Act II Blocking as of 5/12

Here, for those of you who are new or who missed rehearsals, is the complete blocking for Act II, other than a few songs and dances. It's pretty much as we went through it during rehearsals, but I made a few small changes. It is important that you all look carefully for your character names and make sure you write your blocking into your script and score. You can email me if you have questions on your blocking. Of course exact positions for all scenes will be worked out on set. You have all weekend to study this material. We will have to recreate the signing scene freeze positions when everyone is present. This material should enable you to prepare for the start-and-stop run-throughs early next week and make things go faster. Then on to Act I!

ACT II BLOCKING, as of May 12, 2011.

Tavern Scene (2:1):

Note: behind scrim, other delegates not in this scene place fans on tables and take places.

Table with patrons at SR; some will leave and some will arrive during the scene - who and when to be decided later. Table with Sherman and friends SL.

Madison seated in second chair from SL end of stage center table. Jenny Adams (waitress) is at the SR table, taking an order. She finishes, walks to center table, leaves a loaf of bread on a plate, Madison tells her that someone’s bringing him a beer. She nods and leaves SL, just as Wilson enters from SL, carrying two tankards. He goes SL of Madison and speaks. They both look toward Sherman’s table and comment. Then Wilson sits down in the chair SR of Madison. After a few lines, the waitress enters from SL and stops at Sherman’s table.

Morris enters from SR with two floozies hanging on him and they stop at SR end of the table. Both Wilson and Madison stand in the presence of “ladies.” When Morris introduces Wilson to the girls he harrumphs a little and moves to chair at SL end of table. The girls leave SL as Franklin hobbles in and sits at SR end of table. Madison is still standing, but Morris sits near SR end of table. Madison sits on the line “ever the compromiser.”

Sam Adams comes in from SL to bring a tankard to the table, he sees they are OK on drinks, stops, turns to the audience imitating the beer label, turns and exits SL.

Dickinson comes on from SL, passing upstage of Adams, and stands a little back between Wilson and Madison. After lines that indicate he is not welcome there, he goes to Sherman’s table and sits beside Read. Jenifer gets up from Sherman’s table just as King enters from SL. Jenifer starts to Madison’s table but is stopped by King. Waitress enters from SL and goes to Sherman’s table to see if they want anything. They don’t. She goes back out. From turning to King, Jenifer turns to Madison, speaks his line and starts off SR. As he leaves Madison says his line to the people at the table. As Jenifer passes Franklin, Franklin waves him over to talk.

Baldwin gets up to leave from from Sherman’s table, starts past Madison’s table, realizes he doesn’t want to go past that table, turns sharply SL and exits. Morris gets up, moves SL. Madison says “You should know” into his tankard, but Morris hears it, stops briefly, delivers his line and leaves, SL (following where the floozies went.) Sherman’s guys get up and start toward SL exit. Jenny Adams passes them on her way to clear the table. Franklin leads Jenifer off SL. Wilson gets up, takes a few steps SR. Sherman and his buddies start singing Yankee Doodle. As they reach the leg, they turn back and sing the last line in falsetto, mocking Madison. Wilson reacts with mild amusement, and Madison throws the loaf of bread at Sherman’s group. They laugh. Blackout. Scrim up, clear the tavern stuff, moving Hall furniture back into place upstage.

Sherman’s Compromise (2:2):

A really hot and humid day. Northern delegates uncomfortable in their wool suits. Some have coats off. Some take coats off during scene. Jacob Good moves the voting board during this scene.

Mason, Washington, Jackson the Slave, Blount and Good are outside the door. Wythe and Randolph taking to Baldwin, Pinckney, Rutledge (standing by his chair). Gorham standing by his chair talking to Gerry. Ellsworth, Sherman, Jenifer DR, Sherman apparently trying to talk Jenifer into something or reminding of what they’ve agreed to at the tavern. Dickinson talking to King, Madison talking to Franklin. Paterson, Read, Bedford talking at floor by Bedford’s seat. At lights up, Mason enters and sits. Gerry and Lansing enter from SL and go to their seats. Washington and Jackson enter. Randolph go to his seat, Rutledge stays standing. Delegates without lines begin to end conversations and go to seats. Washington stands being his desk, Jackson the Slave puts papers down on desk and leaves. Washington signals to Jackson; Jackson rises, rings the bell (stays up) and Washington calls assembly to order.

