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Ritual​-​The Musical (Demo)

by Terence Morrow

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1.
All right Joe Summers, here.. we..GO! (Pauses) Wow! that is one REGAL Ceremonial NECK TIE! Makes your shoulders look broad! (Pauses) This right here is your moment, joe summers. this is your day. The day the whole damn village has been waiting for. You’ve been doing this for a decade, you can do it again. we been reaping the benefits of this lottery since time began. The lottery keeps our crops growin, it maintains order, and frankly, I hate to imagine where we’d be without it! This here is a time honored ritual. OK! Good talk! Now let’s go knock 'em dead. (ITE) 300 people, a small farm town, let’s call it “Nowhere Town” for the sake of storytelling. Who are we? The Impartial Truth. Unequivocally unerring your humble guide through the ritual’s impending doom
2.
My name is Tessie Hutchinson and I hate it here After much deliberation and exhaustive conversations I’ve decided that even when I’m thinking clear, turns out my heart is never truly devoid of fear. I’ve got this husband Bill who barely has a pulse I’ve got 3 children, staring blankly as we numb every impulse and make our way through the seasons as they change What can I say? We are a product of this place. Someday, perhaps, I’ll be gone without a trace. (ITE) Most days she’ll fantasize (Tessie) and I hear a tiny voice inside (ITE) Some days, she’ll agonize (Tessie) When these sides of me collide But then I rationalize my role, and I continue to grow old Nothing profound to behold. Nothing cherished, nothing sacred to uphold (Tessie and ITE) No triumph, no tragedy, no friends, no enemies
3.
(Villagers) This world’s a catastrophe spewing blasphemy; hypocrisy Our town, just like a stone, indestructible, all we’ve ever known (Matthew) 300 people, a simple town, and that’s the way we like it (Villagers)Who are we? We are the Villagers. Loyal to our structure (Rick)You know the time is drawing near (Kyle) When Old Man Warner appears (Villagers) Ooh (Kyle) The superstitious pernicious representative coot right over there (Warner) I’ve been around the block more times than you can count. The Lottery ain’t never failed, least not on my account. One day a year, when Summer’s here (Villagers)We gather in the square (Warner)Now, some villages no longer hold the Lottery (Villagers) Say what? (Warner) Them young folks are a pack of crazy fools (Matthew, Rick, Kyle, Warner) you’d have to be! (It’s the only way that we sustain (Villagers) This is the only way (Warner) So maybe I’m a little superstitious.. Well, that don’t bother me one bit. We used to say “Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.” And I still believe. (Matthew) Not a bad year for the crops (Rick) Honest work and a few raindrops (Kyle) Got my taxes all wrapped up (Villager Men) But I’ve got lots of corn to shuck (Villagers) And the chat goes on And the chat goes on And the chat goes on (Tanya) Gossip, small talk, Trading stories, spilling the tea (Villagers) Trading stories, sippin the tea (Jackie) We take pleasure in our hearsay locality (Villagers) Our hearsay locality, And the chat goes on And the chat goes on And the chat goes on, And the chat goes on And the chat goes on And the chat goes on (Villager Men) Ooh, Ha, Ooh, Ha, Ooh, Ha, Ooh, Ha (Tessie) We don’t need this, Where is their humanity? (Villagers) Quickly grab your families (Tessie) Are we broken? Who are we supposed to be? (Liz) Tessie, hush, just let it be! (Villagers) And the chat goes on, And the chat goes on, And the chat goes on, And the chat goes on, And the chat goes on, And the chat goes on (Warner)ENOUGH! You people settle down, you’ll make an old man groan, Women collect the kids and kids collect the stones. So stack them high, and if we try, We’ll finish up by noon time.
4.
My name is Nancy Hutchinson and I’m 12 years old I’m out of school for Summer break so I’ve been told I stand near my siblings stacking stones for most of the day My parents and I don’t really have all that much to say My father, Bill is a farmer a fool, and a spineless tool My mother, Tessie seems pretty checked out, tired and removed I don’t have the courage to ask if she’s ok She’d treat me as a child and shrug it off anyway I’m unaware of what exactly this all means Our town is like a machine I’m a gear, they are the wheels and we turn in perfect time It seems it’s more convenient to comply (ITE) The old black box arrived at 10:00 o’clock And the winds and dirt conveyed unrest
5.
