Baptism by Green Fire: Skin Savers and Old Tavern Tales (Aids Comes Home)

By Michael JP Williams

What is real or unreal? If one looks close, things may not be what they appear to be. In his second collection of plays set in the 1980s, Michael JP Williams takes a look back at a time when Ronald Reagans Hollywood glamour sparked the American spirit and prosperity graced many homeseven as the AIDS crisis
quietly intensified in the shadows.

In Skin Savers, Key West, Florida, a mecca for artists, writers, transplanted New Yorkers, seves as the setting and as a perfect place for Hank and Beau, two businessmen who have been trying for years to make their fortunes at their fabric
firm. Discouraged by a recent chain of events, they are thrilled when they receive the resume of a young talented artist. But as they recruit him to work at their company, they have no idea that Mickey DWest is battling his own issues. In
the second play Old Tavern Tales, Paul and Mickey fall in love and soon become immersed in a bizarre relationship where neither has respect for the otheror themselves.

Baptism by Green Fire highlights a time when Key West was abruptly changed with the arrival of a horrifying disease that robbed the world of many beautiful, vibrant, and talented men.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462021826

Michael JP Williams

Michael JP Williams writes advertising copy, direct mail catalogs, and brochures by day, but by night, he loves to write poetry and dramatic plays. His influences include the works of Eugene O’Neill, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee and many other American playwrights. Michael lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

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Contents

Author Notes

Skin Savers©

Cast of Characters—Skin Savers

ACT ONE

ACT TWO

ACT THREE

OLD TAVERN TALES©

CAST OF CHARACTERS

ACT ONE

ACT TWO

ACT THREE

Author Notes

Baptism of Green Fire was chosen as the title to this collection of plays because I was still green behind the ears. These works are memory plays that take place in the 1980’s. These were my salad days*

Remember the 1980’s… . the exuberance of the heady Reagan years, our fascination with being a proud nation again. Funny how a little Hollywood glamour can spark the American spirit.

During those prosperous times, life in Key West changed with the arrival of AIDS. The AIDS crisis was truly my Baptism of Green Fire. We were making so much money but not putting our scientific minds to work overtime: this has to be our national embarrassment.

Yet we all lost so many friends to this and other disease complications… .

Heart disease and cancer remain our greatest killers but AIDS emerged wiping out a few generations of beautiful, vibrant and talented men many aged 18-55 years old.

My own personal hell experienced in Skin Savers. You see I lived a lie that I was an only child—denying that I ever had a twin brother.

This is repeated in Old Tavern Tales, AIDS comes home where I finally met someone close to my own age to bond and love. Alas, these are memory plays that I humbly present.

Michael JP Williams

PS I chose the title because green is the color of life. It is also the color of money.

PPS With love and affection to Uncle Tom Lanier Williams, a real Tennessee Williams

* The phrase was coined in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra in 1606.[1] In the speech at the end of Act One in which Cleopatra is regretting her youthful dalliances with Julius Caesar she says:[2]

 . . . My salad days, / When I was green in judgment, cold in blood…

The phrase became popular only from the middle of the 19th century, coming to mean a period of youthful inexperience or indiscretion. The metaphor comes from Cleopatra’s use of the word ‘green’—presumably meaning someone youthful, inexperienced, or immature. Her references to green in judgment and cold in blood both suggest qualities of salads. [3]

Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage summarizes several other possible meanings of the metaphor:

Whether the point is that youth, like salad, is raw, or that salad is highly flavoured, and youth loves high flavours, or that innocent herbs are youth’s food, . . . few of those who now use the phrase could perhaps tell us; if so it is fitter for parrots than for human speech.[4]

Skin Savers©

A New Play

Michael JP Williams

Began April 6, 1992

Completed December 11, 2005

Rewrites 2007-2011

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All characters within this play are fictional and any resemblance to persons living or deceased is purely coincidental.

Dedicated to:

Joe—For being there and listening patiently and never judging me or thinking that I was less than a man. You listened as the mother that I could never tell what happened to me.

