February’s People’s Choice Award

The people  have spoken… The February People’s Choice Award goes to Mercedes Segesvary for her short play, If Only It Were True, presented as a staged reading at Monday Night PlayGround on February 12 at the Zephyr Theatre. Congratulations, Mercedes!

Courtesy of Ms. Segesvary we’re pleased to share the first two pages from the award-winning script. Enjoy!

IF ONLY IT WERE TRUE
By Mercedes Segesvary

Characters
MARIA THOMAS – Female, 30’s to 40’s, Latinx.
DANIEL JOHNSON – Male, 30’s to 40’s, Caucasian.

Setting
A quiet café.

Props
A cell phone, a recorder

Time
Present.

Lights Up. Center: a table and two chairs. Maria sits at the table on her phone.

MARIA (on phone.)

He’s late… Well I half expected it but… No, no it’s fine. I’m ready… Of course I will.

During Maria’s line, Daniel enters from opposite. He checks out Maria. Clearly not what he was expecting, then straightens his tie and checks his breath.

DANIEL

Times?

Maria sees Daniel.

MARIA (on phone.)

Gotta go.

She hangs up, puts cell phone away. She cracks her best fake smile.

MARIA

Mr. Johnson?

Daniel, like a peacock, brightens.

DANIEL

In the flesh.

Maria stands and puts her hand out to shake. Daniel throws his arms wide for a hug.

MARIA

What are you doing?

DANIEL

Oh come on, we don’t need to be so formal.

MARIA

I prefer we do.

DANIEL

Suit yourself little lady.

Daniel shakes her hand.

MARIA

My name is Maria.

DANIEL

Ah, Latina. Love it. Ok. Let’s do this. I got a lot on my plate today.

Daniel sits. Maria pulls out her recorder.

MARIA

Do you mind if I record this? I want to be thorough and–

DANIEL

–Course not. I got nothing to hide beautiful, I mean, Maria. I’m surprised they sent you though.

MARIA

Why?

DANIEL

All the interviews I’ve done for the Times, well, it’s usually men talking.

MARIA

You’re a forthright man aren’t you Mr. Johnson?

DANIEL

Call me Daniel. And yes. I tell it like I see it.

MARIA

Well I look forward to better understanding your visions.

DANIEL

I’m sure you do.

MARIA

I don’t want to waste your time Mr. John-… Daniel. I like to get straight to the point. If you’ll allow me a glimpse into your mind. My purpose is to cover your side of the story.

DANIEL

Perfect.

MARIA

–Do you deny the rape allegations?

————-
Join us for the Final Monday Night PlayGround of the season on Monday, March 12, at the Zephyr Theatre and choose your own favorite. Click here for more info.