The Rocky Monster Show Junior Script by Malcolm Sircom

9/200616/18

ISBN: 978 1 89875 479 4

Published by Musicline Publications P.O. Box 15632 Tamworth Staffordshire B77 5BY 01827 281 431 www.musiclinedirect.com No part of this publication may be transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, manuscript, typesetting, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owners. It is an infringement of the copyright to give any public performance or reading of this show either in its entirety or in the form of excerpts, whether the audience is charged an admission or not, without the prior consent of the copyright owners. Dramatic musical works do not fall under the licence of the Performing Rights Society. Permission to perform this show from the publisher ‘MUSICLINE PUBLICATIONS’ is always required. An application form, for permission to perform, is supplied at the back of the script for this purpose. To perform this show without permission is strictly prohibited. It is a direct contravention of copyright legislation and deprives the writers of their livelihood. Anyone intending to perform this show should, in their own interests, make application to the publisher for consent, prior to starting rehearsals. All Rights Strictly Reserved.

The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

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CONTENTS Cast List ............................................................................................................................... 3 Speaking Roles By Number Of Lines ................................................................................ 4 Cast List in Alphabetical Order (With Line Count) ........................................................... 5 List of Characters in Each Scene....................................................................................... 6 List of Sound Effects (SFX) ................................................................................................ 7 List of Properties ................................................................................................................. 8 Production Notes ............................................................................................................... 10 Prologue Track 1: Narrator Link 1 Scene One: Track 2: Track 3: Track 4: Narrator Link 2 Scene Two: Track 5: Track 6: Track 7: Track 8: Track 9: Track 10: Narrator Link 3 Track 11: Track 12: Scene Three: Track 13: Track 14: Track 15: LX 1: Track 16: LX 2: Track 17: LX 3: Track 18: LX 4:

.................................................................................................................. 17 Evolution (Song) ....................................................................................... 17 .................................................................................................................. 18 Arkham Station (Full Stage) ..................................................................... 19 SFX Train Arriving .................................................................................... 19 SFX Train Departing ................................................................................. 19 Castle In The Sky (Song) ......................................................................... 21 .................................................................................................................. 22 Inside The Castle (Full Stage) .................................................................. 23 SFX Limping Footsteps Etc. ..................................................................... 23 SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 23 SFX Doorbell ............................................................................................ 24 SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 25 SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 26 Professor of Rock ’n’ Roll (Song) ............................................................. 27 .................................................................................................................. 28 SFX Horror Chord ..................................................................................... 29 SFX Horror Chord ..................................................................................... 30 The Laboratory (Full Stage)...................................................................... 31 SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 31 SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 31 SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 32 Flash of Lightning ..................................................................................... 32 SFX Thunder and Lightning...................................................................... 32 Flash of Lightning ..................................................................................... 33 SFX Thunder and Lightning...................................................................... 33 Flash of Lightning ..................................................................................... 33 SFX Thunder and Lightning...................................................................... 33 Flash of Lightning ..................................................................................... 34 © Musicline Publications Ltd.

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The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

Track 19: SFX Thunder and Lightning...................................................................... 34 Track 20: Guess We’re in Love (Song) .................................................................... 35 Track 21: The Flash Crash (Song) ........................................................................... 37 Scene Four: Arkham Village Hall (Cloth) ...................................................................... 38 Track 22: SFX Loud Door Knock .............................................................................. 38 Track 23: Doom! (Song) ........................................................................................... 39 Narrator Link 4 .................................................................................................................. 40 Scene Five: The Laboratory (Full Stage)...................................................................... 41 Track 24: SFX Doorbell ............................................................................................ 42 Track 25: Supergroup (Song) ................................................................................... 45 Narrator Link 5 .................................................................................................................. 46 Track 26: SFX Distant Thunder ................................................................................ 46 Scene Six: The Castle Ballroom ................................................................................. 47 Track 27: SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 47 Track 28: Lady Love (Song) ..................................................................................... 48 Track 29: SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 49 Track 30: Hard Act to Follow (Song) ........................................................................ 49 Track 31: SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 51 LX 5: Flash of Lightning ..................................................................................... 51 Track 32: SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 51 LX 6: Flash of Lightning followed by Flames ..................................................... 51 Track 33: SFX Crash of Thunder .............................................................................. 51 Scene Seven: The Survivors ........................................................................................... 53 Scene Eight: The Ruined Ballroom/Castle (Full stage).................................................. 55 Track 34: Evolution (Finale Reprise – Song) ............................................................ 55 Photocopiable Lyrics ........................................................................................................ 57

