. VOYAGEUR'S JUBILE

A Musical Dinner Theatre Experience, Featuring Folklore and Persons from Historic Mackinaw, Michigan

--

January, 1995

for American Family Theater/Historic Dinner Theater/Mackinaw City, MI

PRE-SHOW

As the audience files into the main dining hall and takes their seats, a keyboard player, situated near the stage, and a strolling banjo player are playing short variations on the following songs, underscored by a lively orchestrated track:

BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON, I WANT TO SPOON TO MY HONEY rLL CROON LOVE'S TUNE

HONEYMOON KEEP A SHININ IN JUNE YOUR SILVERY BEAMS WILL BRING LOVE DREAMS WE~LBECUDDLINGSOON

BY THE SILVERY MOON

FOR ME AND MY GAL . THE BELLS ARE RINGING FOR ME AND MY GAL THE BIRDS ARE SINGING FOR l\1E AND MY GAL

EVERYBODY"S BEEN KNOWING TO A WEDDING THEY"RE GOING AND FOR WEEKS THEY"VE BEEN SEWING EVERY SUSIE AND SAL

THEY"RE CONGREGATING FOR ME AND MY GAL THE PARSONS WAITING FOR ME AND MY GAL AND SOMETTh.ffi rM GO IN' TO BUILD A LITTLE HOME FOR TWO OR THREE OR MORE

IN LOVELAND, FOR .ME AND MY GAL

WREN YOU'RE SMJJJNG WHEN YOU'RE SMILING WHEN YOU'RE SMILING THE WHOLE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU

WHEN YOU'RE LAUGHING WHEN YOU'RE LAUGHING THE SUN COMES SHINING THROUGH

BUT WHEN YOU'RE CRYING YOU BRING ON THE RAIN SO STOP YOU'RE SIGIDNG BE HAPPY AGAIN

KEEP ON SMILING CAUSE WHEN YOU'RE S:MILING THE WHOLE WORLD S:MILES WITH YOU

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE THE OTHER NIGHT DEAR, AS I LAY SLEEPING I DREAMED I HELD YOU IN MY ARMS WHEN I A WOKE DEAR, I WAS MISTAKEN AND I HUNG MY HEAD AND CRIED:

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE MY ONLY SUNSIDNE YOU MAKE MY HAPPY WHEN SKIES ARE GREY YOU'LL NEVER KNOW DEAR HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY SUNSHINE AWAY

Lyric sheets for these tunes should be printed for the total numb:)J. of guests, and should be awaiting them at their tables to encourag~ their participation. Waiters and waitresses should also be well-versed with these simple tunes, and continue to encourage guests to sing along with the instrumentalists as they enter.

The five performers in VOYAGEUR'S nJBILE will rotate as Song Leader for this section, dressed in their opening costume, hidden by a travelling cloak. In this way, each performer will have the opportunity to introduce the show. Once all the guests have arrived and are situated, with beverages served, the show's beginnjng will need to be coordinated with the head of the wait staft: the host/hostess arid the stage manager and sound engineer. The lights dim, and the taped track is ready to begin.

As the stage becomes dark, we hear a single tremolo, and fog begins to fill the stage. As the lights gradually reveal the stage, we see a single canoe gliding on to it, with The Voyageur guiding it with his oar. The backdrop is a lush wilderness.

VOYAGEUR: (the song begins as a, ballad) WHAT PLACE IS THIS I'VE FOUND AS I \VANDER ON MY WAY? I HEAR WIDSPERS OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED HERE YESTERDAY

THE LAKE IS LIKE AN OCEAN WAVES ARE CRESTING ruST BEYOND BIRDS SING SONGS OF CELEBRATION FISH ARE DANCING IN THE POND

(background vocals in here as song builds in intensity) I 'LL BEGIN A NEW ADVENTURE AS I STEP UPON THIS GROUND I WILL OPEN UP MY HEART HERE TOTHESECRETSIHAVEFOUND .

All others appear for the uptempo opening number, as the lights brighten:

ALL:

HERE IN MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW, :MICIDGAN WE'FE IN MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW,_ :MICIDGAN

· IT'S THE HEARTBEAT OF THE COUNTRY A SONG TO SING ALOUD COME GATHER 'ROUND THE TABLE AND SING IT CLEAR AND PROUD:

WE CALL IT MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW, :MICIDGAN WE'RE IN MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW, :MICIDGAN

c:

HOSPITALITY AND FRIENDSIDP THERE'S NONE WHO CAN COMPARE AND IF HEAVEN NEEDS A SUNSET, WE'VE GOT A FEW TO SPARE

WE CALL IT MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW, MICIDGAN WE'RE IN MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW MICIDGAN

M -A - C - -K - I - N -A - W MACK-I-NAW (The cast dances).

HOSPITALITY AND FRIENDSHIP THERE'S NONE WHO CAN COMPARE AND IF HEAVEN NEEDS A SUNSET, WE'VE GOT A FEW TO SPARE:

MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW MICIDGAN MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW MICHIGAN

SO JOIN US FOR THE EVENING WE'VE GOT LOTS TO EAT AND IF YOURE LIKIN' WHAT YOU HEARIN -­FEEL FREE TO TAP YOUR FEET

(a capella) MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW MICIDGAN MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW MICIDGAN

(ORCHESTRATION BACK IN:) MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW MICIDGAN (X2)-­YOU'VE COME HOME!

6

(The song ends in a blackout Once the lights restore, all are present except Hiawatha.)

