A ROSE BY ANY NAME - A Modern Romance
Characters

Narrator – Tells the story

Ronnie Rizo – A sensitive, passionate young man from the Rizzo family

Jenny Bello – A kind, determined young woman from the Bello family

Max – Ronnie’s funny and loyal friend

Benny – Ronnie’s calm cousin who gives good advice

Toby – A hothead relative from the Bello side

Father Larry – A wise and caring mentor

Tiana – Jenny’s gentle and supportive helper

Mr. Bello – Jenny’s strict, old-fashioned father

Mrs. Bello – Jenny’s graceful mother, proud of her family’s reputation

Mr. Rizzo – Ronnie’s serious father, caught in the family feud
Prologue
Narrator (Centre stage):
In the town of Verona, two old families—the Rizzos and the Bellos—have fought for
generations. Tonight, at a special celebration, fate brings together two young hearts:
Ronnie Rizo and Jenny Bello. Their meeting, gentle and forbidden, might change old
wounds. Welcome one and welcome all, to a modern adaptation of a romance older than
time.
Scene 1 – First encounter, sparks.
Setting: A grand hall in the Bello mansion. Warm candlelight, soft music from a small string
group, and well-dressed guests create an atmosphere of celebration.
Mr. Bello (addressing the guests):
Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we celebrate a new beginning and the bright future of
my daughter, Jenny Bello. Let us forget our old quarrels for now and enjoy this night.
(Ronnie Rizo enters noisily with his friend Max and cousin Benny. They look around with
both excitement and calm determination.)
Ronnie: Oh to be in love! I am in love with another, but she doesn’t love me back.
whatever shall I do. I wish to kill myself, what is life without love.
Max (whispering with a smile):
Ronnie, tonight feels like it might change everything. Let your heart be open. Besides,
Rochelle...she’s like last weeks soup, a thing of the past.
Benny (gently):
Remember, cousin, tonight is for new hope. Stay true to who you are, a flat-out player just
like your mentor, me! You’ll definitely meet someone new today, I’m thinking a Shanice, or
a Jazmine, or even better... a Jennifer!
(Across the hall, Jenny Bello talks with Tiana. Her kind eyes meet Ronnie’s across the
room, and an sparks fly.)
Ronnie Rizo (quietly):
Who is she? Her look is like a soft light in a dark room. I’m down bad for her bru.
(Toby approaches Jenny)
Toby: Look over there. I see some strapping young lads have arrived to add to our revelry
(Jenny glances over towards Ronnie)
(Jenny smiling brightly)
Jenny: He looks intriguing
Tiana: Yes, true, but not compared to my boyfriend, Max.
Jenny Bello (softly):
I have always wished for a love that is real and kind—a love that can heal old hurts.
(Ronnie approaches for a dance request.)
Ronnie Rizo:
I’m Ronnie Rizo. Though our names carry old grudges, I only want honesty and warmth.
Jenny Bello:
I’m Jenny Bello. Tonight, let’s set aside our past and simply be true to ourselves.
(They share a gentle, heartfelt kiss. The guests watch quietly, moved by their connection.)
Narrator (voice-over):
In that moment, the pain of the old feud faded, replaced by the promise of a new love.
(Lights transition slowly.)
Scene 1.5 – The Dance
Setting: The mood changes as soft music fills the room. Guests are drawn to the dance
floor, where couples move gracefully under soft light.
Mr. Bello: (calmly):
Let us now express our joy through dance—a chance to share beauty and hope with one
another. Please, step forward and let your hearts guide you.
(Couples begin dancing slowly and gracefully. Soon, the Conductor calls out.)
Mrs. Bello:
I now invite my daughter Jenny to come forward and showcase her dance moves.
Jenny: I’m not alone.
(Holds Ronnie’s hand to the platform.)
(Ronnie and Jenny step onto a small, raised platform. The music shifts into a gentle waltz,
soft and emotional.)
Ronnie Rizo (taking Jenny’s hand):
May I have this dance? Lets show these guys how its really done.
Jenny Bello (smiling warmly):
In your arms, I feel safe. Let this dance be a promise that our love can overcome all that