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CAST LIST N.B. In the following list, the bracketed number shows the number of spoken lines each role has. An asterisk (*) before the character’s name indicates that this character ALSO has solo or featured sung lines. THE ‘CASTLE PEOPLE’ * Professor Fenton * Daniel Stoker * Rebecca Shelley * Igor

(119) (55) (52) (42)

* Mrs. Danvers * Gloria * Mungo * Elsa

(67) (33) (32) (18)

A masked Professor of Genetics and ex-rock star Young, nerdish, newly hired assistant to Professor Young, newly hired assistant to Professor A servant, both to the Professor & Baron Frankenstein [makes him at least 200 years old!] European A housekeeper with a past? Definitely English The Professor’s glamorous, man-mad bimbo daughter A monster Another monster - mate to Mungo

THE ‘CREATED PEOPLE’ The Superbs:

A created female singing group of lead singer & two backing singers - ‘The Supremes’ re-created!

* 1st Superb * 2nd Superb * 3rd Superb

(1) (1) (1)

* Elvis

(11)

The singer re-created - say no more!

THE VILLAGERS OF ARKHAM COUNTY Stationmaster Aunt Ada Doom Old Ted William Scatty Girl Villager 1 (Male) Villager 2 Villager 3 Villager 4 (Female)

(24) (13) (8) (2) (3) (3) (4) (2) (1)

Can be male or female

OTHERS (*) Narrator (80) Inspector Baskerville (36) * Toy Boy (0)

His sung lines can be spoken if necessary

Chorus at the discretion of the Director. Can be Ghouls, Dancing girls, new-age grunge or any combination. © Musicline Publications Ltd.

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The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

SPEAKING ROLES BY NUMBER OF LINES N.B. In the following list, the number shows how many spoken lines each role has. An asterisk (*) before the character’s name indicates that this character ALSO has solo or featured sung lines. * Fenton ............................................................................................................................. 119 (*) Narrator ........................................................................................................................... 80 * Mrs. Danvers ..................................................................................................................... 67 * Dan .................................................................................................................................... 55 * Rebecca ............................................................................................................................ 52 * Igor .................................................................................................................................... 42 Inspector Baskerville ........................................................................................................... 36 * Gloria ................................................................................................................................. 33 * Mungo ............................................................................................................................... 32 Stationmaster ...................................................................................................................... 24 * Elsa ................................................................................................................................... 18 Old Ada ................................................................................................................................ 13 * Elvis ................................................................................................................................... 11 Ted ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Villager 2 ................................................................................................................................ 4 Scatty Girl .............................................................................................................................. 3 Villager 1 (Male) .................................................................................................................... 3 Villager 3 ................................................................................................................................ 2 William ................................................................................................................................... 2 * 1st Superb ........................................................................................................................... 1 * 2nd Superb.......................................................................................................................... 1 * 3rd Superb .......................................................................................................................... 1 Villager 4 (Female) ................................................................................................................ 1

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CAST LIST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER (WITH LINE COUNT) N.B. In the following list, the number shows how many spoken lines each role has. An asterisk (*) before the character’s name indicates that this character ALSO has solo or featured sung lines. * 1st Superb ........................................................................................................................... 1 * 2nd Superb.......................................................................................................................... 1 * 3rd Superb .......................................................................................................................... 1 * Dan .................................................................................................................................... 55 * Elsa ................................................................................................................................... 18 * Elvis ................................................................................................................................... 11 * Fenton ............................................................................................................................. 119 * Gloria ................................................................................................................................. 33 * Igor .................................................................................................................................... 42 Inspector Baskerville ........................................................................................................... 36 * Mrs. Danvers ..................................................................................................................... 67 * Mungo ............................................................................................................................... 32 (*) Narrator ........................................................................................................................... 80 Old Ada ................................................................................................................................ 13 * Rebecca ............................................................................................................................ 52 Scatty Girl .............................................................................................................................. 3 Stationmaster ...................................................................................................................... 24 Ted ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Villager 1 (Male) .................................................................................................................... 3 Villager 2 ................................................................................................................................ 4 Villager 3 ................................................................................................................................ 2 Villager 4 (Female) ................................................................................................................ 1 William ................................................................................................................................... 2 Non-speaking roles: Toy Boy, who has one solo sung line, and the Chorus (as described at the bottom of page 3) who don’t.