COLIN:

Welcome to Mackinaw! We've got a whole lot of fun and good eating in store, and we're glad you've come by to join us! ·

:MISS P:

I don't believe I've had the pleasure, Mr. -

COLIN:

Just call me Colin, Ma'am. I've been searching up and down these rivers and lakes for a place to finally call home, and you sure do have the prettiest county I've seen in America.

:MISS P:

Yes, well, it is lovely, but one yearns for silver at tea time every now and again.

COLIN:

So, you're from the Old World?

MISS P:

London, actually. My name is Miss Pembroke, and I ventured here to America . , with my family, looking for a better life. So far the only thing that's better is the fuoQ ·

ABIGA.a:

I'll say. Hi, Mr. Colin. Hello, everybody. I'm Abigail, and I love it here. I was born and raised here, one of the very first natives of Mackinaw City. I go to school right over yonder-

7

MR. SCHOOLCRAFf (HENRY):

At my schoolhouse. Hemy Schoolcraft's the name, teaching's my game.

COLIN:

Pleasure to meet you.

HENRY:

So much to see here, and so much we know so little about.

HIAWATHA (appearing):

Excuse me, but are any of you taking a trip across the lake today? rd be much obliged for a ride to the island.

ABIGAIL:

That is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. How do you make a dress like that?

HIAWATHA:

My people have been making these clothes for centuries. It's made from the wildlife here in Michigan.

COLIN:

So there is fur to be had here! I knew it!

MISS P:

Don't tell me - another fur trader! Savagery everywhere I turn!

HENRY:

Now, you lmow, Miss Pembroke, it's the only way to make a living in these parts, besides teaching, that is. You should wish the fine gentlemen luck. Otherwise he might be looking for work in my schoolhouse, and one teacher is plenty enough. (turning to Hiawatha): What did you say your name was, Miss?

HIAWATHA:

I didn't It's Hiawatha Princess Hiawatha.

HENRY:

Enchanted, Princess.

ABIGAIL:

A real life Princess? Like in storybooks?

HIAWATHA:

Well, almost. My father was the ruler of our tribe for years, until ...

ABIGAIL:

Until what?

HIAWATHA:

Until the settlers arrived. My life has changed a lot since then.

ABIGAIL:

I can hardly wait until we are best friends! rn show you my house, and we can pick flowers by the lake's edge. You can come over for supper, and --

MISS P:

Heavens! Supper! Our guests must be ravenous! And here we are chatting on and on like we have the day to whittle away! Are you hungry?

(audience responds)

COLIN:

How would you like a spot of my own delectable creation, named in my honor?

9

HENRY:

A soup named in your honor? What is it called, Fur Trader Goulash?

(All others laugh.)

COLIN:

Close, but not quite.

WHEN YOU'RE WORKIN' ALL DAY IN THE FUR TRAPPIN' TRADE TAKES A :MIGHTY GOOD STEW TO FILL YOU!

8 ESSENTIAL VITAMINS, AND TASTES JUST GREAT- .

HERE'S A MIGHTY GOOD STEW TO FILL YOU!

(MELODY CONTINUES UNDERNEATH TinS DIALOG)

OK, Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, on your way to you is the most delicious, satisfying broth a man or woman ever tasted. It's what kept me warm in the coldest of nights.

MISS P:

But, goodness gracious, Colin, we mustn't fill our guests up so soon. There's quiLe a bit more on the way, after all. rve been baking de~s~rt all day just for their arrival!

ABIGAll..:

Miss Pembroke is right! Enjoy the soup, but remember, Mr. Schoolcraft and I worked in the Smokehouse to make you a hearty supper.

10

COLIN:

8 ESSENTIAL VITAMINS, AND TASTES JUST GREAT! ITS A MIGIITY GOOD STEW TO FILL YOU!

ALL OTHERS:

NOT FILL YOU!

COLIN:

OK, not fill you. .. make you warm and happy. Better?

ALL OTHERS:

Better!

ALL:

ENJOY!

(BLACKOUT. The keyboard pl~yer plays a reprise of the opening number on the keys as the guests begin to eat their Trapper's Soup, and the stage is re-set as a school room, perhaps a desk and a chair. A chalkboard and globe are visible.)

HENRY:

So, Abigail, why did you want.to see me after class today?

ABIGAa:

It's the Princess, Mr. Schoolcraft. I want to know more about where she comes from.

HENRY:

I must confess, Abigail, that I don't know that much about the Chippewa Tribe.

11

ABIGAIL:

Chippewa?

HENRY:

That's the name of her tribe. A tribe is like a large family, where grandparents, parents and children trust and respect one another. The older you are, the more authority you have.

ABIGAIL:

Sounds nice.

HENRY:

I suspect it is. And the Princess is certainly a magical young woman ...

ABIGAIL:

I wish I could visit her tribe. It would be nice if we were all friends.

HENRY:

Maybe we are, deep inside.

(Henry uses a pointer with the chalkboard and the globe.) (Modified uptempo version) FROM A DISTANCE THE WORLD LOOKS BLUE AND GREEN AND THE SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS WHITE

FROM A DISTANCE THE OCEAN :MEETS THE STREAM AND THE EAGLE TAKES TO FLIGHT

FROM A DISTANCE THERE IS HARMONY, AND IT ECHOES THROUGH THE LAND -

12

ITS THE VOICE OF HOPE ITS THE VOICE OF PEACE ITS THE SONG OF EVERY MAN.

(Hiawatha enters the school room. Underscoring continues.)

HENRY:

Princess Hiawatha! What brings you here?

HIAWATHA:

Mr. Schoolcraft, though rm well beyond the schooling age, I wanted to learn more about ... the world. From the sounds of it, you have a vision I share.

