Nathan Colby
Play writing
TR 1:30
The Store
Characters:
Mother
Michael
Susan - a sales clerk
Joan - a sales clerk
clothing
every day
throughout
where the cash
(At rise we find the interior of an upscale
store. The decor is contemporary in an
fashion. Clothes are cleverly displayed
the stage. There is a fancy counter
registers sit. There are two or
three doors that
serve as changing rooms. Near
the counter is a
square belt rack that is full with
belts hanging right
to the floor. Also near the counter
is a children's
rug which frames
is shopping,
playing on the
play area. It has a loud yet adult
a few simple toys. The MOTHER
looking through a rack. Her SON is
floor at her feet with an action
figure. SUSAN is at
the counter while JOAN is
in the store room. The
upstage door that is
pile of empty
store room is through an
blocked off by a large, disorderly
boxes.)
Michael
Come on mom.
Mother
I won=t be much longer.
Michael
I wanna go.
Mother
I know - soon honey, soon.
Michael
This place is so boring.
Mother
Just be good for Mommy for a few more minutes and then we can go somewhere you like.
Boy
You promise?
Mother
Yes, I promise.
Michael
OK, but make it fast.
Mother
Michael! That doesn=t sound like something a good boy would say.
trying to
another near
(The BOY is rendered speechless. He sits
be good while the MOTHER moves to
by rack. Once she has finished looking
through it
she goes to one where she is out of view
of her son.)
Mother
Come here Michael.
Michael
Is it time to go?
Mother
No, not yet, but you need to stay where I can see you.
Michael
But I didn=t go anywhere.
Mother
I know, just stay at my side and be a good boy for Mommy. OK?
while
(The BOY goes back to playing with his figure
standing next to his mom who is continuing
shopping. After a moment he tugs on her clothes.)
Michael
Mommy are you almost done yet?
Mother
Almost, just a little longer.
Michael
I wanna go now.
Mother
I know, just play with your toy.
Michael
But I=m sick of Spider man. He=s stupid.
Mother
Michael. Don=t use that word.
Michael
But he is.
Mother
Michael. The more you distract Mommy the longer this will take.
(Michael throws down his figurine.)
Mother
Michael pick up your doll or you will loose it.
it
been
(Michael is clearly annoyed by his mother calling
a doll. He picks it up and puts it in his pocket.
Then he falls to the ground pretending he has
shot.)
Mother
Don=t lay on the floor honey. You don=t know how dirty it is.
(Michael sits up, ties his shoes together and
stands
up. He then proceeds to hop around in a
small
circle. Eventually he trips and falls into a rack
of
clothes.)
Mother
Michael Brandon! You are pushing it mister. If you keep this up you wont get any desert
tonight.
Michael
But Mom Mother
Not another word young man!
(MICHAEL is silent but trips as he is trying to
sit.
His MOTHER gives him a stern look and then
continues shopping. MICHAEL starts to untie his
shoes.)
Susan
(Having noticed the situation)
Excuse me ma'am. Maybe I could be of help. We have a wonderful area right over there
where your son could sit and play.
Michael
Oh can I mom? Can I?
Mother
No. Thank you, but I think it=s best if he stays by my side.
Michael
But Mom!
Susan
You could see him from most of the store.
Michael
Please? Please?
Mother
I don=t know.
Michael
I=ll be good. I promise!
Mother
OK. But you can=t move. You have to stay on that rug at all times. Do you hear me?
Michael
Yes. I will. I promise.
Mother
OK. Be good. And tie your shoes.
returns to
(SUSAN escorts the BOY to the area and
her work.
Boy
Wow, cool!
Mother
Did you hear me Michael?
(The MOTHER lets out a large sigh and
continues
shopping. The BOY is enjoying the new
toys.)
Mother
(Holding up a piece of clothing)
Michael, what do you think of this.
Boy
(Not looking up from his toys)
It=s pretty.
Mother
Excuse me miss. Do you have this in a nine?
Susan
(Crossing to MOTHER)
Let me see. Which is that. (Checks label) Hold on, let me check for you. (Susan
crosses over to the door of the store room. She doesn=t want to navigate the large pile
of boxes blocking the door so she yells off stage.) Joan?
Joan
(from off stage)
Yes?
Susan
Can you check to see if we have any more of the red silk blazers from the Delphi line.
Joan
Sure. Any particular size?
Susan
Yes, (turning back to MOTHER) what size was that?
Mother
Nine.
Susan
Nine.