Ellsworth, Sherman and Jenifer start to their seats. Jenifer and Sherman arm in arm. When Washington says “Gentlement” Blount comes in and slams the door, interrupting Washington. Washington begins again. At line Wythe speaks and moves to his seat.

At Washington’s statements, delegates start rifling through their papers, looking to be sure the lost papers are not theirs. When no one speaks up, GW says “Now on to the proceedings” and sits.

Sherman rises to call for the vote. Jacob Good enters at door and takes his place by the board. King speaks to Gorham, then Gorham sits. After lines, Sherman stands across from Jenifer and talks to him quietly. Martin is reading, disinterested in the conversation.

At Ellsworth’s line he stands, Sherman nods to Jenifer who leaves, and Ellsworth sits. Lansing stands at his line, stays up. During roll call, Paterson, Wilson stand to say aye or no. Dickinson stays seated. Martin stands, notices Jenifer is gone. After lines, Jackson asks GW if they should delay. After Martin eventually votes, Sherman goes across to Baldwin. Mason stands, Blount stays seated, then Blount stands petulantly on “North Carolina votes NO.” Rutledge finally sits after he votes. Baldwin stands to vote. Jackson looks at Baldwin when he mentions Georgia abstaining. Good exits by the door. Sherman goes to his seat, gives his speech and remains up. Morris stands on his line and stays up. Madison impatiently to Morris: “I oppose the committee!” then to all on “I have rarely . . . “ Gerry up on his line and stays up. Gerry sits after Sherman’s line.

Mister Roger Sherman song and dance.

As the committee members leave SR, Madison stands. Morris is still up. Wilson stands for line and stays up. Sherman leaves DL. Blackout.

Report of the Grand Committee (2:3):

Delegates all reading document or answering or asking question about it. Jacob Good has given out most of the documents, finishes up as lights up. Martin reading a book. Jackson rings bell. Madison stands for line. Gerry stands, Mason stands, PInckney stands. Morris stays down delivers line to Pinckney over shoulder. Lansing stands on line, Yates stands on line.

He’s Gone song. Blackout

Three-Fifths of a Man (2:4)

Rutledge standing by Randolph, Madison to Morris, Wilson to Franklin, Yates and Lansing standing. Read standing before the dais, talking to GW. Ellsworth and Sherman standing talking by Sherman’s chair, Jenifer talking to Bedford. Secy Jackson at the corner, Blount outside door.

On lights up, Jackson enters with bag for Washington, stands in the corner awaiting instructions. Jackson rings the bell, introduces the committee. They stand in their places (except Rutledge who is by Randolph.) Perfunctory table applause and muttering. Blount enters and slams the door as Rutledge moves center and starts “We proposed . . . “ Rutledge stops, irritated, and starts over. Sherman remains down on line. Gorham sits after line, anticipating heated discussion. Randolph (who is up) sits during Paterson’s next line. King sits with crossed arms as if “end of discussion.” Rutledge, Paterson, Lansing are all standing at this point.

Rutledge up on line “I would move . . . “ Pinckney up. In Mason’s line “I cannot agree to the motion.” change They to “Slaves”. Wilson moves SL to end of PA table, crossing upstage of Morris. Rutledge moves to his seat and stays up. Pinckney sits after his line. Blount up on line, sits during Sherman’s next line. Ellsworth up on line and Paterson sits. Pinckney sits after seconding motion.

During vote, Wilson leans down to confer then sits. Blount reacts to Morris’ line. Gorham shakes his head on line. Rutledge’s line “the labor . . . “ is emphatic.

