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Book by SUSAN PARGMAN

Music and Lyrics by BILL FRANCOEUR

STORIES OF SCHEHERAZADE

Book by SUSAN PARGMAN Music and Lyrics by BILL FRANCOEUR

CAST OF CHARACTERS

SCHEHERAZADE ............... daughter of the Grand Vizier, 196 she has her father wrapped around her little finger. She’s 20ish and well-known for her ability to spin stories that bring genies and giants to life. She’s intelligent, stubborn, slightly conniving (but only because she must be) and is fed up with the status quo.

# of lines

DINARZADE ....................... a miniature version of her sister, 58 “Dinny” looks to Scheherazade as a role model. Her vibrant personality bubbles with enthusiasm at every turn, finding life in an ancient Persian city full of new discoveries and adventures each day. Still not quite a teenager, she looks forward to the day she, too, can become a woman in control of her very own man.

GRAND VIZIER ................... father of these two hot-shots, 49 he serves as main advisor to King Raynah, a position of great power, although he would never abuse it for personal gain. With no wife to help him raise his two daughters, he has often been defeated by their feminine guile, though he appears not to fight too vigorously against their charms. Using the strategy of teaching through parables, he has unwittingly imparted the same abilities to his daughters, which they use persuasively against his authority. He’s in his 50s.

KING RAYNAH ................... poor man, he’s only trying to run 190 a country, and what happens? His fiancée prefers the kitchen-boy to him. A young king, he decides to gain the respect of his people and punish this wayward fiancée by proclaiming a fresh beheading of another woman each day… or so he says. How was he to know someone like Scheherazade For preview only

would thwart his royal efforts? You gotta love this guy for trying! He’s 30ish.

NEFARIO ............................ another of King Raynah’s advisors, 56 he weaseled his way in from the bottom. He used to be a kitchen boy—yes, the same kitchen boy that the king’s fiancée found so desirable, though no one recognizes him as such. (He grew a beard.) His secret plans include revenge against the king for terminating his love affair and grasping power away from the Grand Vizier by torching his reputation. He’s between 30 and 40.

JORIAH ............................... without a doubt, the wisest man in 28 the kingdom. He knows so many proverbs that whatever he says has surely been said before. If not, it will surely be printed in Reader’s Digest someday! King Raynah keeps him around for his prophet-like ability to sum up any situation with a platitude. He’s between 40 and 60 years old.

These eligible young ladies serve as Scheherazade’s compatriots. They are frustrated by King Raynah’s decree against marriage among the citizens, yet they feel helpless to do anything about it. They put their trust in Scheherazade’s plan and assist her in bringing it to fruition: YAZMINA ............................ 16 MARIAH .............................. 21 AMBER ............................... 6 SHIMA ................................. 25 CASSANDRA ...................... 19 LILY ..................................... a long-time royal attendant, she is 28

the motherly influence around the palace. She worries about King Raynah’s physical and emotional state while still disapproving of his actions. She waits on the new queens and picks up groceries now and then in town. She and Joriah have a cooperative relationship, finding one another amusing due to their profound difference in various capabilities. She is as wise as For preview only

he, yet more home-spun in expression. She’s in her late 40s.

SKEETER ........................... the town grocer and the only one 37 who knows of Nefario’s nefarious past as a kitchen boy. What he lacks in intelligence, he makes up for in stupidity. He hungers for recognition like Nefario and figures he’ll ride in on his coat tails by helping with his scheme to bring disrepute to the Grand Vizier. He’s between 40 and 50.

HUSSAIN ............................ captain of the Guards and in love 7 with Cassandra, this handsome 20-something hunk agrees to aid the maidens in their involvement with Scheherazade’s plan to outwit King Raynah and bring normalcy back to their lives.

MARA .................................. about 7, innocently gathers 14 intelligence to aid Scheherazade’s plan.

LEANDER ........................... assists Mara. 10 SHOSHANNA ..................... intended fiancée to King Raynah. 4

She loves Nefario instead. QUEEN ............................... 6 SHOPKEEPER ................... 0 WOMAN ONE ..................... 6 WOMAN TWO ..................... 6 BRIDE ................................. 0 LITTLE GIRL ....................... 0 LITTLE GIRL’S MOTHER ... 0 OTHERS ............................. other people in the town serve to keep

the story flowing with their generalized activities and involvement in the plot.

SYNOPSIS

The action of this play takes place on the streets of an ancient Persian city and in the Queen’s chambers in the Royal Palace.

ACT ONE Scene One: Late afternoon on the main thoroughfare of an ancient

Persian city. Scene Two: Same location, the next morning. Scene Three: The Queen’s chambers, late evening.

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ACT TWO Scene One: The main thoroughfare. Scene Two: The Queen’s chambers, the next evening. Scene Three: The main thoroughfare, the next day. Scene Four: The Queen’s chambers, late evening.

SETTING

The main thoroughfare of an ancient Persian city, circa 700 B.C.E. Baskets of fruit line the front walk of SKEETER’S grocery store. Some of the baskets are quite large—large enough for a person to hide behind. An open-air butcher shop displays its wares. Brass and wood trinkets, baked goods and clothing are all for sale. There is a bench UPSTAGE.

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SEQUENCE OF MUSICAL NUMBERS

MC 1 Scheherazade—Prologue ............ CompanyMC 1a Procession Music ........................ InstrumentalMC 2 Alakazam ..................................... Nefario/SkeeterMC 2a Incidental Music ........................... InstrumentalMC 2b Story Theme…… ......................... InstrumentalMC 3 Someday ..................................... Scheherazade/Grand

VizierMC 3a Procession Music ........................ InstrumentalMC 4 She’s a Friend ............................. MaidensMC 4a Story Theme ................................ InstrumentalMC 4b Nefario’s Theme—The Demon .... InstrumentalMC 4c Scheherazade—Reprise .............. CompanyMC 5 Entr’Acte ...................................... InstrumentalMC 6 Come to the Bazaar..................... CompanyMC 6a Exit Music .................................... InstrumentalMC 6b Story Theme ................................ InstrumentalMC 6c The Curse .................................... NefarioMC 7 You’re Looking Lovely.................. Skeeter/King/

TownspeopleMC 7a Story Theme ............................... Scene change musicMC 7b Story Theme ................................ InstrumentalMC 8 Through the Eyes of a Child ........ Dinny/King/

ScheherzadeMC 8a Story Theme ................................ InstrumentalMC 8b Scheherazade—Epilogue ............ CompanyMC 9 Curtain Call— Come to the Bazaar..................... Company

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thE StORIES OF SChEhERAZAdE

PROLOGUEAT RISE: The STAGE is DARK. MUSIC CUE 1: “Scheherazade—Prologue.” We hear the SOUND of MYSTERIOUS MUSIC and WIND CHIMES mixed with DESERT WIND blowing softly. AMBER, YAZMINA, MARIAH, SHIMA and CASSANDRA ENTER. SPOTLIGHT UP on AMBER.AMbER: (Sings. To AUDIENCE.)

What is your pleasure? Come, I do pray,Tales of adventure await you this day.Lands to discover, worlds to behold,Where magical stories unfold. (LIGHTS FADE UP to DIM, revealing other MAIDENS. Each sings to AUDIENCE.)

yAZMINA: (Sings.) What is your pleasure? Name your delight.MARIAh: (Sings.) Tales of enchantment await you this night.ShIMA: (Sings.) Legend or fable, riddle or rhyme?CASSANdRA: (Sings.) You will discover in time.ALL MAIdENS: (Sing.)

Open your mind you will see,A vision of true mystery,Calling to you from within.Come, let the story begin! (During the following, LIGHTS continue to FADE UP SLOWLY.)

COMPANy: (Singing as they ENTER from OFFSTAGE.)Ah ah ah ah! Behold the voice of Scheherazade!Ah ah ah ah! The ancient stories of Scheherazade!Come travel the ages, across burning sands,Turn back the pages, the day is at hand! (LIGHTS UP FULL. DANCE INTERLUDE. The whole city becomes alive with dance and merriment. MAIDENS begin dancing and are joined by other GIRLS if desired. VENDORS sell their wares. There is much chatter and celebration of the new day.)

Ah ah ah ah, behold the voice of Scheherazade,Ah ah ah ah, the ancient stories of Scheherazade.Come bathe in the moonlight, come bask in the sun,Open the pages, the tale has begun! (BLACKOUT. COMPANY EXITS.)

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ACT ONEScene One

AT RISE: The STAGE is DARK. In the BLACKNESS, a GONG SOUNDS twice from OFFSTAGE. MUSIC CUE 1a: “Procession Music.” LIGHTS FADE UP slowly to reveal a somber SKEETER rolling out the long white cloth that serves as the bride’s path. It runs from UP LEFT to DOWN RIGHT. TOWNSPEOPLE ENTER RIGHT and LEFT as solemn witnesses. Gloomy MAIDENS (YAZMINA, MARIAH, AMBER, SHIMA AND CASSANDRA) ENTER UP LEFT carrying garlands of white flowers to place around the BRIDE’S neck as she passes along. ALL take their positions UPSTAGE from the path. In contrast, a joyful, eager DINNY ENTERS DOWN LEFT with her somber sister, SCHEHERAZADE.

dINNy: Oh, what a wonderful day this is! I’ve never been to a royal wedding before!

SChEhERAZAdE: (Disgusted.) I’ve been to too many, I’m afraid.dINNy: What happens next? Is the bride coming soon? Where is

the groom? Shouldn’t he be here to meet her?SChEhERAZAdE: You will not see the groom today.dINNy: But why not? (Dramatic, acting out all parts.) I’ve always

heard that the groom comes to his wedding mounted on a white stallion, searching for his bride. Then he sees her and his heart leaps with joy! He jumps from his horse and runs to scoop her up into his waiting arms. It’s tradition.

SChEhERAZAdE: Little sister, the king is not following our tradition these days. Not today, not yesterday, and he won’t again tomorrow.

dINNy: You mean that…SChEhERAZAdE: Hush now, Dinny. The bride is coming. We must

all be silent, out of respect. (ENTERS UP LEFT first is CHILD carrying brass incense burner. CHILD walks solemnly, leading the procession. After a space, two more CHILDREN ENTER UP LEFT and walk side by side, dropping white flower petals along the path. After them comes HUSSAIN, preceding a sobbing BRIDE. As they come through town, MAIDENS place garlands around BRIDE’S neck. She is led away to the palace OFF DOWN RIGHT. MUSIC OUT.)

dINNy: I am most disappointed!SChEhERAZAdE: Are you, Dinny? Why?

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dINNy: I thought a wedding was supposed to be a happy affair, and I swear I saw the bride crying! (SKEETER rolls away the bridal path and EXITS UP LEFT.)

SChEhERAZAdE: (Disgusted.) It is because she is marrying the king. (A second thought.) And do not swear.

dINNy: Is the king not handsome?SChEhERAZAdE: He is very handsome.dINNy: Is the king not rich?SChEhERAZAdE: The richest man in all the world.dINNy: Then I would think she would love him.SChEhERAZAdE: There is more to love than finding someone who

is handsome and rich. You will understand when you are older.dINNy: (Playful.) Oh, I know. The king’s whiskers tickle too much

when they kiss.SChEhERAZAdE: (Shocked.) And who have you been talking to?dINNy: Just a friend. SChEhERAZAdE: (Not in the mood.) You are too young to

understand all this. You better just go home at once. dINNy: (Schemes.) I cannot think of going home... that is, unless

you were to tell me a story first. (TOWNSPEOPLE start to become interested. SCHEHERAZADE is famous for her stories. They come closer to listen in.)

SChEhERAZAdE: (Gets nervous.) Not now. I don’t feel like telling a story.

dINNy: You always feel like telling stories. Everyone knows that.SChEhERAZAdE: (Tense.) And yet, at this time I do not.dINNy: Just a short one, please? Tell the one about the genie

who was trapped in a bottle, and the fisherman who found him, and how the genie said he would kill him but then the fisherman begged…

SChEhERAZAdE: You could tell that one to yourself.dINNy: Then tell me about “The Cave of the Seven Winds.” I hardly

know that one at all. (Tells it dramatically.) The cave was empty… and silent as a tomb, or so it seemed, when suddenly—

SChEhERAZAdE: No! (Explains tenderly.) This is not a time well-suited to telling stories. Go home as I told you to, dear little sister, and I promise I shall entertain you later tonight, as usual. (TOWNSPEOPLE are disappointed and begin to break up and return to business, eventually disappearing into their shops and OFFSTAGE.)

dINNy: That’s a promise?

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SChEhERAZAdE: A promise.dINNy: Then I know it shall be done. Everyone knows that

Scheherazade always keeps her promises. I’ll be waiting.SChEhERAZAdE: And remember, don’t fret about what you saw

here!dINNy: (Laughs as she EXITS DOWN LEFT.) Why, my mind will

be as empty as… (With a flourish.) the Cave of the Seven Winds! (She’s OUT.)

SChEhERAZAdE: (Looks around to make sure everyone has gone, then moves to a large basket behind which the QUEEN is hiding. She speaks in gentle tones to someone unseen.) It’s all right. You can come out now. No one is around to see. (The QUEEN peers out of hiding, looking about warily.) I am Scheherazade, daughter of the Grand Vizier. He is the one who brought you here.

QuEEN: And no one suspects?SChEhERAZAdE: No one knows of the escape except my father,

myself and a few trusted friends.QuEEN: No one else? What about my parents? My family? Could

you take a message to them? Tell them that I have not been beheaded? That I am well?

SChEhERAZAdE: It would be too risky and would endanger the lives of many, including the other queens.

QuEEN: (Steps out of hiding.) Then I am not the only one still alive?SChEhERAZAdE: No, all the others are safely hidden as well.

