Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson 1. INTRO 2. TUNE UP #1 3. VOICE MAIL #1 4. TUNE UP #2 5. RENT 6. YOU OKAY HONEY? (THE STREET) 7. TUNE UP #3 (THE LOFT) 8. ONE SONG GLORY 9. LIGHT MY CANDLE 10. VOICE MAIL #2 11. TODAY 4 U (THE LOFT) 12. YOU'LL SEE 13. TANGO: MAUREEN 14. LIFE SUPPORT 15. OUT TONIGHT (MIMI'S APARTMENT) 16. ANOTHER DAY 17. WILL I? 18. ON THE STREET 19. SANTA FE 20. I'LL COVER YOU 21. WE'RE OKAY 22. CHRISTMAS BELLS (VARIOUS LOCATIONS, ST. MARKS PLACE) 23. OVER THE MOON (THE LOT) 24. LA VIE BOHEME (LIFE CAFE) 25. I SHOULD TELL YOU 26. LA VIE BOHEME B 27. SEASONS OF LOVE 28. HAPPY NEW YEAR (THE STREET) 29. VOICE MAIL #3 30. HAPPY NEW YEAR B 31. TAKE ME OR LEAVE ME (JOANNE'S LOFT) 32. SEASONS OF LOVE B 33. WITHOUT YOU (MIMI'S APARTMENT) 34. VOICE MAIL #4 35. CONTACT (VARIOUS FANTASY BED LOCALES) 36. I'LL COVER YOU (REPRISE) (ANGEL'S MEMORIAL) 37. HALLOWEEN (OUTSIDE THE CHURCH) 38. GOODBYE LOVE 39. WHAT YOU OWN 40. VOICE MAIL #5 41. FINALE (THE LOT AND THE LOFT) 42. YOUR EYES 43. FINALE B ACT I 1. INTRO Mark We begin on Christmas Eve with me, Mark, and my roommate, Roger. We live in an industrial loft on the corner of 11th street and Avenue B, the top floor of what was once a music publishing factory. Old rock and roll posters hang on the walls. They have Roger's picture advertising gigs at CBGB's and the Pyramid Club. We have an illegal wood burning stove; it's exhaust pipe crawls up to a skylight. All of our electrical appliances are plugged into one thick extension cord which snakes its way out a window. Outside a small tent city has sprung up in the lot next to our building. Inside we are freezing because we have no heat. (He turns the camera to Roger) Smile! 2. TUNE UP #1 Mark December 24th, Nine PM Eastern Standard Time From here on in I shoot without a script See if anything comes of it Instead of my old shit First shot - Roger Tuning the Fender guitar He hasn't played in a year Roger This won't tune Mark So we hear- He's just coming back From half a year of withdrawal Roger Are you talking to me? Mark Not at all Are you ready? Hold that focus steady Tell the folks at home what you're doing Roger ... Roger I'm writing one great song -- Mark The phone rings. Roger Saved! Mark We screen Zoom in on the answering machine! 3. VOICE MAIL #1 Roger & Mark's Outgoing Message "Speak" ... ("Beeeep!") Mom That was a very loud beep I don't even know if this is working Mark - Mark - are you there Are you screening your calls - It's mom We wanted to call and say we love you And we'll miss you tomorrow Cindy and the kids are here - send their love Oh, I hope you like the hot plate Just don't leave it on dear When you leave the house Oh and Mark We're sorry to hear that Maureen dumped you I say c'est la vie So let her be a lesbian There are other fishies in the sea ... Love Mom 4. TUNE UP #2 Mark Tell the folks at home what you're doing Roger Roger I'm writing one great song -- Mark The phone rings. Roger Yesss! Mark We screen. Roger & Mark's Answering Machine "Speak" ... ("Beeeep!") Collins "Chestnuts roasting ---" Roger & Mark Collins! Collins I'm downstairs Mark Hey! Collins Roger picked up the phone?? Mark No, it's me. Collins Throw down the key. Mark A wild night is now pre-ordained Collins I may be detained. Mark What does he mean...? (Phone rings again) What do you mean - detained? Benny Ho ho ho. Mark & Roger Benny! Shit. Benny Dudes, I'm on my way Mark & Roger Great! Fuck! Benny I need the rent Mark What rent? Benny This past year's rent which I let slide Mark Let slide? You said we were 'golden' Roger When you bought the building Mark When we were roommates Roger Remember - you lived here!? Benny How could I forget? You, me, Collins and Maureen How is the drama queen? Mark She's performing tonight Benny I know. Still her production manager? Mark Two days ago I was bumped Benny You still dating her? Mark Last month I was dumped Roger She's in love Benny She's got a new man? Mark Well - no Benny What's his name? Both Joanne Benny Rent, my amigos, is due Or I will have to evict you Be there in a few Mark The power blows ... 5. RENT Mark How do you document real life When real life's getting more Like fiction each day Headlines, breadlines Blow my mind And now this deadline "Eviction - or pay" Rent Roger How do you write a song When the chords sound wrong Though they once sounded right and rare When the notes are sour Where is the power You once had to ignite the air Mark And we're hungry and frozen Roger Some life that we've chosen Together How we gonna pay How we gonna pay How we gonna pay Last year's rent Mark We light candles Roger How do you start a fire When there's nothing to burn And it feels like something's stuck in your flue Mark How can you generate heat When you can't feel your feet Both And they're turning blue! Mark You light up a mean blaze Roger With posters - Mark And screenplays Roger & Mark How we gonna pay How we gonna pay How we gonna pay Last year's rent Joanne (On phone) Don't screen, Maureen It's me - Joanne Your substitute production manager Hey hey hey! (Did you eat?) Don't change the subject Maureen But darling - you haven't eaten all day You won't throw up You won't throw up The digital delay -- -Didn't blow up (exactly) There may have been one teeny tiny spark You're not calling Mark! Collins How do you stay on your feet When on every street It's "trick or treat", And tonight it's "trick" "Welcome back to town" I should lie down Everything's brown And uh - oh I feel sick Mark Where is he? Collins Getting dizzy Mark & Roger How we gonna pay How we gonna pay How we gonna pay Last year's rent Benny (On cellular phone) Allison baby - you sound sad I don't believe those two after everything I've done Ever since our wedding I'm dirt - They'll see I can help them all out in the long run Forces are gathering Forces are gathering Can't turn away Forces are gathering Collins Ughhhhh- Ughhhhh- Ughhhhh- I can't think Ughhhhh- Ughhhhh- Ughhhhh- I need a drink Mark "The music ignites the night with passionate fire" Joanne Maureen - I'm not a theatre person Roger "The narration crackles and pops with incendiary wit" Joanne Could never be a theatre person Mark Zoom in as they burn the past to the ground Joanne Hello? Mark & Roger And feel the heat of the future's glow Joanne Hello? Mark (On phone) Hello? Maureen? -Your equipment won't work? Okay, all right, I'll go! Mark & Half the Company How do you leave the past behind When it keeps finding ways to get to your heart It reaches way down deep and tears you inside out Till you're torn apart Rent Roger & Other Half of Company How can you connect in an age Where strangers, landlords, lovers Your own blood cells betray All What binds the fabric together When the raging, shifting winds of change Keep ripping away Benny Draw a line in the sand And then make a stand Roger Use your camera to spar Mark Use your guitar All When they act tough - you call their bluff Mark & Roger We're not gonna pay Mark & Roger w/ Half the Company We're not gonna pay Mark & Roger w/ Other Half of Company We're not gonna pay All Last year's rent This year's rent Next year's rent Rent rent rent rent rent We're not gonna pay rent Roger & Mark 'Cause everything is rent 6. YOU OKAY HONEY? (THE STREET) A Homeless Man Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing Somewhere else- Not here Angel You okay honey? Collins I'm afraid so Angel They get any money? Collins No Had none to get - But they purloined my coat - Well you missed a sleeve! - Thanks Angel Hell it's Christmas eve I'm Angel Collins Angel..? Indeed- An angel of the first degree Friends call me Collins - Tom Collins Nice tree ... Angel Let's get a band-aid for your knee I'll change, there's a "Life Support" meeting at nine-thirty Yes, this body provides a comfortable home For the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Collins As does mine Angel Well, we'll get along fine Get you a coat, have a bite Make a night - I'm plush Collins My friends are waiting -- Angel You're cute when you blush The more the merry - ho ho ho And I do not take no 7. TUNE UP #3 (THE LOFT) Mark I don't suppose you'd like to see Maureen's show in the lot tonight? Or come to dinner? Roger Zoom in on my empty wallet. Mark Touche. Take your AZT. Close on Roger His girlfriend April Left a note saying "We've got AIDS" Before slitting her wrists in the bathroom I'll check up on you later. Change your mind. You have to get out of the house. 