Rutledge intro and Jackson’s song

Rutledge sings his lines from the gap SL of his usual position. Delegates react to his sentiments as their position demands. As Jackson begins singing “Deep River . . .” all freeze. He sings first verse from the downstage corner of the platform by GW. For second verse he moves down to the center stage, level with Madison. For last two lines, he moves way downstage center. I will decide on delegates reactions or continued freeze later.

Have I missed anything (2:5)

Starting positions: Baldwin by Blount’s chair. Pinckney near him, both on dais. Wilson on SL of Blount’s chair. Gerry standing by his chair. Mason, Randolph standing by their chairs. Ellsworth standing by Paterson, Sherman standing across from Jenifer seated. Wythe’s chair moved to position between VA and MA tables. Madison in his chair at Wythe’s position. Morris talking to Madison. Blount is sleeping behind his table, his wig (if any) on the table.

Langdon enters door. When Langdon says “. . . delegate from New Hampshire, Blount’s head pops up and he puts on his wig (somewhat askew) while he sits. Martin sings from his seat. When delegates sing “And a few states more” Langdon goes off dais to floor, about level with Madison. Morris and Gerry take positions SR of Langdon, Ellsworth and Randolph SL, Wilson upstage of Langdon. Mason, Pinckney and Baldwin move toward center to get ready to take positions. Morris and Ellsworth and Wilson pull Langdon to them as they sing their lines, as does Wilson. Ellsworth and Morris peel off and sit after Morris’ line. Randolph and Gerry move up level with Langdon. They pull him around as they sing their lines, as does Wilson. Gerry peels off and sits while Mason and Pinckney and Baldwin line up SR of Langdon, Randolph stays in place beside Langdon. On “For which we do not grieve” Randolph and Mason drag Langdon downstage (his back to audience), to face Sherman. Wilson moves downstage keeping his position upstage of Langdon. Sherman and Mason’s lines, turning Langdon to them. Sherman and Mason peel off, Sherman and Mason sit. Pinckney and Randolph move up beside Langdon. Sing their lines and peel off and sit. Wilson’s line, Martin, Mason, Blount sing and sit. Baldwin pulls Langdon on his line, Gerry stands up at his chair for his line. Madison stands, Wilson is already up, Martin, Mason and Blount stand up again to sing, then sit. Wilson also sits anywhere he can. Randolph stands for his line, sings and sits during “Just whatever’s on the floor” sung with clasped hands in front of them. Langdon is the only one up now.

On “Not worry anymore” SL stands. on We’re all here SR stands. Madison leans out on “Except New York”. Gestures for On ... the ... floor!.. [and Hit]. Applause and blackout.

In Philadelphia song (2:6):

Eliza looking out window toward offstage. Alexander seated at table, looking at papers. At m.14, Eliza looks at him and sings, he continues to read. At m.20 he becomes aware of her, she puts her hand on his shoulder, he puts his hand over hers. At pickup to m.29 he stands and he embraces her loosely from behind. At m.33 he twirls her out to SL. At m.37 he bows playfully over her hand. At m.40 he straightens up. At pickup to m.44 he turns away, SR; she faces the same direction. At pickup to m.46 he turns back to her and at m.46 she moves up beside him. At m. 53 or 54, he seats her and stands back facing her SL. At m. 66 he looks up and off SR (like seeing the future). At m.91 he turns back to her (telling a joke at “as the economy”). She giggles a little. She stands up at pickup to m.100. At m.106 he gathers his hat, cloak and stick. At m.108, reluctant to leave, he steps SL. She steps SL at m.111, he follows at m.112. She steps SL again at m.114, he follows at m. 115. She goes SR to him at M.117. We will add a pause (railroad tracks) before the last quarter of m.119. During this pause she leans over and kisses him from the front. She turns SR a little coyly. He’s a little surprised. They lean away from each other, her right hand in his left on “Phila”, they pull in toward each other and hug on “delphi”. On “-a”, they repeat the position of “Phila” but with her left and his right hand up and out. On the last eighth in the accompaniment, they lean toward each other, a playful peck on the lips, and stand looking into each others eyes.

