next to normal libretto

Prelude.GABE:Whatareyoudoingup?Its3:30.DIANA:(sung) GABE:(spoken)ItstheseventhnightthisweekIvesattilmorning. Great.Herewego.Imaginingthewaysyoumighthavedied. Ah,yes,andtonightswinnerisInafreakSeptembericestormwithoutwarning Becausethathappens.Theresagangwar;theresabirdflu;trainscollide. Whatdidwesayaboutwatchingthenews?NowyouactallsweetandsurlyButyousworeyoudcomehomeearly,andyoulied. Youvegottoletgo,Mom.Imalmosteighteen.DIANA:(spoken)Areyousnortingcoke?GABE:Notatthemoment.DAN:(offstage)Whosupatthishour?DIANA:(toGabe)Yourfather.Go.Upthebackway.GABE:Whydoeshehateme?DIANA:Becauseyourealittletwat.GABE:Youcantcallmeatwat.(Heleaves.)(Danenters.)DAN:Everythingokay?Iheardvoices.DIANA:Justmetalkingtomyself,youknow.Nowyouheadonupstairs.Illbeupforsexinaminute.DAN:Uh,areyousureyoureokay?DIANA:Go.JustAnotherDay.(sung)Theyretheperfectlovingfamily,soadoringAndIlovethemeverydayofeveryweekSomysonsalittleshit,myhusbandsboringAndmydaughter,thoughagenius,isafreakStillIhelpthemloveeachotherFather,mother,sister,brothercheektocheek(NatalieentersandstartlesDiana.)DIANA:(spoken)Natalie!Itsfourinthemorning;iseverythingokay?NATALIE:Everythingsgreat.Whywouldntitbegreat?Itsgreat.Ivejustthreemorechaptersofcalculus,aphysicsproblem,thathistoryquiz,andtwopagesonfloralimageryinFlowersforAlgernon,whichis,likeduheverythingssoundercontrol.Itsjust,like,calm.

DIANA:Honey,youneedtoslowdown.Takesometimeforyourself.Imgoingtohavesexwithyourfather.NATALIE:Great.Thanks.ImsogladIknowthat.(sung)SoitstimesliketheseIwonderhowItakeitAndifotherfamilieslivethewaywedoIftheyloveeachotheroriftheyjustfakeitAndifotherdaughtersfeellikeIfeel,tooCausesomedaysIthinkImdyingButImreallyonlytryingtogetthroughGABE:ForjustanotherdayForanotherstolenhourWhentheworldwillfeelmypowerandobey NATALIE:Itsjustanotherday ItsjustanotherdayFeelinglikeIllliveforever FeelinglikethisfeelingnevergoesawayForjustanotherday Forjustanotherday(DanandDianaenter.)DAN:Thatwasgreat,wasntit?Thatwasgreat.Christ,Imlate.DIANA:Well,thatllteachyoutotakeawholetenminutes.DAN:Sorry,what?DIANA:Isaid,isntitabeautifulday?DAN:Okay,sure.Imean,itscloudyandrainyandreallycoldforSeptember,butbeautiful.DIANA:Makesyouwannadiveinwithbothfeet,doesntit?(Sheleaves.)DAN:Absolutely.Ineverknowwhatshestalkingabout.(sung)WhenitsuptoyoutoholdyourhousetogetherAhouseyoubuiltwithpatienceandwithcareButyouregrapplingwiththatgrayandrainyweatherAndyourelivingonalatteanda DIANA:Prayer PrayerCanyoukeepthecupfromtipping? Canyoukeepthecupfromtipping? Canyoukeepyourgripfromslipping CanyoukeepyourgripfromslippingIndespair Indespair?Forjustanotherday ForjustanotherdayInthehustleandthehurryYouwanttowipeyourworriedpainaway

ALL:Forjustanotherday.DIANA:Iwillkeeptheplatesallspinning.DIANAandNATALIE:WithasmilesowhiteandwinningallthewayALL:Causewhatdoesn'tkillmedoesntkillmeSofillmeupforjustanotherday.GABE:ItonlyhurtswhenI'mhereALL:Bumbumbum.DIANA:(spoken)You'regoingtobelateandyouhaveahugeday.GABE:(spoken)YouhavenoideawhatIdoallday.DIANA:Jazzbandbeforeschool.Class.KeyClub.Thenfootball.GABE:Notbad.DIANA:Nowgetoutofhere.DIANA:(sung)Itonlyhurtswhenhegoes.ALL:(sung)Bumbumbum.GABE:(spoken,toNatalie)Goodmorning,Sunshine.NATALIE:(spoken,toDiana)So,Igotthedateformywinterrecital.Doyouthinkyouguyscancome?DIANA:Wellputitonthecalendar!NATALIE:Mom,thecalendarisstillonApriloflastyear.DIANA:Oh.Well,happyEaster.NATALIE:HappyEaster,Mom.DAN:Hi,sweetheart.NATALIE:Sheisonfirethismorning.DAN:Oh,Iknow.

NATALIE:Eww.(Sheleaves.)DAN:Hon,willyoudotheshoppingtoday?Imslammedatworkandwereoutofeverything.DIANA:Ikeepcaveclean,yougooutgetfire.DAN:Absolutely.Again,noclue.DIANA:(sung)ItonlyhurtswhenIbreatheDAN:(sung)ItonlyhurtswhenItryGABE:(sung)ItonlyhurtswhenIthinkNATALIE:(sung)ItonlyhurtswhenIcryDAN:ItonlyhurtswhenIworkGABE:ItonlyhurtswhenIplayNATALIE:ItonlyhurtswhenImoveALL:ItonlyhurtswhenIsayIt'sjustanotherdayGABE:WhenthemorningsunisshowingNATALIE:AndyouwishthatyouwererunningfarawayALL:ForjustanotherdayDIANA:EverydayisjustanotherandanotherIwillholditalltogetherWeretheperfectlovingfamilyIftheysaywerenotthenfuckemTheperfectlovingfamilyDAN:(spoken)Diana!DIANA:(sung)Iwillkeeptheplatesallspinning

Andtheworldjustkeepsonspinning(spoken)Ithinkthehouseisspinning.DAN:Diana,honey.NATALIE:DadDAN:(toNatalie)Dontworryaboutit.Goonahead,youllmissthebus.GABE:MomDIANA:Everythingsfine.Imjustmakingsandwiches.Onthefloor.Yougoonahead,youllmissthebus.DAN:Go.(GabeandNatalieleave.)DAN:Sweetie,everythingokay?DIANA:Iwantedtogetaheadonlunches.DAN:Sure.Letmehelpyouup.DIANA:GuessIgotcarriedaway.DAN:Maybealittle.LetsgoseeDocterFine.Thisisjustablip,okay?Nothingtoworryabout.Illwrapupthe,uh,sandwichesandthenwellgo.(Lightsfade.Bellrings.Natalieisseenplayingthepiano.)EverythingElse.NATALIE:(sung)MozartwascrazyFlatfuckingcrazyBadshit,IhearButhismusicsnotcrazyItsbalanced,itsnimbleItscrystallineclearTheresharmony,logicYoulistentotheseYoudonthearhisdoubtsorhisdebtsordiseaseYouscanthroughthescoreandputfingersonkeysAndyouplayAndeverythingelsegoesawayEverythingelsegoesawayAndyouplay'tilit'sperfectYouplay'tilyouacheYouplay'tilthestringsoryourfingernailsbreak

Soyou'llrockthatrecitalAndgetintoYaleSoyouwon'tfeelsosickAndyouwon'tlooksopale'Causeyou'vegotyourfullrideAndyourearlyadmitSoyou'redonewiththisschoolAndwithallofthisshitAndyougraduateearlyYou'regoneasofMayAndthere'snothingyourparanoidparentscansayAndyouknowthatit'sjustasonataawayAndyouplayAndyouplayAndeverythingelsegoesawayEverythingelsegoesawayEverything(Henryenters.)HENRY:(spoken)Soundsgood.NATALIE:Istillhavethispracticeroomforsevenandahalfminutes.HENRY:Yeah.Imean,Iknow,Ijustliketolisten.ImHenry.NATALIE:Natalie.HENRY:Yeah.Imean,Iknow.NATALIE:Itsalittlecreepythatyouknow.HENRY:Wevegonetoschooltogetherfor,like,sixyears.Isitbehindyouin,like,fourclasses.NATALIE:Alsocreepy.HENRY:Youreinherealot.Beforeschoolandafter.NATALIE:Right.Sevenminutes.(Henrygoestoleave.)Yougiveupwaytooeasily.HENRY:(Hestops.)Umm,yourekindofaconfusingperson.NATALIE:Youshouldmeetmymother.(ShebeginstoplayagainasHenrywatchesoverhershoulder.Lightsfade.)WhosCrazy?/MyPsychopharmacologistandI.DOCTORFINE:Thepinkonesaretakenwithfood,butnotwiththewhiteones.Thewhiteonesaretakenwiththeroundyellowonesbutnotthetriangleyellowones.Thetriangleyellowonesaretakenwiththeoblonggreenonewithfood,butnotwiththepinkones.IfatrainisleavingNewYorkat1:20andatrainisleavingSaintPetersburgatthesametimegoingbackwards

DAN:(sung)Whoscrazy,Thehusbandorwife?WhoscrazyTolivetheirwholelifeBelievingthatsomehowthingsarentasbizarreastheyare?Whoscrazy,Theonewhocantcope,Ormaybetheonewhollstillhope?Theonewhoseesdoctorsortheonewhojustwaitsinthecar?AndIwasawildtwentyfiveAndIlovedawifesoaliveButnowIbelieveIwouldsettleForonewhocandriveFINE:(spoken)Theroundblueoneswithfoodbutnotwiththeoblongwhiteones.Thewhiteoneswiththeroundyellowonesbutnotthetrapezoidalgreenones.SplitthegreenonesintothirdswithatinychiselDIANA:(sung)MypsychopharmacologistandIItslikeanoddromanceIntenseandveryintimateWedoourdanceMypsychopharmacologistandICallitaloversgameHeknowsmydeepestsecretsIknowhisnameAndthoughhellneverholdmeHellalwaystakemycallsItstrulylikehetoldmeWithoutalittleliftTheballerinafallsFINE:(spoken)Goodman,Diana.Bipolardepressivewithdelusionalepisodes.Sixteenyearhistoryofmedication,adjustmentafteroneweek.DIANA:(spoken)Ivegotlessanxiety,butIhaveheadaches,blurryvision,andIcantfeelmytoes.FINE:So,welltryagainandeventuallywellgetitright.DIANA:Notaveryexactscience,isit?NATALIE,GABE,HENRY,andDAN:(sung)ZoloftandPaxilandBusparandXanax,Depacon,Chronaphin,Ambien,ProzacAtivancalmsmewhenIseethebillsTheseareafewofmyfavoritepillsDIANA:(spoken)Oh!Thankyou,doctor.Valiumismyfavoritecolor.How'dyouknow?