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The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

LIST OF CHARACTERS IN EACH SCENE Prologue Chorus Narrator Upto 12 soloists

Scene Five Chorus Daniel Stoker Elsa Gloria Igor Inspector Baskerville Mrs. Danvers Mungo Narrator Professor Fenton Rebecca Shelley Toy Boy

Scene One Chorus Daniel Stoker Narrator Rebecca Shelley Stationmaster Scene Two Chorus Daniel Stoker Gloria Igor Mrs. Danvers Narrator Professor Fenton Rebecca Shelley

Scene Six All Scene Seven Daniel Stoker Mrs. Danvers Narrator Rebecca Shelley

Scene Three Chorus Daniel Stoker Elsa Gloria Igor Mrs. Danvers Mungo Narrator Professor Fenton Rebecca Shelley

Scene Eight All

Scene Four Ada Chorus Crowd of Villagers (inc. Villagers 1-4) Inspector Baskerville Mrs. Danvers Narrator Old Ted Scatty Girl Stationmaster William

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LIST OF SOUND EFFECTS (SFX) Scene One ...... Track 2 .............SFX 1 .......Sound of arrival of train, doors slamming etc. Track 3 .............SFX 2 .......Whistle and departure of train Scene Two Track 5 .............SFX 3 .......Footsteps limping ever closer, bolts being drawn, doors creaking Track 6 .............SFX 4 .......Crash of thunder Track 7 .............SFX 5 .......Front doorbell Track 8 .............SFX 6 .......Crash of thunder Track 9 .............SFX 7 .......Crash of thunder Track 11 ...........SFX 8 .......Horror chord Track 12 ...........SFX 9 .......Horror chord Scene Three Track 13 ...........SFX 10 .....Crash of thunder Track 14 ...........SFX 11 .....Crash of thunder Track 15 ...........SFX 12 .....Crash of thunder Track 16 ...........SFX 13 .....Thunder and lightning Track 17 ...........SFX 14 .....Thunder and lightning Track 18 ...........SFX 15 .....Thunder and lightning Track 19 ...........SFX 16 .....Thunder and lightning Scene Four Track 22 ...........SFX 17 .....Loud knock at door Scene Five ...... Track 24 ...........SFX 18 .....Doorbell Track 26 ...........SFX 19 .....Distant Thunder Scene Six Track 27 ...........SFX 20 .....Crash of thunder Track 29 ...........SFX 21 .....Crash of thunder Track 31 ...........SFX 22 .....Crash of thunder Track 32 ...........SFX 23 .....Crash of thunder Track 33 ...........SFX 24 .....Crash of thunder

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LIST OF PROPERTIES Throughout Optional table and chair for Narrator, set to the side of the stage. ....................... Scene Prop Prologue Smart, leather-bound book, containing scipt. ............................................................. Narrator Scene One Lantern .............................................................................................................. Stationmaster Pair of spectacles ...............................................................................................Daniel Stoker Suitcase or grip...................................................................................................Daniel Stoker Suitcase or grip............................................................................................. Rebecca Shelley Book, as before .......................................................................................................... Narrator Scene Two Lip gloss and mirror compact .........................................................................................Gloria Phantom of the Opera costume (with flesh-coloured mask).........................Professor Fenton Book, as before .......................................................................................................... Narrator Open-necked shirt and ordinary outdoor jacket............................................Professor Fenton Scene Three 2 Large rectangular boxes (coffins), big enough to hold a human ....................... Scene Prop Table, with bottles or flasks of coloured potions ................................................... Scene Prop Box on each coffin/box with tubes attached and complex-looking dials ............... Scene Prop Dry ice machine, set on coffins (optional)............................................................. Scene Prop Computer, on a desk ............................................................................................ Scene Prop Lab coat ........................................................................................................Professor Fenton Lab coat ..............................................................................................................Daniel Stoker Lab coat ........................................................................................................ Rebecca Shelley Book, as before .......................................................................................................... Narrator Scene Four Book, as before .......................................................................................................... Narrator

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Scene Five Scene Props as Scene Three, plus: Small box-like object with a glowing button on the top, set on the table .............. Scene Prop Pair of ‘Spock’ ears, concealed behind box above ............................................... Scene Prop Book, as before .......................................................................................................... Narrator Scene Six Small box-like object, as before............................................................................ Scene Prop Phantom of the Opera costume and mask, as before ..................................Professor Fenton Smoke machine (optional) .................................................................................... Scene Prop White suit ..........................................................................................................................Elvis Electric guitar ....................................................................................................................Elvis Scene Seven Book, as before .......................................................................................................... Narrator Set of vampire teeth ........................................................................................... Mrs. Danvers

