(Set should be designed to include a circular traffic pattern which will allow two small children to race around--as if on a mini track--behind the mother, bumping her closer to the open flames as they pass by.
Set also requires a dishwasher that opens flat creating a low, but wide hurdle for said racing children).
Prop list:
Cups
Knives
Bottle of wine
Food to be prepared
Cutting board
Dog dish with MAX painted on the side
Cast:
Mom (30's-40's)
Occasionally there is reference to "Max" the dog. No dog is needed on stage.
Child 1 (10 yr old boy who is feeling fragile and passively concerned he might be terminal with all the "flu-like" symptoms he has been having)
Child 2 (8 yr old girl who is apt to be ecstatic or deeply depressed at any moment. These moods need to be able to switch on a dime---much like an insane adult)
Child 3 (6 yr old boy who thinks life is amazing and wonderful and full of loud energy. Actor should study Will Ferrell in Elf for direction)
Child actors are encouraged to talk over each other as if no one was talking at all. Frequently.
Lights up
Child 1: Mom, when I look at something for too long, I get really sick to my stomach.
Mom squeezes past child standing by dishwasher to get butter out of fridge.
M: Why don't you go lie down for a little bit, Buddy. You haven't had much to eat lately.
1: But when I lie down, I...
2: Mom! Watch my dance! (daughter runs offstage, cranks up "So What", by PINK and runs back in striking a pose)
1: Hey! I was talking...
2: Mom! Watch! ("So What, I am a Rockstar, I got my rock moves, and I don't need you..." she is dancing as if having taken Pole dancing lessons on the sly...)
1: Moooommmm...
M: I think it's best if you go lay down for a bit... (Butter has burned in the pan. Rinse and repeat)
Child one moves off stage...
2: Mom are you watching? (Danna na na na na naaaaaaa Danna na na na naaaaa....)
3: Mom! Guess What!
M: Where did you just come from? (squeezing past both children to get to the fridge) Can you guys stand somewhere else?
3: I was drawing outside in Daddy's office. And look! I have 4 papers!
1: (from offstage) Moooom...
M: What Buddy?
2: Mom! Are you even watching me?
1: I just got a really sharp pain in my chest.
M: Is it still there?
3: And on all the papers, I have drawn dragons! And we are all dragons! And we all have powers! Do you want to know what your power is?
M: I do. (And glancing over at child 2) I am.
1: No, but it felt really weird.
2: Mom! Watch!
3: Well, Max's power is that he has tornado legs! He doesn't get sucked up in them, but bad people do. And we all have wings! Even Max!
2: Mom! Did you see that?
(Butter has burned. Rinse and Repeat.)
M: (addressing all things) I did! That was awesome! Where did you learn that move?! I love the dragons, do you want to go work on them in the living room? Take your brother this ice pack. It might help.
3: But, do you want to know my power?----
M: I need you guys out of the kitchen.
3: My power is all the powers! That's why I have all the colors!
M: That's very clever. I keep burning the pan and dinner is not getting made. Please. Go someplace else for a bit.
3, 2: Okay.
1: Mom, can they not be in the living room? I'm trying to rest.
2: I have an idea...
(2 and 3 begin to chase each other around the kitchen like a wolf chasing a chicken. As dinner progresses, the dishwasher is lowered)
There is bumping, squealing and leaping.
M: GET OUT!!!! (Mom happens to be holding large knife from cutting vegetables)
(2,3 giggle and go upstairs)
For a few minutes, there is silence on stage, Mom pours glass of wine, flips fish...sips and calls upstairs.
M: WHOSE TURN IS IT TO SET THE TABLE?!
Footsteps are heard running down the stairs.
3: Oooh! Mine! I love setting the table!
2: Ugh. Not dinner. What are we having?
1: I don't think I can eat.
Scene
