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Beowulf: A Roaring Twenties Epic
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Art Samples
Character Breakdown
Lyrics Samples
Music Samples
Scene Sample
Synopsis
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Principals
BARBER-SCOP QUARTET:
FRANK, MURRAY, MIKE, JOHN (Mid-30s), Narrators
IRWIN FIRTH (36), Chief of the Herritberg Police
HAROLD GARR (55), President of Garr Industries
WARREN GLASS (29), Vice President of Accounting for Garr Industries
DEIDRA HOWE (37), Singer and WOLF’s Old Girlfriend
GEORGE “THE DEMON” RANDALL (52), Mafia Don and Head of
The Randall Corporation
IRMA RANDALL (74), RANDALL’s Mother
BERNARD OLIVER WOLF (42), Private Investigator
Supporting Characters
CITIZENS OF HERRITBERG (FLAPPERS, PATRONS, TOWNIES, VAGRANTS)
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SYNOPSIS
Act I
Scene 1
The Barber Scop Quartet tells the audience that they are the
representatives of the “Hand of Fate” and doomed to relive humanity’s cycle
time and again. Currently, they are about to witness the downfall of the
hero Bernard Wolf, one of their favorite humans. The audience is bid
“Welcome to 1929” and Herritberg, Illinois.
Scene 2
Harold Garr, a local tycoon, confronts his “Members of the Board”
(the Quartet in disguise) about the hostile takeover of his company being
engineered by George Randall. The yes-men are little help, but the company’s
Kentucky accountant, Warren Glass, recommends enlisting the aid of detective
Bernard Wolf who is known to have a grudge against Randall.
Scene 3
Garr and Glass visit Wolf’s shabby office, where the detective
promises to find a way to undermine Randall’s plans (“No Task Too Hard”).
Glass is attached to Wolf as a walking funds allocator.
Scene 4
Wolf hits the streets in search of “The Low-Down” on Randall. Garr’s
accountant isn’t far behind. After consulting several informants (the
Quartet again), Wolf is led to the local police precinct where bribery is
said to be afoot.
Scene 5
Chief of Police Irwin Firth denies Wolf’s accusations of a police
connection to Randall. He mocks the P. I. and tells him that the only person
“Laying Down the Law” is Firth himself. Wolf leaves in disgust and Firth
phones Randall.
Scene 6
Back in Wolf’s office, Glass and Wolf are confronted by George “The
Demon” Randall who attempts to strong-arm the pair into abandoning their
investigation before he leaves (“Infamy”). Glass is intimidated. He fears
what might be inevitable if he and Wolf persist, but the older man tells him
to “Forget about Fate” and to stick to his guns. Wolf resolves to get at
Randall through the Demon’s mother.
Scene 7
The Quartet notes that the heroes of the story might yet be sent
“Running from the Demon” if they aren’t careful. The stakes are about to be
raised for everyone involved.
Act II
Scene 1
In her speakeasy (Irma’s Chocolate Shop), Irma Randall visits with
her son. Wolf’s former girlfriend, Deidra Howe, is brought into the
conference by her “master” Randall, who forces the chanteuse to sing for him
(“Silk and Lace”). Randall leaves with his mother and Deidra descends to the
main floor to sell drinks. Wolf and Glass enter, this being the last in a
long line of speakeasies they’ve investigated in search of Irma. Deidra
reunites with Wolf, who had thought her dead, and an inebriated Glass sings
a popular love song (“Sweet Lady”). Irma returns and is confronted by Wolf,
but she refuses to turn over on her son (“My Darling Boy”). Wolf seizes her
for possession of alcohol and the speakeasy dissolves into chaos as its
patrons flee into the night.
Scene 2
The Quartet declares that Wolf’s arrest is about to cause an ugly
reaction from the underworld (“Running From the Demon [Reprise]”). The
Quartet transforms into a group of mob bosses under Randall’s control. The
outraged executive says he wants Wolf “Dead” at whatever the cost, and the
bosses agree to drown the town in a wave of crime until the detective is
killed.
Scene 3
Alone in his office, Wolf wonders if provoking Randall was such a
bright idea. Glass arrives to find Wolf sunk in a brown study. Glass
attempts to cheer his friend with “The Dixieland Shuffle.” Deidra walks in
on the pair strutting around the office. Glass excuses himself and the
former lovers reminisce about “The Might Have Beens.” Deidra gives Wolf
information about Randall’s location and promises to pursue a fresh start
with him. She is killed by hostile fire shortly after leaving the office.
