Moulin Rouge play

by phantastic23

A play version of the film Moulin Rouge. Enjoy! R&R

1. ACT ONE

ACT ONE - SCENE 1

The curtain is closed. The overture begins. At the end a projector fills the curtain with "1900 Paris"

Toulouse appears in the opera box.

Toulouse: THERE WAS A BOY A VERY STRANGE ENCHANTED
BOY THEY SAY HE WANDERED VERY FAR
VERY FAR, OVER LAND AND SEA

The curtain opens slowly to reveal Christian's garret. The garret is messy. Papers and empty bottles are everywhere. The room has a small bed, an unlit fireplace, and a window looking out at the Moulin Rouge. There is a small table downstage, with a typewriter, near the window.

Christian, holding a liquor bottle, looks up slowly.

Toulouse: A LITTLE SHY AND SAD OF EYE

BUT VERY WISE WAS HE

Christian gets up slowly, and stumbles around the room, drinking and looking at papers.

Toulouse: AND THEN ONE DAY ONE MAGIC DAY

HE PASSED MY WAY AND WHILE WE SPOKE

OF MANY THINGS FOOLS AND KINGS

Christian walks over to the typewriter, very sad and crying.

Toulouse: THIS HE SAID TO ME

Christian starts to type. He grows sadder when the next thing is spoken.

Toulouse: THE GREATEST THING YOU'LL EVER LEARN

IS JUST TO LOVE AND BE LOVED IN RETURN

Christian looks out the window. He begins to type. As he talks, he speaks almost to himself, almost to the audience.

Christian: The Moulin Rouge…a nightclub. A kingdom of nighttime

pleasures. Where the rich and powerful came to play with the young and beautiful creatures of the underworld.

The most beautiful of all was the woman I loved.

Satine. A courtesan. She was the star of the Moulin Rouge.

The woman I loved is….

Christian looks back out to the window.

Christian: (softly) Dead…

Christian turns and begins to type again.

Christian: I first came to Paris one year ago. 1889. The village of

Monmarte.

The lights fade. We segue into…

ACT ONE- SCENE 2

The garret, but one year later. It is spacious and clean. Christian (cleaner and brighter) opens the door, smiling. He holds two suitcases.

Christian puts his things down and looks around. The Landlady stands at the door, holding out a key. She opens the door.

The landlady angrily hands Christian the key. She leaves.

During the voiceover, Christian puts his suitcase on the bed. He opens one suitcase, takes out a typewriter, and puts it on the desk. He sits at the desk.

Christian: (V.O) Yes, I had come to live a penniless existence.

I had come to write about freedom beauty,

Truth, and which I believe above all things love.

Christian begins to type. Then stops, ruffled.

Christian: I've never been in love!

Christian: (V.O.)Luckily, at that moment, an unconscious Argentinean

fell through my roof.

The Argentinean falls on a rope from the top of the stage. Christian leaps up, gasping. The rope stops right before he hits the floor, and then releases him on the floor.

His door slams open.

Christian turns. Toulouse, a short man, stands, dressed in a nun costume.

Toulouse: How do you do? My name is Henri Marie Raymond Toulouse-

Lautrec Montfa.

Toulouse walks over to the Argentinean.

Toulouse: I'm terribly sorry about all this. We were just upstairs rehearsing a play.

Christian: A play?

Toulouse: It's very modern. Spectacular, Spectacular! And it's set in

SWITZERLAND!

Christian: And him?

Christian points to the Argentinean.

Toulouse: The Argentinean suffers from a sickness called Narcolepsy

perfectly fine one moment, then suddenly

Toulouse imitates snoring.

Toulouse: Unconscious the next.

Christian's door slams open. It is the rest of the bohemians, The Doctor, Audrey, and Satie

They rush over to Toulouse, examining the Argentinean ignoring Christian.

DoctorHow is he?

Audrey: How wonderful now that the narcoleptic Argentinean is now unconscious. And therefore the scenario will not be finished in time to present to the financiers tomorrow.

Satie: Quick, Toulouse. I still have to finish the music.

Audrey: Oh where in heavens are we going to find someone to read the part of the young sensitive Swiss poet goatherd?

Toulouse points to Christian, and the Bohemians turn to Christian, smiling.

Lights fade and segue to…

ACT ONE- SCENE 3

The Bohemian's garret. It is extremely messy. It has one bed, where the Argentinean is sleeping on.

There is a stage in the center of the room, with a Switzerland landscape, and a ladder.

Christian is wearing the costume of the poet Goatherd. He leans on the ladder, next to the stage.

There is a piano, with all kinds of electrical devices on top.

The Doctor stands by the electrical lights, with Satie by the piano.

Toulouse stands in front of the stag, with Audrey, who holds the script.

The doctor sings, horribly off-key and off the music.

The Doctor: (singing)THE HILLS ARE ANIMATED WITH THE

EUPHONIOUS SYMPHONY OF DESCANT…

The machines whir and crackle.

Audrey: Stop, stop, stop! That insufferable droning is

drowning out my words. Can we please just stick

to a little decorative piano?

Satie: I don't think a nun would say that about a hill. What is he sings the hills are vital intoning the descant?

The Doctor: No, no, no. the hills are…

Everyone stops to think.

The Argentinean snaps awake.

Argentinean:The hills are incarnate with symphonic melodies.

He falls back asleep abruptly.

All: No. Nah.

Christian:The hills…

Christian tries to interrupt the Bohemians.

Doctor: The hills are chanting…

Satie: The hills…hills…

Christian waves his arms, trying to get noticed.

ChristianThe hill…

He can't contain it.

Christian: THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC!

The song ends. The Bohemians stop for a few beats, in awe. They turn to Christian.

Suddenly, the Argentinean wakes up.

Argentinean: The hills are alive with the sound of music, I love it!

Satie: It fits perfectly!

Christian: WITH SONGS THEY HAVE SUNG FOR A THOUSAND YEARS!

The Bohemians gasp.

Toulouse: Incandiferous! Audrey, you two should write the show

together.

Audrey gets very offended.

Audrey:I beg your pardon?

Audrey stands, angry. He eyes all the Bohemians. They are silent. He bottles up his anger, then walks to the door.

Audrey:GOOD-BYE!

Toulouse has already gotten out the abthiste bottle and glasses. He hands them to each Bohemian, and to Christian.

Toulouse: Here's to your first job in Paris!

They all drink, but Satie.

Satie:No offense, but have you ever written anything

like this before?

Christian: (nervous)No…

The Argentinean walks over to Christian.

Argentinean: Ah! The boy has talent!

The Argentinean whips his hand up, strategically placed on Christian's crotch.

Argentinean: I like him! Nothing funny…I just like talent.

Toulouse: "The hills are alive with the sound of music" See, Satie, with Christian we can finally write a truly Bohemian

Revolution show that we've always dreamed of!

Satie: But how will we convince Zidler?

Toulouse: I have a plan!

The Bohemians gather in a circle, whispering. Christian tries to listen. The Bohemians finally turn to Christian.

Toulouse: (fast)Okay, Christian. It goes like this. We dress you up in the Argentinean's best suit…which isn't that great,

but we'll forget about that, eh? We'll pass you

off as a famous English writer. Then we'll present

you to Satine, and she'll hear your

modern poetry and be astounded and insist to Zidler

that you write Spectacular Spectacular!

Christian: (V.O.)The only problem was I kept hearing my father's voice

in my head! "You'll end up wasting your life at the

Moulin Rouge with a can-can dancer" he said.

Toulouse and the Bohemians go wild, pouring absthie, and shouting with joy.

Christian:NO! I can't write the show for the Moulin Rouge!

Christian heads for the door. The Bohemians grab Christian.

Toulouse: Why not?

Christian: I- I don't even know if I'm a true Bohemian Revolutionary.

Toulouse: Do you believe in beauty?

Christian: Yes.

Doctor: Freedom?

Christian: Yes, of course.

Satie: Truth?

Christian: Yes!

Doctor: Love?

Christian stops.

Christian: Love? Above all things I believe in love. Love is like oxygen.

Love is a many splendoured thing? Love lifts us up where

we belong. All you need is love.

The Bohemians laugh

Toulouse: You can't fool us!

Toulouse hands Christian his absthie glass, and pours it into his cup, along with others.

Doctor: You're the voice of the Children of the Revolution!