HIAWATHA:

FROM A DISTANCE, WE ARE INSTRIDvffiNTS PLAYING IN A COMMON BAND PLAYING SONGS OF HOPE, PLAYINGSONGSOFPEACE THEl"RE THE SONGS OF EVERY MAN.

HENRY:

Come, Abigail, I think you've just learned a valuable lesson.

ALL THREE: (Choral ending, upbeat)

FROM A DISTANCE, THERE IS HARMONY AND IT ECHOES THROUGH THE LAND IT'S THE VOICE OF HOPE ITS THE VOICE OF PEACE IT'S THE VOICE OF EVERY MAN!

HIAWATHA:

There is another reason I came here today.

.~ -.

HENRY:

I should be so lucky.

HIAWATHA:

I have m;tde a lovely batch of fresh salad greens that I think our guests might enjoy. Would you all care to try some?

(Audience responds).

HENRY:

The Princess has worked all day on the salad, folks. Surely you can do better than that Would you like to try some?

(audience responds).·

ABIGA.a:

Much better. Look, here come the salads bowls now!

HIAWATHA:

rVE PUT THE BEST OF NATURE'S BOUNTY RIGHT IN THAT BOWL AND rM HOPING THAT IT :MIGHT JUST FILL YOU!

(underscoring continues underneath)

ABIGAH..:

But, we still have the food from the Smokehouse to bring out to these folks! We can't fill them up on salad!

HENRY:

She's right, Princess Hiawatha! These folks still have lot of eating to do here in hospitable Mackinaw!

14

HIAWATHA:

Please call me Hiawatha. I lmow, I know -- but it's so good for you! All those crunchy lettuce greens with a delicious secret dressing -- I couldn't help mysel£1

ALL THREE:

SO EAT THE BEST OF NATURE'S BOUNTY BUT BE SURE TO SAVE SOME ROOM:

HIAWATHA:

STILL, ITS GOOD ENOUGH, IT WGHT WST FILL YOU!

ALL THREE:

ENJOY!

HENRY:

We'll be back in a few minutes. Don't go anywhere, now, you hear me? The fun's just starting!

(They exit. Keyboard playoff of Food Intro underscore, which plays as stage is re­set for the ani val of Colin and Miss Pembroke as a picnic scene outdoors.)

COLIN:

So, Miss Pembroke, what in$pired you to come up with this grand idea?

MISS P:

What idea is that?

COLIN:

Your finest linens, from England no less, and these wonderful food - why, this picnic, what else?

MISS P:

Well it seems to me we need to be acquainted if we're to share this new world together - at least as neighbors.

COLIN:

I knew I was right

MISS P:

Right about what?

COLIN:

Underneath that unhappy British lass, stuck out here in the untamed wilderness, lies the heart of a woman.

MISSP:

Well I never! Are you always so ... so ... f01ward, Mr .... Colin ... Fur Trader ... Adventurer With The Lovely Eyes?

COLIN:

Sitting here underneath this apple tree is mighty fine ... a man could get used to it.

MISS P:

I wouldn't mind. .. having another picnic again, with th<- pleasure of your company · of course.

COLIN:

Now don't plan any picnics in the pleasure of someone else. I might get upset. (Moderate tempo, easy going, romantic): DON'T SIT UNDER THE APPLE TREE WITH ANYONE ELSE BUT ME ANYONE ELSE BUT ME ANYONE ELSE BUT ME NO NO NO

lll

JUST REMEMBER THAT fLL BE TRUE TO NOBODY ELSE BUT YOU SO JUST BE TRUE TO ME!

(underscoring continues)

MISS P:

I think Mackinaw might tum out to be a charming place after all.

COLIN:

Really, Miss Pembroke?

MISS P:

Call me ... Sally.

COLIN:

All right then, Sally. rm looking forward to future visits to this shady spot...with you, of course.

MISSP:

It better be with me!

DON'T GO WALKING DOWN BY THE LAKE WITH ANYONE EL~J: BUT ME ANYONE ELSE BUT ME ANYONE ELSE BUT ME NO NO NO

DON'T START SHOWING OFF ALL YOUR CHARMS IN SOMEBODY ELSE'S ARMS YOU MUST BE TRUE TO ME

TOGETHER:

rM SO AFRAID THAT THESE PLANS WE'VE MADE UNDERNEATH THE SUNNY SKIES

17

WILLFADEAWAY, AND YOU'RE BOUND TO STRAY IF THE STARS GET IN YOUR EYES, SO

DON'T SIT UNDER THE APPLE TREE WITH ANYONE ELSE BUT ME ANYONE ELSE BUT ME ANYONE ELSE BUT ME NO NO NO

JUST REMEMBER THAT I'LL BE TRUE TO NOBODY ELSE BUT YOU SO JUST BE TRUE TO ME.

1.\flSS P:

I am certain that I will not even need to wipe my shoes when I get home!

COLIN:

(laughing) What in tarnation do mean, Sally?

1.\flSS P:

I am absolutely certain that I have been swept entirely off of my feet. And by a Fur Trader!

COLIN:

You know, Sally, Fur Trading used to be a man's best way to get by. And we didn't hunt for sport .. we hunted to survive. There a pride and a skill associated with our trade. Why, it's the very thing that allowed for dealings with the native tribes in this area! Everyone valued fur. And, in these winters, we needed it

1.\flSS P:

Oh, you can say that again! Burr! Never in my entire life have I have ever felt the chill of that wind coming off the lake! London was a steambath by comparison!

18

COLIN:

But it seems the springs and summers here are just picture perfect. I think I may finally settle down once and for all.

MISSP:

You mean, you were seriously considering NOT staying? How could you break my heart like that, after devoting yourself to me the way you just did?

COLIN:

Well, a man needs to travel.. you know, adventure ... the wild frontier...

