Musica

Scene 1

(Monday afternoon, jazz club in New Orleans. Uriel sits at the piano on stage, playing a classical piece. The club is being set up for the evening with a few staff members running around. This club is a high class place, very neat and orderly. Uriel continues to play, getting lost in what he’s doing. A man and a woman enter the main door. One of the staff members walks over to them and they talk, although we don’t hear what they are saying. The man points at Uriel. The talking continues. The staff member walks over to Uriel. She is a black woman, 24, tall, wearing jeans and a dark blue shirt. She taps Uriel on the shoulder.)

Uriel: Hmm? (He stops playing and looks up.) What’s up, Amelia?

Amelia: See those two over there? (She motions at the people by the door, staring intently at Uriel.)

Uriel: What about them?

Amelia: They claim they’re from some big record company and want to talk to you.

(Uriel lets out a small groan and walks over to the man and woman. We finally see the two close up. The woman is a brunette with hair in a bun and wears a skirt suit in light purple. The man has a crewcut and wears a black suit. Uriel is in complete contrast, as he wears a red t-shirt and kaki shorts. He looks them up and down.)

Uriel: Can I help you two?

George: Yeah, hi. I’m George Phillips and this is Emily Blapto and we’re from Make Mine Music record label.

(He extends a hand. Uriel stares at it and does not take it. George withdraws his hand.)

Emily: We’ve been coming to this club for the past month and are thoroughly impressed by your skill as a jazz musician. Our company is looking to introduce something new to the mainstream market and your music is exactly what we’ve been looking for.

George: We’d like to offer you a record deal.

(Uriel continues to glare. The two push him towards a table. They sit. Emily produces a large folder.)

Emily: We’re prepared to offer you a $12 million dollar deal in which you will produce two records in three years, go on two world tours and film 5 music videos. The goal is to take your wonderful jazz music, add a pop twist to it and break you into the market quickly.

George: The company will provide all other needed comforts especially on the road. This is a once in a life time opportunity. (He pauses.) What’s your name?

Uriel: (Stony, cold.) Absolutely not.

George: Excuse me?

Uriel: I’m not signing.

Emily: Is it the money? We can increase it if you’d like! Name your price.

Uriel: It’s not a question of money.

George: Then--?

Uriel: My music is my own. I don’t make amendments for people or play for others. I play for myself.

(The two stare at Uriel.)

Emily: Are you insane? I mean, we’re offering you a chance of a lifetime.

George: Do you know how many people dream of an opportunity like this?

Uriel: Indeed I do. Go find one of them.

George: Are you sure that you want to default on this offer? I mean really sir, this is something that--

Uriel: Yes, now get out.

(The two shrug, stand up and walk out. Amelia walks over to Uriel.)

Amelia: What was that?

Uriel: (Bitter.) They wanted me to sign a 12 million dollar record deal.

(Amelia gasps at him.)

Amelia: You said no?! Uriel, you’re the best pianist I’ve ever heard! Why’d you say no?

Uriel: They wanted to make me a pop icon and change my music. I refuse to compromise my music. (He smiles.) Besides, there are millions of other people in this city they can find to sign that deal. Let that person go through celebrity hell.

(Uriel chuckles to himself. Amelia stares at him. Uriel walks over to the piano and returns to playing.)

Fin.