Satie: You will write one world's first Bohemian Revolution

show!

Argentinean: So, you will do it?

There is silence. Christian looks around.

Christian: All right, I'll do it.

The Bohemians cry of joy, drinking their Absthie.

The Green Fairy, who has been back stage, rises high (in a very Defying Gravity way)

Green Fairy: I'm the green fairy.

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The Bohemian's are completely drunk, including Christian, they laugh, pointing and watching the Green Fairy.

All:THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The Green Fairy dances.

All: FREEDOMGreen Fairy: THE HILLS ARE ALIVE

BEAUTY TRUTH WITH THE SOUND OF

AND LOVE MUSIC

Christian: WITH SONGS THEY HAVE SUNG FOR A THOUSAND YEARS

All: THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The lights go crazy and cut to black. And segue to…

ACT ONE - SCENE 4

The inside of the Moulin Rouge. The red curtains makeup the backdrop. On stage left there is two table areas, separated by a wall, but completely open to the wall.

High up on the stage is a balcony.

Downstage, near the red curtains/backdrop, there are hidden doors.

In the center of the stage is a small platform.

Men in suits and top hats, are all around, eagerly waiting the act. Christian and the Bohemians enter the Moulin Rouge. They are now in suits and top hats. They look around, astounded. They sit at one to the table areas.

Next to them is the Duke and Warner, but they are not known to the audience yet.

Suddenly, the hidden doors open. The can-can girls appear with Harold Zidler the men clap. Christian, and the Bohemians, and Duke and Warner watch.

Girls: VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI?

CE SOIR?

Zidler:WHEN WORK'S AN AWFUL BORE

AND LIVING'S JUST A CHORE
I'VE GOT THE ANTIDOTE

AND THOUGH I MUSN'T GLOAT
AT THE MOULIN ROUGE!
YOU'LL HAVE FUN!

SO SCRATCH THAT LITTLE NIGGLE, HAVE A LITTLE

WIGGLE! CAUSE YOU CAN, CAN, CAN!

They begin their dance (all taking place in the inside of the Moulin Rouge)

Men:YES, YOU CAN, CAN, CAN!

Girls: VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI? CE SOIR?

Zidler: BUT YOU CAN'T, CAN'T, CAN'T

Men: YES, YOU CAN, CAN, CAN

Girls: VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI? CE SOIR?

Zidler:BUT YOU CAN, CAN, CAN!

Men:HERE WE ARE NOW, ENTERTAIN US

WE FEEL STUPID AND CONTAGIOUS

Zidler: GOT SOME DARK DESIRE

LOVE TO PLAY WITH FIRE?
WHY NOT LET IT RIP?

LIVE A LITTLE BIT!

CAUSE YOU CAN, CAN, CAN!

All: YES, YOU CAN, CAN, CAN

Men:HERE WE ARE NOW, ENTERTAIN US

Zidler: BUT YOU CAN'T, CAN'T, CAN'T.

Girls: VOULEZ VOU COUCHER AVEC MOI? CE SOIR?

Men: YES, YOU CAN, CAN, CAN!

IF YOU'RE STUPID AND CONTAGIOUS

Zidler gets on the platform, the men dance around it. During all this, Christian is amazed and can't believe the energy.

Zidler:OUTSIDE IT MAY BE TRAGIC,

BUT IN HERE WE THINK IT'S MAGIC!

Zidler jumps off the platform, and goes off stage.

All: HERE WE ARE NOW, ENTERTAIN US

The sexual energy is high, the music begins thumping. Zidler appears on the balcony. He eggs on the crowd, and then holds up the sign for stop.

The crowd is quiet.

Zidler:The can-can.

The men stand to the side, and the can-can girls begin their special dance.

All: BECAUSE WE CAN, CAN, CAN

BECAUSE WE CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN HEY, SISTER GO SISTER, SOUL SISTER, FLOW SISTER

GITCHIE GITCHIE YA YA DA DA
GITCHIE GITCHIE YA YA DA DA

GITCHIE GITCHIE YA YA HERE
MOCHA CHOCOLATA YA YA

CREOLE LADY MARMALADE

The girls eventually finish their dance, and go into the crowd of men, enticing them, dancing with them, grinding with them.

Now, Christian and the Bohemians are dancing along

Bohemians:WELL, YOU CAN BUMP AND GRIND

Christian: CAUSE IT'S GOOD FOR YOU'RE MIND YEAH!

Christian and the Bohemians walk back to their seats.

ToulouseMission accomplished. We successfully evaded Zidler!

All: BECAUSE YOU CAN, CAN, CAN

BECAUSE WE CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN, CAN,

CAN, CAN!

ACT ONE- SCENE 5

When the song ends, Christian and the Bohemians sit back at their seats. Christian is pumped, excited, and eager.

At the end of the song, the lights immediately dim. Zidler leaves the balcony.

Everyone looks up. A trapeze is downstage, almost in the audience. The trapeze spins slowly. Satine is on it, wearing a sparkling dress costume and top hat.

Toulouse:It's her. The Sparkling Diamond.

Everyone looks up in awe. Especially Christian. The can-can girls go to the side, leaving the men in the middle.

Satine: THE FRENCH ARE GLAD TO DIE FOR LOVE
THEY DELIGHT IN FIGHTING DUELS
BUT I PREFER A MAN WHO LIVES AND GIVES
EXPENSIVE…JEWELS…

The lights get bright, and the song picks up. The trapeze spins, lowering Satine to the stage. Satine lands on the stage, throwing herself into the crowd of men.

The men go CRAZY, throwing money, jewels, and anything else they can get their hands on. Christian and the Duke watch eagerly.

Satine:A KISS ON THE HAND MAY BE QUITE
CONTINENTAL BUT DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS
BEST FRIEND A KISS MAY BE GRAND BUT IT
WON'T PAY THE RENTAL ON YOUR HUMBLE
FLAT OR HELP YOU FEED YOUR PUSSY CAT

MEN GROW COLD BUT GIRLS GROW OLD
AND WE ALL LOSE OUR CHARMS IN THE END
BUT SQUARE CUT OR PEAR-SHAPED THESE
ROCKS DON'T LOSE THEIR SHAPE

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND.

Zidler makes his way through the crowd, and sits next to the Duke. Meanwhile, the men lift Satine up and down from the crowd.

Satine: TIFFANY!

Duke: When am I going to meet the girl?

Satine:CARTIER!

Toulouse taps Christian on the shoulder.

Toulouse: (with Zidler) After her number, I've arranged a special meeting with you and Mademoiselle Satine, totally alone.

Zidler: (with Toulouse)After her number, I've arranged a special meeting with you andMademoiselle Satine, totally alone…

The Duke nods, pleased. But Christian is completely nervous.

Meanwhile, Satine is offered more money and jewels as she dances around the men.

Christian:Alone?

Toulouse: (with Zidler) Totally alone

Zidler:(with Toulouse) Totally alone.

A young man offers Satine roses, she is displeased, tossing them aside. She pushes the young man on the ground and goes on top of him.

Satine:CAUSE WE ARE LIVING IN A MATIERAL

WORLD AND I AM A MATERIAL GIRL

Satine gets up. The men gather around her in a circle. She blows a kiss.

Satine: COME AND GET ME BOYS

The men lift her up, and carry her on her back. They move to the platform, where Zidler is making his way. Zidler stands on the platform.

Satine:BLACK STAR, ROZZ CALL,

TALK TO ME HARRY ZIDLER TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT!

The men put Satine onto the platform.

Satine: THERE MAY COME A TIME WHEN A LASS
NEEDS A LAWYER

Zidler:BUT DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND

Satine:THERE MAY COME A TIME WHEN A HOT-BOILED
EMPLOYER THINKS YOU'RE

Zidler:AWFUL NICE

Satine:BUT GET THAT ICE OR ELSE NO DICE!

A music break begins. The can-can girls gather around the platform, dancing. Satine entices the crowd, collecting money and jewels.

Meanwhile, Toulouse is standing, dancing with the music, and bumps into the Duke, spilling his drink on the Duke's pants.

The Duke takes out a handkerchief. Toulouse grabs it, trying to clean the Duke's pants.

Toulouse: Don't worry, don't worry. I'll sally forth and get things cleaned

up.

Satine: Is the Duke here, Harry?

Zidler:He's the one Toulouse is shaking a hanky at.