MISS P:

You can take your wild frontier, Mr. Voyageur, and your apple tree, and spend your time breaking some other poor defenseless girl's heart!

(she storms off through the house, and lands at a table, where she cries on the guests' shoulders, using their napkins to dry her eyes)

COLIN:

Sally! SALLY! No need to get so upset- I didn't say I was leaving! (seeing that she is "gone") Women! And the worst part is, she was a really good cook! (he munches on some of the picnic leftovers)

Hey! I've got an idea! W,~t!l your help, I might be able to get Sally back in to my aims, where she belongs! I need for_ you all to nelp by ~inging along with me a tune rm sure you all recognize ... rll go through it once, then I need for all of you to sing it with me as loud as you can. .. rve got the words here in caSe you all need some help (fHE SECOND TIME THROUGH, he pulls out a large board with the words written on it. This song is done with no instrumental track, only the banjo and keyboard as accompaniment). OK? Here we go:

LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU LET ME HEAR YOU WIDSPER THAT YOU LOVE :ME TOO

19

KEEP THE LOVELIGHT GLOWING IN YOUR EYES SO TRUE LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART, I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU

Can you help me out? Let's all do it together ... this one is for you Sally! Please comeback!

LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART rM IN LOVE WITH YOU LET ME HEAR YOU WIITSPER THAT YOU LOVE ME TOO!

KEEP THE LOVELIGHT GLOWING IN YOUR EYES SO TRUE LET :ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART, I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU!

(Sally comes running up to the stage at the end of the last note, which is held out)

MISSP:

Promise me, Colin, that you will not be looking for any new apple trees, nor any new suitors to sit with under said tree.

COLIN:

I promise.

TOGETHER:

KEEP THE LOVELIGHT GLOWING IN YOUR EYES SO TRUE LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU.

(They walk off. As they do, Colin whispers to audience:)

COLIN:

Thanks!

20

(Abigail and Hemy enter with huge forks and knives, and large colorful napkins)

ABIGAIL:

It's time, Mr. Schoolcraft!

HENRY:

Now don't I know it! All day in the Smokehouse down by the pond, and we've got the most beautiful meal a body CQuld ever want on its way to you. My special smokehouse flavor ... simmered for just the right taste ... perfection, if I do say so mysel£1

ABIGAIL:

Mr. Schoolcraft, aren't you forgetting that I helped you with the smoked meats today? You said I needed practice for Home Economics in school and you had me do 123 chickens, and. . .471 pork chops ... golly, looking around out there, rd say I was responsible for MOST of the cooking, not you!

HENRY: .·::·

Children do tend to exaggerate ... but far be it from me to take away the credit from our darling Abigail. You've done a wonderful job, honey, and I think it's high time we get these folks some of these good eats we're going on and on about.

ABIGAIL:

HERE IT COMES, FROM~ SMOKEHOUSE DELICIOuSLY IDST RIGHT! AND WE MADE IT TONIGHT TO FILL YOU!

(underscoring continues)

HENRY:

Why Abigail! We mustn't forget Miss Pembroke's dessert! We can't fill up these poor people with our delicious home-smoked dinner, although. .. I dare them not to try! (he laughs)

21

, ..

ABIGAIL:

You're right, of course .. ~but I do hope they won't be shy! There's plenty for everyone!

TOGETHER:

TO YOUR PLATE DIRECTLY FROM OUR SMOKEHOUSE ON THE HILL, EAT UP! ENJOY! UNTIL YOUVE HAD YOUR FILL!

(Instrumental of this "Food Intro" melody, to which Henry and Abigail dance, with there props of forks, knives, and napkip.s ).

EAT UP! ENJOY! UNTIL YOU'VE HAD YOUR FILL!

, . (Blackout Keyboard player and banjo player play through "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "Don't Sit Under Tb.e Apple Tree" as the meal gets underway. The entire cast then re-enters).

HENRY:

Well now, I hope our Smokehouse goodies are filling you right up!

MISS P:

Henry, there is still my special homemade dessert ..

22

ABIGAIL:

Yes, Miss Pembroke, we know .. .it's just that some of these folks can't help themselves! Why, just look at them (the entire cast gazes into the audience, watching them eat).

COLIN:

Looks like they haven't eaten in years!

HIAWATHA:

I'm glad they're enjoying themselves.

COLIN:

So am I. You folks just go on with what you're doing. We've got a treat of a different kind in store.

HIAWATHA:

What treat is that, Colin?

MISSP:

Colin and I were thinking it might be fun to show these folks what we do when those cold winters come blasting through Mackinaw.

HENRY:

I hardly think that's family viewing, Miss Pembroke!

ABIGAIL:

I want to see!

MISS P:

No sense getting all hot and bothered, Henry Schoolcraft! What we had in mind was just what the original settlers did here, all cozy by the fireplace .. .

23

HENRY:

Miss Pembroke, I think a little propriety is in order!

COLIN:

Hemy, she's refening to keeping company in the best way possible ... as dance partne~! ·

ABIGAIL:

What kind of dancing?

HIAWATHA:

Our people dance, too, but fd love to learn how you do it. Will you show me?

MISSP:

· Of course. Now, everybody gather round. When my family first arrived in Mackinaw, it was in the dead of winter, and we'd close up the shutte~, baton down the hatches, and put a good fire in the hearth. Then we'd start to sing.

HIAWATHA: ·

What would you sing?

MISSP:

Well ...

