The Wolf: A Rock Opera

ACT I

1-A

EXT. CITYSCAPE – DAY

The STAGE IS BLACK.

CUE “VICTORY STRIKES AGAIN”. The song is an extended version to last the entirety of the opening scene. “VICTORY STRIKES AGAIN” is essentially the theme of the working class, the laborers, from all walks of life, upper, middle, and lower.

At the FIRST GUITAR ENTRY part of the song, the LIGHTS COME ON behind a LARGE SCREEN CURTAIN. The LIGHT IS NOT HARSH BRIGHT LIGHTING BUT A SOMBER BLUE AND SOFT WHITE. We can SEE the shadows of many different people.

The CURTAIN GOES UP and we see the figures working away at their jobs on separate platforms, breaking them from one another. DOWN STAGE LEFT is a carpenter and just behind him is a street construction worker. From there we see a cop, a fireman, a doctor, a lumberjack, a businessman, and a teacher.

Walking among the workers is ANDREW. He has long black hair, a dirty white t-shirt, stained jeans, and cut up shoes. He walks through and among the workers, and the stage becomes more alive with the energy of all the professions that he passes, as if it is this stranger that feeds them their energy. However the actors can’t see Andrew, just sense his presence, but this is enough to swell in them their fight for survival.

CHORUS

This is why we are alive.

The LIGHTS FLASH HARD WHITE AND RED, alive and awake with the music, and the actors react to the light and become more and more animated on their platforms, as the chorus comes in with loud ambition.

CHORUS

We all live like we are going to die

AHH

We are here, we are high

And this is why we love to live our lives.

The LIGHTS GO OFF except the BLUE BLACK LIGHTING, silhouetting the people, now frozen in space, just as the CURTAIN SCREEN GOES DOWN. Andrew is in the middle of them all and he is lit separately by a RED LIGHT. His shadow appears huge over all the others. The STAGE GOES BLACK and the CURTAIN CLOSES.

2-A

EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT

At DOWNSTAGE RIGHT, the LIGHTS ARE GOING ON AND OFF, and the BRIGHT REDS AND BLUES are distracting, but mesmerizing. People crowd the streets, coming in and out of bars and clubs, up and down the alleys, all seemingly having a loud/good time. They are a constant flow of all races and sexes and everything, dressed up to the nines, in suits and dresses and shiny clothes. There is a bustling and hurried feel to the crowd. STAGE LEFT is dark.

From DOWNSTAGE RIGHT we SEE Andrew in his same attire from the previous scene and carrying a large bag. He walks alone, in a daze, confused and lost, bumping his way along the street, accidentally running into the unforgiving mass of people. The lights flash and reflect and dance, causing him to fall and trip even more. The man is a divine vagabond among earthly nobles. The people he passes say rude and demeaning comments about the wanderer’s appearance, he is a travesty to their perfect world. He asks a man in a gold sequined shirt.

ANDREW

Excuse me, but do you know where the Buttery Bee is?

The man looks at him and moves on. Andrew then asks another, a girl in a tight leather outfit and bright hair.

ANDREW

Do you know where the Buttery Bee is?

She responds with a laugh and keeps moving just as he runs into one other man coming down from an alley.

ANDREW

Have you heard of the Buttery Bee? It’s a hostel in this area. I’m looking for it?

The man continues on without even glancing at him. Andrew watches the crowd move and wave among themselves as he walks backwards and UPSTAGE. He bumps into a wall and the LIGHTS GO ON the door of a place that reads in bright yellow and black letters, “THE BUTTERY BEE”. Andrew’s face lights up and he ventures in slowly.

When the door opens the LIGHTS GO OFF ON DOWNSTAGE RIGHT and the LIGHTS GO ON UPSTAGE AND STAGE LEFT.

3-A

INT. THE BUTTERY BEE – NIGHT

The inside is laid out with a large circle booth looking table in the main room, DOWN CENTER STAGE. UPSTAGE is a bar/counter with a hotel like mailbox system behind it, but several taps that can be seen as well. JACK, an older man, balding, but with a strong and thick black haired beard and a horseshoe haircut, stands behind the bar. He’s dressed in a collared shirt, button up, and suspenders.

Further STAGE LEFT the LIGHTS ARE DIM, but we can see stairs that lead up to a second level that we can also see. The platform leads to one BEDROOM upstairs that has two bunk beds in it and a desk. In one of the beds we can see two bodies. Below this room is another room with the same exact layout. The rest of the main room has a couple couches and tables that fill it. There are many people moving about, to and from tables and couches, but it’s less frantic. The people are dressed in a more hippie/green party/ backpacker look, so Andrew still stands out quite obviously. Some of the people notice him but there aren’t any discriminatory glances, just curiosity.