At this point, Toulouse turns to Christian.

Toulouse: Excuse me, Christian. May I borrow?

Girls: DIAMOND ARE A GIRLS BEST DIAMONDS
ARE A GIRLS BEST DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS
BEST FRIEND

Christian nods as Toulouse shakes the hanky, getting it out of Christian's pocket.

Satine peers, seeing Toulouse shaking the hanky at Christian. Christian sees her looking at him.

Satine: Are you sure?

Zidler looks over at Toulouse, who is now handing the Duke the hanky.

Toulouse: Oh, I'm ever so sorry.

Zidler:That's the one, chickpea. I hope that daemonic loon hasn't

frightened him off.

Toulouse gets angry as the Duke protests. He throws the hanky at him.

Toulouse:Fine then, clean yourself up you bourgeois pig!

Warner takes out his gun, and puts it on Toulouse's stomach.

Toulouse: Oh, sorry.

Toulouse returns to his seat. The can-can girls lift their skirts. Zidler and Satine disappear into the platform, covered by the can-can girls. The can-can girls sway.

Girls:DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND

Suddenly, Zidler and Satine emerge from the circle. Satine is in a completely different costume. Zidler runs up to the balcony.

ACT ONE SCENE 7

Satine:CAUSE THAT'S WHY THOSE LOUSES

GO BACK TO THEIR SPOUSES
DIAMONDS

Satine points to Christian's area. The men lift her up, bringing her there.

Satine: ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

Satine is brought to Christian's area. Christian gazes up at her, in awe.

Satine: I believe you are expecting me.

Christian: (nervous) Yes…yes…

Satine turns to the crowd.

Satine: I'm afraid it's ladies choice.

Satine turns to Christian, pointing to him. Christian looks around, confused.

Satine turns to the crowd, gasping. She whimpers. Satine swishes her costume, pushing her behind into Christian's face, covering Christian.

Satine:Ow, ow, ow, ow ow, ow, ow, grrr! Oh!

Toulouse: I see you've already met my English friend.

Satine turns to Toulouse.

Satine:I'll take care of it, Toulouse.

She turns to Christian.

Satine: Let's dance.

ACT ONE- SCENE 6

Satine pulls Christian to the dance floor.

Girls:FEEL THE RHYTM OF THE NIGHT DANCE
UNTIL THE MORNING LIGHT!

The rest of the music is instrumental.

All Can-Can girls' pair with a man, and Satine and Christian join the choreographed dance.

Satin:That seemed to go well.

Doctor:Incredible.

Argentinean:He has a gift with the woman.

Toulouse: I told you, he's a genius!

The men tip their hats, and the Bohemians tip theirs to Christian. Satine and Christian speak as they dance.

Christian is a bit nervous.

Satine: So wonderful of you to take an interest in our little show.

Christian:Sounds very exciting. I'd be delighted to be involved.

Satine:Really?

Christian:Assuming you like what I do of course.

Satine:I'm sure I will.

Christian:Toulouse thought we might be able to…um…do it in private.

Satine:Did he?

Christian:Yes, you know a private….poetry reading.

Satine:Oh. A "poetry" reading. Ooh, I love a little "poetry"

after supper.

The music gets louder and thumping. Christian claps along, as Satine kicks up her heels.

Satine: Ow!

Satine giggles. Her trapeze comes back down.

Satine twirls around, and gets on her trapeze.

Christian watches as she leaves. He goes back to his seat.

The Bohemians pat his back, mission accomplished.

The music segues into Diamonds. The trapeze rises. The dancers and men form a circle, swaying hand in hand.

Satine:DIAMONDS…DIAMONDS…DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S

BEST…

Satine stops, gasping. She stutters, trying to breathe. Suddenly, she falls from the trapeze. Chocolat catches her. Christian gasps.

Chocolat turns to Zidler on the balcony. Zidler nods his head, and Chocolat takes Satine offstage.

Zidler looks at the crowd, unsure.

Zidler:YEAAAHH!

He claps. The crowd claps along, and begins to chant Satine. Only Christian is silent, worried.

We segue into…

ACT ONE- SCENE 8

We are now backstage. In the center is a couch. Behind it is a dressing wall. On stage right there is a mirror with Satine's things, including a birdcage. On stage left is costumes and various other theatre knickknacks hung on the wall over another dresser.

Choclat, Marie and the Can-Can girls enter the room. Choclat puts Satine down on the couch.

Everyone surrounds Satine. Marie kneels down, stroking her head.

Nini:Don't think the Duke's going to get his money's worth

tonight.

Fromage:Don't be unkind Nini.

Baby Doll:Quiet.

Satine gasps, and wakes up. She looks around.

Satine:Oh, Marie. These silly costumes.

Marie ushers for the Can-Can girls to leave. They leave, Choclat giving one last look.

Satine coughs into her hanky violently. Marie takes the hanky. The hanky is covered in blood.

Satine gets up, and slightly wobbles over to her the mirror. She sits in the seat, fixing her hair.

Marie looks at the hanky, and puts it in her pocket.

Satine:Do you think the Duke will invest?

Marie:Of course, he's really taken the bait, eh?

Marie walks over to Satine, brushing her hair.

Marie:With a patron like him, you'll be the next Sarah Burnhart.

Satine: Do you really think I could be like the great Sara?

Marie smiles at Satine.

Marie:You have the talent. You hook that Duke and you'll be lining

up the great stages in your name?

Satine:I'm going to be a great actress. A real actress.

(softly) And then I'm going to fly away from here.

She looks dreamily up at her birdcage.

Zidler enters stage right.

Zidler:Oh, duckling is everything all right?

Satine turns to Harold, smiling.

Satine:Oh yes, of course Harold.

Satine stands, smiling. Marie sits on the couch.

Satine:You are quite confident about the Duke, I take?

Zidler:Pigeon, after spending the night with you, how could

he possibly refuse?

Satine:What's his type? Wilting flower…hmm..bright and bubbly?

Ah! Or smoldering temptress. Grrr..

Zidler:I'd say smoldering temptress.

Marie walks over to the drawer, and takes out a sexy black lingerie piece.

Satine and Zidler gasp in joy. Satine claps.

Zidler:Oh, my little strawberry, how could he possibly resist?

Everything's going so well!

Satine claps, squealing happily.

ACT ONE- SCENE 9

We are in Satine's elephant. Upstage is the heart window, overlooking the city. Stage left is a big bed, with velvet red comforters. The room is very red and gaudy, set to an Indian theme. Stage right is a table with champagne glasses and food. Stage right, just past the bed in a dressing wall, Satine appears.

Christian stands, back to the audience, looking out the window.

Satine:This is a wonderful place for a poetry reading, don't

you think? Poetic enough for you?

Christian is very much surprised, seeing Satine in her sexy black lingerie.

Christian:(nervous) Yes…yes…

Satine turns to the table, beginning to take out a champagne bottle.

Satine:A little supper, maybe some champagne?

Christian:I'd rather just get it um.. over and done with.

Satine drops the champagne bottle, loudly.

Satine:Oh.

She turns to Christian.

Satine:Very well.

She walks over to the bed, posing seductively.

Satine:How about you come down here, and let's get it over and

done with?

Satine sits on the bed.

Christian:I prefer to do it standing.

Satine starts to move.

Satine:Oh.

Christian:You don't have to stand, I mean. Sometimes that- I mean,

It's quite long. And I'd like you to be comfortable. It's quite

modern what I do, it may feel a little strange at first, but

if you're open then- then you might enjoy it.

Satine is very pleased.

Satine:I'm sure I will.

Christian:Excuse me.

He turns, closing his eyes, thinking.

Christian:The sky is…

Satine is on the bed, moaning and sitting seductively.

Christian:Is…ugh…blue…oh..

He turns, and blows a raspberry.

Christian: Come on…I think…

He blows another raspberry, and then regains his composure. He turns around again, but Satine is still on the bed, still moaning. Christian turns around again.

Christian:I might be shaking. Oh tik-e-tik-e-tik-e.

Satine gives up, in frustration. She sits up.

Satine:Um…is everything all right?

Christian:I'm just a little nervous. It's just that sometimes it takes a little

while for…ugh…

Satine:Oh…

Christian:You know… inspiration to come.

Satine:Oh, yes, yes, yes. Let mummy help, hmm?

