LivingAFairyTale

TRANSITION 2

NARRATOR: So as you see- they were now two young people in love.

AUDIENCE 1: Wait a sec-

AUDIENCE 2: Yeah, hold up-

(Audience 1&2 leave their seats in the audience and approach the Narrator. Once on stage they take the story book and beginning flipping through it, searching for more information.)

NARRATOR: What are you doing up here? Go back to your seats!

(Audience 3 follows them)

AUDIENCE 3: Hey! We’re not supposed to go up there.

NARRATOR: Yes, you can’t be here!

AUDIENCE 1: (Flipping through the story book) But that story barely told us anything about their relationship. What happened to their friends?

AUDIENCE 2: Yeah, a couple Instagram pictures where everyone is happy all the time?

AUDIENCE 3: They’re best friends and it’s their first love! Of course they’re really happy all the time!

(Audience 1 & 2 shoot 3 a look like “You must be joking.”)

AUDIENCE 2: Nothing is ever that perfect.

AUDIENCE 3: Fairy tales are!

AUDIENCE 1: (To Narrator) But you said this wasn’t a regular fairy tale!

NARRATOR: It’s not a “regular” fairy tale!

AUDIENCE 1: Well it seems like a “regular fairy tale” to me-

AUDIENCE 2: Boy and girl meet and fall for each other-

AUDIENCE 1: And then they go to the dance and live happily ever after!

AUDIENCE 2: Ew.

AUDIENCE 3: It’s ROMANTIC!

NARRATOR: Fine! We’ll do the story again. This time we’ll see the comments posted on the pictures.

AUDIENCE 1: But even the comments don’t tell you the whole story!

NARRATOR: FINE! We will also hear what people were saying that they didn’t post on Instagram!

AUDIENCE 2: Thank you!

NARRATOR: Once upon-

AUDIENCE 1: Stop with the once upon a time- we get it!

NARRATOR: (Exasperated) FINE!

SCENE 2

(J&E pose for a selfie)

JONES: #BestiesSinceKindergarten

(Commenters 1 and Commenter 2 enter)

COMMENTER 1: (Commenting on pic with phone) You two are the cutest BFFs! (To Commenter 2) They’re together ALL the time.

JONES: We have been through so much together. Ella’s like my sister.

(C&G pose for a selfie)

CHANNING: #BrotherFromAnotherMother

COMMENTER 2: (Commenting on pic with phone) “You guys do kinda look related!” (To Commenter 1) It’s like they’re turning into the same person.

GRAYSON: Channing always has my back.

(J&E pose for a selfie)

ELLA: #PizzaAndMovieNight #FridayTraditionSince3rdGrade

COMMENTER 1: (Commenting on pic with phone) Looks like so much fun! (to Commenter 2) What an embarrassing way to spend EVERY Friday night!

ELLA: I kinda wish we could go out for a change- there’s this big party tonight but Jones probably thinks it’s stupid.

(C&G pose for a selfie)

GRAYSON: #Bromantic #NoHomoTho

COMMENTER 2: (Commenting on pic with phone) “Greatest bromance ever!” (To Commenter 1) It’s so messed up to say ‘no homo’

CHANNING: Ugh, that hashtag is really not okay. I should say something...but he’s just gonna mess with me.

(E&C leave their friends and come together to pose for a selfie.)

ELLA: #FirstDate

COMMENTER 1: (Commenting on pic with phone) “OMG THE CUTEST! *heart emoji*” (To Commenter 2) When did this happen? And WHY?!

ELLA: I seriously can’t believe CHANNING RILEY asked me out.

CHANNING: I know the guys are gonna give me crap cus she’s not a cheerleader- but screw them. She’s awesome.

GRAYSON: Ugh! What is he doing with her??? She’s such a freak.

(All four pose for selfie)

CHANNING: #TheBAEandtheBesties

COMMENTER 2: (Commenting on pic with phone) What an epic crew! (To Commenter 1) LOL if you listen closely you can hear Grayson and Channing’s popularity being flushed down the toilet.

CHANNING: I hope Grayson doesn’t say anything stupid.

JONES: I can’t believe I have to hang with Grayson- he’s been so mean to me ever since I came out.

ELLA: #Falling4You #2Good2BeTrue

(They leave the selfie pose. Grayson and Channing unfreeze and look at their phones Commenters exit.)

ELLA: I can’t believe I’m meeting your parents.

CHANNING: It’ll be fine. How could they not love you? You’re amazing.

(Channing and Ella freeze in a hug)

JONES: (Looking a their phone) She’s meeting his parents?

GRAYSON: (Looking at his phone) Oh no, they’re getting serious.

(Channing and Ella pose for a new selfie)

CHANNING: #LivingAFairyTale

ELLA: If you’d told me last year that I would be going to the dance with you, I just wouldn’t have ever believed it. It’s almost surreal. You’re Channing Riley.

CHANNING: I would have believed it. And stop saying my name, like I’m famous or something.

ELLA: Well, you are a little famous here at school.

(Ella and Channing freeze. Grayson and Jones look at their phones.)

