Bombshell

Book by:
Patrik Komljenovi
Music by:
Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by:
Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Based on the life of Marilyn Monroe.
Original concept by NBCs hit TV series Smash.
All rights to the creative team of this beautiful concept,
I just couldnt let it sit and wait, so I just did it!

Bombshell
Characters

Norma Jeane Mortenson/ Marilyn Monroe

Shadow selves
Gladys Baker
Young Norma Jeane
Tourists
Starlets
Studio Executives
Darryl F. Zanuck
Johnny Hyde
Photographer
Ben Lyon
Stage Manager
20th Century Fox Staff
Joe DiMaggio
Friend
New York Yankees
Lovers

General
United States Troops
Assistant
Executive 1
Executive 2
News Reporter
Studio Staff
Reporters
Lee Strasberg
Paula Strasberg
Students
Arthur Miller
Show girls
Assistants
Bing Crosby (the host)
Nat King Cole
John F. Kennedy

The musical is divided in two acts.

The musical takes place mostly in Los Angeles, California, on movie sets, in homes and studios
Time: 1940s to 1960s

Prologue
( Song No. 0, Opening)
SET: The stage is black and empty. Big doors are covering the stage. Kids who are playing on
the street and cars driving by can be heard from the left side of the stage. Voices can be heard
behind the big doors. The door opens on a black stage by an eerie silence.
After the door slams, a single spotlight slices through the darkness and comes up on a beautiful
young woman, standing in the centre of the stage. The beautiful girl is Norma Jeane Mortenson,
who is innocent and vulnerable, unaware of what the world has in store for her.
The stage background is pitched black and Norma Jeane is standing in the centre of the stage.
Behind her there are figures, women just like her - Shadow selves behind the glass windows on
each side of the stage.

ACT I.
Scene 1
Big doors are slowly opening. Norma is standing behind them. She is confused (spotlight goes on
her)

Let me be your star

(Song No. 1, Let me be your star)
Norma:
So another man says that he cant compete,
That he cant love a moving target,
so another affair gets incomplete.
Well its time to adjust my plan,
Cause when Im up there on the silver screen
it can make the whole world want Norma Jeane!
So I cant have the love of a single man,
But a million or more well that I
can!
As the lights slowly come up, we see the Shadow selves voices that Norma Jeane hears in her
head and her head alone. In our eyes, we see that other young women are just like Norma.
Women that are standing behind glasses, present unreal person- an illusion
Shadow self 1: You're nothing.
Shadow self 2: Your father left, because he didn't want you.
Shadow self 3: Your mother is crazy. Certifiably nuts.
Shadow self 4: Nobody wants you.
Shadow self 3: Nobody wants you.
Shadow self 2: Nobody wants you.
Shadow self 1: You're nothing.

Norma Jeane becomes unsettled by these taunting words and is almost tormented by memories of
her childhood. But then something happens - her demeanor changes into one of confidence...and
of hope for the future.
Norma:
Fade in on a girl
With a hunger for fame,
And a face and a name to remember.
The past fades away
Because as of this day,
Norma Jeane's gone.
She's moving on...
Her smile and your fantasies play a duet
That will make you forget where you are.
The music starts playing,
It's the beat of her heart saying...
Let me be your star.
Flashback to a girl
With a song in her heart,
As she's waiting to start the adventure.
The fire and drive
That make dreams come alive...
They fill her soul.
She's in control...
The drama, the laughter, the tears just like pearlsWell, they're all in this girl's repertoire.
It's all for the taking,
And it's magic we'll be making;
Let me be your star.
I'll just have to forget the hurt that came before,
Forget what used to be.
The past is on the cutting room floor,
The future is here with me.
Choose me!
Fade up on a star
5

With it all in her sights...

All the love and the lights
That surround her.
Someday she'll think twice
Of the dues and the price
She'll have to pay
But not today...
Then she'll do all she can
For the love of one man,
And for millions who look from afar.
Im what you've been needing
It's all here and my heart's bleeding,
Let me be your star!

Shadow self 1: Norma Jeane Dougherty. No, not anymore. Baker...

Shadow self 2: Or Mortenson...
Shadow self 3: Left, to be on her own.
Shadow self 4: Left to be and stay in shadows.
Norma: Im free. I dont need any men to take care of me.

Scene 2
SET: We turn back time 10 years in the past. On stage there is a green wall in Gladys
apartment.
Norma Jeane is visiting her mother. She would like to be adopted by the family in which she is
staying in.
Norma Jeane comes from the left of the stage; Gladys is sitting on the bed.
Young Norma: Hi Mamma! I came to you...
Gladys: Oh, darling, hello! How are you?
Young Norma: Oh, Im great and I wanted to see you mum.
Gladys: Oh, yes come here, give your Mamma a big hug!
Young Norma goes to her mother and hugs her.
Young Norma: Mamma I wanna talk with you about something.
Gladys: Is something wrong, darling?
Young Norma: Well, you know, this family, where I am now is very, truly nice. They love me so
much...
Gladys: (incoherent) What are you talking about?
Young Norma: They want to adopt me and I really want them to. They sent you the papers many
times, but youve never even looked at them. I really like them Mamma and I would like them to
adopt me.
Gladys: Sweetheart, I won't let them adopt you. I'm your family, they're not.
Young Norma: But you never treated me like family. They do. Please let me go.
Gladys: I'm not just something you can cut out of your life.
Young Norma: But you were never there.
Gladys: Dont say it like that, I had to work and... (she gets speechless)
7

Young Norma: (almost crying) And? You were out with, with men and you came home drunk
most of the time, I was so lonely...
Gladys: Norma Jeane! Stop it! Dont say that! Who told you that? That old hag? I loved you and
I still do, and I want us to have a wonderful life together.
Young Norma: But, youve never played with me, never bought me an ice cream, weve never
gone to the park.
Gladys: Norma, you dont know how I tried. Norma you cant imagine how it is to be a mother.
I had to work harder to get more money for you, for us. And I was out late, because I was
looking for a father for you, a real one not just ... a picture.
She gets on her knees, and puts her arms on young Normas shoulders.
And before I tell anyone, I am buying a house, a little white cute house for us. Well have
everything together. Ill find a new work. I love you darling, dont think that I dont.
Norma is looking at the floor.
Young Norma: not very happy I love you too, Mamma.
Gladys: Now, stop with the sad face. Lets get our little girl an ice cream.
Gladys takes Young Normas hand and they leave the stage on the left.

Scene 3
SET: This scene is in Los Angeles. The scene takes place at Graumans Chinese Theatre.
There are many people on the streets walking up and down on walk of fame. Gladys in on the
left of the stage. Young Norma Jeane runs to her with an ice cream from right of the stage.
Young Norma: Mamma?
Gladys:(takes Young Normas hands) Baby, here you go. We have had a lot of fun, didnt we?
Now, I have to go.
Yang Norma: But Mamma! Please wait. I want to spend more time with you...
Gladys: Listen Norma Jeane, I want to stay with you, but the work is waiting and there is
nobody whos gonna pay me for not beeing there.
Young Norma: Mamma, please, stay. Ive been so lonely without you. Where did you go
mum?
Gladys: Oh, darling. Please, it wasnt that long, I was just a little bit stressed, ill! I should
say, and I see that you have learned how to play piano very well.
Young Norma: I guess. But it is really hard.
Gladys: Youll get better my darling.
Young Norma: I just dont like being away from you.
Gladys: Dont worry. Everything is gonna change now. I am working and well be together
soon, so my dear Norma Jeane, you dont have to worry about that. You are still my little
darling, my little Baby Grand.
Gladys kisses young Norma.
Gladys: Now I have to go Norma...
Young Norma: Mamma dont go!
Gladys: Oh, darling! Look at you, youre in the best place on this little Earth. Look, all the
handprints from... from stars! And let me tell you a little secret of mine...
9

Young Norma: Yeah mamma?

Gladys: And someday your hands will be here too! And itll say Norma Jean Mortenson
Young Norma: You really think so?

At your feet
(Song No. 2, At your feet)
Gladys:
Darling, every Saturday it's our tradition
I give you a nickel for a days admission
Then Mommy has to run, ah, but that won't stop your fun
'Cause you get to see whose shoes you fit
Hey, Grauman, can you babysit?
Young Norma:
Mom, do you have to leave me alone here?

Gladys:
Norma Jeane, you know I have to work. And what do you mean alone?
This place is full of people! And not just people - stars.
Nothing bad could ever happen to you here.
Some folks wish on stars above
They want money, fame and love
We like our stars more concrete
So the stars that you're wishin' on are at your feet
Some like night to dream what's not
We prefer this sunny spot
To see the light and feel the heat
When the stars that you're wishin' on are at your feet

I have to work each Saturday

So my baby sees the matinee
You watch the movie, then rush out
And put your left foot and your right foot in
And shake those dreams about!

10

Most girls dream to touch the sky

Wide awake is when we fly
Down the boulevard, where it's hard to not feel high
When you hear the song and feel the beat
'Cause the stars that you're wishin' on are at your feet
Now, go on Norma Jeane, go see whose hands match yours.
Young Norma:
Mamma, who is your favourite?
Gladys:
Mary Pickford, Clara Bow
Their impressions make a show
And you're in a front row seat
Where the stars that you're wishin' on are at your feet
Tap in time with Fred Astaire
Maybe someday you'll be there
Ginger Rogers can't compete
When the stars that you're wishin' on are at your feet
We don't watch the skies for a star's ascent
We prefer a square of wet cement
With famous names that fill the screen
And maybe some day one will spell out "Norma Jeane"!
Young Norma:
Maybe someday one will spell out "Norma Jeane"!
Gladys:
It's showtime, let the dream begin
With each star who's ever been
Step inside the footsteps that you should follow in
So, I leave you in the best of hands
In this most Chinese of wonderlands
Your dreams will truly be complete
When the stars that you're wishin' on are at your feet!
Ain't she sweet!

(spoken) Here you go baby. Here are your tickets and you are fully ready and I have to be going.
See you soon baby grand!
11

Young Norma: Ok, bye Mamma, see you soon!