Andrew walks to the check in desk/bar.

JACK

What can I do for you stranger?

ANDREW

I need a room.

JACK

Hmmm, well lets see what we have.

Jack turns and looks at a wall of the keys hanging behind him. After a moments glance, he grabs a set and turns to Andrew.

JACK

You’re in luck guy. You’ve got a bed on the second floor, it doesn’t drown out all the noise, but it helps.

ANDREW

Thanks.

Andrew takes the key and puts it in his pocket.

JACK

How will you be paying?

ANDREW

Cash.

JACK

Good, because that’s all we take.

Jack laughs at his own little joke and Andrew smiles as he hands him some bills.

ANDREW

I’ll pay for the month.

Jack takes the money from Andrew and counts it.

JACK

Great to have you stranger, your room is just up the stairs on your right. You’ve got three roommates so introduce yourself. I don’t like to have any problems around here.

ANDREW

You won’t.

JACK

Good. My name’s Jack, I’m in charge. When you get unpacked come back down and I’ll fix you a drink, my special, on the house.

ANDREW

Thanks, I will.

Andrew turns and heads towards the stairwell, passing by a group of people at their table. They wave to him and he waves backs as he continues to the stairs and his room. The LIGHTS GO ON over the stairwell and DIM over the main area.

When Andrew gets to the top he KNOCKS on the door. There is no answer in the DIMLY LIT room, though we can see two bodies moving around on the bed furiously, the covers are jostling and there is a lot of moaning. Andrew stands for a moment longer and then walks in. The LIGHTS GO ON in the bedroom causing RAUL and TILA to look up to see a stunned Andrew in the doorway looking back at them. They don’t pay him any mind and go back to having sex.

ANDREW

Oh, I’m sorry.

Andrew throws his bags towards the empty bunk, closes the door, the LIGHTS GO OFF in the bedroom, and Andrew turns back to the stairwell, running into CAMERAON who is coming up them. Cameron is a twenty something hippy of guy. He wears an oversized afghan style sweatshirt, baggy corduroys, and sandals. His hair is about shoulder length, a perfect golden wave.

CAMERON

Hey man, where’s the fire?

ANDREW

Oh, no fire. Just two people really going at it in there.

CAMERAON

(laughing)

Yeah, that’s just Raul and Tila, they screw like rabbits.

Andrew doesn’t respond except for a weak laugh.

CAMERON

So I guess you’re in there as well.

ANDREW

Yeah, I just got here.

CAMERON

Great man, I got my bed in there too, but as a precautionary measure I’m not in there very often cuz Raul and Tila sort of have a monopoly on the place.

ANDREW

Where do you sleep then?

CAMERON

Around. Different rooms... (nudging Andrew)

... different women.

Cameron laughs at his own comment and Andrew gives him a reassuring smile.

CAMERON

Well man, what do you say we head downstairs and get a couple drinks? I don’t foresee you getting to bed anytime soon.

ANDREW

I don’t know. I’ve just traveled a long way, I’d like to just get some rest.

CAMERON

Then a couple drinks will make sleep even more welcoming tonight.

ANDREW

Might as well.

Cameron gives Andrew a firm slap on the back.

CAMERON

Great man, you won’t regret it. My name’s Cameron by the way.

Cameron extends his hand and Andrew’s meets it.

ANDREW

Andrew.

Cameron leads the way down the stairs, the LIGHTS GO ON in the main room when they reach the bottom of the stairs. They walk towards the bar.

JACK

Back for my special already?

ANDREW

Looks like.

CAMERON

Make that two.

JACK

Cameron you too? What happened to a “taking a couple days off from drinking”?

CAMERON

I don’t have much of a choice. I have to show my new roommate a good first night, don’t I?

JACK

If you say so.

Jack turns and after a few moments returns with two drinks for Andrew and Cameron. They take the drinks.

ANDREW

Thanks.

CAMERON

Put it on my tab.

Jack just nods as Andrew and Cameron walk to the main circle booth at CENTER STAGE and take a seat. On the way, Cameron waves and shakes hands with several people.

CAMERON

So what brings you here Andrew?

ANDREW

I’ve just been traveling for so long, I needed to finally stop so I can get my experiences onto paper.

