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Johnny Rainbow Act 1.
A Musical Drama by Glen River

About the Play In every culture stories of magic center on a hero who faces the powers of creation. His success earns his tribe a continued place in the future. As the American spiritual crisis becomes more evident, so the need for the magic necessary to heal the tribe rises to the surface. This is a story of that magic.

Johnny Rainbow Scene 1

Trickster: Welcome to my tapestry. My web is the vessel for your consciousness. My task is the illusion of your aloneness. My goal is the Sovereign state of your responsibility, of, for, and to yourselves. My gift is a mirror cloaked in dreams.

(The Trickster holds a mask on a rod. One side is a mirror, the other a painted mask. The mirror is only briefly flashed when spoken of. These voices should appear to come from the Trickster.)

(Male Profound Voice On Tape) In the process of each individual life the full journey of evolution unfolds. So here tonight a part of that passage is captured in the drama of a few lives in their quest to discover the truth of our existence. This mystery which has eluded science, inspired poets, and herded millions into belief systems professing knowledge of the meaning of life, occupied the imagination of our hero, Johnny Rainbow.

(Female Profound Voice On Tape) Johnny is the lead singer, songwriter and inspiration of a rock band called “Path.” They are on their way to recognition, but industry professionals are worried about his maverick reputation. It is said he is guided by what he calls spirit.

(Business Man's Voice On Tape) The band never plays any of their songs the same way twice. They cancel performances if they don't feel right. Many of their performances are free concerts. As a business investment, they are risky.

(Child's Voice On Tape) ETHERA is Johnny's spirit guide. She warns him when danger approaches. She leads him to places where spirits dwell. She commends him to the Muse. She shows him love. She teaches him ... “The Savage Art.”

(Johnny & band enter towing equipment and instruments past Velvet. Orlando watches as Velvet walks away. From stage right, an excited girl, Susie who sings harmony, runs over to Johnny jumping into a hug.

Susie: Johnny!, Johnny! You made the cover of Scream Magazine!

Bobby (the Bass man) laughs: Scream! That's a cheap rag.

Orlando: Ya, that's low tide.

(Susie playful mock vamp)

Susie: Oh boys, don't you want the girls to think your cool? Don't you want all the other guys to wish they could be cool too? Don't you want'a live on easy street? Tell me the truth Bobby. Don't you want success just a little... ?

Bobby: Yeah, I could buy my Mama a pink Cadillac, or a new house in Jersey.

Orlando: I could buy my girlfriend a diamond ring, or I could buy Lola!

The Band: Eeowue.. Oh man! Get a life! Really!

Silver: Let's sing it. Count us in Joe.

( Song 1.: Easy Street ... Joe drums on a guitar case & sticks, Bobby plugs in his bass to a mini amp. Johnny picks up his acoustic guitar.)

Susie: Did you hear, Johnny? They called you our fearless “ladder.” Our ladder to success.

Silver: What sayith the Intellectual? Words man?

Joe: The machinery of this age is set at seducing our senses at the expense of our esthetic virtue.

Bobby: Hey Silver, what did he say?

Silver: He said, screw em!

Bobby: That's what I thought he said. Ya, ... screw em!

Silver: See you later Johnny.

(all but Johnny leave)

Johnny to audience: My friends joke about their fate. All their lives they have been bombarded by a multi billion dollar industry dedicated to convincing them that their self-worth is measured by their ability to spend. Still, I tell them that money can't be a priority for our music, and they not only believe me, they agree with me. So we are guided by spirit. My educator to the understanding of spirit is ETHERA. She has taught me that the universe can heal by simply being in harmony with it. Sometimes the band and I poke a little fun at the world and sometimes we just try to express the harmony of spirit.

(Spot on Johnny goes dark, spot opens on poker game other side of stage)

Scene 2: The Poker Game

Nathan: I've seen better cards at a girl scout taffy pull.

(He throws down his hand.)