Gladys: Bye, bye baby!
Gladys runs off the stage on left, Norma is standing alone looking after her mother and then she
goes in the theater.

12

Scene 4

SET: The stage is black and empty. Spotlight goes to the right of the stage. Young Norma Jeane
runs to the center of the stage. She is alone. Her mother was taken away, because she had a
metal breakdown
Young Norma: frightened Mum?! Were are you going? Mum? Where are you taking her?
Lights goes to the Shadow selves, which are standing behind Young Norma Jeane
Shadow self 1: Norma Jeane! Come here!
Young Norma: Where is my Mamma?
Shadow self 2: She is gone. Come with us.
Screaming is heard from the left of the stage
Young Norma: What is happening? What is wrong with my mum?
Shadow self 3: She is a little bit ill, darling...
Shadow self 4: She is crazy,
Shadow self 1: She is nuts. Now...
Shadow self 3: Shhh! Come here Norma. Everything will be alright. Dont worry.
Shadow self 2: Youll live in the orphanage.
Young Norma: But I have a mother and I have a... father! Im not an orphan!
Shadow self 4: Of course youre not.
Shadow self 1: Just for a while.
Shadow self 2: till your mother is feeling alright.
Young Norma: Ok? Will my mother be alright soon?
13

Shadow selves: Yes, she will be.

Shadow self 3: Come now, child!
They leave the stage on left

14

Scene 5
SET: On the stage there is the desk and three couches. On two of them there are sitting diferent
Starlets and when the music starts Norma Jeane enters the stage. Mr. Zanuck comes in the
casting room, where starlets are waiting to attack him.
Darryl F. Zanuck: I need somebody new, somebody blonde, somebody hot. So please for Gods
sake find me some fresh flesh! Bring on the tomatoes: heirloom, cherry, plum
I know that script stinks, but well hit the road if we get the right SEX MATERIAL!
Now girls what are you willing to do for the part?

Smash
(Song No. 3, Smash)
One of the Starlets:
You ask me, how far will I go
You ask me what I wouldn't do
For the sight of my name
As it fills every frame
Yes, I want to be more than a flash
Norma:
I ask you, what lies should I tell
I tell you I'm willing to learn
So enroll me in school
In your kidney-shaped pool
In a two-piece I make Quite a splash
'Cause I wanna be a smash
All:
Yes, I wanna be a hit and run
Till I've won every heart
Be a queen to each king Or mechanic
Plus you, Mr. Zanuck
But first, mister
You have to give me the part
I know all the tricks of the trade
I've even invented a few
One of the Starlet:
Now your interest is mounting
15

And soon we'll be counting

The lights
Norma:
and the nights
All:
And the cash
'Cause I'm gonna be a Smash!
Yes, I'm gonna be a smash
Won't you help me be a...
Smash!
The number ends with Norma Jeane in Zanucks arms.
He looks at the other blond girl and points at the blonde one.
Zanuck: Youre all great and I had fun. But I need just one, just blonde, just hot!
He drops Norma Jeane on the couch and the blonde goes away.
Blackout.
Spot light goes on Norma
Shadow self 1: What are you doing? Sex wont lead you anywhere.
Shadow self 2: Youre just another dumb model, with new bathing suit, jumping up and
down in front of the camera.
Shadow self 3: You have no career.
Shadow self 4: All you have, its just a miserably face, with nothing special to offer.
Norma: There is a big life ahead of me, and nobody can stop me! Nobody! And if I they
want to have a blonde, Ill give them blonde.

Scene 6
SET: Studios of The 20th Century Fox.
16

In the background we see a sign of the 20th Century Fox. Stage Manager and Assistant of the
director are talking
Norma is led into a 20th Century Fox screen test room by a Stage manager.
Stage Manager: What do people want? Not every person can be an actor, why dont people
finally get that.
Assistant: Well you know, directors need someone besides theirs wives. If you know what I
mean?
Stage Manager: Thank god for the doors! Oh! Look the new flesh...
Norma Jean comes on the stage, she is lost and frightened, but she knows, how she must look
Norma: Hello! Im Norma Jeane. Im here for the meeting.
Stage Manager: Oh, mr. Lyon is waiting for you in his office.
He brings her to the office table on the left of the stage
Ben Lyon: Hello, Norma Jeane, isnt it?
Norma: Yes I am.
Ben Lyon: Well, youre just a girl, who wants to be a movie star, hm?
Norma: Well...
Ben Lyon: I saw your pictures...
Norma: Oh, yes! Well, I was modeling. They used me in every magazine they could put me in, I
believe.
Ben Lyon: Well, you are quite a girl, arent you?
Norma: I guess so?
Ben Lyon: Any experience?
Norma: Well, I was...Juliette...
Ben Lyon: Really?

17

Norma: ...No...they didnt accept me, because...I...was. Not that I didnt learn the script,
I...couldn't move in the characters situation.
Ben Lyon: Shakespeare?
Norma: I wish, but it was some lame work from nobody... but I wanted the part so much... And
I've tried to pick as much experience as I could from photographers, who took photos of me.
Ben Lyon: Well, I...
Norma: No please, just listen... I think that I have a talent, I know that Ive never been to acting
classes before, but I can do it, I can do anything...
Ben Lyon: All I wanted to say is that, the face you have, Hollywood will not forget!
Norma: Oh really?
Ben Lyon: Now you are finally getting that contract! Who will shine now?! What about you
Norma Jeane?
Norma: They will ask for it. I didnt know that my body is such a treasure! I guess that true
work begins now. And Ben...
Ben Lyon: Yes?
Norma: Youre my angel! I cant believe that you did so much for me already!
Ben Lyon: Go and make them blush and get that contract at last...
He goes and 20th Century Staff comes to stage
One from the crowed: Oh, look its her!
Stage Manager: Norma Jeane Mortenson, screen test for 20th Century Fox. Are you ready to
Fox-trot, Miss Mortenson?

20th Century Fox Mambo

(Song No. 5, 20th Century For Mambo
Norma:
At Paramount, it's "ooh la la"
The Warner Brothers "cha cha cha"
And L.B. Mayer loves his schmaltz
So MGM made The Great Waltz
But the 20th Century Foxtrot
18

It's precious -- but precious, it's not hot

To make the big boys hire me
Please make that rhythm fiery
Come on, boys and girls
Make me over!
In this factory where dreams can come true
Are you ready to make someone new?
You're the team that must teach me to do
The 20th Century Fox Mambo!
Done the homework, and I'll pass the test
I'll do whatever my teachers suggest
I can do it clothed or undressed
The 20th Century Fox Mambo!
Make it up, shake it up
Norma with 20th Century Fox Staff:
Let the fantasies begin
Norma:
Here's the dope:
To get cast, change the past
Norma with 20th Century Fox Staff:
Make the light just right for Cin...
Norma:
-emaScope!
Take a gamble, 'cause it's safe to bet
Mr. Zanuck ain't seen nothing yet
When we're finished, he'll never forget
Norma with 20th Century Fox Staff:
This 20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox Staff:
For fame
19

Play the game

Change your name
To the 20th Century Fox!
Norma with 20th Century Fox Staff:
Make it up! Shake it up!
Marilyn:
Make me feel like the main attraction
Change the clothes, fix the nose
And then five, six, seven, eight, action!
Now I'm blonde, but I ain't so dumb
Hollywood will be under my thumb
I'll change partners until I become
Marilyn with 20th Century Fox Staff:
The 20th Century Fox
Marilyn:
Mambo!
Marilyn: What do you think of...
20th Century Fox Staff: AAAAAAAAH?
Stage Manager: Mason, Mary,...Marilyn sounds great...
Marilyn: Can I at least have Norma in it.

Ben Lyon: Miller, I want that m-m sound in it, you know you are a piece of a candy... What was
your grandmas last name again?
Marilyn: From now on, Marilyn Monroe in standing in front of you!
20th Century Fox Staff: Youre perfect! Sexy, you are hot!
They go off the stage on the right. From the left of the stage we see a guy and a girl coming, who
have just seen Marilyn on wallpapers and magazines.
Girl: Whos that?!
Guy: They call her Marilyn Monroe.
Girl: Well shes gorgeous. I bet shes really gonna became a big hit. You know?
20

Guy: Oh please! Blondes are a dime a dozen in this town. Youll probably never hear from her
again.
Girl: I dont know. They say that the history is made at night. And a girl like her can hit it any
time, you know its a mans world.
Guy: Im not like that.
Girl: Im sure youre not...Ill ask you that after 5 years.

Scene 7
SET: In the centre of the stage there is a big photograph on the white background.
The spotlight goes to photo studio.
Photographer: Norma Jeane, hello! Youre back, I knew it! Calendar is it? Will we go nude...
Marilyn: Its Marilyn now. Wait! You sure that Im ready to take the big boys? You know my
ex-husband and that.
Photographer: Oh, dont worry darling. Just relax and think of the sad boys across the pond.
You do wanna help in the war. Dont ya?
Marilyn: Oh, think of the boys... you know, I know a lot of them now. I tell you that I gave them
too much of me already. I wasnt loved by them... I gave them love and they mocked it. I was
never loved by them.
21

Never give all the heart

(Song No. 4, Never give all the heart)
As Marilyn is singing that, she remembers all the boys she met in her life. They come and dance
with her, but at the and they disappear as she pushes the memory away
Marilyn:
As a girl, I lived in a million homes
So I always would keep to myself
And my lessons were learned
From the stories and poems
I would steal from a library shelf
Yes the books, like the rooms
Weren't mine to keep
But the words weren't left behind
And I think of them all now when I can't sleep
And a poet who read my mind
As the wise man once wrote
Never give all the heart
Well, it's easy to see
He was writing for me
I just wish I could play that part
Yes, he scribbled that love
Isn't worth thinking of
That it fades out from kiss to kiss
If I just learned those lines
Well, just think of the misery I'd miss
As the Irishman said
Don't put your heart up to play
When he warned of the cost
And the heart that he lost
Mr. Yeats really paved the way
For the men that I've known
Who have clearly shown
They've been reading him from the start
'Cause when it comes to me
Well, their kisses come free
22

But they never give all the heart

When he warned of the cost
And the heart that he lost
Mr. Yeats really paved the way
For the men that I've known
Well, they've clearly shown
They've been reading him from the start
'Cause each time that I fall
They never give all the heart
Mmmmm-mmmmm...
Photographer: That was beautiful and fully true, but now lets make some money. Take off that
dress!
Marilyn: Please... just dont make me into joke.
Photographer: (scornfully) Darling, this whole business is a joke.
Marilyn: What? You really think that?
Photographer: Of course not.
The stage gets dark and the sound and light effect of photographing is heard and seen.

