Script of a Short Play

J-Jack Nelson (mayor)
C-Charlie St. Cloud

(A middle-aged man with a fishing hat covering his thick, grey hair and weathered face. This man exudes power and his presence makes the visitor, Charlie St. Cloud, straighten up his posture and look up. The man walked up to Charlie and sat next to him.)

J: So I here you have big plans for my town?

C: (Politely) Yes I do but why does it concern you?

J: Anything that goes on in this town is my business. I’m the mayor.

C: (With disbelief) You’re the mayor? (Analyzes him from head to toe) How do you know about this though? I only came yesterday night.

J: Small town like this doesn’t receive many visitors. Gossip spreads like wildfire here. Now tell me, what is it you have planned?

C: It’s not really that what I have planned, but more about what this town needs. Your town is beautiful and just has so much potential that I know can be fulfilled. People would kill for the peace and solitude here!

J: Hmm.

C: The beautiful bay, the crystal like water, the secluded islands and the perfect weather-

J: (Cuts in) The weather isn’t always perfect; we have a lot storms here that get pretty wild.

C: Yes, but the natural beauty of this town is so alluring! Today morning that man with the boat took me out to see the small islands and it’s all so beautiful. Just imagine how it will be like with a few improvements.

J: And what improvements do you have in mind?

C: I was thinking a few hotels and casinos…Oh, and maybe a waterpark for kids.

J: (in a sarcastic tone) That all?

C: (Not noticing the mayor’s sarcasm) Well we could maybe put those islands on rent and create a few holiday villas here, but only if there is space left.

J: Your plans are big but who will be financing them?

C: I’m sure you’ve heard of the Hilton hotels? Recently the young Barron Nicholas Hilton has finished college and is going to start in the family business. This is his first project so it is very important it is a success and I’m sure he will be extremely pleased with this location.

J: That is all fine but what about the townsfolk? What will they gain from all this?

C: Better paying jobs, better living arrangements, electricity 24/7 and other luxuries I have noticed you people don’t have. I don’t think I have seen a single television in this whole town! Think about it. We could turn this place into a high-class tourist attraction!

J: Did you ever think for even a second that maybe the town might be like this because it is how we like it?

C: But mayor think of all of the profits that could be gained out of all of this-

J: Oh no! Now it is my turn to talk! I know you think our town is a beat-up, old-fashioned small town, but I’ll have you know that we love it the way it is. You say the people who will want to visit our town will want peace and solitude but it seems as if your plans are going to make this town the exact opposite of that. Now I would appreciate it if you leave our town peacefully and quietly because other people won’t be as polite as I am.

(Stands up and leaves)