Characters:
Rosey: Daughter of Leonard
Charlie: In love with Rosey
Lupe: Rosey’s cousin; love/hates Benny
Benny: Gang leader; falls for Lupe against his will
Leonard: Rosey’s father
Uncle Eddie: Leonard’s half brother
Borracho: One of Uncle Eddie’s boys
Priest
‘Lil Joe: One of Uncle Eddie’s boys
Boys Chorus
Girls Chorus
Opening Scene:
Rosey is with the priest at the church, a day before her wedding to Charlie.
Priest
Do you love him?
Rosey
How can I know?
Priest
Does he sleep there, within your soul,
When you find a love that beckons you,
Though the way is steep?
Do you believe in that?
Listen, Lover, be kind and true.
There is only one love for you.
Give it all you’ve got, it takes a lot,
Love will lead the way.
Do you believe in that?
Always be best of friends and grow old together.
Laugh forever…
That is the key…
With time, just claim your treasure.
Though he may shatter dreams with his schemes of grandeur,
Just hold his hand, dear.
You know his heart is young and sentimental…
Love on, love strong, though you may lack
Unlock the words that hold you back
Love is just a word you’ve often heard until you bring it home.
Do you believe in that?
The priest’s song is interrupted when a young boy begins banging on the piano. As the priest goes over to quiet him, Rosey is surprised to see her girlfriend, who whispers something to her. As she is finishing her message, Benny, Charlie, and his boys, are seen coming down the aisle.
Charlie
(yells) “Ros-ey!”
Rosey
What have I ever done to hurt you?
Don’t turn away from me!
Look at my face, am I a nothing?
Your love is everything.
Girlfriends
He doesn’t care.
He’s just a player.
Why don’t you wake up, girl,
He’s played you for a fool
And everybody knows but you.
Fool! That’s what they say.
And everybody knows but you.
Charlie
What makes you think that I could love you?
You broke my heart, you whore!
Can’t hide your dirty little secret.
Virgin are you no more!
Girlfriends
He doesn’t care.
He’s just a player.
Why don’t you wake up, Charlie,
… played you for a fool
And everybody knows but you.
Fool! That’s what they say.
And everybody knows but you
(Boy runs into his home
Scene II: Three days earlier. Charlie and Benny have just returned from active duty in the
navy and are stepping off the train across from the Plaza at Olvera Street. As they
walk through the crowd in the marketplace, Charlie spies Rosey, and pulling Benny
aside, and sings…
Charlie
Hey, there, Benny.
Is she not so beautiful?
Tell me what you think, if I said,
That I want her for my own?
When she looks at me,
Can’t believe what I feel.
She’s my Rosey-girl.
We go walking and I don’t know where I’ve been.
We just talk and walk…walk that talk.
In a daze we are, my friend.
Then she takes my hand, understand,
Wanna be…with my Rosey-girl.
Benny
Charlie, my man, are you blind or just pitiful?
You’ve got girls by the score who just beg to break down your door.
Reconsider.
Girls
Don’t quite figure, Charlie-boy.
Benny
Buddies for life, we did swear not to take a wife.
Don’t be fooled by the virgin with beads who can’t get a life.
She is bad news.
Girls
She wears big shoes!
Benny
(spoken) Oh, no! Her cousin, Lupe!
(Lupe and her entourage enter)
Lupe
With these lips of mine
And this body fine,
Men just stop and drool,
They, like, play the fool.
No one’s cool as me.
I am all they see.
I am heaven, hot as hell,
Catch my spell.
Listen, Baby, I’m so hot
I’m a lady who calls the shots.
With one finger, men will drop,
So, there.
So, there.
Boys
Lupe’s hot tonight.
Lupe’s out of sight.
Lupe steals the scene.
She’s a peach to cream.
Lupe
Lupe knows this town.
Lupe can’t be found
Hangin’ round someone’s neck.
What the heck…
I’m a girl who’s never late.
I’m a girl who cleans her plate.
Just one man will penetrate this girl.
(Boys dance around Lupe)
Leonard
Secret? What is the big secret?
Everybody knows you love my Rosey-Girl.
Bachelors, big-time womanizers
Can’t be fooled by love.
It comes and you can buy it
At the Candy Store.
Benny
Me and the boys are a lucky bunch of bachelors.
Loving the life and the greed
Hey, nothing matters.
Just take it from me,
You’re in good company,
All the ladies agree
That you can eat their cake
And have your candy, too.
Benny (continued0
Never a care in the world with Chuck and Benny.
Cruisin’ the street,
Shootin’ heat,
Oh, we so crazy.
Oh, stay with the gang,
And together we’ll hang,
Think of women we’ll bang,
And you can eat their cake
And have your candy, too.
Leonard
Think of your life.
Without a good wife
You are nowhere,
Waiting to die,
I tell you no lie,
I have been there.
Follow your dream
And your heart will be glad
Hear the children all scream,
“Here comes Dad!”
(Lupe and Boys re-enter scene)
Boys
Lupe’s hot tonight.
Lupe’s out of sight.
What a first-class bitch.
She knows every trick.
Lupe likes it hot.
Lupe calls the shots.
What the heck,
What the hell,
Catch her spell.
She’s a girl
Who’s never later.
Lupe
I’m a girl who cleans her plate.
Just one man will penetrate this girl.
(spoken) And it was you, bastard.
(Borracho enters and listens to Charlie and Benny’s refrain)
Charlie Benny
Hey there, Benny Charlie, my man, are you blind or just pitiful?
I will ask her for my wife. You’ve got girls by the score who just beg to
break down your door.
With this wedding band, on her hand Reconsider.
We will have one great life. Don’t quite figure.
Stand by me, my friend Charlie-Boy.
In the end, you will see,
Me and Rosey-Girl.
Yeah,
Me and Rosey-Girl.
Scene III At Uncle Eddie’s Gym, Eddie and his boys enter at various times, taking on campy work-out routines.
Uncle Eddie
Bastard Brother is my destiny.
I was born full of scorn, hear my plea.
God gave me a mouth for blasphemy.
I am rotten to the core, no sympathy.
Hit me, hurt me, beat me, kick me
Throw me to the dogs, that’s where I’ll be.
Squeeze my guts, I’ll spit you out
Hear me laugh before I break your knees.
I can taste the sweet smell of revenge
Brother Leonard is the canker in my sore.
No mistake, his pain is my refuge.
Every breath I take, my plan is that he’ll lose.
Brothers to the end, but men of different blood
And mothers who pretended.
Bide my time, devise a plan,
(Borracho enters)
(spoken) Who comes here?
Qué pasó, Borracho?
Busty girls with musty men I smell.
There’s an odor much too foul to inhale.
Have a beer and tell me what is told.
Uncle Eddie is so ready to explode.
Cut me, shoot me, drug-induce me,
Take me to the track, won’t cut you slack.
Shooter in my pocket, goin’ high as a rocket.
Qué tál?
(Borracho whispers something to Eddie.)
Uncle Eddie
(spoken) Qué? Marriage? With who?
Rosey? My brother’s daughter?
That punk Charlie! So, what is that to me?
How can I use this against my brother? Dime más.
From the depths of Hell a plan was sent.
It’s so fiendish, kinda meanish, with a bent.
Help me, Boys, to carry out this scheme.
Get me Rita, we will needa for this scene.
Rock me, shock me, mock me, fock me,
Lock me up and throw away the key.
I’m betting there’s no wedding.
Come, let’s make plans for the setting…
Vamanos! Little Joe, Barracho!
Busty girls with musty men I smell.
There’s an odor was concocted deep in Hell.
Sleep will come much easier tonight.
Uncle Eddie will be ready for the fight.
No mistake, I take the cake,
Just beat it and I’ll eat it, that’s my lot.
With one shot I’ll mix the plot.
The show-down will come round. I’ll be so hot!
(Uncle Eddie exits with his Boys)
Scene IV Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebration. Leonard’s house, music is playing
as guests arrive, dressed in costumes and masked.
Charlie
And Rosey looks so beautiful…
Boy
Chuck’s in love with Leonard’s flat-chested daughter.
Guests (dressed as skeletons)
Behold, we’re old, we’re living dead.
We smile, but have no life.
Painted faces walk the night.
Don’t look too close, we’re old dead folks.
Our time has come and gone.
Don’t forget us, when we’re sawdust.
Our masks won’t last the party’s follies;
Our stomachs crave tamales.
Beans and beer-nuts, Dodger home games.
Charlie
And Rosey looks so beautiful…
Boy
Chuck’s in love with Leonard’s flat-chested daughter.
Scene V (Uncle Ted is in the backyard with children gathered around him.)
Uncle Ted
Goblins, Ghosts, and Headless Hosts
Walk the graveyard shift.
Skeletons with bones like men
Sing a simple riff.