(QUEEN looks disappointed.) You are so beautiful. The king is a fool to condemn all women just because he found one to be unfaithful.

QuEEN: It was she who was the fool. (Dreamy.) Such a man deserves the finest wife the world can offer. Are you sure all the other queens are still alive?

SChEhERAZAdE: Are we speaking about the same man? The one who marries a different woman every morning only to... (Makes a motion across her throat.) …behead her the next day?

QuEEN: There is no other like him.SChEhERAZAdE: I count that as a blessing! Still, it is my intention

to protect you. My father has prepared a home for you beyond the realm. There you will be cared for and comfortable until a miracle makes it safe for you to return.

QuEEN: Return? Then I shall see him again? And still be his wife and queen?

SChEhERAZAdE: Hopeless… absolutely hopeless. (They EXIT DOWN LEFT as LILY and JORIAH ENTER RIGHT. LILY carries an

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empty shopping basket and a scroll with a prominent pink ribbon. TOWNSPEOPLE ENTER RIGHT and LEFT and pantomime “business” in background. LITTLE GIRL pretends to be a bride. MOTHER makes her stop. SKEETER pantomimes “business” with others, selling fruit, sweeping, etc.)

LILy: (Looks OFF RIGHT.) Did you see the king’s newest bride, Joriah? I hear she’s from the north. Those people have strange ways up there. They’re not like us.

JORIAh: It is said that “marriages are best made of dissimilar material.”

LILy: Well, I always say, “Opposites attract.” That’s what I always say. Oh, she looked so beautiful.

JORIAh: (Cryptic.) “Beauty is a glorious gift as well as a silent cheat.”

LILy: Well, that’s what got her into this mess in the first place, poor child. He marries the most beautiful women in the kingdom just to get revenge! What good does that ever do? (TOWNSPEOPLE, including MARA and LEANDER, continue to move IN and OUT of the scene, sparsely.)

JORIAh: (Another platitude.) “A man who practices revenge only turns the poison of his own temper in upon himself.”

LILy: What goes around, comes around, I always say. A man reaps what he sows, and one of these days the king is going to end up having a taste of his own medicine. (MARA comes begging as LILY speaks. LILY hands her a coin.)

JORIAh: You have a way with words, my lady. (MARA in background motions for LEANDER to beg from JORIAH. He does so.)

LILy: Day and night, stewing over a faithless woman. I hear him walking the halls day and night. You know, I don’t think it’s so much that he’s mad about her anymore. I think he just had his confidence shaken, and he doesn’t know how to get it back. (JORIAH hands a coin to LEANDER, and the CHILDREN EXIT LEFT together.)

JORIAh: It is written: “We often pretend to despise what we really fear.”

LILy: I think he’s afraid to forgive and forget. Thinks it might make him look weak. But it’s just the opposite, really. It’s best to forgive and forget. That’s what I say.

JORIAh: (Sees an opening.) “He who forgives another places his enemy in a position like that of the sea-worm who perforates the oyster’s shell and straightway closes the wound with a pearl.”

LILy: You’re making me hungry with talk like that. Have you noticed that the king hardly touches his meals these days?

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JORIAh: I have noticed.LILy: I’m getting sore fingers from sewing new seams in his clothes

all the time. That’s how thin he’s getting.JORIAh: A sure sign of a troubled heart.LILy: I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you go to him, Joriah? You’re one

of his favorite advisors. Tell him to snap out of it. It’s not worth losing his kingdom over. And I hate how miserable he is all the time.

JORIAh: “Advice is seldom welcome when not asked for. And those that need it most, like it least.”

LILy: (Resigned.) Well, if he’s not in the mood to listen to you, then I guess all we can hope for is a miracle.

JORIAh: That is a most sensible sentiment.LILy: A miracle is sensible? How do you figure that?JORIAh: Because an act that is beyond the comprehension of the

spectator is taken by him to be divine.LILy: So if he gets confused enough, then he might come to his

senses?JORIAh: Well said, my lady. A miracle is our only hope.LILy: Well, some kind of hope is better than none at all. That’s what

I always say.JORIAh: “Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts

the shadow of our burden behind us.”LILy: (Checks behind for her shadow.) That reminds me. We haven’t

got much time left to pick up these groceries that Cook sent us out for. (Unrolls scroll.) But what in the world he wants with all these things is beyond me.

JORIAh: (Takes scroll and reads a la “Twelve Days of Christmas.”.) Five sacks of pistachios, four legs of lamb, three pomegranates, two bags of rice and a partridge in a pear sauce. It appears that Cook is preparing the wedding feast.

LILy: I never attend the weddings, and I’m getting tired of wedding feasts.

JORIAh: (Weary.) As we all are, miss. As we all are. (They EXIT LEFT. NEFARIO ENTERS RIGHT. He is sneaking about, hoping no one is there to see him. There are some exchanges of “looks” between himself and the TOWNSPEOPLE. He pretends to EXIT. TOWNSPEOPLE EXIT RIGHT and LEFT. NEFARIO RETURNS. He carries a scroll with a prominent black ribbon. He hunkers down behind a basket of fruit. MARA ENTERS LEFT, comes from behind and taps him on the shoulder, begging for a coin. He waves her away angrily. As she EXITS LEFT, NEFARIO calls to

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SKEETER in “secret code,” making Morse code-like squeaking noises. SKEETER emerges from shop with broom, silently stalking the sound, which he perceives to be a rat. He follows the sound to the basket behind which NEFARIO hides. He sees movement and swiftly swats NEFARIO with broom. NEFARIO jumps out at SKEETER, quite angry. SKEETER is still swatting him.)

NEFARIO: You idiot! It’s me! Stop swinging that broom! Who do you think I am?

SkEEtER: I thought you was a rat, Nefario. And I didn’t want you eatin’ up all my profits.

NEFARIO: Well, I’m not a rat, you imbecile.SkEEtER: (Under his breath.) That’s not what some people say. NEFARIO: What was that?SkEEtER: (Exaggerated fake hospitality.) I said, I hope that you’ve

come to stay. Would you like a cup of tea? It’s fresh-made and hot.

NEFARIO: I have not come here on a social visit... (Disgusted.) …as if I’d ever socialize with an imbecile like you.

SkEEtER: But you used to socialize with me, Nefario. You wasn’t always such a royal big-shot. I knew you when you were nothing but a kitchen-boy. That was how we met, remember?

NEFARIO: Shut up and listen. We have work to do.SkEEtER: (Continues.) You used to come to my store for fruits and

nuts for the cook, and I used to tease you about how scrawny you were. (He tickles NEFARIO.)

NEFARIO: (Grabs him viciously.) No one must know about that! You are never to breath a word about it, you understand?

SkEEtER: I swear, I’ll never tell anyone that you used to be scrawny.

NEFARIO: Not that! I mean about my being a kitchen-boy in the palace.

SkEEtER: Oh, I get it now. You weren’t ever a kitchen-boy. I got it.NEFARIO: Why do I even try? (Sighs. Secretive and dramatic.) You

are to take this scroll and deliver it to the captain of the guards. Take care that it gets into no one else’s hands. It is for his eyes only.

SkEEtER: His eyes?NEFARIO: (Loses his temper again.) Yes, yes! Are you deaf as

well as stupid? (MARA and LEANDER have ENTERED LEFT and are playing in background. They notice what SKEETER and NEFARIO are talking about. SKEETER and NEFARIO do not see the children.)

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SkEEtER: But the captain of the guards has only one eye. Remember? He wears that little patch over the other one sort of down across his face and under the other…

NEFARIO: (Hits him with scroll.) Take it! Take the scroll!SkEEtER: All right, already. You don’t hafta get so mad about

everything.NEFARIO: This paper charges the Grand Vizier and his daughter,

Scheherazade, with perpetrating crimes against the king.SkEEtER: (Worried.) Oh, no. If I give that scroll to the captain, he’ll

have the Grand Vizier arrested and probably beheaded!NEFARIO: (Sarcastic.) You don’t say! SkEEtER: Yes!NEFARIO: (Bops him over the head with scroll.) That’s the idea,

hummus-brain. With the Grand Vizier gone, I take charge, and since the king spends all his time playing “Royal Revenge,” the realm belongs to me.

SkEEtER: Oh, I get it now. (Loud.) That’s how we take over the kingdom. (MARA and LEANDER EXIT LEFT quickly and quietly. MUSIC CUE 2: “Alakazam.”)

NEFARIO: (Claps hand over SKEETER’S mouth. Speaks.) Not we… me!(Sings.) Yes, my friend the time has come to take control.When they hear of such a crime the heads will roll.We must alert the king, for his own sake,It’s the only way to have my cake…and eat it, too!A brilliant plan…a dream come true…Ruler of the kingdom, master of the land,People by the thousands, eating from my hand.All the loyal subjects calling out my name…

SkEEtER: (A shout.) “Nefario! Nefario!”NEFARIO: (Sings.) The people will exclaim!SkEEtER: (Sings.) On his knees, he waves his arms and bows.

I-ee-ya, ee-ya, alakazam!NEFARIO: (Sings.) Presto chango, soon I’ll be a king!SkEEtER: (Sings.) I-ee-ya, ee-ya, alakazam!NEFARIO: (Sings.) Presto chango, (Shouts.) kiss the royal ring!SkEEtER: (Kisses an imaginary ring on NEFARIO’S hand.

Speaks.) With pleasure, Your Majesty! NEFARIO: (Pushes him away. Sings.)

Wait! There may be spies about to thwart our plan.Best beware, watch out, be quiet if you can,For you must understand there’s much at stake.

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They’ll be watching you so stay awake!I’m trusting you, to never tell… and see it through!

Ruler of the kingdom, majesty renowned,I’ll be in the throne room waiting to be crowned.All the loyal subjects calling out my name…

SkEEtER: (A shout.) “Nefario! Nefario!”NEFARIO: (Sings.) The people will exclaim!SkEEtER: (Sings. Bows as before.) I-ee-ya, ee-ya, alakazam!NEFARIO: (Sings.) Presto chango, bow before the king!SkEEtER: (Sings.) I-ee-ya, ee-ya, alakazam!NEFARIO: (Sings.) Presto chango, (A shout.) everybody sing!NEFARIO/SkEEtER: (SKEETER is on his knees, waving his arms

and bowing. Sing.) I-ee-ya, ee-ya, alakazam!NEFARIO: (Sings.) Presto chango, soon I’ll be the king!NEFARIO/SkEEtER: (Sings.) I-ee-ya, ee-ya, alakazam!NEFARIO: (Sings.) Presto chango, (Shouts.) kiss the royal ring!NEFARIO/SkEEtER: (Sing.) Time has come, behold the hour,NEFARIO: (Sings.) Very soon I’ll be in power.NEFARIO/SkEEtER: (Sing.)

Then one day the ruler of the world!(Shout.) Alakazam!

SkEEtER: (At end of song.) How come you always get to be the boss?

NEFARIO: So that you can be my… assistant.SkEEtER: (Pleased.) Oh, boy. Your assistant. Do I get to wear a

uniform?NEFARIO: Oh, yes. A bright red one. Would you like that?SkEEtER: And can it have a big gold star right on the chest?NEFARIO: A gold star… and a silver moon… and a patch of pretty

pink pansies cascading down each sleeve.SkEEtER: But I don’t want pink pansies. NEFARIO: Well, you’re not getting anything if you don’t deliver that

scroll, and I do mean now. You will be paid only when the job is done.

SkEEtER: And that’s when I get a uniform?NEFARIO: Just go!SkEEtER: Gee, you don’t have to get so huffy about it. (MUSIC

CUE 2a: “Incidental Music” as NEFARIO EXITS RIGHT. MUSIC CONTINUES through following action: SKEETER starts to EXIT LEFT, but as he does, he runs into LILY and JORIAH as they

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ENTER LEFT. Their arms are loaded with the groceries they just acquired. They drop it all, including the scroll in SKEETER’S hand and the scroll in LILY’S hand. The scene is filled with “Pardon me,” and “Sorry,” etc. as they scramble to pick up items, confusing the two scrolls. As they EXIT opposite, the MAIDENS—YAZMINA, AMBER, MARIAH, CASSANDRA and SHIMA—ENTER LEFT along with MARA and LEANDER, who whisper something to MARIAH and then run OFF again. AMBER takes a seat UPSTAGE and hangs her head silently. MUSIC OUT.)

yAZMINA: I hate weddings!MARIAh: That’s not what you used to say.yAZMINA: Well, that’s what I say now. I hate weddings.CASSANdRA: If that king ever asks me to marry him, he will learn

what the back of my hand across his face feels like!MARIAh: The king does not ask you to marry him. His Grand Vizier

orders you to marry him.ShIMA: (Bitter.) That must be why Scheherazade has not been

chosen yet!yAZMINA: Don’t be angry at her, Shima. It’s not her fault that her

father is the Grand Vizier.ShIMA: Although it certainly helps.MARIAh: She will get her turn as well some day.yAZMINA: I remember when I used to dream about what my

wedding would be like. Now, it’s nothing but a nightmare.CASSANdRA: I, for one, will never marry.ShIMA: Does that mean I can have Hussain?CASSANdRA: Keep away from Hussain, he’s mine!ShIMA: But if you’re not going to marry him… CASSANdRA: I’m not going to marry him, but neither is anyone

else.MARIAh: No one else is allowed to marry. Only the king.CASSANdRA: That’s why I said that I shall never marry. (Gives

SHIMA “the eye.”) But if I did, it would be Hussain.yAZMINA: Isn’t he the Captain of the Guards?CASSANdRA: Just promoted last week!ShIMA: (Admiring.) Oooo, the one with the cute little eye patch.

Mmmmm, it makes him look so… dangerous!CASSANdRA: Don’t you even think about it!yAZMINA: I would think that the king would at least let someone

who works for him get married. It just isn’t fair.

