Moral Values

Inspired by Emilie Autumn's "Marry Me" song; written for a school project.

:::COVER LETTER:::
NOTES: (1) I'm assuming that the Demon and Angel parts are being played by females while writing this, so if the actors are male for those parts then they'll need to individually change the names in the script to the male ones provided. (2) In Scene 2, Elvira "grows up" and therefore needs to either have the illusion that she's younger by changing costume or you'll need 2 more actresses, one a young girl and the other in between the age range of the youngest girl and the main Elvira actress, both to come on briefly in the beginning. (3) If necessary, shorting the songs in play is the preferable option when looking to shorten the run time, rather than cutting scenes/dialogue.  How this is done is at the director's discretion. (4) This play is written so that it could be a full-length play, though there are specific parts in it that are specified for removal [with a red R for "removable"] so that it can be made into a One Act if preferred.

:::CAST - ACTOR-/ACTRESS-ONLY NOTES:::

--KEY--
Character's Role [Character's Gender]: Character's Name
Mini-description of the character's personality.  Use this knowledge throughout the play to make the characters seem more real.
--KEY--
Lead Role [Female]: Elvira
Awkward.  She doesn't know exactly where she's going in life.
Main Supporting [Male]: Silas
Fake.  Sweet on the outside but extremely sadistic.
Main Supporting [Male]: Ezekiel
Shy.  Sweet and kind when he wants to be, otherwise he doesn't talk much if at all.
Demon [Female]: Orpha [or Asa if the actor is male]
Sarcastic. A little cruel but overall just crazy
Angel [Female]: Zylphia [or Lafayette if the actor is male]
Polite.  She tends to be calm, cool, and collected at nearly all times.
Father [Male]: N/A
Higher Being [Male]: God -- can be double cast [CDC]
Higher Being [Male]: Lucifer -- CDC
Doctor [Either Sex]: N/A -- CDC

:::MORAL VALUES:::

SCENE ONE:
--Starts off with stage split through the middle.  On the left half is Hell, and the right half Heaven.  ORPHA [Hell] and ZYLPHIA [Heaven] are both at center stage looking offstage as a 2 booming voices, LUCIFER and GOD, speak to them through mics off-stage.--

LUCIFER and GOD: [simultaneously] I have a task for you.
ORPHA and ZYLPHIA: [simultaneously] Yes, my lord?
LUCIFER: Today a baby was born on Earth...but not just any baby.  This baby is extremely special.
GOD: This baby girl was born under extremely rare circumstances, and is destined to have an extreme influence on the entirety of Earth.
ORPHA and ZYLPHIA: [simultaneously] I don't understand, sir.
LUCIFER: [angrily] Do not interrupt!
ORPHA: Pardon my rudeness, sire.
GOD: Please let me continue...
ZYLPHIA: Of course, sir.
LUCIFER and GOD: [simultaneously] Her name is Elvira.
GOD: The Fates have put together this child's life so that no matter what she does, it will have a large impact on the world.
LUCIFER: If this girl grows up to be cruel and heartless, that will reflect on society just the same as if she grows up sweet and kind.
LUCIFER and GOD: [simultaneously] I want you to be her guardian.
GOD: We cannot risk Lucifer's ways reining supreme on Earth and destroying society.
LUCIFER: We cannot let that fool who dares call himself God continue to hold his title on Earth...now is our chance to change the world.
LUCIFER and GOD: [simultaneously] Do you understand what I'm asking you to do?
ORPHA and ZYLPHIA: [simultaneously] Yes.
LUCIFER: Then go!  And do not disappoint me, my child.
GOD: Move swiftly, and I wish you well on your mission.
--END SCENE--

R SCENE TWO:
--Scene has changing background; starts in a park.  A very young ELVIRA [approx. 12-14 years old] enters through stage left--
[Song 1: "Thank God I'm Pretty" begins]

ELVIRA: [sings] Thank God I'm pretty
The occasional free drink I never asked for
The occasional admission to a seedy little bar
Invitation to a stranger's car
I'm blessed
With the ability to rend a grown man tongue-tied
Which only means that when it's dark outside
I have to run and hide can't look behind me
Thank God I'm pretty

--Young ELVIRA exits stage right and a slightly older ELVIRA [15-17] enters through stage left.  Background changes to a school during this process--