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PRODUCTION NOTES BACKGROUND There are many traditions and cross references in this musical for which some background study is suggested - all in the area of films about the subject. It is suggested that the director, designer and as many of the cast as possible see at least parts of some or all of the following films:The original FRANKENSTEIN with Boris Karloff. The original BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN with Elsa Lanchester [with particular relevance to Igor, Mungo and Elsa.] Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN - again Igor, Mungo and Elsa. Any TV re-runs of the ADDAMS FAMILY or the film version. The Laurence Olivier/Joan Fontaine film of REBECCA - with particular relevance to Mrs. Danvers. Any film, TV or video recording of ELVIS PRESLEY and THE SUPREMES - with particular relevance to Elvis and The Superbs. The ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW - with particular relevance to the Narrator, Igor [Riff-Raff], Dan & Rebecca [Brad & Janet]. The Claude Raines film [or Andrew Lloyd Webber musical] of the PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - with particular relevance to Professor Fenton.

STAGING Whilst the scenes in this libretto are, for the sake of clarity, set out in a full stage sequence, and those venues that have the appropriate facilities may wish to follow the procedure, it is suggested that a single, multi-purpose set be used wherever possible, especially in smaller venues i.e. School/Church/Village halls.

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CHOREOGRAPHY The use of the Chorus (if you decide to use one!) This is infinitely flexible, both in nature and participation. The Chorus can participate in all, some, (or none!) of the musical numbers, according to the director, MD and choreographer’s conception. The chorus costuming is, again, entirely in the hands of the production team… Song One – Evolution has a very heavy set of chords introducing the number. This is described by the author as a “beginning of time” introduction. The stage is empty for these eight chords, the soloists entering for their lines as appropriate. After the intro., the music changes into a Rock number, starting with an explanation of the beginnings of time. The movement of the singers/chorus is likely to be very reptilian in its style with creeping, clawing and slithering type movements. The feeling changes on verse two with its more modern references to scientists and the Baron. Verse three slows a little as the song introduces a comedy element with references to the teacher, before finally concluding with another chorus. Song Two – Castle In the Sky starts with a duet from Dan and Rebecca and has a slightly creepy feel to it. A distinctly lighter feel develops in the chorus. Verse two brings us back to that creepy feeling again, added to by the interjections and movements of the chorus who are either ghouls or other weird creatures. The number concludes from section D with a question as to whether it is real or surreal and has a much lighter air to it. The first eight bars of… Song Three – Professor of Rock ‘n’ Roll should be used for a dramatic entrance of Professor Fenton, with his cape drawn until bar 6, when he sweeps it aside to reveal his true identity. The song is used to reveal to the audience the story of Rocky Fenton and how he became what he is. It is a steady rock but doesn’t require a great deal of movement other than perhaps on the chorus lines. Song Six – Guess We’re In Love is a comic duet between Mungo and Elsa. The number starts off as a bright rock/pop tempo then moves to a dance break at section C, where they perform a short cha-cha, followed by an even shorter tango at section D. The song concludes in main tempo for the last 8 bars. Song Seven – The Flash Crash is a Rock and Roll number. It has a dance break at section B. Song Eight – Doom! is a comic number sung by the villagers. Bearing in mind that they are a totally crazy lot, this song can be over-dramatised in vocal and choreographic sense! A definite “Over the top” feel to it!

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The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

Song Nine – Supergroup is a parody of a number of musical styles and songs including Abba (Money, Money, Money), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ, Superstar), Status Quo (Rocking All Over the World) etc. The choreography should blend in with those styles and eras to complement the words of the song. Song Ten – Lady Love is a parody of the Supremes’ hit Baby Love and will have lots of swinging hip movements as per the original number that was a number one hit for four weeks. Song Eleven – A Hard Act to Follow is a typical Elvis Rock and Roll number. This must be choreographed in his imitable style with gyrating hips etc. Song Twelve – Evolution (Finale Reprise) is the finale number and should be choreographed in a similar vein to the opening number with all of the chorus etc. entering throughout the number. COSTUME Professor Fenton wears a black fedora and an opera cloak - preferably lined with red which he drapes over his face. He is the Phantom of the Opera. He has black dress trousers and shoes, a white shirt and bow tie, a colourful waistcoat - and a half-mask [not black, as near flesh-coloured as possible] on his face. Daniel Stoker is a scientist and a little bit nerdish. Shirt collar and tie and either a suit or tweed jacket, trousers and spectacles. (See Brad in Rocky Horror Show for suggestions). In Scene Three, he changes into a white lab coat. Rebecca Shelley is another scientist and a plain Jane in her attire. 1950’s/60’s style dress, ankle socks etc. There might be evidence in her accessories of her outgoing personality. In Scene Three, she too changes into a white lab coat. Igor is disabled (limping hunchback!) as depicted by Marty Feldman and others on the Frankenstein films. The author of this show also suggests that he could appear like Riff-Raff of Rocky Horror fame. A cloak would appear to be the most appropriate attire and slipperlike shoes. Mrs. Danvers wears a full length black dress, buttoned up the front, with a high neck line and white crossed collar and broach. (See Judith Anderson in 1940s Rebecca). Her hair is tied in a bun. Gloria, the professor’s daughter, is bold, brassy and utterly man mad. Her costume should be flamboyant and in keeping with the time frame of the show.

