Dance Party

By James Lamar

                                           

ACT 1

Scene 1

The first two lines of the song are sung before the lights and/curtains reveal the playground setting. Sienna, Michelle, Tanner, and Xavier are among the 10 or so students creating a happy playground feeling.

 

When You’ve Got a Friend

Have you ever felt like you were all alone

Everybody’s happy and you are feeling low

You hope to find somebody who wants to be with you

And when it finally happens, you know what to do

 

Everything is better, when you’ve got a friend

Everything is better, when you’ve got a friend

You can be yourself, when you’ve got a friend

Not worried bout nothing else, when you’ve got a friend

 

Thank you brother, so glad to have a friend

Thank you sister, so glad to have a friend

Feeling happy, so glad to have a friend

Feeling right at home, so glad to have a friend

 

Everything is better, when you’ve got a friend

Everything is better, when you’ve got a friend

 

TANNER

And the evil gila monster tries one more time to conquer the sun god...

XAVIER

But Zeus will have no part of that nonsense. “Good-bye Evil Lizard. You should know better than to challenge the great god Zeus!”

 

The two of them act out the demise of the gila monster.

 

TANNER

I have a stronger warrior that can beat Zeus. He’s at my house. He has superpowers. No one can beat him!

XAVIER

Zeus isn’t afraid of any warrior.

TANNER

I want you to come to my birthday party. It’s Saturday. Can you come to my house on Saturday?

XAVIER

I don’t know. I can ask. Is there an invitation? Like something I can show my mom?

TANNER

No. But it’s okay. You don’t need one of those paper invitations. I’ll just ask my Dad tonight.

XAVIER

Okay. I’ll ask too. Did you say it’s this Saturday?

 

Sienna and Michelle run up and overhear the ending.

SIENNA

What’s on Saturday? You can’t leave me out of stuff! Remember what Dad said?

TANNER

I’m not leaving you out. We live together. You’ll be at the birthday party already, but you better not get in the way.

SIENNA

Don’t worry about that. I don’t even want to play those fighting games you play. (Pause) So maybe my new friend Michelle can come over and play with me while you have your party.

Michelle and Xavier look at each other surprised by the sudden suggestion.

TANNER

That’s actually a pretty good idea. What do you think Xavier? Could you both come over on Saturday? You come to my birthday party and, and, what’s your name again?

MICHELLE and SIENNA

Michelle.  

TANNER

Yeah, she can play with Sienna. That would be really good. What do you think? (looking at Michelle)

MICHELLE

Okay I guess. I mean that would be fun...if my mom says it’s okay.

Sienna jumps up and down. The others watch her and smile, appreciating the reaction.

XAVIER

I can’t believe that a brother and a sister move to a new school and end up in the same classes with another brother and sister!

They smile briefly at each other as if they discovered something special.

TANNER

Alright then. Tonight’s homework: we tell our parents the great idea for Saturday.

XAVIER

Okay. That sounds like an easy homework assignment, Mr. Steele. But you should do an extra assignment: Find the warrior to take on the great Zeus and, prepare him to lose. Cause he’s going down.

They all laugh as the scene ends.

 

Scene 2

Band extends with an instrumental version of “When You’ve Got a Friend”.

The stage is split into two sections, representing two homes where these parallel conversations are taking place. This is Xavier’s bedroom. Cheryl has a newspaper in her hands.

XAVIER

So what do you think?

CHERYL

About what?

XAVIER

I’m talking about the invitation to go to Tanner’s house. You know, what we were talking about at dinner. You mostly listened but didn’t say much.

MICHELLE

I’m invited too, Mom.

CHERYL

I don’t think that’s going to work out sweetheart. (pause) It’s nice to be invited, but sometimes things work out and sometimes they don’t.

XAVIER

But why not? What’s the reason? There needs to be a reason.

CHERYL

You should just accept this decision. It’s not going to work out. You don’t always need a reason.

Both kids and Maya just look and wait. It becomes a bit uncomfortable.

MAYA

I think you should tell them what you’re concerned with Honey.

They look at each other, pausing.

CHERYL

I don’t think that family shares our values. I’m worried that some of their not-so-good values would rub off on you.

MICHELLE

But Mom, have you ever met Sienna’s mom and dad? I mean, how do you know if you’ve never met them?