Satine stands, nearing Christian. She grabs his…"talent"

Satine:Does that inspire you enough? Let's make love!

She throws Christian on the bed, and goes on top of him.

Christian:Make love?

Satine begins to undo his shirt and bowtie. She puts her hand on top of his mouth, silencing him.

Satine:You want to, don't you?

Christian:Well, I came to—

She puts his hand on his mouth again

Satine:Hmm, tell me the truth…can you feel the poetry? Meow!

She giggles. She unzips his pants. Christian and Satine look down.

Satine:Oh, big boy! Yes, I need your poetry now!

Satine pushes him more into the bed.

Christian: Oh, all right.

Christian struggles, and gets up. Satine almost falls off the bed.

Christian:It's a little bit funny, this f-feeling inside. I'm not one of those

who can- who can easily hide.

Satine looks at Christian, confused.

Christian:Is this-is this okay? Is this what you want?

Satine catches the drift.

Satine:Oh, poetry. Oh yes, yes, yes this is what I want, naughty words.

She giggles, writhing on the bed.

Christian:I don't have much money, but boy, if I did I'd buy us a big house

where we both could live…

Satine:Oh, yes, yes, Oh yes! Naughty!

Christian: If I were a sculptor, or then again, no. Or a man who makes

potions at a traveling show.

Satine crawls to the floor.

Satine:Yes, yes. Oh, no. Don't stop! Give me more!

Christian:I know it's not much…

Satine grabs a blanket, moaning on the floor with it in hand.

Satine:Oh, yes, yes, yes, oh, YES!

Christian looks at her, what the hell is she doing?

Christian: But it's the best I can do.

Satine:NAUGHTY! DON'T STOP…YES! YES!

Christian turns to the while, as Satine continues he starts to sing.

ACT ONE- SCENE 10

Christian:MY GIFT IS MY SONG

He turns to Satine. Who sits up, in shock and wonder.

Christian:AND THIS ONE'S FOR YOU

AND YOU AN TELL EVERYBODY

THAT THIS IS YOUR SONG

IT MAY BE QUITE SIMPLE
BUT NOW THAT'S IT'S DONE

I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND, I HOPE

YOU DON'T MIND THAT I PUT DOWN

IN WORDS HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS

NOW YOU'RE IN THE WORLD.

Christian smiles, turning out to the heart-shaped window.

Christian:SAT ON THE ROOF AND KICKED OFF
THE MOSS WELL, SOME OF THESE VERSES
WELL THEY, THEY GOT ME QUITE CROSS

Satine stands up. Christian turns to her.

Christian:BUT THE SUN'S BEEN KIND

WHILE I WROTE THIS SONG

IT'S FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Christian smiles at Satine, stroking her hand. Satine smiles back.

Christian:THAT KEEP IT TURNED ON

SO EXCUSE ME FORGETTING

BUT THESE THINGS I DO

YOU SEE I'VE FORGOTTEN IF THEY'RE

GREEN OR IF THEY'RE BLUE

ANYWAY THE THING IS, WHAT I REALLY MEAN

YOUR'S ARE THE SWEETEST EYES I'VE EVER SEEN!

A music break. The lights dim. The heart-shaped window is replaced with a new backdrop, the night skies of Paris. Smoke fills the stage.

Christian and Satine dance.

Christian:AND YOU CAN TELL EVERYBODY
THAT THIS IS YOUR SONG
IT MAY BE QUITE SIMPLE BUT

NOW THAT IT'S DONE.

HOPE YOU DON'T MIND

I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND

THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS

HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS NOW YOU'RE IN THE WORLD

HOPE YOU DON'T MIND

I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND

THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS

HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS NOW YOU'RE IN THE WORLD

Christian spins Satine, and dips her. As he dips her, the backdrop is replaced with heart-shaped window.

The lights get brighter, and the smoke stops.

Christian keeps Satine dipped, smiling.

Satine:Oh, I can't believe it. I'm in love. I'm in love with a young,

handsome, talented Duke.

Christian:Duke?

Satine:Not that the title's important, of course.

Christian:I'm not a Duke.

Satine:Not a Duke?

Satine leans in to kiss him.

Christian:I'm a writer.

Satine is shocked, she gets out of his arms.

Satine:A writer?

Christian:Yes, a writer.

Satine:No!

Christian:Well, Toulouse…

Satine:Toulouse? Oh no! You're not another one of Toulouse's

oh-so-talented, charmingly Bohemian, tragically impoverish

protégés?

Christian smiles.

Christian:Well, you might say that?

Satine:OH NO! I'm going to kill him!

Christian stops smiling.

Satine runs to the door. Christian runs after her.

Christian:Toulouse told me…

Satine:The Duke!

She opens the Duke, where the Duke and Zidler are standing. She slams the door.

Christian:The Duke?

Satine: Hide!

ACT ONE- SCENE 11

The door opens. Zidler and the Duke walk in. Christian kneels down, hiding behind her dress. She spins around; Christian hides behind her the back of Satine.

Zidler: My dear, are you decent for the Duke? Where were you?

Satine:I- I- I…was waiting.

Satine moves over to the table, where Christian crawls underneath, hidden.

Zidler:Dearest Duke, allow me to introduce Mademoiselle Satine.

Satine:Mousiner, how wonderful of you to take time out of your busy

schedule to come and visit.

Satine looks behind her. The Duke smiles. Zidler smiles, and walks out the door. The Duke kisses Satine's hand.

Duke:A kiss on the hand may be quite continental.

Satine takes her hand out of his.

Satine:But diamonds are a girls best friend.

Satine giggles. She takes the Duke's hat and cane, and goes onto the bed, along with the Duke's things.

Duke:After tonight's exertions on the stage, you must surely be in need

of some refreshment, my dear.

He turns to the drinks table. Satine stands frantically.

Satine:DON'T!

The Duke turns to her, confused. Satine looks out the window.

Satine:Don't you just love the view? Hmm?

Duke:Charming.

He goes to turn again to the table.

Satine:OH! I feel like dancing!

The Duke turns to Satine, now dancing.

Duke:Would you like a glass of champagne?

He turns to it.

Satine:NO!

The Duke looks back at Satine.

Satine:It's a little bit funny.

Christian peers up from the table.

Duke:What is?

Satine:This…

Christian: (mouthing) Feeling

Satine:Feeling…

Christian: (mouthing) Inside

Satine:Inside.

Christian:(mouthing) I'm not one of those who can easily hide.

Satine:I'm not one of those who can easily.

Christian:(mouthing) Hide

Satine:Hide.

Christian accidentally knocks something over. Satine runs up to the Duke, kneeling hugging his knees. Christian crawls out of the table.

Satine:NO! I know I don't have much money, but if I did, I'd

buy a big house, where we both could live.

She opens the Duke's legs apart. She looks at Christian through the Duke's legs, motioning for the door.

Satine slowly rises as she sings

Satine: I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND

THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS

HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS NOW YOU'RE IN THE WORLD

Satine is face-to-face with Duke. She looks at Christian, pointing to the door. She looks back at the Duke.

Duke:That's very beautiful.

Satine:It's from Spectacular Spectacular. Suddenly with you here,

I finally understand the true meaning of those words.

How wonderful life is, now you're in the world.

Duke:What meaning is that, my dear?

Christian opens the door, but sees Warner. He slams the door, then goes to the corner, trying to hide (even though he's in clear sight) As Christian slams the door, Satine throws herself onto the bed.

Satine pretends to cry.

Satine:DUKE! Don't you toy with my emotions. You-you must know the

effect you have on a woman? LET'S MAKE LOVE!

Satine throws the Duke on the bed. Christian is annoyed.

Satine:Oh, Duke! I knew you felt the same way.

Christian looks at Satine pleadingly.

Satine:Yes, you're right, we should wait.

Christian is satisfied. He walks over to the heart-shaped window, and hide, goes off stage.

Duke:Wait, what?

The Duke stands up. Satine nods, walking over to the Duke.

Satine:Yes, we should wait until opening night.

She opens the door.

Duke: I just got here.

Satine:Oh yes, but we'll see each other every day during rehearsal

We must wait until opening night. Go.

ACT ONE- SCENE 12

Satine closes the door as the Duke reluctantly leaves. Christian comes out of his hiding place.

Satine: Do you have any idea, any idea, what would happen to you

if you had been found. Oh..