NATALIE:(toHenry,whoissittingatthepiano)Itsjustthat,thethingwithjazzhowdoyouknowyougotitright.Itsjustmakingshitup.HENRY:Whichisalsoknownastheactofcreation.NATALIE:Oh,youreoneofthosepretentiousstonertypes.HENRY:Thatstotallyunfair.Imnotpretentious.(Helaughs.)Imdefinitelynotclassical.Itssorigidandstructured.Theresnoroomforimprovisation.YouhavetoplaythenotesonthepageNATALIE:Yeah,andwhatdidMozartknowanyway?HeshouldvejustsmokedabowlandjammedonTwinkle,Twinkle,LittleStar.HENRY:Yeah,letsdothat!(Lightsfade.)FINE:(spoken)Goodman,Diana:Secondadjustmentafterthreeweeks.Delusionslessfrequent,butdepressivestateworse.DIANA:(spoken)I'mnauseousandI'mconstipated;Ivecompletelylostmyappetiteandgainedsixpounds,which,youknow,isjustnotfair.NATALIE,GABE,HENRY,andDAN:(sung)Maycausethefollowingsideeffects,oneormoreDizziness,drowsiness,sexualdysfunction,Headachesandtremors,nightmaresandseizures,(),constipation,nervouslaughter,palpitations,Anxiousness,anger,exhaustion,insomnia,irritability,Nausea,vomitingDIANA:(sung)OddandalarmingsexualfeelingsNATALIE,GABE,HENRY,andDAN(sung):Oh,andonelastthingUsemaybefatal. FINE:(sung)Usemaybefatal. Usemaybefatal. FINE:(spoken)Goodman,Diana:Thirdadjustmentafterfiveweeks.Reportscontinue:mildanxietyandsomelingeringdepression.DIANA:(spoken)Inowcan'tfeelmyfingersormytoes.Isweatprofuselyfornoreason.NATALIE:(spoken)Ihavewasted,like,weeksofpracticewithyouhereimprovising.HENRY:(spoken)OscarPetersonwasclassicallytrained.NATALIE:Beethovendidcocaine.HENRY:MilesDaviswenttoJuilliard.NATALIE:Mozartwrotepoemsaboutfarts.DIANA:Fortunately,Ihaveabsolutelynodesireforsex.Although,whetherthat'sthemedicineorthemarriageisanybody'sguess.FINE:I'msureit'sthemedicine.

DIANA:Oh,thankyou.That'sverysweet,butmyhusband'swaitinginthecar.DAN:(sung)Who'scrazy,Theonewho'shalfgoneOrmaybetheonewhoholdsonRememberingwhenshewastwentyAndbrilliantandboldAndIwassoyoungandsodumbAndnowIamold DIANA:(sung)Andshewaswickedandwired AndthoughhellneverholdmeThesexwassimplyinspired HellalwaystakemycallsNowthere'snosex,she'sdepressed ItstrulylikehetoldmeAndme,I'mjusttired,tired,tired,tired WithoutalittlelifttheballerinafallsWhoscrazy MypsychopharmacologistandI...Theonewhosuncured ?Ormaybetheonewhosimplored WithoutyouIddieTheonewhohastreatment,ortheonewhojustdealswiththepain MypsychopharmacologistandI...DAN:Theysayloveisblind...Butbelieveme,loveisinsane.DR.MADDEN:(spoken)Goodman,Diana:Sevenweeks.DIANA:(spoken)Idon'tfeellikemyself.Imean,Idon'tfeelanything.DR.MADDEN:Hmm.Patientstable.(Lightsfade.LightsuponNatalieandHenry.Henryisholdingabong.)NATALIE:Yourmomis,like,inthenextroom.HENRY:Shesindenial.Itstotallyconvenient.(HetriestohandthebongtoNatalie.)Dude,itstherapeutic!NATALIE:Right.ItsmedicalmarijuanatotreatyourADD.HENRY:Totally.Huh?NATALIE:Idontputanythingintomymouththatsonfire.HENRY:Iguessthatsagoodrule.(HegoestokissNatalie.Shebacksaway.)NATALIE:Look,Icantdothis!Notwithmylife.Im,like,onefuckupfromdisaster.HENRY:Yourlifeisnotadisaster.Theenvironmentisadisaster.Sprintisadisaster.NATALIE:Yourestoned.HENRY:(sung)Ourplanetispoisoned

Theoceans,theairAroundandbeneathandaboveyouNATALIE:(sung)Umm,Henry,thatstrueAndItotallycareHENRY:ImtryingtotellyouIloveyouNATALIE:(spoken)What?!HENRY:(sung)TheworldisatwarfilledwithdeathanddiseaseWedanceontheedgeofdestructionTheglobe'sgettingwarmerbydeadlydegreesNATALIE:(sung)AndthisisonefuckedupseductionHENRY:ThisplanetisprettymuchbrokenbeyondallrepairButonethingisworkingifyou'restandingtherePerfectforyou,IcouldbeperfectforyouImightbelazy,aloner,abitofastoneritstrueButIcouldbeperfectforyou,perfectforyouYousquareallthecorners,IstraightenthecurvesNATALIE:Youvegotsomenerve,HenryAndImjustallnerveHENRY:ButevenifeverythingelseturnstodirtBOTH:WellbetheonethinginthisworldthatwonthurtHENRY:IcantfixwhatsfuckedupButonethingIknowIcandoIcanbeperfectforyouNATALIE:IcanbeperfectforyouBOTH:Perfectforyou(Theykiss.LightsuponDianawatching.)HENRY:(spoken)Nicehouse.CanIcomein?

NATALIE:(spoken)Oh,no.HENRY:Okay.(GabeenterswhereDianasits.)GABE:Areyouspyingonyourowndaughter?DIANA:Whendidshegetaboyfriend?HowdidImissthis?GABE:Well,youkindofmissalot.DIANA:Doyouthinktheyreinlove?GABE:Whoknows?Theyreyoung.Theyrehorny.Ithappens.(Heleaves.)(Danenters.)DAN:Marryme!DIANA:What?DAN:Marryme.Letshaveafamily.Iknowweretooyoung,butwerenot.Imalmost22,andhowdoyouknowthisisntasignsayingwebelongtogether?DIANA:Howdoyouknowitsnotasignsayinggetnewrubbers?DAN:BecauseIknowitsnot.Iloveyouandthisbaby!DIANA:Dan.Thisiscrazy.DAN:Maybeitis.(Heleaves.)IMisstheMountains.DIANA:(sung)TherewasatimewhenIflewhigherWasatimethewildgirlrunningfreeWouldbemeNowIseeherfeelthefireNowIknowsheneedsmetheretoshareImnowhereAlltheseblankandtranquilyearsSeemstheyvedriedupallmytearsAndwhilesherunsfreeandfastSeemsmywilddaysarepastButImissthemountainsImissthedizzyheightsAllthemanic,magicdaysAndthedark,depressingnights

ImissthemountainsImissthehighsandlowsAlltheclimbing,allthefallingAllthewhilethewildwindblowsStingingyouwithsnowAndsoakingyouwithrainImissthemountainsImissthepainMountainsmakeyoucrazyHereit'ssafeandsoundMymindissomewherehazyMyfeetareonthegroundEverythingisbalancedhereAndonanevenkeelEverythingisperfectNothing'srealNothing'srealAndImissthemountainsImisslowlyclimbWanderingthroughthewildernessAndspendingallmytimeWheretheairisclearandcutsyoulikeaknifeImissthemountainsI,ImissthemountainsImissmylifeImissmylife(Sheendsthesonghavingpouredallofhermedicationintothegarbagecan.Gabeenters.)GABE:(spoken)Areyousureaboutthis,Mom?DIANA:(spoken)Doyouthinkitsabadidea?GABE:Ithinkitsagreatidea.Ithinkyourebrave.DIANA:Whatwillyourfatherthink?GABE:Nothing.Hedoesntknow.(Theyleave.LightsuponDan.)ItsGonnaBeGood.DAN: CHORUS:Itsgonnabegood Good,goodItsgonnabegood Good,goodItsgonnabegood GOOD,goodItsgonnabegood UhhuhItsgonnabegood MmmmmmTwoweeksanditsallworkingJustthewayIknewitwould

AndIdon'tsitandwork CHORUS:Justwaitingforthephonetoring RingItsagood,good,good,goodthing Itsagood,good,good,goodthingCHORUS:Ring,ringDIANA:(spoken)Hello?Oh!Hi,sweetie!Everythingsgreatherefantastic!Idisinfectedtheentirehouse,rewiredthecomputeranddidsomedecoupage.Okay,byebye.(Shehangsup.)Hmmnext,IthinkI'llretiletheroof.DAN:(sung) CHORUS:(sung)Itsgonnagreat GreatItsgonnagreat FuckinggreatThesexisstillamazingAndwedon'tstayupthatlateIt'salmostbeenamonth OoooAndshe'shappyasaclam HappyasaclamDoIlookgreat?Iam!NATALIE:(spoken)Idinviteyouin,butitstoosoon.HENRY:(spoken)We'vebeengoingoutfornineweeksandthreedays.Don'tIgettomeetyourfamily?NATALIE:Youkeepcount?You'resothegirl.Andno.DAN:(spoken)Natalie.AndthismustbeHarry.GABE:ItsHenry.DAN:Pleasuretofinallymeetyou.Comein.Whydon'tyoucomeinandjoinusfordinner?NATALIE:Umm,Dad,Henrycan'treallystay.He'sgotuhDAN:(sung)It'sgonnabegoodNATALIE:(spoken)Homework!DAN:ItsgonnabegoodNATALIE:(spoken)Surgery!DAN:We'llsitrightdowntogetherlikeahappyfamilyshouldNATALIE:(spoken)Rabies!DAN:We'lleatandtalkandlaughandjokeMypridemybroodandmeIt'sgonnabegoodyou'llsee

ALL:(sung)We'llsmileandchatAndjustlikethatIt'llallmeallokayItsgonnabegreatItsgonnabegreatItsgonnabegonnabegonnabeGreatthatwayItsgonnabegoodItsgonnagoodWe'llsitrightdowntogetherjustlikeafamilyshouldAndeatandtalkandlaughandjokemyfamilyandmeItsgonnabegoodgonnabegoodGonnabegonnabegonnabegonnabegonnabeGoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodGonnabegood,gonnabegoodGonnabegoodyou'llsee.DIANA:(spoken)Okay,it'ssomeone'sbirthday!HENRY:(spoken)Whosebirthdayisit?NATALIE:(spoken)Mybrothers.HENRY:Ididntknowyouhadabrother.NATALIE:Idont.HediedbeforeIwasborn.HesNotHere.(DanwalkstowardDianawhoisholdingalitbirthdaycake.)DIANA:What?Whatisit?DAN:(sung)HesnothereHesnothereLove,IknowyouknowDoyoufeelhesstillreal?Love,itsjustnotsoWhyisityoustillbelieve?Doyoudreamordoyougrieve?YouvegottolethimgoHesbeendeadsixteenyearsNo,mylove,hesnothere.NATALIE:(spoken)Thisisfucked.DAN:(spoken)Language.NATALIE:Fuckthis!(Sherunsupstairs.)

