Today has been a busy day...I haven't had time to work on my plays due to babysitting, but this weekend, I plan to get a jumpstart on more of A Man's Fury. For now, I'll post another play I wrote entitled, A Shining Star. Enjoy! :-)

The scene opens with Catherine doing homework after school, or what people think is homework. The ten year old is really drawing pictures of animals, and people, trying to make sense of an insensitive situation she got involved with several years before. Her physical therapist somehow missed the boat on emotional protection, and instead, made her feel very small from ages four to ten. Catherine needed a way to break free.

Her dance teacher, Liz, feels that Catherine could become something big in the next few years. But she’s afraid to help the young girl for fear her Pandora’s box may be opened. What Carmen did to the little girl was inexcusable. More that that, it was humiliating. During Catherine’s treatments, she was stripped down to her underwear, with no way to protect herself physically from her therapist’s games, as she called them. Carmen would poke Catherine’s navel so hard that it sparked a sexual response in the little four year old. This was more than just stretching a muscle. This was humiliation.

Catherine would cope by coming home to draw, and masturbate under her bed sheets every afternoon. Carmen had sparked frenzy in this girl, and Liz knew it. Now that Catherine was ten, it was time for the hurt to stop, but Catherine had no idea how to make it so. Liz had a few ideas in her head, but she first wanted to give the girl a chance to speak up on her own behalf.

Liz: Catherine, are you almost finished with your homework?

Catherine: Liz, it’s not homework. Look closer. (Liz leans over the page, shocked to see a child in her underwear, holding a microphone.)

Liz: I’m not sure what this is…are you comfortable talking about it with me, or should we go see Dr. Jennifer?

(Jennifer Doyle was a local psychologist who happened to be two blocks from Liz’s studio. Liz was in a position to care for the girl since being put in her care after her parents were murdered by Carmen for their money that wasn’t paid when Carmen ended treatment. Carmen was now jailed for two crimes: First degree murder and assault of a child.)

Catherine: I don’t care what we do. I just needed to draw. Sure, let’s go see Dr. Jen.

Liz: You know we want to help you, since you’ve been through a lot in the last few years, with Carmen mistreating you, and then, murdering your family.

Catherine: Yeah Liz, that’s it.

Liz: I know how you feel. Remember when I told you my step dad hurt me too? You just need someone you can relate to.

Catherine: And I guess that someone would be you since we both love to dance. (Catherine stops drawing. Liz sits next to her, eyeing the drawing.)

Liz: Why is she holding a microphone?

Catherine: She likes to sing. Like Cher.

Liz: So the little girl likes to sing and dance like Cher, in her underwear…(Liz’s voice trails off.)

Catherine: I would have put her in costumes if I had the time. But when my parents decided to let Carmen hurt me, I decided to give this kid a second chance. Only this time, she could sing the way she was meant to sing…naked.

Liz: I’ll call Dr. Jen, and let her know we’re on our way. (Liz makes the call, and Jen’s secretary, Masha, answers.)

Masha: Dr. Doyle’s office, this is Masha… can I help you?

Liz: Hi Masha. It’s Liz. Listen, does Jennifer have any openings today? Catherine is really going through a hard time, and I was wondering if I could bring her in. (Masha checks the appointment book.)

Masha: How does two o’clock sound? She can see her from two to four.

Liz: Excellent. We’ll be there. (Liz hangs up the phone.) Well, you have a two o’clock with Dr. Jen, then we’ll go to dinner in Chinatown. How does that sound?

Catherine: Sounds like a plan to me. Let me put this in my folder, and we’ll be off. (Catherine carefully slides the drawing into her folder, and they get into Liz’s car, heading to the appointment.)

Catherine: I never thought I’d be in this position. Carmen ruined my life.

Liz: Tell me about it. Life in prison should fix her though.

Catherine: Liz, in case I haven’t told you enough, thanks for being here for me. I’m only ten, but it could be a lot worse. (Worse? Liz thinks this in her mind as Catherine goes on to talk about other things in the car. How can it be worse? To be hurt by a therapist and then have your parents murdered by said person isn’t bad enough?)