DADDY SANG BASS MAMA SANG TENOR ME AND LITTLE BROTHER WOULD JOIN RIGHT IN THERE SINGIN' SEEMED TO HELP A TROUBLED SOUL SO LET'S NOT WAIT TOO LONG, COME AND JOIN ME IN TIDS SONG JOIN THE FAMILY CIRCLE IN OUR SONG

(Underscoring continues, gradually changing to "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?")

?4.

... -.

ABIGAIL:

Oh, fd love to!

HIAWATHA:

Me too! What should I do?

COLIN:

Grab my hand! Come on, Hemy! Here we go!

ALL (in parts):

WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN? · BY AND BY LORD BY AND BY THERE'S A BEITER HOME A W AITIN' IN THE SKY LORD, IN THE SKY

(Underscoring continues, changing to a fast-paced, hoe-down version of "Rocky Top". The cast clogs in a series of square-dance patterns, taking advantage of any particular tumbling skills of the cast The dance section of the song returns to a reprise of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken")

ALL (ADDING HANDCLAPS):

WILL THE CTRCLE BE UNBROKEN? BY AND BY LORD BY AND BY .,. .

THERE'S A BEITER HOME A W AITIN' IN THE SKY, LORD, IN THE SKY

THERE'S A BEITER HOME A W AITIN' IN THE SKY, LORD, IN THE SKY!

(Blackout. Abigail exits)

COLIN:

Oh boy, those dances sure to keep you warm!

25

HENRY:

rd say they make you downright HOT! Whew!

MISS P:

Oh, they are such fun! Especially when you're with someone you love! (she takes Colin's hand; they stroll leisurely into the audience)

HENRY:

Is something going on I don't know about? (He turns to find Hiawatha there beside him) Oh, excuse me, Princess, L.

HIAWATHA:

No need for excuses, Mr. Schoolcraft, and I asked you. .. please call me Hiawatha.

HENRY:

Yes, !...Hiawatha, you are a most attractive young woman.

HIAWATHA:

Why thank you!

HENRY:

And please ... call me Henry.

HIAWATHA:

As you wish, Henry.

HENRY:

You know, after you came by the schoolhouse, I got to thinking, I really don't know much about your people ... this place ... rve been so busy just trying to get a schoolhouse up and running. What is your life like now?

2o

HIAWATHA:

I am. . .looking for something. I guess rm an adventurer, like Colin, in my own way.

HENRY:

Far from here? Do you mean to tell me that I am soon to be lacking in the pleasure of your company, now that we've become friends?

HIAWATHA:

My people love this land. And so do I. I have no plans of leaving. I simply want..a better life.

HENRY:

fd like it it: on your way, you might leta gentleman accompany you.

HIAWATHA: -.~·:

Let's go down to the lake. The sun's about to set, and it is magnificent.

(They stroll into the audience, a different section from "!here Colin and Sally are "stationed". Orchestral accompaniment, along with keyboard and banjo begin the underscoring; each song will feature background vocals by those onstage. Fog and lighting on stage create a romantic evening).

COLIN:

rVE GOT THE WORLD ON A STRING SITriN' ON A RAINBOW GOT THE STRING AROUND MY FINGER WHAT A WORLD WHATALIFE fMINLOVE!

MISS P:

rVE GOT A SONG THAT I SING I CAN MAKE THE RAIN GO

27

ANY TIME THAT I MOVE MY FINGER LUCKY ME! CANT YOU SEE? rMINLOVE

COLIN/MISS P:

LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING AS LONG AS I HOLD THE STRING rD BE A SILLY SO AND SO IF I SHOULD EVER LET GO

rVE GOT THE WORLD ON A STRING SITTIN ON A RAINBOW GOT THE STRING AROUND MY FINGER­WHAT A WORLD WHATALIFE WE'RE IN LOVE!

HENRY:

·-~-~

rVE GOT A CRUSH ON YOU, SWEETIE PIE ALL THEDA Y AND NIGHTI1ME HEAR ME SIGH

I NEVER HAD THE LEAST NOTION THAT I COULD FALL WITH SUCH DEVOTION

COULD YOU COO? COULD YOU CARE FOR A CUNNll'lG COTTAGE WE COULD SHARE? ·-

THE WORLD WILL PARDON MY MUSH CAUSE rVE GOT A CRUSH MY BABY ON YOU!

HIAWATHA:

ISN'T IT ROMANTIC? MUSIC IN THE NIGHT A DREAM THAT CAN BE HEARD?

28

ISNT IT ROMANTIC? MOVIN'G SHADOWS WRITE THE OLDEST MAGIC WORD

I HEAR THE BREEZES PLAYING IN THE TREES ABOVE WIITLE ALL THE WORLD IS SAYING

· YOU WERE :MEANT FOR LOVE

ISN'T IT ROMANTIC? DO YOU :MEAN THAT I WILL FALL IN LOVE PERCHANCE? ISNT IT ROMANCE?

(Tempo changes from soft steady moderate to lively)

QUARTET (singing in parts, they move as couples back onto the stage):

'S WONDERFUL! 'S MARVELOUS! YOU SHOULD CARE FOR ME

'SAWFULLYNICE! 'S PARADISE! 'S WHAT I LOVE TO SEE!

YOUVE MADE :ME FEEL SO GLAMOROUS YOU CANT BLA:ME ME FOR FEELING AMOROUS!

OH, 'S WONDERFUL! 'S MARVELOUS! THAT YOU SHOULD CARE FOR ME!

WOl\IEN:

\S WONDERFUL! 'S MARVELOUS! THAT YOU SHOULD CARE FOR ME!

29

:MEN:

'SAWFULLYNICE! 'S PARADISE! 'S WHAT I LOVE TO SEE!

TOGETHER:

MY DEAR, IT'S FOUR LEAF CLOVER TIME FROM NOW ON MY HEART'S WORKING OVERTIME!

