FreeDumb

By Jim Pangrazio

Something is troubling Sue. Two older acquaintances, Henry who used to work with her father and is now retired and Elsie the owner of the diner where the action takes place, engage her in conversation because they are concerned that she may do herself harm. Turns out her concerns also involve her boyfriend Joe who recently received notification of stop-loss on his military service with orders to return to combat. When a federal agent arrives at the diner looking for Joe all must decide what is best – following the law or doing what is right.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jim Pangrazio
• Release date: Mar 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310486401

Jim Pangrazio

The general consensus is that change is urgent. Yet those claiming to work toward that end choose illusory paths that serve more as an impediment to the change they profess to seek. It is a closed loop -- a path that follows itself -- a safe at home tour rather than an expedition in search of wherever. My plays attempt to untangle the complex knots created by repeated trips to nowhere by focusing on the fearful simplicity of uncontaminated life where acceptance and rejection meet to hash out what's bothering them.

Book preview

FreeDumb

Published by Jim Pangrazio at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Jim Pangrazio

ISBN: 9781310486401

Cast: Henry – Somewhat passed middle age. Elsie – Runs diner, slightly younger than Henry. Sue – 20's. Joe – 20's, Friend of Sue. Special Agent.

(On rise it's early evening. Two people in a diner. Elsie owns and operates the small diner. Henry is a friend and regular patron. Henry is looking out of the window].

HENRY: Why does she keep standing out in the cold?

ELSIE: (Walks over and looks out) Probably waiting for a call.

HENRY: Do public phones still receive calls?

ELSIE: That one does. They haven't yet taken away the old time freebie.

HENRY: One of the benefits of insignificance. (looks out again) Hard to believe she doesn't have a cell phone.

ELSIE: Things happen...That's how I earn a lousy 15% from calls made on that thing.

HENRY: Sure looks cold. Is that Rathburn's kid?

ELSIE: Yeah.

HENRY: We both worked in the plant. She can wait in here.

(Opens door. Calls and waves. She comes to door)

HENRY: I'm Henry Markowitz. Used to work with your Dad. Waiting for a call?

SUE: Yeah. (See's Elsie) Hi, Elsie. (Elsie nods)

HENRY: You looked cold out there by the phone. Here's my cell. Why not call the people and have them phone you here?

SUE: You don't mind?

HENRY: It's just a phone!

(He gives her the phone and the number. Sue goes off and phones someone. Returns to a table where Henry is sitting)

SUE: Thanks. Shouldn't take long.

HENRY: Guess I met you with your folks....Susan?

SUE: Officially, Suzanne.

HENRY: How's your father?

SUE: