The Debutante by Lawson H. Caldwell (c) January, 2000 (Synopsis) The play takes place in the deep southern town of Clarksville during the early summer of 1964. Catherine Anderson is to be presented at the traditional and very social debutante ball called Magnolia. She has invited her boyfriend, Tyler, and his roommate, John, to attend several of the parties prior to the ball. Field, Catherine's brother, dreams of going to New York to live. His father is against the idea. He believes Field should finish college, work, marry and have children. His mother is an outspoken woman for the time and senses that Field trying to figure out who he is. Field and John become friends during the days leading up to Magnolia. Field acknowledges to John that he is attracted to men and that he wants to move to New York so that he doesn't have to pretend and lead another life. He confides to John that he is leaving for New York on the midnight train while the others are attending the breakfast held after the ball. John asks Field if he can join him on the trip to New York. Dora, the housekeeper, overhears the plans. The evening of the ball arrives. Catherine and Tyler, who are constantly fighting and making up, finally announce that they truly love one another. Field and John are confronted by Dora just as they are leaving for the train station. She encourages them to be who they are and go to New York where others won't care what they feel. She says that she suppressed certain feelings of her own and chose to stay in Clarksville. Just before they leave Field and John confide strong feelings for one another. They set out on their journey. Playwright's Note: It is important to remember that in 1964 people were just waking up to the issues that would mold the world for decades to come. The Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, the Women's Movement, Stonewall and the Gay Rights Movement. Field realizes that he cannot be who he is in Clarksville. Not only is it Catherine's coming out to society but it is Field's coming out as well. Catherine - Nineteen years old. Very beautiful, funny, flirty and somewhat spoiled. She has a mind of her own.Sarah - Nineteen years old. Next door neighbor and childhood friend of Catherine and Field. She craves attention from boys. She has always been in Catherine's shadow. Field - Twenty-one years old. Handsome, athletic, good sense of humor. He thinks a lot about his feelings and what he wants out of life. Tyler - Twenty years old. Typical college man's man personality. He is infatuated with Catherine and wants desperately to make love to her. John - Twenty years old. Somewhat reserved, polite and considerate. Grace - Forty five years old. Outspoken but polite. She gets her point across without offending anyone. She realized that she is outspoken for the time. She is very family oriented and has a strong belief in southern and family tradition. Dora - Sixty years old. Reserved and direct. She enjoys working for the Andersons as well as feeling like family. Wilson - Fifty five years old. Somewhat boisterous. Very stubborn and believes that women are expected to marry and have children and men are to work, settle down and marry and have children. He realizes his wife is outspoken and is constantly trying not to discuss any issues with her. Place - Clarksville - A town in the deep south Time - 1964 Early Summer Act I. (Scene 1.) (Field is sitting in a very large wing chair reading a book. Catherine and Sarah are talking,) SARAH What time did you say they were to leave? CATHERINE They left early this morning. It's a very long drive. Remember when you visited me at college. It was a long trip. SARAH I don't really remember. I took the train, remember? I slept most of the way. (Pause.) I just hope they get here in time for my party. FIELD Relax, Sarah. You're party doesn't start until seven o'clock. SARAH But I need time to get to know John. Oh Catherine, why did I ever think you could set me up with Tyler's roommate. I've never even met him. How is he supposed to one my dates for my own coming out party when I haven't even met him yet? CATHERINE Field's right. You need to relax. I've known John as long as I have been dating Tyler and he is wonderful. Handsome, smart, athletic and is bound to have an amazing career in politics. FIELD Politics? CATHERINE His father is Senator Hastings. FIELD The liberal Democrat? Mother will love that. CATHERINE He's a senator. You'll have to ask Mother about the liberal part. This summer John is going to be an intern in Washington.. FIELD (Teasing Sarah,) Sounds like he'll make a wonderful husband, Sarah Ann. SARAH Field, you know I just go by Sarah now. Everyone is to call me Sarah. Not Sarah Ann. And, I just want to meet him. I don't want to marry him. CATHERINE You're just nervous about your party this evening. Don't forget Sarah. I know you like a book. SARAH It's just such an important evening for me. Aside from Magnolia, this is my biggest night. CATHERINE It's up there. Along with your wedding night. SARAH Catherine! CATHERINE I'm just saying that a girl's coming out party sits right up there with her wedding night. I'm not being dirty. I'm trying to be romantic. SARAH Well, I hope tonight that all my dates show up. Momma has arranged for six gentlemen to be present. Now John makes it seven. That should at least keep me dancing all night. CATHERINE Tyler didn't understand about the gentlemen dates and that it is all part of being a Debutante. I had to explain to him that the Debutante has to have gentlemen at her coming out party. I went on to say that that's why Field and John will count as mine. Along with Freddie and Steve Carter. We grew up with them. This way Tyler won't be jealous. FIELD (Teasing Sarah.) It's going on four. Perhaps you should just plan on meeting John at your party. What time do you have to start getting ready, Sarah Ann? SARAH Now stop that, Field. There is a time and a place for teasing. I go by Sarah now. (Calming down.) I don't have to start getting ready until five-thirty. Momma has Katie from the beauty salon coming over to put my hair up. I won't put my gown on until almost seven. (Dora walks into the room,) DORA Catherine. I hear a car pulling up the drive. Does your beau own a blue car? CATHERINE (Jumping up and running to the window,) Yes he does, Dora. A very old blue Chevrolet. Yea, they're here. CATHERINE Dora, I'll let them in. Could we maybe have some of those cokes and sandwiches now? DORA They're already on the tray. I'll bring them in while you greet your beau.. CATHERINE (Addressing Sarah and Field,) You two stay here. And calm down Sarah. (She walks out of the room.,) FIELD Don't worry, Sarah. He'll like you. Did you ever think that you might not like him? SARAH What do you mean? FIELD Well, you must have some idea of the man you want to eventually marry. SARAH No. I don't. FIELD Any? SARAH I've never