Drench: You've never been to a taffy pull in your life.

Billy: If words were cards Nathan, you'd be a rich man.

Nathan: I hear the only one who isn't under Boss D's thumb is Johnny Rainbow.

Cid: Ya, and we all know why Boss D's boys leave him alone, don't we Billy?

Drench: This thing with Johnny, ... about the spirits... I've seen spooky things. OK, so there is stuff beyond the visible world, but what can he really do? Cid: It's true he can do things. I mean heal people. I've seen it. Personally, I don't get it. He says it's vibrations.

Nathan: I saw him break up a fight once, too. Vibrations. He did what he calls a power trance. He rolled out a big alpha wave. The guys who were at it suddenly stopped. They looked sort of embarrassed, like they'd been caught doing something stupid. They laughed it off and walked away.

Drench: So if he has this power, how come he isn't running things?

Billy: Ya, Johnny running things. How come you do whatever the maître d' tells you to do?

Nathan: Cause if I don't, Boss D will send Jack to put a bullet in my head.

Billy: That's why Johnny Rainbow don't run things.

Nathan: Where's Lou tonight?

Cid: I don't think we'll be seeing Lou around any more.

Billy: They say Flash-eyed Jack left his tracks next to a few drops of blood. Drench: Louie got behind in his payments to Boss D.

Nathan: Cheez! This is getting bad.

Drench: What do Ya stick up for that mutton headed songbird for? Ya know your stickin yer neck out.

Cid: Drench's right. Boss D'll send Jack out after you one of these days.

Nathan: Johnny and his music are the best thing that ever happened to this town. You know that, Billy.

Billy: Do you really think Jack is going to come out after little ole Billy Diamond? (Billy taps his lapel) Now Jack is a cold-blooded killer, but he isn't a fool. Lets give the Devil his due.

Cid: All right, Billy. Everyone knows your the most dangerous man in town. But why do you back up Johnny Rainbow? There's no money in it for you.

Billy: Look at us. We're all a bunch of parasites. Nathan you run your numbers, Drench runs her girls, Cid runs his drugs, and we all give a cut to Boss D. 'cause he runs the town. Johnny Rainbow's something else. He's not running anything. He's trying to be part of something, I don't know what it is, but I know it's good for all of us.

(Billy shows his cards)

Billy: Read them and weep. The exalted lady smiles again.

(Aces & Queens)

Drench: Cheez, Billy, you may own this town yet.

(Villain signature music... From the other side of the stage a following spot opens on Jack, as he speaks. He approaches the poker table.)

Jack: Own this town? Everyone knows Boss D owns this town.

(Billy boldly stands with his right hand just under his lapel.)

Billy: Mr. Flash-eyed Jack. Out on an errand for your boss? Or are you just out to see how free people waste their lives.

Jack: What's the game?

Drench: Game's over.

(Drench & Cid scoop up the cards in the tablecloth, pick up the table and leave.)

Scene 3

Billy: Interested in a game of chance, Jack?

Jack: Why, Billy Diamond do I detect a note of hostility in your voice? Is that any way for a brother to act? I don't take chances, you know that. Billy: Brother? We're no brothers.

Jack: Brothers of a kind.

Billy: Do you happen think that because we both have a pile of dead bodies, that makes us brothers?

Jack: I do.

Billy: You're wrong Jack. My pile of dead bodies is better than yours. Mine all earned it. Yours just happened to be in the way.

Jack: You're quibbling over details. Whatever I am, I'm no hypocrite, So shake my hand Billy and we'll be friends.

Billy: It's true you're no hypocrite, and I believe your word is good... But I won't shake your hand, Jack, 'cause I don't know what you've been learning to do with your left hand lately. But take this.

(Billy tosses a wad of bills Jack catches it.)

Jack: What's this?

Billy: My contribution to your pension fund. I hear you may be out of a job soon.

