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  • Autumn Leaves Book, Music, and Lyrics by Réal Carpentier

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    Robert Chartier is a school teacher assigned to organize a planning committee for the school reunion. This committee, consisting of teachers and former students, has to work together despite their differences as well as their emotional bonds. The story follows 7 principle characters, all of whom have some void in their lives. The story begins with a meeting to work out the details of the school reunion. We soon learn that there are problems within relationships, as widower Robert and his daughter Suzie are emotionally estranged, due to her resentment and her mother’s recent death. There are also problems between Jake and Anna, a young couple engaged to be married. Jake has a tendency to take Anna for granted, which puts the marriage on hold. Then there’s Gina, a middle-aged biology teacher going through a mid-life crisis. She fancies herself as a “Cougar”, which surprises her closest friend. Chris, an insecure former student of Gina’s, happens to be the cub she’s going after. Sylvie is a psychology teacher dating her former husband, and suspects him of cheating with his first wife. In the process of planning and preparing for the main event, Gina comes to terms with the realization of growing older, with the help of her best friend Sylvie. She begins to realize that everyone must go through an autumn of their lives, and that eventually, autumn leaves must fall. Suzie and Anna admit their undying friendship, as they’ve been best of friends since the 3rd grade. They confide in each other and try to help with their existing situations; namely an insensitive fiancée and an estranged father. Things begin to turn as Suzie finds out her father was in a car accident. She admits she already lost her mother, and cannot lose him too. She finally has an opportunity to make things better with her father, as she tells him she loves him. The accident also reunites Jake and Anna, as Jake begins to understand what’s really important in life. He apologizes to Anna and vows to change because her happiness is what really matters. Finally, Suzie believes that her father and Gina would make a good couple. With some persuasion, she is able to convince him to ask her out and make a difference in her life. As they all finally gather together at the school reunion, they’ve discovered the important things in life. They’re meeting for a school reunion to get a taste of the past, but learned a valuable lesson in the process; that it’s the present, not the past, that holds the answers to all of life’s hardships.

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    Autumn Leaves (Excerpt)

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    Robert Chartier is a school teacher assigned to organize a planning committee for the school reunion. This committee, consisting of teachers and former students, has to work together despite their differences as well as their emotional bonds. The story follows 7 principle characters, all of whom have some void in their lives. The story begins with a meeting to work out the details of the school reunion. We soon learn that there are problems within relationships, as widower Robert and his daughter Suzie are emotionally estranged, due to her resentment and her mother’s recent death. There are also problems between Jake and Anna, a young couple engaged to be married. Jake has a tendency to take Anna for granted, which puts the marriage on hold. Then there’s Gina, a middle-aged biology teacher going through a mid-life crisis. She fancies herself as a “Cougar”, which surprises her closest friend. Chris, an insecure former student of Gina’s, happens to be the cub she’s going after. Sylvie is a psychology teacher dating her former husband, and suspects him of cheating with his first wife. In the process of planning and preparing for the main event, Gina comes to terms with the realization of growing older, with the help of her best friend Sylvie. She begins to realize that everyone must go through an autumn of their lives, and that eventually, autumn leaves must fall. Suzie and Anna admit their undying friendship, as they’ve been best of friends since the 3rd grade. They confide in each other and try to help with their existing situations; namely an insensitive fiancée and an estranged father. Things begin to turn as Suzie finds out her father was in a car accident. She admits she already lost her mother, and cannot lose him too. She finally has an opportunity to make things better with her father, as she tells him she loves him. The accident also reunites Jake and Anna, as Jake begins to understand what’s really important in life. He apologizes to Anna and vows to change because her happiness is what really matters. Finally, Suzie believes that her father and Gina would make a good couple. With some persuasion, she is able to convince him to ask her out and make a difference in her life. As they all finally gather together at the school reunion, they’ve discovered the important things in life. They’re meeting for a school reunion to get a taste of the past, but learned a valuable lesson in the process; that it’s the present, not the past, that holds the answers to all of life’s hardships.