HENRY:Itwaswonderfultomeetyouboth.(Herunsupstairs.)DAN:Whataboutthenewmeds?DIANA:Wehavethehappiestseptictankontheblock.DAN:Jesus,Ditheywereworking.DIANA:Theywerentreally.DAN:Wellgetanewround.WellcallDoctorFineDIANA:NO!DAN:Diana,look,Iknowthisishard.YouDontKnow/IAmtheOne.DIANA:Doyouknow?Really?Whatexactlydoyouknow?DAN:Iknowthatyourehurting.Imhurting,too.DIANA:(sung)DoyouwakeupinthemorningAndneedhelptoliftyourhead?DoyoureadobituariesAndfeeljealousofthedead?ItslikelivingonacliffsideNotknowingwhenyoulldiveDoyouknow,doyouknowWhatitsliketodiealive?WhenaworldthatoncehadcolorFadestowhiteandgreyandblackWhentomorrowterrifiesyouButyoulldieifyoulookbackYoudontknowIknowyoudontknowYousaythatyourehurtingItsuredoesntshowYoudontknowItlaysmesolowWhenyousayletgoAndIsayyoudontknowThesensationthatyou'rescreamingButyounevermakeasoundOrthefeelingthatyou'refallingButyouneverhitthegroundItjustkeepsonrushingatyouDaybydaybydaybydayYoudon'tknow,youdon'tknow

Whatit'sliketolivethatwayLikearefugee,afugitiveForeverontherunIfitgetsmeitwillkillmeButIdon'tknowwhatI'vedoneDAN:(sung)CanyoutellmeWhatitisyoureafraidof?CanyoutellmewhyImafraiditsme?CanItouchyou?WevebeenfineforsolongnowHowcansomethinggowrongthatIcantsee?CauseI'mholdingonAndIwon'tletgoIjustthoughtyoushouldknowIamtheonewhoknowsyouIamtheonewhocaresIamtheonewho'salwaysbeenthereIamtheonewho'shelpedyouAndifyouthinkthatIjustdon'tgiveadamnThenyoujustdon'tknowwhoIamCouldyouleaveme? GABE:(sung) HeyDad,itsmeCouldyouletmegounder? Whycantyousee?WillyouwatchasIdrownAndwonderwhy? AndwonderwhyAreyoubleeding? Areyouwaiting?

Areyouwishing?Areyouwantingallthatshecan'tgive?

Areyoubruised?Areyoubroken? Areyouhurting? Areyouhealing? Areyouhopingforalifetolive?DoesithelpyoutoknowWell,soamI? Well,soamI!Tellmewhattodo LookatmeTellmewhotobe LookatmeSoIcanseeWhatyousee AndyoullseeIamtheonewhoholdsyou IamIamtheoneWhowontwalkaway Iwontwalkaway

Yeah,yeah,yeahIamtheonewhollhearyou IamAndnowyoutellmeThatIwontgiveadamn YoudogiveadamnButIknowyouknowwhoIam WhoIamYeah,yeah,yeah,yeah Yeah,yeah,yeah,yeahThatswhoIam IamYeah,yeah,yeah,yeah Yeah,yeah,yeah,yeahThatswhoIam IamYeah,yeah,yeah,yeah Yeah,yeah,yeah,yeahThatswhoIamCauseImholdingon DIANA:(sung) YousayyouhurtlikemeAndIwontletgo YousaythatyouknowDAN:(sung) GABE:(sung)Yeah,Ithoughyoushouldknow Yeah,Ithoughtyoushouldknow Youdontknow IknowyoudontknowIamtheonewhoknowsyou IamtheonewhoknowsyouIamtheonewhocares IamtheonewhocaresIamtheonewhosalwaysbeenthere Yousaythatyourehurting Iamtheonewhosalwaysbeenthere IknowitaintsoYeah,yeah,yeah Youdontknow Yeah,yeah,yeahIamtheonewhoneedsyou IamtheonewhoneedsyouAndnowyouthinkthatIjust Whydontyoujustgo? AndnowyouthinkthatIjustDontgiveadamn Pleasego Dontgiveadamn AndImsayingThenyoujustdontknowwhoIam YoudontknowWhoIam YoudontknowWhoIam YoujustdontknowwhoIam(Lightsfade.LightsuponNatalieandHenry.)NATALIE:(spoken)Whenshegetslikethis,shesuseless.Shecantusethephone,cantdrive.HENRY:(spoken)Ibetshesgotgreatpills.Imean,notthatIdgothere.Thatshitsinorganic.NATALIE:Andtotallyineffective,apparently.HENRY:Imoldschooldyingbreed.AllthepreppiesandthejocksareraidingtheirparentsmedicinecabinetsandpoppingXanexandsnortingAdderall.NATALIE:Really?HENRY:Believeme.Imthemasterofmakingapipeoutofanapple.(Hehandsherhishomemadebong.)NATALIE:Yeah,youretheMcGiverofpot.Youpromisethisllhelp?

HENRY:No.Why?SuperboyandtheInvisibleGirl.NATALIE:(sung)SuperboyandtheInvisibleGirlSonofsteelanddaughterofairHesahero,alover,aprinceShesnotthereSuperboyandtheInvisibleGirlEverythingakidoughttabeHesimmortal,foreveraliveThentheresmeIwishIcouldflyAndmagicallyappearanddisappearIwishIcouldflyIdflyfarawayfromhere(Dianaenters.Natalieturnstofaceher.)SuperboyandtheInvisibleGirlHestheoneyouwishwouldappearHesyourhero,foreveryoursonHesnothereIamhere(Gabeenters.)DIANA:(sung)YouknowthatsnottrueYoureourlittleprideandjoyOurperfectplanYouknowIloveyouIloveyouasmuchasIcan(NatalieturnsawayfromDianatofaceHenry.Dianaleaves.)NATALIE:TakealookattheinvisiblegirlHeresheis,clearasthedayPleaselookcloselyandfindherbeforeShefadesaway GABE:(sung)Superboyandtheinvisiblegirl SuperboyandtheinvisiblegirlSonofsteelanddaughterofair SonofsteelanddaughterofairHesahero,alover,aprince Hesahero,alover,aprinceShesnotthere ShesnotthereShesnotthere ShesnotthereShesnotthere ShesnotthereShesnotthere Shesnotthere

(Lightsfade.LightsuponDianaandDan.)DAN:(spoken)Letsnotgetdiscouraged.Wellfindyouadoctorwholltreatyouwithoutthedrugs.Theressomeoneoutthereforyou.Inthedepressionchatrooms,theysayitslikedating.Youhavetokeepgoinguntilyoufindtherightmatch.DIANA:(spoken)Theyhavedepressionchatrooms?DAN:Andthisdoctorssupposedtobefantasticarealrockstar.Threedifferentwomenatworkgavemehisname.DIANA:ThreewomenatworkknowImnuts?DAN:Uh.(Hechangesthesubjectbyleadingherintothedoctorsoffice.)Ah!DOCTORMADDEN:Diana,thisway,please.(sunglikearockstar)YEAH!DIANA:Whatdidyoujustsay?MADDEN:(spoken,normal)Isaidwelcome.Haveaseat.Itsnicetomeetyou.(sunglikearockstar)Letsgetitonnow,baby!DIANA:Excuseme,what?MADDEN:(spoken,normal)Isaid,Letsgetstarted.Areyounervous,Diana?DIANA:Iamalittle.Abitoutofbreath.Tingly,actually.Nowyougo.MADDEN:Letsstartbygettingtoknoweachotherabit.Psychotherapyandmedicationworkbestintandem,butwecantrythefirstalongandseehowfarweget.Whydontyoutellme(sunglikearockstar)Baby,whatsyourhistory?Wheredyougoandwhodyousee?Yeah!DIANA:Ummmyhistory?Well,Iwasdiagnosedbipolarwowsixteenyearsago.Only,itturnedoutbipolardidnttotallycoverit.MADDEN:(spoken,normal)Well,oftenthebestthatwecandoisputnamesoncollectionsofsymptoms.Itspossiblebipolarhasmoreincommonwithschizophreniathandepression.DIANA:WhenIwasyoung,mymothercalledmehighspirited.Shewouldknow.ShewassohighspiritedtheybandherfromthePTA.MADDEN:Well,sometimestheresapredispositiontoillness,butactualonsetisonlytriggeredbysometraumaticevent.DIANA:IneverknowwhattosaywhenIhavetogooverallofthis.ItstartstosoundlikesomestoryItellaboutsomeotherpersonentirely.

MADDEN:Whydontyoutellmeaboutthelasttimethatyoutrulyfelthappy.DIANA:Oh.MADDEN:Wereyouhappywhenyougotmarried?DIANA:IthoughtIwas.MADDEN:Theresadifferencebetweenbeinghappyandjustthinkingyourehappy?DIANA:Mostpeoplewhothinktheyrehappyjusthaventthoughtaboutitenough.Mostpeoplewhothinktheyrehappyareactuallyjuststupid.MADDEN:Isee.Wereyouhappywhenyoursonwasborn?DIANA:Myson?ImAlive.MADDEN:Tellmeabouthim.DIANA:Aboutmyson?MADDEN:Whyishestillaround?Whoishe?Whatishe?(LightsuponGabe.)GABE:(sung)IamwhatyouwantmetobeAndI'myourworstfear,you'llfinditinmeComecloserComecloserMADDEN:(spoken)Wheredoeshecomefromeven?GABE:(sung)Iammorethanmemory,IamwhatmightbeIammysteryYouknowmeSoshowmeWhenIappearit'snotsoclearIfI'masimplespiritorI'mfleshandbloodButI'malive,I'malive,IamsoaliveAndIfeedonthefearthat'sbehindyoureyesAndIneedyoutoneedme,it'snosurpriseI'malive,soaliveI'maliveNATALIE:(spoken)Fourtimesaweek?Thatsalot,isntit?DAN:(spoken)Thatswhatthedoctorrecommended.

