"Dorian-The Remarkable Mister Gray"
by Randy Bowser - Original Cast Album, Pentacle Theatre, Salem, Oregon 2008
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Digital Album
Immediate download of the entire 27-track album (plus TWO BONUS TRACKS) in your choice of 320k mp3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.
Individual tracks may be previewed and purchased via the links below.Buy Now $15 USD
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Every Picture Painted
05:03
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Self Development
02:50
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Somewhere In-between
03:47
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Fantastic Eyes
03:33
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Into The Sun
08:37
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Non Nonny
03:01
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I Heard The Laughter
04:18
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Dorian's Dilemma
04:11
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It's All Very Sad
03:45
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Blank
02:27
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The Black Cat Ballet
04:41
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The Picture of Innocence
05:26
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A Most Amusing Man
05:56
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Some Love Too Little
03:00
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Scandals
04:41
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Croydon Down
03:42
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Step Into Forever
04:20
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about
Book, Music and Lyrics by Randy Bowser.
A semi-operatic stage musical - "A portrait in music."
Based on the novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde.
Recorded live during the show's Premiere production at Pentacle Theatre, Salem, Oregon, 2008.
PROFESSIONAL PREMIERE - At The Stas Namin Centre in Moscow, Russia, 2010.
Represented exclusively by MICHAEL BUTLER, producer of the original "HAIR" on Broadway.
Production rights available. Contact:
dorian.the.musical@gmail.com
Website - FULL VIDEO available for viewing:
dorian-the-musical.com
A semi-operatic stage musical - "A portrait in music."
Based on the novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde.
Recorded live during the show's Premiere production at Pentacle Theatre, Salem, Oregon, 2008.
PROFESSIONAL PREMIERE - At The Stas Namin Centre in Moscow, Russia, 2010.
Represented exclusively by MICHAEL BUTLER, producer of the original "HAIR" on Broadway.
Production rights available. Contact:
dorian.the.musical@gmail.com
Website - FULL VIDEO available for viewing:
dorian-the-musical.com
credits
released 21 June 2010
Composed, arranged and performed by Randy Bowser.
The singers are the original cast from Pentacle Theatre which produced the show in 2008, in Salem, Oregon.
Dorian - Jason Bailey
Sibyl/Lily - Sheree Ross Lerman
Basil - Jim Steele
Henry - Ken Hermens
James - Jeff Baer
with:
Kevin Hamler-Dupras, Emily Loberg, Katie McLean, James Owens, Ray Phipps, Ronnica Rabold, Bryan Setzer, Jamie Siqueiros, Jessie Stanley, Neil Vannice
and Sheila Sund as Mrs. Vane.
The tracks for this two hour show were produced in Sonar, using the Garritan Libraries of software musical instruments.
Composed, arranged and performed by Randy Bowser.
The singers are the original cast from Pentacle Theatre which produced the show in 2008, in Salem, Oregon.
Dorian - Jason Bailey
Sibyl/Lily - Sheree Ross Lerman
Basil - Jim Steele
Henry - Ken Hermens
James - Jeff Baer
with:
Kevin Hamler-Dupras, Emily Loberg, Katie McLean, James Owens, Ray Phipps, Ronnica Rabold, Bryan Setzer, Jamie Siqueiros, Jessie Stanley, Neil Vannice
and Sheila Sund as Mrs. Vane.
The tracks for this two hour show were produced in Sonar, using the Garritan Libraries of software musical instruments.
tags
license
feeds
feeds for 
- Track Name: Prelude to Dorian Gray
-
--LILY, EMMA AND FAYE--
LA
LA LA LONDON
LA
LA LA LONDON
(THEY continue singing this refrain under the following lines which are divided between all characters on stage, except ALAN CAMPBELL.)
THERE’S A STORY IN
THE TALE OF DORIAN
GRAY
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE THERE’S FIRE
WE WANT TO INQUIRE
WON’T WAIT FOR JUDGMENT DAY
BEFORE WE HAVE OUR SAY
ABOUT DORIAN
ABOUT DORIAN GRAY
ABOUT DORIAN
ABOUT DORIAN GRAY
THERE’S SOMETHING GORY IN
THE TALE OF DORIAN
GRAY
THERE’S A STORY IN THE TALE OF DORIAN
THERE’S A STORY IN THE TALE OF DORIAN
THERE’S A STORY IN THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
THERE’S SOMETHING GORY IN THE TALE
OF DORIAN GRAY
THERE’S A STORY IN THE TALE OF DORIAN
THERE’S A STORY IN THE TALE OF DORIAN
--LILY EMMA AND FAYE--
SUMMERTIME
AND THE AIR ISN’T CHILLY
COULDN’T WE MEET FOR TEA?
I KNOW A PLACE IN PICCADILLY
SUMMERTIME
AND THE CITY COMES ALIVE
MEET YOU THERE AT THE SQUARE
PRECISELY ON THE DOT AT FIVE
--MEN join in--
I’LL MEET YOU THERE
MY LADY FAIR
LA LA LA LONDON
LA LA LA LONDON
MEET YOU THERE AT THE SQUARE
ON THE DOT AT FIVE
--LILY--
I REMEMBER HIM VERY WELL
HE GOT LOST IN OUR EAST END HELL
HE WAS PRETTY AS A PICTURE TOO
BUT FOR HIM NONE OF US WOULD DO
--LILY AND HER GIRLS--
“NO NOT YOU!”
--LILY--
HE CATCHES EVERY EYE
OF EVERY PASSERYBY ON THE AVENUE
--LILY AND HER GIRLS--
LONDON TOWN
HE TURNS UPSIDE DOWN
--LILY--
SOME SAY LOOKS
DON’T COUNT FOR MUCH
BUT
I WOULDN’T MIND TO FEEL HIS TOUCH
WITH HIS LOVELY LIPS
AND SUCH
BONG BONG BONG BONG
BONG BONG BONG BONG
LA LA LONDON LA LA LONDON
--EMMA AND FAYE--
I HOPE HE LOOKS OUT
SHE’S GOT ‘ER HOOKS OUT
--FLOWER SELLER--
BUY YOUR LOVE A FLOWER
IT DON’T COST MUCH
--ALL--
HOW DO YOU DO
TODAY?
SO YOU DO
DO TELL
WHAT IS NEW?
DO YOU SAY?
NOW ADIEU – FAREWELL
SUMMERTIME
AND THE AIR
ISN’T CHILLY
COULDN’T WE MEET FOR
TEA
I KNOW A PLACE IN
PICCADILLY
SUMMERTIME AND
THE CITY COMES ALIVE
THERE’S A STORY
IN THE TALE OF
DORIAN GRAY
WHERE THERE’S
SMOKE THERE’S FIRE
WE WANT TO
INQUIRE
WON’T WAIT FOR
JUDGMENT DAY
BEFORE WE HAVE
OUR SAY
ABOUT DORIAN
ABOUT DORIAN
HOW DO YOU DO
TODAY – SO YOU DO
DO TELL
WHAT IS NEW?
DO YOU SAY?
NOW ADIEU - FAREWELL
THERE’S SOMETHING GORY IN
THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
MAIDENS PALE AT THE TALE
OF DORIAN GRAY
THERE’S A STORY IN
THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
THERE’S SOMETHING GORY IN
THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
--EMMA AND FAYE--
LA LA LA LONDON
LA LA LA LONDON
MEET YOU THERE AT
THE SQUARE
PRECISELY ON THE DOT
AT FIVE
GRAY
ABOUT DORIAN
ABOUT DORIAN
GRAY
MAIDENS PALE AT THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
THERE’S A STORY IN THE TALE OF DORIAN
HOW DO YOU DO TODAY? SO YOU DO – DO TELL
WHAT IS NEW, DO YOU SAY? NOW ADIEU – FAREWELL
SUMMER TIME
AIR ISN’T CHILLY
SUMMER TIME
LA LA LONDON
LA LA LONDON
LA LA LONDON
SUMMER TIME
--LILY--
I REMEMBER! - Track Name: Every Picture Painted
-
--BASIL--
WAIT ONE MOMENT
LET ME FINISH
JUST A TOUCH OR TWO
HERE AND THERE
WITH A BRUSH STROKE
OF A SLIGHTLY BRIGHTER HUE
YELLOW GREEN
PTHALO BLUE
THIS PICTURE IS THE CULMINATION
OF MY LIFE’S VOCATION
EMBODIED CURIOUSLY
SOMEWHAT MYSTERIOUSLY
IN THIS SINGLE WOODED FRAME
I DON’T KNOW IF I AIM TO SHOW IT
TO ANYONE BUT YOU
I certainly don’t require more fame. No, I can’t exhibit this, Henry. I’ve put so much of myself
in it that I can’t bear the thought of sharing it.
-HENRY-
So much of yourself? Basil, you look nothing like this new Adonis of yours.
-BASIL-
Of course I don’t. Nobody could match this young man’s classic features.
-HENRY-
I agree! So why shouldn’t the world see this marvelous picture?
-BASIL-
WAIT ONE MOMENT
JUST ONE MOMENT
-HENRY-
Basil?
-BASIL-
OH THAT’S DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN
EVERY PICTURE PAINTED
IS A PICTURE OF THE PAINTER
MORE THAN OF THE SUBJECT HE HAS PAINTED
DO YOU FOLLOW ME?
EVERY TIME I CHOOSE MY PALETTE
AS I WATCH THE FACE IN FRONT OF ME
AND TRY TO CAPTURE NOTHING ELSE
BUT JUST WHAT I SEE
NOTHING ELSE BUT SUNLIGHT
AND SHADOWS
ON THE FIGURE I’M PAINTING
IT’S A PARADOX
BUT IN EACH LINE AND BRUSH STROKE
BEYOND CONTROL I ALSO SEE
MY SOUL SET FREE
-HENRY-
Fascinating. Tell me more. For instance the name of your subject?
-BASIL-
Henry, you always get what you want, don’t you? Yes, I may as well tell you.
TWO MONTHS AGO I MET DORIAN GRAY
-HENRY-
Dorian Gray-
-BASIL-
CAN I DESCRIBE TO YOU
CAN I MAKE YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY
AS WHEN I FIRST SAW DORIAN GRAY?
THERE WAS MAGIC THE MOMENT
HE WALKED IN THE ROOM
EVERY EYE WAS ON HIM
AND HE SEEMED TO PRESUME
WE’D BE DRAWN TO HIM
LIKE MOTHS TO A FLAME AND THEIR DESTINY
AND THE BEST IN ME
WAS UNDER HIS POWER FROM OUR FIRST “HELLO”
BUT AN UNEASY FEELING CAME STEALING MY MIND
YES THIS FELLOW LED ME
TO AN AMAZING DISCOVERY
-HENRY-
Well, Basil, won’t you tell me?
-BASIL-
SOMEHOW THE SPIRIT
OF THIS STRIKING SOMEONE
WOULD SOON BE INSPIRING
THE BEST PORTRAIT I’VE EVER TRIED
JUST TAKE A LOOK
HAVE I LIED?
BUT EVERY PICTURE PAINTED
IS A PICTURE OF THE PAINTER
MORE THAN OF THE SUBJECT
HE HAS PAINTED
IT IS MY STRONGEST CONVICTION
IF I ALLOWED THE PUBLIC FREEDOM
TO STARE INTO HIS HAUNTING
AND MESMERIZING EYES
IT WOULD BE AS IF
THEY STOLE FROM ME
MY SOUL
IN A MOST UNUSUAL WAY
IN THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY - Track Name: Self Development
-
--HENRY--
My dear Mr. Gray, there is no such thing as a good influence.
--DORIAN--
Why do you say that, Lord Henry?
--HENRY--
BECAUSE WHEN A PERSON WANTS ADVICE
WHEN A PERSON SEEKS A GUIDE
HE SHOULD THINK IT OVER TWICE
HAS HE EVER STOPPED AND REALLY TRIED
TRUSTING TO HIS OWN VOICE INSIDE?
IT SINGS A SONG HE SHOULDN’T HIDE
BUT MEN ADVISE HIM WITH LECTURING
TO IGNORE THE SONG
HE WAS BORN TO SING
HIS OWN REFRAIN
FROM HIS OWN BRAIN
NOT THE INFLUENCE GOOD OR BAD
OF MEDDLING FOOLS
AND THEIR TIRED SAD RULES
TO FREE YOUR SOUL
YOU OUGHT TO MAKE YOUR GOAL
SELF DEVELOPMENT
--BASIL--
Keep still, Dorian, like a good lad.
--HENRY--
THAT’S ALL THAT RELEVANT
HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED?
HAVE YOU BEEN AMUSED?