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    113 views11 pages

    Autumn Leaves Book, Music, and Lyrics by Réal Carpentier

    Uploaded by

    realcarpentier
    Robert Chartier is a school teacher assigned to organize a planning committee for the school reunion. This committee, consisting of teachers and former students, has to work together despite their differences as well as their emotional bonds. The story follows 7 principle characters, all of whom have some void in their lives. The story begins with a meeting to work out the details of the school reunion. We soon learn that there are problems within relationships, as widower Robert and his daughter Suzie are emotionally estranged, due to her resentment and her mother’s recent death. There are also problems between Jake and Anna, a young couple engaged to be married. Jake has a tendency to take Anna for granted, which puts the marriage on hold. Then there’s Gina, a middle-aged biology teacher going through a mid-life crisis. She fancies herself as a “Cougar”, which surprises her closest friend. Chris, an insecure former student of Gina’s, happens to be the cub she’s going after. Sylvie is a psychology teacher dating her former husband, and suspects him of cheating with his first wife. In the process of planning and preparing for the main event, Gina comes to terms with the realization of growing older, with the help of her best friend Sylvie. She begins to realize that everyone must go through an autumn of their lives, and that eventually, autumn leaves must fall. Suzie and Anna admit their undying friendship, as they’ve been best of friends since the 3rd grade. They confide in each other and try to help with their existing situations; namely an insensitive fiancée and an estranged father. Things begin to turn as Suzie finds out her father was in a car accident. She admits she already lost her mother, and cannot lose him too. She finally has an opportunity to make things better with her father, as she tells him she loves him. The accident also reunites Jake and Anna, as Jake begins to understand what’s really important in life. He apologizes to Anna and vows to change because her happiness is what really matters. Finally, Suzie believes that her father and Gina would make a good couple. With some persuasion, she is able to convince him to ask her out and make a difference in her life. As they all finally gather together at the school reunion, they’ve discovered the important things in life. They’re meeting for a school reunion to get a taste of the past, but learned a valuable lesson in the process; that it’s the present, not the past, that holds the answers to all of life’s hardships.

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    of 11

    AUTUMN LEAVES Book, Music, and Lyrics by Ral Carpentier

    1.

    Scene III Jake and Anna are sitting and talking. ANNA Jake, I think we should have an honest discussion. I really think we ought to discuss our relationship so we dont run into a problem again. JAKE OK. ANNA Lets be open with each other. We should point out an area for improvement, as well as something positive. JAKE (Condescending) What ever you want to do, babe.

    I agree.

    ANNA (Annoyed that Jake was so patronizing) OK, Ill go first, I dont think you should be condescending like you just were. And on the other hand, I think you can be very romantic. JAKE Thanks. And Im sorry for being condescending. I really want to change for you. Youll have to stay on me about that. ANNA Now, youre turn. JAKE What? ANNA Its your turn to tell me something you dont like about me, and something nice. JAKE I thought we were talking about our relationship. ANNA We are. JAKE OK. (Thinking about what to say) I wish you wouldnt take modeling too seriously. Its really something thats

    2. JAKE You have to know the right people,

    difficult to achieve. you know?

    ANNA (Annoyed) Anything nice, you want to bring up? JAKE Youre a good cook. ANNA (Getting angry at Jakes impersonal attitude) OK, my turn. I wish you were more supportive of the things I want to do. And youre not a total loser. Your turn. JAKE Oh, Anna, this isnt getting us anywhere. I love you. I want to be good for you. I know were going to have to help each other along the way, but Im willing to work together on this. I never want to hurt you again. ANNA (Indicating he has redeemed himself) My turn. ( She kisses him.) JAKE Well have to get down to wedding plans soon, huh? ANNA I want a small wedding, not too elaborate. My brother had a very expensive wedding and his marriage didnt last. Ever since then, I feel funny about making a big fuss over it. I feel the same way. What about kids? JAKE Lets make that small too. And we can live wherever you want. ANNA I want to stay close to all my friends. (beat) Do you think well lose our friends when were married? JAKE I think well still be friends with them, but itll be a different relationship. JAKE Lets make it small. ANNA

    3.

    ANNA Hmm, I guess youre right. Promise me well always have each other. JAKE You really want a jerk like me? (they laugh) Of course we will. (Robert enters.) Hey, its Suzies dad. ANNA Oh, hi. Hi guys. ROBERT Did I interrupt anything? ANNA How are you feeling, Mr. Chartier?

    No, of course not.

