Malory

So why did he quit teaching?

Godfrey

Hogan always had big plans for doing things once he retired. This scared him into remembering that even if he loved teaching, he still had some other goals.

Malory

Like what?

Godfrey

A million things – doing a little reading on his own. Writing songs – his favorite hobby. And fishing. He always wanted to hit some of the big rivers up in Alaska for the salmon. And rafting down the Mississippi – something he wanted to do since he first read Huckleberry Finn when he was only twelve.

Malory

And so he retired a little early.

Godfrey

That’s right, Marie.

Malory

And all this was going on right under my nose last year?

Godfrey

You had your own problems, Marie.

Malory

Is that why he decided not to go along with a regular retirement party?

Godfrey

No retirement party for Hogan. He just didn’t want the kids to know, and if he announced had a retirement party coming up, all the kids would change their attitude about him. Maybe even feel sorry for him. So last May, he just showed up at a board meeting and told the school board behind closed doors.

Malory

Behind closed doors?

Godfrey

Honey, when it’s important, it’s always behind closed doors. When he came out he just looked at me and smiled. Then he quoted something from Death of a Salesman. He looked and me and said "So attention must be paid. He must not be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must finally be paid to such a person".

Malory

(pause) Was he suicidal?

Godfrey

A little depressed, yes. But hardly suicidal. Teaching was his life, so this hit him pretty hard.

Malory

Weren’t you worried for him?

Godfrey

I was. I was very worried. Then he winked at me and said something that made me realize he was going to come out of this okay.

Malory

What was that, Jennifer?

Godfrey

He said, "You know how small that room is where they hold the closed door meetings? Well, let’s just say I was glad I had beans for dinner. I think I finally got their attention!"

Malory

Oh, no, oh no! He didn’t!

Godfrey

He did! He told me he left a bomb that would cut off oxygen for hours!

Malory

That’s so great!

Godfrey

He had me in tears laughing!

Malory

Do you see him much any more?

Godfrey

(looking out stage right to faculty parking lot)That’s him coming right now!

Malory

(looking out with Godfrey) What’s he doing here?

Godfrey

We’re having a little party this weekend, my husband and I. Hogan and his wife will definitely be there! Along with a few other faculty members. Of course, you are invited, too. Hogan promises not to have a scavenger hunt this time!

Hogan

(appearing stage right and bellowing) Where’s the party?!?!? Where’s the party?!?!

Godfrey

(running to Hogan and giving him a hug). Right here, you lazy bum, right here!

Hogan

Don’t tell me her name! Don’t tell me! This is…this is…the bikini queen!

Godfrey

Don’t remind us, Hogan, you crazy nut!

Malory

(laughing) It’s okay! It’s okay. I think I can put up with Hogan now!

Hogan

(hugging her) But can Hogan put up with you! Hi, Mrs. Burke! Are you coming to our party!

Godfrey

It’s not Mrs. Burke. Call her Ms. Malory now!

Hogan

Ms. Malory? Oh, I’ll bet Mr. Posimo loves the sound of that!

Malory

Does everybody know about Mr. Posimo and me?

Godfrey

Well, he’s not married! You’re not married! What’s the problem? Hey, Hogan, sing us that Steinbeck song. I think that’s the best one you ever did!

Hogan

Wait a minute. The Grapes of Wrath song with Ma and Pa Joad? That’s one of your songs!

Godfrey

Right, but I wrote it in your style!

Hogan

My style! That’s a good one! Okay, let’s do it together! This is definitely a duet!

Hogan and Godfrey, as Ma and Pa Joad, don old farmer hats and stroll downstage center, carrying cardboard boxes.

Godfrey

It’ll be different living in California. Are you scared, Pa?

Hogan

What’s to be scared about, Ma? Didn’t them flyers say they needed workers? All we gotta do is get there and we can live off the fat of the land!

Song #9 "Out West".

Godfrey

When my son, the Okie, he leaves the pokey, He might get stressed!
Just when he’s arriving we’ll be off driving
Out to the West!

Hogan

Out West! In California!
It’s best, we’ll be rebornia!
Sweet grapes and barleycornia

Both

It’s the Garden of Eden!

Hogan

Life without a care, we’ll be happy there
All the time!

Godfrey

Ain’t no jokey, it’s okey-dokey there
And sublime!

Hogan

I’m on a mission ‘cause my intuition says

Both

Here comes the sun!
In the land of honey
There’s lots of money
And fun!

Spoken by Godfrey and Hogan, as Ma and Pa Joad take things out of the cardboard box to pack for the trip.

Godfrey

Here’s an old bar of soap. Should I take that along? Heck, I can give that to Rose o’ Sharon so she can smell perty for that there new husband of hers! Now there’s a marriage made in heaven!

PA

Oh my! Oh my! Grandpa’s old checkerboard. Come in handy for something to do between eatin’ all them sweet California oranges and grapes! Oh my! Oh my! Ain’t this gonna be heaven?

Godfrey

A flyswatter? What do we need a flyswatter for in California! Ain’t got no insects there, only bluebirds of happiness!

Godfrey

Well, I hope we make it,
‘Cause I can’t take it here
Anymore
With the crops all dying and people crying
And dust galore!

Hogan

Sweet grapes and barleycornia!

Both

It’s the Garden of Eden!

Hogan

Life without a care, we’ll be happy there
All the time!

Godfrey

Ain’t no jokey, it’s okey-dokey there
And sublime!

Hogan

I’m on a mission ‘cause my intuition says

Both

Here comes the sun!
In the land of honey
There’s lots of money
And fun!

Hogan

(to Malory) You sure you won’t join us at the party? I’d love to see you again while I still remember your name!

Godfrey

We promise no scavenger hunts. Just a nice little social get-together!

Malory

I’d like to come, Jennifer, but I haven’t been to any social events since the divorce. I just can’t enjoy going places by myself.

Godfrey

That’s what Ray Posimo said. He said, "I hate to go to these things by myself."

Malory

He did?

Hogan

In fact, he was supposed to ask you today at lunch to come with him to the party!

Malory

He didn’t mention it at all!

Hogan

Did he blow it again?

Godfrey

Well, he’s a bit shy and a bit of a space case, so either excuse will do. (Looking out to parking lot) But I can see him standing out there in the faculty parking lot right now! He seems to be waiting for someone! Hmmm! I wonder who?

Malory

(throwing her arms around Godfrey in a genuine embrace) Thanks, Jennifer! Thanks for everything.

Godfrey

You think this is going to be a good year?

Malory

This is going to be my best year yet! (exits SL running and yelling) Ray! Ray! Wait for me!

Hogan

So long, Rapunzel!

Godfrey

Rapunzel?

Hogan

That’s her new name!

Godfrey

And why, pray tell, is that?

Hogan

Can’t you see? She’s finally letting her hair down!

Godfrey

(laughing) Can’t you do better than that, Hogan? (pointing to parking lot) Look! Marie and Posimo!

Hogan

Ah, ain’t that cute! Two little love birds!

Godfrey & Hog

(sing) Hello, young lovers, wherever you are...