Jack: You heard wrong. But thanks for the donation. Here's a tip for you. Tell your friend Johnny Rainbow to get out of town. The Boss won't sit tight forever.

Billy: So long, Jack.

Jack: So long, Billy.

(They each back away from each other till off stage.)

Scene 4

Orlando: If I could just get my girlfriend to ...

Girls: Orlando!

Rita: He keeps trying to tell us about things he wants his girlfriend to do for him,

Girls together: And we don't want to hear it.

Rita: One things for sure... he really loves her.

Silver: So tell us, Orlando, what do they say about love?

Orlando: They say that love is a sweet song which fills the heart with joy. To be with the one you love... that is the joy which can truly set you free.

Susie: So Orlando, has love really set you free?

Orlando: Yes!

SONG 2.: “They Say That Love”

(The girls chase off Orlando so they can talk)

Rita: Can you believe that Orlando? Susie: He's horny all right!

Rita: If he wasn't in the band I'd let him park his shoes under my bed.

(Silver & Susie give her a look of disapproval.)

Rita: Oh come on, he's a fox!

(They all giggle.)

Susie: All right, what do you want in a man?

Silver: Sex. I can get everything else from women.

Rita: You could get that from women, too, if you weren't so fussy.

Susie: I'm tired of playing the mindless songbird. I want a man who's my equal. I want to stand shoulder to shoulder with a partner I can be proud of. For a man like that, who could inspire my true passion for life, I'd trade passion for passion and give my best to him.

Rita: Your best sex?

Susie: My best everything.

Silver: Oh, you make me tired. Men are just toys. Play with them! For pity's sake lighten up. You'll give yourself a hernia.

Rita: Have you never been in love?

Silver: Love! What is love? A summer rain. Sensation which overcomes your reason. Flush with feelings in confused collision, it makes stammering fools of us. Soon the light of day shines on us and love evaporates. It's a madness we indulge for the ecstasy of sensation. Lets be honest. The electrochemical surge we feel is biology. Then, like a tail on a donkey we pin it on some passerby and go mooning after them like our life depended on it. Give me a break. I'll take my boy toy.

Susie: You're going to fall hard.

Rita: Sometimes, girls, I feel like a man is trapped in my body.

Susie: Creeps!

Silver: That might not be so bad. Then you could make love with yourself. That would solve everything.

(They all laugh)

Susie: Now that we've solved our love life, all we have to do is figure out how to save Johnny from Boss D.

Rita: Ya. Boss D acts like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, but he frightens me.

Silver: He should.. He's a homicidal sociopath with an obsession for controlling everything. Sooner I think, rather than later he'll snap. I'd rather not be around when that happens.

(They walk off stage talking)

Scene 5

(Open spot on Boss D accompanied by desk on rollers pushed by Lola with two bodyguards. Follow opening more illumination to center stage.)

Boss D: “I am the monarch of the sea” I love that. It reminds me of myself.

I am, after all, a ruler of sorts. A leader responsible for the well-being of so many.

(Phone rings)

Get that turkey off the street! And teach him a lesson he won't forget. This town used to be in sorry shape before I took over. There were vagrants, random crime, it was pure chaos. Jack had a little gang, but really nothing to speak of. He had guns.

(Boss D holds up an envelope filled with cash, he playfully slaps Lola with it.)

This is the power, not guns. I know how to use this power. The politicians! They are great guys. We have the best government that money can buy. And the cops, I own them, too. Ha, ha! I own everybody!

Fido: Except Johnny Rainbow.

(Boss D scowls at Fido, then turns back to the audience with a smile)

Now, Johnny Rainbow is a fine fellow. Talent that just won't quit. But boys like Johnny need to learn the meaning of discipline. We can't have chaos, that would lead to anarchy.

Fido: Anarchy?

Boss D: Yes Fideo, anarchy. That's when nothing is organized. It's very bad. That's when people are at their worst. Now that! would be uncivilized. So you see for the sake of civilization... Johnny must conform.