CAMERON

Ahh man, that’s great, a journey of enlightenment type thing then?

ANDREW

Of sorts I guess, mostly just a journey so far.

Cameron gets a kick out of this comment and laughs aloud.

CAMERON

Naw man, everything everywhere is enlightenment man, even if you didn’t think so while traveling, it was a learning experience man.

ANDREW

I hope you’re right.

CAMERON

I am, I know I am, and you came to the right place man, you came to the perfect place to be a writer. Shit Andrew, I’m a writer too.

ANDREW

Really?

CAMERON

Oh man, totally.

ANDREW

That’s great to hear.

CAMERON

It’s the best here man, the best. You drink all day and screw all night and just party it up.

ANDREW

So when do you find time to write.

CAMERON

To write? Don’t worry so much roomy, there’s always time to write, but you’ve got to get your priorities straight... hey.

Cameron raises his glass to Andrew.

CAMERON

... bottoms up man.

Cameron clings his glass to Andrew’s and then drinks his beverage down, so Andrew does likewise.

CAMERON

How ‘bout another one brother?

ANDREW

Might as well.

CAMERON

Alright, now you’re acting like a writer Andrew. I’ll be right back.

Cameron gets up and runs into a group of people as he does.

CAMERON

Guys, guys, guys, hold up, I gotta introduce you to my new roomy.

The group stops and is made up of three girls and two guys. LINA, the girl with short dark hair and dark skin with solid colored clothing, stands out from the others as they wear several shades of green, blue, yellow, and plaid. She approaches Andrew first.

LINA

How’s it going, I’m Lina.

Andrew stands up.

ANDREW

Hi Lina, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Andrew.

Cameron walks to the bar to get drinks and Lina takes the liberty of introducing everybody from the group to Andrew.

LINA

And this is Sandra.

The second girl, nearest to Lina, steps up and shakes his hand.

SANDRA

Welcome to the Buttery Bee Andrew.

Sandra then takes both of Andrew’s hands into her own.

SANDRA

You’ve traveled far haven’t you?

ANDREW

(laughing)

Yeah, quite a ways as a matter a fact.

SANDRA

I can tell. Now you can rest and have a good time Andrew.

ANDREW

Thanks.

LINA

And this is Azi.

Azi, the third girl in the arms of one of the men nods to Andrew.

AZI

Nice to meet you Andrew, you’re going to have a blast here, I know it.

ANDREW

So I’m told.

Then the man with Azi steps up in a kind manner.

SAUL

I’m Saul.

Saul and Andrew shake hands.

SAUL

And this is Lars.

LARS

Welcome Andrew.

ANDREW

Thanks.

LINA

Will you be here long?

ANDREW

Don’t really know, I guess I’ll just see how everything turns out. Day to day.

LINA
Day to day.

They all stand silent as Lina and Andrew share an obvious connection, which Cameron breaks as he barrels through the group with drinks, handing them to everyone.

CAMERON

Sorry to run off on you buddy, but I ain’t gonna get drunk staring into an empty glass now am I.

ANDREW

That’s alright, Lina here introduced me to everyone.

Cameron throws an arm around Lina.

CAMERON

Oh did you now Lina, what a nice little hostess.

Lina playfully pushes Cameron off.

ANDREW

Well sit down everyone, join us if you aren’t busy.

The whole group sits down except Lars.

LARS

Sorry guys, I’d love to but—

AZI, SAUL, SANDRA, LINA, CAMERON

You have to meet with Travis!!

They all laugh.

LARS

You got it. I’ll seeya when I get back.

LINA
So Andrew did you come here for something, it seems everyone ends up at the Buttery Bee for something.

ANDREW

I’m not sure it’s an exact something, but I’d like to start writing down all that I’ve experienced in my travels into an opera.

The group is somewhat amazed.

LINA

An opera? Wow that’s really ambitious.

ANDREW

No, it’s not anything yet, but I’m hoping a month or so here will change that.

LINA

So you will be here a month?

ANDREW

Yeah, I guess so.

CAMERON

An opera? An opera? You’re serious? What the hell are you gonna do with an opera man? Film is the present man, film is the future, what’s the use of fat women in wigs anymore.

Andrew doesn’t have much to say to that and everyone kind of feels awkward after Cameron’s rude comment.

LINA

Well I think it’s a great idea Andrew.

SANDRA

Yeah Andrew, sounds really amazing.

The group nods in agreement.

SAUL

So do you have some ideas of what you’re going to write the opera about?