HOW FEARFUL PEOPLE ARE
OH IT’S SUCH A COMPLICATION
WHEN THEIR GEARS ARE TURNING
AND THEY’RE SO CONFUSED
BY THEIR OWN IMAGINATION
IT GOES TO SHOW
THAT THEY’VE FORGOTTEN
THAT THE HIGHEST DUTY
IS ALWAYS TO ONE’S SELF BE TRUE
BUT THEY THINK THAT “SIN”
IS BEYOND THEIR DISCIPLINE
WHEN ALL THEY NEED TO DO IS THINK
THEN FOLLOW THROUGH
SELF DEVELOPMENT
THERE’S THE KEY BOY
SELF DEVELOPMENT
SETS YOU FREE BOY
DO YOU REALIZE
OR HAVE YOU EVEN THOUGHT
HOW OFTEN YOU SAY “NO”
TO THE QUIET LITTLE VOICES
WHISPERING INSIDE YOU
SAYING THAT YOU OUGHT
TO BE MAKING OTHER CHOICES?
IT GOES TO SHOW THAT YOU’VE FORGOTTEN
THAT THE HIGHEST DUTY
IS TO YOUR INNER SELF BE TRUE
AND THE CONCEPT “SIN”
IS SO UN-MASCULINE
SO ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS THINK
THEN FOLLOW THROUGH
SELF DEVELOPMENT
THERE’S THE KEY BOY
SELF DEVELOPMENT
SETS YOU FREE BOY - Track Name: Somewhere In-between
-
--DORIAN--
I HAD A PLEASANT NIGHT
I DREAMT OF FLOWERS
BUT WITH THE DAY CAME SADNESS
NO BLOSSOMS
JUST THE DEW
AND THE DAY IS TOO BRIGHT
BURNING AWAY HOURS
UNEASY LAUGHTER
THEN COMES THE NIGHT
GALLOPING AFTER
WITH MIDNIGHT’S BLACK HUE
THERE HAS TO BE
SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN
WHERE DARK AND LIGHT
CAN BOTH BE SEEN
THERE HAS TO BE SOMEWHERE I CAN BE
WHERE DARKNESS ISN’T TAUNTING ME
AND LIGHT IS SHINING NOT SO BRIGHTLY
SO I MIGHT BE
FINDING MY OWN IN-BETWEEN
BEYOND WRONG AND RIGHT
IN-BETWEEN DARK AND LIGHT
ABUNDANCE CRUSHES ME
FULL BANQUET TABLES
AND SUNLIGHT LEAVES ME FADED
IN FAR TOO MANY WAYS
THEN THE NIGHT’S MYSTERY
OPENING DARK STABLES
OF TERRIBLE DREAMS
THEN FOLLOWS MORN
ENDLESSLY IT SEEMS
THIS CYCLE OF DAYS
THERE HAS TO BE
SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN
WHERE DARK AND LIGHT
CAN BOTH BE SEEN
THERE HAS TO BE
SOMEWHERE I CAN GO
WHERE DARKNESS DOESN’T SCARE ME SO
AND LIGHT WON’T BLIND ME IN MY FLIGHT
NO MORE THE FIGHT
SO I CAN FIND MY IN-BETWEEN
WHERE DARKNESS ISN’T TAUNTING ME
AND LIGHT IS SHINING NOT SO BRIGHTLY
SO I MIGHT BE
FINDING MY OWN IN-BETWEEN
BEYOND WRONG AND RIGHT
IN-BETWEEN DAY AND NIGHT
IT’S ALMOST IN SIGHT
SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN
DARK AND LIGHT - Track Name: Self Development-reprise
-
--HENRY--
You will become sallow and hollow-cheeked, and dull-eyed. You will suffer horribly. Ah. Realize your youth while you still have it. Live. One should always be searching for new sensations. Oh yes, Dorian. The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.
I KNOW
--join me, Dorian—
--DORIAN--
I KNOW
--HENRY--
THERE’S NOTHING ELSE
--come now, Mr. Gray—
--DORIAN--
NOTHING ELSE
--HENRY--
NOTHING ELSE
IN THE WORLD
--DORIAN--
IN THE WORLD
--HENRY--
BUT YOUTH
--DORIAN--
BUT YOUTH
--BOTH--
BUT YOUTH - BUT YOUTH
SELF DEVELOPMENT - Track Name: Dorian's Prayer
-
--DORIAN--
How sad it is.
--BASIL--
What, Dorian?
--DORIAN--
This picture will always remain young. If it were only the other way...
--BASIL--
Dorian?
--DORIAN--
...and I would always be young while this picture grows old.
FOR THAT I MIGHT GIVE ANYTHING
MAYBE EVEN GIVE MY SOUL
THERE HAS TO BE
SOMEWHERE I CAN GO
WHERE TIME WOULD STOP!
AND I COULD KNOW
MORE THAN WHAT ONE LIFE
COULD EVER GRANT ME
THE TIME TO SEE
WHERE DARKNESS ISN’T TAUNTING ME
AND LIGHT IS SHINING NOT SO BRIGHTLY
SO I MIGHT
BECOME THE MAN
I’M MEANT TO BE
BEYOND WRONG AND RIGHT
IN-BETWEEN DARK AND LIGHT
But that’s insanity. I’m a victim of time like everyone else. Why did you paint it? It will mock me some day—mock me horribly.
(BASIL throws HENRY an accusing look, then picks up his palette knife and crosses to the picture.
DORIAN swiftly intercepts as BASIL prepares to rip up the canvas.)
Basil!
--BASIL--
IT’S MY WORK
I CAN DISPENSE WITH IT
THAT MAKES MORE SENSE
UNHAND ME
I CAN SEE THAT YOU REGRET IT
I WILL DESTROY IT
WE CAN FORGET IT
--DORIAN--
DON’T BASIL
YOU MISUNDERSTAND ME
(DORIAN guides BASIL’S hand, still clutching the knife, so it’s hovering over DORIAN’S chest.)
YOU MAY AS WELL TAKE MY LIFE
WITH YOUR KNIFE BASIL
STRANGE AS IT SEEMS
THERE IN YOUR ART
DWELLS MY CAPTURED HEART
AND IF YOU LET ANYONE ELSE
BUT ME HAVE MY PICTURE
I’LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU
--BASIL--
Dorian, of course. It was yours before it existed. You gave me quite a start. - Track Name: Every Picture Painted-reprise
-
--BASIL--
TWO MONTHS AGO I MET DORIAN GRAY
CAN I DESCRIBE TO YOU
CAN I MAKE YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY
AS WHEN I FIRST SAW DORIAN GRAY? - Track Name: Fantastic Eyes
-
--HENRY--
GOOD EVENING
ALLOW ME TO GIVE TO YOU
MR. DORIAN GRAY
--CHORUS--
MR. DORIAN GRAY!
--WOMEN--
WELCOME
WE’RE JUST NOW BEGINNING THE DANCE
WON’T YOU JOIN US?
--MEN--
AND GOOD LUCK WITH ROMANCE TONIGHT
--CHORUS--
PLEASE MAKE NO FUSS SIMPLY STAY
CHARMING
EVERYONE IN DISGUISE - DELIGHTFUL
DANCING WITH EVERYONE IN SIGHT
FANTASTIC EYES
LOOKING SO DREAMY
LOOKING SO DREAMY
AND CALLING US INTO THE NIGHT
CALLING US INTO THE NIGHT
LOOKING SO DREAMY
--CALLING US INTO THE NIGHT
--CALLING US INTO THE NIGHT
DISARMING
WONDERING WHOM WE’VE KISSED
FANTASTIC EYES
BRIGHT FULL MOON CAN’T PENETRATE
OUR MASKS
AS WE CELEBRATE
DANCE WITH THE NIGHT
WE INSIST DANCE WITH THE NIGHT
DANCE WITH THE NIGHT
WE INSIST
WE INSIST
--LILY, EMMA and FAYE--
LA LA LA LONDON
LA LA LA LONDON
--CHORUS--
THRILLING
DOMINOED ADVENTURE
AND CARE FREE DANCING
WITHOUT ANY CENSURE
DANCE WITH THE NIGHT
FANTASTIC EYES
LOOKING SO DREAMY
AND CALLING US INTO THEIR LIES
NO NEED TO RATIONALIZE
CHARMING
EVERYONE IN DISGUISE
DELIGHTFUL
DANCING WITH EVERYONE IN SIGHT
FANTASTIC EYES
LOOKING SO DREAMY
AND CALLING US INTO THE NIGHT
DISARMING
WONDERING WHOM WE’VE KISSED
FANTASTIC EYES
BRIGHT FULL MOON CAN’T PENETRATE
OUR MASKS
AS WE CELEBRATE
DANCE WITH THE NIGHT
WE INSIST - Track Name: Into The Sun
-
--DORIAN--
PEOPLE SAY THAT LOVE
IS LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE
PEOPLE SAY THAT LOVE
IS LIKE A SONG
I DON’T MEAN TO MOCK
THE COMMON ROSY VIEW
BUT I HAVE TO SAY
THOSE PEOPLE HAVE IT WRONG
FOR ME AND FOR THE WAY
I THINK IN SHADES OF GRAY
LOVE IS MORE COMPLEX
AND IT EFFECTS ME
LIKE A PLAY
SPOTLIGHT
ENTER THE INGENUE
DRAPED IN A BILLOWING DRESS
(SIBYL steps around her picture frame and DORIAN joins her.)
STAGE RIGHT
ENTERS HER BEAU
AND IT’S ME I HAVE TO CONFESS
FLOWERS
GIVEN WITH A BOW
BLUSHING, SHE MEETS MY EYE
HOURS
COULD PASS THAT WAY
AS WE GAZE AND HAPPILY SIGH
--SIBYL--
SIGH
--DORIAN--
I HAVE MET THE GIRL
WHO IS WHAT LOVE ITSELF SHOULD BE
-SIBYL--
I HAVE MET THE BOY
WHO IS LIKE LOVE ITSELF TO ME
--DORIAN--
I FIND HER DISARMING
--SIBYL--
I CALL HIM PRINCE CHARMING
--BOTH--
LOVE IS NO LONGER A DISTANT FANTASY
(HENRY applauds as SIBYL and DORIAN bow.
MRS. VANE appears in a picture frame, then crosses to SIBYL.
DORIAN re-joins HENRY in the library as the Music Hall melodrama continues.)
--DORIAN--
MOTHER-IN-LAW-TO-BE ARRIVES
I DISCREETLY TAKE MY EXIT CUE
BUT LINGERING ‘ROUND THE CORNER THERE
I HEAR THIS SCENE ENSUE
--MRS. VANE--
O DAUGHTER MINE BEWARE THE MAN
WHO PLAYS HIS PART TOO WELL
THERE’S MANY A GIRL WHO FELL TOO FAR
FOR THE DEVIL DRESSED AS A SWELL
--SIBYL--
O MOTHER MINE I KNOW THE TALES
OF FATHER WHICH NO ONE MENTIONS
LET ME BE HAPPY
MY PRINCE CHARMING HAS SUCH HONEST AND PURE INTENTIONS
--MRS. VANE--
HE LOOKS WELL OFF
ALL SCOUNDRELS DO
--SIBYL--
I KNOW HE IS WELL CONNECTED
--MRS. VANE--
WELL IF HE IS
IT’S A DIFFERENT THING
--SIBYL--
YOU LIKE HIM
AS I SUSPECTED
--MRS. VANE--
THAT’S ALL VERY WELL
BUT EVEN A KING
CAN BE THE DEVIL
DRESSED AS A SWELL
LOVE IS JUST AN ARRANGEMENT, DEAR
TO LIFT US FROM OUR SORRY LOTS
(In the library, HENRY and DORIAN mirror the stage left positions of SIBYL and MRS. VANE.)
--HENRY--
LOVE IS JUST A DERANGEMENT
OF OUR USUAL LOGICAL THOUGHTS
--MRS. VANE--
LOVE IS JUST AN ARRANGEMENT, DEAR
OF LEGAL DASHES WORDS AND DOTS
--HENRY--
LOVE IS JUST THE DERANGEMENT OF
DRUNKEN POETICAL SOTS
--MRS. VANE--
BUT LOVE COULD BE ARRANGED
I SUE
BETWEEN A LORD LIKE HIM AND YOU
SO GO AHEAD AND TELL ME ALL
ABOUT YOUR SUITOR HANDSOME AND TALL
--HENRY--
THE WOMAN IS WISE IN HER TAWDRY WAY
SO PLEASE CONTINUE
YOUR AMUSING PLAY
--DORIAN--
YOU’RE IMPOSSIBLE HENRY
THERE IS SOMETHING IN ME
WHICH IS
STARTING TO BE BORN
LISTEN TO THE REST
PLEASE DEFER YOUR SNEERING
TIRESOME SCORN
(Lights down on the library as the footlights blink on again in the Vane home, and SIBYL sings her solo as if to a Music Hall audience.)
--SIBYL--
WHY DIDN’T SOMEBODY TELL ME BEFORE?