8. ONE SONG GLORY Roger I'm writing one great song before I... One song Glory One song Before I go Glory One song to leave behind Find one song One last refrain Glory From the pretty boy front man Who wasted opportunity One song He had the world at his feet Glory In the eyes of a young girl A young girl Find glory Beyond the cheap colored lights One song Before the sun sets Glory - on another empty life Time flies - time dies Glory - One blaze of glory One blaze of glory - glory Find Glory In a song that rings true Truth like a blazing fire An eternal flame Find One song A song about love Glory From the soul of a young man A young man Find The one song Before the virus takes hold Glory Like a sunset One song To redeem this empty life Time flies And then no need to endure anymore Time dies (A knock on the door) The door 9. LIGHT MY CANDLE Roger What'd you forget? Mimi Got a light? Roger I know you- You're- You're shivering Mimi It's nothing They turned off my heat And I'm just a little Weak on my feet Would you light my candle? What are you staring at? Roger Nothing- Your hair in the moonlight You look familiar Can you make it? Mimi Just haven't eaten much today At least the room stopped spinning. Anyway. What? Roger Nothing Your smile reminded me of - Mimi I always remind people of - who is she? Roger She died. Her name was April Mimi It's out again Sorry about your friend Would you light my candle? Roger Well - Mimi Yeah. Ow! Roger Oh, the wax - it's Mimi Dripping- I like it between my- Roger Fingers. I figured... Oh, well. Goodnight. (Mimi exits; then knocks again) It blew out again? Mimi No - I think that I dropped my stash Roger I know I've seen you out and about When I used to go out Your candle's out Mimi I'm illin' - I had it when I walked in the door It was pure - Is it on the floor? Roger The floor? Mimi They say I have the best ass below 14th street Is it true? Roger What? Mimi you're staring again. Roger Oh no. I mean you do -- have a nice -- I mean -- You look familiar Mimi Like your dead girlfriend? Roger Only when you smile. But I'm sure I've seen you somewhere else -- Mimi Do you go to the Cat Scratch Club That's where I work - I dance - help me look Roger Yes! They used to tie you up - Mimi It's a living Roger I didn't recognize you Without the handcuffs Mimi We could light the candle Oh won't you light the candle Roger Why don't you forget that stuff You look like you're sixteen Mimi I'm nineteen - but I'm old for my age I'm just born to be bad Roger I once was born to be bad I used to shiver like that Mimi I have no heat - I told you Roger I used to sweat Mimi I got a cold Roger Uh-huh I used to be a junkie Mimi But now and then I like to- Roger Uh huh Mimi Feel good Roger Here it- um- Mimi What's that? Roger Candy bar wrapper Mimi We could light the candle What'd you do with my candle? Roger That was my last match Mimi Our eyes'll adjust, thank God for the moon Roger Maybe it's not the moon at all I hear Spike Lee's shooting down the street Mimi Bah humbug ... Bah humbug Roger Cold hands Mimi Yours too. Big. Like my father's You wanna dance? Roger With you? Mimi No - with my father Roger I'm Roger Mimi They call me They call me Mimi... 10. VOICE MAIL #2 Maureen Hi. You've reached Maureen and Joanne. Leave a message and don't forget "Over the Moon" - My performance, protesting the eviction of the Homeless (and artists) from the Eleventh Street Lot. Tonight at midnight in the lot between A and B. Party at Life Cafe to follow (BEEP) Mr. Jefferson Well, Joanne - We're off I tried you at the office And they said you're stage managing or something Mrs. Jefferson Remind her that those unwed mothers in Harlem Need her legal help too Mr. Jefferson Call Daisy for our itinerary or Alfred at Pound Ridge Or Eileen at the state department in a pinch We'll be at the spa for new year's Unless the senator changes his mind Mrs. Jefferson The hearings Mr. Jefferson Oh yes - Kitten Mummy's confirmation hearing begins on the tenth We'll need you - alone - by the sixth Mrs. Jefferson Harold! Mr. Jefferson You hear that? It's three weeks away And she's already nervous Mrs. Jefferson I am not! Mr. Jefferson For Mummy's sake, Kitten No Doc Martens this time and wear a dress ... Oh, and Kitten - have a merry Mrs. Jefferson And a bra!! 11. TODAY 4 U (THE LOFT) Mark Enter Tom Collins, computer genius, teacher, vagabond anarchist, who ran naked through the Parthenon. Mark & Collins Bustelo, Marlboro Banana by the bunch A box of Captain Crunch will taste so good Collins And firewood Mark Look - it's Santa Claus Collins Hold your applause Roger Oh hi Collins 'Oh hi" after seven months? Roger Sorry Collins This boy could use some Stoli Collins, Mark & Roger Oh holy night- Roger Struck gold at MIT? Collins They expelled me for my theory of Actual Reality Which I'll soon impart To the couch potatoes at New York University Still haven't left the house? Roger I was waiting for you don't you know Collins Well, tonight's the night Come to the Life Cafe after Maureen's show Roger No flow Collins Gentlemen, our benefactor on this Christmas eve Whose charity is only matched by talent, I believe A new member of the Alphabet City avant-garde Angel Dumott Schunard! Angel Today for you - tomorrow for me Today for you - tomorrow for me Collins And you should hear her beat! Mark You earned this on the street? Angel It was my lucky day today on Avenue A When a lady in a limousine drove my way She said, "Dahling - be a dear - haven't slept in a year I need your help to make my neighbor's yappy dog disappear" "This Akita-Evita just won't shut up I believe if you play non-stop that pup Will breathe its very last high-strung breath I'm certain that cur will bark itself to death" Today for you - tomorrow for me Today for you - tomorrow for me We agreed on a fee - A thousand dollar guarantee Tax-free - and a bonus if I trim her tree Now who could foretell that it would go so well But sure as I am here that dog is now in doggy hell After an hour - Evita - in all her glory On the window ledge of that 23rd story Like Thelma & Louise did when they got the blues Swan dove into the courtyard of the Gracie Mews Today for you - tomorrow for me Today for you - tomorrow for me Then back to the street where I met my sweet Where he was moaning and groaning on the cold concrete The nurse took him home for some mercurochrome And I dressed his wounds and got him back on his feet Sing it Today for you - tomorrow for me Today for you - tomorrow for me Today for you - tomorrow for me Today for you - tomorrow for me 12. YOU'LL SEE Benny Hey you bum - yeah, you, move over Get your ass off that range rover Mark That attitude toward the homeless is just what Maureen is protesting tonight. Close up: Benjamin Coffin the third. Our ex- roommate who married Alison Grey, of the Westport Greys - then bought the building, in hopes of starting a cyber-studio. Benny Maureen is protesting Losing her performance space Not my attitude Roger What happened to Benny What happened to his heart And the ideals he once pursued Benny The owner of that lot next door Has a right to do with it as he pleases Collins Happy birthday, Jesus! Benny The rent Mark You're wasting your time Roger We're broke Mark And you broke your word - this is absurd Benny There is one way you won't have to pay Roger I knew it! Benny Next door, the home of Cyberarts, you see And now that the block is re-zoned Our dream can become a reality You'll see boys You'll see boys A state of the art, digital, virtual interactive studio I'll forego your rent and on paper guarantee That you can stay here for free If you do me one small favor Mark What? Benny Convince Maureen to cancel her protest Mark Why not just get an injunction or call the cops Benny I did, and they're on stand by But my investors would rather I handle this quietly Roger You can't quietly wipe out an entire tent city Then watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' on TV! Benny You want to produce films and write songs? You need somewhere to do it! It's what we used to dream about Think twice before you pooh-pooh it You'll see boys You'll see boys You'll see - the beauty of a studio That lets us do our work and get paid With condos on the top Whose rent keeps open our shop Just stop the protest And you'll have it made You'll see - or you'll pack! Angel That boy could use some prozac Roger Or heavy drugs Mark Or group hugs Collins Which reminds me - We have a detour to make tonight Anyone who wants to can come along Angel Life support's a group for people coping with life You don't have to stay too long Mark First I've got a protest to save Angel Roger? Roger I'm not much company you'll find Mark Behave! Angel He'll catch up later - He's just got other things on his mind You'll see boys Mark & Collins We'll see boys Roger Let it be boys! Collins I like boys Angel Boys like me All We'll see- 13. TANGO: MAUREEN Mark The lot. Where a stage is partially set up Joanne Mark? Mark Hi. Joanne I told her not to call you Mark That's Maureen But can I help since I'm here Joanne I hired an engineer ... Mark Great! Well, nice to have met you Joanne Wait! She's three hours late The samples won't delay But the cable - Mark There's another way Say something - anything Joanne Test - one, two three -- Mark Anything but that Joanne This is weird Mark It's weird Joanne Very weird Mark Fuckin' weird