Liz: You’re welcome. Sometimes things happen in life that we just don’t expect. (They pull into the parking lot, park the car, and enter the building. Liz and Catherine walk down the hall, and enter suite 104 off 5^th Avenue. Masha is sitting at the desk when they enter.

Masha: Hi Liz. This year the payment stays the same, so that’ll be twenty dollars for two hours. (Liz pulls out her credit card, and pays Masha.)

Liz: Thanks Mash. I really appreciate the fact that we could get in on short notice, and we don’t rehearse till six, so at four we can grab dinner…well, you know the drill.

Masha: You’re welcome. Jennifer should be out any minute.

(Jennifer Doyle emerges, with her one o’clock patient behind her. Masha helps them set their next appointment, and Jennifer walks into the waiting area to get Catherine. Jennifer is Asian, about 5’4”, with dark eyes, and a kind personality, but a down to earth one at that.)

Jennifer: Liz, thanks for bringing her in. Catherine, are you ready?

(Catherine looks at Liz, who stands to come with her. Jennifer gestures for her to wait.)

Jennifer: We can wait till the second hour and have you come in then if that will work for you, Liz. I’d like to work with Catherine alone the first hour and a half, and see how she’s doing. If she needs any medications, I’ll write a script for you too.

(Jennifer got her M.D. and Ph.D. from NYU and New York’s Medical School. Her patients can get all of their services done in one appointment. It makes it very convenient for Liz, who is currently receiving funds from the state to care for Catherine.)

(Catherine and Jennifer walk into her office, a large room painted in soft pastel yellow, with dimmers on the lights. No florescence here…just gentle bulb lighting. Catherine sits at the art table, while Jennifer pulls her file, and sits across from her.)

Jennifer: Is there something you want to talk about? Liz told me that instead of homework, you were drawing pictures. Do you mind if I take a look? (Catherine pulls the pictures out from her backpack, and gently sets them on the table.)

Catherine: I’ve been seeing you for several weeks now, and it’s been good. Really good. But I can’t stop thinking about Carmen, and her wrongdoings in my life.

Jennifer: Carmen has done some horrible things to you and your family. And there is no excuse for that. She’s been sentenced to life in prison, which means she can never hurt you again though. I need for you to meditate on this Catherine. She’s gone for good. Liz and I are here for you now.

Catherine: I’m thankful that you’re both here. I wouldn’t want life any other way. Now back to the pictures. This is better than holding it in, right? I mean, you should see my truth as I see it for myself.

Jennifer: Absolutely. Can you tell me what the significance is behind this one though?

Catherine: Of course. It’s me, dancing and singing with a microphone like Cher. You could say I’m liberating myself.

Jennifer: That’s true too. But remember, Carmen won’t ever hurt you again. I want you to look at this photo and tell me what you’re feeling.

Catherine: I feel proud.

Jennifer: Proud of your body? It would seem like that’s what this is representing.

Catherine: Yes. Carmen made me hate myself growing up, but now, I have this sense of great pride deep within myself. (Catherine’s eyes are brimming with tears of anger now.)

Jennifer: Show me what you are proud of Catherine. What part of your body are you most proud of?

(Catherine gestures to two body parts, her navel and private areas in the picture.)

Jennifer: There’s something you’re not telling me Catherine. Tell me why these two areas are so full of pride for you right now.

Catherine: Because it’s okay to touch them, and engage in sensual acts. There’s nothing in the Bible that says it’s wrong to be proud of the body God gave me, is there?

Jennifer: Not at all. In fact, it’s more than just pride. You’re trying to feel normal. You’re trying to reclaim your body because it was taken from you.

Catherine: Uh…yeah!

Jennifer: Come here…(Jennifer gently hugs the little girl close. Catherine cries on Jennifer’s shoulder.) Shhh…one thing led to another for you. Carmen’s actions, words, and the murder of your parents just did you in.

Catherine: (Looking up at Jennifer) Exactly! Hasn’t my body been through enough?

Jennifer: Yes. And even though you’ve tried to stop being sensual, you’ve come to realize that it is okay. No matter what you do or don’t do, physically, don’t lose the pride.