Ho-Daddy, Ho-Daddy, Flicka-Flack!
Go tell Mami don’t look back,
I’m coming in a sack!
Spiders, lizards, creepy-crawlers
Roam your house tonight.
When you sleep, turn on the light
And pray that they don’t bite.
Ho-Daddy, Ho-Daddy, Flicka-Flack!
Look! Abuelita’s on your back!
Beware, she comes for you!
Scene VI (As party continues outside, Rosey and Lupe talk together in Rosey’s room.)
Rosey
Dear cousin, Lupe, I’m in love.
Lupe
What is love, but silly words?
Rosey
My Charlie wants me for his bride.
Lupe
He’s a man.
Don’t trust your heart.
Rosey
He is so handsome.
And I am so homely.
Lupe
Ah, girl, you crazy, it’s first love.
Rosey
Isn’t it so lovely?
Lupe
Wake up, lil’ Rosey, it’s a dream.
Rosey
Let me dream.
I want to dream.
Tell me I’m pretty, like girls in the city,
Who wake up with make-up
And smell rich and pretty.
Girlfriend (opens door and finds Rosey)
There you are!
Your Charlie wants you.
Rosey
Not quite ready, yet.
Lupe
Go away.
Go get laid.
Girlfriend
Guess who’s been asking ‘bout you, too.
Lupe
Keep it to yourself, Home-Girl.
Rosey
Love is the magic.
Can’t help, we attract it.
I’ve saved myself for him.
I’m ready to marry.
(Lupe and Rosey rejoin the party outside. Charlie and Rosey dance together.)
Scene VII (Benny, in disguise, approaches Lupe, and whispers something in her ear.)
Lupe
Tell me how told you that big pack of lies.
Bet it was Benny, the Quick, he’s sick.
Slick hair and tight pants
He thinks he’s so cool.
He doesn’t know he’s a fool.
Benny
Who is this Benny that you talk about?
Why do you have such disdain and blame?
Tell me more of him.
Perhaps we shall meet.
Is he among the fleet?
Lupe
He is a simple boy,
Dull and dumb,
Loved by his Mami and Abuela.
Benny
If I should meet him,
I’ll tell him so.
Lupe
Tell him so.
Tell him so.
Girlfriends
Benny, the Quick,
Is a joke with the girls.
Can’t keep it up past two beer,
Three cheers!
Brags all the day how much money he’s paid,
And how he gets the girls laid.
Oh, what a bachelor,
But nothing comes after.
Better take all you can get,
He’s quick!
Sooner or later,
He’ll hang from a rafter.
Oh, hear the jeers and the laughter!
Girlfriends, with Lupe
He is a simple boy,
Dull and dumb,
Loved by his Mami and Abuela.
Benny
If I should meet him,
I’ll tell him so.
Lupe
Tell him so.
Yes, tell him so!
(Benny walks to another area of the yard and encounters Uncle Eddie, who has grabbed Charlie.)
Uncle Eddie
Listen here, Compadre.
You know me,
I’m your Tio.
I have news, really bad news.
Don’t be fooled by your Rosey.
(Looks to Benny)
Take him far away from her.
She is quite disturbed.
She has been seen in the company,
Giving it for free.
She is poison.
Take him away.
Hold him at bay.
She is ruthless.
Swear on the book.
I had to look.
Two, three, times it took.
(Benny dismisses Uncle Eddie with a gesture and pulls Charlie away. Charlie, mingles back in the crowd, while, Benny, still in disbelief of Lupe’s brush-off, ponders. )
Benny
How can my old friend
Pull on my heartstrings?
She plays me foolish.
I knew her when
She was so young
And, oh, so crazy.
She can’t remember,
Things get hazy.
Now she’s become
A real fine lady.
Did she really know me?
Girls
She knew you,
You’d better believe she knew you.
Let it go, Boy.
You’re too much of a playboy.
Benny
I seem so happy.
She says I’m dull and dumb.
Maybe too simple.
But I’m loved by all the women
‘Cept for Lupe.
I say it again,
That damn Lupe.
I fell so home with that damn Lupe.
(Benny approaches Charlie.)
There’s your lady,
She’s waiting.
Don’t listen to Eddie.
He’s such a liar.
Girls
He’s big as a tire!
Benny
She is pure as the snow.
Better go,
You’re her beau.
The party’s over.
Kiss her!
Let’s go.
Scene VIII (Lupe, Rosey, and Girlfriends in kitchen, making tamales.)
Lupe
What did I do?
Rosey
You put him down
With his boys all around.
Lupe
Beauty is cursed!
Don’t make things worse than they already are.
Rosey
Listen, Girl,
Things are tough.
But your heart,
You can trust.
You can’t handle
One good man.
So you put everybody down
Who comes around.
Don’t you see?
It’s too much.
Lupe
Don’t cry for me.
My heart is locked in a safe.
Here’s the key.
So, I will wait.
Hopeless in love,
I am jinxed to my fate.
Listen, Girl,
Where’s the man,
With the gold wedding band
Lupe (continued)
That sits pretty on my hand.
Don’t you see?
Girls like me don’t marry,
Never marry,
I won’t marry.
(Boys enter scene. Girls dance off with boys.)
Scene IX (Lupe, alone on the porch.)
Lupe
Once I had a love.
He hurt me so.
We were the best of friends
So long ago.
He’d whisper
“If you ever leave me,
Dying would be easy,”
He’d kiss my lips so softly,
Made me cry.
Oh, how I loved him more than life!
Never crossed my mind.
Somehow our time ran out.
So young and full of hope.
God, I was a dope!
Then he would wrap his arms around me.
Kiss my breasts so softly,
Hold me ‘til I cried
With ecstasy!
Oh, how I loved him more than life!
What’s wrong with Lupe?
Then It all went wrong.
Benny was a pawn.
Listened to his homeboys.
Said he had to go.
Where, I’d never know.
Took his boys and left me home, flat.
Stories I would hea.
Welled my eyes with tears.
Hurt me so much;
Made a promise.
Never love again.
Men are only friends.
Toy with them
And let them fall hard.
(Music builds, while Eddie, Benny, and Boys break into fight outside.)
Scene X (Early the next morning, in the alley.)
Leonard
Gather all around and listen well.
Boy
What you say?
What’s the word?
What you say?
Haven’t heard.
Leonard
Have a little plan I want to sell.
Boy
Tell us more.
What’s the score?
What’s the talk?
Talk the talk.
Leonard
It’s about our friend, Benny.
Boy
He’s as cheap as a penny.
Leonard
And the Lupe who hurt him, burned him,
Shut him down last night.
Boy
Yes, she did.
Yes, she did.
Leonard
Lupe and Benny make a handsome couple.
Boy
Lupe and Benny headed for big trouble.
She is a high-class tease…
Ball-buster, if you please.
He is a ruthless man.
Just goes through women
Who make him feel big.
Pretty things, with dangerous curves.
Leonard
She will make a damn good wife.
Boy
Born to taunt.
Likes to flirt.
Hell on wheels,
With six-inch heels.
Leonard
I will cast a spell tonight,
Boy
Make it strong.
Make it stick.
He won’t play ball.
He’s too quick.
Leonard
Come tomorrow
A plan is hatched.
The two lovers
Will be a match.
Help me, brothers,
To sway him, trap him, turn him inside out.
Lupe and Benny,
Watch out, for I’m Cupid.
Living a single life
Is just plain stupid.
Follow the company.
Boy
Get it at home for free.
Leonard
Could be the chance
To find true romance.
Boy
Leonard, won’t you tell us more?
Benny’s at the Candy Store.
Leonard
No one can say it better than ol’ Shakespeare.
Boy
Shakes who?
Leonard
Bait the hook.
The fish will bite,
Do you hear?
Love is a mighty thing.
Together we shall bring.
Lupe and Benny, Cupid calls for you.
Boy
Come, let’s go tell Rosey-Girl.
This will make her brown hair curl.
(Leonard, Boys, and Girls exit.)
Scene XI(Uncle Eddie’s Gym.)
Borracho
It is I, Borracho.
Uncle Eddie
Borracho.
Borracho
Found the pretty Rita-Whore.
Looks a lot like Rosey-Girl.
Here’s the plan…
Let me tell you more.
Uncle Eddie
Tell me more, tell me more,tell me more!
Borracho
Told ya, Eddie, she’s the one.
Uncle Eddie
Yes you did.
Borracho
Loves me so much she wants my son.
She’ll do anything for me.
You supply a little fee.
Uncle Eddie
How can that benefit little ol’ me?
Borracho
Here’s the poison plan, the hex.
Leonard, Charlie, Benny will be vexed.
Tell them Rosey knows a red-hot bed.
Come tonight and you can see her head
Rocking up, going down, all around!
Rosey-Girl will be out tonight.
Making plans for her wedding site.
