SYNOPSIS: When Danny drops in on his girlfriend Carnie he comes face to face with his own failures in this short drama on absentee fathers.
CAST: Danny, Carnie.
PROPS: Sound effects of baby crying - other props as desired. Setting is cramped living room - props can be simple or elaborate.
SCRIPT
CARNIE: So when you coming home, Danny?
DANNY: Home? This ain’t my home.
CARNIE: It is when it’s convenient for you.
DANNY: (Smiles and tries to hug Carnie) That’s ‘cause you’re my Sweetness.
CARNIE: (Rebuffs him) No more, Danny - do you hear me?
DANNY: What’s wrong, Baby? Why you acting like this?
CARNIE: (Angry - emotional) Look, I let you get into my head - now I’m a mama, taking care of our baby and the only time you come back is when you’re hungry.
DANNY: Least I come back.
CARNIE: For what? You have never even asked about Anthony.
DANNY: (Still trying to be smooth) That’s cause I’m here to see his mama.
CARNIE: That’s the point, Danny. I’m the mama - but what are you? (Pause as Danny tries to come up with something to say). You’re just the guy that got me pregnant. You come back for the sunshine but leave when clouds start rolling in.
DANNY: (Smiles) Look, I know what this is - this is that post pardom thing, right? You’re just upset, Baby. I’ll come back some other time. (Sound effects of baby crying throughout the end of the script - Carnie looks off stage)
DANNY: (Smile fades quickly) Yeah, I gotta go. I’ll call you some time.
CARNIE: (Starts to cry) Danny, Anthony needs you.
DANNY: Why, Baby. He’s got a mama. (Pause - suddenly melancholy) That’s all I had. Did I turn out so bad? (Walks off stage)
CARNIE: (Begins weeping as she walks off the opposite side of the stage) Don’t cry, Baby - Mama’s coming.
Copyright 2005 Benjamin J. Stephens
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I feel your script is good! I've read that some writers are decent at script and others are really terrible. I enjoyed your conversation between Danny and Carnie. I could picture them in my mind and felt sad that the cycle was continuing and the baby was thus far growing up without his/her father. Thank you for sharing your work. Best wishes.