Catherine: I feel like dancing. Naked.

Jennifer: You can. Liz has the next dance number set up just so you can do that. You can let go…of everything. And I’ll be there to help in any way you need.

Catherine: Thank you.

Jennifer: You’re welcome. Is there anything else you want to talk about while I have you here? We can bring Liz in anytime you want.

Catherine: Not yet…I mean, don’t bring Liz in yet. Can we talk about what my parents’ biggest mistake was?

Jennifer: Sure.

(They move to Jennifer’s couch, sitting across from each other, Jennifer in her desk chair.)

Catherine: They made the biggest mistake ever! Letting Carmen get her hands on me, and manipulate my emotions and body. That should never have happened.

Jennifer: I agree. They should have been there to help you. Parents have more power than they realize, but sometimes, they just don’t know when to exercise that power.

Catherine: Too bad for them. And way too bad for Carmen. I have a question…am I ever going to outgrow the sensual behaviors?

Jennifer: They may be with you for a long time, but you can always make a point to stop them whenever you’d like.

Catherine: Really? I can do that?

Jennifer: Like your parents’ power and Carmen’s, you too, have the power to do things in your life that will make you a better person. But you also need to remember that it’s okay to be sensual with your body. Even if you stop for a little while, you can always go back. It’s not written in stone either way.

Catherine: Thanks Jen. That’s a load off my mind.

Jennifer: You’re welcome. Remember, you’re in control now. You have the will and pride to stop and start anything you put your mind to.

Catherine: I’m in control now…(the ten year old is letting this sink in.)

Jennifer: Should we bring Liz in now?

Catherine: Okay.

(Jennifer goes to get Liz. They walk back to her office, and Liz sits on the couch, next to Catherine. Catherine moves close to her, and Liz puts her arm around Catherine.)

Jennifer: I think Catherine is discovering her own free will today. This is a huge step in normalizing her life. The sensual behaviors that you see in her art can be started or stopped at any time. She’s free to do as she pleases with those.

Liz: But won’t they reflect her parents’ feelings or Carmen’s acts toward her if she continues?

Jennifer: Not the way I see it. She’s discovering her own beauty, and merely acting on that. She’s saying, I appreciate my body and spirit of emotion here. Even if physical actions stop, she can still see her beauty, which has been one of our goals all along. (Jennifer smiles at Catherine. Catherine smiles back at her.)

Catherine: Can we go to dinner in Chinatown now? (Liz and Jennifer laugh.)

Liz: Of course, and then we can go to rehearsal.

Catherine: Thanks Jen. I feel better now.

Jennifer: You’re both welcome, and I’ll see you in about a week to check in. And don’t forget, I have tickets to your show too. (Jennifer smiles. They leave the office, and walk out by passing Masha’s desk.)

Jennifer: Masha, can you book them for next week, the same time?

Masha: Of course. So we’ll see you next week, Thursday at two, from two to four like today.

Liz: That’s it. Thanks Mash.

Catherine: Thanks Masha.

Masha: You’re welcome and we’ll see you next week.

(Liz and Catherine head to the car, and down to Chinatown for dinner. They order Dim Sum at a sidewalk café, and sit in the sunshine.)

Catherine: Oh, I love Dim Sum!

Liz: Me too. Do you know what song you’re using for the dance this weekend? The choreography is done, and all we need is music now.

Catherine: (taking a bite of Dim Sum) Taxi Taxi by Cher.

Liz: Good choice! I’ve also got Heart of Stone too.

Catherine: Awesome. (They quickly finish the meal, and head to the studio.)

Liz: Why don’t you go get ready, and I’ll warm up the rest of the class? (There are about ten boys and ten girls in the class, including Catherine.)

Catherine: Cool…I’ll be right back. (Catherine goes backstage, and gets ready to dance.)

Liz: Okay everyone, let’s warm up with Speed of Sound by Coldplay while we wait for Catherine.

(The kids get into position, and start to dance. After warm up, Catherine comes out to center stage with her microphone headset.)

Catherine: Hi everyone! I’m ready Liz.

Class: Hi Catherine!