Frank—We both lost our brothers to cancer. We dealt with it in different ways. Thanks for your example and helping me unfreeze my Hard Heart.

To T.L.W.—my angel and my muse

Cast of Characters—Skin Savers

Hank Maturo: A man aged 59 who is a successful entrepreneur and has peaked out both mentally and physically. His spirit is being tested. Hank prefers spending his time on civic committees trying to bring tourist dollars to the tropical island. He works on his own business, Old Island Handprint Fabrics in fits and starts.

Beau Taylor: Hank’s lover and business partner, in his early 50’s, a strikingly handsome man and body builder. Beau is very much the subject of Hank’s jealous fits of rage and unkind demeaning remarks. He somewhat basks in this kind of attention and relishes it.

Mickey D’West: Newly hired employee in late 20’s from a Fortune 500 company. Mickey holds things in although everyone around him thinks he is talented, pulled together young man. He has a totally different side to him that he desperately tries to tame.

Giorgio Loins: Employee of Hank and Beau and artist in late 20’s, temperamental and talented. He is somewhat naïve about his own talent and even more so—his beauty. Giorgio becomes Mickey’s playmate as they devise their own games since an island offers few avenues for their creativity and talents. Giorgio is helpless once the games turn to a more terrifying diversion.

Laura Kaiser: Hank and Beau’s right hand assistant, personal friend, and confidante in her mid 50’s runs the day-to-day business of their operation—efficient to the core. She is efficient to a fault sometimes overlooking taste and tactfulness to get the job done. Her greatest blind spot is her own son Daniel who can do no wrong in her eyes.

Daniel Kaiser: Laura’s son and child she had late in life who is in his mid 20’s. Dan is highly sheltered and shielded by his mother and is Hank and Beau’s gofer and boy Friday. Although very bright, Daniel is somewhat lazy and sees himself as heir apparent to Old Island Handprint Fabrics. He is at the beckoned call of his employers day and night and oversees the manufacturing process at the fabrics company.

Jamie Verrose: Dan’s current girlfriend and a young artist who works for Hank and Beau in her early 20’s. Close friend of Giorgio. She comes from a wealthy New York real estate family so she is always dressed very well. Jamie has a wonderfully innocent quality to her and communicates well with anyone from any walk of life.

Costume Notes: A great deal of freedom is given to the costume designer. These are some suggestions.

Hank and Beau always wear coordinating outfits with tropical silk Hawaiian shirts and pastel colored double-knit trousers.

Laura Kesar: Regally dressed in colorful Lilly Pulitzer type muumuus and hostess pajamas. She wears a string a pink pearls at matinee length.

Mickey: In Act 1—wears a Brooks Brothers type interview suit/white shirt/rep tie. In the following acts he wears all white outfits with various accents of Old Island Handprint Fabrics as belts, caps and sashes.

:

Giorgio: In Act 1 wears designers’ jeans with a tropical Hawaiian shirt. In following acts wear all black outfits with various accents of Old Island Handprint Fabrics as belts, caps and sashes.

Jaime and David: In Act 1 wears designers’ jeans with tropical Hawaiian shirts. In other scenes they wear khaki shorts with tropical shirts.

The spirits appear always with big oversized sunglasses. They are ethereal in appearance.

ACT ONE

SCENE ONE

Old Island Handprint Fabrics is a colorful place where beautiful hand print fabrics are manufactured. It is the brainchild of Hank Maturo and Beau Taylor. The walls and the décor of their offices are decorated in a profusion of vivid colors and loud patterns.. The offices are beautifully lit with tropical light and are filled with exotic plants, aloes, orchids and palms along with an avant garde art collection that Hank and Beau have accumulated over 13 years from local artists. Old Island Handprint Fabrics are very tropical and artsy, the building is based on the Ernest Hemmingway house in Key West. There are large palladium windows that open up to a tropical garden below. The windows are encased in bright colored patterned fabrics that were made at the handprint factory. There is an abundance of wicker and rattan office furniture.