(they dance a brief break of timeless couple moves, then reprise)

OH! 'S WONDERFUL 'S MARVELOUS THAT YOU SHOULD CARE FOR ME!

(Blackout Keyboardist plays reprise of these tunes as the stage is set a party -streamers, balloons, etc. Abigail enters)

ABIGAIL:

All talk and no action! Miss Pembroke has been telling us for DAYS now about her scrumptious homemade dessert .. well, we've gone and done the decorating for a celebration, and now she's nowhere to be found.

(lllA WATHA enters while humming " 'S Wonderful")

ABIGAIL:

Hiawatha! What has gotten into you?

HIAWATHA:

I finally fallen in love, my little friend! And with the most romantic man in the whole world!

30

~ ...

ABIGAIL:

Who?

HIAWATHA:

Henry Schoolcraft! Oh, the name falls ~ppingly over niy tongue!

ABIGAIL:

You mean my teacher? Romantic? Are you feeling alright?

HENRY (enters):

There you are! I was hoping rd see you at the party!

HIAWATHA:

Why, yes, Henry, I am in attendance. Thank you for the lovely stroll earlier ...

HENRY:

My pleasure.

ABIGAIL:

Doesn't anybody care about the.dessert? (to audience) Don't YOU want some of Miss Pembroke's authentic, homemade, filled-with-the-best-stuff-on-earth­smprise?

(Audience responds)

:MISS P (enters with a small covered dish, followed by COLIN):

The moment you've all been waiting for has finally arrived!

HENRY (gazing into Hiawatha's eyes):

I know.

11

COLIN:

Sally, it's a pleasure to be at your vecy first Mackinaw dessert party! May there ·be many, many more!

ABIGAIL:

So what is the surprise dessert? As if there aren't enough surprises already up here ...

MISS P:

Well ... there are actually TWO surprises, if you don't count the flavors ... ifyou do, there are THREE! And I baked them all myself!

HIAWATHA:

Miss Pembroke, I hate to mention it, but what if our guests are ... full?

MISS P: - -~·

Surely there aren't too full for some of my ... unless you all have been feeding them when I haven't been looking!

COLIN:

Easy, now, Sally, rm sure they are all still plenty hungry for some of your good home baking!

A1UGAIL:

WHATS THE SURPRISE!?

MISS P:

Now rm so wonied that evecyone's full I just don't think I can go on with this ...

32

HENRY:

C'mon folks, give us a hand. Let us know you're still wanting her special dessert, on the count of three, say:

"WE WANT SALL ~S SPECIAL DESSERT"

Ready? One two three ...

(Audience responds; can be repeated to humorous effect)

HENRY:

See there, Miss Pembroke, they want it BAD!

MISSP:

Well, I do feel a little better ... but what if they don't like what I've baked for them? What if ... oh, heavens, I think rd better just take my little goodies home with me. lbis is all too nerve racking ...

ABIGAIL: ·

Folks, we need your help one more time, otherwise I will never find out what the surprise is, and you all will miss out on dessert. So, on the count of three, repeat with me, in your hungriest, most enthusiastic, sweet-tooth voices:

"WE WANT SALL ~S SPECIAL DESSERT, AND WE DON'T EVEN CARE WHAT IT IS!"

(Audience responds)

Good!

MISSP:

You've convinced me! I've made the most delicious, mouth-watering, juiciest frogs legs a la mode you have ever tasted!

(Cast and audience respond audibly)

33

,. --

:MISS P:

You might have worried about that a little sooner ... you said you didn't even care what it was ... but I'm only kidding!

HIAWATHA:

Now I'm going to faint from excitement! WHAT IS IT?

COLIN:

Honey, these folks have been waiting for over an hour for your secret recipe.

MISSP:

THE FANFARE'S DONE THE BAKING'S THROUGH AND HERE IS WHAT I MADE FOR YOU:

MY MOST DELICIOUSLY UNIQUE--REA VEN KNOWS, THEY TOOK A .WEEK -­DESSERTS MADE THE SALLY WAY!

ALL:

TAKE A GANDER, TAKE A PEEK ANY SECOND YOU WILL SNEAK SOME DESSERTS MADE THE SALLY WAY!

\VE'.VE GOT COBBL-ER BAKED APPLE OR BERRY AND FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T TELL YET -­THE BERRY IS CHERRY!

AND BREAD PUDDJNG SO FRESH IT'S APPALLJNG

ABIGAIL:

OH LISTEN, I HEAR ONE! MY NAME IT IS CALLJNG!

HENRY:

I do believe I am the winner, there, Sally!

:MISS P:

Why, it's been such a day!

COLIN:

And such a party! (to others) I think we oughta let 'em discover the joys of Sally's baking, don't you?

ALL:

THERE'S REALLY NO MYSTIQUE SO DIG IN NOW DON'T BE :MEEK THEY'RE DESSERTS MADE THE SAL-LY WAY!

(Blackout Cast exits to reprise on keyboard and banjo of "Desserts Made The Sally Way" - they change into their finale costume as dessert and coffee are underway. The set changes to a porch-like feel; a late-mght party, and an old gaslight lamppost is added, along with a rocking chair. The cast returns as a revue ensemble, dressed in new, more revue-like costuming; definitely country in feel, ginghams, denims)

COLIN:

. Well, we certainly hope Sally's good cooking has finally

ALL:

FILLED YOU UP!

COLIN:

We'd like to round out your evening by fast-fmwarding in time from those early Mackinaw years to the present day.

36

.. - .

HENRY:

And we thought a great way to do it might be with some of Michigan's favorite mUSlC-

ABIGAll..:

The music from the country.