SIMPLE AS GOING TO ANSWER THE DOOR
NATURAL AS SLEEPING AND WAKING AGAIN
EASY AS TALKING
LISTENING
AND THEN SAYING “HELLO”
THAT’S HOW SIMPLE IT IS
TO KNOW I’M IN LOVE
LOVE IS SO EASILY RECOGNIZED
SOMETHING SO GRAND CAN’T BE DISGUISED
THINKING ABOUT IT CAN BE SO CONFUSING
USING YOUR BRAIN TO EXPLAIN IT AWAY
WHEN REALLY
NO OTHER THOUGHT IS REQUIRED
THERE’S ONE WORD TO SAY
WHICH HAS BEEN MUCH ADMIRED
THOUGH SOME SAY HAS GROWN TIRED
IT’S LOVE
THE WORD THAT POETS USE
INSPIRED WHEN TOUCHED
BY HEAVEN’S LOVING MUSE
I FINALLY CAN FEEL IT
AND I CAN’T CONCEAL IT
THAT ONE WORD
LOVE
IT NAMES THE SOUND
OF MY HEART IN FLIGHT
AND IT IS
SO RIGHT
SO RIGHT
WHY DIDN’T SOMEBODY TELL ME BEFORE?
THERE’S ONE LITTLE WORD
WHICH IS WHAT WE ARE LIVING FOR
(SIBYL bows as her mother applauds.
Footlights down, pool up again on DORIAN as JAMES VANE steps into view behind the picture frame before charging into the scene.)
--DORIAN--
WITH THE SWEEP OF AN ANGRY ARM
A DOOR SLAMS OPEN ON ITS FRAME
A FROWNING FELLOW
STARTS TO BELLOW
--JAMES VANE--
TELL ME WHAT’S HIS NAME
--SIBYL--
PRINCE CHARMING IS THE ONLY NAME
I EVER NEED TO KNOW
--JAMES--
A NAMELESS DANDY
WHAT’S HIS GAME?
I’LL LEARN THAT ERE I GO
--SIBYL--
O JAMES MY SILLY SERIOUS BROTHER
I WILL NEVER LOVE ANOTHER
--JAMES--
LOVE - A WORD TO TRAP THE INNOCENT
--SIBYL--
NOW, NOW, JAMES
YOU’RE FOOLISH
LOVE IS SO MAGNIFICENT
JAMES YOU’RE FOOLISH
LOVE IS SO MAGNIFICENT
LOVE IS SO MAGNIFICENT
LOVE IS SO MAGNIFICENT
--JAMES--
(In counterpoint to SIBYL.)
LOVE -- A WORD TO TRAP THE INNOCENT
LOVE -- A WORD
TO TRAP THE INNOCENT
--DORIAN--
WITH HER VIVID DECLARATION
RINGING IN MY EAR
I CAME STRAIGHT HOME
WITH BURSTING HEART
AND SHED A GRATEFUL TEAR
(DORIAN and HENRY exit, lights in library out.)
--JAMES--
THIS I SWEAR MY SISTER DEAR
IF EVER THIS MAN DOES YOU ILL
MY MISSION WILL BE STARK AND CLEAR
TO MURDER HIM
BY GOD I WILL
BY GOD I WILL
I’LL BE BACK TO TRACK HIM DOWN
IF YOU UNCOVER HIS FACADE
HE WON’T BE SAFE IN ANY TOWN
I’LL MURDER HIM
SO HELP ME GOD
SO HELP ME GOD
--MRS. VANE--
SON FINISH PACKING
EARLY MORNING SOON WILL BE TODAY
AND YOUR SHIP WILL THEN BE SAILING YOU AWAY
SO SWIFTLY WITH NO DELAY
--JAMES--
MOTHER, NO TEARS
I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY
--MRS. VANE--
COME TELL YOUR MOTHER
YOU’RE A BOY WHO WON’T FORGET
THIS TINY STAGE
WHERE SOON THE SUN
ON ME WILL FINALLY SET
--JAMES--
I’LL DAILY WRITE
TO SISTER AND TO YOU
JUST BEWARE
OF HER BEAU WHO COMES TO WOO
--SIBYL--
JUST THINK JAMES
YOU’LL SEE THE WORLD
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
AND ALL ITS GLORIES
YOU’LL BE LIKE THE HEROES
THAT WE’VE READ ABOUT IN STORIES
THE TIME HAS COME
TO TAKE OUR AIMS
ADVENTURE LIES AHEAD DEAR JAMES
FOR YOU THE SEA
FOR ME A WEDDING
CASTING OFF OUR CHILDHOOD GAMES
INTO THE SUN WE’RE HEADING
INTO THE SUN
--MRS. VANE--
EMBRACE ME SON
IGNORE THE TEARS I’M SHEDDING
--SIBYL--
INTO THE SUN WE’RE HEADING
--JAMES--
BUT I’LL BE BACK--
--SIBYL--
GODSPEED DEAR JAMES
--JAMES--
TO TRACK HIM DOWN
THIS CHARMING PRINCE YOU’RE WEDDING
--SIBYL--
THE TIME HAS COME TO STAKE OUR
CLAIMS
INTO THE SUN WE’RE HEADING
--JAMES--
IF HE EVER CAUSES HARM TO THEE
HE WON’T BE SAFE IN ANY TOWN
(Distant tower bells.)
--SIBYL--
I’ll be late for the theatre. Don’t be a sailor forever, James. Say “hello” to the world for me!
--JAMES--
You mean, hello to Australia!
ADVENTURE LIES AHEAD FOR ME
--SIBYL--
FOR YOU THE SHINING SEA
ADVENTURE LIES AHEAD FOR US THREE
--MRS. VANE--
EMBRACE ME SON
MRS. VANE/JAMES/SIBYL
SALT TEARS I’M SHEDDING/
FOR THEE A WEDDING/INTO THE SUN WE’RE HEADING
--MRS. VANE--
THESE TEARS I SHED—
--JAMES--
I’LL STRIKE HIM DEAD—
--SIBYL--
--SOON WED--
SIBYL/JAMES/MRS. VANE
I’LL BE/FOR THEE
--SIBYL--
LOVE IS MAGNIFICENT - Track Name: Non Nonny
-
--CHORUS--
NON NONNY NONNY NONNY
NON NONNY NONNY NONNY
NON NONNY HO AND A CHEERIO
NON NONNY HO AT THE PLAY WE KNOW IT’S
NON NONNY HO AND BRAVISSIMO
NON NONNY NONNY TO THE PLAY WE GO
NONNY NONNY NONNY
EVENING TIME BRINGS US DELIGHT
EVERY HEART WITH GLADNESS
DOES GROW LIGHT
TO ONE SIDE WE PUT THE DAY
SO TO PARTAKE ENTERTAINMENT
IN THE PLAY
(Dialogue)
EVENING TIME BRINGS US DELIGHT
EVERY HEART WITH GLADNESS
DOES GROW LIGHT
TO ONE SIDE WE PUT THE DAY
SO TO PARTAKE ENTERTAINMENT
IN THE PLAY
NON NONNY NONNY NONNY
NON NONNY NONNY NONNY
NON NONNY HO AND A CHEERIO
NON NONNY HO AT THE PLAY WE KNOW IT’S
NON NONNY HO AND BRAVISSIMO
NON NONNY NONNY
AT THE SHAKESPEARE SHOW
(Dialogue)
NON NONNY NONNY NONNY
NON NONNY NONNY NONNY
NON NONNY HEY SHE IS SO BLASE
NON NONNY HEY SHE HAS RUINED THE PLAY
IT’S NON NONNY HEY TAKE HER STRAIGHT AWAY
NON NONNY NONNY OUT THE BACK DOOR WAY
EVENING TIME BRINGS US DELIGHT
EVERY HEART WITH GLADNESS
DOES GROW LIGHT
TO ONE SIDE WE PUT THE DAY
SO TO PARTAKE ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PLAY
NON NONNY NONNY NONNY
NON NONNY NONNY NONNY
NONNY – NONNY - Track Name: I Heard The Laughter
-
--SIBYL--
BEFORE GOING ON STAGE TONIGHT
I COULD HARDLY CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT
I KNEW YOU’D BE WATCHING
AND I’D GIVE MY BEST IN THE PLAY
BUT TONIGHT SOMETHING SPECIAL
GOT IN THE WAY
LOVELY COMPLICATIONS
--DORIAN--
PLEASE WOULD YOU SPARE ME
DULL EXPLANATIONS
--SIBYL--
BUT I’M ALIVE WITH THRILLING SENSATIONS
(SHE pulls DORIAN to center stage and tries to get him to waltz.)
Dance with me, Dorian, and listen. Dorian, look at me, please.
(SIBYL, giddy with love, dances an abandoned, twirling waltz with the distant, intoxicated and almost immobile DORIAN.
The disparity of their moods makes for a bizarre dance, simultaneously graceful and awkward.)
--SIBYL--
PASSION IS BURNING ME UP
I DON’T WANT TO PUT OUT THE FIRE
PASSION IS TURNING ME
UPSIDE DOWN FOOT TO CROWN WITH DESIRE
AND WHEN YOU TOLD ME
YOU WANT TO ENFOLD ME
AND TAKE MY HAND
YOU MADE ME UNDERSTAND
I CAN NO LONGER MAKE
ACTING BE
AT ALL REAL FOR ME
I STEPPED ON THE STAGE AS JULIET
VERSES SHE SINGS WERE TRUE TO ME-
-YET ONLY MAKE BELIEVE
SO MY PERFORMANCE WAS GRIEVOUSLY AMATEUR
THAT WAS THE BEST I CAN DO
I AM SURE
OH CAN’T YOU SEE
THERE’S NO MEANING FOR ME
IN A LOVE THAT’S THEATRICAL
OUR LOVE IS A REAL LOVE
AND I DON’T NEED TO ACT AT ALL
--DORIAN--
YOU ARE RIDICULOUS
I WAS BORED
DIDN’T YOU THINK OF US
WATCHING IN HORROR
AS YOU BECAME MORE AND MORE ABSURD?
MY WORD YOU WERE AWFUL
--SIBYL--
WORSE, I WAS HOPELESS
ALL I COULD DO
WAS GET THROUGH THE PLAY
I WAS THINKING OF YOU
ALL THE WAY THROUGH
I HEARD THE LAUGHTER
AND PITIED THOSE PEOPLE
THEY DIDN’T KNOW AFTER THE SHOW
THAT I’D SEE THE REAL ROMEO
TELL ME DO THEY KNOW ANYTHING
ABOUT A LOVE LIKE OURS?
--DORIAN--
YOUR EVERY WORD SOURS INSIDE ME
HOW CAN YOU STAND THERE
AND TRY TO CONFIDE IN ME
LOVE YOU DESCRIBE AS TRANSCENDED?
MY GOD DON’T YOU KNOW
THAT TONIGHT YOU OFFENDED ME TERRIBLY?
YES ANY TALENT YOU HAD
THAT ATTRACTED ME
HAS VANISHED
IT IS GONE
YOU’VE DESTROYED ANY LOVE I FELT
LOVE HAS MELTED AWAY
I’M GOING TO SAY SOMETHING
I’D RATHER NOT
SO I TAKE MY LEAVE OF YOU
--SIBYL--
BUT YOU AREN’T SERIOUS
YOU’RE ACTING, DORIAN?
--DORIAN--
ACTING?
I LEAVE THAT TO YOU MY ADORING ONE
HOW CAN YOU BE
SUCH A DIMWITTED THING?
WITHOUT YOUR ACTING YOU’RE NOTHING
I CAN DESCRIBE YOUR PITIFUL CASE
A MEDIOCRE ACTRESS
WHO’S BLESSED WITH A PRETTY FACE
--SIBYL--
DORIAN DON’T LEAVE ME
--DORIAN--
DON’T TOUCH ME
--SIBYL--
PLEASE FORGIVE ME
I’LL WORK HARD TO BE
WHAT I WAS WHEN WE MET
--DORIAN--
I’M LEAVING YOU NOW
AND I’LL NEVER FORGET
HOW DISAPPOINTING YOU’VE BEEN TO ME
I SET YOU FREE AREN’T YOU HAPPY?
--SIBYL--
NO PLEASE DON’T GO
NOW I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL
I UNDERSTAND I DO
HOW CAN I FEEL ANYTHING
WITHOUT YOU?
--DORIAN--
IT’S TOO LATE
THIS DEBATE IS COMPLETE
FAREWELL MY SWEET
YOU’LL HAVE TO MAKE DO
--SIBYL--
OUR LOVE IS A REAL LOVE
AND WE DON’T NEED TO ACT AT ALL
WHY DIDN’T SOMEBODY TELL ME BEFORE?
SIMPLE AS GOING TO WALK OUT THE DOOR - Track Name: La La London
-
--CHORUS--
LA LA LA LONDON
LA LA LA LONDON
SUMMERTIME
AND THE AIR ISN’T CHILLY
COULDN’T WE MEET FOR TEA?
