Spinner

SPINNER

A Drama in One Act

by William C. Seward

Performance Rights

It is an infringement of federal copyright law to copy or reproduce this script in any manner or to perform this play without royalty payment. The author controls all rights. Contact for additional scripts and further licensing information. The author’s name must appear on all programs and promotional material.

William Seward :  lastromantic49@yahoo.com

December 2, 1998

Copyright © 1997 by Bill Seward

CHARACTERS:

RICK DINSMORE: 40's. Grandson.

MARGOT: Rick's wife.

D.W. DINSMORE: The Grandfather. About 80.

CLARA DINSMORE: Grandmother. A bit younger.

GRADY DINSMORE: Father. 60.

NELDA TARVER: Waitress. 20-30

BROTHER SNYDER Local Minister

SPUD BROWN Town character.

JEFF LAYTON Local farmer

BUS DRIVER

Time:

1970's, Saturday morning, early spring.

Scene:

Small town cafe. Rural setting. A few tables, counter w/ stools. Counter with exit to kitchen behind it. Front entrance visible. Decor is early dinette set. Some patrons enter w/ mail, etc.

Act I

Scene 1

(SETTING: Early morning cafe. Dishes rattling, coffee brewing.)

(AT RISE: SPUD and SNYDER are finishing a game of dominos. NELDA is bustling back and forth from kitchen to counter to tables.)

SNYDER.

(slaps last domino down, jubilant)

Domino!

SPUD

Domino, domino, the pope plays dominoes.

SNYDER.

Very funny, what have you got?

SPUD

Thirty-five.

(SNYDER marks his score, SPUD shuffles dominoes as NELDA approaches and refills their cups. This is daily routine for all. The game continues throughout the play, their remarks usually barely audible. SNYDER wins mostly.)

SNYDER.

(placing double five)

I've got the spinner. That's ten.

SPUD

You sure preachers don't cheat?

SNYDER.

Don't have to. God's on our side.

NELDA

More donuts?

SPUD

Not yet.

SNYDER.

I'll take some of that pie, Nelda.

SPUD

Giving in to temptation, Preacher?

SNYDER

I consider Frances' coconut pie a religious experience.

SPUD

I guess you would know.

(CLARA and D.W. enter from street. They are carrying mail. They have been married a long time. As the following dialogue continues, they cross to their regular table and sit. CLARA is somewhat dressed up, not quite Sunday best, but nicer than a house dress. D.W. is in work khakis, but clean ones. He wears a comfortable old hat or feed store cap.)

CLARA

Good morning Brother Snyder.

SNYDER.

'Morning Sister Clara . . . D.W.

D.W.

Brother Snyder . . . Spud.

SPUD

Plowing done, D.W.?

D.W.

Rick's gonna finish today.

SNYDER.

You really work that boy, D.W.

D.W.

He enjoys it, Brother Snyder.

CLARA

He wouldn't let us sell the place, said it should stay in the family.

SPUD

But working in the city all week, and the farm all weekend. . .

D.W.

Evenings too, sometimes.

CLARA

I just can't sleep for worrying about him.

D.W.

He says it's a break for him, clears his mind after being in the office all day.

SPUD

Not many people work for relaxation. Most fish or take up golf.

D.W.

Golf? I'd rather be bored.

SNYDER.

What would you know about it Spud? You don't even remember the last time you worked.

SPUD

Sure do. It was 1953, before my medical problems.

SNYDER.

Medical problems? You were just born tired and never got rested! Been fishing, D.W.?

D.W.

Too windy. Never have much luck when the wind's blowing. You and Sister Snyder coming for forty-two on Tuesday?

SNYDER.

We wouldn't miss it.

D.W.

Spud?

SPUD

I'll pass D.W., thanks.

(NELDA comes to the Dinsmore's table with coffee pot and cups (with saucers). CLARA is cool toward her, D.W. warm.)

NELDA

Coffee, folks?

D.W.

Two.

(NELDA pours and crosses to get cream etc.)

CLARA

I just do not know why Frances keeps her on.

D.W.

Nelda's okay.

CLARA

(Sarcastically)

You men think so, anyway.

(NELDA approaches. Places cream and sugar near CLARA. CLARA pours hers into saucer and blows on it to cool it, then drinks from the saucer. RICK and MARGOT enter from street. They approach the Dinsmore's table. They speak to all except CLARA and D.W. )

RICK

Morning Brother Snyder. Hi Spud.

SNYDER.

Morning.

SPUD

Rick . . . Margot.