ELVIRA: [sings] Thank God I'm pretty
Every skill I ever have will be in question
Every ill that I must suffer merely brought on by myself
Though the cops would come for someone else
I'm blessed
I'm truly privileged to look this good without clothes on
Which only means that when I sing you're jerking off
And when I'm gone you won't remember
Thank God I'm pretty

--Teenage ELVIRA exits stage right and a slightly older ELVIRA [20-22] enters through stage left.  Background changes to a library or study during this process--

Thank you God
Oh, lord
Thank you God
Oh, oh and when a gaggle of faces appears around me
It's lucky I hate to be taken seriously
I think my ego would fall right through the cracks in the floor
If I couldn't count on men to slap my a*s anymore
I know my destiny's such, that I'm all stocking and curl
So everybody thinks that I'm a f*****g suicide girl

Thank you God
For the occasional champagne I never asked for
The occasional admission to a seedy little bar
Invitation to a stranger's car
I'm blessed
With the ability to rend a grown man tongue-tied
Which only means that when it's dark outside
I have to run and hide can't look behind me
Thank God I'm pretty

Thank God
Thank God
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you God!
[End of "Thank God I'm Pretty"]
--END SCENE--

SCENE THREE:
--Takes place in ELVIRA's bedroom.  ELVIRA is sitting at her vanity brushing her hair when FATHER enters stage right--

FATHER: Elvira, it's nearing dinner time.  Please come down stairs.
ELVIRA: I'm not hungry.
FATHER: Please, Elvira, you need to eat.
ELVIRA: I said I'm not hungry.
FATHER: Dear, we have guests!  You can't just skip out on dinner like this when we have company over, it's so rude.
ELVIRA: [frustrated] You invited over company without telling me and so I ate early, assuming I wouldn't need dinner.
FATHER: I still expect you downstairs.
ELVIRA: But father--
FATHER: [interrupts] Just eat lightly.  Be downstairs in half an hour.

--FATHER exits stage right--

ELVIRA: --she sighs-- [frustrated] How could he invite people over without telling me?  I already ate.  They're going to think I'm starving myself, or at least something ridiculous along those lines... I suppose I should get dressed.

ORPHA: [from off-stage] You're not supposed to be here!
ZYLPHIA: [from off-stage] This was my job, not yours.
ORPHA: [from off-stage] Get the hell outta here, bird-brain!
ZYLPHIA: [from off-stage] I must complete my task, first.

--ORPHA and ZYLPHIA enter through stage left bickering mindlessly--

ELVIRA: [scared; surprised] What in the--!?  Wha-what are you!?

--ORPHA and ZYLPHIA stop and look at ELVIRA then back at each other--

ORPHA: She's seen us both...damnit, it's too late for either of us to turn back now!
ZYLPHIA: Oh no...this is only going to make things all the more difficult.
ELVIRA: [in a panic] What's going on!? How did you get in here!?
ZYLPHIA: [attempting to sooth her] It's alright, calm down.  I am Zylphia, an angel sent to guard you from the negativity of this vile planet.
ORPHA: [sarcastic] Because that's the truth...
ZYLPHIA: Hush.  I'm at least making some attempt to make sense of things.
ORPHA: Whatever... That's not what we need to do right now.  We need to figure out what we're going to do about our little situation.
ZYLPHIA: We don't need to figure anything out.  I was sent to protect Elvira from all things negative, and if that includes you then so be it.
ORPHA: Are you implying that you could beat me?
ZYLPHIA: Are you implying that I'm doing this as if it were a game?

--ORPHA chuckles and crosses her arms--

ORPHA: It easily can be.  If you're so sure you can do your job better than I, I will happily play along.
ZYLPHIA: Think of this as you wish, but a mission is still a mission and must be completed no matter what you call it.
ORPHA: Then it's a deal?
ZYLPHIA: I suppose so...

--ORPHA and ZYLPHIA shake on their deal--

ELVIRA: [scared but angry] Am I just a menial observer to you two!?  What is going on!?  Who--...WHAT are you!?
ORPHA: I am Orpha, closest succubus to Lucifer after his lover.
ZYLPHIA: And I'm Zylphia, God's chosen angel.
ORPHA and ZYLPHIA: [simultaneously] We're your guardians.
ELVIRA: Guardians?
ZYLPHIA: Yes.  We've both been sent on a mission from our lords to keep you safe from the opposing side's lord...though neither of us expected to meet like this.
ELVIRA: I am just not understanding.