ANDREW
Just in general, but nothing concrete. That’s why I’m here ultimately, to figure that question out. What about you guys, what are all of you here for?

Cameron jumps on the question first.

CAMERON

Well I’m a writer too man, I’m writing a screenplay right now. I’ve written several but I can’t stop writing, I just have to keep writing man. Like this latest one is about a group of twenty somethings that lose a huge amount of money to this drug dealer and they only have two days to pay it off. It’s very dialogue heavy, most of my stuff is though, that’s just how I write. The thing about my writing is—

Saul cuts Cameron off as if to show that he and everyone at the table have heard more than enough about Cameron’s writing.

SAUL

We’re all here to find ourselves.

CUE “LONG LIVE THE PARTY”.

SAUL

Some of us are further than others. Some of us have only a tiny bit to go.

ANDREW
And how far are you Saul?

SAUL

I have a long ways to go.

PIANO part of “LONG LIVE THE PARTY”

AZI

Oh you’re always saying that. Andrew, don’t listen to him, he’s found all he needs right here, haven’t you?

Saul and Azi kiss lovingly and Andrew admires this from across the table.

The first HARD GUITAR sounds in “LONG LIVE THE PARTY”

LINA

I’d really like to hear more about your travels and your opera Andrew.

Cameron jumps up in his seat.

CAMERON

I’m sure we’d all love to hear about Andrew’s travels Lina, but you know what? We’ve had enough time to relax, we’ve had enough to time to talk, now... now its time to party!

Cameron jumps up on the table just as the FAST GUITAR part comes in on “LONG LIVE THE PARTY”

Everyone smiles and drinks down their beverages and jumps up as well. Andrew is not sure how to react as the bodies of his new friends as well as everyone from the entire room begin running around in a hurried panic, living. Cameron starts singing the song from atop the table to Andrew and everyone else.

CAMERON

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

You cannot kill the party

CHORUS

You cannot kill the party

CAMERON

You cannot kill the party

CHORUS

Long live the party

Cameron jumps from the table to join the chorus so that Saul takes over the lead for the next verse, singing to the group and Andrew at the table.

SAUL

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

CHORUS

You cannot kill the party

SAUL/CAMERON

Cannot kill the party

CHORUS

Cannot kill the party

SAUL/CAMERON

Cannot kill the party

EVERYONE (minus Andrew)

Long live the party

Saul then steps forward to Andrew.

SAUL

Do you care what you are?

Lina, Azi, and Sandra, then step forward.

LINA, AZI, SANDRA

Where’s your pride?

EVERYONE (minus Andrew)

We don’t know

but we don’t wonder why

The whole group, led by Lina, takes Andrew from his seat and pulls him within the group, dragging him along with their dancing and running about. He folds and is taken, but still is somewhat overwhelmed by the situation, still not singing.

CHORUS

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

The left side of the chorus now sings to the right and the right in response to the left.

RIGHT CHORUS

You cannot kill the party

LEFT CHORUS

You cannot kill the party

RIGHT CHORUS

You cannot kill the party

CHORUS

Long live the party.

Andrew is now in the middle of them all, looking back and forth to the singing group.

CHORUS

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

I want to have a party

RIGHT CHORUS

You cannot kill the party

LEFT CHORUS

You cannot kill the party

RIGHT CHORUS

You cannot kill the party

CHORUS

Long live the party.

Andrew is all smiles now, along with the group, but still seems somewhat weary and takes a seat again. The group doesn’t notice him sit and continues with a triumphant yell.

CHORUS

The conquest will survive.

Now the group breaks down and goes on as they were before, laughing and drinking as the music interlude is extended to fit all this following action. Lina notices Andrew and goes and sits with him.

LINA

So you just got in today?

ANDREW

Yeah, I can’t wait to be settled in for a bit.

LINA

I bet.

ANDREW

Are you here finding yourself like Saul said?

LINA

I don’t know if I’m finding myself as I am trying to find someone else.

ANDREW

And have you found someone else yet?

LINA

If I had, I wouldn’t be here now would I?

ANDREW

No I suppose not.

LINA

But then again each day brings new people so maybe I have.

Andrew takes this for what it most presumptuously means but Lina moves the conversation along before he responds.

LINA

And what about you Andrew? Are you here to find yourself like Saul said?

ANDREW

Among other things.

UPSTAGE RIGHT appears Lars hand in hand with TRAVIS. Andrew and Lina continue to talk amongst themselves.