NELDA

(from off)

Coffee, Rick?

RICK

(looks at MARGOT)

Honey?

(MARGOT nods)

RICK

(to NELDA)

Two, with donuts.

CLARA

(opening letter)

We won some free luggage, and a diamond watch.

RICK

You did that one last year, remember? They wanted you to buy that land at Lakeshores.

D.W.

Lakeshores!! I remember when it was called Griddle. Nothing but sun and rocks.

CLARA

But if it's free. . .

RICK

You still can't afford it grandma. Remember when you spent a hundred dollars getting that free television?

CLARA

That was for shipping charges.

D.W.

It didn't even work.

MARGOT

The silverware that time was nice.

NELDA

(with coffee and donuts)

That's how Frances furnished this place. Free silverware and lots of trading stamps.

(D.W. and RICK laugh, women ignore her.)

It's the truth!

CLARA

(opening another letter)

That T.V. Guide subscription of yours is almost up.

D.W.

Better renew it.

JEFF

(comes just inside street door)

Rick, come look at this. Oh, morning D.W. . . . Miz Dinsmore.

D.W.

Morning Jeff. What's going on?

JEFF

Just something Rick wanted to see.

RICK

I'll just be a minute.

(RICK exits to street.)

CLARA

I wonder what's so important.

MARGOT

Oh, you know Jeff, he probably got a new set of tires or something.

(points to another letter.)

What's that one?

CLARA

I don't know. It's postmarked Tucson. Who do we know in Tucson?

D.W.

Can't think of anyone. Open it, maybe we won something else. . . lake front property in Death Valley or something.

CLARA

You're something, you know that, just something.

(opens letter)

This is from Grady!

D.W.

What's he doing in Tucson?

CLARA

I don't know, let me . . . I just can't read it, here Margot, can you make it out?

MARGOT

He says "Just dropping a line to let you know I'm on my way home. I'm catching the bus, should be there Saturday, the 14th."

CLARA

Why, that's nice. It's been so long since we've seen him . . .wait . . . the 14th . . . that's today. D.W., Grady's coming home today!

D.W.

Our boy's coming home? Now?

SNYDER.

What's that, D.W.?

CLARA

Our son, Brother Snyder, remember Grady? He's coming home.

SPUD

It's been a long time since old Grady's been here. He didn't even come back for his class reunion. 'Course, nobody else did neither.

CLARA

Rick's always missed his father so. Oh, just wait till he hears.

RICK

(entering from street with JEFF. JEFF goes to sit near SNYDER and SPUD)

Wait till who hears what?

CLARA

Honey, it's your father, Grady, he's coming home.

D.W.

Clara just opened the letter, he's on today's bus.

(louder, to NELDA)

Nelda, put out the flag, the bus is bringing Grady home!

NELDA

It'll stop, Mr. Dinsmore, if someone's getting off.

RICK

He's coming here? What does he want?

CLARA

(Surprised)

He's your father, Rick. He's coming home to see you, and us.

RICK

There must be another reason. There's always something else.

D.W.

That's no way to talk about Grady. He brought you into this world.

RICK

And then he split.

MARGOT

Rick. . .

CLARA

(Dismissing)

If you say so.

(Louder)

Nelda! Did you put that flag out?

RICK

She said that it would stop anyway, Mom.

CLARA

Oh, she doesn't know. What if it doesn't.

D.W.

Grady's not going to stay on it all the way to San Antonio.

CLARA

He could be asleep, or reading.

RICK

(to MARGOT)

Or not even on the bus.

CLARA

Nelda, the flag!

                (NELDA has been nearby listening, now she starts to protest again, but after a look from RICK she goes and gets the flag, taking it outside. Returning immediately without it.)

                                                CLARA

When does that bus get here?

NELDA

(Checking clock.)

It'll be about an hour, I think.

CLARA

So soon?

D.W.

Now don't get into a state Clara.

CLARA

But there is so much to do. I have to put dinner on, air out his room. Should I get my hair done? You need a haircut.

D.W.

I don't think. . . .

CLARA

No, no time for that. Take me home. I'll get a cake started.

                (She gathers the mail, her things. Starts to the street door, D.W. following.)

                                              SPUD

Later D.W.

                                               RICK

Mom, wait. . . .

                (CLARA and D.W. exit. At about the same time, NELDA exits to kitchen.)

                                              MARGOT

Rick, what's wrong?

                                               RICK

It's always like this. They drop everything the minute they hear from Grady.

                                               MARGOT

He is their son.

                                                 RICK

And me, what am I.