HIAWATHA:

In this big, beautiful land we call Mackinaw, just about anywhere you go you can hear those catchy melodies, the ones that get us singing ...

MISSP:

Get us dancing ...

ALL:

TAKE :ME HO:ME COUNTRY ROADS TO THE PLACE I BELONG ON THE ISLAND-­HERE, BESIDE IT ITS OUR HO:ME MACKINAW

COLIN:

WAITING IN THE FRONT YARD SITIING ON A LOG SHARE ANOTHER SUNSET WITH MY CAT AND DOG

YONDER CO :ME MY KINFOLKS IN THE MOONLIGHT-­LOUISIANA SATURDAY NIGHT!

37

ALL:

WELL YOU GET DOWN YOUR FIDDLE AND YOU GET DOWN YOUR BOW KICK OFF YOUR SHOES AND YOU THROW 'EM ON THE FLOOR DANCE IN THE KITCHEN TIL THE MORNING LIGHT-­LOUISIANA SATURDAY NIGHT

COLIN:

Y' ALL COME AND JOIN US . FOR A SONG OR TWO WE'VE GOT MUSIC TO PLAY, AND DANCIN TO DO LET'S ALL GATHER NEAR THE OLD PORCHLIGHT LOUISIANA SATURDAY NIGHT!

HENRY:

WAY DOWN YONDER ON THE CHATTACHOOCHIE IT GETS HOTTER THAN A HOOCI:UE COOTCHIE WE LAID RUBBER ON THE GEORGIA ASPHALT GOT A LITTLE CRAZY BUT WE NEVER GOT CAUGHT

DOWN BY THE RIVER ON A FRIDAY NIGHT PYRAMID OF CANS IN THE PALE MOONLIGHT TALKIN BOUT CARS AND DREAMlN BOUT WOMEN-­NEVER HAD A PLAN, JUST A LIVJN FOR THE :MlNUTE --

HENRY/COLIN:

YEAH, WAY DOWN YONDER ON THE CHAIT AHOOCHIE NEVERKNEWHOWMUCH1HATMUDDYWATERMEANTTOME BUT I LEARNED HOW TO SWIM AND I LEARNED WHO I WAS A LOT ABOUT LIVJN AND LITTLE BOUT LOVE A LOT ABOUT LIVJN AND LITTLE BOUT LOVE

38

MISSP:

I DONT WANT YOUR LONELY MANSION WITHA TEARINEVERYROOM ALL I WANT'S THE LOVE YOU PROMISED BENEATH THE HALO MOON

BUT YOU THINK I SHOULD BE HAPPY WITH YOUR MONEY AND YOUR FAME AND HIDE MYSELF IN SORROW WHILE YOU PLAY YOUR CHEATIN GAME

ALL WOMEN:

SILVER THREADS AND GOLDEN NEEDLES CANNOT tvfEND THIS HEART OF MINE BUT I DARE NOT HIDE MY SORROW IN THEW ARM GLOW OF YOUR WINE

YOU CAN'T BUY MY LOVE WITH MONEY FORI NEVER WAS THAT KIND .. ~ .. SILVER THREADS AND GOLDEN NEEDLES CANNOT MEND THIS HEART OF :MINE

SILVER THREADS AND GOLDEN NEEDLES CANNOT MEND THIS HEART OF~

:MEN:

OUT IN THE COUNTRY PAST THE CITY LIMIT SIGN

~ -.

WELL THERE'S A HONKY TONK NEAR THE COUNTY LINE THE JOINT STARTS JUMPIN' EVERY NIGHT WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN

WE GO FL YIN DOWN THAT HIGHWAY TO THAT HIDEAWAY WAY OUT IN THE WOODS TO DO THE BOOT SCOOT BOOGIE

39

ALL:

HEEL TO TOE DOCIE DOE COME ON BABY LETS GO BOOT SCOOTIN'

CADILLAC BLACKJACK BABY MEET ME OUT BACK WE'RE GONNA BOOGIE OH GET DOWN, TURN AROUND GO TO TOWN BOOT SCOOTIN BOOGIE!

(fHE CAST 11BOOT SCOOTS11)

OH GET DOWN TURN AROUND GO TO TOWN BOOT SCOOTIN BOOGIE!

(fem.po changes, slowing to a melodic ballad. The following is underscored while the girls get a man from the audience.)

ABIGAIL:

We'd like to share the stage with one of you. My friends are looking for someone special, so let's help them out..how many of you folks are grandparents? Raise yom hands! That's great! And proud of it, rm sure.

MISS P (with audience member):

Hi there! And what's your name?

(He answers)

MISSP:

Well, it's nice to meet you. Would you please join us on stage for moment? We've got something we'd like to sing to you.

40

(The girls bring the man onstage, and place him in the rocker, then sing to him).

MISS P:

GRANDPA TELL ME BOUT THE GOOD OLD DAYS SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE THIS WORLD'S GONE CRAZY

HIAWATHA:

GRANDPA TAKE ME BACK TO YESTERDAY WHEN THE LINE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG DIDN'T SEEM SO HAZY

BOTH (while rocking him)

DID LOVERS REALLY FALLIN LOVE TO STAY AND STAND BESIDE EACH OTHER COMEWHATMAY? __ .,., WAS A PROMISE REALLY SOMETHING PEOPLE KEPT NOT JUST SOMETHING THEY WOULD SAY? AND THEN FORGET

DID FAMILIES REALLY BOW THEIR HEADS TO PRAY DID DADDIES REALLY NEVER GO AWAY OH, OH, GRANDPA TELL ME BOUT THE GOOD OLD DAYS OH, OH, GRANDPA TELL ME :S~UT THE GOOD OLD DAYS

l\fiSS P (over applause):

Let's hear a big round of applause for ____ ! Thank you for joining us today!