[Song 2: "Faces Like Mine" begins]
ORPHA: [sings] You say you're curious
Can't leave a thing to your imagination
I wish you'd close your eyes
But oh you seem so serious
I should enjoy the sweet interrogation
You start to hypnotize me
I should not be telling you
I'm flattered by your interest
Who am I talking to
Could be the demon with a mask
Why should I trust in you?
I don't feel safe
I never did
But what else can I do
But what you ask?

Think of your darkest night
Think of your soul alone
If you can bear the sight
Think of the love you've never known
Yes, it's unusual
To live your life this way
All I can say
Maybe that's why you don't see
Faces like mine every day

ZYLPHIA: [sings] You'd like to stir it up
Just like a sad, forgot until remember
I didn't ask for this
But still you hold me in your gaze
And from my lips
The moments I have captured
Still I'm in reminiscence
From a place you'll never know
I find the strength to tell you things I hardly ever show
My mirror holds your severed tongue
But in your amber eyes
I see the the questions never end
I never could disguise
So why pretend?

Think of your darkest night
Think of your soul alone
If you can bear the sight
Think of the love you've never known
Yes, it's unusual
To live your life this way
All I can say
Maybe that's why you don't see
Faces like mine every day

ELVIRA: [sings] Who will forget me?
No one knows I've done wrong
Won't you believe me?
'Cause I won't last that long
No, I
I wanna be quiet now
All alone
Back to my shadow
I'm gonna hide behind
The trouble in my mind

You say you'll stay around
You've finally found the answer to my story
Congratulations, love
So go ahead, decipher me
And solve the puzzle if you need the glory
I wish I could be of your kind
I need to be alone
To tell you how much you don't know
It isn't what I've done
But rather what I hold inside
Even if I give up
I won't be victim to your game
You're only free when you have nothing left

ORPHA and ZYLPHIA: Think of your darkest night
Think of your soul alone
If you can bear the sight
Think of the love you've never known
Yes, it's unusual
To live your life this way
All I can say
Maybe that's why you don't see
Faces like mine every day
Every day

[End of "Faces Like Mine"]
ELVIRA: This is just ridiculous...
FATHER: [from off-stage] Elvira!  You have 5 minutes!
ELVIRA: Oh s**t, dinner!  You two need to leave now!  I need to get ready!
ORPHA: Hold on there, missy.  We don't just come and go as we please.  We're your guardians, remember?
ZYLPHIA: Exactly.  We go with you everywhere you go from here on.
ELVIRA: But--
ORPHA: [interrupts] Nobody can see us but you, so quit freaking out and get ready so we can get a move on.
FATHER: [from off-stage] 2 more minutes!
ZYLPHIA: Here.

--ZYLPHIA looks in ELVIRA's closet and pulls out a white party dress and white heels and helps ELVIRA put them on.  Meanwhile, ORPHA is going through ELVIRA's vanity and pulls out a red rose clip and a red ribbon, tying the ribbon around ELVIRA's waist and putting the rose in her hair.  This all happens very quickly.--

ZYLPHIA: [cheery] There, now you look beautiful!
ELVIRA: [confused] Thank...you...?
ORPHA: No problem.  Now get downstairs before your father has a heart attack.

--ELVIRA exits stage right--
--END SCENE--

SCENE FOUR:
--Scene takes place at the dinner table.  FATHER, SILAS, and EZEKIEL are all sitting at the table when ELVIRA quickly enters from stage left, ORPHA and ZYLPHIA following close behind less frantically. ELVIRA sits down at the table and ORPHA and ZYLPHIA just stand behind her, observing--

ELVIRA: I'm apologize for being late.  It just took me a moment to get ready.  I hope you can understand.
SILAS: [sweetly] Of course we understand.  It's quite alright.
ELVIRA: Thank you.
FATHER: Silas, Ezekiel, I'd like you to meet my daughter, Elvira.  Elvira, this fine young man is Silas --FATHER gestures to SILAS-- and this young man is Ezekiel. --FATHER gestures to EZEKIEL--
SILAS: Nice to meet you, miss Elvira.
EZEKIEL: [monotone] Pleasure.
ELVIRA: Likewise.  Shall we eat?
FATHER: Yes, let's.