divides us. I don’t want this to ever end. Promise you will always be there for me.
(They dance slowly, their steps in perfect harmony. Their movements are soft and filled
with unspoken feelings. The room falls quiet as everyone watches.)
Mrs. Bello: I welcome everyone else, come and enjoy.
(Jenny motions to Tiana to come in with Max. Max and Tiana share a moment too.)
Benny (quietly, with admiration):
They move like poetry, each step telling a story of hope and unity.
(As the music softens, Ronnie and Jenny come closer, their eyes locked in a tender
moment.)
Jenny Bello (whispering):
In your eyes, I see a future free of pain—a future where our love can grow.
Ronnie Rizo (softly):
And in your smile, I find the strength to believe that together, we can change everything.
(They slowly leave the stage, leaving the guests filled with quiet awe.)
Narrator (voice-over):
Their dance, full of gentle passion, declared that love could rise above old hatred. For a
few shining moments, only their hearts mattered.
(Scene fades.)
Scene 2 – The Realization.
Setting: Later that evening, on a quiet rooftop overlooking the softly lit town. The sounds of
the party have faded, leaving a calm night sky filled with stars.
(Tiana and Jenny are having a conversation)
Tiana: Can you imagine that Ronnie is Rizzo!
Jenny: And how do you know that?
Tiana: My boyfriend Max just mentioned it to me.
(The conversation is shortened when Ronnie lounges.)
Jenny Bello (standing by the edge, speaking softly):
Ronnie, the memory of our dance still warms me. For a little while, it felt like we were the
only two people in the world. I also think I felt something else but well talk about that later.
(giggles softly)
(Ronnie slowly comes forward, his eyes full of earnest emotion.)
Ronnie Rizo:
Jenny, when we danced, I felt a connection that goes beyond the old anger. It is as if our
hearts spoke directly to one another.
Jenny Bello (smiling gently):
Yes, it was a true moment—a sign that even in a world full of pain, love can shine through.
But Ronnie you are a Rizzo.
Tiana: Whatever happens, you guys should stick together.
(Stepping closer, determination igniting his gaze.)
Ronnie: I’d face an army for a moment with you for our love is a fire that nothing can
extinguish. Jenny…. Just marry me and we will escape together.
Benny (softly):
Hold on to this feeling, for it is the light that will guide you both through dark times.
Ronnie Rizo (with quiet determination):
I promise, Jenny, that no old feud will ever stop our love. Let our love be the light that
guides us forward.
Jenny Bello:
And I promise to cherish our love, keeping it safe and pure, so that one day, even our
families may learn to forgive.
(They hold hands, their silhouettes clear under the starlight, as the scene slowly fades.)
Scene 3 – Secret marriage.
Setting: Father Larry’s humble coffee shop. Warm lantern light and the quiet murmur of
conversation create a peaceful atmosphere.
Father Larry (gently):
You two share a rare and precious love, you remind me of myself, Young Ronnie, of my
days in the war that is love, Hoh! the many maidens I conquered, anyways! I forget! Its all
about you two right now.—a love that might heal old wounds. I am here to help you join
your hearts, even if only in secret, so that one day your love may help end this long feud.
Jenny Bello (with quiet resolve):
Our love is born from hope, even during sorrow. If our union can bring peace, then it is a
sacred promise.
Ronnie Rizo:
I am ready to risk everything for our love—a future where our hearts are free from the
weight of old grudges.
Father Larry:
Then let us prepare for a secret ceremony, one that binds your hearts together. May this
union be a small step toward healing the pain between your families.
(Benny and Max share a supportive look as they listen, each word heavy with promise.)
Scene 4 – Fight and Toby Concusses
Setting: A quiet corridor outside the party. The mood turns tense.
(Toby, with a stern look, steps forward to confront Ronnie.)
Toby (firmly):
So it’s true you have dared to pursue my sister without my concert. What do you think you