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MARIAh: Of course it isn’t fair. We’re all being punished because of one woman.

CASSANdRA: What woman?MARIAh: I think her name was Shoshanna.CASSANdRA: I used to know a Shoshanna. We went to school

together.ShIMA: How did he find out that his fiancée was unfaithful?yAZMINA: I heard that he found her in the arms of a kitchen-boy.CASSANdRA: Must have been some kitchen-boy!yAZMINA: Actually, I heard that he was pretty scrawny.ShIMA: So what did they do to him?yAZMINA: Never caught him. He just disappeared.ShIMA: Amber is in love with a kitchen-boy! Hey, Amber, was it

your boyfriend who was caught with the king’s fiancée? (AMBER walks away from the group.)

MARIAh: Don’t tease Amber. She loves her kitchen-boy.ShIMA: Oh, sorry, Amber. Hey, you don’t look so well. What’s

wrong?MARIAh: (Concerned.) Uh-oh… I think I know what’s wrong. I’ve

seen this before. (Gently, to AMBER.) You’re next, aren’t you? (AMBER nods sadly, barely looking up. MARIAH hugs her.)

yAZMINA: You poor thing!CASSANdRA: Maybe my Hussain could help… or maybe you

could disguise yourself and get away… or maybe, uh, maybe… uh… (She has run out of ideas.) Maybe you’ll like being Queen for a day?

ShIMA: It ought to be Scheherazade!MARIAh: (Defensive.) You don’t know what you’re saying!ShIMA: It’s just because her father won’t choose her. It’s not fair!MARIAh: Of course it’s not fair. It’s not fair to you, it’s not fair to me,

or Amber, and it wouldn’t be fair to Scheherazade either.ShIMA: Well, somebody has to go, and I say it should be her.MARIAh: How can you talk that way about her? She’s been your

friend for so long.ShIMA: Friend? Hah! With friends like her— MARIAh: (Warns her.) Don’t turn against her now. You would be

making a big mistake, believe me.ShIMA: As far as I’m concerned, she’s the one who turned against

us. Because of her, we’re losing Amber when it should have been Scheherazade. If you call that being a friend, then count me out! (She EXITS LEFT, angry.)

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MARIAh: I’m not quite sure how to tell you this, Amber, but I want you to know that everything is going to be all right. That’s all I can say for now. Will you trust me on this? (AMBER nods her head.) Good. We need something to take our minds off of tomorrow’s worries. What do you say we all take a nice cool swim? A day like this would be wasted if we didn’t.

yAZMINA: You always have the best ideas.CASSANdRA: Hey, Amber. Race you to the rockslide! Okay?

(AMBER nods in agreement with a brave smile. They EXIT LEFT as SCHEHERAZADE and GRAND VIZIER ENTER DOWN LEFT.)

gRANd VIZIER: How is our plan going?SChEhERAZAdE: The queens are surviving, if that’s what you

mean.gRANd VIZIER: Good, good. Then our plan is working.SChEhERAZAdE: Oh, Father. The women are still alive, but they

have nothing to live for.gRANd VIZIER: Whatever do you mean, most sweet and obedient

daughter? We give them a home, plenty to eat, clothing and amusements.

SChEhERAZAdE: I mean that our king takes away what they value most, and then has them removed like the morning garbage.

gRANd VIZIER: But at least they are still alive.SChEhERAZAdE: What kind of a life is that? Living in seclusion,

never seeing their families?gRANd VIZIER: In a way, I see that you are right. But I don’t know

what else to do.SChEhERAZAdE: Then perhaps you would be willing to consider

another plan.gRANd VIZIER: That depends. What do you have in mind?SChEhERAZAdE: Father, I want to marry the king.gRANd VIZIER: What?!SChEhERAZAdE: You have the authority to choose any woman

in the kingdom to marry him, and I want you to choose me. (TOWNSPEOPLE begin to ENTER RIGHT and LEFT, mime “business.”)

gRANd VIZIER: That is no plan. You know that if I give you over to the king, then your fate will be the same as all the others. (Gentle.) And you know I cannot bear the thought of losing you.

SChEhERAZAdE: I want to marry the king so that I may either succeed in saving the people or become a prisoner like the rest.

gRANd VIZIER: What has possessed you so that you want to imperil yourself?

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SChEhERAZAdE: I cannot stand by and watch my people suffer any longer, Father.

gRANd VIZIER: Neither can I, but— SChEhERAZAdE: Father, you must give me to the king. This is

absolute and final.gRANd VIZIER: (Warns.) Daughter, he who considers not the end,

the world is not his friend. I am afraid that what happened to the donkey, the ox and the farmer will happen to you.

SChEhERAZAdE: Father, are you going to tell me a story? (TOWNSPEOPLE perk up and become interested, hoping to hear the tale. They come closer.)

gRANd VIZIER: That is up to you, Daughter.SChEhERAZAdE: It’s probably one I’ve heard before, only with

new characters.gRANd VIZIER: That is very likely.SChEhERAZAdE: And I’ll probably be sorry I asked but… (Gives

in.) All right, then, what happened to the donkey, the ox and the farmer?

gRANd VIZIER: (With great satisfaction.) I begin my tale with the greatest of pleasure. (He bows. MUSIC CUE 2b: “Story Theme” underscores dialogue of story.) It is said, most wise and faithful Daughter, that once there was a prosperous and wealthy farmer… (SHOPKEEPER volunteers for the role, and GRAND VIZIER nods. He pantomimes hoeing the soil.) …who lived in the countryside and labored on his farm. This man owned a fine ox… (GRAND VIZIER chooses WOMAN ONE from the crowd to be the ox. She steps willingly into the scene, becoming an ox.) …who was a strong and willing worker… and a donkey. (GRAND VIZIER motions for SCHEHERAZADE to become the donkey. She refuses. WOMAN TWO volunteers. She steps willingly into the scene and becomes the donkey.) The wealthy farmer happened to know the secret of understanding the language of beasts. He overheard a conversation one day between these two humble barnyard animals. (SHOPKEEPER stands upright and places hand to ear, listening. WOMAN ONE and WOMAN TWO move DOWNSTAGE LEFT. They chat together.)

wOMAN ONE: (As the ox, she addresses the donkey.) Oh, Watchful One…

gRANd VIZIER: Said the ox to the donkey.wOMAN ONE: I hope that you are enjoying the service you are

getting. Your ground is swept, they feed you sifted barley and offer you cool, fresh water to drink.

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wOMAN twO: (As the donkey, pantomimes filing her nails.) Yes, it is true.

gRANd VIZIER: Answered the fortunate donkey. (He motions to SCHEHERAZADE, indicating that in his story, she is represented by the donkey character.)

wOMAN ONE: (As the ox.) On the contrary, I am taken out to plow the fields day and night, whipped and offered beans soiled with mud. Why am I not treated with kindness, as you are?

wOMAN twO: (As donkey.) It is because you exert and exhaust yourself to comfort others. Why don’t you take a lesson from me? When they take you out in the field, kick with your hooves and butt with your head. Then when they offer you beans to eat, don’t eat them. Just sniff at them and then turn away. If you do this, life will be better and kinder to you, and you will find relief.

gRANd VIZIER: All this conversation took place, Daughter, while the farmer listened and understood. On the following day… (SHOPKEEPER and others continue to pantomime story as told.) …he took the ox, placed the yoke upon his head and worked him at the plow. The ox followed the donkey’s advice and kicked his hooves and butted with his head.

wOMAN ONE: (Butts her head against SHOPKEEPER.) Ow, that hurts!

gRANd VIZIER: When the farmer offered him beans, the ox only sniffed at them and turned away.

wOMAN ONE: I deserve better.gRANd VIZIER: So the farmer returned the ox to the stable.

Instead of the ox, he placed the yoke on the head of the donkey. wOMAN twO: Hey, what gives? This wasn’t the plan!gRANd VIZIER: And forced him to work all day, plowing the fields

until they were done.wOMAN twO: Who do you think you’re dealing with? Do I look

like an ox?gRANd VIZIER: That night, the donkey returned to the stable, tired

and worn from plowing all day.wOMAN twO: (Worn out, whimpers.) I’m thinking warm blanket.

I’m thinking soft hay.gRANd VIZIER: While the ox, who had been resting and chewing

cud, invoked many blessings upon the donkey when he returned.wOMAN ONE: (Chews.) Blessings on you, Watchful One! You

have done me a favor beyond description! I have been sitting in comfort all day.

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wOMAN twO: (Collapses.) Oh, what have I done? (A beat, then ALL EXIT except GRAND VIZIER and SCHEHERAZADE. MUSIC OUT.)

gRANd VIZIER: And you, my daughter, will likewise perish because of your miscalculation. Don’t expose yourself to peril. I advise you out of compassion for you.

SChEhERAZAdE: (Most sober.) Father, I must go to the king. And you must give me to him.

gRANd VIZIER: Didn’t you hear my story?SChEhERAZAdE: Such tales do not deter me from my purpose.

I could likewise tell you many more stories that would prove my point beyond doubt.

gRANd VIZIER: You are, indeed, famous for your many stories. SChEhERAZAdE: But in the end, if you don’t take me to the king,

I will go to him myself. I will tell him that you have begrudged him your own daughter.

gRANd VIZIER: Must you really do this?SChEhERAZAdE: Yes, I must. (MUSIC CUE 3: “Someday.”)gRANd VIZIER: (Speaks.) I can’t bear the thought of losing you…

perhaps forever!SChEhERAZAdE: (Speaks.) Father, you won’t lose me. I promise.

(Sings.) Like the wind that whispers softly through the trees,Like a spring bouquet awake with every little breeze,You will always have me near,Have no worry, have no fear.

Like the rain that falls upon a distant shore,Like a river flowing gently on forevermore,If you keep me in your heart,We will never be apart.

Someday, you will understand this burning in my soul.Someday, you will know the reason I must go.Someday, I will find my way back home to you again,Father, until then, won’t you keep me in your prayers.

gRANd VIZIER:(Sings.) Oh, my daughter, oh, my daughter, oh, my daughter,Like a desert blossom reaching to the skies,Like a sweet mirage that disappears before my eyes,When I wake will you be gone?How will I ever carry on?

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Go, my daughter, quick before I change my mind.Do you understand the kind of life you’re bound to find?Go in peace, I humbly pray.May you always find your way.

SChEhERAZAdE: (Sings.) Someday, people everywhere will hear the tales I tell.

gRANd VIZIER: (Sings.) No prouder father could there be.SChEhERAZAdE: (Sings.)

Someday, they will understand their magic spell.gRANd VIZIER: (Sings.) My daughter, truly I know… ShEhERAZAdE/gRANd VIZIER: (Sing.)

Someday I/you will make my/your way back home to you/me again.

gRANd VIZIER: (Sings.) Daughter until then, I will keep you in my prayers.SChEhERAZAdE: (Sings.)

Thank you, Father, thank you, Father, thank you, Father. (MUSIC UNDER following dialogue.)

gRANd VIZIER: (Speaks; tired and beaten.) I know you too well to deny you this request.

SChEhERAZAdE: (Speaks.) Do you mean…gRANd VIZIER: (Speaks; reluctant.) I mean that you will marry

the king tomorrow.SChEhERAZAdE: (Speaks.) Thank you. I have much to do to

prepare. Thank you, Father! (She EXITS DOWN LEFT.)gRANd VIZIER: (Speaks.) Oh, what have I done? (He EXITS

RIGHT. BLACKOUT. MUSIC OUT.)End of Scene One

Scene TwoSETTING: It is the next morning and we are again on the main thoroughfare of the town.AT RISE: During the BLACKOUT, a GONG SOUNDS twice from OFFSTAGE. MUSIC CUE 3a: “Procession Music.” The LIGHTS FADE UP slowly to reveal SKEETER again rolling out the long white cloth that serves as the bride’s fatal path. TOWNSPEOPLE ENTER RIGHT and LEFT as witnesses. Gloomy MAIDENS, minus AMBER, ENTER UP LEFT carrying garlands of white flowers to place around the BRIDE’S neck as she passes along. ALL take their positions UPSTAGE from the path. DINNY and GRAND VIZIER ENTER DOWNSTAGE LEFT.

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dINNy: Do you see her coming yet?gRANd VIZIER: Not yet.dINNy: I can’t wait! My sister is marrying the king today.gRANd VIZIER: I hope your sister has chosen wisely.dINNy: (Cheerful.) Don’t worry, Father, we have a plan.gRANd VIZIER: Did you say “we”?dINNy: Oh, yes! Wait till you see. We have a stupendous plan.gRANd VIZIER: Not you, Dinny! She hasn’t involved you, too?dINNy: Of course I’m involved. In fact, you might say that the whole

thing was my idea to begin with.gRANd VIZIER: Now I really am worried.dINNy: I think she’s coming any minute now. Lift me up, Father,

so I can see! (CHILD with incense ENTERS UP LEFT as before followed by CHILDREN with flower petals. Behind them ENTERS SCHEHERAZADE, face obscured with veil. MUSIC CONTINUES SOFTLY and the procession moves along until nearly all have passed. The MAIDENS are UPSTAGE. SCHEHERAZADE stops and speaks to DINNY.)

SChEhERAZAdE: Remember our plan and come to me when the moon is at its highest point tonight.

dINNy: I’ll remember. (SCHEHERAZADE EXITS RIGHT, head held high. MAIDENS gather one by one DOWNSTAGE, starting with CASSANDRA and SHIMA. AMBER ENTERS UPSTAGE LEFT unobserved by others. MUSIC OUT.)

CASSANdRA: Amber has certainly changed her tune since yesterday.

yAZMINA: She seemed to be happy under that gruesome wedding veil of hers.