ABIGAIL:

Uh oh .. .I think it's him girls!

Al

HIAWATHA:

Who?

ABIGAIL:

You know ...

(Hemy appears in typical Billy Ray costume, tom jeans with fringe, cowboy hat, sneakers oversized)

ALL3WOMEN:

BILLY RAY CYRUS!

HENRY:

YOU CAN TELL THE WORLD YOU NEVER WAS l\1Y GIRL YOU CAN BURN MY CLOTHES UP WHEN rM GONE YOU CAN TELL YOUR FRIENDS .-. JUSTWHAT AFOOLrVEBEEN AND LAUGH AND JOKE ABOUT ME ON THE PHONE

YOU CAN TELL MY ARMS GO BACK INTO THE FARM YOU .CAN TELL MY FEET TO HIT THE FLOOR YOU CAN TELL MY LIPS TO TELL MY FINGER TIPS THEY WONT BE REA CHIN' OUT FOR YOU NO MORE

BUT DOlfi' TELL MY HEART MY ACHY BREAKY HEART I JUST DONT THINK HE'D UNDERSTAND

AND IF YOU TELL MY HEART MY ACHY BREAKY HEART HE MIGHT BLOW UP AND KILL TillS MAN

A'J

WITH WOMEN, CLAPPING:

DON'T TELL MY HEART MY ACHY BREAKY HEART I JUST DONT TillNK HE'D UNDERSTAND

AND IF YOU TELL MY HEART MY ACHY BREAKY HEART IT :MIGHT BLOW UP AND KILL TillS MAN

(BILLY RAY does his signature foot-bop, and the songs ends, immediately segueing into the intro of "God Bless the USA". Hemy exits to change one last time into his country basic)

COLIN:

Well, we sure have had some fun tonight..

MISSP:

We sure have. I fell in love!

HIAWATHA:

So did I!

ABIGAIL:

The supper was delicious, and rm coil!ii:g back for more of your special cobbler, Miss Pembroke! . , '··

COLIN:

One of the best things about being here together in beautiful Mackinaw is feeling the pride we all feel in being part of the country that brought those original settlers here so many years ago ...

HIAWATHA:

And the country that was so beloved by so many people that sometimes it was tom apart in keeping it together.

MISSP:

In all that we love about Mackinaw and Michigan, we surely love in America, for where in our country can you find so much that is American?

COLIN:

IF TOMORROW ALL THE TIIINGS WERE GONE IWORKEDFORALLMYL~ AND I HAD TO START AGAIN WITH JUST MY CHILDREN AND MY WIFE

I'D THANK MY LUCKY STARS TOBELnnNGHERETODAY CAUSE THE FLAG STILL STANDS FOR FREEDOM AND YOU CANT TAKE THAT AWAY

BACKGROUND VOCALS IN (all except Henry):

AND I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN WHEREATLEAST IKNOWrMFREE AND I WONT FORGET THE :MEN WHO DIED AND GAVE THAT RIGHT TO ME AND I'LL GLADLY STAND UP NEXT TO YOU AND DEFEND HER STILL TODAY--

CAUSE THERE AIN'T NO DOUBT I LOVE THIS LAND GOD BLESS THE U S A

.. HENRY (entering)

FROM THE LAKES OF MINNESOTA TO THE HILLS OF TENNESSEE ACROSS THE PLAINS OF TEXAS FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA

HENRY/COLIN:

FROM DETROIT DOWN TO HOUSTON AND NEW YORK TO L.A. WELL, THERE'S PRIDE IN EVERY AMERICAN HEART AND IT'S TIME WE STAND AND SAY

ALL:

THAT I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN WHERE AT LEAST I KNOW I'M FREE AND I WON'T FORGET THE MEN WHO DIED WHO GAVE THAT RIGHT TO ME AND I'LL GLADLY STAND UP NEXT TO YOU AND DEFEND HER STILL TODAY

CAUSE THERE AIN'T NO DOUBT I LOVE THIS LAND GOD BLESS THE U S A -

AND IM' PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN WHERE AT LEAST I KNOW I'M FREE AND I WON'T FORGET THE MEN WHO DIED WHO GAVE THAT RIGHT TO ME AND I'LL GLADLY STAND UP NEXT TO YOU AND DEFEND HER STILL TODAY CAUSE THERE AIN'T NO DOUBT I LOVE THIS LAND-­GOD BLESS THE U. s. A.!

(Underscoring begins for "Mackinaw" reprise; the following lines and introductions are done on top before the vocal reprise)

COLIN:

We'd like to thank you for stopping by, and we hope you have a wonderful stay here in Mackinaw City.

MISS P:

Come back and see us again real soon!

VOICE OVER (Stage Manager):

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Voyageur's Jubile performers:

.;-: ..

and on the keyboards

and our banjo player

, . .. ..

On behalf of everyone here at the Historic Mackinaw City Dinner Theatre, have a safe trip home!

ALL:

HOSPITALITY AND FRIENDSHIP THERE'S NONE WHO CAN COMPARE AND IF HEAVEN NEEDS A SUNSET WE'VE GOT A FEW TO SPARE

MACK-I-NAW MACKINAW, MICIDGAN MACK-NAW MACKINAW, MICIDGAN MACK-I-NAW

YOU'VE COME HOME!

(Blackout. The performers exit the stage, and prepare to meet the audience as they exit The keyboard player and banjo player continue to play an acoustic reprise of "Mackinaw" as the dining room is emptied.)

·:!'·

,. --

47

, ....