GRAYSON & JONES: They’re going to the dance together?!

(Grayson and Jones walk towards Ella and Channing, grabbing their friends)

GRAYSON: (To Channing) Dude! I need to talk to you.

JONES: (To Ella) I need to talk to you.

(Grayson and Jones pull their friends apart and towards them)

GRAYSON: Why are you going to a dance with a girl like that?

JONES: Why are you still hanging out with a guy like him?

(Channing shrugs Grayson off of him, moving back toward Ella)

CHANNING: Shut up Gray, I like her.

(Ella pulls away from Jones, towards Channing)

ELLA: You don’t know him like I do, he’s really nice.

JONES: (Loudly so Channing can hear her) Well have fun with Prince Charming, I guess.

GRAYSON: (Overhears Jones and as a lightbulb moment, talks extra loudly so Jones and Ella can hear.) If Channing’s Prince Charming, that makes Ella Cinderella! Hope she gets that fairy godmother makeover soon! (Grayson exits)

JONES: If he hangs out with guys like that Ella, how nice can he be? (Jones exits.)

SCENE 2.5

ELLA: Why are you friends with him?

CHANNING: In his defense, Jones started it by calling me Prince Charming.

ELLA: You didn’t even say anything to him!

CHANNING: You didn’t say anything to Jones!

ELLA: (Sighs) Can we just talk about something else.

CHANNING: You always want to change the subject when the conversation is hard!

ELLA: I just don’t want to fight!

CHANNING: Fine.

(Ella looks very upset and avoids looking at Channing. Awkward pause.)

CHANNING: Do you know what you’re gonna wear to the dance? Cus I want to figure out what color tie I should wear so it can match your dress. (Trying to make a joke) Or are you gonna wear a suit like Jones?

ELLA: What?

CHANNING: Sorry I was joking, I think it’s cool she’s wearing a suit.

ELLA: They. They. We’ve talked about this so many times Channing. Jones is using they and them for a pronoun. They are wearing a suit. They are wearing a suit because they are not comfortable wearing dresses, and because they like wearing suits, it’s not a joke.

CHANNING: You’re right. I’m sorry. So you don’t have a dress?

ELLA: No not yet.

CHANNING: Ella, do you even want to go to this dance with me?

ELLA: Of course I do!

CHANNING: Most of the girls I know have had their dress for like a month and it’s weird that you don’t have one yet. It’s like you’re not excited.

ELLA: I’m just nervous because I know your friends are gonna make fun of whatever I wear.

CHANNING: Come on Ella, no they won’t.

ELLA: Yes they will, they’ll call me Cinderella and laugh about it. Why are you friends with them?

CHANNING: They’re my team, Ella. We’re like family, they always have my back. And it’s not like your friends are any better- Jones hates me.

ELLA: Jones doesn’t hate you.

CHANNING: Yes she does!

ELLA: They. THEY!

CHANNING: Sorry. But they think I’m this awful “dudebro”.

ELLA: Well, you hang out with people who are really mean to them.

CHANNING: (Defensively) Yeah, but I don’t say that stuff! And I tell the other guys to stop!

ELLA: (Under her breath.) Sometimes.

CHANNING: Sometimes? If I’m this terrible guy who doesn’t have your friend’s back why are you dating me?

ELLA: Because (She stumbles for an answer.) Because! I like you!

CHANNING: What do you like about me?

ELLA: What?

CHANNING: What do you like about me Ella?

ELLA: Uh… CHANNING: You don’t even know why you like me. I’m starting to feel like you’re just dating me because I’m “Channing Riley” like you said.

ELLA: That’s not true.

CHANNING: You can’t think of one thing to say when I asked you what you like about me.

ELLA: Well, what do you like about me?

CHANNING: You’re really smart, you have a really weird sense of humor, you’re creative and make really cool art. (Gives her a look like “Now it’s your turn.”)

ELLA: Well- (She pauses) You’re kind! And funny!

CHANNING: That’s so generic. And I’m not funny.

(Pause)

ELLA: I have to go to the library.

CHANNING: You’re just gonna leave?

ELLA: I have to go-

CHANNING: Whens the next time we’re gonna hang out?

ELLA: I dunno- at the dance I guess?

CHANNING: You guess?

ELLA: Don’t be that guy.

CHANNING: I’m not being ‘that guy’- I just want to finish a conversation about something serious for ONCE!

ELLA: I’ll see you later.

(Ella exits and Channing leaves the other way)

TRANSITION 3

NARRATOR: Was that more realistic for you?

AUDIENCE 1&2: Yeah.

AUDIENCE 3: (Sad and disappointed.) There was a lot more going on than what they were putting on Instagram.

AUDIENCE 1: I told you! People only put the happy stuff up on social media.

AUDIENCE 2: Seriously- I had to delete my Facebook ‘cus it just made me feel so crappy- like everyone’s life was so perfect and stuff.

AUDIENCE 3: I just always thought that those people were happy all the time.

AUDIENCE 1: No one’s happy ALL the time.