    ROBERT Couldnt be better. The pain is basically gone. Its just a little weak. I cant put much weight on it yet, but its getting there. Glad to hear that. ANNA You gave us quite a scare.

    ROBERT Believe me, it hurt me more than it did you. Its times like these when I wish my wife was still with me. ANNA Im sure she was watching over you, Mr. Chartier. Yes, Im sure she was. not. ROBERT I feel her presence more often than

    JAKE It must be terrible to lose someone so close to you. ROBERT It is. I hope it wont happen again to anyone of us anytime soon. But shes in my heart and in my dreams. (Anna approaches him and hugs him.) Where were you guys heading? JAKE We were just about to go get some wieners.

    4. ANNA You know Jake, somethings about

    Oh, you and your wieners. you will never change.

    JAKE And thats why you love me. Come on. later. ANNA Bye, Mr. Chartier. ROBERT Bye.

    (to Robert) See you

    (Robert moves to the same bench suzie was sitting on in Act I, Scene II, and begins to speak to his deceased wife) That guy is something else, isnt he, Abbie? But hes right. Its terrible to lose someone so close. I still dream of you. If only you were here. If only you were with me. If Only ROBERT IF ONLY DREAMS COULD BE REALIZED THE TIME ID SPEND WITH YOU WOULD BE SO REAL, TRUE, AND SO ALIVE NO MYSTERY COULD BE NEW IF I COULD BE ALL THERE IS TO BE ID HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH SAVE FOR A VOID, AS ID WANT TO SEE THE LADY THAT I LOVE I WISH TO GAZE A MOMENT AND SAVOR IN YOUR SMILE THE STARLIGHT WOULD BE SPLENDENT ON THE WATERS OF THE NILE IF ONLY NOW WERE ANOTHER TIME AND FATE HAD FADE AWAY THERE WOULD BE JOY OF ANOTHER KIND AND HEARTFELT, UNAFRAID. IN MY MIND, YOUR HAZEL EYES ARE SHINING AND YOUR KINDLY BEAUTY HAS ME WONDERING IF ONLY... (During the solo, couples cross over holding hands, as Robert looks on and envies them.) I KNEW YOU FOR A SECOND AFFIRMING THAT YOU ARE

    5.

    ROBERT ENCHANTING AS THE JORDAN AND WITHAL SO VERY FAR WITH ALL WE HAVE IN COMMON WELL NEVER LET IT GO YOU ALWAYS WERE THE SASSY ONE AND THE BEST OF FRIENDS TO KNOW IF I COULD HEAR ALL YOU MEAN TO SAY SUCH MUSIC TO MY EARS REMINDING ME OF THE YESTERDAYS THE LAUGHTER AND THE TEARS IN MY MIND, YOUR HAZEL EYES ARE SHINING IN MY MIND, THE KISSES HAVE YOU GLOWING IN MY MIND, MY WORDS WILL KEEP YOU SMILING AND YOUR KINDLY BEAUTY HAS ME WONDERING IF ONLY... IF ONLY... IF ONLY... (Suzie enters.) SUZIE I thought I could find you here. ROBERT Oh, hi sweetie. SUZIE Hi Dad. Hows the leg? ROBERT Whats up? SUZIE Can we talk? ROBERT Of course, Im right here for you. SUZIE I was talking to Ms. Lambert the other day...smart woman. ROBERT What about? SUZIE Well, I was asking her about something and she gave some pretty good advice. She also advised me to pass it by you.

    Were doing good.

    6.

    I like that advice.

    ROBERT Whats on your mind, sweetie? SUZIE You know Chris? ROBERT

    I dont know what to do. Yeah.

    SUZIE Do you like him? ROBERT Yes, I think hes a great guy. Hes got his share of problems, but nothing that time wont alleviate. (beat) You like him too, dont you? SUZIE Yeah. ROBERT So, whats the problem? SUZIE I think he feels the same way, but I dont think hes going to do anything about it. Hes too shy, or afraid, or something. ROBERT Well sometimes guys like him need a little time to work up the nerve. You have to realize, hes known you since grade school. Its hard for him to imagine youd want to be more than friends. SUZIE So, what should I do? ROBERT (Realizing his daughter is finally asking her father for advice) Ive been wanting you to ask me that for so long. SUZIE Im so sorry, dad. I wish I had been there for you. Im here now, though. I promise not to act so childish again. I know you tried as best you could. And I cant imagine what you went through when she died. And I know that her death was not your fault. It was nobodys fault. It was just her time.

