seymoure

“Songs from Rick’s” Act I Scene 1

(An open air café in a Middle Eastern setting. Far in the distance is an airport. All around are warning signs and Vichy Flags. A diverse set of people sit in the café. )

Malcolm (English gentleman): I just feel so lost here

Gertrude (his wife): I understand totally, my dear.

Malcolm: Sir, sir….

(Gaining the attention of Dark European)

We are English, and we…

Dark European: Ah, Sir, I understand. This is a most foreign climate. Let me give you the advice of one who has been here for a long time….

(Song “Vultures, Vultures Everywhere”begins)

When came this Second World War,

All the world was caught askance,

But there was hope, they thought

And Africa was the key, they thought

Many eyes in imprisoned Europe

turned hopefully,

or desperately,

toward the freedom of the Americas.

But how to get there.

(the couple nod in agreement, not noticing that he was picking their pockets and those of the crowd that was gathering)

Lisbon became the great embarkation point.

But, not everybody could get to Lisbon directly,

and so a tortuous, roundabout refugee trail sprang up –

Paris to Marseilles... across the Mediterranean to Oran...

then by train, or auto, or foot across the rim of Africa,

Here to Casablanca in French Morocco.

Casablanca was hope, Casablanca was a shining star,

But only those who saw it from afar,

Here, the fortunate ones through money,

Or influence, or luck, or

a price that they never before would think to pay

might obtain exit visas and scurry to Lisbon;

and from Lisbon, to the New World.

That was the hope, that was the hope

But the others wait in Casablanca... and wait... and wait... and wait.

And Unfortunately, the scum of Europe

Has gravitated toward Casablanca

I beg of you, Monsieur, watch yourself.

Be on guard.

This place is full of vultures,

vultures everywhere, everywhere.

I Wish you well, protect yourself

This place is full of vultures,

Vultures everywhere, everywhere.

Song ends, then a whistle blows and a French Officer enters

French officer: To all officers - two German couriers carrying important official documents murdered on train from Oran. Murderer and possible accomplices headed for Casablanca. Round up all suspicious characters and search them for stolen documents. Important. Round up all the usual suspects, by order of Captain Renault!

(Dark European exits, as all present discover the lack of their pocketbooks and such. Attention is taken as Police chase several suspects across the stage)