NARRATOR: Ain’t that the truth.

AUDIENCE 3: But they were happy SOME of the time. It wasn’t all bad.

AUDIENCE 2: It looked pretty bad to me. She just walked out on him and it sounds like his friends are jerks- and that he doesn’t do a lot to stop it.

AUDIENCE 1: Well, it’s hard to go against your friends.

AUDIENCE 2: They both care way too much about other people’s opinions.

AUDIENCE 3: They also really care about each other! They just need some space. (To narrator:) I miss the Fairy Tale!

NARRATOR: Well you’re in luck!

AUDIENCE 3: DID I WIN SOMETHING?

NARRATOR: Uh, no, sorry. BUT! Our two quarreling love birds have won the assistance of two of the most beloved fairy tale characters of all time!

ALL AUDIENCE: Huh?

NARRATOR: Who better to help Ella and Channing find their Happily Ever After than the people who basically invented it: Prince Charming and Cinderella!

(Cinderella and Prince Charming enter waving and smiling at the crowd. They proceed to dance around the stage while the following interaction occurs.)

AUDIENCE 2: What the-?

NARRATOR: They’re here to help our young lovers navigate the rocky waters of first love.

AUDIENCE 3: Oh that’s so romantic!

AUDIENCE 2: That’s not romantic! Cinderella and Prince Charming don’t have good things to teach them about relationships!

AUDIENCE 1: Seriously! How do they let kids watch this stuff? This girl has to pretend to be someone she’s not to attract the attention of some guy she’s never met and then all of a sudden they’re singing and married! Such crap.

AUDIENCE 3: Well I think it’s romantic! That they just KNOW they’re going to be together!

AUDIENCE 2: The only thing he knows is that he thinks she’s hot and the only thing she knows is that he’s a prince. True love, my butt.

NARRATOR: Oooooh! You told her.

AUDIENCE 2: What if Channing and Ella need to break up? What if they’re not supposed to be together?

AUDIENCE 1: Sometimes breaking up is actually a good thing when things aren’t working out.

AUDIENCE 3 and NARRATOR: Shhhh!

AUDIENCE 3: If they break up, there’s no Happily Ever After!

NARRATOR: (Clears throat) Ella and Channing both lay in bed that night thinking about their big fight, wondering what would become of their relationship. The finally fell asleep, and while they slept, Cinderella and Prince Charming crept into their bedrooms....

(Prince Charming and Cinderella are distracted by each other, flirting with each other and dancing.)

NARRATOR: PSSST! That’s your cue.

(Prince Charming and Cinderella rub noses goodbye and each venture to the bedside of their counterpart. They blow each other a kiss from across the stage once they are in their places.)

NARRATOR: And the sun began to rise, and the birds were chirping (makes chirping noises)

AUDIENCE 2: Bro, is that supposed to be the sound of birds chirping?

AUDIENCE 1: You need to go to bird chirping school.

NARRATOR: SILENCE! THE NARRATOR IS NARRATING! (Takes a deep breath.) Now, as I was saying, the birds were chirping (starts to chirp but then feels embarassed and stops) very quietly, no one could really even hear them. And Channing’s and Ella’s alarm clocks began to ring... (Makes ringing noise of alarms- then looks at the hecklers) Don’t even think about it!

AUDIENCE 1: We didn’t say anything...

SCENE 3 (The Narrator continues to make an alarm noise while Ella and Channing both groggily turn them off and lie back down in bed. Cinderella and Prince Charming begin to nudge them awake gently.)

ELLA: Frank, please, it’s so early, 5 more minutes

CHANNING: Mom, come on, I just need like 5 more minutes here, get out of my room.

CINDERELLA: (Giggles) Who in the world is Frank?

PRINCE CHARMING: Good sir, please refrain from calling me “Mom.”

(Ella and Channing turn quickly to look at them and start screaming loudly. Cinderella and Prince Charming shush them and tell them to calm down.)

ELLA: WHO ARE YOU?!

CHANNING: Get out of my house!

ELLA: HELP!!!!

CHANNING: MOOOOM!!!!!

PRINCE CHARMING: Young man, please, keep your voice down

CINDERELLA: Now just calm down sweet heart and let me explain-

(Channing and PC freeze)

ELLA: Ok, Ella, there is a stranger dressed up as Cinderella in your bedroom. It’s cool, you’re fine, you’re just hallucinating because you’re stressed. (She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes and then opens them again hoping Cinderella will be gone)

CINDERELLA: Oh sweetheart, I’m not “dressed up as Cinderella” - I AM Cinderella. (Ella and Cinderella freeze as action returns to Channing’s room)

CHANNING: Seriously dude, I don’t know who you are, but get out of my room-

PRINCE CHARMING: My good “dude”, I am here to help you. My name is Prince Charming.

CHANNING: Prince Charming?

PRINCE CHARMING: (flashes a smile at the audience) Can’t you tell? With all my good looks and charming charm?

ELLA: So, “Cinderella”, if that is your real name, what are you doing here?

CHANNING: What are you doing here?