MAYA

Alright, you’ve heard your mother. You asked, you got an answer, and now it’s time for bed. You all can play together at school if you wish. That’s a good compromise.

CHERYL

Thank you Maya. You’re right. You can play at school, just not at their house.

Michelle runs off. Xavier looks frustrated and mystified.

I love you Xavier, good night.

Cheryl gives him a hug and leaves.

MAYA

Good night sweetheart. (She touches his shoulder sensitively.)

​

Lights switch over to the other side of the stage. Allison is present, looking at her tablet but subtly observing the entire thing carefully. Jessie and Sienna are putting a puzzle together. Doug is cleaning his pocket knife. They are having the conversation in Tanner’s bedroom.

 

TANNER

Hey Dad, did I tell you about Xavier coming to my birthday party?

DOUG

Who? I don’t think I know anybody by that name. Who’s that?

TANNER

He’s new to our school, kind of. Him and his sister are friends with me and Sienna. So I invited him and his sister to come for the party on Saturday.

DOUG

Why would you do that?

TANNER

Because I want him to come over because he’s funny and fun to play with. And Sienna really likes his sister too.

SIENNA

Yeah Daddy. Michelle is really nice and we can have a good time and not bother Tanner and his friends during his birthday party.

DOUG

I don’t know these kids, Jessie. Do you? Why haven’t I heard their names before?

JESSIE

Is this the new family that moved into the old Harrington House?

TANNER

Yeah, Mom.  They just moved here last month.

DOUG

Is their last name Johnson? Cause there’s a new editor at the paper named Johnson…

SIENNA

That’s her, Daddy. She’s a writer. Michelle told the class about it. So now you know enough to say “Yes?”

DOUG

I know enough alright. But not to say “Yes”.  Have you ever read one of her columns?

TANNER

But Dad, just cause my friend’s mom writes something you don’t like shouldn’t stop me from inviting him to my birthday.

DOUG

I don’t want me or my kids to have anything to do with her type. Period.

He looks puzzled and confused.

And I didn’t even figure she had any kids…

SIENNA

Michelle is really nice Dad. You would like her. And Xavier is nice too.

JESSIE

It doesn’t really matter Sienna. I’m sure the kids are nice. That’s not the point. Your daddy doesn’t like their mom. He’s got his reasons and that should be good enough for you. You have other friends coming over.

TANNER

But Dad, you haven’t even met her…

DOUG

Exactly! And I’m trying to keep it that way.

JESSIE

It’s almost bedtime. Get yourselves ready. I’ll come say “Good-night” in just a bit.

​

Parents exit. Music starts. Spot lighting to alternate between sides of stage during song.

 

Song, It’s Just Not Right          

 

CHORUS: It’s just not right, it’s just not fair

There’s something wrong with this

We are kind, and we do care

It shouldn’t be like this

It shouldn’t be like this

 

VERSE: We practice every day at school

To act respectfully

We care about each person

In our community          CHORUS

 

VERSE: They taught me not to judge people

And we don’t know who they are

If we reject who we never met

Have we gone too far?     CHORUS

 

BRIDGE: Can you hear me Mom and Dad?

I don’t understand

What is it that I’m missing?

I’m trying, the best I can

 

VERSE: I know someone who prays to God

And one who meditates

Another family serves Allah

I wonder what they’d say   CHORUS

 

Curtains close.

​

Scene 3

The music continues as the stage is prepared. When the curtains open the stage is split into two sections, representing two classrooms where parallel morning meetings are taking place. Two classes are seated in semi-circles.

MRS. WILLIAMS

That brings us to the last part of Morning Meeting: Sharing. If you have something you’d like to share, you can do that now, or you can “pass”. Like usual please give your classmates your full attention and respect.

LAUREN

Yesterday we got a new puppy. It’s a lab and it’s so adorable. We don’t have a name yet but I think it should be called Buddy cause it’s gonna be my best Buddy!

MARCUS

Pass.

TANNER

Last night I asked if Xavier could come over to my house and my dad said “No” and I’m not happy about it cause I don’t think it’s fair.

XAVIER

Last night I asked if I could go over to Tanner’s house and my mom said, “No” and she didn’t give a good reason. So I’m kind of sad and upset about that.

Lights and action shift to the other side of the stage.