are. Ronnie? Thief in the night?
Ronnie: I love Jenny, Toby, and it’s a love you can’t dictate.
Toby: Love? You think that gives you the right I will not let you disgrace my family!
Ronnie: Then challenge me if that’s what it takes, I’ll stand for my love no matter what.
Toby: A duel then. Let’s see if your love can defend your honor
Ronnie: You underestimate me, Toby. I’m a happily married man now! Wait…. What, I
meant to say was …….
Toby: Married? What……. Wait…… To whom?
Ronnie: I… I didn’t mean to say that! You don’t understand
Toby: You’ve wed my sister behind my back? You must pay for this Ronnie!
Max: Whoa… Whoa… Whoa Lads stop! Not like this please. There’s something else we
can do. I believe
Ronnie Rizo (quietly, with clear emotion):
I am here because I have found a love that is real—a love that I cannot ignore. My heart
tells me that this is right.
Toby (with a sneer):
Your heart’s defiance is not welcome. You upset the order that has been for generations.
(Max steps forward to defend Ronnie, but Benny moves between them calmly.)
Benny:
Let’s settle our differences with calm words, not harsh blows. We must find a way to
respect each other, even in disagreement.
Max: No way, Ronnie, Me personally ain’t no one who can tell me that.
*(Despite their efforts, harsh words are exchanged. In the ensuing struggle, Max is hurt
and falls. Ronnie’s grief and anger mix as he defends his honor and his love.)
Ronnie Rizo (voice trembling with pain and anger):
If you continue to ignore the truth of my heart, then you force my hand. I must defend what
I hold dear, no matter the cost. Besides, I’m now a happily married man.
Toby: What! You mean to say.... Your days are over, Come here!
*(The conflict grows until a messenger arrives with grave news: the local magistrate has
declared that Ronnie is now exiled from Verona. Benny speaks with steady compassion.)
Benny:
Ronnie, do not let this exile break you. This is only a setback, not the end of your true self.
(Ronnie, his face heavy with sorrow, listens to the princess as the weight of the decree
sinks in, in rising tension, Toby lashes out a punch at Ronnie and the two begin a feud, the
crowd arguing and trying to separate them, Ronnie pushes Toby and misfortune strikes,
Toby hits the nape below his head against the tough marble outlining the grand banquet
and collapses, He lies asleep. Everyone stands still and bewildered.)
Scene 4.5: Unveiling Expectations
Setting: The bustling Chapel, a hub of activity where characters often cross paths.
Jenny sits at a corner table, sipping her coffee and jotting down notes. Nana approaches,
carrying two steaming cups.
Tiana: (grinning) Guess what? I got us the special blend today. It'll make your taste buds
dance!
Jenny: (laughs) Thanks, Nana. Just what I need.
As they chat, the door swings open, and a charismatic young man enters. He scans the
room, spots Jenny, and approaches with a confident stride.
Paris: (smiling) Mind if I join you ladies?
Tiana: (raising an eyebrow) Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Smooth himself. Pull up a chair, Romeo.
Jenny: (blushing slightly) Hi, Paris. What brings you here?
Paris: Heard this place has the best coffee in town. But now I see it's got the best company
too.
Tiana: (chuckling) Flattery will get you everywhere, kid.
They all laugh, and Paris takes a seat, seamlessly integrating into the group.
Moments later, Ms. Bello, Jenny's mother, enters the Chapel with an air of excitement.
Ms. Bello: (beaming) Ah, Jenny! There you are. And I see you've already met Paris.
Jenny: (confused) Yes, we've met. Why?
Ms. Bello: (placing a hand on Paris's shoulder) Jenny, darling, Paris is the young man your
father and I have chosen for you. He's to be your future husband.
The atmosphere shifts abruptly. Jenny's smile fades, replaced by a look of shock and
anger.
Jenny: (standing up) What? Mother, how could you make such a decision without even
consulting me?
Ms. Bello: (taken aback) Jenny, it's a wonderful match. Paris comes from a good family,
and he's—