I KNOW A PLACE
--EMMA--
Now there’s somethin’ I’d like between my legs.
--FAYE--
Hey, pretty boy-
--CHORUS--
I KNOW A PLACE
--DERELICT--
Spare a farthing, guv’nor? Got a wife and kids at ‘ome I do.
--CHORUS--
(Closing in on DORIAN.)
IN PICCADILLY
--A CHILD--
Mister, can you give us some food?
--SECOND CHILD--
Please, mister!
(DORIAN disentangles himself from the swirling mob and runs down the street.
THE CHORUS exits backwards, with outstretched arms, seemingly pulled into the wings like puppets.
THE FLOWER GIRL appears with a basket of Lilies. As DORIAN stops to catch his breath, SHE gently gives him a flower. HE graciously bows and listlessly sniffs the flower and trudges on as SHE sadly exits.) - Track Name: Dorian's Dilemma
-
--DORIAN--
“FOR THAT I WOULD GIVE EVERYTHING...”
NO THIS ISN’T HAPPENING
IT LOOKS SO MENACING
BUT I KNOW MY EYES WEREN’T GLARING THIS WAY
OR STARING SO FIERCELY ON THAT FATEFUL DAY
THE TWIST OF THE MOUTH
SMILES WITH A SLY SENSUALITY
MASKING BRUTALITY
THIS ISN’T REALITY
WHY DOES MY MIND
CONJUR UP SUCH A SCENE?
I SHOULD BE RESTING
MY HEADACHE IS TESTING ME
I NEED ESCAPE
INTO THOUGHTS MORE SERENE
SO THE SUN RISES AGAIN
OH WHAT A NIGHT THIS HAS BEEN
STOP STARING
YOU DEMON SPAWN
I TELL YOU
FROM ME BEGONE
MORE OF THIS
AND I’LL BE
CLOSE TO INSANITY
YOU CAN’T CHANGE
YOU’RE ONLY ART
USELESS THING
DEAD
AND WITHOUT A HEART
I’M GOING TO BED
TO THINK I’D CONSIDER
SUCH MAD SUPPOSITIONS
AS PICTURES THAT CHANGE
THEIR OWN COMPOSITIONS
I MUST HAVE A FEVER
THAT’S CAUSING THESE VISIONS
I KNOW NOTHING’S CHANGED
IN MY DUPLICATE FACE
BUT MY MIND IS OBSESSED
WITH A NEED TO REPLACE
THE ORIGINAL WITH THIS SATANIC DISGRACE
MAYBE THE EVIL
IN HIS COLD EXPRESSION
IS TRULY A MIRROR
AND ACCURATE IMPRESSION
OF DARKNESS IN ME
COULD THIS BE
THE FACE OF MY SOUL I SEE?
--YES
I’VE BEEN GIVEN A WARNING
I CAN MAKE AMENDS
STARTING THIS MORNING
I WANT TO BE LOVED FOR ME
NOT JUST WHAT PEOPLE SEE
BUT WHAT I SECRETLY
KNOW I EVENTUALLY
CAN TRULY BE
UNDER THE SURFACE OF SKIN
THERE IS A LITTLE BOY WITHIN
FRIGHTENED AND SMALL
NOT KNOWING SIN
ASKING ME WHERE DOES LOVE BEGIN?
ASKING ME WHEN
ASKING ME WHERE DOES LOVE BEGIN?
LISTEN LITTLE DORIAN
THERE’S A STORY IN YOUR FUTURE
I CAN TEACH
(A gentle derangement comes to his eyes.)
--LOVE CAME TO US
ALL AFLAME FOR US
LOVE WAS WITHIN OUR REACH
THE SUN RISES ONCE MORE
LIGHTING THE WAY TO LOVE’S DOOR
I’LL ASK HER PLEASE TO FORGIVE
AND TO LOVE ME
AS LONG AS I LIVE
(DORIAN slowly pulls the curtain back over the picture’s staring face.) - Track Name: Beware The Dreams
-
--SIBYL--
BEWARE THE DREAMS
THAT CALL YOU YONDER
THEY CAN LEAD TO ROCKY SHORES
WHERE MOURNFUL SEAGULLS CRY FOR YOU
AND WATERS ARE A DEEPER BLUE
THAN ANY SORROWS THAT WERE YOURS
BEFORE YOU CHOSE TO WANDER
FOLLOWING DREAMS
THAT CALLED YOU YONDER
(SHE lowers the gown’s veil so it completely obscures her face, then picks up the knife used in her “Romeo and Juliet” scene.)
LOVE IS SO MAGNIFICENT
LOVE IS SO MAGNIFICENT
Oh – happy – dagger.
(SIBYL plunges the knife into her heart and crumples to the floor.) - Track Name: It's All Very Sad
-
--HENRY--
OF COURSE I SHOULD ADD
THAT IT’S ALL VERY SAD
IT’S ALL VERY SAD
BUT-
ONE SHOULD ABSORB THE COLORS OF LIFE
IGNORING ITS DETAILS
WHICH ALWAYS ARE RIFE WITH VULGARITY
AND IN THE CASE OF YOUR ACTRESS
I FIND THAT CLUTTERING DETAILS
DON’T COME TO MY MIND, WHAT A RARITY
YES THERE’S A BEAUTY
SURROUNDING HER UNTIMELY DEATH
AND THINKING ABOUT IT
HAS TAKEN MY BREATH
I TRULY BELIEVE
IN A PARTICULAR SENSE
I WISH THAT I’D HAD
SUCH A STRIKING EXPERIENCE
--DORIAN--
How can you say that? Henry, help me. I can’t seem to really feel this tragedy. It seems more like the ending of a play.
--HENRY--
Ah. You’ve just struck at the heart of the matter, Dorian.
TRAGEDY CAN BE SO STARK
OFFENSIVE WITH ITS VIOLENCE
DARK AND SICKENING
HEARTBEAT QUICKENING
BUT TRAGEDY SOMETIMES
HAS ANOTHER FACE
TRANSCENDING THE MERE COMMON PLACE
SUCH ARTLESS CRIMES
WE SEE TOO OFTEN
NOWADAYS
BUT TRAGIC EVENTS
ARE SOMETIMES LIKE PLAYS
YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION
JUST HOW CAN YOU EXPLAIN
THAT THIS GIRL WAS ONLY REAL
WHEN WITH HER ACTING
SHE WOULD FEIGN
THE SADNESS OF HER JULIET
THE SORROW OF CORDELIA
THE MADNESS AND THE SWEETNESS
OF THE PRINCE OF DANE'S OPHELIA
MOURN FOR THEM
THEY WERE MORE REAL THAN SHE WAS
THIS POOR GIRL
SHE NEVER LIVED
NOW THAT YOU SURELY SEE?
WAS SHE NOT A FLEETING MELODY
ONE WHICH IS NOW SET FREE?
--DORIAN--
OH YES I SEE
WHAT WILL BE WILL JUST BE
AND IN THE BOOK OF MY LIFE
SIBYL VANE WAS JUST A PAGE
HER DEMISE WAS A SCENE
ACTED OUT ON A STAGE
--DORIAN AND HENRY--
ONE SHOULD ABSORB
THE COLORS OF LIFE
IGNORING ITS DETAILS
WHICH ALWAYS ARE RIFE
WITH VULGARITY
AND WITH MUCH CLARITY
I SEE A BEAUTY SURROUNDING
HER UNTIMELY DEATH
AND THINKING ABOUT IT
HAS TAKEN MY BREATH
THERE’S A BEAUTY IN THIS TRAGEDY
A BEAUTY IN THIS TRAGEDY
BEAUTY - BEAUTY
--HENRY--
AND I TRULY BELIEVE
IN A PARTICULAR SENSE
I WISH THAT I’D HAD
SUCH A STRIKING EXPERIENCE
--DORIAN--
I’M GLAD THAT I’VE HAD
SUCH A STRIKING EXPERIENCE
BUT I SHOULD ADD
THAT IT’S ALL VERY SAD
--HENRY--
OF COURSE
--HENRY AND DORIAN--
IT’S ALL VERY SAD
TRAGEDY HAS A BEAUTY - Track Name: Blank
-
--BASIL--
No! Rubbish! Dreadful! Not worth the paper it’s drawn on!
I NEED A CROWNING CENTERPIECE
FOR AN EXHIBITION
I NEED A PAINTING TO INCREASE
MY STANDING AND POSITION
OR ELSE MY REPUTATION WILL BE
IN A PITIFUL CONDITION
BLANK
I AM BANKRUPT
MY VAULTS OF INSPIRATION ARE DEPLETED
WHEN I TOUCH MY BRUSH TO CANVAS
I’M DEFEATED
BLANK
I AM BANKRUPT
EVERY CONCEPT THAT I THINK OF
I’VE REPEATED TIME AND TIME AGAIN
IDEAS THAT ONCE WERE BOLD
ARE BORING - ANCIENT
THE PROVERBIAL HAT THAT’S OLD
EVERYONE HAS HAD THOSE DAYS
OF TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING
BUT THE MIND IS IN A DAZE
IT COMES UP
BLANK
NOTHING SEEMS TO COME OUT RIGHT
YOU’VE DONE IT ALL BEFORE
AND IT’S ALL SO TIRED AND TRITE
JUST BLANK
WHAT’S MORE
DEADLINES LOOM
YOU SEARCH FOR INSPIRATION
BUT YOUR OUT-PUT
IS MOSTLY PERSPIRATOIN
AND YOUR POWERS OF CREATION
SUFFER FROM CONSTIPATION
THERE SIMPLY AREN’T ENOUGH HOURS
I’M UNDER SLEPT AND OVER STRESSED
DRAINING MEAGER MENTAL POWERS
BLANK
I AM BANKRUPT
EVERY PLAN I MAKE IS AWFUL
FAILURE TASTES LIKE SIN
WHERE DID MY TALENT GO?
OR DID I EVER DO ANYTHING
BETTER THAN SO-SO?
EVERYONE HAS HAD THOSE TIMES
THE CALENDAR IS OVERFLOWING
AND YOU DREAD EACH HOUR’S CHIMES
YOUR MIND GOES
BLANK
JUMBLED THOUGHTS PRODUCE A MESS
IT’S HOPELESS SO IT SEEMS
FAILURE OVERTAKES SUCCESS
JUST BLANK
MY MIND IS IN A DAZE
IT COMES UP
BLANK
NOTHING SEEMS TO COME OUT RIGHT
I’VE DONE IT ALL BEFORE
AND IT’S ALL SO TIRED AND TRITE
JUST BLANK
BLANK
I AM BANKRUPT
SANK DOWN
MY REKNOWN
IN THIS TOWN
TORN – DOWN – BLANK - Track Name: Every Picture-reprise and Dorian's Decision
-
--BASIL--
(In his studio writing a letter to Dorian.)
I was quite wrong to think it impossible to ever share it with the public. I’d wished to explain to you in person, but I feel I must now tell you my reason for originally wishing the picture to remain a secret. From the moment we met you had the most unexpected effect on me.
THREE MONTHS AGO I MET DORIAN GRAY...
--DORIAN--
(In his library, facing the portrait.)
IS THIS THE EXPRESSION MY FACE WOULD DISPLAY
--BASIL--
CAN I DESCRIBE TO YOU
CAN I MAKE YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY
--DORIAN--
IF THIS MYSTICAL PICTURE
WERE NOT TO PORTRAY
--BASIL--
AS WHEN I FIRST SAW YOU
DORIAN GRAY
--DORIAN--
EVERY TRANSGRESSING THOUGHT
THAT I HAVE EVERY DAY?
--BASIL--
THERE WAS MAGIC THE MOMENT
YOU WALKED IN THE ROOM
--DORIAN--
THINK – THINK
IS THIS MY DOOM?
--BASIL--
LIKE LAZARUS LEAVING THE TOMB
A NEW LIGHT ILLUMED ME
--DORIAN--
THINK – THINK
WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS NIGHTMARE?
SHOULD I CARE?
--BASIL--
A NEW ARTISTIC VISION CONSUMED ME
I WAS NOT AT ALL FAIR
--DORIAN--
IF OTHERS SEE
THIS CURIOSITY
--BASIL--
DECLINING TO SHARE
--DORIAN--
WHAT – AM I CRAZY?
IF THIS MONSTER STAYS
--BASIL--
WHAT YOU INSPIRED
--DORIAN--
HE WILL HAVE ME DESTROYED
--BASIL--
WITH DOUBT I WAS MIRED
--DORIAN--
BY HIDING HIM
THAT I’LL AVOID
--BASIL--
EVERY PICTURE PAINTED
IS A PICTURE OF THE PAINTER
MORE THAN OF THE SUBJECT
HE HAS PAINTED
HOW CAN THIS BE
WHEN IT’S ONLY BRUSH STROKES?
