Loves & Hours
Loves & Hours was produced at The Old Globe theatre in 1993. the director was Jack O'Brien
L O V E S & H O U R S
THE SOUND OF AN ORGAN PLAYING. THE LIGHT SUGGESTS SUNLIGHT THROUGH STAINED GLASS WINDOWS. LIGHTS UP ON DANIEL TILNEY, MID TO LATE 40’S, IN A MORNING SUIT.
DAN
Like a lot of people, the only time I ever set foot in a church anymore is for a wedding. Beautiful day for one, isn’t it? One of those old, white steepled churches on a town green. It’s a nice, well to do community we live in. Guests disembark from expensive cars. Hands are shaken, cheeks are kissed. Children are playing near the fountain. Their parents coax them towards the church steps. Inside the doors, the registry is signed.
LIGHTS UP ON:
DAN
An altar boy lights a candle. A handsome, young groomsman escorts an elderly woman down the isle. The minister adjusts his vestments. The photographer checks his lenses. The church is full now. People wave at one another, fanning themselves, chatting quietly. And suddenly:
THE BRIDAL FANFARE BEGINS. THE VEILED BRIDE ENTERS. THE GROOM, HAROLD SCHWABB, ALSO MID-FORTIES, ENTERS. THEY FACE ONE ANOTHER.
MINISTER
In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish. Till death do us part.
(to Dan)
Do you have the ring?
DAN
Oh. Sorry.
(to the audience)
I’m the best man.
HAROLD SLIPS THE RING ONTO THE BRIDE’S FINGER.
MINISTER
By the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.
HAROLD LIFTS THE VEIL AND KISSES THE BRIDE. THE WEDDING MARCH BEGINS. THE BRIDE AND GROOM TURN TO FACE THE AUDIENCE AND WE SEE THE BRIDE’S FACE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. SHE IS LOVELY. SHE IS IN HER EARLY 20’S.
DAN
All right, stop the music.
THE WEDDING MARCH STOPS IN MID NOTE. HAROLD AND THE BRIDE, ANDREA, FREEZE IN MID SMILE
DAN
What’s wrong with this picture? Clothes, fine. Wedding gown, very nice. See it yet? I’m sure you do. My best friend, Harold Schwabb, is 48 years old. His blushing bride, Andrea, is 24. Need I say she is young enough to be his daughter? Okay, let’s go to the reception.
LIGHTCHANGE. UP-STAGE FILLS WITH PEOPLE. SILHOUETTED, THEY SURROUND THE BRIDAL COUPLE, DRINKING, CHATTING, CONGRATULATING.
DAN
Oh. And that handsome, young groomsmen?
DAN TILNEY JR., 20, MOVES DOWNSTAGE, TO JOIN A WOMAN, 40’S.
DAN
That’s my son, Dan Junior. And the woman he’s talking to is my Harold’s sister, Julia.
DAN MOVES UPSTAGE.
DAN JR.
Friend of the bride or groom?
JULIA
(kissing his cheek)
Neither, darling, but somehow I got invited anyway.
DAN JR.
I was looking for you at the church, Aunt Julia. I didn’t see you.