SETTING:

Bar in a big city.  Note that the set is suggestive of a drinking bar with three tall stools with backs.  The bar should be constructed as a tall table in which the space below is empty so that the audience can see the movement of the actors below their waists. 

 

TIME:      

Present

 

CHARACTERS: 

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Danny, female, early 40s, physically striking, self-possessed

Dan, male, late 30s-mid 40s, adorable, full of himself

Mary Lee, female, bartender, not seen or heard by the audience

​

SOUND:

The usual din of a busy bar with inaudible chatter and laughter.  Before the curtain rises, sound gradually fades to silence.

 

When the curtain rises, Danny, wearing a little black dress, her hair short and stylish, can be seen sipping a pink colored cocktail from a tall martini glass. 

                                         

DANNY (as if speaking to bartender)

 

Mary Lee, you’ve outdone yourself this time.  (as if listening to Mary Lee)   I’m gonna sip this one.  It’s too good not to savor it. 

(DANNY sits and sips for a number of moments, until…)

 

DAN enters the space.  He wears a blue small checked dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up and navy dress pants.  He sits down on the far seat instead of the one next to DANNY. 

                                         

DAN (talking to bartender)

Bourbon neat, please. (checks DANNY out, but she doesn’t look up  from her drink) DAN (taking his drink, which he has grabbed from the other end of the “bar.”) Thanks, Mary Lee.  (to DANNY) What are you drinking there?  Looks like the color of your lipstick, Pretty in Pink. 

                                         

DANNY

I’m not wearing any lipstick.  It’s a Manhattan. 

                                         

DAN

Hmm.  Hadn’t heard of that one.  I’m a bourbon man myself.

                                         

DANNY

I see that. 

                                         

DAN

And you’re a Manhattan type.

                                         

DANNY

Manhattan type?  What’s that? 

                                         

DAN

Little black dress, pink lips, pink drink, and very gorgeous.  I think I’ve seen you in here before.  Do you come here often?

                                         

DANNY

No. 

                                       

DAN

First time?

                                       

DANNY

No.

                                        

DAN

Second time?  (she doesn’t respond)  Third?  Fourth?  Hey, what’s the matter?  Cat got your tongue?  (shakes her head, no)

 

 DANNY

Just wanting to enjoy my drink. 

                                         

DAN

You could enjoy it at home, right?  Since it appears you don’t want to talk to anyone.  I mean, why else does a woman like yourself go to a bar, a public place with lots of people, on a Friday night, after work?  I mean, if you wanted to be alone, you could have stayed home. 

                                         

DANNY

It’s my choice to stay home or not.  Mary Lee makes the best Manhattans in town and I wanted to avail myself of one.  Is that okay with you? 

                                         

DAN

What’s okay with me is that you’re here and I’m here.  What’s wrong with a little interaction?  Besides, I’d like to get to know you better and the only way I can do that is if you talk to me. 

                                         

DANNY

Maybe I don’t want to talk to you. 

                                         

DAN

Now that’s down right mean.  Am I that unattractive?

                                         

DANNY

I didn’t say anything about your looks.  It has nothing to do with that.

                                         

DAN

Then what is it?  My voice, my clothes, my choice of drink?  What’s wrong with me that you can’t give a guy a break?

                                         

DANNY

Why don’t you give me a break? 

                                         

DAN

If you want a break, stay home.  Hey, I’m sorry.  I’m glad you’re here.  Gives me something nice to look at while I’m having my bourbon. (he moves to the seat next to her now)

                                         

DANNY (glaring at him now) (moves her seat away from his a bit)

                                         

DAN

Ooh.  If looks could kill. It takes two to tango.  (moves his seat closer to hers)

                                         

DANNY

You’re harassing me now.

                                         

DAN

C’mon, get over it.  I like you. 

                                         

DANNY

I don’t like you. 

                                         

DAN

You don’t even know me.

                                         

DANNY

I know enough.  Please, I just want to have a nice drink in a great bar all by myself.

                                         

DAN

I know that song.  Abba?  No.  Thank you, Eric Carmen. (he stands up now, looking at her and begins singing with fantastic vocal range)

​

When I was young
I never needed anyone
And making love was just for fun
Those days are gone
Livin' alone
I think of all the friends I've known
But when I dial the telephone
Nobody's home

All by myself
Don't wanna be
All by myself
Anymore

Hard to be sure
Sometimes I feel so insecure
And love so distant and obscure
Remains the cure

All by myself
Don't wanna be
All by myself
Anymore

All by myself
Don't wanna live
All by myself
Anymore

When I was young
I never needed anyone
And making love was just for fun
Those days are gone

All by myself
Don't wanna be
All by myself
Anymore *

 

 

DANNY takes a last sip of her drink, applauds him, then gets up and walks offstage.  DAN looks out at the audience and shrugs)

 

                                                   CURTAIN

 

​

*Lyrics, Eric Carmen, Music, Sergei Rachmaninoff, 1975 (of course, if this play were performed, the song rights would have to be secured)