BUT SOMEHOW IN YOUR PICTURE
NOT ONLY IS IT YOU WE SEE
BUT SO MUCH
MAYBE FAR TOO MUCH OF ME
--DORIAN--
(In counterpoint to BASIL.)
I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL
THIS IS MY SALVATION
I’M FREE
NONE OF THE PLEASURES
IN ALL OF CREATION
ARE FAR FROM ME NOW
NOW THAT I SEE
MY EVERY FANTASY
EACH WHIM
CAN BE ACTED ON IN SECRECY
DEAR BASIL
YOU AND I MUST ALWAYS STAY FRIENDS
(Sitting to write.)
BUT THE PAINTING THAT YOU WANT
HAS BEEN DESTROYED
ASKING ME FOR FURTHER DETAILS
PLEASE AVOID
ANNOYED YOU MUST BE
BUT BASIL
YOU MUST TRUST ME
SINCERELY
YOURS
(HE hands the letter and some pound notes to A MESSENGER BOY who appears.)
NOW MY ELEGANT UGLY FRIEND
DO YOU COMPREHEND
THE GIFT OF IMMORTALITY
YOU HAVE GRANTED ME?
MY APPEARANCE WILL BE NEVER CHANGING
WHILE THIS GHASTLY PICTURE
WILL BE WHERE EACH SIN
WITH HORROR WILL ENGRAVE
THE SECRETS I WILL TAKE TO THE GRAVE
IF I EVER DIE
NOW THE SUN RISES ON ME
LIGHTING UP INFINITY
I WILL GO ON AND ON
STARTING NOW
WITH THIS ONE FINAL DAWN
(Lights up in Basil’s studio as THE MESSENGER BOY delivers Dorian’s reply to him, and the artist jumps up in shock after reading the brief letter. HE sinks to his knees in despair.)
--BASIL--
DORIAN DON’T LEAVE ME
YOU HAVE RUINED ME
MY REPUTATION
STANDING AND RANK
WILL NOW BE
BLANK!
(DORIAN triumphantly closes the curtain on the painting.) - Track Name: The Black Cat Ballet
-
--EMMA--
(Approaching A SAILOR at the bar.)
PIPE SIR?
WE HAVE THE BEST AROUND
--1ST SAILOR--
No, just ale.
--LILY--
(Approaching ANOTHER SAILOR at a table.)
WANT SOME COMPANY?
GIRLS LIKE OURS CAN’T BE FOUND
--2ND SAILOR--
No, just wine.
(The tavern’s INHABITANTS come closer to DORIAN in a ragged semi-circle, and the dancing begins.)
--ALL--
WHAT’S YOUR PLEASURE MR.GRAY?
WE’RE SO GLAD YOU’VE COME TO PLAY
WE ARE CONFIDENT YOU’LL BE
ESPECIALLY DELICIOUS COMPANY
--LILY AND A SAILOR--
EVER WANT
TO RIP THE MASK
OFF THIS VICTORIAN LAND?
--ALL--
UNDERNEATH
EACH QUIET LIFE
DARK SECRETS
CLUTCHED IN EVERY HAND
WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
IF WE TRY
DANCING IN THE STREET
EVERY HEART COMPLETE
WE ALL CAN FLY
IN A BRAVE
NEW FREE SKY
EVER THINK
IT’S POSSIBLE
TO LIVE INSIDE YOUR DREAMS?
SO MANY
POSSIBILITIES
THAT MOVE IN ENDLESS FLOWING STREAMS
STEP INSIDE YOUR DREAMS
STEP INSIDE
--LILY--
STEP INSIDE YOUR DREAMS
AT LEAST TRY
--ALL--
TOUCH THE COLORS THERE
DRINK ELECTRIC AIR
YOU’LL NEVER DIE
IN THE ENDLESS
DREAM SKY
(A SAILOR brings forward an Opium pipe and a strange, carved wooden box as DORIAN is pushed into a chair.)
--FAYE--
PIPES TO SMOKE BRING ORIENTAL VISIONS
--SAILOR--
(Opening the box and taking out dried mushrooms.)
HERE ARE NEW WORLD SHAMAN POTIONS
--FAYE AND EMMA--
GIRLS
IN ALL THE HINDUESE POSITIONS
--THE SAILORS--
BOYS
WHO MIGHT BE GIVING YOU NOTIONS
(The pipe is brought to DORIAN, and after a moment of initial uncertainty, HE is soon drawing in the smoke deeply. HE also takes a handful of mushrooms from the wooden box and ingests them.)
--DORIAN--
(slowly rising.)
THERE HAS TO BE SOMEWHERE...
(The dancing continues and the mood of the entire tavern becomes suggestive of an orgy. EMMA and FAYE dance together.
DORIAN is energized, and becomes the center of the dancers’ gyrations.
A SAILOR takes a solo turn, brandishing a whip with erotic suggestiveness.
ALAN CAMPBELL enters and is soon drawn to the sailor.)
--ALL--
IS IT POSSIBLE
TO LIVE INSIDE YOUR DREAMS?
(As the combination of intoxicants and the frenzied dancing take their toll, people begin collapsing throughout the tavern.)
TAKE THE LEAP
WE KNOW YOU CAN FLY
TOUCH THE COLORS THERE
DRINK ELECTRIC AIR
YOU’LL NEVER DIE
IN THE ENDLESS
DREAM SKY
(Almost the entire tavern population has now passed out.
LILY is on the ground, struggling to remain conscious as SHE watches the inexhaustible DORIAN with a combination of fear and admiration.)
--LILY--
YOU CAN DO THE TASK
RIP OFF THE MASK
(ALAN, teetering and falling, is grabbed by the SAILOR with the whip.)
--DORIAN--
(Laughing wickedly.)
Alan!
(ALAN grabs the handle of the whip as HE and THE SAILOR exit.
HENRY exits, stepping over the scattered bodies, and smiling slyly.
DORIAN scrambles around the tavern like a man possessed, grabbing the corpse-like bodies around him, trying to shake life into them.)
--DORIAN--
(Everyone partially rising and falling with each word.)
MORE
BRING ME MORE
I WANT MORE!
(DORIAN stands at center stage, arms outstretched as if he is flying.) - Track Name: ACT TWO - 20 Years Is Short But Long
-
--CHORUS--
TWENTY YEARS IS SHORT BUT LONG
THE COUNTRYSIDE IS MUCH THE SAME
THE MOON STILL SHINES ON LOVERS
AND THE SUN STILL STREAMS
ITS BRILLIANT FLAME
BUT BABES IN ARMS
GROW UP TO JOIN THE NOISOME CROWD
AND FLOWERS THAT WE PLANTED
CHOKE WITH WEEDS
AND TOWERS NOW ARE STANDING
WHERE FIELDS ONCE WERE PLOWED
SOME MEN WHO ONCE WERE GOOD
HAVE TURNED TO DESPERATE DEEDS
CENTURY NUMBER NINETEEN DIES
AND CENTURY NUMBER TWENTY BLOOMS
(SOLO) AND PEOPLE NOW TALK THROUGH A WIRE
(SOLO) THE HORSELESS CARRIAGE BUSINESS BOOMS
FASHIONS CHANGE FROM BLACK TO BRIGHT
(SOLO) POPULATIONS BURST THE SEAMS
(SOLO) A MAN NAMED JACK HAS RIPPED THE NIGHT
(SOLO) DOCTOR FREUD BELIEVES IN DREAMS
CHANGES BY THE DOZEN
(SOLO) MOVING PICTURES FLICKER
(SOLO) DARWIN IS A MONKEY’S COUSIN
(SOLO) LONDON’S FOG IS THICKER
(Two OLDER WOMEN)
AND OUR MIRRORS SHOW DECAY
WHERE BEAUTY USED TO COME IN VIEW
(DORIAN enters, moving slowly and unsteadily down the street.)
THERE GOES THAT MAN MR. GRAY
HE HASN’T SEEMED TO AGE ONE DAY
SINCE YEARS AGO
WHEN HE FIRST TURNED
THE TENDER AGE OF TWENTY TWO
MY MOTHER TOLD ME
THERE’S A STORY IN
--LA LA LA LA LONDON--
THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
THERE’S SOMETHING GORY IN
THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE THERE’S FIRE
MAIDENS PALE AT THE TALE
OF DORIAN GRAY
TWENTY YEARS IS SHORT BUT LONG
BABES IN ARMS HAVE JOINED THE THRONG
THE MOON STILL SHINES ON LOVERS
AND THE SUN STILL SINGS
ITS BURNING
TIMELESS SONG - Track Name: The Picture of Innocence
-
--BASIL--
THIS IS HARD FOR ME TO SAY
BUT WHEN I SPEAK OF DORIAN GRAY
THERE ARE REACTIONS
FROM SUCH ANGRY FACTIONS
SAYING YOU’LL PAY
FOR HORRIBLE SIN
TELL ME HOW DID THESE RUMORS BEGIN?
HOW THEY MAKE MY HEAD SPIN.
HAVE YOU HEARD
THE AWFUL LIES?
I CAN’T IMAGINE ANY WHYS
TO ACCUSATIONS
OF YOUR ABERRATIONS
THE STREETS FILL WITH OUTCRIES
ANGRY AND STRONG
PLEASE BELIEVE ME
I KNOW THEY ARE WRONG
FOR IT’S NEVER TOO LONG
BEFORE
WHAT A MAN IS
ALTERS HIS FACE
ALL HIS SINS ON HIS FEATURES
WILL TRACE
A PATTERN SO PLAIN TO READ
IN YOUR CASE
WE ALL MUST CONCEDE
YOU’RE THE PICTURE OF INNOCENCE
HONESTY AND YOUTH
IF YOU WERE A MONSTER
WE’D ALL SEE THE TRUTH
WOULDN’T WE PLAINLY SEE?
--DORIAN--
YES YOU WOULD WHY DO YOU GO ON?
DON’T MISS YOUR TRAIN I WISH YOU WERE GONE
--BASIL--
THEY SAY NO PURE MINDED GIRL
SHOULD MEET YOU
AND PEOPLE WHOM YOU ONCE KNEW
WON’T GREET YOU
AND THERE’S THE TALK
ABOUT THE DARK
DISASTROUS INFLUENCE
YOU’VE HAD ON CERTAIN LIVES
MANY REPUTATIONS RUINED
SCANDAL LIKE A CANCER
ON THEM THRIVES
HOW CAN YOU ANSWER?
--DORIAN--
AM I SUPPOSED TO BE
A MASTERMIND OF VICES?
A SVENGALI WHO ENTICES?
AS YOU CONFESS
THE HONESTY YOU SEE IN ME SUFFICES
AS MY WITNESS
--BASIL--
WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO JUDGE A MAN
BASED ON WHAT EFFECT HE HAS
ON THE PEOPLE HE’S BEFRIENDED
--DORIAN--
THESE BUSYBODIES WHOM YOU’VE DEFENDED
WOULD LOVE TO SEE
EVERY THOUGHT SUSPENDED
IF THEY COULD HAVE THEIR WAY
THE WORLD WOULD HAVE TO BOW
TO EVERYTHING THEY HAVE TO SAY
ONE RELIGION ONE STATE
THESE PIOUS SOULS WOULD DICTATE
EVERY MOVE WE MAKE
AND ALL DISSENTERS
WOULD BURN AT THEIR STAKE
--BASIL--
That’s not the point!
--BASIL--
I NEED TO HAVE AN ANSWER NOW
WILL YOU CONTINUE TO ALLOW
THIS VILE DEFAMATION
OF YOUR REPUTATION
YOU MUST STOP IT SOMEHOW
WHY DOES IT SEEM
YOU DON’T KNOW THAT YOU
SHOULD REDEEM
YOUR GOOD NAME AND ESTEEM?
WHAT A MAN IS ALTERS HIS FACE
ALL HIS SINS ON HIS FEATURES WILL
TRACE
A PATTERN SO PLAIN TO READ
IN YOUR CASE
ARE WE RIGHT TO CONCEDE
YOU’RE THE PICTURE OF INNOCENCE
HONESTY AND YOUTH?
IF YOU WERE A MONSTER
WOULDN’T WE SEE THE TRUTH?
WOULDN’T WE PLAINLY SEE?
--DORIAN--
(In counterpoint to Basil.)
HOW CAN YOU BE SO VERY DULL?
WHO PUT THOSE THOUGHTS IN YOUR SKULL?
WHY DON’T YOU KNOW
THAT YOU
HAVE ALWAYS WEARIED ME SO
WHEN WILL YOU GO?
I HEARD YOU BEFORE
I HAVE NO FEAR ON THAT SCORE
WOULD YOU LOOK AT ME
WOULD YOU LOOK AT ME?
BASIL PLEASE BASIL YES
YOU’VE MADE IT PLAIN
YOU THINK THAT I HAVE GONE INSANE DON’T YOU
BASIL?
HOW COULD THAT TRULY BE?
OF COURSE YOU WOULD
YOU TALK
AS IF YOU DON’T KNOW ME
--BASIL--
KNOW YOU?