ShIMA: I’ve never seen a girl get over a man so quickly.yAZMINA: I thought you said she was deeply in love with a kitchen-

boy.ShIMA: She was yesterday. She’s more fickle than I thought.MARIAh: What are you all talking about over here?ShIMA: About Amber’s miraculous recovery.AMbER: Did someone mention my name? (ALL the MAIDENS

register surprise and begin talking all at once.) You look surprised to see me! (Again they babble at once.)

MARIAh: Amber got a break. Someone decided she wanted to take her place.

CASSANdRA: You’re kidding me!

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ShIMA: It must be somebody who has nothing else to live for.CASSANdRA: Or is completely crazy.yAZMINA: Or thoroughly foolish.AMbER: Or someone who is completely and thoroughly… wonderful.ShIMA/CASSANdRA/yAZMINA: What?MARIAh: That was Scheherazade. She’s marrying the king today

instead of Amber. She hopes to put an end to this ridiculous game the king is playing.

AMbER: (Confident.) And I believe she’s going to do it. (Sheepish.) At least I sure hope so.

ShIMA: I feel terrible for all the things I said about her yesterday.CASSANdRA: And all the things I thought about saying, but didn’t.

(MUSIC CUE 4: “She’s a Friend.”)MARIAh: (Speaks.) This is no time to sulk. Scheherazade has a

plan and she needs our help.ShIMA: (Speaks.) Count me in.AMbER: (Speaks.) And me, too. (OTHERS agree. Sings.)

She’s always been a little daring at heart.She’s got the kind of spunk that sets her apart.

ShIMA: (Sings.) I can’t believe she’s gonna marry the king.I hope for her sake that it’s a permanent thing.

CASSANdRA: (Sings.) The sweetest girl you ever wanted to know.yAZMINA: (Sings.) Leave it to her to take control of the show.MARIAh: (Sings.) We gotta stick together, help if we can,AMbER: (Sings.) I just have to say that I’m her number one fan.ALL MAIdENS: (Sing.) She’s a friend, no doubt about it.

A friend, let’s stand up and shout it.She’s the kind of gal you’d want around.A sister to the end, she’s a friend!

AMbER: (Speaks.) As far as I’m concerned, I owe Scheherazade my very life!(Sings.) She’s awful brave to place her life on the line.

ShIMA: (Sings.) I always said she was a good friend of mine.yAZMINA: (Sings.) In times of trouble she’ll be right by your side.MARIAh: (Sings.)

And if they should ask we’re gonna say it with pride!ALL MAIdENS: (Sing.)

She’s a friend, there’s no doubt about it.A friend, let’s stand up and shout it.She’s the kind of gal you’d want around.A sister to the end, she’s a friend!

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AMbER/MAIdEN ONE: (Sing.) She’s a friend… ShIMA/CASSANdRA/MAIdEN twO: (Sing.) She’s a friend…yAZMINA/MARIAh/MAIdEN thREE: (Sing.) She’s a friend…AMbER/ShIMA/CASSANdRA/MAIdENS ONE/twO: (Sing.)

No doubt about it,AMbER/MAIdEN ONE: (Sing.) A friend, ShIMA/CASSANdRA/MAIdEN twO: (Sing.) She’s a friend…yAZMINA/MARIAh/MAIdEN thREE: (Sing.) She’s a friend…AMbER/ShIMA/CASSANdRA/MAIdENS ONE/twO: (Sing.)

Let’s stand up and shout it,ALL MAIdENS: (Sing.) She’s the kind of gal you’d want around.

A sister to the end, she’s a friend!AMbER/MAIdEN ONE: (Sing.) She’s a friend… ShIMA/CASSANdRA/MAIdEN twO: (Sing.) She’s a friend…yAZMINA/MARIAh/MAIdEN thREE: (Sing.) She’s a friend…AMbER/ShIMA/CASSANdRA/MAIdENS ONE/twO: (Sing.)

No doubt about it,AMbER/MAIdEN ONE: (Sing.) A friend, ShIMA/CASSANdRA/MAIdEN twO: (Sing.) She’s a friend…yAZMINA/MARIAh/MAIdEN thREE: (Sing.) She’s a friend…AMbER/ShIMA/CASSANdRA/MAIdEN ONE/twO: (Sing.)

Let’s stand up and shout it.ALL MAIdENS: (Sing.) She’s the kind of gal you’d want around.

A sister to the end, she’s a friend!She’s a friend!

MARIAh: (At end of song.) Let’s go somewhere where we can talk in private.

CASSANdRA: Should I ask Hussain to come?ShIMA: Great idea!CASSANdRA: Hands off, lady. And I do mean that literally!MARIAh: You know, we just might be able to make use of him. Go

get him and we’ll meet at my home. And be quick! We don’t have much time. (CASSANDRA EXITS RIGHT while the MAIDENS EXIT LEFT.)

End of Scene Two

Scene Three

SETTING: The scene is now the QUEEN’S chamber in the palace. It is decorated with lavish Middle Eastern style furnishings. There is a door RIGHT and a door LEFT.

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AT RISE: SCHEHERAZADE is sitting at the dressing table brushing her hair. LILY ENTERS LEFT. LOUD GONG SOUNDS from OFFSTAGE as she ENTERS.

LILy: (As if by rote, bored.) Is there anything I can get to make you more comfortable, Your Highness?

SChEhERAZAdE: Like what?LILy: (Stumped, as if awakening from sleep.) Deary me. I don’t

know. I just come in every night and ask the new queens that question.

SChEhERAZAdE: And what is the usual answer?LILy: Oh, they don’t usually answer me because they’re usually

crying their eyes out by now.SChEhERAZAdE: But I’m not crying. And there is something I’d

like you to get for me.LILy: There is? What can I bring you?SChEhERAZAdE: I would like you to bring me my husband.LILy: Yes, Your Highness, I’ll be right back. (It hits her.) I can’t do

that!SChEhERAZAdE: But you asked me what I wanted and what I

want is my husband.LILy: I can’t just tell His Majesty that a woman wants to see him.SChEhERAZAdE: But I am not just a woman. I am his wife. At

least for tonight I am.LILy: You don’t understand. His Highness never comes in to visit

the queens. And he has such a temper!SChEhERAZAdE: A temper? Shame on him.LILy: Don’t you know that if you displease him in any way, you may

not even remain his wife throughout this night.SChEhERAZAdE: Then I will not displease him.LILy: But everything displeases him.SChEhERAZAdE: That is a chance I am willing to take. Please,

won’t you give my message to the king? Or do you wish for things to go on always as they have been?

LILy: (Thoughtful.) I will do what I can, Your Highness. (As LILY EXITS RIGHT, DINNY slips IN LEFT. She greets her sister merrily.)

dINNy: Am I here in time? The moon is at its highest.

SChEhERAZAdE: Perfect timing, Dinny. The king will arrive any minute, if I have calculated correctly. Do you remember what you are supposed to do?

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dINNy: How can I forget? It is the same thing I do every night, but this time, it is in the palace. (Admires the finery.)

SChEhERAZAdE: And you remember the words I told you to say?dINNy: Of course I do… but maybe I better just practice. (Dramatic.)

Since this is the last time I will be allowed to see my dear sister, Scheherazade, then I beg Your Majesty’s forbearance… What is “forbearance”?

SChEhERAZAdE: It means “patience.” A word that the king does not understand either.

dINNy: What if he gets mad at me?SChEhERAZAdE: Do not be afraid, Little Sister. Although he is a

king, he is also a man, just like our father.dINNy: Like Father? In that case, I have nothing to fear at all.

(LOUD GONG SOUNDS OFFSTAGE and is still resounding as KING RAYNAH ENTERS RIGHT to the SOUND OF SLAMMING DOORS.)

kINg RAyNAh: Who is it that dares to demand the presence of the king? (DINNY screams and hides under dressing table.)

SChEhERAZAdE: (Remains perfectly calm.) It is only your humble wife and servant, my lord. (She bows.)

kINg RAyNAh: And for what purpose have you wrested me away from my ponderous magisterial responsibilities?

SChEhERAZAdE: (Remains calm.) I beg forgiveness, my husband and ruler. It was indeed inconvenient for me to ask to see you at this time.

kINg RAyNAh: It was indeed! So why in the world did you— SChEhERAZAdE: (Interrupts.) I must be a blight upon your very

soul, good king.kINg RAyNAh: A blight, yes! That’s what you are! A blight! It is my

experience that when a woman— SChEhERAZAdE: But if you will allow me to address you, I have

a favor to ask.kINg RAyNAh: You have already addressed me, and I am in no

mood to grant favors.SChEhERAZAdE: Of course. And no one understands better than

I.kINg RAyNAh: If you understand that, then why in the world did

you—SChEhERAZAdE: Especially given the limits of your patience at

this time of night.

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kINg RAyNAh: Yes, the limits of my… What do you mean by that? My patience is not in question here. How dare you imply that my patience—

SChEhERAZAdE: I see that you are very tired, and I do not want to burden you with a request that you probably could not grant anyway.

kINg RAyNAh: I? I could not grant your request? This request is so difficult that I could not grant it? Perhaps you underestimate my supremacy in this kingdom. There is no request I cannot grant. But there are many I choose not to.

SChEhERAZAdE: And that is just why I do not want to tax the abilities of a man your age, your Majesty. Far be it from me to—

kINg RAyNAh: A man my age?SChEhERAZAdE: It is a request my little sister here has made

of me.kINg RAyNAh: Your little sister? What little sister? I don’t see a

little sister here.SChEhERAZAdE: Young people tend to ask a great deal more

than we are able to carry out much of the time. I am sorry I asked. Please do go back to your... (Clears throat.) …ponderous magisterial responsibilities, and we will carry on without you. Please forget I asked.

kINg RAyNAh: But you asked nothing!SChEhERAZAdE: Very good, my husband and king. You have

forgotten already.kINg RAyNAh: I have forgotten nothing! You have forgotten to ask!SChEhERAZAdE: To ask what, my only true love?kINg RAyNAh: What does your sister request of you?SChEhERAZAdE: How very kind of you to be so concerned about

my sister. But of course, it is nothing that a king would be— kINg RAyNAh: I demand that you tell me the request!SChEhERAZAdE: Very well, my dear husband. Since you insist…

(She motions for DINNY to come out from under the chair.) But perhaps you will allow the girl to speak for herself. Dinny, you may speak now.

kINg RAyNAh: I will tell the girl when she may speak. (A long uncomfortable silence.) You may speak now.

dINNy: (Stiff.) Since this is the last time I will be allowed to see my dear sister, Scheherazade… uh… (Gathers her thoughts and starts again.) Since this is the last time I will be allowed to see my dear sister, Scheherazade, then I beg Your Majesty’s four parents.

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kINg RAyNAh: My four parents? What are you implying? I have only two parents!

SChEhERAZAdE: She means to say “forbearance.” (KING RAYNAH looks confused.) It means patience, dear one. Now let her continue. (KING RAYNAH reacts with surprise at her boldness.)

dINNy: (Emboldened by her sister’s behavior, she moves toward KING RAYNAH as she speaks and ends up next to him at the end, holding his arm as if begging from her own father.) What I really mean to say, oh great… and handsome… king, is that every night my sister tells me the most wonderful stories, and I have come to ask if she could tell me one of her tales tonight. She’s really quite famous for them. Will you allow her to? Please? (KING RAYNAH is surprised and somewhat pleased at DINNY’S sweetness. DINNY suddenly realizes she is touching the royal arm and pulls back, falling on her knees.)

kINg RAyNAh: A story? You only want your sister to tell you a story? Well, I don’t see any harm in that. I grant you my permission. (He starts to EXIT RIGHT, but SCHEHERAZADE motions for DINNY to go after him.)

dINNy: Won’t you stay and listen to the story, too?kINg RAyNAh: Children’s fables do not interest the mind of a king.SChEhERAZAdE: (Takes DINNY’S arm and leads her to a seat.)

He is right, Dinny. These stories are not for the faint at heart. You know how weakened Father always becomes.

kINg RAyNAh: I am not faint at heart.SChEhERAZAdE: Of course you are not. You are the bravest of

all rulers, and a thousand of your mortal enemies flee when they hear but rumors of your approach.

kINg RAyNAh: That’s right. SChEhERAZAdE: (Mysterious.) But the tales I tell are not of mortal

enemies. (Entices.) They are tales of mystic genies who work magic on the most potent of rulers, and magical adventures so terrifying that only the bravest of men can endure them. (Matter of fact.) No, you would not be able to stand hearing my tales. Good night, fair monarch. Sleep soundly.

kINg RAyNAh: Sleep soundly?SChEhERAZAdE: That’s what I said. Sleep soundly.kINg RAyNAh: I will not sleep soundly! I, too, shall hear these

tales of which you boast.

SChEhERAZAdE: Choose wisely, dear husband. For the tales I tell are powerful. I must warn you that many have been drawn into these legends unaware, and fancy that they are living them, in truth.

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kINg RAyNAh: I need no such warnings. Begin your stories. (He sits.) Now.

SChEhERAZAdE: As you wish, Your Majesty. I begin my tale with the greatest of pleasure. (MUSIC CUE 4a: “Story Theme.” LIGHTS SHIFT subtly as the music underscores the story.) It is said, oh wise and happy king, that once there was an emperor of Persia named Kardiah. In order to gain knowledge of the condition of his empire, he often walked in disguise through the city and met with many adventures.

kINg RAyNAh: (Stands and, taking on the character of KARDIAH, strolls to DOWN CENTER.) That is a wise way of discerning the true state of his realm.