Wolf is inconsolable, and he leaves, heavily armed, to murder the Demon.
Glass is left behind to face “Excitement in the Wind,” a frightful tension
which prompts him to seize a gun and follow after the detective.
Scene 4
Policemen and underworld scum battle in Slaughter Alley, but Wolf
escapes the fracas and enters Randall’s secret townhouse. Just as he is
about to shoot Randall, Firth enters and threatens the detective. Glass
enters and promptly shoots himself in the foot. Firth is shot in the
confusion, and Glass faints. The Quartet encroaches upon Wolf and Randall
(“Hand of Fate [Terminus]”). Out of ammunition, Randall threatens to plunge
the world into economic oblivion by liquidating his holdings unless Wolf
allows him to walk free. Wolf advances upon the Demon, who fires off his
message for liquidation through his intercom just before the P. I. sends
them both crashing through a window to their deaths. Radio broadcasts
announce the Stock Market Crash of 1929. There is an immediate shift to
Wolf’s office, where Glass tidies up as the citizens of Herritberg lament
their loss of fortunes (“Welcome to 1930”). Glass resolves to take over for
Wolf by masquerading as the detective, and the Quartet blesses him.
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LYRICS SAMPLES
"THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE"
THERE’S A RHYTHM THAT YOU HAVE TO DISCOVER.
IT’S AS MAGIC AS A FOUR LEAF CLOVER.
ONCE YOUR FEET FEEL JUST WHAT’S GOING ON,
THEY’LL JUMP UP AND TAKE YOU RIGHT ALONG
TO A MOOD THAT’S NOT SO GLOOMY AND GREY.
DO THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
AND YOU’RE SURE TO FIND . . .
(YOU’RE SURE TO FIND.)
. . . THAT THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
LEAVES YOUR CARES BEHIND.
(LEAVES YOUR CARES BEHIND.)
DO THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
AND YOU’RE SURE TO SAY . . .
(YOU’RE SURE TO SAY.)
. . . THAT THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
SCOOTS YOUR BLUES AWAY.
MOVE YOUR SHOES. JUST SLIDE ALONG ON THE LEATHER.
FEEL YOUR BODY FLOATING FREE AS A FEATHER.
HEARING THAT BANJO’S SUMMER SERENADE
MAKES YOU THINK OF DRINKING LEMONADE.
LET THAT BLUE-GRASS TWO-STEP CARRY YOU HOME.
DO THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
AND YOU’RE SURE TO FIND.
(YOU’RE SURE TO FIND.)
. . . THAT THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
LEAVES YOUR CARES BEHIND.
(LEAVES YOUR CARES BEHIND.)
DO THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
AND YOU’RE SURE TO SAY . . .
(YOU’RE SURE TO SAY.)
. . . THAT THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
SCOOTS YOUR BLUES AWAY.
TAP YOUR FEET AND SHAKE AWAY ALL YOUR TROUBLES.
IT’S LIKE BOLTING DOWN A MANHATTAN DOUBLE!
SLIDE ALONG THE SCALE AND YOU’RE FEELING FINE.
YOU’LL BE DOING CARTWHEELS IN TWO-FOUR TIME.
KICK YOUR GLOOMY DOLDRUMS OUT OF THE DOOR.
DO THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
AND YOU’RE SURE TO FIND.
(YOU’RE SURE TO FIND.)
. . . THAT THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
LEAVES YOUR CARES BEHIND.
(LEAVES YOUR CARES BEHIND.)
DO THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
AND YOU’RE SURE TO SAY . . .
(YOU’RE SURE TO SAY.)
. . . THAT THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE
SCOOTS YOUR BLUES AWAY.
IT’S A LITTLE DANCE WITH A SOUTHERN HUSTLE.
RAGGEDLY-TAGGEDLY KENTUCKIAN BUSTLE.
JUST A LITTLE NUMBER CALLED THE DIXIELAND SHUFFLE!
"EXCITEMENT IN THE WIND"
HOW DID IT HAPPEN? HOW DID IT COME TO THIS?
EVERYTHING IS HORROR AND DISASTER.