23

Scene 8
SET: Racquet Club in Palm Springs; Pin-up shoot with Marilyn, when she meets with Johnny
Hyde. Hyde is sitting on a chair and he is talking on the phone, Marilyn and her acting coach
Natasha are coming from the right of the stage
Johnny Hyde: Dont worry. Ill find her! Shell be here... Yeah! You know me, I always find the
right one! Hahaha! I heard shes good looking, I mean those pictures...Youre right! I just hope
shes not dumb as others. Blonde is beautiful, but blonde usually means empty head... Haha well
be on the top again!
Marilyn comes on the stage she is wearing bathing suite and talking to Natasha
Johnny Hyde: Miss Monroe?
Marilyn: Yes?
She goes to him and sits on a chair opposite his.
Johnny Hyde: Do you know who am I?
Marilyn: Im not sure, but I guess you must be somebody...
Johnny Hyde: I am Johnny Hyde. I know you from the photos, I believe that you know mr.
Bernard. Do you know he is very strict?
Marilyn: Dont worry, I know him very well. And Its just a photo shoot.
Johnny Hyde: JUST a photo shoot? You need to have a good... No, a great agent, like... me.
Marilyn: Really! You would like to be my agent!
Johnny Hyde: Well, you never know, what life brings us!
He gives her a business card.
Marilyn: I will meet with you, ok?
Johnny Hyde: Monday noon, at my office. We will make a big star out of you!
24

Marilyn: Are you sure, you want me?

Johnny Hyde: Positive!
She stands up and goes toward the centre of the stage, but then she turns around.
Marilyn: Oh! Thank you so much!

25

Scene 9
SET: We see a cafe. There are the best baseball player Joe Dimaggio and his friend James,
sitting and enjoying the coffee. James is reading the magazine (Marilyn is in it-playing the
baseball)
Joe DiMaggio: I cant do that anymore. Divorce was enough, I cant think, I cant sleep...
DiMaggios friend sees a picture of Marilyn on a ball field in the magazine
Friend: What about this one? Look at her!
Joe DiMaggio: What?
Friend: Her, a girl. You need someone, believe me.
Joe takes a look in the magazine
Friend: What do you think?
Joe DiMaggio: I dont know, who, who is she?
Friend: Thats Marilyn...Marilyn Monroe, you dont know her?
Joe DiMaggio: Should I?
Friend: Movie star...still doesn't ring a bell? Do you read newspapers?
Joe DiMaggio: My wife...
Friend: You dont have a wife anymore. You and her are going on a date on Saturday. A dinner
date. Your agent will bring some articles about her. You and her: big love! He shows that with his
fingers
Joe DiMaggio: Ok, lets meet her.
Friend: Shes not into baseball, so talk about something else.

Scene 10
26

SET: The ball field. Players are waiting for her.

Marilyn: Those boys, havent seen a blonde yet, I guess. And they can be lucky cuz Im in the
mood.
Lets see if this date is going to work!
One of the Yankees: Oh look! There she is! A magazin girl! She is coming to us in the flesh!

The National Pastime

(Song No. 6, The National Pastime)
Marilyn:
Fellas!
New York Yankees:
Yeah?
Marilyn:
Fellas!
New York Yankees:
Is it?
Marilyn:
Hey team!
New York Yankees:
Off the benches, it's Marilyn!
Marilyn:
I just got a date
New York Yankees:
She just got a date
Marilyn:
With baseball's Joltin' Joe
New York Yankees:
That lucky so-and-so
Marilyn:
27

So run me 'round the bases

Put me through my paces
And teach me all the things a slugger's lover
Should know!
What's that there?
New York Yankees:
That's the pitcher's mound!
Marilyn:
Have you ever seen a shape that is so perfectly round?
New York Yankees:
Batter up!
Marilyn:
Play ball!
New York Yankees:
You better give it your all!
Marilyn with New York Yankees:
'Cause all men like to play at
Marilyn:
The national pastime
Who's that man?
New York Yankees:
That's the first base coach!
Marilyn:
Have you noticed that he signals every time I approach?
New York Yankees:
Kill the ump!
Marilyn:
Throw him out!
New York Yankees:
28

Because there isn't a doubt

Marilyn with New York Yankees:
That all men like to play at
Marilyn:
The national pastime
When I was just a little girl
I liked being dainty and purty
But now that I'm giving sports a whirl
I find I kinda like to get dirty
New York Yankees:
Yeah!
Baby, what's that there?

Marilyn:
That's the team bullpen
And I like the odds I'm seeing: no girls, all men!
New York Yankees:
Hit the deck, look alive!
Beware the lady's line drive!

Marilyn:
Yes, my skill and my passion'll
Elevate the national...
Peanuts!
Hot dogs!
Crackerjack!
I don't care,
I don't care
if I ever get back!
29

New York Yankees:

When the season's over, the play won't end
Marilyn:
'Cause a baseball diamond is a girl's best friend
Marilyn (New York Yankees:
Yes, my style and my fashion'll
New York Yankees:
Yes, her style and her fashion'll
Marilyn with New York Yankees:
Elevate the national
Pastime!

Scene 11
SET: The stage is black, spotlight goes to the Shadow selves; then we see the Hollywood hills in
the beck, we hear people talking in the back;

Shadow self 1: Hollywood hills,

Shadow self 2: Called lovers pond!
Shadow self 3: Love birds meet there, live together for the rest of theirs life.
Shadow self 4: You never forget that moment.

30

Shadow self 1: Even if you take the long ride,

Shadow self 2: Even if the driver is a little bit shy.
Shadow self 3: But the love will lead you ,
Shadow self 4: Love will put you to the right place.
Lights fade out on Shadow selves. The spotlight goes to the centre of the stage, wheres a car.
From the left of the sage we see Marilyn in a beautiful pink dress and DiMaggio in black suite
with a brown hat walking by and several people - sweethearts are walking behind the car. Then
Marilyn and DiMaggio sit on the car and enjoy the end of their date.
Marilyn: Oh, Joe! All that drivin in circles...I thought you'd never ask! My head is in a true
whirl right now!
DiMaggio: Lets go up there!
Marilyn: Ive never been on the hill before!
DiMaggio: Come! Theres the true love story happening, like ours.
They sit on the car
Marilyn: Kiss me, Joe...
DiMaggio: Wait, what?
Marilyn: You heard me: Kiss me, Joe... Oh, darling! Dont be shy. Were not in the school
anymore. Do I have to teach you?

History is made at night

(Song No. 7, History is made at night)
Lovers:
(scatting)
Marilyn:
Put down the playbook
'Cause the things I wanna show you can't be written down
Let my lips do the teaching
31

DiMaggio:
Turn off the camera
Kick your shoes off for this scene, you should be sitting down
Yeah, sitting close enough for reaching

Marilyn:
Turn down the lamp
For the last page has been turned
DiMaggio:
When the dawn's breaking through
Marilyn:
We can stop and review all the lessons you'll have learned

Marilyn and DiMaggio with Lovers:

'Cause history is made at night
So close the books, turn off the light, and listen
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Let my heart be the teacher
Marilyn and DiMaggio with Lovers:
No one here to disapprove
As we review the lessons you've been missing
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Let the moon be our only light
'Cause history is made at night
Lovers:
(scatting)
DiMaggio:
I see the questions burning in your eyes, or is it just reflections
Mm, of the stars high above you
Marilyn:
Oh, I'm just your student, and I hope you won't be shy, please make corrections
32

Yeah, on the sweetest way to love you

DiMaggio:
Come whisper close, tell me just when to say when
Marilyn:
Then we'll sleep through the day
DiMaggio:
Then whenever you say, that's when school begins again
Marilyn and DiMaggio with Lovers:
'Cause history is made at night
So close the books, turn off the light, and listen
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Let my heart be the teacher
Marilyn and DiMaggio with Lovers:
No one here to disapprove
As we review the lessons you've been missing
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Let the moon be our only light
'Cause history is made at night
Lovers:
(scatting)
Marilyn:
Oh, oh, yes, someday, they'll write lots of books
About our fame and glory
DiMaggio:
But if all their reports are just movies and sports
They'll be missing the whole story
Lovers:
Missing the whole story
Marilyn and DiMaggio with Lovers:
'Cause history is made at night
33

So close the books, turn off the light, and listen

Let my heart be the teacher
No one here to disapprove
As we review the lessons you've been missing

Marilyn and DiMaggio:

Let the moon be our only light
'Cause history is made at night
Yes, our history was made at night

Lovers:
(scatting)
Marilyn: Joe, I love you so much. You are my dream come true!
DiMaggio: Come here baby.
Marilyn: Oh look, the dawn!
She tricks him to look at her and then she kiss him

34

Scene 12
SET: The two quickly fall in love, and marry. While honeymooning in Japan, Marilyn is asked to
perform for troops in Korea. Joe sees from first hand how men react to her and how she loves to
be in the centre of affection.
Shadow self 1: joyfully Love can take you all over the World!
Shadow self 2: smart But love dont always put you in the spotlight
Shadow self 3: insecure Sometimes you have to, well...
Shadow self 4: decisive Put work before your love.
Shadow self 3: corectfully Well, not really before, just a little bit in the middle
Hotel Room;
Marilyn: Oh darling! Look at it! she raises her left hand and shows her big wedding ring Its so
shiny! Diamonds are truly a girl best friends!
I cant believe that we are here in Japan! Oh! I love you so so much!
DiMaggio: I love you too, mrs. Joe Dimaggio.
Marilyn: I wanted this life for so long!
DiMaggio: And now, well have it, our own little family.
Marilyn: Yes! and the dog, the house and our own kids. Its like a dream come true!
Telephone is ringing, DiMaggio takes it.