Joanne I'm so mad That I don't know what to do Fighting with microphones Freezing down to my bones And to top it all off I'm with you Mark Feel like going insane? Got a fire in your brain? And you're thinking of drinking gasoline? Joanne As a matter of fact -- Mark Honey, I know this act It's called the 'Tango Maureen' The Tango Maureen It's a dark, dizzy merry-go-round As she keeps you dangling Joanne You're wrong Mark Your heart she is mangling Joanne It's different with me Mark And you toss and you turn 'Cause her cold eyes can burn Yet you yearn and you churn and rebound Joanne I think I know what you mean Both The Tango Maureen Mark Has she ever pouted her lips And called you 'Pookie' Joanne Never Mark Have you ever doubted a kiss or two? Joanne This is spooky Did you swoon when she walked through the door? Mark Every time - so be cautious Joanne Did she moon over other boys --? Mark More than moon -- Joanne I'm getting nauseous (They dance) Mark It's hard to do this backwards. Joanne You should try it in heels! She cheated Mark She cheated Joanne Maureen cheated Mark Fuckin' cheated Joanne I'm defeated I should give up right now Mark Gotta look on the bright side With all of your might Joanne I'd fall for her still anyhow Both When you're dancing her dance You don't stand a chance Her grip of romance Makes you fall Mark So you think, "Might as well" Joanne "Dance a tango to hell" Both "At least I'll have tangoed at all" The Tango Maureen Gotta dance till your diva is through You pretend to believe her 'Cause in the end - you can't leave her But the end it will come Still you have to play dumb Till you're glum and you bum And turn blue Mark Why do we love when she's mean? Joanne And she can be so obscene Mark Try the mike Joanne My Maureen (een, een, een...) Mark Patched! Joanne Thanks Mark You know - I feel great now! Joanne I feel lousy Both The Tango: Maureen! 14. LIFE SUPPORT Steve Steve. Gordon Gordon. Ali Ali. Pam Pam. Sue Sue. Angel Hi, I'm Angel. Collins Tom. Collins. Paul I'm Paul. Let's begin All There's only us There's only this ... Mark Sorry ... Excuse me ... oops Paul And you are? Mark Oh - I'm not - I'm just here to - I don't have - I'm here with - Um - Mark Mark - I'm Mark Well - this is quite an operation Paul Sit down Mark We'll continue the affirmation All Forget regret or life is yours to miss Gordon Excuse me Paul - I'm having a problem with this- This credo - My T-cells are low - I regret that news, okay? Paul Alright But Gordon - How do you feel today? Gordon What do you mean? Paul How do you feel today? Gordon Okay Paul Is that all? Gordon Best I've felt all year Paul Then why choose fear? Gordon I'm a New Yorker! Fear's my life! Look - I find some of what you teach suspect Because I'm used to relying on intellect But I try to open up to what I don't know Gordon & Roger Because reason says I should have died Three years ago All No other road No other way No day but today 15. OUT TONIGHT (MIMI'S APARTMENT) Mimi What's the time? Well it's gotta be close to midnight My body's talking to me It says, "Time for danger" It says "I wanna commit a crime Wanna be the cause of a fight Wanna put on a tight skirt and flirt With a stranger" I've had a knack from way back At breaking the rules once I learn the games Get up - life's too quick I know someplace sick Where this chick'll dance in the flames We don't need any money I always get in for free You can get in too If you get in with me Let's go out- tonight I have to go out- tonight You wanna play? Let's run away We won't be back before it's Christmas day Take me out- tonight (meow) When I get a wink from the doorman Do you know how lucky you'll be? That you're aligned with the feline of Avenue B Let's go out- tonight I have to go out- tonight You wanna prowl Be my night owl? Well take my hand we're gonna howl- Out tonight In the evening I've got to roam Can't sleep in the city of neon and chrome Feels too damn much like home When the Spanish babies cry So let's find a bar So dark we forget who we are And all the scars from the Nevers and maybes die Let's go out- tonight Have to go out- tonight You're sweet Wanna hit the street? Wanna wail at the moon like a cat in heat? Just take me out- tonight Please take me out- tonight Don't forsake me - out- tonight I'll let you make me - out- tonight Tonight - tonight - tonight 16. ANOTHER DAY Roger Who do you think you are? Barging in on me and my guitar Little girl - hey The door is that way You better go you know The fire's out anyway Take your powder - take your candle Your sweet whisper I just can't handle Go on and take your hair in the moonlight Your brown eyes - goodbye, goodnight I should tell you I should tell you I should tell you I should - no! Another time - another place Our temperature would climb There'd be a warm embrace We'd do another dance It'd be another play Looking for romance? Come back another day Another day Mimi The heart may freeze or it can burn The pain will ease if I can learn There is no future There is no past I live each moment as my last There's only us There's only this Forget regret Or life is yours to miss No other road No other way No day but today Roger Excuse me if I'm off track But if you're so wise Then tell me - why do you need smack? Take your needle Take your fancy prayer And don't forget Get the moonlight out of your hair Long ago - you might've lit up my heart But the fire's dead - ain't never ever gonna start Another time - another place The words would only rhyme We'd be in outer space It'd be another song We'd sing another way You wanna prove me wrong? Come back another day Another day Mimi There's only yes Only tonight We must let go To know what's right No other course No other way No day but today Mimi & Others Roger I can't control Control your temper My destiny She doesn't see I trust my soul Who says that there's a soul My only goal is just To be Just let me be There's only now Who do you think you are? There's only here Give in to love Barging in on me and my Or live in fear guitar No other path Little girl, hey No other way The door is that way No day but today The fire's out anyway All Roger No day but today Take your powder, take your candle No day but today Take your brown eyes, your pretty smile Your silhouette No day but today Another time, another place Another rhyme, a warm embrace No day but today Another dance, another way Another chance, another day No day but today 17. WILL I? Steve Will I lose my dignity Will someone care Will I wake tomorrow From this nightmare? Group #1 Will I lose my dignity Will someone care Will I wake tomorrow From this nightmare? Group #2 Will I lose my dignity Will someone care Will I wake tomorrow From this nightmare? Group #3 Will I lose my dignity Will someone care Will I wake tomorrow From this nightmare? Group #4 Will I lose my dignity Will someone care Will I wake tomorrow From this nightmare? (Roger puts on his jacket and leaves the loft) 18. ON THE STREET Three Homeless People Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing - Out of town Santa Fe Squeegieman Honest living, man! Feliz Navidad? Homeless Person Evening, officers Mark Smile for Ted Koppel, Officer Martin! Homeless Person And a merry Christmas to your family Cops Right!! Blanket Person Who the fuck do you think you are? I don't need no goddamn help From some bleeding heart cameraman My life's not For you to make a name for yourself on! Angel Easy Sugar, easy He was just trying to -- Blanket Person Just trying to use me to kill his guilt It's not that kind of movie, honey Let's go - this lot is full of Motherfucking artists Hey artist- You got a dollar? I thought not 19. SANTA FE Angel New York City - Mark Uh-huh Angel Center of the universe Collins Sing it, girl - Angel Times are shitty But I'm pretty sure they can't get worse Mark I hear you Angel It's a comfort to know When you're singing the hit the road blues That anywhere else you could possibly go After New York would be a pleasure cruise Collins Now you're talking Well, I'm thwarted by a metaphysical puzzle And I'm sick of grading papers - that I know And I'm shouting in my sleep, I need a muzzle All this misery pays no salary, so Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe Oh sunny Santa Fe would be nice Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe And leave this to the roaches and mice Collins Oh--oh All Oh-- Angel You teach? Collins I teach - computer age philosophy But my students would rather watch TV Angel America All America! Collins You're a sensitive aesthete Brush the sauce onto the meat You could make the menu sparkle with rhyme You could drum a gentle drum And I could seat guests as they come Chatting not about Heidegger, but wine- Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe Our labors would reap financial gains All Gains, gains, gains Collins We'll open up a restaurant in Santa Fe And save from devastation our brains