The Outsiders

Based on the novel By S.E. HintonAdapted by Nicole (Coco) Roberge and Zelda Coertze Based on the stage adaptation by Christopher Sergel

Characters GreasersPonyboy Curtis:Sodapop Curtis:Darry Curtis:Johnny Cade:Two-Bit Matthews: Stevie Randal:Dallas Winston:Sandy:Paula/Johnny’s Mom:Marty/Beth of Windrixville:Penny:Linda/Barb of Windrixville: Jimmy/Wil of Windrixville:Dot/Sharon of Windrixville: Lilly: GeorginaMrs. O’Brian/Mrs. Smith:

The SocsBob:Randy Anderson: Cherry Valance:Marcia:Betty/Waitress (Darla of Windrixville): Douglas/ Sparky of Windrixville: David/ Doctor Miller: Nurse/Nancy/ Bonnie of Windrixville: Fred/Arthur of Windrixville: Miss Simms/Donna: Jean/Margaret: Roger: Jeff Brenda/Ruth of Windrixville: Dennis /Larry of Windrixville:

1

A Dark and empty stage. Lights come up. Ponyboy enters and speaks to the audience.

Pony: When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home. I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman- he looks tough and I don’t. I had a long walk home and no company, but I usually lone it anyway. I like to watch movies undisturbed so I can get into them and live then with the actors. I’m different that way. I mean, my second oldest brother, Soda, never cracks a book at all and my oldest brother, Darry, works too hard to be interested in a picture or a story- I’m not like them. So I lone it. And I’m a Greaser. Greasers can’t walk alone too much or they get jumped by Socs. I’m not sure how you spell that but it’s short for Socials- the jet set kids, the rich kids. (the sound of an approaching car) greasers are almost like hoods; we steal things and drive old souped up cars and fight once in a while. I’m not saying that either Socs or Greasers are better; that’s just the way things are. And I don’t do those things! Darry would kill me if I got in trouble with the cops. (sound of car stopping, doors open and close.) Since Mom and Dad were killed in an auto wreck, us three get to stay together long as we behave.

(Randy and Bob and Douglas enter. They surround Pony)Bob: Hey Grease. Randy: How come you’re all by yourself, Grease? Pony: Stay away from me.Randy: Not to safe for your to be out here all alone.Pony: Leave me alone. Bob: Need a haircut, Grease?Douglas: We’re gonna do you a favour…Randy: Gonna cut it real close… (Bob flips out a blade)Bob: How’d you like the haircut to start just below the chinPony: Are you crazy! Soda! Darry! Bob: shut him up.Randy: Teach him not to lone it.Douglas: I see some guys…Bob: Okay, Greaser…Randy: Cool it Bob! Company! Douglas: We’ve go companyRandy: let’s go.(they run off as Soda and Darry run on. Darry grabs Pony and is shaking him)Soda: Pony!Darry: You all right, Pony? Tell me!!

2

Pony: I’m okay! Quit shaking me, Darry.Darry: They didn’t hurt ya, did they? Soda: He’s okay. Pony: Come on, Darry. (Darry lets go. Soda is down on the ground with Pony. Stevie, Dallas Two-Bit and Greasers enter) Soda: You got cut up a little, huh, Pony?Pony: I did? (Darry stands up, looks in the direction the Socs went. Johnny and Marty enter. Pony is trying to hide his tears.)Soda: Easy, easy- they aint gonna hurt you no more. Pony: Just a little spooked. Soda: You’re okay…(helps Pony stand)Darry: (to the gang) Didja see em? Dallas: They got away this time.Two-Bit: Tuff car though. Marty: Wasn’t the blue Mustang, was it? Two-Bit: Corvair. Penny: Yeah, tuff car. Wish I had one. Pony: (to Two-Bit) I didn’t know you were out of the cooler yet, Dally.Dallas: Good behaviour- got off early. Stevie: Pony, what were you doin walking by your lonesome? Linda: Yeah, you know we can’t go doing that. Damn Socs…. Pony: I was coming home from the movies. I didn’t think. Darry: You don’t ever thing. Not at home or anywhere it counts. You gotta be thinkin at school with those good grades by do you ever use your head for common sense? No sir.Soda: Leave em alone, ya hear? Darry: When I want my kid brother to tell me what to do with my other kid brother, I’ll ask you- kid brother. Two-Bit: Next time get one of us to go with you Ponyboy, any of us will. Mary: I’ll go! Just ask!Jimmy: Yeah! Me too! I’d love a reason to get outta the house and I’m not scared of no Soc. Dally: Speaking of movies, I’m walking over to the Nightly Double tomorrow night. Anybody wanna come? Always tons of cute girls there.Darry: No time. Working. Linda: You’re just always workin’ aren’t cha? Darry: Like I got a choice. Stevie: Me and Soda are pickin up Paula and Sandy for the game.(Paula and Sandy and Marty enter) Paula: Oh really… says who?

3

Soda: Sandy! (goes to her and greets her)Marty: Hi PaulaSandy: What’s going in round here?Penny: Ah, Ponyboy was just…Pony: Nothin! Marty: Nothin but a bunch of Socs being where they shouldn’tSoda: We’ll get ‘em next time.Paula: You better. Heard you broke up with ol’ Sylvia again, Dallas?Dallas: The little broad was two-timing be while I was in jail. Paula: That’s no excuse for treating a girl-Marty: (elbows Paul) Shh. It’s Dallas Winston. Dallas: So tomorrow night- wanna come, Pony? Johnny? Pony Me and Johnny’ll go, okay, Darry?Darry: (as Dallas exits) Since it ain’t a school night. Paula: What’s this about some dumb game? Stevie: Come on, Paula…Two-Bit: Maybe I’ll walk over and find y’all. We’ll see how the night goes.Darry: (to Soda and Pony) If I ever catch you two drinking..Sandy: Soda gets drunk on just plain livin’! (they smile at each other)Two-Bit: I think I’m gonna barf. (starts to leave) Come on, Marty. Marty: (starts to leave) LaterPony: Goin home, Johnny-Cake? Johnny: I dunnoTwo-Bit: Come on, we’ll walk you right to your door. (he starts to go)Marty: last one there’s a rotten egg! (she runs ahead) (the gang exits except for Darry, Pony, Soda and Sandy)