(Villager Children) The box is here shabby and torn, since I was born Inside, folded papers, singing a song older than time In this box, we hold our oneness Our self, our sole identity In this box, we know our purpose Our wealth, it comes from this entity (Villager Solo) Mr. Summers spent the evening folding papers with Mr. Graves Mr. Summers is the ring leader, the card reader, to paraphrase He’s no hero, but he’s organized He’s no idol, but he’s punctual He’s something of a curator, self-certified But he’s no greater than you or I (Villager Solo 2) He’s got plenty energy to spare, planning events around the square No children, and a scolding wife, it’s no wonder he’s got the time We, the Villagers await the message, the chatter is thickening Then Mr. Summers recites the rules, to which we’re only half listening
6.
(Mr. Summers) Now, I'll read the names, Remember the man of the house always draws the paper first And don’t nobody look at the paper keep it folded til every man has drawn Did y’all hear me? It’s very important that I recite the rules before we get started I took the day off at the coal mine today to do my civic duty So let me introduce myself I devote myself to this here town I devote myself to you There’s a special bond between us all (Villagers) Look! He doesn’t have a clue… (Mr. Summers) Let me be your civic chaperone I will act as your trustee I’ll relentlessly turn every stone, you can put your trust in me (Villagers) He is living in a fantasy, but he is harmless and we choose to let him be (Villager solo 1) I heard they sleep in separate beds (Villager solo 2) Well that’s what Mrs. Martin said (Villager group) Mind your manners, he’s a good man (Villager solo 1) I don’t enjoy his energy (Villager solo 2) You don’t enjoy most everything (Villager Group) But what does Old Man Warner think? (Old Man Warner) He jokes around too damn much Young fool can’t seem to shut up (Villager Group) Old Man Warner grumbles bitterly (Old Man Warner) People simply ain’t the same Things most certainly have changed (Villager Group) Let’s get back to Mr. Summers’ ordeal (Mr. Summers) It’s a pleasure to be in this role So rewarding so esteemed I’m fulfilled beyond my wildest dreams The leader of the Lottery I’m just a jack of all trades, I suppose! Your Master of Ceremonies! (Villagers) He is living in a fantasy But he is harmless so we choose to let him be Dear Mr. Summers leader of the Lottery (Mr. Summers) Leader of the Lottery!
7.
Roll Call 01:17
Somebody wanna give me a hand with this? All right! Anybody ain’t here? (The Villagers) Dunbar! Clyde Dunbar ain’t here! (Summers) That’s right he broke his leg! So who’s drawing for Clyde? (Janey Dunbar) It’ll be me I suppose (Summers) Ain’t you got a son who can try? (Janey Dunbar) He’s only turned 16 I’m afraid (Summers) Looks like the wife can draw so we won’t be delayed (All) Moving on (Summers) Is the Watson boy old enough this year? (Watson Boy) Yes sir I’m drawing for my mama and me (Summers) Nice boy, glad the Watsons finally have a man to draw wouldn’t y’all agree? (Villagers) Yes we all agree (Summers) And Old Man Warner’s here! (Old Man Warner) This is my 77th Lottery (Mr. Summers) Bill Hutchinson, where is Tessie?
8.
Nowheretown 02:35
(Tessie) Nowhere! What’s the definition that I’m looking for? This town reeking of monotony that I deplore. And it’s always been this way; the hours of the day crawl by in (ITE) Nowhere! mmm (Tessie)Nothing! Nothing could prepare me for a life like this! (ITE) Life like this (Tessie) Housewives incarnate, like the dishes, we repeat and rinse. (ITE) Ah (Tessie) We gather in the square, like a (ITE) colorless nightmare (Tessie) right here in (ITE) Nowhere! (Tessie) Well, I never questioned until now (ITE) Until now (Tessie) the way they plod, the way they bow (ITE) The way they plod, the way they bow, ah (Tessie) I’ve never really spoke aloud, not sure I’d even be allowed (ITE) Not sure I’d even be, not sure I’d be allowed! (Tessie) This tiny voice inside me cries! (ITE) Could freedom be my own demise? You’d be surprised (Tessie) I can’t imagine how, I’ve got to answer it somehow. [END DREAM SEQUENCE] But there’s no time for that now, right here in Nowhere (ITE) Tessie carries on with her day. After all, she’d hate to be late
9.