--Everyone begins eating and as everyone eats ORPHA and ZYLPHIA walk around the table until they get to the boys on the opposite side of ELVIRA.  ORPHA takes an interest in SILAS while ZYLPHIA takes an interest in EZEKIEL.  ELVIRA notices this, but realizes that nobody else can see ORPHA or ZYLPHIA and doesn't say a word, yet is quite distracted.--

SILAS: So, Elvira, what kinds of hobbies do you have?
ELVIRA: [distracted] Uh, well... I like to sing...
SILAS: Really?  I'd love to hear some time.
ELVIRA: [distracted] Um, sure...
SILAS: What about books?  Do you like to read?
ELVIRA: Yeah, sometimes, sure.
SILAS: Fascinating.

--SILAS slowly turns around and looks around behind him, but sees nothing and turns back around to face ELVIRA--

SILAS: May I ask what you're looking at?
ELVIRA: [snaps into focus on SILAS] Oh me?  Just the wall...um...is it just me or is there a mark on it?  I can't tell with the pattern, and it'd be a shame if there was.

--SILAS chuckles and turns to look at the wall then back at ELVIRA--

SILAS: [cheerfully] No I don't see anything.  No need to worry, Miss Elvira.
ELVIRA: [nervous] O-oh...thank you for making sure. 

--It's awkwardly quiet for a short moment--

EZEKIEL: [monotone] Tastes good.
ELVIRA: Yeah it does.  It's ______[think of a fancy, tasty meal to put here].
EZEKIEL: [monotone] Mm.
ELVIRA: You don't talk much...do you?

--EZEKIEL continues eating and doesn't even acknowledge the comment--

ELVIRA: ...I see.
--END SCENE--

R SCENE 5:
--Scene takes place in ELVIRA's bedroom.  ELVIRA, ORPHA, and ZYLPHIA walk into the room and ELVIRA lies down on the bed, frustratedly tired--

ELVIRA: That was hell...I made a complete fool out of myself.
ORPHA: Yet Silas seemed to take quite the interest in you.
ELVIRA: I suppose, but the wall thing was so fake...he kept trying to initiate conversation but I was so distracted by YOU.  I understand that it's a task from your higher ups to be here, but must you follow me EVERYWHERE?
ZYLPHIA: Well I don't know about her but... --ZYLPHIA bumps ORPHA out of the way-- ...I actually take this job personally.  You see, as an angel I tend to be quick to take a liking to someone, and I already really like you.
ELVIRA: --ELVIRA backs up a couple steps-- [creeped out] Oh?  I'm...uh...flattered?
ORPHA: --ORPHA giggles-- Zylphia, I don't think she understands our emotions since human emotions are so limited.
ELVIRA: Angels and Demons have different emotions?
ORPHA: Oh yes.  We have a wide range of emotions that you couldn't hope to ever understand because your range of emotions has been limited by our higher ups.
ZYLPHIA: That still doesn't explain it to her in the least!
ORPHA: Psh, I don't care if she understands.  All she needs to know is that we're here, we're watching over her, and that she needs to listen to me.
ZYLPHIA: You mean me.
ORPHA: I don't want to get into this! --ORPHA throws her arms up and sits on the bed in frustration--
ELVIRA: I just don't get it at all...so you're here on personal desire as well as a job?
ZYLPHIA: That's right.
ELVIRA: You just met me, practically...
ZYLPHIA: Let's see...how to put this...
[Song 3: "My Fairweather Friend" begins]

ZYLPHIA: [sings] It's a sunny day in heaven
And no one is around
To open the gates
And I'm waiting for you
My fairweather friend
Absent in the end
Absent in the end
The one thing I can count on
Is nothing much at all
The one thing that I'm sure about
Is that you won't be anywhere around me when I fall
I'd like to think I wouldn't die for you, but you know I would
'Cause that's the fool I am
And that's the rule you bend
Absent in the end
My fairweather friend

The one thing I can count on
Is nothing much at all
The one thing that I'm sure about
Is that you won't be anywhere around me when I fall
I'd like to think I wouldn't die for you, but you know I would
'Cause that's the fool I am
And that's the rule you bend
Absent in the end
My fairweather friend

My fairweather friend

It's a sunny day in heaven

It's a sunny day in heaven
And no one is around
To open the gates
And I'm waiting for you
My fairweather friend
Absent in the end
Absent in the end
The one thing I can count on
Is nothing much at all
The one thing that I'm sure about
Is that you won't be anywhere around me when I fall
I'd like to think I wouldn't die for you, but you know I would
'Cause that's the fool I am
And that's the rule you bend
Absent in the end
Love you only bend
Wounds you'll never mend
My fairweather friend