The small island that they live on is a mecca for artists, writers, thieves and smugglers. It is also the very New York chic who own second homes to escape to be very laid back. It attracts all kinds of tourists and drop outs. But Hank and Beau are businessmen who still work hard every day and believe that they are going to make their fortunes at Old Island Handprint Fabrics.

ENTER Hank (overweight, graying and stressed)

Hank: (Pulling out a large white handkerchief and mopping his forehead)

(Talking to the audience)

Money, why is it always a matter of money. People come and people go always because of money. No loyalty… no faith… no belief in my fabrics. Everybody wants to make a fast buck! Nobody wants to work hard and earn it. I’m tired of sponsoring a bunch of island people. A bunch of New York brats who want to live in the tropics for a year or two. They steal my ideas… my techniques… all my secrets and then they are out of here and back on 7th Avenue hawking my hard work.

Sound: Macaw or parrot scream.

Hank:

Why can’t I find that extra special person who I can teach without worrying about him stealing me blind? Why can’t I have someone like a son who I can trust with my secrets? I need a boy who can respect a man who can teach him great things. I will be his master. I am an excellent teacher and can instruct the right young man in so many, many disciplines.

I know that I can give my right young man all he needs but I need his loyalty… his complete and utter trust. He has to get my fabrics to the right people, get us in the right stores. I don’t need a 5th Avenue phony. I need somebody who is not afraid of a little hard work not some sun god who would rather be at the beach grabbing a tan!

ENTER Beau

Beau:

Good morning Hank! I just came from the hospital. Ed is getting worse. The chemotherapy is getting harder for him to take. He looks worse and is so… so tired.

Hank:

My poor brother! He stopped smoking cigarettes ten years ago and ends up with lung cancer. Why dear lord, Ed and not me. I have to pay all the bills instead.

Beau:

That’s a vile thing to say! What’s the matter with you today? Something is wrong!

Hank:

The usual, this business of ours, Beau! I just got another resignation from that marketing asshole we hired.

Beau:

You’re joking!

Hank:

He got a better offer up in the fashion capital of the world and all I get is a dear John letter.

Beau:

Don’t let that upset you!

Hank:

Thirteen long years of working our butts off and what do we have to show for it? We’re just thirteen years older and no wiser, you dumb Pollack.

Beau:

Who you calling a dumb Pollack?

Hank:

I can’t help it! I’m just a mean old Wop!

Beau:

Baby, don’t let it get the best of you. You are under a lot of strain. I know that the big time is just around the corner. Keep the faith because this business is our baby.

ENTER Laura

Laura: (excitedly waving a letter in the air)

Mr. Maturo… Mr. Taylor… Wonderful news! I just got a resume from a young man, Mr. Mickey D’West. It is very interesting.

Hank:

Let’s see it!

Laura:

He is currently with Maybel Fashions in Memphis Tennessee. His background is in business with a double MBA and his undergraduate is in Chemistry. It is very impressive.

Hank:

Where is it?

Laura:

Please read his letter. (Hands papers to Hank)

Hank:

(Reading) Hmm… Hmm. Here Beau, look at the letter while I study this resume.

Beau: (Reading)

At least he writes well.

Hank:

Beau, you are right. He looks like a winner on paper.

Beau:

Shouldn’t we call him?

Hank:

Who knows maybe big times are right around the corner. Thank you, Laura and get this guy on the line. I want to talk with him.

Laura: (fingering her bead necklace)

Yes Mr. Maturo and Giorgio needs to see you about some designs.

Hank: (Pulling out a large white handkerchief and wiping his mouth)

Let me check my appearance and then send Giorgio in to me!

Beau:

Calm down Hank, that kind of excitement is reserved for me.

Hank: (Checking himself in a mirror)

I am the CEO here and I need to look presentable!

