Any Moment (Part I)

CINDERELLA’S PRINCE

RIGHT AND WRONG DON’T MATTER IN THE WOODS,

ONLY FEELINGS.

LET US MEET THE MOMENT UNBLUSHED.

LIFE IS OFTEN SO UNPLEASANT —

YOU MUST KNOW THAT, AS A PEASANT —

BEST TO TAKE THE MOMENT PRESENT

AS A PRESENT FOR THE MOMENT.

(OFFSTAGE, then ENTERING)

Jack! Jack! 81… 82… 83…

(Sees CINDERELLA)

What’s wrong, ma’am? May I be of some service?

CINDERELLA The tree has fallen. Mother’s grave, destroyed.

Oh, I’m sorry.

CINDERELLA My wishes have just been crushed.

Don’t say that.

CINDERELLA It’s true. You wouldn’t understand.

Well, you can’t stay here. There’s a Giant on the loose.

CINDERELLA I’m certain the Prince will see to it that the Giant is rid from our land.

There’s been no sign of the Prince. No doubt he’s off seducing some young maiden.

CINDERELLA What?

I understand that’s what Princes do.

CINDERELLA Not all Princes!

You look just like the Princess — but dirty. You are the Princess.

(Drops to his knees)

CINDERELLA

Please. Get up. Get up!

(HE does)

I’m not a Princess here.

What are you to do?

CINDERELLA I must be on my way back to the castle.

You haven’t heard? We came upon the royal family. The castle has been set upon by the Giant.

CINDERELLA And the Prince?

He was not with them.

(Beat)

You must come with me. You shall be safe in our company.