given it a thought. (Smiling,) I did, of course, always think of you as my husband. You being Catherine's older brother and living next door and all. We're practically family already. I did put that idea out of my head when you started dating that Northern student. FIELD Margie? We just go on dates. SARAH I realize that it is none of my business but why isn't she here for Magnolia? Or Catherine's party for that matter. If you ever marry her it will be a shame that she's not here and in the photos from the party and the ball. FIELD It's a long story, Sarah. Maybe one day I'll... (Catherine's voice is heard off stage.) CATHERINE Just put your suitcases here in the entrance hall. We'll get them later. Follow me. (Catherine and the others walk into the room. Tyler has his arm around Catherine. John is walking right behind them.) CATHERINE Tyler, you remember my brother, Field. John, my brother Field. TYLER (They all shake hands.) Hello,Field. FIELD Hi, Tyler. JOHN Pleasure to meet you, Field FIELD Like wise. CATHERINE Tyler and John, I would like to introduce you to my oldest and dearest friend in the whole world. Sarah Neal. TYLER Sarah, nice to meet you. JOHN It's a pleasure, Sarah. We are certainly looking forward to your party this evening. SARAH I'm so happy that you are. (Dora walks in with a tray of sandwiches.) DORA I'll be right back with the cokes. CATHERINE Dora, this is Tyler and his roommate John. DORA Nice to meet you. (Addressing Tyler.) You've got your hands full with this one. (Referring to Catherine.) Sarah Ann, I just saw your Mother looking out her bedroom window over this way. I suspect she's waiting on you to start getting ready. SARAH Now you know, Dora, everyone calls me Sarah now. (Glancing at John.) I suppose it's hard to break old habits. I don't have to start getting ready until five-thirty. DORA Well, you might want to call her. Just to calm her down. SARAH She's fine. But thank you Dora. (Dora walks out of the room.) CATHERINE Field, why don't you show John the guest room while Sarah goes and gets the cokes. So Dora won't have to. That way I can formally greet my boyfriend FIELD Nothing subtle about you baby sister. Come on, John. You're staying in the guest room across from my room. SARAH I'll be right back. (Addressing John.) We'll talk when ya'll come downstairs. JOHN That will be nice. (Field, Sarah and John walk out of the room.) CATHERINE And you're in the guest room across from my room. (They kiss.) TYLER Maybe I'll just sneak across the hall later. (He starts to kiss her again.) CATHERINE Now you behave. After all, this is a big week for me. One that I will always remember. TYLER I can think of some ways we can make this week even more memorable. CATHERINE (Laughing.) Now, behave. (They kiss again.) (Sarah walks in with the tray of cokes.) SARAH Ya'll aren't through yet? CATHERINE Remind me to have you run around the block a few times while you're getting the cokes next time, Sarah. I haven't had but two minutes alone with my boyfriend yet. SARAH Goodness, Catherine. So do you think John likes me?' CATHERINE I suppose. He's seems quiet. But he is so cute. Don't you think? SARAH He is. TYLER (Addressing Catherine.) As cute as I am? CATHERINE Now, don't you go and start acting jealous. This is to be a fun week. Tell you what, I'll show you to your room if you behave and then we'll come down for the refreshments. Sarah, I'll send John and Field right down to keep you company. (Catherine and Tyler start walking out of the room to go upstairs.) SARAH Why am I always the one waiting? CATHERINE You're not. It just seems that way to you, Sarah Ann. SARAH (Yelling.) I'm Sarah now! (Scene 2.) (Before Sarah's party.) (Everyone is dressed for the party.) GRACE John. Mr. Anderson and I had the pleasure of meeting your father at Kennedy's Inauguration. A very fine Democrat. I was proud of the way he handled all the..... WILSON Now, Grace. Don't get started. Calm down. The boy just needs a drink. What will you have son? JOHN Bourbon and water will be fine, Sir. TYLER Mrs. Anderson, Grace mentioned that you enjoy politics. WILSON Please don't get her started, son. GRACE My major in college was History. And I suppose that since politics controls history, I am fascinated. I have raised both my children to be open with regard to politics. People's rights. Things such as that. TYLER Catherine never discusses politics with me. WILSON That's because she's smart. Never discuss politics or Religion with people. Only close friends and family. FIELD Father, I think you've just insulted Tyler. TYLER That's OK. Whatever Catherine believes is OK with me. FIELD If you two ever decide to marry, Tyler, I think we can figure out who's going to run that marriage. TYLER It's not that. I respect Catherine. So naturally I respect her beliefs. (Catherine walks into the room. She is dressed for Sarah's party.) CATHERINE Did I hear my name? TYLER Sweatheart, you look amazing. CATHERINE Amazing? FIELD He meant that as a compliment. Catherine, you look exquisite. You're going to upstage Sarah at her own party. GRACE She'll do no such thing. She might be the prettiest girl at all the parties this season but she has the sense of taste not to upstage anyone. (Addressing John.) She was raised that way. CATHERINE Tyler's the only one I want to notice me anyway. TYLER (Smitten.) Glad to oblige. (Tyler kisses Catherine on the cheek.) JOHN You do look wonderful, Catherine. CATHERINE Thank you, John. I've seen Sarah's gown and she will certainly put a spell over you this evening. FIELD You make it sound as if she's going to throw a net over him. CATHERINE And as for you, dear brother, since Margie could not come down for the ball, I want you to also give Sarah added attention. She's always had a crush on you so tonight would be a wonderful opportunity to boost her ego. After all, tonight is her night. WILSON And tomorrow night is yours. You are stunning. (Holds his glass for everyone to toast.) To my beautiful daughter. Tomorrow night is your night and then Magnolia. (Wilson kisses Catherine.) CATHERINE Thank you Father. JOHN Why is your party the night before the Magnolia Ball? CATHERINE It's just called Magnolia. JOHN I see. FIELD (Teasing John.) Awful blunder. Magnolia is one of the most celebrated Debutante Balls in the South. It's up there with the Terpsichorean Ball in North Carolina. Magnolia has been around the longest. CATHERINE Oh, is was not a blunder. Don't listen to Field, John. He thinks we take all of this Debutante stuff too seriously. FIELD I just think there are other ways to find the perfect husband. And besides, you're already dating Tyler. GRACE It's a tradition. Both Southern and a family tradition. (Addressing John.) Catherine's party is the last party before the ball because she is the leader of the ball. And the leader of Magnolia always has her coming out party the night before the ball. I