CINDERELLA: I am here to stop you from making a terrible mistake!

PRINCE CHARMING: You cannot break up with your first love!

ELLA: and CHANNING: What?

CINDERELLA: Prince Charming and I are summoned when first loves are going to break up!

CINDERELLA and PRINCE CHARMING (Singing:) Break ups are bad! Break ups are sad! If you break up, there is no laughter! If you break up there’s no happily ever after!

ELLA and CHANNING: Whoa.

ELLA: We’ve only been dating for like 3 months.

CINDERELLA: (Laughing) Silly girl! I only knew my Charming for 10 short minutes before I knew he was the one. It’s called love at first sight.

ELLA: No, that’s called thinking someone’s cute.

CINDERELLA: He made my heart sing! (She starts to sing “So This is Love” from Cinderella: ) “So this is love/ So this is what makes life divine/ I'm all aglow, Mmmmmm/ And now I know/-”

ELLA: No more singing. (Cinderella and Ella freeze)

PRINCE CHARMING: Breaking up is not an option! You need to find your happily ever after with your true love. You’re meant to be together!

CHANNING: What does that even mean? How can you tell if you’re “meant to be”?

PRINCE CHARMING: Hmm. (He’s stumped. He has literally never thought of that.) You meet each other and then you look into each other’s eyes and- voila!

CHANNING: To be honest, I can’t tell if she even likes me.

PRINCE CHARMING: She has to like you! You’re Channing Riley! She must respect and obey you! That is what women do for men!

CHANNING: Uhh... nah brah. (Prince Charming and Channing freeze.)

ELLA: How do you know if someone’s the “one”? How did you know Prince Charming was the “one”?

CINDERELLA: Well, he’s a prince.

ELLA: And?

CINDERELLA: He’s very handsome.

ELLA: And?

CINDERELLA: And?

ELLA: What do like about him?

CINDERELLA: He’s a marvelous dancer.

ELLA: What do you talk about?

CINDERELLA: We talk about the weather- we both love sunshine. And we love to dance. We talk about dancing or he asks me to dance and then I say yes and then we dance!

ELLA: What else?

CINDERELLA: My you have a lot of questions! Oh would you look at the time! (Cinderella starts handing Ella her backpack and walking out the door. Ella chases after her.)

ELLA: You can’t do that! You can’t just change the subject and end the conversation.

CINDERELLA: Well, what do YOU and Channing have in common?

ELLA: Uh-

CINDERELLA: See! True love doesn’t mean you have to have things in common! (Cinderella runs out, feeling victorious with this last point)

ELLA: (Chasing after her) I never said Channing was my true love!

CHANNING: (Looks at his phone) It’s already 7:30?! I have to get to school.

PRINCE CHARMING: Oh, well I am coming with.

CHANNING: What? No way dude!

PRINCE CHARMING: Don’t worry, “dude”, only you can see me.

CHANNING: Is that supposed to make me feel better?

PRINCE CHARMING: (Grabs Channing) Come on! We will take my carriage. (They Exit)

TRANSITION 4

NARRATOR: So, our two quarreling lovers went off to school with Cinderella and Prince Charming...

AUDIENCE 2: I don’t get it- won’t people think it’s totally weird that Fairy Tale characters are walking around school with them?

AUDIENCE 3: Shhh! Are you even listening? Only they can see them.

NARRATOR: Thank you (Clears throat) Later that day at school...

SCENE 4 (The bell rings after 3rd period. Cinderella, Jones and Ella are sitting outside eating lunch. Ella takes a selfie with Jones:)

ELLA: #LoveLunchWithMyBestie!

CINDERELLA: (Tries to photobomb the picture) And Cinderella! (Ella shoots her a glare.)

JONES: I’m glad we’re having lunch, I feel like we haven’t hung out in forever.

ELLA: I know! I’ve been busy- with all this school stuff-

JONES: And Channing.

ELLA: Yeah. (Awkward silence.) So what’s up with you?

JONES: Uh, not much. Same old, same old.

ELLA: C’mon! There’s gotta be SOMETHING. Your life? School? Your grandma? I dunno! Anything!

JONES: Well, I did start dating someone.

ELLA: Whoa! What?! When?!

JONES: About a month ago.

ELLA: A MONTH? You’ve been dating someone for a month and I didn’t know?

JONES: Sorry...

ELLA: Well, tell me about her. Is it a her?

JONES: Yes. It’s a her. Her name is Ray. She’s really cool. We met at that theatre competition. She goes to South.

ELLA: Cuuuuute! If Channing and I don’t break up we should go on a double date. Ugh. I don’t know what to do about him. It’s been so intense lately. I told you we had that huge fight and now we might break up, right?

JONES: (Annoyed) Yeah. You told me.

ELLA: I just don’t know what to do! I’m scared. Like, I know it sounds stupid, but I never thought a guy was gonna be into me- and then Channing Riley was into me, and so I started dating him and I didn’t ever stop to think about whether or not I liked him because I was just excited to be with someone and when Channing Riley asks you out, you say yes. But now like, so many other people’s opinions are in my head about him and us that I don’t even know what I think! And I’m worried if we break up- I’m just gonna like be alone forever. Is that pathetic?