Darry: (looking towards their home) Pony, homework. Come on. (starts to go)Pony: (to Sandy and Soda) Remember how Johnny looked when he got beat up? Why do the Socs hate us so much? Sandy: That’s just how is. We’re Greasers. (shaking his head, Pony follows Darry) Sandy: Gotta get home before Mama loses it. She’s been on a real tear lately. Soda: Tomorrow? Sandy: I don’t want to miss the game tomorrow.Soda: Wouldn’t miss it for anything. Pick you up at home? Sandy: (shakes her head) Better meet me. I’ll be at the Dingo. (She exits)

(The Curtis home)

4

Soda: what’s the name if that book your gotta read?Pony: Great Expectations. (passes Soda the book) Soda, Sandy’s nice. I like her. Soda: That’s good. She doesn’t have it easy, with school and work and nothing but trouble at home. Pony: Everybody’s got trouble at home. (pause) Soda?Soda: yeah?Pony: How come you dropped outta school? Soda: I told ya. Cause I’m dumb. The only things I was passing were mechanics and gym. Pony: You’re not dumb. Soda: I am. Now shut up and I’ll tell you something. Don’t tell Darry.Pony: Okay.Soda: I think I’m gonna marry Sandy. I might wait till you get outta school thought. Pony: You gotta keep Darry off my case. Soda: Don’t be like that- I told you he don’t mean half the things he says. He’s just got more worries than somebody his age ought to. He’s proud of you cause you’re so brainy. He loves you. Pony: Sure.Soda: Better finish up that homework.Pony: You in love with Sandy? What’s it like? Soda: It’s real nice.

(Soda exits. LX fade on Pony. “Gloria” by Van Morrison fades up. LX cross fade to benches at the Drive In. Greasers and Socs come in with popcorn and drinks, sit on benches and getting ready to watch the movie- the 4th wall. Greasers and Socs play out silent scenes throughout the following.)

Jimmy: Come on! We’ll just sneak in! Linda: Are you outta your mind?! If I get busted sneakin in again they’ll ban me for life! What’s life if ya can’t go to the movies? Jimmy: You’re such a baby! Linda: Am not! Jimmy: Are too! Or are you a Soc? Too fancy to sneak in? Gonna ruin your new sweater vest? Dot: Shut up, both of you! Or we’ll get busted for real. There’s an attendant right there! Jimmy: Such a wet rag! Dot: Shhh! The movie’s about to start!

(Sound of the movie starting.)

5

Nancy: I really need another soda to wash down all this popcorn. (getting up) Do you need anything else? Brenda: Some more Starbursts and another soda, oh! and some Astro Pops, please. Nancy: Brenda, you have enough candy for a week! Brenda: (looking down at the candy on her lap) Okay, maybe just the Astro Pops then. (Nancy goes and comes back a while later with a soda and Astro Pops)

Cherry: (entering from DS, from the edge of the playing space, looking off) Go home! Both of you! Marcia: Dry out! (they go sit on a bench. Betty enters) Betty: I don’t know how you deal with those two. They aren’t even my boyfriends and I’m furious. (she sits on the bench) (Dallas, Pony and Johnny enter swiping at the front of their clothes to get the dirt off)Dallas: What took ya so long? Johnny: Why couldn’t we just pay? I got a bleedin’ quarter.Pony: You know he hates doin things legal. (they look for seats and walk over)

Marcia: You really made them mad.Cherry: You object? Betty: Bob and Randy can be so disgusting when they drink.Cherry: They need to be taught a lesson.Marcia: (nods) We came to see a movie…Cherry: So we’ll see a movie. Betty: “Bikinis on Muscle Beach”Cherry: Must be something by J. D. Salinger.Marcia: Really? Betty: Marcia! (They laugh. Dallas is right behind them) Dallas: Is this hair real or what? (leans forward) Wanna check if I’m real?Marcia: Watch the picture. (Dallas puts his feet up on their bench. Pony faintly protests) Pony: Dallas…Dallas: I’ll show em some Muscle Beach (rolls up his t-shirt and flexes his arm)Cherry: Get your feet off my seat and shut your trap. Dallas: Who’s gonna make me? Betty: That’s the greaser who jockeys sometimes. Dallas: I’ve seen you around rodeos…Cherry: It’s a shame you can’t ride bull half as good as you talk it. Dallas: Barrel racers, huh?Betty: Leave us alone-Marcia: or we’ll call the cops.

