This was my first attempt at writing a script.  The characters were actually based off of former members of a Curves that I used to work at.  I actually received an "A" on this project for school, and it was chose to be acted in front of the class.  Since I wrote the script I got to direct the scene.  It was so interesting that all I needed to explain to my volunteer actors is that this story is about love, and acceptance of all.  That was all I needed to explain to them.  Annie is one of the most amazing women I have ever known, and the love she spreads is like a drug.  I took bits and pieces of my former conversations with Annie, and incorporated them into the diaglouge.  As an aspiring actor and writer I always find that when I use my own life experiences it helps me tremendously.  Enjoy!

 

Bryn Berg

April 1, 2011

THA 101-Introduction to Theatre

Playwriting Exercise

 

“Annie’s Cal Oak’s Burger Confessions”

 

Dramatis Personae

Annie

Mildred, friend of Annie.

David, cashier and server at Cal Oaks Burger.

 

The action takes place at Cal Oaks Burger.

 

 

Act I

 

Scene- It is around 11:30 AM on a cold and cloudy spring weekday morning.  Cal Oaks Burger is a hole in the wall type restaurant located across the street from the California Oaks Sports Park in Murrieta, CA, and is in the heart of a shopping center.  The establishment is small, dimly lit, has about ten beat up booths to seat its patrons; there are large windows on the left hand side of the room that give a view of the parking lot and another restaurant that serves Mexican food. The entrance faces a pet grooming shop, and next door is a dry cleaners.  The wall at the front of the room is littered with a large variety of cheaply made flyers advertising local businesses.   In the front corner is a stack of tired looking menus, a self serve soda fountain, and a depressing counter to order your food.  Behind the counter is the kitchen with appliances held together at places with duct tape.  The floors are also very scuffed up.  Even though the place is not a five star dining experience it is kept fairly neat and tidy, and a very sanitary place to eat.

            Mildred sits at a booth thumbing through the Pennysaver occasionally glancing at the entrance of the restaurant as if she is anticipating a guest.  Mildred appears to be around sixty five years of age, grey hair styled in a very fashionable shoulder length bob, and is wearing a very classy put together outfit.  One could assume Mildred would really not belong in such a place, and would most likely fit in at a country club.  Mildred does have a very kind look about her, and radiates loving energy.  In rushes Annie to the booth where is Mildred seems to have been waiting.  The women embrace each other immediately. 

            Annie is a middle aged, heavy set, around five foot six, has dark shoulder length brown hair, and a pretty face.  She seems to be in very jolly spirits, and out of breath from being late perhaps.  Annie is wearing more comfortable clothing.  She has on a cotton print top, and leggings.  One could assume that Annie is more common folk that does not worry as much about her appearance as Mildred does. 

 

Annie.  Mildred!  It’s so good to see you again.  Oh how I’ve missed our daily work out                                   conversations since Curves closed down.  [Annie is out of breath from rushing into the restaurant.  As soon as Mildred sees Annie she gets up out of her seat, and the two women embrace.]  I’m so sorry, I’m late as usual.

Mildred.  Oh my sweetness, I don’t mind.  What a treat this is for me to finally catch you.  You look wonderful.  [Mildred pulls back from the embrace to view Annie’s appearance.]  You must be keeping up with your workouts and dieting.

Annie.  Well, I had a little money left over from the trust fund last month, and bought me a pair of these sketcher tone up sneakers. [Annie pulls up one of her feet like a crane to show Mildred her prized purchase, and Mildred is fascinated.]  Been walking five miles a day, and let me tell you these puppies work.  This wide load tooshie of mine has never felt so firm.

Mildred.  Well it is working for you my dear, you look fabulous.  Would you like to go order lunch? [The two ladies walk up to the counter to order their food.  They take a few minutes going over an old menu, make their decisions, and pay for their meals, and return to the booth Mildred was formerly occupying.]

Annie.  Mildred you didn’t have to do that, I was going to get lunch today.

