by Eleanor Tylbor
SCENE: LIVING ROOM OF AN APARTMENT. LATE EVENING
Angie and her male friend, Joe, evening together is interrupted by a knock on the door. Angie attempts to ignore the interruption but it continues, growing in intensity
JOE
Aren't you going to answer the door?
ANGIE
Knock? I don't hear a knock. Now where were we...
JOE
You're such a joker, Angie. It sounds urgent
ANGIE
Probably the neighbor upstairs, complaining again. She is such a pain. Bangs on the ceiling even when I sneeze. 'Get a life, Mrs. Plotnik!'
JOE
If you don't answer the door - I will!
ANGIE
O-kay...if you insist but I know I'm gonna regret this
(Angie opens the door to an elderly man (NOAH) with a very long white beard and hair down to the floor, dressed in army fatigues. He rushes by her)
NOAH
Hel-lo! Noah's my name and arks are my fame! A little frivolity always helps to break the ice in a social situation, don't you think? Angie - introduce me to your friend, here
ANGIE
Noah - remember I told you my carpets don't need cleaning? Call me in a few years - preferably longer. Now if you'll excuse me...
(she tries to lead Noah to the door, unsuccessfully)
NOAH
You're just joking, aren't you! We're old friends, remember?
ANGIE
How can I forget?
SOUND: ELEPHANTS
JOE
What's that? Sounds like elephants
ANGIE
He comes with his own sound effects. Um - didn't I mention that Noah here, does sound engineering for movies?
NOAH
No I don't! Aw - you're just teasing, right? 'I'll be back soon, guys!' They don't like to be left alone. Elephants are such babies. They're afraid of the jackals and the monkeys love to tease them. You know - when the boss is away... So...Joe - whad'ya think of all the rain we've been having?
JOE
Haven't given it a lot of thought, to be honest
NOAH
Maybe you should. Could be the beginning of ...
ANGIE
...Noah here runs a zoo. Perhaps you should be getting back to your animals, Noah! Nice of you to visit...
(Angie attempts to move Noah towards the door but he resists)
JOE
You two seem like old friends. How did you meet?
NOAH
Well...Angie phoned me about six months ago and asked me about building an ark...
ANGIE
...as a gift for my nephew. He's into arks and I wanted to give him something unique
NOAH
...and we've been friends on-and-off
ANGIE
Good to see you again. Call me sometime
NOAH
Somehow we lost touch with each other. I came across her address while cleaning out the parrot cages the other day and here I am! Nothing like re-connecting in person. So Joe - do you like to sail boats, perchance, or maybe you build boats?
ANGIE
Stop with the questions, already, Noah! See you around...I'm sure you have lots to do back at the zoo
JOE
As a matter of fact, I'm handy with a hammer and nails
NOAH
No! What a coincidence. I'm looking for a person to help me with a project I'm working on that involves someone who knows how to put two pieces of wood together
JOE
Maybe I could help you
NOAH
You don't have to be an expert or anything. I have a set of plans laid out by Someone who makes building an ark as easy as 1-2-3
ANGIE
Hello? Joe? Remember me? I think I hear the elephants calling you, Noah.
JOE
Why don't I give you my cell number? We can discuss this further over lunch
NOAH
No need for that. I'll get in touch. Isn't this exciting, Angie? You, Joe...building a new ark together...think of the possibilities
ANGIE
My heart beats with eager anticipation at the aspect of spending time with wild animals. Why do I think my life is not my own, anymore...
NOAH
I know what you mean. It's going to be such fun. Now Joe - do you get sea sick?
TO BE CONTINUED...
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