Jenny: (interrupting) I don't care about his family or his credentials. This is my life! I won't
be told who to marry.
Paris shifts uncomfortably, realizing the tension he's now a part of.
Paris: (softly) Jenny, I had no idea they hadn't spoken to you about this. I assure you, I had
no intention of—
Jenny: (cutting him off) It's not your fault, Paris. But I won't be part of some arranged
marriage like it's the 18th century.
Tiana: (trying to lighten the mood) Well, this escalated faster than a cat on a hot tin roof.
Jenny grabs her belongings, her eyes welling up with tears.
Jenny: I need some air.
She storms out of the Chapel, leaving Ms. Bello, Paris, and Nana in stunned silence.
Scene 5 – Potion Introduced
Setting: Jenny Bello’s private chamber, lit softly by candlelight. Jenny paces, her eyes
showing both sadness and determination.
Tiana (in a gentle tone over a quiet call):
Jenny, my dear, the news is heartbreaking: Toby lies forever, and Ronnie has been banned
from our city.
Jenny Bello (voice shaking but strong):
This cannot be our future—a life without Ronnie is a future I cannot accept.
(Tears fall as she takes in the sorrowful news. After a moment, she listens to a message
from Father Larry.)
Father Larry (spoken kindly):
Jenny, there is one way to bring hope back—a remedy that makes it seem as if you have
slipped into a deep sleep. This may give Ronnie a chance to return.
Jenny Bello (with firm resolve):
If it means I might be with Ronnie again, then I will do it. I refuse to let our love end like
this.
Scene 6 – The Risky Remedy
Setting: A simple, warmly lit room in Jenny’s home. The mood is quiet and filled with
anticipation.
(Jenny sits by her bed, holding a small, finely made vial. Father Larry stands nearby, his
eyes full of care.)
Father Larry:
Jenny, this potion will make you seem as if you are in a deep sleep, as if taken by fate
itself. Trust in this, and let it be a sacrifice made for your love. One day, Ronnie’s heart
may guide him back to you. You shall fake death itself and the whole world shell be in grief
at least until Ronnie returns.
Tiana: How will Ronnie even know in time.
Father: You come in and you’ll spread the word.
Tiana: I’ll tell Max.
Father: Even better.
Jenny Bello (nervously but determined):
I am scared, but I must take this chance. I long to be with Ronnie, and I will do whatever it
takes to keep our love alive.
(With a deep breath, Jenny drinks the potion. Her eyes slowly close, and the warm light
dims softly around her.)
Jenny Bello (whispering faintly):
Farewell… until we meet again, my love.
Tiana: I’ll tell Max what has happened now.
(She phones Max, and they have a heated call.)
(Max shocked, rushed to see the dead Jenny.)
(The lights dim further, leaving Jenny in peaceful sleep as gentle music plays.)
Scene 7: A Tragic Turn
Setting: The dimly lit interior of The Intersection Of The Houses. Shadows loom large,
reflecting the turmoil within.
Max bursts through the entrance, breathless and visibly distressed. He scans the room
until his eyes lock onto Ronnie, who stands alone, lost in thought.
Max: (voice shaking) Ronnie... it's Jenny. She's... she's gone.
Ronnie's face contorts in disbelief.
Ronnie: (stepping forward) What do you mean, gone? Max, this isn't the time for jokes.
Max: (tears welling up) I wish it were a joke, Ronnie. Jenny's dead.
The weight of the words hits Ronnie like a freight train. He staggers back, grappling with
the reality.
Ronnie: (voice breaking) No... no, this can't be. She was just here. We had plans. We...
Overcome with grief, Ronnie reaches into his coat and pulls out a dagger, its blade glinting
ominously in the low light.
Max: (alarmed) Ronnie, what are you doing?
Ronnie: (tears streaming) If Jenny's gone, what's the point? I can't go on without her.
Ronnie raises the dagger toward his chest. Max lunges forward, grabbing his arm just in
time.
Max: (struggling) Don't do this, Ronnie! Jenny wouldn't want this!
The two grapple, emotions spilling over. Fists fly, and harsh words are exchanged.
Ronnie: (angrily) You don't understand, Max! She was my everything!
Max: (desperately) And you're mine, Ronnie! I can't lose you too!