led the ball when I came out as did my mother. FIELD That means Catherine is the boss. And I meant that as a compliment dear sister. CATHERINE You tease too much sometimes. (Addressing John.) Even though he doesn't take it as seriously as we do, Field does enjoy going. When Grandmother made her debut at Magnolia, she had a diamond necklace made into a tiara and wore it in her hair. TYLER Where's the necklace now? CATHERINE Oh, Tyler. TYLER Just kidding. GRACE It is a tremendous honor to lead Magnolia. CATHERINE Well, whatever it means. I'm just happy that my dearest friends are here to make it fun. (Dora walks in with a tray of appetizers.) GRACE Thank you Dora. DORA I made those small crab sandwiches you like so much Field. FIELD Thank you, Dora. You're a doll. GRACE I suppose tomorrow night we'll all be too excited to eat. DORA Call if you need anything else. GRACE Catherine, Dora has the prettiest dress for tomorrow evening. DORA It is pretty, isn't it? CATHERINE I can't wait to see. DORA Well, you have to wait until tomorrow night. I want it to be a surprise. (She exits.) TYLER (Whispering to Catherine.) If Dora is coming to your party, who's going to serve? CATHERINE We've hired people. Dora's like family. GRACE Yes, she is. (Addressing John.) Dora might be our employee but she is like family. She lives in the house with us. Ever since she started working for us. I would not have her living in that room over the garage. Once some Northern woman visiting the Phelps over on Hanover Street asked me if Dora would be living in my house is she was colored. As if she was trying to prove that all Southerner's are.... WILSON Now, Grace. Let's not get started. You've made your point. We're going to a party not a political rally. (Ignoring Wilson.) GRACE Well, after I finished my conversation with her, not only was this woman clear on where I stood but she and I ended up being friends. It's all in how you speak to people. WILSON John, you might have guessed by now that my wife is outspoken. Even about matters that she doesn't' have to address. GRACE Matters must be addressed. This is 1964. There's a great dealing going on in our country at this moment. Especially in the South. The Civil Rights Movement is just one of many. Soldiers going off to Vietnam. TYLER Where? Never heard of it. CATHERINE Why are Americans going over there? WILSON Grace, see what you've started. Can we please keep the conversation light this evening. Just this once so that we can be in a light hearted mood when we go to Sarah Ann's. GRACE (Addressing John.) I've raised both my children to be open thinkers. That's why Wilson and I are such a good match. I say and believe what the world should be and Wilson says how the world really is. For now at least. JOHN I admire outspoken women, Mrs. Anderson. GRACE Thank you, John. JOHN Catherine mentioned to me what a nice trip you had to New York. GRACE Wilson couldn't go because of business. Field went with us. The purpose was to buy Catherine's gown for Magnolia. But we did see a show. JOHN New York is such an exciting place. CATHERINE It's so big. GRACE It is a wonderful place. The museums, the theatre, the hotels. There is nothing you can't find in New York. FIELD Why, I've even heard that there are places in New York where boys dance with other boys. EVERYONE EXCEPT JOHN Field! TYLER Watch what you say in front of Catherine, Field. And your mother. FIELD I doubt that I've shocked Catherine. After all I've seen her dance with Sarah Ann many times. CATHERINE (Laughing.) You're just being naughty. Dancing with Sarah is different. You know that. Girls can dance with other girls. With boys, it's different. JOHN New York is fascinating. GRACE Nothing like it anywhere. FIELD It's the center of the world. I'm going to live there someday. WILSON Now, Field. Put all of that out of your mind until after college. I believe that every man should experience city life right after college. For two years you can and then return to Clarksville to work. FIELD I want to stay in New York longer than two years. GRACE (Addressing John.) Since he was a little boy, Field has wanted to live in New York and be a famous writer. I've said to him that living in one of those small apartments and taking the subway to work every day is a little different than our yearly trips. Shopping, going to plays and staying in the Waldrof. CATHERINE (Addressing John.) He wants to take a year off from school and live there. WILSON Which is not a consideration at this point. I thought we settle all that. The young man still has two more years of college. FIELD There are colleges in New York City. WILSON Field, the subject is closed. GRACE (Addressing John.) The matter is still under discussion. WILSON Grace. GRACE I'm just saying that it might do Field good to go to another school for a year. And if the school is in New York City then what is the matter with that. He has been so restless lately. Maybe living up North for a semester or two would calm him down and make him want to return to Clarksville to work. The last thing I want is a tormented and bitter son. FIELD Mother, I am not tormented or bitter. I just want to move to New York. TYLER I bet there are Communists living in New York. FIELD Probably. JOHN And Patriots. And Catholics, And Protestants. And Chinese. And Italians. People from everywhere. GRACE Well, we can continue all of these discussions after Magnolia. After all, we have all summer to talk about this. I just don't want Field to become frustrated. CATHERINE (Addressing Tyler.) Sarah's older brother became frustrated and now he's divorced. WILSON That's quite enough for now. No more talk about divorces or New York. After all, we've got to go see our Sarah Ann in her finest. And my watch says that it is almost eight o'clock. GRACE Here we are. Next door and we are going to be the last people to arrive. CATHERINE Sarah will have a fit. Tyler, do you mind getting my hand bag off hall table?' TYLER Of course, sweetie. (They all start walking to the door. John and Field remain.) FIELD (Addressing John.) I hope we didn't come across too complicated. JOHN Nonsense. You have a delightful family. Your Mother reminds me of my Father. Politically, I mean. (Pause.) I'd like to talk to you more about New York sometime. FIELD Sure. I'd be glad to. JOHN All right. (John and Field walk out of the room.) (Scene 3.) (After Sarah's party.) (John walks into the room. Field is sitting in a chair.) JOHN I wondered where you went off to. Everything all right? FIELD Yeah. Sure. I just decided to come home a little early. Sarah Ann sure looked pretty tonight, didn't she? JOHN She sure did. FIELD You didn't have to leave the party. JOHN Oh, I was ready to leave anyway. Sarah was talking to some guy from Duke and Tyler and Catherine were off in some corner dancing. FIELD So, how long have you known Tyler? JOHN This year. We're roommates. He