CINDERELLA: NO! THOSE ARE REAL CONCERNS!

JONES: (Frustrated more now that they’re talking about this again) You’re not gonna be alone forever. It’s your first relationship. And either way, being someone’s girlfriend or boyfriend or whoever, doesn’t make you better than if you were single.

CINDERELLA: Pfft- yes it does- you need someone to complete you! That’s ridiculous-

JONES: This whole “you need someone to complete you” is just just crap that Hollywood and Disney-

CINDERELLA: (Gasps)

JONES: -brainwash us with. That we’re not worth anything unless we’re in a couple.

CINDERELLA: I’m not brainwashed! (Jones has planted a seed of doubt into Cinderella’s brain)... (She is totally in a daze, thinking about her life, wondering if she is brainwashed.)

ELLA: That’s too real.

JONES: I have to go to the theatre and talk to Mr. Hernandez before next period. (Jones packs up their stuff.)

ELLA: Um okay, well, I guess I will see you tomorrow night at the dance?

JONES: Sure. Later. (Jones exits quickly and picks up her phone to call Ray)

ELLA: I can’t believe they’re dating someone and I didn’t even know.

JONES: (Walking away, on the phone to Ray) Hey babe. Yeah I told her- she asked me like one question and then two minutes later she’s just talking about him again... (Jones walks off stage.)

CINDERELLA: (Lost in her own thoughts) Sorry hun, what did you say?

ELLA: Nothing. Are you like, okay?

CINDERELLA: (Putting on her Cinderella smile) Of course! We need to go find you a dress! (Cinderella leaves and Ella runs after her)

ELLA: Wait up!

TRANSITION 5:

AUDIENCE 2: Wow. Jones got real.

AUDIENCE 1: They’re right! We’re told we’re not complete unless we date someone.

AUDIENCE 3: Yeah, like you’re a better person if you’re in a relationship.

AUDIENCE 1: And if you ARE in a relationship, you should stay in it, even if it’s not working because that’s better than being single.

NARRATOR: (Very sad.) I’ve never been in a relationship and it makes me feel like there’s something wrong with me.

AUDIENCE 3: Oh, Narrator! There’s nothing wrong with you!

AUDIENCE 2: Yeah, Jones is saying that’s not true! That’s just a lie being told to us!

NARRATOR: I guess you’re right. Ok! Back to our story. (Flips through book to find their place.) Later that same day....

SCENE 5 (Channing and Grayson are at the gym after basketball practice running sprints. Prince Charming is there too, trying to keep up, but keeps fixing his outfit. Channing takes a pic with Grayson while Prince Charming tries to get into the photo:)

CHANNING: #AfterPracticeSprints #TigersRule #CaptainAlwaysWins #ComeAtMeBro

GRAYSON: #CaptainAlwaysWins! Pssh. You are totally slow bruh. You haven’t been running with me in the mornings.

CHANNING: I know sorry, been so busy lately.

GRAYSON: Yeah I know, with Cinderella.

PRINCE CHARMING: (To Channing) I beg your pardon! (He begins to step to Channing like he is going to fight him.)

CHANNING: (To Prince Charming) Chill! He means Ella! (To Grayson) Stop calling her that.

PRINCE CHARMING: (Moves back and laughs haughtily) Ah yes of course.

GRAYSON: Chill dude, its a joke.

CHANNING: It’s not funny. Man, I don’t even know whats going on with us, everything’s so messed up right now.

PRINCE CHARMING: But not for long! You will win her back!

GRAYSON: You don’t want to be with a girl like that man, she’s too much of a freak. And if she’s friends with that girlboy or whatever, you know her gay best friend- she’s probably gay too.

PRINCE CHARMING: Are you going to let him speak like that about your lady?

CHANNING: I- uh,- uh-

GRAYSON: You’re the captain dude, you need to be dating like the perfect girl, you know?

CHANNING: (Angrily) I can date whoever I want.

GRAYSON: I’m not the only one who thinks this, I’m just a good enough friend that I tell you what the rest of the guys say behind your back.

CHANNING: Well, they should say it to my face!

GRAYSON: Jeez someone’s on her period.

CHANNING: Shut up Grayson. No wonder girls hate you.

GRAYSON: Whoa chill, what’s with the attitude? And girls don’t hate me. In fact, if stuff doesn’t work out between you and Cind- ELLA, I got a lotta girls on speed dial who would love to ease your pain tomorrow night after you dump Cinderella.

PRINCE CHARMING: He’s not going to dump her!

CHANNING: (Directs this to both Grayson and Prince Charming) I don’t know what’s gonna happen, but I’m not doing anything just because someone else tells me to do it.

GRAYSON: Whatever dude. You need to step up and be a role model for the team, that’s what captains do. I need to go shower and get home for dinner. See you tomorrow night, homo. (Grayson tosses Channing the ball and exits)

CHANNING: (Frustratedly throws his towel on the ground.) I never tell him to stop when he says that crap! I gotta tell him he can’t say stuff like that, the homo crap and when he’s making fun of Jones.