Homeless Save our brains All We'll pack up all our junk and fly so far away Devote ourselves to projects that sell We'll open up a restaurant in Santa Fe Forget this cold Bohemian hell Oh-- All Oh-- Collins Do you know the way to Santa Fe? You know, tumbleweeds...prairie dogs... Yeah 20. I'LL COVER YOU Mark I'll meet you at the show I'll try to convince Roger to go (Mark exits) Collins Are we a thing? Angel Honey, we are everything- Live in my house I'll be your shelter Just pay me back With one thousand kisses Be my lover - and I'll cover you Collins Open your door I'll be your tenant Don't got much baggage To lay at your feet But sweet kisses I've got to spare I'll be there - and I'll cover you Both I think they meant it When they said you can't buy love Now I know you can rent it A new lease you are, my love, On life - be my life Just slip me on I'll be your blanket Wherever - whatever - I'll be your coat Angel You'll be my king And I'll be your castle Collins No, you'll be my queen And I'll be your moat Both I think they meant it When they said you can't buy love Now I know you can rent it A new lease you are, my love, On life - all my life I've longed to discover Something as true as this is Collins Angel So with a thousand sweet kisses If you're cold I'll cover you And you're lonely With a thousand sweet kisses You've got one nickel only I'll cover you With a thousand sweet kisses I'll cover you When you're worn out and tired With a thousand sweet kisses I'll cover you When your heart has expired Both Oh lover- I'll cover you Oh lover- I'll cover you 21. WE'RE OKAY Joanne (on cellular phone) Steve - Joanne The Murget case? A dismissal! Good work counselor (The pay phone rings) We're okay Honeybear - wait! I'm on the other phone Yes I have the cowbell We're okay (into cellular phone) So tell them we'll sue But a settlement will do Sexual harassment - and civil rights too Steve, you're great (into pay phone) No you cut the paper plate Did you cheat on Mark a lot would you say? We're okay Honey hold on... (into cellular phone) Steve, hold on... (She presses call waiting button on cellular phone) Hello? Dad - yes I beeped you Maureen is coming to Mother's hearing We're okay (into pay phone) Honeybear - what? Newt's lesbian sister I'll tell them (into cellular phone) You heard? (into pay phone) They heard We're okay (into cellular phone) And to you dad (She presses call waiting as she says into pay phone) Yes - Jill is there? (into cellular phone) Steve gotta - (into pay phone) Jill with the short black hair? The Calvin Klein model? (into cellular phone) Steve gotta go! (into pay phone) The model Who lives in penthouse A??? We're- We're- okay I'm on my way 22. CHRISTMAS BELLS (VARIOUS LOCATIONS, ST. MARKS PLACE) Five Homeless People Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are singing On TV - at Saks Squeegieman Honest living, honest living Honest living, honest living Honest living, honest living All Five Homeless Can't you spare a dime or two Here but for the grace of God go you You'll be merry I'll be merry Though "merry" ain't in my vocabulary No sleighbells No Santa Claus No yule log No tinsel No holly No hearth No Soloist "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer" All Five Rudolph the red nosed reindeer No room at the Holiday Inn - oh no And it's beginning to snow Vendors Hats, bats, shoes, booze Mountain bikes, potpourri Leather bags, girlie mags Forty fives, AZT Vendor #1 No one's buying Feel like crying All No room at the Holiday Inn, oh no And it's beginning to snow Vendor #2 How about a fur - In perfect shape Owned by an MBA from uptown I got a tweed Broken in by a greedy Broker who went broke And then broke down Collins You don't have to do this Angel Hush your mouth, it's Christmas Collins I do not deserve you, Angel Collins Angel Give - give Wait - what's on the floor? All you do Let's see some more Is give Give me some way to show No - no - no ... How you've touched me so Angel Kiss me - it's beginning to snow Mark ... She said, "Would you light my candle" And she put on a pout And she wanted you To take her out tonight? Roger Right Mark She got you out! Roger She was more than okay But I pushed her away It was bad - I got mad And I had to get her out of my sight Mark Wait, wait wait - you said she was sweet Roger Let's go eat - I'll just get fat It's the one vice left when you're dead meat There - that's her Mark Maureen? Roger Mimi! Mark Whoa! Roger I should go Mark Hey - it's beginning to snow Cops I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Mimi & Junkies Follow the man - follow the man With his pockets full of the jam Follow the man - follow the man Help me out, daddy If you can Got any D man? The Man I'm cool Mimi & Junkies Got any C man The Man I'm cool Mimi & Junkies Got any X Any smack Any horse Any jugie boogie boy Any blow? Roger Hey Mimi Hey Roger I just want to say I'm sorry for the way- Mimi Forget it Roger I blew up Can I make it up to you? Mimi How? Roger Dinner party? Mimi That'll do The Man Hey lover boy - cutie pie You steal my client - you die Roger You didn't miss me - you won't miss her You'll never lack for customers Junkies I'm willin' I'm illin' I gotta get my sickness off Gotta run, gotta ride Gotta gun, gotta hide -- gotta go The Man And it's beginning to snow Benny (On cellular phone) Wish me luck Alison The protest is on Coat Vendor Junkies Geoffrey Beene Got any D man? Burburry zip out Got any B man Lining Got any crack Got any X Squeegieman Honest living - Roger Mark, this is Mimi - Mark/Mimi Hi Roger She'll be dining - (with us) Coat Vendor Here's a new arrival The Man That is an ounce Vendors Hats, dats, bats Collins That's my coat! Coat Vendor We give discounts Mark I think we've met Angel Let's get a better one Collins It's a sham Mimi That's what he said The Man I said it's a gram! Collins But she's a thief! Angel But she brought us together Benny Which investor is coming?? Collins I'll take the leather Benny Your father? - Damn! Homeless & Vendors Christmas bells are swinging Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are singing In my dreams - next year Once you donate you can go Celebrate in Tuckahoe You'll feel cheery I'll feel cheery Though I don't really know that theory No bathrobe No steuben glass No cappucino makers No pearls, no diamonds No "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" Chestnuts roasting on an open fire No room at the Holiday Inn, oh no -- Cops I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Jingle bells - prison cells Fa la la la - fa la la la You have the right to remain Silent night holy night Fall on your knees oh night divine You'll do some time Fa la la la la Fa la la la la Junkies Got any C man? Got any D man? Got any B man? Got any X? - Crack? I'm willin' - I'm illin' Gotta get my sickness off C-D help me Follow the man - follow the man Follow the man Jugie boogie - jugie boogie Follow the man - follow the man Any crack any X any jugie boogie boy Any blow any X any jugie boogie boy Got any D man, got any C man Got any crack - any X - any jugie boogie? Coat Vendor Twenty five Angel Fifteen Coat Vendor Twenty five Angel Fifteen Coat Vendor No way Twenty four Angel Fifteen Coat Vendor Twenty four Angel Fifteen Coat Vendor Not today Twenty three Angel Fifteen Coat Vendor Twenty three Angel Fifteen It's old Coat Vendor Twenty two Angel Fifteen Coat Vendor Twenty one Angel Fifteen Coat Vendor Seventeen Angel Fifteen Coat Vendor Fifteen Angel & Coat Vendor Sold! Mark & Roger Let's Go To The lot - Maureen's performing Mimi Who's Maureen? Roger His ex Mark But I am over her Roger Let's not hold hands yet Mimi Is that a warning? All Three He/You/I Just Need(s) To take it slow I should tell you I should tell you I should tell you I should tell you I should tell you I ... All And it's beginning to And it's beginning to And it's beginning to --- (Maureen enters) Maureen Joanne, which way to the stage? All Snow!!! 23. OVER THE MOON (THE LOT) Mark Maureen's performance. Maureen Last night I had a dream. I found myself in a desert called Cyberland. It was hot. My canteen had sprung a leak and I was thirsty. Out of the abyss walked a cow - Elsie. I asked if she had anything to drink. She said, "I'm forbidden to produce- milk. In Cyberland, we only drink- Diet Coke." She said, "Only thing to do is jump over the moon" "They've closed everything real down ... like barns, troughs, performance spaces ... and replaced it all with lies and rules and virtual life. But there is a way out ... Backups Leap of faith, leap of faith Leap of faith, leap of faith Maureen "Only thing to do is jump over the moon" I gotta get out of here! It's like I'm being tied to the hood of a yellow rental truck, being packed in with fertilizer and fuel oil, pushed over a cliff by a suicidal Mickey Mouse! - I've gotta find a way Maureen Backups "To jump over the moon Leap of faith etc. Only thing to do is jump over the moon" Maureen Then a little bulldog entered. His name (we have learned) was Benny. And although he once had principles, he abandoned them to live as a lap dog to a wealthy daughter of the revolution. "That's bull," he said. "Ever since the cat took up the fiddle, that cow's been jumpy. And the dish and the spoon were evicted from the table - and eloped ... she's had trouble with that milk and the moon ever since. Maybe it's a female thing. 