MISS BAKER

Alright, we’ve got just a few minutes left. If you have something you’d like to share, now is the right time. Let’s try to keep this brief today, like two sentences. Thank you.

PARKER

What are sentences?

Classmates smile.

MISS BAKER

They’re ideas. Just say one or two ideas with your words. We’ll review sentences soon.

PARKER

My grandma got out of the hospital and we’re going to see her tonight. But my mom said we have to be really quiet around her, and that’s gonna be hard for me and my brother!

SIENNA

I’m kind of sad today because my dad said I couldn’t have Michelle over to my house to play.

MICHELLE

I also asked if I could go to Sienna’s house but my mom said “it wasn’t going to work out” or something like that. Which means: she’s got a reason, but she’s NOT gonna say it to me.

EMMA

That’s happened to me before too. I remember cause it made me really sad.

Many children show the hand signal to show a "connection".

MISS BAKER

I noticed how many of your classmates are showing the “connection” sign. It’s nice to be in a class where people care about you, isn’t it?

Lights switch back to the other side of the stage.

MRS. WILLIAMS

I’m so pleased to hear many of you respond to Tanner and Xavier’s situation. This has become a classroom community that cares.

She sees Tanner's hand raised.

Yes, Tanner.

TANNER

Is there anything we can do about it? I still want Xavier to be able to come to my house.

MRS. WILLIAMS

I know you do. But one thing we can’t do is to try to force your dad into changing his mind. You could bring it up again. However, you might ask him to think about what he stands for, when he’s at his best. Do you remember when you identified characteristics of you at your best? Turn a neighbor and ask: Who are you when you’re at your best?

​

Lights shift to the other classroom.

​

MISS BAKER

A few of you made comments about Sienna and Michelle’s situation. One thing you should consider is how to stay really positive when you talk about hard questions like this. Parents have reasons for their choices, and usually those reasons are for your own good, cause they love you. So if you do bring it up and try to talk about it again, you will want to stay focused on your best self, and your parent’s best self…

EMMA

I know what you mean Miss Baker. We focus on who we are, when we’re at our best!

Lights are on both sides of the stage as a song is performed.

 

At Your Best

 

I’m not worried about your problems, or the troubles on your mind

Everybody’s got a weakness, everyone can feel behind

I’m not thinking about your failures, I’m celebrating your success

I care about who are you... when you’re living at your best.

Who you are, who you are, who you are, when you’re at your best

 

We’ve all got our ups and downs, we’ve all got our attitudes

I’m not bothered when you’re down, or stuck inside a rotten mood  

I’m not stressed that you’re not perfect, or if your bedroom floor’s a mess

I care about who are you... when you’re living at your best.

Who you are, who you are, who you are, when you’re at your best

 

You don’t have to be the smartest, or be the fastest one at school

You don’t need a ton of toys, for me to think that you are cool

I don’t judge you by your clothing, I don’t judge what you possess

I care about who are you... when you’re living at your best.

Who you are, who you are, who you are, when you’re at your best

 

The curtains close and the music continues, instrumentally only, as the stage is quickly converted.

 

Scene 4

The stage is split into two sections, representing two homes where these parallel conversations are taking place. Jessie is preparing some food. Doug is fiddling with broken object trying to repair it. The kids are nibbling on food, Allison on her phone, but obviously listening.

 

TANNER

Hey Dad. Do you remember talking with me about inviting my new friend over? Remember?

Doug looks over almost daring him to continue, hungry to defend himself.

Well today at school we talked about who we are when we’re at our best. You know, like the best part of a person.

DOUG

Okay. So what’s the best part of you?

TANNER

I said “playful”. I like to play with people. Older kids, younger kids. It doesn’t matter, I’m friendly and I’m lively. I even like new friends too, like Xavier.

DOUG

We talked about that kid yesterday.

TANNER

Oh no dad, I’m just talking about values. I’m playful, that’s all I’m saying. (Pause). How about you? When you’re at your best, what is a value that describes who you are?

They look at each other for a while. Watching to see how the other reacts.

DOUG

I guess you could say I’m the kind of person who likes to be able to make up his mind about something and not be bothered by other people trying to change it. You know what I’m saying? (pausing) So I guess I’m “independent”. And when politicians want to make laws that affect what I do on my own property, I’m like, forget that, I’m independent. I don’t need those laws. And when I was 22 years old and I didn’t like what my old boss was paying me for essentially running his business, I said: I don’t need this. I’ll run my own operation cause I’m independent. So when I’m at my best I’m independent. Pretty good answer huh?