I WONDER DO I REALLY KNOW YOU?
BEFORE I COULD ANSWER THAT
I’D HAVE TO SEE YOUR SOUL
BUT ONLY GOD CAN DO THAT
--DORIAN--
MAYBE NOT
PERHAPS YOU SHALL SEE MY SOUL
YOURSELF TONIGHT
WITH YOUR OWN EYES
--BASIL--
TALK SOME SENSE DORIAN
--DORIAN--
DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPOSSIBLE
FOR YOU TO SEE INSIDE MY SOUL?
--BASIL--
IF I COULD
AT LEAST I’D HAVE THE ANSWER
THAT I NEED
A SOUL IS INSCRIBED
WITH EVERY DEED - Track Name: The Attic
-
--BASIL--
OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN
HALLOWED BE THY NAME
THY KINGDOM COME
THY WILL BE DONE
ON EARTH
AS IT IS IN HEAVEN - Track Name: A Most Amusing Man
-
--FIRST MAN--
HE IS A MOST AMUSING MAN
IF ANYONE MAKES YOU LAUGH HE CAN
HE MAY BE DARING
MAY BE WRONG
HIS LANGUAGE MAY BE FAR TOO STRONG
IF ANYONE MAKES YOU LAUGH HE CAN
HE IS A MOST AMUSING MAN
--FIRST WOMAN (SOCIETY LADY)--
LORD HENRY GIVE US SOME ADVICE
A WORD OR TWO WOULD BE SO NICE
--HENRY--
Dear Madam, I never advise. However, most people are very fond of giving away what they
need most themselves.
--SECOND MAN--
I WONDER IF YOU WOULD DISCUSS
THE WAGGING TONGUES
THAT FRET AND FUSS
ABOUT THE WAY YOU SEEM TO LIVE
AND FOR OUR CANDOR PLEASE FORGIVE US
--HENRY--
Dear fellow, there is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not
being talked about.
--FIRST MAN--
SING OH
--CHORUS--
OH OH OH!
SO RAISE A GLASS TO THIS EXCELLENT EVENING
WE’RE HAVING A MARVELOUS TIME
THE COMPANY’S WONDERFUL
WHY SHOULD WE LEAVE
‘TILL WE FIRST HEAR THE ONE O’CLOCK CHIME?
HE’S AMAZING
WE’RE HAPPY TO BE HERE
AND GAZING
AT PEOPLE SO ERUDITE
IS SUCH A RARE DELIGHT
MAYBE HE’LL TALK TO US
HE JUST MIGHT
THE PARTY TONIGHT
IS QUITE A SUCCESS
HAVE YOU MET LORD HENRY?
I MUST CONFESS
HE IS A MOST AMUSING MAN
IF ANYONE MAKES YOU LAUGH HE CAN
--FIRST MAN--
HE MAY BE DARING
MAY BE WRONG
--FIRST WOMAN--
HIS LANGUAGE MAY BE FAR TOO STRONG
--CHORUS--
IF ANYONE MAKES YOU LAUGH HE CAN
HE IS A MOST AMUSING MAN
--THIRD MAN--
LORD HENRY DO YOU LIKE THE PLAY
THAT IS THE LATEST RAGE TODAY?
--HENRY--
My dear Sir, the only remaining link between literature and drama nowadays is the program
of production credits.
--SECOND WOMAN (INTELLECTUAL WITH BOOK)--
PERHAPS YOU’VE SEEN THE LATEST BOOK
OF MEMOIRS
WILL YOU TAKE A LOOK?
IT WAS A DARING NOBLE DEED
THE AUTHOR DID
TO LET US READ IT
--HENRY--
Memoirs are written by people who have entirely lost their memories, or have never done
anything worth remembering.
--FIRST MAN--
SING OH
--CHORUS--
-OH OH OH!
SO RAISE A GLASS TO THIS EXCELLENT EVENING
WE’RE HAVING A MARVELOUS TIME
THE COMPANY’S WONDERFUL
WHY SHOULD WE LEAVE
‘TIL WE FIRST HEAR THE TWO O’CLOCK CHIME?
--FIRST MAN--
LORD HENRY LET US HEAR YOU SPEAK
YOUR WIT IS RARE AND SO UNIQUE
--CHORUS--
(Enthusiastic ad-libs and applause.)
Yes! Speech! Speech! We beg you! Etc.
--HENRY--
I HOPE YOU ARE NOT CONTEMPLATING
MAKING A CELEBRITY
FROM THE LIKES OF ME
I WOULD CONSIDER IT INSANTIY
PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC EYE
MOST OFTEN HAVE A SCARCITY
OF COMMON SENSE OR ANY WIT
IN FACT A MEDIOCRITY
IS BOUND TO BE THE ONE
FOR WHOM THE PUBLIC HAS AFFINITY
THAT DESCRIPTION DOESN’T FIT
A GENTLEMAN’S COMPLEXITY
--CHORUS--
THAT DESCRIPTION DOESN’T FIT
A GENTLEMAN’S COMPLEXITY
OH!
--HENRY--
ALLOW ME TO REMAIN A MAN
WHO IS A BIT PREPOSTEROUS
AND A MAN WHO IS AMUSING
IF THAT’S NOT PRESUMPTUOUS
IF YOU LIKE MY COMPANY
I THINK THAT’S SIMPLY MARVELOUS
BUT NEVER THINK OF ME
AS MORE THAN SOMEONE MERELY FRIVOLOUS
ARTIFICIALITY
AND SEEMING TO BE COURTEOUS
IS THE DUTY OF OUR LIVES
IT MAKES IT ALL SO HUMOROUS
--CHORUS--
THAT’S THE DUTY OF OUR LIVES
IT MAKES IT ALL SO HUMOROUS!
--MEN--
OH WHAT A FOUNT OF WISDOM
--WOMEN--
AND HE IS ALSO HANDSOME
--CHORUS--
SO RAISE A GLASS TO THIS EXCELLENT EVENING
WE’RE HAVING A MARVELOUS TIME
THE COMPANY’S WONDERFUL
WHY SHOULD WE LEAVE
‘TILL WE FIRST HEAR THE THREE O’CLOCK CHIME?
--SECOND MAN--
FORGIVE ME BUT I MUST INQUIRE
IS THIS A MAN YOU ALL ADMIRE?
HAVEN’T YOU HEARD OF HIS FRIEND
MR. GRAY?
DORIAN GRAY?
THAT EVIL MAN
WAS THIS MAN’S PROTEGE!
--HENRY--
(As the party halts in shock.)
Wickedness is a myth invented by good people to account for the curious attractiveness of
others.
--CHORUS--
HE’S AMAZING
WE’RE HAPPY TO BE HERE
AND GAZING AT PEOPLE SO ERUDITE
IS SUCH A RARE DELIGHT
MAYBE HE’LL TALK TO US
HE JUST MIGHT
THE PARTY TONIGHT
IS QUITE A SUCCESS
HAVE YOU MET LORD HENRY?
I MUST CONFESS
HE IS A MOST AMUSING MAN
IF ANYONE MAKES YOU LAUGH HE CAN
HE MAY BE DARING
MAY BE WRONG
HIS LANGUAGE MAY BE FAR TOO STRONG
--FIRST WOMAN--
Give us some hope, Lord Henry. Don’t you ever think of marriage, at least now and then?
--HENRY--
Marriage is hardly a thing one can do now and then. Except in America.
--CHORUS--
IF ANYONE MAKES YOU LAUGH HE CAN
HE IS A MOST
--MEN--
LET’S RAISE A TOAST
TO YOU OUR HOST
--ALL--
AMUSING
--MEN--
BEMUSING – ENTHUSING - AND SOMETIMES CONFUSING
BUT ALWAYS AMUSING MAN
--WOMEN--
CAN’T IMAGINE HOW ANYONE CAN
BE A BETTER DELIGHT
--CHORUS--
HE’S A MOST AMUSING MAN! - Track Name: Some Love Too Little
-
--JAMES--
EACH MAN KILLS THE THING HE LOVES
BY EACH LET THIS BE HEARD
SOME DO IT WITH A BITTER LOOK
SOME WITH A FLATTERING WORD
THE COWARD DOES IT WITH A KISS
THE BRAVE MAN WITH A SWORD
SOME KILL THEIR LOVE WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG
AND SOME WHEN THEY ARE OLD
SOME STRANGLE WITH THE HANDS OF LUST
SOME WITH THE HANDS OF GOLD
THE KINDEST USE A KNIFE BECAUSE
THE DEAD SO SOON GROW COLD
SOME LOVE TOO LITTLE
SOME TOO LONG
SOME SELL AND OTHERS BUY
SOME DO THE DEED WITH MANY TEARS
AND SOME WITHOUT A SIGH
FOR EACH MAN KILLS THE THING HE LOVES
YET EACH MAN DOES NOT DIE
--JAMES AND EMMA--
HE DOES NOT DIE A DEATH OF SHAME
ON A DAY OF DARK DISGRACE
NOR HAVE A NOOSE ABOUT HIS NECK
NOR A CLOTH UPON HIS FACE
NOR DROP FEET FOREMOST THROUGH THE FLOOR
INTO AN EMPTY SPACE
--JAMES, EMMA, FAYE AND LILY--
SOME LOVE TOO LITTLE
SOME TOO LONG
SOME SELL AND OTHERS BUY
AND SOME LOVE TOO LITTLE
SOME LOVE TOO LONG
SELL SELL AND OTHERS BUY
SOME DO THE DEED WITH MANY TEARS
AND SOME WITHOUT A SIGH
FOR EACH MAN KILLS THE THING HE LOVES
YET EACH MAN DOES NOT DIE
YET EACH MAN DOES NOT DIE
--EMMA, FAYE AND LILY--
DOES NOT DIE DOES NOT DIE
--JAMES--
EACH MAN KILLS THE THING HE LOVES - Track Name: Scandals
-
--HENRY--
RECENTLY THE GOSSIP IS SO THICK
IT’S HARD TO HANDLE
OF COURSE MY OWN DIVORCE
WAS PLEASANTLY DELICIOUS
BUT EVEN MORE INTRIGUING
IS THE SCANDAL
WHICH ENTHUSED THE PUBLIC
SIMPLY SINCE IT WAS SO VICIOUS
(DORIAN turns sharply to him.)
ALAN CAMPBELL’S SUICIDE
FORGIVE ME-DID YOU KNOW HIM?
OH YES, HOW COULD I FORGET?
HIS DEATH WAS AWFULLY GRIM
POOR BOY
I ALWAYS FOUND HIM RATHER DIM
IS SOMETHING WRONG?
YOU LOOK SO PALE
SIT DOWN BOY
DO YOU AIL?
--DORIAN--
HENRY I SHOULD TELL YOU
JUST THE OTHER NIGHT...
NEVER MIND CONTINUE
I’LL BE ALL RIGHT
I SAID I’LL BE ALL RIGHT
--HENRY--
WELL THEN
HERE WE HAVE A MAN
FOR WHOM WE OUGHT TO BURN A CANDLE
BASIL FINALLY HAS THE COUNTRY CAPTIVATED
HIS DISAPPEARANCE IS A SCANDAL
FURTHERMORE HE WAS A MAN
WHOM NO ONE COULD HAVE HATED
ALAN CAMPBELL’S SUICIDE
IS SAD AS I HAVE SAID
BUT BASIL IS A MYSTERY
HE SIMPLY DISAPPEARED
POOR MAN
HE VANISHED
NOW DON’T YOU FIND THAT WEIRD?
NOW WHAT’S WRONG?
YOU STILL LOOK PALE
I’LL GET YOU BRANDY
DO YOU AIL?
--DORIAN--
HAS IT EVER OCCURRED TO YOU
THAT BASIL WAS MURDERED?
--HENRY--
MURDERED?
OF COURSE NOT
HE WASN’T SO CLEVER TO HAVE
ANY ENEMIES
MURDERED?
A STRANGE THOUGHT
AND ONE SO DISTURBING
SO LET’S NOT DISCUSS IT PLEASE
--DORIAN--
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IF I SAID TO YOU
I KILLED BASIL?
--HENRY--
I’D SAY THAT YOU WERE POSING
FOR A MOST PECULIAR ROLE
AND ONE THAT DOESN’T SUIT YOU
AN EVIL-DOER’S SOUL IS A THING SO REVOLTING
TO PICTURE YOU THAT WAY
IS A THOUGHT FAR TOO JOLTING
--JAMES VANE--
(Slowly entering from the back of the house.)
EACH MAN KILLS THE THING HE LOVES
BY EACH LET THIS BE HEARD
SOME DO IT WITH A BITTER LOOK
SOME WITH A FLATTERING WORD
--HENRY--
I KNOW SOMETHING’S WRONG
I’M SURE THAT YOU AIL
I’VE NEVER SEEN YOU LOOK SO PALE
--DORIAN--
HENRY DID YOU HEAR THAT
IN THE STREET BELOW?