We Welcome Colonel Hamilton (2:7)

Blount and Hamilton outside door. All others sitting. Blount comes in at lights up and slams door. Delegates look over and see it’s him, go back to conversations. Hamilton enters. No one notices him, but they do gradually, then Mason notices and speaks. Must repeat But twice to get attention. Hamilton moves down, walking upstage of PA table and moves his chair a little forward toward Franklin.

Madison up, Randolph up on lines. Madison sits after Randolph’s line. Mason up on line. Martin jumps up and “I move that all thirteen. . . “ Has his scene.

Madison and Martin are still up. Gerry up on line. Martin and Gerry sit after Martin’s line. Jackson up for vote. Blount up for “Aw, hell!” Jackson sits after announcing vote.

On We Will Be a Country, all stand as they sing. On What Shall our Presidency Be, Madison stays up, but others sit. Wilson up on line, stays up. Randolph up just before singing line, stays up. Randolph moves toward Wilson on spoken line.Wilson sits after Mason’s line. Rutledge up on ine, King up and sits. Pinckney up, Morris up, Bedford up (Bedford add “years” after “seven”.) Hamilton up, sits; Gerry up, Wilson up. Hamilton up, GW up. GW “With Misters Wilson, Madison, King and Morris.” Blackout.

In Committee song (2:8)

Dawning of the Day (2:9)

No Yates, Lansing, Martin. Pinckney in Rutledge’s chair, vice versa. Committee members grouped in center.

Jackson up, rings bell, says line, sits. Rutledge up at line. Jackson up for the vote, sits. Madison up, Mason up, Gerry up and sits. Pinckney up, move to gap. Gerry up, moves between Wythe and Franklin, then off SR. Wythe pushes his chair downstage, closer to Franklin. Madison follows a little, stops and turns SL up to GW’s table for line “General Washington . . “

When GW leaves, Jackson leaves too. Sherman leaves with Ellsworth and Jenifer SL. Dickinson and Read, and Bedford leave by door. Madison gives way as they pass, bringing him to Wythe’s chair. All but Franklin and Madison leave by “Benjamin I have failed.”

Madison moves SL facing away from Franklin. Turns back to Franklin at “so I fought him”. One step to Franklin at Hamilton is right, another step at “of debts.” To audience at “We must have . . . “ Sinks into Wythe’s chair at “very last”.

Madison looks down for two lines, directly at Franklin for two lines. Franklin hobbles across toward GW chair. Franklin sits in Madison’s chair at “I am a little older . . .”

When Madison and Franklin sing “It is the dawning of the day”, delegates minus Martin and Dickinson move in quietly and singing/humming.

Langdon through door, Rutledge SR to Langdon’s chair. Paterson, Ellsworth enter SL.

Sherman, Jenifer enter together SL, Sherman leans across table. Baldwin, Pinckney enter SR.

Gorham SR, goes to Rutledge’s chair, Morris, Wilson SR. Gerry, King, Hamilton SR.

Mason, Randolph, Wythe through door, Read, Bedford SL.

Blount through door as Franklin speaks, slams door.

Delegates start to live during applause.

Final Vote (2:10)

When Franklin speaks, all go their seats and sit, except Jenifer remains standing. Wilson gets up when he has the note, walks upstage of Morris and stands before Franklin. Morris moves to Wilson’s seat to get note. Business of Wilson can’t read handwriting at “System”. Randolph and Mason up, Mason speaks for both. Morris moves SR of Franklin, gives him notes, stands back a little. Franklin reads, smiles, signals Morris for help, stands. Madison still in Wythe’s chair.

Gorham up, looks pointedly at Pinckney after line. Pinckney is idly examining his handkerchief embroidery, then speaks line. Paterson’s line to Jenifer and Ellsworth. Jackson up at line. Jacob Good enters quickly as vote approaches when Read says “. . . we poll each state . . .”

Delegates prepare space for signers to move out and sign. At Massachusetts, King, Gorham and Gerry all stand, but only King, Gorham move toward GW. On Gerry’s Nay they look back, and then sign.

When each delegate signs, he goes to his assigned picture position. When Hamilton sits after signing, he moves his chair right up behind Franklin as in painting.

