INTRODUCTION TO GOING SOLO
by
Robert Gately
A funny thing happened on the way to Carnegie Hall.
An agoraphobic mother never traveled farther than the mailbox for over three decades. She works from her house as a beautician in a room designed as a beauty parlor, and while customers come and go, she shares her hopes and dreams with her two quirky friends, Patricia and Katherine. Debbie’s daughter Wendy enters the story as a victim and a cellist for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. She will be playing a solo piece at Carnegie Hall, and she visits Debbie for the first time in ages with a chip on her shoulder for her mother’s not going to any of her high-school recitals. Some customers at the parlor actually think Debbie and her two elderly friends put on a show while they get their hair done, but the bickering and occasional theatrical outbursts from this unique trio are for real. Initially we get to know them through their arguments and discussions about their dreams and insecurities, but after Wendy confesses a secret to her mother, all facets of personalities emerge and Debbie finds the courage to accompany Wendy on the night of the performance. As they struggle through zany, madcap consequences, they uncover the loving relationship they so desperately seek. |
CAST OF CHARACTERS INVOLVED IN THE SCENES MAESTRO: The fiesty leader of the orchestra whose soon-to-be-wife happens to be Wendy. Although his desires for her and their plans are secret for the moment, he seems to be more lost in music than in any womanly charms. DAMIAN: 20/30s. A fellow musician and friend of Wendy. WENDY HAMMEL: 20/30s. Debbie’s daughter is a victim whose secret is a source of angst for many years towards her mother. She is a cellist for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and will be playing a solo piece at Carnegie Hall. She provides the juice for Debbie’s catharsis, and the only question to be answered is whether Debbie is too old to change and Wendy too young to forgiv. DEBBIE HAMMEL: 40s - 60s. Her relationship with her daughter Wendy, although fragile, provides Debbie with the strength to conquer her demons at an age when most people are content on only reminiscing about life. JAMES: 40s – 60s, loves Katherine for who she is and provides her with sexual excitement for the first time in her life KATHERINE DEVINE: 40’s-60’s. A sexually naive woman who completes the trio of mature ladies. SHE finds her mature womanhood at an age when most females are musing over their missed opportunities. PATRICIA O’NEIL: 40’s-60’s. A feisty VA volunteer and an established adventurer. Her romantic past and her harsh personality clash in a dramatic sequence of events that provide her with a moment of truth and an opportunity for a much-needed change. PHILIP: A wounded veteran, whose wheelchair clumsily provides the act of destiny at the dance where Patricia sprains her ankle, thus disabling her from taking Debbie to Carnegie Hall. SAMMY: A veteran who is the go-to person when Patricia wants something at the VA. JOSEPH (THE MYSTERY VETERAN:) 40s – 60s. |
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