My fairweather friend
[End of "My Fairweather Friend"]

ELVIRA: You're f*****g creepy, you know that?
--END SCENE--

SCENE 6:
--ELVIRA is at the park with SILAS and EZEKIEL having lunch--

SILAS: It truly is beautiful out today, isn't it?
EZEKIEL: [monotone] Shut up. Nobody cares.
SILAS: Uh...oh.  Well I was just trying to make conversation.
EZEKIEL: [monotone] Pointless.
SILAS: At least I try to talk!
EZEKIEL: [monotone] Actions speak louder than words.
SILAS: But how can you justify one's actions without words?
EZEKIEL: [monotone] More actions. Less words.
SILAS: Are you trying to tell me you'd rather a silent world?
EZEKIEL: [monotone] No...just a world without you.
SILAS: [offended] Why--How dare you!  Elvira, darling, we're leaving. --SILAS stands and grabs ELVIRA's hand, trying to practically drag her away--
ELVIRA: Ow! Silas, you're hurting me!
SILAS: You're fine.
EZEKIEL: --EZEKIEL gets up and slaps away SILAS's hand, then getting in between SILAS and ELVIRA-- [angrily] Don't.
SILAS: What right do you have to do such a thing!?
EZEKIEL: --EZEKIEL is quiet a moment, trying to find the words to explain himself-- [monotone] I care...I care a lot.
SILAS: You care? --SILAS laughs-- That's rich!  Too bad ELVIRA is mine.
EZEKIEL: --EZEKIEL turns around and looks at ELVIRA while SILAS continues laughing-- [saddened] Is that true?
ELVIRA: Wha-what?  No I--
SILAS: [interrupts] I spoke with your father this morning.  We are to get married.
ELVIRA and EZEKIEL: [surprised yell; simultaneously] WHAT!?
--END SCENE--

SCENE 7:
--Scene is set in the library/study.  ELVIRA is sitting at the desk, drinking.  She starts off by admiring a new ring she has and laughing--
[Song 4: "Marry Me" begins]

ELVIRA: [sings] "Marry me," he said, through his rotten teeth, bad breath, and then
"Marry me instead of that strapping young goatherd," but when
I was in his bed, and my father had sold me
I knew I hadn't any choice, hushed my voice, did what any girl would do and
When I'm beheaded at least I was wedded
And when I am buried at least I was married
I'll hide my behavior with wine as my savior

But, oh, what beautiful things I'll wear
What beautiful dresses and hair
I'm lucky to share his bed
Especially since I'll soon be dead

--ELVIRA winks, gesturing at her bottle of wine, and takes a drink from her glass, rendering it empty, but continues to hold it as she stands and walks to the other side of the desk--

ELVIRA: [sings] "Marry me," he said, god, he's ugly, but fortune is ours
Running in the gardens enjoying men, women, and flowers
--ELVIRA breaks the glass on the desk--
Then I break a glass and I slit my own innermost thigh
So that I can pretend that I'm menstrual...well, unavailable
My life is arranged but this union's deranged
So I'll f**k who I choose for I've nothing to lose
And when master's displeased I'll be down on my knees again

--She bends over the desk so the audience can see her butt easily as she sings--

Oh, what beautiful things I'll wear
What beautiful dresses and hair
I'm lucky to share his bed
Especially since I'll soon be dead

--During the musical break, people come in and begin to dress ELVIRA in a wedding gown--

ELVIRA: [sings] When dining on peacock I know I won't swallow
Through balls, births, and bridge games I know what will follow
We're coupled together through hell, hurt, and hunger
Or at least until husband finds someone younger
Yes, fertilization is part of my station
I laugh as he drabs me in anticipation
Of sons who will run things when I'm under covers
But whose children are they? Why, mine and my lover's!