Fido: Ya, Boss, conform.

SONG 3.: “Conformity “

Boss D: So, here's the plan. We'll have a concert! Johnny won't be able to resist that. Go on Fido. You go see to the arrangements. I'll see to a few special arrangements of my own.

(Fido exits, Boss D waves over one of his bodyguards.)

Boss D: Get together a few of the boys. After the concert you grab Johnny Rainbow. We're going to teach that crooner the meaning of conformity.

Scene 6 : Velvet

(Red Velvet is a man with a deep voice who happens to enjoy the appearance of a desirable woman. She stands by a lamp post.)

Velvet: What are you up to, Fido?

Fido: I'm not up to anything. I work for Boss D. I only get down to things.

Velvet: O.K. then, what are you down to then, Fido?

Fido: The Boss want's an event. He's putting up big rewards as part of a Battle of the Bands.

Velvet: So what's getting down about that?

Fido: It's a setup!

Velvet: I see. Well if Boss D's in it, it got to be dirty.

Fido: Ya, down and dirty. He's trying to grab that Rainbow guy so he'll have to play ball.

Velvet: Johnny Rainbow won't play ball.

Fido: Ya, that's what I've heard. Too bad.

(Fido shuffles off)

Velvet: The drudgery of this town could drive anyone crazy. The Boss says earn more, spend more... Johnny says love is forever.

SONG 4.: “Crazy”

(as song is being sung Rita comes along joining in.)

Rita: That was pretty good, Velvet. I didn't know you could sing.

Velvet: Oh, most people can sing. Finding the courage to do it, that's the hard part. Johnny's teaching all of us to sing.

Rita: Cool.

Velvet: I'm glad you came along. There's something you should know about.

(They walk off together)

Velvet: I was just talking to Fido....

Scene 7

Johnny: Ethera, are you here?

(Voices of ETHERA)

(Johnny spreads his arms, spot from above showers him in light. Past Life song mixes with voices of ETHERA)

ETHERA: Your dream's a part of the journey. Your music will light the path. Your love is a doorway for spirit.

(Light and music fade, Billy Diamond enters, aping Johnny calling ETHERA)

Billy: Ho Johnny! ... Johnny, are you there? Talking to the spirits again huh?

Johnny: Ya, at it again.

(Johnny laughs pulling out his hand in the shape of a gun.)

Billy: Well spirit this!

(Billy lunges at Johnny with a knife. Johnny skillfully flips Billy over his shoulder disarming him. As Billy is getting up Johnny flips the knife over and hands it back to Billy.)

Billy: Not bad, spirit man. You could have been one tough hombre. Together we could have conquered the world.

Johnny: The world doesn't need to be conquered again, ...It needs to be saved.

Billy: I've been hearing rumblings that your ass is what needs saving. You better take your show on the road for awhile.

Johnny: I'm not afraid of Boss D.

Billy: I know that Johnny. That's the trouble. Everyone knows that. What you are lacking isn't courage, it's respect.

Johnny: You're telling me I should respect Boss D?

Billy: No, of course not. Respect the damage he can do. Don't let him do it.

Johnny: Your asking me to run.

Billy: I'm asking you to win. A lot of people who believe in love and don't want to live in fear are influenced by you. You won't do anyone any good if you let Boss D's greed put you in a pine box. I'm telling you it's coming. You better get ready for a fight.

Johnny: Look Billy, I'm not a fighter. I don't want to be a fighter. This Tae Kwon Do you've been showing me,... it's just dance to me. I just want to learn the spiritual healing. Not the ways of destruction.

Billy: I didn't learn how to fight for fun. It's not sport and I don't recommend it to anyone, but I believe in it, just as you believe in your spirits. You believe that through the spirits you can change the world. May be you can. I 'm not asking you to take up the gun.

Johnny: What then?

Billy: First of all, tell me about the warrior spirit ETHERA introduced you to.