35

DiMaggio: Hello? Who is that? You want my wife?

Marilyn: Who is it darling? Is it for me?
DiMaggio: Soldiers are! They are asking if you would perform for them, because the army is in
Korea. Again, everyone knows were here...
She stands from the bad and goes to the telephone.
Marilyn: (on the phone) Blonde on the phone! Yes? Oh, I would love that! Can I...Im sorry, can
we get a boat to Korea? Oh who told you that we are in Japan? Honeymoon should be a secret...
Oh, who else than the News, they know just everything...Oh yes tomorrow, all right.
Darling...Can we go?
DiMaggio: But baby we are on our honeymoon. Cant it wait for at least few days?
Marilyn: Oh, please! Dont get upset!...Do it for the country and poor soldiers, they need a little
fun, you know.
DiMaggio: Thats just not right, let me think about it...
Marilyn: Ple-e-e-ease... Maybe I can give you little something ... you know in the night (she
raises her eyebrow)
DiMaggio: Ok, if we must...
And they lie on the bed.

36

Scene 13
SET: On the ground we see an American flag and in the front of the flag theres a little stage with
an electric microphone. On the stage there is the General and in front of the stage there are
soldiers
General: Hello soldiers!
Because there has been so much rumour about it, I have to say that everything is true! Lets
welcome to one and only: MARILYN MONROE
Marilyn comes on the stage in a beautiful blue sparkle dress and DiMaggio is watching her
perform from the left of the stage
Marilyn: Hello boys! Lets put aside war for one day and... celebrate!

I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl

(Song No. 8, I never met a wolf who didnt love to howl)
When you are born with sex appeal
In a forest called Hollywood,
You'll find more wolves at your backdoor
Than that Little Red Riding Hood.
Now she and her little old Gramma
Could have learned from the men I've dated
That a wolf can be quite a devotee
Once he's domesticated!
Here's a lesson they should teach in school
When a girl gets curvy, and the boys all drool
If math and science just ain't your style
Just give that teacher a wink and a smile
For a passing grade, you won't have to wait
And you can thank him later when you graduate
'Cause I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl!

United States Troops:

Howwwl!
37

Marilyn:
No, I never met a man who wasn't on the prowl
United States Troops:
Shimmy, shimmy, oh, gimme, gimme!
Marilyn:
If a nice diploma you wanna get
Well, then, make that teacher the student's pet
Yeah, I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl!
You never know where a wolf might crouch
But his natural habitat's the casting couch
So take lots of pictures of the wildlife
To tell the wolf you could share with this wife
The hunter gets captured by the game
Then Leo the lion will be roaring your name!
Yeah, I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl!
United States Troops:
Howwwl!
Marilyn:
No, I never met a man who wasn't on the prowl
United States Troops:
Shimmy, shimmy, oh, gimme, gimme!
Marilyn:
If your face and figure are whistle bait
Then honey, you'll have the keys to the studio gate
Yeah, I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl!

United States Troops:

The three little piggies sure had it wrong
When the wolf came-a-knockin' with that old song
Marilyn:
He was huffin' and puffin' sayin' "Marilyn, I gotcha!"
38

I say "Come on in" and I put on Sinatra!

Oh Frankie!
The enemy wolves are just like boys
They use the big artillery like playground toys
But when they see my ammunition in all its splendor
I'll easily negotiate complete surrender
'Cause the medals on my chest will make them weak in the knees
And I promise I won't rest until we're all at ease
Marilyn with United States Troops:
Yeah, I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl!
United States Troops:
Howwwl!
Marilyn with United States Troops:
No, I never met a man who wasn't on the prowl
United States Troops:
Shimmy, shimmy, oh, gimme, gimme!
Marilyn:
'Cause a boy with a gun thinks it's fun to shoot
And that's a real big twenty-one gun salute
Marilyn with United States Troops:
Yeah, I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl!

Marilyn:
Come and get me, boys!
Marilyn with United States Troops:
Yeah, I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl!
United States Troops:
Howwwl!
Marilyn with United States Troops:
39

No, I never met a man who wasn't on the prowl

United States Troops:
Shimmy, shimmy, oh, gimme, gimme!
Marilyn:
Seeing all you G.I. Wolves gives me an idea
Tell Hollywood that I'm staying in Korea
Marilyn with United States Troops:
I never met a wolf who didn't love to howl!
Marilyn:
Oh, yeah!

Toward the end of the song, DiMaggio goes off stage, looking very jealous.

40

Scene 14
SET: When they get back in the States, Joe does his best to domesticate her with the promise of a
simpler life.
Shadow self 1: Back in town!
Shadow self 2: Its great to be back!
Shadow self 3: Back in the normal life!
Shadow self 4: Really? A normal life?
Shadow self 3: uncertain A dream of it at least.
On stage we see a lovely house with white fence and in front of it-on left, theres a white garden
bench. Marilyn and DiMaggio come from the left of the stage.
DiMaggio: Baby, Marilyn...
Marilyn: Yes?
DiMaggio: Ive been thinking... Why should we be so famous? We could settle our lives here in
San Francisco. You know, I want you for my own! You are my wife.
Marilyn: Oh honey! Thats all I ever wanted!

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

(Song No.9, Mr. & Mrs. Smith)
Marilyn:
Call the Justice of the Peace
But don't tell him our names
Don't put out a press release
Or mention baseball games

DiMaggio:
Book the nearest bridal suite
One room will suit us fine
41

For the desk clerk that we meet

The only autograph we'll sign is
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Simply the folks next door

DiMaggio:
People without a single clue what
An agent or grip is for
Marilyn:
Yes
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Nothing can beat the view
When as far as the eye can see, there's
DiMaggio:
No one but Mrs.
Marilyn:
No one but Mr.
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Smith and me
DiMaggio:
For a home the man provides
That cottage built for two
We'll check the small town classifieds
Variety won't do

Marilyn:
Then we'll move to Main Street, USA
And sign the deed of trust
The mailbox at our hideaway
Will tell the whole wide world that we're just
42

Marilyn and DiMaggio:

Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Merely the folks next door

DiMaggio:
People who use their kitchen each night
Marilyn:
Who've never been in "Toots Shor"
DiMaggio:
Yeah
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Nothing can beat the view
For as far as the eye can see, there's
DiMaggio:
No one but Mrs.
Marilyn:
No one but Mr.
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Smith and me
No early calls
No big premieres
No lush romantic theme
We'll spend the nights
Making our own
Little League baseball team
We're no one you've ever seen
Marilyn:
Movie stars don't live anywhere here
Except on the local drive-in screen
43

Marilyn and DiMaggio:

Yes, I'd gladly disappear
If it might guarantee a view of
DiMaggio:
No one but Mr.
Marilyn:
No one but Mrs.
Marilyn and DiMaggio:
Smith and you.
Marilyn: I love you so, so much Joe.

They kiss and Marilyn raises her leg up

44

SET: Testing out the power of her stardom, Marilyn starts showing up late and refusing roles.
The set changes to a room, where Marilyn is on the phone with DiMaggio. She is wearing a
bathrobe and no makeup
Shadow self 1: Its not about liking, or disliking.
Shadow self 2: Its not about being true to yourself.
Shadow self 3: Its about looking and feeling good!
Shadow self 4: Its about all of that! Deep inside.
Dressing room;
Marilyn: (frightened) Hello Joe. I wanted to tell you that I cant go...I just cant see Mr.
Zanucks angry face again. Yes I know but I... just cant do it. Im so frightened I think that
maybe they want to fire me...
Assistant rushes in Marilyn's room without knocking.
Assistant: Mrs. Monroe they are waiting for you. Mr. Zanuck is very angry...
Marilyn:(confused) Ill come, just...give me a second.

Scene 16
SET: The set changes to a steam room, where Mr. Zanuck is about to hold a meeting concerning
suspending Marilyn from FOX
Darryl F. Zanuck (voice): (angry) I cant even hire her on time! I cant stand that any more!
45

Dont say yes until I finish talking

(Song No. 10, Don't say yes until I finish talking)

Executive 1: Any idea why Zanucks turning the heat up on us again?

Executive 2: Search me. I think its Monroe, but its not like I get paid to think.
Studio Executives:
A studio executive has no beliefs
That's the way of a studio system
We've bowed to every rear of all the studio chiefs
And you can bet your ass we've kissed 'em
Even the birds in the Hollywood hills
Know the secret to our success
It's those magical words that pay the bills
Yes, yes, yes, and yes!
Darryl F. Zanuck:
(spoken) Gentlemen! Take a memo.
Darryl F. Zanuck:
Today the trades are all aglow
With grosses for our Miss Monroe
The things those vermin mustn't know
Is what she puts us through
She makes directors wait all day
One line per hour's all she'll say
And still, she thinks we're gonna pay
She needs a talking to
Tomatoes like her must be put in their place
If she don't shape up soon, she'll soon be walking
'Cause the buck stops with me
Studio Executives:
Yes, you're right, we agree!
Darryl F. Zanuck:
Uh, don't say yes until I finish talking
46

She's got them all tied up in knots

Makes each producer faint and plotz
She thinks she's queen and calls the shots
As she sits on her throne
She needs to learn she's only skin
The next girl's waiting for a spin
I made a star of Rin Tin Tin
And paid him with a bone!
Tomatoes like her, well, they're easy to find
We throw them out as soon as they start squawking
So, get me some younger dish
Studio Executives:
We concur, as you wish!
Darryl F. Zanuck:
Hey! Don't say yes until I finish talking!