Mildred.  Now now, you are a very busy lady, and you do so much for everyone.  That was the only way I knew how to sneak and pamper you.  [Mildred gives off a nervous laugh.]  Now it’s been over four months since our last workout together at Curves. I want a full report on you.  Our workout conversations used to be the highpoint of my day, and well I think a lot of the other members would coordinate their workouts so they were coming in at the same time as you.  You could read the phone book, and entertain us all you are so much fun.

Annie.  Aw shucks Mildred, can I just shrink you down, and put you in my pocket?  You sure know how to make this ole gal smile.  You look fabulous as always Mildred.  So are you still doing the private yoga sessions?

Mildred.  I am, and I am still keeping up with my golfing over at the colony. 

Annie.  That’s great.  I wish I had the patience to play golf.  [Both of the women laugh at the same time.]

Mildred.  How is that handsome son of yours doing? 

Annie.  Well, you know he has been working over at Big Cheese Pizza since he got out of the military.  He was promoted to a manager a few weeks ago.

Mildred. That’s wonderful!

Annie.  Ya, but I wish he would knock off the drinking.  He spends his money so carelessly.  He got his truck repossessed last week, and he owes me about five hundred bucks now for helping him get it back.  You would think that boy would have some sense after two tours in Iraq.  [Annie throws her hands up in the air.]

Mildred.  How old is he again dear?

Annie.  Twenty five.

Mildred.  Give him some time, he is still young.  [Mildred pats Annie’s hand to console her.]  I’m sure he is still healing from all the horrid things he saw over there.

Annie.  I know, and I need to remember that Mildred.  I am just lucky he came home safe from that shithole country.  [Mildred and Annie perk up as their food is brought to the table by the server.]

David.  [In a thick Asian accent.]  Would you lovely ladies like anything else?

Annie.  Mildred?  [Mildred shakes her head.]  No thanks David, you always know how to take care of your customers, maybe a little too well.  [Annie pats her belly, and the three of them all laugh together.  David walks away, and Annie looks to Mildred.]  I figured since I have been a good girl on my diet for the past week I can cheat today.

Mildred.  I think I am bending the rules as well.

Annie.  You are having a salad Mildred!

Mildred. A salad with all of the fixens Annie can be higher in calories than a cheeseburger with fries.  I am just telling myself that I am eating greens so it is okay.  [Mildred chuckles, and pours a healthy amount of salad dressing onto her plate.]

Annie.  Did I tell you about that nightmare cheesecake my sister sent me?  [Mildred and Annie both begin to devour their food.]

Mildred:  [Mildred finishes chewing a mouth full of her salad.]  No you didn’t, but the only issues I have ever had with cheesecake is my pants growing a little too tight.

Annie.  Well, that was my problem exactly. [Both women start to giggle.]  Anyways, my sister sent me this fancy pants cheesecake that she ordered from QVC.

Mildred.  The television shopping channel?

Annie.  That is the one.  Apparently that big shot fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi has branched out into designing and selling cheesecakes.

Mildred.  You don’t say?

Annie.  Like that guy really needs anymore money.  So the cheesecake came to my house in some special nuclear bomb like wrapping that kept everything nice and cool.

Mildred.  Wow!

Annie.  I opened the package, and inside was this 12 inch heavenly cheesecake with the most beautiful plaid design on top.  I lost all control, grabbed a fork, and chowed down on it.  I was like a crack addict on a binge, I couldn’t stop.

Mildred.  Oh Annie, I wish I had the guts to say the things you do.

Annie.  [Annie laughs.]  I had eaten over two thirds of it in only two days.  I was so ashamed of myself, and my digestive system literally felt like it was going to shut down.  I ended up taking the cheesecake outside to the trash bin. 

Mildred.  Good for you Annie.  I don’t know if I could have parted with the rest of it.

Annie.  Well, I almost didn’t.  Once I got back inside the house I couldn’t stop thinking of going and getting it out of the trash.

Mildred.  Oh Annie…..

Annie.  I didn’t do it Mildred.  You want to know what I ended up doing?

Mildred. Don’t keep me in suspense.

Annie.  I grabbed my Dawn dishwashing soap from the kitchen sink, walked outside, opened the box in the trash bin, and dumped it all over the cheesecake. [Mildred loses all composure, and starts laughing uncontrollably.]