SChEhERAZAdE: One of the most remarkable of his adventures happened to him upon his first ramble, in which he partook, unwisely, alone.

kINg RAyNAh: It is not unwise to travel alone, if you are a man.SChEhERAZAdE: He filled his saddlebags with loaves of bread

and dates, mounted his horse and set off on a journey.kINg RAyNAh: I happen to be quite an adventurer myself, you

know. (He pantomimes the story as SCHEHERAZADE tells it.)SChEhERAZAdE: For many days and nights he traveled until, on

the fourth day, he reached an orchard. Going in to avoid the heat of the day, he came to a spring which was located in the shade of a walnut tree. Tying his horse, he pulled from his saddlebags some bread and a handful of dates and began to eat.

kINg RAyNAh: (Looks at the “dates” in his hand.) Couldn’t the emperor have brought something better to eat than bread and dates?

SChEhERAZAdE: No. He was in disguise, remember? And so was his food.

kINg RAyNAh: I knew that.SChEhERAZAdE: (Continues the story.) As he ate, he threw the

date pits right and left until he had had enough. When he was finished, he arose to mount his steed and continue his journey when suddenly, an old demon appeared from thin air before him. King Kardiah fell to his knees in terror! (KING RAYNAH poses dramatically, hands over his head, face askew in “pain,” eyes closed and down on his knees. He is near the entrance to the room. SCHEHERAZADE’S voice builds in intensity.) With his evil feet planted on the ground, his depraved head nearly touching the clouds and his wicked, twisted claws clutching a sword, he came before Kardiah and screamed. (LOUD GONG SOUNDS. MUSIC STOPS suddenly as NEFARIO ENTERS. KING RAYNAH falls over.)

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NEFARIO: Your Majesty, the Captain of the Guards is here to see you and he says he has something very important to put into your hands.

kINg RAyNAh: (Shouts.) Ah, Nefario, you are ruining the story!NEFARIO: The story? I’m sorry, sir. What story?kINg RAyNAh: What is the story you are telling your sister, my

Queen?SChEhERAZAdE: (Happy that he called her “my Queen.”) It is the

story of the “Emperor and the Demon,” my Lord. Do you know that one, Nefario?

NEFARIO: (Annoyed.) Yes, yes. The children’s fantasy. I know it.kINg RAyNAh: Then take your place as the demon, Good Advisor.NEFARIO: (Confused.) My place as…kINg RAyNAh: (Poses NEFARIO as the demon, placing a “sword”

prop in his hands.) You’re the demon now and I’m the Emperor and you just appeared from thin air, I think. Now do what she says. (He takes his pose again at NEFARIO’S feet.)

NEFARIO: But, Your Majesty… kINg RAyNAh: You are the demon.NEFARIO: Yes, Your Majesty. I am the demon. (He just stands.

Silence.)kINg RAyNAh: You’re supposed to scream at me. You aren’t doing

it right. Now say what you’re supposed to say!NEFARIO: (Without expression.) Get up so I may kill you with this

sword just as you have killed my son.kINg RAyNAh: (Asks SCHEHERAZADE.) Is that how he said it?

(To NEFARIO.) Is that supposed to be the way a demon talks? Come on, Nefario. Surely you can do better than that. (Thunder and wind are heard as NEFARIO’S anger builds. MUSIC CUE 4b: “Nefario’s Theme—The Demon.”) Nefario? Nefario, answer me!

NEFARIO: (Suddenly lets loose with his anger against KING RAYNAH.) Get up, so that I may kill you with this sword, just as you have killed others! (KING RAYNAH reacts impressed, believing NEFARIO is playing the part well now.)

kINg RAyNAh: (Admires.) Well said, Nefario. Oh, yes… uh.. (Takes on character again.) But, Great and Mighty Demon, what crime do you charge me with? Why do you want to kill me?

NEFARIO: I want to kill you because you have killed my son!kINg RAyNAh: Who has killed your son?NEFARIO: You have killed my son.kINg RAyNAh: (Gets on his feet, and out of character.) I did not

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kill your son. You said you knew this story. I was just eating dates and bread and was just about to—

NEFARIO: (As the demon, full blown.) You killed my son, for as you were throwing the pits of the dates right and left, my son, who was innocently walking in this orchard, was struck and killed. Now I must kill you.

kINg RAyNAh: Isn’t that rather harsh?NEFARIO: Right is right. Blood for blood. It is the law.kINg RAyNAh: But if I killed him, it was only by mistake. You

should just forgive me.NEFARIO: I have not the power to forgive. That takes someone

greater than myself. Only the emperor has that power.SChEhERAZAdE: At this, Kardiah took heart.kINg RAyNAh: If the emperor has the power to forgive and save

me from being killed, then I am saved—for I am the emperor!SChEhERAZAdE: The demon did not believe Kardiah, because

he was in disguise. He did not look or behave as an emperor. The demon seized him, and, throwing him upon the ground raised his awful sword… (KING RAYNAH and NEFARIO hold this pose. MUSIC OUT. SCHEHERAZADE stops speaking and stares blankly into space. The men continue holding the pose.)

kINg RAyNAh: What happens next? “He raised his awful sword,” you said. Do continue the story!

SChEhERAZAdE: The night has ended.kINg RAyNAh: The night has ended? Is that how the story goes?NEFARIO: That’s not how I heard it.SChEhERAZAdE: You have forbidden me to go on being your

queen after the sun rises. It is the law.kINg RAyNAh: But it’s hardly even morning. We were just getting

started.SChEhERAZAdE: No, my dear husband, the night has ended

although the story has not.kINg RAyNAh: (Saddened.) It is really morning already?SChEhERAZAdE: Yes, and the Captain of the Guards waits

outside to take me away. Good-bye, my Lord. (She starts to leave.)

kINg RAyNAh: (Stops her.) But you mustn’t go! Not until I… I mean not until your sister hears the end of this story. (To DINNY.) Isn’t that so?

dINNy: It is a strange and lovely story. I do want to hear the end.kINg RAyNAh: See? What did I tell you?SChEhERAZAdE: (Pleased that their plan is working.) Yes, Dinny.

It is strange and lovely. But it is nothing compared with what I shall

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tell you tonight… if the king spares me and lets me continue as his queen.

kINg RAyNAh: (With a royal air.) I will spare you until you have finished telling the end of the story. But only until then. Come, demon…I mean Nefario. We have many ponderous magisterial responsibilities to attend to this day. Where is my breakfast? (MUSIC CUE 4c: “Scheherazade—Reprise.” He EXITS RIGHT along with NEFARIO, who is still trying to get him to attend to his original business. SCHEHERAZADE and DINNY embrace then EXIT as the CHORUS sings. CHORUS may sing from OFFSTAGE or ENTER from the wings STAGE RIGHT and LEFT.)

ChORuS: (Sings.)Ah ah ah ah, behold the voice of Scheherazade,Ah ah ah ah, the ancient stories of Scheherazade.Come bathe in the moonlight, come bask in the sun,Open the pages, the tale has begun! (BLACKOUT. CURTAIN.)

End of ACT ONE

ACT TWOScene One

MUSIC CUE 5: “Entr’acte.”AT RISE: LIGHTS UP: On the main thoroughfare. The STAGE is filled with vendors and street entertainers; jugglers, acrobats, sword swallower (fake, of course), fire eater (also fake), snake charmer, belly dancers, etc. EXTRAS can be dressed as animals: a camel, cow, goat, sheep. The more colorful and fantastic, the better. MUSIC CUE 6: “Come to the Bazaar.”

ALL tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar!You’re bound to find whatever you desire, just inquire.

MEN: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar!We promise you a special day!

wOMEN: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar,Where you can buy a herd of sheep or cattle, a camel saddle.

ALL tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar!It’s the Arabian way!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!

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Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! (During the MUSIC/DANCE INTERLUDE, TOWNSPEOPLE begin peddling their wares to AUDIENCE MEMBERS. Examples of items to sell: fresh ripe dates and figs, the finest silk from the Orient, perfumes and oils, a genie’s lamp once owned by Aladdin, a magic carpet, various animals played by students, etc. STREET ENTERTAINERS continue to perform ONSTAGE and throughout the AUDIENCE.)

Come to the bazaar! You’re gonna find a place of giving, taking, myst’ry making.

MEN: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar!We promise you a special day!

wOMEN: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar!You’ll find the people there are buying, selling, story-telling.

ALL tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar,It’s the Arabian way!

Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! (The following three stanzas are sung as a TRIO.)

PARt ONE/wOMEN: (Sing.) Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!PARt twO/MEN/wOMEN: (Sing.) Salam! Salam!

Salam! Salam!Salam! Salam!Salam! Salam! Salam!

PARt thREE/MEN/wOMEN: (Sing.)Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! (The following three stanzas are again sung as a TRIO.)

PARt ONE/wOMEN: (Sing.) Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!PARt twO/MEN/wOMEN: (Sing.) Salam! Salam!

Salam! Salam!Salam! Salam!Salam! Salam! Salam!

PARt thREE/MEN/wOMEN: (Sing.)Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!

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ALL tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Ay-yi-yi! (BLACKOUT. MUSIC CUE 6a: “Exit Music.” COMPANY EXITS.)

End of Scene One

Scene Two

SETTING: In the QUEEN’S chamber.AT RISE: SCHEHERAZADE is with her father, the GRAND VIZIER. It is the next night. She is waiting for KING RAYNAH. SCHEHERAZADE has possibly changed costumes to indicate the passage of time.

SChEhERAZAdE: So I said, “But it is nothing, compared with what I shall tell you tomorrow night, if the king spares me.”

gRANd VIZIER: (Not convinced.) And so, this is your plan? To tell the king stories?

SChEhERAZAdE: Not just any stories, Father. Very special ones.gRANd VIZIER: It takes more than the telling of a fairy tale to

persuade the mind of a great ruler.SChEhERAZAdE: But they aren’t just fairy tales. And I’m not

simply telling them. Don’t you see?gRANd VIZIER: I see that you have put yourself into a very

dangerous situation.SChEhERAZAdE: I know.gRANd VIZIER: And I see that your plan has more chance of failing

than succeeding.SChEhERAZAdE: You are right.gRANd VIZIER: (Proud of her.) But I also see that I have a very

courageous daughter. And my prayers are with you. (They embrace.)

SChEhERAZAdE: My husband will be arriving any minute. Please… send Dinny to my chamber. And I will be counting on your prayers, Father. (GRAND VIZIER EXITS RIGHT. LILY ENTERS LEFT as a LOUD GONG SOUNDS from OFFSTAGE.)

LILy: (As if by rote.) Is there anything I can get you to make you more comfortable, Your Highness? (Gasps.) It’s you again!

SChEhERAZAdE: In person.LILy: But you’re supposed to be someone else! Every night it’s

supposed to be someone else!SChEhERAZAdE: Well, if we’re lucky, from now on it will only be

me. How would you like that?

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LILy: (Amazed at the possibilities.) I would like that very much.SChEhERAZAdE: And so would I. You asked if you could get me

something. As a matter of fact, you could be of service… (They EXIT LEFT, whispering, and LILY looks amazed. KING RAYNAH and NEFARIO ENTER RIGHT as a LOUD GONG SOUNDS from OFFSTAGE.)

NEFARIO: As I was trying to tell you last night, the Captain of the Guards has something he must give you. He seems to think it is extremely important. I think you should see him and listen to what he has to say.

kINg RAyNAh: (Not listening.) What’s important right now is finding my wife. What is her name again?

NEFARIO: Scheherazade. She is the daughter of the Grand Vizier. And the two of them are very close, too. You see, I’ve heard that—

kINg RAyNAh: Scheherazade. That’s a beautiful name, isn’t it? Does it seem to you that it is more beautiful than most names that you hear these days? Scheherazade. Poetic, isn’t it? (He calls loudly.) Where are you, Queen Scheherazade? (To NEFARIO.) That has a nice ring to it. (Calls again.) I haven’t got much time for these stories of yours! Hurry out now! I am waiting. (SCHEHERAZADE and LILY ENTER LEFT. LILY crosses and EXITS.) There you are. Let’s get on with this story now so we can have the end of it. Let’s see, I believe we were right about here. (He drags NEFARIO into position as the story stopped at end of ACT ONE. They pose.)

SChEhERAZAdE: But my sister has not yet arrived.kINg RAyNAh: You have a sister? Oh, yes, your sister. Yes, well,

we can’t get started without her, can we? Where is your sister?dINNy: (ENTERS LEFT in a rush and out of breath.) I’m here.

(KING RAYNAH gives her an impatient look. She is annoyed right back at him.) I had to finish my supper first. (Sees the MEN in the pose.) You haven’t started without me?

SChEhERAZAdE: No, but we were just about to begin.kINg RAyNAh: Begin then, so that we may have an ending to this.SChEhERAZAdE: As you wish, Your Majesty. I begin my tale with

the greatest of pleasure. (MUSIC CUE 6b: “Story Theme.”) It is related, oh wise and happy king, that as the demon raised his awful sword, Kardiah asked again...

kINg RAyNAh: Must you kill me?NEFARIO: I must.SChEhERAZAdE: With that, the demon gave a loud cry.NEFARIO: Ahhhhhh!

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SChEhERAZAdE: (Said all in one breath.) Just as he was about to bring the sword down upon his victim, a great, wise prophet who had foreseen this event in a cup of tea arrived on the scene! (JORIAH ENTERS RIGHT being pushed along by LILY, who gives SCHEHERAZADE the “thumbs up” and sits with DINNY. A LOUD GONG SOUNDS from OFFSTAGE as the MUSIC STOPS.)

kINg RAyNAh: Thank heaven for tea!JORIAh: Fiend and king of the demons, I address you.NEFARIO: By what authority do you speak to me, Prophet?JORIAh: By my own authority, fiend. I have advice for you. Kill not

this man, and it will go well with you. Kill him, and you also will die. Spare him and you also will be spared. Spare him not and you will never see another day. This is the word of the prophet.

ALL: Huh?SChEhERAZAdE: The demon knew that when a prophet speaks

like that, then he is speaking the truth, and others are obligated to listen.