The fight intensifies, both men battling their grief and each other. Eventually, Ronnie gains
the upper hand, pinning Max against a wall.
Ronnie: (breathing heavily) Let me go, Max.
Max: (pleading) Think about Jenny. Think about what she'd say if she saw you like this.
Ronnie hesitates, the dagger trembling in his hand. Memories of Jenny flood his mind—
her laughter, her kindness, her love.
Ronnie: (whispering) She'd tell me to live.
He loosens his grip, allowing Max to take the dagger from him. Max, relieved, sets the
weapon aside and embraces Ronnie.
Max: (softly) We'll get through this together.
Ronnie nods, seemingly comforted. Max releases him and turns to retrieve something from
his bag.
In a swift, unexpected motion, Ronnie snatches the dagger from where Max placed it.
Before Max can react, Ronnie plunges the blade into his own chest, gasping as he
collapses to the floor.
Max: (horrified) No! Ronnie!
Max drops to his knees, trying to stem the bleeding, but it's too late. Ronnie's eyes glaze
over as his life fades away.
The door bursts open. Jenny, Nana, and Father Larry rush in, breathless and wide-eyed.
Jenny: (shocked) Oh my God! Ronnie!
She runs to his side, tears streaming down her face.
Tiana: (voice trembling) We came as soon as we heard... but we were misinformed.
Jenny's alive.
Father Larry: (solemnly) Dear Lord, have mercy on his soul.
Max looks up, anguish etched deeply into his features.
Max: (whispering) He thought you were dead, Jenny. He couldn't bear it.
Jenny sobs uncontrollably, realizing the tragic misunderstanding that led to Ronnie's
demise.
Overcome with grief and guilt, Jenny notices the dagger still clutched in Ronnie's hand. In
a trance-like state, she takes the weapon.
Tiana: (alarmed) Jenny, no!
Before anyone can intervene, Jenny plunges the dagger into her own heart, collapsing
beside Ronnie.
Father Larry: (crossing himself) Dear Lord...
Max, Tiana, and Father Larry stand in stunned silence, the weight of the tragedy pressing
heavily upon them.
Scene 8 – The Aftermath
Narrator: Intersection of the Houses is now a quiet memorial. Members of both families
gather in sorrow, their hearts heavy with regret.
Princess: Guys, look what has happened, you’re meant to be the ones everyone looks up
to. Now everything’s gone to shit. Change is needed, change now!
Mrs. Bello (voice breaking with sorrow):
Truly, our old feud has taken too many lives. Look at what our hatred has done—our dear
Jenny Bello is lost forever.
(Mrs. Bello steps forward gracefully, her eyes filled with both pride and grief.)
Mrs. Rizzo:
This tragedy is not just about lost love, but also a loss of honour. I always believed our
family name was our greatest treasure. Now, I see that pride and anger have cost us
everything. Let this sorrow remind us that no reputation is worth the loss of love.
Mr. Bello: Right you are! Our children are now gone forever, and this is a sign to stop this
foolish quarrel of our ancestry.
Mr. Rizzo (sadly):
Ronnie Rizo was a beacon of hope—a light meant to bring our divided families together. In
his absence, we must learn to let go of our hate and cherish the love that once united
us.Before all this crap . Before the war.
Mrs. Bello: Agreed to new beginnings there.
(Both families stand in a long, quiet silence. Benny steps forward, his voice gentle but
clear.)
Benny:
Let us honour their memory by working toward a future where love wins over hate—a
future inspired by the love of Ronnie and Jenny.
Narrator (stepping forward in the soft light):
In that quiet, painful night, the love of Ronnie Rizo and Jenny Bello shone brighter than the
old feud that tried to keep them apart. Their tragic story teaches us that hatred comes with
a terrible cost, while true love can bring hope for tomorrow.
(Lights slowly dim as members of both families join hands, united in their grief and a
shared promise for peace.)
Narrator (final words):
May this story serve as a lasting lesson—that even in our darkest moments, love can light
the way and heal the wounds of the past.
(Curtain falls.)
A LA FINI!