(Villagers chatter) (Bill) Sigh-Where is my wife? Has anyone seen her? She knows she’s supposed to be here by 10, prolly caught up in the kitchen doing dishes again But there ain’t no excuse for tardiness, the whole damn village comes out for this, in a way we live for this And yet, no Tessie Hutchinson (Villagers chatter) (Tessie) Sorry, time must have slipped me I Clean forgot the day I think, since I been drying saucers in the sink Did they start yet? Have you drawn yet? I’ll finish up after it’s done, I’ll finish up after it’s done (Bill) Sigh- Great! Hutchinsons are all accounted for, Mr. Summers Forgive this minor inconvenience and proceed (Mr. Summers) Guess we better get started so we can all get back to work if y’all agree (ITE) mmm (Liz and Jackie) You now know everything you need to know about Tessie’s husband Bill In two words indisputably appalling (Liz, Jackie, Matthew) And it’s no wonder she‘s not exactly fulfilled (Rick) but rather ill (Mr. Summers) Now we’re gonna get started (ITE) Now they’re gonna get started, this is not a drill
10.
Begin 07:02
(Tanya and Rick) No triumph, no tragedy, no friends, no enemies (Matthew, Jackie, Liz, Kyle) And the chat goes on (Mr. Summers) Adams (Rick) Hi Joe (Mr. Summers)Hello Steve (Jackie) The villagers faith is fictitious (ITE Echo) fictitious But their devotion is precise and it’s vicious (ITE Echo) Vicious (Liz) The air is parched and still, deep inside they are terrified, (ITE women) but they continue to recite (Villagers) This is the only way (Rick and Matthew) And Summers rattles off name after name (Mr. Summers) ahem, Anderson, Bentham (Liz) As the man of every house plays the game (ITE men) Plays the game (Mr. Summers) Delacroix, Dunbar, Graves (ITE) Among the crowd, the children and the wives look on, petrified but they repeat and emphasize (Villagers) This is the only way (Tessie, Jackie, Liz, Tanya) No no no (Villager Men) Feels like just last week we were here (Villager Women) Barely any time between Lotteries anymore (Villager Men) Yet here we are, another year (Mathew) Time sure moves fast, wouldn’t y’all agree? (Villagers) Yes, we all agree (Rick) Pleasantries have dampened (Jackie) The sun obscured by clouds (Rick) The chat dims to a murmur (ITE) And then… (Mr. Summers) Hutchinson (Tessie) Get up there, Bill! (Villagers chuckle, scoff) (Villagers) I heard (Tessie) Something about a village up north (Villagers) What did you hear? (Tessie)Well, they don’t hold the Lotteries any more (Villagers) Say what? (Warner) Nothing but harm in that! They’re just a pack of young crazy fools. There’s always been a Lottery (Villagers) There’s always been a Lottery (Warner) Things ain’t the way they used to be (Summers) Martin, Overdyke, Percy Warner…. WARNER? Watson. Don’t be nervous, Jack. Take your time, son. (Villagers) And then (Mr. Summers) Zanini
11.