And while you've got me on a roll

Let's find a role for Nat King Cole
Tell Mankiewicz his script is trite
A little lower, to the right
I think that Brando is miscast
That television just won't last
That I'm the king of Hollywood
Studio Executives:
All hail the king!
Darryl F. Zanuck:
Ooh, that feels good
Which brings me back to that dumb blonde
To her demands, I now respond
Some buy your act, but I'm not conned
You better fall in line
You're two bazooms and nuts to boot
I'll keep you in a bathing suit
47

When you stop bringing in the loot

We'll go back to the vine
Tomatoes like you, they all whither and die
My powers, though, will never be diminished
So don't bring me to my boiling point
You're just a broad, I own the joint
I'm in control, you're just a face
Allow me to cut to the chase
I'll make another movie star
Can someone light my damn cigar?
And then say "yes"
'Cause yes, men
I'm finished
Studio Executives:
Yes!
Assistant: Mr. Zanuck, I believe, I mean, I believe that the meeting can start.
Marilyn comes in the room in a black polo neck and gray skirt.

48

Scene 17
SET: The streets of New York City. Marilyn shoots the famous skirt blowing up scene for Billy
Wilder's The Seven Year Itch. The public display enrages Joe, who finally leaves her.
Marilyn: Joe come on, well be late, you know its the shooting and I...cant be late.
She is going in front of him.
DiMaggio: I dont like the way, how they look at you.
Marilyn: I cant help the way they look at me, Joe.
DiMaggio: What? You cant? You love it. You love it, every bit of it. How you walk, how you
talk, how you dress, how you sing, even how you put your makeup on.
Marilyn: But thats my job to do all those things.
DiMaggio: Your job? Your job is to take care of me and our home!
Marilyn: Dont be silly, you know...
DiMaggio: Silly? I gave up baseball for you. Why can you just give up the movies?
Marilyn: Baby, you... dont understand...
DiMaggio: Dont understand?! All of New York is staring under your skirt!
Marilyn: Joe, but thats... that is publicity.
DiMaggio: That is dirty! That is... They are turning you into a joke.

On Lexington and 52nd Street

(Song No. 11, On Lexington and 52nd Street)
Marilyn: Im not a joke!
49

DiMaggio: This relationship is a joke.

Marilyn: Then tell me, what do you want from me?
DiMaggio: What I want? Look its here. Its whats between us and you keep lying to me!
Marilyn: I never lied!
She runs off the stage.
DiMaggio:
Hurry, hurry, step right up
See the star who lives for the spotlight
Turn the mics and cameras on or she feels incomplete
Now before it hits the screen
Watch us play the final scene
Right here on Lexington and 52nd Street
News Reporter: (spoken) It is chaos down here on 52nd and Lexington! Film star Marilyn
Monroe brings Hollywood to Manhattan as she films Billy Wilder's Seven Year Itch.
DiMaggio:
Hurry, all you faceless men
And catch the end of the match of the century
You're just in time for the final round
'Cause I know when I'm beat
See the girl who's become a joke
See the man whose heart she broke
Right here on Lexington and 52nd Street
From Hollywood to Niagara Falls
In barber shops, on barroom walls
The things I thought were only mine
Are up for grabs, so get in line!
Hurry, hurry, take a peak
The traffic stops for the queen of the movies
The centerfold live in the flesh, so get a ringside seat
50

You want to see what her husband sees?

Just wait for the next subway breeze
Right here on Lexington and 52nd Street
Marilyn:
(spoken) Joe! Joe! Where's Joe? ... Oh, Joe ...
DiMaggio:
Hurry, hurry, going fast
Watch the fool as he heads for the exit
He sees what she has to have, and he cannot compete
See the girl who's ten feet high
See the man who's learned to cry
Right here on Lexington and 52nd...
The stage goes black. Spotlight in on Marilyn and Shadow selves
Marilyn: Joe? Please dont leave me.
Shadow self 1: Not everything comes together as we think it will...
Shadow self 2: Not every dream comes true...
Shadow self 3: Tears can heal us.
Shadow self 4: Work can heal us.
Marilyn: Joe!

Scene 18
SET: On one of the movie sets. Back in Hollywood on her next film. The divorce from Joe
becomes official, and as film wraps, Marilyn resolves to keep going with the one family she
knows, the film crew.
One of the Studio Staff: Did you all hear? She is single again! DiMaggio left and divorce her.
Other one of the Studio Staff: Thats why she is late again. Even on the last day she cant be on
time...
51

One of the Studio Staff: Oh look! She is coming! Shush!

Cut, Print...Moving On
(Song No. 12, Cut, print...Moving on)
Marilyn:
I know I've kept you waiting
I know I made you mad
But this time that we've spent creating
Was the best time I ever had
Now I love to sit with memories
But they won't come until we're gone
So give me a kiss
And cut, print... moving on
Tell me a brand-new story
Together we'll turn the page
The grass is always greener
On some new technicolor stage
And if a duckling never swims
She'll never become a swan
Yes, I'm diving in
So cut, print... moving on
Yes, there have been nights I'll long to relive
But sometimes you gotta roam
You can't fight when something's gotta give
But you'll always be my home away from home
Now I like to play a love scene
But don't let it last too long
Play me the eight-bar intro
Of some new, lush, romantic song
I'm not afraid to take that leap
With you to depend upon
Now tell me your name
Cut, print... moving on
We told the same jokes, we breathed the same air
52

We couldn't tell night from day

But just like the end of a love affair
We all know the time comes to break away
Studio Staff:
It's time to break away!
Marilyn:
Last year we all were strangers
This year, we're lifelong friends
I know that this location
Is not where our story ends
Get up, cause the rat race never ends
This life is a marathon
And I plan to run so much more than a sprint
What's next? Well, I can't even give you a hint
But boys, that's a wrap
So cut, print... moving on!
And on!
Moving on!
They smile at her attempt at camaraderie, but the crew is long fed up with her on-set behaviour
as the curtain falls on Act One.

ACT II.
Scene 1
SET: Idyllwild Airport. On the stage we see an airport coming. There are also news reporters.
Making one picture after another, Marilyn becomes dissatisfied with the roles she is being
offered. She "retires" from pictures and flies off to New York City, where she is met by a phalanx
of reporters and fans at Idlewild Airport

Public Relations
(Song No. 13
Act II. Opening and
Public Relations )

53

Reporters:
Here she is, Miss Marilyn Monroe!
Will she have the answers that our readers want to know?
Indian Reporter:
From India!
Parisian Reporter:
And Paris!
British Reporter:
And from just across the pond!
Reporters:
We have so many questions for America's smart dumb blonde!
Marilyn:
Here I am!
I dropped in from the sky
For Look and Life and all the boys from Peek and U.P.I.
Reporters:
Please let us peek behind closed doors...
German Reporter:
Where no one is allowed!
Marilyn:
Well, I'm pretty good in private
But the truth is I'm better in a crowd!
I relate to men of so many nations
But public relations are my favorite kind
Reporters:
You're the story that we're glad we're assigned!
Marilyn:
Dealing with one man can lead to frustrations
But public relations I have never declined
Reporters:
54

'Cause we're the guys who'll never leave ya behind!

Marilyn:
A bunch of men with pad and pen is a way to have some fun
But, ladies, listen to me, confidentially
Nothing ever beats a one-on-one!
Still, you have come to me for sex in quotations
So I'll use public relations to give you a piece of my mind
Reporters:
Gimme, gimme, a piece of your mind!
'Cause the answer to a question is the way you're defined, like:

American Reporter:
What do you sleep in?
Marilyn:
Well, I adore Chanel No. 5, and not much more
American Reporter:
Any advice for a girl in the city?
Marilyn:
If you're two-faced at least make one of them pretty
American Reporter:
The studio says "lateness is your favorite crime"
Marilyn:
True, I've been on a calendar, but never on time
American Reporter:
When you posed nude, your inhibitions were gone?
Marilyn:
Well, that's not quite true, I kept the radio on!
Reporters:
Ahh, yes, to chase the blues boys
I chase the newsboys!
55

Fame has plenty of perks!

Marilyn:
When your life's a mess, call the foreign press!
American Reporter:
Be they:
Indian Reporter:
Indian!
Parisian Reporter:
Parisian!
British Reporter:
British!
German Reporter:
German!
Turk Reporter:
Or Turks!
Reporters:
Yeah!
Marilyn:
I am glad you crave my best conjugations
Yes, public relations is my favorite sound
'Cause when I'm alone I can pick up the phone
'Cause the fourth estate is always around!
Reporters:
Yes, it's just good public relations!

56

SET: Stage is black. We hear just voices of Shadow selves

Shadow self 1: We must take a step ahead
Shadow self 2: We cant always believe in our dreams
Shadow self 3: We cant always follow our dreams...
Shadow self 4: We have to stay strong as work our way up!
Spotlight comes at the front of the stage where desperate Marilyn and Shadow selves in the back
Shadow self 1: Just focus Marilyn. Everything will be alright.
Marilyn: Stop it! I dont need this any more! I wont be a star in Hollywood!
Shadow self 2: Hollywood loves you.
Marilyn: So did my husband, and now look at me, alone!
Shadow self 3: I love you, like nobody else.
Shadow self 4: I love you
Shadow self 2: I love you
Shadow self 1: Like nobody else.
Shadow selves: Like nobody else.
Marilyn: But you are not my husband! The Actors Studios, oh Ive never been there or take any
classes. I would like to be a real star, and if you dont want to be a part of that, I dont need you!
Marilyn leave the stage on the right, Shadow selves disappear.

Scene 3
SET: Stage is covered.
Marilyn comes from the back of auditorium and sits in the sixth row. Students are sitting in the
audience. Acting coach Lee comes from left off the stage in front of audience. More determined
57

than ever to become a great actress, Marilyn begins to study with Lee & Paula Strasberg at The
Actor's Studio.