NEFARIO: Could you try that again? It was a little confusing.JORIAh: (Threatens.) Just don’t harm him or you will be sorry.NEFARIO: Oh. (Back in character as demon.) But this barbarian

killed my son, and I must have my revenge. Is this not the right thing to do?

JORIAh: A wiser man would know that there is more than one way to exact revenge.

kINg RAyNAh: That’s right! Killing isn’t always the best choice. Now, I suggest something less severe, like perhaps house arrest for a week. Or maybe restriction from using the family horse.

NEFARIO: Silence, murderer. Your punishment will be one that will teach you a lesson and haunt you for the rest of your life.

JORIAh: Something that suits the crime, I might add.kINg RAyNAh: Joriah!JORIAh: But it’s part of the story, Your Majesty.NEFARIO: It must be something that he will never forget. Something

that humiliates him wherever he goes. Something that strips him of the homage he now enjoys. Oh, this revenge will be sweet.

JORIAh: “Revenge is the abject pleasure of an abject mind.”NEFARIO: Why, thank you.kINg RAyNAh: Joriah, now, are you helping? Let’s not be talking

about revenge.NEFARIO: You know all about revenge, don’t you… Kardiah?

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kINg RAyNAh: (Bothered by this last remark.) This story has gone on entirely too long! It is time to—

NEFARIO: (Thinks.) I have it. It is perfect. Prepare yourself for your punishment! (LILY EXITS LEFT to retrieve MAIDENS.)

kINg RAyNAh: Once more I protest. I am innocent. And my name is not Kardiah! (As NEFARIO begins his magical chant, the MAIDENS, led by LILY, ENTER LEFT carrying bags in which are hidden some woman’s clothing and a wig. In a swirl of activity, they surround KING RAYNAH and block him from the audience’s view as they effect the curse… that is, dress him as a woman. MUSIC CUE 6c: “The Curse.” WIND and STORM SOUNDS are heard. LIGHTS FLICKER and CHANGE COLORS.)

NEFARIO: (Chants.) May the winds and the waves Be my witness this day as I render this discipline vile. Let my son in his grave that is cold as the clay See his torture be bitter as bile! For I know every man has a fear of his own That he dreads as he dreads the abyss. And for this one I can think of no better plan Than to change him from “mister” to “miss!” (The MAIDENS step back to reveal that KING RAYNAH has become a woman.)

kINg RAyNAh: (Screams in high voice.) What have you done to me?

NEFARIO: (Chants.) I have levied my curse. Would you like a new purse? And you may want to get matching shoes. For, from this moment on, you’ll be dressed in chiffon Of your favorite shade of chartreuse. There is no getting out So you’d better not pout Or your lipstick will smear on your chin. But for your disrepute,I would say you were cute.What a terrible spot you are in, What a terrible spot you are in! Ha, ha! (He EXITS RIGHT with a flourish. MUSIC OUT.)

kINg RAyNAh: I’m a woman!yAZMINA: May I say that you are very lovely looking today, Your

Majesty? (LILY and MAIDENS giggle and EXIT LEFT.)kINg RAyNAh: (To SCHEHERAZADE, still using high voice.) This

is your doing! I command you to change me back immediately!SChEhERAZAdE: But this is only a story. For my sister ’s

amusement, remember?

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dINNy: I love this story. Please go on.kINg RAyNAh: I will not allow it to go on. (He tries to remove hair,

women’s clothing, etc., but they will not come off.) What is wrong with this costume? It won’t come off.

SChEhERAZAdE: Uh-oh, it’s happening… kINg RAyNAh: What’s happening?SChEhERAZAdE: Do you remember when I warned you that many

have been drawn into these legends unaware, and fancy that they are living them, in truth?

kINg RAyNAh: But these are only fairy tales. They are not real.SChEhERAZAdE: I’m afraid my stories do have this effect on

some people.kINg RAyNAh: That is ridiculous.SChEhERAZAdE: Those who seek the truth and are pure of heart

are most easily drawn in.kINg RAyNAh: This talk has nothing to do with me.SChEhERAZAdE: (With admiration.) But it does, my dear husband.

I see now that you are a man of principles. A man of truth.kINg RAyNAh: A man, you say? I thank you for that, at least.SChEhERAZAdE: But you have been living against what you know

to be right... against your own deeply held beliefs.kINg RAyNAh: How dare you accuse me of committing a crime

against my own morality? You are a witch! You have changed me into the vilest creature on this earth... a woman!

JORIAh: It was not she, but you, yourself.kINg RAyNAh: (Stunned.) I? I have worked evil against myself?

That is absurd.JORIAh: If you had not wished to know the truth, then the magic

of the story could not have taken hold.kINg RAyNAh: Are you both insane? I did not wish to become

such a malformation of nature.JORIAh: The enchantments of the heart are of our own choosing.

It is in this form that you will find what you seek.kINg RAyNAh: I seek nothing!SChEhERAZAdE: Your story has not ended. There is yet hope.kINg RAyNAh: The only hope I have is to become myself again.JORIAh: The only hope you have is to become yourself for the very

first time in your life.kINg RAyNAh: Stop speaking to me in riddles. You confuse me.JORIAh: “A man can be true to no one…”

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kINg RAyNAh: What?JORIAh: “…until he is true to himself.”SChEhERAZAdE: You must finish the story.kINg RAyNAh: Then do this, Queen Scheherazade. Bring this

story to an end, and my suffering as well. (SCHEHERAZADE does not respond.) Speak to me, Wife. Finish the story. (Beat.) Why will you not finish the story?

SChEhERAZAdE: (After a pause.) Because, my king, the night has ended.

kINg RAyNAh: Again?SChEhERAZAdE: The night has ended, although the story has

not. The Captain of the Guards waits outside to take me away. Good-bye, my lord. (She starts to leave.)

kINg RAyNAh: No, wait! I will spare you for one more night. Just don’t leave me now, Scheherazade. You can’t go. Stay and finish the story. Please?

SChEhERAZAdE: As you wish, Your Majesty. (BLACKOUT.)End of Scene Two

Scene Three

SETTING: The main street of the town.AT RISE: It is the next morning. TOWNSPEOPLE pantomime daily activities.

ShIMA: (ENTERS UP LEFT along with AMBER and MARIAH. They are carrying tote bags.) Again, there’s no wedding. Blessings on Scheherazade!

MARIAh: Her job is not yet finished. There is more to be accomplished before we can consider the plan complete.

ShIMA: What is there left to be done?AMbER: The king’s heart must be transformed. His heart must be

melted by the warmth of love.MARIAh: And illuminated by the lamp of truth.ShIMA: This could take some t ime. (They EXIT LEFT.

KING RAYNAH—as a woman—ENTERS RIGHT wi th SCHEHERAZADE.)

kINg RAyNAh: (Speaks in a soft voice, but not falsetto.) What is this place?

SChEhERAZAdE: It is the town in which I live. I thought you might like to see it.

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kINg RAyNAh: (Looks around, touches items, etc.) It is very simple. Rustic, yet quite clean. It seems a pleasant enough place to live. Have you lived here for many years?

SChEhERAZAdE: All my life.kINg RAyNAh: And you say you have been to the palace before?

(SCHEHERAZADE nods.) Why have I never seen you, then?SChEhERAZAdE: Perhaps you were not looking for me.kINg RAyNAh: (Considers this, gazes into her eyes.) Then I

must have been blind. (SKEETER is sweeping, his back to KING RAYNAH. He bumps into “her,” turns around and eyes KING RAYNAH, thinking he is a woman.)

SkEEtER: Hubba, hubba! (Comes closer.) What a lovely morning it is. (KING RAYNAH stares straight ahead.)

SChEhERAZAdE: He is speaking to you. If you do not answer him, he can have you arrested for insolence.

kINg RAyNAh: What sort of a rule is that?SChEhERAZAdE: It is your rule.SkEEtER: I said... what a lovely morning it is.SChEhERAZAdE: Answer him. And do it well.kINg RAyNAh: (Puts on falsetto voice.) What a lovely morning,

indeed.SkEEtER: (Takes this as encouragement.) And what is a sweet,

innocent, young lady like yourself doing out here on such a lovely morning?

kINg RAyNAh: (To SCHEHERAZADE, in anguish, without falsetto.) Must I?

SChEhERAZAdE: Or be arrested. I’m not sure if you want to risk that. I mean, really, who’s going to believe that you are who you say you are?

kINg RAyNAh: (To SKEETER, falsetto.) We are… uh…(Picks up fruit from the basket.) …shopping. For our mother.

SkEEtER: (Walks around to get another view.) So you are sisters? Are there any more at home like you?

kINg RAyNAh: (Falsetto.) Not hardly.SkEEtER: (Leers.) I must admit, I like what I see. Why haven’t I

seen you in the market place before?kINg RAyNAh: (Falsetto.) Oh, I’ve been around. (MUSIC CUE 7:

“You’re So Lovely.” )SkEEtER: (Speaks.) Let me get a better look at you, my dear.

(He walks around KING RAYNAH, obviously liking what he sees. Sings.)

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Those eyes, those dark, hypnotic, magic eyes,They pierce my body through and through.They beckon me to follow you.

kINg RAyNAh: (Speaks; quickly.) No, they don’t.SkEEtER: (Holding up one of KING RAYNAH’S arms. Sings.)

These limbs, these milk and honey tender limbs.With every touch I long to stay.My dear, I simply have to say…

You’re so lovely, (Like a chant.) looooooovely,How could one woman be so fine?I simply have to make you mine. You’re so lovely, (A chant.) looooooovely,You make me want to misbehave,Just say the word and I’m your slave.

kINg RAyNAh: (Speaks.) Well, since you asked…SkEEtER: (Interrupts. Sings.) Those lips, tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing; hushed.) Those lips.SkEEtER: (Sings.) So ruby red, those luscious lips.tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Those lips.SkEEtER: (Sings.) They make me swoon with pure delight. tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Those lips.SkEEtER: (Sings.) They hold the promise of tonight.tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Those lips.kINg RAyNAh: (Speaks falsetto; nervous.) Tonight?! (MUSIC

continues under dialogue.)SkEEtER: (Trying to take off KING RANAH’S veil.) Reveal yourself

to me so that I might taste their sweet passion.kINg RAyNAh: (Holds the veil up closer over his face. Speaks in

falsetto.) Oh no, I couldn’t do that.SkEEtER: And why not?kINg RAyNAh: Uh… because, uh… I have bad breath.SkEEtER: (Breathes on him.) So do I, my little love camel.kINg RAyNAh: So I’ve noticed.SkEEtER: If you will not kiss me, then dance for me.kINg RAyNAh: (Worried.) Dance?SkEEtER: That is right. Dance for me. I command you! (KING

RAYNAH looks at SCHEHERAZADE, who shrugs her shoulders, meaning he had better dance. DANCE INTERLUDE. KING RAYNAH begins dancing to the rhythmic pulse.)

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kINg RAyNAh: (An aside to SCHEHERAZADE in his own voice.) This is absolutely humiliating!

SkEEtER: What was that, my little desert flower?kINg RAyNAh: (In falsetto.) I said this is absolutely exhilarating!SkEEtER: (Claps to the MUSIC.) Faster, faster! I command you!kINg RAyNAh: (Aside to SCHEHERAZADE in normal voice.) I

wish he’d stop saying that!SChEhERAZAdE: (Laughs.) I think you dance wonderfully! (KING

RAYNAH shoots her a seething glance. Before long he is caught up in a wild and comic BELLY DANCE. Soon he is joined by SKEETER, who begins chanting nonsensically. At the end of the dance KING RAYNAH struggles to catch his breath. SKEETER holds him up.)

SkEEtER: (Sings.) Those hips!tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing; hushed.) Those hips.SkEEtER: (Sings.) Those “made in heaven” graceful hips.tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Those hips.SkEEtER: (Sings.) They swing and sway, drive me insane!tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Those hips.SkEEtER: (Sings.) Compelling me to say again…ALL: (Except KING RAYNAH. Sing.) You’re so lovely!SkEEtER: (A chant.) Looooooooooovly!

How could one women be so fine?tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) She’s so fine.SkEEtER: (Sings.) I simply have to make you mine.ALL: (Except KING RAYNAH. Sing.) You’re so lovely!SkEEtER: (A chant.) Looooooooooovly!

Your beauty takes my breath away.tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Ah.SkEEtER: (Sings.) Just say the word and I will stay.tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) He will stay.SkEEtER: (Sings.) You will see.tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) You will see.SkEEtER: (Sings.) Just you and me.tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) You will see.ALL: (Except KING RAYNAH. Sing.) You’re so lovely! (SKEETER

improvises a comic and long-winded chant on final chord.)SChEhERAZAdE: (At end of song. Steps between KING

RAYNAH and SKEETER protectively.) We thank you for your kind attentions, sir, but we are truly not worthy of your notice. My sister

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is promised to another, and that other would be sorely angry if he found out that my sister was speaking to someone as fine as yourself. Please excuse us for any misconception we may have caused you to labor under.

SkEEtER: (Angry.) Hmph! Women! You’re all the same! The king ought to behead the whole lot of you! (He EXITS LEFT.)

kINg RAyNAh: (No falsetto.) Who is he? I shall have him disciplined at once. He can’t speak to a king that way!

SChEhERAZAdE: But he is not speaking to a king. He is merely speaking to a woman.

kINg RAyNAh: He should address people with greater respect. Even women. Especially women! (Concerned.) Do all men speak to you that way?

SChEhERAZAdE: Not the wise ones, only fools.kINg RAyNAh: I shall have no fools in my kingdom.SChEhERAZAdE: They are looking to their ruler for an example,

Your Majesty, as all good subjects do.kINg RAyNAh: (Beat.) Then I shall make a decree against it.SChEhERAZAdE: And how would that end our troubles?kINg RAyNAh: Nothing is more potent than a royal decree. I shall

order all people to treat one another with respect.SChEhERAZAdE: You cannot make being a fool a crime.

