The December People’s Choice Award goes to…
The people have spoken… The December People’s Choice Award goes to Nicki Spencer for her short play, Tender and Mild, presented as a staged reading at The Broadwater Second Stage and simulcast on December 13th. Congratulations, Nicki!
Courtesy of Nicki, we’re pleased to share the first few pages from the award-winning script. Enjoy!
Tender and Mild
by
Nicki Spencer
CHARACTERS:
ADELE — Female — 30s — Any Race — Driven and intelligent, but fatigued by a Christmas night spent with her mother-in-law. Has been trying to get pregnant for a couple of months and is determined to make it happen.
STANLEY — Male — 30s — Any Race — Adele’s husband. Upbeat and a bit of a push-over. Forces to play the difficult game of keeping the peace between his wife and mother.
DORIS — Female — 60s — Any Race — Stanley’s mother and Adele’s mother-in-law. Nagging, relentless, and a little too honest.
Christmas night. A comfortable, unpretentious living
room decorated with the usual holiday ornamentation:
the tree, the stockings, the lights. A couch, coffee table,
and chairs rest at C.
Pop! A bottle of champagne opens as the LIGHTS COME
UP on Doris, Adele, and Stanley. Stanley pours three
glasses and hands them to the other two.
STANLEY
A toast! To my wife and my mother–
DORIS
(Holding up a silver urn) And your father too! Don’t forget him!
STANLEY
Oh– uh– right. (Regarding the urn) To you too… Dad. I love you all and feel blessed to
have you in my life. Merry Christmas!
They clink their glasses. Doris uses the urn rather than
her Champagne glass.
STANLEY
Maybe you should be a bit more careful with Dad’s ashes, mom. I’m not sure bringing
them here was the best idea.
DORIS
(She puts down the urn) I couldn’t leave your father all alone on Christmas. Besides, I
actually brought them here to give to you. So your father can be here all the time.
STANLEY
Wait– you’re giving me Dad’s ashes? But, don’t you want them?
DORIS
He’s been with me. I think now he would prefer to be here with you both.
STANLEY
(Touched) Wow, that’s– thanks mom. That means a lot.
DORIS
(Yawning) Good, I’m glad.
ADELE
Oh, are you tired, Doris? We should turn in for the night. Right, Stanley?
DORIS
No, no, I’m fine. I’m just (another long yawn, putting her feet up) relaxing.
STANLEY
I gotta say, honey. That was the best Christmas dinner I’ve ever had– Apart from your
Christmas dinners of course, mom.
DORIS
Well, that goes without saying. But it really was… decent, Adele. Stuffing was a bit saltier
than when I make it– Not being critical, just a friendly observation. You only need a
pinch of salt next time.
ADELE
I only put a pinch–
DORIS
Ah well, perhaps for you a pinch is larger. I’ve always had dainty little hands, and with
your big sausage fingers–
ADELE
My what–
STANLEY
I thought the stuffing was perfect. More champagne, honey?
Adele polishes off her current glass and holds it out to
Stanley for more.
DORIS
Well, I guess that answers my question about whether or not you’re pregnant.
ADELE
(Regarding the Champagne) Fill it to the top– (Then) Nope! Still not pregnant.
DORIS
That’s not good. It’s not your eggs, is it Adele? I would hate to think my Stanley hitched
his horse to an empty wagon.
STANLEY
Mom, please– Let’s change the subject–
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Join us on for the next Monday Night Playground on January 10th! For more info, click here!