INTRODUCTIN TO ACT I
Today on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., we’re outside the Stewarts’ house. Grandpa Stewart is helping Richard to prepare his car for a long trip. It will be a working trip, a chance for Richard to take photographs for his book FAMILY ALBUM, U.S.A. It’s a book about the United States. Grandpa repairs the radio in Richard’s old car. At the same time, Richard is packing the trunk of his car. Alexandra, the Stewarts’ young friend from Greece, soon arrives. And she brings some interesting news.
ACT I
Grandpa: How’s it going, Richard? Can you fit it all in the trunk?
Richard: Uh, I think so, Grandpa. How’s the radio?
Grandpa: I think I can fix it. [He tries.] Oh! That did it. A wire was loose.
Richard: Hey, good job. [He puts on loud music.] Hear that, Grandpa? The old radio works beautifully.
Grandpa: Beautifully?
Richard: Well, let’s say it works perfectly. Sorry about that. You can change it.
Grandpa: [He selects a classical music station.] Oh, I know this music! Your grandmother loved this piano piece.
Richard: Uh, the packing is done! That’s--- Oh, no! Here’s my tent.
Grandpa: You forgot to pack it?
Richard: Yup.
Grandpa: You must take your tent. Then you can sleep anywhere. Don’t worry. We’ll find room for it. I’m good at packing cars. I traveled a lot in my business. There. See? The tent fits in the corner.
Richard: You’re great, Grandpa. Thanks. For a while, it looked like I had a real problem.
Alexandra: [She enters.] Hi! What problem are you talking about?
Richard: Oh, hey there, Alexandra! Where did you come from?
Alexandra: I came from the train station. Hi, Mr. Stewart.
Grandpa: Hello, Alexandra.
Alexandra: What’s the problem?
Richard: No problem. Grandpa solved it. He fit all my things in the trunk of my car.
Alexandra: Oh, you’re leaving on your trip. What are you taking with you?
Richard: I’m taking cameras, a tent, a sleeping bag, clothes to wear, my new tape recorder…
Grandpa: And your new harmonica.
Richard: It’s right here in my pocket. See? [He plays the harmonica for a moment. They all laugh.] By the way, Alexandra, what were you doing at the train station?
Alexandra: Saying good-bye to my cousin Andreas. He’s taking the train to Nashville.
Richard: Nashville, Tennessee?
Alexandra: Yes. His train comes in about a half an hour.
Richard: But I will be going to Nashville! He should travel with me!
Alexandra: You can give him a ride?
Richard: I would love to travel with someone. C’mon, Grandpa. Alexandra! Let’s hurry to the station and find Andreas. We don’t have a minute to lose.
Grandpa: Climb in, Alexandra! Let’s go!
INTRODUCTION TO ACT II
This time on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., Richard and Grandpa Stewart and Alexandra Pappas are hurrying to the train station. Alexandra’s cousin Andreas is there, waiting for a train to take him to Nashville, Tennessee. By chance, Richard is also planning a trip to Nashville. And instead of traveling by himself, Richard wants to offer Andreas a ride in his car. Richard, Grandpa, and Alexandra hurry to the train station. But there is a lot of traffic. The train is coming very soon. Will Andreas still be at the station?
ACT II
Alexandra: I think we’re going to miss the train. Must we go this slowly?
Richard: Yes, we must. As they say,” It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Alexandra: What does that mean?
Richard: It means we don’t want to have an accident.
Grandpa: Richard, I think you missed the turn.
Richard: No, Grandpa. There are still four or five blocks to go. Then we have to turn right.
Grandpa: Doesn’t Ellen always turn next to the school?
Richard: Sometimes, Grandpa. But that’s a slow way to go. We’re in a hurry.
Al: Oh no! There’s another traffic light ahead. I hope the light stays green.
Ri: Oh no! There is goes. A red light and we have to stop for red light.
Al: Do you think we’ll make it to the station in time?
Ri: I don’t know, Alexandra. How long will we wait at this light? What time do you have, Grandpa?
Grandpa: Ten minutes to three.
Ri: Oh, no! I don’t think we’re going to make it.
Gr: Relax, Richard. It doesn’t help to get upset.
Ri: You’re right, Grandpa. Maybe I should turn on the radio.
[At the train station. Andreas is waiting for the train.]
Andreas: [To the train agent] Excuse me. I’m taking the three o’clock train. When will it arrive?
Agent: It should be here very soon. It’s on time. It’s five minutes to three. It should be here in about five minutes. Where you going?
An: I’m going to Nashville, Tennessee.
Ag: Is Nashville your home?
An: Oh, no. I’m from Greece. I’m here visiting my cousin. I’m touring around the United States.
[A train whistle sounds.]
Ag: Ahh, there’s your train now. You should hurry up. Have a nice trip to Nashville.
An: Thanks a lot. And good-bye.
Al: [calling] Andreas! Andreas!
[She and Richard run toward Andreas.]
An: Alexandra? Richard? [The train arrives]
Al: Oh, just in time. I’m glad we caught you. Richard has a great idea. I told him you are going to Nashville and…
Ri: And I’m going, too. Why don’t you come with me? We can drive together. What do you say?
An: That sounds great to me. |