TANNER

Not really what I was hoping for…

He pauses and thinks.

How often do independent people change their minds?

DOUG

Hmmm. I’m thinking. I can’t seem to remember the last time I changed my mind. (pause) Maybe that’s cause I’m always right. (laughing)

JESSIE

Your father is confident too. So if you need another characteristic, confident is a good one.

SIENNA

That’s not gonna help us either, is it Mama?

Jessie shakes her head.

TANNER

But Dad, Xavier is such a nice person and it’s not right that he can’t come over. You’ll see when you independently agree to meet him.

DOUG

Doug is laughing.

It seems like I haven’t been clear enough with you, so I’m thinking about a little message for you and your sister...maybe it’ll help us to understand each other better. Tell you what, just give me a couple of minutes to put together the right words…

​

Lights switch over to the other side of the stage.

 

Cheryl is sitting down working on her laptop, looking focused and serious. Maya is preparing some food. Michelle is doing homework and Xavier approaches Cheryl to talk.

 

XAVIER

Hey Mom. Did you know that you’ve got homework tonight? (pause) I mean Mrs. Williams gave you homework tonight.

Michelle and Xavier smile at each other in the short silence.

CHERYL

Give me just a minute. I’m finishing up this important article.

Maya walks over and sits down.

MAYA

Sounds interesting. What’s the homework from Mrs. Williams?

MICHELLE

And Miss Baker. Our class had homework, too.

XAVIER

We were talking about who we are when we’re at our best.

MICHELLE

Like the song, “When you’re at your best!”

Michelle acts it out briefly.

XAVIER

Yeah, like that song. You see, each of us has good values that describe us when we’re at our best. I said “respectful” cause I try to show respect to everybody.

MICHELLE

And I said “kindness” because I always try to be kind. So Miss Baker asked everybody to ask their parents about it. We’re going to use the results to discover common values.

MAYA

Alright then, as one of your moms, I can answer the question. I’m “accepting”. I try to accept people for who they are, with all their oddities and peculiarities. I try to treat each person like a special human being. I think “accepting” is the word for that.

Xavier is writing it down in his notebook.

MICHELLE

That’s like mine too because "kindness" and "accepting" go together, don’t they? If you show kindness to people, then you will probably be accepting.

MAYA

They do go together Michelle. I’m accepting, and kind too!

Cheryl walks over.

CHERYL

I wish we had more of both in this world; more kindness and more acceptance. Our lives would sure be easier if that were the case.

XAVIER

So did you hear what we were talking about? (pause) Can you answer the question: Who are you when you’re at your best?

CHERYL

That’s a tough question. Everyday I do things that are NOT me at my best. (smiling and pausing) Grown-ups sometimes call these contradictions. Anyway, I guess I should look at the biggest decision I had to ever make: having a family with two moms. That required determination, confidence, a bit of stubborness and a whole lot of...independence. I mean I didn’t follow in anyone’s footsteps with this path! So I guess my word is: independent.

MAYA

And isn’t that the name of the paper you’re writing for? “The Independent”?

They all start laughing. As it dies down, Xavier jumps in with an idea.

XAVIER

Mom, Maya said she was accepting and I think you must be too, at least a little. So I was thinking that maybe you could “accept” that you were wrong about me and Michelle going over to Tanner’s house.

Xavier looks at Michelle to see how she’s reacting.

CHERYL

That was cute how you did that thing with the word “accept”. Clever. But I don’t “accept” it.

Smiling, she takes in a huge breath and sighs.

I just finished up an article about a family whose house was vandalized because they didn’t speak English in the “American way”, whatever that is. The family came to America to live the dream, to have the freedoms and liberties we have fought for, for generations. But instead, they face intolerance, racism, and hatred. It makes me wonder what America stands for.

I’m afraid it’s a bad time for you to ask again about that birthday party. That family, you know the one you want to visit, probably doesn’t accept your own mother for who she is. (pausing)

By the way, what did that dad say about you coming over? Did he want you to come?

XAVIER

No Mom. He didn’t want us there.

CHERYL

Yep. That’s what I thought.

She glares over with emotion.

The music kicks in.