and I hit off. He really likes Catherine. FIELD I always thought that the most romantic night to make love would be after one of these parties. Everyone is so dressed up. Music playing. Champagne. Slowly you walk into a room and while you are kissing and without even thinking you slowly begin to take off each other's cloths. Funny since formal cloths are the most difficult to put on much less take off. But it would seem easy and natural. Then the romance builds and the kisses become more intense. (Suddenly realizing that he has been going on in front of John.) Sorry. I guess I always get romantic around formal parties. JOHN You must miss her. Margie is her name, right? FIELD Yes, Margie. She's a nice girl. She and I are not really dating anymore. JOHN Oh, I didn't realize. FIELD I haven't really mentioned it because I didn't want to distract from Catherine's party and the ball. JOHN What happened between you and Margie? If you don't mind me asking? FIELD She's a terrific girl. She is gong to make a terrific wife. She and I could have had a wonderful marriage. It's just that I want something real. For me. I truly couldn't love her the way I am supposed to even though everyone says it's the proper and right thing to do. Marry the right girl and have children. The love comes later. The main thing is that she is the right girl. JOHN You're too young to be thinking about marriage, anyway. FIELD (Smiling.) I suppose I am. I guess I have been thinking too much lately. (Tyler and Catherine walk into the room.) CATHERINE There you two are. Thank goodness that boy from Duke favored Sarah's attention. Otherwise I would be very upset with you two for leaving the party. FIELD For petes sake, Catherine. We doted on her all night long. CATHERINE Oh, John, I hope you're not too upset that this other fellow seemed to woo Sarah. She does crave attention. Always has. Even when we were children, she would always seem too eager for attention. FIELD Well, she's happy now. (He gets up from the chair.) I'm going to bed. Have to be wide awake for my little sister's party tomorrow night. CATHERINE Better be. FIELD Catherine, will you make sure all the lights are turned off before you come up? CATHERINE Certainly. (John starts go to bed also.) JOHN It has been a fun evening. And tomorrow night should be even more fun. Thank you for inviting me. CATHERINE Of course. Tyler and I wouldn't have it any other way. Field, would you do me the dearest favor? FIELD Sure thing. CATHERINE Well, I think this fellow from Duke has asked Sarah to spend the day with him tomorrow. Would you be a dear and entertain John during the day tomorrow while Tyler and I go into town to shop and have lunch? FIELD Sure. (Addressing John.) After breakfast, I'll show you every interesting thing about Clarksville. JOHN That would be nice if you don't mind or have other plans. FIELD My pleasure. (They turn to go upstairs.) CATHERINE I promise you John, that I will introduce you to my cousin Gwen Anderson tomorrow night at my party. She's a beauty. She was presented at Magnolia last year and is running for the title of Miss Clarksville this summer. You'll drool over her, I promise ' JOHN She sounds very nice. CATHERINE She's beautiful and sweet. Goodnight you two. JOHN AND FIELD Goodnight. JOHN Good night Tyler. TYLER Night. JOHN Field. Have a good night. FIELD You do the same. (They walk out of the room.) (Tyler and Catherine watch them walk out of the room. Then they begin to passionately kiss.) TYLER I ache for you honey. CATHERINE (Moving away.) Of course you do. I feel for you also. But we have to behave. TYLER My aching for you feels good, baby. Something that is so nice and close between us. We could feel even better if we.... CATHERINE I said we have to behave. No playing around. TYLER Well, how about we play just a little. Like the other night. CATHERINE (Smiling.) That was different. TYLER Tom and Betsy make love all the time. CATHERINE Then, go date them. TYLER How can you say such a thing. Don't even joke. You're the one I love. You feel the same. CATHERINE Then you'll have to wait until we are married. TYLER Married. But that could be in three years. (Putting his arms around her.) Baby, three long years to wait. It's not fair to us. CATHEINE You mean unfair to you. TYLER Sometimes you do sound like your Mother. CATHERINE Good. Because you're not persuading me. Especially on the day before my party. TYLER Oh, come one Catherine. We love each other. CATHERINE Is it love, Tyler? Is it? If it is then you'll wait for me to be ready. TYLER That's not fair. I'm the guy. You don't understand. CATHERINE And what's fair for me? I think I'm being very fair. TYLER But it's harder for men. We need attention. CATHERINE Well, so do I. May I remind you that tomorrow night is for me. One of my biggest nights ever. And then Magnolia. I want you here to share those with me so that we can one day tell our children how special it was for both of us. TYLER And we will. We can also make it more special by making love. (He hugs her again and starts kissing her.) It will feel so special, baby. CATHERINE (Pushing away.) My name is Catherine. Not baby. Now I'm going to bed and I suggest that you do the same. TYLER That's what I want. Just go to bed together. CATHERINE (She walks over to the table and turns out the light. Tyler is still visable.) Goodnight, baby. (Tyler slumps down in the chair frustrated.) TYLER (Mumbles.) Goodnight, yourself. (Scene 4.) (The next afternoon. The house is decorated for Catherine's party.) JOHN I really enjoyed today. That Clarksville Museum is really something. So much history around here. I didn't realize. FIELD Sometimes even those of us who grew up here tend to forget until we show a visitor. JOHN I also really enjoyed the sail on the lake. Thank you. FIELD My pleasure. The weather was so warm and the breeze made the sail wonderful. (Pause.) JOHN What are you thinking? FIELD What a nice day it was. I didn't feel like I was entertaining you at all. I really felt like I knew you. Like I've known you for a long time. And you're Catherine's friend. JOHN I'm you're Friend too. FIELD Thank you. So many of the fellows who visit here are just interested in going to town to meet girls. Thank you for being genuinely interested in the town and what I had to say. JOHN I was. Truly. FIELD (Smiling.) I can't tell if you're bluffing or not. JOHN I even enjoyed your town library. FIELD Please don't mention to Sarah that I took you to the Library. She'll think I bored you all day. JOHN I'll just mention the sail. FIELD Thanks. (Grace and Dora walk into the room. Both are carrying vases full of flowers.) GRACE Dora, let's place one vase over there and I think the other should go in the entrance hall. FIELD Mother, do you need me to help you with that? GRACE No, dear. (Addressing John.) Just a few last minute touches. Did you two have a nice day? JOHN