I SHOULD DO SOMETHING. I SHOULD TAKE A RISK,
BUT I JUST CAN’T SEEM TO FIND THE GUMPTION!
WHAT TO DO? I JUST DON’T KNOW.
I CAN’T STAY AND I CAN’T GO.
THE WORLD IS SPINNING OUT OF MY CONTROL!
EXCITEMENT IN THE WIND.
I FEEL IT BLOWING THROUGH MY FINGERS.
EXCITEMENT IN THE WIND,
HOWLING LIKE A HOST OF DAMNÈD SINGERS.
IT RAGES ALL AROUND, BUT DOESN’T MAKE A SOUND,
CONCENTRATING TENSION AS IT HUMS ALONG THE GROUND.
IT’S TEARING ME TO PIECES BOTH WITHOUT AND WITHIN.
ALL I HEAR’S EXCITEMENT IN THE WIND!
TAUNTING AND ENTICING, IT’S CALLING TO ME NOW.
“BE A MAN!” IS WHAT I HEAR IT SAY.
I’D LIKE TO TAKE ITS CHALLENGE, BUT I DON’T KNOW HOW.
SHOULD I GO TO FIGHT OR SHOULD I STAY?
ITS SONG IS SO INVITING;
MYSTERIOUS AND FRIGHTENING;
PULSING LIKE LIGHTENING!
EXCITEMENT IN THE WIND.
I HEAR IT SCREAMING IN THE SKIES.
EXCITEMENT IN THE WIND,
GREATER THAN AN ANGEL’S HORN ON HIGH.
IT COAXES INTO COURAGE ALL THOSE WHO STAY BEHIND,
BRINGING SOUND AND SIGHT
TO THE DEAF AND TO THE BLIND.
“FOLLOW ME,” IT SHRILLS, “AND YOUR MISERY WILL END.”
ALL I HEAR’S EXCITEMENT IN THE WIND!
I CAN’T REMAIN AND LISTEN
TO THAT CHALLENGING REFRAIN.
TO LISTEN MORE WOULD MAKE ME GO INSANE.
(He takes the gun.) I’M NEEDED ON THE BATTLEFIELD
TO FACE THE FOE WITH SWORD AND SHIELD
AND FIGHT BESIDE MY FRIEND!
I WILL BRAVE EXCITEMENT IN THE WIND!
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MUSIC SAMPLES
Instrumentals (Orchestrations by
Dan Timoskevich and
Bob Marshall)
"Entr'Acte"
"Excitement in the Wind"
"Laying Down the Law"
"Overture"
Sung Vocals (Vocal dubs by
Snowflower Music)
"Dead"
"The Dixieland Shuffle"
"My Darling Boy"
"Silk and Lace"
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SCENE SAMPLE
Act I, Scene 6
(The building SL of WOLF’s office rolls DS and unfolds to reveal another
office. A handsomely carved desk parallels the SR wall, its accompanying
chair a grand creation of cushions and cherry-wood. Numerous framed awards
are plastered across every available empty space. A posted flag reading “To
Serve and Protect” is visible in the SL area. There is a phone on the desk,
a horribly ostentatious affair of silver and gold. No filing cabinets are in
evidence, or any paperwork. IRWIN FIRTH, a dapper, ginger-haired fellow with
a well-waxed handlebar moustache and smartly parted hair, is examining
himself in a hand mirror. He is dressed in a well-pressed period police
chief’s uniform. He is whistling “Liliburlero.” A curved sign descends from
above which states in Gothic lettering: “HERRITBERG CITY PRECINCT.” The
door, located SR, bursts open and WOLF angrily storms toward FIRTH. GLASS
peers into the office, dry-washing his hands.)
GLASS
Er . . . Howdy?
(FIRTH looks up from his mirror at WOLF, his mouth screwed up in distaste.)
FIRTH
Really, Bernard. Must you always make such a scene? A knock would have
sufficed.
WOLF
(Seething.) We have to talk.
FIRTH
(Turning back to his mirror.) If you wish, but I warn you I’m extremely busy
for the next few months. (He makes shooing motions.) Go make an appointment
with Wally, at the desk. I’m sure he can arrange something.
GLASS
Maybe not, sir. (He checks beyond the door.) He’s unconscious at the moment.
FIRTH
(Stiffening.) Oh, Bernard! Not again. That’s such a blow to the morale here.
(He turns to WOLF.) You really should . . .