But, oh, what beautiful things I'll wear
What beautiful dresses and hair
I'm lucky to share his bed
Especially since I'll soon be dead
What beautiful things I'll wear
What beautiful dresses and hair
I'm lucky to share his bed
So why do I wish I was...
--ELVIRA sits at the desk and drinks, beginning to seem a lot more depressed--
--END SCENE--

R SCENE 8:
--ELVIRA is in her bedroom [ORPHA and ZYLPHIA in background] when a doctor walks in and is very silent.--
ELVIRA: My father has been getting sick a lot lately, so just tell me the sickness and give me the medication; I know what to do.
DOCTOR: I'm afraid that's not enough this time.
ELVIRA: Wait...what?
DOCTOR: Your father...he's been getting sick so often because he's going to die.  I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do.

--DOCTOR exits stage right.  ELVIRA stands there, stunned, for a moment, then falls to her knees.  She curls up and hugs her knees so that the audience can't see her face and appears to be crying, but slowly fades into a psychotic laughter--

ELVIRA: [crazed] He can't force me to get married now...!  [gets disappointed] He...he...he won't even be there for my wedding.  But he can't control my life anymore!...because he won't be in it...
[Song 8: "Mad Girl" begins]

ORPHA: [sings] Mad girl
Can you believe
What they've done to you?
Wouldn't they stop
When you asked them to leave you alone
In all your faerie tales
How did the prince say he loved you?
How did your father die?
Was he a good man?
Maybe someday you'll know

The beginning and the end
Much closer than they seem
Death is but a dream, I know
Dolls are meant to grow away
All broken and bent from petty play
My friend in this world
Is a bottle of nothing
Still I fly
Still I fall

Mad girl
Can you believe
What they've done to you?
Wouldn't they stop
When you asked them to leave you alone
In all your faerie tales
How did the prince say he loved you?
How did your father die?
Was he a good man?
Maybe someday you'll know

Like the water in the well
My melancholy state
Folly, fear and hate, I know
Even time will never tell
She teetered, she tripped
And then she fell
My faith in this world
Is a bottle of nothing
Still I fly
Still I fall

Mad girl
Can you believe
What they've done to you?
Wouldn't they stop
When you asked them to leave you alone
In all your faerie tales
How did the prince say he loved you?
How did your father die?
Was he a good man?
Maybe someday...
[End of "Mad Girl"]

--EZEKIEL comes in through ELVIRA's window, and sees ELVIRA lying on the floor--

EZEKIEL: [concerned] Elvira!  Are you ok?
ELVIRA: [monotone] That you Ezekiel...?
EZEKIEL: [relieved] Yes, yes it's me... I thought you were hurt...what happened?

--EZEKIEL sits beside her rubbing her back--

ELVIRA: My father is dying...and I don't know how I feel.
EZEKIEL: [monotone] This means you can be with me now.
ELVIRA: Which is why I want to be happy, but...
EZEKIEL: [monotone] I understand.
ELVIRA: --ELVIRA smiles-- Maybe...maybe this is just a blessing in disguise... That's just how I need to think of it...
EZEKIEL: [monotone] Focus on the good.
ELVIRA: Right... That we can now be together.

--EZEKIEL and ELVIRA kiss.  SILAS walks in on them--

SILAS: [angry] What the hell is going on here!?
EZEKIEL: --EZEKIEL pulls ELVIRA behind him-- [monotone] get out.
SILAS: [angry] You press your lips to my fiance's and you have the nerve to tell ME to get out!?
ELVIRA: [yells] I'm not your fiance!
SILAS: --SILAS chuckles-- We've played this game before, dear... And I always win my prize... --SILAS takes a step closer and EZEKIEL pulls out a knife from his boot--
EZEKIEL: [angry] She said she's not your fiance.
SILAS: Whoa, whoa now...
EZEKIEL: [very angry] Get. The f**k. Out.
SILAS: --SILAS pulls out a handgun from the back of his pants-- I think not. --SILAS shoots EZEKIEL--
ELVIRA: [screams] Ezekiel!  No!
SILAS: --SILAS smirks-- Come now.  Let's get you to your Bridal Shower... --SILAS walks over to ELVIRA, grabbing her arm and dragging her away through stage right as she screams EZEKIEL's name over and over. ZYLPHIA takes a few steps towards EZEKIEL's body then falls to her knees beside it.  ORPHA is about to follow SILAS and ELVIRA, but then turns to look at ZYLPHIA--

ORPHA: No hard feelings.  Winning isn't everything.