 

Them and Us          

 

There’s nothing in my world more important than you

I’m worried about the things, that aren’t good for you

What you might be hearing, who you might be seeing

Have potential to hurt you. You sweet human beings

From what I have heard and from what I have seen

Those people are scary if you know what I mean

The things that they say, the stuff that they do... shows

Very different values than me and than you

 

It’s them and it’s us, and that’s black and white

With them it’s all wrong, with us it’s all right

 

I’m sorry to say kids and I guess you didn’t know that

It’s them and it’s us and the evidence will show that

They’re working against mostly anything we do

Trying to take the freedoms and rights for me and you

They think that they’re better than you and than me

With all their education and with all their money

You can’t trust em for a minute, they’ll try to change the laws

They got their special interests, got their special cause!

 

They reject all the people that aren’t just like they are

If you are not their color, you better just BEWARE

With a different definition of a family

With a different appreciation of femininity

With a different set of rules if you are well endowed

It really makes you wonder: is the truth allowed?

They complain that they’re the victim of a cruel enemy

They think they defend, a true democracy

 

Don’t even get me started on the thing I like the least

When they talk about guns they’re disturbing my peace

We’ve got that protection, it’s in the constitution

Leave it like it is, now that’s my solution

All the politicians just mess up everything

Don’t trust them for a minute, they don’t know anything

Who wants to hear the whining and all the sour notes

It’s time to change the channel so where is the remote

 

The kids watch this in utter shock, stunned by the complexity of their parents beliefs. They are confused.

The curtains close as the scene ends. Music continues instrumentally as the stage is quickly converted.

​

Scene 5

​

This classroom scene is combined, only one room, as the teachers are holding a joint circle. Both classes form just one circle.

The teachers hold up the quiet signal wait for complete quiet.

​

MRS. WILLIAMS

I know that you must be wondering why we are together today in one circle. It seems our classrooms have been discussing a similar situation involving pairs of friends in both of our classes. Also, both classes interviewed parents about “values”. Since this is a shared experience, we’ve expanded our circle just for today.

MISS BAKER

We usually don’t do this. But we know you care about this and you want to contribute to a solution. Let’s start with a lightning share. Quick as lightning, tell us a value that one of your parents chose, when at her or his best. It might sound like this: My mom said she is patient.

​

Miss Baker looks around for understanding and hands a talking piece to her neighbor.

The “share” continues until it gets back to Miss Baker.

All kids share a sentence, with characteristics or values mentioned. This moves efficiently and sounds authentic and meaningful, although a couple of students forgot.

​

MRS. WILLIAMS

Thank you for sharing. And those of you who forgot, I encourage you to ask tonight.

MISS BAKER

We asked this question to help us consider the common ground that we might share with others. Would you please take a moment to share with a neighbor anything you noticed as you listened so carefully to others in the circle.

Miss Baker and Mrs. Williams whisper together before putting up the quiet signal. This allows to audience to observe and predict. 

MRS. WILLIAMS

Is there anyone interested in sharing an observation?

MARCUS

I noticed that a few people said the same word, like “supportive”.

MICHELLE

I noticed that my mom said she was “independent” at her best. And that...

SIENNA

Interrupting…

And my dad said he was “independent” too! So that makes them the same.

Many hands shoot up at this time. Mrs. Williams looks for Tanner or Xavier’s.

MRS. WILLIAMS

Yes Tanner.

TANNER

They said the same thing maybe, but they are sooo different. (pause) You wouldn’t believe what my dad did last night. After he said he was independent, he sang this song that was so weird. (pause) I mean he was trying to sing hip hop, I think. And he said the craziest stuff about “them and us”. I was so confused. I don’t think we’re gonna ever be able to fix this situation.

MRS. WILLIAMS

Xavier do you have something to add to that?

XAVIER

Yeah. My mom did the same thing! She got up and tried to rap some lines about “them and us” and how different she is than they are. It was so strange I didn’t know what to say. I just stared at her.

MISS BAKER

It sounds like it was a little upsetting to you, and maybe a bit frustrating too. (pause) I suppose it begs the question: Now what? Where do we go from here? (pause) We’re in the perfect place for ideas, sitting in our circle with friendly, brilliant thinkers like you. Who has an idea?

(pause) Brenda's hand goes up.

Yes Brenda.