PRINCE CHARMING: Be brave! Be daring!

CHANNING: You know, that is like your first piece of good advice. (They grab their stuff and exit)

TRANSITION 6

NARRATOR: The next night, it was finally time for the dance.

AUDIENCE 2: This is getting INTENSE.

AUDIENCE 1: Yeah, I actually feel kinda bad for Jones, even Grayson although he says some really awful stuff, it seems like they’re losing their best friends since Ella and Channing started dating.

AUDIENCE 2: I dunno, friendships change, it seems like they’re just growing apart from each other.

AUDIENCE 1: I think Ella and Channing might stay together- Channing knows he needs to stand up more to his friends and Ella’s realizing she can’t walk out in the middle of conversations because Cinderella keeps doing that to her!

AUDIENCE 3: THEY HAVE TO STAY TOGETHER! EVERYONE HAS TO STAY TOGETHER! That’s why Cinderella and Prince Charming are here- to make sure they don’t break up!

NARRATOR: Shh! Just watch!

SCENE 6

(Ella and Cinderella are getting ready for the prom in Ella’s room. Ella is taking a selfie)

ELLA: #GettingReady4TheDance

CINDERELLA: Oooh! Aren’t you excited? A ball! I love a ball. It’s going to be magical and romantic and Channing and you will get back together and dance the night away!

ELLA: Why do you care so much if I get back together with Channing?

CINDERELLA: Because! It’s my job. I’m Cinderella!

ELLA: Yeah, but WHY?

CINDERELLA: (Stops and thinks.) Well, because if you break up with Channing, if anyone breaks up with their first love... then-

ELLA: Then what?

CINDERELLA: Well then, most of my life is based on a lie.

ELLA: What do you mean?

CINDERELLA: My entire existence is about “Happily Ever After” and “the one.” Charming is the first person I had feelings for, so he was “the one.”

ELLA: Yeah it’s really easy to get caught up in a relationship...

CINDERELLA: Yes, it is. (Pause) Can I ask you something?

ELLA: Sure.

CINDERELLA: Does Channing ever tell you you can’t spend time with your friends?

ELLA: No, he doesn’t do that. But one of my friend’s boyfriends used to do that. And when she would hang out with us, he would like call her all the time to see where she was. It was not okay- he would like freak out if she didn’t call him back in five minutes. And it’s weird because everyone thought it was romantic?

CINDERELLA: Well, it’s a little romantic, right? It makes sense that he doesn’t want me to spend time with other people, he wants me all to himself!

ELLA: You should get to decide who you spend your time with- not him.

CINDERELLA: I should? I should! You’re right. Wow. I just feel like I don’t even know what’s real anymore. I’m scared that Jones is right- that you don’t need someone to complete you. If that’s true then, maybe I am with the wrong person because I thought I had to be with the first person I met- What if he’s just the “first one”? You know? (She shudders at the thought and tries to reassure herself) No! It has to be real. Soul mates, love at first sight! The one! Happily ever after! What if everything I believe is just a lie Ella? What if it’s all a fairy tale!

ELLA: Uhh.. well…

CINDERELLA: (Takes a breath to calm herself down. Ella sits awkwardly not knowing what to do or say.) You want to know a secret?

ELLA: Suuure...

CINDERELLA: (Whispers inaudibly) He is rude to the maids.

ELLA: Huh?

CINDERELLA: The maids. He’s rude to them. He just thinks they were born to pick up after him. He doesn’t even know their names! I used to be a maid. And whenever I try to talk to him about it, he just says “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” And you know, I thought it was sweet because he doesn’t want me to worry and he thinks I have a pretty little head- but I’m more than pretty, you know? And my head’s not so little! (Exclaims) Should I break up with him?

ELLA: What?!

CINDERELLA: I just never even thought about it as a possibility before, you know? I think Jones was right, I have been brainwashed and you both have helped me see that I am living in a fantasy!

ELLA: Well you are Cinderella...

CINDERELLA: I could be single and I would be ok! I could meet somebody else, and that would be ok! And the same for you Ella!

ELLA: What?

CINDERELLA: We don’t HAVE to be with anyone! If we want to we can, but it doesn’t make us better people to be in a couple! Especially if that couple doesn’t make us happy. Does Channing make you happy?

ELLA: I- uh- I...

CINDERELLA: Come on let’s move it sister! Before I lose my nerve! (She grabs Ella) (They exit.)

TRANSITION 7

NARRATOR: (Flipping through the book) This isn’t in my book!

ALL AUDIENCE: What?

NARRATOR: That’s not supposed to happen! Everyone is supposed to stay together!

AUDIENCE 2: Yeeeeees! Cinderella has gone rogue!

AUDIENCE 3: Is there still going to be a happy ending?

NARRATOR: (Flipping through the book) Something has gone very, very wrong!

AUDIENCE 1: Well let’s just see what happens!

