Imagine – Overture
The Imagine overture begins and the curtains open
A 19 year old girl, Darlene leans against a tree overlooking the sea
Adjacent on a park bench facing the sea are foster parents Arthur and Elizabeth
Elizabeth points to a cruise ship as it passes. Darlene rises and stomps her foot toward the ship.
Pride
Darlene does not want to go on the cruise. She shares the turning points of her life. After losing her parents in an automobile accident, young Darlene was raised by strangers. Her smile shattered – it was a monumental effort to regain her pride.
Arthur and Elizabeth continue the song. They may be old but enduring love is something they understand. They hope that a cruise will be a safe way to introduce Darlene to more of the world. They talk about parenting and Darlene’s struggle to let tragedy fade into the past.
Darlene does not want to accompany Arthur and Elizabeth on a cruise.
Darlene points at the cruise ship and shakes a no-no. She turns and raises a placard: Cruise (tomorrow)
Come To Simone’s
Madame Simone promotes her gentleman’s club
Meanwhile, a young man walks into a jewelry store, exists shortly after and holds up the image of a gold-locket (fancy gift)
Sky walks down the street however as he approaches Simone’s he sees her flirting with another man. Sky (angry) throws the locket.
You
Snippets of You(unplugged) play when Sky and Simone are together
Sky begins to realize the power of Simone’s spell of infatuation
At the depth of his despair Sky sees the police in front of Simone’s
The police hold up a sign RAID (imminent)
Time To Move On
Sky is void of hope. Suddenly, a plan takes hold
Sky retrieves the locket and enters Cruise. Sky exits and heads to Simone’s. They argue briefly; Simone snatches a ticket. They hold them up: Cruise (great escape)
Nothing To Say
Passengers have set sail and are anxious to leave problems in their wake. Daily routines pass through their heads as they drift into the vacation spirit. Certainly, one voice will not be missed.
Circumstances
Sky attempts to get close to Darlene. Unfavorable circumstances are amplified because Arthur pays ship staff to help keep them apart.
Never Trust A Man
Simone speaks with Darlene – Never (good advice)
Darlene falls asleep on a deck chair. A nightmare takes hold.
Simone’s advice has has come back to haunt Darlene
True Words Of Love
Sky listens to Arthur’s story – the night he met Elizabeth at the gala opening of the art gallery. Elizabeth looked stunning in her gold gown. The perfect night in every way imaginable.
Darlene returns to the sun-deck. Arthur departs. Sky holds up a placard Elizabeth in a gold gown (stunning). Darlene stomps and shows her anger. She dashes off to the ship rail.
Dream With Me
Darlene is woken by staff. Arthur and Sky lean towards her. Staff holds up Elizabeth (ill)
Darlene dashes off to the infirmary. Sky attempts to follow, however Arthur raises his arm, blocking him. At bed-side Darlene is anxious to tell her tale of love. Elizabeth drifts off to sleep.
I Can Imagine
Ship Deck
Darlene and Sky recline on lounge chairs
Darlene and Sky rise and share ideas of a better world – a world of dreams; to experience together
.
What Love Can Be
Arthur’s worst episode yet. Darlene has heard Arthur’s stories before, facts replaced by fiction. She explains how distorted Arthur’s world has become. Confusion has made her angry.
Near the end of the song; Sky follows with hopes of changing her perspective. Can young love overcome such an obstacle.
What Love Can See
Sky is supportive but understands Arthur’s grip on reality will continue to slip. Elizabeth has been ill as well – too soon, Darlene will lose her parents for the second time.
“True words of love” reminded us about the enduring power of love. So much of Arthur’s vision is better; harmless to others. Now Sky must convince Darlene to look beyond reality and find that place and marvel at what love can see.
What Love Can See
“Greatness soars as we the clouds of no distinction fly our doubts to lofty places”
Gary W. Ferguson