(To himself.)
WHY IS HE PERSISTING
IN PURSUING ME?
THIS MUST MEAN TREACHERY
-FROM SOMEONE WHO KNOWS ME
THIS IS IT
THIS IS HOW
THE DRAMA ENDS
BRIGHTLY LIT
FINAL BOW
DEATH EXTENDS
HIS FATAL TOUCH
TO ME
--JAMES--
(In counterpoint to Dorian.)
SOME LOVE TOO LITTLE
SOME TOO LONG
SOME SELL AND OTHERS BUY
SOME DO THE DEED
WITH MANY TEARS
AND SOME WITHOUT A SIGH
--HENRY--
STOP IT
YOU’RE RAVING
THAT’S ONLY A SAILOR
DRINKING IN THE STREET BELOW
STOP IT
BEHAVING
LIKE SOME FRIGHTENED SCHOOL GIRL
ISN’T VERY APROPOS
--DORIAN--
HENRY SOMETHING AWFUL
HAS GOTTEN OUT OF HAND
POWERS ARE CONVERGING
PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND
JUST STAY BY MY SIDE
I NEED TO HIDE MYSELF
THIS ISN’T WHAT I PLANNED
(LILY hurriedly enters opposite from JAMES, ducking for cover before he notices her. From the shadows SHE watches him looking up at Dorian’s window, and strains to overhear HENRY and DORIAN.)
--JAMES--
SOME KILL THEIR LOVE WHEN THEY ARE
YOUNG
SOME WHEN THEY ARE OLD
SOME STRANGLE WITH THE HANDS OF
LUST
SOME WITH THE HANDS OF GOLD
THE KINDEST USE A KNIFE BECAUSE
THE DEAD SO SOON GROW COLD
SOME LOVE TOO LITTLE
SOME TOO LONG
SOME SELL AND OTHERS BUY
--HENRY--
(In counterpoint to JAMES.)
DORIAN YOUR NERVES ARE SHOT
YOU NEED A REST—WHY NOT?
DORIAN YOU NEED SOME REST
A HOLIDAY IS BEST
--DORIAN--
YES I’LL BE SAFE IN THE COUNTRY
THERE HE COULDN’T CONFRONT ME
--JAMES--
SOME DO THE DEED
WITH MANY TEARS
AND SOME WITHOUT A SIGH
FOR EACH MAN KILLS THE THING HE
LOVES
YET EACH MAN DOES NOT DIE
YET EACH MAN DOES NOT DIE
--HENRY--
(In counterpoint to JAMES.)
WHAT DID YOU SAY?
--DORIAN--
I SAID YES
LET’S LEAVE TONIGHT
--HENRY--
TONIGHT?
--DORIAN--
WHY NOT?
YOU’RE RIGHT
I OUGHT TO TAKE A HOLIDAY
YES I NEED TO GET AWAY
--HENRY--
THAT’S THE SPIRIT MR. GRAY
--HENRY--
COUNTRY SUNSHINE
WILL MAKE YOU
FEEL FINE
--DORIAN--
IN THE COUNTRY
AT MY HOME IN CROYDON DOWN
IN THE COUNTRY
SAFELY FAR AWAY FROM TOWN
BRING YOUR FRIENDS
FOR A PARTY
IN THE COUNTRY
--LILY AND JAMES--
(Still not seeing each other.)
THEY’RE GOING TO THE COUNTRY
--DORIAN, HENRY, LILY AND JAMES--
LONDON TOWN
TO YOU ADIEU
--HENRY--
HELLO
--DORIAN--
HELLO
--LILY AND JAMES--
HELLO
--ALL--
HELLO TO THE COUNTRY
HELLO COUNTRY
--DORIAN--
SHELTER ME
--JAMES--
EACH MAN KILLS THE THING HE LOVES
EACH THING HE LOVES
(Tableau: JAMES looking up at the house with grim determination, HENRY looking from a distance at DORIAN frozen in fear, and LILY still alert in the shadows.) - Track Name: Croydon Down
-
--THE HUNTERS--
THE HUNT
THE HUNT THE SPORT OF GENTLEMEN
THE HUNT
THE JOY OF GALLOPING THROUGH
A COUNTRY GLEN
PURSUING THE OBJECT OF OUR EXPECTATION
SUBDUING OUR ANGER WITH OUR RECREATION
THE HUNT
HOLD BACK THE HOUNDS
TODAY I’M THE ONE
WHO CONFOUNDS
EVERY MAN ON THE TRAIL
STAND BACK
GIVE ME ROOM
I ALONE WILL PREVAIL
AT THE HUNT
(HENRY and DORIAN enter. HENRY is dressed for hunting, DORIAN in his whitest suit, darkest boutonniere.)
--HENRY--
THIS WAS SUCH AN EXCELLENT IDEA
YOU HAD MY FRIEND
A COUNTRY HOLIDAY
IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NEVER END
ROLLING HILLS AND ROLLING THOUGHTS
THAT COME SO LEISURELY
--FIRST HUNTER--
HO WHAT HO
PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY
--HENRY--
SIMPLE PLEASURES
ARE THE ONES I THINK OF LOVINGLY
--FIRST HUNTER--
I THINK I SAW SOME GAME
HIDING CLEVERLY
--HENRY--
BACK IN TOWN
I WILL REMEMBER
CROYDON DOWN
AND LIKE AN EMBER
GLOWING IN MY MEMORY
THIS DAY SO SATISFACTORY
(THE HUNTERS’ LADIES enter with picnic baskets. THEY spread out food as they sing with THE HUNTERS, and LILY enters, staying apart from the others.)
--THE HUNTERS AND WOMEN--
THE HUNT THE SPORT OF GENTLEMEN
--DORIAN--
IF YOU WILL EXCUSE ME HENRY
I’M NOT FEELING WELL
I CAN’T TELL YOU
WHAT IS WRONG
FOR ONLY TIME CAN TELL
ROLLING HILLS
AND ROLLING THOUGHTS
ARE NOT WHAT I DESIRE
I AM ANXIOUS
THAT THERE’S SOMETHING EVIL
WILL TRANSPIRE
BACK IN TOWN
I WILL REMEMBER
CROYDON DOWN
AND LIKE AN EMBER
GLOWING IN MY MEMORY
A DAY OF FEAR
AND TREACHERY
--THE HUNTERS AND WOMEN--
(In counterpoint to DORIAN.)
THE HUNT
THE JOY OF GALLOPING THROUGH
A COUNTRY GLEN
PURSUING
THE OBJECT OF
OUR EXPECTATION
SUBDUING
OUR ANGER
WITH OUR
RECREATION
GLOWING IN OUR MEMORY
THIS DAY
SO SATISFACTORY
--HENRY--
Dorian, destiny doesn’t send us heralds. She is either too wise or too cruel for that. Dorian, you’re on holiday. You should be happy. No one wouldn’t be delighted to change places with you.
--DORIAN--
I WISH SOMEONE WOULD
IT’S AS IF MY OWN PERSONALITY
HAS BECOME A BURDEN TO ME
I CAN’T STAY HERE
DON’T YOU FEEL THE GLOOM
IN THE ATMOSPHERE?
--HENRY--
I don’t share in your premonition of doom, Dorian. I came here to hunt!
(HENRY leaves DORIAN and joins THE HUNTERS.)
--SECOND HUNTER--
(The hunters competitively advance toward the women.)
THE HUNT
THE SPORT OF GENTLEMEN
--FIRST HUNTER--
THE HUNT
THE SPORT OF GALLOPING THROUGH
A COUNTRY GLEN
--ALL HUNTERS--
PURSUING THE OBJECT OF OUR
EXPECTATION
SUBDUING OUR ANGER
WITH OUR RECREATION
HOLD BACK THE HOUNDS
TODAY I’M THE ONE
WHO CONFOUNDS
EVERY MAN ON THE TRAIL
STAND BACK
GIVE ME ROOM
I ALONE
WILL PREVAIL
--HUNTERS GROUP TWO AND DORIAN--
WHO CARES ABOUT THE CHASE?
--WOMEN--
WE DO
AS LONG AS IT LEADS TO
A WARM EMBRACE
(THE HUNTERS and WOMEN are all paired, arms about each other.)
--FULL CHORUS--
BACK IN TOWN
WE WILL REMEMBER
CROYDON DOWN
AND LIKE AN EMBER
GLOWING IN OUR MEMORY
THIS DAY SO SATISFACTORY
WE WON’T BE BACK IN TIME FOR TEA
I LOVE MY LOVER’S MYSTERY - Track Name: Step Into Forever
-
--LILY--
TAKE A LOOK WHAT DO YOU SEE?
SOMEONE YOU HAVE KNOWN SO LONG
AMAZING
I BELIEVE YOU THINK OF ME
THE WAY I OFTEN THINK OF YOU
WHILE GAZING
IN YOUR UNCERTAIN EYES
SO OPEN WITH SURPRISE
IT ALL BEGINS RIGHT HERE
SWEEP AWAY THE PAST
OUR FUTURE NOW IS CLEAR
WE COULD STEP INTO FOREVER
YES TOGETHER
WE COULD TOUCH ETERNITY
AND OUR LOVE COULD MAKE US FLY
AND WE WOULD NEVER DIE
WE’D HAVE IMMORTALITY
ONLY ONE THING
SURVIVES THE TEST OF TIME
TAKES US TO A MOUNTAIN
THAT WE WANT TO CLIMB
THE POWER THAT KEEPS PLANETS
SPINNING INTO SPACE
IS THE POWER THAT IS BEAMING
FROM YOUR PRECIOUS FACE
IT ALL BEGINS WITH LOVE
EVERY SILENT GLANCE
TELLS WHAT WE’RE THINKING OF
--LILY AND DORIAN--
WE CAN STEP INTO FOREVER
YES TOGETHER
WE CAN TOUCH ETERNITY
AND OUR LOVE WILL BRING US PEACE
OUR INNER PAIN WILL CEASE
YES OUR LOVE WILL SET US FREE
WE CAN STEP INTO FOREVER
OUR LOVE GIVES US IMMORTALITY
--DORIAN--
FOR YOU AND ME
--LILY--
TAKE A LOOK WHAT DO YOU SEE?
--LILY AND DORIAN--
AMAZING - AMAZING
EVERY CARE JUST SLIPS AWAY
EVERY WORRY SIMPLY DIES
WHILE GAZING INTO YOUR LOVING EYES
--DORIAN--
TAKE ME TO A MOUNTAIN TOP TO SEE THE VIEW
--LILY--
THERE IS NO ONE I WOULD
RATHER BE WITH THERE
THAN YOU
--DORIAN--
THERE IS NO ONE ELSE BUT YOU
JUST YOU
--LILY AND DORIAN--
WATCHING PLANETS
SPINNING INTO SPACE
WHILE WATCHING
THE LIGHT OF LOVE
THAT’S GROWING
IN YOUR PRECIOUS FACE
IT ALL BEGAN WITH LOVE
EVERYTHING BELOW
AND EVERYTHING ABOVE
WE CAN STEP INTO FOREVER
YES TOGETHER
WE CAN TOUCH ETERNITY
AND OUR LOVE WILL MAKE US FLY
AND WE WILL NEVER DIE
WE’LL HAVE IMMORTALITY
WE CAN STEP INTO FOREVER
WE CAN TOUCH ETERNITY
AND OUR LOVE WILL BRING US PEACE
OUR INNER PAIN WILL CEASE
YES OUR LOVE WILL SET US FREE
WE CAN STEP INTO FOREVER
OUR LOVE GIVES US IMMORTALITY
ONLY LOVE SURVIVES THE TEST OF TIME - Track Name: Dorian's Solution (Finale)
-
--DORIAN--
So, I’ve spared your life, Henry. As it should be. You are the past. You are already dead to me. I am indeed the future—and now, with Love at my side, the future will be different. Everything has changed--
(Glancing in the painting’s direction.)
Yes—surely everything has changed.
I REALLY DON’T KNOW
WHAT GOD HAS INTENDED
OR IF THERE’S A HEAVEN
FROM WHERE HE DESCENDED
BUT THERE’S A HELL
I KNOW TOO WELL
BUT NOW, I HAVE BROKEN THE SPELL
--LOVE--
SUCH A SIMPLE SOLUTION
IF I HAVE A SOUL
IT WILL HAVE ABSOLUTION
NOW MY ELEGANT UGLY FRIEND
ON YOU I DEPEND
TO SHOW ME
THE NEW MISTER GRAY
I’VE BECOME TODAY
I’VE BEEN 20
20 YEARS
AND THOUGHT
TO STAY THAT AGE FOREVER
POWER
AND MY GLORY
SEARED MY LIFE
WITH FLAME
BUT SIMPLE MORTAL LIFE I’LL
RECLAIM
NO LONGER LIVE IN SHAME
NOW THE SUN RISES AGAIN
LIGHTING THE BRIEF LIVES OF MEN
THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
IN EACH MOMENT
TRUE INFINITY
(A distant tower bell interrupts his reverie, and HE suddenly remembers...)