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Mungo and Elsa are both monsters and the more grotesque their make-up and clothing, the better. In Elsa, the Bride of Frankenstein is revealed, exactly as Elsa Lanchester in the film, with a tall beehive of black hair, with white flashes in it. Or, since we’re not in black and white, it could be purple hair with orange flashes. Mungo is dressed in a shabby, sack-like robe, possibly tied with a cord at the waist or, alternatively, swathed in bandages. The Superbs and Elvis need no explanation. They should be dressed as The Supremes and Elvis, respectively. The Superbs wear full length gowns, split side to thigh, sequinned extensively; Elvis wears traditional white suit with high collar, split low front, gold sequinned design and a guitar slung over his shoulder. The Stationmaster. He is an archaic character, dressed in Edwardian style uniform and hat and carries a lantern. Aunt Ada Doom, William, the Scatty Girl and Grandfather Ted are inter-related characters living in Arkham. There is no specific costume for them other than something ‘yokel’ in appearance. Narrator. This character is based on the one in The Rocky Horror Show and could be dressed accordingly. Probably tweeds and a cravat and possibly a long cigarette holder as seen in the 1920s. Inspector Baskerville. Edwardian Police Officer. LIGHTING AND SOUND General themes 1. Thunder & Lightning, a constant theme throughout the show. A lot of it - but never let it drown the action. 2. The re-birth of the monsters is a follow-up from thunder/lightning, but with an added dimension - the nearest to a laser-through smoke effect possible. 3. Smoke or dry-ice. Many opportunities - make sure to use a non-toxic smoke machine. 4. The Castle on Fire. As big an effect as possible. Could be a red colour wheel, or a gobo flashed in and out of a red spot, making sure lights are sufficiently dim to register the full effect.

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The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

5. Sound F/X. Comic effects are useful, particularly in the first Castle scene [A1, S2]. Other similar comic or off-beat effects may be used throughout if the director finds a suitable place. N.B. FX means effect. Thus SFX = sound effect. LX means lighting effect. Lighting Effects If the necessary resources are available, the lighting suggestions in this script will greatly enhance the show. Colour and effects create drama, mood, tension and enhance the scenery and props, but, if the resources are not available for whatever reason, this should not deter from putting on this show. “Rocky” Junior has been performed literally hundreds of times throughout the world more often than not with NO special lighting and NO permanent stage. The lighting directions are therefore suggestive only and not prescriptive. The most important thing is that the faces of the cast can be seen! Therefore, if a scene is described as dark and sinister, the general lighting will be low to create the mood, but specific acting areas could be illuminated with a brighter level of lighting. Use what is available if anything! DO NOT USE STROBING, PULSING OR FLASHING LIGHTS IF ANY MEMBER OF YOUR CAST SUFFERS FROM EPILEPSY. YOUR AUDIENCE SHOULD ALSO BE GIVEN PRIOR WARNING SHOULD ANY OF THESE LIGHTING EFFECTS BE USED. The show starts with… The Prologue, a scene depicting the very beginning of time. This is a great opportunity for colour and effects to interpret the volcanic and violent birth pangs of the universe. Loads of strobing, primary colours and gobo effects will set the scene. Strobing and fast pulsing of the lighting should all but cease for the beginning of… Song One – Evolution. Transitions of yellows to greens and blues during the song enhance the timeframe through the evolutionary process. Scene One – Arkham Station is set in late afternoon. It is a dark, sinister place full of long shadows thus warm lighting could be low level and set in the wings to give the requisite shadows, whilst the general lighting is steel blue etc. to enhance the cold, austere feel of this location. The Stationmaster enters carrying a lantern, which could have an electric (battery operated), candle effect lamp in it. The next scene… Scene Two – Inside the Castle is very Gothic and the lighting could be generally cool, again using steel blue etc, but could be washed with pools of strong reds, crimson, violet etc and have a flickering ‘flame effect’ suggestive of a wall torch. A lighting plot change