Me and Rita right in,
Then we do it when you guys come in.
Don’t be late, it won’t wait, what a fake!
I will be ridin’ Rita saying,
“Rosey-Girl, you’re such a heater.”
She will say,“I gotta have it.
Rock me, Boy, round the planet.”
Let them see their little Rosey
Screwin’ me. She will enjoy it.
All will say, “We always knew it.”
What a plan,
(spoken to Uncle Eddie)
You’ll be a big man.
Uncle Eddie
Go destroy little Rosey.
Use the ploy with my blessing.
Hurry, go.
Time is wasting.
Here is money for the case.
Imagine Charlie’s face
When he sees his virgin
Up against the door,
Pleading for more.
Get the picture.
Jealousy and rage
Will write the final page.
I can hear it.
Turn me inside out.
Never had a doubt.
Hear me scream and shout.
From the depths of Hell a plan was sent.
It’s so fiendish, kinda meandish, with a bent.
Go, my boys and carry out the scheme.
Here’s a thousand bucks.
Divide it with the team.
Blow my wad,
Hurt the slob.
Take him to the docks
And do the job.
Maime me, shame me, lame me, cane me,
Shoot me up before I go insane.
Borracho
Don’t forget,
Bring Charlie and Benny to Rosey’s room
At exactly ten o’clock.
There I will be with Rita, saying,
“Rosey, I love you.
Rosey, give me more.”
Then quickly rush them out the door.
DON’T BE LATE!
INTERMISSION
Act II, Scene 1 (Benny is at the Candy Store, the local bar, hanging with the Girls.)
Benny
Show me a woman with brains,
I’ll show you a man gone insane.
I love who I am, I’m a man with a big appetite.
Falling in love is for fools.
Woman are made for the screw.
I love all the ladies, but don’t keep me waiting too long.
Girls
Sit down here, have a beer, let’s cheer.
Let us drink to your health and wealth.
He’s a man without destiny.
He’s a man who can’t clearly see
Beyond his needs.
What a boy inside the man.
Chorus
Men are a fun-loving breed.
One kiss and they’re down on one knee.
Shoot guns with the boys,
Treat girls like they’re toys is their creed.
Girl #1
Kiss them, but don’t fall in love.
They’ll treat you like their baseball glove.
Ferocious, precocious,
But take them in doses.
Girl #2
One a day!
Benny
Kiss them, deaf, dumb, and blind with wine.
I don’t mind, when I feel sublime.
Don’t be fooled by the pretty young smile.
Boy #1
Unless they have long legs
To drive you wild.
Chorus
Benny-Boy, he lives in style!
Benny
My girls all love me, I’m so rich.
They’re hoping one day I’ll get hitched.
I pity the pretty with small-busted titties, I do!
So, kiss all the ladies good-bye.
I’ll be back tomorrow
With lies.
I turn a good trick.
Girls
Yes, we know,
You are Benny-the-Quick!
Benny
Quick? What?
Chorus
Come back, Benny,
We’ll miss you so.
You’re a man who does not get old.
Benny
I’m so simple, with darling dimples!
Chorus
One more drink for the road before you leave us.
Little boy, who plays so rough.
Men are a fun-loving breed.
One kiss, and they’re down on one knee.
Shoot guns with the boys, and treat girls like they’re toys
Is their creed.
Kiss them, but don’t fall in love.
They’ll treat you like their baseball glove.
Ferocious, precocious, but take them in doses
Every day!
We’ll see you soon.
Farewell, Benny.
Act II, Scene 2 (Leonard, Charlie, and Rosey enter Leonard’s barber shop, knowing Benny is in the barber chair, with his head covered, waiting for a shave, setting him up for their plan to get Lupe and Benny together.)
Leonard
How’s it going, Manuel?
Manuel
Very well. Very well.
Leonard
You remember Charlie-Boy.
Charlie
How ya doin’?
Manuel
Oh, very well. Very well.
Leonard
He’s been working too long for me.
Hits the bottle at quarter to three,
Then he naps until 5, 6, 7, 8 o’clock.
Manuel
Have you got the church and priest?
Rosey
No, we don’t. That’s tonight.
Manuel
You inviting everyone?
Rosey
There’ll be some who won’t come.
Leonard
Let’s get back to the gossip.
And remember, no loose lips.
Don’t tell Benny, he’ll mock it, sock it, shoot out like a rocket.
Rosey
Heard it on my honor, Lupe’s in love with Benny.
(Benny, still in barber chair, looks to audience in disbelief.)
Cries herself to sleep,
But wakes, sweating, “where’s my Benny?”
Tossing and turning all night long.
Writing little notes,
Humming their old songs.
Weeping on her bed,
She won’t be wed,
That’s what she said.
I would be dead, if she knew!
Manuel
What a good wife she would make.
Rosey
And likes to cook without a book.
Always makes his favorite food,
Charlie
Mole and rice,
Spicy and nice.
Rosey
But she acts like she hates him so.
She’s as ripe as a tomato.
If she loved him more,
He might be better off dead!
Leonard
Does he know about her love?
Rosey
No, he would scorn.
What a scorn!
Up late at night she talks to him.
“How I love my old man.”
She is head over heels in love.
Charlie
Ordered by the Virgin above.
Rosey
Then she falls on her knees and prays,
“Lord, please bring my man home!”
Should would genuflect and pray,
“Lord, protect my Benny.”
Rosey (continued)
So desperate for her life,
I fear she will one day end it.
So sad!
“Give me the patience, hold my tongue.”
“Never let him know,
For he will run.”
Lonely nights go by,
I hear her say,
“If there’s a way,
Make my man stay!”
Rosey and Group
She is always cool
But she plays a fool for Benny.
Never would admit
She’d like to commit to Benny.
Spends a lot of time at home, alone,
Waiting for the ring by the telephone.
But he never calls,
So she swallows her pride,
She starts to call,
But she never does.
Leonard
We’ll be back, old Manuel.
Remember, keep it to yourself.
(Group leaves the barber shop. Benny leaves the chair and sings, center stage…)
Benny
Love is a wonderful thing.
One day you’re scorned
Then adorned.
This must be true.
I’m no fool.
What can I say, but I’m touched?
Where is my lady?
She’s waiting.
Somewhere our love found a door.
It’s fate.
I’m late comin’ home.
Shake me.
Wake me.
Feelin’ good.
Knock on wood.
It’s okay.
(Benny leaves the barber shop)
Benny (continued)
What a great day to be in love!
Lucky to be alive and well.
I never thought I would chance it.
Sounds like a perfect romance.
What are the odds
That a man like me would fall in love?
Helpless.
Hopeless.
Over-ruled.
Guilty of your love.
Girl
Could be a trick.
Benny
Better think quick.
Love is the thing that makes me sing.
Here is my heart,
Please don’t break it.
Where is my hat?
Take me home.
Tell all the boys not to wait up for me.
Benny’s found a new home.
Boys
Lucky he’s in love.
Flying high,
Kiss the sky,
What a guy!
(Instrumental dance number.)
Benny
I never thought I would chance it.
Sounds like a perfect romance.
What are the odds
That a man like me would fall in love?
(Dancing continues)
Benny
When someone loves you, it changes your heart.
It is a gift,
Hold it tight.
Take it to heart,
Don’t treat it light.
Sometimes it comes and it goes.
Thought I would die as a bachelor.
Now I’m thinking I might get hitched.
Here she comes…
She’s in love.
That’s my girl!
(Lupe enters, obviously upset.)
Lupe
I have been sent here against my will.
Benny
Nice of you to keep in touch.
To take the time to let me know
You care for me.
You have brought me news?
Lupe
Let’s start all over again.
Leonard and Charlie, they call for you.
Benny
But you have come to look for me.
Even though you can’t stand me.
So kind you are.
I admire that.
Lupe
Are you sick?
Benny
There’s a double meaning in that.
Lupe
Did you snap?
Benny
How’s about a pat on the back?
Lupe
Are you mocking me?
Benny
You took the time to look me up.
Lupe
It took no great pains for that.
Benny
Did you find pleasure in telling me?
Lupe
Never thought you would find happiness in the news.
You always miss the point, don’t you?
Benny
Don’t you have something to tell me?
Lupe
I was sent to look for you.
Here you are.
Both
Better go.
Lupe
They wait for you down the alley.
Benny
Well, thanks again.
Lupe
It was really nothing at all.
Benny
To look me up.
Lupe
Must you patronize?
I’m no dog.
Benny
Take my hand.
Lupe
Better save it for your dolls.
Because I knew you when…
(Benny exits. Rosey and Girlfriends enter at the side, out of sight from Lupe, but within earshot.)
Rosey
What did you say?
Benny loves his Lupe?
He’s out of his mind.
He can’t control himself.
He’s fallen hard.
Played the Lupe card.