Satine gasps, breathing stops. She faints into Christian's arm.

Christian:Oh, oh my god. Satine?

Christian shakes Satine.

Christian:Hello? Wake up…

Christian looks around, and puts her on the bed.

Right as Christian is on top of Satine, the Duke opens the door.

Duke:I forgot my ha-

He sees Christian.

Duke: Foul play?

Christian:She—I—

Satine wakes up. She looks around. She sees the Duke.

Satine:Oh, Duke.

Duke:It's a little bit funny, this feeling inside?

Satine gets up. Christian stands up next to her.

Satine:Beautifully spoken, Duke. Yes, let me introduce

you to the writer.

Duke:The writer?

Satine:Yes, oh yes. We were rehearsing.

Duke:Rehearsing? You expect me to believe that in the arms of

another man, in the middle of the night, inside an

ELEPHANT you were rehearsing?

The Bohemians appear out from the wall near the heart-shaped window backdrop.

Toulouse:How's the rehearsal going? Just take it from the top, eh, my queen?

The Bohemians surround the Duke, on a diagonal.

Satine:When I spoke those words to you before, you filled me with

such inspiration. Yes, I realized how much work we had to do

before tomorrow, so I called everyone together for an emergency

rehearsal.

Duke:If you're rehearsing, where's Zidler?

Zidler opens the door, and walks in.

Zidler: My dear Duke, I'm terribly sorry.

Satine:Harold, you made it! It's all right the Duke knows all about

the emergency rehearsal!

Zidler: Emergency rehearsal?

Satine nods. Zidler plays along.

Zidler:Yes! The rehearsal!

Satine:Now we can incorporate the Duke's artistic idea.

Satine smiles tat the Duke.

Zidler:Well, I'm sure Audrey is delighted.

Zidler looks around.

Zidler:Where's Audrey?

Satine:Yes, well, the Duke's already a big fan of our new writer's work.

That's why he's so keen to invest.

Satine motions to Christian as she mentions the writer.

Zidler:Invest? Invest! Oh yes, well invest! You can hardly blame me for

trying to hide our…

Toulouse:Christian.

Zidler:Christian away.

Duke:I'm way ahead of you, Zidler.

Zidler: Why don't you and I go to my office, and peruse the paper work?

Duke:What's the story?

Zidler:The story?

Duke:If I'm going to invest, I'll need to know the story.

Zidler:The story….the story is about…Toulouse?

Toulouse: The story is- the story is about- it's- it's about…

Christian:It's about love!

Duke:Love?

Christian looks at Satine.

Christian:It's about love, overcoming all obstacles.

Toulouse:And it's set in SWITZERLAND.

Christian looks at the Indian elephant.

Christian:INDIA! India! It's set in India!

Christian turns to Satine.

Christian:And there's a courtesan. The most beautiful courtesan

in all the world. But her kingdom's invaded by..

Christian looks at the Duke evilly.

Christian:An EVIL maharaja. Now, in order to save her kingdom,

she has to seduce the evil maharaja. But on the night of

the seduction she mistakes a penniless po-

Christian sees a sitar, and picks it up.

Christian:A penniless sitar player, for the evil maharaja and she falls in

love with him.

He turns to Satine.

Christian:He wasn't trying to trick her or anything, but he was dressed

as an maharaja because…he's appearing in a play!

The Argentinean takes the sitar.

Argentinean: I will play the tango dancing sitar player. I sing like an angel.

But I DANCE like the devil.

Duke:Yes…and-and what happens next?

Christian:Well, he penniless sitar player and the courtesan they have to hide

their love from the evil maharaja.

Satie takes the sitar.

Satie:The penniless sitar player's sitar is magical. It can only speak the

truth.

Toulouse grabs the sitar.

Toulouse:And I will play the magical sitar.

He turns to Satine.

Toulouse:la-la-la You are beautiful.

He turns to Zidler.

Toulouse:la-la-la You are ugly.

He turns to the Duke.

Toulouse:And you are-

Everyone puts their hands on Toulouse's moth.

Duke:He gives the game away.

All:Yes!

Zidler:Tell him about the can-can!

Christian walks closer to the Duke.

Christian:The tantric can-can. It's an-

Zidler pushes him out of the way. Toulouse puts a chair behind the Duke.

Christian, Satine, and the Bohemians line up behind Zidler.

Zidler stands very close to the Duke.

Zidler:It's an erotic spectacular scene that captures the thrusting,

violent, vibrant, wild bohemian spirit that this whole

productions embodies. The show will be a magnificent,

opulent, tremendous, stupendous, gargantuan, bedazzlement,

a sensual ravishment. It will be…

ACT ONE- SCENE 13

Zidler:SPECTACULAR, SPECTACULAR

NO WORDS IN THE VERNACULAR

CAN DESCRIBE THIS GREAT EVENT

YOU'LL BE DUMB WITH WONDERMENT

RETURNS ARE FIXED AT TEN PERCENT

YOU MUST AGREE THAT'S EXCELLENT

AND ON TOP OF YOUR FEE

Zidler goes to the line the others have formed, in front of the window.

The Duke sits on a diagonal, near the bed. Throughout the song, the others do a dance, like in the film.

All:YOU'LL BE INVLOLVED ARTISICALLY

SO EXCITING THE AUDIENCE WILL STOMP

AND CHEER SO DELIGHTING IT WILL RUN FOR

50 YEARS SO EXCITING THE AUDIENCE WILL

STOMP AND CHEER SO DELIGHTING IT WILL RUN

FOR 50 YEARS

They now form poses as they mention something.

Toulouse:Elephants!

Christian:Bohemian!

Zidler:Indians!

Satine:And courtesans!

Satie:Acrobats!

Argentinean:And juggling bears!

Toulouse:Exotic girls!

All:Fire eaters! Muscle men! Contortionists!

Intrigue, danger and romance!

Electric lights, machinery, powered with electricity!

They circle around the Duke.

All:SO EXCITING THE AUDIENCE WILL STOMP

AND CHEER SO DELIGHTING IT WILL RUN FOR

50 YEARS SO EXCITING THE AUDIENCE WILL

STOMP AND CHEER SO DELIGHTING IT WILL RUN

FOR 50 YEARS

They run back into their line, on their knees dancing.

All:SPECTACULAR, SPECTACULAR

NO WORDS IN THE VERNACULAR

CAN DESCRIBE THIS GREAT EVENT

YOU'LL BE DUMB WITH WONDERMENT

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

SO EXCITING THE AUDIENCE WILL STOMP

AND CHEER SO DELIGHTING IT WILL RUN FOR

50 YEARS SO EXCITING THE AUDIENCE WILL

STOMP AND CHEER SO DELIGHTING IT WILL RUN

FOR 50 YEARS

They end in their finishing pose.

Duke:Yes, but what happens in the end?

They look at each other; they get out of their pose and sit as if they were on the stage. Satine and the Argentinean kneel, holding hands in the middle. Satie goes by the piano

near the door. Toulouse lies beside them, holding the sitar. Harold stands to the side, stage left. Christian kneels stage right to everyone.

Christian: THE COURTESAN AND SITAR MAN

ARE PULLED APART BY AN EVIL PLAN

Satine:BUT IN THE END SHE HEARS HIS SONG

Christian looks at Satine, who looks back.

Christian:AND THEIR LOVE IS JUST TOO STRONG

Duke:(horribly off-key) IT'S A LITTLE BIT FUNNY,

THIS FEELING INSIDE

They go back into their dance.

All:SO EXCITING THE AUDIENCE WILL STOMP

AND CHEER SO DELIGHTING IT WILL RUN FOR

50 YEARS

They go back to their original places.

Christian:SITAR PLAYER'S SECRET SONG HELP'S THEM

FLEE THE EVIL ONE THOUGH THE TYRANT

RANTS AND RAILS IT IS ALL TO NO AVAIL

Zidler comes back to where he was hiding, he walks to the middle. Satine, Argentinean, and Toulouse bow down to him.

Zidler:I am the evil maharaja! You will not escape!

Satine:Oh, Harold. No one could play him like you.

Zidler:No one's going to.

They dance again.

All: SO EXCITING WE'LL MAKE THEM LAUGH WE'LL MAKE
THEM CRY SO DELIGHTING-

The Duke stops them in mid-dance.

Duke:And in the end should someone die?