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should accompany the Professor’s entrance, with, perhaps some footlight effect to increase the shadows and sinister feel. A dramatic change in the lighting for… Song Three – Professor of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This is much brighter and pulsed in certain sections such as Section D of the number. The lighting reverts at the end of the number. Scene Three – The Laboratory is a sinister Jekyll and Hyde place. Pools of light should spill onto the bench and other places. If real retorts and phials are used, they could be lit from behind or underneath by pinspots. A smoke machine would enhance the sinister, bizarre effect of this set. When the coffins are opened to reveal their contents, back lighting from within could shine out putting the character in the coffin into sharp relief. SFX 13 is accompanied by LX 1 a lightning effect created by strobes or similar effect. A further effect accompanies SFX 14 (LX 2) and again LX 3 accompanies SFX 15 and LX4 accompanies SFX 16 for a similar effect. The lighting transforms to a much warmer feel for… Song Six – Guess We’re In Love before reverting again at the end of the song. Song Seven – The Flash Crash relates the creation of the ‘living monsters’ by a lightning bolt and hence should have lots of flashing, pulsating lighting effects in tempo to the tune. The next scene….. Scene Four – Arkham Village Hall is a bit nondescript and just needs general lighting. Song Eight – Doom! does not require any specific effects or changes. We then move to… Scene Five – The Laboratory, once again. This should be lit in a similar vein to previously possibly without the smoke machine/dry ice. Lighting change on… Song Nine – Supergroup. This is an opportunity for some extravagant colour and effects! Pulsing primary colours accompanying the Abba section at D switch to a blaze of intense blue/white light for Jesus Christ Superstar to rocking banks of lighting for the Status Quo section. A blackout at the end of the song before changing to a general effect for the Narrator’s lines. Scene Six – The Ballroom would probably be warmly lit overall with some pools of strong colour spilling onto the backdrop. Song Ten – Lady Love should be brightly lit if the Superbs’ costumes are heavily sequinned. Song Eleven – A Hard Act to Follow is a an Elvis solo with backing vocals and should have Elvis lit in a follow spot as he performs his act. SFX 23 is accompanied by LX 5, which is another lightning flash created by strobe, immediately followed by LX 6, a flame effect

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The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

created by using suitable gobos or flickering lanterns to create the burning of the castle to conclude Scene Six. Scene Seven - The Survivors is lit with general lighting supplemented with some subtle hints of vampirish red! And so, the show concludes with… Song Twelve – Reprise of Evolution in Scene Eight – The Ruined Ballroom/Castle. This needs to be lit quite brightly especially for the curtain calls and bows.

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PROLOGUE After a very ‘Beginning of Time’ type musical introduction, the music changes to Rock. The Soloists come on, one by one, to sing their lines. The lines’ distribution can be at the Director’s discretion or it could be sung by all. The chorus can, if wished, be a permanent choir, set at the sides, or there can be a separate choir in addition. TRACK 1:

EVOLUTION (SONG)

1: 2: 3: ALL 3:

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS MIASMA... AND A SOUPY SORT OF PLASMA... AND FROM THIS PHANTAGASMA... THERE CAME LIFE!

4: 5: 6: ALL 6:

AND WHILE ITS BED WAS HOT AND STEAMING... WITH ITS BIRTH PANGS IT WAS SCREAMING... THE PRIMEVAL SLIME WAS TEEMING... WITH LIFE!

+ CHORUS:

EVOLUTION! EVOLUTION! IS IT JUST A CHEMICAL SOLUTION? CHANGE, MUTATE AND BLEND, MAKE AND MATCH AND MEND, WHERE’S IT GOING TO END? EVOLUTION!

7: 8: 9: 7-9:

THERE WERE AMOEBA STARTED BREATHING... WITH ITS TROUBLES MERELY TEETHING... FOR SOON THE WORLD WAS SEETHING... WITH LIFE!

10: 11: 12: 7-12:

AND THAT’S HOW SCIENTISTS SURMISED IT... ‘TIL THE BARON ANALYSED IT... AND THEN HE SYNTHESISED IT... INTO LIFE!

1-12 & CHORUS:

EVOLUTION! EVOLUTION! IS IT JUST A CHEMICAL SOLUTION? CHANGE, MUTATE AND BLEND, MAKE AND MATCH AND MEND, WHERE’S IT GOING TO END? EVOLUTION!