BRENDA

Well Miss Baker, you know when we’re writing fiction and we’re mapping out a story, we always have the characters try different ways to solve the problem? This is kind of like that.

The teacher nods to another student with a raised hand.

TONY

That’s right cause you always tell us there’s more than one way to solve the problem. There are lots of ways to solve problems. You just have to be open to the possibilities.

MISS BAKER

Thank you Tony. I bet some of your classmates are thinking about this right now. But before we hear these ideas, let’s be sure we understand the problem. What’s the problem we’re trying to solve?

PAULA

Tanner and Sienna want to be friends with Xavier and Michelle. They want to be able to visit each other, but the parents say, “No.”

MRS. WILLIAMS

Okay. At the surface, that’s the problem.  Right?

Students nod and the teacher takes a deep breath.

Children, you have to know that the story often ends here. Moms and Dads make decisions like this all the time. They love you and they are doing the best they can. We need to respect that.

Another deep breath.

But, Miss Baker and I think there is something that can be learned by allowing you to discuss it further. That’s why we’re having this conversation. It may end up going nowhere. Some stories end up with an unsolved problem. That’s life.

MISS BAKER

And some stories can be addressed. So, there are a few hands up I believe, kids with ideas on how to try to solve the problem.

If you’ve been thinking creatively about this, you’ll each get a chance to share one way to possibly solve this problem.

The music begins.
 

More Than One Way        

 

Chorus

There’s more than one way to solve the problem in your way

More than one way, More than one way

Consider the options, think creatively

Be open to the possibilities!

 

You could run away together, build a treehouse in the woods

Right along the river where the fishing is so good

They’d come looking for you and together you would say:

We’re staying here until we get our way!

 

You could cover up the bumper stickers on your mother’s car

Replace them with the candidates she says have gone too far

You could change your name completely, have a new identity

Be fictional and you will feel free!

 

You could build a helicopter, get in and fly away

Go where no one tells you who can or cannot play

Or dig a tunnel system for a secret get-away

Visit any night or any day!

 

You could talk with magic fairies and they could cast a spell

I know that they would do it as long as you don’t tell

They would fix your parents, to not say “no” again

So you can play all day with any friend

 

We could invite all the parents to a special school event

Communicate this story, something kids present

Play for them great music, where we all dance around

Together we’d create some common ground

TANNER and XAVIER

Wait. Stop. Please. Can we hear that idea again? But slowed down, like half-time.

Gesturing 1-2-3-4

 

We could invite all the parents to a special school event

Communicate this story, something kids present

Play for them great music, where we all dance around

Together we’d create some common ground

 

During the drum beat going into the final chorus everybody stands, giving congratulatory high fives, celebrating the obvious conclusion that they’d proceed with this option to solve the problem at hand.

 

Scene 6

​

The Principal, Miss Baker, and Mrs. Williams are huddled together in a space that resembles the office. There is a serious tone, even slight discomfort can be observed by the body language.

 

PRINCIPAL, MR. SMITH

Let me see if I’ve got this right. You’re asking me if I support having a school wide “dance party” because it might help two children get invited to a birthday party?

MRS. WILLIAMS

No, Mr. Smith. It started like that. That’s fair to say. But we’ve talked about this in our classrooms. We’ve redefined the problem and we think it’s much more meaningful now. The problem is bigger than what we first thought it was.

MR. SMITH

Well go on. How have you redefined this problem?

MISS BAKER

The problem is that some people judge others and reject them without ever even meeting them. We teach our children that this is wrong. We expect students to care about others, to respect others, even if we disagree with them. But yet, many adults don’t do that.

MRS. WILLIAMS

Mr. Smith, you believe in the goodness of every member of our community. Right? (waiting for affirmation) Well, we think people might treat each other better if they have some common ground. We think a dance party is a good start. It brings all families together to share an experience. That’s all. Simple as that.

MISS BAKER

And to find this common ground we need your support Mr. Smith.

MR. SMITH

Why is my support so important for this... experiment?

MRS. WILLIAMS

We need people to show up. That’s the most important detail. They are much more likely to show up if this is an official school event.

MR. SMITH

Well who’s going to be involved and who’s going to organize the whole thing?

MISS BAKER

The kids will organize it.

Mr. Smith smiles with a doubtful grin, shaking his head.

