Theater sample: A Table For Three
Some of you may recognize the actors in this 1997 musical version of “Cinderella”. I also want to share a comedy in one act as an example of theater:
A TABLE FOR THREE (A One Act Play)
(It is a nice restaurant, but not too nice mind you, just nice. There is a table and two chairs. Maybe some other tables in the background with people eating and talking quietly. The table is nicely arranged and there is nice music playing lightly in the background. The server is young, somewhat odd looking, but just well groomed enough to be a server in a nice restaurant. He has the typical dress of a server, black pants, a tie, a white shirt and a white towel. Also, he has a server’s moneybag around his waist for his pad and pen and extra change. The couple is also nicely dressed for a night out. She has a nice skirt and he a shirt and tie and they have all the other trappings of course. They are young, polite, and are just thinking of whether or not their relationship could be more serious.)
(Server, Chris, enters stage left, preparing the table. He exits and returns shortly. Rob and Tami enter behind him. He shows them their table.)
Chris: Does this look good?
Rob: (smiling) Yes, thank you.
(Rob and Tami take a seat and Chris gives each of them a menu.)
Chris: My name is Chris. I’ll be your server tonight. Our special is chicken cordon bleu smothered in rich white sauce with steamed vegetables on the side. Can I get you both something to drink? (Takes out his pad and pencil.)
Rob: How about a bottle of White Zinfandel?
(Tami nods her approval.)
Chris: (putting away his pad and pencil) All right then. I’ll be right back.
Tami: Thank you.
(They begin to look at their menus while Chris departs and comes back very quickly with a bottle and two wineglasses. Rob and Tami have only been able to exchange looks. Chris sets up the bottle, pours the drinks, and takes out his pad and pencil again.)
Chris: Have you decided?
Rob: (confused) No, we really haven’t had much time to look at the menu.
Chris: Oh, take your time. (He watches them as they try to decide their orders. After a brief pause he speaks again.) My personal favorite is the Halibut. I really like fish.
Tami: Oh really? So do I. Maybe I’ll get that.
Rob: Not me. I hate fish. I think I’ll try the ribs or something. Just need a second.
Chris: Oh I don’t like the ribs here.
Rob: You don’t? (Looking at him)
Chris: No, the cook isn’t very good at making them. But he is good at making Halibut.
Rob: Well, I don’t want the Halibut. I want something else.
Tami: But I’ll take the Halibut. (She gives Chris her menu and smiles.)
Chris: (He smiles back and puts the menu under his arm.) Oh, very good then. You’ll like it very much. And you sir?
Rob: Give me a minute.
Chris: Of course. (He waits again, still holding up the pad and pencil. He eventually turns to Tami as he waits.) So what do you do for a living, if I may ask?
Tami: (smiles) You may. I’m actually studying to be a nurse.
Chris: Really? I think that’s wonderful! I’ve always admired people who can do that kind of work. I could never do it. Always faint at the sight of blood, you know, and…well I just admire you.
Tami: Well, thank you. That’s very nice…
Rob: I’ve decided then! I want the ribs!
Chris: Oh very good! (He jots it down, takes the menu and puts it under his arm.) I doubt you’ll like it, but that’s your choice of course. Be back right away. (He departs.)
Rob: Take your time. (He turns to Tami and smiles.)
{More to come on the next blog- find out what happens with Chris and Tami…and Rob}