LARS

I told you I’d be back.

TRAVIS

Hey everyone.

CHORUS

Hey Travis!

AZI

And what took you so long? May I ask.

Lars and Travis nudge and play with each other flirtatiously and Lars answers laughing.

LARS

No you may not.

From UPSTAGE LEFT come RAUL and TILA from the stairs.

RAUL

I’ll bet I can take a wild guess.

CHORUS

Raul!

LARS

Like you two have any room to talk.

Raul jumps across the stage and playfully attacks Lars and Travis.

TILA
Yeah you two, all of us have been standing around waiting and wondering where Lars and Travis were at.

Tila has made it across the stage and to the group of Travis and Lars and the others.

TRAVIS

I’d ask the same about you two but that’s no mystery to anyone.

Everyone laughs and Tila jumps at Travis. Travis picks her up and runs around with her across the stage. Raul is in pursuit, followed closely by Lars and then rest of the chorus till they circle back to where Lina and Andrew are talking. The group looks at them and then huddles up, as if from a Bugs Bunny cartoon. They stay in the huddle with a head popping out one after the other to make sure the two aren’t peaking. First Raul, then Travis, Tila, Saul, Azi, Lars, Sandra, and Cameron, though the huddle is much bigger than just these few. Finally the group breaks and sneaks up casually to Lina and Andrew who are completely absorbed with their conversation. Then the group attacks them and throws them into the group at the high octave before the words to the “LONG LIVE THE PARTY” start again. This time, the whole stage is singing as the chorus, including Andrew.

CHORUS

The more that you can give it then the more it will be

And if you do not have it you can take it from me

All we ever wanted was a thing to believe

And now that we have found it we have all that we need

The more that you can give it then the more it will be

And if you do not have it you can take it from me

All we ever wanted was a thing to believe

And now that we have found it we have all that we need

All that we need

Everyone is dancing and jovial, hugging and having a great time.

We have found out pride.

The LIGHTS GO OUT.

2-C

INT. THE BUTTERY BEE – NIGHT

The STAGE IS DARK except for the upstairs room where Andrew is sitting at his desk, writing very intently. He looks stressed, writing on some paper and then crumbling it up and throwing it aside before starting on a new one and repeating the process. As he works Lina appears at the door watching Andrew at his desk. She stands silently for a moment till Andrew gets fed up and clears his desk with one powerful swoosh of his arm, sending the papers and everything to the floor. Lina jumps audibly, surprised by his outburst. Andrew looks up to see who caught his tantrum and when he sees that it is Lina he becomes truly apologetic.

Andrew

Sorry Lina. I didn’t know you were there.

LINA

Don’t worry about it, I shouldn’t have been spying.

ANDREW

Come on in, Tila and Raul are out for a bit, surprisingly enough.

Lina laughs and enters the room.

LINA

Yeah, they really got something going there. In a way I envy them, but I also feel bad.

ANDREW

Fell bad? What’s to feel bad about? That’s what makes them happy.

LINA
Yeah I guess so, but do you think they’re always as happy as they seem together. I guess it’s just hard to imagine with the luck I’ve had.

ANDREW

They seem happy, that’s as far I take it.

LINA
You’re right, I shouldn’t be so cynical.

Neither says much as Lina takes a seat on one of the bunks.

LINA

So you still working on the opera?

ANDREW

Yeah, but without much progress.

LINA

What are you having trouble with, if you don’t mind me asking?

ANDREW

I’m not sure it its anything specific really. I’m trying to define the wolf, it seems like that’s all I do. I take his experiences and try to see some form of enlightenment from it, but when it comes, more disillusionment always comes with it.

LINA

Is it because the wolf seeks out goals he cannot attain on his own, yet refuses to accept that?

ANDREW

That’s just it though, the wolf is with others. The wolf travels in his pack, he strays at points, but always ends up with the pack, sometimes his own and sometimes a new one.

LINA

And when he’s alone?

Andrew thinks this over.

ANDREW

And when he’s alone he’s happy to be alone, happy to find himself at the mercy of himself and nature, but when he howls, when the moon is at its fullest pale orb and he sits atop the peak of a hill, over looking an entire valley, frozen and white, he loses the thoughts he had of pride and strength and meaning, questioning his breath and his lungs all over again, just as he did with the pack.

LINA

Can the wolf howl with the pack?

ANDREW

Yes, he can breathe and eat and thrive on flesh and wind and leaf, but along every step he knows he is only distancing himself from what he truly seeks.