There is a pause. They look at each other.

All:SO EXCITING THE AUDIENCE WILL STOMP

AND CHEER SO DELIGHTING IT WILL RUN FOR

50 YEARS!

They end their dance with the Argentinean and Satine kneeling in the middle, holding hands and happy.

Satie and Toulouse kneel on one knee on the sides of them.

Christian and Zidler stand on opposite sides, holding their arms in presentation!

There is a pause.

Duke:Generally I like it.

Everyone runs up to the Duke, cheering. Everyone but Christian. He stares at Satine, smiling warmly. Satine looks back at him, and gives a small smile, but turns away.

Lights fade. Scene changes. As the scene changes we hear a voice over.

Christian: (V.O.) Zidler had an investor. The Bohemian's had a show.

I didn't care, all I could think about was her.

ACT ONE- SCENE 14

The outside of the elephant is on stage. The front of the elephant is the heart shaped window we saw before. Now it is in front.

Below the window is the elephant's trunk. A space is between the window and trunk, where Satine stands. But the trunk is low, so Satine can be seen clearly.

On the side of the elephant is the set of stairs. The stairs lead to the top of the elephant, where at the front there is a glass dome.

At the far end of the elephant is a canopy with couches in a square.

The top of the elephant leaves room for Satine and Christian to eventually stand on, and the elephant itself is not too high for Satine and Christian to fall off on.

The backdrop is the same as the one used in "Your Song", dark blue with a moon on stage right.

Satine looks out at the audience. She is in a red dress.

Satine:I FOLLOW THE NIGHT CAN'T STAND THE LIGHT

WHEN WILL I BEGIN TO LIVE AGAIN?

ONE DAY I'LL FLY AWAY, LEAVE ALL THIS TO YESTERDAY

WHAT MORE COULD YOUR LOVE DO FOR ME?

WHEN WILL LOVE BE THROUGH WITH ME

WHY LIVE LIFE FROM DREAM TO DREAM

AND DREAD THE DAY WHEN DREAMING ENDS?

During the music break, Satine makes her way up the stairs.

Satine:ONE DAY I'LL FLY AWAY

LEAVE ALL THIS TO YESTERDAY

WHY LIVE LIFE FROM DREAM TO DREAM

AND DREAD THE DAY WHEN DREAMING

ENDS

Satine sits on small set of stairs leading to the canopy.

Satine:ONE DAY I'LL FLY AWAY

FLY, FLY, AWAY

We see Christian appear from the back of the elephant. He looks dreamily at Satine, leaning on one of the poles from the canopy.

Satine stands up, and turns, unexpected to see Christian.

She gasps!

Christian: Sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean- I saw your light on—

I climbed up your elephant-

Satine:What?

Christian frowns at himself. How could he say that?

Christian:I couldn't sleep. I- I just wanted to thank you for helping me get

Satine:Oh. Oh, yes of course. Toulouse—Toulouse was right. You-

you're very talented. It's going to be a wonderful show.

Anyway, I better go. Because we-we both have a big day

tomorrow.

Satine starts to leave.

Christian:Wait-no, please wait.

Satine stops, but does not face Christian.

Christian: Before when we were—when we…um…

She turns to Christian.

Christian: When you thought I was the Duke and…you said that

you loved me. And I—I wondered if it was—

Satine:Just an act?

Christian:Oh...it just felt real.

Satine sighs.

She walks closer to him.

Satine:Christian…I'm a courtesan. I'm paid to make men believe what

they want to believe.

Christian:Yes…silly of me, to think that you could fall in love with someone

like me.

Satine:Oh. Well, I can't fall in love with anyone.

Christian:Can't fall in love? But a life without love, that's terrible!

Christian can't believe this!

Satine:No, being on the streets that terrible.

Christian:No!

Satine is taken back.

Christian:Love is like oxygen, love is a many splendoured thing,

love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love!

Satine:Please, don't start that again.

Christian:ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Satine:A girl has got to eat!

Christian: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Satine: Or she'll end up on the street!

Christian:ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Satine:LOVE IS JUST A GAME

Satine walks away from the canopy. Christian jumps in front of her.

Christian:I WAS MADE FOR LOVING YOU BABY

YOU WERE MADE FOR LOVING ME

Satine walks back to the canopy. Christian follows her.

Satine:THE ONLY WAY OF LOVING ME BABY

IS TO PAY A LOVLEY FEE

Christian:JUST ONE NIGHT GIVE ME JUST ONE NIGHT

Satine:THERE'S NO WAY, CAUSE YOU CAN'T PAY

Christian swings from the pole.

Christian:IN THE NAME OF LOVE, ONE NIGHT IN THE NAME
OF LOVE

Satine walks to another pole.

Satine:YOU CRAZY FOOL, I WON'T GIVE INTO YOU

She tries to leave.

Christian:DON'T LEAVE ME THIS WAY

Satine stops, and finally listens to Christian.

Christian:I CAN'T SURVIVE WITHOUT YOUR SWEET LOVE
OH BABY DON'T LEAVE ME THIS WAY

Christian sits on a couch, and watches Satine, and is very lovestruck. Satine looks out into the audience.

Satine:YOU THINK THAT PEOPLE WOULD'VE HAD ENOUGH

OF SILLY LOVE SONGS

Christian:I LOOK AROUND AND SEE IT ISN'T SO, OH NO

Satine walks over to the stairs before the canopy, and turns to Christian.

Satine:SOME PEOPLE WANT TO FILL THE WORLD WITH

SILLY LOVE SONGS

Christian stands up, one arm on a pole. He leans in closely.

Christian:WELL WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT, I'D LIKE TO KNOW…

He is very close to kissing her. But Satine won't let her guard down, she walks away. As he sings, Christian jumps on top of the dome.

Satine gasps.

Christian:CAUSE HERE I GO AGAIN!

LOVE LIFTS US UP WHERE WE BELONG

WHERE EAGLES FLY ON A MOUNTAIN HIGH!

Christian holds his arms out in elation.

Satine takes Christian down, and brings her close to him.

Satine:LOVE MAKES US ACT LIKE WE ARE FOOLS

Satine walks to the top of the stairs. She turns back to him.

Satine:THROW OUR LIVES AWAY FOR ONE HAPPY

DAY

She turns and almost walks down the stairs. As Christian sings, she turns back to him.

Christian:WE COULD BE HEROES

JUST FOR ONE DAY

Satine:YOU, YOU WILL BE MEAN

She heads down the stairs. Christian follows.

Christian:No, I won't.

He chuckles. Satine stops walking, and turns back to Christian.

Satine:AND I, I'LL DRINK ALL THE TIME.

Satine reaches the end of the stairs.

Christian:WE SHOULD BE LOVERS

Satine:WE CAN'T DO THAT

She walks to the heart-shaped window. Christian follows, so they are both on separate sides of the heart.

Christian:WE SHOULD BE LOVERS, AND THAT'S A FACT

Satine finally starts to give in.

Satine:THOUGH NOTHING WILL KEEP US TOGETHER

Christian: WE COULD STEAL TIME

As they sing, they walk closer to each other.

Both:JUST FOR ONE DAY

Both:WE CAN BE HEROES FOREVER AND EVER

WE CAN BE HEROES FOREVER AND EVER

WE CAN BE HEROES JUST BECAUSE

They start spinning (by a spinning device hidden on the floor)

Christian:I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

Satine:I

Both: CAN'T HELP LOVING

Christian:YOU…

They stop spinning.

Satine:HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS…

Both:NOW YOU'RE IN THE WORLD

Christian leans in to kiss Satine.

Satine:You're going to be bad for business, I can tell.

They kiss. Lights fade. Scenery changes.

ACT ONE- SCENE 16

We are in Zidler's office. It has all sorts of Moulin Rouge posters on the wall. It is fairly clean.

The only furniture is a desk, where Zidler sits. The Duke sits across from Zidler. The desk is on a diagonal, for all the audience sees. Warner stands a few feet away from the Duke.

Duke:Transforming the Moulin Rouge into a theatre will cost a fantastic

sum of money. So in return I would require a contract.

That, um…binds Satine to me, exclusively. Naturally, I shall

require some security. I shall require the deeds to the Moulin

Rouge.

