At The Theatre: Apartment Drama Workshop

[ACT I]
[SCENE I: Introduction]
Like the chorus in a Greek play:
“Morning, Lisa!”
“Hi, Rick!”

We dance the steps written for
“The Neighbors,”
[ENTER cameo of Cheshire-cat smile of Neil Simon]
A musical produced off-off Broadway –
Off Walker Springs –
Where never fails a friendship forms,
A bond right out of Time.

[SCENE II: Getting to Know You]
Although the songs we sing
Seem ever quite forgettable,
Let’s bow and curtsy quite politely –
Never mixing queers with politicians,
Or quietly fraternizing with police,
Or quickly breaking apartment policies –
While always minding our Ps and Qs.

[SCENE III: A Ripple in the Pond]
As soon as we get comfortable
With the bangs and bumps we hear next door,
Our comfy zone gets broken
By my movement to another stage
Where plays the great and ancient show,
“The Taming of the Shrew.”

[INTERMISSION]

[SCENE IV: Where One Door Closes…]
[ENTER moving van]
Don’t despair (I see that tear
Brought on by spring-born pollen
And the dust from broken highways)
For “The Neighbors” has at least
Two Acts,
And the actors next to enter have their polished smiles
To hand to you like business cards.

Your men, forever ocean waves,
Change in strength, in length and tone,
And while you walk that lonely beach
Don’t begin to count the sand
But listen to this shell’s sweet sound.

[SCENE V: The Finale to Act I]
Before I go, I thank you kindly,
Although you never had to mind me,
For passing my dear’s résumé
Among your colleagues’ commerce sway.

Although the smiles we shared were few,
I must, with these words, bid adieu.