Dig Deep
(Song No. 14, Dig Deep)
Lee:(spoken) The challenge for the actor is to use sense memory of childhood trauma. The actor
must deploy the conscious and dig into the unconscious. The challenge for the actorStudents are coming from the audience

Students:
Ah!
Use your past
Use your pain
Never ever try to entertain
Let Stanislavski be your umbrella
Lee:
Mumble your words!
Unless they're...
Male Student:
"Stella!"
Students:
Use justification, improvisation
Plus some emotional masturbation

Lee:
Visitor from the Western coast!
(He points his finger on Marilyn in sixth line)
Lee with Students:
Can you dig it?
Marilyn:
I dig it the most!
(She stands from her sit and goes to Lee)
58

Marilyn:
(spoken) I'm through with Hollywood. It's New York and the Actors Studio for me. And if any of
those boys from Hollywood come calling, you can tell them I said this!
Marilyn:
In history, there's this doctrine called Monroe
Which basically told the enemy where to go
It was created to nurture and protect
But now, a new Monroe doctrine is in effect
So go tell Mr. Zanuck to read it and weep
'Cause I'm not just here to dig
I'm here to dig deep
From the 20th Century Foxholes, I'm released
Students:
(scatting)
Marilyn:
And just like the sun, I'm rising in the east
Students:
(scatting)
Marilyn:
I made a move from that permanent state of sadness
To prove there's a method to my madness
I'm waking up from that 20th Century sleep
Yeah, I'm not just here to dig
Students:
Woo!
Marilyn:
I'm here to dig deep
Marilyn with Students:
Well, there ain't no sin to remove your skin
Marilyn:
And take a look under the hood
Students:
Mm-hmm!
59

Marilyn:
Well, you must dispel the outer shell
Though, you have to admit, my shell looks good
Male Student:
You're tearing me apart!
Marilyn:
I'll finally get to use my mind's interior
And not only just my bust, and my posterior
'Cause the true inner self, you can't avoid
Students:
And we're just nuts about Sigmund Freud!
Marilyn with Students:
So open up my id
Marilyn:
For a good clean sweep
'Cause I'm not just here to dig
Marilyn with Students:
No, I'm not just here to dig
Oh, I'm not just here to dig
Marilyn:
I'm here to dig deep
Students:
Motivation, concentration, exploration, simulation, perspiration, inspiration!
Marilyn:
So deep!
Students:
Yeah!

Acters go under the stage through the trapdoor.

60

61

Scene 4
SET: Curtain opens. Acting studio. Marilyn is lying on the couch and Lee is standing beside her.

Lee: Remember.
Marilyn: That is all I have to do?
Lee: Thats all you have to do, my dear Marilyn. Look inside yourself. Its who you are that will
make you a great actress.
In the back of the stage, Shadow selves appear.
Spotlight goes to the Shadow self 1

Shadow self 1: A great actress.

Marilyn: A great actress.
Lee: Remember your youth.
Spotlight goes to the Shadow self 2
Shadow self 2: Mamma bought the piano.
Lee: Remember your childhood.

Second-Hand White Baby Grand

(Song No.15, Second-Hand White Baby Grand)

62

Shadow self 2: Then mamma went away.

Marilyn stands up and goes to the front of the stage, spotlight is on her.
Marilyn:
My mother bought it secondhand from a silent-movie star
It was out of tune, but still I learned to play
And with each note we both would smile, forgetting who we are
And all the pain would simply fly away
Something second hand and broken still can make a pretty sound
Even if it doesn't have a place to live
Oh, the words were left unspoken when my mamma came around
But that second hand white baby grand still had something beautiful to give
Through missing keys and broken strings, the music was our own
Until the day we said our last goodbyes
The baby grand was sent away, a child, all alone
To pray somebody else would realize
That something second hand and broken still can make a pretty sound
Even if it doesn't have a place to live
Oh, the words are still unspoken now that mamma's not around
But that second hand white baby grand still has something beautiful to give
For many years the music had to roam
Until we found a way to find a home
So now I wake up everyday and see her standing there
Just waiting for a partner to compose
And I wish my mother still could hear that sound beyond compare
I'll play her song 'til everybody knows

That something second hand and broken still can make a pretty sound
Don't we all deserve a family room to live?
Oh, the words can't stay unspoken until everyone has found
That second-hand white baby grand that still has something beautiful to give
I still have something beautiful to give.

63

The Shadow selves disappear and she lies down on the couch.
Lee: What were your dreams about, when you were a child?
Marilyn: Well, I daydreamed a lot, when nobody was talking to me, when I was all alone, when
nobody was looking. I was sitting in the chair and thinking about that photography.
Lee: Well, tell me more.
Marilyn: My...mother was...busy, I should say, so I had to stay at my neighbours apartment and
when I went to visit her, I was so thrilled and happy, but there was that photo, the only one in the
apartment. It was a man...It was my father, she told me. He was, well the most handsome man
Ive ever seen. He was wearing a hat. I would dream that he came and said the most wonderful
things about everything, but I could never get him, to take off his hat.
Lee: Thats the way to start.
Marilyn:(to Lee) Nobody ever liked me, no family, no children. I was always alone. I thought, I
dreamed of the wonderful life, a wonderful family and a house and the dog. But I have never told
that to anyone. They would think that Im crazy, she is almost crying nuts, like... my mother.
Im not crazy. People want to think that. They say Im crazy because I want things, but the
things I want I want love. I dont want well a sex object is a thing. Who would want to be
a thing?
And she starts to cry.

64

Scene 5
SET: Marilyns dressing room in England. She doesnt understand why Sir Laurence Olivier
doesnt like her and why did he hired apprentice to bring her down.
Shadow self 1: Sometimes World sees just your look,
Shadow self 2: Just your final piece,
Shadow self 3: Final cut...
Shadow self 4: They dont know you,
Shadow self 1: They dont understand you,
Shadow self 2: Youre just a-, a picture to them...
Shadow self 4: Marionette that they can move...
Shadow self 3: How they want to...
Spotlight goes to the dressing room
Marilyn: Paula, please tell why Sir Olivier hates me? Why does everyone here in England hates
me...
Paula: Marilyn, they dont hate you. They just dont understand you, England is such a different
place than the States. Dont worry everything will be ok. Just remember, you have to focus.
Marilyn:(angry) They dont. And I should? I see that my talent is not enough for them, or...do I
even have it?... Now Im just a dumb sexy blonde which will bring men to fill the seats, for
them! I thought that success at Fox was hard but, that? Every time I felt it, but... now, who is my
character, I just cant get it, she is not real like other american ones.
Paula: You wont find a character on the page, she is within you, want to get out, pull her out
Marilyn, pull her!
Marilyn stands up and goes to the front of the stage.

They Just Keep Moving The Line

(Song No. 16, They just keep moving the line)
65

Marilyn:
The field was bright with clover
I saw the finish sign
I started as a rover
And then victory was mine
I thought the race was over
But they just keep moving the line
They cheered at my persistence
But prayed for my decline
The path of least resistance
Led to Hollywood and Vine
I tried to go the distance
But they just keep moving the line
I jumped all of the hurdles
To break out of the pack
I started on the outside
And then hit the inside track
I left the other fillies
Back at the starting gate
Was ready, on my mark, I got to set
To hurry up and wait
So talent and ambition
Won me a chance to shine
I aced the big audition
But it's rainin' on Cloud Nine
Can't beat the competition
'Cause they just keep moving the line
I handled every corner
Each bump along the track
And when I saw the ribbon, well
There was no turning back

I won the photo finish

I posed for all the men
But before I got my trophy
Well, the race began again
66

So I've made friends with rejection

I've straightened up my spine!
I'll change each imperfection
Till it's time to drink the wine!
I'd toast to resurrection
But they just keep moving the line!
Please give me some direction,
'Cause they just keep moving the line!
Paula: Sit down and focus Marilyn, you can do this. You are the greatest.

Scene 6
SET: On the stage we see the movie set for Some Like It Hot. Marilyn is not there, she is running
late as usual.
With the box office failure of The Prince & The Showgirl, Marilyn begrudgingly heads back to
Hollywood to film Some Like It Hot, but is so unhappy about still having to play the dumb
blonde that she begins spiraling down, keeping the crew waiting more than ever, as she drinks
and takes pills.
67

Lets Be Bad
(Song No. 17, Lets be bad)
Show Girls:
When we're feeling down and low
Then our favorite word is no
'Cause it points the way to go
Let's be bad!
Who knows what will come tomorrow?
Neighbor, lose the sobs and sorrow
We've some sugar you can borrow
Let's be bad!
Assistant #1:
(spoken) Does anyone think she'll actually show up? Is she even on the set?
Assistant #2:
(spoken) Ms. Monroe is in her dressing room.
Director:
(spoken) What kind of shape is she in?
Assistant #1:
(spoken) Her shape ain't the problem. Where is she? We will be stuck here all night!

Show Girls:
Don't want to be boring
Our twenties are roaring
Let's punish the flooring
Yeah, drummer man, do what you can
Tonight the (whoo!) will hit the fan!
Director:
(spoken) How many takes did we do yesterday? Sixty?
Assistant #1:
(spoken) You know, someone should fire her!
68

Assistant #2:
(spoken) Fire Ms. Monroe?!
Show Girls:
If you need some more enticing
Here's a girl with twice the spicing
We're the cake, but she's the icing!
Let's be bad!
Let's be bad!
Director:
(spoken) Arthur, where is she?
Arthur:
(spoken) She's in her dressing room. She's not feeling well.
Director:
(spoken) I'm not feeling well either! Get her out here, now!
Marilyn:
(spoken) Here she is, boys. Marilyn Monroe in the flesh, all ready to film yet another thrilling
movie about a dumb blonde.

Arthur:
(spoken) Marilyn, you look wonderful.
Marilyn:
(spoken) And that's all that matters, isn't it?
Arthur:
(spoken) Darling, so many pills...
Marilyn:
(spoken) How do you expect me to keep going? You're not bringing in any dough. Somebody has
to support us.
Director:
(spoken) Let's take it from her entrance!
Marilyn:
(spoken) Where's my mark?
69

Assistant #2:
(spoken) Right this way, Ms. Monroe. Follow me.
Director:
(spoken) Action!
Show Girls:
Let's be bad!
Let's be bad!
Marilyn:
If you say something is taboo
Well, that's the thing I wanna do
Do it 'til we're black and blue
Let's be bad!