After Read signs, he turns downstage for line about Dickinson. All VA delegates stand, Madison and Wythe go to sign, stopped when Mason and Randolph say no, individually. GW signs, then Madison and Wythe sign during Jackson calling NC.

Baldwin catches Blount before he signs, shakes his hand, Good moves marker. Blount bends to sign and freezes. After freeze, SC delegates go down right, turn and watch. After signing, Baldwin stays at dais.

See picture positions.

Exits: GW, Secy Jackson, Baldwin, Mason, Randolph, Langdon, Sherman, Ellsworth, Paterson by door. Bedford, Read, Jenifer, SL. Madison, Wilson, Gerry, Blount, Wythe, MOrris, Rutledge, Pinckney, King, Gorham SR.

Do We Have a Country and Where Will Love Be Found

Ratification (2:11) *** I have changed this a little ***

GW standing by a table center stage in front of the draped set. Throughout this scene Morris sings with the SR group, but doesn’t dance.

At lights up, [from downstage] Bedford, Read, Dickinson come on as in script from SR, followed at a distance by Morris, Paterson, Wilson, Ellsworth, Sherman, making two rows. They stop on diagonal, Morris a little downstage of the others in the second row, who line up with the gaps and either end of the three in the front row. After Bedford’s line, the second row sings and dances “Gunning, Dickinson . . .”, and the front row of three bows to GW, to each other and again to GW.

The second row moves forward through and in front of the first row, and the first row moves back. Scene with Morris as narrator. What was the first row watches the scene from behind. At Wilson’s last line, Dickinson, Read and Bedford in the back row, and Paterson, Ellsworth, Sherman in the front row sing and dance “Mister Wilson ...” Wilson rejoins the front line.

GW’s lines. Then in two rows of three, Dickinson, Read, Bedford behind, Wilson, Ellsworth, Sherman in front, the six sing and dance “With Pennsylvania . . . “ The two groups stay in place, watching the next group enter from SL.

Baldwin enters from SL. Sherman and Ellsworth have their scene, Sherman narrating. All 10 sing and dance “The Founding Fathers . . . “ After song, all delegates move behind GW in semicircle. Madison and Langdon enter from SL pretty far down, followed by King Gorham, Parmenter and Gerry in second row, level with GW. Madison/Langdon lines, Langdon exits. Madison walks through the second row up and SL, just upstage of Gerry. King/Gorham/Parmenter scene. Gerry exits SL after King’s line. Parmenter moves toward GW, ahead of the crowd and then the Parmenter et al. scene. At the close of that little scene, Parmenter, King, Gorham sing and dance “Now politicians . . .” and all but Madison go behind GW in the arc.

From SR Martin [downstage] and Jenifer enter. At Madison’s line “Seven States!”, Rutledge [downstage] and Pinckney enter, joining the downstage end of Martin and Jenifer’s line. After Madison’s “Eight states!” Blount comes on from SR near the apron, says line and exits SR. Hamilton comes on amused downstage of the delegate’s line, passing upstage of Blount and stands SR of center, downstage of GW. Hamilton crosses center to Madison and they move just downstage and SL of GW, as Wythe (narrator) enters downstage, with Randolph and Mason a little upstage of him. At Wythe’s “Everyone joins the parade . . . “ the latest group joins the line behind GW.

Langdon runs on from SL, speaks line and joins the arc. Lansing and Yates enter from SR (Hamilton is SL of center). Hamilton/Lansing/Yates scene. During this little scene, Hamilton moves center on the first “And Yates?” He moves further SR of center on the second “And Yates?” All on stage, including GW, sing and dance “The Freedom Ships . . . “ Lansing and Yates join the delegates’ arc. Hamilton is now SR of GW, Madison is SL of GW.

At Madison’s line “There are celebrations . . .” Blount comes on close to apron from SR, says “Mister President, North Carolina (pause), and all on stage shout “is still deciding.” Blount joins the arc.

Last group of lines. On GW’s line “A Country” Hamilton and Madison gesture for GW to proceed them downstage, they fall in either side behind him.

Finale.