NATALIE:Thisisnevergoingtogetbetter,isit?Hesnevergoingaway.DAN:Idontknow,Natalie.NATALIE:Thisisoneofthosemomentswhenyoucouldjustbeatypicalparentandlieandsayyes.DAN:Yes.NATALIE:Thanks.Thatscomforting.(Sherunsupstairs.)GABE:(sung)IamflameandIamfireIamdestruction,decay,anddesireI'llhurtyouI'llhealyouDAN:(spoken)Youknow,Natalie,itsnotallaboutyourcomfort.(Hefollowsherupthestairs.)GABE:(sung)I'myourwish,yourdreamcometrueAndIamyourdarkestnightmaretooI'veshownyouDAN:(spoken)Itsabouthelpingyourmother.GABE:(sung)IownyouNATALIE:(spoken)Asalways!(Danleaves.)GABE:(sung)Andthoughyoumademe,youcan'tchangemeI'mtheperfectstrangerwhoknowsyoutoowellAndI'malive,I'maliveIamsoaliveAndI'lltellyouthetruthifyouletmetryYou'realive,I'malive,andI'llshowyouwhyI'malive,soaliveImaliveNATALIE:(spoken)Xanex.(SheisdiggingthroughDianaspillbottles.Shetakesabottle.)Whatthehell!GABE:(sung)ImaliveI'mrightbehindyouYousayforgetbutI'llremindyouYoucantrytohidebutyouknowthatIwillfindyou'Causeifyouwon'tgrieveme,youwon'tleavemebehindOh,oh,ohMADDEN:Yousayheseighteennow.Isntthatwhenkidsmoveout?Isntittimetolethimgo?

GABE:(sung)No,no,noI'malive,I'malive,IamsoaliveIfyouclimbonmybackthenwebothcanflyIfyoutrytodenyme,I'llneverdieI'malive,soaliveI'maliveYeah,yeahI'maliveI'maliveI'maliveI'malive(Lightsfade.LightsuponDianaandDoctorMadden.)MADDEN:(spoken)Itsbeenfourweeks,andIdliketotrysomethingnewtoday.Sometimeswhenthesestoriesarehardtotell,hypnosiscanbehelpful.MakeUpYourMind/CatchMeImFalling.DIANA:Oh,IdontthinkIcouldbehypnotized.Imean,itsfine.ItsjustImnotthetype.MADDEN:Putyourfeetonthefloor.Putyourhandsinyourlapandbreathe.(sung)WalkwithmeWalkwithmeGoallthewaydownDownalongflightofstairsDIANA:(spoken)Stairs.MADDEN:(sung)GostepbystepintothedarknessdownthereDIANA:(spoken)Shouldweturnonalight?Youknow,withthestairs?MADDEN:(sung)WalkwithmeDownahallAhallthatyouknowAttheendtheresadoorItsadoorthatyouveneverlaideyesonbeforeOpenthedoorOpenthedoor(spoken)Canyouhearme,Diana?DIANA:(spoken)Yes.MADDEN:Areyounervous?DIANA:No.

MADDEN:Good.Now(sung)MakeupyourmindtoexploreyourselfMakeupyourmind,youhavestoriestotellWellsearchinyourpastforwhatsorrowsmaylastThenmakeupyourmindtobewellDAN:(spoken)Di,youcomehomefromthesesessionsintears.IsthishelpingorDi?Di?DIANA:(spoken)Wewerebothundergradsarchitecture.Thebabywasntplanned,neitherwasthemarriage.Ihadalwaysexpectedtobetoobusy,butwhenthebabycame,itallseemedtomakesenseuntiluntilMADDEN:Until?DAN:(sung)HesnothereHesnothereLove,IknowDAN,GABE,NATALIE,HENRY:(sung)YouknowMADDEN:(sung)MakeupyourmindthatyourestrongenoughMakeupyourmind,letthetruthberevealedAdmitwhatyouvelostandlivewiththecostAttimesitdoeshurttobehealedGABE:(sung)Catchme,Imfalling GABE:(sung)MADDEN:(spoken)Inourfirstsession,youtoldme... Catchme,Imfallingthattalkingthroughyourhistory FasterthananyoneshouldDIANA:(sung)Catchme,Imfalling Catchme,ImfallingMADDEN:(spoken)feelslikeitsaboutsomeoneelse.DIANA: GABE:Pleasehearmecalling PleasehearmecallingMADDEN:(spoken)Makeitaboutyou.DIANA: GABE:Catchme,Imfallingforgood Catchme,ImfallingforgoodHENRY:(spoken)Hey,Imnotsupposedtobebackstage,butIthought(heholdsoutflowers)forluck.NATALIE:Didyouseemyparentsoutthere?HENRY:Um,areyouokay?

Evan Michael Woods

NATALIE:Imfine.Mydadsaidtheydbothbehere.HENRY:ThenImsuretheywillbe.NATALIE:Willthey?DIANA:WehadNatalietoandIknowsheknows.Icouldntholdherinthehospital.NATALIE:Wherethehellarethey?DIANA:Icouldntletmyselfholdher.MADDEN:ThatsthefirsttimeyouvementionedNatalieinweeksoftherapy.NATALIE:Goddammit!(sung)Shesnotthere!NATALIEandGABE:(sung)Shesnotthere!NATALIE,GABE,andHENRY:(sung)Shesnotthere!MADDEN:(sung)Makeupyourmind,youwantclarityTakewhatyouknowandthenmakeitmakesenseJustfacewhatyoufearandsoonitcomesclearThevisionsarejustyourdefenseNATALIE:(spoken)Umm,thankyouforcoming.NatalieGoodman.(Shesitstoplaythepiano.Shebegins,messesup.)MADDEN:(spoken)Letstrytounderstandwhatthisisdoingtoyouandyourfamily.NATALIE:(Sheplays,messesupagain.)Fuck.MADDEN:Yourgriefforyourson.YourdistancefromNatalie.NATALIE:Imsorry.Ijustthethingis,Iyouknowwhattheproblemwithclassicalis?Itssorigidandstructured.Youhavetoplaythenotesonapage!Theresnoroomforimprovisation!HENRY:Oh,noNATALIE:(sung) DIANA:(sung) MADDEN:(sung)Takealook,takealook Falling MakeupyourmindtobefreeatlastFalling Falling MakeupyourmindtobetrulyaliveFalling MakeupyourmindtosurviveNATALIE,DIANA,GABE,andDAN:(sung)Catchme,Imfalling

MADDEN:(spoken)Unresolvedlosscanleadtodepression.NATALIE,DIANA,GABE,andDAN:(sung)Catchme,ImfallingMADDEN:(spoken)Andfearoflosstoanxiety.NATALIE,DIANA,GABE,andDAN:(sung)FlyingheadfirstintofateMADDEN:(spoken)Themoreyouholdtosomethingyou'velost,themoreyoufearlosingit.NATALIE,DIANA,GABE,andDAN:(sung)Catchme,ImfallingPleasehearmecallingMADDEN:(spoken)Depression,anxietyNATALIE,GABE,andDAN:(sung)CatchmebeforeitstoolateMADDEN:(spoken)Depression,anxietyonegivesrisetotheother.NATALIE,GABE,andDAN:(sung)CatchmebeforeitstoolateMADDEN:(spoken)Itbecomesacycle.NATALIE,GABE,andDAN:(sung)Catchme,ImfallingCatchme,ImfallingCatchme,ImfallingMADDEN:(spoken)Wouldntyouliketobefreefromallofthat,finally?Wouldntyouliketogohomeandclearouthisroom,spendsometimewithyourdaughterandletyoursongoatlast?HENRY:(spoken)Uh,shouldwego?DIANAandNATALIE:(spoken)Yes.GABE:(spoken)Mom.DIANA:Yes,Iwould.(Gabeleaves.Maddenleaves.LightsfadeonHenryandNatalie.Danentersholdingacardboardpackingbox.)DAN:Thisisgood,Di.Itsagoodstep.(Heleaves.)IDreamedaDance.(Dianasits,beginssortingthroughthebox.Shepullsoutawoodenmusicboxandopensit.Musicplays.Shehumsalong.)DIANA:(sung)

IsawyoulighttheballroomWithyoursparklingeyessoblueGracefulasanangel'swingIdreamedadancewithyou(Gabeentersinawhitetuxedo.)Youwhisperedslyly,softlyYoutoldmeyouwouldbetrueWespunaroundathousandstarsIdreamedadancewithyou(Theybegindancing.)IknowthenightisdyingdearIknowthedaywilldawnDIANAandGABE:ThedancersmaydisappearStillthedancegoesonGABE:AndonDIANA:I'llwakealonetomorrowThedreamofourdanceisthroughButnowuntilforeverloveI'lllivetodancewithyouI'lldreammyloveI'lllivemyloveAndI'lldietodancewithTheresaWorld.GABE:(sung)There'saworld,there'saworldIknowAplacewecangowherethepainwillgoawayThere'saworldwherethesunshineseachdayThere'saworld,there'saworldoutthereI'llshowyoujustwhereAndintimeIknowyou'llseeThere'saworldwherewecanbefreeComewithme(Gabereachesforherhand;shetakesit.)MADDEN:(spoken)Goodman,Diana.GABE:(sung)Comewithme

MADDEN:(spoken)Discoveredunconsciousathome.GABE:(sung)There'saworldwherewecanbefreeMADDEN:(spoken)Multiplerazorwoundstowristsandforearms.Selfinflicted.GABE:(sung)ComewithmeMADDEN:(spoken)Saline,sutures,gauze,IVantibiotics.Isolated,sedatedandrestrained.Damnit.ECTisindicated.DAN:(spoken)Wow.Imean,thiscandothat?MADDEN:Wedo.Yes.Itsthestandardincaseslikethis.Shesgotalonghistoryofdrugtherapyandresistance.Shesacutelysuicidal.Itsreallyourbestoption.DAN:Well,thatskindofterrifying.MADDEN:Itsnot.Theelectricityinvolvedisbarelyenoughtolightaonehundredwattbulb.DAN:Oh.Justahundredwattbulb.MADDEN:Itssaferthancrossingthestreet,andtheshorttermsuccessrateisovereightypercent.DAN:Ithoughtshewasbetter.MADDEN:Sometimes,patientsrecoverjustenoughstrengthtofollowthroughonsuicidalimpulses,butnotenoughstrengthtoresistthem.DAN:Well,thatseemsveryfucked.MADDEN:Yes.Legallyweneedherconsent.Hospitalpolicyisweneedyours,too.(HehandsDanaclipboard.)DAN:Idontthinkshesgonnagoforthis.MADDEN:Mr.Goodman,wecanadministertheECT,andyoucanbringherhomeintendaysorwecankeephersedatedforfortyeighthours,dischargeherandwaitforhertotryagain.Look,gohome.Takethenight.Talktoherinthemorning.(Heleaves.)IveBeen.DAN:(sung)Standinginthisroom,Well,IwonderwhatcomesnowIknowIhavetohelpherButhellifIknowhowAndallthetimesthatI'vebeentoldThewayherillnessgoesThetruthofitisnoonereallyknowsAndeverydaythisactweactgetsmoreandmoreabsurdAndallmyfearsjustsitinsideme,screamingtobeheardIknowtheywon't,though,notasingleword

IwashereathersideWhenshecalled,whenshecried.Howcouldsheleavemeonmyown?Willitwork,thiscure?There'snowaytobesureButI'mwearytotheboneAndwhenevershegoesflyingIkeepmyfeetrightonthegroundOhnowIneedaliftAndthere'snoonearound(Hecleansthebloodoffofthefurniture.)HeyGABE:(sung)HeyBOTH:(sung)OhOhDAN:AndIveneverhadtofacetheworldwithoutherbymysideNowI'mstrollingrightbesideherastheblackholeopenswideMineisjustaslowersuicideI'vebeenherfortheshowEveryhigh,everylowButit'stheworstwe'veeverknownShe'sbeenhurtandhowButIcan'tgiveupnow'CauseI'veneverbeenalone(Natalieenters.)IcouldneverbealoneNATALIE:(spoken)Dad,whydidntyoutakemewithyou?DAN:(spoken)Youknow,wedontseemuchofyouthesedays.IsthisHenryagoodinfluence?NATALIE:Like,comparedtowhat?DAN:Okay,thatsagoodpoint.(LightsuponDoctorMadden,Diana,andGabe.Dianaislyingonahospitalbed.)MADDEN:Theaftereffectsareminimal.Youllfeelabitlikeyouhaveahangover.