Zidler: My dear Duke I-

Duke:Don't think I am naïve Zidler. I shall hold the deeds to the

Moulin Rouge. And if there are any shenanigans,

my manservant Warner…

Warner looks angrily at Zidler. Zidler looks fearfully at Warner. He turns back to the Duke.

Duke: …will deal with it. Satine will be mine. It's not that I'm a jealous

man. I JUST DON'T LIKE OTHER PEOPLE TOUCHING

MY THINGS!

The Duke stops, collecting himself. He looks back at Zidler. He smiles.

Zidler:I understand completely, Duke.

Duke:I shall woo Satine over supper tonight.

The Duke and Zidler begin to sign papers.

Christian: (V.O) But Satine would not attend the supper that night,

or the following night.

The lights fade, and scenery changes.

ACT ONE- SCENE 17

We are in the Bohemian's apartment. Christian is standing on the stage we saw in the beginning of the show. Satine sits on a couch, in her robe, watching Christian smiling.

Toulouse sits on the piano seat watching Christian.

Christian:TELL ME YOU DON'T LOVE ME! Mad with jealousy,

the evil maharaja forces the courtesan to make the penniless

sitar player believe she doesn't love him! "Thank you for

curing me of my ridiculous obsession with love" says the

penniless sitar player, throwing money at her feet, leaving the

kingdom forever!

Christian threatens to jump off stage.

Satine:A life without love that's terrible!

Toulouse:Brilliant!

Christian walks up to her, sitting on the couch.

Christian:Yes, but the sitar player—

They get closer, almost kissing. Satine giggles.

Toulouse: That's my part!

Christian and Satine stop cuddling and turn to Toulouse.

Christian: The magical sitar player says—he-says---

Satine giggles

Satine:The greatest thing you'll ever learn…

Christian finishes for her.

Christian:Is just to love, and be loved in return.

Satine and Christian look into each others eyes, smiling.

Lights fade. Scenery changes. We segue into…

ACT ONE- SCENE 18

Satine and Christian are in Satine's dressing room. It is very similar to the stage dressing room of Phantom of the Opera, and only takes up a bit of the stage.

We can see completely inside of it as an audience, but the back of it has a wall.

It is raised from the ground, since there is a door on stage left of the set, with stairs leading up to it.

The rest of the set is a typical backstage. Ropes and pulleys, and other theatre knickknacks.

Christian and Satine are kissing. The Duke walks up the steps and opens the door.

As soon as they hear the door, they quickly part, hiding their faces with the papers.

Duke:Still at it, my sweet?

Satine:Oh, my dear Duke. So many lines to learn.

We've been drilling them over and over.

Duke:I see. Well, I suppose I'll just have to wait until we have supper

tonight.

Christian:Actually—

Christian turns to Satine.

Christian:I haven't quite finished working on that new scene.

Satine turns to Christian, smiling.

Christian:"Will the lovers be meeting at the sitar player's humble abode"

scene. And I wondered if we could work on it tonight.

Duke:But my dear, our supper tonight!

Christian:It's not important.

Satine:How dare you! "The lovers will be meeting at the sitar player's

humble abode" scene is the most important in the production

We will work on it until I am completely satisfied.

Christian smiles. The Duke is annoyed.

Duke:But, my dear—

Satine turns the Duke.

Satine:Dear Duke, excuse me. We are needed on the stage.

Satine leaves the dressing room, and goes off stage. Christian turns to the Duke.

Christian:I'm sorry.

He walks off stage, smiling to himself. The Duke is very angry.

ACT ONE- SCENE 19

The Moulin Rouge is now a theatre, and the stage is now the Moulin Rouge stage.

The set is being built, and is not completely finished. People stand on ladders, painting them.

Zidler is in the middle of the stage, holding papers and rehearsing lines. Can-Can girls are now dancers, practicing a dance around Zidler.

Satie is sitting in front of the orchestra center (which is below stage) and is "conducting" the orchestra, looking a papers.

The Argentinean practices a dance on stage left.

The Duke walks on stage, looking around. He sits in a chair on stage right.

Satine and Christian walk onto the stage, giggling and smiling to each other. They hold papers in their hands. They see the Duke, and part a little.

Toulouse runs from off stage, with papers in his hand. He runs up to Christian.

Toulouse:Christian! Christian! I forget my line!

Christian rolls his eyes, laughing.

Christian:Toulouse, the magical sitar player falls from the roof he says—

Toulouse:Yes, I know. Don't tell me this. "The greatest thing you'll ever…

master…make…contract…

Christian sighs and goes to the side, helping Toulouse with his line.

The Duke walks up to Satine.

Duke:I was wondering, my dear, if since you are not coming

to supper tonight, if you would have a picnic after rehearsal?

Satine:Well…

Satine looks back at Christian.

Satine:We have so much work.

The Duke nods.

He walks back angrily to his seat.

Zidler:Bright and early tomorrow morning, we'll begin on act two:

"the lovers are discovered"

Everyone walks off stage, except for the Duke and Zidler. Zidler walks up to the Duke as everyone leaves. The Duke stands.

Zidler:My dear Duke, everything is arranged for that special

supper in the Gothic Tower tonight.

Duke:Well you can very well eat it yourself. Her affections

are waning..

Zidler:Impossible!

Duke:I understand how important her work is to her, but she's always

at it with that DAMN writer. If I don't see her tonight, I am

very well leaving!

Zidler:No! Dear Duke, I'll insist Satine takes the night off.

Duke:All right, then. Eight o'clock.

The Duke walks off stage.

Zidler walks off stage the opposite way.

Satine and Christian walk onstage, kissing. As they are kissing, Zidler walks on stage. He sees them, then slowly walks off stage.

Christian:You'll come tonight?

Satine:Yes.

Christian:What time?

Satine:Eight o'clock.

Christian:Promise?

Satine:Yes…go!

Christian smiles, and walks offstage.

Satine stands, smiling.

Zidler walks on stage, angry. Satine gasps. He walks close to her, taking her arm.

Zidler:Are you mad? The Duke holds the deeds to the Moulin Rouge.

He's spending a fortune on you. He's given you that beautiful

new dressing room. He wants to make you a star. And you're

dallying with the WRITER?

Satine tries to deny it.

Satine:Oh, Harold. Don't be ridiculous-

Zidler:I SAW YOU TOGETHER!

Satine looks away.

Satine:It's just an infatuation.

Zidler:Whatever it is, it will end. Go to the boy and tell him it's over.

Satine looks at Zidler, tears in her eyes.

Zidler:The Duke is expecting you at the Tower at eight.

Zidler walks off stage.

Satine:IF I SHOULD DIE THIS VERY MOMENT

I WOULDN'T FEAR FOR I'VE NEVER KNOWN

COMPLETENESS LIKE BEING HERE, WRAPPED

IN THE WARMTH OF YOU...LOVING…EVERY

BREATH OF YOU WHY LIVE LIFE FROM DREAM

TO DREAM AND DREAD THE DAY—

Satine begins to cough frantically. She faints. After a few moments, several can-can girls and Marie walk on stage, talking.

They see Satine, they gasp, kneeling and holding her up.

Marie looks at the can-can girls.

Marie:I don't think she'll be up by tonight.

The lights fade. Scenery changes. We segue into…

ACT ONE- SCENE 20

The Gothic Tower. It is raised high from the stage, with the concrete bottom. The inside is open to the audience, but the side wall and back wall is covered. The side wall is covered with a glass window that opens to a balcony.

The inside of the Gothic tower consists of a dining room table, with several chairs. In the back there is a bed.

The Duke stands angrily. Zidler stands beside him. The Duke's servants stand in a line by the bed.

Duke:(angrily) Where is she?

Zidler:She—she—she's confessing.

Zidler comes out with the lie. Now he doesn't know what to do with it.

Duke:What kind of an imbecile do you take me for?

Zidler:She suddenly had a terrible desire…to-to confess her sins to a

priest.

Duke:What!

Zidler:She wanted to be cleansed of her former sins. She looks upon

tonight as her wedding night. She's like a blushing bride.

She says you make her feel like a v-virgin.

Duke:Virgin?

Zidler:Touched for the very first time.

The Duke is beginning to like this idea.

Zidler:She made it through the wilderness, she made it through.

She didn't know how lost she was, till she found you.

SHE WAS BEAT, INCOMPLETE SHE'D BEEN HAD
SHE WAS SAD AND BLUE BUT YOU MADE HER FEEL

YES YOU MADE HER FEEL SHINY AND NEW!