'Cause who'd want to leave Cyberland anyway?... Walls ain't so bad. The dish and the spoon for instance. They were down on their luck - knocked on my doghouse door. I said, "Not in my backyard, utensils! Go back to China!" "The only way out is up," Elsie whispered to me. "A leap of faith. Still thirsty?" she asked. Parched. "Have some milk." I lowered myself beneath her and held my mouth to her swollen udder and sucked the sweetest milk I'd ever tasted. "Climb on board," she said. And as a harvest moon rose over Cyberland, we reared back and sprang into a gallop. Leaping out of orbit!!! Maureen Backups I awoke singing Leap of faith, etc. Only thing to do Only thing to do is jump Only thing to do is jump over the moon Only thing to do is jump over the moon Over the moon - over the Moooooooo Moooooooo Moooooooo Moooooooo Moo with me. (She encourages the audience to moo with her. They do) Thank you. 24. LA VIE BOHEME (LIFE CAFE) Restaurant Man No please no Not tonight please no Mister - can't you go - Not tonight - can't have a scene Roger What? Restaurant Man Go, please go; You - Hello, sir - I said, "No" Important customer Mark What am I - just a blur? Restaurant Man You sit all night - you never buy! Mark That's a lie - that's a lie I had a tea the other day Restaurant Man You couldn't pay Mark Oh yeah Collins Benjamin Coffin III -- here? Restaurant Man Oh no! All Wine and beer! Maureen The enemy of Avenue A We'll stay Restaurant Man Oiy vey! Collins What brings the mogul in his own mind to the Life Cafe? Benny I would like to propose a toast To Maureen's noble try It went well Maureen Go to hell Benny Was the yuppie scum stomped Not counting the homeless How many tickets weren't comped Roger Why did Muffy -- Benny Alison Roger Miss the show? Benny There was a death in the family If you must know Angel Who died? Benny Our Akita Benny, Mark, Angel, Collins Evita Benny Mimi - I'm surprised A bright and charming girl like you Hangs out with these slackers (Who don't adhere to deals) They make fun - yet I am the one Attempting to do some good Or do you really want a neighborhood Where people piss on your stoop every night? Bohemia, Bohemia Is a fallacy in your head This is Calcutta- Bohemia is dead Mark Dearly beloved We gather here to say our goodbyes Collins & Roger Dies irae - dies illa Kyrie eleison Yitgadal v' yitkadash (etc.) Mark Here she lies No one knew her worth The late great daughter of mother earth On this night when we celebrate the birth In that little town of Bethlehem We raise our glass - You bet your ass to - La vie Boheme All La vie Boheme La vie Boheme La vie Boheme La vie Boheme Mark To days of inspiration Playing hookey, making something out of nothing The need to express - To communicate, To going against the grain, Going insane Going mad- To loving tension, no pension To more than one dimension, To starving for attention, Hating convention, hating pretension Not to mention of course, Hating dear old mom and dad- To riding your bike Midday past the three piece suits To fruits - to no absolutes - To Absolut - to choice - To the Village Voice - To any passing fad All La vie Boheme La vie Boheme Maureen Is the equipment in a pyramid? Joanne Yes, Maureen Maureen The mixer doesn't have a case Don't give me that face (slaps Joanne) Mr. Grey Ahhemm Maureen Hey Mister - she's my sister Restaurant Man So that's five miso soup, four seaweed salad Three soy burger dinner, two tofu dog platter And one pasta with meatless balls A boy Ugh! Collins It tastes the same Mimi If you close your eyes Restaurant Man And thirteen orders of fries Is that it here? All Wine and beer! Mimi & Angel To hand-crafted beers made in local breweries To yoga, to yogurt, to rice and beans and cheese To leather, to dildos, to curry vindaloo To huevos rancheros and Maya Angelou Maureen & Collins Emotion, devotion, to causing a commotion Creation, vacation Mark Mucho masturbation Maureen & Collins Compassion, to fashion, To passion when it's new Collins To Sontag Angel To Sondheim Four People To anything taboo Collins & Roger Ginsberg, Dylan, Cunningham and Cage Collins Lenny Bruce Roger Langston Hughes Maureen To the stage Person #1 To Uta! Person #2 To Buddha! Person #3 Pablo Neruda, too- Mark & Mimi Why Dorothy and Toto went over the rainbow To blow off Auntie Em- All La vie Boheme Maureen And wipe the speakers off before you pack Joanne Yes, Maureen Maureen Well - hurry back (kisses Joanne) Mr. Grey Sisters? Maureen We're close (Angel & Collins kiss) Angel, Collins, Maureen, Mark, Mr. Grey Brothers! Mark, Angel, Mimi & Three Others Bisexuals, trisexuals, homo sapiens, Carcinogens, hallucinogens, men, Pee Wee Herman German wine, turpentine, Gertrude Stein Antonioni, Bertolucci, Kurosawa Carmina Burana All To apathy, to entropy, to empathy, ecstasy Vaclav Havel - The Sex Pistols, 8BC, To no shame - never playing the Fame Game Collins To marijuana All To sodomy, It's between God and me To S & M- Benny Waiter...Waiter...Waiter All La vie Boheme Collins In honor of the death of Bohemia an impromptu salon will commence immediately following dinner... Mimi Marquez, clad only in bubble wrap, will perform her famous lawn chair-handcuff dance to the sounds of iced tea being stirred. Roger Mark Cohen will preview his new documentary about his inability to hold an erection on high holy days. Mark Maureen Johnson, back from her spectacular one-night engagement at the eleventh street lot, will sing native american tribal chants backwards through her vocoder, while accompanying herself on the electric cello - which she has never studied. Benny Your new boyfriend doesn't know about us? Mimi There's nothing to know Benny Don't you think that we should discuss -- Mimi It was three months ago Benny He doesn't act like he's with you Mimi We're taking it slow Benny Where is he now? Mimi He's right -- hmm Benny Uh-huh Mimi Where'd he go? Mark Roger will attempt to write a bittersweet, evocative song. (Roger picks up a guitar and plays) That doesn't remind us of "Musetta's Waltz" Collins Angel Dumott Schunard will now model the latest fall fashions from Paris while accompanying herself on the 10 gallon plastic pickle tub. Angel And Collins will recount his exploits as an anarchist - including the successful reprogramming of the M.I.T. virtual reality equipment to self-destruct, as it broadcast the words: All "Actual reality - Act Up - Fight AIDS" Benny Check!! Mimi Excuse me - did I do something wrong? I get invited - then ignored - all night long Roger I've been trying - I'm not lying No one's perfect. I've got baggage Mimi Life's too short, babe, time is flying I'm looking for baggage that goes with mine Roger I should tell you- Mimi I've got baggage too Roger I should tell you- Mimi I got baggage too Roger I should tell you- Both Baggage- wine- Others And beer! Mimi AZT break Roger You? Mimi Me. You? Roger Mimi- 25. I SHOULD TELL YOU Roger I should tell you I'm disaster I forget how to begin it Mimi Let's just make this part go faster I have yet- to be in it I should tell you- Roger I should tell you- Mimi I should tell you- Roger I should tell you- Mimi I should tell I blew the candle out Just to get back in Roger I'd forgotten how to smile Until your candle burned my skin Mimi I should tell you- Roger I should tell you- Mimi I should tell you- Both I should tell- Well, here we go Now we- Mimi Oh, no Roger I know- this something is Here goes- Mimi Here goes- Roger Guess so It's starting to- Who knows? Mimi Who knows- Both Who knows where Who goes there Who knows Here goes Trusting desire- starting to learn Walking through fire without a burn Clinging- a shoulder, a leap begins Stinging and older, asleep on pins So here we go Now we- Roger Oh, no- Mimi I know Roger Oh, no- Both Who knows where- who goes there Here goes- here goes Here goes- here goes Here goes- here goes 26. LA VIE BOHEME B Maureen Are we packed? Joanne Yes, and by next week I want you to be Maureen Pookie?! Joanne And you should see- They've padlocked your building And they're rioting on Avenue B Benny called the cops Maureen That fuck! Joanne They don't know what they're doing- The cops are sweeping the lot But no one's leaving They're just sitting there, mooing! All Yeah!!! To dance! A girl No way to make a living, masochism, pain, perfection Muscle spasm, chiropractors, short careers, eating disorders All Film! Mark Adventure, tedium, no family, boring locations, Dark rooms, perfect faces, egos, money, Hollywood