ENTER Giorgio (Handsome and haughty)

Giorgio: (striking a pose)

Good morning, Mr. Maturo! I must review the final art mechanicals for Doe, Ray, Me with my last minute revisions. Oh… hello Mr. Taylor.

Beau:

Morning, Giorgio have we discussed these revisions before you bother Hank about them?

Giorgio:

These are subtle color separations that I discussed with you over a week ago.

Beau:

And you finally got your ass in gear to do something!

Hank:

Beau, leave my Giorgio alone.

Beau:

(Flying into a rage) What do you mean? I’m his boss. He should clear these things through me and not run to you every time he changes a line or dots an i. All he does is comes here everyday to show off a new outfit, flex his big muscles or talk to you about buying him some new art supplies.

Hank:

Beau calm down!

Beau:

I’m his boss. I’m the president of this company. Giorgio better learn who signs his checks and approves his expense report.

Hank:

Calm down, Beau, your blood pressure

Giorgio is an innocent boy. He is not some scheming corporate whore.

Giorgio: (posing with hands on hips)

Excuse me, Mr. Maturo, I’ll come back at a better time.

Beau:

First you come to me, sweet cheeks!

Giorgio: (sneering)

Hah!

EXIT Giorgio haughtily strolling out

Hank:

Beau your jealousy is ridiculous. Stop tormenting that nice boy. Have you stopped taking your medications? Your doctor has told me that you are a prime candidate for Bi-Polar disorder. You have to learn how to behave.

Beau:

Giorgio flirts with you on purpose!

Hank:

Today we may have a telephone interview with this marketing guy and I don’t want you flying off the handle like some nut!

Beau:

I’m not a nut

Hank:

I have to make our business grow. We have been struggling for thirteen years and now I want my day in the sun. I want my Key West Gold like a pirate finding his sunken treasure chest!

Laura (Entering):

Mr. Maturo, Excuse me sir, but I have Mr. Mickey D’West on line two holding for you.

Hank:

Thanks Laura and make reservations for lunch for Beau and me at the Pier Cottage Hotel for 12:15 sharp and get me my coffee.

(Pulling out a large white handkerchief and blowing his nose)

(Picking up the phone)

Hello! Mr. D’West, do you know who I am? I am Hank Maturo, Chairman and C.E.O. of Old Island Handprint Fabrics down here in the Florida Keys. Your resume crossed my desk and I thought we would talk. Is this a good time for you to talk, son?

(Pause)

I am a very important hand print fabric inventor and manufacturer. My fabrics are used by designers for exclusive, exclusive beach and resort wear. It is very chic and very beautiful. I see that you are working at Maybel Fabrics in Memphis Tennessee.

What do you do? (Pause) Yes… ah ha… yes… Hmm… Yes.

Sound: Macaw or parrot scream.

Hank:

I want you to catch a plane and fly down here immediately for an interview. I’ll even prepay your ticket. But I want to see you Tuesday morning nine o’clock sharp. I’m switching you to my administrative assistant Laura who will confirm and help set your travel plans.

Oh yes—stay at the Pier Cottage Hotel, it is right across the street from our showrooms. See you Tuesday… Good-bye young man.

(Hangs up phone)

(Pulling out a large white handkerchief and mopping his forehead)

See Beau how I charm them and get them eating out of my hand. That is something that you President of my company Old Island Handprint Fabrics must learn to do. Always charm them—screw them later!

Beau:

My man certainly knows how to get what he wants. After all you got me just thirteen years ago?

Hank:

I remember a leather dude that this New York master met in the Chicago bars and the rest is history.

Beau:

You are such a romantic Italian stud.

Hank:

I have to be to handle a Polish hunk like you!

Beau:

You are such a romantic!

Hank:

We better get to work. Do you have the production schedules, accounts payable and receivables and all the purchase orders that I haven’t approved of yet?

Beau:

Yes sir, I’ll get my pad.

Hank:

Have you set up the publicity shots of me donating money to the Florida Keys Tourist Council?