OH! LIKE A VIRGIN!

The servants form a circle, circulating around Zidler and the Duke.

Zidler:TOUCHED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

LIKE A VIRGIN! YOUR HEARTS BEAT BOTH IN TIME

The servants go to the bed, and take off a sheet; they put it over Zidler, like a bride. The take a serving cart, and put Zidler on it. They whirl it around, following the Duke around the Gothic Tower

Zidler:I GIVE YOU ALL HER LOVE! HER FEAR IS FADING FAST!

BEEN SAVING IT ALL FOR YOU! ONLY LOVE CAN LAST!

SHE'S SO FINE, AND SHE'S MINE

Zidler gets off of the table.

The servants do to the can-can by the dining room table.

Zidler:SHE'LL BE YOURS TILL THE END OF TIME

CAUSE YOU MADE HER FEEL
LIKE SHE HAD NOTHING TO HIDE!

The servants form a bridge. Zidler takes the Duke under it.

Zidler:LIKE A VIRGIN TOUCHED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

LIKE A VIRGIN YOUR HEARTS BEAT BOTH IN TIME

LIKE A VIRGIN FEELS SO GOOD INSIDE

WHEN YOU HOLD HER AND YOU TOUCH HER

OH…OH!

They run to the bed, and get on it. The servants circle around the bed. As the Duke starts to sing, the servants stop, gather to the top of the bed, listening.

Duke:SHE'S SO FINE AND SHE'S MINE MAKES ME STRONG

YES SHE MAKES ME BURN AND HER LOVE THAWED OFF

YES TO HER LOVE THAWED OFF…

The Duke stands, the servants behind him. Zidler stands as well, walking backwards from the Duke and servants, who walk slowly to him. The servants hum along.

Duke:YES HER LOVE THAWED OFF WHAT WAS SCARED AND

COLD

Zidler screams, running from the Duke and servants who dance to him.

Zidler:LIKE A VIRGIN!

Both:TOUCHED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

Zidler:LIKE A VIRGIN!

Duke:FEELS SO GOOD INSIDE

Zidler and the Duke stand on top of the table.

Zidler:WHEN YOU HOLD HER AND YOU TOUCH HER AND YOU
HOLD HER AND YOU TOUCH HER!

Duke:AHH-AHH-AH-AHHH-AHHH—AHH—LIKE A VIRIGN!

They smile cheek to cheek. The lights fade. Scenery changes. As the scenery changes we hear Christian's voice over.

Christian:(V.O.)Harold's brilliant lies once again averted a disaster.

But no lie, however brilliant could save Satine.

ACT ONE- SCENE 21

We are in Satine's dressing room. Satine is asleep on a couch, which they had now brought into the dressing room. Zidler, Marie, and the Doctor stand around her.

Doctor:Mademoiselle Satine is dying. She has consumption.

Zidler and Marie are sadly surprised. Marie gives the sign of the cross.

Zidler:My little sparrow is dying?

Zidler looks at Satine.

Zidler:She mustn't know, Marie. The show must go on.

Lights fade, and we change scenery.

ACT ONE- SCENE 22

We segue into Christian's garret. Christian sits at his desk, typing. Satine sits on the bed, in her robe. She coughs quietly. She looks out the window. Christian looks at the typewriter, typing and talking to himself softly.

Christian:All night the penniless sitar player had waited. And now for the

first time, he felt to cold stab…

He turns to Satine.

Christian:(softly) Of jealousy…

Satine looks at him, smiling softly.

Christian:Where were you last night?

Satine looks at him.

Satine:I told you, I was sick.

Christian walks over to the bed, sits next to Satine. He takes her hand.

Christian:You don't have to lie to me.

Satine looks out the window.

Satine:We have to end it. Everyone knows. Harold knows, and sooner

or later the Duke will now. On opening night, I have to sleep

with the Duke.

Satine gets up, and stands by the window.

Satine:Jealousy will drive you mad.

Christian sighs, thinking what to do. He stands, and walks up to Satine.

Christian:Then, I'll write a song. And we'll put in the show, and no one

how bad things get, or whatever happens, whenever you hear

it or when you sing it or, whistle it, or hum it, then you'll now it.

It- it will mean that we love one another. I won't get jealous.

Christian kisses Satine on the forehead. Satine walks away.

Satine:Things don't work that way, Christian. We have to end it.

Christian sighs. Pauses for a moment. Satine looks back at him, there's nothing she can do.

Christian: NEVER KNEW…I COULD FEEL LIKE THIS…

Satine turns back to him.

Christian:LIKE I'VE NEVER SEEN THE SKY, BEFORE

WANT TO VANISH INSIDE YOUR KISS

EVERYDAY I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE

Christian walks closer to Satine. He holds puts his hand on her waist.

Christian:LISTEN TO MY HEART CAN YOU HEAR IT SING

TELLING ME TO GIVE YOU EVERYTHING

SEASONS MAY CHANGE WINTER TO SPRING

BUT I LOVE YOU UNTIL THE END OF TIME

COME WHAT MAY COME WHAT MAY

I WILL LOVE YOU UNTIL MY DYING DAY!

The lights fade. The scenery changes.

We segue into the Moulin Rouge set.

Everyone is mostly standing, listening to the new song, but occasionally they'll look at lines or talk quietly.

Christian and Satine stand on opposite ends, walking around the stage, quietly flirting. Satine wears her Hindi courtesan costume.

Both: SUDDENLY THE WORLD SEEMS SUCH A PERFECT PLACE
SUDDENLY IT MOVES WITH SUCH A PERFECT GRACE

SUDDENLY MY LIFE DOESN'T SEEM SUCH A WASTE

Christian:IT ALL REVOLVES AROUND YOU

Both:AND THERE'S NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH NO RIVER

TOO WIDE SING OUT THIS SONG AND I'LL BE THERE

BY YOUR SIDE STORMCLOUDS MAY GATHER AND STARS

MAY COLLIDE

Christian:BUT I LOVE YOU

Satine:I LOVE YOU

Christian:UNTIL THE END

Satine:UNTIL THE END

Both:OF TIME COME WHAT MAY COME WHAT MAY I WILL LOVE

YOU…

Everyone claps. Christian smiles warmly at Satine.

The rest of the cast walks up to the middle of the stage, and forms the ending positions.

Satine and the Argentinean stand in the middle. Christian stands off to the side.

As the cast gets ready, Nini walks up to the Duke.

Nini:This endings silly. Why would the courtesan go for the

penniless sitar player? Whoops! I mean sitar player!

Nini smiles, satisfied. She joins the cast. The Duke looks angrily on the stage. All but the Duke sing the song, including Christian.

All:COME WHAT MAY

I WILL LOVE YOU
COME WHAT MAY I WILL LOVE YOU

UNTIL MY DYING DAY!

They finish! There is no applause from the Duke.

Duke:I don't like this ending.

Satine folds her arms, annoyed.

Zidler:Don't like the ending, my dear Duke?

Christian looks at the Duke, angry.

Duke:Why should the courtesan choose the penniless sitar player

over the maharaja, who is offering a lifetime of security?

That's real love. Once the sitar player has satisfied

his lust, he will leave the courtesan with nothing. I suggest

that in the end the courtesan chooses the maharaja.

Toulouse:But-but that ending does not uphold the Bohemian

ideals of Truth, Freedom, Beauty and-

Duke:I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR RIDICULOUS DOGMA!

WHY SHOULDN'T THE COURTESAN CHOSE THE

MAHARAJA!

Christian:BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T LOVE YOU!

There is a horrified silence.

Christian:H-h-h-him. Him-h-him. She doesn't love- she doesn't love him.

Duke:Oh, I see.

The Duke looks at Zidler.

Duke:Zidler, this ending will be rewritten with the courtesan choosing

the maharaja and WITHOUT...(to Christian) the lovers secret

song. It will be rehearsed in the morning ready for the opening,

tomorrow night.

Zidler:My dear Duke. This is quite impossible.

Satine has to take control.

Satine:Harold! The poor Duke is being treated appallingly. These silly

writers let their silly imaginations run away with them.

She walks closely to the Duke.

Satine:Why don't you and I have a little supper, then afterwards,

we can let Monsieur Zidler know how we want the story

to end.

Christian tries to look away. The curtain closes.

INTERMISSION