Otherwise, we would all be imprisoned. All of us.kINg RAyNAh: (Beat.) Even the king.SChEhERAZAdE: Those were not my words, but yours. (MARA

and LEANDER ENTER LEFT, see SCHEHERAZADE and run to her joyfully.)

MARA: Sherrizod!LEANdER: It’s Sherrizod! We thought you were gone!SChEhERAZAdE: If you can believe your eyes, then you know

that I am not!MARA: I’m so glad to see you. I was so worried.SChEhERAZAdE: There is nothing to worry about. I’m fine. Oh,

let me introduce you to my friend. Mara and Leander, this is my friend... uh… Blossom. Her name is Blossom. (KING RAYNAH obviously does not like that name.)

MARA: Very nice to meet you, Blossom.LEANdER: Nice to meet you, Blossom.kINg RAyNAh: And it’s nice to meet you, too, I guess.LEANdER: (To SCHEHERAZADE.) Will you tell us a story?MARA: Yes, Sherrizod, tell a story!

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kINg RAyNAh: No! No more stories. (CHILDREN are puzzled by this reaction.) I mean, not right now, that is... I… uh... just met you and I’d like to get to know you a little better.

MARA: Well, what do you want to know?kINg RAyNAh: For instance, why aren’t you in school today?LEANdER: (Sad.) We can’t go to school.MARA: We don’t have a teacher.kINg RAyNAh: Is your teacher sick? Or gone on a trip?LEANdER: Not sick. It’s even worse. (Begins to tear up.)MARA: Not on a trip, either. (Also gets weepy.)kINg RAyNAh: What is it then? (Beat.) Did she leave you? Did she

desert her students? Is that why you are out here on the streets? What sort of a criminal would send you out on the streets? It puts innocent children into danger! This is outrageous. Tell me the name of the criminal responsible for this.

LEANdER: It was the king.kINg RAyNAh: The… who did you say?MARA: He said it was the king… because it’s all his fault.LEANdER: Yeah, the king married our teacher, and everyone

knows what happens after the king marries your teacher. (Really crying now.) You never see her again.

kINg RAyNAh: (To himself.) Which one was she?SChEhERAZAdE: You poor things… didn’t I tell you not to worry?kINg RAyNAh: I don’t remember marrying a teacher.LEANdER: She was the best teacher, too.MARA: I was just starting to learn my letters and how to count.kINg RAyNAh: Children, come here. (They come to him.) I have a

secret to tell you. I promise that you will see your teacher again.MARA: That’s what Mama said. We’ll see her again some day in

heaven.kINg RAyNAh: That may be true, but first you will see her right

here, back in your school.MARA: You mean it? You mean she isn’t… (Motions with a finger

across her throat.)kINg RAyNAh: No, of course not! And she’ll come back

even sooner than you think. (SCHEHERAZADE stares at him incredulously.)

LEANdER: Really? You’re not just trying to fool us because we’re little kids or anything?

MARA: Yeah, cuz some grownups like to fool kids just so they won’t cry or anything.

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kINg RAyNAh: Cross my heart. (He crosses his heart.)LEANdER: She really means it! Let’s tell Mama!MARA: You really mean it, Blossom?kINg RAyNAh: I really do.MARA: Thank you! We gotta go tell everybody! (To KING RAYNAH.)

Did anybody ever tell you how pretty you are? (She kisses him on the cheek and both EXIT LEFT.)

SChEhERAZAdE: (Bewildered.) Why did you tell them that?kINg RAyNAh: What?SChEhERAZAdE: That their teacher would be coming back?kINg RAyNAh: Perhaps the magic is starting to work… a change

of heart.SChEhERAZAdE: But what you told those children… kINg RAyNAh: Sweet Scheherazade… I know what you and your

father have been doing.SChEhERAZAdE: You know?kINg RAyNAh: In fact, it was my idea to begin with... to send the

queens away.SChEhERAZAdE: (Stymied.) But you said… everyone thought…

what about… (Draws a finger across her throat.)kINg RAyNAh: The beheadings?SChEhERAZAdE: Yes, that.kINg RAyNAh: Whatever else you take me for, I’m not a murderer.SChEhERAZAdE: How could I have known?kINg RAyNAh: You couldn’t have. But your father knew, and

he kept my secret from Nefario, Joriah and even from his own daughters.

SChEhERAZAdE: So that is why he allowed me to marry you.kINg RAyNAh: He allowed you to marry me because you were

not marrying me at all.SChEhERAZAdE: Perhaps you’ve had a little too much magic?

(She circles a finger at her temple.)kINg RAyNAh: You are not my wife.SChEhERAZAdE: Oh, come on. You forget. I was there. White

dress, wedding music, ring, feast, cake. What am I missing here?kINg RAyNAh: We’re not married. We were never married.SChEhERAZAdE: Then what was it all for?kINg RAyNAh: I used to think that it was for revenge. I thought I

could mend my own broken heart and exalt myself by dishonoring

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my enemy. But I see now that I’ve hurt more people than I ever intended to.

SChEhERAZAdE: And that is the story that revenge always tells. Revenge is like a hunger that is never satisfied until it falls into total despair. (Beat.) So, where do we go from here?

kINg RAyNAh: Nowhere. I am finished. My story has come to an end.

SChEhERAZAdE: That’s not possible. You have to go somewhere.kINg RAyNAh: No, I have lost all hope.SChEhERAZAdE: Well, I have not. If there’s anything I’ve learned

from a lifetime of storytelling, it’s that every time a story ends, a new one begins.

kINg RAyNAh: Do you have a new story for me, Scheherazade? What kind of a magical tale could you tell that would rebuild a broken man?

SChEhERAZAdE: (Holds out her hand to him.) I have a brand-new story for you... one that has never been told before. It is your own. Would you like to hear it? (KING RAYNAH takes her hand and nods.) As you wish, Your Majesty. I begin my tale with the greatest of pleasure… (MUSIC CUE 7a: “Story Theme.” MUSIC continues through BLACKOUT and scene change.)

End of Scene Three

Scene Four

SETTING: The QUEEN’S chamber in the palace.AT RISE: MUSIC OUT. SCHEHERAZADE and KING RAYNAH, still dressed as a woman, are eating supper.

kINg RAyNAh: What a day this has been!SChEhERAZAdE: What an appetite you have!kINg RAyNAh: No one recognized me.SChEhERAZAdE: You walked among the people, just like the

emperor in the story.kINg RAyNAh: My feet are so tired. And have you noticed my

nails? Cracked and split. I’ll never be able to grow them out. How do you do it?

SChEhERAZAdE: My mother used to swear by goat’s milk.kINg RAyNAh: You don’t say.SChEhERAZAdE: I don’t mean drinking it. I mean, soaking in it.

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kINg RAyNAh: You are kidding!SChEhERAZAdE: No, I’m not. Every morning— (There is a

KNOCK at the door.)kINg RAyNAh: Were you expecting someone?SChEhERAZAdE: Not until later, when my sister comes. (Another

KNOCK.)kINg RAyNAh: Should I hide?SChEhERAZAdE: No, don’t worry. No one can recognize you

this way. Remember? (Calls loudly.) You may enter. (A GONG SOUNDS from OFFSTAGE. HUSSAIN ENTERS RIGHT, carrying scroll with pink ribbon. He bows.) You may rise. What is it?

huSSAIN: I’m sorry to bother you, but I have a message for the king, and I was told I would find him in here.

SChEhERAZAdE: Who told you he was in here?huSSAIN: It was Nefario.SChEhERAZAdE: Well, do you see the king in my room? Look

around. (KING RAYNAH purposely rises so HUSSAIN can see him.)

huSSAIN: No, I do not.SChEhERAZAdE: (Stands.) You may leave the message with me

if you like.huSSAIN: I’m sorry, but my orders were to give it into the king’s

hand only.SChEhERAZAdE: Then if you do not see the king in here, I cannot

help you.huSSAIN: Again, I am sorry to have troubled you. (He EXITS

RIGHT. KING RAYNAH and SCHEHERAZADE watch him leave. SCHEHERAZADE sits back down at the table.)

SChEhERAZAdE: (Curious about this mystery.) Well, what do you think about him?

kINg RAyNAh: (Takes a bite of food.) Not bad… the eyepatch is attractive.

SChEhERAZAdE: That’s not what I meant!kINg RAyNAh: I’m kidding! People are always bringing me

messages of great importance. It’s likely to be plans for a new public garden or water system or something. It can wait.

SChEhERAZAdE: I see. If you have finished your supper, we can continue your story. Are you anxious to hear the end?

kINg RAyNAh: (A little bit nervous.) Uh… shouldn’t we wait for Dinny? She should be here soon. It just wouldn’t be the same without her.

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SChEhERAZAdE: (Surprised.) How kind of you, Your Majesty.kINg RAyNAh: Not at all. Your sister is delightful.SChEhERAZAdE: (Reflects.) You know, the story will end tonight.kINg RAyNAh: Yes, I know that.SChEhERAZAdE: And when it is over, the morning will come.kINg RAyNAh: It usually does at the end of each night.SChEhERAZAdE: And you will become yourself.kINg RAyNAh: I am looking forward to the change.SChEhERAZAdE: Will there be any more changes? I mean,

besides the obvious?kINg RAyNAh: Well, I don’t know. That is something to consider,

isn’t it? Do you have any suggestions?SChEhERAZAdE: (Said as a wedding vow.) I do. (GONG SOUNDS

from OFFSTAGE and DINNY ENTERS RIGHT, bustling about.)dINNy: Have I arrived on time? The moon is at its highest. You

haven’t started the story without me, have you? What did you have for dinner? Oh, falafel! It smells divine. Did you save me any?

SChEhERAZAdE: Not even a crumb, Dinny. We had enough appetite to eat all that was served. We shall begin our story now, if you are ready.

dINNy: But what about Joriah? He was here when we ended last night. Don’t we need him?

SChEhERAZAdE: Not this time.kINg RAyNAh: Then it is time to start our story.SChEhERAZAdE: As you wish, Your Majesty. I begin my story

with the greatest of pleasure… (MUSIC CUE 7b: “Story Theme.”) It is related, oh King, that the emperor spent the day in agony, humbled beyond measure, because the demon had transformed him into a woman. The emperor considered women to be creatures that were lower than swine and judged that they were all depraved.

kINg RAyNAh: (Ashamed of himself.) That man was a fool.SChEhERAZAdE: (Gazes into his eyes.) Do you really think so?kINg RAyNAh: Certainly, anyone can see that!SChEhERAZAdE: (Considers a moment what he just said.)

Because of his predicament, he had no will to return to his palace. He spent the day lamenting his lot beside the spring. Before long, he looked up and saw a child approaching.

kINg RAyNAh: (As DINNY moves toward him.) Who are you, child, and why have you come to this spring?

dINNy: I work in the orchard. And each evening I come here to eat my supper. May I sit with you?

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kINg RAyNAh: I have no objections.SChEhERAZAdE: At that, the child took a kerchief from her pocket

and, unfolding it, removed a crust of bread and some raisins. (DINNY does so.)

kINg RAyNAh: Is that all you have to eat, child?dINNy: It is enough, small as I am. But what about you? Have you

had any supper?kINg RAyNAh: (Despondent.) I am not hungry.dINNy: But you must eat. Here, have some of mine.SChEhERAZAdE: When the child looked into Kardiah’s eyes, it

didn’t take her long to see that the great emperor was weeping.dINNy: Why are you crying?kINg RAyNAh: Because I have lost myself.dINNy: Don’t be silly! Anyone can see that you are right here.kINg RAyNAh: No. The person you see before you is just a shell

of what I was before.dINNy: (Laughs.) I’ve seen shells. They’re all hollow and empty.

When you hold them to your ear, you can hear the sound of the sea.

kINg RAyNAh: Hollow and empty. Yes. (DINNY places her head on his chest and listens.) What are you doing?

dINNy: Listening.kINg RAyNAh: For what?dINNy: Sh-h-h-h! If you are a shell, then I will hear the sound of

the sea.kINg RAyNAh: Oh… dINNy: (Listens a moment longer.) Nope.kINg RAyNAh: Nothing there?dINNy: I don’t hear the sound of the sea.kINg RAyNAh: It is as I thought... empty.dINNy: Not empty, either. I can hear a drum in there.kINg RAyNAh: A drum?dINNy: (Claps hands in the rhythm of a heartbeat. She steps as if

dancing a bit, then stops.) It’s the music of your heart. Your heart is singing.

kINg RAyNAh: That can’t be.dINNy: It isn’t singing very loudly right now, but my father says

that the more you listen to your heart, the better you can hear it.kINg RAyNAh: Listen to my own heart?dINNy: (Looks him in the eyes.) Yes. Can you hear it now?

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kINg RAyNAh: (Listens.) No, I can’t hear it.dINNy: (Takes KING RAYNAH’S hands and helps him stand.)

You’re not trying hard enough. (Places KING RAYNAH’S hands on his chest.) Listen hard!

kINg RAyNAh: There’s nothing there.dINNy: But I heard it. I know I did. Don’t you believe me? (MUSIC

OUT.)SChEhERAZAdE: The king’s eyes met the child’s. As he gazed at

her, it was as if he were looking into a mirror. He saw who he truly was for the first time through the eyes of the child, and his cold, empty heart began to soften. (MUSIC CUE 8: “Through the Eyes of a Child.” Distant SOUND OF HEARTBEAT from OFFSTAGE.)

kINg RAyNAh: (Astonished.) I hear it. I hear the music now.dINNy: (Speaks.) There! Didn’t I tell you? You haven’t lost yourself

after all. You were there all along. You just had to use your imagination and think like a child.(Sings.) Through the eyes of a child you may see a purple dragon,Ride a yellow camel dressed in pink. (Speaks.) Just think…(Sings.) Through the eyes of a child you may see a dancing hippo, Watch a unicorn fly by and wink.

