this is something i did during a freewriting exercise. its about 15 pages long. essentially all the characters are going to tell lies of varying sizes and the theme is something along the lines when is lying ok. any feedback would be appreciated.

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ACT ONE

Scene One

Setting
The stage has in the middle a table with two chairs on either side and a lamp on it, two desks on opposite sides of the stage and two doors at the very back of the side walls.

Henry, a man about 40, wearing a robe enters from stage right. He pours a cup of coffee, turns the light on and sits at the table. Pause as he drinks his coffee and reads a book, lasts several beats. Eventually Henry's wife, Sally who is about ten years his junior enters also from stage right and also wearing a robe.

SALLY
Honey, are you ok?
HENRY
What? Oh, yea, I'm ok.

SALLY
What are you doing?


Sally walks over and sits opposite him at the table.

HENRY
I couldn't sleep.
SALLY
Well the coffee isn't going to help with that.
HENRY
I know, but its almost time to get up anyway.

Sally checks herself for a watch but finds she isn't wearing one.

SALLY
What time is it?
HENRY
Its about 5.

There is another pause.

SALLY
Have to get up for a meeting in about an hour.
HENRY
Yep.

There is another pause. Sally stands.



SALLY
Well, I'm going to try to get another hours sleep then.
(pause)
Are you coming?
HENRY
No, I'm just going to stay up.
SALLY
Alright.

Sally walks to the door and pushes it open but pauses.

SALLY
(continued)
Henry?
HENRY
Yes, Susan?

Beat.

SALLY
I love you.

Beat.

HENRY
I love you too, Susan.



Beat as Sally stares at the back of Henry's head while Henry stares absently at the wall. Sally finally exits. Henry picks his book back up and begins reading again. He eventually puts the book down, turns the light off and exits stage left.

SCENE TWO

We hear a car break down off stage.

DON
(off stage)
Damn it.

There is a pause. We hear banging on a car hood. While this happens Bernadette walks on stage right and stands behind the desk which in this scene serves as a bar. She begins cleaning.

DON
(off stage)
(continued)
Mother fucker.

There is another pause. Bernadette continues cleaning before Don walks in. He pulls a chair to the bar and sits.



BERNADETTE
Hello, stranger.
(pause)
What can I get you?
DON
Just a drink...
anything.

Bernadette makes Don's drink and gives it to him. She then continues cleaning for a beat while Don drinks.

DON
(continued)
So what is this place?

Beat. Bernadette isn't sure how to respond.

BERNADETTE
Colby's Tavern?
(pause)
Bennetton?
(pause)
Pennsylvania?

Beat.

DON
Bennetton? Never heard of it.

Bernadette laughs.

BERNADETTE
Most haven't.
DON
Is there a mechanic or a garage here in Bennetton?
BERNADETTE
Matter of fact there is. Car break down?
DON
Tragically.
(beat)
Any idea when it opens?
BERNADETTE
Well I can't say for sure but I would imagine around ... eight?
DON
What time is it now?

Beat as Bernadette looks at her watch.

BERNADETTE
About 5:15.
DON
Damn. Anything to do this early?
BERNADETTE
Drink?
DON
Good idea.


He pushes his now empty glass forward. Bernadette refills it. Beat as Don drinks. Henry enters.

BERNADETTE
Well good morning Henry.
HENRY
Morning Bernadette.

Henry sits at the bar where Bernadette has already placed a drink.

BERNADETTE
Late night?
HENRY
Couldn't sleep.
(pause)
Who's he?
BERNADETTE
He's a stranger. Name's Don.
HENRY
(shouting)
Hey, stranger. How are you?
DON
I've been better.
HENRY
I'm Henry.
DON
I'm Don.


They shake hands.

DON
(continued)
Have we met?

Henry stares at Don. Henry realizes who Don is while Don is only vaguely aware of who Henry is.

HENRY
No.

Beat.

DON
You sure?
HENRY
Yes.

Beat.

BERNADETTE
Another drink, Don?
DON
No, I should find a hotel.
BERNADETTE
(whispering)
(to Henry)
You should let him stay at your place. You have that mansion and with the kids gone I'm sure you have room?
HENRY
No.
BERNADETTE
(whispering)
I'm sure he's safe, and I bet you and Sally could use the company.
HENRY
I said no. I have company.
BERNADETTE
Oh really? Who's over?
HENRY
Someone you -
DON
You guys don't have to fight over me. I wouldn't expect you to offer to put me up, really. I hotel is fine.

Don pays and leaves.

BERNADETTE
What's the matter with you?
DON
What?
BERNADETTE
You always let travelers stay with you.
HENRY
I don't like him.
BERNADETTE
You don't know him.
HENRY
You do?

Beat.

BERNADETTE
I like him.
HENRY
I don't.

Beat.

BERNADETTE
You know him somehow don't you?
HENRY
What? No, of course not.
BERNADETTE
I saw a look of recognition, like you knew him.
HENRY
Well I don't, can I get a drink?