Recap 02:08
Matthew) We could use a recap, there’s a lot to unpack 300 people gathered round in a town to draw some papers from a box allow us to break it down (ITE) We got Tessie Hutchinson Tessie walking back to position entering from stage right, to go to stage left. Looking upset. (Rick and Jackie) she hates her life she’s been hearing this tiny little voice inside (Tanya and Liz) suggesting maybe there’s something more (Matthew) but she struggles to make sense of her own internal war (ITE) We got (Jackie) The villagers who seem to be a kingdom of the blind ITE all starts doing the robotic movements You’ve met one you’ve met them all unremarkable is their a perpetual state of mind, (ITE) Ooh (Liz)They adhere to a habitual ritual one day a year (Tanya) And old man warner presides over this Warner goes to stool and tips his hat to audience (ITE) colorless nightmare, We got Nancy (Mick & Fred) walks back to position from stage right to go next to Tessie. Looking scared. Nancy looks Tessie in the eye once in position. (Matthew) Nancy Hutchinson discovering she might have more in common with her mama than she’s ever imagined But she’s (ITE) young, meek, and muffled by the dissonance of patriarchal ignorance it’s really quite incredulous (Rick) Next -Summers walks in from stage left back to the box. Looking serious stoic (Tanya) Mr. Summers is the self-proclaimed leader of the lottery (ITE Men) But everybody knows he’s a sad old soul overcompensating for his bleak identity (ITE) But he is harmless and they choose to let him be, you see? I wouldn’t call him harmless, but that’s just me (Liz) Need we remind you of the dreadful one that’s Tessie‘s husband Bill Bill stands from stool to join the family (ITE echo Tessie’s husband Bill) (Jackie) In two words (ITE) indisputably appalling (Tanya) Summers read the names and the man and every house drew a paper from the box And now, every man has (ITE) drawn (ITE Men) All men (and Tanya) raise there folded white papers Every man has drawn Every man has drawn Every man has drawn, Every man has drawn Every man has drawn (ITE Women) And so ends the recap You’re caught up, mmmmm (ITE) So let’s continue storytelling
12.
(Mr. Summers) Gentlemen, it’s time to move this thing along, remember what happens next? There’s no more names to read so unfold your papers -Rick holds blank white paper, Jackie holds “Safe” sign If it’s blank, you’re safe, if there’s a dot, you’re not Rick flips sign to DOT, Jackie flips sing to “NOT” sign We’re making pretty good time so let’s keep this movin’ Who’s got the dot? ITE all clapping along with song (ITE) Faces all change to fear Mr. Summers remained in his jaunty foolish state Slowly pulling scarf off and returning to villagers, Tessie and kids all walk off stage left. Warner pull hat down over face and becomes still. But the villagers minds flooded with suspicion and dread A muted panic sets in ALL looking around over shoulders and at each other's papers. And speculation begins
13.
(Full cast)Who’s got it? (Women Villagers whisper echo) Who’s got it? Who? All looking at each other questioningly (Liz)Is it the Watsons? Maybe Dunbars? Possibly the Delacroix’s Nobody knows (Tanya) Who’s got that black dot the mark that seals your fate Someone in this village will not make it through today FULL CAST turns back to the audience (except band) Head and body whipping motions to the drum beat. Hold position until each beat. All turn around to the left on the keyboards. (Jackie) Perhaps it’s Percy, or maybe Warner Possibly Overdyke, it’s better your household than mine (Villagers) Hand motions up left, right, down left, right Who’s got it? Who’s got it? Who’s got it? Who’s got it? Villagers turn backs to the audience. STROBE LIGHT Chaotic motions with guitar riff. Liz, arms up. Tanya, arms down. Jackie, arms up. Matthew arms down. Rick, arms up. Turn back to mic’s and go into a militant march. (Villager Women) We the villagers now and forever will remain (Villager Men) Huah! (Villager Women) Loyal to our structure this is the only way (Villager Men) Huah! (Villager Women) We the villagers now and forever will remain (Villager Men) Huah! (Villager Women) Loyal to our structure this is the only way (Villager Men) Huah! MEN (and Tanya) unfolded papers and put arms up. Start looking around with paper still up. Lower arms on “It’s Bill”. Tessie and kids walk back over by Bill. Summers walks back to the box (Jackie) It’s Bill! Bill Hutchinson’s got it! (See it? Look at his paper! He’s got it right there! (Villagers Chatter) Looking shocked and pointing (Nancy) Looks like day dreaming as singing. No emotions. I am now aware of what exactly this all means This town is like a disease I am a cell, they are the pathogens and they host a certain decline (Nancy and Tessie) And now it seems we’re running out of time, (Nancy, Tessie and Bill Hutchinson) could my life be on the line?
14.