GABE:Mom,dontletthemdothis.Itcausesbraindamage.DAN:Yourmothersinforanewtreatment.ECT.NATALIE:OkayL,M,N,O,P.Whatisthat?Idontknow.DAN:Electroconvulsivetherapy.Shocktherapy.MADDEN:Aminorityofpatientsreportsomememoryloss,butitsusuallynotmuchmemory.GABE:Howcanyouknowhowmuchmemoryyouvelostifyouvelostit?NATALIE:Yourekidding,right?Dad,thatsbullshit!DAN:Language.MADDEN:Patientshavesaiditslikebecominganewperson.NATALIE:Itsbullshit!Shetrustsyou!DAN:Natalie!(LightsfadeonNatalieandDan.)DidntISeeThisMovie?.DIANA:(sung)Didn'tIseethismovie,withMcMurphyandthenurse?Thathospitalwasheavy,butthiscuckoo'snestisworse.Isn'tthistheonewhereintheendthegoodguysfry?Didn'tIseethismovie,anddidn'tIcry?Didn'tIcry?MADDEN:(spoken)Themodernprocedurescleanandsimplehundredsofthousandsofpatientsreceiveiteveryyear.DIANA:(sung)WhatmakesyouthinkI'dlosemymindforyou?I'mnosociopath,I'mnoSylviaPlathIain'tnoFrancisFarmer,Idon'tfightforyouSostayoutofmybrainI'mnoprincessofpainDidn'tIseethismovie,wherethedoctorlookedlikeyouWherethepatientgotimpatientandsaid,"Sorry,doc,I'mthrough?"Iknowwherethisisgoing,andIknowwhatyou'reaboutCauseIhaveseenthismovieandIwalkedoutIwalkedoutI'mwalking...(Dianagoestoleave.Danenters.Shestops.HetakestheclipboardfromDoctorMadden.DoctorMaddenleaves.)ALightIntheDark.

DAN:(sung)OnelightshinesinthedriveOnesinglesignthatourhouseisaliveOurhouse,ourownSowhydoIlovetherealone?TellmewhyIwaitthroughthenightAndwhydoIleaveonthelightYouknow,IknowOurhousewasahomelongagoTakethischancecauseitmaybeourlastTobefree,toletgoofthepastAndtotrytobehusbandandwifeToletloveneverdieortojustlivesourlivesTakemyhandandletmetakeyourheartKeepyoufarfromwhatkeepsusapartLetusstartwithalightinthedark(Hereachesforherhand.Shetakesit.)NightfallsIstareatthewalls DIANA:(sung)IstareatthesewallsIwakeandwanderthehalls IgetlostinthesehallsAndIachetotheboneDIANA:It'slikenothingI'veknownBOTH:Ican'tgetthroughthisaloneDAN:Takethischanceandwe'llmakeanewstartSomewherefarfromwhatkeepsusapartAndIswearthatsomewhereinthenightThere'salight(Dianatakestheclipboardandsignsit.)Alightinthedark(Theykiss.DoctorMaddencomesinandtakestheclipboardastheykissandthenwheelsheraway.Lightsfade.)EndofActI.ACTII.(LightsuponNatalieandHenry.)NATALIE:(spoken)Comeon!Thisismyfavoriteclub!Letsgo!

HENRY:Hey,isntthreeclubsalittlemuchforaTuesdaynightWednesdaymorning?NATALIE:Oh,comeon.Theyreplayingmyfavoritesong!HENRY:Theyreallyourfavoritesong.Whatareyouon?NATALIE:Adderall,Xanex,aValium,andRobitussen.HENRY:Whendidyoubecomeabadinfluenceonme?NATALIE:Hey,Iamunderstress.Mymomisinahospitalbeingelectrocuted.(LightsuponDiana,DoctorMadden,andtheanesthesiologist.)MADDEN:Goodmorning,Diana.Itsgoodtoseeyou.NATALIE:Seriously.Shegetsit,like,everydayfortwoweeks.Icantevendealwithit.Idneverletthemfuckwithmybrainlikethat.HENRY:No,yourestrictlyadoityourselfer!MADDEN:Thisisyouranesthesiologist;justbreathenormally,countbackwardfromonehundred,andbeforeyoureachoneyoullbeasleep.Whenyouwakeup,youmayfeelsomemusclestiffness,disorientation.Dontworryitscompletelynormal.Diana?Diana?...good.WishIWereHere.DIANA:(sung)InaninstantlightningflashesAndtheburstmightleavemeblindWhentheboltoflightningcrashesAnditburnsrightthroughmymindItslikesomeonedrainedmybrainoutSetmyfrozenmindtothawLetthelethargyandpainoutWhileIstoodandwatchedinaweIamridingonthebrightestbuzzIamworldsawayfromwhoIwasAndtheytoldmeitwouldchangeme ALLMEN:(sung)Thoughtheydontknowhowitdoes ThoughtheydontknowhowitdoesIhavelivedalifeofcloudsandgreyButthisiscrystalclearWishIwerehere WishIwerehereIimagineitsremarkableExuberant,austereWishIwerehere WishIwerehereWishIwerehere WishIwerehereNATALIE:(sung)

Itseuphoria,itsanger Itsthewinterwind,itsfire Itsthewinterwind,itsfireAnditkillsmydeepesthungerAsitfillsmewithdesire Imthelightandheatofeverysun DIANA:(sung) ImthelightandheatofeverysunImabulletfromamagicgun ImabulletfromamagicgunAndImtryingtoenjoyitButImmissingallthefun ButImmissingallthefun IammissingallthefunNATALIEandDIANA:AmIfeelingwhatIthinkImfeeling?Thehope,theheat,thefear ALLMEN:WishIwerehere WishIwerehereIsthissomeoneelse'sheadtrick?DoIjustdisappear?WishIwerehere WishIwerehereWishIwerehere WishIwerehereDIANA:(spoken)Sweetheart,whatareyoudoinginmyelectricity?NATALIE:(spoken)Itsalwaysaboutyou,isntit?ImRobotripping!Icantfeelmylegs.DIANA:Idontwantyoudoingdrugs.NATALIE:Thatspersuasive,comingfromthePfizerWomanoftheYear.Youretheonewhoshallucinating.DIANA:Itsmytreatment.Itsamiracle.Everythingsdifferentnow.NATALIE:Iknowwhatyoumean.NATALIEandDIANA:(sung)PlugmeinandturnmeonAndfliptheswitch;ImgoodasgoneItslitsmyskinandtripsmybrainIfeeltheburn,butIdontfeelthepainIsmybrainrebornorisitwreckedInfreedomorinfear? ALLMEN:(sung)WishIwerehere WishIwerehereHaveIblownmymindforever?Iscloudymynewclear?WishIwerehere WishIwerehereWishIwerehereWishIwereHENRY:(spoken)Natalie!Natalie!Damn.Thisis,like,thefifthnightinarowthatIvehadtocomefindyouatsomerandomclub.

(LightsuponDanandDiana.)DAN:(spoken)Diana?DIANA:(spoken)Dan.DAN:Yourtwoweeksareup.Itstimetogohome.DIANA:Home?ButDAN:Shhdonttalk.Relax.(Theyleave.)NATALIE:(spoken)Okay,youcango.Im,like,seventypercentlessmessedupnow.Seriously,mydadsgoingtobehomeanyminute.Hesbringingmymomfromthehospitalthismorning.Youdontwanttobehere.HENRY:Willyoucallme?NATALIE:Justgo.(Henryleaves.)NATALIE:(sung)CanIhidemystupidhunger?Fakesomeconfidenceandcheer?WishIwerehereWishIwerehereDAN:(spoken)Werehere!(HeenterswithDiana.)NATALIE:(spoken,toDiana)Hey.Wowyoulookgreat.DIANA:(spoken)Oh.Well,thankyou.Andwhoareyou?NATALIE:WhoamI?DAN:Diana,thisisNatalie.(Dianastilldoesntunderstand.)NATALIE:Yourdaughter.DIANA:Oh.Ofcourse.Andthisisourhouse?SongofForgetting.DAN:Diana,dontyouyoudontrememberanyofthis?DIANA:Ishould,right?DAN:(sung)ThishouseandalltheseroomsLastChristmasorlastyearOutbackthedogwoodblooms

DIANA:(sung)DoIreallylivehere?DAN:Thepaint,thewallsAllthisglassandwoodYoudontrecall?DIANA:HowIwishIcouldDAN:OurhouseonWaltonWayThehousewiththereddoorOurtriptoSanTropezThewholeweekadownpourNATALIE:(sung)MyfirstfewstepsAndmyfirstlosttoothWhat,nothingyet?DIANA:TotellthetruthDAN:SingasongofforgettingAsongofthewaythingswerenotSingofwhat'slosttoyouOftimesthatyouneverknewSingofnotrememberingwhenOfmemoriesthatgounrememberedandthenSingasongofforgettingagainThatdayourchildwasbornOurbabygirl'sfirstcryThatgrayanddrizzlymornI'veneverfeltsohighDIANA:ThedaywemetAndwesharedtwobeersDAN:Then?DIANA:Iforget.DAN:Butthatsnineteenyears