Guns and gangsters suit me fine

Al Capone is a buddy of mine
He's my big-shot valentine
Let's be bad!
If spirits are sagging
If feet are a-dragging
Fall off-a that wagon
The piano hums to the bass and drums
And I'll be dancing when Hoover comes
Don't care if you've tied the knot
Most folks want what they ain't got
Melt the ice, some like it hot
Let's be bad!
Marilyn with Company:
Here's my whistle, make it wetter
Let me wear that Scarlet Letter
Marilyn:
When I'm bad, I'm even better
70

Marilyn with Company:

Let's be bad!
Director:
(spoken) What a mess! She's so doped up, I can't use any of this!
Marilyn with Company:
Say "bye-bye, propriety!"
No polite society
Marilyn:
Give me notoriety!

Marilyn with Company:

Let's be bad!
Assistant #2:(spoken) You're fabulous, Marilyn!
Arthur:(spoken) The whole world adores you!
Assistant #1:(spoken) Keep dancing! You're gorgeous!
Marilyn:
Bring on the vices
Don't care what the price is
I'll add the right spices
When the stand-up bass slaps you in the face
Well, it ain't my husband I'll embrace
Marilyn with Company:
I can't see the use in waiting
Your lips are intoxicating
Marilyn:
Do my hips need some translating?
Marilyn with Company:
Let's be bad!
Marilyn:
If I drown in bathtub gin
71

Notify my next of kin

They might grieve or might jump in
Marilyn with Company:
Let's be bad!

Marilyn:
Who wants plays and O'Neill dramas?
Gershwin is the cat's pajamas
I'm the queen of the red-hot mamas

Marilyn with Company:

Let's be bad!
Each crook and G-Man
Each fop and he-man
Marilyn:
Just stick with me, man
Every joint's a juke with my red-hot uke
And just like Judas once said to Luke...
Marilyn with Company:
Here's the key for my ignition
Hit the gas to my transmission
Marilyn (Company):
When you hear the things I'm wishing
You won't offer opposition
Let's prohibit prohibition!
Let's! (Let's!) Be! (Be!) Ba-a-ad! (Bad!)
Marilyn:
Some like it hot, and that ain't bad!
72

Marilyn: I dont feel good. I really should go, if, if you dont mind...
Arthur: Lets go Marilyn. You need to rest.

73

Scene 7
SET: Set changes, into a living room of Marilyn and Arthur. Marilyn is reading the final script
of Lets be bad. Arthur is hoping to get her back on the screen. She is addicted to pills and other
drugs.
Shadow self 1: Should I even begin?
Shadow self 2: The sad part is...
Shadow self 3: Lost...
Shadow self 4: In your own head.
Spotlight on the living room; Marilyn comes in the room, reading the script; she is not happy or
not even dedicated to it;
Marilyn: What is this Arthur? You even like this?
Arthur: Yes, I do. I believe this is the best script youve ever got.
Marilyn: You know what this is? Its a crap! Men in dresses? Whos gonna pay to see that?
Nobody.
Arthur: What do you mean? This is classic. Just remember Greeks, all men were playing
women. Stage wasnt a proper place for women. Their proper place was home.
Marilyn: And who am I playing again? Dumb blonde as always! I just dont understand why,
why?
Could you at least try to listen? I dont care what you think. This script stinks. And you know
what else? What is that all about the home being a proper place for a woman. It sounds like
something Joe would say. Besides I want to stay home, I want to have a life with you. Im trying
to have a baby with you! ...And all you want to do is put me back to work! Is that why you
married me?!

She leaves the room.

He realizes he can't help her, or even stay with Marilyn anymore.

74

Arthur: I dont know maybe its just not like old times, ones I met her. I saw her in profile
against a white light, with her hair coiled atop her head; she was weeping under a veil of black
lace that she lifted now and then to dab her eyes. When we shook hands, the shock of her body's
motion sped through me. But pills just doesnt do that, she isnt a girl I met ones, I cant control
her anymore. Pills have her now... Words sometimes dont fit in the final script. Like writers
sometimes lost the words, I lost my sweet Marilyn...
He stands up and goes to the front of a stage.

The Right Regrets

(Song No. 18, The right regrets)
Arthur:
A writer has the empty page where he can set the scene
He puts the actors on the stage or on the movie screen
The characters all say the words the writer wants to hear
And then my friend; a happy end
But when the writer steps outside that room where he is king
He can't control when lives collide or what the lovers sing
And so he hides behind his words the one place he belongs
And in black and white he can rewrite the wrongs

Where he can find the strength to say what those he loves should hear
And just erase mistakes she's made then make them disappear
Where he can change the plot so he's a hero not a louse
And when the curtain falls there's not a dry eye in the house
A writer hopes to leave behind a work no one forgets
And when he writes the end to find he has the right regrets
A writer has the empty page where he can use his pen
To mend his heart and try to start again.

And he goes off the stage.

Scene 8
SET: Party at Bing Crosbys house in Palm Springs.
75

On her own back in Hollywood, Marilyn attends a fundraising event for John F. Kennedy in
Palm Springs, where Nat King Cole entertains, rallying the super glamorous guests.
Spotlight on stage; Bing Crosby the host comes to welcome everybody
Bing Crosby: Welcome partners, quests, friends! Id like to welcome you to a fundraiser for our
president, which is joining us tonight. I know Im not good at speeches, (quests start laughing)
but I have another surprise for you tonight! I welcome on the stage one and only Nat King Cole!
Nat King Cole comes on stage and sings the song. In the middle of the song president sees the
one and only Marilyn Monroe. She catches his with just one wink of her eye, she goes to her

(Lets Start) Tomorrow Tonight

( Song No. 19, Tomorrow tonight)
Nat King Cole:
Round and round goes the wheel of love
Some say like Russian roulette
There's a jackpot I'm dreaming of
I'm ready to place my bet
No need to beg, steal or borrow
The future is looking bright
Yes, I'm laying odds on tomorrow
So let's start tomorrow tonight
Can't cha feel, baby, we're in the chips
Tomorrow's our lucky day, yeah
I can feel gold at our fingertips
We'll prosper if we parlay, yeah!
No time for sadness and sorrow
Together, we'll fight that fight
Yes, I'm laying odds on tomorrow
So let's start tomorrow tonight
Don't need no clover or lucky charm
That rabbit can keep his foot
As long as we're walkin' arm in arm
It's aces I feel, so shut up and deal!

76

I know that we're on a winning streak

The future can't come too soon
Let's climb together to reach that peak
Then, baby, we'll shoot the moon
I'm high as Kilimanjaro
And with you, Jack, I'm ready for flight
Yes, I'm laying odds on tomorrow
So let's start tomorrow tonight, yeah!
As long as we're walkin' arm in arm
It's aces I feel, so shut up and deal!
Oh, I know that we're on a winning streak
The future can't come too soon
Let's climb together to reach that peak
Then, baby, we'll shoot the moon
I'm high as Kilimanjaro
And with you, Jack, I'm ready for flight
Yeah, I'm laying odds on tomorrow
So let's start tomorrow tonight
Let's start tomorrow tonight!
Wooo--oooo!
John F. Kennedy:(to Marilyn) I didnt think that Ill meet you here.
Marilyn: Oh, mr. President...
John F. Kennedy: Come with me.

77

Scene 9
SET: Hotel room. Marilyn is wearing a beautiful white dress with roses.
At the fundraising, Marilyn meets John F. Kennedy. Sparks fly, and they begin to sneak off
together whenever he can manage to get away. But it is a degrading and doomed relationship.

Our Little secret

(Song No. 20, Our little secret)
Marilyn:(spoken) Mr. President...
John F. Kennedy:(spoken) Call me Jack. Im a huge fan of your pictures.
Marilyn:(spoken) Ha, Im a fan of yours as well.
John F. Kennedy:(spoken) Glad to finally meet you in the, ah, flesh.(He starts to take Marilyns
jacket off.)
Marilyn:(spoken) Disappointed?
John F. Kennedy:(spoken) Shall we go somewhere to talk? Get to know each other better.
Somewhere where theres No FBI getting nervous
No CIA peeking through
I've got my own Secret Service to take care of you
Marilyn:(spoken) We can get to know each other right here, cant we?
John F. Kennedy:(spoken) Why dont we go where No one from Time or from Newsweek,
Can document our rendezvous
Its our little secret
Just us two
Marilyn:(spoken) Everyones watching. Is your wife here?
John F. Kennedy:(spoken) Jackie doesn't approve of my parties or my friends.

78

Marilyn:(spoken) I hear you have a lot of "friends". Maybe thats why?

John F. Kennedy:(spoken) Our host wants to see you.
Marilyn:(spoken) Bing? Now? Where is he?
She notices a large bed.
John F. Kennedy:(spoken) I had to get you alone.
Marilyn:(spoken) Do you always get what you want?
John F. Kennedy:(spoken) I havent told you what I wanted yet. How 'bout I never do? And you
have to guess...(He pins Marilyn up against the wall and starts to seduce her more.)
Outside of this room there's a cold war,
But you'd never know it in here
Theres just no defense, the heats too intense
And oh, how it rises whenever youre near
Marilyn:(spoken) You want the same thing everyone else wants. I thought youd be different mr.
President..
John F. Kennedy: Give me a chance.
She smiles and turns her back to the President, and he begins to undress her.
John F. Kennedy:
So lets do it now for our country,
And raise the old red, white, and blue
Its our little secret, just us two
Just us two
Just us two
The two go on to the bed and start to kiss.

Scene 10
SET: JFKs hotel room. On the stage we see the bed. Marilyn is still sleeping, as Kennedy is
putting his shirt on.
79

Marilyn wakes up and sees JFK buttoning his shirt.