(Tessie) Rips the mic off the stand and approaches Summers. Villagers look confused. I saw you Summers, you didn’t give him enough time to draw And I know you’re a man of honor, but you rushed him, truly, I saw, we all saw I swear! It isn’t fair! Doesn’t anyone care? Can’t we start it over and do this right? (Bill) grab’s Tessie;s shoulder and brings her back to the family. Shut up Tessie! (Summers) Hutchinsons are all accounted for, is that confirmed Bill? (Bill) Yes (Summers) Do you have any other households to declare? (Tessie) Yes! There’s Don and Eva! We should make them take their chance! It’s only fair! (Summers) You know that daughters draw with their husband’s families Tessie, you of all people should know (Tessie) (Gasps) It wasn’t fair! It wasn’t fair! (Summers) It’s as fair as can be, mam -Villagers pulsing heads on beat (Summers) OK Bill, looks like it falls on you to draw (Bill) (Sigh) (Summers) How many kids you got? (Bill) 3 kids, Bill Jr. Little Dave, and Nancy
15.
Round 2 03:17
Round 2 round 2 hands showing two fingers and moving freely on beat. Only the Hutchinsons remain Round 2 round 2 It’s a cold and twisted game 300 people, and not a sound disturbing Nowhere town Unequivocally unnerving Ritual of impending doom For one of the Hutchinsons (Tessie) Nothing cherished, nothing sacred to uphold (ITE) A superstition passed through duplicated generations (Tessie)When Mr. Summers gives his final cues, (ITE) the villagers await the news As the Lottery concludes -All freeze (Summers) Ready Bill? -(Bill glances at family, nods) (Summers) Rick removes scarf. Hutchinsons step forward closer to center stage Remember, keep the papers folded until everybody has selected one Mr. Graves, please help little Davy pick his paper if you would Mickey grabs from the box Just take one, little Davy Mr. Graves, will you hold onto this for him, he’s only a young boy Rick walks Mickey back to family Freddie walks to the box Bill Jr it’s your turn, by now I would think you must have learned this is what we do, draw your paper son draw your paper son Freddie draws paper and walks back to family And now your sister, Nancy walks over to the box Nancy, what are you 12 years now, where does the time go? OK Nancy, draw She draws and stays at box as ITE sings. Grabs the paper with the DOT. Taped to the top inside of the box. (ITE) Nancy Hutchinson discovered that she does have more in common with her momma than she’d ever imagined But it’s plain to see, she doesn’t really have a choice, and she draws reluctantly (Nancy) There is something (Tessie) Something stirring (Nancy and Tessie) Something screaming in my heart A tiny but audacious voice survived telling me to put my fears aside (ITE) Then Mr. Summers proclaims (Summers) Tessie glares at Summers walks slowly to box before drawing (2 8 counts). Walks back to the family and touches the kids. Tessie, draw Bill
16.
There were no further steps to take in the ritual Bodies facing stage left. There were no further steps to take in the ritual Tessie and Nancy locked eyes, both of them trembling within Nancy and Tessie move to center stage And suddenly, years of distance and cold washed away like dirt from their skin An unspoken connection muffled their innermost dread They couldn’t speak, but if they could, here’s what they would have said
17.
Dear child, whatever happens next, I will not see you defiled You mustn’t live your life oppressed, you mustn't stay if you survive All is over, all is reconciled, you must exile yourself and stay alive Listen to me Nancy, Tessie touches Nancy’s cheek my beloved daughter how I’ve missed you Your whole life has past me by (Nancy) Mother, I’m afraid but I’ve grown stronger You have my word I’ll go, first thing tomorrow, not a moment more (Tessie and Nancy) Not a moment more (Tessie) Take my paper, quickly take it now, you have to trust me Nancy -Tessie grabs Nancy’s hand with the paper and exchanges papers. (Nancy) Mother, why? How do you know? (Tessie) I don’t
18.