and sleaze All Music! Angel Food of love, emotion, mathematics, isolation, Rhythm, feeling, power, harmony, and heavy competition All Anarchy! Collins & Maureen Revolution, justice, screaming for solutions, Forcing changes, risking danger Making noise and making pleas All To faggots, lezzies, dykes, cross dressers too Maureen To me- Mark To me- Collins & Angel To me- All To you and you and you, you and you To people living with, living with, living with Not dying from disease Let he among us without sin Be the first to condemn La vie Boheme La vie Boheme La vie Boheme Mark All Anyone out of the mainstream La vie Boheme Is anyone in the mainstream? La vie Boheme Anyone alive - with a sex drive La vie Boheme Tear down the wall Aren't we all The opposite of war isn't peace... It's creation All La vie Boheme Mark The riot continues The Christmas tree goes up in flames The snow dances Oblivious, Mimi and Roger exchange a small, lovely kiss All Vive la vie Boheme! ACT II 27. SEASONS OF LOVE Company Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred moments so dear Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure - measure a year? In daylights - In sunsets In midnights - In cups of coffee In inches - In miles In laughter - In strife In - Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure a year in the life How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love Seasons of love Seasons of love Soloist #1 Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand Journeys to plan Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure the life Of a woman or a man? Soloist #2 In truths that she learned Or in times that he cried In the bridges he burned Or the way that she died All It's time now - to sing out Though the story never ends Let's celebrate Remember a year in the life of friends- Remember the love Remember the love Remember the love Measure in love Soloist #1 Measure, measure your life in love Seasons of love... Seasons of love 28. HAPPY NEW YEAR (THE STREET) Mark Pan to the padlocked door. "New Year's Rocking Eve." The breaking-back-into-the-building party... Mimi How long till next year? Roger Three and half minutes... Mimi I'm giving up my vices I'm going back - back to school Eviction or not This week's been so hot That long as I've got you I know I'll be cool I couldn't crack the love code, dear 'Til you made the lock on my heart explode It's gonna be a happy new year A happy new year Mark Coast is clear You're supposed to be working That's for midnight Where are they? There isn't much time Mimi Maybe they're dressing I mean what does one wear that's apropos For a party - that's also a crime Maureen Chips, anyone? Mark You can take the girl out of Hicksville (Jersey) But you can't take the Hicksville (Jersey) out of the girl Maureen My riot got you on TV I deserve a royalty Mimi Be nice you two Or no god awful champagne Maureen Don't mind if I do No luck? Roger Bolted plywood, padlocked with a chain A total dead end- Maureen Just like my ex-girlfriend (on cellular phone) Honey...? I know you're there ... Please pick up the phone Are you okay? It's not funny It's not fair How can I atone? Are you okay? I lose control But I can learn to behave Give me one more chance Let me be your slave I'll kiss your Doc Martens Let me kiss your Doc Martens your every wish I will obey (Joanne enters) Joanne That might be okay Down girl Heel...stay I did a bit of research With my friends at legal aid Technically, you're squatters- There's hope But just in case- Mark & Joanne Rope! Mark We can hoist a line -- Joanne To the fire escape -- Mark And tie off at -- Mark & Joanne That bench! Maureen I can't take them as chums Joanne Start hoisting...wench Roger I think I should be laughing Yet I forget- Forget how to begin I'm feeling something inside And yet I still can't decide If I should hide Or make a wide open grin- Last week I wanted just to disappear My life was dust But now it just may be a happy new year A happy new year (Collins enters with Angel) Collins Bond - James Bond Angel And Pussy Galore - in person Mimi Pussy - you came prepared Angel I was a boy scout once And a brownie 'Til some brat got scared Collins Aha! Moneypenny - my martini! Mimi Will bad champagne do? Roger That's shaken - not stirred Collins Pussy - the bolts Angel Just say the word! Mimi Two minutes left to execute our plan Collins Where's everyone else? Roger Playing Spider-man Mark Ironic close up: tight On the phone machine's red light Once the Boho boys are gone The power mysteriously comes on 29. VOICE MAIL #3 Mrs. Cohen Mark, it's the wicked witch of the west your mother Happy new year from Scarsdale We're all impressed that the riot footage Made the nightly news Even your father says Mazeltov Honey - call him Love Mom Alexi Darling (on the machine) Mark Cohen Alexi Darling from Buzzline Mark Oh, that show's so sleazy. Alexi Darling Your footage on the riots: A-one Feature segment - network - dealtime I'm sending you a contract Ker-ching ker-ching Marky give us a call 970-4301 Or at home try 863-6754 Or - my cellphone at 919-763-0090 Or - you can e-mail me At Darling Alexi Newscom dot net Or - you can page me at -- (Beeeep!) 30. HAPPY NEW YEAR B Maureen I think we need an agent! Mark We? Joanne That's selling out Mark But it's nice to dream Maureen Yeah - it's network TV And it's all thanks to me Mark Somehow I think I smell The whiff of a scheme Joanne Me, too Maureen We can plan another protest Joanne We?! Maureen (to Mark) This time you can shoot from the start... (to Joanne) You'll direct Starring me! All 5, 4, 3... Open sesame!! Happy new year Happy new year Happy new... Benny I see that you've beaten me to the punch Roger How did you know we'd be here? Benny I had a hunch Mark You're not mad? Benny I'm here to end this war It's a shame you went and destroyed the door Mimi Why all the sudden the big about face Benny The credit is yours You made a good case Roger What case? Benny Mimi came to see me And she had much to say Mimi That's not how you put it at all yesterday Benny I couldn't stop thinking about the whole mess Mark - you want to get this on film Mark I guess Benny I regret the Unlucky circumstances Of the past seven days Roger Circumstance? You padlocked our door Benny And it's with great pleasure On behalf of CyberArts That I hand you this key Angel Golf claps Mark I have no juice in my battery Benny Reshoot Roger I see - this is a photo opportunity Maureen The benevolent god Ushers the poor artists back to their flats Were you planning on taking down the barbed wire From the lot, too? Roger Anything but that! Benny Clearing the lot was a safety concern We break ground this month But you can return Maureen That's why you're here with people you hate Instead of with Muffy at Muffy's estate Benny I'd honestly rather be with you tonight than in Westport -- Roger Spare us, old sport, the soundbite Benny Mimi - since your was are so seductive Mimi You came on to me! Benny Persuade him not to be so counterproductive Roger Liar! Benny Why not tell them what you wore to my place? Mimi I was on my way to work Benny Black leather and lace! My desk was a mess I think I'm still sore Mimi 'Cause I kicked him and told him I wasn't his whore! Benny Does your boyfriend know Who your last boyfriend was? Roger I'm not her boyfriend I don't care what she does Angel People! Is this any way to start a new year? Have compassion Benny just lost his cat Benny My dog - but I appreciate that Angel My cat had a fall And I went through hell Benny It's like losing a - How did you know that she fell? Collins Champagne? Benny Don't mind if I do To dogs- All But Benny No Benny - To you! Angel Let's make a resolution Mimi I'll drink to that Collins Let's always stay friends Joanne Though we may have our disputes Maureen This family tree's got deep roots Mark Friendship is thicker than blood Roger That depends Mimi Depends on trust- Roger Depends on true devotion- Joanne Depends on love- Mark Depends on not denying emotion Roger Perhaps All It's gonna be a happy new year Roger I guess All It's gonna be a happy new year Roger You're right Angel It's gonna be a happy new year Roger & Mimi I'm sorry Roger Coming? Mimi In a minute - I'm fine - go The Man Well, well, well. What have we here? It's gonna be a happy new year There, there... (etc.) 31. TAKE ME OR LEAVE ME (JOANNE'S LOFT) Mark Valentine's Day...Pan across the empty lot. Roger's down at Mimi's where he's been for almost two months - tho' he talks about selling his guitar and getting out of here. (Still jealous of Benny)... God knows where Collins and Angel are...Could be that new shantytown by the river or a suite at the Plaza...Maureen and Joanne are rehearsing. That is, if they're speaking this week...Me? I'm here. Nowhere. Maureen Every single day I walk down the street I hear people say, "Baby's so sweet" Ever since puberty Everybody stares at me Boys - girls I can't