Liz: Maestro, if you please…(Thomas, the DJ, starts the music, and Catherine begins to dance. The class is giving her a standing ovation by the end.)

Liz: Wow…Catherine, that was awesome!

Catherine: Thanks. (She takes a water bottle from her classmate, Chelsea, and drinks from it.)

Liz: You’ll be great this weekend. I’m so proud of you!

Catherine: I couldn’t have done it without you guys. (Catherine smiles at everyone, and hugs Chelsea and Liz close.)

(After rehearsal, Liz and Catherine head home for the evening. Catherine curls up with a good book, and Liz comes in to check on her.)

Liz: You are so amazing, you know that?

Catherine: Thanks. So are you. (They kiss goodnight, and head to bed. The next day, the girls set out for rehearsal again, the day being Friday, and the show running Friday and Saturday.)

(The class waits outside the studio for Liz and Catherine, and they all enter together. This time, warm up for rehearsal is Tout L’Or Des Hommes by Celine Dion.)

Liz: Okay you guys, let’s warm up first, and then we’ll rehearse the first three scenes before Catherine comes out.

Justin: Hey Liz, is there still room for improv on I Drove All Night?

Liz: Of course. Show me what you’ve got. (Justin and the dance troupe do the routine for I Drove All Night, but with a few of their own additions.)

(Then it was time to rehearse the first two scenes, with Golddigger by Kanye West and Hung Up by Madonna. Scene three included Talk by Coldplay, and scene four was for Catherine and Cher’s Taxi Taxi. Scene five was I Drove All Night with Justin and Company. The kids then do the finale: She Sang To Me by Marc Anthony.)

Liz: That’s a rap you guys. Good job. We’ll see you tonight at 6 for the show at 7.

Dancers: Wooha! (The kids wait for their parents on the front stoop, and Liz and Catherine wait with them. Everyone departs, and Liz and Catherine head home for an early dinner at Liz’s New York apartment. After a quick meal and a nap, everyone meets back at the studio for the 6 PM warm up with the song from Channel 69, Promise Is Breaking. At 6:30, they head to the auditorium next door, and get ready for the 7 PM show.)

Liz: Places everyone! Hands in…break a leg…

All: Let’s do it!

(The kids danced the night away, performing for their families and friends. The show ends by 9, and everyone heads home for the night to get ready for Saturday.)

(Saturday arrives, and the same routine is done again. The kids spend the day doing their own thing, and by 6, they are ready to dance again.)

Thomas: Is everyone ready to warm up?

All: Yeah!

Thomas: Today I’m going to use Hot In Here by Nelly for the warm up. Any objections?

All: Nay! (The music plays and the kids warm up together. At 6:30, they head to the auditorium, backstage, and get into position.)

Liz: Hands in you guys…

All: Let’s do it!

(The show goes off without a hitch. The kids are even asked to do an encore, and Thomas chooses a jazz selection, Crockett’s Theme by Jan Hammer. At 9, they gather backstage for the final curtain call, take their bows, and Catherine gets a special surprise.)

Chelsea: Catherine, you can’t look until we say open! (She covers Catherine’s eyes. Jennifer comes backstage to surprise her. The kids are elated.)

All: One, two, three…OPEN! (Catherine opens her eyes and sees a huge bouquet of flowers on the stage table, and Jennifer standing to the left of the table.)

Catherine: You guys! I don’t believe this!

Justin: We snuck her back here, just for you. (Catherine squeals with delight, hugs her friends in a group hug, and embraces Jennifer.)

Jennifer: You were so amazing tonight. You deserve these, and more. (Jennifer gestures to the flowers.)

Catherine: Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say…

Chelsea: Say you’ll come party with us at Life Café, silly!

Catherine: Okay, I’m in!

(Jennifer, the kids, and Liz all head to the Life Café for late night dessert. Ice Cream of many flavors comes to the table. The kids let Catherine take the first bite.)

Liz: Dig in kiddo. I’m so proud of all of you! Cheers! (The kids raise their spoons, clanking them together.)

All: Huzzah!

(Liz and Jennifer dig in with the kids, as the scene fades to black.)

The End.