He is drunk with love.
Don’t tell Lupe,
For she will laugh and mock.
Her words would cut the very heart of him.
She’s proud and vain.
She plays the game.
She’ll reject his love.
Girlfriend #1
She has a heart
That’s very cold and dark.
Rosey
I’ve heard her say she cannot love again.
She’s hard as stone.
Her heart was torn
Sometime long ago.
Girlfriend #2
But she is lovely, lovely.
She has a wild spirit.
Girlfriend #1
Stubborn and bright
Ready to fight.
Rosey
Don’t you cross her path.
She’s sweet and honest.
No man has compromised her.
Somewhere there’s life.\
Girlfriend #2
What a good wife
Rosey
She will make some day.
(Rosey and Girlfriends exit; Lupe moves center stage.)
Lupe
What do I hear?
These words of love in my ear!
My wild heart is reaching, searching
To hold my love beside me.
Wishing…my lover’s words are true.
I have been blind.
I never noticed
He’s kind.
He’d often ask about me.
Waiting…for me to make the first move.
Silly…I turned and he was there.
So, I will love him, love him.
My wild heart’s on fire.
Married to you
Would be so cool.
For eternity.
I’ll stand beside him.
I like him.
So proud to be his lady.
Here is my hand.
He is my man
Till the end of time.
Act II, Scene 3
(Uncle Eddie and Borracho meet up with Charlie and Benny in the alley.)
Borracho
Listen, Boys, I have bad news for you.
Tonight’s the night Rosey will betray you.
I know you don’t think much of him (points to Uncle Eddie)
But he’s big and he’s bad and he acts like family.
Our little Rosey-Girl, she can’t be trusted.
Come on along with me and see her busted.
I know she seems so sweet and pure
But you don’t know the girl.
Wait and see.
Stick around and believe
She likes bad company.
Charlie
You ugly bastard!
Spreading lies ‘bout Rosey-Girl.
She’s good and true to me.
Borracho
If you saw what I saw
You would saw her into two.
(Borracho exits.)
Uncle Eddie
Follow me to your lady’s window.
Bet you 10 bucks that you won’t like the show.
Remember, what you see is true.
For your eyes will despise what you see.
Throw her out.
She is crap!
Send her back
To her dirty family.
Charlie
If I see anything
Tomorrow she’ll be shamed.
The wedding I’ll disgrace.
She will run from the place,
But she can’t hide that pretty face.
(Charlie and Benny follow Uncle Eddie to the side of Rosey’s house. They look up to the window and see Borracho with Rita, a girl who resembles Rosey.)
Borracho
Ride me, Girl.
Ride me, Rosey.
You are one great heater.
Rita
Rock me, Boy, around the planet.
Take me home.
You know I like it.
Borracho
Rosey-Girl, take me higher.
Rosey-Girl, you’re on fire.
Uncle Eddie
Can you believe it, that little whore?
Getting laid on the bathroom floor!
You rolled the dice.
You’d better think twice.
For she is not the girl for you.
Make the switch.
Kick the bitch
Down the ditch!
Now you know
She’s a Ho.
Go tell Leonard what you know.
(Uncle Eddie leads Charlie and Benny away from Rosey’s house. Borracho appears from upstairs and does a victory dance.)
Act II, Scene 4
(Priest and Rosey are meeting in the front of the church’s altar.)
Priest
Do you believe in that?
Do you believe that much?
If your faith strong enough?
(Suddenly, Charlie and Boys are heard, entering the church, as young boy begins banging on a piano. Girlfriend rushes in from side and whispers something in Rosey’s ear.)
Charlie
(screaming) Rosey!
(Charley and Boys begin coming down the aisle. Girlfriends surround Rosey)
What makes you think that I could love you?
You broke me heart, you Whore!
Can’t hide your dirty little secret.
Virgin are you no more!
Boys
She doesn’t care.
She’s just a player.
Why don’t you wake up, Charlie.
She’s played you for a fool.
Boys and Girlfriends
And everybody knows, but you!
Fool! That’s what they say.
And everybody knows, but you!
RoseyWhat have I ever done to hurt you?
Don’t turn away from me.
Look at my face, am I a nothing?
Your love is everything!
(Lupe runs in and pushes her way through Girlfriends to get to Rosey’s side.)
Boys and Girlfriends
He doesn’t care.
He’s just a player.
Why don’t you wake up, Girl.
He’s played you for a fool.
And everybody knows, but you.
Fool! That’s what they say.
And everybody knows but you.
(Charlie pulls out a gun, aims at Rosey, and shoots. He and Boys run out the side door. Rosey falls into Lupe’s arms and Girlfriends hover about the two.)
Rosey
What went wrong?
Lupe
Ah…Rosey!
Rosey
I’m so cold.
Lupe
Ah…Rosey!
Rosey
Feel so shamed.
I’m to blame.
Love is cruel.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Hold my hand.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Tell my man
I love him so.
Rosey and Lupe
Never dreamed
Our (your) love would break me (your) heart.
Rosey
Close my eyes.
The light now turns to dark.
Take my ring.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Wipe my tears.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Angels weep.
Now God will keep.
One more word.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Benny-Boy
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Loves you so.
Lupe
Yes, I know.
Girlfriends
Never was a kinder, sweeter soul.
Rosey’s gone to meet her mom, I know.
(Paramedics rush into church to take Rosey away.)
Act II, Scene 5
(At Uncle Eddie’s gym, Borracho enters with Rita.)
Borracho
No need to thank me.
It was a pleasure, my man.
I nearly choked up, broke up
When Charlie looked up,
Saw his Rosey get plucked.
It was so blissful.
I mean, it was a miracle, my man.
The scheme was sublime, well-timed,
The plan of all plans.
Hey, Borracho’s the man.
(Borracho and Uncle Eddie do a little dance.)
Girls
Tell us, Eddie,
Is there gonna be a wedding?
You’re advocating
That there might be amputating
And fabricating that some girl was fornicating.
Uncle Eddie
What talk!
Much ado about nothing.
Eddie’s on a roll tonight.
Feel alive, gimme five.
Girl
Eddie’s a teddy.
He always knows how to score.
Don’t underestimate him.
That big-talkin’ man,
Borracho
That fat Mexi-can!
(Music and dancing.)
Girls
Tell us, Eddie,
Is there gonna be a wedding?
You’re advocating
That there might be amputating
And fabricating that some girl was fornicating.
Uncle Eddie
What talk!
Shoot me up, this home-boy’s fried.
Let the scene play out, let’s hide.
Goin’ high; wadda ride!.
Act II, Scene 6
(Lupe is in her room, distraught. Benny gently knocks.)
Benny
It is Benny, your old friend.
Are you here all alone?
I was worried when
Didn’t answer your phone.
Lupe
Come in, don’t look too closely.
My eyes burn from my cry.
All alone am I, feel like I want to die!
Give me your gun, I’ll shoot him in the head.
Just like he shot our Rosey-Girl.
Now she lies helpless in her bed.
I wish I were a man…
Benny
I have something to tell you.
Better sit down for this.
Will you take me back?
Can I love you again?
Lupe
Yes, I know that you love me.
But I never let on.
You were always here,
Just as close as my tears.
If I were a man, I would stuff him in a can,
Let him rot, deep in Hell, with his buddies who can’t spell!
Hollow is your love.
Not too quick, that’s the rub.
I’m the woman that you say you love.
You won’t even lift a glove.
If you really love me,
Kill that Charlie-Boy tonight!
Benny
With a hand and a promise
I will kill him tonight.
Go to sleep, my love.
I will take on the fight.
(Lupe and Benny embrace. Benny exits.)
Act II, Scene 7
(At Uncle Eddie’s gym, they’re partying. Benny enters, looking for Charlie. In his search, he overhears Borracho bragging about how he tricked Charlie.)
Borracho
Make way for Borracho
And the pretty Rita-Whore.
Say, hey!
Don’t she look like Rosey-Girl?
Should have been there when she up and roared,
“Gimme more, gimme more, I want more!”
Told ya, Eddie, that she’d come through.
With the plan that I made for you.
Poor old Charlie never knew!
Tell ‘em, Rita, how you liked it, too.
What a plan, what a scam, B’s the man!
(Benny breaks away and runs out into the alley. He discovers Charlie, hiding in the shadows, and obviously shaken up. Benny tells Charlie what he’s just heard at the gym. Charlie is agitated and Benny tries to calm him down. Lupe runs to Benny, exclaiming that she’s just heard that Rosey is going to pull through. Stage goes dark.)
Act II, Scene 8
(Leonard’s family and friends are gathered in Leonard’s backyard to celebrate the double wedding of Benny and Lupe, and Rosey and Charlie. Rosey enters with cast on her right arm, forgives Charlie. Joins cast and dances to final song.)