6

Dallas: My my my, you’ve got me scared to death. Guess what I’ve been in for.Betty: Why don’t you be nice and leave us alone.Dallas: I’m never nice. (he gets up and exits) Cherry: Get lost, hood! (she turns to Pony) You gonna start tooPony: No. Cherry: You don’t look the type.Betty: What’s your names? Pony: This here’s Johnny Cade an I’m Ponyboy Curtis. Betty: That’s on original! Pony: My dad was an original. Marcia: Don’t you have a brother named Sodapop? Works at the DX station.(Pony nods)Cherry: Boy, your brother’s a real doll. Shoulda known you were brothers. I’m Sherry but people call me Cherry-Betty: cause her hair-Sherry: and this is Marcia. Johnny: We know. Pony: We go to the same school.(Dallas enters with 4 Cokes)Dallas: Johnnycake, Pony- for you. (handing Marcia a soda) and for the redhead, this might cool you off. Cherry: I won’t drink it if I was starving in the desertDallas: Fiery, huh? That’s the way I like em. (He sits down next to the girls and puts his arms around them. Johnny stands up suddenly.) Johnny: Leave her alone, Dallas. Dallas: huh? What’d you say boy? Johnny: You heard me. Leave her alone. (Dallas wants to punch him but can’t. he sticks his hands in his pockets and exits. Johnny exhales.)Cherry: Thanks. He had me a little scared. Johnny: You sure didn’t show it. Nobody talks to Dallas Winston like that. Cherry: From what I saw, you do.Betty: Y’all sit up here with us…Pony: Sure. (look at each other) Might as well. Cherry: I’ve heard about Dallas Winston. Betty: He looks mean.Johnny: He’s okay- he’s just tough.Marcia: Our dates, they brought booze and…Pony: and you didn’t wannaBetty: (to Cherry) You really made ‘em mad.Cherry: I don’t care.

7

(Two-Bit has entered, sneaking up on the rest)Two-Bit: Okay Greasers, you’ve had it. (Johnny and Pony gasp, Johnny’s eyes close tight and he shakes. Two-Bit laughs)Pony: Glory, Two-Bit! You wanna scare us to death?!Two-Bit: Hey Johnny- it was a jokeJohnny: (opening his eyes) Hey…Two-Bit: Who’s this? Your great aunts?Betty: Great grandmothers twice removed. Two-Bit: Shoot! You’re 96 if you’re a day!Betty: I’m a night. (smiles at the other girls- proud of her joke)Two-Bit: Sharp. How could you girls be picked up by a coupla hoods?Cherry: We kinda picked them up.Johhny: Dallas was bothering them. Marcia: Cherry, how are we going to get home?Two-Bit: I’ll walk you!Cherry: it’s twenty milesJohnny: It’s still earlyMarcia: This movie’s dumb anyway. Cherry: Let’s start out. Marcia: (to Betty) Aren’t we adventurous. (Two-Bit, Marcia, Betty, Cherry and Johnny exit) Cherry (to Pony): I’ll bet you thin us Socs got it real easy. (Pony shugs) Cherry: You read a lot, don’t you?Pony: Yeah, why? Cherry: And I bet you watch sunsets. (Pony nods) I used to watch them too before I got so busy. (they exit)

(sounds of the movie ending. Movie goers start to pack up and look for people to chat with.)

Linda: Ugh! I hate Cliff-hangers! Dot: Were you watching? That was no cliff-hanger! Linda: It’s hard to hear from out here. Jimmy: Maybe next time we can watch from inside.

(transition to street. Other movie goers exit and take benches with them. The sound of an approaching car. Enter Marcia, Cherry, Betty, Johnny, Pony, Two-Bit, Stevie)

Marcia: Look who’s coming

8

Johnny: (To Pony) It’s the blue Mustang…Pony: The Guy with the rings? Stevie: Who is it, the FBI?Cherry: No, it’s our boyfriends in Bob’s car. Johnny: Your boyfriends?(sound of car gets louder and car stops. Doors open and close. Bob, Randy, Fred and Socs enter.)

Bob: Cherry, Marcia?Fred: What the hell are you doing? Randy: You’re makin a big deal our of nothing! Just because we like to have a little fun…Cherry: a little? Fred: Come on. Don’t be a square.Bob: Now look, Cherry….Randy: (to Marcia) Baby…Cherry: No, you look! I told you…Bob: That’s no reason to be walking with these…Two-Bit: These what? (they shove each other. Two-Bit takes out a blade and passes it to Pony)Bob: Vermin. (Fred laughs. Bob waves his fists at them showing off his many big rings)Johnny: (quietly to Pony) It was him. The night I…. It was him.Marcia: Cool off, guys! Randy: They think they can pick up our girls? We got two more guys in the back seat. (Two-Bit and Bob are circling each other.)Two-Bit: Then pity the back seat. (Bob turns and advances on Johnny and Pony while Randy grabs Two-Bit. Stevie and Fred stare at each other for a moment.) Fred: (to Bob) Teach em a lesson!Cherry: Touch that kid and I call the police!Bob: You’ll what? Betty: Back off, guys. Bob: You wouldn’t dare.Cherry: I don’t want a fight. So we’ll ride home with you. But first- you go sit in the car and you wait.Bob: Wait? Cherry: You wait til we come over.Stevie: Hey, we ain’t scared of them. Marcia: I can’t stand fights. I just can’t stand them.Cherry: (to Bob) yes or no?

9

Bob: We’ll wait one minute. (starts to leave. To Pony) you think I’ll let a little grease get away with walking my girl?Cherry: Bob, wait in the car. I said I’ll be along in a minute. Randy: See ya (Socs exit)Cherry: (to Pony) If I see you in the hall at school and don’t say hi, it’s not personal. It’s- Pony: the way things are. Cherry: We couldn’t even let our parents see us with you. Pony: I know. Just don’t forget, some of us watch sunsets too. Betty: Let’s not push that one minute warning. Cherry: I better go. I hope I never see your friends Dallas Winston again. I might fall in love with him. How’d that be for trouble. (the Socs girls exit in the same direction the Soc boys went. Two-Bit takes a piece of paper out of his pocket and rips it up.)