(WOLF grabs FIRTH’s mirror and hurls it to the floor, where it breaks.
FIRTH, not expecting such a move, is shocked.)
WOLF
Listen here, you dandy! You’re not putting me off like last time. We’re
going to talk, and we’re doing it now!
(FIRTH takes a step back before realizing how submissive that looks. He
stops and self-consciously brushes phantom dirt from his clothes. He manages
to recover his air of indifference.)
FIRTH
Fine, then, but I’ve only got a minute, boyo.
WOLF
(Dangerously.) That’s all I’ll need.
GLASS
(Sensing tension.) I think I’ll wait outside; leave you two to it. (He pats
at a pocket.) Have a drink. (He waves.) Urm, ‘bye.
(GLASS leaves hastily, pulling the door shut behind him. WOLF just stares at
FIRTH until the silence becomes uncomfortable. FIRTH squirms with
impatience.)
FIRTH
Out with it, then. I can’t stand it when you stare like that. It’s creepy.
WOLF
(Biting out the words.) Word is you’re in with Randall; shielding him. Is it
true?
FIRTH
(Too quickly.) Cushmacloree! Of course not! We deal with crooks here, not
businessmen. You’ve been off the force too long if you can’t remember that.
WOLF
I checked up on you, Firth. I know about that little brownstone you moved
into last week; the Italian suits; the fancy women. Pretty impressive for a
man on a copper’s salary. Even a Chief’s salary.
FIRTH
(Dissembling.) The only thing that proves, Bernard, is that I’m good at
managing my finances.
WOLF
(Crisply.) My name is Wolf! And you’re a terrible liar!
(WOLF grabs FIRTH and pushes him back-down over the desk.)
No more hedging, Firth! There’s not a lot I believe in anymore, but law and
order still matters to me. This precinct was all I had for a long time, and
I was proud of what we did here; proud of what we stood for. I want to know
if you’ve thrown that away. I deserve it! So look at me, Firth! (Grimly
pleading.) Look at me and tell me you’re clean! (FIRTH struggles.) Look at
me!
(FIRTH looks about for salvation. He catches a glimpse of the flag, but he
looks away from it quickly, as if its words accuse him. After casting about
some more, he finally locks gazes with WOLF, but he is incapable of enduring
the hurt in those eyes. WOLF, seeing the truth, snarls and hurls FIRTH to
the floor.)
You slime! You were never a great cop, but this? This!
FIRTH
(Standing.) What do you care? You never gave me a notice when you were still
on the force. You don’t know me, so don’t try to judge me.
WOLF
But I do know you, Firth. I remember things. Like that night in Slaughter
Alley. (FIRTH freezes.) The Tylertons were locked up in that warehouse,
right? Shooting like merry idiots. But we had them staked clean. Clean! They
never would have seen us coming. But one bullet grazed bytoo close, didn’t
it? And you ran. You blew our cover and you ran off yelling like a stuck
pig. How many officers died because of that? Six? Seven? Definitely your
brother Ryan. (FIRTH shakes.) And then the Tylertons torched the building,
and the quarter caught the flame. Slaughter Alley burned, Firth. Burned in a
lake of crimson heat! Burned because of a coward’s scream! Because of you!
Like I say, I remember things. I promised Ryan I wouldn’t squeal on you;
promised him on a bed of blood. But I should have. I should have
(Sneering.), Chief!
(As WOLF talks, the building at far SR lights up. A group of policemen are
gathered at its base. Scattered shots sound out, and a young officer runs
away screaming. The shots are redirected at the officers, most of whom
crumple to the ground. One of the survivors pulls a dying officer away from
the carnage. The windows of the building begin to glow with fiery light.
Screams erupt, then fade as the lights on the building lower into darkness.
FIRTH’s face distorts into a black mask of self-loathing. He jumps WOLF and
they grapple until FIRTH is thrown away. Panting and heaving, he struggles
for poise.)
FIRTH
How dare you!
WOLF
Because I can! You started out low, and you’ve just gone to ground. You
dirty, self-serving mick!
SONG: LAYING DOWN THE LAW
FIRTH
(Livid.) You . . . You don’t know what you’re talking about!
FIRTH
LOOK HERE, NOW! YOU’RE WAY OFF BASE!
BACK DOWN A MOMENT! GET OUT OF MY FACE!