DIANA:(spoken)ThatDoctorMitchellsaidthattheremightbesomememoryloss.DAN:(spoken)DoctorMadden.DIANA:Well,seethereyougo.NATALIE:(sung)Whatalovelycure!ItsamedicalmiracleWithamindsopureThatshedoesntknowanythingDAN:(sung)Itsthere,Imsure NATALIE:(sung)Causememoriesdontdie Why? DIANA:(sung)Theydontdie Theydie! Why?Singasongofforgetting Singasongofforgetting SingasongofforgettingAsongofthewaythingswerenot Asongofthewaythingswerenot ThingswerenotSingofwhatslosttoyou Whatslosttoyou Whatslosttoyou Whatslosttoyou WhatslosttoyouAndtimesthatyouneverknew Whatslosttoyou,youneverknew Whatslosttoyou,youneverknewDAN,NATALIEandDIANA:SingofnotrememberingwhenOfmemoriesthatgounrememberedandthenDAN:Singasongofforgetting NATALIE: Singasongofforgetting DIANA: SingasongofforgettingDAN,NATALIEandDIANA:Again(Lightsfade,aschoolbellrings,schoolhallwayambience.LightsuponHenryrunningintoNatalie.)Hey#1.HENRY:(sung)HeyNATALIE:(sung)HeyHENRY:IvemissedyouthesedaysIthoughtyoumightcallItsbeenweeks

NATALIE:IvebeencrazedHENRY:Hey,heyHaveyoubeenonthescene?CauseyoulooklikeamessNATALIE:Thanks,IguessHENRY:Areyouclean?NATALIE:Wow,comingfromyouHENRY:IdontdowhatyoudoNATALIE:Okay,howdiditstart?HENRY:ButyoutookittoofarNATALIE: HENRY:Oh,Itookittoofar?Henry,dont! Hey,heyDontdothistome Areweover? DontsaythatwereoverDontyouwantustobe? No,IwantwhoIknew Shessomewhereinyou(Nataliegoestoleave.Henryfollowsher.)HENRY:Hey,sayWillyoucometothisdance?ItssomespringformaldanceItsMarchfirstanditscheeseButitsfunanditsfreeNATALIE:IdontdodancesHENRY:DothisdancewithmeNATALIE:Goodbye,Henry(Sheleaves.)

HENRY:(spoken)Natalie,Natalie!Waitup!(Hefollowsafterher.Lightsfade.)(LightsuponDan,Diana,andDoctorMadden.)MADDEN:Thismuchlossisrare,butithasbeenreported.Itmaybepartlypsychedelic.Attimeslikethis,themindtendstorepressmemories,buttheyrestilltheresomewhere.Theytendtoreturninfitsandsparks.DAN:Butitsbeentwoweeks.SecondsandYears.MADDEN:(sung)AlittlelossofmemoryisnormalAndhelpfulinforgettingallherfearsDAN:(sung)IcouldntgiveaflyingfuckwhatsnormalWehaventhadanormaldayinyearsMADDEN:(sung)Diana,arethingsbecomingclearerwiththetreatment?DIANA:(spoken)Well,yes.MADDEN:(sung)Islifelesscloudythanitwasbefore?DIANA:(spoken)Yes.MADDEN:(sung)Doyoustillfeelyourheadisfilledwithconcrete?DIANA:(spoken)No.(sung)Andyourenotascaryrockstaranymore(Sheleaves.)MADDEN:(spoken)Okay.Great.DAN:(spoken)Butwhatabouthermemory?MADDEN:(sung)ThememoriesaretheresomewhereFindsomepicturesyoucanshareKeepsakesofthelifethatstherebehindherDAN:(spoken)ShouldIbringupthesubjectofMADDEN:(spoken)Yes.

(sung)ButkeepitlightatfirstThatsbestCarefulthatshesnotdistressedWhenthetimesrightTelltherestRemindherYoullfindher(Danleaves.Lightsfade.LightsuponthekitchenwithDan,Diana,andNatalie.)BetterThanBefore.DAN:(sung)SoletsstartwithsomethingsmallSomethingpersonalandprettyIbetyoullknowtheseshinythingsDIANA:(spoken)Theymustbetackytrinketsfrom,Iguess,AtlanticCity?DAN:(sung)No,actually,DiTheyreourweddingringsNATALIE:(spoken)Itsgoingwell.DAN:(sung)HeresaflowerfromourweddingItwassuchasighttoseeAndtheceremonyeverythingwedhopedNATALIE:(spoken)Umm,DadDAN:(sung)Well,thatshowIrememberitSothatshowitllbeNATALIE:(sung)ItwasrainingItwasPortlandYoueloped(spoken)Imean,Portland.DAN:(sung)ItsanopenbooktowritehereItsalifewecanrestoreWecangetbackwhatwehadandmaybemoreMaybegetusbacktobetterthanbeforeNATALIE:(spoken)Umm,missingafewpictureshere,arentyou,Dad?Didntthedoctorsay...DAN:(spoken)Thedoctorsaidattherighttime.

NATALIE:Oh.Well,thenDAN:(sung,toDiana)HerestheyearwedrovethewestWehitthehighwayintheHondaAndItookpictureseverywherewewentWesawthePaintedDesertTheGrandCanyonandAuntRhondaAndNatlearnedwhathermiddlefingermeant(NatalieflipsoffDan.)HeresthefirsthousethatweownedOnWaltonWay,welovedthatplaceThenwebuiltthisoneonlandThatwebothchoseAndheresapicofallofusWithsmilesoneveryfaceAndthephotoshoppinghardlyevenshowsDIANA:(sung)WerestandingbyalakewithalltheseducksAndwhosthislittlechubbygirl?DAN:ThatsNatalieNATALIE:Thissucks(Shegetsuptoleave.Danfollowsher.)DAN:(spoken)Nat.(sung)GonnagetusbacktonormalGonnagetusbacktogoodGonnagetbackwhatwehadandmaybemoreGonnagetusbacktogoodtimesAndforgetthethingsweshouldGonnagetusbacktobetterthanbeforeGetthingsbacktobetterthanbeforeNATALIE:(spoken)Allright,fine.(ShesitswithDiana.)(sung)HerestheheadlineinthepaperWhenyoufreakedoutatthemarketHeresthehouseonWaltonWayAfterthefireHeresthedamagetotheHondaWhenyoushowedmehowtoparkit

DIANA:(sung)Didwecrushsomebodyscatbeneaththetire?NATALIE:(spoken)Yes,ours.(sung)HeresDadatmyrecitalAndwerewonderingwhereyouareDIANA:IrememberthisImadeittotheschoolDAN:(spoken)Wait,youremember?DIANA:(sung)ItwastheyearoftoomuchLithiumIhidoutinthecarDAN:(spoken)Yes.DIANA:(sung)AndyourswimmeetjustlastyearIminthepoolNATALIE:(spoken)Soyouare.DAN:(sung)YouregettingitYouvegotit,DiHooray!DIANA:(sung)Yourlifehaskindofsucked,IthinkNATALIE:(sung)Youvegotit DAN:(sung) DIANA:(sung)Yay,hooray! Hooray! Hooray!DIANA:GonnagetbackwhatIlosthereGonnafindoutwhoIwasGonnaopenupthegatesandletitpourDAN:AndifmemorymakesthingsbetterWell,memoryalwaysdoesGonnagetusbacktobetterthanbeforeDANandDIANA: NATALIE: DIANA:Makeeverythingmuchbetterthan Wontanythingbebetterthanbefore? Iguessitmustbebetterthanbefore

DANandNATALIE:BetterthanbeforeDAN,NATALIEandDIANA:BetterthanbeforeAftershocks.(DanandNatalieleave.Gabeenters.)GABE:(sung)TheyvemanagedtogetridofmeReturnmetothegraveECT,electricchairWeshockwhowecantsaveTheyveclearedyouofmymemoryAndmanymoreaswellYoumayhavewantedsomeofthemButwhocanevertell?YourbrainwavesaremoreregularThechemistrymorepureTheheadachesandthenauseawillpassYoullendureYoursonisgoneforever,thoughOfthatthedoctorssureThememorieswillwaneTheaftershocksremainYouwonderwhichisworseThesymptomorthecureDAN:(spoken)Di,honey,youvebeenatthisfordays.DIANA:(spoken)Theressomethingmissing,Dan.Itslikeitstuggingatme.Icanalmostseeit.DAN:Cometobed.Ifthememoriesaremeanttocomeback,theywill.(Heleaves.)(Henryenters.)HENRY:Oh.Sorry,Ms.Goodman.IjustneededtotalktoNatalieaboutsomehomework.Iknowitslate.Shesnotansweringherphoneiseverythingallright?DIANA:Henry.HENRY:Yes.DIANA:Youremindmeofsomeone.Howoldareyou?HENRY:Seventeen.Why?DIANA:Idontknow.Nataliesinherroom.

(Henrygoesupstairs.)GABE:(sung)TheyvemanagedtogetridofmeImgonewithoutatraceButsearthesoulandleavescarNotreatmentcaneraseThey'vecutawaythecancerButforgottofilltheholeTheymovedmefromyourmemoryI'mstillthereinyoursoulYourlifegoesbacktonormalnowOrsotheyallbelieveYourheartisinyourchestagainNothangingfromyoursleeveThey'vedrivenoutthedemonsAndthey'veearnedyouthisreprieveThememoriesaregoneTheaftershocksliveonButwithnothingtorememberIstherenothinglefttogrieve?DIANA:(sung)Withnothingtoremember(Lightsfade.LightsuponNatalieandHenry.)Hey#2HENRY:(sung)HeyNATALIE:(sung)HeyHENRY:Sotomorrow'sthedanceIt'sannoying,IknowButlet'sgoNATALIE:NotachanceHENRY:LetmeknowyouagainNATALIE:NotrightnowHENRY:Okay,when?