Johnny: What’s that?Two-Bit: Marcia’s number. I musta been outta my mind. I’m gonna go. See you on the flip side. (he exits)Pony & Johnny: ByePony: I’m really gald we didn’t have to fight. Johnny: I couldn’t take it again. I’d rather.. I dunno…Pony: Don’t talk like that JohnnycakeJohnny: I gotta do something. Maybe I’ll sleep here in the park tonight. Listen to the water in the little fountain like it’s a waterfall some place in the mountains. There ought to be someplace without greasers or Socs- with just people. Pony: like out in the country. We used to drive out there with the whole family.Johnny: I walk in my house and nobody says anything. I walk out, nobody says anything. Like they don’t know who I am- or don’t care.Pony: Shoot, you got the whole gang.Johnny: It’s not like having your folks care about you. Pony: (to the audience) Johnny went to sleep right away. In my dream, I brought Mom and Dad back to life. Mom’d bake things and Dad would drive the pick-up out early to feed cattle. Hi mom was golden and beautiful. I woke up with a start. (He hops up in a panic and runs off. Cross fade to the Curtis home)

(Pony comes into the house)

Darry: Pony! (he drops the newspaper he was reading. Soda is sleeping.) Where the heck have you been? Do you know what time it is? (Pony shakes his head) Well it’s two in the morning, kiddo. Another hour and I would have bad the police out after you. Where were you? Where in the almighty universe were you?

10

Pony: I- I went to sleep in the lot. Darry: You what?Soda: Hey Ponyboy, where ya been?Pony: I didn’t mean to. I was talking to Johnny and we both dropped off.Darry: It never occurred to you that your bothers might be worrying their heads off and afraid to call the police because it might get you thrown in a boys’ home so quickly it’d make your head spin- and you’re asleep in the lot! What’s the matter with you!?Pony: I said I didn’t mean to!Darry: I didn’t mean to! I didn’t think! I forgot! That’s all I hear out of you. Can’t you think of anything!? Soda: Darry, hey- Darry-Darry: You keep your smart mouth shut. I’m sick and tired of hearing you stick up for him.Pony: Don’t yell at him! (Pony pulls at Darry. Darry swings around and hits Pony. Gasps. Silence. Darry looks at his hand then at Pony.)Darry: Ponyboy. (Pony turns and runs out) I didn’t mean to! Pony!

(A rhythmic drum beat created by the cast begins. Pony is running out of the house and to the park. There he finds Johnny cornered by Douglas and David. Fred and Dennis are egging them on. Randy and Bob and approaching. They get to Pony before he can get to Johnny. Nancy and Brenda enter, look at what’s happening, react and leave before things get too serious.)

Pony: Johnny!Johnny: Pony! Watch out!David: (pushing Johnny out from behind the fountain with Douglas.) Here they are, boys! (Fred and Dennis get involved- taking things from Pony and Johnny’s pockets, egging the other on etc.) Douglas: How about a repeat performance?Randy: The fountain? Pony: No!Bob: Take a drink, Grease! Johnny: Stop it! Randy: Just a little dip!Johnny: stop it! Don’t! (Johnny breaks free. He sees Bob is shoving Pony into the fountain head first. He’s trying to get up- slowly )Randy: Okay, Bob, maybe that’s enough… (Fred and Dennis exit) David: Easy up buddy! Let’s get outta here. (Douglas and David exit quickly ) Bob: Not so cool now, are you!?

11

Randy: Alright, Bob- let’em go!

(Johnny is now standing. LX out on the actors. Cyc lights in purple create silhouettes and the light turns from purple to red as Johnny flicks open a blade. Black out. We hear Johnny scream as he changes Bob. The drum beat peeks in intensity. A moment of silence. LX up and the cyc is purple. Randy is gone. Bob is dead on the ground. Johnny is rocking himself. Pony is choking and coughing on the ground near the fountain.)

Pony: Johnny? Johnnycake? What happened? Johnny: (slowly) I killed him. (they both look at Bob, then at the blade. Johnny closes it and puts it in his pocket) Pony: I think I’m gonna be sick. This can’t be happening! They put people in the electric chair for killin people! Whatarewegonnado!? Dallas: (appearing out of the shadows) First thing- you’re gonna keep your mouths shut. Johnny: Dallas! Dallas: I heard the Socs were cruising our neighbourhood. Didn’t quite expect this.Johnny: they were downing Ponyboy and-Dallas: I got it- the cops’ll be here any minutes. Put this on (he gives Johnny his jacket) there’s 50 bucks in the pocket. Hop the 3:15 to Windrixville. There’s an abandoned church on top of Jay Mountain with a pump in the back. Buy some food and stay put. Pony: But Soda and Darry-Dallas: I ain’t itchin to be the one to tell em. Now git going. (He roughs Johnny’s hair.) Go.

(Pony and Johnny exit one way and Dallas the other. Blackout. The sound of a train. LX up. Pony is sleeping on an old blanket. In another area are Soda and Darry)

Soda: Dallas told the cops he thought they were headed for Texas. Which means one thing’s for sure- they’re not headed for Texas. Darry: First time I’ve missed work since…Soda: I know.

(Enter Sandy and Penny.)

Sandy: No news? You both been up all night? Soda: How’d you make out at home? What’d your mom say…(Sandy looks at Penny)

12

Penny: You can do this sweetie. I’ll wait outside, alright? (Penny and Darry exit. Penny to outside and Darry into another room of the house.)

(Outside the house. Linda enters.)

Penny: Hey! Linda: Any news about Pony and Johnny? Penny: Don’t go in there. It’s not a good time. Sandy had the worst night. Linda: What’s she gonna do?