NARRATOR: Oh this is bad- this is very bad! I can’t believe this is happening! (Channing and Grayson walk into the dance, followed by Prince Charming)

ALL AUDIENCE: (Pointing at the guys) SHHH!!!

AUDIENCE 2: They’re finally at the dance!

SCENE 7

GRAYSON: So where’s Ella?

PRINCE CHARMING: Yes, you must go find her and then you’ll have your happily ever after!

CHANNING: (Shoots Charming a glare, telling him to quit it, then to Grayson) I haven’t seen her yet.

(Jones and Ray walk in)

GRAYSON: Oh my god, look at the freak show that just walked in.

CHANNING: C’mon Grayson, be cool.

GRAYSON: (Walks up to Jones and Ray) Hey, just so you know Halloween was like 3 months ago.

JONES: Then this must be so embarrassing for you!

RAY: Yeah, why are you dressed like that? (Jones and Ray laugh and hold hands.)

GRAYSON: Whatever, you’re so gay.

JONES: Wow, babe, he knows what we are!

RAY: He’s a genius! (points to the floor) And this is the floor.

JONES: (Laughing) Yeah and that’s a door and over there is a table.

CHANNING: (Puts his arm on Grayson’s shoulder) Come on Grayson, leave them alone.

GRAYSON: (Shrugs Channing’s arm off aggressively) Are you serious right now?

JONES: Channing, we don’t need you to protect us.

(Ella walks in, Cinderella follows)

CHANNING: Jones, c’mon.

GRAYSON: Yeah, shut up lezbo!

CHANNING: No, you shut up Grayson! Don’t talk to them like that!

(Ella and Channing make eye contact.)

RAY: Let’s go Jones (Jones and Ray start to leave.)

GRAYSON: Yeah go ahead and leave, people don’t want you here.

(Channing pulls Grayson away, PC and Cinderella leave to go talk)

ELLA: (Goes after Jones) Wait, Jones, are you okay?

RAY: They’re fine.

JONES: I’m fine. We’re fine.

ELLA: Hey, you must be Ray! I’m Ella, it’s nice to meet you. (Extends her hand to Ray)

RAY: (Not that excited to meet Ella, she doesn’t shake Ella’s hand and gives a weak wave) Hey. (Puts her hand on Jones’s shoulder) Babe, I’ll go get in line at the photo booth- meet me there? (Jones nods and Ray turns to exit)

SCENE 8

ELLA: Wooow, she does not like me.

JONES: She doesn’t know you.

ELLA: Why does she hate me so much?

JONES: (Exasperated at how oblivious Ella is) Because!

ELLA: (Surprised) Because why?

JONES: Because ever since you started dating Channing, you’ve been a crappy friend! I barely see you and when I do see you, all you talk about is your boyfriend.

ELLA: Jones, come on. It’s not like you make it easy. You won’t hang out with him, it’s like you’ve been making me choose between you two.

JONES: I don’t like his friends!

ELLA: I’m not asking you to hang out with his friends!

JONES: I shouldn’t have to hang out with him in order to see you. I’m just someone you call when your boyfriend pisses you off.

ELLA: I’m sorry.

JONES: You always say sorry, but you don’t DO anything. You avoid any kind of conflict. Like, just now, you talk all this talk about how you have my back, but when it came down to it, you were silent when Grayson said all that stuff to me and Ray. “Prince Channing” actually did a better job standing up for me and Ray than you did. Even if he did get all “Knight in shining armor” about it

ELLA: I can’t believe you’re making fun of him when he just stood up for you like that.

JONES: Sure, he did one nice thing, but how many times has he done nothing?! How many times has Channing laughed along with his friends when they say stuff about me because he didn’t want to upset his “bros”?

ELLA: Well, would you rather he said nothing? He changed. And it’s complicated, it’s hard to call out people you’ve been best friends with for a long time.

JONES: Yeah I know how hard it is to have difficult conversations with your friends who you’ve known forever. (Takes a deep breath.) I think, I think we need to stop hanging out.

ELLA: What?

JONES: At least for now. It just feels like-

ELLA: -Like our lives are really different now.

JONES: Yeah. Exactly. I feel like you don’t get me anymore.

(Ella laughs)

JONES: Why are you laughing?

ELLA: I was just gonna say the same thing.

(They smile at each other. There is a long pause.)

JONES: Well, I should go find Ray. I hope your night gets better.

ELLA: Yeah, you too.

(Jones walks off and Ella watches them go. She stands for a moment in shock and then looks around and realizes Cinderella isn’t there)

ELLA: Oh crap, where did that Disney princess go? (Ella runs to go look for her.)

SCENE 9

CHANNING: (Shoves Grayson) What is your problem dude?

GRAYSON: MY problem? (Shoves him back) Why didn’t you have my back when those lesbians were making fun of me?

CHANNING: Because you were being such an-- (stops himself- takes a deep breath- doesn’t want to stoop to Grayson’s level) You were totally out of line back there with Jones and Ray. You don’t get to judge people- it’s not okay-

GRAYSON: You’re just mad ‘cus you know your girl Ella’s gay too.