THE END
Rosey: Daughter of Leonard
Charlie: In love with Rosey
Lupe: Rosey’s cousin; love/hates Benny
Benny: Gang leader; falls for Lupe against his will
Leonard: Rosey’s father
Uncle Eddie: Leonard’s half brother
Borracho: One of Uncle Eddie’s boys
Priest
‘Lil Joe: One of Uncle Eddie’s boys
Boys Chorus
Girls Chorus
Opening Scene:
Rosey is with the priest at the church, a day before her wedding to Charlie.
Priest
Do you love him?
Rosey
How can I know?
Priest
Does he sleep there, within your soul,
When you find a love that beckons you,
Though the way is steep?
Do you believe in that?
Listen, Lover, be kind and true.
There is only one love for you.
Give it all you’ve got, it takes a lot,
Love will lead the way.
Do you believe in that?
Always be best of friends and grow old together.
Laugh forever…
That is the key…
With time, just claim your treasure.
Though he may shatter dreams with his schemes of grandeur,
Just hold his hand, dear.
You know his heart is young and sentimental…
Love on, love strong, though you may lack
Unlock the words that hold you back
Love is just a word you’ve often heard until you bring it home.
Do you believe in that?
The priest’s song is interrupted when a young boy begins banging on the piano. As the priest goes over to quiet him, Rosey is surprised to see her girlfriend, who whispers something to her. As she is finishing her message, Benny, Charlie, and his boys, are seen coming down the aisle.
Charlie
(yells) “Ros-ey!”
Rosey
What have I ever done to hurt you?
Don’t turn away from me!
Look at my face, am I a nothing?
Your love is everything.
Girlfriends
He doesn’t care.
He’s just a player.
Why don’t you wake up, girl,
He’s played you for a fool
And everybody knows but you.
Fool! That’s what they say.
And everybody knows but you.
Charlie
What makes you think that I could love you?
You broke my heart, you whore!
Can’t hide your dirty little secret.
Virgin are you no more!
Girlfriends
He doesn’t care.
He’s just a player.
Why don’t you wake up, Charlie,
… played you for a fool
And everybody knows but you.
Fool! That’s what they say.
And everybody knows but you
(Boy runs into his home
Scene II: Three days earlier. Charlie and Benny have just returned from active duty in the
navy and are stepping off the train across from the Plaza at Olvera Street. As they
walk through the crowd in the marketplace, Charlie spies Rosey, and pulling Benny
aside, and sings…
Charlie
Hey, there, Benny.
Is she not so beautiful?
Tell me what you think, if I said,
That I want her for my own?
When she looks at me,
Can’t believe what I feel.
She’s my Rosey-girl.
We go walking and I don’t know where I’ve been.
We just talk and walk…walk that talk.
In a daze we are, my friend.
Then she takes my hand, understand,
Wanna be…with my Rosey-girl.
Benny
Charlie, my man, are you blind or just pitiful?
You’ve got girls by the score who just beg to break down your door.
Reconsider.
Girls
Don’t quite figure, Charlie-boy.
Benny
Buddies for life, we did swear not to take a wife.
Don’t be fooled by the virgin with beads who can’t get a life.
She is bad news.
Girls
She wears big shoes!
Benny
(spoken) Oh, no! Her cousin, Lupe!
(Lupe and her entourage enter)
Lupe
With these lips of mine
And this body fine,
Men just stop and drool,
They, like, play the fool.
No one’s cool as me.
I am all they see.
I am heaven, hot as hell,
Catch my spell.
Listen, Baby, I’m so hot
I’m a lady who calls the shots.
With one finger, men will drop,
So, there.
So, there.
Boys
Lupe’s hot tonight.
Lupe’s out of sight.
Lupe steals the scene.
She’s a peach to cream.
Lupe
Lupe knows this town.
Lupe can’t be found
Hangin’ round someone’s neck.
What the heck…
I’m a girl who’s never late.
I’m a girl who cleans her plate.
Just one man will penetrate this girl.
(Boys dance around Lupe)
Leonard
Secret? What is the big secret?
Everybody knows you love my Rosey-Girl.
Bachelors, big-time womanizers
Can’t be fooled by love.
It comes and you can buy it
At the Candy Store.
Benny
Me and the boys are a lucky bunch of bachelors.
Loving the life and the greed
Hey, nothing matters.
Just take it from me,
You’re in good company,
All the ladies agree
That you can eat their cake
And have your candy, too.
Benny (continued0
Never a care in the world with Chuck and Benny.
Cruisin’ the street,
Shootin’ heat,
Oh, we so crazy.
Oh, stay with the gang,
And together we’ll hang,
Think of women we’ll bang,
And you can eat their cake
And have your candy, too.
Leonard
Think of your life.
Without a good wife
You are nowhere,
Waiting to die,
I tell you no lie,
I have been there.
Follow your dream
And your heart will be glad
Hear the children all scream,
“Here comes Dad!”
(Lupe and Boys re-enter scene)
Boys
Lupe’s hot tonight.
Lupe’s out of sight.
What a first-class bitch.
She knows every trick.
Lupe likes it hot.
Lupe calls the shots.
What the heck,
What the hell,
Catch her spell.
She’s a girl
Who’s never later.
Lupe
I’m a girl who cleans her plate.
Just one man will penetrate this girl.
(spoken) And it was you, bastard.
(Borracho enters and listens to Charlie and Benny’s refrain)
Charlie Benny
Hey there, Benny Charlie, my man, are you blind or just pitiful?
I will ask her for my wife. You’ve got girls by the score who just beg to
break down your door.
With this wedding band, on her hand Reconsider.
We will have one great life. Don’t quite figure.
Stand by me, my friend Charlie-Boy.
In the end, you will see,
Me and Rosey-Girl.
Yeah,
Me and Rosey-Girl.
Scene III At Uncle Eddie’s Gym, Eddie and his boys enter at various times, taking on campy work-out routines.
Uncle Eddie
Bastard Brother is my destiny.
I was born full of scorn, hear my plea.
God gave me a mouth for blasphemy.
I am rotten to the core, no sympathy.
Hit me, hurt me, beat me, kick me
Throw me to the dogs, that’s where I’ll be.
Squeeze my guts, I’ll spit you out
Hear me laugh before I break your knees.
I can taste the sweet smell of revenge
Brother Leonard is the canker in my sore.
No mistake, his pain is my refuge.
Every breath I take, my plan is that he’ll lose.
Brothers to the end, but men of different blood
And mothers who pretended.
Bide my time, devise a plan,
(Borracho enters)
(spoken) Who comes here?
Qué pasó, Borracho?
Busty girls with musty men I smell.
There’s an odor much too foul to inhale.
Have a beer and tell me what is told.
Uncle Eddie is so ready to explode.
Cut me, shoot me, drug-induce me,
Take me to the track, won’t cut you slack.
Shooter in my pocket, goin’ high as a rocket.
Qué tál?
(Borracho whispers something to Eddie.)
Uncle Eddie
(spoken) Qué? Marriage? With who?
Rosey? My brother’s daughter?
That punk Charlie! So, what is that to me?
How can I use this against my brother? Dime más.
From the depths of Hell a plan was sent.
It’s so fiendish, kinda meanish, with a bent.
Help me, Boys, to carry out this scheme.
Get me Rita, we will needa for this scene.
Rock me, shock me, mock me, fock me,
Lock me up and throw away the key.
I’m betting there’s no wedding.
Come, let’s make plans for the setting…
Vamanos! Little Joe, Barracho!
Busty girls with musty men I smell.
There’s an odor was concocted deep in Hell.
Sleep will come much easier tonight.
Uncle Eddie will be ready for the fight.
No mistake, I take the cake,
Just beat it and I’ll eat it, that’s my lot.
With one shot I’ll mix the plot.
The show-down will come round. I’ll be so hot!
(Uncle Eddie exits with his Boys)
Scene IV Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebration. Leonard’s house, music is playing
as guests arrive, dressed in costumes and masked.
Charlie
And Rosey looks so beautiful…
Boy
Chuck’s in love with Leonard’s flat-chested daughter.
Guests (dressed as skeletons)
Behold, we’re old, we’re living dead.
We smile, but have no life.
Painted faces walk the night.
Don’t look too close, we’re old dead folks.
Our time has come and gone.
Don’t forget us, when we’re sawdust.
Our masks won’t last the party’s follies;
Our stomachs crave tamales.
Beans and beer-nuts, Dodger home games.
Charlie
And Rosey looks so beautiful…
Boy
Chuck’s in love with Leonard’s flat-chested daughter.
Scene V (Uncle Ted is in the backyard with children gathered around him.)
Uncle Ted
Goblins, Ghosts, and Headless Hosts
Walk the graveyard shift.
Skeletons with bones like men
Sing a simple riff.
Ho-Daddy, Ho-Daddy, Flicka-Flack!