Pause at Bernadette fills Henry's cup.



BERNADETTE
Almost 5:30, my shifts almost done.

Henry downs his drink.

HENRY
One more before you go.

Bernadette fills another one which Henry downs again.

BERNADETTE
On the tab again?

Henry reaches into his pocket, unsure.

HENRY
No, I have cash today.

Henry takes out a twenty and puts it on the counter.

BERNADETTE
Thank you.
HENRY
Thank you.

Henry gets up and walks off stage. After a pause the sound of a baby crying is heard. Bernadette leaves stage left.


SCENE THREE

As Bernadette exits in Scene Two Sally enters stage right carrying the baby. She paces for a beat and checks her wristwatch.

SALLY
5:45? Where the hell is he, he was just here.

She continues pacing and cooing the baby trying to stop the crying. After a beat Henry enters stage right.

HENRY
Donny wake up already?
SALLY
Ugh, yes. He just woke up a minute ago.

Sally hands Henry the baby.

SALLY
(continued)
Where were you?
HENRY
Colby's.
SALLY
Oh, who was working?
HENRY
Bernadette.

SALLY
How was she?
HENRY
Seemed fine.
SALLY
Did you invite her to our picnic?
HENRY
No, I forgot. I will next time though.
SALLY
Henry, its in three days. Times running out.
HENRY
Sally, I know. Jesus. I'll invite her.

Beat.

The baby stops crying.

Beat.

HENRY
I'm going to put him to bed.

Henry exits stage left with the baby. Beat. Sally creeps over and checks the door. She locks it and then sits at the table. She lights a cigarette. Beat as she smokes.

HENRY
(continued)
(off stage)
Sally, shouldn't you be almost ready for your meeting?

Beat as she exhales.

SALLY
Yea baby, I’m just ... checking the weather.

Beat.

HENRY
(off stage)
I don't hear the TV.

Beat.

SALLY
I'm ... checking the paper.
HENRY
(off stage)
Oh. Ok.

Sally finishes her cigarette. She hides the butt, sprays herself with perfume and then unlocks the door.


SALLY
Honey?
HENRY
Yes?
SALLY
I'm leaving.
HENRY
Ok. Bye.
SALLY
Bye.

Sally exits stage left.

SCENE FOUR

As Sally exits stage left, Marc enters on stage right. He sets up behind the desk. He turns on the TV. After a beat Don enters.

MARC
Hello sir.
DON
Hey man, how are you?
MARC
I'm good, how are you this morning?
DON
I've been better. Do you have any vacancy?
MARC
As a matter of fact we do.
DON
Awesome, can I get a room then?
MARC
Yes you can. What’s your name?
DON
Uh, Tom.
MARC
And your last name, Tom?
DON
Landry. Tom Landry.
MARC
Alright Mr. Landry, I'm putting you in room 104, ok?
DON
That’s fine but, don't you need like, money or anything?
MARC
No, we're pretty trusting around here.
DON
Trusting can get you hurt.
MARC
Oh can it? Will it?

Beat.



DON
No, I'm a pretty honest guy.
MARC
Good, well it'll be a pleasure to have you here at the Hollywood Hotel then.

They both smile awkwardly. Don exits stage right. Marc unmutes the TV. Beat. A phone rings. Marc mutes the TV again.

MARC
Good morning, Hollywood Hotel. This is Marc at the front desk, how can I help you this morning?
(pause)
A wake up call for 104? At seven in the morning?
(pause)
You are very welcome Mr. Landry.

Marc hangs up the phone and unmutes the TV. There is a beat. Bernadette enters stage left carrying bags. She puts the bags on the desk and picks up the phone. A phone rings. Marc mutes the TV and answers the phone.

MARC
Good morning, Hollywood Hotel. This is Marc at the front desk, how can I help you this morning?
BERNADETTE
Hey, its me.
MARC
Hey.
BERNADETTE
When do you get off?
MARC
Six. Where are you?
BERNADETTE
I'm at home. You should come over after work.
MARC
Where's James?
BERNADETTE
He's on a business trip.
MARC
Ok, I'll be over around 6:30.
BERNADETTE
Ok. I love you.
MARC
Alright, see you soon.

Marc hangs up the phone and unmutes the TV. Several beats. Maria enters.

MARIA
Hey baby.
MARC
Hey. Is it six already?
MARIA
Its a quarter of. Any business?
MARC
Just one guy, he's in 104.
MARIA
Alright, anything I need to know?
MARC
Yea, the guy uh, the one in 104 needs a wake up at seven.
MARIA
Alright. I'll guess I'll let you go early then.
MARC
Alright, I love you.
MARIA
Ok, see you later.

They kiss. Marc leaves. Maria unmutes the TV and changes the channel. Several beats. There are knocks heard. Bernadette walks to the door.

BERNADETTE
Marc?
MARC
Yea, its me.

Bernadette opens the door. Marc walks in.

MARC
(continued)
I like what you've done with the place.
(turning to Bernadette)
Its been so long.