(inside) Sandy: I can’t live at home any more. I have to get out- right now. Soda: How can you get you- right now?Sandy: How can I stay? I’ve been up all night too. Soda: You shoulda called.Sandy: Sodapop, I’m going to Tallahassee, Florida. My grandmother lives there. I’m gonna live with my grandmother in Florida.Soda: Hold on! You don’t have to do that. Just ask Darry, you can stay here.Sandy: I can’t stay here.Soda: We could get married. We’re gonna some day, so why not. In a coupla week’s I’ll be eighteen, and..Sandy: I have to get away, I can’t talk about it anymore. I’ve decided. (Soda takes a breath to speak. Sandy puts her hand over his mouth.) Don’t make it worse..Soda: Okay. Okay- for now. We’ll write- give it some time. Sandy: You’ll tell Darry and Pony? (she touches his face) I sure love you. Soda: Sandy- (she’s leaving)

(As Sandy’s on her way out, Two-Bit, Stevie, Marty and Jimmy come running on from outside. They bring Penny and Greaser 4 into the house with them. Darry runs on from inside)

Darry: Any sign of em? Marty: Not yet.Stevie: Not that we could seeTwo-Bit: But there’s talk of a big rumbleStevie: Where’s Dallas?Jimmy: Darry, you gotta do it- the war council. (Darry shakes his head)Sandy: Goodbye, Sodapop. (she starts to go again, Penny puts her arm around Sandy’s shoulder. They exit. Stevie, Two-Bit, Jimmy and Marty keep egging Darry to do the council.) Soda: (calling after her) I’ll write! You write back!

13

Linda: Where’s she goin?Soda: (trying to hide his broken heart) to visit her grandmother. Linda: You okay?Soda: Why not?

(LX out on the house and up on the church where Pony is sleeping on a blanket)

Johnny: Nobody paid any attention at the store. We’re all loaded up. (as he unpacks the paper bag) Baloney, bread, matches, candy bars, deck of cards… (pulls a book out of the paper bag)Pony: Gone with the Wind? Johnny: I remember you sayin something about wantin to read it- thought you could read it out loud and help kill time or somethin.Pony: Thanks.(they open some candy bars and sit back and eat. After a moment Pony gets up and speaks to the audience.)Pony: The next few days were the longest of my life. We passed the time sleeping, playing poker and reading Gone with the Wind. But dawn out in the country was somethin else…the valley around Jay Mountain would get covered in mist and the clouds changed from grey to pink and the mist seemed touched with gold. Johnny: (joining Pony and looking out- like at a window) Gosh – that sure is pretty. too bad it can’t stay like that Pony: Nothing gold can stay.Johnny: What? Pony: A poem I read once-

Nature’s first green is gold,Her hardest hue to holdHer early leaf’s a flower,But only so an hour.

(embarrassed) It goes on. Johnny: Go aheadPony: Then leaf subsides to leaf,

So Eden sank to grief,So dawn goes down to dayNothing gold can stay. (a breathe, a pause)

Robert Frost wrote it.

(a noise from off stage. Dallas and Stevie enter) Dallas: Well, well, look at the church mice!Pony and Johnny: Dallas! Stevie!Pony: How’s Soda? Is Darry okay?

14

Johnny: What’s happening? Did the police-Dallas: Hold it, hold it. You wanna go eat something? Buck’s T-Bird is parked down the street. Stevie: You both look terrible. Come on. (Johnny and Pony don’t move.) The cops think you’re in Texas. (They all exit. Transition to Beth’s Burgers. Groups at tables including all citizens of Windrixville. Dallas, Stevie, Pony and Johnny enter and sit at table. Pony and Johnny hide behind their menus till Beth comes to take their order.)

Sparky: And Virginia hustled off and before you knew it she was standing in my doorway with a pie! The steam still swirling off it! Wil: She’s just the sweetest! Aint she?!Ruth: Did you hear about old Tom and Bessy? Sparky: No! What happened? (conversation continues more quietly)

(at another table) Waitress: Can I take your order? Arthur: I’ll have a double cheeseburger and fries, please.Waitress: and for you?Larry: I’ll have a burger and fries please. Extra fries, pleaseWaitress: Is that all? Arthur: Yes, that’s it.Larry: Thanks so much, Darla.

(entering)Barb: Hello, Beth! Beth: Barb, Sharon and Bonnie! How are you today? Bonnie: Doing well, Beth.Sharon: Just out with the girls for the afternoon.Barb: Let’s sit over here for a change.Sharon: Yes, nice and sunny.Bonnie: Beth! Three vanilla milkshakes, please! Beth: Coming right up, girls!

(Beth delivers their food. We hear conversations quietly happening at all the tables. Dallas leans in, so does Pony, Stevie and Johnny. In hushed tones-)Dallas: The Socs and us are having all out warfare. That kid you killed had plenty of friends and all over town. It’s Socs against Greasers. I started carrying a heater-Pony: Dal! You kill people with guns!

15

Dallas: You kill em with switchblades too, don’t ya? (heavy pause.) My heater ain’t loaded; but it sure does help a bluff. Stevie: So, we had ourselves a war council and we’re having it out once and for all. Tomorrow night. Pony: Tomorrow?Stevie: No weapons. If we run, things go on as usual. If they run they stay outta our turf, for good. They’re gonna run. Dallas: Oh, and we got us a spy. That broad I tried to pick up at the drive-in… the redhead.Pony: Cherry!?Dallas: She says if Johnny comes to trail she’ll testify that the Socs were looking for a fight and that you fought back in self defence. Johnny: We’re goin back and turn ourselves in.Dallas and Stevie: What?!Johnny: I got a good chance of being let off easy. No record, Pony and Cherry to testify.Stevie: Once they get their hands on you-Dallas: Greasers get it worse than anyone.Johnny: We won’t rat you out. It ain’t fair to keep Ponyboy up in that church with Soda and Darry worrying about him. I guess my folks aren’t worried… they didn’t ask after me? (Dallas shakes his head)Stevie: The boys are worried. Two-Bit just about headed for Texas. Pony: Let’s go. Back to the church first- I left a book there. Stevie: First I gotta talk to that handsome fella over there. Had my eye on him since the second he walked in. Like no one we got back home. Pony: We’ll come back for you on our way outta here. Dally, Johnny and I’ll go to the church. Can’t keep Darry and Soda waiting while you try ta get lucky.