Joan
OK. I=ll check.
Susan
OK. (to MOTHER) It will just be a moment.
Mother
(Dumbfounded by this unprofessional transaction)
Thank you.
(Susan returns to the counter, a moment
passes.)
Joan
(from off stage)
Susan? (pause) Susan. (pause) Susan!
Mother
(to SUSAN)
Miss.
Susan
Yes?
Mother
(pointing to door)
Your friend.
(SUSAN glances over to the door to find JOAN
standing in the doorway.)
Joan
No.
Susan
Oh sorry Ma=am, we don=t have any left. I can see if I could special order it for you.
(SUSAN begins to walk towards the store
room.)
Mother
(Stopping her dead)
No, that=s quite all right. Thank you.
Susan
OK. If there=s anything else you need please don=t hesitate to ask.
Mother
Thanks.
Susan
That's my job.
(SUSAN returns to the counter area. MOTHER
continues to look through the racks .)
Mother
(crossing to the play area)
Come here son. I just need to try these few things on and then we can leave.
Michael
Can=t I stay here?
Mother
No. I need your help. I need you to tell me if I look pretty in these things.
Michael
I don=t want to.
Mother
Come here.
Michael
No.
Mother
Michael!
Michael
No, I don=t want to go.
Susan
I can keep an eye on him. You can just let him play if it would be easier.
Mother
Well, that=s very kind, but I don=t want to trouble you.
Susan
Oh it=s no trouble.
Mother
(checking watch, uncertain)
It is getting late. Maybe that would be best. OK. Michael, you can stay here and play,
but be a good boy.
Michael
I will Mommy.
Susan
Let me open up a dressing room for you.
Mother
Thank you.
(They cross to the dressing rooms and SUSAN
unlocks the door. The MOTHER goes inside and
closes the door. SUSAN returns to the counter and
glances over to the BOY. He is happily playing.
She pulls out a magazine and begins to read.)
Joan
(Coming from the back room and leaving the boxes all over.)
Did that woman leave?
Susan
No. She=s still in the dressing room.
Joan
Oh OK. Is it all right if I take my break now?
Susan
Yeah. I=ll be fine.
Joan
Thanks. I=m goin= over to CVS to get a diet Coke. Do you want anything?
Susan
No thanks.
Joan
OK. I=ll be back.
Susan
Take your time. It=s always such a pain to cross the road.
Joan
I know. I thought they were going to put a light in after that kid got hit last year.
Susan
No. That would be too sensible.
Joan
Yeah.
Susan
Have fun!
Joan
Thanks.
(JOAN exits the store and a door chime rings.
SUSAN gets focused on her magazine. During the
last bit the BOY is becoming disenchanted
with the few new toys and starts to look for other
ways to amuse himself. After a moment Joan
reappears.)
Joan
Forgot my money.
her
(JOAN crosses into the back room. Retrieves
wallet and then reappears.)
Susan
Are you sure you=ve got everything this time?
Joan
Yes, I=m positive. You still don=t want anything?
Susan
No. I=m OK. I=ve got some water out back. But thanks.
Joan
OK. I=ll be back.
(JOAN once again leaves the store and SUSAN
becomes fully engrossed in her magazine. The BOY
is now completely fed up with waiting and is
desperately looking for something to do. Soon he
decides he is going to play a trick on his MOTHER
and hides in the rack of belts. The MOTHER exits
the dressing room. SUSAN quickly hides the
magazine and rushes over to help the MOTHER.)
Susan
So did you decide on either of these today?
Mother
Yes. I=m gonna take this one and leave this.
Susan
Very good. Let me just take those from you and then I can ring you up.
(SUSAN takes all of the clothes. She hangs the
reject somewhere near the dressing rooms to put
away later and follows the MOTHER to the
counter.)
Mother
Michael? (silence) Where is my son?
Susan
What do you mean he=s right over on the - (now seeing the rug) Oh dear.
Mother
Michael?
Susan
He must have just wondered off while I was over helping you.
Mother
Michael Brandon, where are you? Come out this minute.
Susan
I=m sure he=s in the store somewhere.
Mother
Michael, answer me! This isn=t funny.
Susan
He=s probably just playing hide and seek.
Mother
Well then start seeking!
Susan
Right. Michael? Where are you?
counter.)
(Mother crosses around to look behind the
Susan
Oh Ma=am! I=m sorry, you can=t go back there.
Mother
Excuse me?
Susan
We can only allow employees behind the desk.
Mother
Oh.