                                              MARGOT

His son.

                                                  RICK

He's not my father, not really.

                                              MARGOT

I know how you feel, you've told me often enough. And you're right. But, whether or not you accept him as your father, he's still their son.

                                                 RICK

I've been their son for forty years. Twice as long as he was around. I've farmed the place since I could sit on the tractor and I work at the plant so we can afford to farm. He's done nothing, he's contributed nothing, he's meant nothing. He only comes through every ten years or so and stirs everything up.

                                               MARGOT

There might be something else.

                                                   RICK

I know, I said there was.

                                              MARGOT

You're forty years old, how old is your dad?

                                                   RICK

Don't call him that!

                                              MARGOT

How old?

                                                  RICK

Sixty, I guess.

                                                MARGOT

He's getting older now.

                                                  RICK

(Realizing.)

Oh, Jesus. You're right. He is coming back.

                                               MARGOT

He's retiring.

                                                  RICK

He's waltzing right back and taking over.

                                               MARGOT

He's their son.

                                                   RICK

GODDAMMIT!

(All are startled)

                                              MARGOT

SHHHH!

                                                 RICK

I'm gonna be out on my ear.

                                               MARGOT

You don't know that.

                                                 RICK

I've worked the place for forty years. I'm supposed to be a partner. It's all supposed to be mine someday.

                                              MARGOT

I don't think they would . . .

                                                  RICK

Of course they would, they will. You said it yourself, "He's their son." I'm not, I never have been. I could have left too. Old man Jackson offered me that job in San Antonio. I thought I owed it to them to stay.

                                              MARGOT

You always said your roots were here.

                                                 RICK

Sometimes roots don't go as deep as you think. I need to talk to Nelda.

                                              MARGOT

(Suspicious)

Her, why?

                                                RICK

I'll tell you later.

                (He exits to kitchen, MARGOT sits back down and picks at her donut. She is preoccupied, but can't avoid paying attention to the domino game which is still proceeding.)

                                            SPUD

Jeff, you want to play for me? I need to see a man about a dog.

                                              JEFF

Sure, if you want me to.

                                           SNYDER

Couldn't do any worse.

                                            SPUD

Keep your eye on the preacher, I think he's changing the spots.

                (Gives JEFF his dominos and crosses toward street door, pauses, turns back to SNYDER.)

                                             SPUD

Genesis, chapter 31, verse 49; "The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another."

                (Exits through street door. Pause in conversation as play continues a couple of downs (turns).)

                                               JEFF

You know Brother Snyder, I don't understand something.

                                             SNYDER

What's that Jeff?

                                               JEFF

There are other folks around, why does the preacher spend time with the atheist?

                                           SNYDER

Well, first, he's not an atheist. Spud's more of an agnostic. Second, he knows more bible than anyone else around here.

                                              JEFF

(Downs last domino)

Domino.

                                          SNYDER

Well, I'll be! Here, you get forty off me.

                                              JEFF

Done.

(SNYDER shuffles dominos)

                                              JEFF

Doesn't the bible say that the devil can quote scripture too?

                                         SNYDER

That's right Jeff, glad you paid attention. Thing is though . . .

(SPUD enters)

                                SNYDER (Cont'd)

. . the devil doesn't play dominos.

                                           SPUD

The pope does though.

                                          SNYDER

Jeff won one for you.

                                           SPUD

Beginner's luck. You must have let him.

                                           SNYDER

(Quoting)

"It is impossible for a man to be cheated by any one but himself . . ."

                                             SPUD

(Finishes quote)

"As for a thing to be and not to be at the same time." Emerson.

                (SPUD sits in his chair, JEFF returns to his own. Play resumes.)

(RICK enters from kitchen.)

                                            MARGOT

(Catty)

Did you have a nice little chat?

                                               RICK

We need to go.

                                           MARGOT

No! I'm not leaving until you tell me what is going on.

                                               RICK

Nothing is going on.

                                           MARGOT

Sure! And you're not sneaking off behind my back to see that bimbo.

                                              RICK

She's not a bimbo. And no one is sneaking anywhere.

                                          MARGOT

But you can't tell me what you talk about.

                                             RICK

Why can't you just trust me?

                                          MARGOT

I'll trust you as far as I can throw you. You are not going to leave me, for anyone. If anyone leaves it's going to be me!

                                            RICK

What's leaving got to do with it? Are you tired of me?

                                       MARGOT

I'm not the one sneaking around with miss perky!

                                           RICK

No one is sneaking around with anyone. We've had this discussion too many times and this is not the place for it.