CHANNING: Stop acting like being gay is bad! It’s not!

GRAYSON: So you’re saying she is? OOOH! You’re girlfriend’s GAAAAY!

CHANNING: Why do I still hang out with you?! (Turns to walk away)

GRAYSON: Whatever, dude, you’re turning into such a homo.

(They look at each other intensely- like they’re gonna fight.)

CHANNING: I’m talking to coach on Monday and telling him about all of this.

GRAYSON: WHAT? Channing-

CHANNING: I’m done with you. You can’t act like this.

GRAYSON: Dude, he could bench me.

CHANNING: I hope he does.

GRAYSON: The team’s gonna turn on you- I’m our best point guard.

CHANNING: It doesn’t mean you get to run around being such a jerk. You can’t treat people like they’re less than you just because they’re different. See you Monday.

(GRAYSON looks at him with a lot of anger, tenses his fists and then walks out in a huff. Channing takes a deep breath and relaxes. He looks around and realizes Charming is nowhere to be found)

CHANNING: Oh crap, where did “his highness” go?!

(Channing runs to exit, searching for Charming)

SCENE 10 (Cinderella and Prince Charming enter.)

CINDERELLA: Good evening. (Curtsies)

CHARMING: Good evening. (Bows)

(An awkward pause.)

CHARMING: Is everything all right my darling? You seem strange...

CINDERELLA: (Finally can’t contain it anymore.) You’re mean to the maids.

CHARMING: What?

CINDERELLA: You’re mean! To Cynthia and Fiona, not that you even know their names.

CHARMING: They’re maids- stop worrying your pretty little-

CINDERELLA: I was a maid. Do you know what it feels like to watch you treat them like they’re not even people?

CHARMING: Where is this coming from?

CINDERELLA: Me! It’s coming from me. Our trip has really made me think.

CHARMING: Oh here we go...

CINDERELLA: You are not my one true love.

CHARMING: (Angry) What? But I give you shoes! I buy you gifts! This is happily ever after!

CINDERELLA: No it’s not.

CHARMING: You can’t leave me! I’m a prince!

CINDERELLA: (Looks at him with disgust) You can’t tell me what to do! (Cinderella starts to walk away)

CHARMING: Cinderella! Don’t walk away from me while I’m talking to you! (He tries to grab her arm)

CINDERELLA: (She swats at him) Stop it! Don’t touch me without asking!

CHARMING:(Confused) Can I touch you?

CINDERELLA: NO! You cannot! Now, excuse me, but I am going to go dance now, by myself. (She takes off her shoes and runs off. Charming looks heartrbroken)

CHARMING: CINDERELLA!!!! I don’t understand- this is how things are- this is how things have always been! WHAT DID I DO WRONG?!

SCENE 11 (Channing and Ella are both walking, feeling pretty upset about their friend break ups. They are on their phones, tweeting)

ELLA: #IsItPatheticToBeAtADanceTotallyAlone?

CHANNING: #TotallyOverDudeBros #AthletesDon’tNeed2BJerks

(They look up and see each other.)

CHANNING: Hey.

ELLA: Hey.

(Pause)

CHANNING: I broke up with Grayson.

ELLA: What a coincidence, Jones and I just sort of broke up too.

CHANNING: Ouch.

ELLA: It’s ok actually- we’re just really not understanding each other right now.

CHANNING: Well, I think I understand Grayson- and I really don’t like him.

ELLA: I’m sorry I said you were like him. You’re not.

CHANNING: That’s ok, I should have said something to him sooner. I’m sorry I didn’t.

(Cinderella dances on stage by herself and the both watch her go.)

ELLA: This has been a very strange day.

CHANNING: For real.

ELLA: Do you want to go somewhere private so we can talk?

CHANNING: Ella Martinez wants to talk?

ELLA: Yes she does.

CHANNING: And you’re not gonna leave in the middle of it when it gets hard? Or change the subject?

ELLA: No- I will stay for the whole conversation.

CHANNING: It’s fine if you need a breather- just tell me instead bailing.

ELLA: Deal.

(They walk out, standing close but not touching.)

CINDERELLA: Remember, you don’t have to stay together! Only if you want to!

(Cinderella dances her self off stage. Prince Charming comes running on after her.)

CHARMING: Cinderella! I’m sorry! Please! I’ll learn the maids’ names! Just please come back to me! (He chases after Cinderella and the stage is left empty.)

TRANSITION 8

NARRATOR: (Flipping through the book- waiting for something else to happen- they call on stage-) Hello! Hello! Anyone?! Is anyone coming back on stage!? That’s how it ends?! We don’t even know if they get back together?!

AUDIENCE 2: That’s obviously not the point.

AUDIENCE 3: Yeah they’re going to figure it out themselves, without all of these other people telling them what to think about each other!

NARRATOR: BUT I NEED TO KNOW! Were they each other’s one true loves?

AUDIENCE 1: Oh my god, seriously? Were you even listening?

NARRATOR: But do they live happily ever after?!?!

AUDIENCE 3: Wow, you really didn’t get it!