Page 33 - KID ACT I 2019

[Piano button]

BENNY
Good! Except the end of those last lines- I want that full phrase: (a capella) SHAKIN‘ THE BLUES
AWAY, UNHAPPY NEWS AWAY- hear that extra dip? (Moment, he notices them glaring) All right.
We‘ll pick it up tomorrow. (Waves them off. Chris, Stephanie, and Adam scramble to gather their
things) Homework. (He holds up papers from city) Lucky for you I gotta deal with this. Otherwise-
homework or no homework. (Kids exit ad-libbing ―Bye, Benny‖ etc.; he calls after) Never let school
interfere with your education! Mark Twain! (Imitating kids) ―Who‘s Mark Twain?‖ (Alyson remains
behind, unseen by Benny. He looks at papers)

N
Bam! Another wrecking ball.

BENNY
Whatta we got here… (reads half to himself) ―State of New York, urban development, certificate of-"
Aagh! (He had turned back from the window and was startled to find Alyson standing right behind
him. Clutches his heart) I‘m an old man ya know.

ALYSON
Can I talk to you?

BENNY
You can always talk to me. (Reads quickly, half to himself)

ALYSON
I just want to say…I appreciate everything you‘ve done for me.

BENNY
I know you do, kid. (Reading) ―Certificate of eminent domain...― (Still reading) Yada yada yada…

ALYSON
And I love that you kind of put me in charge and everything. But I really think I- (moment, he‘s
mumbling/reading to himself) Benny?

BENNY
Talk! I‘m listening! (Reads half to himself) ―You are hereby informed that..."

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