SaywaitandI'llwaitNATALIE:It'salreadytoolateHENRY:There'snowayit'stoolateNATALIE: HENRY:Hey,hey TheresnowayWillyoulisten? IstayedbyyoursideJustshutupandlisten HENRY:WhydoIgetdenied?NATALIE:YouremindmeofmeAndhowfuckedupIcanbeHENRY:Okay,heyLet'sstartovercleanslateI'llcomebyhereateightIfyoushowThenwe'llgoIfyoudon'tWell,we'llseeNATALIE:Youjustdon'tgiveupHENRY:Sodon'tgiveuponmeNATALIE:Goodbye,HenryYouDontKnow(Reprise).(Lightsfade.LightsuponDianaandDoctorMadden.)DIANA:(sung)It'sbeenfourweekssincethetreatmentAndmymindisstillamessAndwhat'slefttoberememberedWell,it'sanybody'sguessCausemypastisliketheweatherItwillcomeanditwillgoIdon'tknow,evenknowWhatitisthatIdon'tknowI'msomeChristopherColumbus

SailingoutintomymindWithnomapofwhereI'mgoingOrofwhatI'veleftbehindIdon'tthethingsIdon'tknowI'msuresomething'smissingIwishitwouldshowIdon'tknow,yousaytakeitslowIdo,buthowIdo,Idon'tknowMADDEN:(sung)Areyoutalkingwithyourhusband?DIANA:Well,hehasn'tmuchtosayMADDEN:Ishelpingyouremember?DIANA:Irememberthat'shiswayMADDEN:DoesthepuzzlecometogetherPiecemypieceandrowbyrow?DIANA:Idon'tknow,Idon'tknowWherethefuckingpiecesgoCauseIdon'thowthisstartedSo,Iwon'tknowwhenit'sdoneMADDEN:Haveyoutalkedofyourdepression,Yourdelusionsandyourson?DIANA:(spoken)Mywhat?MADDEN:(spoken)YourhusbanddidntIthinkyoutwoshouldtalkmore.DIANA:Weshouldtalkmore?That'sit?Idon'tevenremembermarryingthisman,itsnotlikeI'mnotsomesexuallyfrustratedsoccermom.MADDEN:Interestingly,theunderlyingchallengesaresimilar.I'llseeyounextweek.DIANA:ButMADDEN:Nextweek.(Gabeentersandplacesaboxofkeepsakesdownstage.Dianaapproachesitandbeginsgoingthroughit.Shepullsoutthemusicbox,opensitandthemelodyplays.Gabebeginshummingalong.)DIANA:What?

(Danrunsin.)DAN:Whatareyoudoing?(Hetriestotakethemusicboxfromher.)DIANA:Whatisthis?DAN:Wheredidyougetthat?Itsnothinganoldmusicbox.HowCouldIEverForget?.DIANA:Weplayeditforthebaby.Sometimesithelpedhimsleep.DAN:Diana.DIANA:Him.Wedidhaveaboy.DAN:Diana,youshouldntDIANA:(sung)WewerestilllivingdowntownDAN:(spoken)Thisisnotagoodidea.DIANA:(sung)MyblackcoatthrownovermybluenightgownYoudrovetoofastThelightsofthecityflewpastDAN:(spoken)PleasedontDIANA:(sung)HowcouldIeverforget?OutsidethemorningwascoolandwetHehadsuchchillsButstill,helaytheresostillJusteighteenmonthsoldSocoldWeranhiminsideLost,worrying,wonderingThathospitalroomThatgloomHowcouldIeverforget? DAN:(sung) HowcouldIeverforget?ScreamingatdoctorsAlarmed,upset God,IwassoupsetTheysaidtowait Diana,dontTheyneversaidweweretoolate Youthinkthiswillhelp,butitwontButIwasachild SomanyyearsagoRaisingachild SomuchwecouldnotknowThoseweeksfullofjoy

ThenamomentofdreadSomeonesimplysaid,Yourchildis HowcouldIeverforget?HowcouldIeverforget?Mylifewasset ThiswasthemomentmylifewassetThatdaythatIlostyou ThatdaythatIlostyouItsclearasthedaywemet ItsclearasthedaywemetDAN:(spoken)Whywouldyouwanttorememberthethingsthathurtyou?DIANA:(spoken)Iwanttoremembereverything,Dan.Howdidhedie?DAN:Hewassick.DIANA:Withwhat?Whywasnthetreated?Whatwaswrong?DAN:(sung)SomethingthedoctorsallmissedTheclinic,theER,eachspecialistTheysaid,Babiescry,Allergies,gas,whoknowswhy?AndIwasachildRaisingachildWestayedupallnightThosenightsyousleptathissideButstillhejustcriedAndcriedDIANA:(spoken)Hewasababywhenhedied,butIrememberhimmucholder.DAN:(spoken)No.Hewasababy.WeshouldcallDoctorMadden.ItsGonnaBeGood(Reprise).DIANA:WhyshouldwecallDoctorMadden?Imjusttryingtomakesenseofthis.Godwhatwashisname?Idontremembereverhearingyousayhisname.Whyisthat?DAN:Diana.DIANA:Tellme.DAN:(sung)It'sgonnabefineIt'sgonnabefineWe'llgobacktothedoctorsCausewecaughtitjustintimeWe'lltakethepills,we'llpaythebillsWe'lldomoreECTDIANA:(spoken)HisnameoursonDAN:(sung)

It'sgonnabegood,you'llseeDIANA:(spoken)Whatwashisname?DAN:(sung)It'sgonnabegood,you'llseeDIANA:(spoken)Whatwashisname?DAN:(sung) DIANA:(sung)Itsgonnabegood Whatwashisname?Itsgonnabegood Whatwashisname?Itsgonnabegood Whatwashisname?Good,good,good,good Name,name,name,nameGood,good,good Whatwashisname?

Whatwashisname(Dantakesthemusicbox,throwsit,andbreaksitjustasNatalieenters.)NATALIE:(spoken)Jesus!Dad!DAN:(spoken)Natalie...(Natalierunsupstairs.)WhyStay?/APromiseDIANA:(sung)Whystay?Whystay?SosteadfastandstolidAndstoicandsolidFordayaftereverydayWhystay?Whystay?WhynotsimplygiveinAndgetonwithlivingCauseeveryoneknowsyoutriedButsomehow,somethingdiedonthewaySotellmewhyyoustayDIANAandNATALIE:Whystay?Whystay?EnduringandcopingAndhurtingandhopingFordayafterfuckingdayWhystay?Whystay?WhynotsimplyenditWe'dallcomprehendit

AndmostoftheworldWouldsayit,he'sbetteroffthatwayTobefreeandmaybesoissheDAN:(sung)ApromiseaboysaysforeverDANandHENRY:(sung)AboysayswhatevermaycomewillcomethroughAndwhocanknowhowWhenallIknownowtobetrueIsthispromisethatImadetoyouAquestionaboywonderswhetherShouldIstaytogetherthewaythattheystayForyearafteryearforloveorfeareitherwayDAN:ThatsthepromisethatImadethatdayHENRY:Here'swhatIsayDANandHENRY:TothegirlwhowasburningsobrightlyLikethelightfromOrionaboveDAN:AndstillIwillsearchforhernightlyDANandHENRY:Ifyouseeher,pleasesendhermyloveAndtheboywasaboyforallseasonsThatboyislonglosttomenowAndthemanhasforgottenhisreasonsDAN:ButthemanstillremembershisvowApromiseamansaysforeverAmansaysI'llneverregretorletyouThepromiseImadetostayandIstaytrueKnowingonedaywe'drememberthatjoyYou'drememberthatgirlI'drememberthatboytilwedoThepromiseImadeI'llmakeitbrandnewThepromisethatImadetoyouImAlive(Reprise).(Gabeenters.DianapushesDanoutoftheway.)GABE:(sung)

IammorethanmemoryIamwhatmightbeIammysteryComecloserDIANA:(spoken)Dan...GABE:(sung)ComecloserDAN:(spoken)Diana,theresnothingthere.GABE:(sung)IamoldastimeI'mforeveryoungIameverysongthatwillstayunsungI'llfindyouDIANA:(spoken)Oh,no.DAN:(spoken)Goddamnit!GABE:(sung)RemindyouDIANA:(spoken)Natalie!DAN:(spoken)Di!Comebackhere!(Natalierunsdownstairs.)GABE:(sung)UntilyounamemeYoucan'ttamemeThisisoneoldgameIcanplaysowellImalive,ImaliveIamsoaliveThemedicinefailedAndthedoctorsliedI'malive,ImaliveIamdeathdefiedImalive,soaliveNATALIE:(spoken,toHenry)Icantgotoyourdance.Ihavetotakemymomtothedoctor.HENRY:(spoken)Illdrive.NATALIE:No!

GABE:(sung)I'maliveHENRY:(spoken)Letmehelp.NATALIE:(spoken)Youcant.Justgo!Look,Illtrytocomelater,okay?(Sheleaves.Hefollowsbehindher.)HENRY:Illwaitforyou!DAN:Natalie!GABE:(sung)SoaliveI'malive(Lightsfade.LightsuponDianaandDoctorMadden.)TheBreak.DIANA:(sung)TheytoldmethatthewiringwassomehowallmisfiringAndscrewingupthesignalsinmybrainAndthentheytoldmechemistry,thejuiceandnotthecircuitryWasmixingupandmakingmeinsaneWhathappenswhentheburnhashealed,buttheskinhasnotregrown?Whathappenswhenthecast,atlast,comesoff,Andthenyoufindthebreakwasalwaysinanotherbone?MADDEN:(spoken)Relapseisverycommon,Diana.It'supsettingthatthedelusionalepisodeshavereturned,butitsnotentirelyunexpected.DIANA:(sung)TheytriedamillionmedsandTheystrappedmetotheirbedsandTheyshruggedandtoldmethat'sthewayitgoesButfinallyyouhititIaskedyoujustwhatdiditYoushruggedandsaidthatnoonereallyknowsWhathappensifthemedicinewasn'treallyincontrol?Whathappensifthecut,theburn,thebreakwasneverinmybrain,Orinmyblood,butinmysoul?Whathappensifthecut,theburn,thebreakwasneverinmybrain,Orinmyblood,butinmysoul?MakeUpYourMind/CatchMeImFalling(Reprise).MADDEN:(sung)MakeupyourmindthisisclarityClaritythatyoudidnothavebeforeThetreatmentisstrongbutlastonlysolongItsmaybeyourmind'sneedingmore

DIANA:(spoken)Let'ssaythat'snotthat.MADDEN:(spoken)TheECTispowerful.Itgaveyouyourlifeback,buttheeffectsfadeandadditionaltreatmentsarealmostalwaysneeded.DIANA:(spoken)Thatwasn'tontheform.MADDEN:(sung)Makeupyourmindthatyou'lltryagainMakeupyourmindtherearemomentsoflightButonethingsthat'ssureisthatthereisnocureButthatdoesn'tmeanwedon'tfightDIANA:(sung)CatchmeI'mfallingMADDEN:(spoken)We'llreturntothetalktherapy.DIANA:(sung)SinkingandsprawlingMADDEN:(spoken)There'smoreworktodo.DIANA:(sung)MaybeI'llletmyselffallWatchmeI'mfallingMADDEN:(spoken)WemayneedtolookatDIANA:(sung) GABE:(sung)Maybethefalling MaybethefallingIsn'tsobadafterall IsntsobadafterallMADDEN:(spoken)anewdrugregimen.Youhavetocontinuetakingmedicine.Thereareotherpromisingtreatments.DIANA:(sung) GABE:(sung)Isn'tsobadafterall MakeupyourmindtobefreeWatchmeI'mfalling MakeupyourmindtobefreeWatchmeI'mflying MakeupyourmindSomehowsurviving MakeupyourMADDEN:(spoken)Diana!Youhaveachronicillness.Likediabetesorhypertension.Ifyouleaveituntreated,itcouldbecatastrophic.DIANA:(spoken)Iunderstand.Buttherehastobeanotherway.MADDEN:(sung)Staywithme,tryagainDontwalkoutontreatmentDontlosewhatyouvewonYouvestruggledforyearsButyouveonlybegun