Through the eyes of a child you can sail upon a rainbow,Ride a magic carpet high above.Through the eyes of a child, you will see a world of wonder,Discover brand new feelings, fall in love!

There is magic all around if you take the time to see it,You’ve only got to think that it’s okay.There’s music in the air if you take the time to hear it!So listen well, and you’ll be on your way!

kINg RAyNAh: (Sings.) Through the eyes of a child I can see a new beginning,There’s no losing, only winning every day.Through the eyes of a child I can see the world before me.Live the way that life was meant to be.

SChEhERAZAdE: (Sings.) Through the eyes of a child you can sail upon a rainbow,

kINg RAyNAh: (Sings.) Ride a magic carpet high above.kINg RAyNAh/SChEhERAZAdE: (Sing.)

Through the eyes of a child, I can see a world of wonder,dINNy: (Sings.) Discover brand new feelings…

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kINg RAyNAh/SChEhERAZAdE: (Sing.) …fall in love.dINNy: (Sings.)

Through the eyes of a child you may see a purple dragon,Ride a yellow camel dressed in pink.

kINg RAyNAh/SChEhERAZAdE: (Speak. A tease.) Just think… dINNy: (Sings.)

Through the eyes of a child you may see a dancing hippo, Watch a unicorn fly by… (Speaks.) and wink! (KING RAYNAH and SCHEHERAZADE LAUGH. MUSIC OUT. The MAIDENS ENTER LEFT carrying tote bags with KING RAYNAH’S attire and re-dress him to his former self. MUSIC CUE 8a: “Story Theme.”)

SChEhERAZAdE: (Speaks as her friends work.) Because he stopped and he listened to the truth, his heart was renewed. The evil enchantment was broken, and the demon no longer had power over him. His image changed back to that of a man, and although he appeared to look like his former self, there was something magnificently different about him.

kINg RAyNAh: Look at me, child! I have changed! Are you not amazed and frightened by my appearance?

dINNy: (Touches his face.) But you haven’t changed at all. You look the same to me.

SChEhERAZAdE: With that, the child kissed the emperor and left. Good Kardiah watched the child go back to her work in the orchard. With a new song in his heart, he mounted his horse and headed for home. He was a new man because he had been touched by love and transformed by truth. (MUSIC OUT.)

kINg RAyNAh: (Turns to SCHEHERAZADE.) Scheherazade, there is something that I must say to you.

SChEhERAZAdE: And something I must tell you. kINg RAyNAh: It’s just that I— (GONG SOUNDS from OFFSTAGE

as NEFARIO and HUSSAIN ENTER RIGHT, bursting through door. HUSSAIN carries scroll with pink ribbon.)

NEFARIO: My king, there is a matter at hand that can wait no longer. This man holds an important message that concerns your power to govern over this kingdom. One of your closest councilors has broken your law and purposely agitated the people against you. Look at the scroll this man holds. For your sake, read it aloud for all to hear, and this matter will be done with.

kINg RAyNAh: Nefario, these are strong accusations. To say such things without sufficient evidence is dangerous. Do you have proof of what you say?

NEFARIO: (Feels superior.) All it takes is one look at what is written

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on that paper to convince you that one of your advisors does not belong within the walls of this palace any longer.

kINg RAyNAh: Give me the scroll. (HUSSAIN hands over the scroll. He looks oddly at KING RAYNAH for a moment and rubs his eyes. KING RAYNAH opens the scroll, clears his throat and reads aloud.) Five sacks of pistachios, four legs of lamb, three pomegranates, two bags of rice and a partridge in a pear sauce.

NEFARIO: What?kINg RAyNAh: Yes, Nefario, this does convince me that one of

my advisors does not belong within the walls of this palace any longer. Good-bye, Nefario.

NEFARIO: But-but-but-but… kINg RAyNAh: Could someone show Nefario out?huSSAIN: With pleasure. (He moves to kick NEFARIO out.)NEFARIO: But it’s not my fault! That idiot! (Mumbles under his

breath.) Red uniform, big gold star, huh!gRANd VIZIER: (From OFFSTAGE RIGHT.) Hello! Anybody

home? (GONG SOUNDS from OFFSTAGE as he ENTERS, running into NEFARIO.) Oh! How nice to see you, Nefario. (To SCHEHERAZADE.) I was just stopping by to tell you about something, my dear. Oh! Your Majesty. Have I interrupted something?

kINg RAyNAh: Nothing at all. Nefario was just leaving.gRANd VIZIER: Perhaps he’ll want to stay, to hear my news. I think

he will find it very interesting.NEFARIO: Your news? I am not the least bit interested in anything

you might bring to a conversation.gRANd VIZIER: Oh, no? Not even this?ShOShANNA: (GONG SOUNDS from OFFSTAGE as she ENTERS

RIGHT.) Nefario, my little kitchen boy!NEFARIO: Huh?ShOShANNA: It’s me. Your own true love, Shoshanna. Don’t you

recognize me, my darling?NEFARIO: It can’t be! Shoshanna! It is you. I thought you were…

(Finger across his throat.)ShOShANNA: I hardly think so. I’ve been well cared for all this

time.NEFARIO: At last! To see you again is a dream come true.ShOShANNA: My darling. (They run to embrace, but HUSSAIN

catches NEFARIO by the collar.)huSSAIN: Not so fast, lover boy.

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NEFARIO: No, you don’t understand. She’s alive now. (To KING RAYNAH.) I’m not mad at you anymore. (To SHOSHANNA.) My Shoshanna… she’s alive…

kINg RAyNAh: Too bad you are going to prison, Nefario. It will be a long time till you see her again.

SChEhERAZAdE: (Steps between them.) Will the king show no mercy? After all, he was just seeking revenge.

NEFARIO: That’s right. Takes one to know one.kINg RAyNAh: Indeed it does. Then perhaps Nefario would benefit

from listening to a story or two.dINNy: I know a lot of stories! Listen to this one. The cave was

empty… and silent as a tomb, or so it seemed. I know almost as many stories as my sister!

kINg RAyNAh: An excellent idea. Dinny, you’re hired. And you may start immediately. Guard, remove the prisoner.

dINNy: I begin my story with the greatest of pleasure. (She follows NEFARIO as they move to EXIT RIGHT. He is in torture. SHOSHANNA EXITS.) The cave was empty, and silent as a tomb… or so it seemed. When suddenly, from nowhere… (They’re OUT.)

kINg RAyNAh: (To the GRAND VIZIER.) Have you accomplished the task I gave you?

gRANd VIZIER: I have done as you said. The brides have all been returned to their families, with royal apologies and generous royal compensations as well.

kINg RAyNAh: That seems hardly enough for what they have been through.

gRANd VIZIER: And that is why I assured them that the king would be paying each of them a visit in person to atone for his wrongs.

kINg RAyNAh: That is as it should be, beginning tomorrow morning. And now, Scheherazade, there is something that I must ask you.

SChEhERAZAdE: First, there is something that I must ask you. kINg RAyNAh: Then by all means, you go first.SChEhERAZAdE: White dress, wedding music, ring, feast, cake…

I still don’t get it. Why aren’t we married? What am I missing?kINg RAyNAh: You are not missing it now. It’s what you were

missing on your wedding day.SChEhERAZAdE: Trust me. I am missing something here. gRANd VIZIER: (To KING RAYNAH with a knowing smile.) She

doesn’t understand.SChEhERAZAdE: Will somebody tell me what’s going on?

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kINg RAyNAh: (To GRAND VIZIER.) Should I tell her?gRANd VIZIER: (To KING RAYNAH.) Apparently someone needs to.SChEhERAZAdE: I don’t care who tells me. Just tell me!kINg RAyNAh: The groom.SChEhERAZAdE: The groom?gRANd VIZIER: The groom!kINg RAyNAh: Yes, it is traditional for the groom to attend his

wedding. I never attended any of my weddings, and so I am not married to anyone. And that is the whole story.

SChEhERAZAdE: The whole story?kINg RAyNAh: That is it.SChEhERAZAdE: And your ending is... “so I am not married to

anyone”?kINg RAyNAh: That is how my story ends. Is this not a satisfactory

conclusion to my tale?SChEhERAZAdE: Apparently I am the only one in this palace who

can tell a story with a satisfactory conclusion!kINg RAyNAh: (Offended.) How do you mean that?SChEhERAZAdE: I mean to say that you are not much of a

storyteller.kINg RAyNAh: The ending to a story is sometimes very difficult

to devise.gRANd VIZIER: The best stories are those in which the characters

write their own conclusions.SChEhERAZAdE: (To GRAND VIZIER.) Then the king should

devise a new conclusion to his story. (Softly, to KING RAYNAH.) “And so I am not married to anyone” will never do.

kINg RAyNAh: Do you want me to tell the story differently?SChEhERAZAdE: (Said as in a marriage ceremony.) I do.kINg RAyNAh: As you wish. (He offers her his arm and they

EXIT RIGHT with arms linked as he talks.) I begin my tale with the greatest of pleasure… (GRAND VIZIER smiles broadly. LIGHTS DIM. MUSIC CUE 8b: “Scheherazade—Epilogue.” As in the Prologue, we hear the SOUND of MYSTERIOUS MUSIC and WIND CHIMES mixed with DESERT WIND blowing softly. AMBER, YAZMINA, MARIAH, SHIMA and CASSANDRA ENTER. During the following, the COMPANY slowly ENTERS.)

AMbER: (Sings. To AUDIENCE.)What is your pleasure? Come, I do pray, Tales of adventure await you this day.Lands to discover, worlds to behold,Where magical stories unfold.

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yAZMINA: (Sings.) What is your pleasure? Name your delight.MARIAh: (Sings.) Tales of enchantment await you this night.ShIMA: (Sings.) Legend or fable, riddle or rhyme?CASSANdRA: (Sings.) You will discover in time.ALL MAIdENS: (Sing.)

Open your mind you will see,A vision of true mystery,Calling to you from within.Come, let the story begin!

COMPANy: (Sings.)Ah ah ah ah, behold the voice of Scheherazade,Ah ah ah ah, the ancient stories of Scheherazade.Come bathe in the moonlight, come bask in the sun,Open the pages, the tale has begun! (BLACKOUT. COMPANY prepares for CURTAIN CALL.)

END OF MUSICAL

MUSIC CUE 9: “Curtain Call—Come to the Bazaar!”COMPANy: (Sings.) Come to the bazaar!

You’re gonna find a place of giving, taking, myst’ry making.MEN: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar!

We promise you a special day! wOMEN: (Sing.) Come to the bazaar!

You’ll find the people there are buying, selling, story-telling.COMPANy: (Sings.) Come to the bazaar,

It’s the Arabian way!

Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! (The following three stanzas are sung as a TRIO.)

PARt ONE/wOMEN: (Sing.) Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! PARt twO/MEN/wOMEN: (Sing.) Salam! Salam!

Salam! Salam!Salam! Salam!Salam! Salam! Salam!

PARt thREE/MEN/wOMEN: (Sing.)Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!

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Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! (The following three stanzas are again sung as a TRIO.)

PARt ONE/wOMEN: (Sing.) Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!PARt twO/MEN/wOMEN: (Sing.) Salam! Salam!

Salam! Salam!Salam! Salam!Salam! Salam! Salam!

PARt thREE/MEN/wOMEN: (Sing.)Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!

ALL tOwNSPEOPLE: (Sing.) Ay-yi-yi!

FINAL CURTAIN

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PROduCtION NOtES

PROPERTIESONSTAGE, ACT ONE, Scene One: Baskets of fruit, butcher shop wares, brass and wood trinkets, baked goods, clothing for sale, several large baskets (or stacked baskets) behind which a person can hide, bench.BROUGHT ON, ACT ONE, Scene One: Long white cloth, broom (SKEETER); garlands of white flowers (YAZMINA, MARIAH, AMBER, SHIMA, CASSANDRA); brass incense burner (CHILD); white flower petals (CHILDREN); scroll with pink ribbon, shopping basket, coin (LILY); coin (JORIAH); scroll with black ribbon (NEFARIO).BROUGHT ON, ACT ONE, Scene Two: Long white cloth (SKEETER); garlands of white flowers (YAZMINA, MARIAH, SHIMA, CASSANDRA); brass incense burner (CHILD); flower petals (CHILDREN).ONSTAGE, ACT ONE, Scene Three: Lavish Middle Eastern style bedroom furnishings including a dressing table with chair, a small table with several cushions, a settee and/or several lounge chairs.BROUGHT ON, ACT ONE, Scene Three: Hairbrush (SCHEHERAZADE); sword (KING RAYNAH). BROUGHT ON, ACT TWO, Scene Two: Tote bags containing a wig and woman’s attire (YAZMINA, MARIAH, AMBER, SHIMA, CASSANDRA); sword (NEFARIO).ONSTAGE, ACT TWO, Scene Three: The same as for ACT ONE, Scenes One and Two.BROUGHT ON, ACT TWO, Scene Three: Tote bags (SHIMA, AMBER, MARIAH); broom (SKEETER).ONSTAGE, ACT TWO, Scene Four: The same as for ACT ONE, Scene Three and ACT TWO, Scene One with the addition of plates of food on the small table.BROUGHT ON, ACT TWO, Scene Four: Tote bags containing KING’S attire (YAZMINA, MARIAH, AMBER, SHIMA, CASSANDRA); scroll with pink ribbon (HUSSAIN); kerchief wrapped around crust of bread and raisins (DINNY).

SOUND EFFECTSWind chimes, gentle wind, gong sound, slamming doors, wind and storm sounds, cymbal roll, knock on door, heartbeat.

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