Marilyn:(happy) Jack? Where are you going?
John F. Kennedy: I have to get on the plane.
Marilyn: When will I see you again?
John F. Kennedy: I dont know.
Marilyn sits up and covers her body with a sheet and starts hugging him.
Marilyn: I could go with you.
John F. Kennedy: You cant. Jackies waiting.
He stands up and Marilyn is confused,. JFK goes to her and takes her chin.
John F. Kennedy: Last night was fun.
And kisses her.
Marilyn: (confused) Is that all?!
John F. Kennedy: What else was there supposed to be?
He puts his jacket on.
Marilyn: You are going back to her, when you have this waiting for you right here?
John F. Kennedy: Well, lets face it. Youre not exactly first lady material.
He smiles to her.
Marilyn: Youre wrong. Ill call your wife.
John F. Kennedy: No you wont.
Marilyn: (She stands up with a sheet covering her body) I will! Ill call her and I promise she
wont like it one bit. Because Im not like one of your other girls and she knows it... Im Marilyn
Monroe. If you leave now, you're going to regret it... But you can come back to bed.
Come back to bed Jack...
80

She drops the sheet she was covered in - she is nude under it.
John F. Kennedy is speechless and he is looking at her but then he leaves and Marilyn covers her
body with a sheet and sits on the bed and then lies down.

81

Scene 11
SET: On the stage we see a big rounded bed and Marilyn is lying on it.
Marilyn: Now I understand! Thats all what they ever wanted! They wanted a sex object! And...
Im not that.
When she said that, Shadow selves appear in the back.
Shadow self 1: Marilyn?
Shadow self 2: Marilyn?
Shadow self 3: Marilyn...
Marilyn: What?... Marilyn?
Shadow self 4: Now, Norma Jeane is gone! There is nothing left... but the empty Monroe...
Shadow self 1: Empty,...
Shadow self 2: Empty beauty,...
Shadow self 3: A thing,...
Shadow self 4: Mens thing...used thing.
Shadow self 1: You know too much.
Shadow self 2: He...he told you too much.
Shadow self 3: Now, youre just...
Shadow selves: A sex object!
Marilyn: No! Go away. Disappear! I dont need you! Ill make you disappear!
She is frightened and confused so she takes a hand full of pills and falls asleep.

Scene 12

82

SET: Marilyn is dreaming about the visit to her mother. The bed moves off stage. On the stage
comes a hospital bed and around it we see three white panels. On bed is sitting Gladys in a
purple dress and Marilyn is coming to her.
Fired from her latest film, used up by the Kennedys and deeply under the influence of pills and
booze, Marilyn fantasizes about visiting her mother at the sanitarium, where - in the dream Gladys says all the things to Marilyn that she always wanted to hear.
Marilyn: Oh, mamma. How...how are you?
Gladys: Hello baby, Im good.
Marilyn: O mamma, Ive missed you so, so much.
Gladys: Dont worry darling, Im here now, I hope that Im not too late.
Marilyn: Where were you, when I really needed you?
Gladys: When I was a film cutter at RKO Pictures, after work, me and the girls would
sometimes drive all the way down to the Santa Monicas pier and went dancing. I should have
come to see you, but I knew you were better of where you were. Oh, Norma Jeane Im so sorry.
Marilyn: Mamma, Im Marilyn now. I havent been Norma Jeane in years.
Gladys: Baby, I wish I was back in the cutting room. Id take all these pieces of our lives and Id
make something beautiful out of it.

Hang the Moon

(Song No. 21, Hang the Moon)
Gladys:
If our lives were a movie
I'd know what to do
I'd write every scene with my heart
An R.K.O. picture
That stars me and you
And this time, I'd learn my part
I'd paint you some scenery
We'd sing, and we'd dance
From morning, 'til late afternoon
And when that scene is done
83

Then I'd take down the sun

And for you, darling, I'll hang the moon
We'd wake up to sunshine
Like lights on a set
You'd reach out, and there'd be my hand
All day, there'd be music
A perfect duet
That flows from the white baby grand
At night, when you're frightened
I'll play you to sleep
That melody from Clair de Lune
And to fill up the sky
Past the clouds I would fly
And for you, darling, I'll hang the moon
Hang the moon forever
So you'd never fear
The darkness, the darkness I've know
Moon, protect Norma Jeane
So that she'll never be alone
Never alone
If our lives were a movie
Then you'd be the star
'Cause now I know the role I should play
To applaud all you do,
All the things that you are
And just be there on opening day
I know in the past
That the lines were all wrong
84

And the music was never in tune

But the wish that I make
Is for just one more take
Because then, darling, I'll hang the moon
Gladys and Marilyn:
I'll hang the moon above you
So you never fear
The darkness, the darkness of night
Then you'll know I love you
Each time that you feel the light
Gladys:
Feel the light
If our lives were a movie
Then I'd cut away
All the moments when I wasn't there
Marilyn:
The scenes that are happy
Are all that will stay
The rest will dissolve into air
Gladys and Marilyn:
As the final reel ends
We might both shed a tear
Gladys:
For the ending is coming up soon

85

Gladys and Marilyn:

But when the screen fades to black
We can smile and look back
Gladys:
And for you, darling, I'll hang the moon.

The stage gets dark.

86

Scene 13
SET:On the stage we see a big rounded bed and Marilyn is lying on it. She takes a phone and
calls someone.But when she awakens to find herself alone, Marilyn calls one friend after another
as the drugs and alcohol have a final, lethal effect on her.
Marilyn: Mamma? Where are you? Im so... lonely...
Then she takes a phone from her night stand.
Marilyn: Hello its me...oh yes.
They hang up on her.
Shadow self 1: Nobody wants you.
She takes another pill and calls another friend
Marilyn: Hi, can...Ok, bye.
They hang up on her.
Shadow self 2: Nobody wants you.
She calls another one.
Marilyn: Hi are you... oh, bye then.
They hang up on her.
Shadow self 3: Nobody wants you.
She takes another pill.
Shadow self 4: Youre a thing, an object.

Marilyn is almost down, she calls another friend

Second-Hand, White Baby Grand (Reprise)

Something second hand and broken,
87

Still can make a pretty sound.

(Into the phone) Come on. Come over. I just need a little company. I just thought a little
company would be nice. We dont have to do anything. Just just talk. I like to talk. You
know, people dont talk enough or they talk too much. Theyre just they dont listen. Im lying
here, naked, waiting for you. Come over. Come on. Im more beautiful than ever. Sure. Mmhmmm. I understand. Hold a good thought for me and just remember youre a great guy.
She hangs up.
In the back, we see The Shadow Selves;
They want to tell Marilyn what Kennedys wants her to know. She is weak, she would believe and
she would do anything what someone would tell her
Shadow self 1: Wasnt that enough?
Shadow self 2: Dont you feel it yet?
Shadow self 3: You are alone.
Shadow self 4: They left you...
Shadow self 1: Kennedys. They dont want you.
Shadow self 2: They want you, to ... go.
Shadow self 3: You know too much.
Shadow self 4: You have to go. There is no other way left for you.

She is frightened, she dont know what to do. She do, what she knows how to do best, please
others...

Marilyn:
Oh, the words can stay unspoken
'Til everyone has found
That second hand white baby grand
Still had something beautiful to give
88

Still had something beautiful

To give...
She falls on the bed.
Silence.
No movement.
She is dead.
Blackout.

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Scene 14
SET: Stage is black and empty, DiMaggio comes on. Spotlight goes on him
Joe imagines what their life could have been like.

DiMaggio: Why? Oh, why didnt I see it? Maybe it wouldnt have to be like this ... Maybe ....

Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Reprise)

DiMaggio:
Id gladly disappear,
if it might guarantee a view of
No one like mrs.
No one like mr.
Smith....

Spotlight fades away from him.

90

Scene 15
SET: Stage is empty and black. Spotlight lights up on Marilyn is wearing a beautiful white dress.
While she is singing, men who had her are coming on stage, but she doesnt care about them.
She sings from her heart, why shouldnt she be forgotten

Dont Forget Me
(Song No. 22, Dont forget me)
Marilyn:
They thought they could dispose of me
They tried to make me small
I suffered each indignity
But now rise above it all
Yes, the price I paid was all I had
But at last I found release
And if something good can come from bad
The past can rest in peace
So if you see someone's hurt and in need of a hand
Don't forget me
Or hear a melody crying from some baby grand
Well, don't forget me
When you sing "Happy Birthday" to someone you love
Or see diamonds you wish were all free
Please say that you won't
I pray that you don't forget me
But forget every man who I ever met
'Cause they all only lived to control
For a kiss they paid a thousand, yet
They paid fifty cents for my soul
They took their piece: the price of fame
That no one can repay
Ah, but they didn't buy me when they bought my name
And that is why I pray
That when you see someone's hurt and in need of a hand
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You don't forget me

Or hear a melody crying from some baby grand
You don't forget me
When you sing "Happy Birthday" to someone you love
Or see diamonds you wish were all free
Please say that you won't
I pray that you don't forget me
There are some in this world who have strength of their own
Never broken or in need of repair
But there are some born to shine who can't do it alone
So protect them and take special care
Take care
And don't forget me
Please take care
And don't forget me
When you look to the heavens with someone you love
And a light's shining bright from afar
Hope you see my face there
And then offer a prayer
And please, let me be
Let me be that star!

The end.
Curtain falls

92

Curtain calls
Let Me Be Your Star (Reprise)
Ensemble:
She turns on the glow
As the fans start to cheer
Its her name that you hear
Near and far...
Shes what youve been needing
Its all here and her hearts pleading
Let me be your
Star
Lee and Arthur:
Fade in on that girl
who we once loved
with the fame and that
smile to remember
her past faded away
when we saw her that day
Because Monroe was gone
She was now one of us

Joe:
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We knew from the start

She would love me forever
and ever
We would soon be united
and Mr and Mrs Smith
would live on
But then she past on
and left me completely
and I love her
and she'll love me
Forever and ever
Eternally
Marilyn:
Then shell do all she can
For the love of one man
And for millions who look from afar.
Shes what youve been needing
Is all here in my heart, pleading:
Let me be your star!
Company:
Let her be your...
STAR!

94