                                       MARGOT

(Indicating players.)

They don't care. Afraid you're sweetie will hear? Let's call her out here.

                                          RICK

No. I'm going home.

(Starts toward street door)

                                         MARGOT

Don't you dare walk away from me! You always walk away!

(Follows RICK)

Come back here!

(They Exit.)

                                         SNYDER

(Lays down double-five)

Spinner.

                 (SPUD and JEFF look at each other.)

(Blackout)

END SCENE 1

SCENE 2

                (SETTING: Same as before, one hour later.)

                 (AT RISE: SPUD and SNYDER still playing dominoes. NELDA is seated nearby, taking a break. No one else on stage.)

                                              SPUD

(On playing)

Fifteen.

                                           SNYDER

(Continuing a discussion)

So you maintain that it was a selfish act.

                                             SPUD

What else could it be? The writer says that it was not the season for fruit. There was none on the tree, so he killed it.

                                           SNYDER

But he was proving a point.

                                             SPUD

By killing a living thing? Was that a "Christlike" thing to do? Is that why we kill a living tree to continue a "pagan" celebration and call it "his" birthday?

                                           SNYDER

You make him sound like a spoiled child.

                                             SPUD

Like father, like son.

                                           SNYDER

I think Jeff was right.

                                             SPUD

That's a revelation. What about?

                                           SNYDER

Doesn't matter.

                (RICK enters from street entrance, sees NELDA and approaches.)

                                             RICK

What are we going to do?

                                          NELDA

Why do we have to do anything?

                                             RICK

You're right. You don't have to. But I do.

                                          NELDA

But you'll lose everything.

                                            RICK

It looks like I already have.

                                          NELDA

Don't be so sure.

                (D.W. and CLARA enter from the street, MARGOT right behind them. D.W. carries a newspaper. Women eye NELDA suspiciously, she moves away to kitchen. CLARA has put on a newer dress for the occasion. D.W. only changed to his best hat. MARGOT still looks as she did. D.W. and CLARA move back to their table, MARGOT crosses to RICK.)

                                            D.W.

Has the bus come yet?

                                           RICK

Not yet. Soon, I'm sure.    

                (CLARA digs through her purse for her makeup, D.W. looks at the newspaper.)

                                        MARGOT

(A bit catty.)

Did we interrupt you?

                                            RICK

(Absently)

No. It's all right.

                                        MARGOT

I thought we settled this. What did you have to tell her that you couldn't tell me?

                                            RICK

Just a problem she wanted me to help her with.

                                        MARGOT

I can imagine.

                                            RICK

No, I don't think you can.

                                         MARGOT

Oh, I can imagine a lot.

                                            RICK

Well, it doesn't matter now.

                                          MARGOT

It matters if you and that . . .that person are cooking something up. Don't forget who you are married to.

                                             RICK

You don't understand.

                                         MARGOT

Try me.

                 (They continue their discussion, but quietly.)

                                          SNYDER

(Quoting)

“Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” John six sixty-five.

                                             SPUD

"Is man only a blunder of God, or God only a blunder of man?" Nietzsche.

                                         SNYDER

(Plays last domino)

Domino.

                                            SPUD

I can't win to save my soul!

                                         SNYDER

That's just my point.

                                          CLARA

(Finishing makeup)

I wish that girl would leave Rick alone!

                                            D.W.

(still looking at paper)

Who, Margot?

                                           CLARA

You know who I'm talking about. She's twisted all you men around her finger since Frances hired her. And I'll never understand why she did.

                                               D.W.

You know why. Frances was always saying she wanted to retire and let someone else run things.

                                             CLARA

Well, why her of all people.

                                                 D.W.

No one else wanted the job. She's bright, she works hard.

                                              CLARA

(Ignoring that)

And above all, why move here? Nobody knows who she is, who her parents were. Two years ago she only had the clothes on her back. Now everyone treats her like the Queen of Sheba.

                                                 D.W.

Everybody has to be somewhere. Why do you suppose Grady's coming back?

                                               CLARA

You're as bad as Rick. Our son's been away a long time. It's time he came home.

                                                 D.W.

I wonder if he's in some kind of trouble.

                                               CLARA

Well, if he is, he needs to be with his family.

                                                 D.W.

What about Rick?

                                               CLARA

He'll be all right.

                                                 D.W.

I don't know. I think there's trouble between him and Margot.

                                               CLARA

He'll get his head on straight. Maybe when Grady gets here. . .

                                                  D.W.

Maybe.