--ORPHA is again about to exit when ZYLPHIA runs and stops her.--
[Song 6: "Let it Die" begins]

ORPHA: [sings] This is your mission
Should you choose to accept it
Well, I hope that you do
This is your story
Should you choose to remember
Well, I hope that it's true

ZYLPHIA: [sings] I've finally a reason
To let it die, let it die
You've given me a reason
To let it die

ORPHA: [sings] Let it die
Like all the words irrelevant and clean
Like all the girls before me, have you seen
Somebody walking back from Hell on their own
Well, I hope that you do
Why are we talking
As if you didn't know
Well, they know about you

ZYLPHIA: [sings] I've finally a reason
To let it die, let it die
You've given me a reason
To let it die
Let it die
Like all the words irrelevant and strange
Like some ancient Prokofieff arrangement

--during the musical moment ORPHA helps ZYLPHIA get rid of the body by putting it in a bag and dragging it off stage left, then they walk back on stage, ORPHA putting a comforting arm around ZYLPHIA--

ORPHA: [sings] This is your mission
Should you choose to accept it
Well, I hope that you do
This is your army
And they're all right behind you
Yes, they're all right with you
Let it die
Let it die
Let it die
--ORPHA and ZYLPHIA exit stage right--
--END SCENE--

SCENE 10:
--ELVIRA is in her nightgown [in the middle of the night], sitting in her room on her bed.  ORPHA is there but ZYLPHIA is not--
ELVIRA: What do I do?
ORPHA: What do you mean, "what do I do"? You sleep and then wake up and get married!
ELVIRA: --ELVIRA looks up and glares at ORPHA-- I don't want to be wed to him!
ORPHA: You have to!
ELVIRA: [angrily] Why!?  My father is dead, so I have no one to force me into it anymore!  If he hadn't have killed Ezekiel, I'd be happy with him!  I have two options - get married to that b*****d and live a long, miserable life or die now.
ORPHA: You wouldn't dare.
ELVIRA: --Elvira chuckles-- Are you implying this is a gamble?

--ORPHA glares at her and turns around, crossing her arms and practically pouting--

ELVIRA: If this is a game, I win.
ORPHA: Quitting the game isn't winning!
ELVIRA: It is if the enemy loses.
ORPHA: You can't just give up on everything!  How could you do such a thing!?  Why would you do such a thing!?
[Song 7: "The Art of Suicide" begins]

ELVIRA: [sings] The art of suicide
Nightgowns and hair
Curls flying every which where
The pain too pure to hide
Bridges of Sighs
Meant to conceal lover's lies
Under the arches
Of moonlight and sky
Suddenly easy
To contemplate why
Why...

Why live a life
That's painted with pity
And sadness and strife
Why dream a dream
That's tainted with trouble
And less than it seems
Why bother bothering
Just for a poem
Or another sad song to sing
Why live a life
Why live a life

The art of suicide
Pretty and clean
Conveys a theatrical scene
"Alas, I'm gone!" she cried
Ankles displayed
Melodramatically laid
Under the arches
Of moonlight and sky
Suddenly easy
To contemplate why
Why...

Why live a life
That's painted with pity
And sadness and strife
Why dream a dream
That's tainted with trouble
And less than it seems
Why bother bothering
Just for a poem
Or another sad song to sing
Why live a life
Why live a life

--During the musical moment, ELVIRA goes through a few photos and rips them in half--

ORPHA: Those were professional pictures of you and Silas!

--ELVIRA chuckles and goes through her vanity until she finds a knife.  While she sings, she plays with it, rubbing it lightly across her wrists, neck, etc.--

ELVIRA: [sings] Life is not like Gloomy Sunday
With a second ending
When the people are disturbed
Well they should be disturbed
Because there's a story
That ought to be heard
Life is not like a gloomy Sunday
With a second ending
When the people are disturbed
Well they should be disturbed
Because there's a lesson
That really ought to be learned

The world is full of poets
We don't need any more
The world is full of singers
We don't need any more
The world is full of lovers
We don't need any more...

--ELVIRA smiles and holds the knife out facing her chest as if she's about to stab her own heart--
--CURTAIN CALL--

Author's Note

Please don't comment telling me the music isn't mine, because I'm fully aware. It's all by Emilie Autumn, and as far as copyright goes I don't claim to own her music because I don't. I don't plan on bringing this One Act to Broadway or anything, so I'm not too concerned. As far as how I can grow as a writer, however, feel free to be blunt, just be sure to not be so blunt you're rude. I'm happy to hear what you have to say about my writing, [constructive] criticism or not :3