can't help it, baby So be kind And don't lose your mind Just remember that I'm your baby Take me for what I am Who I was meant to be And if you give a damn Take me baby or leave me Take me baby or leave me A tiger in a cage Can never see the sun This diva needs her stage Baby - let's have fun! You are the one I choose Folks'd kill to fill your shoes You love the limelight too, baby So be mine Or don't waste my time Cryin' - "Honeybear - are you still my baby?" Take me for what I am Who I was meant to be And if you give a damn Take me baby or leave me No way - can I be what I'm not But hey - don't you want your girl hot! Don't fight - don't lose your head 'Cause every night - who's in your bed? Who's in your bed, baby? Kiss, Pookie. Joanne It won't work. I look before I leap I love margins and discipline I make lists in my sleep Baby- what's my sin? Never quit - I follow through I hate mess - but I love you What to do With my impromptu baby So be wise 'Cause this girl satisfies You've got a prize But don't compromise You're one lucky baby Take me for what I am- Maureen A control freak Joanne Who I was meant to be Maureen A snob - yet over-attentive Joanne And if you give a damn- Maureen A lovable, droll geek Joanne Take me baby or leave me Maureen And anal retentive! Both That's it! Joanne The straw that breaks my back Both I quit Joanne Unless you take it back Both Women Maureen What is it about them? Both Can't live - With them - Or without them! Take me for what I am Who I was meant to be And if you give a damn Take me baby or leave me Take me baby Or leave me Guess I'm leavin' I'm gone! 32. SEASONS OF LOVE B Company In diapers - report cards In spoke wheels - in speeding tickets In contracts - dollars In funerals - in births In - five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you figure A last year on earth? Figure in love Figure in love Figure in love Measure in love Seasons of love Seasons of love 33. WITHOUT YOU (MIMI'S APARTMENT) Roger Where were you? Mimi I'm sorry I'm late... Roger I know. You lost your keys. No, you went for a walk; you had to help your mother. And how's Benny? I'm gonna work upstairs tonight. Mimi That's not... I should tell you I should ... Never mind... Roger Happy Spring (Roger leaves) Mimi Without you- The ground thaws The rain falls The grass grows Without you- The seeds root The flowers bloom The children play The stars gleam The poets dream The eagles fly Without you- The earth turns The sun burns But I die Without you Without you- The breeze warms The girl smiles The cloud moves Without you- The tides change The boys run The oceans crash The crowds roar The days soar The babies cry Without you The moon glows The river flows But I die Without you Roger The world revives Mimi Colors renew Both But I know blue Only blue Lonely blue Within me, blue Without you Mimi Without you- The hand gropes The ear hears The pulse beats Roger Without you- The eyes gaze The legs walk The lungs breathe Both The mind churns The heart yearns The tears dry Without you Life goes on But I'm gone 'Cause I die Roger Without you Mimi Without you Roger Without you Both Without you 34. VOICE MAIL #4 Roger & Mark (outgoing message) "Speak" ... ("Beeeep!") Alexi Darling Mark Cohen Alexi Darling Labor Day weekend In East Hampton On the beach Just saw Alec Baldwin Told him you say hi- Just kidding We still need directors You still need money You know you need money Pick up the phone Don't be afraid of ker-ching ker-ching Marky - sell us your soul Just kidding We're waiting... 35. CONTACT (VARIOUS FANTASY BED LOCALES) Group A -Hot-hot-hot-sweat-sweet -Wet-wet-wet-red-heat -Hot-hot-hot-sweat-sweet -Wet-wet-wet-red-heat Please don't stop please Please don't stop stop Stop stop stop don't Please please please please -Hot-hot-hot-sweat-sweet -Wet-wet-wet-red-heat -Sticky-licky-trickle-tickle -Steamy-creamy-stroking-soaking Group B -Hot-hot-hot-sweat-sweet -Wet-wet-wet-red-heat Collins Touch Maureen Taste Mimi Deep! Collins Dark! Maureen Kiss! Collins Beg! Mimi Slap! Mimi, Maureen & Collins Fear! Collins Thick! Collins, Mimi & Maureen Red, red Red, red Red, red - please Maureen Harder Angel Faster Maureen Wetter Mimi Bastard! Collins You whore! Maureen You cannibal! Mimi & Angel More! Maureen You animal! Maureen, Collins & Mimi Fluid no fluid no contact yes No contact All Fire fire burn-burn yes! No latex rubber rubber Fire latex rubber latex rubber Lover bummer Angel Take me Take me Take me- oh-whoah-oh-oh- Today for you Tomorrow for me Today me Tomorrow you Tomorrow You love You love You love I love you-- I love you! Take me Take me I love you Roger's Voice Um Joanne's Voice Wait Mimi's Voice Slipped Collins' Voice Shit Joanne's Voice Ow! Roger's Voice Where'd it go? Mimi's Voice Safe Collins' Voice Damn Maureen's Voice I think I missed Don't get pissed All It was bad for me - was it bad for you? Joanne It's over Maureen It's over Roger It's over Mimi It's over Collins (sadly) It's over 36. I'LL COVER YOU (REPRISE) (ANGEL'S MEMORIAL) Collins Live in my house I'll be your shelter Just pay me back With one thousand kisses Be my lover And I'll cover you Open your door - I'll be your tenant Don't got much baggage to lay at your feet But sweet kisses I've got to spare I'll be there - and I'll cover you- oh- I think they meant it When they said you can't buy love Now I know you can rent it A new lease you were, my love, on life All my life I've longed to discover Something as true As this is Joanne & Soloists Collins So with a thousand sweet kisses I'll cover you If you're cold and you're lonely With a thousand sweet kisses I'll cover you When you've got one nickel only With a thousand sweet kisses I'll cover you When you're worn out and tired With a thousand sweet kisses I'll cover you When your heart has expired Company Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred moments so dear Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred - measure a year Oh lover I'll cover you Oh lover I'll cover you Collins & Company Oh lover I'll cover you Oh lover Collins I'll cover you Company Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand seasons of love Collins I'll cover you 37. HALLOWEEN (OUTSIDE THE CHURCH) Mark (On the phone) Hi. It's Mark Cohen. Is Alexi there?...No, don't bother her. Just tell her I'm running a little late for our appointment... Yes, I'm still coming... Yes, I signed the contract... Thanks... How did we get here? How the hell... Pan left - close on the steeple of the church How did I get here? How the hell... Christmas Christmas eve - last year How could a night so frozen be so scalding hot? How can a morning this mild be so raw? Why are entire years strewn On the cutting room floor of memory When single frames from one magic night Forever flicker in close-up On the 3-D Imax of my mind That's poetic- That's pathetic Why did Mimi knock on Roger's door And Collins choose that phone booth Back where Angel set up his drums Why did Maureen's equipment break down Why am I the witness And when I capture it on film Will it mean that it's the end And I'm alone 38. GOODBYE LOVE Mimi It's true you sold your guitar and bought a car? Roger It's true - I'm leaving now for Santa Fe It's true you're with this yuppie scum? Benny You said you'd never speak to him again Mimi Not now Maureen Who said that you have any say In who she says things to at all? Roger Yeah! Joanne Who said that you should Stick your nose in other people's ... Maureen Who said I was talking to you? Joanne Mark We used to have this fight each night Calm down She'd never admit I existed Everyone please Mimi He was the same way - he was always "Run away - hit the road Don't commit" - you're full of shit Joanne She's in denial Mimi He's in denial Joanne Didn't give an inch When I gave a mile Mark Come on Mimi I gave a mile Roger Gave a mile to who? Mark & Benny Come on guys chill! Mimi & Joanne I'd be happy to die for a taste of what Angel had Someone to live for - unafraid to say I love you Roger All your words are nice, Mimi But love's not a three way street You'll never share real love Until you love yourself - I should know Collins You all said you'd be cool today So please - for my sake... I can't believe he's gone (to Roger) I can't believe you're going I can't believe this family must die Angel helped us believe in love I can't believe you disagree All I can't believe this is goodbye [Maureen and Joanne reconcile and go home. Collins returns to the funeral home. Mimi and Benny leave together. Roger and Mark are left alone] Mark I hear there are great restaurants out west Roger Some of the best. How could she? Mark How could you let her go? Roger You just don't know ... How could we lose Angel? Mark Maybe you'll see why when you stop escaping your pain At least now if you try - Angel's death won't be in vain Roger His death is in vain Mark Are you insane? There so much to care about There's me - there's