Johnny: The Immaculate Warrior?

Billy: Right. And why was it you gave back the gifts of power?

Johnny: It was a drug which clouded my perception. I chose to see clearly at the price of remaining vulnerable. Everything has its price.

Billy: Then Boss D's insulated by his power and doesn't see things so clearly?

Johnny: He suffers from major delusion. No one is as weak or as corrupt as he believes. He has failed the warriors creed. He is not brave. He strikes at possible enemies out of fear.

Billy: And why did the Warrior offer you the power?

Johnny: He thought I might be worthy.

Billy: You are. You were never meant to accept it. The gift of the warrior was never a gift; it was a test. This is your savage art. Facing these powers of creation and remaining worthy.

Johnny: What are you suggesting, Billy?

Billy: You'll do your healing. But first, you'll stay alive. This is my idea.

(They walk off together talking)

Scene 8

(Andorra comes out of hiding)

Andorra : Did you see that! That man is everything I've ever hoped for. Who is he?

Rita: That's Johnny Rainbow.

Andorra : I'm in love! I want him.

(Andorra walks off calling Johnny)

Silver: She's in love! She wants him! She's a Hoochie Coochie if I've ever seen one.

Rita: When I feel something, it threatens to explode inside of me. So, I must tell about it.

Susie: What are you talking about?

Rita: Hoochie Coochie.

Silver: You're feeling your Hoochie Coochie?

Rita: Ya ... I'm feeling brave and it makes me want to sing.

Silver: Then sing it girl!

SONG 5.: “Hoochie Coochie”

Susie: Don't worry, your man will come along.

Scene 9

Boss D: “I am the Monarch of the” ... world! Remember hearing about that brief rebellion in the 60's. They claimed that property was a crime! Now we know better. Poverty is the traitor in our society. The poor should be put in jail. Hard-working crooks should be respected. OK, they can't play by the rules, but they are part of the working class. We are a nation of consumers. I am a faithful servant! I am the maître d'. I make sure the loyal consumers are cared for. I am the unsung hero of our age.

(Fido comes in Boss D is momentarily distracted)

Boss D: I heard about you shooting off your mouth to Red Velvet. Are you an idiot?

Fido: I'm sorry, Boss.

Boss D: It doesn't matter. It won't change a thing.

Fido: I .. I wasn't thinking.

Boss D: That's the understatement of the century! Now if I were Monarch of the World. There would be no more war or strife. That would be bad for business. Everyone would get along. Everyone would conform.

Fido: Would Johnny Rainbow conform?

Boss D: Get out of my sight, you incompetent idiot.

(Boss D chases Fido off stage)

Scene 10

Trickster: Everyone knows that things are wrong. The needs which seemed so real to each individual at the time, have driven the community into indentured servitude of one kind or another.

(Woman's voice from Trickster) Everyone had mouths to feed, families to care for. What's a little corruption between friends?

(Business-man's voice) Lofty ideals are a great thing when you've got a good job and lots of security.

(Child's voice) Johnny has reminded everyone of all the good things they let slip away in their hurry to grab a piece of the pie.

(Boss D's voice) The one town official who perceived the problem was assassinated by his own men. There's always work for guys like Jack. Bullying a few cowards is easy.

(Child's voice) No one is sure of what to do. They say the town needs a hero.

SONG 6.: “Hero”

Scene 11: Agent

Trickster: Not everyone can be a hero, but that's what Johnny Rainbow wants.Someone who sees a more practical side to things is the band's agent. What he sees is trouble brewing.

Agent: Johnny, think what you're doing here. You can't sing “Crossroads” and “Beggars” at the concert.

Johnny: Those are the only songs I can sing at the concert.

Agent: This is Boss D's concert, and you're going to sing, “everyone's a wage slave, and the Boss he don't care”? Johnny! You're going to sing, “You'll find profit in injustice, trickery and hate, stupidity in govern ment?” Johnny what do you think you're doing. You can't sing this song. Not at Boss D's concert.