    7.

    ROBERT While were on the subject, I know I was lacking as a parent too. Sometimes I feel like Ive failed you. SUZIE Youre feeling that way, dad, because of the way Ive been with you. But I want to tell you that things will be different. ROBERT Im just happy to have you in my life. (they hug) Now, what about this problem of yours, Zie. SUZIE Zie...do you know that Chris calls me Zie? ROBERT He does? Well, you have nothing to worry about, then. Hell be asking you out. No one calls someone something so dear if they dont hold a special place for them in their heart. SUZIE You think so? ROBERT I know so. Its just a matter of time. Just be patient. And it wouldnt hurt to nudge him every now and then. You see, Zie, theres something you need to remember about boys and girls. Girls grow up to be beautiful. Boys...they grow up to be stupid. (they laugh) I love you, sweetheart. SUZIE I love you too, dad. FOR YOU SUZIE ALL MY YOUNGER DAYS I FAILED TO UNDERSTAND ALL THE MANY WAYS YOU TRIED TO TAKE MY HAND TO LEAD ME TO A BETTER TIME AND HOLD YOU CLOSE TO ME. BUT MY BETTER DAYS SET ME FREE. WHEN I NEEDED YOU I TURNED AND SHIED AWAY NEVER REALLY KNEW JUST HOW AND WHAT TO SAY IM WISER NOW AND REALIZE THAT IM YOUR FAMILY AND I THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME. ALL I WANT IS TO MAKE YOU PROUD DARE I MIGHT SAY OUT LOUD?

    8. SUZIE FOR FOR YOU AND YOU, I WILL BE HERE YOU, ILL DRY THE TEARS GAVE ME LIFE, AND LOVE THROUGH THE YEARS I LOVE YOU.

    ID SPEND MY TIME REGRETTING ALL THE PAIN AND NOW I FIND THAT WE ARE BOTH THE SAME MY HAPPINESS WAS WANING IN MY LIFE NOW I SEE A NEW ME IN YOUR EYES I WAS FINALLY NOT CARING ANYMORE AND YOU NEEDED ME BUT I CHOSE TO IGNORE IF I COULD HAVE A WISH COME TRUE ID WANT YOU MOST TO KNOW THAT YOUR LITTLE GIRL LOVES YOU SO SHOULD YOUR WORLD CRUMBLE TO THE SEA YOU WOULD STILL BE WITH ME...WITH ME. FOR YOU, I WILL BE HERE FOR YOU, ILL DRY THE TEARS YOU GAVE ME LIFE, AND LOVE THROUGH THE YEARS AND I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU. SUZIE (contd) Theres something else I wanted to talk to you about. ROBERT Im all ears. SUZIE What about you? ROBERT What about me? SUZIE I think its time for you to move on and meet someone. ROBERT No, I dont think so. Why? SUZIE You feel your not ready?

    ROBERT No, not that. Its true Ill never love another woman like your mother. Im just not into looking for someone. Im not into bars, or night clubs. Meeting someone at the grocery store only happens in the movies. And, Im certainly not into these dating websites. With my luck, Id end up with some predator, whos into foot worship.

    9.

    SUZIE What about Ms. Sparascino? Gina? ROBERT That would never work.

    SUZIE What are you trying to make work? Im just talking about having dinner, or a movie, so you wont be alone. I think shes lonely too, and shed probably welcome something different in her life. ROBERT I dont know. SUZIE Dont you think shes pretty? ROBERT Sure. SUZIE Well, then? Yeah. Why? on. SUZIE I think youd be great company for each other. ROBERT What if she says no? SUZIE Now you sound like Chris. Come on dad, I want you to. And if she says no, be persistent. No one likes wishy-washy. ROBERT OK, Ill ask her out. SUZIE Great! (They start to leave. abruptly.) ROBERT Oh, my God! SUZIE What? Robert stops Come You scared? ROBERT

    10.

    ROBERT What if shes into foot worship? (They laugh, and exit.)

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