(continuing to cross behind the counter)
Susan
Ma=am, I can=t let you back there. I could loose my job.
Mother
You lost my son. I can go wherever I damn well please.
Susan
That=s not fairMother
Would you just shut up and help me find him. My child is missing.
Susan
Oh my god! A missing child.
a
(SUSAN runs to behind the desk and takes out
large manual.)
Mother
What is that?
Susan
It=s the protocol.
Mother
What?
Susan
This tells me how to handle any important situation. Now lets see. Maybe it=s under
children.
Mother
Oh my God! Michael?
Susan
Here it is! Children: uncontrolled, thievery, messes, unattended? Missing! Page 153.
Mother
Are you hiding somewhere in the store? Why would you hide from Mommy?
Susan
(Finding page)
One... Fifty... Three. Here we go. AMissing children. Step one. Stay calm.@ (She
takes a moment) AStep two. Call out child's name.@
his
(Susan pauses because she doesn=t remember
name.)
Mother
Michael?
Susan
Michael? Where are you Michael? This isn=t funny Michael. I could loose my job!
(MOTHER gives SUSAN a dirty look.)
Mother
This is so unlike him. Where could he be? Why weren=t you watching him?
Susan
I was, I just Mother
Then why don=t you know where he is?
Susan
I=m sure he=s near by. I was right at the desk the whole time. I would have seen if he
went too far. We=ll find him.
Mother
Of course I=ll find him.
Susan
(Returning to her book.)
AStep three. Lock all doors to the outside and keep everyone inside.@ Huh, good idea.
Mother
(Having overheard SUSAN)
Oh my God! What if he went outside!
SUSAN
(MOTHER runs to the door to look outside.
runs and cuts her off.)
Susan
I=m sorry Ma=am but I can=t let you outside.
Mother
What?
Susan
It=s protocol. I have to lock the door.
Mother
My son could be out there.
Susan
That=s very unlikely.
Mother
How can you be positive?
Susan
We would have heard him if he left the store. There=s a bell. (She demonstrates) See.
Mother
Oh. (relieved) Wait. I heard that bell when I was in the dressing room. It must have
gone off four or five times. Oh my God! Michael!
(MOTHER barrels through SUSAN and gets
outside. SUSAN never steps out of the store.)
Susan
Ma=am please step inside the store.
Mother
But I heard the bell. Michael! Michael! Has anyone seen a young boy?
Susan
Of course you did. That was just Joan leaving for her break.
Mother
Who=s Joan?
Susan
She works with me.
Mother
Well where was she before?
Susan
She was working in the stock room.
Mother
So where is she now. Anyone? He is about this tall with short brown hair. No?
Susan
I told you she is on her break. She went across the street to CVS.
Mother
And she is the only else who came in or out of the store?
Susan
Yes.
Mother
Well then how come the bell went off so many times?
Susan
It was all Joan.
Mother
Was she confused as to if it was a good idea to leave you in charge of the store?
Susan
No. Thank you very much! She forgot her wallet and had to come back for it.
Mother
A likely story. I overheard you talking with someone about how treacherous this road is.
Susan
Yes, Joan.
Mother
Yes. And now my baby is out on it. He could be killed. Is there anyone who can help
me? I need to find my son!
Susan
Ma=am. I need you to step inside the store before you make a scene.
Mother
I can make a scene if I please. And right now it seems like that is the only way I will find
my son alive!
Susan
I assure you, your son is in the store. We would have known if he left. The only person
who came in or out was Joan!
Mother
Michael? Michael where are you?
Susan
Ma=am if you don=t come back in the store I will have to lock you out. Your son must be
in the store somewhere and I can=t let him get out.
Mother
(She enters defeated)
For your sake I hope you=re right and I hope we find him soon.
Susan
There=s no need to be angry.
Mother
I have every right to be angry.
Susan
It wont help us find him.
Mother
Would you just help me! I=ll check the changing rooms.
(MOTHER goes over to the dressing rooms.
SUSAN returns to her book.)
Susan
Step four. ACall out code Adam over the intercom to inform other employees of the
missing child. If an intercom does not exist be sure all other employees are informed of
the situation.@
Mother
Michael, I mean it come out here right now!
Susan
(Yelling) Attention, Attention, code Adam, code Adam, Attention Mother
What the hell are you doing?
Susan
I am informing other employees that your son is missing.
Mother
There are other people here?
Susan
(After a moment)
No.
Mother
This is ridiculous. He has never done anything like this. Why would he just disappear like
this?