Beau:

Not yet

Hank:

You stupid Pollack! Get your priorities in order.

Beau:

Who you calling a stupid Pollack, you pushy Wop!

Hank:

I need a day of facials before I can face the camera. You know that I need my special cucumber and aloe masque to look good. I also need my skin moist and fresh.

ENTER Laura

Laura:

Here is your coffee, sir and Mr. Mickey D’West will be arriving from Memphis. Everything is set. He sounds like such a lovely man.

Hank:

Very good, my Laura! Hop to it Beau! We have work to do.

EXIT Beau

Hank:

Laura why can’t I have a dozen like you? You are so efficient, so gracious and such a lady.

Laura:

Why thank you Mr. Maturo. I just keep trying harder.

Hank:

I can not believe that your ex-husband ever mistreated a lady like you.

Laura: (nervously fingering her bead necklace)

You know that I cannot talk about it. It is still too painful.

Hank:

You don’t have to my dear. You are now safe here with me and Beau.

Laura:

My son, Daniel and I are grateful for your protection, sir. Very, very grateful!

EXIT Laura

Hank: (Pulling out a large white handkerchief and wringing it in his hands)

That is my purpose. I help and help and help even more. Why can’t anyone help me? Why can’t I find a loyal protégé? Someone that I can teach and make into a man!

(Stage Black)

SCENE ONE—Continued

In the office of Hank Maturo

Hank: (shouting)

Beau, get in here. Has Mickey D’West arrived in Key West? That boy did better to have gotten on that plane last night. Call the Pier Cottage Hotel and make sure that he did indeed check in. Beau, where are you?

ENTER Laura

Laura:

Mr. Maturo: Mr. Taylor stepped out for some pastry and coffee. What may I get for you?

Hank: (Pulling out a large white handkerchief and mopping his forehead)

That Beau can eat like a Polish pig and never gain an ounce. I look at food and gain 10 pounds. Laura, call the Pier Cottage Hotel and make sure Mickey D’West is here.

Laura:

He already called to let me know that he arrived safely from Memphis although his connecting plane was a little delayed getting out of Miami. Also he thanked me for the tropical accommodations and fruit basket.

Hank:

Laura, you are so wonderfully efficient.

Laura: (nervously fingering her bead necklace)

You know that for you, Mr. Maturo, I work as hard as I can just like Daniel. He needs a minute of your time to review very, very important manufacturing details.

Hank:

I suppose that I can see him for a few minutes. Also Laura, make lunch reservations at the Pier Cottage Hotel for me, Beau and maybe Mickey—depending if we like him.

Laura:

Yes Mr. Maturo, I’ll send my Daniel right in.

EXIT Laura

Hank:

Her son Daniel, I wonder what that spoiled brat has messed up now. He is such a 24 year old mama’s boy who can not get away from mama. Then again mama won’t let him out of her sight.

ENTER Daniel

Daniel:

Mr. Maturo, we got a problem.

Hank:

So what else is new?

Daniel:

The production batch dyes are spoiled. Some dumb Conch forgot to put in the stabilizer. The batches of fabric prints for Lilly are ruined! I’ve already fired the S.O.B. for being so stupid. I bet the lazy louse will even file for unemployment.

Hank: (angered)

Who is in charge of signing off the batch dyes young man? Who’s supposed to approve all the dye lot series?

Daniel:

Well I am but I was away.

Hank:

Where were you?

Daniel:

You know that I had to be on my sailboat for Old Island Days.

Hank:

Then who did you leave in charge to sign off on these production runs?

Daniel:

Well, I was going to when I got back. How was I supposed to know that some old stupid worker would forget to add stabilizer to production dyes.

Hank:

Young man, you are the stupid one not my good workers.

Daniel:

What, Sir!!!

Hank:

I should fire you for your lack of managerial skills not my good people. How was a worker supposed to know the difference between a test batch and a production run? That is why I pay you.

Daniel:

He could have read the spec sheet.