Eloise - The Musical

Freeman is sitting at his desk writing. Dr. Bennett is above him.

Bennett
I realize what a difficult decision this was for you. It’s the best thing for her.
(Freeman glances at bennett - pause)
The best thing - the only thing you can do for her is to let her get the treatment she needs.

Freeman
Thank you for your professional opinion Dr. Bennett. It will certainly be a load off of my back.

Bennett
We’ve tried everything to help her except what she really needs. It will be easier for you if you don’t know what they’re doing. You have too soft a disposition to use the modern techniques on her.

Knock at the door
Freeman
Come in.
enter Thomas and Harlow
Good morning boys. Did you sleep well?

Harlow
Actually I slept like a baby. Apparently Thomas didn’t sleep a wink though.

Thomas
I swear I heard humming all night.

Dr. Bennett
That must’ve been my pet ghost. I actually have one chained up in the basement of the library. If she doesn’t hum all night long she doesn’t get a cookie in the morning.

Freeman
(chuckling to himself) He’s only joking. Now, I just have some paperwork for you to sign before I send you off to work. (hands them paperwork and pens) Just sign at the Xs. This is just to make sure you stay around for the duration of the year, and to let you know that we’re not liable for our patient’s actions if they somehow hurt you in any way. Though, if something unfortunate happens I personally take pride in taking care of our employees.
pause
Any questions?
Thomas and Harry hand back their paperwork signed and shake their heads

Harlow
Nope.

Dr. Bennett
Good, then after you’ve a bite for breakfast let’s put you to work. Thomas I need you to start putting books away, and check the lists at the front counter to make sure we have all of the books back from the patients when they’re due. Harlow, you need to take Bee’s breakfast up to her, and you can join Thomas when you’re through. If you have any questions from now on ask Gertrude. She’s generally in this building or one of the asylum buildings. Unfortunately I’m generally quite busy with the patients.

Harlow
(exiting) Thanks, we’ll get right to it.

Thomas
Hey, when do we get paid?

Harlow
Sorry, he means he’s excited to get to work. (exit Harlow and Thomas)

Dr. Bennett
That reminds me. I’ll need to be taking some more trips to Detroit. Once the new buildings are finished we’ll need even more hands to deal with the patients including some new specialists from the college.

Freeman
You know you can spend whatever money you need.

Dr. Bennett
Thank you. (exit Dr. Bennett)

Freeman
Somehow I envy her
to be free
far away
from this hellish dream

She was such a sullen widow
How could I let her fall?
I felt the danger in the wind
Though I couldn’t hear her call

Your memory’s so distant now
Though I remember your sweet smell
From my guilt and sorrow
I’ve spent many nights in hell

What would I give
To hold you once more
Without your love
What is life for?

I can’t remember the face
I loved so long ago...


{That fateful night
I should have seen
I would hurt you so
I can never let you go



Or not told you the truth


My mind isn’t right it seems
Locked up tight within these walls
I see faces in the windows
I hear whispers in the hall


Memories so distant
Like a sickening weed they’ve grown
A happy kind of madness
Like a fire from below

I can’t even remember the face
I loved so long ago...}
Blackout.