MR. SMITH

So you want me to support a school-wide event, a dance party, something we’ve never done before, that is organized by a few elementary students?

MISS BAKER

Okay, I know how that sounds. But it’s already bigger than that. Mrs. Williams and I are happy to be the adults in-charge, if you’d like. We know that both of our classrooms are excited about this idea. And, we know of several middle school students who are very interested in involving their friends, too.

MRS. WILLIAMS

This is an important subject that involves all of us, at least at some level. Our children want to bring families together with a fun event, focused on music and dancing. What could go wrong?

MR. SMITH

That’s been my primary concern since this conversation began.

Big sigh and long pause.

Alright, I’ve got 3 ground rules. If you agree to them, you can have your “Dance Party.”  #1 You two will be in charge of this event, and students will plan it and organize it with your supervision. #2 Be totally positive. Remember, we should focus on the best in each other! We want common ground, NOT divisiveness. #3 Don’t promote unrealistic expectations. Do you really think parents will change attitudes because they attend a school dance party? Our children should not think this is going to suddenly change everything. Bless their beautiful hearts!

Can you live with these ground rules?

MRS. WILLIAMS and MISS BAKER

Sure Mr. Smith. Thank you. Yes.

MR. SMITH

Now, what’s the chance I can talk to some of these ambitious young students who are behind this dance party?

MISS BAKER

The chances are high. In fact they were so excited about this meeting they’ve been missing some of their recess waiting around the corner.

MR. SMITH

Call them in. I have a question for them.

The kids hustle into place.

I’m guessing you’ll be happy to hear that you can go ahead and prepare for a school dance party.

The kids react excitedly.

Are you up for this task? Are you determined to work with kids in different classes? Are you going to stick with this?

​
 

We're Not Quittin’!

 

Have you ever felt like it’s the time

To share your voice, to speak your mind

Have you ever thought this cannot wait

It’s not the time to hesitate

 

Do you find... It’s the time?

We’re not quittin’  (No, no, no, no, no)

We’re not giving up! (No, No, No)

 

People often tell you to persevere

To push yourself and have no fear

You know it’s even harder when you hear “No”

To gather up the strength to go and go

 

Do you find... It’s the time?

We’re not quittin’  (No, no, no, no, no)

We’re not giving up! (No, No, No)

 

(A group of older students walk in as the music continues softly.)

MR. SMITH

May I help you?

ALLISON

Well, we actually came to join in! May we?

MR. SMITH

Well sure... (gesturing them in)

 

When you’ve got a job that just can’t wait

You need a team to cooperate

When you work together to get it done

You do more things while you’re having fun

 

Do you find... It’s the time?

We’re not quittin’  (No, no, no, no, no)

We’re not giving up! (No, No, No)

 

Scene 7

The playground is arranged like it was for the first scene. Allison, Anita, Tanner, Xavier, Michelle and Sienna are huddled together like a football huddle, but seated.

 

ALLISON

So what did we hear from Bradley about the T-shirts? He was supposed to talk to Mrs. McGregor about the design.

TANNER

I don’t know. But I’ll go get him now.  

He runs off.

ALLISON

Anita, how’s the dance you’re working on? 

ANITA

It’s coming along. There are a few 7th and 8th graders working on it with me.

SIENNA

Hey Allison. Remember how Malik said his Dad played in a band and that he would ask if his band could play? Well, he said, “Yes.” So we can work with Malik to make sure they know all of our songs.

Sienna and Allison high-five.

MICHELLE

What about decorations in the gym? Shouldn’t we decorate it with something that makes you feel like dancing?

ALLISON

That’s a great idea. Can you check in with Miss Baker about that? I think she had a group of kids who wanted to work on that.

XAVIER

Oh yeah, the program. I asked Miss Simon if she could do it. She said that she would be happy to organize it as long as we told her the names of the songs and… and some other stuff I forgot.

They all laugh.

ANITA

No worries, Xavier. I’ll talk with Miss Simon when we know exactly what to put into the program. Thank you.

ALLISON

Thanks to everybody. This is really coming together.

SIENNA

I just wish it didn’t have to take this long. Tanner’s birthday was a long time ago and we are still planning this…

ALLISON

I know right? Just remember: we want this to be special, and special things take time. Keep up the good work everybody. The dance party will here soon!

 

Intermission