(Stevie walks over to the fella’s table. The other three exit. LX fade out. All patrons exit with their tables and chairs)

(LX up- a red glow on the cyc. The sound of a fire. Voices of a worried crowd from offstage getting louder. Miss Simms, Jean and Roger run towards the boys who are running on too.) (Overlapping as they enter) Dallas: Glory, almighty…Johnny: We were only gone for a littlePony: What happened?

Miss Simms: We don’t know! We’re having a school outing and suddenly the place is burning!

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Jean: Kids with matches! Pony and Johnny: (quietly to each other) Our matchesJean: Where are the firemen?! Miss Simms: God, help us! Mrs. O’Brian: (entering) Miss Simms! Some of the kids are missing! Jean: They gotta be around Mrs. O’Brian: They’re missing! They were (a loud scream from off) in the church!Jean: Help!!Roger: Help!! Someone help us!!! Pony: How many kids? Johnny: There ain’t time! (he starts to go) We’ll get them! (He pulls Pony along)Miss Simms: Wait! It’s too dangerous!Roger: The roof’s going to cave! Dallas: Johnny! Stay outta there! The roof’ll cave for sure! Pony: Johnny!

(Johnny, Pony and Dallas run into the church. There is a horrible crashing sound followed by sirens. Transition to Hospital.) Penny: Come one guys! I can still help in the rumble! Marty: No, you can’t. You can’t even walk.Penny: Sure I can! See!Marty: That’s a hobble, not a walk. Paula: What did you expect! He was jump by a Soc for the third time this week. Marty: Don’t get fresh with me! It’s the second time I’ve driven him out here to the Windrixville Hospital ‘cause the waiting room back home is full of snot nosed Socs who run to the emergency room when they get the sniffles. Penny: Let’s just go. I wanna get home before the rumble starts. (They exit)

Donna: How’s my eye? Is it blue? It feels swollen. I can’t see quite right.Margaret: It’s a sort of purple. Donna: As in dark purple? Is it obvious? Margaret: Umm… no, not really. Okay, yes. It is. Donna: Damn! My parents are going to be so mad. I’m not supposed to see Paul anymore. My dad said, if I don’t quit, he’d ground me for a year and have his shot gun handy any time Paul comes around.Margaret: You can sleep over at my house tonight. Donna: Your mom will see me and tell my mom. Margaret: My mom’s out of town. She’s in Palm Springs with her book club. Donna: What about your dad? Ow! Okay, it has a pulse of its own now. Go find out how much longer I have to wait. (Margaret exits)

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(In Pony’s room) Doctor: I think he’s coming around. Pony: Johnny? Dallas? Nurse: Which one’s which?Pony: Johnny’s the little one. Doctor: Dallas will be alright soon. He’s upstairs. He burned one arm severely trying to drag your other friend-Nurse: Johnny-Doctor: - out of the window. Johnny-Nurse: is getting plasma now. He’s getting the best care possible. Doctor: He’s in the ICU. Pony: Why?Doctor: A piece of timber hit him across the back when the roof fell in. Nurse: Don’t worry. I’ll tell him you’re awake and you say hello.Doctor: Better lie back. We cannot discharge you just yet. (walks away and writes in a chart. Nurse crosses to him and hands him a page from her clipboard)Pony: Where am I? Nurse: The Windrixville Hospital. (looks at her clipboard) That’s not an address we see much of around here; quite a ways from your home. Don’t worry. We’ve called your brothers. I’m sure they’re on their way. (she crosses to Doctor Miller) Doctor: Don’t get his hopes up about his little pal. A broken back- highly unlikely the kid’ll walk away from here. Nurse: Everyone needs a little hope, Doctor. (she exits)Pony: The little kids on the school outing- are they okay? What happened to their teachers?Nurse: (entering) You can ask them yourself. They’re here to see you. (enter Mrs. O’Brian, Miss Simms, Jean and Roger. Doctor Miller exits. Nurse does more tests on Pony through the following like taking his temperature etc.) Miss Simms: I swear, you and your friend are the bravest kids I’ve ever seen! Mrs. O’Brian: I can only dream my own boys will grow up to be half that brave.Jean: We really don’t know how to thank you for what you did yesterday. Roger: Thank you!Jean: The word ‘thank you’ just doesn’t seem like enough.Miss Simms: You must be professional heroes; or angels! Mrs. O’Brian: Yes, I think you were sent straight from heaven. Jean: Don’t worry about any of the bills here. We’ll take care of it. Pony: Jee. Thanks. I’m sure my brother would’ve…

(Soda and Darry are entering and calling from the waiting room.) Soda: Pony!!

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Pony: Sodapop! Mrs. O’Brian: Is that them? We’ll give you some privacy. (She ushers Miss Simms, Jean and Roger out. As they’re leaving-)Roger: Bye! Thanks again!

Soda: Where ya been? How come ya didn’t call? You tryin to scare us to death? Darry: Pony! I thought we’d lost you.(Doctor Miller enters. Nurse hands him her clip board. He looks over the papers.)Pony: I’m sorry. I shoulda- Darry: It’s alright now.Doctor: You’re going to be able to take him home this afternoon. (Doctor and Nurse exit. Two-Bit and Marty enter. Marty has a newspaper in her hands) Two-Bit: You can’t believe a thing they put in the papers anymore! Who’d believe that greasers could be heroes?! Marty: What’s it like, big shot? (she shows him the newspaper cover)Two-Bit: (reads) Juvenile delinquents turn heroes... (to Marty) go on, read them the rest! Mary: It says that you and Johnny risked your lives- and the parents are saying that the kids would never have made it … tells about the fight that night…you gotta appear in juvenile court for running away and Johnny for- manslaughter. If Johnny-Pony: If Johnny what? Soda: (taking Marty by the arm) We’re gonna go look in on Johnny now. Darry: I’m sure he’d like that. We’ll be back. (Darry, Soda and Marty start to go. Marcia enters.)Marcia: Hi Two-Bit. How’s it goin? There’s someone here to see Pony. Two-Bit: Who?Marcia: Randy Anderson.(Randy enters)Darry: No jazz before the rumbleRandy: I know the rulesMarcia: Well? Two-Bit: Let’s go see Johnny. (Two-Bit, Soda and Darry exit)

Randy: I read about you in the paper. I wouldn’t have done it. I’d a let those kids burn to death. Pony: You might not have. You might have done the same.Randy: I can’t believe a Greaser could pull something like that. Pony: Greaser didn’t have anything to do with it! Two-Bit wouldn’t a done it. Maybe you would. It’s the individual.