Very nice. We went sailing. GRACE Such a beautiful day for sailing. (Looking around the room.) Dora, I do think the house looks beautiful, if I do say so myself. DORA Beautiful. FIELD It looks wonderful, Mother. GRACE (She kisses Field.) Thank you, son. (Catherine and Tyler walk into the room.) CATHERINE Well, all I can say is that you had better get into a good mood before eight o'clock tonight. TYLER I am in a good mood. You just don't have to keep bossing me around. Telling me what to do all the time. CATHERINE (Seeing everyone in the room.) Ssssh. Now everyone with think we're having an argument. TYLER We are. CATHERINE We are not. GRACE For goodness sakes, Catherine. Calm down. Tyler dear, she's just excited about her party. Why don't you go with Dora and she'll get you a coke. DORA That will cool you down. TYLER (Frustrated.) Thank you, Mrs. Anderson. (Addresses Catherine.) And I am not stubborn. Just ask John. He lives with me everyday at school and you don't see him bossing me around. (Tyler and Dora walk out of the room.) CATHERINE Honestly, Mother, sometimes Tyler acts like I am supposed to do everything he says. GRACE I'm sure it just seems that way dear. CATHERINE He says I'm spoiled. That I get my way all the time. FIELD I've got to give Tyler a little credit for that one. CATHERINE Oh be quiet. I don't see you with a girl by you side for my party. GRACE Now Catherine, there's no reason to take out your frustration on Field. He chose not to invite Margie tonight. It is not for you to comment on the particulars. FIELD That's OK, Mother. Catherine wouldn't understand anyway. CATHERINE Oh, be quiet. GRACE (Addressing John.) She is stubborn sometimes. Catherine, apologize to your brother and to John. This is not the way the leader of Magnolia acts. It is also not the way an Anderson acts. CATHERINE (She pauses and then walks over to Field and hugs him.) I am sorry, Field. I didn't mean what I said about Margie. To be honest, I'm glad you didn't invite her so now you can give me that extra attention. (They both laugh.) (She addresses John.) He is the most wonderful brother. Did ya'll have a nice day? JOHN Very. We went sailing on the lake. GRACE (Looking at her watch.) Sorry to interrupt but Catherine, we've got to get you to the beauty parlor before six. They're staying open late just for Catherine. CATHERINE I'm ready. (Addressing John and Field.) Will you two try to calm my boyfriend down while I'm at the beauty parlor? JOHN We'll try. GRACE (Looking around the room.) Just think, in a few hours this house will be full of people. Here to see my darling daughter at her coming out party. (Walking over to Catherine. She addresses Catherine.) Tradition is very important. Tonight is your night. Just remember, be yourself. If you can't truly be yourself, even in a house full of people you're trying to impress, then you can never be truly happy. Just remember that, Catherine. CATHERINE I will, Mother. GRACE (She turns and addresses Field.) And that goes for you too, Field. You must be yourself. FIELD I will try, Mother. (Catherine and Grace walk out of the room. John and Field look awkwardly at one another. Then John speaks.) JOHN Well, I suppose I had better work on Tyler. Get him settled down before tonight. (John walks toward the kitchen.) Thank you again for such a fine day. That was really nice of you. FIELD I enjoyed it too. See you at the party. JOHN Right. (John walks out of the room.) (Scene 5.) (After Catherine's party. It is very late. Field is sitting in the chair. John walks into the room.) JOHN You must really like sitting in that chair? FIELD (Very direct.) I do a lot of thinking in this chair. JOHN You seem a little upset. Is everything all right? FIELD Everything's fine. What are you doing here? I thought you and the others went over to the club for a moonlight swim. I saw you leave with Gwen. JOHN She asked me to go. I couldn't find you so I came back to see if you would like to join us. FIELD Thanks anyway, but I think I'll just stay here. JOHN I spent so much of the evening talking to your cousin Gwen. She's very sweet. Then before I knew it everyone was heading to the club for a swim. (Pause.) Did I hurt you're feelings? FIELD Of course not. It's me. I always become too attached to people. You go ahead and go. Gwen is probably waiting for you at the club. JOHN She rode over with Catherine and Tyler. I'd like to stay here if you don't mind. FIELD No, I don't mind. The bar is still open if you would like a night cab. I'm having one. JOHN Then I think I will join you. (John walks over and makes a drink.) FIELD I enjoyed today. Showing you Clarksville and all. What a nice sail that was. JOHN So did I. (There is a pause.) Catherine mentioned that you are in a fraternity. FIELD I am. (Another pause.) Sorry I acted the way I did a minute ago. I'm just so used to putting up with guys who act like they want to be buddies but are really too interested in the woman to make it matter. JOHN All men do that to other men. Why does it bother you? FIELD It bothers me because they have two different systems. The ones who...(Pause.) never mind. JOHN Men are very different. They never really know what they want or mean. But that's not what's bothering you. What is? FIELD Why can't guys just be themselves. Instead of always trying to impress each other by outdoing each other in sports or trying to date the prettiest girls. Why can't guys not pretend when they like each other. JOHN Men don't like to show those emotions, I guess. FIELD I'm not talking about just being buddies or best friends. I talking about men who favor men. Men who like men. Fancy them. JOHN I see. FIELD After all, they're just feelings. Shouldn't matter what kind of feelings. They're feelings. Seems like it would be worst not to have any feelings at all. Why should men be limited to certain feelings? Why is it only delegated for just couples? Men and women. So many pretend to have those feelings. They don't wait for true feelings. They invent them. Sarah is one. She will eventually marry a man that she is not sure she loves. Perhaps you, John. She's got her eyes set on you. Or that fellow from Duke. She will pretend all the feelings. Have children. She'll eventually have some feelings. But never with the man she was supposed to really love. JOHN Who do you love, Field? FIELD I'm not allowed to love. JOHN Why isn't Margie at the ball tonight? FIELD Because it would not be fair to her. (Pause.) To her. JOHN To her? FIELD To be so involved in all this. To participate. Have her picture taken with everyone. The family. Expecting her to expect me to marry her. It seems so set up. It's not fair to her. I care for her too much. She should marry someone who wants all of that for her. I can't give that to her. I would not be true to her. I would love our children, of course. Care for them. Send them to the best schools. And then. When