Go tell Mami don’t look back,
I’m coming in a sack!
Spiders, lizards, creepy-crawlers
Roam your house tonight.
When you sleep, turn on the light
And pray that they don’t bite.
Ho-Daddy, Ho-Daddy, Flicka-Flack!
Look! Abuelita’s on your back!
Beware, she comes for you!
Scene VI (As party continues outside, Rosey and Lupe talk together in Rosey’s room.)
Rosey
Dear cousin, Lupe, I’m in love.
Lupe
What is love, but silly words?
Rosey
My Charlie wants me for his bride.
Lupe
He’s a man.
Don’t trust your heart.
Rosey
He is so handsome.
And I am so homely.
Lupe
Ah, girl, you crazy, it’s first love.
Rosey
Isn’t it so lovely?
Lupe
Wake up, lil’ Rosey, it’s a dream.
Rosey
Let me dream.
I want to dream.
Tell me I’m pretty, like girls in the city,
Who wake up with make-up
And smell rich and pretty.
Girlfriend (opens door and finds Rosey)
There you are!
Your Charlie wants you.
Rosey
Not quite ready, yet.
Lupe
Go away.
Go get laid.
Girlfriend
Guess who’s been asking ‘bout you, too.
Lupe
Keep it to yourself, Home-Girl.
Rosey
Love is the magic.
Can’t help, we attract it.
I’ve saved myself for him.
I’m ready to marry.
(Lupe and Rosey rejoin the party outside. Charlie and Rosey dance together.)
Scene VII (Benny, in disguise, approaches Lupe, and whispers something in her ear.)
Lupe
Tell me how told you that big pack of lies.
Bet it was Benny, the Quick, he’s sick.
Slick hair and tight pants
He thinks he’s so cool.
He doesn’t know he’s a fool.
Benny
Who is this Benny that you talk about?
Why do you have such disdain and blame?
Tell me more of him.
Perhaps we shall meet.
Is he among the fleet?
Lupe
He is a simple boy,
Dull and dumb,
Loved by his Mami and Abuela.
Benny
If I should meet him,
I’ll tell him so.
Lupe
Tell him so.
Tell him so.
Girlfriends
Benny, the Quick,
Is a joke with the girls.
Can’t keep it up past two beer,
Three cheers!
Brags all the day how much money he’s paid,
And how he gets the girls laid.
Oh, what a bachelor,
But nothing comes after.
Better take all you can get,
He’s quick!
Sooner or later,
He’ll hang from a rafter.
Oh, hear the jeers and the laughter!
Girlfriends, with Lupe
He is a simple boy,
Dull and dumb,
Loved by his Mami and Abuela.
Benny
If I should meet him,
I’ll tell him so.
Lupe
Tell him so.
Yes, tell him so!
(Benny walks to another area of the yard and encounters Uncle Eddie, who has grabbed Charlie.)
Uncle Eddie
Listen here, Compadre.
You know me,
I’m your Tio.
I have news, really bad news.
Don’t be fooled by your Rosey.
(Looks to Benny)
Take him far away from her.
She is quite disturbed.
She has been seen in the company,
Giving it for free.
She is poison.
Take him away.
Hold him at bay.
She is ruthless.
Swear on the book.
I had to look.
Two, three, times it took.
(Benny dismisses Uncle Eddie with a gesture and pulls Charlie away. Charlie, mingles back in the crowd, while, Benny, still in disbelief of Lupe’s brush-off, ponders. )
Benny
How can my old friend
Pull on my heartstrings?
She plays me foolish.
I knew her when
She was so young
And, oh, so crazy.
She can’t remember,
Things get hazy.
Now she’s become
A real fine lady.
Did she really know me?
Girls
She knew you,
You’d better believe she knew you.
Let it go, Boy.
You’re too much of a playboy.
Benny
I seem so happy.
She says I’m dull and dumb.
Maybe too simple.
But I’m loved by all the women
‘Cept for Lupe.
I say it again,
That damn Lupe.
I fell so home with that damn Lupe.
(Benny approaches Charlie.)
There’s your lady,
She’s waiting.
Don’t listen to Eddie.
He’s such a liar.
Girls
He’s big as a tire!
Benny
She is pure as the snow.
Better go,
You’re her beau.
The party’s over.
Kiss her!
Let’s go.
Scene VIII (Lupe, Rosey, and Girlfriends in kitchen, making tamales.)
Lupe
What did I do?
Rosey
You put him down
With his boys all around.
Lupe
Beauty is cursed!
Don’t make things worse than they already are.
Rosey
Listen, Girl,
Things are tough.
But your heart,
You can trust.
You can’t handle
One good man.
So you put everybody down
Who comes around.
Don’t you see?
It’s too much.
Lupe
Don’t cry for me.
My heart is locked in a safe.
Here’s the key.
So, I will wait.
Hopeless in love,
I am jinxed to my fate.
Listen, Girl,
Where’s the man,
With the gold wedding band
Lupe (continued)
That sits pretty on my hand.
Don’t you see?
Girls like me don’t marry,
Never marry,
I won’t marry.
(Boys enter scene. Girls dance off with boys.)
Scene IX (Lupe, alone on the porch.)
Lupe
Once I had a love.
He hurt me so.
We were the best of friends
So long ago.
He’d whisper
“If you ever leave me,
Dying would be easy,”
He’d kiss my lips so softly,
Made me cry.
Oh, how I loved him more than life!
Never crossed my mind.
Somehow our time ran out.
So young and full of hope.
God, I was a dope!
Then he would wrap his arms around me.
Kiss my breasts so softly,
Hold me ‘til I cried
With ecstasy!
Oh, how I loved him more than life!
What’s wrong with Lupe?
Then It all went wrong.
Benny was a pawn.
Listened to his homeboys.
Said he had to go.
Where, I’d never know.
Took his boys and left me home, flat.
Stories I would hea.
Welled my eyes with tears.
Hurt me so much;
Made a promise.
Never love again.
Men are only friends.
Toy with them
And let them fall hard.
(Music builds, while Eddie, Benny, and Boys break into fight outside.)
Scene X (Early the next morning, in the alley.)
Leonard
Gather all around and listen well.
Boy
What you say?
What’s the word?
What you say?
Haven’t heard.
Leonard
Have a little plan I want to sell.
Boy
Tell us more.
What’s the score?
What’s the talk?
Talk the talk.
Leonard
It’s about our friend, Benny.
Boy
He’s as cheap as a penny.
Leonard
And the Lupe who hurt him, burned him,
Shut him down last night.
Boy
Yes, she did.
Yes, she did.
Leonard
Lupe and Benny make a handsome couple.
Boy
Lupe and Benny headed for big trouble.
She is a high-class tease…
Ball-buster, if you please.
He is a ruthless man.
Just goes through women
Who make him feel big.
Pretty things, with dangerous curves.
Leonard
She will make a damn good wife.
Boy
Born to taunt.
Likes to flirt.
Hell on wheels,
With six-inch heels.
Leonard
I will cast a spell tonight,
Boy
Make it strong.
Make it stick.
He won’t play ball.
He’s too quick.
Leonard
Come tomorrow
A plan is hatched.
The two lovers
Will be a match.
Help me, brothers,
To sway him, trap him, turn him inside out.
Lupe and Benny,
Watch out, for I’m Cupid.
Living a single life
Is just plain stupid.
Follow the company.
Boy
Get it at home for free.
Leonard
Could be the chance
To find true romance.
Boy
Leonard, won’t you tell us more?
Benny’s at the Candy Store.
Leonard
No one can say it better than ol’ Shakespeare.
Boy
Shakes who?
Leonard
Bait the hook.
The fish will bite,
Do you hear?
Love is a mighty thing.
Together we shall bring.
Lupe and Benny, Cupid calls for you.
Boy
Come, let’s go tell Rosey-Girl.
This will make her brown hair curl.
(Leonard, Boys, and Girls exit.)
Scene XI(Uncle Eddie’s Gym.)
Borracho
It is I, Borracho.
Uncle Eddie
Borracho.
Borracho
Found the pretty Rita-Whore.
Looks a lot like Rosey-Girl.
Here’s the plan…
Let me tell you more.
Uncle Eddie
Tell me more, tell me more,tell me more!
Borracho
Told ya, Eddie, she’s the one.
Uncle Eddie
Yes you did.
Borracho
Loves me so much she wants my son.
She’ll do anything for me.
You supply a little fee.
Uncle Eddie
How can that benefit little ol’ me?
Borracho
Here’s the poison plan, the hex.
Leonard, Charlie, Benny will be vexed.
Tell them Rosey knows a red-hot bed.
Come tonight and you can see her head
Rocking up, going down, all around!
Rosey-Girl will be out tonight.
Making plans for her wedding site.
Me and Rita right in,
Then we do it when you guys come in.