Susan
(Getting annoyed.)
Do you really want to know?
Mother
(intentionally ignoring SUSAN.)
Where else could he be?
Susan
I don=t know. (SUSAN returns to her book for the answer.) Step five. AReassure
customer that everything will be fine.@ (Beat) Don=t worry we=ll find him. Little boys get
lost all the time!
Mother
(Stunned by SUSAN)
Christ! Where haven=t we looked?
Susan
Well, I haven=t looked - (She starts hunting around the room looking for places she
hasn=t looked. She is mumbling no every time she spots a place. Then realizes it would
be easier to count the places she has looked.) Well, I have looked - (Pause)
Mother
What=s that?
crosses
(MOTHER sees the large pile of boxes. She
to it and starts looking through them -
throwing
them out of her way as she peels
them back.)
Susan
Ma=am.
Mother
Michael? Michael?
Susan
Ma=am. Please calm down. You are going to hurt someone. Ma=am!
Mother
What=s on the other side of this door?
(She continues going through the boxes.)
Susan
That=s just our store room.
Mother
What=s back there?
Susan
Just boxes of extra merchandise.
Mother
Great more boxes. What if he went back there?
Susan
Oh I don=t think he would have. Our other employee was back there.
Mother
This mysterious Joan?
Susan
Yes.
Mother
You said she went for her break?
Susan
Yes, she was back there but now she isn=t. She is on her break, at CVS.
(MOTHER busts through the door.)
Mother
Michael! Michael!
Susan
Ma=am, you can=t be back there!
Mother
(from off stage)
Michael. Please come to Mommy! You=re making me very worried.
Susan
Ma=am please. I don=t think you understand the importance of this. I could loose my
job!
Mother
(Poking her head out of door.)
You=re the one that doesn=t understand the importance here. You=re going to loose your
job no matter what. So why don=t you just march yourself over to your little book and see
what it says about giving me a little help here.
(MOTHER retreats back into the back room.)
Susan
But you can=t be back there. Company protocol says that I can not allow anyone behind
the desk or in the Mother
(Back at the door.)
Fuck your Protocol! My son is missing.
(MOTHER disappears again.)
Susan
Well I - (Trying to hold it together) Madam we will find your son, but only if we think
about this calmly and coolly and follow the protocol. When Joan gets back she can help
us look and we will find him.
Mother
(From off stage)
That=s it. (Coming back on stage) My son is missing in this piss ass store. You
haven=t done a damn bit of good to help me find him and this mysterious Joan person is
no where to be found. For all I know she has taken my son and is never coming back.
She=ll sell him on the black market to some sweat shop or whatever the hell those people
do with children.
Susan
No. That doesn=t seem like Joan at all.
Mother
I want you to call the cops.
Susan
Excuse me?
Mother
Right now! Call the police!
Susan
I=m not sure if that=s such a good idea. I mean Mother
Fine, I=ll call them!
(MOTHER crosses to counter)
Susan
Ma=am! Mother
Don=t worry, I=ll stay on this side of the counter.
Susan
But -
her.
phone.
(Susan realizes it is futile for her to try to stop
Mother reaches the counter and picks up the
She starts to dial when suddenly she is
bumped by
some belts. She looks at the belts and
hangs up the
phone.)
Mother
Michael?
belts
the
(She doesn=t get a response. She pushes the
out of the way so she can see into the middle of
rack.)
Michael
Hi Mommy!
Mother
(She hugs him)
Oh my God Michael, I love you so much! Thank God you=re all right. I was at my wits
end. You don=t know what Mommy was going through. Don=t ever run away from
Mommy again. Why would you ever do such a thing?
Michael
But Mommy, I didn=t run away. I was just playing a trick on you!
Mother
You were just playing a trick on me? It wasn't funny. You took ten years off my life!
Michael
I was just trying to have fun! I was so bored.
Mother
Excuse me? You nearly killed me so you could have some fun because you were bored?
Michael
I=m sorry Mommy. I didn=t mean to. I wont do it again.
Mother
That=s right you wont do it again and I=ll see to it! You are in so much trouble. Your
grounded for two weeks. No TV, friends Boy
But mom I was just trying to Mother
Back talk? After all that? That=s it. Were leaving - we=ll discuss this in the car.
Boy
You said we could go someplace fun next.
Mother
No! You lost your chance. Let=s go.
(She exits empty handed dragging the boy.)
Susan
(Holding the clothes from before)
What about this one?
(Blackout)