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Randy: Maybe you’re right. I’m not going to show at the rumble tonight. I’m sock of all this. And no matter what you think, Bob was a good guy, a good friend. A real person. (Pony sits up with effort to put on his t-shirt over his undershirt) Randy: His parents spoiled him. The world spoiled him. He kept trying to make someone say “no” and they never did. He needed someone to lay down the law, set the limits, give him something to stand on. He was just a kid. Only person who every told Bob “no” was Cherry Valance. No wonder he was so crazy about her. (pause) That other kid, your buddy- he might die? (Pony is shocked and confused)Randy: And tonight’s rumble; it doesn’t do any good. You’ll still be at the bottom and we’ll still be the lucky ones with all the breaks. I’m getting out. Pony: Running away won’t help.Randy: I gotta go. (he starts to go)Pony: You’da saved those kids same as us. Randy: Thanks, Grease. I mean, thanks, kid. (Randy exits. Pony gets out of the bed, puts on his shoes and goes into the waiting room. Penny and Steve enter the waiting room.)

Penny: Ponyboy! Sorry I’m just getting here now! I just heard you were in the hospital when Stevie called me from a payphone! Stevie: You three never came back for me! Penny: I had to give my uncle my last five-dollar bill to use his car. Stevie: Didn’t mean to rattle your cage, Penny. What’s a Grease supposed to do when she aint got a ride at the end of the night and she’s out in the middle a nowhere? Pony: Come on. Let’s go see Johnny.Stevie: Johnny’s here too?! Lord Almighty! What did I miss? (They exit. Cross fade to Johnny’s room. Two-Bit, Soda, Linda, Jimmy, Dot, Lilly and Darry are standing outside Johnny’s room. Doctor Miller is blocking their way.)

Two-Bit: Come on! Just let us see him! Doctor: He’s in critical condition. Family only.Two-Bit: We ARE his family! Doctor: Seems like you don’t understand the difference between blood relations and pals. Soda: Please? His parents won’t show; if you don’t let us in…. No one else’ll come see him.Nurse: (over the PA system) Doctor Miller, please report to Emergency. Doctor Miller to Emergency. Doctor: Alright. It can’t hurt now, I suppose. (He exits and the boys go in.)

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Pony: Johnnycake!Johnny: Hey-Linda: You got your name in the paper for being a hero!Johnny: Tuff (tries to smile)Jimmy: Dallas is gonna be okay. I saw under his bandage. His arm looks kinda...Pony: They’re letting me go home today but we’ll come see you as much as you want.Johnny: It hurts sometimes but I can’t feel anything below the middle of my back. I’m pretty bad off, aint I? Lilly: You’ll be okay. (Dallas enters with a bandaged arm)Johnny: I’m scared. Sixteen years ain’t long enough. There’s so much stuff I ain’t done yet, thing I ain’t seen.Dallas: You ain’t gonna die. And we’re gonna win that fight tonight. (Nurse enters with a book in her hand. She hands it to Johnny.)Nurse: Here’s that book you asked for, sweetie.Darry: Come on, everybody. Storm’s brewing. (the Greasers start to go. Dallas and Pony hang back)Dallas: We’ll be back, Johnny. Promise.Pony: Gone with the Wind- we’ll finish it together. (Dallas and Pony exit.) Johnny: Could I have a piece of paper and a pencil? Nurse: (we hear a commotion off stage) Yes, dear; when I come back. (she exits)

(From off stage) Johnny’s Mom: I’m supposed to see him! He’s my son! Nurse: Ma’am, please lower your voice. There are many patients-Johnny’s Mom: After everything I’ve done for him! This is the thanks I get? After all the trouble of raising him he’d rather be with those hoodlums! Let me see my son!

(Crossfade to the waiting room. Cherry is there. Pony enters. )

Cherry: Thought I’d find you here.Pony: Hi Cherry. Nice to see you.Cherry: Ponyboy, stay a minute.Pony: Sure. It’s gonna be rough tonight. Cherry: Randy’s not going to show up for the rumble. Pony: I know. Cherry: He’s not scared. He’s just sick of fighting. Bob was his best friend. Since grade school. Pony: Johnnycake ain’t showing up either. Only I can’t say he ain’t scared. He’s real scared.Cherry: How bad is Johnny?

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Pony: Bad. You can’t see him just now, but, please, will you go up sometime? Cherry: No. I couldn’t.Pony: Why not?Cherry: because he killed Bob. I know-Bob was looking for trouble, but I couldn’t look at the person who killed him.Pony: I don’t get it.Cherry: You only know his bad side. When he got drunk he was horrible-it’s the side of him that beat up Johnny. When he wasn’t trying to destroy himself… He could be something special, something that marked him different. Pony: Last time I saw Bob he was drowning me.Cherry: Thing hard, Ponyboy. When was the last time you saw Bob?Pony: (remembering) Last time I saw Bob he was-Cherry: Don’t go to the rumble tonight.Pony: They bringin’ blades?Cherry: No. They play your way. No weapons. Fair deal. Randy told me. He knows for sure. I already told Darry.Pony: I guess we’re supposed to be grateful.Cherry: I’m not looking for gratitude. I only want to help. I like you, Ponyboy. I liked you from the start.Pony: I have to go.Cherry: Sure. Guess I’ll see you at the hearing.Pony: Hey, can you see the sunset real good from your side of town?Cherry: Real good.Pony: You can see it good from our side too.Cherry: Thanks, Ponyboy.