Don’t be late, it won’t wait, what a fake!
I will be ridin’ Rita saying,
“Rosey-Girl, you’re such a heater.”
She will say,“I gotta have it.
Rock me, Boy, round the planet.”
Let them see their little Rosey
Screwin’ me. She will enjoy it.
All will say, “We always knew it.”
What a plan,
(spoken to Uncle Eddie)
You’ll be a big man.
Uncle Eddie
Go destroy little Rosey.
Use the ploy with my blessing.
Hurry, go.
Time is wasting.
Here is money for the case.
Imagine Charlie’s face
When he sees his virgin
Up against the door,
Pleading for more.
Get the picture.
Jealousy and rage
Will write the final page.
I can hear it.
Turn me inside out.
Never had a doubt.
Hear me scream and shout.
From the depths of Hell a plan was sent.
It’s so fiendish, kinda meandish, with a bent.
Go, my boys and carry out the scheme.
Here’s a thousand bucks.
Divide it with the team.
Blow my wad,
Hurt the slob.
Take him to the docks
And do the job.
Maime me, shame me, lame me, cane me,
Shoot me up before I go insane.
Borracho
Don’t forget,
Bring Charlie and Benny to Rosey’s room
At exactly ten o’clock.
There I will be with Rita, saying,
“Rosey, I love you.
Rosey, give me more.”
Then quickly rush them out the door.
DON’T BE LATE!
INTERMISSION
Act II, Scene 1 (Benny is at the Candy Store, the local bar, hanging with the Girls.)
Benny
Show me a woman with brains,
I’ll show you a man gone insane.
I love who I am, I’m a man with a big appetite.
Falling in love is for fools.
Woman are made for the screw.
I love all the ladies, but don’t keep me waiting too long.
Girls
Sit down here, have a beer, let’s cheer.
Let us drink to your health and wealth.
He’s a man without destiny.
He’s a man who can’t clearly see
Beyond his needs.
What a boy inside the man.
Chorus
Men are a fun-loving breed.
One kiss and they’re down on one knee.
Shoot guns with the boys,
Treat girls like they’re toys is their creed.
Girl #1
Kiss them, but don’t fall in love.
They’ll treat you like their baseball glove.
Ferocious, precocious,
But take them in doses.
Girl #2
One a day!
Benny
Kiss them, deaf, dumb, and blind with wine.
I don’t mind, when I feel sublime.
Don’t be fooled by the pretty young smile.
Boy #1
Unless they have long legs
To drive you wild.
Chorus
Benny-Boy, he lives in style!
Benny
My girls all love me, I’m so rich.
They’re hoping one day I’ll get hitched.
I pity the pretty with small-busted titties, I do!
So, kiss all the ladies good-bye.
I’ll be back tomorrow
With lies.
I turn a good trick.
Girls
Yes, we know,
You are Benny-the-Quick!
Benny
Quick? What?
Chorus
Come back, Benny,
We’ll miss you so.
You’re a man who does not get old.
Benny
I’m so simple, with darling dimples!
Chorus
One more drink for the road before you leave us.
Little boy, who plays so rough.
Men are a fun-loving breed.
One kiss, and they’re down on one knee.
Shoot guns with the boys, and treat girls like they’re toys
Is their creed.
Kiss them, but don’t fall in love.
They’ll treat you like their baseball glove.
Ferocious, precocious, but take them in doses
Every day!
We’ll see you soon.
Farewell, Benny.
Act II, Scene 2 (Leonard, Charlie, and Rosey enter Leonard’s barber shop, knowing Benny is in the barber chair, with his head covered, waiting for a shave, setting him up for their plan to get Lupe and Benny together.)
Leonard
How’s it going, Manuel?
Manuel
Very well. Very well.
Leonard
You remember Charlie-Boy.
Charlie
How ya doin’?
Manuel
Oh, very well. Very well.
Leonard
He’s been working too long for me.
Hits the bottle at quarter to three,
Then he naps until 5, 6, 7, 8 o’clock.
Manuel
Have you got the church and priest?
Rosey
No, we don’t. That’s tonight.
Manuel
You inviting everyone?
Rosey
There’ll be some who won’t come.
Leonard
Let’s get back to the gossip.
And remember, no loose lips.
Don’t tell Benny, he’ll mock it, sock it, shoot out like a rocket.
Rosey
Heard it on my honor, Lupe’s in love with Benny.
(Benny, still in barber chair, looks to audience in disbelief.)
Cries herself to sleep,
But wakes, sweating, “where’s my Benny?”
Tossing and turning all night long.
Writing little notes,
Humming their old songs.
Weeping on her bed,
She won’t be wed,
That’s what she said.
I would be dead, if she knew!
Manuel
What a good wife she would make.
Rosey
And likes to cook without a book.
Always makes his favorite food,
Charlie
Mole and rice,
Spicy and nice.
Rosey
But she acts like she hates him so.
She’s as ripe as a tomato.
If she loved him more,
He might be better off dead!
Leonard
Does he know about her love?
Rosey
No, he would scorn.
What a scorn!
Up late at night she talks to him.
“How I love my old man.”
She is head over heels in love.
Charlie
Ordered by the Virgin above.
Rosey
Then she falls on her knees and prays,
“Lord, please bring my man home!”
Should would genuflect and pray,
“Lord, protect my Benny.”
Rosey (continued)
So desperate for her life,
I fear she will one day end it.
So sad!
“Give me the patience, hold my tongue.”
“Never let him know,
For he will run.”
Lonely nights go by,
I hear her say,
“If there’s a way,
Make my man stay!”
Rosey and Group
She is always cool
But she plays a fool for Benny.
Never would admit
She’d like to commit to Benny.
Spends a lot of time at home, alone,
Waiting for the ring by the telephone.
But he never calls,
So she swallows her pride,
She starts to call,
But she never does.
Leonard
We’ll be back, old Manuel.
Remember, keep it to yourself.
(Group leaves the barber shop. Benny leaves the chair and sings, center stage…)
Benny
Love is a wonderful thing.
One day you’re scorned
Then adorned.
This must be true.
I’m no fool.
What can I say, but I’m touched?
Where is my lady?
She’s waiting.
Somewhere our love found a door.
It’s fate.
I’m late comin’ home.
Shake me.
Wake me.
Feelin’ good.
Knock on wood.
It’s okay.
(Benny leaves the barber shop)
Benny (continued)
What a great day to be in love!
Lucky to be alive and well.
I never thought I would chance it.
Sounds like a perfect romance.
What are the odds
That a man like me would fall in love?
Helpless.
Hopeless.
Over-ruled.
Guilty of your love.
Girl
Could be a trick.
Benny
Better think quick.
Love is the thing that makes me sing.
Here is my heart,
Please don’t break it.
Where is my hat?
Take me home.
Tell all the boys not to wait up for me.
Benny’s found a new home.
Boys
Lucky he’s in love.
Flying high,
Kiss the sky,
What a guy!
(Instrumental dance number.)
Benny
I never thought I would chance it.
Sounds like a perfect romance.
What are the odds
That a man like me would fall in love?
(Dancing continues)
Benny
When someone loves you, it changes your heart.
It is a gift,
Hold it tight.
Take it to heart,
Don’t treat it light.
Sometimes it comes and it goes.
Thought I would die as a bachelor.
Now I’m thinking I might get hitched.
Here she comes…
She’s in love.
That’s my girl!
(Lupe enters, obviously upset.)
Lupe
I have been sent here against my will.
Benny
Nice of you to keep in touch.
To take the time to let me know
You care for me.
You have brought me news?
Lupe
Let’s start all over again.
Leonard and Charlie, they call for you.
Benny
But you have come to look for me.
Even though you can’t stand me.
So kind you are.
I admire that.
Lupe
Are you sick?
Benny
There’s a double meaning in that.
Lupe
Did you snap?
Benny
How’s about a pat on the back?
Lupe
Are you mocking me?
Benny
You took the time to look me up.
Lupe
It took no great pains for that.
Benny
Did you find pleasure in telling me?
Lupe
Never thought you would find happiness in the news.
You always miss the point, don’t you?
Benny
Don’t you have something to tell me?
Lupe
I was sent to look for you.
Here you are.
Both
Better go.
Lupe
They wait for you down the alley.
Benny
Well, thanks again.
Lupe
It was really nothing at all.
Benny
To look me up.
Lupe
Must you patronize?
I’m no dog.
Benny
Take my hand.
Lupe
Better save it for your dolls.
Because I knew you when…
(Benny exits. Rosey and Girlfriends enter at the side, out of sight from Lupe, but within earshot.)
Rosey
What did you say?
Benny loves his Lupe?
He’s out of his mind.
He can’t control himself.
He’s fallen hard.
Played the Lupe card.
He is drunk with love.