BERNADETTE
Now that James got bumped to part time he isn't going on as many business trips as he was before.
MARC
Well, we're together now.

Awkwardly, they come together and kiss. It becomes passionate and they rush off stage. Beat. Rick enters stage left and stands behind the desk. Beat. Don enters, upset, and rushes to Maria.


DON
Do you see what time it is?
MARIA
I'm sorry?
DON
I said do you see what time it is?
MARIA
It's eight o'clock.
DON
That’s right. Eight o'clock. Eight! And what time was my wakeup call?

Beat.

MARIA
Shit...
DON
Shit is right. I asked to be woken up at seven o'clock. And now its eight o'clock and I have only just woke up.
MARIA
Sir...
DON
I have somewhere to be at eight o'clock and now, my the time I get ready I won't be there until nine o'clock.
MARIA
Sir...
DON
See, if I wanted to be somewhere at nine o’clock I would have asked you to wake me at eight. But I specifically said Seven!
MARIA
Sir, I wasn't given any note about a wake up call.

Beat.

DON
What?
MARIA
No one told me anything. If there is a problem you should take it up with the employee who checked you in.

Beat.

DON
I will.

Don storms off stage.

MARIA
Shit...shit...shit.

She pulls out her cell phone and dials Marcs number but it just rings through.

MARIA
Shit, why does he never answer his phone?
Sally enters on stage left and walks to the desk.

SCENE FIVE

SALLY
Hi, my name is Sally Landry, I'm dropping off my car.

RICHARD
Alright, what are you dropping off the car for?

SALLY
Just inspection.

RICHARD
Alright, just let me have the keys and I'll take car of you.

Sally takes the keys out of her purse and hands them to Richard.

RICHARD
(continued)
Thank you ma'am.

Sally sits and Richard walks off stage. Beat. Don, now wearing different clothes crosses from stage left to right and points at Maria angrily. Beat. Henry enters stage right on a cell phone.

HENRY
Hi, yes, I'm calling enquiring about a Donald Edgar Landry.
(pause)
Um, yes I'm with law enforcement.
(pause)
Yes, Sergeant Henry … Thompson with the BPD out here in Pennsylvania.
(pause)
He's not there?
(pause)
Does anyone know a reason he would come out to Bennetton?
(pause)
No, no, he's not in any trouble. Just a rather ... curious stranger.
(pause)
Alright well thank you for you time. Bye.

Henry rushes off stage right and Don enters on Stage left. Don walks up to the counter where there is no one waiting.

DON
Hello?

Beat. Don dings the bell trying to get service.

SALLY
He doesn't hear you.

Don turns.

DON
Oh.
SALLY
I don't think I've met you before.

Don walks over and sits with Sally.

DON
I'm Tom. Tom Landry.
SALLY
Tom Landry? That's my father in laws name too.
DON
You're father in law? Hmm. Who's your husband?
SALLY
Henry Landry.
DON
Oh wow really? He's my uncle.
SALLY
Oh? Which of my brother in laws is your father?
DON
Gary.
SALLY
Oh. What a small world.
DON
I guess it is.
(pause)
I never met my ... uncle. Tell me something about him?
SALLY
Henry?
DON
Yes.
SALLY
Well. To be honest, I don't really know much about Henry. I mean, I've known for almost twenty years, been married to him for fifteen, but before he came to town I don't know a thing.
(beat)
You know, in all fifteen years we've never once gone to meet his family. Tell me something about them?
DON
Well Tom, the man I was named after, was a business tycoon. He died about two months before I was born, so I never met him. When he died he imparted a big inheritance on one of his sons, who was my father, and it apparently caused so much arguing that my father got so much that he up and left when I was three months old. Took all the money he had and he... and we started a new life in a small town where no one can find us.

Several beats. Richard enters.

RICHARD
Oh, hello sir, how can I help you?

Don stands and walks over.

DON
My car broke down this morning around five, I need to get it towed in for repairs.

RICHARD
Alright, where did it break down?

DON
Right outside um, Colby's Tavern on Main St.

RICHARD
Alright sir, we'll tow that in.

DON
Thank you.

Don sits down next to Sally again.

SALLY
My husband was in Colby's Tavern this morning around that time. I'm surprised you didn't meet.

DON
There was only one other man there.
(pause)
But he was all over the bartender so there wasn't much chance of meeting him.

SALLY
What do you mean?

Don's cell phone rings. He checks it.

DON
I have to take this.

Don walks to the front of the stage.

DON
(continued)
Hello?
(pause)
What? Where am I? Bennetton, Pennsylvania. Car broke down.
(pause)
What do you mean someone’s asking about me?
(pause)
A cop? I swear mom, I'm not getting into any trouble, they're probably just checking me out.
(pause)
Well did he give a name?
(pause)
Sergeant Henry Thompson?
(pause)
Thanks. I promise I'm not in any trouble. I love you mom.

Don hangs up the phone and rushes off stage.

SALLY
(before Don is off stage)
Do you mean he's cheating on me?
(pause)
Damnit.