Midnight...Lily...!
(Lights down on DORIAN as he exits and LILY is discovered half in shadow.)
--LILY--
I’LL STEP INTO THE LIGHT
SO HE CAN SEE ME
STAND IN THE LIGHT
IN THIS COLD NIGHT
HE WILL FIND MY WARM EMBRACE
JUST ONE STEP
I’M OUT OF SHADOWS
MAY HE TAKE THAT STEP WITH ME
FOR WHERE HE’S BEEN
I DOUBT IF HE EVEN KNOWS
BUT IN THIS GOLDEN LIGHT
HE’LL FEEL MY LOVE LIKE SUNSHINE ON HIS FACE
(DORIAN runs up, flushed with emotion as HE embraces LILY.)
--DORIAN--
I WANT TO BE LOVED FOR ME
NOT JUST WHAT PEOPLE SEE
BUT WHAT I SECRETLY
KNOW I EVENTUALLY
CAN TRULY BE
(Calming and slowing down.)
UNDER THE SURFACE OF SKIN
THERE IS A LITTLE BOY WITHIN
FRIGHTENED AND SMALL
NOT KNOWING SIN
ASKING YOU
DOES LOVE NOW BEGIN?
--LILY--
HUSH
NO MORE MIDNIGHT MEETINGS
HUSH
NO LONGER ONLY DREAMING
OF THE LIFE WE’RE REACHING FOR
HUSH
NO MORE FURTIVE GREETINGS
LET’S BANISH ALL THE WISHFUL THINKING
WE MUST TURN THE KEY
STEP THROUGH ONE FINAL DOOR
--DORIAN--
THERE IS A DOOR
THERE IS A SECRET
AND I MUST SHARE IT
WE MUST FACE IT
HELP ME STARE IT DOWN
THERE IS A SECRET
MAYBE WITH YOU
I’LL DESTROY IT
HELP ME TEAR IT DOWN
--LILY--
SWEET TORTURED MAN
BELIEVE ME IF YOU CAN
I’LL NEVER LEAVE YOU
I CAN FACE WHATEVER IS TRUE
LEAD ME WHERE YOU NEED TO LEAD ME
SHOW ME WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE ME SEE
SWEET TORTURED MAN
BELIEVE ME
I BELIEVE YOU CAN
(Steadied and reassured by LILY, DORIAN takes her arm and THEY begin to walk.)
--DORIAN--
I’VE HAD A PLEASANT LIFE
IT’S BEEN MY TREASURE
BUT WITH THE YEARS CAME MADNESS
I WANTED
MORE AND MORE
NOW SHARP AS A KNIFE
WHAT USED TO BE PLEASURE
CUTS ME AND TAUNTS ME
MERCILESSLY
HORROR NOW HAUNTS ME
I’VE BEEN LOST ON THAT SHORE
(The figures of ALAN CAMPBELL, then JAMES VANE, SIBYL VANE, and finally, BASIL HALLWARD, emerge from the shadows and calmly follow in step behind DORIAN and LILY. The ghostly figures are dressed in gauzy shrouds stained with large patches of blood.)
I THOUGHT THERE WAS
SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN
WHERE DARK AND LIGHT
CAN BOTH BE SEEN
I THOUGHT THERE WAS SOMEWHERE I
CAN BE
WHERE DARKNESS ISN’T TAUNTING ME
AND LIGHT IS SHINING NOT SO BRIGHTLY
SO I MIGHT BE
FINDING MY OWN IN-BETWEEN
BEYOND WRONG AND RIGHT
IN-BETWEEN DAY AND NIGHT
I THOUGHT THAT I MIGHT
FIND THE PLACE INBETWEEN
DARK AND LIGHT
--LILY--
(In counterpoint to DORIAN.)
THERE MAY BE SOMEWHERE
DARKNESS ISN’T TAUNTING
AND LIGHT IS SHINING
MAYBE SOMEWHERE
IN-BETWEEN
LOOK AT ME
FORGET THE REST
WE HAVE A CHANCE
WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED
STAND BEFORE ME
FROM ALL FEAR UNDRESSED
(THEY have entered the attic.
BASIL, SIBYL, JAMES and ALAN calmly enter the attic also, and focus intently on DORIAN from a shadowy corner.
An intense atmosphere of uncertainty dominates as LILY looks about the room in perplexity.
DORIAN moves to the curtains hiding the painting.)
--DORIAN--
It’s me. It’s what I could be, what I should be. But up until tonight it was worse. Much worse. Now, with us, with our love, it will become new again. It will change back to what Basil painted and what I once more can be—what I am becoming.
(HE sweeps the curtain aside. The image is demonic, crawling with decay. LILY is riveted in shock to her place close to the attic door.)
Hypocrite! Self deluding hypocrite! There you see the true color of this marvelous new leaf you’ve turned. God! It’s worse than ever.
I CAN’T BELIEVE IT
I HAD NO DOUBT I’D SEE A CHANGE
AT LEAST THE SMALLEST CHANGE
FOR THE BETTER
BUT NOTHING
NO NOTHING
IT’S ONLY GROWN WORSE
YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING
BUT MOCK ME
FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS
YOU GAVE ME SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
YOU GAVE ME CONSTANT DREAD
WHY HAVE I KEPT YOU THIS LONG?
I DON’T NEED YOU
ALWAYS LAUGHING AT ME
YOU’RE ALWAYS LAUGHING AT ME
I’LL DO WHAT I SHOULD HAVE LONG AGO
(HE takes the knife from the desk.)
I don’t need you. The knife that killed Basil will also kill Basil’s infernal masterpiece: The
Picture of Dorian Gray. Then, I’ll be free.
--LILY--
YOU CAN DO THE TASK
RIP OFF THE MASK
--CHORUS OF GHOSTS--
TIME TIME TIME
TIME TIME TIME
(THE GHOST OF SIBYL steps forward and DORIAN sees her. Time slows down until the picture is stabbed.)
--LILY--
(As SIBYL and DORIAN slowly waltz – a stark contrast to Act One.)
BEWARE THE DREAMS
THAT CALL YOU YONDER
THEY CAN LEAD TO ROCKY SHORES
WHERE MOURNFUL SEAGULLS CRY FOR YOU
AND WATERS ARE A DEEPER BLUE
THAN ANY SORROWS THAT WERE YOURS
BEFORE YOU CHOSE TO WANDER
FOLLOWING DREAMS
THAT CALL YOU YONDER
(SIBYL guides DORIAN’S hand slowly to the painting’s heart.)
LOVE IS SO MAGNIFICENT
LOVE IS SO MAGNIFICENT
(DORIAN stabs the picture.
Time speeds up and returns to normal. Music explodes as the lights shift and start sweeping in dizzying patterns over the stage.
The picture’s image writhes in pain, then flickers briefly into its previous states before turning black.
DORIAN drops the knife, clutches his chest and sways unsteadily. The other-worldly wind has intensified and rips through the attic. The loud ticking of a clock is heard.
DORIAN leans into the wind in order to
stay on his feet, and LILY is knocked to the floor.
THE GHOSTS keep their vigil, fiercely focused on Dorian.)
--LILY--
Dorian! Oh my God!
--DORIAN--
I see –
--LILY--
What do you see?
--DORIAN--
I see –
--LILY--
Tell me what you see!
(DORIAN slowly turns out and the gale subsides into a gentle breeze.
The lovers are riveted to their places, and THE GHOSTS are more calm as they watch from their shadowy stations.
The picture remains in black.)
--DORIAN--
SUDDEN SUNSHINE
WERE YOU ALWAYS
SHINING BRIGHT
THIS WAY
OR DID YOU ONLY COME TODAY?
(Twinkling illumination is fading up from behind the picture frame.)
SUDDEN DAYBREAK
ALL THE WORLD
IS BATHED IN LIGHT
A DOOR
IS OPEN
WHICH WAS CLOSED BEFORE
WHAT COMES MY WAY NOW?
I’VE HAD TOO MUCH NOW
OF ME
I’VE HAD FAR TOO MUCH
OF NO ONE BUT ME
SUDDEN SUNSHINE
TAKE ME INTO YOUR ARMS
AND MAKE ME A NEW MAN
FROM THIS OLD ONE
INTO YOUR ARMS
INTO YOUR ARMS
(THE GHOST OF BASIL has come forward and is slowly “painting” the picture with his hand.
Splashes of light appear where his hand touches the portrait’s eyes, now restored to their original state.)
--DORIAN--
AND MAKE ME A NEW MAN
FROM THIS OLD ONE
WHEN DAY IS DONE
I KNOW I WILL BE
A NEW
A NEW AND BETTER ME
--BASIL’S GHOST--
(In counterpoint to DORIAN.)
SUNLIGHT AND SHADOWS
ON THE FIGURE I AM PAINTING
I ALSO SEE
OUR SOULS
SET FREE
--BASIL AND THE GHOSTS--
(As they step forward and cover DORIAN.)
WE RELEASE YOU
WE FORGIVE YOU
NOW WE CEASE TO BE
(With relief, LILY moves towards DORIAN.
When THE GHOSTS step back and start their exit, in an instant we see that his face has become a duplicate of the painting in its last and most monstrous incarnation.
DORIAN is suddenly shaken with a tremendous tremor.)
--DORIAN--
GET AWAY
I’M DANGEROUS
THE DEMON WILL DEVOUR YOU
--LILY--
NO I’LL STAY
THERE’S TIME FOR US
OUR LOVE CAN STILL EMPOWER YOU
(DORIAN lunges and grabs LILY.)
--DORIAN--
MORE
BRING ME MORE
I WANT MORE!
(Suddenly HE quakes with another tremendous spasm and he loosens his grip. HE falls to his knees, and collapses with one final paroxysm of pain.
LILY unhesitatingly goes to hold DORIAN in her arms. Together on the floor at center stage, they look like a “Pieta” as Hironymous Bosch might have interpreted it – Mary cradling a monster instead of an infant.
DORIAN stares up unseeingly at LILY as his body suddenly relaxes in death.
LILY looks lovingly down at the thing’s face in her lap as if she’s seeing the young, innocent Dorian of 20 years before.
Behind them, lights have come up on the painting which is now completely restored to its original, pristine condition.
Lights fade on the attic as HENRY appears in a tight spot that snaps open at stage right. He’s dressed again as Harlequin, with domino mask.)
--HENRY--
ONE SHOULD ABSORB
THE COLORS OF LIFE
IGNORING ITS DETAILS
WHICH ALWAYS ARE RIFE
WITH VULGARITY
THERE’S A BEAUTY
SURROUNDING
THE LAD’S SHOCKING DEATH
JUST THINKING ABOUT IT
HAS TAKEN MY BREATH—
(With the sweep of his arm HENRY directs our attention to the stage as music sweeps in and LIGHTS BUMP UP.
The stage is dripping with vivid colors.
The ENTIRE COMPANY is suddenly seen, waltzing to “Fantastic Eyes.” They are expressionless, like animated corpses, and dressed in their Masquerade costumes.)
--HENRY--
THERE’S A BEAUTY
IN THIS TRAGEDY
--ALL--
A BEAUTY IN THIS TRAGEDY
A BEAUTY
A BEAUTY
--HENRY--
I SINCERELY BELIEVE
IN A PARTICULAR WAY
I’M GLAD THAT I KNEW
THE REMARKABLE MR. GRAY
--ALL--
HE’S GLAD THAT HE KNEW
THE REMARKABLE MR. GRAY
(The dance halts and THE COMPANY has formed a solid line stretching across the stage, facing the audience with an edge of tension and defiance.)
--HENRY--
OF COURSE I SHOULD ADD
THAT IT’S ALL VERY SAD
--ALL--
OF COURSE
--HENRY AND COMPANY--
IT’S ALL VERY SAD
TRAGEDY HAS A BEAUTY
(Lights abruptly shift to the ugly, stark footlight illumination, casting huge shadows of the company on the back wall.
LILY appears, isolated from the rest.
The restored picture is slowly rising in view from behind the company, bathed in dazzling light.
With the first beat of each measure, EVERYONE takes a heavy-footed step toward the audience, their feet providing a loud, booming pulse to the finale.)
--BASIL--
(with all THE GHOSTS, still in shrouds, flanking him.)
THERE’S A STORY IN
--BASIL, SIBYL, JAMES, ALAN--
THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
--ALL--
THERE’S SOMETHING GORY IN
THE TALE OF DORIAN GRAY
THERE’S A STORY IN
--LA LA LA LONDON--
THE TALE OF DORIAN
THERE’S A STORY IN
THE TALE OF DORIAN
(And with a menacing whisper--)
GRAAAAAAAAAAAAY
--LILY--
(running down to stand defiantly at down center.)
I REMEMBER!