(Everyone exits and clear the stage except Ponyboy. He sits on the DS edge of the stage waiting to addresses the audience. Behind him Socs and Greasers trickle in and stand on either side of the stage facing each other. They are dimly lit.)

Douglas: Let’s get the rules straight- nothing but fists, and the first to run lose. Right? Dot: You savvy real good. Darry: I’ll take on anyone. (A drum beat starts slowly. Paul steps forward.)Paul: Hello, Darrel.Darry: Hello, Paul. Penny: Paul Holden. H was the best back on the football team when Darry played. My brother told me.Linda: That Soc? Penny: I heard they used to buddy around. He’s gotta be a junior in college by now. Linda: And Darry’s gotta work.

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Paula: The moment either of them swings -the rumble’s on. Dallas: Hold up! Wait for me! Darry: Dallas? (he turns to look behind him and Paul starts to throw a punch. The LX chance to cyc only and the action freezes. Pony stands up. During his monologue, we see the rumble in silhouetted tableaux behind him. Wild One plays and the drum beat quickens) Pony: Darry let me fight but made me promise to take on a little one. The rumble made me thing of a book by Jack Landon, where the wolf pack waits for a single fighter to go down before charging. I couldn’t find a little one so I grabbed the next size up. A big guy rushed me and Darry knocked him back about six feet. Dallas had a big Soc. I had to help him ‘cause he only had one arm. I got thrown over someone’s shoulder and somebody kicked me in the head. Then all of a sudden…

Linda: They’re running! Dot: The Socs are running! Jimmy: We stomped em! Look at em run!Lilly: Chase em home!Linda: Chase em to Mexico! Dallas: Come on, Ponyboy! We gotta go tell Johnny!

(They run off. Cross fade to Johnny’s hospital room.)

Doctor Miller: Wait right there, boys. You can’t see him.Dallas: We gotta see him! (pulls out his gun) Doctor: (hands up) Alright. (he lets them pass. Turns to Nurse.) Call security.

Dallas: Johnnycake? Johnny? Johnny: Hey Dallas. And Pony.Dallas: We won! We beat the Socs! We chased em right outta our territory. Johnny: Fighting is no good.Dallas: They’re still writing about you in the paper. All that hero stuff. I’m proud of you, buddy.Johnny: Dallas? Proud of me? Pony: We all are.Johnny: Ponyboy- Stay gold. (He closes his eyes and is inert.) Dallas: Don’t die, Johnny! Please don’t! (Nurse enters) This is what you get for tryin to help people, you little punk! See Pony! If he’d been tough like me, he’d never be in this mess. This is what you get for helping people. Wise up, Pony. Get like me and don’t get hurt. Ya hear me, Pony! Wise up! (He runs off. Pony looks at Nurse who is looking for a pulse on Johnny’s wrist. She shakes her head at Pony. Pony take one last

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look at Johnny, turns and walks out and Nurse pulls the sheet over Johnny’s face. Pony wanders into the waiting room where the rest of the Greasers are.)Pony: Johnny’s dead. We told him about beating the Socs and he died.Darry: We know. Pony: Dallas ran out – all crazy. He couldn’t take it.Paula: Even Dallas had a breaking point. Pony: he kept telling me to-Darry: Pony-Dallas is dead too. Mary: He pulled a gun on the security guards.Pony: It wasn’t loaded.Penny: They didn’t know that.Pony: Dallas wanted to be dead. And Dallas always gets what he wants. Marty: Easy, buddy. There’s nothing we can do. (Arms around shoulders, they exit. Transition to Curtis home. Pony at the table on the phone. Mrs. Smith is in a pool of light in the other side of the stage)

Mrs. Smith: Ponyboy, I’d like to talk to you about your grades. Pony: I know they haven’t been what they used to, ma’am. I used to make A’s. Mrs. Smith: Yes, your grades have really dropped. You’re failing English at the moment, but I’m taking into consideration your circumstances. If you come up with a really good end of semester composition, I’ll pass you. Pony: Yes ma’am. I’ll try. What’s the composition supposed to be on?Mrs. Smith: Anything you think is important. I want your own ideas, your experience. At least five pages. Pony: Okay. Thanks for call, Mrs. Smith. Mr. Smith: You’re welcome. Have a good nigh, Ponyboy. Pony: Thanks. You too, ma’am. Bye.Mrs. Smith: Goodbye.

(Pony thinks for a minute. Then pulls out Gone with the Wind and a letter falls out. He picks it up, and starts reading.)

Johnny: I asked the Nurse to give you this book so you could finish it. I want you to tell Dallas to look at a sunset. He’ll probably think you’re crazy, but ask him for me. Listen, I don’t mind dying now. It’s worth saving those kids. Some of their parents came to thank me, and I know it’s worth it. Tell Dally, it’s worth it. That guy who wrote the poem- he meant you’re gold when you’re a kid, like green. When you’re a kid everything’s new, dawn. It’s just that when you get used to everything that it’s day. The way you are, Pony- that’s gold. There’s still lots of good in the world. Tell Dallas. I don’t think he knows. Your buddy, Johnny.

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(Pony takes a breath. He opens his composition book and begins to write.)

Pony: End of semester Composition. By Ponyboy Curtis. When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.

(LX fade out as he continues to write. Wild One fades up. A moment in the dark before LX up for curtain call.)

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