Johnny: “Truth is beauty” and you know as well as I do that this town needs beauty in the worst way.

Agent: I won't argue that but this will tip him over. He'll hire a hundred guys with guns and Billy Diamond won't be able to stop them.

Johnny: Billy understands, so does the band. More to the point, I think the people of the town are beginning to understand. You can't have a society for the people unless it's by the people. They have to face their responsibility. They have to face the music. We all do.

Agent: Ok then, I see you've made up your mind. Just remember this. Boss D's a lot quicker out of the gate than the people. You better find a place to hide.

Scene 12 : Poker

Velvet: Boss D's crime isn't ruling the underworld, its injustice.

Drench: I didn't hear that!

Nathan: You've been winning big lately Billy. You going ta open up a casino?

Billy: No, just pay off a few debts.

Velvet: Fido says the concert is a set up to trap Johnny Rainbow.

Drench: I didn't hear that!

Cid: Think I'll fold.

Nathan: I'm done too.

Drench: Game's over.

(They clear away the table in the usual way.)

Scene 13

Billy: This is Johnny's ticket out.

(He places a compressed air tank with mouthpiece in the equipment case.)

Silver: Gotcha!

Billy: When it's all clear, one of my messengers will bring the news. The messenger will carry Boss D's cane.

Silver: Cheez! ... You better be careful. Boss D will have his guard up.

Billy: It's worth the gamble. After all, all of life is a gamble. We are all just dice rolled across the table of our fate.

Silver: I don't approve of you. Especially your methods. But if you get through this in one piece, you'll have more friends than you ever imagined possible.

Billy: A kind word from the Queen of Romance. I am mpressed.

(Silver rolls off with the case, Billy heads off in another direction.)

Scene14 : The Concert:

(Center stage is a platform for the band. In front a mike stand for the Master of Ceremonies, The Trickster, stage right is a box with the poker group, stage left a box with Boss D's group.)

Master of Ceremonies : Whom you all know and love,

Path!!!

SONG: 7. “Crossroads”

(At the words “everyone's a wage slave & the Boss he don't care,” Boss D grimaces, glances at his guards and puts on a strained smile)

SONG 8: “Beggars”

Scene 15 : Leaving the concert

(From the stage door, Boss D and his entourage come out. He speaks to two of his men who are staying behind.)

Boss D: You boys stay here and grab Johnny when he comes out. I want that guy tonight.

(After Boss D departs Billy comes out. While he talks to the boys, Velvet, disguised as a roady, rolls out a pile of equipment.)

Billy: Hi, boys. What are you hanging around here for?

Guard: Oh, we're just waiting for Fido. I think he got lost again. He should be along soon.

Billy: OK, guys. Have a good night.

(Billy strolls off)

Guard: When will the band be coming out?

Velvet: Soon as they finish their backstage party.

Guard: You're not staying for the party?

Velvet: No. I'm just a working guy. No party for me.

Guard: Ya, we understand. No party for the working guys.

Trickster: Our evolution has unfolded to this crossroads and now fate will bring our story into a magical place. While I am an agent of spirit, in the Enchanted Forest others rule. ETHERA will be your guide. Take your rest. When we return, my web will be unraveled and all questions will be answered.

END of Part 1.

INTERMISSION

Synopsis of Act 2.

The Enchanted Forrest

Fleeing the wrath of Boss D, the band takes refuge in the Enchanted Forest. Here strange music, visions and dreams flood the senses. Guided by the voices of ETHERA, our voyagers discover new ways of perceiving creation. Meanwhile, in town the struggle for supremacy takes an unexpected turn. The death of Boss D creates a void which must be filled by another Boss. Back in the Enchanted Forest more arrivals from town stumble into enlightened perceptions. The ambitions of human weakness collide with the fate spirit has devised for evolution.

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