                                                 SPUD

The fatted calf was killed for the prodigal son, how did that benefit the good son?

                                              SNYDER

Many people have had trouble with that. The lesson was about compassion, not justice.

                                                 SPUD

Let's save some compassion for those that deserve it. The prodigal doesn't always . . .return.

(GRADY enters from street door, carrying bags, just before SPUD says “return”.)

                                               GRADY

I don't believe anyone has moved an inch since I left here. Mom . . .Dad?

                                                CLARA

Grady!

                                                 SPUD

Domino!!

                                                  D.W.

Great to have you back son!

                                                  CLARA

Oh Grady, you look thinner.

                                                  GRADY

Just older, Mom.

                                                  CLARA

Your room is just as you left it.

                                                 GRADY

You know, you haven't aged a day Mom. As pretty as ever.

                                                 CLARA

(Touching hair)

Get on with you. Will . . . will you be staying long?

                                                GRADY

Just as long as you'll have me. I've decided this is where I want to be.

                                                CLARA

My prayers are answered!

                                                   D.W.

That's wonderful son, you know we could use the help around the farm.

                                                 CLARA

Why, yes. It's too much for Rick to handle alone. Oh! Rick . . . what are you doing over there? Speak to your father.

                                                 GRADY

That's Rick? You've become a fine looking man, son.

                                                   RICK

(Uncomfortably)

Good to see you, sir. I guess you'll be staying then.

                                                  GRADY

That's about the size of it.

                                                    RICK

There's someone else here you should say hi to.

                                                   GRADY

I know. This must be Margot. Mom sent me pictures of the two of you. She's even prettier than her picture.

                                                  MARGOT

Please to meet you, Mr. Dinsmore.

                                                     RICK

Yes, but I was speaking of someone else. Nelda. . .

                                                      NELDA

(Approaching)

Yes Grady, it's Nelda.

                                                       GRADY

Nelda! My god, I haven't seen you in years.

                                                      CLARA

What do you mean, Grady? Do you know this girl?

                                                       GRADY

Of course, Mom. Why didn't you tell me she was here?

                                                      CLARA

I . . . . .

                                                      NELDA

They don't know about me, I only told Rick.

                                                      GRADY

You never . . . Well, Mom. Let me introduce you to your granddaughter, Nelda.

                                                      CLARA

My granddaughter? What do you mean?

                                                     GRADY

Her mother and I were together for a while in Santa Fe. I didn't tell you because it didn't work out.

                                                    MARGOT

Rick, she's your sister?

                                                         RICK

Half sister, but . . . yes.

                                                       NELDA

He's been wonderful, the brother I've always wanted. I'm very lucky to have found him.

                                                BUS DRIVER

(Entering from street.)

Hey, buddy. You gonna get your other bags?

                                                        RICK

I'll get them.

(He exits)

                                                BUS DRIVER

Where's my new passenger?

                                                      NELDA

There isn't one, we just wanted to make sure you'd stop.

                                                BUS DRIVER

Course I'd stop with an incoming. Hadn't oughter put out the flag without a passenger. Against regulations. Coulda made me late.

(He exits)

                                                    GRADY

So you never told them?

                                                    NELDA

Mother told me where you came from, I wanted to find you, see what you were like. We hadn't heard from you in ten years, so I came here. I couldn't tell anyone but Rick. I didn't know if they would accept me.

                                                    GRADY

That's ridiculous. You're kin.

                                                     CLARA

Grady. . . Nelda. . .

                                                       JEFF

(Entering from street)

Mr. Dinsmore, Rick said to give you this.

(Hands something to GRADY)

                                                    GRADY

What's this?

                                                       D.W.

The tractor key.

                                                      JEFF

He gave it to me as he got on the bus.

                                                 MARGOT

The bus?

                                                     CLARA

Oh no! . . .Rick!

                                                       D.W.

Why would he do a fool thing like that?

                                                    MARGOT

Where's he going? How can he leave like that?

                 (They look at each other, speechless.)

                                                     SNYDER

Domino!!

                                                      SPUD

You know, I'm getting tired of losing this game to you.

                                                     SNYDER

How about a game of checkers?

                (CLARA goes into GRADY's arms, he holds her awkwardly.)

                                                    CLARA

It's good to have you home, Rick.

                                                     GRADY

I'm Grady, Ma.

(Blackout)

End of Play

--------------

This play was first produced October, 1998 at Sam Bass Community Theater in Round Rock, Texas as First Place winner in their first One-Act Play Contest and Director Workshop.