DIANA:(spoken,throughtears)Myfirstpsychiatristtoldmethat,accordingtothemanual,griefthatcontinuespastfourmonthsispathologicalandshouldbemedicated.Fourmonths.Forthelifeofmychildwhomakesthesedecisions?MADDEN:(spoken)Itsaguide,Diana.Nothingmore.DIANA:Yes.Nothingmore.MADDEN:(sung)StaywithmeTryagainIsmedicinemagic?YouknowthatitsnotYouknowitsnotperfectButitswhatwevegotItsallthatwevegotDIANA:(spoken)Goodbye,DoctorMadden.(Lightsfade.LightsuponNatalieandDiana.)Maybe(NexttoNormal).NATALIE:Whatdhesay?DIANA:HesaidIcoulddomoreECTorgobackonthemeds.NATALIE:Andwhatareyougonnado?DIANA:Imgoingtotakeyoutoyourdance.NATALIE:MomDIANA:Itstimeforyoutostartthinkingofyourownhappiness.NATALIE:Itsnothappiness.ItsHenry.DIANA:Youlovehim.NATALIE:Mom,youcantjustwalkoutonyourdoctor.DIANA:(sung)MaybeIvelostitatlastMaybemylastlucidmomenthaspastImdancingwithdeath,IsupposeButreally,whoknows?CouldbeImcrazytogoTheysayyoushouldstaywiththedevilyouknowButwhenlifeneedsachangeandtheonedevilwontYouflytothedevilyoudontNATALIE:(spoken)Sowhat?Yourejustgoingtowingit?

DIANA:(sung)MaybeImtiredofthegameOfcomingupshortoftherules,oftheshameAndmaybeyoufeelthatway,tooIseemeinyouAgirlfullofangerandhopeAgirlwithamotherwhojustcouldntcopeAgirlwhofeltcaughtAndthoughtnoonecouldseeButmaybeonedayshellbefreeNATALIE:(sung)ItssolovelythatyouresharingNo,really,ImallearsButwherehasallthiscaringbeenForsixteenyears?ForallthoseyearsIprayedthatyoudgoawayforgoodHalfthetimeafraidthatyoureallywouldWhenIthoughtyoumightbedyingIcriedforallwedneverbeButtherellbenomorecrying DIANA:Notforme Thingswillgetbetter,youllseeNotforme YoullseeNotforme Youllsee,youllseeNotforme YoullseeDIANA:MaybewecantbeokayButmaybeweretoughandwelltryanywayWelllivewithwhatsrealLetgoofwhatspastAndmaybeIllseeyouatlastNATALIE:(spoken)Idontbelieveyou.DIANA:(spoken)Seventeenyearsagowhenyourbrotherdiedofanintestinalobstruction,hewaseightmonthsold.Thedoctorsmissedit,andyourfatherandIdidntknowanything.Wewerekids,notmucholderthanyou.Imsosorrywenevertalkedaboutthat.Wewantedtogiveyouanormallife,butIrealizeIhavenocluewhatthatis.NATALIE:(sung)IdontneedalifethatsnormalThatswaytoofarawayButsomethingnexttonormalwouldbeokayYes,somethingnexttonormalThatsthethingIdliketotryCloseenoughtonormaltogetbyDIANA:(sung)WellgetbyNATALIE:Wellgetby

DIANA:(spoken)Okay.Now,gotoyourdance.(Theybothleave,lightsfade.LightsuponHenrywhoiswaitinganxiouslyforNatalie.Shearrives.)Hey#3/PerfectForYou(Reprise).HENRY:(sung)HeyNATALIE:(sung)HeyHENRY:YoulooklikeastarAvisioninblueNATALIE:Oh,Ido?HENRY:Andyouare!Hey,youcameNATALIE:Well,IsaidthatImightHENRY:IthoughtwewerethroughMeandyouNATALIE:NottonightHENRY:Willyourmombeokay?NATALIE:Well,shemightbesomedayHENRY:Butfornowitsallfine?NATALIE:ShesstillonmymindHENRY: NATALIE:Canyouleaveitbehind? Hey!Stay,letsseethisthingthrough Hey! AmIcrazy? ImightendupcrazyHENRY:Illbehereforyou

NATALIE:YousaythatrighthereButthengiveitayearOrtenyearsoralifeIcouldendupyourwifeSittingstaringatwallsThrowingshitdownthestairsFreakingoutatthestoreRunningnudedownthestreetBleedingoutinthebathHENRY:ShhhPerfectforyouIwillbeperfectforyouSoyoucouldgocrazyorIcouldgocrazyItstrueSometimeslifeisinsaneButcrazy,IknowIcandoCausecrazyisperfectAndfuckedupisperfectsoIwillbeperfectNATALIE:PerfectBOTH:Perfectforyou(Theykiss,takeeachothershandsandthenleavetogether.LightsfadeandthencomeuponDianawhostandsonstagewithDan.Sheholdsasuitcase.)SoAnyway.DIANA:(sung)Soanyway,ImleavingIthoughtyoudliketoknowYourefaithfulcomewhatmayButclearly,IcantstayWedbothgomadthatwaySohereIgoAndanyway,ImleavingIguessthatyoucanseeIlltrythisonmyownAlifeIveneverknownIllfacethedreadaloneButIllbefreeWithyoualwaysbesidemeTocatchmewhenIfallIdnevergettoknowthefeelofsolidgroundatallWithyoualwaysbelievingthatwecanstillcomethrough

ItmakesmefeelthefooltoknowthatitsnottrueWhatdoctorscalldysfunctionWetrytocallromanceAndtrue,itsquiteatricktotellThedancersfromthedanceButratherthanthechancetakemeIlltakethechance(Gabeenters.)IlltakeachanceonleavingItsthatorstayanddieIlovedyouonceandthoughYoulovemestillIknowitstimeformetoflyIlovedyouonceandthoughIloveyoustillIknowitstimeformetogoAndso,goodbye(Sheleaves.)IAmtheOne(Reprise).DAN:(sung)IamtheonewholovedyouIamtheonewhostayedIamtheoneandyouwalkedawayIamtheonewaitedAndnowyouactlikeyoujustdontgiveadamnLikeyouveneverknewwhoIamGABE:(sung,toDan) DAN:(sung)Iamtheonewhoknowsyou IamIamtheoneyoufeel IamIamtheonewhosalwaysbeenhere Ivealwaysbeenhere IamIamtheonewhollhearyou IamIknowyoutoldherthatImnotworthadamnButIknowyouknowwhoIamDAN:(spoken)NoGABE:(sung)IknowyouknowwhoIamDAN:(spoken)Whycantyoujustleavemealone?GABE:(sung)IknowyouknowwhoIam

DAN:(spoken)Whydidntyougowithher?GABE:(sung)CauseImholdingon DAN:(sung) LetmegoAndIwontletgo LetmegoAndIwantyoutoknow YoudontknowBOTH:(sung)IamtheonewhoheldyouIamtheonewhocriedIamtheonewhowatchedwhileyoudiedIamtheonewholovesyouItriedpretendingthatIdontgiveadamnGABE:(sung)ButyouvealwaysknownwhoIamDAN:(spoken)Gabe.Gabriel.GABE:(spoken)Hi,Dad.(Heleaves.Natalieenters.Dansitsinthedarkness.)NATALIE:Dad.Whatthehell.Whyarethelightsoff?WheresMom?DAN:Shes,uhshesNATALIE:Gone.DAN:Yes.Light/Finale.NATALIE:Oh.So,itsjustmeandyou.Fornow.DAN:Yes.(Hecries.)NATALIE:Okay.(sung)WeneedsomelightFirstofall,weneedsomelightYoucantsithereinthedarkAndallalone,itsasorrysightItsjustyouandmeWelllive,youllseeDAN:(sung)NightafternightWedsitandwaitforthemorninglightButwevewaitedfartoolongForallthatswrongtobemaderight

DIANA:(sung)DayafterdayWishingallourcaresawayTryingtofightthethingswefeelButsomehurtsneverhealSomeghostsarenevergoneButwegoonWestillgoonAndyoufindsomewaytosurviveAndyoufindoutyoudonthavetobehappyatallTobehappyyourealiveHENRY:(spoken)Doyouknowwhereshewent?Haveyouheardfromher?NATALIE:(spoken)Shesstayingwithmygrandparents.HENRY:Dotheyactuallyexist?NATALIE:Yes.HENRY:Thatsgood,right?NATALIE:Well,goinghomehasneverreallybeenasolutiontomyproblems.HENRY:Thatswhatyouhavemefor.NATALIE:Seriously?Youre,like,numberthreeonmylistofissues.HENRY:List?Youkeepalist?NATALIE:Butyouremyfavoriteproblem.HENRY:Well,thatsallIask.NATALIE:(sung)DayafterdayGivemecloudsandrainandgreyGivemepainifthatswhatsreal DAN:(sung)Itsthepricewepaytofeel PricewepaytofeelMADDEN:(sung)ThepriceofloveislossButstillwepay(DanturnstoseeNatalieandHenryatthetable.)MADDENandDAN:WeloveanywayDAN:(spoken)Iknowyoucanttellmeifyourestilltreatingher.IjustIwonderifshesokay.MADDEN:(spoken)Ithinkshesworkingonit.

DAN:Doyouthinkshellcomehome?MADDEN:Itshardtoknow.DAN:Right.MADDEN:Dan,wouldyoulikemetorecommendsomeoneforyoutotalkto?DAN:No,no.I,uhyes,Iwould.Thankyou.GABE:(sung)AndwhenthenighthasfinallygoneAndwhenweseethenewdaydawnWellwonderhowwewonderedforsolong,soblindThewastedworldwethoughtweknewThelightwillmakeitlookbrandnewSoletitNATALIE,DAN,andHENRY:(sung)LetitLetitshineShineNATALIE,DAN,HENRY,andDIANA:(sung)ShineALL:(sung)DayafterdayWe'llfindthewilltofindourwayKnowingthatthedarkestskieswillsomedayseethesunDAN:WhenourlongnightisdoneDANandNATALIE:TherewillbelightDIANA:TherewillbelightALL:TherewillbelightWhenweopenupourlivesSonsanddaughters,husbands,wivesCanfightthatfightTherewillbelightTherewillbelightTherewillbelightTherewillbelight(Lightsfade.)EndofActII.Curtain.