Don’t tell Lupe,
For she will laugh and mock.
Her words would cut the very heart of him.
She’s proud and vain.
She plays the game.
She’ll reject his love.
Girlfriend #1
She has a heart
That’s very cold and dark.
Rosey
I’ve heard her say she cannot love again.
She’s hard as stone.
Her heart was torn
Sometime long ago.
Girlfriend #2
But she is lovely, lovely.
She has a wild spirit.
Girlfriend #1
Stubborn and bright
Ready to fight.
Rosey
Don’t you cross her path.
She’s sweet and honest.
No man has compromised her.
Somewhere there’s life.\
Girlfriend #2
What a good wife
Rosey
She will make some day.
(Rosey and Girlfriends exit; Lupe moves center stage.)
Lupe
What do I hear?
These words of love in my ear!
My wild heart is reaching, searching
To hold my love beside me.
Wishing…my lover’s words are true.
I have been blind.
I never noticed
He’s kind.
He’d often ask about me.
Waiting…for me to make the first move.
Silly…I turned and he was there.
So, I will love him, love him.
My wild heart’s on fire.
Married to you
Would be so cool.
For eternity.
I’ll stand beside him.
I like him.
So proud to be his lady.
Here is my hand.
He is my man
Till the end of time.
Act II, Scene 3
(Uncle Eddie and Borracho meet up with Charlie and Benny in the alley.)
Borracho
Listen, Boys, I have bad news for you.
Tonight’s the night Rosey will betray you.
I know you don’t think much of him (points to Uncle Eddie)
But he’s big and he’s bad and he acts like family.
Our little Rosey-Girl, she can’t be trusted.
Come on along with me and see her busted.
I know she seems so sweet and pure
But you don’t know the girl.
Wait and see.
Stick around and believe
She likes bad company.
Charlie
You ugly bastard!
Spreading lies ‘bout Rosey-Girl.
She’s good and true to me.
Borracho
If you saw what I saw
You would saw her into two.
(Borracho exits.)
Uncle Eddie
Follow me to your lady’s window.
Bet you 10 bucks that you won’t like the show.
Remember, what you see is true.
For your eyes will despise what you see.
Throw her out.
She is crap!
Send her back
To her dirty family.
Charlie
If I see anything
Tomorrow she’ll be shamed.
The wedding I’ll disgrace.
She will run from the place,
But she can’t hide that pretty face.
(Charlie and Benny follow Uncle Eddie to the side of Rosey’s house. They look up to the window and see Borracho with Rita, a girl who resembles Rosey.)
Borracho
Ride me, Girl.
Ride me, Rosey.
You are one great heater.
Rita
Rock me, Boy, around the planet.
Take me home.
You know I like it.
Borracho
Rosey-Girl, take me higher.
Rosey-Girl, you’re on fire.
Uncle Eddie
Can you believe it, that little whore?
Getting laid on the bathroom floor!
You rolled the dice.
You’d better think twice.
For she is not the girl for you.
Make the switch.
Kick the bitch
Down the ditch!
Now you know
She’s a Ho.
Go tell Leonard what you know.
(Uncle Eddie leads Charlie and Benny away from Rosey’s house. Borracho appears from upstairs and does a victory dance.)
Act II, Scene 4
(Priest and Rosey are meeting in the front of the church’s altar.)
Priest
Do you believe in that?
Do you believe that much?
If your faith strong enough?
(Suddenly, Charlie and Boys are heard, entering the church, as young boy begins banging on a piano. Girlfriend rushes in from side and whispers something in Rosey’s ear.)
Charlie
(screaming) Rosey!
(Charley and Boys begin coming down the aisle. Girlfriends surround Rosey)
What makes you think that I could love you?
You broke me heart, you Whore!
Can’t hide your dirty little secret.
Virgin are you no more!
Boys
She doesn’t care.
She’s just a player.
Why don’t you wake up, Charlie.
She’s played you for a fool.
Boys and Girlfriends
And everybody knows, but you!
Fool! That’s what they say.
And everybody knows, but you!
RoseyWhat have I ever done to hurt you?
Don’t turn away from me.
Look at my face, am I a nothing?
Your love is everything!
(Lupe runs in and pushes her way through Girlfriends to get to Rosey’s side.)
Boys and Girlfriends
He doesn’t care.
He’s just a player.
Why don’t you wake up, Girl.
He’s played you for a fool.
And everybody knows, but you.
Fool! That’s what they say.
And everybody knows but you.
(Charlie pulls out a gun, aims at Rosey, and shoots. He and Boys run out the side door. Rosey falls into Lupe’s arms and Girlfriends hover about the two.)
Rosey
What went wrong?
Lupe
Ah…Rosey!
Rosey
I’m so cold.
Lupe
Ah…Rosey!
Rosey
Feel so shamed.
I’m to blame.
Love is cruel.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Hold my hand.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Tell my man
I love him so.
Rosey and Lupe
Never dreamed
Our (your) love would break me (your) heart.
Rosey
Close my eyes.
The light now turns to dark.
Take my ring.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Wipe my tears.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Angels weep.
Now God will keep.
One more word.
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Benny-Boy
Lupe
Ah, Rosey!
Rosey
Loves you so.
Lupe
Yes, I know.
Girlfriends
Never was a kinder, sweeter soul.
Rosey’s gone to meet her mom, I know.
(Paramedics rush into church to take Rosey away.)
Act II, Scene 5
(At Uncle Eddie’s gym, Borracho enters with Rita.)
Borracho
No need to thank me.
It was a pleasure, my man.
I nearly choked up, broke up
When Charlie looked up,
Saw his Rosey get plucked.
It was so blissful.
I mean, it was a miracle, my man.
The scheme was sublime, well-timed,
The plan of all plans.
Hey, Borracho’s the man.
(Borracho and Uncle Eddie do a little dance.)
Girls
Tell us, Eddie,
Is there gonna be a wedding?
You’re advocating
That there might be amputating
And fabricating that some girl was fornicating.
Uncle Eddie
What talk!
Much ado about nothing.
Eddie’s on a roll tonight.
Feel alive, gimme five.
Girl
Eddie’s a teddy.
He always knows how to score.
Don’t underestimate him.
That big-talkin’ man,
Borracho
That fat Mexi-can!
(Music and dancing.)
Girls
Tell us, Eddie,
Is there gonna be a wedding?
You’re advocating
That there might be amputating
And fabricating that some girl was fornicating.
Uncle Eddie
What talk!
Shoot me up, this home-boy’s fried.
Let the scene play out, let’s hide.
Goin’ high; wadda ride!.
Act II, Scene 6
(Lupe is in her room, distraught. Benny gently knocks.)
Benny
It is Benny, your old friend.
Are you here all alone?
I was worried when
Didn’t answer your phone.
Lupe
Come in, don’t look too closely.
My eyes burn from my cry.
All alone am I, feel like I want to die!
Give me your gun, I’ll shoot him in the head.
Just like he shot our Rosey-Girl.
Now she lies helpless in her bed.
I wish I were a man…
Benny
I have something to tell you.
Better sit down for this.
Will you take me back?
Can I love you again?
Lupe
Yes, I know that you love me.
But I never let on.
You were always here,
Just as close as my tears.
If I were a man, I would stuff him in a can,
Let him rot, deep in Hell, with his buddies who can’t spell!
Hollow is your love.
Not too quick, that’s the rub.
I’m the woman that you say you love.
You won’t even lift a glove.
If you really love me,
Kill that Charlie-Boy tonight!
Benny
With a hand and a promise
I will kill him tonight.
Go to sleep, my love.
I will take on the fight.
(Lupe and Benny embrace. Benny exits.)
Act II, Scene 7
(At Uncle Eddie’s gym, they’re partying. Benny enters, looking for Charlie. In his search, he overhears Borracho bragging about how he tricked Charlie.)
Borracho
Make way for Borracho
And the pretty Rita-Whore.
Say, hey!
Don’t she look like Rosey-Girl?
Should have been there when she up and roared,
“Gimme more, gimme more, I want more!”
Told ya, Eddie, that she’d come through.
With the plan that I made for you.
Poor old Charlie never knew!
Tell ‘em, Rita, how you liked it, too.
What a plan, what a scam, B’s the man!
(Benny breaks away and runs out into the alley. He discovers Charlie, hiding in the shadows, and obviously shaken up. Benny tells Charlie what he’s just heard at the gym. Charlie is agitated and Benny tries to calm him down. Lupe runs to Benny, exclaiming that she’s just heard that Rosey is going to pull through. Stage goes dark.)
Act II, Scene 8
(Leonard’s family and friends are gathered in Leonard’s backyard to celebrate the double wedding of Benny and Lupe, and Rosey and Charlie. Rosey enters with cast on her right arm, forgives Charlie. Joins cast and dances to final song.)
THE END
