INTRODUCTION TO ACT I
Today on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., we are with Richard and Marilyn Stewart in Riverdale. Richard is preparing to return to Seattle, Washington. It’s time for him to continue taking photographs for his book about the United States. Richard has bought Marilyn a present-an old music box. Marilyn has a present for Richard too-a sweater for his travels in the Pacific Northwest? Richard asks Marilyn to join him there. She would love to –but can she arrange a vacation from her job?
Act I
Marilyn: [she knocks at the door.] Richard?
Richard: Oh, Marilyn. Come in. I’ve finished packing my suitcase.
Ma: [enters] Do you really have to go?
Ri: I’ve got to go back. I need to take more photographs for my book.
Marilyn: I know, honey. I’m going to miss you when you’re gone.
Ri: I’m going to miss you, too. I love you, Marilyn. I…
Ma: Don’t say any more. Or I’ll start to cry.
Ri: No, no, don’t cry. I bought you something. Over here.
Ma: A music box! [She opens it. Music plays.] It’s lovely!
Ri: You like it?
Ma: I love it! And guess what? I have something for you, too. It’s in drawer next to the bed. Go on. Open it.
Ri: [he opens the gift.] Marilyn! This sweater is beautiful.
Ma: I made it just for you. Try it on. I’m sure it will fit.
Ri: Okay. [He tries on the sweater.] Ah, sweetheart, I love it. It fits perfectly. I’ll wear it every day and every night.
Marilyn: [she laughs.] Well, you don’t have to do that. But when you get to Glacier National Park, you probably will wear it every night.
Ri: I guess it will get pretty cold there.
Ma: It’s on the Cleveland is over ten thousand feet high!
Ri: How do you know al that?
Ma: Well, I’ve never told you this. But ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to go to that park.
Ri: You wanted to go see the mountains?
Ma: And the icy glaciers, the forests, the streams and rivers…
Ri: Well, Marilyn, you should be there with me!
Ma: Richard. Now, how can I do that? I have a job.
Ri: Call Rita Mae. Ask her to give you two weeks off.
Ma: [She laughs.] Just like that?
Ri: Sure. You’re the best employee she has. You worked every day this summer.
Ma: Not every day.
Ri: Well, you didn’t take your vacation.
Ma: No, I didn’t…
Ri: Marilyn, it’s perfect. Listen, I fly out today, pick up the car in Seattle, and then I’ll meet you in Montana net week. C’mon, What do you say? Let’s do it!
Ma: Do you think Rita Mae will give me the time off?
Ri: You’ll never know if you don’t ask.
Ma: I’ll do it! I’ll ask!
INTRODUCTION TO ACT II
This time on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., we are in Riverdale, where Marilyn Stewart is about to call her employer on the telephone. She is going to ask for a two-week vacation from her job at Rita Originals’ clothing shop. Marilyn wants to join her husband Richard on his working trip to Glacier National Park in Montana. Richard waits nervously as Marilyn makes the call.
Act II
Marilyn: [she uses the telephone.] Five, five, five…Wish me luck, Richard.
Richard: I have my fingers crossed.
Ma: Oh, four, seven, seven.
Richard: C’mon, Rita Mae. Say yes! [The phone rings.]
Ma: Shhh! It’s ringing.
Woman: Rita Mae Originals. May I help you?
Marilyn: Hi, Jenny. It’s Marilyn. Is Rita Mae there?
Woman: Yes, she just came in.
Ma: May I speak with her, please?
Richard: Is she there?
Ma: [she speaks to Richard.] She’s coming to the phone. Shhh!
Rita Mae: Hello. Rita. Mae speaking.
Ma: Hello, Rita. This is Marilyn.
Rita Mae: Marilyn, how are you?
Marilyn: Fine, thank you. I was wondering… could I take my vacation next week?
Ri: Aren’t you working tomorrow? Why don’t we discuss it then?
Ma: If this is a bad time for you, … I guess I could wait until tomorrow, but…
Ri: Ask her now!
Ri: Marilyn, are you there?
Ma: But I would rather talk about it now.
Rita Mae: Well, all right. What do you have in mind?
Ma: I’ve been working so hard all summer, and I still haven’t taken my vacation. I know all your workers get two weeks’ vacation every year. I’d like to take my two weeks starting next week.
Ri: Well…this is very shout notice!
Ma: I’m sorry, Rita. I know I’m not giving you much time to find someone to take my place. But I suddenly have a chance to travel with Richard for a little while.
Ri: Marilyn, you are an excellent employee. It is notice, but I’m sure I can find someone.
Ma: Oh, Rita, I appreciate it very much. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Rita: See you then.
Richard: Well? What did she say?
Ma: She said yes!
Richard: Hurray! Glacier National Park, Here we come!
Ma: Richard, I’ve always wanted to see this park.
Ri: Why didn’t we think of this idea earlier? You’ll need to buy a few things for the trip.
Ma: I think I can get everything done in time.
Richard: And I can help you. To start with, I’ll call the airline and make your reservation right now.
Ma: Good idea. Here’s the phone book.
Ri: [he speaks to himself as he looks in the telephone book.] “A” is for Airline…Airline…Airline… Here we go – Northwestern Airlines. [He speaks to Marilyn.] Glacier National Park. [He uses the telephone]. –how high did you say Mount Cleveland was?
Ma: Over ten thousand feet! Gee, Maybe I should knit my self a sweater.
Ri: [he speaks into the telephone.] Northwestern Airlines? I’d to make a reservation. It’s for Marilyn Stewart. |