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The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script IN TIME ALONG CAME A PUNY CREATURE, STANDING UPRIGHT WAS ITS FEATURE, IT DEVELOPED INTO A TEACHER! WHAT A LIFE! EVOLUTION! (AH AH) EVOLUTION! (AH AH) ALWAYS BEEN A HOTBED OF CONFUSION! (AH AH AH, AH AH,) ONCE AN OPEN DOOR, (AH AH) PROMISING MUCH MORE, (AH AH) NOW IT’S HIT THE FLOOR! EVOLUTION!

Exit all {except static choir}. NARRATOR LINK 1 Enter THE NARRATOR. He/she carries a smart, leather-bound book, in which is his script. This is in the style of The Rocky Horror Show. Alternatively, he/she could enter into a permanent section of the set, with its own chair and table, and remain there throughout. NARRATOR:

Allow me to claim your attention for a most unusual tale; the tale of a masked Professor of Genetics. A Professor, moreover, who used to be a rock star. Unlikely you might think, but isn’t it more likely that a rock star could evolve into a professor than the other way round? The rock star/professor found by accident that he had a strange past: and that his past changed his present. The future was also linked with the past, as well as the present. Past, present and future - evolution begins to crumble at the edges... and who can blame it? And so on to our hero and heroine - or are they villain and villainess? They met on a remote, foreboding railway station. Not so much a station, more a halt, at a strange village somewhere in a neglected corner of England...

Narrator exits. End of Narrator Link 1. End of Prologue.

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SCENE ONE: TRACK 2:

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ARKHAM STATION (FULL STAGE) SFX TRAIN ARRIVING

An approaching train, doors slamming etc. The STATIONMASTER appears swinging a lantern. As the train stops he calls out: STATIONMASTER: Arkham station! Arkham Station! DAN and REBECCA enter, both carrying suitcases or grips. Dan is an earnest, bespectacled young man; Rebecca a pretty, outgoing girl. The STATIONMASTER swings his lantern and there is the sound of the train moving off… TRACK 3:

SFX TRAIN DEPARTING

Stationmaster exits. DAN: REBECCA: DAN: REBECCA: DAN: REBECCA: DAN: REBECCA: DAN:

REBECCA: STATIONMASTER:

DAN: STATIONMASTER: DAN: STATIONMASTER: REBECCA: STATIONMASTER:

Weird. What is? Haven’t you noticed? There’s no electricity. There are no taxis either. Why don’t we share one when it comes along? I’m going to the Fenton lab. I can drop you off on the way. I’m going there, too. Oh, so you must be…? Rebecca Shelley, biology and hydroponics. Daniel Stoker, cryogenics. (They shake hands) Your first assignment? (REBECCA nods) Me too. Oh look, there must be a taxi somewhere in Arkham. Let’s see if the Stationmaster... (She turns and shrieks, as the STATIONMASTER has suddenly appeared at her shoulder.) (Sepulcharally eccentric, and very Hammer Horror!) We don’t get many visitors to Arkham. Them as does don’t stay long. Some of ‘em has been known to leave quite mad... mad... MAD!!! (Voice rising hysterically - then calm) You’ll be wanting a taxi, no doubt? Yes, if you don’t mind. B’aint no taxis. ‘Ee’ll ‘ave to walk. Could ‘ee - I mean, could you give us directions? Where to? We’re taking up positions at the Fenton Laboratory... Fenton! (He jerks into a weird position, in a trance). © Musicline Publications Ltd.

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The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

DAN: REBECCA: DAN:

Er... I say... He’s in a trance. Er... Stationmaster! (Snaps his fingers. STATIONMASTER comes out of the trance) Oh, had us worried for a minute. You were going to tell us how to get to the Fenton lab. STATIONMASTER: Fenton! (He jerks into the same trance.) REBECCA: Looks like he’s scared to death. DAN: We’d better start walking. We’re bound to find the place. (They start to walk.) REBECCA: Stop. We can’t just leave him like that, poor man. DAN: True. (He snaps his fingers. STATIONMASTER comes out of trance.) We’ll make it on our own, thanks all the same. (DAN & REBECCA exit.) STATIONMASTER: (Very Gothic) You’ll not enjoy a moment’s peace in that Castle! Your life will be living nightmare, and you’ll regret the moment you ever came to Arkham... (Mad climax, then calm again)... nice young couple! (He exits.) DAN and REBECCA re-enter, weary, having travelled some distance. REBECCA: DAN: REBECCA: DAN: REBECCA: DAN:

Let’s rest awhile: we must have walked miles. It can’t be much further, surely. I hope not, I’m really tired. Great Scott! A Castle! Look! That must be the place then. I really hope so. Gosh! Look at the way the setting sun catches it. It looks just like a castle in the sky.