Now the time has come, you must unfold, it’s protocol Rick takes Mickeys paper unfolds and holds it up. Mr. Graves please take little Davy’s paper and show us all (Villagers) (Sigh) It’s blank (Summers) Bill Jr. show us now, you know how Freddie unfolds and holds paper (Villagers) (Sigh) It’s blank, but what about Nancy (Summers) Nancy, give us a look of the paper you took Unfolds and holds up the paper (Villagers) (Sigh) Nancy’s paper was blank, oh good (Summers) That leaves Bill and Tessie, BIll go first (Villagers) What’s he got? What’s he got? What’s he got? (Bill) It’s blank Unfolds and looks up. (Villagers) (Gasp, chatter) (Summers) It’s Tessie. Show us her paper, Bill Tessie unfolds. Bill grabs Tessies wrist, holds her arm up. -All freeze while her arm is up. (Summers) Allright, folks, let’s finish quickly
19.
Nancy locked eyes with her mother for the last time Nancy and Tessies looking at each other Baffled that her mother felt, in her gut, the need to trade papers and save her daughter’s life A moment in time, a moment defined by love ALL slowly walk off STAGE right or left, wherever. Stay close to stage. Tessie slowly walks to down center stage. (Tessie) I am firmly gripped by fear As I recall my wasted years Only to awaken Moments before I’m taken Though I don’t deserve to die I still am guilty Staying silent while partaking in a ritual where no one is free Only to unlock my greatest prize My daughter who can see through their disguise Where will she be come sunrise? Could it be my calling to die To be freed from this body, this mind Nothing profound to behold Nothing cherished, nothing sacred to uphold within me Perhaps my death is my triumph and my life my tragedy My own flesh and blood look on And soon I’ll be gone I never loved another, I just spun like a top, tirelessly Making ends meet in a house on a street I didn’t once stop to breathe And now it’s far too late My agony unlocked My life a ticking clock -Cast stands and faces stage. Frozen Shrouded in regret, It’s time to let go
20.
But I absolve myself My incompetence and lack of confidence Warner, throws the first stones and walks in fast right behind Tessis. My genuine social awkwardness I forgive myself for my weakness and my shame For the agony that is my name A heart that never felt love, a life that I was never proud of Tanya & Matthew, throws the stone and walks in fast right behind Tessis. I forgive myself for trying to belong When I knew it was all so wrong Rick &Liz throws the stone and walks in fast right behind Tessis. I was bound to servitude Loyal to the structure And for what? This town cannot sustain itself And I cannot sustain myself Summers & Jackie throw the stone and move in closer to Tessie from the side. Nancy! Arm reaching out. Nancy is in audience in center I trust that you’re on your way Tell everyone what happened on this day Make yourself a life somewhere far far away ok?
21.
This silent circus quarantine I called life Has proven meaningless and void Like the gossip and the chat Like the human lives destroyed And so I let go Tessie stand back up. Slowly moves away back to the downstage center. And so I let go Not defeated but completed The bittersweet heartbreaks The birth of my children The guilt of inactivity The social cues that I denied Along with my body, let them die
22.
Retreat 02:05
Lonely broken girl Shattered by her world She lie still and shaken, afraid to raise her head Left alone, broken down and destitute Consumed by dread The crowds died down and off they went No gossip to overhear Still she sat, with a choice in front of her Retreat or live in fear (Nancy) Billy, Davy, wake up, shhhh, Come with me Come on!
23.
When they returned to the square that evening The sky was at its darkest The old black box still sat there on the stool, and papers littered the earth And with her mother’s voice inside, she could taste the tears she’d cried With a match and a branch, she set fire to the box And with her younger brothers She began her journey north Escaping the wretched town in which she lived and walked for 12 long years A new life born of tragedy, she is terrified but free A girl who never felt that she belonged, makes the choice to carry on No one ever questioned, no one ever strayed, not until the day she and her brothers ran away The memory of her mother she’ll defend, how can you start again after the ritual ends?

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released October 15, 2021

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Terence Morrow Chicago, Illinois

Ritual is an original Musical/Rock Opera based on the famous short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. Composed between August 2020 and August 2021, the show examines themes of conformity, societal norms, identity, family, and mental health in a small town of 300 people. The Music draws influence from various Musicals, and artists like Pink Floyd, the Smashing Pumpkins, and Dave Malloy. ... more

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