Mimi Roger Mimi's got her baggage too Mark So do you Roger Who are you to tell me what I know, what to do Mark A friend Roger But who, Mark, are you? "Mark has got his work" They say "Mark lives for his work" And "Mark's in love with his work" Mark hides in his work Mark But from what? Roger From facing your failure, facing your loneliness Facing the fact you live a lie Yes, you live a lie - tell you why You're always preaching not to be numb When that's how you thrive You pretend to create and observe When you really detach from feeling alive- Mark Perhaps it's because I'm the one of us to survive Roger Poor baby! Mark Mimi still loves Roger Is Roger really jealous? Or afraid that Mimi's weak? Roger Mimi did look pale Mark Mimi's gotten thin Mimi's running out of time Roger's running out the door Roger No more! Oh no! I've got to go Mark Hey, for somebody who's always been let down Who's heading out of town? Roger For someone who longs for a community of his own, Who's with his camera, alone? I'll call I hate the fall (Mimi re-enters) You heard? Mimi Every word You don't want baggage without lifetime guarantees You don't want to watch me die I just came to say Goodbye, love Goodbye, love Came to say goodbye, love, goodbye- Mimi Roger Just came to say Glory Goodbye love One blaze of Goodbye love Glory Goodbye love Goodbye! Have to find (Roger leaves, Benny enters) Mimi Please don't touch me Understand I'm scared I need to go away Mark I know a place - a clinic Benny A rehab? Mimi Maybe - could you? Benny I'll pay Mimi Goodbye love Goodbye love Came to say goodbye, love, goodbye Just came to say Goodbye love Goodbye love Goodbye love Hello disease [ Mimi runs away. Collins is booted from the funeral home when he can't pay the bill. Benny offers to pay; then he and Collins go drinking. Mark stays behind to prepare for his meeting with "Buzzline".] 39. WHAT YOU OWN Mark "Hi, Mark Cohen for Buzzline...Back to you Alexi. Coming up, vampire welfare queens who are compulsive bowlers." Oh God, what am I doing? Don't breathe too deep Don't think all day Dive into work Drive the other way That drip of hurt That pint of shame Goes away Just play the game- You're living in America At the end of the millennium You're living in America Leave your conscience at the tone And when you're living in America At the end of the millennium You're what you own Roger The filmmaker cannot see Mark And the songwriter cannot hear Roger Yet I see Mimi everywhere Mark Angel's voice is in my ear Roger Just tighten those shoulders Mark Just clench your jaw till you frown Roger Just don't let go Both Or you may drown You're living in America At the end of the millennium You're living in America Where it's like the twilight zone And when you're living in America At the end of the millennium You're what you own So I own not a notion I escape and ape content I don't own emotion - I rent Mark What was it about that night Roger What was it about that night Both Connection - in an isolating age Mark For once the shadows gave way to light Roger For once the shadows gave way to light Both For once I didn't disengage Mark Roger Angel - I hear you - I hear it Mimi- I see you- I see it I see it - I see it I hear it - I hear it My film! My song! Mark (On the Phone) Roger Alexi - Mark One song - glory Call me a hypocrite Mimi I need to finish my own film Your eyes I quit! Both Dying in America At the end of the millennium We're dying in America To come into our own And when you're dying in America At the end of the millennium You're not alone I'm not alone I'm not alone 40. VOICE MAIL #5 Roger & Mark's Voice "Speak..." (Beep) Roger's Mother Roger This is your mother Roger, honey I don't get these postcards "Moving to Santa Fe" "Back in New York Starting a rock band" Roger, where are you? -- Please call (The following is sung simultaneously) Mimi's Mother Mimi, chica, donde estas? Tu mama esta llamando Donde estas Mimi -- Call Mr. Jefferson Kitten - wherever are you -- Call Mrs. Cohen Mark - are you there - are you there I don't know if he's there We're all here wishing you were here too Where are you Mark are you there are you where are you Mark - are you there - are you there I don't know if -- Please call your mother 41. FINALE (THE LOT AND THE LOFT) All Seven Homeless Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing Christmas bells are ringing How time flies When compassion dies No stockings No candy canes No gingerbread No safety net No loose change No change no One Homeless Man "Santy Claus is coming" All 'Cause Santy Claus ain't coming No room at the Holiday Inn - again Well, maybe next year -- Or -- when Mark December 24th, ten PM eastern standard time I can't believe a year went by so fast Time to see what we have time to see Turn the projector on First shot Roger With the fender guitar he just got out of hock When he sold the car That took him away and back Roger I found my song Mark Found his song If he could just find Mimi Roger I tried - you know I tried Mark Fade in on Mark Who's still in the dark Roger But he's got great footage Mark Which he's cut together Roger To screen tonight Mark In honor of Benny's wife Roger Muffy- Mark -Alison Pulling Benny out of the East Village location (The power blows) Roger Then again, maybe we won't screen it tonight. Mark I wonder how Alison found out about Mimi? Roger Maybe a little bird told her. Collins Or an angel. I had a little hunch that you could use a little flow Roger Tutoring again? Collins Negative Mark Back at N.Y.U.? Collins No, no, no I rewired the ATM at the food emporium To provide an honorarium to anyone with the code Roger & Mark The code - Well...? Collins A-N-G-E-L Yet Robin Hooding isn't the solution The powers that be must be undermined where they dwell In a small, exclusive gourmet institution Where we overcharge the wealthy clientele All Three Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe With a private corner banquette in the back Collins We'll make it yet, we'll somehow get to Santa Fe Roger But you'd miss New York before you could unpack All Ohh-- Maureen Mark! Roger! Anyone - help! Mark Maureen? Maureen It's Mimi - I can't get her up the stairs Roger No! Maureen She was huddled in the park in the dark And she was freezing- And begged to come here Roger Over here Oh, God - Mimi "got a light - I know you - you're shivering..." Joanne She's been living on the street Roger We need some heat Mimi I'm shivering Mark We can buy some wood and something to eat Collins I'm afraid she needs more than heat Mimi I heard that Maureen Collins will call for a doctor, honey Mimi Don't waste your money on Mimi, me, me Collins Hello - 911? I'm on hold Mimi Cold...cold... would you light my candle Roger Yes - we'll- oh, God - find a candle Mimi I should tell you I should tell you Roger I should tell you I should tell you Mimi I should tell you Benny wasn't any-- Roger Shhh-I know I should tell you why I left It wasn't 'cause I didn't -- Mimi I know I should tell you Roger I should tell you Mimi I should tell you I love you-- (Mimi dies) Roger Who do you think you are? Leaving me alone with my guitar Hold on there's something you should hear It isn't much but it took all year 42. YOUR EYES Roger Your eyes- As we said our goodbyes Can't get them out of my mind And I find- I can't hide From your eyes The ones that took me by surprise The night you came into my life Where there's moonlight I see your eyes- How'd I let you slip away When I'm longing so to hold you Now I'd die for one more day 'Cause there's something I should've told you Yes there's something I should've told you- When I looked into your eyes Why does distance make us wise? You were the song all along And before this song dies- I should tell you I should tell you I have always loved you You can see it in my eyes- Mimi- 43. FINALE B Mimi I jumped over the moon!! Roger What? Mimi A leap of Mooooooooooooooo- Joanne She's back! Mimi I was in a tunnel. Heading for this warm, white light... Maureen Oh my god! Mimi And I swear Angel was there - and she looked GOOD! And she said, "Turn around girlfriend and listen to that boy's song..." Collins She's drenched Maureen Her fever's breaking Mark There is no future - there is no past Roger Thank God this moment's not the last Mimi & Roger There's only us There's only this Forget regret or life is yours to miss All No other road no other way No day but today Women Men I can't control Will I lose my dignity My destiny Will someone care I trust my soul Will I wake tomorrow My only goal is just to be From this nightmare Without you There's only now The hand gropes There's only here The ear hears Give in to love The pulse beats Or live in fear Life goes on No other path But I'm gone No other way 'Cause I die Without you No day but today I die without you No day but today I die without you No day but today No day but today I die without you No day but today All No day but today...