INTRODUCTION TO ACT I
Today on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., WE ARE AT THE Stewart home. Grandpa is watching television with Robbie’s friend Alexandra Pappas. She is there because she is waiting to meet Robbie when he comes home from school. Suddenly she feels very sick. When Ellen and Grandpa discover that Alexandra has a fever, they call Dr, Stewart, and he gives them medical advice.
ACT I
Grandpa: [He laughs.] I like this musical television show, Alexandra.
Alexandra: Mmm-hmm.
Grandpa: [calling] Ellen, come here and look at this.
Ellen: [She enters.] What are you watching?
Grandpa: Oh, it’s this musical television show. [He laughs.] Look at their clothes, Ellen! Who is this rock group, Alexandra?
Alexandra: I wasn’t watching, Mr. Stewart.
Grandpa: Is something wrong?
Alexandra: I don’t feel very well. In fact, I feel terrible.
Grandpa: Take my arm, Alexandra. I’ll help you to the sofa, and you an lie down.
Alexandra: Thank you.
Grandpa: Now, lie down. Put your feet up.
Ellen: Here you go. Let’s slip this pillow under your head.
Alexandra: I’ve been feeling a little bit sick all day. But then it happened so quickly. I was just sitting here, and everything started to go round and round.
Ellen: Feel her forehead. Grandpa. She has a fever.
Grandpa: Mmm-hmm. You do have a fever. But don’t worry. This is a fine place to get sick. We have our very own doctor!
Alexandra: I don’t think I can stand up.
Grandpa: No, don’t move. Dr. Stewart is at the hospital. We’ll have to call him on the phone.
Ellen: I’ll go call Philip right now. [She leaves.]
Alexandra: I don’t want to bother anyone.
Grandpa: Oh, Alexandra. It’s no bother. You’re like one of the family. Just rest there. Until we hear from Dr. Stewart, you should just lie there and rest.
Ellen: [She enters.] Well, Alexandra, Dr. Stewart says we should take you home to the Molinas’ and put you to bed.
Alexandra: I can call the Molinas. They are at work now, but I’m sure they’ll come here to get me.
Ellen: No. Grandpa and I will drive you. Dr. Stewart said we should get you to bed as soon as possible. And he’ll come to see you after five o’clock. He’ll be leaving the hospital then.
Alexandra: I hope that he can make me feel better.
Ellen: I’m sure he will. And I will stay will you until Dr. Stewart arrives.
Alexandra: I would like that.
Ellen: Grandpa, will you bring the car from the garage?
Grandpa: I’ll go get it. I’ll drive it right to the front door. [He leaves.]
Ellen: Now, Alexandra, are you strong enough to walk to the door?
Alexandra: I think so, Mrs. Stewart, with your help.
Ellen: All right. One, two, three, and up on your feet. There you go. Take it nice and easy.
INTRODUCTION TO ACT II
This time on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., Alexandra Pappas is resting in her bed at the Molinas’ home. She was waiting for her friend Robbie Stewart at the Stewarts’ house. Then she suddenly felt ill. Ellen Stewart brought Alexandra home and is staying with her until Dr. Stewart arrives. When Alexandra learns she has the flu, she understands that she will to miss a trip to Washington, D.C. But Ellen has a good idea.
ACT II
Philip: Alexandra? Ellen?
Alexandra: Dr. Stewart is here!
Ellen: You lie there quietly. I’ll go get the door.
Philip: [He enters.] Hi, Ellen. How’s the patient?
Ellen: Oh, Philip! She’s not feeling well. We’re just happy you’re here.
Philip: So, young lady, tell me about it. Where does it hurt?
Alexandra: Everywhere. I ache all over. The room seems to be spinning when I stand up.
Philip: I see. Now, please open your mouth and say, “aaaah.”
Alexandra: Aaaah.
Philip: Your throat looks sore. Ellen, could you please get a thermometer from my black bag?
Ellen: [She opens his medical bag and gives him a thermometer.] Here you are.
Philip: Thank you. Now, Alexandra, keep this under your tongue.
Alexandra: OK. Mrs. Stewart, may I have an extra blanket?
Ellen: Of course, dear. Here’s one. You must be cold.
Alexandra: I have chills when…
Philip: Uh-uh. No talking. Keep that thermometer in your mouth.
Ellen: What do you think, Philip? What does she have?
Philip: The flu. It’s not a serious illness, Alexandra. But you must take it easy for a few days.
[Alexandra mumbles something.]
Ellen: She doesn’t understand you. What do you mean by “take it easy”?
Philip: By “take it easy,” I mean relax, rest. Stay in bed for three to five days.
[Alexandra mumbles something else.]
Ellen: She looks pretty disappointed.
Philip: She’ll continue to feel weak for another few days after that. Now let’s check that temperature.
Alexandra: I can’t take it easy. Not now!
Philip: But your temperature is 103 degrees.
Alexandra: [disappointed] Oh, why me？
Ellen: Alexandra, what’s wrong?
Alexandra: The foreign-student program is taking a trip to Washington, D.C. And I’m supposed to go.
Philip: Maybe you’ll be all better by then. When is the trip?
Alexandra: It’s tomorrow. I really want to go.
Ellen: [suddenly] Well, here’s an idea. I have to go to Washington, D.C., sometime soon. If it’s all right with the Molinas, you can come with me.
Alexandra: Really?
Ellen: Really. When the doctor says “OK.” We’ll climb on the train, and we’ll go.
Alexandra: Oh，thank you! I think I feel better already. |