© Musicline Publications Ltd.

The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

TRACK 4:

21

CASTLE IN THE SKY (SONG)

The chorus, when it enters can either be weird, ghoulish creatures, or the permanent choir. DAN: REBECCA: DAN: REBECCA:

(Verse 1) NIGHT CLOSES IN, MIST BEGINS TO RISE. SUN’S FINAL RAYS PIERCE THE CLOUDY SKIES. UP THERE, TOWERING ABOVE US MERE MORTALS BELOW. THERE’S A CASTLE, BATHED IN A MAGIC GLOW!

BOTH:

(Refrain) THERE’S A CASTLE IN THE SKY... OR IS IT AN OPTICAL ILLUSION? THERE’S A CASTLE IN THE SKY... LIT UP LIKE A LASER SHOW! RISING FROM THE MIST LIKE A GHOST SHIP GLIDING BY! BUT WE GOTTA GO TO THAT CASTLE IN THE SKY!

Chorus, if used, enter. BOTH: CHORUS: BOTH: CHORUS: BOTH: CHORUS: BOTH: CHORUS: BOTH: CHORUS: ALL:

(Verse 2) WINDS START TO HOWL! (Howl!) LIGHT BEGINS TO FADE. LIGHT BEGINS TO FADE... CHILLS OF THE NIGHT. (Spoken) Night! CANNOT BE DELAYED. CANNOT BE DELAYED.... BUT STILL, MAKING THE MOST OF THE SUN’S DYING BEAMS THERE’S A CASTLE... DOES IT HOLD NIGHTMARES, OR DREAMS? NIGHTMARES, OR DREAMS? (Refrain) THERE’S A CASTLE IN THE SKY... OR IS IT AN OPTICAL ILLUSION? THERE’S A CASTLE IN THE SKY... LIT UP LIKE A LASER SHOW! RISING FROM THE MIST LIKE A GHOST SHIP GLIDING BY! BUT WE GOTTA GO TO THAT CASTLE IN THE SKY! (Spoken) Castle in the sky! (Sung) CASTLE IN THE SKY!

All exit.

© Musicline Publications Ltd.

22

The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

NARRATOR LINK 2 Enter THE NARRATOR with book. NARRATOR:

And so Daniel and Rebecca made their way up to the castle. By the time they reached it, night had fallen, and so had their spirits. The wind rose, and heavy moist clouds built up, with the threat of impending thunder. Little did they know that the thunderstorm that was brewing was to have an impact that was literally electric… Meanwhile, inside the castle, while the Professor worked in his lab, the inhabitants set about their nightly tasks, supervised by the housekeeper.

End of Narrator Link 2. End of Scene One.

© Musicline Publications Ltd.

The Rocky Monster Show (Junior) – Script

SCENE TWO:

23

INSIDE THE CASTLE (FULL STAGE)

The setting is as gothic and macabre as possible. The housekeeper, MRS. DANVERS (Yes - as in “Rebecca”!) cold and stern, hair tied in a bun, clothes prim and severe, is discovered. MRS. DANVERS: Igor! Igor! Where is the wretched fellow? Idling as usual, I suppose. Igor! TRACK 5:

SFX LIMPING FOOTSTEPS ETC.

There is the sound effect of footsteps limping ever closer, with bolts being drawn and doors creaking open. MRS. DANVERS drums her fingers impatiently. The noises stop. MRS. DANVERS: Well, come in then. Enter IGOR, a limping hunchback [as in the original Frankenstein film]. IGOR: MRS. DANVERS: IGOR: MRS. DANVERS:

Yes, mistress? Where have you been, you great oaf? Idling, as usual. I thought so. I have to do everything for myself around here. I didn’t know what I was taking on when I applied for the housekeeper’s post. IGOR: But you cope so well, mistress. MRS. DANVERS: And I detest being addressed as ‘mistress’. In future you will call me... (slight pause)... Mrs. Danvers. TRACK 6:

SFX CRASH OF THUNDER

Mrs. Danvers goes into ‘demonic’ mode. MRS. DANVERS: Last night I dreamed of Manderley again. They thought I had perished in the fire, but I fooled them! (Snaps out of it) Igor, summon the Professor’s daughter. No - don’t bother - I hear the patter of bimbo footsteps. Enter GLORIA, the Professor’s man-mad, beautiful but bimbo daughter. IGOR: (Totally besotted) Gloria! I am your slave. Do with me what you will. MRS. DANVERS: Igor! Behave yourself! © Musicline Publications Ltd.