WHY DON’T YOU REMEMBER
WHO’S LAYING DOWN THE LAW?
WOLF (Aside.)
NOW HE’S GONNA TRY
TO JUSTIFY HIS WRONGS.
THAT SAME OLD SONG.
TOO FAKE; TOO LONG.
FIRTH
DON’T HAND ME THE THIRD DEGREE.
WOLF, YOU JUST CAN’T MUSCLE ME!
I’M THE MAN WHO GETS TO LAY DOWN THE LAW!
WOLF
GEE, THE AIR’S SURE WARM IN HERE.
FIRTH
I’VE SOLVED CASES OVERNIGHT
THAT BAFFLED SCOTLAND YARD.
WOLF
GUESS IT MUST BE EASY
WHEN YOU’RE HOLDING ALL THE CARDS.
FIRTH
I’VE BEEN GIVEN MORE AWARDS THAN YOU HAVE EVER SEEN!
WOLF
TOO BAD EVERY SINGLE ONE IS COLORED KICK-BACK GREEN!
WOLF
LISTEN UP. I’M ON TO YOU!
DON’T TRY TO CHANGE MY POINT OF VIEW.
YOU’RE NOT THE MAN WHO
GETS TO LAY DOWN THE LAW!
FIRTH (Aside.)
I DON’T THINK THINK HE
UNDERSTANDS THAT I’M
NOT IN THE WRONG.
WOLF
YOU CAN’T HIDE BEHIND A LIE.
FIRTH
I’M JUST NOT STRONG.
WOLF
GIVE IT UP! DON’T EVEN TRY!
FIRTH
I GET ALONG.
WOLF
WORMS LIKE YOU CAN NEVER LAY DOWN THE LAW!
FIRTH
IT’S PLAY BALL OR BE KEELHAULED.
(To WOLF.) DON’T YOU TRY TO SAUCE ME, SON.
I KNOW THE CITY MAYOR!
WOLF
OH, MY GOSH! I’M RUNNING SCARED!
LIKE THERE’S NO CORRUPTION THERE!
FIRTH
IF WE’RE TALKING LAWMEN,
I’M THE BEST AROUND, BY FAR!
WOLF
GO AHEAD AND THINK THAT
WHILE YOU DRIVE YOUR FANCY CAR!
FIRTH (In counterpoint with WOLF.)
I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TOLD.
I’M THE BEST OF THE BLUE AND GOLD.
ONLY A FOOL WOULD SAY THAT I’M NOT THE LAW!
(Aside.) I CAN’T SEE A BETTER WAY
THAN TO COUNT THE MONEY AND LOOK AWAY.
IT’S NOT SO BAD A CRIME!
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO
BEND TO DO YOUR JOB!
WOLF (In counterpoint with FIRTH.)
FACE IT, FIRTH. YOU'RE A BIG DISGRACE.
I DON'T SEE HOW YOU STAND YOUR FACE.
YOU MAKE ME ILL AND, BROTHER, I'VE SEEN IT ALL!
GO AHEAD AND BE A FAKE,
BUT I KNOW THAT YOU'RE ON THE TAKE!
GIVE ME A LITTLE TIME!
WE'RE GONNA SEE WHO'S
LAYING DOWN THE LAW!
WOLF
I’m not laying charges on you. They’d never stick. I’ll just leave you with
the memories you’ve been trying to buy off from yourself. Wallow in your
filth, Firth! Choke on it, if you can!
(WOLF storms over to the door in high dudgeon and pulls it open. GLASS,
evidently eavesdropping, falls in on his face. WOLF jerks GLASS up by the
scruff of his neck and pushes him out of the office. A pale FIRTH sputters,
and WOLF responds.)
And tell your boss I’m back on his tail. He’s folding this time! Even if I
have to pull this city apart at the roots to do it!
(WOLF exits. FIRTH spends a few moments pacing off some tension. He finally
takes a deep breath and exhales loudly. He sits in his chair, lifts the
phone receiver out of its cradle, and holds the receiver up to his ear.)
FIRTH
Mabel? Special extension 666. What? I’m fine. The connection, please?
Thanks. (He waits.) Hello? This is Firth. Things just became considerably
more complicated, Mister Randall.
(The sign retracts into the heavens. The walls of the office close, and the
building slides back into place. The lights fade to black .)
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ART SAMPLES
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