all is said and done. JOHN Then? FIELD I imagined we, she and I, would sit across a very long dining table, waiting for the children to come home for the holidays so we could remember why we once thought we loved each other so much. And between the waiting, we walk through the motions. The motions of a loving couple. I would love her but not the way I should. Or the way she should be loved. And I do want to love someone. JOHN Who, Field? Who do you want to love? FIELD Maybe someone like you. JOHN Me? My personality? FIELD Your personality, naturally. Your intelligence, of course. And, the fact that I find you to be a very attractive man. Men don't care about other men's feelings unless they're interested in the man. The only exception is if they are truly confident with who they are as a person and are genuine. If that's the case then I apologize for misrepresenting myself to you. JOHN You're interested in me for more than my caring? FIELD What if I said I was. Would you run to Sarah and propose. To prove that you are a man who is exceptional rather than a man who has feelings for another man? JOHN I didn't mean to insult you. I thought that perhaps you were just playing. Guys at school play that way but they don't mean what they say. They are out to. I don't know. Do what they do for fun. I, at first, thought that maybe you were just playing a game. FIELD I can take on any guy that tries that with me. I am a man. I have always been the definition of what a man is supposed to be. I've played sports. Some I didn't like but I played so I would letter and wear the letter jacket to prove to everyone that I was a man. I dated the most popular girls so they would see I am a man. The only difference is that I would rather spend an evening with a man like you than an evening pretending to be a happily married man with three children. I see it all the time. Mr. Bartworth at the club. He flirts with all the boys who work there. No one says anything because they think he's joking. They all think he's joking. He pretends to be happily married and goes around flattering all the boys. That's not for me. Everyone thinks I want to live in New York so I can become a writer. I want to live there so I can be myself. There are places in New York where men do dance with other men. In Greenwich Village. Where they kiss. Live together. There is a whole world like that there. It's like a big secret. When I was in New York I went to Greenwich Village. I went to some of those places. The people were nice. They understood. It wasn't a secret with them. It felt nice. That will never happen here in Clarksville. Too many Mr. Bartworth's around. Too many men pretending. I want to live where I don't have to pretend. JOHN Then why don't you go on to New York? FIELD I am. Tomorrow night. After Magnolia. I'm taking the twelve o'clock train. ACT II. Scene 1. (John and Field are continuing to talk in the living room.) FIELD I am. Tomorrow night. After Magnolia. I'm taking the twelve o'clock train. JOHN Tomorrow night after Magnolia? What about the others? They're bound to wonder where you are. FIELD No they won't. There is always a Midnight breakfast after Magnolia.Everyone goes. By the time everyone comes home I'll be on my way. JOHN But what will you do? FIELD When I was in New York with Mother and Catherine I applied for a job. I've also applied to the University there. Mother will understand. Father will eventually understand. Catherine will be the child to settle in Clarksville and have three children. Not me. I'll be in New York being the person I am. JOHN You're so sure. That takes a lot of confidence. I admire you. FIELD I'd rather you loved me. JOHN (Grinning.) What makes you so sure that I like men the same way you do. FIELD The way you look at me. The way you've been interested in my feelings. (Field walks over to John.) And because you're not pushing me away. Especially when I do this. (Field kisses John.) (After the kiss.) JOHN I've only kissed one other man before. At school last year. FIELD I've wanted to kiss you since the minute you arrived. JOHN I've longed to feel this way. (Pause.) Funny, when I met Tyler I was amazed at how masculine he was. He would walk around the room naked. Talking to me as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him. Standing there totally naked. Wet hair and holding the towel around his shoulders. I would think, just let me kiss you. FIELD Bet he would have loved that. JOHN You know what I mean. That feeling. But then you realize that the friend who is your friend won't be so friendly when you explain to him why you would like to kiss him. FIELD Do you feel like kissing me? JOHN What do you think? (They kiss again.) JOHN (Pause.) Field, can I go with you to New York? FIELD With me? Tomorrow night? JOHN Tomorrow night. You're doing the exact thing that I have thought about since I was in ninth grade. I just wanted to go some place where I could be myself. I grew up in Washington. It's very conservative there. When my family would go to New York I would walk around amazed at the energy. I could share that with you. FIELD You're family. Your Father. He's a Senator. Your Mother. What will they say? JOHN He's liberal. Not that liberal. But he is a liberal. He might not understand at first but he cares. So does my mother. She just wants what best for her son and the world. I think she's always known that I like men but is still hoping that I will marry, have children and go into politics. I'm sure my mother and father know that I would not be the first married politician with a boyfriend. As long as it is not public knowledge. She never pressures me about girlfriends and such. Mothers somehow know. FIELD They do. Mine does, I think. What about your father? JOHN He'll come around. You're father will also. Someday. After all, they love us. It's the world that doesn't seem to understand. If it is outside the traditional then society doesn't think it is real. But there are so many changes going on in the world today. What's one more? FIELD New York is the center of everything. It is where I can feel what I feel and be who I am. JOHN Then I'm going with you. FIELD But your internship? JOHN I don't want that. I want to go with you. FIELD Are you sure? JOHN Don't you want me to go? FIELD Yes. Yes, I do. (Smiling.) You know, suddenly I feel very full. There is someone else in this world who knows how I feel and what I think. It's a nice feeling. JOHN Then, I'm going? FIELD You're going with me. JOHN I am. (John walks over to Field and they kiss. Dora walks through the door as if she is going to say something. John and Field do not see her. She stands there and places her hand over her mouth so they won't hear her. She turns and walks out of the room.) (Scene 2.) (The next morning.) (Wilson, Grace, Catherine, Sarah, Field and John are sitting around reading the paper and having breakfast.) GRACE (Reading from the Society Section of the newspaper.) So in keeping with an Anderson Family tradition, Catherine Marie Anderson stepped into Clarksville Society with one of the most tasteful and memorable parties in recent years. Tonight she will shine as she follows her mother and grandmother in leading Magnolia FIELD Very impressive Mother. The party was a tremendous success. SARAH It was delightful, Catherine. Truly. WILSON Anything about you youngsters going for a midnight swim at the club? GRACE No, of course not. (Addressing John.) Betsy Thompson who writes the social page is very polite about the antics after some of these parties and is kind enough to leave them out of the articles. CATHERINE Well, I thought it was a wonderful way to wind up my party. Everyone was having so much fun we just thought a nice swim would complete the evening. GRACE John, did you go with them to the Club? JOHN I was but then I thought I would turn in. CATHERINE Gwen waited with us. We took her home. She'll be at Magnolia tonight if you change your mind and decide to ask her for a swim. GRACE There will be no swimming after Magnolia. Everyone will be at the breakfast. Thank goodness Gwen has enough sense to realize that. (Addressing John.) She is the sweetest girl. She's running for Miss Clarksville this year. JOHN I heard. (Dora walks in and places more food on the buffet. She is very quiet.) SARAH Well, before everyone goes and turns Gwen into John's princess for the evening, I would like to remind everyone that he did come down here to be a guest at my party. And Catherine's. (Addressing John.) My new friend from Duke is leaving this afternoon to be a counselor at some summer camp so he will not be at Magnolia. I thought I would mention that in case you would like to escort me to the breakfast after. FIELD What about your escort. I always thought the escort attended the breakfast with their Debutante. SARAH Some do. Well, all of them do but my escort is my older brother and well, he won't mind. CATHERINE (Whispering to John.) The divorced one. SARAH I heard that, Catherine. He is divorced but he did marry very young. While he was still in school. He's only twenty-six. JOHN Thank you for the invitation. I certainly don't want to intrude on your brother's role for the evening. How about we see what happens? SARAH (Puzzled but smiling.) Of course. That's fine. DORA There's more toast and bacon on the buffet. GRACE Dora, you're awfully quiet this morning. Didn't you enjoy Catherine's party? DORA Of course I did, Grace. Just a lot on my mind today. CATHERINE Oh, Dora, don't worry. I will not trip when I lead the ball this evening. For goodness sakes. DORA Hadn't thought about that, dear. Goodness, I hadn't even had a moment to think about that. CATHERINE Dora! GRACE Then what is bothering you? DORA It's nothing. (Addresses Field.) More toast or bacon, Field? FIELD No, thank you Dora. DORA (Addressing Field.) A full stomach allows one to think things out. (She hands him the plate of bacon.) FIELD Thank you, Dora. (Tyler walks into the room.) TYLER Good morning, everyone. EVERYONE Good morning, Tyler. (Catherine gets up and kisses him while he is getting his breakfast from the buffet.) CATHERINE How did you sleep, Tyler? TYLER Very well, sweetie. (He kisses her on the cheek.) CATHERINE Tyler and I are taking the boat out later this morning for a sail. John, would you and Sarah like to join us? SARAH Oh, sorry. I can't. Mother says that I must stay around today. She doesn't want me to be too far. I suppose she doesn't want me to be late for Magnolia. If I mentioned to her that I was going sailing she would have a fit. She would think of a thousand ways the boat could get stuck in the middle of the lake and I would enter the ballroom after the presentation. CATHERINE We're just going for part of the morning and early afternoon. I'm not having my hair done until five. SARAH (Addressing John.) Perhaps tomorrow? JOHN (Glancing at Field.) We'll see. CATHERINE Well, then, Field, how would you like to step in for Sarah and go? I promise you John, he can be charming when he wants to be and besides, you two went sailing yesterday so you are already familiar with the boat. It is easy to handle. What do you say? FIELD That would be nice. Another day on the lake. DORA I'll pack a lunch. Food helps a person think. (Looking at Field.) Nice, quiet lake. Helps a person think. (Dora walks out of the room.) WILSON (Looking away from his paper.) What is Dora going on about this morning? GRACE Does sound like she has a bee in her bonnet. She's like that when something's bothering her. I'll talk with her later. CATHERINE Then it's all set? JOHN Sounds fine to me. CATHERINE Then we'll meet downstairs around eleven. TYLER (Whispering to Catherine.) I was hoping it would just be the two of us on that boat in the middle of the lake. CATHERINE (Smiling.) I'll bet you were. Before we leave, you had better make sure your dinner jacket is ready and pressed. TYLER (Addressing Field.) Sometimes I get the feeling that all I do is take orders. FIELD Think of them as suggestions. GRACE Just remember to be home by four. You have to start getting ready around five. Don't be late. FIELD I'll make sure of that, Mother. Scene 3. (Everyone is n the house preparing to leave for Magnolia.) CATHERINE Tyler hasn't apologized yet. So, I'm not sure I want him to walk me through the presentation. How can I bow with someone I am upset with. GRACE Nonsense, Catherine. You have practiced your bow for months. You will do fine. Tyler is a prop. Just think of him as a prop. That will take you're anger away. Just a prop dear. WILSON Oh for petes sake, Grace. Just let Field present her. He's escorted three Magnolias before. Let Tyler stay in the guest room and Field will present his sister. CATHERINE Thank you, Father. Then everyone at Magnolia will figure out that the man I thought I would marry did not present me at Magnolia. FIELD Why don't you two just make up? CATHERINE Oh, what do you know about being a couple? FIELD Well, I'm all dressed up and planning to have a wonderful time at Magnolia. You, on the other hand are standing there all dressed in your debutante gown waiting to go to the club and you don't have an escort. So who's the one who needs advice? GRACE You two, behave. CATHERINE Field. Don't make me say something. That Tyler. Why can't men be more like Field? WILSON You should think about that when you want to marry. CATHERINE Oh, for petes sake. FIELD Catherine, baby sister. Who is the person you want to see next to you tonight when they call your name and you bow to society? CATHERINE (Pause.) Tyler. FIELD Then, no matter what anyone else thinks get him down here and let's go to the ball. CATHERINE But he can be so difficult. How can I marry someone who's difficult? FIELD Sweetheart, you're just as difficult. CATHERINE Be quiet. Oh Daddy, is Field right. Should Tyler come down and be my escort? WILSON Get his ass down here and let's go. I'm ready for two things. A martini and to see my daughter presented to society. GRACE (Addressing John.) Crazy time, isn't it? Magnolia is so important to people here. Clarksville is one of the oldest and most respected cities in the deep South. Even Sherman did not dare....... WILSON Grace, we have a ball to go to. CATHERINE You're right. (She walks over to the stairway and yells.) Tyler. I know you're in the guest room already dressed for Magnolia and are just waiting for me to apologize. Well, I am in a way but not totally because you are partly at fault. I do, however, on this very night want you by my side. I want to dance with you tonight rather than fight with you. We're leaving so if you can make it to the club by nine, we'll be in the presentation together. (She turns to everyone.)Fine. Let's go. Tonight I am the leader of Magnolia no matter who my escort is and I have a responsibility to the society of Clarksville not to insult tradition with arguments over (She pauses.) over personal things. GRACE Wise decision, dear. Field, you are on stand by. Let's go on to the club. (Tyler comes down the stairs.) TYLER Grace? Baby? Grace? JOHN Tyler? CATHERINE Tyler. So you actually heard what I said? GRACE For goodness sakes, Catherine. WILSON Am I the only one present who is sane? TYLER I want to apologize to everyone for the way Catherine and I have been acting. You see, I wanted the two of us to be. (Pause.) To be what I want us to be in five years. I wanted that now. Everything. Knowing that we can't marry for at least two years. I wanted and still want all of it now. But it I have to choose between forcing now and waiting until later. Well, I'd chose now but I realize I have to wait until later for her to marry me. Catherine, I love you. GRACE Dear boy. TYLER I want to be with you during Magnolia. I want to tell our children how much fun we had. CATHERINE You sweet, big, man. (She runs over and kisses him.) WILSON Did they settle everything? FIELD I think so. At least for now. JOHN (He walks over and places his hand on his shoulder.) I think I know how they feel. FIELD Same here. GRACE (Addressing John.) Field has always been perceptive. JOHN He does have that quality. (Grace looks at John and then Field with a questioning glance.) But then, all the Andersons have that quality. GRACE (Smiling at John.) Most of us do. Everyone, we're off to Magnolia. (Scene 4.) (After the ball.) (John is waiting at the stairs with his luggage. Field walks in through the dining room.) JOHN I was wondering where you were. I thought that maybe you had changed your mind. FIELD Never. We're going to leave my car at the station. Here's the note. They won't be home for hours. The midnight breakfast goes until four. By then the train will be far away. JOHN Do you suppose it's ridiculous to say that I think I love you. FIELD Whatever I feel for you I have never felt for anyone. I was beginning to think that I could only have those feelings for my family and never anyone else. I look at you and feel what I have always thought I should feel when I'm romantic with someone. JOHN I feel so much for you. FIELD Nice. (Field looks at his watch.) Twenty minutes before the train. We've got to go. (He looks at John.) You want to do this? You really want to go with me to New York? JOHN Yes, I do. FIELD So, we're off. To New York? JOHN Ready. (They start to take John's luggage out when Dora appears in the doorway wearing her outfit from the ball.) FIELD Dora? What are you doing here? Why aren't you at the ball? DORA They're all having such a wonderful time. (Pause.) Last night I was up and going to the kitchen to make sure the roast was thawing for dinner this evening when I overheard you two talking. I heard the two of you making plans to leave for New York. I came in to speak with you and I saw you two. You were kissing. I haven't said a word to Grace or Wilson. That's not my place. Though I am family. You children make up your own minds. Catherine sure has with that fellow. That's why I was making sure the roast was thawing. That boy can eat. (Pause.) When I heard you two talking I couldn't believe my ears. Men loving men. New York. The train. Then the sight of you two kissing. I've never seen men kiss before. Never. It is similar to the way men and women kiss. But.....(Pause and then in a serious tone.) bigger. More masculine. FIELD Dora, I'm sorry. I didn't see you. Please understand, I've always felt this way. We are going. Please don't say anything until the train leaves. DORA I stayed up most of last night thinking. (Addressing John.) You know I have known this one since he was three days old. I listened to your conversation. I saw you kiss. After that the first thought that came into my mind when I heard your conversation was that I should make sure you have plenty of sandwiches and sodas packed in your bags for your trip. The Club car on those trains is so expensive. You need to save for your apartment. Here. (She hands him a straw basket.) And, without any more disruption, this envelope is for you. It is enough for five months rent on an apartment in the city. By then, your father will have thought it out and you will be in school. You're Mother and I will work on him. (Pause.) You're like my own. (Hugging Field.) Make sure you're happy. (Looking at John.) Make sure he's happy. JOHN I will. DORA (Addressing John.) And, you, be happy. After all. That's what it's all about in life. Some might not understand the way you two are or the way you feel. I stayed here. Put certain feelings away. Never thought that they could be real. That was my decision. But there are places. Cities where people are who they are. People who like people for just being people. No matter...(Pause.) How you feel about someone. (Pause.) You're right to go to New York. They like everyone there. (Pause.) Go. Now. Before, I decide to join you. FIELD Dora. I love you. (They hug.) DORA I love you. You need to go. Hurry. (John and Field grab John's luggage and walk to the door.) FIELD Goodnight, Dora. I'll write. I'll see you. DORA Goodnight, you two. (Dora grabs a handkerchief and walks out of the room.) JOHN (Looking at Field.) Ready? FIELD Ready. But before we go. Could I ask one thing? JOHN What? FIELD A Kiss over at the fireplace? That's where Mother and Father always kiss. In front of the fireplace and in front of the entire family. On special holidays or occasions. In front of the fireplace for all to see. I want to kiss you there before we go. JOHN I think it's a nice way to start our new adventure. (He walks over to John and embraces him.) This is the kiss I will always remember. (They kiss.) FIELD I think I am falling in love with you. JOHN It feels nice. I think it just might be love. FIELD Sssssh. That's our secret. (They take John's luggage out the door.) Curtain.